Obama-My Personal Report Card
Every day I listen to the news telling me that President Obama is suffering the weakest poll ratings since he won the office. Mostly, this is a result of our still problematic housing and financial issues, both of which Obama inherited in a state only worse during the great depression in our American history.
I concede that people are still hurting across the United States and our hope for lessening unemployment has not still not been realised; however, I truly see remarkable progress in many of our most serious issues. And I just want to remind my readers of a few of these.
1). First and foremost, as an American who travels around the world for work, I know for a fact that until President Obama came into power, most of the 8 years before, the people of other countries had lost a huge amount of respect for our government. When the Twin Towers fell, the rest of the world embraced the U.S. like never before and were it not for George W. Bush’s next moves, we would likely not have lost their trust and friendship. But, because President Obama has proven his reliability and good-will once again around the world, I feel the renewed admiration toward our government and citizens as I travel.
2). The President was able to sign into effect the Heath Care Bill, ensuring that every American could have Health Insurance and this is an enormous sign of progress for the U.S. and something no President before was able to get done.
3) In these times where there is always the ongoing threat of terrorism, this president has kept America safe, just as his predecessor did after 9/11; another thing that I believe we sometimes take for granted. At the same time, he remains strong and determined when acting to bring peace to our entire world without ever making America out to be a bully, as was the case before.
4). Without a doubt, the success or lack thereof of a presidency is shaped as much by events as the person holding the office themselves. I truly feel that in every crisis which comes up, this President acts with honour, great intellect, and America’s best interest at heart, even when his decisions may not be politically expedient. That does not mean that I think he’s perfect and above politics, but he knows that getting things done requires that he remain in office long enough to do so and that is no easy feat, especially when despite everyone knowing some things are simply the right way to go, many republicans would rather prevent that from happening to make Obama fail, even if it’s at the cost of the American people. I am constantly shocked by issues which are “no-brainers” being held up by those who would oppose anything which would be a good outcome for this country and therefore its leadership.
5). In the end, President Obama has continued to restore HOPE to not only our country but all countries around the world. As he delivers on his promise to have our fighting military out of Iraq, to re-build our financial stability here at home and to not stand in the way of so many issues such as stem cell research and equality for all Americans, President Obama continues to define himself, in my opinion, as one of the smartest and most honourable leaders in American history. As I said, events shape a presidency so I may actually end up being proven wrong someday, but I would be willing to take a bet that 50 years from now, President Obama will be looked back on as one of the “great Presidents”.
Cheers!
RD
Anonymous — August 22, 2010 @ 7:21 pm
I agree with many of the things you have said on this website, but you lost me when you felt the need to trash republicans. You lose credibility when you say that “many republicans” want to see Obama fail at the expense of the American people. You would be far more likely to capture peoples’ attention if you simply stated the issues regarding the economy, etc. without feeling the need to be disparaging about a particular group of people.
Maureen Crump — August 22, 2010 @ 9:00 pm
Bravo, Robert Dover.
Robert Dover — August 22, 2010 @ 9:34 pm
Dear Anonymous,
I have said many times that I am more than happy for people to write in and say whatever they want, no matter how strongly they disagree with me. However, what I will not have is someone like yourself, airing your opinion while hiding behind your anonymity. I put my name on the line every day and I expect everyone else to do the same. I will leave your post up for 48 hours and give you a chance to take responsibility for it, and after 2 days I will delete it if you choose not to. As for what I wrote about “many” though certainly not all republicans, if the pumps pinch…..
Cheers!
RD
Michelle — August 22, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Do Love the President but not happy with him on how he is currently handling the Gulf disaster.
Karen — August 23, 2010 @ 7:13 am
Voters are concerned with the here and now, which means a job market that has atrophied and foreclosures on the rise, poor response to the gulf disaster or lack there of; while the dems who control Washington pass a stimulus bill no one wanted. You can spin it’s about Bush, but he’s neither in the white house nor on the ballot.
Robert Dover — August 23, 2010 @ 7:52 am
Hi Karen.
The problem with your spin on the issue is that it just doesn’t stand up to logic. Let me put it tn terms most of my readers will be able to best appreciate. If I inherit a beautiful horse to train which has been so badly screwed up by the former trainer that even though I can feel all of the amazing talents and opportunities deep inside, there is just no denying it will take a long time to undo the problems. Now, I am very clear with the direction I need to take with this horse to bring him back to the once outstanding athlete he was, but making it harder is that there are 2 owners; one who is standing by my training philosophies, but the other who wpuld like to take back control for themselve and is determined to put any and every barrier conceivable in my way that would allow me to make faster headway toward a successful outcome with the horse. Add to that an unforeseen bout with colic about a year and a half after I began the hard work of re-training the horse, which despite all efforts from the top veterinarians of the world, could not prevent both a difficult and possibly disasterous surgery, the outcome of which will ultimately bring me back my sound and wonderful horse, but has enabled the one owner to blame me for the colic and subsequent failure of the vet’s to prevent all that led up to as well as the surgery itself.
