Obama and the "Peter Principle"

In 1968 Dr. Laurence J. Peter demonstrated, at least in theory, the principle that those who are striving to elevate themselves, or are promoted, in their chosen profession to higher levels of status or importance will eventually reach a level of incompetence. This theory is widely known as the "Peter Principle", and such is the case with President Obama.

It might be said (I can't be sure) that Obama was a reasonably competent lawyer. It might also be believed by some that he excelled as a community organizer. Nor, can I imagine, considering his misquotes and lack of understanding, that he was much of a Professor of Constitutional law. Additionally, his competence as a State and US Senator causes me pause. But, one thing of which I am absolutely certain is that he has exemplified the "Peter Principle" as President. His double speak, vacillating answers, and flip flapping decisions leave no doubt that he has hit the ceiling.

To be fair, many Presidents could have better served in other professions and the country would have been better off for it, but most of those Presidents had intelligent and savvy handlers and caused modest damage. Obama, on the other hand, has Chicago Mob types as handlers and advisers and therefore the damage could be devastating.

Many voters realize they made a mistake in November, and are suffering (perhaps silently) for their screw-up and are looking for avenues of redemption. Unfortunately full redemption is three and a half years away, however partial recovering can be made in 2010.

Requiem for a Friend

A dear friend of mine died in November. He was born before World War II but he really did not begin to get sick until after that war. This illness started slowly but got progressively worse. Oh, there were times when he appeared to be recovering and I held out hope that this sickness would not just go into remission but would be a complete recovery. Sadly, it didn't and his health deteriorated.


My buddy was much older than I but we were still great friends. I will never forget the day we met. It was at school when I was very young and he was invited to give us instructions on how our government was supposed to function. He was a wealth of knowledge and he imparted much wisdom to me, although, I must admit I understood very little of what he was teaching at the time. However, as I grew older and matured I began to better understand the true value of our friendship and how I often called on him to help me deal with complex issues in my life. Not everyone liked my friend as I did and they often tried to get him to change. He never would, so those who hated him distorted his words and brought shame on his name. But even in the midst of trials and persecution he stood tall and his words were still true.


Don't misunderstand, my friend had to be shaped and molded slightly over the years but the changes, in most cases, were made with the understanding of his core principles.


There won't be a funeral anytime soon, for my friend will lie in state in Washington, DC for historians to view, but he is dead and I see no hope for his resurrection. Unless the tears of a nation bring him back to life.


I'll miss my friend. His name was Constitution.