I worked for this President / Vice President/ and Congress to be elected.

[Peacetrain]

I worked my @ss off..

I am that precinct person in Iowa.. that thankless job, that calls people to vote, drives and stands in lines at caucuses.

I worked for change.. and I got it.

I never expected that miracles would happen over night.

I knew this was just the beginning, and that work would have to continue.

I am the base.

I am not disappointed.

I am encouraged and ready to fight for the full agenda.

I may not get everything I want now, but that does not mean I will not continue to fight for it till I succeed.

So take that and put it in the bank mass media.

You never saw us coming in the first place..never thought we could win and we did.

Well guess what, we are not going away.

You have been batting a 1000 in the wrong direction from day one.

Your support of tea parties with people in the hundreds and a couple of times a few thousand over the anti war marches of 100's of thousands just shows where your priorities are.

I did not go away..my fellow Democrats did not go away.

You will not dissuade us no matter how much financial skin you have in the game to stop us.

[liberal N proud]

1. K&R

[ShortnFiery]

2. Newsflash: The middle class is continuing to get financially screwed ...

The RICH are getting FILTHY RICHER while the middle class is falling into poverty.

Same as it ever was ...

Change? HELL NO! :(

[stray cat]

5. So you would be just as happy with Bush in office or McCain Palin since its all equal

[liberal N proud]

8. Some are never happy

Some expected the moment Obama took office that we would have this miraculous transformation similar to the one in Wizard of Oz when the wicked which died. Everything suddenly became colorful and the Munchkins came out singing.

It took 8 years to get us into this mess and people don't realize it could take that or longer to get out.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

41. Especially ironic since they always throw "cheerleader" around.

At those of us who don't feel the need to view all of Obama's actions as the end of the world. Speaking for myself, but maybe some others, we take an overall view of this presidency and judge it accordingly.

Yes, we have been disappointed by some of his actions/inactions, but we understand the situation he's in and the limits of his power. We knew that he was never a flaming liberal but rather a slightly left-of-center moderate who would, rightly or wrongly, be open to compromise and bipartisanship, as he has so often stated in the past. And overall, I think he is doing a good job.

But for some people, anything to the right of Kucinich is just creeping fascism, so they're bound to be disappointed every time. They're the dead-enders of this site.

[NanceGreggs]

92. What I find ironic ...

... is the fact that we "Obamabots" were accused of endowing him with super-powers, an ability to right all wrongs and undo all injustices with a wave of his magic wand.

It seems now that it is the Obama naysayers who keep complaining about the fact he hasn't cured all that is wrong - overnight.

Just another one of those things that make you go hmmmm ....

[MannyGoldstein]

98. Unfortunately, Obama Has Pulled a Clinton

Same thing happened with Clinton - as Clinton was economically savaging the Middle Class, a few of us pointed out what was happening, while most around us talked happy talk and accused us of preferring Reagan/Bush.

Here we go again.

[liberal N proud]

128. I did quite well under Clinton

Thank you very much.
It was the bu$h years that hurt my chances of keeping ahead of the game. Now it looks like I am starting to make some headway again.

But I guess everyone would prefer the alternative, R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N's

[C_Lawyer09]

131. How nice that you did well under Clinton

Unfortunately for many others, NAFTA and CAFTA have been their undoing, and hugely contributed to the mess that needs to be rectified now. He may have "Felt our pain" but his policies were neo-liberal in nature, and his inability to take a stand during the Rwanda genocide was downright gutless. Does this excuse Reagan, Bush, and Bush jr. from their free market follies? No, but I don't excuse Clinton because of the "D". Obama has done as well as could be expected, considering he hired more or less the same old tired bunch of insiders under the "Change We Can Believe In Mantra" I'm impressed with his level of energy and effort regarding facing down many challenges at once, as well as educating himself, and trying to see all sides of complex issues. I also think it's positive that he doesn't give Israel the carte blanche they've become used too.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

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

[Lerkfish]

30. I used to be part of the middle class. Now I"ve been unemployed for over a year

so, since you're still positive, I have to assume your economic situation is still rosy.

[treestar]

71. You could still be positive

You have that option.

[Lerkfish]

80. only an employed person would suggest that.

no offense.

[laughingliberal]

97. Me too. Unemployed for 2 years and husband's business in the dumper since mid 2006

We're looking at probably losing our house with no where to go and a lot of days we're lucky to eat. I was hoping for a little more help for the people who were screwed by this whole mess.

[Lerkfish]

29. doesn't really address his point, now does it?

nice strawman.

can you address his point? are the rich NOT getting richer and the middle class NOT getting squeezed economically?

c'mon, man up and try to actually argue a point instead of ad homimen bullshit.

[Forkboy]

35. Put a little effort in, would ya?

This lack is just embarrassing for you.

