Democratic Underground Latest Greatest Lobby Journals Search Options Help Login
Google

The level of criticism of Obama does not make sense to me

Printer-friendly format Printer-friendly format
Printer-friendly format Email this thread to a friend
Printer-friendly format Bookmark this thread
This topic is archived.
Home » Discuss » General Discussion: Presidency Donate to DU
 
Onlooker Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:00 PM
Original message
The level of criticism of Obama does not make sense to me
Edited on Sun Jan-10-10 12:12 PM by Onlooker
I'm very critical of Obama with regard to health care reform, gay rights, Guantanamo, Afghanistan, the bank bailout, the foreclosure crisis, etc., but despite that he's doing a great job.

Let's acknowledge that relative to anyone since Kennedy have we had a president so effective at pushing the country to the left. Yes, he's not pushing far enough, but thank god we're finally inching in that direction. Unlike Clinton (who was a vast improvement over Reagan), Obama's not out there championing NAFTA, welfare reform, and business-friendly globalization. We need to continue to push Obama to the left, but we need to do it without alienating and discouraging those who support him.

I think the harshest critics of Obama on the left are doing a great disservice. We need to find avenues for protest without turning the country against Obama and Democrats.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
BeFree Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:02 PM
Response to Original message
1. What?
Some common sense on DU?

Don't you know being radical as heck is the only way to fly?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ananda Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:19 PM
Response to Reply #1
7. Radical as hell here..
.. and proud of it!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
stray cat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:05 PM
Response to Original message
2. Most of those with common sense have left and now we have an echo chamber
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Hamlette Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:24 PM
Response to Reply #2
57. you're on to something stray cat
I usually check out DU several times a day but recently I check in once a week or so.

In earlier fights (Nader gave Bush election in 2000/no he didn't, Obama/Hillary, to name just two) it seems there were enough ppl left to discuss issues that I just used "ignore" and stayed.

For some reason now I just stay away.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Captain Hilts Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:07 PM
Response to Original message
3. With a cowardly Dem congress he can't do all that much better ...
but I'd like him to show more frustration with that. More ooomph, as it were.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Hamlette Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:19 PM
Response to Reply #3
56. sure, and if he'd just say "war on terror" more often, we'd win!
him showing frustration doesn't solve any problems

just saying.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NJmaverick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:08 PM
Response to Original message
4. I think some of the critics are looking to help the Green Party at the expense of the Dems
and President Obama
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Fire1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:44 PM
Response to Reply #4
10. Remember Ralph Nadar? Selfish. Plain selfish. n/t
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NJmaverick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 02:43 PM
Response to Reply #10
27. Yes I remember how Nader helped give the nation Bush
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pundaint Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:16 PM
Response to Reply #27
31. Wrong, Nader gave us an alternative to voting for corporatists.
The problem was those who didn't vote for him, gave the election to the banks.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
NJmaverick Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 08:54 PM
Response to Reply #31
48. Yeah the unqualified egomaniac would have done a great job
:eyes:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mkultra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 11:15 AM
Response to Reply #31
73. clearly he was closest to beating the republican
oh wait, you threw your vote away and let a republican win. never mind.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
napi21 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:09 PM
Response to Original message
5. You're right. Sometimes I get quite discouraged by some on DU.
I stay away for a littbe heard.

I've not forgetten how awful Shrub was and I'm very happy that era is gone!!!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
liberal N proud Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:16 PM
Response to Original message
6. This is the only hope the republicans have
Diminish Obama to the point where he is insignificant. And if we don't want to lose the White House in 2012, we had better start paying attention to these morons and fighting back.

Letters to the editor and the talking heads calling out their hypocrisy and lies.

