Obama's Ratings Fall Back to Earth

A few weeks have now elapsed since the news of Osama Bin Laden's death broke out and everyone showered praise onto President Barrack Obama. Although the credit was not entirely justified, we can't say too much just as blame for the current recession was not Obama's work neither. Sometimes very significant events occur without our foresight. One simply has to take things in stride, adjust accordingly, and move forward.

Just as predicted/expected, it appears Obama's public ratings have now fallen back to pre-Bin Laden's death levels. As Yahoo News reports, his approval rating "back" to 47 percent while 49 percent disapprove of his performance. In greater detail, approval rating on the budget deficit is 33 percent (a new low) while 59 percent (a new high) is the new high for his disapproval rating on handling the economy. (All these approvals and disapprovals can be confusing, I know.) This is obviously glim news for Obama's reelection bids.

If it wasn't obvious before, I am no supporter of President Obama. He seems to be a good character, but is largely incompetent and ill-advised on important issues. I will even go as far as saying that, in spite of all the ridicule given to former President George Bush, Bush accomplished more as he was better advised. For example, what exactly has Joe Biden done? Cheney was a crook but at least he knew what he was doing. The bigger waste is always having the power to accomplish something, but not doing anything with that power. My opinion is not politically-based as I am no Republican either -- but largely derived from reviewing Obama's track record since his election.

Do I think Obama will get reelected? I do not, especially if the economy maintains its sluggishness until the end of the year. Inasmuch as the public is charmed by Obama's oratory ability and persona, we also recognize the pressing needs of our country today. Problems such as a tax system with more holes than Swiss cheese, massive government bureaucracy, soaring trade deficit, rising inflation, and rampant unemployment are no jokes. Nor can we afford to defer action on them any longer. What we need is a leader with an intricate understanding of our problems and a willingness to do what is right for the people, rather than for his (or her) political prospects. Tough decisions have to be made and implemented -- decisions that Obama has shown to be incapable of making. Examples? How about an austerity plan to tackle the country's massive deficit? Republicans have come up with a controversial plan, but at least they have a plan.

For one, we need to start making sizable cuts to the military spending. Because what is the point of having a state-of-the-art defense system when there isn't much left to defend?