On Supporting Obama: What Other Option Is There?

[cali]

There are too many people who want to destroy Obama and his presidency for me to line up with the trash Obama contingent on the left. And by that I mean the people who suggest that we shouldn't ever give Obama the benefit of the doubt.

To state the obvious, if Obama fails, we lose big time- and not just politically.

I don't agree with everything Obama's done. I don't like all his appointments, but I damn well am going to give him the benefit of the doubt, two months into his presidency. He's earned it.

His accomplishments in the first two months are pretty significant, but no president could possibly reverse the damage done to this country by bushco in two freakin' months. So if he wants to keep Geithner on, well, he's earned enough of my trust for me to support him on that choice. But this isn't just about Geithner.

Powerful forces are aligned against Obama. They will work tirelessly to destroy him. I'm not going to give them any unwitting aid in this quest.

[Vinca]

1. Every time a person begins to trash Obama, they should reflect

on what might have been. Maybe President McCain would have died in office by now and we'd have a POTUS that makes Dubya look like Albert Einstein. Wouldn't you just love to have Palin taking care of this economic crisis?

[bjobotts]

45. You are not trashing Obama to disagree with him or criticize some of his calls

[bjobotts]

46. Never blindly follow anyone with personality worship. Obama wants you input

[bjobotts]

48. not your blind allegiance like "My Obama right or wrong". Geithner is a poor choice

[bjobotts]

49. States secrets to prevent torture from being revealed or those held accountable-wrong

[bjobotts]

51. How can Obama represent someone who says "Whatever you say boss"

[bjobotts]

52. You can support Obama and be critical of his decisions at the same time

[jwirr]

65. Or might still be if we don't start pulling together on the issues.

One of the reasons that congressional democrats can hold back is because we the party members are unsure about what we want. The only way this site can be a force in this mess is by working together. Mostly I see us fighting and taking off in tangents on side issues. I am beginning to get really afraid.

[defendandprotect]

79. I don't know what you're reading, but I pretty consistently see that DU'ers . . .

want justice, persecutions, impeachment -- people held responsible for torture, and

lying us into war.

Wasn't it Obama who said that "he didn't see the need to impeach Bush" -- ???

Americans want Single Payer Health Care ---

Americans want an end to the wars -- which Pelosi, herself, personally and immediately

acknowledged after the 2006 election. It's on tape. Following that she made a U-turn

and re-funded these wars for two years!

Americans want action on Global Warming and full acknowledgment of the harm we are

doing to the planet and animal-life -- and to ourselves!

Americans want unions -- and to have employees protected.

Americans want re-regulation of capitalism at the least!

Americans do NOT want wiretapping of American citizens -- they want the FISA laws

respected and upheld! In fact, FISA is already a violation of our Constitutional rights.

A "compromise" again which harms us all -- but at least let's uphold the compromise!!

Americans want to end homelessness -- end poverty.

Americans want an end to the Drug War --

Americans want control over the Federal Reserve and returning economic decisions which

are political to Congress.

Americans want to have any bail-outs make sense .... Stop letting companies get so big

that they can't fail. Use our anti-trust laws --- anti-monopoly laws!

On and on . . . you see this every day here --- and this isn't the most liberal/

progressive website ever.

[defendandprotect]

80. Add to that incomplete list an end to DLC and AIPAC influence on Democratic Party ...

[Tommy_J]

101. Excellent point --

-- and thanks for the perspective.

[H2O Man]

2. Nominated.

There are, of course, areas where I do not agree with President Obama. However, there are constructive ways of voicing those disagreements. Those are more likely to result in positive results, than engaging in negative attacks. It's that simple.

[humbled_opinion]

66. Exactly the Right uses...

all of the disparity as ammunition to go after Obama and the masses start to get riled up and want someone held accountable.

[newfie11]

3. Thanks, that is the way I feel also n/t

[AllentownJake]

4. Time to circle the wagons people around President Obama

If you don't see that than I'm sorry.

[rucky]

5. His critics here are obviously not aligned with the opposition...

but it can appear that way sometimes, when the criticism is not thought out, based on lies, or simply not constructive. If we advocate for programs and policies that are progressive, the right kind of criticism could present a case for him to go another direction.

