The power of lists

Clichés are important, because they're usually true. "Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill" is sage advice. "Don't piss in a cops boot unless you want to go to jail" is axiomatic. "A stone without moss has recently been rolling" doesn't quite roll off the tongue, yet the more familiar adaptation is still valid.

One of my favorites is “Don't kick a rabbit for jumping.” Even if I didn't make it up, I'd still like it. Because I have such a clever tool at my disposal, I have a unique ability to solve one of the great mysteries of our age.

What's eating Barack Obama?

The problem is, perception. Our great and wise leader, the transformative figure that spoke so much better than “stupid old George Bush" has a hard time relating to the common man. Then again we mustn't kick rabbits for jumping.

There are certain things that the powerful just don't do. If Bill Gates is walking down the street and happens to see a quarter on the sidewalk… Does he stop and pick it up? No, the two or 3 seconds it would take for him to break his stride, bend down pick the coin up and put it in his pocket before resuming his gait is worth more than $.25.

Bill Gates not picking up a quarter, is just like a non-billionaire refusing to pick out cigarettes that have not been smoked down to the filter from ashtrays or the gutter.

In President Obama's world there are some things that are just beneath him. Trivial matters that are so far below his pay grade and intellectual superiority… That he doesn't perceive of, or address them.

Because our President operates at such a high level, he needs distractions, he needs relief from the powers of acute concentration that he applies to the problems that concern him.

To help clarify the hierarchy of activities in President Obama's world please review the lists below.

Issues that are beneath him.

(Trivial matters that do not require an individual of his talent and intellect to address)

1.    Unemployment 
2.    Economic conditions
3.    Securing our borders
4.    Free enterprise
5.    National security
6.    International threats
7.    Inflation
8.    Non-unionized  employees
9.   The integrity of the United States of America

Distractions

(Recreational pursuits that relieve the pressures associated with leadership)

1. International vacations
2. Golfing on the weekends
3. Smoking
4. Throwing parties at the White House
5. Observing cultural specific holidays
6. Domestic  vacations
7. Golfing during the week
8. Getting away with Michelle
9. Photo ops with his kids
10. Planning vacations
11. Air Force One
12. Wondering what Joe Biden will say next
13. Playing basketball
14. Talking about quitting smoking

 Unique and specific things that he feels qualified to address.

(Areas of expertise President Obama focuses on to the exclusion of all other activities.)

1. Standing in front of a Teleprompter
2. Reading prepared statements
3. Saying  “Let me be clear"
4. Fundraising
5. Running for reelection

Too often people expect their leaders and elected  officials to be focused, narrowly, on their office. A second area where disappointment can occur is when an official is not capable of performing certain tasks.

“Stupid old George Bush” had difficulty with grammar and looking comfortable in front of the camera.  As a result he was vilified and mocked for over nine years.

The current President will suffer much worse fate, he will be forgotten. Like Jimmy Carter and Millard Fillmore he is, at best, the answer to a trivia question;  and at worst, ignored like a fart in a bus station.