You, like us, will want to protect what you have and enjoy a little bit more. Only a few years ago, commencement addresses were filled with despair and pessimism. How can I ever own the type of house my parents enjoy. These questions are still heard, but the number asking them has declined. You are graduating at a time when the gap between promise and reality is closing.
Inflation appears to be under control despite strong economic growth.
The labor force is expanding and attractive job opportunities exist. Public confidence is rising. And our technological successes are unprecedented. But as technology has made radical changes in our society, opportunities for those who are unskilled and less trained have declined. Americans is still not employed.