FINDING HIS INNER EASTWOOD

David Ignatius has an amusing column in the Washington Post arguing that President Obama needs to find his inner Dirty Harry:

Obama needs to make Washington politicians fear that if they cross him, they’ll pay a penalty .... Obama needs to tell GOP leaders what he expects, and make clear the political consequences of obstruction.

Well, yes, except that Ignatius got the parties wrong - substitute Democrat for GOP and he'd have it right.

Jules Crittenden comments:

[His inner Eastwood] That’s what Ignatius wants Obama to dig deep for as he stumbles through his economic stimulus standoff.

A man has got to know his limitations. But it starts with not caring if you’re liked, not living to be admired. Which is where this script falls apart.

RebeccaH, commenting on Crittenden’s website, nails it:

Frankly, so far the Obama Administration is coming off less like Dirty Harry and more like the Pink Panther.

SALARY CAPS

Hmm. If salary caps on are good for corporate CEOs, then why not extend the idea?

Hollywood stars, anyone? Let’s say $100K/movie, with a strict restriction against expressing political opinions. Wouldn’t a salary cap on Hollywood salaries make movies more affordable for the “middle class?”

And while we’re at it, how about one for politicians? Say expenses only while in office, with Government “stock options” tied to the Gross Domestic Product that can only be exercised after the politician leaves office? Seems like it would align the politician’s self-interest to that of the country as a whole ... and it might even encourage them to leave office sooner.

The idea extends itself: Professional sports? Media?

This sounds better and better.