[Skybird]

Just flew over it and thus cannot claim to have thoroughly digested it in all detail, but one passage attracted my eyes, because it was like an echo of what I repeatedly have thought myself in past months: the passage where Obama is being described as a president not only not solving problems, but giving the impression of being unable to even perceive the presence of a problem. I think this is the best description of him you can give. This is especially true in the area of foreign politics, where he indeed does more damage than good. The only really positive thing I would say about him regarding that matter is that so far he has not committed such a monumental stupid single act like Bush did when launching the Iraq war or shifting forces out of Afghanistan and to the Gulf instead of staying there in full strength and commitment. Bush was an idiot in war, Obama is a fool in peace. I am aware that the US lacks the power that it wishes to have to confront certain international problems the way it would just love to solve them - by slam-dunking them home to the sender. But Obama not only refuses to admit their existence, he even spills fuel into fires, for claims of idealism that in fact is not idealism but just irresponisble, self-damaging naivety. Over the coming years, the longterm strategic damage coming from that naivety may show to be as severe and enduring as the fallout from the Iraq war. And maybe even worse.

I still think Bush was the worst president the US ever had. But Obama does what he can to qualify for a close second place to that title. At least he is in the top group of the competion.

Before the elections, I said he was a brilliant speaker. He is, no doubt. But I also said that the hype around him is hopelessly exaggerated, and that he raises hopes, intentionally, that are so stellar and monumental that he necessarily must fail to deliver. That also has become true for most. Nevertheless I thought: he's new, it cannot become worse than with a Republican president inviting Palin as vice president, and it cannot become worse than it was with Bush. And it has not become worse indeed. But it also has not become too much better. The balance in his record after one and a half year imo is much more negative than positive. He dissappointed. If the Republicans are clever enough not to make Palin or some other idiot of her likes the republican candidate for the next presidential elections, I think Obama must be replaced. He may not wish to be that, but he is dangerous in his naivety. That makes him only preferrable to even more dangerous fools like Palin, Bush and others of that kind.