David Brooks on Obama

In his article "The Uncertain Trumpet," which appears in the New York Times, columnist David Brooks criticizes President Obama's recent policies, focusing on Obama's handling of health care reform. Brooks is a credible source, as an experienced author, editor, and commentator on "The Newshour with Jim Lehrer". He is a conservative, but respects Obama and does not criticize him just because of party differences. His essay is aimed at readers of the New York Times who are interested in Obama's policies and health care reform.

Brooks argues that Obama has not been as involved in policy-making and reform as it would seem based on his address on Tuesday, and gives several examples. He suggests that Obama has not fully left behind old Washington habits, saying that he "enthusiastically perpetuates the myth" that average Americans can enjoy health care and other government spending while letting the top 2% of the population pay for everything. In my opinion, with the economy in its present state many Americans cannot afford to pay more taxes, but when the economy is stabilized, perhaps the current tax breaks on middle-class citizens can be repealed. This will help pay for such things as health care and reduce the deficit.

Brooks comments on "a weird passivity emanating from the White House," saying that Obama shows "deference to the Washington establishment" and isn't exercising his authority to enact his policies. His most effective example is about health care. The Obama administration is giving Congress a lot of control over the health care reform bill, providing only eight "general principles" and leaving the rest up to the legislators. Brooks contends that so much freedom should not be given to the "Congressional Old Bulls." He argues that the process would be full of Congressmen and lobbyists struggling for influence and trying to push their own agendas, and that the Obama administration should have written a plan before sending it to the legislature.

While some of Brooks' points are less successful than others, overall he makes a fairly effective case that Obama could be more aggressive on policy and reforming the usual proceedings in Washington.

Stimulus bill passes the House

The House of Representatives on Friday passed the $787.2 billion stimulus package with a vote of 246-183, reports Deborah Tedford in an article at npr.org. The bill was voted against by all House Republicans, and seven Democrats. House GOP Leader John Boehner argued that the stimulus plan “falls woefully short,” and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of course, supports the plan. In addition to merely relaying the event, Tedford describes some of the ways the stimulus money will be spent. I would recommend it for the article itself, which is interesting, and also for the access it provides to more detailed information for those who are interested. It includes the link to a more comprehensive chart of the proposed spending, and a link to the House Rules Committee website.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100685976