A Little Soft, Indeed

"The way I think about it is, you know, this is a great, great country that had gotten a little soft and, you know, we didn't have that same competitive edge that we needed over the last couple of decades. We need to get back on track."

-- President Obama arguing for his third stimulus package in an interview with NBC affiliate WESH of Orlando, Fla.

Well it's about time.  This is core Obama, the reason I respect the man so much.  Instead of saying what people want to hear, he's telling them the sometimes unpleasant truths.  He is talking to us like equals, like grown-ups.  He is telling us we're a bit off track and it's time we all turn this sinking ship around.  It may not be a popular message but it's the right one.  It's the way to bring us together and moving in the same direction.

We can't ask for change from government and continue on the path we are as citizens.  Our spoiled self-serving culture has to take a step back and learn to be lean and mean.  We come from a scrappy history full of independence and humble brilliance, and we have turned into an indulgent, shallow version of our former glory.  It is never easy or pleasant to call someone out on their BS, and he did so in a matter of fact and reasonable way.

Compared to the screeching insanity of the right nowadays, this is the contrast that portrays realistic stability. When some folks shake off the stupidity, when the witch burners and racists just push it too far, this type of plain talk will be refreshing.