Yes, We Can

Townhall.com ^ | January 12, 2009 | Harry R. Jackson , Jr

[Kaslin]

President-elect Obama's presentation of his economic stimulus plan last Thursday was thoughtful, clear, and excellently delivered. Despite its charismatic delivery, the speech concerned me. First, the soon-to-be-president sought to lower the expectations of the American public concerning his first term, create a sense of unity, and to communicate a huge number of details about his economic plan. This was too much territory to cover in one short speech.

Unfortunately, his comments may have the unintended consequence of taking away the very confidence he wanted to give to the nation. I was shocked that the “Yes we can!” presidential candidate sounded more like a technician than a visionary. Hope was present, but the audacity of hope was nowhere to be found.

Consider his words, “If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years. The unemployment rate could reach double digits.” Even if these are potential realities, he is painting a very grim picture. He went on to say, “Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity ... We could lose a generation of potential and promise, as more young Americans are forced to forgo dreams of college or the chance to train for the jobs of the future.”

Like a salesman that does not realize that he has already secured the contract, the president-elect continued to make the case that the nation needs to trust his plan. In addition, his emphasis on the role of government seemed a little baffling — especially in light of the criticism by many experts that we are becoming a “socialistic” country.

I am concerned about the heavy emphasis on the government’s role versus job creation through small and medium sized businesses. Many Americans are convinced that a revival of the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of our nation will be key to our victory.

Ironically, these two factors kept the “master communicator” from giving the nation what we need most — passionate confidence or hope. Barack Obama, more than most, knows that words matter.

In order to beat the economic problems we face, both leaders and the media must vigilantly watch what and how they communicate. Whether they like it or not, today's media often creates more history than it reports. Leaders also can shape the public's thinking by what they choose to say and they do. The negative effect of media and government communications was demonstrated by how the media over-emphasized our national financial woes during the Christmas season.

Hearing news commentators repeatedly report that Christmas sales were going to be down during the holidays set many shoppers on a scavenger hunt trajectory vs. their normal holiday shopping ritual. To our family, this meant that the post Christmas sales would be significant because we knew we would get more bang for our buck at this crucial time. We waited to buy many of our gift items until after Christmas. We also used gift checks to let the recipient find the truly outstanding deal. For most families, money was dribbled out instead of being shoveled out. Shopping in many malls became an outing for food and sightseeing more than an occasion for serious purchases.

Experts reported that retail purchases, excluding automobiles and gas, fell dramatically this holiday season. Specifically, women’s apparel sales were down 23% this year vs. last. Men’s apparel was down 14%, and electronics and appliances dropped 27%. These losses are actually worse than they sound because retailers had already slashed prices to unhealthy levels before Christmas. When you are giving the products away, you can’t make it up on volume.

Dan Butler of the National Retail Federation told Jayne O’ Donnell of USATODAY, “Consumers had a reawakening… voting with their dollars now.” It seems that a fundamental shift in consumer behavior is occurring. A Consumer Reports National Research Center survey projects that 22% will pay off debt in March or later. Last year 31% of the public paid off their bills in March or later. This means most of us are not going to get out on a debt limb. The average consumer seems to be settling in for a long economic fight. Unfortunately, a “bunker mentality” will make our recession longer and recovery harder.

Many can’t help thinking about their 401(k)s which have dropped by 45%. Charles Schwab makes the clearest articulation of what most folks feel. “To be a successful investor you have to have the component for optimism. You have to believe in the innovation of the human mind and the human spirit. That is what investing is all about---frankly, being a part of companies that create new value. And that will continue to be true. But we go through these undulations in the process of discovery.

The bottom line---you have to be somewhat optimistic and know that the future will be better than the past.”

In light of Schwab's statement, we can deduce that the media should begin to report strategies for small business turnarounds and stories of jobs being saved. They need to encourage us by doing profiles on optimistic business leaders who have made things happen. We want to hear about people who represent the American spirit by being in the trenches, creatively finding ways to enjoy life in spite of the economic setbacks. Once President-elect Obama takes his seat, his early steps will be important.

I am sure that America’s economy will rise again. Our optimism will be key in helping us regain our groove. Change experts say that celebrating early victories is often an important part of building unity and momentum. The media helped get us into this mess. Now we need them to help Mr. Obama and his administration get us out!

[dyed_in_the_wool]

Obama is a saleman, not an implementer.

He’s going to sell for 4 years. Now whether anything gets done...that’s the problem.

[silverleaf]

“If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years. The unemployment rate could reach double digits.”

I am a Karl Denninger believer.

These things are going to happen, even with zerO’s plan.
zerO is on track to be the “next FDR” and also the next Hoover ...all in one 4 year term.

Plans based on flawed ideology, arrogance aka massive ego, dishonesty and unwillingness to let bad debt default so the economy can be purged and THEN rebuilt- are looking to drive us into a depression and a decade or more of life-changing suffering- but without a war to regenerate the economy. Maybe. We hope.

No one in government is being honest with the American people. Are they even being honest with themselves behind closed doors?

[originalbuckeye]

The 0bamunist’s answer to all of our ills is more Government. Government control over everything. Socialism is a really unhappy place to be. No incentive to do well in your job, no incentive to work harder to achieve your dreams. Everybody is exactly alike and no one is wants to excel as excellence is punished by higher taxes. Pray for our country.

[SumProVita]

“I was shocked that the “Yes we can!” presidential candidate sounded more like a technician than a visionary. Hope was present, but the audacity of hope was nowhere to be found.”

Was the author using sarcasm? How could any thinking, observant person be *shocked* at this?

[ETL]

Yes, we...ughh...can!

[Kaslin]

He might be a salesman to the uninformed and ignorant, but he is not selling me anything for the simple fact that I won’t allow him to

[Le Chien Rouge]

Government control over everything. . .... Everybody is exactly alike .........

.....we have too many people in this country who believe that this would be ideal......sad

[Names Ash Housewares]

[KC Burke]

Love your toon.

[highlander_UW]

Consider his words, “If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years. The unemployment rate could reach double digits.” Even if these are potential realities, he is painting a very grim picture. He went on to say, “Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity ... We could lose a generation of potential and promise, as more young Americans are forced to forgo dreams of college or the chance to train for the jobs of the future.”

Then it's time to cut back a bit, and the easiest and most obvious welfare program we can do without is the UN. Let them move to Sudan or Rwanda or some other hell hole of their own making. Think of all the savings the US could realize immediately.