I have been saying for several months now here on DU and elsewhere, that all this criticisms of Obama by the left is just helping the republicans. Fueling the fire.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
nightrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 02:07 PM
Response to Reply #6
25. or inviting Obama to improve.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
phleshdef Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:23 PM
Response to Original message
8. Lets face it. If he were a white man with an "American sounding" name, it would not be at this level
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IndianaGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:46 PM
Response to Reply #8
11. Not true at all!
He would get roasted just as Bill Clinton's bad policies had been by progressives.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
phleshdef Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:20 PM
Response to Reply #11
14. I didn't say all of it. You protest too much. Strike a real nerve did I?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IndianaGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:38 PM
Response to Reply #14
17. You struck nothing but air
I sure hope you are not lumping legitimate criticism of the Obama Administration with the crypto-nazis in the tea bag rallies.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:42 PM
Response to Reply #11
19. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
freddie mertz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:55 PM
Response to Reply #8
13. More racism-baiting nonsense.
You should be ashamed.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
phleshdef Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:21 PM
Response to Reply #13
15. If it doesn't apply to you, don't worry about it. Why are you getting so defensive?
Edited on Sun Jan-10-10 01:21 PM by phleshdef
Such defensiveness is often a sign of guilt.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IndianaGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:41 PM
Response to Reply #15
18. Pro-Israel DUers play the Holocaust card to justify their support of the illegal settlements
I see the same tactics used in I/P forum being employed here.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
phleshdef Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:43 PM
Response to Reply #18
20. Going on the defensive at a comment not directed at you makes you look guilty.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
IndianaGreen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:47 PM
Response to Reply #20
21. Bill Clinton is the one that made racist comments during the campaign
You are just using a red herring in order to not deal with the issues.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hulka38 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 02:48 PM
Response to Reply #20
29. phleshdef, the subject of the OP and almost this entire subthread has been focused on
Edited on Sun Jan-10-10 02:53 PM by hulka38
progressives who are critical of Obama. Let's look at your post: "If he were a white man with an "American sounding" name, it would not be at this level". 1) The word "it" meaning the criticism of Obama by progressives that is only subject of this thread and 2) the phrase "this level" meaning the level of criticism that is being talked about on this thread. Given the subject of this thread had been solely about left wing critics before you jumped in, what other conclusion do you expect people to draw? If you want to change the subject to tea baggers then it's on you to make that distinction.
Now you're insinuating that IndianaGreen may be racist because of your inability to communicate? That says a lot about you and the intent of your original post - #8.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
phleshdef Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 07:57 PM
Response to Reply #29
43. You think we don't have racists claiming to support a left leaning agenda?
Fucking get real.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hulka38 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 09:50 PM
Response to Reply #43
49. Originally your point was that a significant amount of the criticism from the left
is due to racism, but not all. Now you've shifted from significant racism to that it simply exists on the left. That's quite a shift in such a short time. I'm sure it does exist to a small degree. There is probably a racist demographic in any group of people you could consider. I don't believe that racism is a significant factor in why lefties are critical of Obama.
Hold onto your opinion if you can pin it down. What I object to is when people have disagreed with you, you've responded by insinuating that they may be racists themselves. "You protest too much. Strike a real nerve did I?" and "Why are you getting so defensive. Such defensiveness is often a sign of guilt." Those are classic McCarthy tactics. That and all the swearing are signs that you know your argument is weak.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mkultra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 11:18 AM
Response to Reply #49
74. really? In which post did he say that?
because what i read simply said "at this level" You must have read your own thoughts into it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hulka38 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 05:30 PM
Response to Reply #74
108. So he really meant that an insignificant amount of criticism was due to racism all along?
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 05:30 PM by hulka38
Is that what you think he is arguing?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
liberal N proud Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:21 PM
Response to Reply #20
34. +1
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sabrina 1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:10 AM
Response to Reply #20
61. So you're saying that black people should be treated
differently because they are not equal to white people and cannot take legitimate criticism?

