posted by pdsimdars
It may be difficult for some people to 'get' the level of frustration with the new 'general candidate' Obama. You hear all the pundits saying, "He has to move to 'the center' now that he's in the general election."
I say, "Not so fast."
The main problem with the Democrats and their losing ways, embodied in this spineless Democratically controlled congress, is their inability to stand together and stand up to the right wing.
That is the frustration we have all felt. They talk the good talk, they stand and pontificate, but when the Republicans make the hint that they might not be pleased, they cave and vote Republican. This is the whole of it, acting from fear instead of acting from principle. FISA is a very important issue. It sets the standard for what we will tolerate. Will we allow a President to act outside the law? Will we allow him to tell a corporation to engage in illegal activities? No accountability for a President partnering with a corporation to perform illegal actions, activities SPECIFICALLY stated in the CONSTITUTION? This isn't littering on the sidewalk or jay walking. The founding fathers felt it was important.
Obama said he would not allow immunity. He said he would filibuster if needed. And then, for who cares what reason, he folded. He has only one losing issue against McCain. Gen. Clark, a very honorable man, with a bio remarkably similar to Obama's, whose resume includes expertise to tackle Obama's one negative, went out to take that issue head on. The progressive base couldn't believe what a true hero Gen. Clark was for doing this. How Brilliant!
Not so fast, the right wing mischaracterized what he said, started a smear campaign, and our bright shining new leader for change, Obama, ACCEPTS their mischaracterization and reacts to that, throwing Clark under the bus. A man with more integrity than all the right wing combined. And this is the latest demonstration of the legendary Obama judgment? I am sick of this pattern. There is nothing new to see here, move on by. Democrats find a slim ray of truth shining through, Republican launch a smear, Democrats bow the head and cave.
What has Obama shown that is different?
I have heard it said over and over, that for the Democrats to win they need an energized base. Throwing cold water on that base seems to be counter productive to me. And if you have heard callers and hosts on progressive radio, or read any progressive blogs, you know the base is not happy. Obama is falling into the same right wing trap they have all fallen into. How sad.
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