no, i'm saying the likeliest scenario is that the president chooses NOT to flex the muscles of the executive branch on this issue, instead letting it die and blaming congress for its failure. sure, he'll SAY how great it would be and how awful it is that congress is blocking it. CW is right of course, that if the president REALLY wanted it to happen, then it would. what i'm saying is that i'm not so convinced that he's as committed to successful action on the issue as he is to using it to score political points.

JL

This is one of those perfect distraction issues. Depending of course on how it is presented I can see the situation arise that congress raises a great hue and cry over how the president is committing executive overreach, this is a job killer, blah,blah blah. The left will also raise it's hue and cry that the republicans are not looking out for the average Joe, this is something to help the middle class, blah, blah, blah. While all of this is occupying the punditocracy and the media spins it as they are want to do we can expect some truly odious piece of legislation to slip through un-noticed (I.E. approval of "Fast Track" status for the TPP). It would not be the first time that corporate interest blocks of both parties have used the cover of a populist or galvanizing issue to slip something under the radar that would not have a snowballs chance in Florida of passing if it was to receive the debate and scrutiny it normally would have with out the distraction issue occupying all of the airwaves.

Don't get me wrong I hope that this gets done as the overtime adjustment is sorely needed and in short order will help the economy improve as well as improving peoples lives. It has just been too long since the corporate power blocks from either party have legislated strictly for the good of the people....

JL,

OK. Let's try another approach. I'll quote CW.

"The truly beautiful thing about raising the bar for mandatory overtime is that President Obama can accomplish it on his own -- without being blocked by the Republicans in Congress."

So, what are you saying? That CW is telling us about something that he will never actually propose? That he will propose this rule change and then during the one month feedback period he'll say "nevermind"? Something else? That's what I'm asking.

:D

Michale

Truer words were never spoken...

Michale

on some level I'm sure he wants it, in a pie in the sky, gee that'd be nice sort of way. but when the rubber meets the road this president (and any other politician in this climate) will abandon principle for the practicality of placating big campaign donors.

JL

Oh, the GOP is already legislating...

But it's Obama who is being Obstructionist with his veto pen...

Didn't take long for the Obstructionist label to cross the partisan aisle, eh?? :D

Michale

Duh.........

OK, OK... THAT was uncalled for..

My apologies...

Michale

JL, while I agree that corporations will be opposed because they're greedy and the GOP will oppose anything that the black tyrant proposes, why would BHO even propose a rules change that he doesn't want?

"One of the things we're going to have to discuss and debate is how are we striking this balance between the need to keep the American people safe and our concerns about privacy. Because there are some trade-offs involved. I welcome this debate, and I think it's healthy for our democracy."
-Barack Obama

Why would Obama say he wants this legislation when he doesn't really want it??

Because it's politically expedient and politically correct to do so.....

Duh.........

Michale

I don't think it will be interesting. I think their reaction will be fact-free and predictable - they will call it a job killer.

"Facts are stupid things." - Ronald Reagan

Of course, the GOP could always legislate if they don't like it, but nobody should hold their breath waiting for that to happen.

JL, while I agree that corporations will be opposed because they're greedy and the GOP will oppose anything that the black tyrant proposes, why would BHO even propose a rules change that he doesn't want? He's not proposing legislation that the GOP would just ignore. Are you saying that you think he's hoping for a huge public uproar that will kill this idea?

Had me going there for a moment.. :D

meaning neither obama nor the republicans in congress will likely want to see this passed.

Now, now, Joshua... Don't be doing my job for me.. :D

But seriously, I see your point.

There IS a downside to the 1%'ers...

Michale

JL

I mean, as you have outlined it, this isn't the BAIT AND SWITCH like the minimum wage issue...

If Obama proposes it just as you have outlined it, with the figures that you have used, I am betting the GOP will get behind it..

The only question is, will they get any credit for getting behind Obama on it?? :D

Michale

You're calling this one well and explaining it clearly, CW. Thanks.