Day 211 in the Age of Obama

I haven't posted anything recently, because my cranky level was so high that I was in danger of harming myself, if I had to listen to another word from the political front.I mean I really wanted to tear my ears off, gouge my own eyes out and have myself committed--that's how bad I felt!

It's bad enough that the likes of Palin, Limbaugh and all of their lackeys have an open door to the so-called liberal media--but I have to work really hard to fight off my disappointment with the Obama administration, and so I chose to do what I always do when I can--switch to tennis--which can keep me enthralled deeply enough to stop me from thinking about politics.

But no matter how hard I try--I always get sucked in again, since I can't do without my morning Hartmann--and if I'm up early enough --Stephanie Miller.
At least I get a good laugh, usually followed by a lesson about something interesting from Thom, and once again I sign all the petitions coming my way and occasionally I write a response to something formulaic from the White House.

Although I still believe that having President Obama in office is one of the greatest things ever--but I do wish he were slightly more progressive (in fact I wish he were totally progressive), but things are what they are and a leopard cannot change his spots, but my GOD--what has happened here?
Cow-towing to these idiotic, right wing, gun-toting fanatics who wish him nothing but harm--is not the way to get anything done!

And the Blue Dog Democrats are even worse--please use the power given to you Mr. President--and force them to see things your way, or the Democratic party might well be finished.

Anyway--now it's out there, and just one more thing--before you ask me for any more money or my precious time--think about the majority of the people who worked so hard to elect you!

Here is a copy of my letter to the WH from last night.


Dear Mr. Axelrod,
Thank you for all the information- and all the effort you are putting into reforming the health care system, and the myriad of problems you all tackle every day.
I think that the president is doing a fantastic job over all, in these really tough times--but he can't do it all alone, so we have to be patient--I know.

I have never been taken in by all these stupid rumors spread by your political enemies- but I will pass it on ASAP--but I also want to add a little memo of my own to the White House.

I for one totally support the single-payer system and have lived in countries that have it- to my benefit. I have also written to you before, when asked for an opinion, and always supported this universally accepted position--that "Basic Health" is a human right.
I am appalled at the greed the CEOS so openly flaunt in the face of the public, while others die for want of a few bucks.

But since that is not an option right now--Medicare for those of us who cant afford to really pay anything--sounds pretty good for a start.
Please Do as Thom Hartmann, the wonderfully astute author, proud liberal and progressive radio host suggests- simplify the message -make the public aware that the 'public' option would be and should simply be called Medicare for All!
From what I've heard--this system does work--for those who really need it--but it also needs tweaking to make it better. So why not try it now?

I have been totally stressed out by the lack of leadership among the democrats, and President Obama's need to include the opposition for the sake of bi-partisanship--in these extremely important matters. It drives me nuts.

We are all out here; we have your back --just use the power!

Sincerely,
XXXXXX

I know that nothing much else matters really--does it?
I mean that in the best and worst ways--resignedly!

...in terms of your letter to Axelrod. I wish others here would frame their problems with all that is going on with this administrations policy pushes in that manner.

...his rather moderate views and promises during the campaign. Should we be that surprised now? Yep, he definitely isn't a "left-wing" liberal... But I agree, having him there is still one of the best things ever. Still can't help but smile when I think about that, actually...

...the world is a far better place since he came along and I must---(we must all) learn to be patient!

Day 211, President Obama: The rapidly tanking economy has been temporarily stabilized. The major item of legislation is health care reform. The regulatory process, while slow, is obviously once again focused on protecting people and the environment. A draw-down in the various wars started by his predecessor, while promised, has yet to fully materialize as a plan or process. Everyone is losing their jobs. The yellow press is catapulting the idea that the Obama Presidency is already a "failure," compared to the total indifference shown toward President Bush at the same point in his term.

Day 211, President Bush: While spending fully 40% of his first 211 days on vacation, Bush tells CIA briefers that they've covered their asses. He passes on the warning that Osama bin Laden is planning to attack the United States to John Ashcroft, who stops flying commercial aircraft. The top 1 percent of income earners and the corporations they control are enjoying $1.65 trillion in tax breaks. Everyone else is losing their jobs. Literally hundreds of pages of regulations, revoked on the day Bush took office, remain to be reviewed, rewritten, and resubmitted. It will be eight years before some of those regulations are returned to the books; in the meantime, nothing in those areas can be done at all. In the meantime, all of the Executive Branch is in turmoil, as institutional knowledge runs for the door and the lack of any direction from above leaves those remaining in total confusion. Criminals and sycophants are being appointed, without Senate approval, to critical positions as "temporary" employees. Their names include J. Steven Griles, David Safavian, and Claude Allen. The EPA has already been directed not to issue any decision without it first undergoing review by the American Chemistry Council, an association made up of the largest chemical polluters in the nation.

...I already admitted that patience was required---and the mess the shrub left behind is almost insurmountable, not just here but also around the world.

It's not so much the president as the so called Dems that make me crazy, I think he is doing a marvelous job ...considering.