People, please let's give Obama and his administration a break...

[WCGreen]

They have been trying to pry open a closed system, fix it and then deal with all the other crap that was left on his door step like some gigantic Halloween joke.

You know the one, the flaming bag of dog shit that once you try to put out the fire gets you nothing but shit on your shoes?

Anyway, I feel that I want him to take his time, not do the knee-jerk reaction (didn't we have enough of that in the last 8 years) just to show that "he is doing something". Those who scream the loudest now would be chastising the President for acting too quickly if the actions he decides to take didn't work out exactly as he planned.

It took us decades to get into the mess, it's going to take a few months to get a handle on a true way to get out of the pot and the frying pan and back into the kitchen.

Sure, I am as pissed as the next guy about all the shenanigans that have been going on, but I trust Obama, he is, after all, a deliberating person. He has surrounded himself with capable people, yes I include Timmy although even my patience is starting to wane.

Gen. Prescott is purported to have said on Bunker Hill, "Don't shoot until you see the white of their eyes". I always took from that little bit of Americana that they had limited ammunition and that it was best to shoot to kill instead of unleashing precious ammunition prematurely.

So give Mr. Obama a break. Please let him hold his fire until he see all the red ink. We only have so many weapons in our financial arsenal. It would be a tragedy if we elected to shoot on a whim and a prayer instead of waiting just a bit longer to have all the targets in our sites.

[NJmaverick]

1. Well said!

:applause:

[mikekohr]

69. Great Leaders Are Often Betrayed By Their Own,

History if full of such examples, from the betrayal of William Wallace of Scotland to the assassination of Chief Crazy Horse on the Great Plains of America.

Wallace was given over to the English to suffer disembowelment and dismemberment. Crazy Horse was bayoneted in the back by Private William Gentles as his hands were held behind him by his life long friend Little Big Man. Crazy Horse's last words were, "Tell the people it is no use to depend upon me any longer."

In the end it was the betrayal of Crazy Horse and William Wallace by elements from within their own ranks that led to their murders. So it will be with President Obama if he fails. It will be the splintering of his own base, the dissatisfaction of those that clamor for faster more pervasive change, of those that seek to protect their own selfish interests. If President Obama falls, History has written,it will likely be his own people that bring him and his policy of pragmatic reform to an end.

As Hiawatha demonstrated, a bundle of seven arrows could not be broken. But one by one each arrow could be snapped with little effort. If we lose this battle, this is how it will be lost.

In the Spirit of Brotherhood,



International Brotherhood Days
http://www.brotherhooddays.com
mike kohr

[L. Coyote]

72. People, please let's give BUSH and his administration a break... Well said??

Don't give them an inch, or they will take it!!!

[damonm]

95. Oy...

[L. Coyote]

110. Giving a politician a break is like givng a burglar your house keys!

Haven't we learned anything?

[damonm]

111. So giving the guy a year to see

How he's gonna do things (and to gauge results) before we judge his presidency is bad.
Yeah. Right.
:tinfoilhat:

[Hawkowl]

120. We don't have a year.

No, I'm not exaggerating. We are in deep, deep shit. I suggest you study pre-Nazi Germany, specifically the Wiemar republic. Or study the early 1930's and see how, if FDR had been more "progressive" early on, the Great Depression may have only been a recession. You know the old joke about asking the guy who's falling out a 100 story building how's it going as he goes past the 20th floor? "So far so good!" he says. That's what a great majority of DUers are doing.

NOW is the time to push, and pressure Obama further to the left. Because in another year our economic situation will be twice as bad and he'll have no choice. By keeping the heat on Obama we give him political cover to save his own ass, and our own.

Obama has no room for major mistakes and his economic team of Geithner and Summers have demonstrable records of culpability for the current fiscal disaster. Their performance so far in his cabinet is nothing short of extremely alarming. People think everything is on the upswing because we get a blip of a bear market rally on the DOW? Give me a fucking break. Wait till the next unemployment figures show up. And the next. And the next. All progressively higher. Employment IS THE ECONOMY. Not the goddamned DOW. How much of the DOW do you own? Do you have a job? See the difference?

[JuniperLea]

123. Jiminy Crickets on a pogo stick!

How about giving him a couple of months?

He's spending too much! He's not spending enough!'

He's doing too much! He's not doing enough!

I think he's doing just fine, given the fact he's inherited the worst USA on record, second only to the mess left to FDR.

It took BushCo 8 years to break the world, can we give Obama at least 8 weeks to prove he's on the right track?

I'm so fucking tired of the Freepish Concerntrollism around here I could just fucking puke!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

140. Seriously, these Freep-turd wannabes need 2 find a new home. Obama's doing just fine.

[BlooInBloo]

2. Never happen, in the ihateobama forum....

EDIT: Though I commend you for trying.

[WeDidIt]

3. Ain't that the truth!

It's worse now than it was a year ago!

[NJmaverick]

11. Maybe they should give them their own board on the forum

so all the I hate obama venom can hopefully be removed from the other boards.

