What I think Obama has done right. (seriously)

A couple of days ago someone at work asked me if I thought that Obama had done anything right. I rattled off a couple of things but told him I would have to think it over. So here it is;

Obama finally decided not to close Gitmo.

Obama supported the war in Afghanistan by finally sending requested troops. Well, part of the requested troops.

Obama has not abandoned Iraq which would have made the sacrifices a waste of money and blood.

Obama appointed Hillary Clinton Secretary of State rather than Susan Rice, Bill Richardson, or any of the others on the short list.

Obama supports nuclear power...with words. Now if he will support with regulation.

Well, that is the best I can do. It is a short list that you can add to. Remember this is a list of things that you think he got RIGHT.

JG, so you are commending President Obama for not doing the things he was elected to do? Like closing Gitmo and getting us out of Iraq and Afghanistan?

Sorry, I don't go with the notion that more blood must be spilled in order to justify the blood previously spilled. Those heroes who have died or been injured over there remain heroes. Adding more to the list in defense of countries who will turn on us at their first opportunity is reprehensible.

When I see a flag-draped coffin being unloaded from a plane, and think about what our mission in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Libya is, well, I just want to cry. What a stupid, fucking waste.

I respectfully disagree, if the job is not complete their sacrifice IS a waste. No one except maybe those in that crazy Kansas Cult like to see those coffins or the returning troops with broken bodies. But when a mission is given it is best to complete it. I know if I had not returned alive I would be pissed to find out we had Quit.

Now, for what he has done right...well I am still waiting for something that HE has initiated. I think those points above were pushed on him and he went along kicking and screaming.

Very astute, those things were forced upon Obama including nominating Hillary Clinton. It comes down to that every time he acted like George W. Bush it was the right decision. As for the promises he made on the campaign trail...I'm not so stupid to believe he meant any of that stuff or that he could actually pull it off when he saw reality. Besides I never voted for him so I didn't elect him to do anything.

By phasing out Don't Ask Don't Tell he made it possible for the John Galt's of the world to serve openly instead of being bent over at the bulkhead in the night.

I always find the conundrum amusing of liberals who support gay rights (if only halfheartedly in the interest of votes), who don't hesitate to use homophobic slurs and imagery when it suits them.

If you are going to be 'progressive', politically correct, and inclusive as the new Democratic Party line claims these days, then DO it, and grow out of the juvenile need to use homophobic slurs to make your point.

right on sins.

I am just happy that he can practice openly and no longer has to hide.

No more repressed behavior and pent up aggression.

It is a good thing.

You might be guilty of malicious accusery and prudish snobbery but only you know for sure.

As you all can see Catnip is a hypocritical self hating gay man. Have pity on him but don't judge him.

If our government had a policy of actually winning in Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya, it would be different. But we don't. It is reprehensible. I don't know what our objective is in any of those places, but victory is not the objective. Bush, Cheney, Obama, Biden all ought to face war crimes trials. If we are not going to win, and win decisively and quickly, then we have no business sending our troops in harm's way.

The only thing I've seen that I thought he did right was relinquishing decisions on the Somalian pirate hostage situation to the admiral on site. A few minutes, a few well timed simultaneous trigger pulls - problem resolved. Every time W played golf, the media questioned his commitment to his job. Obama played more golf in his first year than W did in eight years - didn't hear much media comment.

The one thing that I have seen as a positive is the appearance that he has followed Bill Clintons example and move his public ideology from the far left more towards the center, much like Clinton did with success.

I will say this, as bad as his numbers look right now, the republicans have not put forth anyone whom has the charisma to beat him.