Obama ProgressAnytime a center-left politician takes office, libertarians like myself watch closely for fear that they’ll take the opportunity to indulge in all the kinds of collectivist ideas their more extreme buddies natter about in their ears constantly. It has to be said – for whatever reason, whether the current crisis or the desire to keep those approval ratings high – Obama’s doin’ okay so far!

Today he announced his intention to cut spending; excellent news. He’s assembled a damned good economic team to advise him on economic policy. When the three main U.S. car manufacturers showed up to ask for a federal bailout and were turned away, Obama told them to come prepared to make changes in their industry next time. And the rumor is that the Bush tax cuts (which are