[BlooInBloo]

17. Nothing you can really do about it. The ihateobama people just wrap themselves in...

a shroud of "dissent is patriotic, you nazi!" parrot-squawking, and continue on their merry way, idiotically thinking that they've fooled us all.

It appears that more people are catching on to their cute little tricks.

[JuniperLea]

122. Another variation on the "Concern Troll" theme...

I'm sure it's a concerted effort, much like the flood of Freeper calls to progressive radio shows lately.

[Frustratedlady]

4. Thank you! I'm afraid we've become a drive-thru society...

We want things done NOW!

With this financial mess, just look at how much they've already accomplished. It is so huge, the Repugs can't keep a step ahead of him.

As for the financial mess, Geithner should also be given some space. Imagine figuring your checkbook down to the penny with a house full of kids, dogs, cats and a hungry husband pulling at you to get supper on the table. Not much different. You're going to make mistakes because your attention span is shortened by screaming and fighting kids and animals...including the husband.

It's easy to sit back in your armchair and criticize.

[WCGreen]

6. I am an accountant and, at least when it comes to money, have a

conservative approach.

And it sure doesn't help that the cable news readers have all suddenly become populists.

[amandabeech]

31. Geithner's record goes long, long way back,

and in my estimation, none of it is good.

I don't think that Geithner deserved the Treasury pick and should have bowed out gracefully ( or have been pressured to ) when his tax problems came up.

[bdamomma]

114. Bernanke is not so clean either.

[rvablue]

5. I 100% agree. After reading many, many threads on here today I can't

figure out what site I'm on.

Geebus, people!! Noone's advocating we don't discuss things. But can we give President Obama 6-12 months to clean up this awful mess before we start laying into him.

He's only human.
There are only so many hours in the day.
President Shrub did more damage than any other modern president. We need to give President Obama some time to unravel this mess and reset policy. Lay off! It's been 2 months!!!

[dionysus]

50. ding ding ding, we have a winnah!

:thumbsup:

[ckimmy57]

65. Amen to that

:toast:

[Political Heretic]

101. No one is advocating we don't discuss things, but can we please not discuss this.....

That's just great.

[elocs]

7. I am not sure if Obama is surrounded by competent people,

otherwise this AIG mess which has the nation in an uproar would have never gotten by them. Wasn't there anyone in this administration who saw this coming at all? If there wasn't, then clearly not all of the people surrounding Obama are competent.

Is there someone here at DU who can inform us all when "waiting just a bit longer" may be? The administration is going to have a lot of damage control to do on this one.

[babylonsister]

8. Didn't this AIG mess start on someone else's watch? nt

[elocs]

10. Right now this is Obama's watch. These AIG bonuses came up now.

This mess is clearly that from Bush, but it is on Obama how he deals with it. As far as these AIG bonuses go it sure does seem like the administration people were not on top of it or somehow believed it wouldn't matter or the American people wouldn't notice and be pissed. That's shortsighted.

[babylonsister]

12. OK. So Obama's taken responsibility. I think I'm just going to wait

and see how it's dealt with.

[elocs]

16. The point with these AIG bonuses is that it could have been avoided in the first place.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the American public were going to be royally pissed about this.

[treestar]

51. All large projects contain errors

We go through high school able to get 100% on tests and go out and think life is like that. If we just study, we'll get perfection.

Perfection is impossible in the real world and too much goes into picking out that part that may not have worked ideally and crying and analyzing about it and changing everything to avoid that lack of perfection, only to continue to do it again when the change still leaves error possible!

Everything you do, someone can look back afterward and talk about "what should have been done." Especially those who didn't even try to do it in the first place.

[Tigermoose]

60. Well f'in said. Great job.

True words...true words...

[Beetwasher]

13. Yeah? So?

And he's taking responsibility and trying clean it up.

Yeah, they may have fucked up a bit w/ the bonuses, but under the circumstances I wouldn't expect them to get every single fucking thing right. Something needed to be done IMMEDIATELY, before they even had a chance to go over everything w/ a fine toothed comb.

Who can really blame them if in fact they were "shortsighted". They were trying to do something to avoid an imminent economic catastrophe w/out being in possession of all the facts, and according to pretty much every expert, they needed to do something YESTERDAY. It was pretty much impossible to be in possession of all the facts before making decisions under the given circumstances. Timing was of the essence. So they may have fucked up. But at least Obama's man enough to take responsibility and do something about it NOW.

[elocs]

15. This AIG mess has been a horrible PR nightmare to get wrong when it didn't need to be that way.

Somebody in the administration undoubtedly knew about this and kept their mouth shut. Yes, they royally fucked up and it is Obama who has to take the heat over it.

[Beetwasher]

18. Really? It Didn't Need To Be That Way? Hindsight Is Always 100%

"Somebody in the administration undoubtedly knew about this and kept their mouth shut."

You don't know that.

