Will Obama reform or reassure?

[bstender]

In recent economic times, herd-mentality caused the over-reach of the dotcom years, and the recent real estate bubble. Every stampede is worthy of concern and the ongoing hagiographic coronation of Obama is no exception.

Pride and jubilation is necessary for sure. Years of pent up demand for an intelligent and compassionate leader of the world's most powerful nation is expected, but as a result, one must redouble the everwise commitment to _breathe_. Relax, don't do it...don't make this man The One!

Solid questions to place in mind at times like this are: Will he use his pulpit to press for people over corporations, like say, make the case for single-payer health care?

Will he suggest any new vision of life and fulfillment from the corporate-consumerism economy to one with a future? Will he bring intelligence to the energy debate by pointing out the math on petroleum, ethanol...and on a car-based culture in general?

Will he repudiate all colonialist ventures, and explicitly demand a balanced debate regarding Israel? Will he reframe the "War on Terror" by airing the grievances of the other side?

The point being, the American Way has been shaped for ease and convenience. Avoiding effort is a Natural Law, to be sure, but never has a culture prided itself in succumbing to inertia more than this one I think, and the result is exactly what we have around us.

These last 8 years have not been the fault of some _other_ . That first Bush election could have been swung to Gore if even 1% got off their asses and protested it, they didn't. and why did Bush get close enough to steal it? How did the election irregularities get shrugged off, and came back to haunt 4 years later? and on and on.

Obama is starting off right with calls for service and for emphasizing "We". The rhetoric needs to be matched by the business of investigating and punishing govt. crimes, forming critical public policy that is scientific and people-based, corporate lobbying and campaign finance completely reformed along with a Federal ban on all laws and practices making third-parties un-viable.

He can't do that alone, and he won't do it unless pushed, as his very life will be threatened by any one of these reforms. He has a ready army waiting for a general, will he marshall or pacify? will he reform or reassure? will any significant number care? Make sure He knows You care! There's a chance for some real change here!

[elocs]

1. He will reassuringly reform. n/t

[TheKentuckian]

2. I'm thinking both. More reassure than reform at first

and then adjust to fit the "conditions on the ground". The public at large will only accept reform in spoonfuls, even if they are crying for it.