Should a President Allow Other Party Members in the Cabinet?

The news media is really excited about Obama selecting a Republican for his cabinet. Apparently they believe that only men of the same party have any intelligence. They also ignore the fact that as President, Mr Obama represents both Democrats and Republicans and is responsible to both.

Abraham Lincoln selected one of his opponents because he believed the man was the best qualified for the job, and because he needed views of someone who would not always agree with him. I am amazed by the arrogance of those who think it wise to choose only those of ones own party as advisors. History has repeatedly shown that both parties make mistakes. being open to a different view may help one to see flaws in ones own position, and correct them or replace the idea.

I realize that most seem to feel that only their own party has anything of value to contribute, but I have found that it is easy to look only at the positives of my position, and convince myself that my idea is the only possible solution. Being willing to listen to someone who definitely disagrees about some things is a sign of a mature intelligence. President Obama not only opens doors with the Republicans by this decision, he also displays a level of concern for the nation. He wants to find the best solution, not just one that he or his party thought up.

I wish that both parties would focus on the good of the country, not just their party. Unfortunately, too many are politicians, rather than statesmen. They are focused on their political benefit instead. One reason the economic crisis has reached the proportions it has is that Both parties have been so busy trying to get control of Congress for the last three years that they ignored warnings and refused to deal with the problems when they were warned in 2005, choosing to focus on the 2006 and 2008 elections.

The American people did not elect their representatives to run for office, but to conduct our business. Many congressmen were like Governor Richardson of New Mexico, who spent many months running for office, leaving the lieutenant governor to run the state. Residents have every right to be upset that he was more interested in getting another job than in fulfilling his current duties.