Yes, Obama IS taking the heat and accepting responsibility and being a man about it. This pile of shit is so huge and so complicated it's a wonder there haven't been even MORE fuck ups. It's practically impossible to get it right right from the start.

[elocs]

20. No, I don't know that, but I think it is a pretty educated guess that somebody knew.

I want to see Obama get ahead of the curve rather than have to react to things.

[Beetwasher]

22. And I Want A Pony!

:eyes:

Give me a break. He's way ahead of the curve, that doesn't mean he's perfect or ever will be.

Educated guess? My ass.

[elocs]

24. I will give you a break, but that is because I will not longer be able to see your posts.

I hope you understand clearly what I am saying but cannot say.

[Beetwasher]

26. I Clearly Understand You're A Coward

Run away lil doggie!

[GOTV]

55. You're right. The Fed knew

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Fed_knew_of_AIG_bonuses_failed_0319.html

[bdamomma]

115. Bernanke needs to come clean too.

[dkf]

36. I'm not sure what would be worse, if they didn't know or if

they knew and didn't do anything about it..

Either way, it shows that some in the administration can't walk and chew gum at the same time...because they are understaffed and over worked I bet.

My question is who is going to take responsibility when the numerous other oversights occur because we haven't staffed the place properly.

We need to know who is responsible for this area so we can hold their feet to the fire.

[GOTV]

54. link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=3790127&mesg_id=3790127

[WCGreen]

19. The bonus situation was in place before Obama took an oath...

And like it or not, the courts would rule against any tax targeted at a group of specific tax payers.

Obama can't really do anything.

The legal costs in defending any such move would be monumental in time diverted by the AG from other pressing problems.

Look, I think it stinks but there really is nothing to do but move on and concentrate of writing any further bail out situations with a little more forethought than displayed by pull-the-trigger-and-then-aim Paulson.

[elocs]

23. The problem is that it came up right NOW and right NOW they are trying to do something about it.

Even if Obama could not do anything (many now are suggesting he could), why didn't he preempt this whole mess by addressing it before it came out and made his administration look clueless about it?

[Beetwasher]

25. Why Doesn't Obama Invent Time Travel????

Why can't he fly? Why isn't he an omniscient omnipotent master of all time-space and dimensions! Dammit!! Why isn't Obama PERFECT!! Like ME ME ME ME!!!! :eyes:

[ElboRuum]

76. To extend the allegory a bit...

You know, he very well might be the omniscient omnipotent master of all the multiverse. That we don't understand his plan and only sometimes our prayers get answered seems to lend itself well to that point. :evilgrin:

[Beetwasher]

90. Hell, That's The Problem!

I don't think anyone fully understands what the hell is going on, and it needed to be fixed last year (or longer)! Believe me, plenty more mistakes will be made before this is all over, it's only to be expected. At least we have someone at the helm who recognizes that, will acknowledge mistakes, take responsibility and is willing to change course mid-stream instead of continuing full speed ahead into the same iceberg.

[HughMoran]

99. What is he a FUCKING FUCKING FUCKING PSYCHIC??

How can he respond to something before he knew about it?

C'mon!

[barbtries]

62. why...

yes, it did.

[Beetwasher]

9. Look, I'm Even Willing To Admit Obama (And Geithner) May Have Fucked Up A Bit

W/ allowing these idiotic bonuses to be paid out the way they were, but I'm willing to cut him slack given the circumstances. Something needed to be done IMMEDIATELY or there was good indication we would have a massive economic collapse, or at least that's the picture that was being painted for him.

Picture the scene. Obama's a new President with hardly any time to open the books and seee what's going on with hardly any staff in place and BAM he's handed this gigantic pile of shit he needs to do something about AND QUICKLY or the country and world faces imminent economic armageddon (or so he's being told by just about every expert under the sun)! So yeah, mistakes were made, but he's doing what he can to rectify them and take responsibility.

[EFerrari]

14. Obama waded into a cesspool. It's not going to be easy OR clean. n/t

[defendandprotect]

81. DLC/corporate influences and AIPAC influences are going to further complicate . . .

decision making -- not to mention Dem Blue Dogs -- re Single Payer Health Care --

protecting labor vs corporate interests -- and stopping these bailouts.

In fact, reversing them!!!

[Laelth]

21. Hear, hear! n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[democracy1st]

27. Pres Obama screwed up when he picked this wall st fraud

[tbyg52]

29. Yeah, Geithner needs to go, along with any other Wall Street insiders.

I'm still cutting him a break, though - nobody is perfect, and he's sure better than what we've had.

[ihavenobias]

77. I reject and denounce you! Why are you part of the Hate Obama Crowd?

How DARE you EVER criticize any decisions? It's only been 55 days. Like with Bush, you need to let *history* be the judge, who are you to judge?

;)

Sorry, but I'm disgusted by this "see no evil, speak no evil" cheer-leading bullshit. If you care about someone and want them to succeed, you don't pretend to be blind to their faults and mistakes. That enables failure, not success. Unfortunately some people can't seem to make that distinction.

