Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

I like President Obama's openness, his willingness to make tough decisions, the respect that he has from the rest of the world, his ability to explain complex situations to the public, and the fact that for the most part he seems to be doing exactly what he said he would do during his campaign. I liked his campaign platform at the time; I voted for him; and so far at least, I'm glad I did.

I embrace his strategy for resolving the economic crisis. Whether every part of the plan will work remains to be seen. I doubt everything will work. But I am convinced of one thing--doing nothing and hoping that free market economics will work out the problem would be a disaster and far more expensive than the plan being executed. I spent my entire working career working in both of the two industries that are the most newsworthy in this crisis, so I probably know a little bit more about both than the average American. Having said that, I agree with the actions being taken by the new administration.

I agree with the Obama tax policy. If anything, I believe that the wealthiest Americans should pay even more in taxes. That would include me.

I agree with the legislation he asked for to address our health care system and our horrendous system of public education. Having almost a quarter of Americans with no healthcare insurance and our kids ranked lower than 25th in the world by standardized test scores are almost criminal failures by those involved in the prior governance of the U.S.

I agree with the significant changes in government regulations being proposed. The purposeful erosion of both the regulatory agencies and the regulations themselves have gotten us into the problems we're experiencing. Free market economics and laissez faire governance have failed us. A different approach is required.

I don't like the inattention to fiscal restraint that I've seen so far, but I remain hopeful that once the economic crisis begins to show signs of resolution, that fiscal policy will rise to a level of greater attention.

Having said all this, am I convinced that I will vote for President Obama's re-election? I'm not sure. I've embraced the idea that there is little wrong with single terms for all federal elected officials, both executive and legislative. But it depends on who runs against him and what their campaign platform reveals.

I'm sure none of this surprises you, Bucco. But you asked, and I answered.