2 Overarching Questions for 2009

Here's a key section from Obama's Inauguration Speech:

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Let's be very generous and give him a year. By January 2010:

1. How many major, wasteful programs do you think will be cut?
   
2. Precisely what will happen to those in the public sector who have poorly managed the public's money?

If he proves wrong my healthy skepticism then I too will become a believer. Otherwise we'll know that these were merely "words, just words" and it'll be same old, same old.