As long as he shows willingness to work with the GOP, and make compromises, we need a strong voice coming from the left. If keeping Geithner on is proving to be a mistake, it's not enough for us to make the case against him - we have to ally ourselves with economists that have a better plan.

[Political Heretic]

6. How about this option:

Defining "support" of Obama in a way that is intelligent, reflective and rational and would include room for critical reflection and even criticism, on the off chance that a president might do both things we agree with and things we don't - we might want to remain free to advocate for what we believe to be right and attempt to counter some of the powerful forces trying to lead the president astray.

I reject the notion that any president is "entitled" to the "benefit of the doubt" - ever. No president every "earns" a citizen's silence.

Saying that the Obama administration is doomed, or that its all over, or saying something ridiculous like he's no different that Bush or something like that - those are things we can all reject. But that's not what's even going on here for the most part. For the most part, people are leveling some pretty fair minded criticism and getting assaulted by the thought police.

[cali]

7. You're battling a phantom. I never asserted what you seem to think I did

I haven't suggested silence. I'm not talking about thoughtful criticism. I'm referring to the trashing of the President that is going on from some on the left. And I'm also explaining that for me personally, Obama has earned a measure of trust, and that I do intend to give him the benefit of the doubt because of that.

Oh, and criticism of what you or any other person has to say here, isn't "the thought police". YOU don't get to tell me or anyone else here that they must shut up while whining about being told to shut up. Stupid hypocrisy sucks. Say what you will. So will I. But I won't whine about the phony thought police.

[Political Heretic]

9. You know what, I noticed that after re-reading.

So, there's nothing else to say really.... my post really goes beyond what you were saying with your OP. You're right.

[cali]

10. Thanks.

I really am not saying that criticizing specific actions (or non-actions) by the President, shouldn't be happening. I'm just arguing against the wholesale trashing that some are engaging in.

[defendandprotect]

86. I think you have to also understand that there is a big wide world out there . . .

which you also can't control --

I don't see any unfairness here to Obama --- just the reverse.

Plenty of applause when he does the right thing!

Plenty of questions when the direction seems wrong!

But it is more than obvious that there are at least a dozen posters here at DU

who can't handle criticism of the ISSUES which Obama is dealing with.

They are not personal attacks . . . they are challenge and questioning of the

direction Obama is going in. BASED ON ACTUAL DECISIONS!

[NorthernSpy]

13. Seriously: what's so bloody special about your "critical reflections"?

What exactly distinguishes them from the ordinary sniping, back-seat driving, and Monday-morning quarterbacking that have continually obstructed most serious attempts to solve the problems that face us? Just what goshawfully valuable thing would we lose if you were to, say, pick your intramural battles more carefully, and generally tone it down a notch in the interest of unity?


Really, I think you badly underestimate the amount of cooperation and forbearance that it takes to effect real change, especially when powerful forces are working day and night to defeat you.

[HughMoran]

21. Apparenlty not much

After much deliberation, I concluded that the poster in question brought nothing but negativity to the table.

[Clio the Leo]

8. He is WAY better than any other option that's out there......

.... otherwise, why did we vote for him?

[Life Long Dem]

11. Who the fuck would want another option?

Nuts.

[babylonsister]

12. Huge recommend. Thanks, cali. And think, people. nt

[goclark]

14. K and R ~

My feelings exactly.

:hug:

As my 90 yr. old Mom says back to the television whenever they start trashing President Obama....
" We could have been Buuuushed Again with evil John and Sarah!"

How quickly we forget, even as Progressive we want him to be perfection from OUR EYES on every issue.

I am an Educator and I personally am not a big fan of Charter schools but when I think of all the CHILDREN WE LEFT BEHIND for eight long years,I will support his plan and do everything in my power to help our children .

I am now volunteering at my local school 2 days a week.
I want to DO something to help instead of sitting on my computer and bashing our President.

[countingbluecars]

15. I agree.

K&R

[NJmaverick]

16. Those forces aligned against Obama exist here at DU

in numbers that should be disturbing to any good DUer.

[LWolf]

31. "any good DUer..."

