A Black man from Hyde Park is elected president and the "progressives" aren't happy..WAA WAA WAA

[wndycty]

And I say that as a progressive Black man (I'm sure folks will accuse me of not being progressive). Give me fucking break!

Progressives better learn something that Black folks are coming to grips with: Barack Obama is not the President of Black America nor is he the President of Progressive America or Democratic America but the United States of America (I think I just paraphrased his 2004 convention speech).

I see a lot of progressive belly aching and I must say I'm sick of it. The man has not even been sworn in or formally announced members of his cabinet yet folks are up in arms.

I understand that as progressives we should expect him to throw us a bone, but its way to early to even evaluate that.

I wonder what folks who are bitching about his leaked appointments not being progressive enough say if:

Sec. of State Clinton ends up being a damned good diplomat, restoring our country's reputation and ends the damn war.

Sec. of HHS Daschle, Ted Kennedy and the Obama administration give us health care reform, maybe even universal health care.

Attorney General Holder makes sure we close Gitmo and runs the Justice Department as an organization that protects are civil liberties.

I think my progressive friends need to know what my Black friends know, Obama is one of us (YES HE IS FUCKING PROGRESSIVE), but he will not only serve us, but after 4-8 years a lot of our agenda items will be addressed.

[Breeze54]

1. It's not way to early....

although we knew about his stance on Afghanistan and FISA before the election.

"Sec. of State Clinton ends up being a damned good diplomat, restoring our country's reputation

and ends the damn war."

:rofl: You are funny!!! :P

[jrockford]

41. I thought that was funny too -

The OP is obviously living in some kind of dream world - "what if", haha, yeah, I suppose ANYTHING is possible. Likely, no, possible yes. Guess we'll have to just wait and see.

Though I think anyone who thought Obama was a "progressive" or "left" was obviously not paying attention.

[MarthaMyDear]

2. Great post, wyndycty...K&R...

...wtf is going on with all the bitching and moaning...give me a break!

[SuperTrouper]

3. I'm with you. Barack will cover our agenda and America's agenda

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

4. I hear you!

People, people, people. Take a chill pill. It's going to be allright. Obama is no fool and has big brass ones. I don't see him getting pressured or pushed around. He has to steer the ship and make some decisions that may not seem to make sense.
We are in a representative republic. We elected him to run the government, 'of, by and for' the people. Let's just wait and see what happens........... :shrug:

[Metric System]

5. Agreed.

[ProSense]

6. Here's a hint: Black doesn't equal progressive,

that is unless Clarence Thomas means there is a progressive on the SCOTUS.

[phleshdef]

10. Where the hell did the original poster ever imply that it did???

[ProSense]

22. "know what my Black friends know, Obama is one of us (YES HE IS FUCKING PROGRESSIVE)"

Not debating whether or not Obama is a progressive, but that's hardly proof.

[wndycty]

25. Hardly proof? Look at his record in the Illinois Senate. . .

I think taking the stand against the war in 2002 was pretty damned progressive.

[ProSense]

27. You didn't post anything about his record,

you declared that he was because you and your friends know it.

[wndycty]

29. Oh jeeze. . .

:kick:

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

26. Obama *is* progressive, not a liberal!!

[Radical Activist]

14. But Obama's career record and platform does.

[Doityourself]

7. RIGHT NOW...I just want my pony!!! n/t

[ShortnFiery]

8. Although I'm pleased, I do not "idol worship" any one politician. You'd be wise to

not make jest at the expense of fellow democrats.

I THINK and REASSESS periodically because I'm an unabashed liberal.

Enjoy your lock-step ... what's next? Accusing anyone who criticizes ANYTHING within the Obama Administration as *HATERS* instead of independent thinkers? :eyes:

Obama is "one of us?" Do you mean "A democrat?"

As such, as democrats, we are also FREE THINKING and not expected to "jump" when told.