I agree that there are some who aren't constructive in their criticisms of this administration, I would never dispute that. But to lump together EVERYONE with any criticism (constructive or otherwise) and suggest that they hate the president, want to fail, are unpatriotic, etc....it disgusts me.

Let's leave the partisan cheer-leading for the Republicans. They gave us a great template on how to do that the last 8 years, and I think we'd be doing ourselves, our president and our country a great service by NOT following it.

[bahrbearian]

78. You had me going at 1st.

See what cheer leading gets ya.

[democracy1st]

137. true,everyone has to be held accountable

[defendandprotect]

82. Keeping the people responsible for this financial corruption in place is just more . . .

corruption---!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. I know I'm late to this party...

But I still wanted to say:

K&R

Well stated...

:patriot:

[Blue_Roses]

30. thank-you and very well said!

:applause:

[opihimoimoi]

32. K&R.....at this point he deserves a 2 week vacation in Hawaii....

[firedupdem]

33. Nice Post... Thank You. Rec'd n/t

[eridani]

34. It is not possible for people who helped cause our financial crisis to fix it

Unless Obama changes that, and fast, we are all in for a world of hurt.

[Solomon]

35. Where did you dig that wisdom up from? I've seen plenty of

sitautions where the same person who screwed up, fixed something. People are full of platitudes.

[eridani]

42. They fixed it by doing something DIFFERENT

All evidence so far indicates taht Geithner intends to screw the entire country in order to preserve the profits of the people who got us into this mess.

[acmavm]

37. Oh yes sir, I'll gladly give up my rights to speak out when things

are going drastically wrong just because the Barack Obama Fan Club wants no criticism of their hero, no matter how much it is deserved.

:sarcasm:

[dionysus]

47. well, since you have always oozed disdain at obama and his supporters, i don't think anyone expects

you to stop your precious whini-- er, criticism...

:rofl:

[acmavm]

57. Awwwww, you took a precious moment out from your blind idol

worship to post this worthless response.

You are nothing if not predictable.

edit: Just to point out that there are supporters and there are Bots.

This is Bot Central.

[dionysus]

59. "You are nothing if not predictable.", the same goes for you...

idol, worship, you might as well throw in a messiah for good measure.

just come out and say you hate the guy, it's obvious to everyone...

[Kajsa]

56. No one asked you to give up your rights to speak out.

The OP asked to give our President time to clean up this major FU that took
eight years in the making- perhaps more.

We went from a budget surplus and peace to trillion dollar deficits,
a tanked economy and two wars,all on BushCo's watch.

And Karl Rove claimed that BushCo " inherited a recession"!

What a friggin liar he is.

[Political Heretic]

104. What would giving the president time look like to you?

If it includes the right to continue to speak out?

[Kajsa]

117. This may take years to clean up

just like Pres. Obama said himself.

I don't think we are going to see huge
changes in a few months.

The changes are happening now, though.

[Political Heretic]

127. Yeah I agree....

Speaking out and keeping a critical eye on things with a desire to keep the administration's feet to the fire is one thing.

But on the other hand, if someone is already doing the funeral of the administration, then that's premature.

[Kajsa]

144. That's it!

You summed it up very well.

:)

[MadHound]

38. We tried that tactic when Clinton took office,

And we wound up with NAFTA, '96 Telecom Act, massive financial sector deregulation (which helped put us into this current mess), the stripping away of our social safety net, and so much bullshit.

Sorry, but I don't trust any politician, and as an American I feel it is our duty to hold their feet to the fire and to hold them accountable.

[WCGreen]

40. Clinton wasn't facing the onslaught of crisis that Obama is

nor was the 24/7 news cycle as prevalent in 1993 as it is today.

If things aren't coming together by the nd of May then I would start getting a little worried.

BTW, Clinton faced massive opposition to NAFTA from his party and also from the Unions.

And Obama is not "triangulating" every issue from a pragmatic POV as Clinton did.

[defendandprotect]

83. The best thing you can do for corporate-media and your own sanity . . . is turn it off--!!!

I think spending this much time worrying about right wing garbage on TV -- and especially

watching it -- is a mistake.

[Onlooker]

39. Obama needs to be pressured from the left

Obama is under enormous pressure from the financial interests. If progressives don't match that pressure, Obama will continue to cave in to those interests. Remember, Obama is surrounded by corporate Democrats like Geithner and Summers. If progressives remain on the sidelines, then they will prevail. Let's not fall into the same trap that Republicans fell into, when they gave blind loyalty to Bush. If we give Obama our blind trust, then others will take advantage of us.

[WCGreen]

41. This isn't about blind Trust...

This is about letting the guy get his feet wet before we sharpen the pitch forks.

[Marrah_G]

46. It is about blind trust.

So where is the line for you? After what date is it okay to voice an opinion.

[dionysus]

49. if obama lef the seat up or forgot to wash his hands, you'd be all over it, or have a coronary,

so your comment is rather droll...

