T-n-T: Targeting & Transparency

As President Obama released details of his proposed stimulus plan, some themes became evident:

The theme of targeting and the theme of transparency.

Targeting – Obama’s plan is highly specific in its provisions, with each provision meant to have effects that go all the way to the pockets of the average American family, either directly or indirectly.  For instance, consider the infrastructure spending that Obama wants to do.  This money spent will not only create jobs because people are needed to do the work, but it will provide some improvement to some of these areas, increasing the overall value of assets in that area, and hopefully change the economic potential of that area.  Or consider the $500 tax credit, because the average worker will feel that as they come home with an increased take-home salary.

I believe that this is smart, because in each of Obama’s proposed stimulus provisions, they have an apparent connection to the welfare of the American people.  The spending is not just “throwing money” hoping it lands on the issue.  With targeting of this nature, I believe the spending can really dislodge the lack of confidence Americans currently have in their own system.  

Transparency – I love how Obama has set up innovative ways in order to keep Americans connected to the process and the decisions being made.  First, Obama set up www.change.gov.  Now as president, he discusses the use of www.recovery.gov to keep voters in the loop about what and how the stimulus is being used.  In a process that can become complex and shrouded in mystery, the effort to keep aspects of government activity transparent is very refreshing.

Obama is also showing that he is sincere.  See yesterday’s  post.

Obama is also proving that he is not “too nice”.  Although he has been committed to bipartisanship in his first few days, he is not one to go back on what he believes, as he has made it clear to Republican dissenters that he has a mandate from the American people and did  win.  

820 billion is a large number, yet if it is spent correctly, then it can definitely reinvigorate the economy.  Obama is showing that he has at least the right idea about this whole politics thing, and that is refreshing.