Disconnect

I am sensing a disconnect between myself and the vast array of left leaning political observers.  I am talking about President Obama's announcement re: a two year pay freeze. 

The pay freeze is symbolic, no question about it.  It will have essentially no impact on the federal budget. I agree on this part with all the loud voices on the left.  Although, I suggest the symbolism is important.  I greatly suspect that the vast vast majority of Americans, especially those who do not consider themselves rabid partisans on either side of the spectrum to welcome this symbolism.

Many people have endured the Great Recession having to do with less.  Not just those who are un- and under-employed.  Even the employed have had to pay for higher health care premiums and deductibles, have had to go without raises or bonuses.  There has been sacrifice over the past two years.  The impression, rightly or wrongly, is that public empolyees have been exempted from this latest economic downturn.  Here in Columbia Mo the most recent election for County Commissioner was decided solely on the issue of County Commissioners getting paid too much.  It was a very effective campaign. (In truth the new commissioner has no ability what so ever to affect this, he kind of left this out of his ads).  It resonated very well.

I may be considered an Obama apologist.  Though, I have always considered Obama to be a reach across the aisle, practical liberal.  I believe he has a vision of the way he would like things to be and a vision of what is possible for things to be.  He fights for what he thinks he can achieve instead of spending too much energy on reaching for the stretch goals.   This particular aspect is infuriating to many on the left.  I understand why and I would hope that many of those on the left would attempt to appreciate the reality we are in instead of the ideal we dream of. 

All that being said, I can fully get behind President Obama's move to a temporary pay freeze on the following conditions (not that he cares), that he continue to fight for the expiration of the tax cuts on income over $250,000, as well continuing to fight for unemployment benefits, health care reform etc.  Many on the left see this move as a complete and utter cave to the Republican Party.  I see it as an honest assesment of a way forward in governing in manner that is truly best for America and not what is best for the Liberals of America. 

Liberals tend to be upset with this approach, in light of the way Bush governed for the previous 8 years.  I agree, it was the Bush agenda to ram rod their way through the political process for very partisan, personal and political reasons.  We must remember Obama did not run as the liberal version of Bush he ran on being the opposite of Bush.