It was just 21 days ago that our newly inaugurated President spoke the following words: "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." Apparently, memory is the first attribute to go after entering the Oval Office, as President Obama contradicted himself just days later with another dramatic quotation in the face of Senate defeat: "A failure to act, and act now [on the bill], will turn crisis into a catastrophe." If you ask me, it is time our Commander in Chief makes up his mind. The position he has earned and embraced within the last month does not take kindly to playing both sides of the aisle. You cannot promote hope to get elected then swiftly drop the hammer of fear once colleagues begin to show they disagree with your proposals.

If the President was more focused on promoting the good things that this bill will produce (if any) instead of saying how bad things will get if we don't pass it, the American people and the stock market might be more willing to embrace it. Regardless, it looks like this bill will pass, and hopefully it will help. My concern (beyond the likelihood of the bill actually working) is how often will President Obama stray from the path that got him elected and got so many Americans excited about voting again -- i.e., change, hope, etc.

Submitted by ASO members: The Philadelphians