I and many of the 'liberal'(and yes I did say liberal and I’m not afraid of it, as we have allowed the far right to demonize that term) decent folks who ARE the reason for Mr. Obama occupying the Whitehouse today are beginning to wonder if indeed that he is the agent of change and the new and bold leader we worked our butts off to get elected last year.
I make this claim not only on his seeming inability to show strong leadership on healthcare reform but also on many of the stances he has taken on issues that are totally contrary to the views of the 'majority' of Americans who helped him in his historic run for office.
He's managed to court favor with the Republicans and the so-called 'blue dog' democrats on a number of issues while totally slamming the door on us, the very people who got him elected. Yes a slap in the face of the many who actually believed we had finally found a true leader who would be FOR the people. He appears weak by standing up and blaming cable news for not helping him get out the truth to the people when he himself has made clear his stand on reform to the people. He turned over this important reform issue to 6 senators, half of which are Republicans who's aim is his presidential failure.
You immediately removed 'single payer' from any healthcare reform discussion, an issue you campaigned on. A slap in our face.
You've been inconsistent at best in your support of a 'public option', which you guaranteed during your campaign speeches. A slap in our face. You've allowed the Congress to now toy with a proposal called 'co-op' which does not in any way make the insurance companies accountable and give them competition... A slap in the face.
This sort of behavior is simply not acceptable to those of us on the left who are responsible for getting you elected. I know of many who are losing or have lost confidence in your ability to persue the progressive agenda you campaigned on.
It's way past time to stop trying to refute the many erroneous and quite frankly hideous charges presented on the far right and to take a stand. Come out and lead as you promised to do. You will not continue to enjoy our support if you continue to court bi-partisanship from a Republican Party that has no intention of ever working with you And if you lose your loyal base of support Mr. President, then who else will you turn to?
As for you so-called 'blue dog' democrats, you are despicable at best. Many of you who are in office today because of the progressive movement initiated by this President. And now it appears that you were simply there for the ride. You have come out against the most important piece of legislation promised by the democratic party in last years election which you ferverently supported. I would be more respective of you if you would just change political party affiliation to Republican. You certainly seem to be echoing their stance... At least we knew what to expect from Republicans. The devil we could see.
What ever happened to the President we thought we elected. He certainly does not look familiar today...
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Hi Reggie,
ReplyDeleteWhat is a "blue dog" democrat? I do not understand that term. Wow, you are really upset with Obama. It does seem that people are disappointed with the absence of any bold action that he seemed to promise during the election campaign. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed is rising by the day. (I confess, I just wanted to give you a hello from down here in Oceanside where this training is going on. Will be glad to be back on home turf next week. Take care and keep blogging,
JO
Thanks Jo for your comment. 'blue dogs' are a coalition of congress members formed in 1996 who are a part of the democratic party. They formed this group to oppose many of the views of the most liberal of the demoratic party. Most of them are socially liberal yet fiscally conservative. and most are now taking a conservative stance on the new healthcare reform proposals, which by the way, were not objected to during the campaign season last lear. Most of them never spoke in opposition when then Senator Obama promised during his campaign speeches, to deliver a strong healthcare bill including 'single payer' and a 'public option' component. But now they are standing with Republicans in opposition in part because many are from so-called 'red states' and their jobs are on the line with conservatives in those states. It's such a mess and although i'm disappointed in the President for seeming to be a bit too laid back I still hope that we can finally get a badly needed healthcare reform bill passed this year. I hope this helped a little with the confusion.
ReplyDeleteHi again Reg...
ReplyDeleteOthers in our office have said they are also disappointed in Obama's stance so far. Maybe he will get more proactive as the news of public sentiment drift up to him.