What is a "good DUer?"

Someone who toes the partisan line?

Someone who shuts up and cheers, no matter what?

[NJmaverick]

60. A good DUer= someone that actively works to ensure that people like George Bush and company

never see power again.

not egotistical and narcissist blow hards that enjoy helping the GOP regain control of our nation.

[LWolf]

71. Are good DUers able to think

in more than two dimensions?

Because I do, and I realize that opposing corporatism, fascism, and theocracy aren't the same thing as "getting on board" with Obama.

Is DU a "left-wing discussion board," as billed, or just an Obama fan club?

[NJmaverick]

105. Good DUers are capable of intelligent and critical thought

they are not caught up with personal agendas, such as trying to bring down our new Democratic President

[LWolf]

107. Of course they are caught up in personal agendas.

What else is politics about?

The agendas can differ, but there are still agendas. If they weren't personal, no one would be "caught up" at all.

My agenda, for example, includes the following:

Universal, single-payer, not for profit health care
Universal public preschool-college/trade school
The end of the bogus war on terror, and war as an instrument of international policy
The end of NCLB, NAFTA, and CAFTA

There is nothing on my agenda about the Democratic Party, or the Democratic president. The list is longer, but that includes enough to demonstrate that Obama's agenda doesn't match mine in many respects.

Opposing a politician, a candidate, an elected official whose agenda does not match what one thinks is best for the nation makes a "good" citizen.

If being a "good" citizen makes one a "bad" DUer, that says nothing good about DU.

Of course, if one were engaged in intelligent, critical thought, it would be clear that opposing a sitting president's agenda when it's wrong is not the same thing as "trying to bring down our new Democratic president."

Either DU is about politics that affect us all, and it's therefore NECESSARY for DUers to oppose elected officials when they are wrong, or DU is a partisan cheerleading squad, and is just as ridiculous as Free Republic or Limbaugh's fans.

[natrat]

75. obama's economic team is bush redux-socialize the risks and privatize profits

absolutely no reform of the financial system just continuation
how can anyone with a conscience look the other way

[NJmaverick]

106. That a load of crap. They are a redux of the highly successful Clinton team

will you people stop with the nonsense and THINK!

[Cha]

41. Oh yeah, the

"clever ones".

[firedupdem]

17. K & R n/t

[mwooldri]

18. If Obama were to fail, there'd be a much bigger mess to clean up.

With the current strategy he's on he's hoping for the best... I hope it's enough; I know nothing about running a country... but if it doesn't work then taxes are going to have to go way up big time, we may well have hyperinflation, civil war (with nuclear weapons), even bigger unemployment than you've seen to date and the UN calling in China and Russia of all people to enforce a peace treaty.

It's THAT important that Obama succeeds. Sorry to pile the pressure on him, but that is what's at stake here.

Mark.

[defendandprotect]

87. Almost 20 years ago, former Gov. Mario Cuomo/NY said on C-span

in a talk he gave somewhere that .... (even at that time!) . . .

if we were to try to increases taxes on the wealthy -- to restore them ---

we'd probably have to call out the Militia!!

He also did a very lovely job of identifying the Republicans as "the destroyers."

And we had better all have some idea about "running a country." It can't be left

only to leadership if this is a "people's government."

We have to restore taxes on the wealthy/elites -- that's what has created this problem.

Additionally, we have to restore REGULATIONS on capitalism -- unregulated capitalism

is merely organized crime.

It's up to Obama as to whether he succeeds or not -- if he follows a progressive/liberal

agenda -- a populist agenda -- he will succeed. If he wants to let corporations run

the country for their benefit, he will fail.

[Median Democrat]

19. I Think There Is A Sizable Contingent Of DUers Who Are Freeper Trolls

Usually, they spam negative articles about President Obama without any comment, then occasionally they bump their thread with an innane comment, which is why this board if often dominanted by inflammatory OPs. It is a predictable pattern. In contrast, there are critical posts with original thought that are actually worth reading.

