America Awaken

[Derechos]

snip

What’s most worrying is that the U.S. response to this crisis seems to be one of a country in middle age, a nation that has lost its can-do moral edge, the ability to come together and overcome. In this critical regard President Obama has failed to deliver.

Berlin observed that Americans were a “2x2=4 sort of people who want yes or no for an answer.” They’ve gotten neither of late, only muddle.

Bill Clinton recently took Obama to task in Newsweek, proposing 14 measures to create employment. Given that the Clinton presidency saw the creation of 23 million jobs his advice is probably worth a glance even if it grates. I was struck by two underlying themes: the need for an energy policy and for an industrial policy.

Here’s why: It’s absurd that “climate change” has become an unpronounceable phrase under Obama and that green technology initiatives have been stymied by sterile ideological dispute. Intelligent use of resources makes strategic sense for America whatever your hang-up on global warming. It’s equally absurd that private U.S. corporations, having made $1.68 trillion in profits in the last quarter of 2010 and sitting on piles of cash, are doing fine while job numbers languish and more Americans struggle.

None of this makes moral or any other sense. America needs an energy policy and an industrial policy. It has to lead in green technology and — purist capitalist reflexes notwithstanding — it must find ways to get corporate America involved in a national revival.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/28/opinion/28iht-edcohen28.html?ref=opinion

[DonCoquixote]

1. You know what

Yes, Clinton did some good for the country, although a lot of what is hurting is are seeds shown during his time in office. Glass-Steagal, Nafta and the general skill at "hippie-punching." Obama's main mistake is not that he does not act like Clinton (Bill or Hillary) but that when we voted AGAINST Clinton, he chose to imitate Clinton.