Obama Keeps Turning

In yesterday's NYTimes, moderate conservative David Brooks joins the chorus of those who smell the Obama administration souring. His usual congeniality abandoned, Brooks is borderline shocking in his rhetoric:

These events have heralded a new era of partnership between the White House and private companies, one that calls to mind the wonderful partnership Germany formed with France and the Low Countries at the start of World War II. The press conferences and events marking this new spirit of cooperation have been the emotional highlights of the administration so far.

These events usually begin when the executives gather in the Oval Office, where they experience certain Enhanced Negotiating Techniques. I’m not exactly sure what the president does to inspire the business leaders’ cooperation and sense of public service, though those who remember the disembowelment scene in “Braveheart” will have a general idea...

During the press conference with health care executives, I don’t even think Obama meant to give away $2 trillion of their money. He was going to give away just $750 billion, but he got carried away by the Era of Responsibility.

Somebody (besides Mr. Cheney) needs to speak truth to power. Republicans in Congress aren't doing it. Business isn't doing it. Taxpayers aren't doing it. When Mr. Obama is done building his castles in the sky (fake castles, real money), who's going to take responsibility for paying the bills?