[merkins]

73. I Think There Is A Sizable Contingent Of DUers Who Are DLC Trolls

[totodeinhere]

There is probably a good contingent of each actually. n/t

[Phx_Dem]

20. Me neither, and I wish other Dems would think about this as well.

That is NOT to say he can't be criticized by his own party, but criticizing and "piling on" for grandstanding purposes (Maxine Waters) are different.

[empyreanisles]

22. K & R

[Prism]

23. I think it's just knee-jerkism vs deliberation

From my general lurking, it seems like a lot of the critical hysteria that seems to dominate so many threads is a tone and response borrowed directly from an alarmist media that needs to hype everything into the Worst Thing in order to attract eyeballs and advertising.

If it seems President Obama has done something cringeworthy, it's usually a thought to wait a few hours (I know, an eternity on the internet), get the full story, and then see if the criticism is warranted.

There are things he has gotten wrong in my view, but also many things he's gotten right so far. Like you, I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. That shouldn't translate into muted criticism, but rather an allowance of time for the full facts of a story to be gathered. I think a thoughtful president deserves thoughtful criticism.

On the internets, there are too many people who are incapable of that. Which really just makes me value that much more the people who are. Criticism that informs and shapes debate is what needed, not the kind that generates fear, panic, and worst of all, perpetuates ignorance.

Less heat, more light, etc. etc.

[Uzybone]

24. Well said

and it continues. The man never said he would never make a mistake. In fact he explicitly says he will make mistakes (like we all do). So he makes a dumb quip on a comedy show, apologizes almost immediately, and yet some want to continue to rake him over the coals. What else can he do?

[politicasista]

38. Bingo n/t

[masuki bance]

25. There are too many that use any opportunity to attack, it's sickening.

[bjobotts]

53. He inherited a disaster on every level including the thugs that created it

[bjobotts]

54. Sickening is when he attempts to appease them and we say nothing

[bjobotts]

55. People that "use any opportunity" are not dems.We only say when we think he's wrong

[defendandprotect]

88. There is PRECEDENT for this-- i.e., FDR and the New Deal --- !!!

We do not have to reinvent the wheel --- it's all there to be reinstated!!!

Additionally, we can have Single Payer Health care instantly --

remove age restrictions from Medicare!!!

[spanone]

26. i totally agree

r


i propose that 99.9 % of washington has no use for change.

change fucks up the status quo

[chascarrillo]

27. I think the official term for you is "useful idiot"

I prefer to advocate for what is right, not whatever a President says is right.

[NorthernSpy]

28. oh, you're useful, too...

To the other side.

[HopeOverFear]

29. Like I said before, some liberals don't know how good they've got it right now

Obama is but one man, and he cannot do it all, nor can he be everywhere at once, but for the first time in a long time, we finally have a President who has our ear. With healthcare for example, some people are complaining that the healthcare lobby has now taken over the healthcare reform debate since the forum, which means that Obama no longer cares. That's wrong. Obama does care. But if the healthcare lobby has taken over, simply let Obama know by writing, calling, or emailing. He will get the message.

[bjobotts]

56. Too little public outrage for too long.We need more so we get action

[bjobotts]

57. Too little public outrage for too long.We need more so we get action

[bjobotts]

58. Read Glenn Greenwald's site for today. Right or wrong, outrage got congress to act fast

[defendandprotect]

81. Obama isn't re-inventing the wheel . . . he has the example of FDR and New Deal . . .

In the case of Single Payer Health Care, Obama doesn't have to invent anything ---

Simply remove the age restrictions from Medicare ---

and dump the corporations from the "privatized" Drug Plan!

[Sentath]

102. And for the banks he has Japan's lost decade as a negative example

of how not to let an economy stagnate supporting dead banks.

[Undercurrent]

30. Gladly K&R

As I see it, this is far more that just rejecting the wretched GOP alternative, it's about the fact that if President Obama fails to execute most of his plans we're not just fucked, but beaten, bleeding, and left for dead in the economic ditch. This is our last chance to save ourselves from such a catastrophic future.

Obama has my support. Not my blind allegiance, but my support. He is the best hope we have, and I see zero advantage in attacking the man at every turn. I don't want to get down in the weeds, I want to stay out of the ditch.

[LWolf]

32. Supporting

all of those OUTSIDE the mainstream who actually advocate for what is good for all citizens.

