Scott Brown

Anniversary Of The Obama Presidency: Something To Celebrate? YES!

Ronald Leave a comment

One year ago today, I nearly froze to death as an observer in Washington, D. C. at the inauguration of the Obama Presidency! I was proud to be a witness to history, and everyone of the two million people at the inauguration had great hopes for the future with this new, young President who was extremely articulate and charismatic.

Now, a year later, the halo is off, and reality has set in: It is easier to be elected as President, as hard as that is, than it is to govern and accomplish one’s goals and programs.

A fair appraisal of the Obama Presidency after one year would have to say that he has accomplished a great deal, but has also been disappointing in many ways. But then again, could one really have expected anything else? When one looks at any President while he is in office, as well after he has left the White House, there is always a record of what one might call “a mixed bag”. Running a government is difficult, and there are always many critics and opponents who are out to undermine success and promote defeat.

Much has been said by the author about the various challenges and actions by President Obama during the past year, and assessments have been made in some detail throughout the year.

I will summarize that I believe Barack Obama has accomplished a grade of B at this point, with the possibility of improvement to a higher grade over time. Certainly, the shocking election of Scott Brown as the successor to Ted Kennedy’s seat last night dims the celebration of the anniversary of Obama’s taking the oath of office, but it is also a wake up call for both Obama and the Democrats. One cannot assume that one election is a trend for November, but the one way for the Democrats to gain traction is to fight for what they believe in, rather than cave in and give up the fight for health care reform and other domestic changes.

The President has his heart in the right place, and his foreign policy direction is promising and inspiring. His view on civil liberties is to be applauded. I think as long as the Democrats and Barack Obama focus on the creation of economic recovery and the job situation shows improvement, then he and his party will see their losses in November be smaller than one might think based on the euphoria in Republican circles over the Scott Brown victory.

So overall, Mr. President, congratulations on a good job, but become more aggressive and determined in your commitment to change, and show the American people that ultimately you and your party are the true party of change and the middle class, and that the Republicans only wish to promote fear and division, and have no real plans for economic recovery or domestic reform. Carry your head high and keep the commitment to what you believe in, and ultimately, it will lead to triumph!

The Message Of The Scott Brown Senate Victory In Massachusetts

Ronald 4 Comments

The solid victory of Scott Brown for the Senate seat held for more than half a century by the Kennedy family is a major blow to the Democratic party and President Barack Obama.

Several thoughts come to mind immediately after the announcement of the Brown victory.

For one, a politician needs to work vigorously to gain public support. When Martha Coakley went on vacation after winning the Democratic primary, she left the message that she was unwilling to put the maximum effort into the campaign, and was assuming entitlement to the Senate seat, which obviously enraged many Massachusetts citizens.

Secondly, the message is really what it was when Bill Clinton ran against George H. W. Bush in 1992–“It’s the economy, stupid!” The Democrats MUST bring about a massive economic program to create millions of jobs sooner, rather than later, or else they will lose control of the House of Representatives in 2010, and see the Senate majority, now 59, dwindle dramatically!

Third, the goal of a massive health care plan must face reality, and what is likely to happen now is accomplishment of aspects of the plan that can be agreed upon, such as protecting people who have preexisting conditions from being denied coverage, raising the age for young people to be still covered under their parents’ health care plans, and attempting to initiate health insurance exchanges to promote competition.

Fourth, the Democrats must face the fact that as the incumbent party now, they face the wrath of voters who are impatient at the slow pace of improvement of the economy and angry at the assistance given to banks, auto companies, insurance companies, and Wall Street, instead of large scale emphasis on saving people’s homes from mortgage foreclosures. In other words, a populist rebellion has emerged, and if the Democrats do not tune in to it, the Republicans may be the beneficiaries of this anger and rebellion.

Fifth, it seems obvious that despite President Obama’s personal popularity remaining high, that his attempt to bring about major environmental and energy reforms, as well as immigration reforms, and many social initiatives including gay rights, will have to be at the least delayed for now, subject to the election results this fall and in the presidential election of 2012.

Finally, it guarantees a very busy, fascinating election year of 2010, as the Democrats attempt to keep most of their seats, and the GOP dreams of another 1994. It is too early, however, to say that one race is a projection of the nation at large.

What it ultimately comes down to is that Scott Brown ran an excellent race, a model for what all politicians have to do to expect to gain the people’s vote. So anyone in politics who thinks he or she will sail into office, take warning: It is not going to happen!

The Irony Of The Upcoming Anniversary Of Barack Obama’s Inauguration

Ronald Leave a comment

It is extremely ironic that as we arrive on Wednesday at the first anniversary of Barack Obama’s inauguration as President, that we face the strong possibility of the loss of Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat to a Republican tomorrow evening!

Martha Coakley, the Massachusetts Attorney General, well liked in her state and seen as a solid figure in her state government role, faces the strong likelihood that, because of an extremely lackluster campaign by her, and a very vigorous, active campaign by Scott Brown, the state senator who is her Republican opponent, that the GOP will win that race and be able to halt health care reform in its tracks by having 41 Republicans senators, all committed to a filibuster of any legislation on the subject.

It would be a great tragedy if that happened, and it is hoped that enough Democrats and independents will show their commitment to Barack Obama, who still has a 60 percent popular support level in the most recent Massachusetts polls, and vote for Martha Coakley, who is likely to be an outstanding Senator if only she can get past her lackluster campaign, and go to the Senate to continue Ted Kennedy’s work!

This is one case where we must have our fingers crossed and wait with baited breath for the momentous results tomorrow evening!