[pezDispenser]

100. You tell me how things would be different

for my family if that were so. I'm surely going to vote Obama in 2012, but that doesn't make me less disappointed. For real, let me know how things would be different for my family of:

2 adults (1 white, 1 hispanic)
2 young kids
1 income family
live in Arizona
Solid middle class
college educated
Have seen out medical insurance bill go up every year for the past 5 years
oppose all current wars (yea I know Obama was for the 'good' war)
feels that the patriot act takes away freedom
feels that wall street and irresponsible home buyers are the cause of my home being 100K underwater right now
don't give a shit one way or the other about Israel
have watched education get cut in my district (granted that is a state thing)
will see my state sales tax increase (again a state thing)
watched democrats who controlled the Presidency, Senate and Congress piss it away w/o any real changes.

I'm feeling fairly disillusioned right now, please let me know how things are better country wise for me since Obama and the democrats have been in charge

[secondwind]

20. And Obama is to blame for all of this?

[SoxFan]

25. SnF would blame Obama for the heartbreak of psoriasis

As well the Icelandic volcano, rainy Saturdays, and Joe Nathan's pitching arm injury.

[ShortnFiery]

34. No, just two occupations, ghastly high DOD over-spending and not enough JOB resources

for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

[politicasista]

78. People love to go after the wrong targets nowadays, not counting those

that still support Obama, but state (civilly) why they disagree with him or his policies. :)

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

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

[ShortnFiery]

32. I don't need to break out a laundry list of foreign occupations and continued implementation

of the Patriot Act to say that "little to nothing" progressive has happened.

Further, the passage of the HRC bill and the upcoming financial reform bill will, in the long term (increased premiums beyond belief), benefit the upper 1% FAR MORE than the middle and working classes.

No, President Obama is visibly MORE EMPATHETIC, however, with regard to action, it's it's a slower continuation of BushCo. policies with a smile.

We are continuing to slouch toward fascism. When the ruling 1% fully OWN us, then they won't even try to be nice to us by throwing scraps. It will be as they say, OR ELSE.

Ask yourself: How exactly - substantially is Working People's lives better under this Administration?

[Aramchek]

48. if it were up to you, progress would come to a screeching halt

Same as you ever were.

[truedelphi]

64. Like me, I bet you sing that old time

Motown hit "Smiling faces... sometimes... they tell lies."

[treestar]

70. The middle class is not falling into poverty

[digidigido]

108. No, it's just shrinking into non existence

[LWolf]

122. +1

[countingbluecars]

3. K&R! n/t

[stray cat]

4. And the GOP will work for it as well - I just hope the dem base is as smart as the GOP base

Thanks for your work in 2008 and in the future - its people like you who keep the GOP from running everything.

I know I am better off with Obama in office than McCain and I would have been better off with Al Gore than W - in a democracy no one gets exactly what they want so it really is choosing the best of the options.

[ShortnFiery]

7. Do you honestly believe that you, those within the middle class, are better off?

Really?

I see no difference. Except that it "feels good" to have an intelligent President.

But policy-wise it's DIFFERENT?

If you're referring to Unions overall, teacher's rights and endless war, NOTHING has changed.

In fact, in some cases (Drone Summary Executions, Stop-loss numbers, Torture in Bahrain etc.) it's WORSE.

[JTFrog]

23. Yes. Get more money each paycheck. Got a bigger refund. My kids get back on my insurance.

Hospital rights for my two kids with same sex partners. Fair pay for my daughter. Student loan reforms for my two kids in college. That's just the things I can name off the top of my head.

Yes. Much better off after the first year and looking forward to the next seven.

[Lerkfish]

31. bully for you ! I'm glad you're faring well

I havent seen a paycheck in a year.

so good on ya! as long as you are doing well, the rest of us can eat cake, right?

[treestar]

73. If others are doing well you have a better chance of doing well

or better in the future. You've got it reduced to one person yourself - I'm unemployed, so the whole world is shit. That attitude is not good when you're looking for a job.

[Lerkfish]

81. thanks for your wonderful advice. can I assume you're employed?

I'm using myself as an example. I am by no means the only unemployed person out there. Of course, if you wear rose colored glasses, you would disagree with me.

[treestar]

118. I am self employed

And last year was very, very, bad, as it was for most of the self employed. This aspect is never looked at and nobody feels sorry for us but we have to be optimistic and ride it out.

[Ysabel]

111. you're talking "trickle down" there / nt...

[treestar]

119. No I'm not

I have my own business. I need other people to do well so they will spend money on my services! If they aren't, they try to do without!

If I did really well, I could hire more people. Wouldn't that be great? Where do you suppose jobs come from, anyway? Some people talk of them as if they are just legacies or gifts of some type and there is no need for customers.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

95. She posted her personal experience.

The fact that some people are doing well doesn't mean they don't understand that other people are hurting. I'm sorry for your current situation and I hope it gets better soon, but putting words in other people's mouths is not the answer.

[Lerkfish]

114. point taken

[FrenchieCat]

26. Hell the fuck yeah!

it's like night and day!

The fact that you are in every thread denigrading everything this President has done,
or tries to do doesn't change the fact that change has come to America.

Read my sig, as it obviously applies to you.

[ShortnFiery]

36. Wow, just wow. The millions who are unemployed and/or unemployed don't share your zeal. eom

[FrenchieCat]

38. You don't know what they share.......

But what those folks know is that their unemployment continue,
as does there 65% reduction on their Cobra.

