ECONOMICS 101: Sales force can't improve administration's product
Shrub may have proven himself adept at making a moral case for war. On the home front, however, he has proven himself singularly inept at managing the economy. His Administration is one that, when it comes to the economy, lacks focus and direction, and frankly doesn't have a clue.
Economists can make a case for permanent tax cuts and temporary deficit spending to stimulate the economy. Seniors need insurance that covers prescription drugs. With a war on terrorism, the Pentagon and Homeland Security Department can reasonably urge more defense spending. Many Americans support President Bush's desire for costly regime change in Iraq.
But when all these policies are combined, the result is fiscal disaster and the hobbling of the nation's economy. Substituting slick salesmen for their inept, misguided or too candid predecessors adds no merit to the policies.
President Bush's decision to throw the navigators overboard while increasing the throttle is not a reassuring strategy at a time when Wall Street and Main Street both lack confidence and optimism. Trying to pass off personnel changes as course corrections demonstrates either a low regard for Americans' discernment or a White House disconnected from reality.
Or perhaps this war IS Shrub's economic plan? It's not as if he has anything else going for him, unless you're a believer in smoke and mirrors.