Here’s the thing. I know in my heart that I am doing the very best I can, along with my top-notch staff, to give this fantastic horse the best possible chance to not only come back to his former glory from over a decade before, but to truly reach his ultimate potential which he still has not ever come close to doing. I see very clearly the direction. Just give me the time, your patience as well as your respect for my vision and trust me that I will give 150% every day of my life to this effort, as long as I remain the trainer of the horse. How long might it take? How long does it take to train a great Grand Prix horse?
Cheers!
RD
michelle — August 23, 2010 @ 10:38 am
Karen we are in this mess because of Bush.
Jane Gennaro — August 23, 2010 @ 6:34 pm
Sorry, but can’t agree with you, Robert. Obama promised that, with the stimulus bill, unemployment would stay below 8%. Well, I live in California and it is aboutr 12% with national unemployment at 10%. The stimulus package was all obama, can’t blame Bush for that one. The spending that he (obama) continues to endorse will put us in an economic position equal to Greece and other countries who spend, spend, spend until there is nothing left and austere measures have to be implemented. This is where you might want to take a page from the conservative handbook of finances. Stop the spending, give business the advantages they need to grow and expand, thus addressing the unemployment issue which will, in turn, help spending, grow the economy, etc. etc. No, I do not believe that Obama has done what he has promised at all. One of the other things he promised so vehemently while campaigning was his desire to “reach across the isle and work with both parties.” Never has there been more animosity between the two parties than there is now. And he owns that, as well (can’t blame Bush). I believe that we all have our own opinions on these very important, and volitile topics and a different opinion usually brings about a defensive response. I am no different and neither are you. I think we can accept that. I just can’t sign on to a glowing endorsement of Barack Obama. I really WANTED this man to succeed. So many of us did and believed him when he campaigned. No one has ever sounded more sincere than Barack. He either signed on for more than he was capable of, underestimated the job or is just another politician telling us what he thinks we want to hear.
Jane Gennaro — August 23, 2010 @ 7:04 pm
P.S. the healt care bill was forced down our throats. Mose did not want and people still don’t want it. Don’t think Obama or the democrats will be bragging about it during their campaigns this fall.
Robert Dover — August 23, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Jane, I cannot disagree that the financial situation which was so totally screwed up by the so-called fiscally conservative republican administration during the 8 years Bush was in office has been much harder to solve than any of us hoped for. But as for reaching across the isle, he’s been reaching for 2 years almost every day, but nobody grabs his hand. Don’t blame that on his politics.
RD
Janelle — August 23, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
Whether one likes Obama or not, I think he is going to be a one-term president. There are enough people from both political parties that are unhappy with him and the way he has handled various issues.
He campaigned on a ticket that promised a lot of good things, but I don’t see that he has delivered on those promises. For one thing, he hasn’t shown the “transparency” that he said he would. In fact, he seems to be almost the opposite. Many people wished him well in the beginning, but they are also going to expect a lot. If Obama doesn’t deliver accordingly, then those people will vote another way next time around.
lita dove — August 23, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
Obama has all my respect.
He inherited possibly the WORST conditions ever created in the U.S. under a president whose policy and policymakers took a country with a comfortable surplus and turned it into not only the worst deficit in history, but a country divided. Divided by prejudice and fear, by economics and Big Oil , by superstition, by Big Lie tactics, by greed, by ignorance, by zealotry.
It was Lincoln who famously said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”–and yet that was the exact nature of politics for over 8 years. The resulting seeds of hate and prejudice are everywhere.
I marched exactly one time in the South during the era of civil rights upheaval.
The rage hurled at me and others, the palpable fear that we would be attacked physically–for me, it was too much and I fled.
Every day, Obama is a target of this same rage and fear and prejudice and ignorance.
And yet, he continues to use his brain, his will, his education, his ambition, his focus, to make policy and to take steps to move us out of this quagmire.
Sure — some of the decisions are less than stellar.
Sure — some of the results are less than fabulous.
Sure — sometimes he just plays politics and not statesmanship.
Sure– some of the time he fails.
Sure– the Democrats continue to make me roll my eyes for oh so many reasons.
But I just consider the alternative and am grateful.
