Obama’s remarks on minimum wage and wealth imbalance strike voters’ nerves, stir hopes

'Listening to the State of the Union, I can’t help but feel invigorated,' Jason W. Schaver, a Fulton, Ill., resident said.

'In short, the speech was a waste of time and of breath,' Houston resident Mark Whittington countered.

Their responses to President Barack Obama's remarks on Tuesday exemplified the diverse and polarized reaction Americans offered to his State of the Union. Below are lightly edited excerpts we received from voters shortly after the address.

There's no free money, despite what Obama seems to believe

His proposal for employers to “give America a raise” sounds great, as do many campaign promises, but it falls short in the reality department. Most employers are struggling with higher costs, increased government red tape and climbing insurance costs. The economy isn’t improving nearly as fast as the politicians would have one believe. Gas prices are still through the roof.

In spite of this, Obama seems to think employers can find a way to increase wages for their employees without the benefit of increased productivity or increased sales. Unfortunately, employers can’t print money like the government to meet the president’s demand. Even though Obama has a hard time grasping the fact, money has to come from somewhere. Business owners can’t wave a magic wand and find free money to give away.

President Barack Obama arrives to deliver the State of Union address before a joint session of Congr …