Pres. Obama wasn't ever supposed to simply pull jobs out of his ass.
That's not how it works.

Saddest part is that you already damn well know that.

[ShortnFiery]

40. He's not even TRYING to add stimulus and increased education funds that could easily be taken from

the DEFENSE budget if we didn't need to warmonger.

With regard to health care, the abject poor will get health care and the Middle Class will if they declare bankruptcy pay a heavy fine. Because there's NO PRICE CONTROLS. Heaven forbid the Middle Class Families whose loved one's get "seriously ill." The bankruptcies will NOT abate.

It's another con game but the money will go directly into the insurance company coffers and big pharma instead of straight to the banksters.

[FrenchieCat]

43. Let's see.....

Obama is a piece of shit who will lose from now on till forever!
Republicans will take over both houses in 2010, and win the presidency in 2012....
and you can continue to be as you were forfuckingever.

There.
That should make you happy.

[ShortnFiery]

47. You have a tell: You always revert to hyperbole when you're backed into a corner.

Have a nice day. :hi:

[FrenchieCat]

54. Yep...you know what always happens.

You're like a genius! :eyes:

[treestar]

75. You speak of hyperbole?

The Queen of it!

[Lerkfish]

63. um.. hello.. I've been unemployed for over a year, NEVER received unemployment benefits or COBRA

sorry I don't fit into your neat little slot of "its your fault you're having problems".

[FrenchieCat]

67. Go ahead and twist things......

cause its better if they fit in your slot instead.

As an accountant who deals with payrolls and unemployment claims often enough,
there are a number of reasons one would be denied unemployment compensation,
and we both know what those reasons are. So it sounds like there is a story
behind your particular case, and to be honest,
there's little that anyone can do for you in reference to this.
it's not like historically we've had zero unemployment in this country.

But what did you want Pres. Obama to do about this?
Get you a job personally?
If so, have you written to him personally asking for him to find you your job?

and was he really elected to solve every single one of our problems individually,
regardless of the circumstances?

I mean....really?

But if you did expect for him to find you a job and he hasn't yet,
then yeah.....I wouldn't support him,
and I'd bitch about how it is his fault and no one elses each and every day.
I mean, in America, that's how we solve our personal employment issues, right?

[Lerkfish]

83. BLAME THE VICTIM BLAME THE VICTIM BLAME THE VICTIM

I guess I'd better buck up and improve my attitude, right?

I used my situation because you claimed all unemployed people received benefits, I was saying NO LOOK RIGHT HERE i'm proof you're incorrect.

how about improving YOUR attitude? ever hear of the word "compassion?

[FrenchieCat]

85. Is there a specific reason you are not collecting unemployment?

Perhaps I can help you on this.

and no, I don't claim ALL unemployed people receive benefits,
only those that qualify.

Here are some of the reasons where you wouldn't qualify for such:

Q: What is unemployment compensation?
A: Unemployment compensation is insurance that protects workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. People who qualify to receive unemployment compensation get a weekly check and help finding a new job. Most people receiving unemployment compensation receive about ½ of what they earned at their job. However, you may receive more money if you have a dependant spouse or child. Unemployment compensation usually can last for up to 26 weeks. However, your unemployment compensation benefits can end after 16 weeks, or you can be denied benefits altogether, if you didn't work enough in the previous year.


Q: Can you get unemployment compensation?
A: You are eligible to receive unemployment compensation if you:
1. Were fired or laid off through no fault of your own, or if you were forced to quit because of a compelling reason, and
2. Are able and available to work at another job that is suitable, considering your skills, education, or training, and
3. Worked for a company that paid unemployment compensation taxes, and
4. Earned enough money to qualify for unemployment compensation.


Q: Can you get partial unemployment compensation if your hours are cut back?
A: You may be able to receive partial unemployment compensation if your work hours are cut back because of a lack of work. At your job, you can earn up to 40% of your weekly unemployment compensation amount without losing any unemployment benefits. Anything you earn over this amount is deducted from your weekly check.


Q: What are some reasons you could be denied unemployment compensation?
A: You could be denied unemployment compensation if you:
Voluntarily quit your job, without a compelling reason
Were fired because of willful misconduct
Refuse suitable work
Are unable or unavailable to work
Are incarcerated following a conviction
Are participating in a strike


Q: If you are pregnant, can you collect unemployment compensation?
A: Yes. The same rules apply to pregnant women as apply to everyone else. However, pregnancy is not considered good cause to voluntarily quit a job. If you choose not to work because you are pregnant, you cannot receive unemployment compensation. However, if your company fires you because of your pregnancy (and you are "able and available" for work), you can receive unemployment compensation. You can continue to receive your unemployment compensation benefits after the child is born if you are able and available to work.

