It didn’t take the President long to pull the “Bush card” regarding the VA scandal. Accountability and honor are not necessarily hallmarks of this administration. Nevertheless, it’s noteworthy that many of the same responses keep coming up whenever President Obama’s leadership is called into question. “The president found out from news reports.” “The president was unaware.” “The president is looking into the matter.” “The president is taking appropriate measures.” And of course, the tired but old reliable, “It’s Bush’s fault.”

The job of president by description calls for authority, as well as command and control of the issues which affect us all. In the case of our republic, that authority is granted by the voter, thus all accountability for same is owed that voter. Now while there’s something to be said for any elected official attempting to reconcile what they see as the sins of a predecessor, there does come a time when that person, entrusted with representative leadership, must step up and actually lead. In contrast and nearly six years into his presidency, Barack Obama has avoided, blamed, mischaracterized, and otherwise deflected in all matters of consequence and accountability to “We the People”. Appropriately, his legacy will be one of a great divider, not a great leader.