It has only been a few weeks since the Obama administration has taken the reigns of government but because of the historic nature of these times and the fact that in a
few years I would like to remember what perspective I had in these
early days, I thought I would type up some of my thoughts.
I think we are being reminded of the way a democracy is supposed to work. Obama has an agenda and he is pushing it but he is listening to opposing points of view and making changes. This is messy and some are reading this as a sign of weakness. It may eventually become a weakness, but after eight years of leadership that simply took a position and repeated it endlessly, I find the process comforting.
The same quiet confidence/inner steel that propelled him in the campaign seems well suited to the White House. Particularly so during these times of economic turmoil.
The propossed stimulus is not a short-term prescription for recovery. I think it shouldn't be sold as such. It should be sold as a downpayment on the infrsatructure renewal, healthcare reform and eventual energy independence this country has been delaying since the mid 90's. The fact that this package doesn't solve these issues or that it can't in one stroke of the pen lift the world from this downturn is obvious.
Finally, I continue to wonder what effect these political and economic shifts are going to have on our culture. Will the high gloss sheen of recent pop culture morph into a gritty 70's era naturalism or (more likely) something else entirely? We shall see.
few years I would like to remember what perspective I had in these
early days, I thought I would type up some of my thoughts.
I think we are being reminded of the way a democracy is supposed to work. Obama has an agenda and he is pushing it but he is listening to opposing points of view and making changes. This is messy and some are reading this as a sign of weakness. It may eventually become a weakness, but after eight years of leadership that simply took a position and repeated it endlessly, I find the process comforting.
The same quiet confidence/inner steel that propelled him in the campaign seems well suited to the White House. Particularly so during these times of economic turmoil.
The propossed stimulus is not a short-term prescription for recovery. I think it shouldn't be sold as such. It should be sold as a downpayment on the infrsatructure renewal, healthcare reform and eventual energy independence this country has been delaying since the mid 90's. The fact that this package doesn't solve these issues or that it can't in one stroke of the pen lift the world from this downturn is obvious.
Finally, I continue to wonder what effect these political and economic shifts are going to have on our culture. Will the high gloss sheen of recent pop culture morph into a gritty 70's era naturalism or (more likely) something else entirely? We shall see.
