Ending the Federal Career Intern Program

Obama's decision to end the Federal Career Intern Program is exactly the kind of in-house decision a Democratic president needs to make. Bush ruled by federal order throughout his presidency, eviscerating environmental and labor regulations. The Federal Career Intern Program was designed to get around federal hiring practices and public sector unions by bringing federal workers, particularly border and customs agents, in under what was essentially a temp worker program. Although originally proposed under Bill Clinton, Bush expanded its use throughout the government. In 2009, over 26,000 people were hired through the program.

One of Obama's greatest powers is to reverse the executive decisions Bush made. He hasn't done so nearly to the extent that one would like. Obviously, he has a lot on his plate. However, he could make having subordinates identify and reverse bad policies a top priority. In any case, this is a positive development.