Obamacoma

Yesterday was historic in many ways and thanks to a very good friend I was able to be a part of the celebration by attending the rally at Grant Park or Obamapalooza. What a night! While I stood in Grant Park with over 70,000 of my bestest friends (and Oprah) I got to experience an election party for the 44th President of the United States. photos to be posted soon

Initially, I didn't know how I would react either good or bad, but when CNN announced Senator Obama as the projected winner, when everyone just let out a big cheer, I was astounded, excited and just happy it was all over. My thoughts first went to the daunting challenge ahead for him and the country as we begin to rebuild as well as heal the very distinct division in this country over ideology. There are so many things that need to be "fixed" right now that while I have some uneasiness, but things are bound to get better. This was before Obama actual speech. After Senator Obama came out and spoke to us and the world, my uneasiness faded. It is still there a bit, but my hope for a brighter future on both national and foreign policy issues is stronger than ever.

Now the work begins. In my eyes the right candidate won and will lead us all in the right direction, but I don't wear rose colored glasses. The 4 years and 76 days until the next inauguration day will be a tough and I hope that the issues raised in the campaigns will continue to be scrutinized to keep us challenged and on the path for a better tomorrow.

Executive Privilege

I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to economics I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer. My area of expertise goes as far as supply and demand and that is about it. As an avid fan of NPR, I do get a chance to listen to MarketPlace, so while I know what is going on, I won't say that I understand it completely.

Having said that, I've been doing some research on Secretary Paulson's bail out bill in front of Congress to get a better grip of what this means for me and the other 2 of you who read this blog. Of everything that I have read, what struck as the biggest slip under the rug move since, GITMO, is Section 8 of the bill that states "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." What?! Huh? Got you've to be kidding me? I thought I remember something in my civics class from high school about checks and balances. Apparently, President Bush, once again believes that aren't any checks and balances and it's either his/the Secretary of the Treasury's way or the high way. Now, I know this doesn't mean that the Secretary can go and just do what he wants with our taxpayer dollars, but it seems pretty close to that.

Everything I have heard and read indicate that our financial stability is under a huge crisis - no argument there. I am sure Secretary Paulson is a very creditable person - for god sakes he is the Secretary of the Treasury - but to give him carte blanche to do what ever he wants?! That to me seems a little nerve wrecking. While I know the job isn't political, well maybe slightly, is this really such a good idea? To not have any knowledge of what the Secretary is doing? If it all goes horribly wrong, then what happens? We won't know what decisions have been made and what the basis for particular actions where, because what goes on in the Secretary's office, stays in the Secretary's office. I just hope he isn't using a dart board.