Rightwingers used to play that race card with Condy Rice also. It was clear why they accused Democrats who criticized her of racism. They really did see her as 'different' because she was black. But why would YOU feel that Obama is different? That's sad, I thought Democrats had moved past that kind of attitude towards race.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mkultra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 11:20 AM
Response to Reply #61
75. looks like we beat one out of the weeds here.
one day well get all of you bigots out of the party.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sabrina 1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 12:24 PM
Response to Reply #75
78. Well, YOU'VE answered my question
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 12:25 PM by sabrina 1
A question 'Condy Rice is different' rightwingers usually answered in the same way. 'Out of the weeds' indeed.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pundaint Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:19 PM
Response to Reply #15
33. Nobody's being defensive, we're just pointing out that the race-based criticism defense is bullshit
You, however, seem a little defensive.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kayla9170 Donating Member (370 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:09 PM
Response to Reply #13
53. Why must EVERY FREAKING discussion
that uses any term, meaning, definition, boarder line comment, discussion of etc....(You should get the point)....of race is TURNED AROUND to end the discussion and described as "Race-Baiting". This "Race-Baiting" term should have been tossed away in the LAST DECADE IMHO. :eyes:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DevonRex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:52 PM
Response to Reply #8
23. We must not pretend that there are no racist Democrats. There are.
Just as we must not pretend that there are no homophobic Democrats. There are.

Mostly I think we need to concentrate on educating the public about these matters so we can achieve our goals.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hulka38 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 03:18 PM
Response to Reply #23
30. At least you come right out and say it. Phleshdef uses McCarthy-like tactics against
people who challenge his statements. But DevonRex, I believe that many of Obama's harshest critics of late on DU and elsewhere were some of his most ardent supporters during the campaign. What's fueling this discontent has more to do with a sense of betrayal and the inevitability of the DLC to remain in power rather than racism.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mkultra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 11:21 AM
Response to Reply #30
76. false on both account
Most of Obama's harshest critics supported Hillary or Kucinich in the primary.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
sabrina 1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 01:07 PM
Response to Reply #76
81. Do you have something to back that up?
I supported Obama. Hillary was never an option for many voters because of her war vote.

You appear to make stuff up off the top of your head, like accusing people of being bigots. That is a pretty serious allegation that no one would make without proof

So, please provide proof of that allegation and proof that anyone who criticizes the policies of this president did not vote for him.

Your wild claims are getting you a reputation .... back up your claims before that reputation begins to stick.



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 01:32 PM
Response to Reply #81
85. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
sabrina 1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:17 PM
Response to Reply #85
87. Another wild claim from you ~
And an acknowledgement that you cannot back up your claims. If you've done all this research, you will be able to produce the evidence of your claims. I, eg, have been online on many major Democratic boards for nearly nine years. That ought to make it easy for you to produce just one post to back up your claim, but as you admit, you cannot. Just in case you are unable to comprehend that statement, if you could have you would have!

Btw, did you ever criticize Condy Rice or Colin Powell for their policies? Wingnuts were delirious with joy when Bush appointed them. Bigots as they are known to be, they thought that because of their race, they would be immune from criticism from Democrats like you (I am assuming you're a democrat).

That is because they themselves being bigots, view people of different ethnic backgrounds as 'different'. Non-bigoted people of course, believed that Rice and Powell were not different, and deserved to be treated the same way as anyone else. I am assuming you agreed with the wingnuts on this?

It's strange to see the same mentality on a Democratic board. Why do YOU believe Obama ought to be treated differently, never disagreed with on his policies? I think he would disagree vehemently with you as he believes the country has moved beyond those dark days when bigotry of that sort was prevalent. I agree with him to an extent on that, but as you have demonstrated here, we are not entirely beyond it.

Thanks for your acknowledgement that you are just making stuff up. You say way more about yourself than you probably wanted to say. And if I were you I would drop the wingnut claims that someone's race makes them different. It makes you look very bad.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
mkultra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:06 PM
Response to Reply #87
90. your claims are equal in "wildness"
As matter of fact, i appreciate Colon Powell but not Condi Rice. One of the foolish beliefs among people who work hard to be color blind is the idea that black folks and white folks are the same. We aren't. You are not like me and i am not like you. My culture has different values and different principles. What is important is that we VALUE everyone's culture equally.

There are plenty of white folks who seem to think that we are beyond racism and that it is nearly faded away. To anyone who believes this, including you, i call naivete. Being black in America is a completely encompassing issue of vast complexity. we have been swimming in inequality for so long that its almost ingrained in our persona.

Don't get me wrong, i applaud your attempt to clear the table and start over. But you cant. Obama knows that to effectively deal with this problem, he must ALWAYS take the higher ground. Since his in a position of authority of many people, many of whom are themselves bigots, he must, in a sense , turn a blind eye to some and forgive many other.

