The Obama Bush Blend

This picture appears on a bill board on I-35 outside Wyoming, Minn. It was paid for by a group of small business owners obviously not happy with the Obama administration's policies.

I chuckled while thinking how many of us voted for Obama because he seemed to be the exact opposite of Bush. He is in many, many ways yet in some respects he is not.

Perhaps the most obvious is both believe that what they think is right. Remember when Bush was asked if there was anything he regretted during his term and his answer was "No"? I see that steadfast resolve in Obama. In his recent interview with Diane Sawyer he commented, "I'd rather be a really good one term President than a mediocre two-term President." That's an indication that he believes his policies are the correct ones even as the country continues to protest. If the electorate doesn't see it that way, it's our problem, not his. He's right. On that basis it certainly is our problem!

We see him creeping more to the center when the banking and brokerage bonuses are suddenly acceptable, when he reluctantly allowed, at least partially, the numbers needed for success in Afghanistan, and possibly backtracking on civilian trials for the 9/11 terrorists. I can see Bush's little smirk as I write this.

Where he differs is disturbing. He is now considering advancing his agenda by a series of executive orders. If he really tries to do this expect legal challenges. It would not only be a resounding slap in the face of the American public but also Congress. He was not elected dictator!

The excuse of Republican obstinacy is running thin when Harry Reid throws out a bipartisan jobs bill. The excuse that all our problems stem from the Bush administration would carry more weight had Obama made some progress in correcting them.

We also need to remember as we try to sort through all the finger pointing and blame gaming that the Democrats were in charge of the House and Senate for the last two years of the Bush administration. The legislation in place is courtesy of a Democratic House and Senate even if the Executive branch was Republican.

I'm sorry Mr. Obama is having difficulty governing. He had no practical experience before coming to office and the voters, including myself, should have paid more attention to substance over style.

If the style, as indications show, becomes dictatorial, Mr. Obama will indeed be a one term President. Unfortunately, he won't have been a really good one.