[vduhr]

91. Why hasn't Lerkfish answered you on this?

Not collecting unemployment? This threw up a red flag for me. I've been unemployed for more than a year and have collected unemployment the entire time. The only reason someone would not collect unemployment would be because they were fired or quit. If they live in a State with less than 6% unemployment and were laid off, then they still would be able to collect, at a minimum, the 26 weeks. But not collect at all? hmmmmm verrry strange Lerkfish. If you're going to complain about being unemployed, then say you haven't collected unemployment, you have some splainin' to do to have some credibility!

[JoeyT]

113. There are actually quite a few reasons that could happen.

I know a lady that can't collect unemployment because her employer fired her supposedly "With cause" for a dress code violation. Even though the company doesn't have a dress code and she's not one to dress provocatively. She never could get an answer to the code she violated. One of my best friends was told he was being laid off, then when he went to the unemployment office on Monday he was informed he couldn't get unemployment because he'd "quit" by not turning up for work. After being told not to show up for work or the security guard would throw him out.
For some reason a lot of companies don't like having employees collect unemployment. I'm not terribly familiar with the unemployment system, but I don't think they have to pay any of it, so I don't have the foggiest idea why they wouldn't want to. (Other than my friend's ex-boss, who is a teabagger dick and considers unemployment socialism.)

[Name removed]

115. Deleted message

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

[ShortnFiery]

134. No, although he gave you input that he was unemployed, Lerkfish doesn't OWE any of us ...

a further explanation.

[Lerkfish]

116. my answer is post #116 (or two posts down)

I voluntarily quit, with multiple compelling reasons, but was denied anyways.

but the real question is, how does that negate anything I"ve said or justify anything you've said?

it doesn't. Its just a way to distract from the central issue: Are we or are we not in an economic recovery?

[treestar]

76. But that does not mean the entire world is going to crap!

You seem to think if things are bad for you then everyone must be going down! Are you a bellweather or the direction of the rest of us?

[Lerkfish]

82. Blame the victim

very nice. I am not suggesting I am alone, but you are suggesting there is no problem at all. My existence disproves your delusion.

[OhioBlue]

102. what are you a victim of?

[treestar]

117. Things could get better for you

And for others. That is a possibility too.

[Lerkfish]

121. yes that is what I hope for. But to claim it is all puppies and doughnuts now, when it isn't

is a dangerous delusion to have.

[laughingliberal]

99. That's how it is for us, too.

And, frankly, for all the people we know here who work in the trades. It's going to be years before our state makes any kind of comeback. Our unemployment rate went up last month.

[FedUp_Queer]

124. My Cobra went down...

because what I had before is no longer available...and they let me take a less generous plan.

[CakeGrrl]

42. Is posting this stuff all the time your catharsis or what?

You're already 'on record' on another thread saying you won't vote for Obama again.

Given that, what is it you're hoping to accomplish?

He's less than halfway through his term, so you have 2+ years to go. You've committed to not voting for him, so what is your purpose here other than to bemoan how bad he is, seemingly EVERY DAY?

[ShortnFiery]

45. Specifically, I want people to READ the reform legislation and realize that, not unlike the HRC ...

it will NOT improve the lives of our Middle and Working Classes.

I would like people to realize that political leaders "on both sides of the aisle" are OWNED by the upper 1%.

I would like to vote out these vile corporate sponsored ghouls again and again ... until they start serving "the people" first. :thumbsup:

[treestar]

74. Why would they blame President Obama directly?

Not every unemployed person is hopelessly negative.

[uponit7771]

50. HELL .FUCK YES!!!

[treestar]

72. We're coming out of a recession

This Reagan-like are you better off stuff is off the point. We knew it would get worse before it would get better. That was the way things were, no President could do any better than Obama has.

[Patsy Stone]

6. Sing it!

K&R!

[RFKHumphreyObama]

10. K&R

You speak for me!

[monmouth]

11. I often wonder why some so-called DUers still post on this site. Every

day the anti-Obama, negative, doom and gloom, never anything, anything positive to say. Why are they still here?

[Lerkfish]

13. Because there is a lot to view honestly and without prejudice that is negative

to ignore it is folly.

[Radical Activist]

126. Is that really a problem?

There's constant criticism from the right and left. I see far more critics who harp on the negative without honestly acknowledging any positives. I've never known of an attitude of constant negativity and defeat leading to new successes.

[dionysus]

16. it's pathological. they'll never get over him being elected. either that, or they'd be doing this no

matter what dem was in office.

[Lerkfish]

17. its impossible for you to consider that people have problems with individual policy decisions?

how sad for you

[dionysus]

18. some do. many don't. the cadre that bitch about every single decision no matter what it is...

[Lerkfish]

19. ok, what decisions are you referring to?

[dionysus]

21. i don't have time to search for links, but go into any positive thread you can find, there'll be the

same exact ppl bitchin.

[Lerkfish]

28. no, I'm not going to let you get away with that. Tell me specific decision

even just one.

until then, you're just talking out of another orifice.

[FrenchieCat]

33. Look. It's true. Someone in this thread only bitches and nothing more.

not ever one positive word. ever.

You want some links?
They will only get a post deleted,
so that is a waste of time....

You don't want to believe it?
Then don't.
but that won't change the facts.

