I'm glad I lived to hear President Obama's stirring address to the nation. Not since FDR or JFK have I heard so stirring a speech. "Yes, we can" has been translated into hope. As a retired pedagogue, I was elated with the president's support of education. I, along with the Congress, lauded the president's determination to ban torture and rendition of prisoners of war to nations which practice torture.

I, along with the Congress, lauded the president's determination to close Guantanamo. I, along with the Congress, lauded the president's support of our nation's auto industry and support for public transportation.

I laud President Obama's determination to improve our nation's health system. As a nation we spend more on healthcare than any other nation in the world and have the least to show for it.

It's scandalous that 47 million Americans cannot afford health insurance. It's scandalous that Americans must go bankrupt to pay medical bills. As President Obama pointed out, the road won't be easy, but as a nation, we have a history of great achievements.

Yes, we can, and yes, we will. Samuel M. Rosen Newbury Park