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Senator Obama - our new "Decider"? When Do we see the part about We'll Chart a New Course?
Senator Obama, your words;
“ Your organizing, your activism and your passion is an important reason why this bill is better than previous versions. No tool has been more important in focusing peoples' attention on the abuses of executive power in this Administration than the active and sustained engagement of American citizens. That holds true -- not just on wiretapping, but on a range of issues where Washington has let the American people down.
I learned long ago, when working as an organizer on the South Side of Chicago, that when citizens join their voices together, they can hold their leaders accountable. I'm not exempt from that. I'm certainly not perfect, and expect to be held accountable too. I cannot promise to agree with you on every issue. But I do promise to listen to your concerns, take them seriously, and seek to earn your ongoing support to change the country. That is why we have built the largest grassroots campaign in the history of presidential politics, and that is the kind of White House that I intend to run as President of the United States -- a White House that takes the Constitution seriously, conducts the peoples' business out in the open, welcomes and listens to dissenting views, and asks you to play your part in shaping our country’s destiny.
After all, the choice in this election could not be clearer. Whether it is the economy, foreign policy, or the Supreme Court, my opponent has embraced the failed course of the last eight years, while I want to take this country in a new direction. Make no mistake: if John McCain is elected, the fundamental direction of this country that we love will not change. But if we come together, we have an historic opportunity to chart a new course, a better course.
Senator Obama, you fail to see the real problem with your decision to vote for the FISA bill over what the ‘people’ want.
It’s not so much about what the bill will or will not do, while that is very important, what’s more important is your (and Dr King's), “the fierce urgency of now”, the American people need to feel like they are finally being listened to.
You just told them, while very eloquently I might add, why you disagree and thanks but I’m voting the way ‘I’ think is best. In other words, you’ve just told us that ‘you’ will be our next “Decider” – not the American people!
Senator Obama, President Bush, his administration and the Republican Party have snubbed their noses at American’s for the past 8 years, now your are doing it again.
President Bush, like you, said that we American’s needed to hold our leaders accountable. Bush, like you, said he loved hearing dissenting views and seeing demonstrations in the streets of America, after all, that’s what Democracy’s all about he said.
Dissent all you want folks; but I’m the Decider!
To repeat Senator, your words, “No tool has been more important in focusing peoples' attention on the abuses of executive power in this Administration than the active and sustained engagement of American citizens……. if we come together, we have an historic opportunity to chart a new course, a better course.”
Senator, why should American’s stay “engaged” if their wishes are consistently ignored? Why should they “come together to chart a new course” if that course will be 'decided' – by just President Bush or a new, President Obama?
You are right Senator, our goals this election or more alike than apart, however sir, on this issue -- you are wrong.
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Comments (21)
With all due respect, this post would carry more impact if Obama was the POTUS.
He has said all he is likely going to say about the issue. To waffle at this point would only give ammunition to the neo-Roves that are recalibrating their attack against him.
The xenophobe, muslim, black, Wright strategy is a dead end for them, so much so that I encourage it. It simply makes them look ridiculous.
On the other hand this whole line of FISA arguments could be very damaging ala Kerry 2004 - waffler, flip/flopper.
I guess my point is why should the critical swing voters go for Obama when his own base is having second thoughts?
I'm sorry so many feel disappointed. Your feelings and beliefs will mean exactly nothing if McCain pulls this election. The Bullshit Express is not making any stops or talking vacations but they are taking notes.
July 4, 2008 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
To answer your the second query of your title:
When he can concentrate on McCain and not on us showing McCain the way 1600 PA Ave.
July 4, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I know the grammar is fk'ed up. Apparently no wine edit function available. Vino Veritas, salud!
July 4, 2008 12:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly. He has no power himself here, only his vote.
And the votes in the Senate don't look like enough.
I think it is a lost cause. The best we can hope for is a fillibuster that delays this thing until next year.
July 4, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
With all due respect, the principle that's bothering you here is called "representative government." We elect our representatives. They listen to our input. But then they get to vote however they choose.
That's how the system works. So yeah, he is "the decider." Sorry. Maybe direct democracy would be better, but it's not the system we have.
July 4, 2008 12:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Alex39, that's a misleading oversimplification. You left out the part about how we are able to hold accountable--through our VOTES-- those who choose to do their own thing, rather than represent us. We have a vote so that our representatives are responsive, as much as possible, to the will of the people and what voters want.
There's a reason we declared independence from the KING on this day, July 4, 1776.
So it's a great day for you to go back and read the Declaration of Independence, which reads:
"...That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, DERIVING THEIR JUST POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness..."
It is true that since representatives have to represent constituents who have different views on some issues, so on issues where people disagree, they have to choose which way t go. But the way you put this it sounds as though the American voters are just here to elect, and those who are elected are there to do as they please.
Blacks Law Dictionary Definition of Democracy:
The form of government in which the sovereign power resides and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens directly or indirectly through a system of representation as distinguished from a monarchy, aristocracy or oligarchy.
And the definition of an oligarchy?
"A form of government wherein the administration of affairs is lodged in the hands of a few persons."
July 4, 2008 8:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
"You just told them, while very eloquently I might add, why you disagree and thanks but I’m voting the way ‘I’ think is best. In other words, you’ve just told us that ‘you’ will be our next “Decider” – not the American people!"
Connie, less than 20,000 people joined that group to protest about FISA. Around 18 million voted for him in the primary. Hopefully it will be well more than double that in the general.
Surely the onus is not on Obama to march in lockstep with you, but but rather on you to justify why such a small minority should be `the decider`?
