I wish this weren't my first diary entry here on DKos. I have been an avid reader for four years now. I find that it is one of the best places on the internet to find relevant political news, well written opinion pieces, some good rants, and some generally informed people. Comments and diaries here have always seemed to have a degree of respect that is sorely lacking on the internet. It is relatively free of blatant racism, inexcusable ignorance, and loony conspiracy theories (although I do enjoy a good conspiracy at times) which makes it a breath of fresh air compared to most other sites. (Although in the last few months the discourse here has disappointed me, come on, we are mostly all on the same side!)
I have wanted to write a diary for awhile, but have somehow managed to keep my thoughts to myself, and away from a keyboard...which is no small feat considering how outspoken I am. This first entry really isn't even a diary, but the letter I wrote to serve notice of my unsubscription to the Organizing Change for America (or whatever its called) newsletter. I was inspired by the diary currently at the top of the rec list. It isn't very in depth, I could go much deeper, but I just wanted to vent a small amount of my frustration to whoever has been filling both my email inbox(es) with fundraising messages I conveniently ignore since I am a broke college student (University of Missouri: Political Science major/Economics minor). It came from the heart and I wrote it in about three minutes, so please ignore any minor mistakes.
I hope to write a real diary sometime in the future; general apathy and a severe case of procrastination have kept me from it so far. But I felt like I should share what I wrote to Organizing for America since it is a reflection of what many of us feel. Anyways, enjoy, I have an Economics thesis to write on the war against public education and this was merely a welcome distraction.
Without further ado, my letter:
To whom it may concern,
While I still believe there is no better alternative to be POTUS at the moment. President Obama's compromises on legislation have relegated his positions to be meaningless. As a college student I actively campaigned in 2008. I believed that the gross abuses of power by President Bush would be fixed. I was willing to give President Obama time to work, since President Bush had left such a mess. However, the nearly complete capitulation of the Democratic party to the Republicans after the midterm elections has left me more cynical and pissed off than ever.
The failure to close Guantanamo and recognize the extraordinary rendition program, coupled with the lack of accountability for the torture that was authorized for use in American bases around the world, is inexcusable. Allowing the grossly corrupt and bloated financial giants to have their way with policy is disgusting. The health care bill, while it has some beneficial provisions, falls far short of what is necessary to curb rising health costs and a greedy insurance industry. The bill, as I read it, is a giant handout to the health insurance industry, the lack of a public option or single payer system is a serious shortfall that will, in my opinion, lead to the eventual failure of the current bill. The Justice Department appears to be merely an extension of what it was during the Bush years. I understand that once new executive power is realized, that subsequent administrations have every incentive to use it, but the refusal to backtrack on the overreaches will eventually lead the people against you. Finally, allowing the tax cuts to be extended for the super rich is just pathetic. The deficit must not really be that big of a problem, because otherwise you would have made a stronger stand. A two year extension will only make it more difficult to correct the mistake in the future.
The Republicans, to me, appear to have no interest in governing. They only wish to destroy Obama's presidency. So play some hardball, and fight fire with fire! The Republicans are very good at bitching and moaning about things on TV, so make some tough decisions and let them bitch and moan. If the decisions end up helping the American people in the end, then it won't matter what is said. Good policy will prevail over poor politics.
Until President Obama and Congress can prove to me that they are capable of proposing and passing prudent and effective legislation, I do not wish to be contacted for fundraising or "calls to action." When I see a little bit of fight, I'll reconsider.
I wish you the best,
Aaron Wynhausen