Transparency & the 44th

   Today, our 44th U.S. President came before the media in his first primetime press conference. It's Feb 9. So, we're within a few weeks of Barack Obama's inauguration and his struggles to pass a Stimulus Package that rivals the fiscal bailout, TARP, emergency aid package following W's last stand. Excuse me, the 43rd President George W. Bush's legislative efforts. Now, what CNN slice, dice and dissect with the "Best News Team on Television" is the difference in time between the two world leaders. CNN said Bush didn't have a press conference until Oct. of his first year in office 2001. He didn't face the press until he had to, post Sept. 11 attacks. This is amazing.
      President Obama's record in this regard is impressive ...thus far. It's easy to talk tough in campaigning. It's easy to make promises when you're on the outside. Time has passed. He's now on the inside. And it's impressive so far. I would urge my reader to look at the St. Petersburg Times at: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/  where this non-profit newspaper holds power accountable.
     Obama began his climb to influence years ago, in subtle and not so subtle ways. Still, his entrance on the national stage was at the Democratic National Convention in Boston 2004. His eloquence and strength in striving to bring people together not as "red states" or "blue states" but as the United States struck a national chord. That chorus of voices is now being tested...as it should be and ever will, given an open, free republic should be a loud, noisey places where All Ideas are entertained in a Marketplace of Ideas ...and Ideals.