Since you asked.

But you knew this.

[Lord Helmet]

33. the democrats never fail to implode even when they have a majority

[natrat]

76. it's all bullshit--look at reid , complete crook--2 party system is just an ilusion

[defendandprotect]

83. Right . . . and add 42 Blue Dogs in USHR/Senate .. ..

to the Pelosi/Reid betrayals re ending the wars ---

There is actual film of Pelosi immediately after the 2006 elections, stating

outright and confirming that Democrats were elected to end the war.

Then they spent two years re-funding the war!!!

As though the Treasury wasn't already bankrupted ---!!!

[scarletwoman]

34. I support the People against the forces of corporatism that are destroying their lives.

When Obama does the same I will support him. When he doesn't I won't.

Quite simple, really.

sw

[cali]

42. fair enough.

though I wish people would drop the canned rhetoric. And the condescension your post is redolent with.

[scarletwoman]

47. I don't know what "canned rhetoric" you're talking about but, no matter. (nt)

[Reterr]

108. "And the condescension your post is redolent with."

This post is rich in irony...

C'mon cali you are smarter than this. I only come here once in a while, but it is a rare day that I don't check into GD: P and see you call out at least one person as "pig ignorant", "knowing jack and shit" etc. Now in fairness to you, you are quite often saying that to someone making outrageous or dumb remarks, butor you to accuse other people of condescension is a bit thick imo ;).

I actually agree with you a lot but your tone makes it hard for me to recommend or like some of your stuff.

[TripleKatPad]

35. Herding doesn't work

Expressing my doubt is not "trashing" the President. I don't claim to be as smart as our President. But that doesn't mean I can't/don't/won't question his moves. And that doesn't mean I don't support him. I'm a liberal with 3 cats; trying to herd them, or me, doesn't work.

[SunsetDreams]

36. Cali,

Thank you for saying this. I totally agree with you. I am not sure what is going on at all, I just know that SOME of what is seen here wreaks of RW distraction whether intentional or not. I hardly ever post here, but I do read. I would like to know why I keep seeing the same names over and over pushing anything negative at Obama they can. I never see them post anything positive, it's always an attack, whether based on lies or innuendo.

I'm all for holding Obama's feet to the fire, however, SOME of these attacks are downright childish, and irrelevant to the Presidents' policies.

[cadmium]

37. Yes. Great post. You are correct. Check out this article

from Common Dreams about the USA and nascent fascism dependant on bringing down Obama

"US is Facing a Weimar Moment" by Robert Freeman.

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/03/15

[cboy4]

39. Just what we needed .. another give Obama a chance thread.

:eyes:

This is one of the most blown out of proportion "issues" in Democratic Underground history.

[SunsetDreams]

40. why wouldn't you want to give him a chance?

if you are already done with him, why are you still here?

[cboy4]

43. Actually, in only the couse of a morning yesterday, I defended

Obama twice.

Why would you accuse me of being done with him?

I'm on record as saying he's doing a good job, and I challenge you to find one post in which I've criticized him since taking the oath.

And by the way, even if I had problems with what he's doing, why wouldn't I be here? This isn't an Obama fan site .. even though I realize it closely resembles one.

I don't have a problem with Obama. But I have a huge problem with some of his "supporter's" blatant dishonesty.

Know what I mean SunsetDreams?

================================================

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8275917#8276792

cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal 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 Fri Mar-20-09 08:43 AM
Response to Original message

7. He did say that .. hey I've been a critic as much as anyone

dating back to the primaries, but you have to be fair.

This was one of the first things out of his mouth:

I do think, though, that the American people are all in a place where they understand it took us a while to get into this mess, it's going to take a while for us to get out of it. And if they have confidence that I'm making steps to deal with issues like health care and energy and education, that matter deeply to their daily lives, then I think they're going to give us some time. (Applause.)


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/us/politics/20obama.t ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...




cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal 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 Fri Mar-20-09 10:14 AM
Response to Reply #10
11. The fact that he behaves like a human being with faults

actually gives me more confidence he understands and empathizes with real life problems and issues that affect the average person.

