I have no idea what a dyed in the wool liberal is, although I call myself one. I wish, heartily, to live in a country where anyone can marry anyone, where almost every gun is registered and every gun owner has to be certified sane and where abortion is a personal choice completely free of state or federal interference.
I don't think I'll ever live in that country...even if Barack Obama becomes president.
I am on the board of a non-profit health clinic that provides abortion services among other reproductive health services. Several of my fellow board members are drooling over the possibilities of an Obama presidency, thinking that the work we do will be so much easier in that case. Granted, they are young and idealistic, and I am older and I think, somewhat more pragmatic.
I will be happy to first see the draconian measures of Bush and friends rolled back or thrown out. These include the complete repeal of the Patriot Act, NSA wiretapping statutes and a complete re-working (and re-naming) of the Department of Homeland Security, a department created out of thin air combining at least 17 so-so agencies into one large ineffective dis-organization.
But I'm not like most Americans, many of whom have become comfortable, or at least accepting of the changes made by Bush in the freedom vs. security area. And on guns and progessive social issues (like same-sex marriage), don't count on a President Obama to make any great strides.
Gun Control
I live in Montana, where Governor Schweitzer has cut more than one ad touting his shooting skills. This time of year, it is not uncommon for me to drive through neighbor hoods where large groups of small children can be seeing toting shotguns across the road on their way to Gun Safety training in preparation for hunting season. According to Obama himself, none of that "tradition" is touchable.
"We can have reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respect the Second Amendment and people's traditions."
Politico Interview Feb 12, 2008
Gov. Schweitzer has repeatedly coaxed hunters to vote for Obama, saying he 'won't take away your guns.'
And in fact, when asked, most American do not express a preference for more control, only better enforcement of laws already on the books.
Same Sex Marriage
On same-sex marriage, Obama has stated in a lot of forums that it is a waste of time and resources to try to pass a Constitutional Amendment and has voted to repeal DOMA. He has been a strong defender of hate-crimes legislation, LGBT causes and equal rights protections. But as President, I would not count on even a whisper of support for gay marriage (he's personally against it) in a proactive way.
The Clintons came out of the gate with a mandate and a Dem Congress to propose...gays in the military and health care. Two years later, the Rethugs did to the Clintons what we may very well to the Rethugs in 3 days' time.
But I do not expect or even hope for a 'progressive' agenda from a President Obama. I expect some low-hanging fruit (NSA Wire Taps, several Patriot Act provisions, maybe shield laws) to be taken care of immediately, with support of the minority party. I expect a deficit-spending Keynesian regime to move the economy, supported again by the minority party. I have no doubt that the 19% approval Congress, even led by Democrats, are going to try to push a very progressive agenda.
Most of all I expect a move to the center and even a few faith-based initiatives thrown in. I expect a heavy dose of chest-thumping on Afghanistan at the same time forces are drawn down in Iraq.
Am I disappointed? Yeah. But, well, I don't live in Europe - I accepted that a long time ago.
I just hope that come late January, when we start to hear about the Obama administration's plans/hopes/dreams for executive actions and legislative proposals, that not too many of you are disappointed. I think we voted for a center-left candidate, but we'll get a more center-right president.