The Nation's Chris Hayes and Open Left's Chris Bowers recently lamented that Obama's picks for his administration are not coming from the ranks of the progressive movement. (Hayes since has qualified his initial lament.)

I argued the opposite earlier this month on the LIberalOasis Radio Show, that Obama had earned the "benefit of the doubt" when putting together the team he feels is best to execute his policies, and if we were to criticize Obama, it should be reserved for "matters of policy, not personnel."

Because what's most important now is to solve the myriad of crises in the economy, environment and health care, and to make a clean break with neocon foreign policy, and we in the grassroots need to keep our eye on the ball.

This week's developments further prove the point.

While Obama turned to some economic officials, most notably Larry Summers, who are not known for liberal policymaking, he did so while announcing that he intends to immediately sign legislation launching a:

...two-year, nationwide effort to jumpstart job creation in America and lay the foundation for a strong and growing economy. We’ll put people back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing schools that are failing our children, and building wind farms and solar panels; fuel-efficient cars and the alternative energy technologies that can free us from our dependence on foreign oil and keep our economy competitive in the years ahead.

Clearly, the past ideological inclinations of the people do not automatically dictate the policies.

Because that's major. While who carries out that policy objective -- so long as they are competent and trustworthy -- is minor.

Might these people eventually steer Obama in a bad policy direction? Or may Obama choose a bad policy direction on his own? Perhaps.

But that's the point where criticism is merited. Not now.