I was a fierce Obama critic during the primaries and I've really started warming up to him .. particularly his humility and normal person behavior .. ie, the NCAA brackets.

And BTW, that's a joke the pros would make. If anything, you would be arguing he needs to act less like a pro and be politically correct .. something that does not exist in an overwhelming percentage of stand-up. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[SunsetDreams]

44. Enlighten me as to

some of his supporters blatant dishonesty?

As for your defense of him, on those two things, bravo. However, do you think your response was a little over the top to my question?

[cboy4]

50. The blatant dishonesty is associated with the fact that just

because Obama wasn't my candidate during the primaries, I must be opposed to how he's performing as president.

My response(s) are perfectly appropriate considering the unfair circumstances.

[defendandprotect]

90. A dozen and a half since November . . . ????

[TomClash]

59. I agree for now

I think two months in I am pretty happy with what he has done so far. No one is perfect. But he has accomplished a lot.

Some people want instant magic and some just want him to fail. Both are foolish.

[akbacchus_BC]

61. Cali, great OP, but I somehow cannot wrap my mind around how

some DUers are demanding that President Obama fix the country in less than 60 days. 8 years is a long time to fuck up and intelligent people know that it takes more than 8 years to fix the fuck-ups.

Well, let the keyboard commandos continue to fix the problems. It is becoming sad to come on here recently but I admire a lot of you who continue to fight the good fight!

I admire you all and am a fervent supporter of President Obama. History is in the making and I want to be a part of it.

Peace

[defendandprotect]

91. It isn't 8 years . . . the Repugs have been at this for decades . . .

in fact, since the New Deal passed ---

Obama doesn't have to reinvent the wheel --

Precedent is clear in FDR's administration, his actions --- and the regulations of the

New Deal -- !!!

WHERE is even the hint of the need to re-regulate capitalism . . . ???

Isn't that the first thing we should be thinking about . . . ????

[MNBrewer]

104. or in 90 days, or 120 days, or 365 days, or two years, or 4 years or 8 years...

[akbacchus_BC]

62. Just wanted to let you know that the media is against President Obama,

am only going to look at KO and Rachel Maddow and even she turns me off sometimes. Powerful forces want him to fail and unfortunately half of America are behind the Repubs. Just look at that documentary with Pelosi (republican), one guy said if he had his way, women should not vote. Is this 21st century American thinking? How can one spread that Democratic think mind?

[winyanstaz]

63. Couldn't we at least give him time to get to everything>?

I like a lot of what he has done. He has already undone some great wrongs that were done by the Bush administration.
For heaven's sake, keep an eye on him but at least let him make his way down the list before you give up.
The man came into the biggest fuck-up in the history of our government. It takes time to untie all the knots in that slimy republican ball of failure.
You don't have enough fingers on both your hands to count off all that still faces him to be done nor do you know what else he is already working on.
Chill out, relax, do your neighborhood networking so you know what to do if the shit hits the fan..whatever...just find it in your heart to let the man do his job.
Peace....it could happen

[akbacchus_BC]

64. +1

[tandot]

67. Thanks, Cali. K & R

[FrenchieCat]

68. Aye!

I normally speak for myself, as most are aware,
but in this OP you speak for me.
Thanks.

[democrank]

69. I`m really torn about this, Cali.

I`ve been a rabid Democrat for nearly five decades and an Obama supporter almost from the beginning, but I`d be a liar if I said I wasn`t disappointed. I am. Many of Obama`s cabinet picks left me stunned as did the half-assed vetting process. Since Obama campaigned from an anti-Iraq War position, I almost wept when I heard he was keeping Bush`s Mr. Gates. And, the Obama economic team? Not exactly made up of The People`s people.

Nobody is perfect, most problems can`t be resolved overnight and there`s no need to invent things to be concerned about. That said, I`m still a bit disappointed in Obama and feel perfectly comfortable saying so. I know many Democrats who feel the same way and I honor their right to speak out.

[Enrique]

70. I haven't seen the "trash Obama contingent on the left"

I've seen the left being highly supportive of him and at the same time offering some strong criticisms.

