Transition Thoughts

In this period of transition, I thought it was a good time to point out some interesting observations. We are moving out of the George W. Bush era and into the Barack Obama era. George W. Bush leaves us with a weakened economy, a military stretched thin between two wars, an unsuccessful attempt at bringing the masterminds of 9/11 to justice, strained relationships with old allies and new challenges we should not have had to face. Barack Obama inherits a nation whose outlook appears bleak, to say the least. However, his very election has offered hope to millions of Americans. Nonetheless, the road ahead will be a tough one.

Here are some of my observations:

Barack Obama is beginning his search for his cabinet. Some media outlets have ranked, based on the amount of time spent on deliberating on it, the family dog as the number one cabinet seat.

Outgoing presidents have made headlines by offering last-minute pardons to friends and others. Is it possible that George W. Bush will pardon himself?

One of the names that have been in circulation for the position of Secretary of State is John Kerry. Senator Kerry has been a great servant of our nation. But can we honestly believe he has the personality to fill the shoes once worn by Henry Kissinger and Madeline Albright?

Another name for the post has been Hillary Clinton. I love the idea of Hillary Clinton in Barack Obama's cabinet. She would do whatever job as well as, if not better, than anyone else. That said, I believe the fighter in her makes her the perfect candidate for Attorney General. No one I can think of can bring the role of Attorney General to such high levels as Senator Clinton.

There has been a great deal of talk involving the bailing out of big business -- banking establishments, Fannie/Freddie, automobile companies. These are some of the culprits behind our current financial situation. This sounds an awful lot like "trickle down". Didn't Hoover try that?

John McCain was hysterical on Jay Leno. The campaign was ugly and he did some things he should not have done. It's over, though, and we really are no worse for the wear. And he still gets to ride off in the sunset like an American hero. Good for him.

Sarah Palin is all over the news lately. She's had more press conferences and has been on television as much as when she was a candidate for vice president. Either she is gearing up for her presidential run in 2012 or she just doesn't want her fifteen minutes to end.