Well, yes. This includes a continuing recession -- loss of job, home, self-respect -- stemming from the crisis in the national and international financial systems. But we're headed for something which is possibly even worse: disillusion with Barack Obama.
Some of Obama's actions lately have sown widespread doubt about his presidency. Are we talking about typical liberal self-doubt? Or worse?
The decision to feature Rick Warren at the inaugural has set off the doubts in Frank Rich's mind. But it doesn't end there. Already Rich is looking back at George W. Bush -- "his obsessive workouts and message control" -- and confesses that "for the first time a faint tinge of Bush crept into my Obama reveries this month." Me too, Frank. Of course, we'll continue to get endless tuna-melt and workout stories from the media because they remain brain-damaged from their contact with the outgoing felons. So subtract 50% cheddar and 50% treadmill time overall just to balance out the media's narrow attention to trivia. Even so, the problem probably doesn't g0 away for Frank Rich.
Me? I'm not so worried about Rick Warren. That's because I'm more optimistic, even given the tenacity -- the knee-jerkiness -- of our prejudices. There are still people who cringe at the sight of two men kissing just as there are still people (believe me!) who still use the word "nigra." We are imperfect. And the nigra/anti-gay people are often those who also open doors for others, give generous donations to the community health center, and rush unselfconsciously to help victims, regardless of color or sexual orientation, in a serious rear-ender at the Rte. 132 stop-sign. I suspect Rick Warren may be in that group, for all his bombast.
I worry about litmus tests out here on the left no less than on the right. It seems to me that any kind of litmus test is really just another form of prejudice. Giving people an either/or is so, so George Bush. Is it possible that choosing Rick Warren is a signal that Barack Obama will tolerate no either/or stuff from any of us, right or left?
Judgments of Obama's performance as leader should consist of things like how far his economic recovery effort actually includes all of us as sacrificers and beneficiaries. We're all in this together. I don't like those "Obama No!" bumper stickers on your Tahoe, but let me smile and hold the door for you anyway. There! Now I feel more like a grownup and a citizen!