[Skittles]

72. wtf is the matter with this place?

if Obama fucks up, we call him on it because WE ARE NOT GOOSE-STEPPERS

[99th_Monkey]

74. Pressuring Obama to do the right thing, is the right thing to do.

from a leftist/progressive perspective of course. Remember that the most important civil rights achievements were mostly
under a Democratic Administration during the 60s. But these things didn't "just happen", they happened because people were
demanding that it happen, people were in the streets, etc. taking the initiative, which is what Obama himself says he wants
us to do.

[KoKo]

92. Push Him...Work Him....Show Him that WE ARE THERE...We aren't giving up

We won't tolerate the system he vowed to change ...even if he makes bargains with the Devil...thinking it's for our own good. WE are the folks who decide who is the DEVIL...who's working against us...and he is only the "facilitator" for the voice of the strongest amongst us. So far...our voice isn't strong enough for even OBAMA to throw off the demons against Democracy for the PEOPLE!

We've got to use these first two years to PUSH FOR THE CHANGE he PROMISED! Already the Dark Forces are working him...and we are losing time. GOTTA KEEP PUSHING... Time is being WASTED! Dem Presidents have so little time before they are corrupted or brought down in the polls and the death watch begins.

Yet Little Chimp and St. Ronnie...got so much time to do so much damage. We won't even mention Poppy...we managed to get him out in four years...but that was a fluke.

[hisownpetard]

77. K&R. Couldn't agree with you more!

:hi:

[r_todd_a]

78. Criticism is good

The issues facing the US are enormously complex. Go ahead, dissent, criticize but do so with a constructive and well informed argument.

Regrettably, surf any "run of the mill" conservative blog and you will not find fairness. When comparing Liberals, progressives or democrats vs. conservatives, republicans or even libertarians, the gap is huge. The key is with what you fill that gap. Good ideas are not limited to one side or the other. Why then is there no attempt for each side to at least consider the work of the another?

Sadly, major contention exists for EVERY issue we face. We can do better. Will we do better? As a college student, I would have said yes. Now, as a father, I am not so sure. There seems to be a universal weakness keeping us from accelerating and implementing the good ideas needed to re-balance the earth.

I find myself part of a really, really strange species bent on self-destruction.

Thanks to all. P.S go ahead and rip my argument to shreds. However, you had better have the facts to make your argument or do not bother.

[BlueJac]

82. Supporting reality instead of Goldman-Sach world!

We all need a break from the freaks from Goldman-Sachs.....they are the greedy fucking magots eating the life blood out of the American people!

[stillcool]

84. All or nothing, my way or no way..

and I don't even need to be knowledgeable about anything...I just have to read something on a blog, and I can determine that he is wrong, wrong, wrong..about everything. I will not support him in 2012 either..So there!

[defendandprotect]

85. Criticism isn't "trashing" nor "trying to destroy Obama" . . .

You're just a bit over the top!!!

Try this -- when you see someone criticizing an ISSUE . . . try to respond to

the issue.

The "appointments" set the direction that the country is going to go in ---that's

why specific people are appointed!!!

As for the "accomplishments" . . . you could pretty much put Skinner or anyone else

from DU or any liberal organization into the White House and they would have done

at least as much -- item by item!

We probably would have overturned "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by now, as well.

Not to mention the whole phony Drug War!!!

You don't have to be a genius to understand that everything that Bush overturned has

to be reinstated. Everything Bush put in place, has to be overturned! Not complicated.

Same for TORTURE . . .

[stillcool]

95. I so hope you are planning..

to run for elected office, and maybe even get elected. Seeing as it is all so simple for you to get laws passed and all!

[KoKo]

89. The Options are...we KEEP WORKING...

Our Dems who are part of Shadow Government work against us and every Dem President. They often surround our work to give us a "window" between Repug Presidents.

BUT...WE...WE...will keep working. Civilization moves on. We won't quit. Obama isn't the end of HOPE ...he's just one more chance...but we've got to work beyond Obama and parties. The parties are owned and run by the same people. Without changing how they are run and the "PTB" we won't get an effective government by the people and for the people. The GREAT EXPERIMENT goes on.

