Obama explains the fundamentals of 'smarter government' by SusanG (dailykos.com)
"This isnt about big government or small government. Its about building a smarter government that focuses on what works."
Bravo, President-Elect Obama. That's how you explain the progressive vision of government to an anxious country that needs serious leadership to calm the jitters.
Obama addressed the need for government belt-tightening and a health care system for all at a press conference this morning during which he also named his OMB team:
I speak to you today, mindful that we meet at a moment of great challenge for America, as our credit markets are stressed, and our families are struggling. But as difficult as these times are, Im confident that we will rise to meet this challenge if were willing to band together and recognize that Wall Street cannot thrive so long as Main Street is struggling; if were willing to summon a new spirit of ingenuity and determination; and if Americans of great intellect, broad experience, and good character are willing to serve in government at this hour of need.
Yesterday, I announced four such Americans to help lead the economic team that will advise me as we seek to climb out of this crisis. Today, Vice President-elect Biden and I are pleased to announce two other key members of our team Peter Orszag as Director and Robert Nabors as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Before I explain why I selected these outstanding public servants, let me just say a word about the work I am asking them to undertake. As I said yesterday, the economic crisis we face demands that we invest immediately in a series of measures that will help save or create two and a half million jobs and put tax cuts in the pockets of the hard-pressed middle class. Many of those new jobs will come in areas such as energy independence, technology, and health care modernization that will strengthen our economy for the future.
But if were going to make the investments we need, we must also be willing to shed the spending we dont. In these challenging times, when we are facing both rising deficits and a sinking economy, budget reform is not an option. It is an imperative. We cannot sustain a system that bleeds billions of taxpayer dollars on programs that have outlived their usefulness, or exist solely because of the power of a politician, lobbyist, or interest group. We simply cannot afford it.
This isnt about big government or small government. Its about building a smarter government that focuses on what works. That is why I will ask my team to think anew and act anew to meet our new challenges. We will go through our federal budget page by page, line by line eliminating those programs we dont need, and insisting that those we do operate in a sensible cost-effective way.
Let me give you one example of what Im talking about. Theres a report today that from 2003 to 2006, millionaire farmers received $49 million in crop subsidies even though they were earning more than the $2.5 million cutoff for such subsidies. If this is true, it is a prime example of the kind of waste I intend to end as President.
And we will also focus on one of the biggest, long-run challenges that our budget faces namely, the rising cost of health care in both the public and private sectors. This is not just a challenge but also an opportunity to improve the health care that Americans rely on and to bring down the costs that taxpayers, businesses, and families have to pay.
That is what the OMB will do in my administration it will not only help design a budget and manage its implementation, it will also help make sure that our government your government is more efficient and more effective at serving the American people.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/11/25/1292/7595/912/666234
Loading...
Does not know the difference between a Chinese and a Koran. I can see it plain as day. P.S. I prefer Chinese.
fluffydanny 1 year ago
All I can say is THANK GOD the Tea Party pit bull who wears lip stick is NOT THE VICE PRESIDENT !! I have heard tho that perhaps the "real winner" of the last presidential election was the LOSER. Ask yourself??? Who the hell would want the job of taking all the crap of a broken system???
Hmm.... Something to think about???
SpanishDreamEstates 1 year ago
Mr. Obama we are still waiting for you to keep these promises. Not only have not kept them, you have done the opposite. You are just another in a long line of politicians that believe we the people are stupid. We are not going to take it anymore! You were given your chance. You failed to keep your word. You are done.
jeffkarotkin 1 year ago
He always speaks so well and says so little
aschwall 1 year ago
I 2nd that!!
BornTwyce2 2 years ago
Whatever
lionheart042672 3 years ago
Health Care....Fix Medicare before starting a new program.... Preventive Healthy problems is totally ignored under the current Medicare program . There is no affordable coverage for broken teeth just when the elderly start to loose there teeth. Do away with Part "A" payments SS Disability of only $1050 a month with a part "A" payback of $100 is stupid.
ubuibiok 3 years ago
He always speaks so well and actually has press conferences that are interesting to listen to.
He is excellent at Q & As also because he tries to be just humorous enough to make you smile without coming off goofy, stupid, or out of line.
He most importantly answers the questions directly, I live it.
waltermh111 3 years ago 2