We all worked and fought hard to elect Obama a couple of years ago. I must admit Obama made it clear that the work wasn't over. The message and intent was clear that we could enjoy at least some advances toward a progressive agenda, a progressive and forward thinking and, even possibly ethical society. What happened? Did we not do our jobs?
There are too many backslides to note- Patriot Act, Wars, Wars, Wars, Regulation, the Environment, Cronyism...and while Obama has come through on some promises -healthcare, getting Bin Laden...I cannot help but wonder: Is it possible to elect and keep a progressive President? I mean Bush was true to his horrible right wing roots, why can't we enjoy some advances? Is it written in democratic DNA that we need to relent, "be reasonable" (meaning giving in) You may cite, at this point-the crazy crazy House of Representatives, and I will agree. The insane obstructionism, that I would argue amounts to treason, is an overwhelming problem, but where was our agenda before the incoming parade of teastooges? It felt like we took a couple of progressive steps, got sidetracked by attending to the needs/demands/angry, irrational rants of the right, then gave up. What am I missing here. They bulldoze their agenda regardless of public sentiment (wars???) and seem to hum along. I go back to the need for passion, not civility. Obama was elected because of his passionate, forward-thinking message, not because he was a reasonable compromise maker-he needs/needed, to push forward the progressive agenda without looking back and angry wackjobs in the rear view mirror.