:rofl:

[WCGreen]

64. I'm not saying don't voice an opinion...

I think what is getting me is the complete lack of patience of some here on DU that is then fueled by the frenzy of the talking heads.

Also, the people who are ready to give up on the Obama Administration after less that 60 days in office. That, to me, is just silly.

Look, we are in dangerous times when a mis step could very well tank the whole system. As far as the financial situation goes, it may even be worse than that.

I'm an accountant by trade. I see what happens when a CEO is facing trouble and lurches here then lurches there and never getting it right. I am glad that Obama is deliberating and not, for the most part, lurching or worse, giving into to the hue and cry from the right leaning media.

All I am doing is voicing an opinion.

And by the way, I am losing patience with Timmy as I stated in the OP.

[Political Heretic]

105. It is absolutely about blind trust. Obama isn't a fragile fucking flower.

He's not going to wilt and roll up into the fetal position under our questioning, skepticism and in some cases criticism.

[mvd]

146. He wants to hear some constructive criticism

Hopefully from the left, too. He's not like Bush. Last night on Leno, he said Washington is full of Simon Cowells. He can handle us as long as we don't undermine him.

[L. Coyote]

74. Why aren't Bush and Cheney in front of committee's under oath testifying about their known crimes

Bush and Cheney should not have been allowed to leave town without a STOP
in front of Congressional Committees and some interviews with the FBI.

Their crimes are public knowledge, FCS!!!

[defendandprotect]

85. Absolutely . . . and every time someone here posts a complaint about some

action by the White House -- or reads an article which they disagree with -- they

should follow up with White House "Contact" and/or with contacting their Senators/

Reps BEFORE positing anything at DU!

Blind Loyalty is based on blindness -- that we don't need.

[ClarkUSA]

43. Hint: The folks always trashing Obama never supported him in the first place.

We seriously need a PUMA/Freeper Obama Hating Rabid Jackal Forum. I'm sure we all can name the founding members of that group.

[dionysus]

48. that is today's example of the

:thumbsup:

[ClarkUSA]

52. Thanks, buddy.

:hi:

[Political Heretic]

107. Definie "trashing."

Since some would define it as using any kind of rational skepticism or doing any sort of critical policy analysis.

I'm not here to jack off to pictures of Obama. What's sad is that I sincerely believe Obama would be on my side - not yours - if he heard this debate.

The guy is not afraid of questions or criticism. He wants it... that's exactly the attitude a strong leader should have, and I'm not going to DISRESPECT him like some do by treating him like some fragile fucking flower that we must all sing hymns of praise do without every questioning or taking issue....

Doesn't sound like what Obama says he's all about to me... does it to you?

Don't worry, I'm not expecting a reply.

[burythehatchet]

131. If I gave you a dollar would you promise to buy a fucking clue?

[Life Long Dem]

44. Yeah and what is being discovered looks ugly.

It's almost as if this transparency stuff is actually in fact transparent. But President Obama is taking full responsibility, which through MSM into a tizzy.

[Marrah_G]

45. No. I will support him when he does well and speak up when I think he has fucked up.

After the last 8 years to do otherwise would be hypocritical.

If you want to be his cheerleader you are more then welcome to play that part.

I can't rubber stamp something that he does that I have or would have slammed Bush on.

[GOTV]

53. I'm fine with him taking his time ... it's the letting finance execs and bush admin get away with it

that I don't like.

I think he's a smart and capable guy but he seems to want to fix the immediate problems without disturbing those that caused the problems. He phrases it as looking forward, not backwards.

I understand that, when the house is on fire, even if the guys with the torches are still standing there watching the house burn, your first priority is putting the house out. I would be fine if Barack had said, let's first put the house out, then we'll get the guys that did it, then we'll make sure no one will be able to do this again.

Instead he, and his administration seem to be saying. Let's put the house out and then come together, torturer, financial arsonist, and the newly jobless alike and all be friends. Like the line from Monty Python's Search of the Holy Grail: "Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who. This is supposed to be a happy day!"

Not cool.

[WCGreen]

63. Perhaps he is proceeding that way in order to get their cooperation

on the hard stuff that needs to be done right now.

I think that Obama and his Administration is going to pursue criminal prosecution where they have a great chance of winning and changing things.

At least that is my hope.

[GOTV]

66. It would be nice to think that. I'm not sure why he couldn't say that was his plan ....

.... With their softening the limits of executive pay, their refusal to look backwards (their words) at the Bush admin, their refusal to use the majority ownership to influence a company's decisions I just don't see a reason to believe he has this plan for the future.

[WCGreen]

68. I though the Justice department was looking into prosecution.

[GOTV]

71. Well, I can't prove that they're not ...

... in fact a Bush administration official was just sentenced - although not for torture, or 4th amendment crimes - just some petty embezzling. And of course Bernie Madoff went to jail.

So I suppose the justice department is still working.

I would feel better if it seemed that going after the people that caused these was more of a priority for the president. Even if it was a priority he could not pursue right now.

