New Post
I wish Obama would do more... But that's the unreasonably selfish idealist inside me. Obama gives us a tease of his vision through some of his speeches, and I would really like to ask him what his vision is. I want to know, and I want to assess it. I want to know that he is truly, deeply committed to a green, sustainable economic and environmental future that supports individual and community prosperity. That would be nice. I've been talking about this with Tyler lately, and he said that this could be the end of the Republican Party. I am so moved by that idea. I guess I never thought it would happen, given how long everything takes to change. But so many stupid things are happening with them that no one seems to be listening. They are only really listening to themselves. Tyler went on. What if our near future is the disapparation of the Republican Party, and the Democrats become the new conservative party? And liberal third parties, such as the Green Party will become the mainstream liberal party? Now that I think about it, the Democratic Party was historically the conservative party, but they switched at some point. So weird things like that happen. But the future that is ruled by progressives? That is sweet sweet liberty and bliss. I can't wait for it. I can't wait for Obama to dilly dally with Republican moderates. But I have to. So I have this blog as an outlet. xP
I think that Obama's branding of himself and his policy is really important, and I don't think it's something to be neglected when considering his presidential qualifications. Ultimately, our goal as a people is to have a real democracy where individuals are fully supported. At least, this is the progressive agenda, and the one that makes the most sense to me. Obama's charm is very very crucial to change. He has the ability to explain issues so that uneducated people can have a simple understanding of the situation, and can therefore understand why a certain resolution would be best. His charm engages many people, and inspires them to take action and take part in politics. So they call their congresspeople and demand changes because Obama lobbies them to action, and he has taught them all the reasons this or that bill should be supported. And his strategy is beautiful. He offered his hand to the Republicans when crafting the stimulus bill, and none of them voted for it. So now he's going to invoke 'reconciliation' on his new health care bill. Reconciliation is a rule that allows a bill to be immune to filibusters, and thus would not require a 60 vote majority to pass. Republicans are outraged, of course, but the idea is that the bill, after being introduced soon, would only invoke reconciliation by Oct. 15. So people have that much time to make peace before it goes on fast track. Obama reminded Republicans that he's given them opportunities to give constructive criticism to previous legislation, but they haven't been supportive. So he's not going to sit around and wait for them, he has to take action. Woohoo! So that means he can get away with a few more liberal goodies in the health care bill.
So yeah, I love that he inspires everyone to action. I wish people understood the importance of politics all the time. It's important for us to be involved in our communities, businesses, because that's our lives. We want to make sure we have sufficient control over our lives. If access to safety (in any form, such as using safe ingredients in cosmetics) is difficult, then we don't have good control.
I think that Obama's branding of himself and his policy is really important, and I don't think it's something to be neglected when considering his presidential qualifications. Ultimately, our goal as a people is to have a real democracy where individuals are fully supported. At least, this is the progressive agenda, and the one that makes the most sense to me. Obama's charm is very very crucial to change. He has the ability to explain issues so that uneducated people can have a simple understanding of the situation, and can therefore understand why a certain resolution would be best. His charm engages many people, and inspires them to take action and take part in politics. So they call their congresspeople and demand changes because Obama lobbies them to action, and he has taught them all the reasons this or that bill should be supported. And his strategy is beautiful. He offered his hand to the Republicans when crafting the stimulus bill, and none of them voted for it. So now he's going to invoke 'reconciliation' on his new health care bill. Reconciliation is a rule that allows a bill to be immune to filibusters, and thus would not require a 60 vote majority to pass. Republicans are outraged, of course, but the idea is that the bill, after being introduced soon, would only invoke reconciliation by Oct. 15. So people have that much time to make peace before it goes on fast track. Obama reminded Republicans that he's given them opportunities to give constructive criticism to previous legislation, but they haven't been supportive. So he's not going to sit around and wait for them, he has to take action. Woohoo! So that means he can get away with a few more liberal goodies in the health care bill.
So yeah, I love that he inspires everyone to action. I wish people understood the importance of politics all the time. It's important for us to be involved in our communities, businesses, because that's our lives. We want to make sure we have sufficient control over our lives. If access to safety (in any form, such as using safe ingredients in cosmetics) is difficult, then we don't have good control.