HOLD YOUR HORSES!

People in the media are starting to criticize the Obama administration for what they consider plenty of time to have gotten the Recovery and Reinvestment Stimulus money out to all the States and cities across America and thereby improving our economy.  They say 4 months is plenty of time to do all that.

It appears that the media, talk show hosts and Republican Party (even some in the Democratic Party) have very short memories.

Forgive me if I don’t have my times exactly correct.

In February of 2001, the House was just passing their version of George W. Bush’s tax cut which amounted to around 1.35 trillion over a 10 year period (need I remind you that the health bill currently being discussed is estimated to cost less than that over a 10 year period?).

It was July 1, 2001 before that bill was finally signed by President Bush.  Rebate checks began in July and the last were being disbursed in September of that year.  That bill alone took over 6 months to even pass, let alone get disbursed in the form of rebate checks to individuals.

It took another 6 months in 2003 to get another tax cut in the amount of 300 billion voted on.  Remember when Mr. Bush hailed the legislation as a job-creating measure that would also put much-needed cash in the hands of working people.

In 2004 it was October before another $136 billion tax break was created for businesses and farmers.

In May of 2006 yet another tax cut in the amount of $70 billion was signed by Pres. Bush.  Remember when he said the following: “Our pro-growth policies stand in stark contrast to those in Washington who believe you grow your economy by raising taxes and centralizing power,” said Mr. Bush, who was joined at the signing ceremony by Vice President Dick Cheney. “They are wrong. Our pro-growth economic policies are working for all Americans.”

It took from January to June 2008 to get yet another tax rebate from Congress.  Bush said the following about this one:  ”President Bush says the slow growth of the economy is “not good enough for America,” but new rebate checks will inject some life and spending soon. “This economy is going to come on,” Bush said today. “I’m confident it will.” Rebate checks of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples are starting to hit bank accounts this week.

These examples in my view point out how long it takes to get something voted on and how long it takes to get the money “rolling” in the economy.

It also points out that no matter how many tax cuts were given to Americans, the economy still tanked, so badly in fact, it nearly reached to the level of the Great Depression.

President Obama, Vice President Biden and Democrats in Congress (with about 3 Republicans) were able to present bills to their respective houses, debate them, vote on them and signed them into law in less than 30 days (He took office Jan 20, 2009 and signed bill on Feb 17, 2009).

It is now July 8, 2009, less than 5 months since the signing of the bill, of which the bulk hasn’t even been sent out, and the part that has, the results won’t even be reported on till October of this year.

To put all this in perspective, look at the State of Illinois alone.  Governor Quinn announced in March that he wanted a tax increase to pay off the debt and balance the budget with.  Four months later, the legislature is still working on it.  In fact their next meeting is scheduled for July 15^th to discuss the budget, yet again.

My point is, anybody that has ever experienced a conversion or make over at their company or work place knows that it can take months and even years to get the job done.  My current work place started a conversion in 2004 and finally finished it in 2008.  That’s how long it took to plan for, budget for, and execute in segments.

Americans need to have patience.  I know that’s easy to say when you have a job but try and use some common sense in your judgments about the way this administration has handled itself so far.  How long does it take you to plan and budget for a new home?  The Obama administration is doing just that.  Planning and implementing a new America.

Personally, I think it is the media that is once again playing into the GOP’s hands by believing it’s been, “long enough” and that the administration’s plans “aren’t working”.  Once again the GOP are winning the Public Relations battle.  They’ve been able to convince the media and some Americans that — we’ve waited long enough.

The massive amount of mess this administration was left with, is by itself, reason enough to give the administration’s plans — more time.

President Obama said from the very beginning of this bill,

“The stimulus package was a huge victory for Obama less than one month into his presidency. But he struck a sober tone and lowered expectations for an immediate turnaround in the severe recession that is well into its second year.

“None of this will be easy,” he said. “The road to recovery will not be straight. We will make progress, and there may be some slippage along the way.”

Still, he declared, “We have begun the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time.”

The Bush administration had 8 years with 5 tax cuts to get it right and still ended up with the worst recession since the Great Depression.  President Obama’s been in office 6 months.  It’s time the Obama administration remind Americans of this fact.

So, for those of you complaining already — Hold Your Horses!