Credit: Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson/Contributing Writer
I was one of many Americans who was convinced that in 2008 the United States was being steered into an age of “hope and change” by a fresh-faced Senator from Chicago.
In the few years since Barack Obama’s meteoric ascent to power, a plethora of issues have been addressed which had been totally ignored by the previous administration—issues which disproportionately affect those of lower socioeconomic situations, women, minorities and small businesses. One of the first pieces of legislation Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. This law addressed the sensitive issue of pay equity in the workplace. Another, much to the chagrin of some conservatives and private healthcare businesses, was the Affordable Care Act of 2010, which extended everyone’s access to healthcare services. These issues resurfaced during this past year’s presidential campaign and debates. While pundits and detractors have highlighted this administration’s shortcomings, there has been significant progress, and still more to be achieved. Despite these shortcomings, more than half of the American people are in accord with this administration’s policies.
According to a recent Gallup poll taken between January 7th and the 13th, the approval for the president is around 54%, three percentage points up from the 51%, by which the election was won. Like many presidents before him and no doubt after—there will be decisions made which are not popular, but must be made for the well being of the populace.
But, there are individuals who tend to disagree with this president on every issue and seek to hinder progress. It seems they would rather protect their affiliates’ interests and ideals than do what is in the best interest of the American people and the country in general. Hence, the ridiculous amount time spent getting past the so-called “fiscal cliff.” Though the Senate majority is skewed liberal, the House of Representatives is polarized to the right—placing the president in a familiar position, just as before the election.
Government officials are elected by the people and should govern in the best interests of the people—not for their own benefit. This is the basic premise of a democratic society.
Once elected, the least we can expect is for individuals to exercise their powers within the office for which they were elected.
Is that too much to ask?
For the next four years, there will be more issues and catastrophes to confront.
For there to be true progress, government officials need to work together regardless of political and business affiliation. Recently, the president signed new legislation in efforts to curb gun violence—especially to protect the most vulnerable of our population—our children. There hasn’t been such sweeping legislation to combat gun violence since the 1960s. Before the ink had time to dry, the president was immediately vilified by the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Republicans and other private gun owners for infringing on their second amendment rights.
My hope for the next four years is that both political parties will begin acting like the adults they supposedly are, stop taking extended vacations and breaks and do the job for which they were elected—to govern.
