General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why the arguments of Obama's defenders leave many cold. [View all]Evasporque
(2,133 posts)1. He and I are the same age....I believe early 60's boomers have been ignored and discounted for two long. We grew up not knowing the 50's or 40s and were too young to be overly influenced by Vietnam...what we saw....Nixon, Carter and how he was treated by conservatives....then Reagan and Bush...we sawy our nation crumble. The main streets of our childhood NO LONGER EXIST....I think Obama understands that and that ultimately we have to reclaim some of our own economy and do so on a smaller scale. To do that some of it has to be dismantled, but first we have to get the republican monkey off this nation's back.
I think there are many things he does to allow other aspects of change to occur....specifically...DADT was a big one for me, also instructing the justice department to not defend DOMA, We are out of Iraq....I never thought we would be gone...I don't know what all is left there...but it stands to reason there would be a long term residual presence.
2. I like Obama's Health Refrom....it is step closer and from the perspective of my job I see that this is a stepping stone to a single payer public healthcare system in my lifetime. Changes made will force providers to cut costs and increase quality. It also includes the end of pre-existing conditions and introduces elements LGBT equality in healthcare.
3. I think that bailing out the auto-industry was the right thing to do. We have to retain and return to America's core skills. Manufacturing goods at all levels to sell to each other is essential. Advancements in this area are hindered at every opportunity by Republicans.
4. Maintains a reasonably consistent level of compassion for the poor, the middle class workers and the aged. When Republicans seek cuts there is a battle. When egregious proposals are put forth he does slice them up...Healthcare debate, DADT, DOMA....Bush tax cuts....spending bill and debt increase....he went toe to toe with Republicans....they hate him because he is smart and effective negotiator....we don't see much of that....
I know we need to change a lot of things....I want to be married....I can't in my state....I want health coverage for my transition....I don't have that. I want us out of Afganistan...I want taxes on the rich, I want redevelopment of local micro economies....a effort with private investors ad public grants in coordination...
I was pissed at this OP....but it is here....and so is Obama....I am sticking with him...