Amid all of hand-wringing and complaining about our president, I thought I would offer my own opinions on how Obama is doing. I don't expect this diary will make that much of an impact on others' views, but there are some things that I need to express.
Since taking office, Obama has successfully brought our economy out of free fall. As a result the number of jobs being lost each month has steadily decreased and foreclosure rates are dropping.
I am also proud that the president has decided to close Gitmo. This step, as well as his eloquent speeches at Cairo and yesterday's Nobel address in Oslo have done much, in my view, to restore America's standing in the world.
In terms of global warming, the EPA's recent decision to classify carbon dioxide as a dangerous pollutant is certainly encouraging.
As for health care....At the very least it appears Congress will eventually pass legislation that expands coverage to some degree and also curbs abuses like the ability of insurers to drop patients due to preexisting conditions.
Like the majority of Americans, I would prefer to see a robust public option. But seriously, it was never in the cards when you have to muster the support of politicians like Landrieu, Lieberman, Lincoln and Ben Nelson.
Our federal system of governance is messy and unwieldy. The obstacles in the Senate (60-vote threshold) were a saving grace during the Bush presidency. Now many see them as an annoying hindrance to progress. But simply put, that is the reality.
Personally I put a lot of stock in the favorable reaction the recent Gang of 10 compromise has received from Sen. Sanders, Howard Dean and The New York Times editorial board. I believe that the final version of the bill will be a first step in the right direction. More must be done, but I sincerely think we are on the path to meaningful reform.
During his campaign,Obama repeatedly emphasized the change would not come easily. His first year in office has shown this to be true.
Now don't get me wrong - the president is not perfect. Corporate interests still wield far too much clout in Washington. There is no doubt that more change is needed. But change takes time and it takes courage and it also takes patience - a virtue that I find sorely lacking among many in the Daily Kos community. What I see as the bottom line: we are headed in the right direction, though the journey will be long and arduous.
What motivated me to write this diary is the recent deluge of shrill whining about the president's shortcomings. I am glad that I voted for Obama and I would cast my ballot for him again without hesitation.
Yes, progressives should hold the feet of the president and other Democrats to the fire. We should fight tirelessly for our beliefs and
goals. But too often we overlook what has been accomplished and what can realistically be accomplished given existing circumstances.
That is how I see reality.
TGIF