[ShortnFiery]

37. When the money is fully bled out of our middle class. Unless you, Frenchie Cat are within the upper

financial 1%, they'll turn against you also. You are not part of the ruling elites' club. They won't need you once election-fixing is fully implemented.

[FrenchieCat]

39. My daughter just bought her first house this month......

and she's still in college,
and she came from nothing, as did I.....

You don't know diddley!

[ShortnFiery]

44. Yes, pulled yourselves up from your bootstraps?

I for one, earned my masters using the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP).

No, it was that SOCIALISTIC program that helped me. But I do not want my children to go into the military. No way! Not during war.

No, I didn't make it on my own - I had a lot of help from my parents, family and mentors who encouraged me to complete my education.

I had government SOCIALIZED help from "the public coffers" - from taxpayer dollars and I thank them for giving me the opportunity to qualify for better paying jobs.

No, I own my home, but I did not accomplish this *on my own.* Bless the folks who gave me a hand up to include those damn SOCIALISTIC Military and Public Assistance Programs. :loveya:

[FrenchieCat]

46. I didn't say that anyone did anything on their own. So your response makes no sense.

I'm not a freeper, so you may be confusing your sites.


So why are you here?
Working to turn others against this Administration?
That's not what DU is supposed to be used for.

[ShortnFiery]

49. You said that you and your daughter "came from nothing."

I was just "completing the lines for you." Specifically, that was the immediate impression that came over me after reading what you wrote above. Most conservatives always follow up with such information.

If I am in error, then please excuse me? :hi:

[FrenchieCat]

52. Yep, you erred.

You jumped to conclusions based on your preconceived biases,
not based on anything else.......as usual.

[ShortnFiery]

56. I envy your confidence.

However, IMO, it's best to be honest with myself now. I'll feel sad for you when you finally come to the realization that ruling party elites care nothing about working Americans who, to date, have received nothing more than pretty words and scraps left over from the big money owners.

Sooner rather than later, the Middle Class is going to suffer big but by then it may be too late.

At least I will have already passed through the grieving process by then. That's the only silver lining - I'll be prepared to adjust.

Have a nice day.

[treestar]

77. Then why are you so down on the US now?

Looks like it has done pretty well by you.

[ShortnFiery]

133. Criticizing my Country's leaders and present actions does not equate to being "down on the US"

Again, if you truly LOVE your Country, you not only grieve when it goes astray, you speak OUT and try to help change policy.

Consider the old adage: All it takes for EVIL to thrive is for good men to remain silent.

I will NOT remain silent when my beloved country GOES ASTRAY.

What's next, the Stalinist tactic of accusing me of being Un-patriotic? :thumbsdown:

I love my country. However, she's way off-track now. We must work together to overcome absolute corporate control of our government.

[Lerkfish]

62. um, I asked for a decision on which to base a discussion

I did not ask for anyone to be called out. I'm asking for an Obama policy decision.

[FrenchieCat]

68. It's everything......

[Lerkfish]

84. ok, since you have no courage.. I'll suggest one

here's an issue.

DADT.

why did Obama campaign on repealing it and then this week tell people that he's shelving his support for it?

that's a legitimate issue, and it is valid to discuss it.

In fact, I LIKE Obama, but that doesn't mean I agree with how he's addressing this issue. Am I not allowed to disagree on this issue without being namecalled by people here?

[Radical Activist]

127. Oh yeah, just like we were frequently told he was giving up on health care.

There doesn't seem to be any solid basis for your claim. There are rumors and accusations. But there's no tangible evidence that Obama is backing off his position.

There are some activists who think that stretching the truth is a good tactic to anger and motivate people. That's the kind of thing that's annoying and frustrating to many people who want to keep fighting for positive change.

The article below is a good example. There's a lot of speculation and assumptions with no real source about Obama backing off. But if you only look at the statements and actions of Obama, there's nothing to support the negative statements in the article.

http://sdgln.com/news/2010/04/21/white-house-reaffirms-obama-wants-dadt-repealed

"The president wants to see this law change just as you've heard the chair of the Joint Chiefs and others in the military say that it's time for that change to happen," Gibbs told White House reporters.

"This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are," Obama said in his State of the Union address.

"The president has a process and a proposal, I think, that he believes is the best way forward to seeing ... the commitment that he's made for many years enshrined into changing that law," Gibbs said.

[C_Lawyer09]

132. He's been more aggressive on repeal

Than any of his predecessors, and has not buckled in response to an onslaught of naysaying from 50 different camps. He doesn't resort to echo chamber politics as did W. Though I have issues with several of his cabinet decisions, I think it was very pragmatic to retain Gates as SecDef for the purpose of all around knowledge, continuity, and savvy. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen is in favor of repealing DADT, that in and of itself is momentous. It's going to happen. Our two party democracy, for better or worse ensures slowness of action and deliberation. Moreover, the point counterpoint style of most of the big media outlets stifles public awareness/debate, which I think in this case would speed the right execution and conslusion.

[NYC Liberal]

60. There are some on this site that have been bashing Obama since 2004.

Yup. For real. I found an old thread a few months from just after his election to the Senate.

