Republican obstructionism and the potential success or failure of President Obama
So I've been thinking about the historical view that the President will face after he's out of office.
I think it's been terribly unfair that President Obama has been stymied in every possible way and I feel the word "sabotage" isn't out of line. Reagan was able to make a legacy because he "got" what he wanted whether through flexible Democrats or whatever. President Clinton also sat in the drivers seat for a tremendous US Economy and he's looked upon by most as a VERY GOOD President. The guy who came after President Clinton was able to pursue and achieve goals and the agenda he wanted often times at a ghastly cost to the nation.
But President Obama has received no breaks. If/When the next Republican President takes office the ACA will be out on it's ear and President Obama will more likely be remembered for the economy and Afghanistan War.
So my point is... the timing for an inspirational and thoughtful man such as President Obama was obviously just off. And it's a pity.
Then my stream of thought took a sharp turn.
I started thinking about the unfairness and thought to myself, "We would never do this to a Republican President". And that got me to thinking, "What if Ted Cruz was President of the USA today? I'm sure that Republicans see President Obama in the same manner that Democrats see Ted Cruz. If Ted Cruz was President today, and we held a Democratic House and had a chance at taking back the Republican Senate how would we expect our elected Representatives to act?
Would we support obstruction of President Cruz's agenda?
Would we filibuster legislation in the Senate?
What would we think when President Cruz said in a speech, "Babies are dying because the Democrats are obstructing my agenda" or "If the Democrats won't work with me I will push my agenda with Executive Orders".
Then I just realize... our system is messed up. There is a huge split in this Nation and I don't know if it will ever be healed. Our form of government was designed around compromise. The Republicans should have said, "Ok we will support the ACA if you give us a new Submarine or two." or "We will approve a job creating stimulus bill if it includes help for the SBA".
So like I said... it would be REALLY unfair if President Obama were the first President in US History to have his reputation and history shaped by the misdeeds of others rather than by hos own actions.