Time for a Cool Change

Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th U.S. President today, and what a ride it's been. To me, one of the most intriguing (and admirable) qualities of this man is how his pragmatism seems to defuse agendas.  In these past days, I've discussed this sea change in our national agenda with a number of friends, both Democrats and Republicans.  I find it very interesting that all but the most jaded Republicans — who will never be happy with any Democratic President, regardless of what he is able to accomplish — I've been speaking with acknowledge that Obama's still, cool waters run deep indeed, and that the fact that he is the best public speaker any of us has ever seen and a poster child for American intelligentsia does not, as previously alleged, imply a &quot…

Deciphering Obama’s Views Toward Employer Compliance

Barack Obama has not yet been sworn in as President of the United States, but the past two months have revealed a great deal about his attitudes toward federal governance.  In fact, the histrionics emerging from the Republican camp during the final weeks before the election have made his pragmatic choices so far rather, well, boring.  So those on the left are complaining that he’s doing too little to change the status quo while those on the right remain fearful of what happens when he takes office.  The only ones who seem to be winning in the guessing game are the gun dealers, who are selling a LOT of guns.So what can we expect from Mr. Obama as far as corporate enforcement, compliance, prosecution of labor violations, etc?  Well, he hasn’t said exactly, but here is the complete, verba…