[Lerkfish]

12. wow, you're everyman

in your own estimation.

I worked towards getting him elected, also. That does not mean I blindly accept some things that go against my principles.

that's the definition of principle -- that you stick to them no matter who threatens them or ignores them.

Gitmo is not closed, the wars are not over, the torturing and slaughtering of civilians in my name has not ended. DADT repeal is being pushed aside. Illegal wiretapping of civilians has not ended. Habeas Corpus has not been restored. The Bush crime syndicate is not being prosecuted for war crimes. Offshore drilling is being pushed down our throats.

These are things that I considered nonnegotiable during the election. And I've watched them all fall by the wayside.

I got him elected, too. Where is my representation?

[Clio the Leo]

14. And you're not letting ONE ISSUE change your mind...

.... no matter HOW important that one issue is to you and how upset you were when you heard about it.

Good on ya Peacey!

Now, I give YOU a cookie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYIfqLI6ATE

[firedupdem]

15. K&R! n/t

[FrenchieCat]

27. Fucking fired up and ready to fight

for what I want.

The bargain was that we fight hard to elect and then to support
this Prez and help him make things happen....
not that we fight hard till November 2008,
and then sit on the sideline and make demands while
burying our feet deep in this President's ass.

For those who haven't been supporting him in quite sometime
(and we all know who they are), they shouldn't "expect" shit,
cause they took the deal off the table when they started bad mouthing him
for everyfuckingthing the minute he took the oath.

[TheKentuckian]

57. I'm fighting for the working and poor people of the nation not some pol

He is to be supported when he does right and firmly corrected and/or called to task when he does not.

Your demands for blind loyalty and undying support are foolish and counter-productive to a functioning liberal democracy. Every citizen deserves to expect shit since we pay taxes and live here and much more so to the people who take our money, efforts, and votes.

I don't get your concept of democracy at all. You seem to think we elect a short term king but are quick to holler about the limits of his power (even when he takes responsibility for policy decisions).

Obama is an employee of the American people not some fucking deity. If certain people shouldn't expect shit then certain people shouldn't expect votes, money, or effort.

[FrenchieCat]

110. I'm fighting for the survival of this country.......

As for my demands, seems like you are the one
attempting to tell someone what they should and should not do
while telling me that's not something I have the right to do.
Hypocrisy much?
I think so.

[TheKentuckian]

129. No, if I told you then you'd be told. I gave no instruction nor order

implied or otherwise.

If you heart is telling you something through my words then I suggest you listen up.

Surely, I don't have to tell you that blind loyalty and democracy don't mix because anyone with an IQ above 90 can figure that out pretty fast and I know you aren't in any way developmentally challenged or even in the vicinity of the neighborhood.

I never stated that you didn't have the right of self determination but I did at least imply that your "marching orders" are stupid for and counter productive to a free nation.

Saying what you demand/wish/hope for is wrongheaded in no way is telling you don't have the right to demand/wish/hope for blind toeing of your ridiculous and ultimately, very dangerous line.

I believe it is intrinsically foolhardy to put the level of faith you expect of another flawed human but that doesn't mean that you aren't completely free to do and say what you will. Being told that you're talking crazy in no shape, form, or fashion should be taken as a directive nor do sensible folk with real convictions take it that way.

Being able to run doesn't mean you get to run unopposed. We all get to say what we want and we all get say the next guy is spouting bullshit.

[pundaint]

51. Nobody argues to not fight for the Democratic Platform. Some of us wonder if renewing the

contracts of our present employees in Washington is really the fastest way to achieve that Platform.

[FrenchieCat]

53. Keep wondering,

while we work and fight.

Your vote wasn't supposed and didn't buy you everything you wanted.....

the bargain was a two way street,
and it was clear that you were asked to be there
to support and to fight for what you want.
Seems like you haven't kept your end,
so why would you think that you have earned getting your wish?

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead.
For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest
of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. - Barack Obama, Election Night Acceptance Speech

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl135

[pundaint]

104. How do you know what I've done? I do know the guy I voted for president hasn't

kept his promise. I do not accept responsibility for not allowing single payer advocates to sit at the table. I do not accept responsibility for secret deals with Pharmaceutical and Insurance executives. I do not accept responsibility for DADT still to be in place. It's not my fault Afghanistan has been allowed to get out of control.

I voted for a set of promised performances and governing attitudes. Failing to close gitmo, failing to exclude lobbyists from his government, failure to hold policy negotiations in public, failure to follow thru on his ridiculing of the forced purchase of insurance - these all are failures on Obama's part to deliver on our agreement. These items were not withheld because he lost a fight in Congress. These are just blatant and wanton failure to deliver on his part.

Don't blame me because I demand what I was promised for my vote. I'm not a fan, I'm a buyer, and I ain't buying this guy anymore unless he substantially remakes himself PDQ.

[jenmito]

55. K&R. Thank you for being one of us who sees the progress and appreciates it!

It's refreshing to see this compared to those who continue to claim Obama is the same as Bush or a "Corporatist" or whatever false negative things they post.