I don't think Obama should be treated differently because he is black, but i know he is.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:23 PM
Response to Reply #85
94. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
mkultra Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-12-10 09:19 AM
Response to Reply #94
117. to bad you didnt spend more time
working on comprehension. But hey, youve got grammar and punctuation down pat.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
hulka38 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 05:23 PM
Response to Reply #76
106. "false on both account" but you list only one thing. Both usually means two.
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 05:24 PM by hulka38
But then you said "account" minus the "s" which is singular. So maybe you really meant one. I don't know. But what I do know is that I said "many of Obama's...critics" meaning a significant amount or a lot, not "most" as you said which means 50+%.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:24 PM
Response to Reply #30
96. Correct-a-mundo. nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kayla9170 Donating Member (370 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:06 PM
Response to Reply #23
52. You reply is K & R also
You get a cookie..... :yourock:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
nightrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 02:09 PM
Response to Reply #8
26. please point to racist-sounding remarks by a Dem on DU
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
HiFructosePronSyrup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:24 PM
Response to Reply #26
95. Here you go.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:25 PM
Response to Reply #95
97. Yeah, that's the one post you always point to
when you guys hop on the "let's call them racists today" bullshit.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
HiFructosePronSyrup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:28 PM
Response to Reply #97
99. You want more?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:32 PM
Response to Reply #99
100. Yeah that proves it, all Obama critics are racists, those two posts prove it!
By the way, why would you save those posts, except to wield them against DUers?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
HiFructosePronSyrup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:36 PM
Original message
1. Your subject line's a strawman.
Nobody ever said all his critics. If I had to guess I'd say 80-90%.

2. I didn't save, I just used to search function.

3. I'm not using it "against" DUers, except maybe the racists ones. I was asked, and I produced.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:42 PM
Response to Original message
103. "I'd say 80-90%" Lol
This really is a perfect atmosphere for your...talents...lately on DU isn't it?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Enrique Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:18 PM
Response to Reply #8
32. Harry Reid, anyone?
Reid gets savaged for doing things which Obama gets a pass on.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Blasphemer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:22 PM
Response to Reply #8
35. You can't be serious
Not saying that there is not racism within the Democratic party but it's pretty clear that recent criticism is absolutely policy based and perfectly in line with the kind of criticism Bill Clinton got.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kayla9170 Donating Member (370 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:04 PM
Response to Reply #8
51. K & R Your Reply....
Bill Clinton did not get this bashed until 1996, he was elected 1994 (Think I got these years right :shrug:). In comparison, President Obama is being tossed around like it is a bad term, starting 4 months into his Presidency and have carried on since then.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Harry Monroe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 08:45 AM
Response to Reply #51
68. Clinton was elected in '92, re-elected in 1996. 1994 was when the Republicans...
...won big in Congress.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:21 PM
Response to Reply #8
93. Ah, more "STFU or I'll call you racist" posts. Nice. nt
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
grytpype Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:38 PM
Response to Original message
9. +1000
Obama is doing everything humanly possible in the worst circumstances any president has had since the Great Depression.

The attacks on him from libs who want to give up governing after less than a year make me sick.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kayla9170 Donating Member (370 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:12 PM
Response to Reply #9
54. K/R your reply. You get a cookie too....
I might run out of cookies before the end of the nite :yourock:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
TheKentuckian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:05 AM
Response to Reply #9
60. It is humanly possible to refuse to entrench corporate influence
It is humanly possible to stay on these bankers hammer and tongs and get the support of the people to move Congress to do its job, in this thing at least. Almost none wants these crooks running us into the ground and only the most extreme of the corporate commies supports too big to fail.

It is humanly possible to not waste more blood and treasure in a fruitless exercise in Afghanistan.

It is humanly possible to veto any health care reform that allows an anti-trust exemption, is funded off of premiums, does not have national pools, or fails to make access affordable and available to all.

Its humanly possible to stop coddling "the stakeholders" and allowing the people that are to be regulated to help make up the rules.