[WCGreen]

116. Let the Justice Department do it;s job...

That's all I am saying.

They roll some small fish which will lead to bigger fish.

[defendandprotect]

86. Why not just appoint people who are ready to cooperate because they

also think the way you do?

"Thinking" something is going to work out is no guarantee of it ---

If you let corporations cut union salaries, it is just more of the downward spiral

of wages. Union wages are the floor under all wages.

Capitalism is over --- unregulated capitalism is organized crime.

Having a president surrounded by people who are still pumping the unregulated capitalism

machine -- those who still want more bailouts but refuse to help ordinary Americans does

only serves the interestws of more corporate-fascism.

[debbierlus]

58. Obama doesn't need a break - he needs to hear the voices of the people who demand representation

I don't expect Obama to fix everything. I don't expect much improvement, at all, right away.

However, I will not stand silent while Obama fills his administration with corporate voices and continues the economic policies of the Bush administration.

I will not stand silent as the corporate health care giants get ready to write mandatory health insurance into law, another scheme for the rich, while single payer health care advocates have to beg for a seat at the table.

Obama has already given much of the bailout to the rich controlling powers while the masses gasp for straws.
There is NO time to give him. What decisions he makes now determine the course of the administration and country. And, he has been incredibly disappointing thus far with the exception of social policy changes.


The silence & acquiescence of the 'base' to Obama's corporate policy agenda is surreal.

[defendandprotect]

87. Keep expressing your concerns to White House at . . ..

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

[barbtries]

61. well put

from a couple things i received in the email today, one from my sister and one from a co-worker, you'd think obama was president from 2001 to 2009. sheesh.

i've been disappointed and elated at news coming from the new administration. can't have it all. i still will give thanks that it's obama in the wh and not you-know-who.

[orbitalman]

67. Obama May be the Best POKER player We've Seen in Some Time

He holds his cards very close while we become impatient. Just keep dogging him !!

[defendandprotect]

88. "The House" always wins . . . that's the question in this game . . .

it has looked like corporatism for too long now ---

and we need to detach from that fascism.

[L. Coyote]

70. Remember Iran-Contra and Bill Clinton? Remember?? This attitude gave us ...

People should have been all over Clinton for his failures in enforcing the laws. In a good measure, our 2000-2008 problems are due to not having cleaned up the mess from 1980-19992.

So slack!!

[defendandprotect]

89. Exactly . . . they put the "pardoned" criminals right back into service . . . !!!

[dcsmart]

73. I always tell people we'll talk in 4 years....then we can start

really evaluating was he has done and where we are going. It hasn't even been 6 months.

:toast:

[defendandprotect]

91. Think Global Warming . . . think pollution . . . think homeless, think foreclosures . . .

think attacks on wages, think lay-offs, think bailouts ---

about those suffering in this GOP-made criminal assault on the Treasury

and economy -- and then re-read your message.

You might have six months -- but many Americans don't --- !!!

[polichick]

75. What's important is to give the President a hand when it's needed...

The campaign organized voters across the country for the election, and also for pushing the President's plans.

Please make your calls!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8272605

[kaygore]

79. Sorry, but not challenging the health insurance companies AND

doing just more of the same in education AND hiring the same hacks from Wall Street...this is not change I can believe in.

I know that Obama inherited a mess but from day one when he selected his DLC chief of staff, I have been holding my breath.

Obama has a great deal of pressure from the other side, if we don't apply pressure to counter that pressure then we all lose, Obama included.

[defendandprotect]

93. DLC expresses the interests of corporations, not people --- AIPAC is destructive . . .

of peace ---

We are not going to get sound decision making from either ---

we are going to get more corporatism, more weapons and more war in the ME.

[kaygore]

118. My fears exactly

[defendandprotect]

80. No one here is averse to giving Obama credit when it is due . . . we're pulling for him . ..

I, personally -- and I don't think other DU'ers -- want to clap for right-wing,

corporate/DLC - AIPAC -- decision-making --

And every time I see a post like this asking for applause for any behavior makes

me feel strongly that the poster needs to rethink "loyalty at any costs" ....!!!

[HughMoran]

102. I don't see anything resembling "loyalty at all costs"

Saying "I trust Obama" is nothing like what you've suggested.

[defendandprotect]

108. Unfortunately, many of these posts do add up to that . . .

And, I think your founders made clear that most men are dishonest men ...

and we would preserve democracy only by constant vigilance.

"TRUST" is something earned --- not something you automatically give.

[HughMoran]

109. I'm not nearly that cynical or black and white in my thinking

Please offer alternative solutions - criticizing those who feel comfortable with Obama is not very productive IMO.

[defendandprotect]

128. Not respecting the need for a Bill of Rights . . .

isn't very productive either --

Those rights weren't left to "trust" ---

And neither should any policies be left to anyone's "trust" ---

[HughMoran]

136. I hate those who would slip and slide

refusing to answer questions and simply creating another diversion when confronted. Off to the iggy pile with you - you're a useless "contributor" here.

