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Getting Things Wrong

Entry 990, on 2009-04-17 at 20:39:22 (Rating 4, Politics)

I listen to a lot a lot of science podcasts and read a lot of science and technology material on the web and in other places. It has been surprising that since Barack Obama was elected president of the US many scientists have come forward and commented on just how bad the Bush administration really was.

While Bush was in power I didn't hear a lot of criticism of him, but now it seems that maybe that was just because of fear of reprisals, or maybe its just not considered appropriate to criticise the president. I have noticed that Americans seem to have a lot more respect for their leaders than we do.

Anyway Obama seems to be doing everything right so far, but it would be hard not to see a big improvement after his predecessor, of course!

Another indication that Obama must be doing things right is the criticism by some of the crazy conservatives I'm unfortunate enough to occasionally deal with. I have seen all sorts of nonsensical stuff accusing him of corruption, incompetence, and other largely unsubstantiated claims.

Sometimes its not good enough to just get things right, its also important to get things wrong for the people who themselves are always wrong. Sometimes two wrongs do make a right!

Comment 1 (1980) by SBFL on 2009-04-20 at 06:19:41:

I love the irony in this. Did it ever occur to you the "scientists" aren't criticising Obama now for the same reason you think they didn't criticise Bush in the past?

Comment 2 (1987) by OJB on 2009-04-20 at 20:29:43:

That's possible but when you listen to an interview you can usually tell the difference between genuine enthusiasm and silent frustration. Also, most of the problems with the Bush administration have been reversed (stem cell research being the most prominent) so you can see why scientists would be more enthusiastic now.

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