It is possible to appoint people to help run the nation that put the people's needs first rather than a crew of corporate toadies

I fully acknowledge the circumstances but that doesn't give the President leave to make it all worse. It hurts and divides me so much that we have the faaaaaaaaaaaar Reich Wing crazies all over the place trying to bring the man down no matter what he does and the Republicans obstructing every step of the way even if they are virtually allowed to write the bill, it burns me up to hear the constant lies from the Confederates. I know they have to be fought at all times. I know I have to stand up when the neocons savage him on foreign policy.

BUT

There is that conflict and that comes from an ever growing fear that the man that needs so much defending doesn't really have my back or even sees me and others as disposable and inconsequential. It comes from having more and more reason every day to see a man who's first priority is corporate interests, which puts him at odds with me and the good of the people as surely as if he was a Republican.

Until he stands up to money and power on the behalf of the people without flinching he is a placeholder at best and until he stops putting their interests actively at the top of the heap he borders on enemy status because you just can't serve two masters, its clear which is being served, and any servant of Corporate AmericaInc is no friend of mine.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ima_sinnic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-12-10 05:13 AM
Response to Reply #60
116. +1 million
but too much for the simple-minded to understand or respond to. I think you went beyond their astroturf scripts. Surprised someone hasn't berated you for being "racist" to deflect attention from your very serious concerns and observations.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
freddie mertz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 12:55 PM
Response to Original message
12. "I'm very critical of Obama..but despite that he's doing a great job."
At first glance, your statement seems oxymoronic.

Oddly though, I find truth in it, despite the fact that the you don't seem to have thought it out very well.

In some ways, I agree that Obama is "doing a great job," especially insofar as he has raised our image up around the world.

It is also refreshing to see a thoughtful, educated person in the Oval Office again.

But like you, I am deeply frustrated and disappointed by Obama's performance in the areas of "health care reform, gay rights, Guantanamo, Afghanistan, the bank bailout, the foreclosure crisis, etc.".. which means that in many ways, he is NOT doing that great a job.

OUR job, then, as citizens and as part of electoral constituency, is to try top hold his feet to the fire, to speak out and name names and continue the fight for a much better nation and a much more responsive government.

And we can't do that without speaking honestly, even if that means criticizing the president and the Democratic part in Washington.

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kestrel91316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:35 PM
Response to Original message
16. It makes perfect sense if you remember that if you tell a lie often enough and
loudly enough, for long enough, IT BECOMES THE TRUTH.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
nightrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:23 PM
Response to Reply #16
36. huh! the source of that would be something like--"catapult the propaganda"?
Is that where you're coming from?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kestrel91316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 12:52 PM
Response to Reply #36
80. yep
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DevonRex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 01:50 PM
Response to Original message
22. I agree. Or at least turn the criticism into something constructive rather than destructive.
Let's take positive action to make changes within the party. For example, I think we need to really get something going about DADT and DOMA. That's the next big fight. So let's be ahead of the curve rather than behind it.

Let's organize so that our representatives know it's an issue we care about. Let's also figure out how to frame the argument in order to educate and sway the general public.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
nightrain Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 02:06 PM
Response to Original message
24. I disagree about the "disservice". Withdrawing and silence is more the
disservice when one has feedback.

I don't want the corporations to own a President or Congress, or local government officials either. From my perspective, Obama has not held his own with regard to the corporate "influence". He wouldn't need to hold secret meetings with Pharma or the health insurance corporations if he was working for the people instead of favoring the corporations.

Obama seems to be afraid of losing their favor/contributions. I think that's abhorrent.

What avenues would you suggest?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dkf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 02:47 PM
Response to Original message
28. Hmm long laundry list of fails
"I'm very critical of Obama with regard to health care reform, gay rights, Guantanamo, Afghanistan, the bank bailout, the foreclosure crisis, etc., but despite that he's doing a great job. "

what else is left? Isn't that pretty much everything he has tackled so far?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
pundaint Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:24 PM
Response to Reply #28
37. And it leaves out not adhering to his oath to preserve protect and defend the constitution -
he's looking forward, past the effect of the constitution.

