texshelters


Obama is Either With us or Against Us

In Current Events, Economics on February 23, 2011 at 18:46

Howard Fineman thinks Obama is doing the right thing by standing back and not commenting (not much at least) about the Wisconsin labor protests.

Certainly, Howard Fineman makes valid points that Obama is standing back and letting the Republicans attack workers to the President’s political advantage. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-tv/howard-fineman-lawrence-odonnell-unions_b_826927.html

However, it’s not an all or nothing proposition. There are several things Obama can do and keep from being drawn into the fray. How about making a speech about workers rights and fiscal challenges? How about having your press secretary make a statement like, “state budgets are a concern for all governors, and one should not use this crisis to diminish the rights of citizens.” It can be that vague, but it would support the workers in a way that wouldn’t risk the president’s political capital, the little he has left.

Knowing that the President of the United States supports your rights can do a lot to boost the morale of the protesters. Why does Obama constantly avoid such opportunities except when a congresswoman is shot.

The protests in Wisconsin, and other issues, are not all or nothing for Obama. Making a positive statement defending workers rights to collective bargaining would be a great start to rebuilding Obama’s reputation with the left.

Or am I just another liberal the White House has a penchant for insulting?

Peace,
Tex Shelters

  1. What’s with this? No courage. Nothing left. No principles in sight. Kowtowing to handlers. For shame, Mr President.

    leezacoleman 23 February 2011 at 10pm

    • Well, it was pointed out to me that last Friday Obama did make a statement that supported the workers and the organization that was founded to help Obama get elected has been showing support.

      So perhaps I jumped the gun, for each time I saw his on television, he didn’t mention the workers.

      Peace,
      Tex Shelters

      texshelters 24 February 2011 at 6pm

  2. I think it has been rather clear, for a very long time, that he is against us.

    He only throws us a bone now and then to give us the illusion we have two parties in D.C.

    Now, on the local and state level, there are still some Democrats who, silly ones, think it is their JOB to stand for The People:

    New York Councilman Storms Chase: “They Are Sucking the Lifeblood Out of Communities”
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/24/new-york-councilman-storms-chase-bank_n_827942.html#comments

    Little Sun 25 February 2011 at 7am

    • LS,

      Yes, he throws us bones while he gives the keys to the vault to the corporations and fellow politicians.

      Thanks.

      Peace,
      Tex Shelters

      texshelters 27 February 2011 at 6pm

  3. I want to believe that he is on our side but more and more I think no one is on our side, the white house and congress are bought and paid for by the highest bidder, corporate lobbyists. Obama may have gone in with good intentions but he’s probably learning along the way he doesn’t have a lot of power and if he flexes his power in a way that the corporate masters don’t like they’ll just make sure he doesn’t get re-elected and ruin his public image in the press that they largely control.

    Then again I have been less and less attention to problems back home because I have my own problems developing in this little “escape”plan I hatched a couple of years ago to re-start my life on the other side of the world.

    dogman70 27 February 2011 at 11am

    • Dogman,

      Yes, the world has lots of problems and we aren’t the only ones in turmoil and having a hard time making it.

      It is very clear that the two parties won’t make the changes we need without enormous pressure.

      Thanks.

      Peace,
      Tex Shelters

      texshelters 27 February 2011 at 6pm

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