My Problem with Barack Obama

Those familiar with my writing and political viewpoints realize that I come from a liberal perspective, strongly supported Barack Obama in his quest for the presidency and felt that the continued domination of the Federal government by conservative, far right Republicans would be detrimental to the country. During the Clinton administration, there was a move toward "triangulation", the stating one's political position as somewhat above and beyond the extremes of Left and Right, adopting some policies of the Republicans. Thus, welfare reform, less intrusive government and deregulation of industries and financial institutions all were preempted by the Democrats. (In many ways, the results over the long term have not been successful, especially with regard to the failure to adequately regulate the financial industry.) The attempt by President Clinton to overcome partisan rhetoric and to accomplish his goals was partially foiled by the Right's obsession with and hatred of the Clintons; but he tried.

Barack Obama was elected with a mandate from the people to be, inter alia, innovative, address serious problems in our economy and restore our standing on the world. The electorate, moreover, gave the Democrats majority control of both Houses of Congress.

Unfortunately, the President has been unwilling to exercise that mandate, attempting to obtain bi-partisan support from Republicans. In so doing, he is wasting time and political capital.

The far, far Right Wing of the Republican Party is in control. In order for any GOP politician to win a party primary, he or she must cater to those who are in charge, those who are one-issue supporters. Some may be motivated by a desire to lower taxes, some by a fear of an intrusive government, others captive of the slogans of socialism or worse, others by an abhorrence of abortion, but one willing to compromise on "the issue", whatever it may be.

In short, there will be no meaningful bi-partisan support from the Republicans nor will there be any real attempt to assist in the crafting of solutions. The GOP is sitting back, making no positive suggestions, opposing any Obama proposal just for the sake of opposition and, indeed, hoping that the President fails.

The President must accept reality and push his agenda.

The areas in which the President has proceeded have had, so far, favorable results. Our relations with foreign countries have improved since the imperial days of Bush-Chaney. The President has attempted to engage with moderate Arab countries and has had some measure of success. In so doing, he walks a tightrope with regard to Israel and its interests of security, but without restoring credibility in the Muslim world, the ability of the United States to assist in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process would be impossible.

The economy generally, if not the employment statistics, seems to be responding to the stimulus package enacted immediately after the President took office. The stock market has rebounded somewhat, reflecting a more optimistic attitude by investors. Many of the banks and investment houses that were recipients of Federal money have rebounded and have begun to repay the Treasury. Only a small portion of the stimulus funds have been expended thus far and we have to wait a little longer to make certain it was enough.

The President has stated, and most observers agree, that unless and until health care reform takes place, the overall economic future of the United States is in peril. True to form, the insurance industry has been attempting to thwart any efforts for reform, although health care providers and the public recognize the need.

The President must leave Washington and go to the people directly. He must insist that every Democrat legislator, at the state and Federal level, vote for a meaningful health care reform, one that has a government-provided option component. He must support every legislator who agrees to the programs and must personally campaign against any who oppose.

He has the mandate and the clout. He must exercise both.