It's not often enough in politics that we witness an unequivocal good.
This is an unequivocal good. President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry are responsible for this unequivocal good.
During the extended and at times corrupt process, President Obama sometimes was criticized for not making the quick decision that was so obvious. Even as he rejected Republican attempts to force his hand, he focused on process. Even as the traditional media horrendously misreported the entire story, he allowed the process to play out. There was a process, and he allowed it to play out.
Waiting was frustrating, but the process necessitated it. The corruptions of the process were disturbing, but they were recognized and revisited. President Obama and Secretary Kerry stood by the process, despite the political heat. In the end, they made the right decision. That is all we can ask of our elected officials: abide by process, do the right thing. It doesn't happen enough. When it happens, that alone deserves recognition and appreciation. It's how government should work. With both the process and the conclusion, with the Keystone XL pipeline decision President Obama and Secretary Kerry did the right thing. They deserve out thanks.