Mr. President-Elect,
We are clearly in difficult times. This is no secret. What is of note is the number of problems we face whose solutions are clear but unpopular. Now may not be the time to make tax cuts more progressive. Defense spending must be slashed (or shifted to defense). Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security all pose huge problems into the future.
I don't feel like there would be major disagreement on how to handle these problems if you got a bunch of big-name economists together and had them craft the ideal solutions. What such solutions would be, however, is wildly unpopular.
But you have a unique opportunity. You have a decisive majority in Congress and could still reach 60 seats in the Senate. And you're young. Like, super young.
So do what we need done. Do what's not popular. Solve our crises. The worst case scenario is that you lose the election in 2012. But that's cool. Like I've said before, you could go chill in the Senate for 20 more years, and run in 2032 still younger than John McCain is now. Even if it costs you the next election, do what we need done.
Unless Sarah Palin wins the nomination.
Here, here!
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with your argument. Also the line about serving 20 years in the Senate and then running again was certainly a goosebumps moment for me.
Along the lines of your argument is this Economist article about a green New Deal. Here's a representative quote: "Making polluters pay is unpopular with companies. Politicians don’t much like it either, because it means a fight with business. But it’s the efficient way to discourage pollution, because it shifts costs onto those who should bear them, and allows the market to pick the best way of cutting emissions."
The article is short and based on both economics and common sense (I know that there is a lot of overlap between those two areas, but they are not interchangeable), a refreshing tone in a debate that is usually about name calling (e.g. tree huggers vs. monsters).
So say we all.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I vote that you add "(and super HOT)" after "super young." Might butter him up a bit.
But who is hotter? Michelle or Barack?
ReplyDeleteAnd who is smarter? More intellectual?
What incredible questions to be able to ask- the Obama family has sooo much going for it. It makes me giggle with delight.