Once Upon A Time

As I have said on many occasions, I’m not a big fan of this administration or this president; but I do pay attention to what he does, what he says, and how he performs. Love him or hate him, you have to admit one small point of admiration … he does have a way of getting to the point, even when it PO’s a lot of people. He continues to throw down the gauntlet to the Republicans, daring them to come forward with a plan on a number of topics and while they are starting to get off dead center, he continues to let them have it. Be it higher taxes on the wealthy, Obamacare, free education, or whatever, he keeps putting his idea’s forward and just asking those that would object to show him their ideas. I may not like the guy, but he’s certainly not short on guts and if he puts enough in front of the Republicans, they actually might be forced to do something about it.

Now the Republicans have sounded the bell once again calling him just another “tax and spend” politician, but they don’t seem to be able to agree on a good counter to his ideas. His tax idea’s are not very new, but the economic environment has certainly changed over the past 30 years so they deserve a closer look and if the Republicans can improve upon it, so be it! But they have to get off their duff and come up with something, anything, just show us something for our money. Obamacare certainly could use some tweaking and it appears they are trying to do something about it so that’s a good start. Free education? Well, the returning veterans from WW II got it and it was the single greatest boost to our economy for 50 years. That’s a pretty good example; so what do they have to counter with? I’m all ears.

No president is perfect and this one certainly is no exception, but let’s face it. I came into office with a pile of crap on his plate and he managed to turn it around to just some smelly fertilizer. Not perfect, but better than he started with. He’s often considered too much of a dove and would prefer diplomacy over war. Believe me, as a former combat soldier I like the idea of anyone that prefers diplomacy over warfare and I know a hell of a lot of moms and dads out there that would agree. Not saying there isn’t a time to draw swords and go into battle, but working the room until every form of diplomacy is exhausted isn’t a bad idea.

Some would say he made a serious gaffs at the National Prayer Breakfast and perhaps his timing wasen’t ideal, but lets focus on the facts. He simply told the unpopular truth that any honest person must admit. We don’t like it but the facts are the facts. If those simple facts destroy somebody’s Christian beliefs …. I submit that those persons don’t have any real beliefs. I wasn’t offended by his remarks …. I was made damn uncomfortable, but war is damn uncomfortable and I appreciate somebody reminding us once in awhile. Self reflection is what this country has been known for; certainly no time to start reversing ourselves now!

So no, I don’t like the president any more, but I also don’t like him any less. A leader must lead and that is certainly no popularity contest. Obama will never make my list of favorite presidents but I must admit that he does give me pause and make me think; and after all, isn’t what a leader is supposed to do? The truth may not be popular or comfortable but God knows I fear the day that we simply choose to ignore it.