New Year

We emerged into the New Year after dealing with a virus for several days between the holidays. Few escaped the virus and the course of illness was quite consistent. It was less than the ideal way to celebrate the holidays with the family.

But, here we are facing another year that is filled with perilous situations demanding the sophistication and expertise seldom found in public servants. Who could expect any public leader to deal with so many serious problems successfully? And yet, we do hope (not much else positive to hold onto).

Regardless of the size of the stimulus package, it is hard to foresee that the economic situation will be any better than "stabilized". The housing market is destined to experienced many, many foreclosures this year as the interest rates reset. Until the housing market stabilizes, there is little reason to think that the economy will start an upward trend.

Of all the foreign affair problems that beset Obama, none offers more opportunities for failure than Afghanistan. It is hard to see any path that will address the ills that pervade this "nation". The lack of centralized government, the degree of corruption, the dependency on drug trafficking, and the rule of the Warlords and Taliban are obstacles that military might cannot conquer. And, in addition, whatever happens in Afghanistan adds greater chance for increased instability in Pakistan. I would consider opportune to reconsider our strategy to enable us to consider our job done sooner than later with the option always to attack pockets of terrorists where they exist.

The creation of Israel made sense in light of the holocaust, but its creation in Palestine was surely an act that seems destined to be a decision without a positive outcome. While most rationale people consider a two-state nation as the best possible outcome, there are extremists who are programmed to oppose any outcome short of annihilation of the opponent. Cease fire agreements seem to be short-lived signs of expediency since nothing positive ever comes at the other end. All those who write about methods to achieve peace are thwarted by the extremists that seem to have an ongoing supply of disciples. The bottom line is terrible, per Andrew Bacevich.

Poor Obama! the problems are overwhelming if the above were all they were! There are so many others, ranging from decisions to close Quantanamo to restoring the rule of law in our government, from reestablishing leadership on global issues (carbon emissions) to enabling our government to work for the people rather than special interests.