Having ushered in a promising new administration, we have immediately seen that drastic changes are going to take place in this country.  Indeed, even Obama’s first day in office brought about changes that were rather profound in nature.  The question that most people are considering is whether or not these changes are going to work, and what impact they will have on our futures if they do work . . . or if they don’t.  Many people are even saying that whether the changes work or not is not as important as the fact that what we have done in the past has obviously not been doing much good.  So, it seems that change is welcome, if only because we’ve got to try something.   And by all accounts, if there is going to be change, Obama is the man for the job. 

Examining his initial moves, it becomes apparent that this new administration is going to significantly curtail unnecessary spending.  Whether you agree with his specific policies or not, it could be argued that just about anyone would admit we do need to cut spending.  Starting at the top, Obama froze the pay of his staff.  This is an exemplary move that is seemingly designed to instill the desire for corporations and large businesses to do the same.  There is a general conception in the country right now that the bonuses and pay scales of even middle-level executives are ridiculously exorbitant.  The money that goes to fund excessive lifestyles could be used to reinvest in the business; to make it more efficient, and to return more money to investors and the public domain.  If this is done, then the economy overall receives a boost: not just a few handfuls of top executives who are already multi-millionaires.

Signing an Executive Order to close the American military installation at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, appears to be a foreign policy move- and for the most part, it is.  What many people do not realize, however, is that the installation, known affectionately as “GITMO” by military officials, is costing American taxpayers millions of dollars each year.  Obama’s administration views that as wasteful in the light of the fact that very little useable information or resources have been gained by operating this military detention center.  In theory, closing the base puts money back in United State’s coffers. 

For most individuals, Obama’s economic stimulus package emerges as something that might actually help them; at least in the short-term.  Tax breaks for individuals and businesses, and a check in the mail could probably be well-used by all.  Assistance on such a personal level, regardless of its eventual results, may cause one to think about other forms of assistance.  For instance, there is federal housing assistance available, as well as federal mortgage programs.  With all the bankruptcies occurring across the country, perhaps change could be brought to that institution as well?  Even some of our closest neighbors, like Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York, are experiencing a wave of bankruptcies.  That means abandoned and dark homes and shuttered businesses.  Perhaps the administration would like to offer some assistance in this area so as to not allow the decline of industries that places like Maine, California, Rhode Island, and New York depend upon.  If you think there could be changes made to bankruptcy legislation, then grab a pen and a piece of paper.  It’s your senator’s job to inform Obama, and it’s your job to advise your senator.

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This entry was posted on Monday, February 2nd, 2009 at 7:25 am and is filed under Economy & Politics, General Information. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.