I speak for the President

The MIT economist, Simon Johnson, was on a Paul Solomon segment of the PBS “News Hour” a few nights back and I can't help feeling what a wonderful method he has for explaining current economic issues by looking back at American history. President Obama could use such an Economic Advisor. I am big proponent for smaller government, especially administrative expense such as too many cabinet posts. I would like to see complete reliance on a Treasury Secretary for the mechanics of managing the economy, for example, and that the White House Economic Advisor be without staff and just provide the President with a big picture historical perspective such as what Johnson provides.

The observation comes from my recent viewing of “Lincoln” and Kearns Goodwin's book Team of Rivals show Lincoln working intimately with his cabinet and constituents. I resent the growth of government that it requires the President to staff up so that interaction between within his own cabinet is in his name only. The words “I speak for the President” scare me.

So What

I saw Justice Anton Scalia on Charlie Rose a few nights ago. I was inclined toward lukewarm support because of his Strict Constructionist label as I always had trouble with strict. The interview converted me into a big fan with his explanation of the Constitution as an enduring document and his “So What” view of prominent decisions putting the living constitution in the best light. Beside that, I found the hour to be a relaxed engaging exchange between friends that I felt privileged to witness and well worth my Patron donation to PBS Chanel Thirteen.