plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose

Well, actually I don't, because in some ways, it seems like you never left.

OK, that's a little harsh, but this week's headlines remind me of the continuity of previous policies, failed or otherwise that seem to transcend Democrat or Republican administrations. First, by filing suit against Arizona over the mandatory use of e-Verify, the Obama administration continues the failed Bush policy of paying lip service to immigration enforcement, but not actually enforcing anything. This lawsuit totally gives the lie to any belief that the feds are in any way serious about the border. As if we needed more proof, ditto to the sending of National Guard troops to the border, only to fill administrative jobs.

Second, in a move that brings to mind, ... drum roll please... Richard Nixon, Obama is invoking executive privilege in withholding papers on Elena Kagan, from when she worked for Clinton, now nominated to be a Supreme.

Third, we get political cluelessness in the face of a disaster in Louisiana. I am not getting into blame here, for either Bush or Obama, but you have to admit that they both got their political rear ends handed to them over Katrina and BP Oil Spill respectively.

Finally, no headlines, but Obama continues to increase the national deficit started under Bush. I guess I do wish the deficit was only as large as when Bush left office; maybe I am missing him.