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Return to Article: Obama unveils reform proposals

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  Well, you know all those political pundits have to say something. Still, looking back at the various positions taken by the candidates, at least this one is not publicly broadcasting "Let the chopping begin!"

  I considered McClain for a while, until he said "Off with their heads!", basically professing to "stay the course" supporting NSPS. I thought about Rudy, as he seemed more of a centralist (my personal preference), and then he says he'd only replace half the retirees. Similarly, I was a little concerned about Hillary's cutting of contractors since we are about as lean as can be. I can not do my job AND the contractor's next door.

  As Bill Cosby's Moses (characterization) said to God "Have you looked down there? Who's going to clean all that up?!" I understand politics, unfortunately. I just can not back a candidate who expounds but doesn't explain. "How?" has become ever more important.

  If Obama means what he says, then perhaps we will slow down some of this contracting out. Putting an appointees' 2nd career shopping on hold may mean less out-sourcing of our jobs in preparation for their next. Stopping the government carousel means that the folks who make the rules just may have to consider what life under those rules is like. And hiring folks "based on their qualifications and experience", what a novel idea.

  And the problems I've had with Dicky's Boys might just be taken care of by Obama's pledge to end the no-bid federal contract abuse, but there was that lack of detail.

  Well, I did like the basic tenets, the broad strokes if you will. At least I didn't feel like a target, a pariah, or a piñata! All I can say is that it sounds good so far; but I AM from Missouri and he'll have to show me his cards. Knowing how he intends to do all this may just get a response. Remember, this is all just politics.

  Tip off Posted June 26, 2007 10:33 AM
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  Wow, with all the problems facing us all he can come up is "government reform?" Oh well, so much for the new savior! Come up with some meaningful ideas and solutions and get back with us.

  El Oso Posted June 26, 2007 10:12 AM
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  Yadda, Yadda, Yadda. Obama, you may want to steer clear of "reinventing the government" and come up with another agenda. I've been waiting for you to tell us what you stand for. If you are just going to jump on the federal government employees, you just lost my vote. I'm still up to my eye-balls in Al's great ideas. You know, all of those $$$ that we saved from revamping outsourcing.

  nolalive Posted June 26, 2007 8:48 AM
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  Before there can be "reform" the problem has to be identified. Obama, like the other candidates, clearly doesn't understand what the problem is. All they seem to do is promise a better paint job while the vehicle is dying from internal decay. It's just business as usual.

  Robert M. Posted June 25, 2007 6:45 PM
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  Obama, I was with you until you start with reform vice promising to take action regarding our position in the world. Now you are starting to sound like Al Gore. Enough reinventing and get on with business. If you believe everything needs to change than you have not learned to work with the system that allows us to get things done. Reform is a cover for not having a plan.

  john Posted June 25, 2007 2:46 PM
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  Every election year we hear the same kind of reform pap from candidates. Nothing substantial ever comes from their empty promises. These guys/gals and their cronies leave their appointments and then make millions by peddling influence at the expense of the naive American taxpayer. Obama is just the latest liar selling his snake oil to us.

  Paul Anderson Posted June 25, 2007 12:21 PM
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  These words make great sound bites, however rhetorical and naive they may be.

  Good luck Obama.

  US Posted June 25, 2007 10:29 AM
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  Wow Obama now has religion over honesty. Too bad he took hand out from his friends in a sweet heart land deal a few years back. When ever I hear a politician talk about Honesty, watch out he's a crook

  dan ketter Posted June 25, 2007 10:08 AM
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  The best advice I can give to Senator Obama (the same advice I want to give to John Edwards) is not to run in this cycle. You cannot win and it is deep hubris to think you can fix America's problems after this administration has driven us into bankruptcy and to be the hated pariah nation around the world.

  It is not Teddy but FDR and a new New Deal we need to dig ourselves out of this mess. If Mr. Walker is correct and the charts are correct it is too late to fix but only to delay the day when entitlements wipe out the US Economy. This administration isn't done digging its big hole for America.

  So the question I have for you Senator Obama is why do you need this headache-- you can't fix the last 7 years and you can't turn back the clock-- enjoy your young family and leave the White House for those egomaniacs who think they can actually fix this.

  And Mr. Edwards- you certainly have a young family that needs you now more than ever.

  I'm far from a fan of Hillary or any of the Republicans running but if we sink further because of what this administration has done let it be on their watch.

  HR Specialist Posted June 23, 2007 5:35 PM