Quote:
Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan
See, I guess I'm really an ideologue--not a pragmatist!  So for me, it's a bit of a worry that Obama will do what "seems easy" or "is feasible" rather than what "is right according to previously held principles."
And I agree on Reagan--what his legacy is, exactly, is up for debate--but he was definitely a shrewd reader of his own zeitgeist, and there's no denying the prosperity of the "Age of Reagan"--which I take to be 1981-2001 or so.
My worry is that what we "need" right now is an FDR--and we have a Harry Truman or an LBJ. Obama seems so worried about building consensus that he really is limiting himself in terms of the kinds of reforms that he could take charge of if he really swung for the fences. This is a time for a "nothing ventured, nothing gained" mentality in my view. Obama is a very measured, careful person--and that may be his flaw. |
Obama is just another politician. His skin color is different so wow it's just so special that he is the president(more like pathetic it's even a factor). He is a very good speaker and stayed on his message. Yes the message which meant zilch but sounded good.
Once in, of course and true to form, he instantly reverses himself. No lobbyists working for me becomes, of course, lobbyists hired right away. No Washington insiders controlling everything becomes, of course, a cabinet etc. literally filled with same. The boys out of Iraq becomes, of course, 50 thousand left there and who knows how many thousand transferred to Afghanistan instead. It will continue no doubt--he is a politician. Yak/promise whatever to get in--do whatever when in--spin.
You are entirely right in that what is needed is to actually vote someone in who has principles they will stick to. Principles that they outline in minute detail on the way in. And a public that has some brain power and votes on principles rather than some lame popularity contest. Way, way too much to ask for I know!!!!!!!!!!!