[defendandprotect]

93. Agree ---

This is about small "d" democracy, not about personalities ---

worshiping them or being protective of them --- I think Obama would himself make clear

he wouldn't want that!

[Jakes Progress]

94. Drama, Drama, Drama

So our president is so fragile that if we point out that he is missing a piece of clothing or two, it will bring it all a'tumblin down?

Right now he has two groups suggesting that he may be making a few mistakes. There is the great, right-wing alliance of greed and ignorance. They have plenty to say about his ideas. They have suggestions for him. They will never vote for him -- never.

Another group is made up of those of us who wish him well, who voted for him, and who want him to do the right things for the country. We believe that he wants to do the right things too. So we use DU or the local paper or an e-mail to the white house to suggest when he is straying from what we believe to be the righteous path. We're the ones whose votes he needs in next election.

If the second group just sits on its hands, shuts it mouth, and nods it's head with the implicit message to go ahead boss, then the only advice he will be getting will be from the asshats that want him to fail. Don't know about you, but I want to help him all I can. After all he is my employee. I hired him. I have a lot of time, energy, and passion invested in his doing well. I don't think it is productive for me to just tell him everything is going all right if his performance is less than it can be. Then, do I just spring my anger on him when it gets so bad that I have to fire him without having tried to give him constructive feedback.

It seems the difference is that I think he works for me. You seem to think you work for him.

[stillcool]

96. the problem I see..

is that the President is answerable to everyone on DU, but the people who they elect to represent them in the U.S. Congress...well..they will be taken care of in the 'next' election. They don't even warrant a phone call..because they won't listen anyway, and it's a waste of time. Pissing and moaning on the internet though..well..that's holding their feet to the fire!! It seems participatory action in government is confined to posting 'dissent' on the internet..even if you don't really know what you are dissenting, what you are advocating..or even know what kind of government we have. Criticism over the people the President chooses for his cabinet is fine. But, it's not your choice. The President chooses who will best carry out his/her policies. He/She is responsible and accountable for success or failure..not his/her cabinet members.

[Brucie Kibbutz]

97. A critical moment in our lives and the history of this country

and the only thing some of us are concerned with is that not everybody is a mindless fanboy like they are. :patriot:

Behaving just like Bush supporters did for eight years. It makes me ashamed of my party.

[JDPriestly]

98. Look. Obama promised to give us hope. We are waiting.

The problem is that he is spending too much time worrying about the bankers. They are smart. (At least they think so, and they probably do know more math jargon than the rest of us.) But, they don't know what is going on in the life of the single mother who is losing her job and her house out in Pomona, California or Fort Meyers, Florida. Obama went to Fort Meyers. He makes a show of it, but he needs to present a plan that deals with what is on that mother's mind.

[SlingBlade]

99. My Sentiments Exactly

Obama is all we have and we are not out of the woods yet.

To criticize Obama on a legitimate issue is well within reason, Matter of fact, A duty, Same
with Democrats, Progressives and yes, Democratic Underground itself.

No one and no entity is perfect, That being said, It DOES NOT entitle people to use
Freeper Talking Points here on D.U to make a point about Obama, D.U, Democrats or Progressives.
Those that do in my opinion need to be reminded where they are.

Democratic Underground was there for us in the beginning, And I for one will be for D.U
whenever I see this Freeping Crap take place.

insensitive towards the Lieberman Liberals , Disaffected Hillary supporters or the passing Freeper
who would use an issue against fellow DUers or Obama then so be it.

Call me insensitive, I can live with it

[lumberjack_jeff]

100. Define "support".

Does it mean ceasing advocacy for my priorities? I want universal health care... I won't get it unless we push the leadership in congress and in the White House.

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

It's as pertinent now as it was when Bush was in the white house.

Obama is 90% of what I want in a president. I will continue bitching about the other 10%.

[L. Coyote]

103. Being critical of the Obama Admnistration does not mean one is also not supporting

Obama.

If criticism is in order, criticism it is!
Would Obama have it any other way?
Would Obama ask that we are silent?

We are not blind followers, we are not Rs!
Criticism can be a very constructive thing in politics,
if it is in fact constructive, and not just playing politics.

[zulchzulu]

109. Coolio cali

K&R