[solara]

84. Hear! Hear! But I find it very sad that you feel compelled to post this HERE at DU!!

I cannot believe the condemnation of President Obama that I read here on DU every day. I would have expected this kind of snarkiness if McCain had won.. but against Pres. Obama? OUR candidate who has held office for less than two months? And he is sorting out a total fiasco that it took the Bush cabal 8 years to create..

C'mon you 'liberals' and 'progressives' lighten up.. If you trusted and believed in him enough to vote for him.. trust and believe in him enough to stand with him now

:patriot:

[defendandprotect]

97. Let me suggest that you address the specific criticism . . .

of the decisions being made by Obama -- and stop suggesting that

DU'ers and Democrats wear blinders---!!!

If you can justify your arguments, do so --- issue by issue.

[solara]

124. Pardon me, but I do not suggest that Duers and Democrats wear blinders

In fact I am suggesting just the opposite - I am suggesting that we should stand behind him and wait and see.. We elected him for a reason. I am hoping people will remember what it was.

Thank you

:patriot:

[defendandprotect]

129. "Stand behind him --- and wait and see" . . . .

isn't asking DU'ers to wear blinders?

What about this . ..

I cannot believe the condemnation of President Obama that I read here on DU every day. I would have expected this kind of snarkiness if McCain had won.. but against Pres. Obama? OUR candidate who has held office for less than two months? And he is sorting out a total fiasco that it took the Bush cabal 8 years to create..

C'mon you 'liberals' and 'progressives' lighten up.. If you trusted and believed in him enough to vote for him.. trust and believe in him enough to stand with him now

Unfortunately, executive decisions were made even before Obama was in the White House . . .

and all of the decisions since he was elected qualify to change policy -- or not.

I would suggest that when the White House is under the influence of the DLC and when corporatists

are moved into the administration -- when failed economic policy makers are kept in place ---

and when ALL Bush's AG's were asked to stay* . . . then the outcome is predictable.

As predictable as overturning regulation of capitalism -- and Glass-Seagall equalled corruption

and eventual bankrupting of our Treasury.

*51 did stay!

[solara]

132. Standing behind President Obama and wearing blinders are not the same thing... geez

I absolutely think people are right to question him .. I think we must always question authority and I believe in truth to power, but I also believe in giving the guy a chance to sort through all the shit that was left him.. good grief.. I just can't believe people are so ready to blame him and vilify him after not even 60 days in office. Question him all you want to, just wait awhile before you condemn him.

I think you are the one with blinders on

Your fear blinds you to possibility.. Hope still exists even after the election

You sound like you are a product of the 10 second sound bite.. if something doesn't happen immediately your perception is that it isn't happening at all-


:patriot:

[defendandprotect]

135. You "stand behind" someone when you think they've done the right thing . . .

not because you HOPE they're going to do the right thing in future . . .

Whether or not you realize it, presidents-elect make decisions and based on those

decisions and the decisions Obama has made since he reached the White House, he has

signalled where his loyalties lie. Giving the DLC White House access is a mistake.

Abetting corporate rule by keeping on or appointing those who have paved the way

for this financial crisis is a mistake.

These are Obama's decisions, not someone else's "shit."

Decisions and policies are made day-by-day . . . from the first day to the 60th . . .

and thereafter . . . day-by-day.

We are discussing issues - you seem to be relying on trust.

Perhaps you missed the fact that Single Payer advocates were being kept from the table

in the discussions about health care. When should we have protested that --- six months

from now?

Stick with the issues -- if they're good we'll praise them.

If they suck, we'll say so! Just as it should be.

And if some DU'ers here or Obama, himself, is too fragile to hear criticism of his actions/

policies, then he shouldn't be in the White House!

[amborin]

92. sad that folks don't read ny times or Krugman...they'd fully support Obama if they did

[defendandprotect]

98. Sad that anyone would still think highly of the NY Times . . . !!!

Krugman I'm not totally familiar with except the occasional article here at DU ---

Used to read the NY Times . . . it's over!!

[Enthusiast]

94. I can overlook much.

Even the Geithner pick.

One thing I will not overlook is allowing the telecom giants to compromise internet neutrality.

If President Obama betrays this trust from that moment on he becomes my enemy. Why? Because the internet is obviously the last bastion of free speech and without it we are finished. We might be finished anyway. I ask you, would you like the internet to become like your cable or dish network where they control access to the various channels. Think it can't happen? If you think this can't happen you have not been watching these fucking politicians give our country away to the highest bidder.

[NanceGreggs]

96. Oh, yeah!!!

:kick: & REC'D!!!


Well done, sir! :patriot:

[Political Heretic]

100. The last thing we need to do is give the administration a break - now that things are just starting

to get where they should be in terms of the public scrutiny being paid to wall street.

You can take your keep our powder dry argument and go jump off a cliff.

