The conventional wisdom seems to be that Bob Herbert of the New York Times is a good hearted but essentially dull columnist. I once subscribed to this view, but in recent months have really begun to appreciate not only the wisdom that Herbert brings to issues, but also his passion. He's not the most felicitous stylist, but then again, he's a better writer than say Thomas Friedman or William Kristol.
I particularly liked this recent column in which he advocates that Obama focus on two things -- alleviating unemployment and winding up our military commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The latter point is refreshing to those of us whose hometown newspaper is obsessed with throwing yet more resources into the Afghan fight, despite little hope that it will make any difference there. (One commenter -- and I wish I could give credit -- noted that when the Washington Times goes under it will leave Washington with only one right wing newspaper.) The only people who really want to escalate the war in Afghanistan are the Beltway elite, the war-worshiping neo-cons, and Republicans, whose blood lust is unquenchable. The American people are tired of this war and have no stomach, after eight long and frustrating years, for doubling down with the lives of our already stressed armed forces. A quick exit strategy from both of our military entanglements in the Middle East will be widely popular, even if David Broder will frown.
Most importantly, Obama and the Democrats have a few months, at most, in which they can try to bring down the unemployment rate so that it will have a positive impact on the economy and the 2010 elections. Herbert is almost alone among major newspaper columnists in recognizing the deleterious impact of prolonged unemployment on the body politic of the country, especially among young people. This demographic appeared poised to become loyal Democrats in overwhelming numbers following the 2008 election -- will this continue to be the case as they languish in prolonged unemployment or underemployment? The Democrats need to put together a quick and simple jobs bill -- one that should be called a jobs bill by the way -- that puts people to work in a hurry, with a particular focus on those without college degrees, who are suffering horribly in the current environment. Let the Beltway media decry the expense of such a program and dare the Republicans to filibuster it. Put people to work -- how about building infrastructure for instance. That should be a veritable mantra for the Administration in the upcoming weeks and months.
