Vol. 6, Issue 10, November 11, 2008
Obama's First Week in Office Gets Mixed Reviews
Over a week after the election, surveys are showing hints of dissatisfaction with Barack Obama's performance as the newly elected president.
"I must say, I haven't really seen any tax cuts yet," said Derek Truman, of Akron, Ohio. "And I know that it can take a while for healthcare reform to take effect, but I was really hoping for more substantial progress by this point. I have a doctor's appointment a week from Thursday, and I'd really like to have health insurance by then."
While the 'honeymoon' period for the newly elected Obama is still clearly in effect, with an approval rating that exceeds that of President Bush by a factor of ten, it is apparent that the country is determined to see the changes promised during the campaign sooner rather than later.
"I'm concerned that the environment hasn't played a big part of his policy decisions to date," said Miranda Greely of San Francisco. "He may have other priorities, but global warming isn't going to wait around for the economy to get back on track."
Markets have stabilized somewhat following the election, but bankers are also anxiously awaiting the next stage of the Obama financial plan to take effect.
"I really liked the first part of his fiscal stimulus plan - getting elected president," said Karl Stover, chairman and CEO of US Bank. "However, we're still in a major financial crisis here. Unless he plans on winning another election in the next week or so, we need to see some more concrete action if he expects to have any lasting impact on the economy."
Similar concerns were expressed in other nations, particularly Kenya, which declared November 6 a national holiday in his honor.
"We are of course all very excited about Obama's victory," said Kiki Chilembi, a Nairobi resident. "I am very excited about the programs he will be starting, especially the investment in technology infrastructure. He said everyone would have broadband internet access. I could really use that, and also a computer to connect to the internet. A house in which to place the computer would be very nice as well. I am sure Obama can do it."
Obama's office has issued cautionary notes, saying something about President Bush and suggesting that Obama's agendas will not take effect until well into January 2009. Reporters did not catch the details, however, as they were too busy speculating about the impending purchase of the White House puppy.
"The American public won't be happy to wait so long for real change," said conservative pundit R.J. Mellon. "I think we're already seeing how far short of his campaign promises Obama is falling. It's going to be a long four years."