[Political Heretic]

103. Obama CHOSE to come out opposing Dodd's addition to AAR, saying he would work to change it

and put himself and the administration on the side of looking the other way while taxpayer bailout recipients rewarded themselves off our money, which most of us DONT HAVE ENOUGH OF TO TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN SELVES.

Now its blow up in his face.

I'm glad Obama is my president, and I really like some of the things he's done already, but he was wrong about this - it was idiotic, and I'm glad its coming back to bite him. That's called learning a lesson, and it needs to happen.

[KalicoKitty]

106. Amen to that ~ great post!

:toast:

:kick:

[Tommy_J]

112. History will show Obama to be one of our greatest presidents

It true that some unfortunate compromises may be necessary to climb out of this hole. Just give him some breathing room. Is that too much to ask?

[bdamomma]

113. let's be realistic President Obama has 8 years or longer of

Republican crap to clean up, and if we think he could do better, maybe one of us should run for President!! This man has taken a BIG CRISIS, and he has my confidence and support.

[defendandprotect]

130. Where's Single Payer Health Care . . . ??? Why DLC in White House...???

[Hell Hath No Fury]

119. Sorry, it's feet to the fire, at all times.

I lived through Clinton. I have learned my lesson.

[Peacetrain]

121. I agree...too late to recommend.. but K&R in spirit

[RichGirl]

125. Absolutely!!!

[Butch350]

126. Any intelligent person should know this already.

[burythehatchet]

133. Larry Summers is THE prime architect of this economy alon with Phil Gramm

Why can't you understand that putting back in charge of the economy along with the ex-head of the NY Fed - the entity that was regulating all these banks - was a piss-poor decision. NO NO and FUCK NO I will not give Larry Summers and Tim Geithner a break until Obama does what needs to be done, admit his mistake and fire those blood sucking wall street shitheads.

[WCGreen]

134. Well then, who would you rather see in their place....

Serious question.

[burythehatchet]

138. Stiglitz would be a good pick. Volcker would be a good pick. Remember, back

in 1987 Reagan Volcker was doing a wonderful job at the Fed. But Reagan decided he wanted the Objectivist Ayn Rand groupie Alan Greenspan, so Volcker was replaced. That is when the ball got rolling. Now, I believe that by 1987 Reagan was pretty much non-functional due to Alzheimers, so my guess is that the Bush, as always, engineered this replacement.

Better explained here:
http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2009/01/stiglitz200901?currentPage=1
In 1987 the Reagan administration decided to remove Paul Volcker as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board and appoint Alan Greenspan in his place. Volcker had done what central bankers are supposed to do. On his watch, inflation had been brought down from more than 11 percent to under 4 percent. In the world of central banking, that should have earned him a grade of A+++ and assured his re-appointment. But Volcker also understood that financial markets need to be regulated. Reagan wanted someone who did not believe any such thing, and he found him in a devotee of the objectivist philosopher and free-market zealot Ayn Rand.

Greenspan played a double role. The Fed controls the money spigot, and in the early years of this decade, he turned it on full force. But the Fed is also a regulator. If you appoint an anti-regulator as your enforcer, you know what kind of enforcement you’ll get. A flood of liquidity combined with the failed levees of regulation proved disastrous.

[WCGreen]

139. I agree that Volker would have been a great choice, but the reality is

I don't believe he wants all the hassle. He is over 80 and that could very well have been why he probably took himself out of consideration.

I remember Volk, pushing interest rates up to 18-19% to wring inflation out of the system. I am so glad he is on our side.

[burythehatchet]

141. So my serious reply to your request for a serious answer is met with sarcasm

attaboy :thumbsup: you are too clever for me.

[WCGreen]

143. Boy you're defensive...

That was a true response on my part...

[LWolf]

142. He doesn't get any breaks from me.

I will, however, be grateful for, and acknowledge, anything positive that he does.

I don't hate the man, although I never wanted him to be president.

I just have too many ideological and political differences with him to "give him a break."

If he were trying to achieve common goals, I'd "give him a break," and a chance to do so. He's not. His goals have little in common with mine, at least when it comes to the key issues I want addressed.

Meanwhile, I just took a pay cut. My younger son has had his hours cut back and is struggling to keep groceries on the table. My oldest son just got laid off. My entire extended family is in financial crisis. Along with many, many others who are hanging on by the tips of their fingernails, wondering how many more breaths they can take like that before everything implodes, and many, many, many others who have already fallen, we don't have the luxury of time.

[mvd]

145. I've seen the arguments the last few days, and I think there's a middle ground

We can stand for progressive principles and still support Obama. RATIONAL criticism is ok: for example, I'm not a fan of all his cabinet members and thought the special olympics comment was a gaffe, but number one in my mind is supporting the President and giving him the benefit of the doubt. He has the people's good will in mind and has done a lot of good things already. Not supporting him will lead to someone like Palin in 2012, because in order to get someone more progressive in, Obama must succeed. I think the DU rules are a good guideline: constructive criticism ok, but unhinged attacks not ok.