Dude, where's my change?

[digitaldiscipline]

Mentioned elsewhere, in a discussion of Obama's Nobel peace prize, was the remark that, nearly 20% into his term, has he accomplished 20% of the change that his campaign was featuring so prominently?

I'm inclined to say, "No, not really," but suspect I know at least a portion of the reason for the slower-than-promised (hoped) progress:

I think a large part of that is that the Democratic majority of Congress has feet of clay.

Which is a polite way of saying, "They're a bunch of risk-averse fucks more interested in their own re-electability than in actually doing anything for the good of the nation, independent of being browbeaten by the thugs on the GOP side of the aisle, and the media."

Comments

Response to 'Dude, where's my change?'

[searchforpearls.livejournal.com]

I agree. I think our President is doing the best he can under the circumstances. The Democratic Congress are the ones being so hesitant about it.
It's a bit scary, though, that he's already 20% through his term..I really had hoped for more by now...I suppose, though, he still has a little more then three years, and a whole lot can happen in that time.

Re: Response to 'Dude, where's my change?'

[etcet.livejournal.com]

I think that, if they (dems in congress) weren't so cowed, they'd just put the hammer down and get shit done.

You don't hear them making any of the same saber-rattling noises about using the fuck-you-and-your filibuster "nuclear option" that the republicans were, prior to the 2004 and 2006 election, for instance. Those who are willing to be nicer are always going to be at the mercy of those who have no compunction against being cockbaskets.

Unrelatedly: I notice you're freshly-minted on LJ. Who might you be?

Re: Response to 'Dude, where's my change?'

[sloot.livejournal.com]

Those who are willing to be nicer are always going to be at the mercy of those who have no compunction against being cockbaskets.

+1

Re: Response to 'Dude, where's my change?'

[searchforpearls.livejournal.com]

Exactly! (in the respect that the dems aren't nearly as loud) It's really too bad that they can't raise as much of a ruckus...But on the other hand, suggesting that they be less polite, seems to be a little odd. However, I suppose to get what you want done you have to do what you have to do.

And on the unrelated note: Yes, I've only been on for about three days now. My name is M.C. and it is quite nice to meet you.

[cchan8.livejournal.com]

Amen to that. Thank god Sen. Snowe has some balls.

[naeelah.livejournal.com]

Yeah, pretty much. But I think Obama may also be purposefully biding his time. People are SO resistant to change (and already insane enough to call his win a "coup") that he might not be helping anyone to just drag them all kicking and screaming straight off the bat. That's what Bush did and I think he's right to dwell on the notion of bipartisanship, even if it is stalemating, just to establish the fresh start.

They'll have to be dragged eventually, but I feel like he understands that and that he's trying to give them the opportunity to come willingly while they mull over the details. At least, I hope he understands that he has to drag them all along eventually. But in any case, change can't be rushed. A year isn't much time for something like health care reform.