Perhaps you're confusing us with that OTHER party? :evilgrin:

[martymar64]

53. The term for that is Conformity Trolls

They are a lot like those on the other side that stated, "either you're with us, or with the terrorists". They want NO DISSENT. I don't think it matters what set somebody claims, there are always going to be those with authoritarian tendencies that are itching to throw their weight around and try to be the tough guy given the chance.
The typical MO is where they post stating an opinion and declare that whoever disagrees with them is stupid/closeminded/ freeper/rethug/bigot, etc, ad nauseum.
It's such an unattractive quality in a person, don't they realize that?.

[Redstone]

9. Hey, a lot of people use that "progressive" term to try to cloak what really is

rightwingedness (if that a word, and if it's not, it should be), or racism, or a lot of other crap they want to avoid being called to account for.

However, you, being a black guy, I'm betting there's no racism behind your description of yourself as a progressive.

And given that you're not only a black guy, but also a black guy from Chicago, I for one am going to concede that your opinion of President-elect Obama is likely to be a HELL of a lot more informed than my own is.

Sorry; I'm wandering a bit here because I'm tired, but the point of my reply is this: Good post. And I agree with what you said.

Redstone

[LynneSin]

11. We're democrats - we're emotional cutters

We like the pain of dealing with these flawed politicians who, no matter what they do will never ever live up to our standards.

[Citizen_Penn]

19. That is most definitely not want this Democrat thinks or believes

Not into pain or judging.


Or trying to define incorrectly what has already been defined.

http://www.democrats.org/a/party/platform.html

[LynneSin]

21. I try to be the same way, it's not easy

but I've come to conclusion that we could mold the greatest democrat here at DU and get them elected and we'll still find dissatisfaction the the job he/she does.

[elleng]

12. GOOD POST!

THANKS!

I'm not happy with all the 'complaining,' but I guess that's just human nature.

I lived in Hyde Park for 10 years (years ago) and am happy to hear about 'my' neighborhood now; sure is a fine place!

Thanks, again.

[Pisces]

13. Preaching to the choir here!!!

[Jennicut]

15. A lot of people here need a good stiff drink. Can I still celebrate the inauguration?

I need an excuse for a beer, or maybe 3.

[autorank]

16. I look forward to Obama's program in Jan. We know the Senate's program

Self enrichment for a bunch of cry babies who belong to a larger party, The Money Party, the one that pays their bills and those around them and that's owned this country for decades.

They're going to be Obama's biggest problem. Many of the Democratic Caucus were endorsers of the
Bush crimes. Why would they change now.

I hope he gets in and puts these crappy regulations and rules on an up or down vote before both chambers and makes every Democrat vote with him.

I look forward to his first 90 days. Until we see the package, we won't know what he's up to.

One thing for sure, Obama is officially on his own at this point with Bush giving away the store and Congress acting like it's acted for 8 years. His 70% approval rating is the key, compared to their 14%.

Note: Progressive is not a term that's very positive, imho. The term Progressive came out of the late 19th early 20th century conflict within the middle class regarding immigrants and black citizens. It was a mixed bag and the last true "Progressive," Woodrow Wilson, was a war monger and attacked the Constitution with his repressive laws to suppress dissent.

[Radical Activist]

18. Or they're serious about sticking together and breaking GOP filibusters.

But after eight years of expecting the worst, why change now?

[autorank]

33. In Ben Nelson we trust

Think of all the Ben's out there. First, I expect lies, then the worst evolves into something more appalling than even the most jaded participant observer expects. Who could have imagined the bailout, the lock step endorsement of that "grand theft America." Then the very likely illegal $140 billion tax give away that nobody talks about. What about the great unspoken issue, 1.2 million dead Iraqi civilians as a result of the Bush lies that sent us to war?

I expect that the people who participated in all that, who voted for all that will continue to act like it was "all good" and minimize corrective action that would actually acknowledge the problem.