If he wont prosecute torture killers, and those who gin up illegal wars, then he is at least complicit after the fact.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dkf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 06:21 PM
Response to Reply #37
39. We just thought our guy would be miles above Bush.
He is better but he is letting a lot of things go by.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ibegurpard Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 07:52 PM
Response to Reply #28
41. Yeah...i had to reread
and make sure it wasn't sarcasm
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kayla9170 Donating Member (370 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:17 PM
Response to Reply #28
55. Well, he/she missed the Housing Crisis......
Their home must not be underwater like mines for no reason except the bottom fell out of the bubble market. I could blame this on President Obama but it is not his fault. The ONLY THING I fault President Obama on his that he should have only made deals with the banks to re-fi the homes (of people that are solid on paying on their mortgage, so far) like my husband and I, on the CURRENT rate of the market. He is talking about taking on HELOC next, so I will give him time to see how this will work. Hopefully better than Hope for Homeowners.....
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Blasphemer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 05:30 PM
Response to Original message
38. I don't quite understand. You are critical of every major policy position but don't...
understand everyone else's criticism? I don't see him pushing the country to the left. I think there is a general leftward move simply based on demographics. If anything, he is not taking advantage of the genuinely progressive sentiment that is shared by the country's majority when it comes to certain issues. I also don't believe the criticism is doing a disservice. The WH and Obama administration don't listen to it. They are completely dismissive of it. If the country is turned against the Dems, it will because of their own policy decisions, NOT because of criticism from the left.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
dionysus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 06:56 PM
Response to Original message
40. it's mostly the people who never liked him, and probably didn't vote for him.
a lot of people here have a pathological level of bitterness from the primary. i think they will never let it go.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ibegurpard Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 07:53 PM
Response to Reply #40
42. oh you are soooo wrong
I was relieved Hillary was knocked out of contention
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
depakid Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 07:59 PM
Response to Original message
44. "Obama's not out there championing NAFTA, welfare reform, and business-friendly globalization."
Just for the sake of argument- one should note that the administration doesn't have to.

It's already the status quo ante- and contains the assumptions on which policies are based.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Clio the Leo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 08:34 PM
Response to Original message
45. Well said....
.... even though I have to laugh a bit every time I see someone mentioning what Clinton did with welfare reform wondering what most of our reactions would be upon reading what President Obama said about Clinton/welfare reform in "Audacity."

Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
VMI Dem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 08:40 PM
Response to Original message
46. So other than civil rights, corporatism and aggressive war he is doing a great job?
Heh.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
CakeGrrl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 08:51 PM
Response to Original message
47. I agree. It's disproportionate, and I have my thoughts
about why, but backs are up so high around here I don't think it's a great environment to discuss.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
kayla9170 Donating Member (370 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:00 PM
Response to Original message
50. K & R
:patriot: :loveya:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
shadesofgray Donating Member (350 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Jan-10-10 10:41 PM
Response to Original message
58. The Obama administration are doing the alienating and discouraging.
Furthermore, Obama is NOT moving the country to the left - unless he is trying to make glaciers look speedy.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 01:37 AM
Response to Reply #58
59. Yes he is!
You just fucking think he's only working for you.
Cheer up, you'll get yours....just not yesterday!

shadesofgray--->
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
TheKentuckian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:16 AM
Response to Reply #59
62. Entrenching and incorporating Corporate AmericaInc is moving left?
Maintaining an independently raised and for profit Army of the Executive branch is moving left?

Dumping all those troops and precious resources into a totally bogus action in Afganistan is left?

Forcing the American people into an unregulated and predatory for profit criminal cartel is moving left?

Utterly ignoring war crimes is moving left?



I don't think my ponies are on the list, even after eight years of wiping and dangling for corporate intersts I don't think my concerns will be addressed. Maybe Tim Kaine, Hillary, or Harold Ford will fix me up between big business taint lickings.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:36 AM
Response to Reply #62
64. Good things come to those who learn how to wait a bit more.....
(you still ain't gonna get all that you want, but it will be better than what you are projecting)....

