Obama's presidency is filled with excuses

History — In 1997, Asian economy imploded, DOW lost 7.2 percent of worth in single day, American economy unscathed. GDP grew 4.5 percent. In 1998, it grew again by 4.5 percent. In 1999, grew 4.9 percent and unemployment was at 4.2 percent.

Obama, Excuse-Maker-In-Chief, cites imploding Europe for 1.9-percent growth, 8.2-percent unemployment; one of his preferred economic alibis. Incorrectly calls Europe U.S. largest trading partner. U.S. trade with North America and eastern Asia dwarfs Europe.

2009 statistics — foreign trade 24.3 percent of U.S. economy. Foreign trade to GDP; China, 51.9 percent, Canada, 71.1 percent, Germany, 89.2 percent. U.S. is world’s least major economy dependent on foreign trade.

2010 economic analysis, however, found Free Trade Agreement between US-European Union could add $181 billion, 1.3 percent to U.S. GDP. Obama ignores this while blaming EU for U.S. economic problems.

Obama’s repeated excuse is the Republicans in Congress.

History:

2001 Bush tax cuts passed evenly-split Senate 58-33

Clinton did business with Republican-controlled both Houses six out of eight years. Reagan passed entire economic agenda with constant Democrat-controlled House. Obama forgets Democrats still control Senate. Seems incapable of working with any Congress not under full partisan control. Even then had trouble.

Americans expect President to assemble coalitions, achieving pragmatic, relatively popular results. Obama administration’s method seems to shove what he can down public’s throat, then act surprised when public gags.

Obama blames Bush, Congress, bankers, bondholders, private-equity firms, insurance companies, energy companies, chamber of commerces, Catholic church, opponents of illegal immigration, European politicians, Supreme Court, Japanese tsunamis. Will solar storms be next?

PHIL POUTRÉ

Cocolalla