Reply #58: Certainly we can agree to disagree. I respect your opinion. On the other hand, it is my [View All]

[bertman]

contention that many of the changes that need to be made must be done dramatically and systemically and I don't see that happening.

I honestly believe that if he were unconstrained by the forces that control our presidents, he would be much more progressive than he is now. But the picture I get is of a president who is tinkering around the edges on too many critical issues. But, again, there are reasons (though not good ones) that Rahm Emanuel, Robert Gates, Larry Summers, Tim Geithner, and many others were put into his intimate circle of adviser-handlers.

For the last year I have partially (and quixotically) suspended my belief that our presidents are controlled by forces that dictate the President's agenda. I am not referring to Congress, of course. But, after the speech last night I have sloughed off any illusions of Presidential independence. His arguments were so mainline imperial in nature that I was taken aback. The President Obama that I had hoped beyond hope would appear has proved to be as ephemeral as world peace, a balanced budget, equality for all Americans, and universal healthcare.

Frankly, I will be shocked if President Obama veers left on anything. And right now, centrism is a grave danger to our nation's survival and the planet's survival. IMO.