As we are now quickly moving forward to the end of Obama’s presidency, America should give gratitude and appreciation to a president who is leaving office with his head held high, with numerous accomplishments even during some of the most difficult days in history. He and Michelle gave so much to our country over the past eight years even when they were constantly attacked, vilified and smeared
Ten reasons why we should show appreciation to President Barack Obama
and First Lady Michelle Obama
- By introducing insurance Reform, at least 20 million more Americans now have coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Those without insurance have declined significantly with 95% of Americans now insured. Added benefits helped those under 25 to remain on their parents insurance as well as making it illegal to deny insurance for those with pre-existing conditions.
- The destruction of Al Qaeda, and death of Osma bin Laden, has been a relentless priority for Obama. He made it a priority to destroy the terrorist group and its top leaders leaving the group in tatters
- The American Automobile industry bailout pushed and signed by the president not only saved American Automobile companies but three million jobs that are connected to the automobile industry in one-way or another.
- The infrastructure stimulus or Recovery Act of $787 billion dollars, the President pushed and signed helped cities and states throughout the country to build and repair numerous freeways, bridges and other forms of infrastructure, which also helped employ thousands and keep thousands more from losing there jobs during the Great Recession.
- A scandal free eight years, where ethics and honesty were enforced and America was spared the drama that so many administrations drag the country through.
- The normalization and equality of LGBT’s Americans. No President has done more in improving the lives of LGBT Americans The President has constantly Stood up both here and around the world for the rights of gays, lesbians and trans people. From his state of the union speeches to his signing the act for LGBT people to serve openly in the military and on to his supreme court nominees who helped make marriage equality a reality. This President will standout throughout history as a giant for civil rights.
- Both President and First Lady Obama have always been an example of dignity, honor and class through all the vicious attacks and smears, including denying the President his nationality and religion. As Michelle said, “ they take the low road, but we will take the high road.”
- A President for the earth and its environment he took countless actions such as the signing of the International Climate Agreement in Paris, to signing new higher fuel emissions standards, to the Clean Power Plan, which reduces Carbon Dioxide emissions by 32% from 2005 levels by 2030, as well as stimulus spending for clean energy projects.
- After decades of conflict, Obama normalized relations with Cuba, by opening embassies in each country and allowing travel and business opportunities for many Americans and Cubans.
- An amazing American recovery from what was almost another depression that we haven’t seen since the 1930’s. As the stock market crashed and up to 750,000 Americans was losing their jobs each month our President stepped in calmly and led us through the horrific days of the Great Recession. All of his actions and priorities led to unemployment today at 5% down from 10%, a record high in the stock market of 19000 last week. Record low inflation gas prices and interest rates all happened under the Obama administration. 63 straight months of private sector job growth, which led to 12.8 million new jobs just further prove that our President was a strong and steady leader who got things done.
We on the left need to continually remind our families and all Americans of the facts! Even though President Obama doesn’t like to boast or take a victory lap, we need to make sure that no one forgets where we came from during the darks days of 2008 to where we are now in 2016. “Change we believe in” and “ The Audacity of Hope” were not just hollow campaign slogans. America came back as is still moving forward!
We also need to make sure that Trump does not claim these successes as his own, or try to destroy and dismantle the positive and wonderful accomplishments of our great President. When the inauguration occurs in January for the Electoral College winner and he takes his oath it will be time to stand up! Fight back! Act Up! We are the majority and we won by over 2 million votes. We cannot afford to be silent!