Political discourse is often filled with exaggeration, both of the efficacy of one's own plans and of the deficiency of an opponent's plans. Too often discourse also generates into calling into question the character and purpose of one's opponents. And too often the rhetoric gets way off the mark.
I think Obama is engaging in wishful thinking that the various initiatives he proposes are going to create jobs. Far too many of the jobs that match the "skill sets" of many workers are gone, not to return anywhere in the world. Obama's opponents are engaging in wishful thinking that tax cuts will create jobs that match those "skill sets". Sorry, folks, but investment is going to the jobs of tomorrow, not the jobs of yesterday.
Interestingly, both "sides" claim to be in support of the people. But which people? Republican John Weaver claims that victory will be given to the Republicans "by an out-of-touch, big spending president." ("GOP is riding a tiger in Tea Party movement", Star Tribune, 2010-09-16) My question is which people is Obama out of touch with. Certainly not all the people. Almost all of the elections are a bit over one-third of the people voting for one party, a bit under one-third voting for the other party, and one-third of the people not voting at all. Results may vary by electoral district. Projecting results like these to a mandate of the "people" is living in Wonderland.
