Back To The Future

If one could take policy out of the equation, our young President would be very hard to dislike. He has a smile that knocks your socks off. He's poised, confident, articulate and has a great sense of humor. He's a loving father and husband. He has breakfast with his kids every day and dinner as often as possible when he's in town. He is America.

I've put up a cautionary hand often these past few months. It seems like he's everywhere but where he's supposed to be. Governing. I've complained about his piling the plate too high. Too much too soon.

As I watched his announcement regarding his plans for standardized requirements for the auto industry today, he oozed vitality. Ahhh. It got me to thinking why I supported him in the first place and why I did not support John McCain. I felt strongly it was time for some new and younger blood to start moving into our country's leadership.

I knew at the time I would have differences with him regarding policy. Boy, do I! What hadn't become clear up until lately is how much of a generational difference there is. I didn't grow up when the emphasis was on climate change, air quality and fuel efficiency. Then there's affordable health care and education. Last and certainly not least are the chaotic situations in the world around us. A lot of what's piled on that plate is not of his making as much as circumstance!

I'm more convinced than ever the Presidency is a job for a man old enough to have experienced life on a multitude of levels, yet young enough to withstand the rigors of the job. I see that in Obama.

I see, too, that many of his appointees and trusted advisers are in the same age range. I may not agree with a lot of what's being done, but I realize that the way they think and the policy they bring forth is the reality of their generation. They and their children are the ones who will have to deal with the results. I'll be long gone.

Obama had a busy day today. He was in Washington doing what he's supposed to be doing. He announced his policy for fuel efficiency surrounded by governors, auto makers, cabinet members and members of Congress who have come together to make it possible. An incredible array of people the likes we've not seen in Washington in a very long time. He had his daily briefings, finished up talks with the Israeli Prime Minister and who knows what else!

Such days take an enormous amount of energy and we see him doing it day in and day out. Town meetings here and plant tours there. Soccer games for his kids, followed by a game of golf for himself. Whew!

I cannot imagine McCain keeping such a pace at seventy two, no matter how vigorous he seems in news clips! Let's face it, the new ideas aren't coming from the old war horses. They're much more like me. Resisting change because it's not my reality!

I doubt I'll put that cautionary hand down. That's one thing we more mature types can do - share what we've learned over a longer period of time. I take a deep breath and admit I don't know everything. I can do no less than trust that younger generations will listen when listening is vital, continue to learn from times past and move the country forward so that it can be again what it once was.