[Tarheel_Dem]

58. Thank You! K....and f'n....R (nt)

[political_Dem]

59. K and R. A hard road, yes. But, we must never give up. We must never surrender.

:kick:

[BeyondGeography]

61. "You have been batting a 1000 in the wrong direction from day one."

Indeed.

K&R

[Uzybone]

65. KnR

I am the base.

I am not disappointed.

[BlooInBloo]

66. Actually, I did thank my precinct person for her work.

:P

[treestar]

69. You're like our President

Never giving up and not getting down by obstacles!

:party: :toast: :bounce:

[PBass]

79. This thread is an example of why I'm still a member of DU

HELL YEAH.

KEEP PUSHING AND DON'T STOP

Disappointed? Sometimes... still gotta get back in there and DIG!!

[Cha]

86. Precisely, PBass..

I just don't get this kind of passion & activism..at work or with family and friends.

My heart lies with Pres Obama's call when he got elected.. "now the real work begins." He said.."It's not just what I'll do as President, but what you, the people who love this country, can do to change it.

And, he can't do it alone.:patriot::patriot::patriot::patriot::patriot:

I love those little patriots because they mean something after the 8 year bushcheney coup.

[tavalon]

87. I just wish I could feel fired up like I did before the election

I'm still going to vote for the lesser of two evils but damn, that's my voting record for my whole damn life!

[girl gone mad]

88. For this President, my wallet is shut..

and I won't be volunteering for him in any capacity.

Most of the Democratic activists that I've met over the years are even more disillusioned than I am.

[scentopine]

89. same here, not another penny for dems, it was

war escalation
wire tapping escalation
giving a wink and a nod to torture while telling us to look away
giving wall street a wink and a nod while telling us to look away
giving bush and cheney a wink and a nod over iraq war
drill, baby, drill
geithner, bernanke, summers
outsourcing
H1B
free trade
health plan written by insurance companies that does ZERO for me an my family (and the majority of families, just watch and see) because we are middle class, costs will continue to spiral out of control
CEO salaries and bonuses go up, benefits and working conditions go down
a stimulus plan filled with trickle down state budget bridge funding and tax credits
a trillion dollar bailout for the rich with no strings attached
and a relentless pursuit of republican "bi-partisanship" while scolding liberals as "those on the left" in a false equivalence with "those on the right"
Being called retarded because I am angry about all this shit

THESE ARE NOT FUCKING PONIES (and fuck the all caps police)

I want justice and fairness and truth and the government to look after its citizens instead its rich citizens.

Change cannot and will not come from within the democratic party. My quality of life and the quality of life here in America continues to spiral downward at the same rate it did under Bush. Getting blown to bits in Afghanistan after ten years of failure isn't any better than getting blown to bits in Iraq after 6 or 7 years of failure. And most democrats have ZERO concern about the innocent men, women and children who are getting blown to bits by the thousands with thousands more being displaced. Many of them actively cheer on the war. We keep pumping rivers of blood into a corrupt narco state dictator's wallet.

Trillions and trillions for Wall Street and War. I bet Wall Street and our free-trade neo-dems are trying to figure out how to outsource the wars to India and China (you know, cutting costs). I literally want to puke.

This USA is a sick country and Obama just doesn't have what it takes to set it right. He has become an apologist for the ruling class.

[Tx4obama]

90. Obama has a lot on his plate and has gotten a remarkable amount done so far

Besides the two wars, the economy, etc., President Obama has had his hands full
and is basically pretty darn busy getting tons of things done in the past 15 months!


Obama campaign promises, 110 kept, 255 in the works
on the right side of the page: http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/

Three pages containing a list of signed legislation:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/signed-legislation

90 Positive accomplishments by President Obama in his first six months:
http://obrag.org/?p=15373

List of Federal Judges Appointed by President Obama:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_federal_judges_appointed_by_Barack_Obama

List of presidential trips made by President Obama:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_presidential_trips_made_by_Barack_Obama

Feel free to add to the list :)

[vduhr]

93. Thank you.

Unfortunately there are many on this thread, this site and in this country that have thrown themselves to the floor kicking and screaming, "I want it all, and I want it now". We have become a country of spoiled children who want immediate satisfaction. Obama is not a miracle worker. Consider what he has been up against in everthing he has attempted. The party of NO has opposed him at every turn. Then...you're all giving him shit too because he's not doing it fast enough for you? Really?

There's this thing called unity. If we continue to criticize and complain, it only makes us look weaker, and gives the Republicans fuel. If your favorite team doesn't always win, do you stop supporting them? Are you only fair-weather fans? If you are unhappy about things Obama has done, or has not done for you, are you just sitting here typing on a message board? So, make yourself part of the solutions, not part of the problem.

[NanceGreggs]

94. As righteous a rant ...

... as this website has ever seen.

And yes - we are NOT going away.

:applause: :patriot:

[Jakes Progress]

96. Well. Give you a cookie.

Such a hero. It's good you got so many here to pat your back so you don't wrench your arm doing it yourself.

