Obama’s State of the Union speech mentioned many classic problems facing the United States – unemployment, healthcare, security. Sure, there was some mention of the more recent banking fiascos – but how much of what was mentioned showed a nation facing unprecedented challenges requiring untested solutions?

For example, where was the mention of the fiscal crisis of the largest, most productive American states, like California, New York, and Illinois?

Investing and planning for the future? Look beyond the headlines toward the trendlines.