Gene Lyons

Gene Lyons notes that while Obama talks about "bipartisanship," it is important for him to remember that since the Republicans have been wrong on every single economic issue, it would be destructive to try and compromise between "wisdom and folly." What is needed instead is to persuade those few Republicans who have their heads in reality to come on board and help fix the the economic problems that are so desperately needed.

Lyons isn't as alarmed as I am about some of Obama's statements yesterday; he notes Obama's wish to raise the SS cap, for example. Medicare is harder, and there is probably little chance to expand it to cover everybody (universal health insurance). However, steps are needed towards this end, for American companies cannot be competitive with countries having universal health care.

The problems are daunting and will take years to correct, if ever.