I haven't written a diary here in years, but I have been a fairly regular poster and an avid reader. I've though about writing a number of diaries, but I never actually followed through. However, I feel I must post how I feel with latest turn of events and the so-called deal that has come out of the "leadership" of this country in Washington.
I'm only 24, but I'd say the first time I started seriously following politics was during the 2000 recount, which ended up leaving me extremely disappointed and demoralized. But that is the past and I accept what it is and all of what happened during the Bush years, including his reelection that left me quite frightened for the country. Of course, I opposed Bush at pretty much every turn. I think the only issue I found reason with him was on immigration.
My optimism came during the 2006 election when Democrats took control of Congress. I've always been a huge fan of Speaker Pelosi and that still continues, despite the wishes of some for impeachment of Bush. I know the difference between what is ideal and what is practical, which is how I set expectations between Bush and the Democratic Congress. I was even more optimistic when I voted for Barack Obama in 2008. In fact, I was very proud to do so. I was proud as an American to see him elected and inaugurated. After that, I understood the realities of what governing would entail. The stimulus should have been better and I would definitely have preferred single-payer as the end result of healthcare reform. I supported his judicial nominations and have been especially pleased with his Supreme Court choices. However, I ultimately cannot continue to support President Obama.
The first time I was truly angry at this President was when he essentially caved to right and extended the Bush tax cuts for the rich. At that point, I had not given up on him, but I did unsubscribe from his email list as a result. I could not accept that form of capitulation to the far-right. I essentially became indifferent at that point in that I would vote for him if he gave me enough reason. Disappointment was my primary feeling at that point.
With this latest deal on the debt ceiling, I have reached my limit. I am mostly saddened to say that I can no longer support this President and I cannot vote for him again without betraying my own principles. I feel that with this capitulation, he has both failed and betrayed those that voted for him, including myself. This is not a deal or a compromise in any sense of those words. It is capitulation that essentially gives the Republicans everything they asked for and more.
The most well-off among us are asked to contribute nothing, while hard-working Americans continue to suffer. For the first time in my life, I am truly very scared for this country and the people. Hope that Senator Obama asked for as a candidate is nonexistent today. Time and time again, he has given the far-right everything they asked for and more. That is something I cannot vote for again. I'm afraid for the United States of America. Corporatists will continue to wage war against the average American. The situation will only get worse as social services are slashed at the federal level as they are currently at the state and local level. I don't see any hope in this country anymore. I feel totally betrayed by President Obama and I just cannot see voting for him again.
I look at other so-called "socialist" countries and think of how this country can be made better for working Americans. I'm not a conservative in the least bit and I know this diary might be attacked or be controversial. But please, make no mistake that I believe in progressive causes. I want single-payer nationwide. I want to see mandatory sick pay and vacation time for workers. I want to see the social safety net survive to ensure that all Americans do not suffer in times of need. I want fair taxation that ultimately rewards work. The current state of affairs and this deal will attack the hard-working Americans and continue to reward the accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few. I will continue to support those Democrats that support the middle-class and other hard-working Americans. My support cannot go any further than that. I cannot vote for what is ultimately caving to the extreme right-wing of this country and their attack on working Americans. This has left me angry, saddened, and demoralized all at the same time. I really don't know what else to say.