Our president, once again, has demonstrated both his character and his lack of leadership ability. A strong leader would not propose increased tax revenues or allow broad automatic spending cuts to improve our economy.

The president doesn’t seem to understand basic economic principles. He thinks the government can create jobs, but what really happens? Tax revenue goes to the employees, who then pay taxes back to the government. But, the government has less revenue than it had before the government job was created, and no return on that “investment.” Significant jobs are created only in the private sector.

The president says that we have made “clear progress” toward economic recovery. However, unemployment is high (much higher than reported) and consumer confidence continues to decline. Further, his focus on new gun laws, climate change legislation and immigration reform will not improve the economy.

The president preaches compromise, but is unwilling to compromise on anything.

Until our government representatives uphold our Constitution and balance the budget, we can only expect more of the same.

Gary Fischer

Iowa City