Political Change

Change was the primary policy - or maybe it was just a slogan - offered by Senator Obama during the recent election campaign.

After his victory, all of us would be well advised to heed these wise words spoken by Thomas H. Huxley:

"The results of political changes are hardly ever those which their friends hope or their foes fear."

If President-elect Obama really plans radical change, let us hope that there are some in his administration who are aware of this thought from Jacob Burckhardt:

"Great historical transformations are always bought dearly, often after one has already thought that one got them at a bargain price."

Politicians are panicking about the prospects for a severe recession. Driven by public opinion, the temptation to do something - anything - is almost overwhelming. Since the Law of Unintended Consequences must always be reckoned with, caution is likely to be a safer course of action. The old proverb 'decide in haste, repent at leisure' applies to our current situation.