It Keeps Getting Better For Obama

I must admit, judging Obama on the economy this soon in is a little much. That said, the report is in strict regards to the bail out plan. It shouldn't surprise anyone he gets a failing grade.

Readers on this blog know where I stand with Obama but this post is sort of a defense. Bail out packages are care packages based on misguided fear. "We have to do something, anything" is not a good excuse to spend like wild teenagers equipped with a credit card with no limit.

Let me explain.

First, saying "he's trying to fix the mess left behind from past administrations" is tenuous at best. That applies to all leaders. Most of the time, they inherent a "mess" that they must "fix." In reality, all it means is they take over policies they opposed. Big difference in semantics there.

Using this line also suggests constructive criticism of Obama is unfair. Nonetheless, one can view this as a plane trying to find its altitude. Maybe he'll get it going on the path he wants - problem is, what exactly is his path? Is he winging this?

To me, politicians get too much credit when the economy does well and too much blame when it tanks. Economics go well beyond the realm of politics. Yes, government does have some pull and influence through fiscal and monetary policy but as a whole they don't control the psychological side of the coin. Markets are (or at least should be) free and dynamic. The greatest economic periods in history have always taken place when there was limited government. This is a fact. It's not disputable. It's not an opinion. It's reality.

The best analogy I can think of is in sports. Managers get way too much credit when they win and too much blame when they lose. The proverbial "you can't fire 20 players" prevails in sports and this is unfortunate in my opinion. Which make for better coaches? Instinctive ones who improvise along the way or those with controlled and clear game plans?

The truth is organizations often make mistakes in their hiring selection and this is why problems arise. Improvisation or going on "hunches" takes a special person. Come to think of it, creating an action plan and executing also takes special talent.

Same with politics.

So, for Obama we should be careful on two fronts: credit and blame. And his apologists should be courageous and free to criticize him if need be.