Interesting piece in today’s Los Angeles Times about Barack Obama’s more-moderate-than-expected moves (or lack thereof) in such areas as stem cell research, detainee policy, and faith-based initiative policy. His caution and prudence so far in dealing with these extremely complex issues is a good thing, in the eyes of this commentator. Faith-based initiatives, for instance, while demonized by many a leftist, have been remarkably effective in treating extremely difficult problems like severe drug addiction (and what is truly liberal about denying someone the opportunity to beat an addiction if that person chooses to do so via a faith-based program - which is likely to be far more effective than a secular one?)
To echo a theme I discussed immediately following his election, it suggests to me our new President may have more common sense than some on the Right have given him credit for - and far more common sense (let us hope!) than members of the loony Left who helped put him in office.
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Yes, Obama is almost certain to dismay the ideologues of both parties.
He may be ushering in a “PERIOD OF PRAGMATISM” in US politics which is sure to make the talking heads on teevee disappointed as they will perceive such an approach is boring or not sufficiently visionary.
I can’t say I am a big fan of the stimulus package that the major parties seem to want in one form or another.
It all seems like a big “Hail Mary” pass sort of tactic that is going to be really disappointing if it fizzles out like some cheap fireworks. Can a country really tax itself into prosperity?
Also, how will we know if it succeeds or fails?
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