There are those who did just as much who are pissed that we keep licking republican shoes and dodging any sign of backbone. I'm glad some of you can stomach what is going on, because half my crew from the election has told me they are bailing. Pumping your fist in the air and hollering hoo-rah over the things that are causing so many who did so much to turn away only encourages the bad actions. Enablers who celebrate the backsliding. Every time a Dem wants to vote with the republicans or shave a few slices off of the Bill of Rights, all they need is the posts on DU that say anything a Dem does and especially anything Obama does is holy. That's all they need to tell themselves that what they are doing is okay.

Just as long as you feel good about yourself. That's what matters.

[laughingliberal]

101. +1000 nt

[OhioBlue]

103. K&R I am encouraged also

I worked for this President and this Congress and I will not go away either.

yep - I'm the base too - and I will continue to fight for the full agenda with you. Solidarity.

[bkozumplik]

105. just be open to the possibility

That our leaders aren't pure as driven snow. That Obama has Goldman Sachs people all over his staff not because he's trying super hard to fight corruption. That he's not a chess master.

Just dont be so sure of your absolute understanding of whats going on here.

Nothing wrong with that is there?

[johnaries]

106. Real, lasting change doesn't happen overnight.

Sure, Obama could write a bunch of Executive Orders. But that would be following the example of the "Unitary Executive" which is basically dictatorship. Plus, once he leaves office all of his sweeping changes implemented by EO could be wiped clean by the next President.

Obama does want change. But he wants it done the right way. He wants it done the way the Constitution intended, by Law and not by the whim of the current President. He wants to make sure that Change lasts, and that it it is positive change and does more good and harm. So that the American People benefit from the change in the long run.

And that's the difference, and the reason I still support Obama even though I feel he's let me down on some issues. He's looking at the Long Run.

[TheKentuckian]

130. That line of argument rings hollow when the man is the first to publicly declare

himself judge, jury, and executioner of American citizens and when he continues the executive branch's unconstitutional army.

He gets pretty damn loose with the Constitution when he gets ready.

Plus, there won't be ANY change of significance while we continue to be entrenched in Reaganomics and voodoo supply side bullshit.

It's a comparably good Regan term but it is certainly Ronnie's eighth, the chain is unbroken and the paradigm has not changed. Trickle on is still in FULL EFFECT.

[ShortnFiery]

135. Two words totally negate your statement above: Bush Administration. eom

[Name removed]

107. Deleted message

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

[Name removed]

109. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[annabanana]

112. Never trust "conventional wisdom" when it flies in the face of logic

and reputable statistics...

K&R!

[walldude]

120. So did I... and I am disappointed

I never expected a Democratic Administration to burn the constitution and piss on it's ashes the same way Bush did.

I expected action on HUMAN RIGHTS as fast as I did on finances. For some strange reason I consider peoples rights kind of important. Important enough to be addressed in the first 18 months of a Presidency. Important enough to be addressed BEFORE anything else. But what do I know. Basic human rights, well they're just a pony someone isn't getting. :eyes:

I know I know, I should just STFU, and vote for any Democrat because if I don't Sarah Palin is going to take over the country. :rofl:

[Cha]

123. Very inspiring words for

one of the most inspiring persons I've ever known or known about.

[FedUp_Queer]

125. I have a question.

What exactly is the full agenda?

So far the good:

Lilly Ledbetter Act.
Ending torture as a policy.
Drawing down in Iraq, at least slowly.
Closing Gitmo...at least as concept.
Hillary as Sec of State (I was not a Hillary fan, but came around and think she was a GREAT choice at State)
Less confrontational tone in Int'l Relations.
Nuclear Pact with Russia. Actually told Israel "no."

So far the bad:
watered down health care (sold out to insurance companies, Big Pharma and the hospitals).
Gitmo is still open (wasn't there an EO to close by January 26, 2010?).
More drones in Afghanistan (I don't fault him for his Afghanistan policy because, while I think he's wrong, he ran on it).
DADT still there (I don't fault him for no repeal...though he hasn't really pushed for it and his Justice Department argued FOR its constitutionality in court and could have stopped discharges on day one and hasn't).
DOMA (again, I don't fault him for no repeal, but as with DADT, his Justice Department has argued for its constitutionality in court. I did have to wonder why he spoke against the immigration bill in Arizona, but was silent on Prop 8 in California).
Bank bailouts (and for all those who think they "paid the money back" they haven't. The banks at the urging of his now Treasury Secretary got access to the interest-free discount window to the tune of $23 trillion). While TARP and the $23 trillion in interest-free loans are not Obama's fault exclusively, he should never have rewarded Geithner.
Bernanke, Geithner, Summers and Rubin (as an adviser).
His justice department argued for complete immunity under state secrets doctrine in court...much further than even Bush did.
Won't even entertain cutting military spending in the "spending freeze."

These are just a few things, and I know people have more of each. The point, for me (and many others I believe), is that he just doesn't have any real fight to really push some fundamental change. The health care bill in concept came sort of close, but it really was just a huge gift to the insurance companies.