Can it get worse? With the last minute trashing of the nation by Bush, sure it can.

I have real sympathy for Obama having to deal with this Congress and it's based on a very good history that's evident to all. I hope he whips them into line because that's called for.

[Radical Activist]

17. Some people can't break out of a negative and cynical mindset.

And some have ulterior motives for pushing the Nader meme that a Democratic nominee/President can never be a real progressive.

[Citizen_Penn]

20. it feels so much like right wing hate to be hearing

the flip side from the far left.

Why must they insist they everyone agree 100% with them - or be evil?

Isn't that what is so offensive in someone like Sarah Palin?

That's just flat wrong. Un-Democratic, too.

[Radical Activist]

30. And if Obama did agree with them 100%

they'd change their mind on some issue to be farther left and find a new reason to be disappointed in Obama. Some people are stuck in a rut after having a horrible President for eight years preceded by a mediocre moderate President. They don't know what having a liberal President is like and they don't know how to react. They don't know how to build something up instead of always tearing down.

[autorank]

45. Here are some quotes from the fellow on your avatar

Ernesto Che Guevara



"If you tremble indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine."

"The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall."

"The guerrilla band is an armed nucleus, the fighting vanguard of the people. It draws its great force from the mass of the people themselves. The guerrilla band is not to be considered inferior to the army against which it fights simply because it is inferior in fire power. Guerrilla warfare is used by the side which is supported by a majority but which possesses a much smaller number of arms for use in defense against oppression."

Of course, the guy behind y avatar rarely says anything.

[Radical Activist]

47. Does that have some relevance to my post or this topic?

I can't figure it out.

When the cuban revolution was won Che helped build a new government. He realized it was time to contribute to building something positive. Some on the left seem incapable of that.

[ruggerson]

32. You mean negative and cynical like this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7897410

[Radical Activist]

36. Nah. That's a fair observation.

A former President should give the incoming President the respect of picking his own cabinet without public comments or pressure about it. Its completely ridiculous.

[Barack_America]

23. Your post confuses me.

Are you saying that as a black man from Hyde Park, Obama MUST be a progressive despite whatever his actions may be?

Or are you suggesting that a black man from Hyde Park at least gives the appearance of being progressive and that should be enough?

I'm not arguing whether Obama is or is not progressive, I'm just trying to clarify your post.

Thanks.

[wndycty]

28. Hyde Park is extremely progressive, Barack would have never served as our State Senator. . .

. . .if he wasn't progressive. I introduced race to drive home the fact that Black folks understand something that many progressives don't, just because one of your own is elected to high office he or she does not only serve you but the entire constituency that he or she represents.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

24. Listen, if the liberals didn't know that Obama isn't a liberal and are therefore upset,

then they didn't do their homework during the primaries. Obama wasn't my first choice because he is NOT a liberal. He is, however, a progressive and there's a difference. Of course as a liberal I expected him to make some decisions that I vehemently disagree with. But that's life.

[kestrel91316]

31. YEAH!!! I am perfectly willing to sit back and give the man a FUCKING CHANCE

to run the country before I light into him for being less than progressive enough for me. Jeebus H. Christ, people.

Buncha whiners and malcontents and handwringers. You'd think McCain had won and was the one picking a cabinet right now.

I know Obama is NOT as far left as Kucinich or me. He doesn't have to be, AFAIAC.

[David Zephyr]

34. More right wing agenda passed under Daschle than after the GOP took him out.

"Partial Birth" Abortion Ban without an exception for the mother's life: Daschle voted for it and saw it through the Senate under his leadership.

Iraqi War Resolution: Railroaded through the Senate under Daschle's leadership.

The "Patriot Act": Railroaded through the Senate under Daschle's leadership.

The "Homeland" Defense Department: Railroaded through the Senate under Daschle's leadership.

