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There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat

Julius Caesar by W. Shakespeare

It's 2012, decision time again: Did President Barack Obama live up to his great promise?

The great lesson of life is that greatness must be repeatedly chosen. Greatness is not achieved by following polls and approval ratings. President Obama learned quickly after his inauguration that the presidency is a series of tests. So, how did he do?

Despite his promise of high ethical standards in his administration, he appointed a number of people with problems ranging from tax evasion to pending criminal investigations. Several withdrew their names after being nominated.

After promising that the legislation to stimulate the economy would be clean and without "pet projects," he supported and signed a bill that independent observers admitted had more pork than Smithfield, Virginia. All-in-all, his first month was not one to inspire confidence in his leadership.

Still, a presidency should not be judged on just its first days. President Obama has many more opportunities ahead through which to demonstrate his leadership.

Test 1: Candidate Obama gambled his presidency and the safety of the United States on his belief that those people held in US custody for involvement in terrorism should be treated with personal and legal deference. Critics fear that this strategy will put the US at risk by limiting our access to information held by these prisoners. Outcome: ?

Test 2: Candidate Obama made promises to meet with rogue dictators in Iran, North Korea and elsewhere "without preconditions." Traditionally, this sort of open relationship has been reserved for our friends and allies in the world community. If President Obama appears too friendly to these countries, he risks offending or scaring our partners around the world. Outcome:?

Test 3: Israel has long been a major partner with the US in the Middle East. Remarks made by President Obama have raised doubts as to his commitment to the traditional alliance. His actions are critical to maintain and build on the fragile diplomatic environment of the region. Outcome:?

Test 4: A prolonged recession that does not respond (or responds negatively) to the President's policies may challenge Mr. Obama to change course and admit his early efforts were flawed. This would require courage and strength of character. Outcome:

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