Reply #18: great perspective, i whole heartedly agree. [View All]

[BREMPRO]

I agree that the anti-obama sentiments are really misplaced, counterproductive, reflexive, and infuriating. He's actually trying to change things for the better- steer a ship that has been heading for an iceberg for 30 years, and some members here at DU'er don't seem to have any idea or appreciation of the power of forces stacked against him. It's the "you're not mopping fast enough" crowd. I said to one poster, "he's got a lot on his plate and much opposing him, cut the guy some slack," , and the response was "why, because he's black?" really disappointing, especially here on DU. He never said he could do it himself and has always insisted he needs our help to enact change. He can set the vision in his speeches, but without public support and actions (contacting your reps, letters to the editor, going to rallies, and accepting reasonable compromise etc..), congress will fall back on their corporate masters. He's is a president, not a dictator.

I get frustrated when i hear the "Public Option or Die" crowd ignore the credible research that shows "fee for service" delivery of health care is the more important than who pays; public or private insurance. The president made several attempts to highlight this issue, but the base was so focused on demonizing the insurance industry, that he got no traction. There's no excuse for not being educated about these issues and simply criticizing the president because he's not pushing for single payer ( or "demanding" a public option- he IS advocating for a public option). He was not elected on the platform of single payer, so why would you expect it?

Obama believes in achievable evolution, rather than radical revolution; In deliberation and consensus rather than dictatorial proclamation; Leadership through persuasion and reasonable compromise. This shouldn't be a surprise or disappointment to the majority who elected him. By all historical standards of democratic politics, these are also more effective long term strategies for change.

I wish more DU'ers understood and appreciated how much he's actually done by changing the course of the country already in 9 months: gotten an unprecedented coalition to sign up for significant positive changes in health care; helped bring us back from the brink of a depression (even if you dislike his economic team, there's a consensus among serious economists that this is true); pushed back against the oil and gas lobby for green energy and climate change legislation; transformed foreign policy from belligerent bluster and torture, to diplomacy and strategic alliances-vastly improved our status and influence in the world. The Nobel committee acknowleged and honored this change.

He IS pursuing a moderate progressive agenda and needs our help, support, critique, and patience to be effective.