Gail Collins, "Wait! Don’t Tell Me!": A Day at the Circus

In her latest New York Times op-ed, "Wait! Don’t Tell Me!" (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/opinion/collins-that-old-gang-of-mine.html?hp), Gail Collins summarizes the non-events at the most recent Republican debate. Needless to say, she alludes to Romney's Seamus the dog story for the twenty-fifth time.

Unlike Gail, I didn't have time for this gathering of clowns. I am far more troubled by the absence of leadership (not even "leadership from behind") displayed by Obama as Italy, and perhaps all of Europe, melts down, with far-reaching consequences for the global economy.

Also, no mention by Gail of how Obama is avoiding antagonism with Iran as its nuclear weapons development program continues to progress. As stated in a Washington Post editorial entitled "Running out of time to stop Iran’s nuclear program" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/running-out-of-time-to-stop-irans-nuclear-program/2011/11/09/gIQAiFDQ6M_story.html):

"The Obama administration has been saying since last month, when it revealed an Iranian plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to the United States, that it intended to press for tougher sanctions. But in briefing reporters this week, officials appeared to back away from measures that would have real impact — such as a Treasury ban on transactions with Iran’s central bank. Though that step has strong support in Congress, the administration is wary that, by effectively shutting down Iran’s oil exports, it would provoke a spike in energy prices that would damage the fragile global economy.

That is a legitimate concern. But President Obama has said repeatedly that Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon is unacceptable — and the IAEA report makes clear the danger is growing, not diminishing. If Iran is to be stopped without the use of military force, the president, and the country, should be willing to bear some economic pain. The alternative — allowing Tehran to go forward — would be far more costly."

But why trouble herself with Italy or Iran, when instead, Collins can distract herself with "A Day at the Circus"? Indeed, politics is also more fun for Obama than overseeing the welfare of a nation and the world.

By the way, regarding WAPO's concern over diminished Iranian oil exports, I understand, after speaking with my friend King Abdullah, that Saudia Arabia and various Gulf countries are more than willing to boost production and make up for any slack, if only Obama could work up the cojones to confront Ahmadinejad.