Nothing comes to those who constantly complaint.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
TheKentuckian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 06:07 PM
Response to Reply #64
112. What's your ETA on ending the sellout to corporate influence, much less scaling it back?
Oh thats right when they own every living soul down to their assholes, with an option on the next generation.

How far are you willing to go? Can you distinguish need from want? Pithy platitudes and a lot of faith don't get much in today's market.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Romulox Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:35 AM
Response to Original message
63. Um, Obama is pushing war, bankster bailouts, and mandatory, for-profit insurance.
Which of those things is "pushing...the country to the left"? :shrug:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:56 AM
Response to Reply #63
65. Deleted sub-thread
Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
Onlooker Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 08:37 AM
Response to Reply #63
67. All of them
His attitude towards Iran, Hamas, and Hezbellah is far more sane than that of his predecessors, and the Taliban and Al Qaeda are right wing fascists.

Liberalism is not socialism. While I don't like the bank bailout strategy, it is in keeping with Keynsian economics, and unlike Bush Obama is using bailouts to regulate compensation, has approved credit card reform, and is pushing for increased regulation. We're starting from a very conservative place right now, but Obama is moving things back towards the center.

His insurance plan is left in that it provides more people with coverage and also provides increased protection to those with pre-existing conditions; it also sets up a superstructure that can eventually introduce a public health option.

In all these areas, Obama has taken steps in the right direction, though it still leaves us to the right of center. Sad to say, given the 25 years of Republican dominance, if we end up even a little to the left of center after Obama's terms, that will be a victory.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Romulox Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 11:04 AM
Response to Reply #67
72. LOL. Obama drops "progressive" bombs on Yemen, and did a leftward SURGE! into Afghanistan
(Also, giving taxpayer money to banskter is a form of "socialism". :rofl:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
spoony Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:33 PM
Response to Reply #72
101. leftward surge, lol.
The crazy thing is, I really think these people think they're liberals, so it makes a deranged sort of sense that they think Obama is, too.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
winyanstaz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:16 PM
Response to Reply #63
91. hmm good point..
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
boppers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 03:22 AM
Response to Original message
66. This is Democratic Underground.
This is not GLBTQ underground.
This is not socialist underground.
This is not union underground.
This is not code-pink underground.
This is not pacifist underground.
This is not ANSWER underground.
This is not CPUSA underground.
This is not PETA underground.

So, two thoughts, which are in opposition:
1. "Alert" is your friend.
2. We have a big tent, and "Alert" shrinks the tent.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
arcadian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 11:43 AM
Response to Reply #66
77. Yeah the thing is...
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 11:43 AM by arcadian
There are some of us, a majority of us, who are still Underground. Those who are displeased with Obama's disastrous policies. So how does "underground" apply to those who support Obama? Last time I checked you have the Oval Office.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
boppers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-12-10 03:11 AM
Response to Reply #77
115. A majority?
Numbers, please?
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
freddie mertz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 12:42 PM
Response to Reply #66
79. HEAVEN FORBID there should be GLBT or "Union" people in DEMOCRATIC underground!
Let alone a bunch of commie pinko pacifist socialist animal-lovers!

PERISH THE THOUGHT!

:sarcasm: :patriot: :rofl:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
boppers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Jan-12-10 03:10 AM
Response to Reply #79
114. That's the reason for two opposing points. eom
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 08:48 AM
Response to Original message
69. "pushing the country to the left??"
Where's the sarcasm smiley? You can't be serious.

You forgot to add public education to your list of things to be "very critical" of.

So...on the issues of war, the economy, health care, and education, he is NOT moving the nation to the left, and his policies, to put it bluntly, are hurting, not helping.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
girl gone mad Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 09:48 AM
Response to Reply #69
70. True. If he's pushed the country to the left at all..
we'll need a microscope to measure the distance.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
LWolf Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 10:10 PM
Response to Reply #70
113. And that will be on a few issues, while we can measure
leaps to the right on other issues. Education, for example.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
ProgressOnTheMove Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 10:53 AM
Response to Original message
71. Exactly keep the casual voter and DUer inspired while behind the scenes making congress hear the ire...
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 11:01 AM by ProgressOnTheMove
We'll have a lot of agreements and disagreements in the next 8 years, but if folks are not happy at the very least state that they urge others to contact their representatives on how they feel. However we feel this is our best shot at moving forward on a lot of issues, we can make or break it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
CakeGrrl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 01:08 PM
Response to Original message
82. Mob mentality is taking over around here
Notice how most every charge against the President or the Administration is being met with "I knew it", "Fuck you!", "You aren't getting anything from me in 2012", etc. and it's getting angrier and angrier.