(Especially when you are also such a small minority of the the number of people who've donatd to his campaign.)
July 4, 2008 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Senator Obama, you fail to see the real problem with your decision to vote for the FISA bill over what the ‘people’ want."
This is a littler hubristic on your part.
Are you "the people"??
How many Americans even know what FISA is? OR care about immunity???
It's arrogant and stupid for the left not pretend that this FISA argument, whatever the virtues, is a great winner at the ballot box. Yeah, right. We're making progress but not that quickly.
I dare say that if the Bill of Rights were put to referrendum today it would LOSE. Civil liberties have never exactly been popular -- they often defend unpopular minority views -- which is why they are important, but not easy.
In a democracy there are many views and politicians must balance and merge them to find a middle ground and compromise.
It doesn't help if one group is always pounding the table that THEY alone are right and everyone else is stupid and you have to listen to us or else.
July 4, 2008 9:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Edit - "It's arrogant and stupid for the left *to* pretend that this FISA argument, whatever the virtues, is a great winner at the ballot box. "
July 4, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, and use of the word "Decider" (with all the Bush baggage of "screw you, I do what I want") is pretty obnoxious and sly. I hate when people manipulate discussion with loaded words and language.
July 4, 2008 9:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm going to vote for Obama in November; but I wanted him to know I question his promise to LISTEN to voters.
As for how many have gone to his website and complained -- believe it or not, not all Americans' blog daily.
Polls show that most Americans do not want immunity for telecom companies.
Why does Obama think "HE" knows better than MOST American's?
That's all I was pointing out.
I understand the POLITICAL reason for voting for the FISA bill -- it's just that Obama seems to be doing exactly what Bush did by saying he'd listen and not say, "It's my way or the highway", like Bush does.
July 4, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's a difference between listening to people and being a slave to their wishes.
July 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tis is an example of the Republican habit of seeing things in extremes. If you don't follow every whim of the polls, you're suddenly too stubborn. Never mind that most of the American public foolishly thinks that oceanic drilling will lower prices, or that, as a senator, he leads as a representative of his state at least as much as much as of the general public.
July 4, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Changing your decision because less than twenty thousand names,(many multiple signs up by people included) demand that you do so, and you know that changing would not stop the bill from being passed, would be PANDERING. Thank you Senator Obama for not engaging in pointless micro pandering.
July 4, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwnnnnn.....
July 4, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
But Steve, he does have to be a slave to our wishes. If he said he was going to be opposed to something and that was the reason I voted for him, and then he later said he wasn't going to oppose that same thing, what am I to beleive? He's great because why? He's moved to the right on issues I care about. He's talking abotu faith-based intiatives, redefining his position on withdrawal, not opposing FISA, supports the death penalty even in cases where the victom was't murdered, is okay with expanded gun availablity. Those are the positings he's taken in the last coupleof weeks.
I keep hearin about how he's our best candidate in 30 years. But I'm finding it harder and harder to understand why people beleive that. He's a great speaker, but honestly and sincerely, the things he is saying I don't like. So am I supposed to be quiet because I like his opponent less? Amd I supposed to be okay despite the fact he's not what I thought he was? How, Steve, how should I respond? I'd really like to know your answer.
I'm afraid the disillusionment we all experienced in 1993 with Clinton might pale compared to where this is heading. Convince me I'm wrong.
July 4, 2008 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are wrong because President McCain will save you from having to go through such a waiting period to see what happens. You know what President McCain will do, so no need for you to fret about it.
Keep on casting doubts about what a President Obama might or might not do, and you will get the certainty of what President McCain will do. There there, I hope that has soothed your anxious mind.
July 4, 2008 7:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I remember you, Connie.
There you were, resplendent in fake dreads, Ani Difranco t-shirt, and "Nader 2000" button, braying at the camera that Al Gore was no different from George Bush while Shaun Hannity nodded proudly.
Somewhere in the Chicago suburbs, your father patiently awaits for you to get this nonsense out of your system and come help manage the furniture store.
Go to him now, he calls you, you cant refuse.
July 4, 2008 7:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Helping the family business. I like it.
July 4, 2008 10:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Slave to our wishes?! Really. Holy shit, that is really crazy. Do you want McCain? Maybe he will be a slave to your wishes? Ya think? He has said it over and over we are not blue states or red states but the United States, what do you think he meant by that? We want Universal Healthcare, we need to end this horrible war, a war that a bunch of liars who manipulated the country into an illegal and immoral war a war that has brought us to our knees financially. A war that has shown the limit of our military power and ruined our reputation around the world.
Yeah what the Bushies have done the last 7+ years has gutted the Constitution and I want it fucking fixed and that is what Obama will do. How do I know? Because he said so, and I believe him.
July 4, 2008 11:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is a huge difference between being SLAVE to our wishes and being MINDFUL of them.
Representative Government: May not require that an elected official stand hand and hand with his/her voters -- it does mean they must REPRESENT the voter's wishes.
Obama said he was going to be DIFFERENT and actually LISTEN to Americans. In this case, if he was actually listening -- he'd be against this bill.
It's not just about the 20,000 on his blog complaining, it's millions in America that are against this.
Millions are supporting Obama BECAUSE he was claiming to be DIFFERENT -- now those voters aren't so sure he's the real deal.
I'm just warning MY CANDIDATE, that he's crossed the line on this one and he'd best hold any other ones till AFTER the election or risk losing those voters that got him this far.
P.S.
I did not vote for Nader - nor would I ever.
July 5, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
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