White Lie?

Economists and politicians are separated into two different groups when it comes to how they want president Obama handling the current financial situation. Some are advising the president to continue his preached transparency and tell Americans the truth. They argue that Americans are strong and can handle the truth. Others ask the president to be more hopeful to restore consumer confidence, because telling people the truth about the current situation would cause further damage.

On the one hand, I can see why some would want Obama to maintain his approach from his campaign about change. When Obama faced the race issue during the 2008 run, he did not tell people what they wanted to hear, he delivered one of the most thought provoking speeches about race in American history. Every time he was criticized about his proposed policies (like speaking with Iran) by an opponent he maintained them and defended them instead of compromising and politicking.

On the other hand, a person is smart but people are stupid. People are bound to act in mob-like hysteria if learned a crushing truth like "Our economy has failed." If people know how much trouble the banks are in they would race to withdraw all their savings which surely would bankrupt our banks. I am sorry to say Mr. President that you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either be who you promised us you will be and risk further damage to our economy OR lie to us and give our economy a greater shot at recovery and risk your place in history.