Martha’s Vineyard
Over the past weekend we were barraged with news commentators observing that President Obama is relaxing, golfing, and having a grand old time on Martha’s Vineyard. But I wonder why he is not back in Washington--perhaps to address an urgent and tense global economic upheaval, the gyrating stock and commodity markets, the continuing meltdown in the Middle East (the latest being Syria), figuring out how to get us out the Afghanistan mess, or maybe to focus on serious domestic issues like unemployment. Listen, the guy deserves some time off. Michelle and the kids get restless “back at the ranch,” and he needs to unwind. Does Barack deserve a vacation? Sure, we all do, but I marvel at why he would decide on such a visible venue. If I were the President, I would have hoofed up to Camp David (a wonderful secluded spot, I understand) to stroll in the woods and do some fishing in the local watering hole. This would improve the optics, as he’d be at an important “official” presidential location and would therefore be able to continue to address the serious affairs of state. The real estate industry, and business at large, needs these issues addressed aggressively. I’m glad the Obamas are relaxing, along with all of the other legislators who are also relaxing and preparing for more political intramurals come September. We really do deserve better.

Tony LoPinto is the Global Sector Leader of Korn/Ferry International's Real Estate Practice and founder of SelectLeaders. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.

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