Americana - 17/01/2010

While a nation waits for Obama to deliver his State of the Union Address, Americana asks why wait? We deliver our own State of the Nation programme. Kevin Connolly hears from the celebrated Haitian American author Edwidge Danticat to learn more about what life is like in Haiti and the view from the United States. James Fallows, national correspondent for The Atlantic, joins us to discuss the long-term outlook for United States, and attempts to answer the question 'Can America rise again?' The United States Census just launched its 2010 campaign. Its work will have a last political, social and economic impact on the country. Census Director Robert Groves explains how the survey works and what powers he has to say 'no' to the man in the White House. We also hear from some of the nation's newest citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Richmond, Virginia. At a time when so many in the US feel demoralized about the country's future, Americana hears what makes these newbies feel optimistic about officially joining the country. There is one US citizen who continues to inspire Americans around the nation, even though he is no longer with us. On Monday the United States observes a national holiday in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Americana hears from third graders in Illinois about what they'd ask Martin Luther King Jr if they had the chance.