Let's See What The Promise Is

In his latest pivot towards the economy (and away from Obamacare), president Obama is about to unveil an initiative for what he calls "promise zones".  These are areas which will get special attention from the federal government in an effort to reduce poverty.  Of course, no one yet knows just how this will be done because(as was the case with Obamacare) so far we have had a lot of talk about the goal and some generalities about the content.  After nearly a week of build up, we still don't know what the proposal consists of.

It may be that the promise zones will have a positive effect.  It is probably safe to say that the promise zone won't equate to the promised land, though.  Let's hope that Obama decides to tell us what his plans for these zones are before he asks Congress to pass the laws that authorize them.  We have had enough of laws from Obama that Congress has to pass before we can find out what is in them.

Don't get me wrong.  I would welcome a rational and targeted proposal by Obama that would encourage economic growth in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country.  Just remember that I said "rational" proposals.  If this turns out just to be some localized give away to create more dependence on the federal government while doing nothing to grow the economy, it will not be a good thing for America.