In true harmony with his narcissistic messianic complex, Barack Obama's first political appointment was Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, a man who's name in Hebrew means "God is with us".
But all joking aside, I feel that Emanuel may prove to be a decent choice for the job and offer some balance to the Obama philosophical platform. Although both men tend to lean far left on domestic issues such as universal health care, abortion, and gay marriage, Mr. Emanuel stands diametrically opposed to Obama on many foreign policy matters including the war in Iraq and our relations in the Middle East. Although he feels President Bush made a few strategic blunders, Emanuel supports Bush's all out war on terror including the invasion of Iraq and the ousting of Saddam Hussein. Where Obama tends to be a little too pro-Palestinian, Emanuel, a modern orthodox Jew, is fully pro-Israel. A first generation American, he held dual American-Israeli citizenship until the age of 18 and served in the Israeli military during the first Gulf War.
So hats off to you, Mr. Obama, for not selecting a "yes man" as your first appointee. I understand that as an intellectual, you enjoy debate with those of opposing views. I hope that your domestic cabinet positions may be filled with individuals who may help align you more with the center.
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