October 26, 2011 - Remarks by the President on College Affordability in Denver, Colorado

[ellisonz]

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 26, 2011
Remarks by the President on College Affordability

Auraria Events Center
University of Colorado - Denver Campus
Denver, Colorado

10:25 A.M. MDT

Excerpt:

When Michelle and I tuck our girls in at night, we think about how we are only where we are because somewhere down the line, somebody decided we’re going to give everybody a chance. It doesn’t matter if you’re not born wealthy; it doesn’t matter if your dad is disabled or doesn’t own his own home; it doesn’t matter if you’re a single mom who had to take food stamps -- you’re still going to get a shot. You’re still going to get an education. (Applause.) This country gave us a chance. And because our parents and their generation worked and sacrificed, they passed on opportunity to us. And they didn’t do it alone. It was something that we as a country did together.

And now it’s our turn -- because the dream of opportunity is what I want for you, and I want for my daughters, and I want them for your children. I want them for all young people, because no matter how tough times are, no matter how many obstacles stand in our way, we are going to make the dream that all Americans share real once again. And that starts right now. It starts with you. (Applause.) It starts with you.

I am going to keep doing everything in my power to make a difference for the American people. But, Denver, I need your help. (Applause.) Some of these folks in Washington still aren’t getting the message. I need your voices heard. I especially need your young -- young people, I need you guys involved. I need you active. I need you communicating to Congress. I need you to get the word out. Like I said, tweet them. Tweet them -- they’re all tweeting all over the place. (Laughter.) You tweet them back. Whatever works for you.

Tell them, do your job. Tell them, the President has ideas that in the past have been supported by Democrats and Republicans -- there’s no reason not to support them just to play politics. (Applause.) It’s time to put country ahead of party. It’s time to put the next generation ahead of the next election. (Applause.) It’s time for all of us in Washington to do our job. It’s time for them to do their job. (Applause.) Too many people out there are hurting. Too many people are out there hurting for us to sit around and doing nothing.

And we are not a people who just sit around and wait for things to happen. We’re Americans; we make things happen. We fix problems. (Applause.) We meet our challenges. We don't hold back, and we don't quit. (Applause.) And that’s the spirit we need right now.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/26/remarks-president-college-affordability