I'm disappointed in obama... a study in legit criticism.

[TLM]

The meme seems to be that if you aren't ranting against obama, you're a cult member lemming zombie running into a hole etc etc


So I wanted to give an example of rational constructive criticism....


I support full drug decriminalization. Regulate it, tax it, and use the taxes to fund rehab centers... most drug related problems are solved, without building an economy based on imprisonment. Destroy the black market drug economy, and keep that money out of the hands of gangs and drug cartels.

That said, I realize obama is not a libertarian, and he did not run on promises to overturn all the drug laws that i dislike.

Recently obama was asked if he supported decriminalization of pot. He said no, and did so in a somewhat dismissive way. I was disappointed in obama. I would have liked to have heard him say, yes I'm 100% for decriminalization.

However I'm no fool. I realize the political capital it would burn to do a 180 on drug policy.... like a u turn on the freeway. It would be ridiculous to expect that, and delusional to demand it.

What obama has done, already, is call off the feds from states that have passed medical use laws. That's a major step in the right direction. Without feds as an obstacle, the state laws have time to establish precedent.

A rational person can take a step back and see more progress has been made on this issue in the last few months than was made in the last 8 years... that's a positive thing. A rational person realizes that progress is incremental, not instant.

And irrational person, screams whaaaa obama sold us out to big pharm and duped us into thinking he'd end the war on drugs on his first day in office... he's just as bad as bush (gnash teeth and pull out hair). Etc.

Guess what, everybody is going to have something they do not agree with Obama about. And people can clearly and rationally voice a disagreement or criticisms, and do so all the time in rather uneventful threads, lacking in hysteria and flames. Because it's real easy to tell a legit criticism, from a hate-filled attack.

See above I voice a real and legit criticism of an issue where I'm disappointed Obama isn't more in line with my personal views. However I'm not flipping out, claiming I've been betrayed or viciously attacked by obama, and I'm well aware that at no point did obama claim to be a mirror image of my individual positions and values. I understand that making less progress on an issue than I would like to see made, is still progress... not a loss.

[MrModerate]

1. Obama is much more cautious than I am . . .

I have a list of about 30 key policy initiatives I'd like him to get after *right now.*

I suspect he won't though, because he is a superb political tactician and is not going to deplete his ammo on the first day of battle (and let's not kid ourselves -- we're still in the "first day" of what will be a looooong battle).

Do I think he could push much harder and get away with it? Yes. Is there a chance he's smarter about these things than I am? Errm . . . maybe.

[FrenchieCat]

2. and....

Obama giving 'quiet encouragement' for Sen. Webbs prison/drug sentencing reform campaign
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=8297016

[sandnsea]

3. Except that's not what he said

He said he doesn't think legalizing pot is the answer for economic growth. That question is completely different than whether people should be in jail for smoking pot.

Your larger point about criticism is a good one though. I am concerned about Obama and Wall Street, although somebody said earlier than Obama had nothing to say about Detroit workers - when the truth is he spoke directly to them and said he would fight for them. So mostly I think people just pick an attitude and cherry-pick to support it.

[TLM]

7. Sure and obama has said he supports reform....

.... but not reversal. My point is that even though I do support reversal... I don't think Obama has screwed me over or sold me out because he's seeking reform instead of a full reversal.



The wall street decisions worry me somewhat, however I realize obama didn't make this mess. He's the guy trying to stop the bleeding while people complain about how much gauze he's wasting.

[Median Democrat]

4. Wow, and no profanity!

Thanks for the informed and reasoned post. Personally, I am not a fan of the death penalty. I think it is immoral and a waste of taxpayer dollars, but I don't see Obama adopting this as part of his agenda, but I will do my best to push by viewpoint.

[geek tragedy]

5. I think he knows better but politically just can't take

the hit of being the brother who legalized weed.

[tavalon]

6. I've been seeing an awful lot of legitimate criticism being called anti-Obama rhetoric

I don't care for people silencing valid concerns in that manner. It's our job to watch his back and keep his feet to the fire. And to abrogate that responsibility is just wrong. Yelling at those of us who hold up our responsibility to our country and to our President really irks me.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tavalon]

9. The first one you sent me to was petulant anger, not the best but

a common overreaction around here and the second one is inflammatory but it bringing up a very valid concern. Find me one that is truly trolling and we can talk and alert together.

[geek tragedy]

11. You think that angry attacks on Obama and threats

to vote third party are okay.

My standards are higher.

Toodles.

[TLM]

10. I've been seeing an awful lot of anti-Obama rhetoric being called legitimate criticism

I don't care for people who come to a democratic forum, yet don't support obama, never did,... aren't democrats, never were... and only seem to post the same insipid "the sky is falling" attacks one would typically expect from faux news.

There is a difference between holding his feet to the fire, and kicking his feet out from under him.

[geek tragedy]

12. See above--some people consider the "Cluebama"

shitstain of a diary to be a worthy contribution to the dialogue around here.

I don't see a need to discuss community standards with such people.

[tavalon]

13. But, I have had legitimate concerns and have been slammed for not being a supporter

I canvassed plenty and I'm still in the database and I still adore the man. But people try to cut off my concerns at the knees by saying I don't support our President. That just chaps my butt.