State of the Union

Well, it has been a little over 2 months since Obama has been in office. I myself voted for him and am a huge supporter of his efforts. Unfortunately, our President inherited one hell of a mess. Including the worst economy since the Great Depression, a needless war in Iraq, banks failing (back to the terrible economy) and an energy crisis. Among other things. So, with Obama being in office for just over 2 months, even my supportive mind must wonder, what has he accomplished? In a recent televised press conference he basically outlined his plans and his progress and stated at the end, in so many words, bear with me. And I am, but being an American living through and experiencing this economy. I myself have recently maxed out my own credit card, I know several who have either lost their jobs or taken pay cuts just to keep their jobs. My own business is feeling the pinch. Mary Kay may be a great product, but if you can barely afford groceries, how can you afford lip gloss? So, what has Obama done? Are we right now seeing progress? I don't know. I have seen the stock market take an optimistic turn for the better in the last 2 weeks. Consumer spending was up slightly in February. I may also see a slight raise in April, thanks to Obama lowering taxes for the other 90% of Americans, less will be taken out of my paycheck and more put into my pocket.

I have seen some forms of change happening on Wall Street. AIG and other banks receiving bailout money now have someone to answer too. Basically Obama saying if we give you tax payer money, we are going to tell you how you can and cannot spend it. (i.e. no big bonuses) I also even saw on the news today that the CEO of GM was asked to step down by the White House. More evidence that in order to save the American Auto Industry, an industry that is also in peril and if were to fail would be devastating. Evidence that the government is stepping in to regulate and ensure that whatever practices that were in place to make the auto industry fail will no longer happen. Maybe this will be seen as a warning shot to Ford and Chrysler.

Now of course to many it may look a little like socialism that the government is stepping in. But really, I don't think so. This is our country. The government is a group of public elected officials put in place to ensure this country succeeds, and if the government needs to step in to help failing crucial systems to the country, than I say let them. They are doing their job. And I think they are doing a great job. We are still in a recession and I don't know when we will get out, but I do know one thing. We have a President who is aware of the situation and is working with his team to fix it. So President Obama, I will bear with you.