Obama challenges Republicans on goal they embrace

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120114/D9S8NUS03.html

By ERICA WERNER

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is promoting his efforts to make government more efficient and to persuade companies to bring jobs back to the U.S. from overseas.

He rolled out those election-year ideas this past week and used his radio and Internet address Saturday to urge Congress and the private sector to get on board.

"Right now, we have a 21st century economy, but we've still got a government organized for the 20th century," Obama said. "Over the years, the needs of Americans have changed, but our government has not. In fact, it's gotten even more complex. And that has to change."

On government reorganization, Obama wants a guarantee from Congress that he could get a vote within 90 days on any idea to consolidate federal agencies, provided his plan saves money and cuts the government. His first order of business would be to merge six major trade and commerce agencies into one, eliminating the Commerce Department, among others.


President Barack Obama delivers remarks on government reform, Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)


FULL story at link.

[canoeist52]

1. Which of America's need have changed?

"Over the years, the needs of Americans have changed..."

Our needs haven't changed. They are basic and unchanging ; food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, and a job to afford these things.
So what has changed?

[DCBob]

2. I think he is talking about how the economy and the job market has changed.

Things are moving alot faster with new technology and globalization and most people cant keep up.

[tclambert]

6. Faster internet access!

Srsly, some countries are pushing access speeds and have passed us by.

[Frances]

3. I'll bet Obama will not forget which departments he wants to merge

Unlike Perry who can't remember the 3rd department he wants to abolish

[efhmc]

4. Comparing their brains is like comparing a well tuned engine to a

push cart. Bet you can guess which is which.

[Tutankhamun]

5. Nice analogy. I might add one thing.

A push cart that's stuck in reverse.

(Edited for a typo)

[theoldman]

7. This is a technique effectively used by Clinton.

Bill Clinton selected ideas that he knew the Republicans considered their own. It made it difficult for the Republicans to fight against their own idea. These ideas are close to the center and not far right.