Now This Is Refreshing

Personally, I've been more or less pleased with President Obama's performance.  Sure, he hasn't been able to make the sweeping changes we'd hoped for, and he's been rather disappointing when it comes to his refusal to change several Bush policies regarding the prosecution of terror suspects being held by the government.  However, the burden of reform falls on the legislative branch, which has become completely hamstrung with the now routine use of the filibuster in the Senate.

Nevertheless, President Obama said this yesterday in regards to the failure to stop the Underwear Bomber:

I am less interested in passing out blame than I am in learning from and correcting these mistakes to make us safer. For ultimately the buck stops with me.  When the system fails, it is my responsibility.

What a refreshing change from his predecessor.  George W. Bush seemed incapable of admitting any mistakes.  Apparently, he thought it made him look weak.  In reality, it just revealed his cowardice, since it takes real courage, political and otherwise, to own up to one's mistakes.  Good job President Obama for actually being a leader.

On a final note, I cannot stand the chorus of blame being thrown around.  Depending on where they sit on the political spectrum, you see pundits and politicians blaming Obama, the intelligence community, Homeland Security, and so on.  Hey, shit happens.  A terrorist is going to sneak through from time to time.  Stopping all of them is virtually impossible, especially if we want to maintain a free and open society.  It's the cost of having our style of life.  I understand that.  Besides, you're far more likely to die in a car accident or succumb to heart disease than ever experience a terror attack.  Everyone just needs to take a deep breath, and go on with their lives.