“The System Failed”

Nearly two weeks after a close call on a Detroit bound flight, The President of the United States finally recognized something which had been obvious to most ordinary men and women in the street on December 25, 2009: The system failed. Dear Watson, that fact was elementary. Even if our President couldn’t see what the fuss was over, and why he should spoil his holiday with family in Hawaii, the public recognized the event for what it is: a failure of airport security, a failure of anti-terrorist practices, a failure of the national Homeland Security administration. A failure of the advisers closest to the President, and a failure of his administration to deal actively, not passively, with the threat posed by militant Islamists.

While all of those are truly failures, there are others. Even the in-the-tank lamestream media are starting to reach the same conclusions – that this President isn’t measuring up as well as the promises made on the campaign trail. That perhaps he really is something of an empty suit, a telegenic guy who speaks well in public, but doesn’t really understand how to govern. Perhaps the critics in the summer of 2008 had a point the media might have delved into: Was there really anything in the background of a community organizer and academic with only a partial term in the U.S. Senate, and no legislative record that really prepared him adequately to be President? What about his packing his administration with political cronies and friends instead of a genuinely bi-partisan administration of excellent leaders as promised in the campaign? Yes, that was a failure as well. There really is little worthy of acclaim that the administration can point to a real achievements as it completes its first year. The critics are suggesting the President is failing.

This should bring no pleasure to the Rush Limbaugh backers. The President’s failure is also our failure. As citizens, the majority o the electorate should look at this failing presidency, and realize that the failing grad is not just Mr. Obama’s. It is their failing grade as well. By failing to demand accurate and complete reporting, by failing to vote for a presidential candidate based on actual qualifications, and not looks and charisma, the citizens failed in their duty.

Is there any way to redeem this situation? It might help to consider voting for competent members of congress this year. To seriously consider the wisdom of electing both houses of Congress and the president form the same party. That seems to have been unsuccessful under the Republicans, so it should not surprise us that it is not working any better under Democrats. I’m not the first man to suggest this, but here it is: A Republican majority in either the House or Senate might actually help President Obama rescue his failing administration. President Clinton’s greatest success came with a Republican congress. That is something to keep in mind when voting. Three Democratic senators, including the flawed and corrupt Roland Burris, have announced their intent not to run for re-election. Electing Republicans in their places might be one way for the electorate to address their failure to think in 2008. Food for thought.