Michelle — August 24, 2010 @ 6:33 am
OMG it’s only been two years…American’s are so impatient they expect the mess to be cleaned up in a couple of years LOL. As for giving business the advantages they need I have three words for you GULF OF MEXICO. I hate to say this but our country is the most greedy nation on the planet. Capitalism does not work without a high level of morals and ethics and we don’t have it. What don’t you want about the health care bill??? Insurance companies should be able to drop you when you get sick and then once you’ve had Cancer you can’t get insurance again because you LIKE the pre-exisitng condition clause…Or do you like if you have insurance and your kid gets sick and it takes several years to get that child well but in the mean time your premiums are raised so high you lose your house and your insurance and your kids dies needlessly?? Yes your right let us go back to being the only nation in the Western world that does not offer reasonable health care.. Sorry Robert the far right who has taken over the Republican party scare me and I think they are dangerous. I’m not saying anyone on here is from the far right but if you vote for the republicans that is all you’re are going to get. The earth is being destroyed and the Gulf disaster can be rested on Bush/Cheney’s heads…Karma Karma Karma
Jane Gennaro — August 24, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
Michelle: You say capitalism does not work without a high level of morals and ethics. Well, socialism isn’t working so great right now, either. Just look at Europe. Regarding the health care bill, you may, indeed, be able to get a health insurance plan but I can tell you that you will be paying such outrageously high premiums that you will not be able to afford it. So, what good is it? It is impossible to provide insurance and health care coverage to all of those additional people witout having the health care, itself, suffer badly. How are you going to insure hundres of thousands of additional people, using the same amount of doctors and hospitals you have now without having the quality go down the tubes. Yes, health care must be revamped. No one is arguing that. It is just this particular bill is going to ruin the quality of health care as we know it. If you don’t believe me, talk to health care professionals. And what about those premiums? They are going up and will continue to go up under this plan. Just wait until you see your bills in 2014 when the plan is supposed to be in full effect.
Richard — August 24, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Michelle needs to take her head out of the sand. Blaming the problem in the gulf on Bush/Cheney is foolish. Comments like this are a sign that a person is a racist, bigoted buffoon. Lest you think I am saying this just to support one particular political party, I will also say that it’s not Obama’s fault either. It’s a disaster that happened. It’s BP’s oil rig and they didn’t do the right thing. Blaming the problem itself on any US President, past or present is wrong.
Sandra McGuire — August 24, 2010 @ 10:32 pm
Lita Dove, Beautifully said.
I’m a small business owner, who has navigated the sea of providers, was given only one option if I wanted to keep my current doctor and hospital, and face a 16% annual premium increase because, it is the “industry standard”. This was before the health care bill. In a few years, I may no longer be able to afford the monthly premiums. (Over $600 per month for husband and myself, no eye, dental, $200 for ER co-pay, $15 prescription and office visit). I’m under 38, with one surgery 5 years ago, and husband’s 42. We work in the computer field. I keep dropping levels of coverage to get something we can afford. I look at the passage of the healthcare bill as a sign of hope, the first bite taken out of a very large elephant. I think if people were more concerned with those who are working hard to pay their salaries than they were with knocking the competition down and trampling them, we’d have a better health care bill. My hope is that we will someday have a true public option to add to the choice or choices we have today.
The housing and job crisis is not going to improve for a very long time. People borrowed more than they could afford, and worked to get homes appraised by the banks for more than their true sale value, in order to have equity at the time of sale because they could not save the 20% down. The banks made the loans, which were bad, but as long as we kept buying, we, as a nation, could keep refinancing and making the payments.
Then the jobs started going overseas, people everywhere started loosing their jobs because there was not a base of consumers who could keep spending and refinancing their debt. We bailed out the banks and demanded that they make more responsible loans and demand higher down payments.
Which brings us to today, where we have a large part of the population who has high spending debt, and no down payment saved. Banks are doing what we asked and not lending to those who are not qualified. And without home equity to wipe out credit card debt, many do not have the means to spend as freely as before and worry about paying for it later.
Later has arrived.
And Obama is now in office, trying not to send us further down that slide of personal debt.
Robert Dover — August 25, 2010 @ 12:13 am
Hi Gang.
I must say that I love this healthy debate! It is always refreshing and I am willing to see both sides to many of these issues. I have to say that Sandra’s post struck me as extremely intelligent and accurate without being at all spiteful or arrogant. I think Sandra should actually run for public office. You are exactly the kind of smart and articulate person we need as leaders of our communities and country!
Cheers!
RD
Michelle — August 25, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
Richard as someone that has spent 8 years in the oil industry and my father spent 33 years I can assure you I’m no idiot.. Yes it is Bush/Cheney’s fault do some research on what they have done with the regulations.
Michelle — August 25, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
Cheney’s real areas of expertise. He was chairman and CEO of oil-services company Halliburton between 1995 and 2000. And, of course, he worked prominently on energy policy as vice president from 2000 to 2008. Halliburton was working on the Deepwater Horizon rig just before it blew up, opening the well and sending oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Some experts have speculated that the company may have been to blame for the explosion. The pro-oil atmosphere (and Cheney’s continued links to Halliburton) during his vice presidency, have also come to the fore since the April 20 accident.
The criticisms center on a possible conflicts of interest and cronyism. Cheney received a $34 million payout when he left Halliburton to join George W. Bush’s ticket in September 2000. But the Congressional Research Service found that he “retained ties” to the company into 2003, while in government, through “unexercised stock options and deferred salary.”
In 2005 President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act, which retained the focus of Cheney’s report, into law. It included what has become known as “the Halliburton loophole,” which removed authority from the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate a potentially dangerous gas-drilling process invented by Halliburton.
Rich do some research
Michelle — August 25, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Robert you can call me arrogant which is kinda funny with all due respect.
Robert Dover — August 25, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
Michelle, first, I didn’t disagree with you and I most definitely never called you arrogant. If that is how you feel I was coming off toward you, please forgive me.
RD
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