The Washington Post, Richard Cohen on Obama

Bob Herbert wrote a, great article in the NY Times,in which he asked the question, "Does Obama Get it?" Richard Cohen's piece in USA Today, although directed more toward Afghanistan asks "Does Obama Have the Backbone?" I hope the President reads both these articles and finally makes in particular the unemployment problem his top priority, and not just an object for further image rhetoric. The President needs to handle far more on his plate than just Kobi burgers.

Obviously, President Roosevelt not only understood job losses he verbalized his commitment and went into action, he got it. We are often reminded in the media about Obama's plate, the fact that its covered with so many problems to handle at once. What about Roosevelt's plate? It was filled with more problems than Obama’s platter. In addition to jobs, in the kitchen of world conflict, (like Afghanistan), Roosevelt had WWII waiting in the cupboard.

These questions lead me to a second one which must be asked, namely, if Obama doesn't get it why not? Several suggestions emerge which must be examined. The following is a partial list; is he naive, inexperienced, enamored with the office, distracted, planning to destroy American capitalism, or simply too busy enjoying perks and recognition?

Americans are still waiting for an action plan to come out of the White House to deal with the continued job losses and under employment in the nation. In spite of stimulus funds, embellished rhetoric and many photo ops, nothing seems to be in the works or the oven, choose your own metaphor to describe his inaction.

In addition to Obama, many politicians in Washington D.C. do not seem to get it. Many in the congress are too busy posturing and spinning their plight preparing for the elections of 2010 and beyond. Today most Americans are looking for a man or woman to represent them by solving these problems. Future voters have noticed that lobbyists are doing well under the leadership or lack thereof of this administration, but not main street. It's time the leadership of Presidents like Roosevelt, Reagan and others come to the front.

An effective President wanting to stop this economic disaster should go into action immediately with a consensus based strategic plan,filled with sacrificial effort and personal resolve to make a difference. If the President and elected congressional representatives continue failing to make a serious effort to restore jobs to the voters, they will ultimately discover that these writer's questions can quickly become a statement. Come election time, I know the President and lethargic congressional members will get it. "It" being an early retirement from office.
Dr. Alan Phillips
Bloomington, IL