Reading headlines can be hazardous to your health. Maybe there should be a warning label. I recently scanned a one page summary of top stories and blanched at the increasing level of polarization being fomented by the Obama Administration. President Obama might as well assume the title of Fomenter-in-Chief.
Consider these teaser headlines for which the Fomenter-in-Chief is directly responsible: Obama Attempts to Intimidate Contributors to Romney’s Campaign; Most Unpopular US government in 15 Years; Blue Collar Dems Jealous, Angry Over Lavish Vacations. And how about these that the Obama administration presides over: Plunge: Growth Falls to 2.2%; US Firms Add Jobs but Mostly Overseas; Falling Home Prices Drag New Buyers Underwater.
In such a target-rich environment it is difficult to know where to begin to tear apart the failings of this President and his administration. It has been said that at the personal level President Obama is likable. I sure don’t find him so. I would take a pass on so much as having a beer with this particular leader of the Free World. I have no respect for someone who has no respect for the Office of President.
Mr. Obama seems to care about reelection more because of his competitive spirit than in his fierce desire to lead a willing nation in a difficult battle for our future. He has been using the Office to intimidate the opposition in ways we, as Americans, deplored in the Nixon Administration. His campaign is publishing lists of Romney donors and defiling their names. As Kimberly Strassel recently pointed out in the Wall Street Journal, it is dangerous to cross swords with the power of an incumbent President who controls the mighty levers of government. Imagine exercising your First Amendment right of free speech and then being contacted by the Justice Department, the SEC, and the IRS. You could be indicted, fined or audited for political beliefs alone.
Is it any wonder why people grow weary of politics and are reluctant to run for office? It is the politics of division using a Scorched Earth Policy. No prisoners. No survivors. Take the opposition off at the knees.
If we are still, indeed, suffering the effects of the Great Recession, why is it acceptable for the President to play golf as often as he does while millions are out of work? And why does the First Family take such opulent and frequent vacations? Michele’s vacation to Spain cost about a half million dollars. Why not vacation in Detroit? They could sure use the stimulus. Or maybe indulge in a Stay-cation like so many of us are reconciled to do with the economy in the dumps. Michele could take the kids to the Smithsonian. It’s free! There will be ample opportunity and resources for the Obamas to globetrot on personal vacations once this administration is over. A little self-restraint would be appreciated by us taxpayers.
On the economy, once again growth for the past fiscal quarter has been revised downward. It now stands at 2.2%. That is anemic growth and a far cry from the 3% that was first reported. And let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that 3% is wild growth, either. It is simply the line above which we create an appetite that begins to eat into our massive unemployment numbers. Put in some perspective, the rate of growth in China is moderating to about 8%. A mature economy such as ours would tolerate 3 ½% to 4% to reabsorb the un- and under-employed.
Home ownership, long considered to be an indication of prosperity in America, is at a 10 year low. Now, only 53% of Americans feel their home is worth more than what they paid for it. That is down from 92% only 5 years ago. Only a third feels that their home will increase in value in 2012.
A home reflects the bedrock investment for a family. It is where you start a marriage and raise a family. It is where you establish yourself in a civil society. In a vibrant economy, mobility is essential for economic success. When you are underwater with your home mortgage, or cannot afford to pay the realtor fees required to sell your home, economic opportunities simply pass you by. You are no longer mobile.
The election in November will reflect many issues. We all have our lists and there will be many distractions to the main issue from which the President cannot escape: the economy needs to grow. And it needs to grow organically without the type of Federal stimulus we saw in 2009. A vibrant economy will restore confidence and revenues.
There is an expression that I am fond of: Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way. On the first two points, this administration has failed. Last week, Michele Obama revealed a “secret fantasy” during an interview with CNN. She said, “…you know one fantasy I have…is to walk right out the front door and just keep walking.”
That is a fantasy of mine, as well. I ask only one thing. Please take the President with you. And please stay out of the way.
Press on.
the american century 