I don't think people are bothering to actually understand the content to which they're responding. It's down to scanning for some buzzwords or catchphrases and off they go. And I think sometimes the OP relies on that.

A rabbit hole is a rabbit hole, no matter who goes down it: Dem, Repub, Freeper, Progressive, or Independent. No one is immune to groupthink and mob attitudes.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Orsino Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 01:10 PM
Response to Original message
83. You may be underestimating the very real pain that such policies causes.
The level of criticism seems entirely appropriate from anyone who has been injured, paupered or bereaved by American right-wing policy. People whose marriages still aren't legal, for instance, are welcome to all the outrage they can muster, and I will join them.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bobbie Jo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 01:20 PM
Response to Original message
84. Makes perfect sense if you consider the source.
Already recommended...

Kick :kick:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Gman2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 02:03 PM
Response to Original message
86. The pukes hoped to have us disillusioned. They kept saying the messiah, hoping it would stick.
They already cut off all our balls. By saying, "I thought you lefties were passive, buddhist? So, we cant get mad, or rally. We all have ourselves convinced that we are to wear hair shirts.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
opihimoimoi Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 03:19 PM
Response to Original message
88. MOST of the whining/crits re President Obama on DU is ...IMHO.. from those who wish ill on his watch
They care not for the Nation...cept for empty concerns...they rather we all be hurt...like they are...

They wanna share their misery with us for company...thats whot school kids do...

Now they reveal their tiny brains with disruptive tantrums..and they wanna be back in control AGAIN??

They are the builders of square wheels
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
William769 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:03 PM
Response to Original message
89. "but despite that he's doing a great job."
Yep looking pretty on tv sums up his Presidency.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:19 PM
Response to Reply #89
92. If only you had made a halfway intelligent critique, folks might have taken you seriously...
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 04:20 PM by FrenchieCat
But since you couldn't,
step right this way
with the rest of the
"I ain't really saying a damn thing crew!-->
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
William769 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:27 PM
Response to Reply #92
98. Actually my critique is short, concise to the point and...
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 04:27 PM by William769

SPOT ON!



Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
FrenchieCat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:36 PM
Response to Reply #98
102.  Big letters
aren't really that impressive. :eyes:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
William769 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:45 PM
Response to Reply #102
104. Neither are your pom poms!
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Name removed Donating Member (0 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 04:53 PM
Response to Reply #104
105. Deleted message
Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.
 
William769 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 05:23 PM
Response to Reply #105
107. When we have a real Democrat in the White House I will be more than glad to be a cheerleader.
Edited on Mon Jan-11-10 05:23 PM by William769
Glad too see you still use your lowest common denominator when you lose a argument. Keep up the great work you do "your kind" proud. :eyes:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bobbie Jo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 05:35 PM
Response to Reply #107
109. "your kind?"
Care to elaborate? :wtf:
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
William769 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 05:39 PM
Response to Reply #109
110. I didn't stutter.
But since you don't have a problem with what she said "Better than to be a Right Wing assisting asshat Democratic party hater.". I can understand you coming to her defense. Birds of a feather flock together.
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
Bobbie Jo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Jan-11-10 05:50 PM
Response to Reply #110
111. Nor did I.
I just asked that you define "your kind."
Printer Friendly | Permalink |  | Top
 
DU AdBot (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view 
this author's profile Click to add 
this author to your buddy list Click to add 
this author to your Ignore list Tue Apr 16th 2024, 02:24 AM
Response to Original message
Advertisements [?]
 Top

Home » Discuss » General Discussion: Presidency Donate to DU

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators


Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.

Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals |  Store  |  Donate

About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy

Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.

© 2001 - 2011 Democratic Underground, LLC