Pres. Obama and the limitations of Presidential power

The talking heads are pretty much predicting disaster for the President in his second term. They say he can't do everything he wants to, and they're right. They say a surprise from the outside world could derail his vision of the future of the country, and they're right. Many of us like to pretend that the President has all the power in the world, but often times he doesn't. Still, I like this President's chances to accomplish his goals, even with the limitations of Presidential power. The President gave a great speech today -- one you would expect from a Constitutional scholar, but also one that calls us together as citizens and re-introduces the country to the idea that the social safety net is part of our founding principles. He used the word "we" and "we, the people" more often than the word "I," and used the word "I" frequently in the phrase "you and I," giving emphasis to the relational work of citizens in a democracy. Here is one quote from the speech that is an example of the President's humility and his view of his role as a citizen: "My fellow Americans, the oath I have sworn before you today, like the one recited by others who serve in this Capitol, was an oath to God and country, not party or faction — and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service. But the words I spoke today are not so different from the oath that is taken each time a soldier signs up for duty, or an immigrant realizes her dream. My oath is not so different from the pledge we all make to the flag that waves above and that fills our hearts with pride. They are the words of citizens, and they represent our greatest hope. You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country's course." I believe this is a humble President, one who is willing to work with others, but one who firmly believes in his own principles. And while we cannot take the words the President chooses at face value, I think he deserves our support.