Airline Bailout that was followed by massive layoffs, routes cut: Daschle's wife, chief lobbyist for American Airlines, saw that her hubby ran that through the Senate while he was Majority Leader.

I could go on and on.

Tom Daschle is not a progressive.

I can't stand him.

One can support Obama enthusiastically without resorting to excusing such cowardly leadership by Daschle.

His uber-lobbyist wife, Linda, undermines Obama's strong stand against lobbying.

No one lobbied Congress more than Linda Daschle. No one.

More right wing legislation passed under Tom Dashcle's stewardship of the Senate, than did under his GOP follow-up. That's just the hard and shameful facts.

[pnwmom]

35. I agree, wndycty. Obama was always clear about what kind of President

he meant to be, and that he wanted to reach out to the other side as much as possible.

And I think he, like Ted Kennedy, will not afraid to compromise if that means moving FORWARD. What is the point of him governing from the far left, if it means we lose our majorities in two years and the White House in four? I'd rather he gather enough broad-based support, moving forward, to be reelected -- with another mandate -- in 2012. With the first term being dominated by the clean-up of Bushes messes, Obama will need the second term to really make his mark.

[DeepModem Mom]

37. How soon we forget -- eight years of Bush/Cheney/Rove! K&R

[Sophree]

39. Totally.

Thank God that nightmare is almost over.

[Sophree]

38. Thanks wndycty

I have roots in Chicago and went to visit my Dad a couple years ago when he was living in Hyde Park. Obama-mania was already in full swing there- it was great! So was the neighborhood...

Oh, and I'm with you, let's trust OUR P/E. I can't stand all the second guessing every single frickin decision. I know who I voted for- a true uniter. And I trust his judgment. I don't feel like he owes ME anything. I voted for him for what I thought he could do and be for our nation- and I still don't think any differently.

On edit: Wow, just thinking about it makes me have a sense of awe. A black man from Hyde Park and his lovely family in the White House. Just, wow.

[baldguy]

40. People who think Obama is a progressive haven't been paying attention.

Or they're swimming in GOP propaganda.

[democracy1st]

57. go grow some hair !

[FrenchieCat]

42. He'll be keeping it real.......

NO matter the cynics and the skeptics......

[mzmolly]

43. I agree. He's not even in office yet and people are bitching.

Sheesh.

[JoFerret]

44. J.C Watts is black

Should I celebrate he has been made dogcatcher in Wewonkie?

The struggle for justice continues. The arc of history is long but it bends towards justice. BO is one very BIG piece of that arc along the way. We are not there yet.

[meow mix]

46. lmao @ the bluedogs who didnt bother to read the post before responding

[ecstatic]

48. Obama is liberal and therefore can balance any rethug

opinion with his own. That's the beauty of having a president who reads and is informed.

[mopinko]

49. he is the greatest. these cry babies should get out into the sunshine.

or somethin'.
how ya doing wndy? going to the inauguration? i got a plane ticket and a room, but that is it so far. i think i will go hunting for the thread with the crybabies. maybe someone has a plan for a party.

[wndycty]

50. I'll be there too. . .

:kick:

[mopinko]

51. does that mean you have tickets?

you can pm the answer to that if you don't want to be mobbed. ;-)

seriously, tho, i am fine with being a part of the great unwashed. i missed grant park, so i need to be a part of that mob. hooking up with some du'ers is all i really want beside that. i am in alexandria.

[wndycty]

52. No tickets yet. . .

. . .just looking forward to being in town. Illinois is the ABSOLUTELY worst place to live when it comes to Obamamania because while many of us have contacts we all have the same contacts and those guys and girls are swamped with requests.

[mopinko]

55. oh, you know it. i worked hard, but

many folks worked a lot harder. i admit they deserve the tickets. but i can't help wanting to go.
i'll be cool with just being on the mall, tho.

[anonymous171]

54. Progressives are never happy.

[Maru Kitteh]

56. I'm pretty sure I love you.