AP reported yesterday that in a speech made at commencement for Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI last night, that he told high school graduates not to make excuses – with teleprompters of course. That they need to take responsibility for their failures, as well as, their successes.
I agree with the sentiment. Personal responsibility.
Shouldn’t the President follow his own advice? In the last 18 months we’ve heard nothing but excuses.
On the economy – he inherited Bush’s recession, that’s fine to say in your first few months in office, but doesn’t wash anymore.
Perhaps he needs to take some responsibility for the latest job report that showed the primary growth in jobs in May were census workers – who will get laid off this summer. Instead of touting faux success he needs to take responsibility, and admit the stimulus has been a failure. Then do what will really spur on private sector job growth (hint: it isn’t increasing spending and raising the debt). While he is at it, shouldn’t he also take responsibility for his part in running up the national debt which is poised to overtake our GDP?
Then with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill… this is becoming his Katrina, no scratch that, his administration’s response is worse than President Bush’s response to Katrina in the minds of most Americans. Instead of acting, he played the blame game, accused others of playing the blame game (while blaming them), and didn’t bother to recognize where his administration has failed. We don’t blame him for the spill itself, but for his inattention, real and perceived, for days afterwards. So instead of defending your response, work to change it.
As far as cover, his Administration shouldn’t worry about defending Obama’s response, ABC has his back – he isn’t responsible, Sarah Palin is.
Perhaps one day President Obama will realize that “words matter” and should be applied to him as well.