Performance Measurement - BHObama II

America  is quite capable of phenomenal performance.  The new man leading this country is struggling with many fundamentals because of his very limited experience and he is also proving to have very limited listening skills.  In his bubble, he thinks he's done quite well.   So, TheFundamentals decided to take a look at some specific categories of performance. We recollect that as youngsters we were graded on specifics and then the teacher gave us an overall comment. So, let’s look at the specifics calling into mind some of Obama’s very own comments and criticisms of his predecessor:

• Standing/Influence in the World. Spectacularly low and dropping.

• Unemployment Rate. Much higher; not improving.

• Real unemployment rate. Depression levels. Please don’t tell anyone.

• Employment possibilities. Almost nil.

• National Debt. Rising at a record rate, geometrically.

• Influence/respect among major competitive nations. Flagrantly rude.

• Success in military adventures. Minimal. What’s worse? Inability to accept reality.

• Deficit spending. Each month sets a new record.

• Value of currency. Record low. Value of gold. Record high.

• Outlook for manufacturing jobs. Are you kidding?

• Effect of stimulus and earmark spending programs. None except for debt burden on American youth.

• Influence of Special Interest Groups such as unions and lawyers. All time high.

• Minority unemployment. Unbelievably high.

• Home foreclosures. All time high.

• Investor interest in US mortgage securities. Nonexistent.

• Federal Government employment. All time high.

• Federal Reserve Bank failure to accomplish stated objectives. 100%.

• Federal Government salaries. All time high.

• Proposals to rein in lawyers, unions, taxes and bureaucracies. Absolutely none.

• Bankruptcies. Almost all time high.

• Support to states to avoid bankruptcy. Endless.

• Plans to reduce Federal Deficit. Nonexistent.

• Efforts to repay Federal Debt. Not even under consideration.

• Number of people impressed with the leadership of America in US of A. A few hardcore Democrats; rapidly diminishing.

• Cost of deals cut with Obama’s own party members to buy their vote. Billions of dollars.

• Justice Department indictments of corrupt elected officials involved in vote buying. Nonexistent.

• Number of people impressed with the leadership of America in World. A few hardcore Democrats; rapidly diminishing.

• Federal Reserve printing of currency without economic activity. At least $1 trillion in one year.

• Plans to reduce Federal Employment. Not under consideration.

• Plans to cut government spending. See above.

• Anyone in the American mainstream media courageous enough to suggest this man is on the wrong path. Zero.

• Support for sacrifice and frugality. Huh?

• Number of elected officials proposing sacrifice and frugality. Double huh.

In less than one week this man will speak to the nation about the condition of the country.  The United States is simply in debt up to its ears and old fashioned plans and schemes to spend our way out of this situation are akin to a drunk saying that tomorrows booze will make everything better.  Mr. Obama, it is time to enter rehab.  Rehab is a bit of sacrifice to produce a better tomorrow.  Rehab is an opportunity to learn about yourself and get feedback from others.  Rehab will lead to frugality.  Frugality is simply spending for needs; setting aside savings for a rainy day; repaying debt and carefully budgeting and spending for wants.  We want you to do well Mr. Obama.  This is intervention knocking.  Do you hear us?