For all you people who seek attention with nothing good to say about Obama....

[davidthegnome]

213. I would suggest

That a post apparently aimed towards calling out those unhappy with the President is also seeking attention. You're certainly likely to get it - and have, from what I've seen of the posts in response.

I'm not happy with the President because he did not fulfill the promises made when he was a candidate. There are numerous policies of his that I disagree with, in the beginning, I expected more. Now he generally does exactly as I expect. His effort to overturn DADT was a pleasant surprise for which I do give him credit. His efforts to bring an end to the Iraq occupation also deserves credit. His crackdown on medical marijuana - his continuation of many Bush policies, the wealthy corporate types he has in high positions... those, not so much. Most disappointing for me was his refusal to hold the Bush administration responsible for the disasters it created. It was something though, I would have gladly overlooked had he fought for a public option, which we desperately need. If you don't think we need it, take a look at his health care reform bill. Read it. Incomprehensible would be a one word, adequate description. It's always the fine print that screws us in the end.

I think I can fairly and honestly say that I was once one of his most vocal supporters, at least in my neck of the woods. I read the Audacity of Hope and it gave me hope. I listened to his words and looked forward to the future I believed he could help us create. Yet I feel now, ultimately, that the corruption and greed of the government and their corporate backers is far too overwhelming for even a very talented, very intelligent man to take on. Nonetheless, I'll go again to the state convention to support him if he needs it. He'll get my vote because he is the lesser of two evils. Not what I hoped for, not what I feel we need, rather, the best we can do right now.

Positivity is great, but it must be tempered with realism. There are plenty of reasons to disagree with and be disappointed in the President's performance. There are promises that many of us remember, that inspired us and lead an entire generation of young voters to get out there and vote for him. I do not think he will ever again see such overwhelming support. I do not think any candidate for decades to come is likely to. I think he missed his chance to do great things because he was too busy trying to do good things, I think he lost several battles because he was too concerned with everyone getting along. I think he is a good man, very diplomatic, a great speaker. I do not think he is a great leader.

I am not here to bring uplifting to the party. I am here to share ideas, opinions - occasionally I will use what little wisdom I have to try to help others feel better, but I'm not here to sugar coat things or lift the spirits of all. Such a task is beyond me, in any event.

I'm also not trying to ruin anyone's day. You can agree to disagree with respect, with tolerance. Some of my best friends were once enemies, at least in the psychological or political sense (although as a younger man, it was more common that we made friends only after the bruises healed).

I would suggest that calling people out in the manner you have done is likely only to inflame them. No one here is likely to leave because you don't like what they have to say. I think there's room for everyone here. Democrats, progressives, independents, liberals, radicals, communists, socialists, anarchists and many many more. One of the great things about this Country has always been our diversity, not just in race or religion, but the diversity of our ideas, both intellectually and philosophically.

Life would be dreadfully boring if everyone agreed. DU would have no purpose then.