Nicely Done

We've become cynical about our government's ability to handle crises.  After 8 years with George 'Mission Accomplished' Bush at the helm, we've become used to ham-handed miscues and blunt force blow-backs.  We are habituated to a government approaching crises with all the delicacy of a ball-peen hammer used to crack an egg.

Shocking then, in the most pleasantly surprising way, to read about the deft handling of the Somali pirate hostage crisis by President Obama and the US military.  

It's a surprise even though we've come to view Mr. Obama as a thoughtful man.  After all, some of his administration's economic moves have been, well, a little like blunt instruments being slammed down on someone's head.  But perhaps those were situations where only a ball-peen hammer would do.  

The President's handling of the latest pirate crisis indicates he has a wide range of tools, simple or complex, sharp as well as blunt, at his disposal.  And the wisdom to know which to use.