THE NEW OBAMA

A few hours ago, President Obama asked Congress for the powers necessary to restructure the executive branch of the government.  These powers, according to Obama, would be used to create a leaner, more effective government for small businesses to work with.

By streamlining many government hurdles through combining and eliminating many government entities, the processes by which businesses in this country work under would become less burdensome and more effective in combating the recession.  On top of this request for power, Obama announced the Small Business Administration would be promoted to a cabinet level position, ensuring the voices of small business owners would be heard.

This is just the most recent of the President's attempts to woo businesses in this country - and it's working.  For the past month, Obama has focused his efforts on the economy, jobs, and creating a safer, consumer-friendly environment for businesses to participate in.  With a renewed commitment to the Consumer Protection Agency,  the passage of the payroll tax holiday, future cuts to the defense budget, and a call for "leaner" government through merging agencies, Obama is positioning himself as a new kind of liberal in an effort to gain popularity in an election season.

Obama's new policies aren't all expanding or shrinking government; they are creating a smarter, more effective government that will help drive the economy in the 21st century.  With all of the hoopla on the right involving his massive expansion of government, Obama is showing his true colors: he is not committed to a larger government or less freedom, but to creating a government and economic system that is fair, productive, and ready to combat the future.

I have personally been impressed with the President's performance in the new year.  With the GOP preaching about extreme measures that would radically impact the way this country operates, Obama is providing common sense solutions that will have huge implications.

This much is clear.  After spending the majority of his first term in healthcare battles and continual staff debacles, Obama is finally regaining his mojo, focusing on what needs to be the top priority for this country: creating a 21st century government model for a 21st century economy.