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