I see and hear people caving every day now. Some diarist is ready to back another candidate in 2012. The downturn has generated such pain, hurt, and anger that many are ready to throw in the towel.
"Bewitched bothered and bewildered" seems to be what so many of us are. Our heartfelt but perhaps naive expectations about Obama have left us bereft, aggrieved, and head shaking, "No, no, no..."
But, what part of "THE GREATEST RECESSION SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION" don't we seem to understand?
Time. I think we don't seem to understand how much time this downturn is going to take. And, even when we gain the perspective of the 1930s-- ten years of recession concluded with a major world war-- we still suffer from "the instant".
So much of modern day life is about having it now. Instant food, trains on time, the plane lands and everybody pulls out their phones to get back into instant contact.
In many ways, this downturn is a punishment for a self-gratifying way of life we've become so very accustomed to. We want something, but don't have the cash. No problem. Take out a credit card. We want something bigger, but don't have the money. No problem. Tap into the house for equity cash.
John Kenneth Galbraith, the liberal economist, used to say that nearly every generation forgets the lessons of the past and we are forced to learn them all over again.
This isn't about Obama, his successes and failures. It's about all of us having overindulged and, unfortunately, many who didn't being gobbled up and damaged during an era of excess.
I feel so bad for those who struggle to maintain the basics: food, clothing, shelter. We've got ours, here, but not much more. I just hope there are enough resources and avenues available for those who are really in trouble.
I do have confidence in the future. I believe, one way or another, we're going to pull out of this. And, above all, I'm far from doubting Obama's leadership.