Science Forums 2

[jackson33]

Buffy; Your anecdotal comments through out your post could be countered with the same from reported incidents through out the Country, including voter intimidation (Joe, the plumber), sign removals (McCain) and the many reports from individuals denied access to actual polling places. The election is over and the folks that spoke, have spoken.

"In part", yes I feel very strongly the markets with emphasis on investors and business in general have been setting themselves up for programs Obama proposed and most important the 'Capital Gains' and top tax bracket increases, taking profits, going cash and getting out of ALL risky stocks and business began cutting back on future programs as the probability became more obvious. Obama, taking out the Clinton Machine, was a very clear indication of public opinion and occurred well before any crisis assisted in the SIX TRILLION dollar loss to market values in the US and possibly 20 Trillion Dollar loss world wide. The US annual GDP 15T and World wide GDP 55T or so, to give you a perspective of drop. Unlike you, in fairness I will say Bush REALLY added to the problem yelling fire, calling for immediate actions on a variety of issues didn't help one bit and I am on record thinking the failure to properly address the 'Illegal Immigration' issue well before the primary season was the trigger in what became the 'said' financial crisis. You just can't attack 12-20 million people already in an economy, the business involved, the homes bought to taxes (were paid) and expect business as usual to follow. Having said this, its my opinion: If the 'Reform' had been enacted, Congress had made the Bush Tax Cuts permanent and Clinton had gained the nomination, NONE of whats going on would have happened.

It might be interesting, being from California and the SF area, what *mainstream centrism* means and compared to the folks in Wyoming, Georgia, Oklahoma or Alaska. I think you will find even people from NYC and SF would have very different ideas on just what they desire or would call an acceptable compromise.

You know, I feel the President in todays climate is going to be the person who can inspire the most people, issues meaning practically nothing. Obama certainly fits that idea and McCain inspired virtually no one other than those that vote 'Republican' every election or this year voted against Obama, for whatever reason. IMO and frankly where Government is most effective, emphasis must be placed on Congress and the agenda toward that Branch for guidance in policy. I'm not sure any one person, with as large a staff thats needed, can effectively change anything.