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Current feelings on Obama's Administration and upcoming midterms
A few points I'd like to get off my chest. I've been less than enthused with Obama over the past 2 years. In fact, I've been downright pissed at him on a number of topics, some of which include continuing with Bush's national security policies i.e. torture, rendition, and especially warrantless surveillance; his health care bill was so horribly watered down, and evidence points to the fact that it was done deliberately so by this Administration itself; his stimulus plan was also again horribly watered down to the point that I'd contend is a big part of why we're in this mess today; and he's continued Bush's revolving door of economic cabinet members and advisers with Wall Street - just to name a few.
It's been disheartening in many ways, and gives a sense of helplessness to a large number of progressives like myself to see the old mantra of "the more things change, the more they stay the same." If you Conservatives could ever stomach lurking over on some of the liberal websites like DailyKos every now and then, you'd see pretty much on a daily basis a bit of infighting in the Recommended diaries between those like myself who are pissed off with Obama and spineless Senate leader Reid, and those who defend him at all costs. And of course you have those who want to play referee and try to keep both sides together. Other bloggers who were highly critical of Bush's policies, such as Glenn Greenwald, has been relentless of his criticisms on Obama as of late, and rightfully so (www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald). I appreciate Glenn's criticism not because he merely attacks those in power, but that he's staying logically consistent with his arguments, and does not back down on Obama simply because he's a Democrat.
While it's patently clear to me that in examining the arguments and policies of Conservatives, I cannot agree with them and will not vote for them, it's equally clear that this current Democratic Administration may have been successful in some ways, has also been terribly disappointing in others. With all that said, it's very understandable why many progressives and especially independents who voted for Obama are less than enthused coming into the midterms for Congressional candidates. It's hard to vote for a particular party when they've brought so little to be even slightly enthused about. Couple that with a shitty economy and the worst recession since the Great Depression in the 1930's, plus a nutbag Tea Party fringe taking over the Conservative Party's voice, you've got a perfect storm brewing for this coming November. It's also well documented historically how midterms under the first 2 years of a party in power of the Executive tends to hand that party a defeat in Congress.
Shit happens. That's American politics. I've stated in the past that Americans as a whole are fucking idiots, and I stand by that. I equate it to our weight-loss infomercials and advertisements - we want the quick fix and we want it now. In my line of work, I see it all the time. No one wants to lose weight by actually changing their lifestyles into an actual healthy state of wellness, combining both a healthy diet and consistent bouts of exercise. No, they want the fucking pill that temporarily speeds up your metabolism, suppresses your appetite or eat less altogether, lose weight quickly - only to eventually tack on all that weight and then some once the diet crashes. There's a reason why diets never work some 98-99% of the time, yet people are so fucking stupid and impatient they overlook the obvious. They never bother to examine a better, more sound long-term solution because they want results NOW.
That's us. Yea Americans. Our stupidity, impatience, and rise of technology has compelled us into believing all fixes must come tomorrow, and the large majority of us can't fucking see past our noses. Hell I'm guilty of this at times. So in the end, I have no choice but to hold my nose and pull the lever for the Democrats because the alternative party is currently outright fucking nuts and being run by nuts.
I'm currently re-reading Zinn's People's History of the United States. Just like the first time I read it, it's both depressing and inspiring on so many facets this second time. I do hope one day that no matter who is in power, they finally do start to listen to the People a little better over those powerful groups who's financial interests tend to supersede Us.
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Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...
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We barely do anyway.
