About that list of 90 accomplishments ..... its quite a reach, isn't it?

[Stinky The Clown]

Really?

Here is the list, posted elsewhere recently, with a snarky comment from me to most of them. Why am I snarking? I'll tell ya. Not about Obama, but about anyone who is so pathetic as to purport this list has any meaning. It was taken from a blog (I think). Most of it is smoke, mirrors, puffery, wishes, and hopes. Yes, there are some substantive accomplishments. But the pathetic part is how some wish to equate the volume with substance. In fact, I see this as more harmful to the cause of supporting Obama than helping him because the piece is so FUCKING OBVIOUSLY contrived and a hugely long overreach. It will do little more than attract snark like mine.

To wit:

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending;

Undertake a study .... wow.

2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices;

Ordered a review ..... wow

3. Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women;

Okay. Good one.

4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq;

No points until the last one out turns the lights off. Not for previous presidents and not for Obama.

5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover A.F.B.;

Okay, good one. Small and easy, but good.

6. Ended media "blackout" on war casualties; reporting full information;

Okay. See above.

7. Ended media "blackout" on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover A.F.B.; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family;

Okay. See above

8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act;

Not complying .... but respecting. Uh ......

9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible;

Instructed .... okaaaay. Weasel word: "as possible"

10. Limits on lobbyists' access to the White House;

Really? See: Lobbyists, healthcare, and Lobbyists, pharma

11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration;

Good one .... but time will tell

12. Ended the previous "stop-loss" policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date;

Good one

13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan;

Congress killed it

14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research;

Good

15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research;

Good, but same as above. Half point each.

16. New federal funding for science and research labs;

How much?

17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards;

Good one. Easy and no cost and no risk, but good.

18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants...) after years of neglect;

Really? How much?

19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools;

Really? How much?

20. New funds for school construction;

Really? How much? With what strings from Arne?

21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out;

Yes, until it isn't. No points until the last bad guy leaves the island.

22. US Auto industry rescue plan;

:snort:

23. Housing rescue plan;

4% get help. The rest stay fucked.

24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan;

See above

25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying;

See above

26. US financial and banking rescue plan;

See above - 22 thru 26 are all part of the same thing.

27. The "secret detention" facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed;

How do we know?

28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards;

Sorta

29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops;

Good

30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010;

Not ended. Just cut a few bucks out of it. Come on .....

31. Restarted the nuclear non-proliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols;

Okay

32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic;

"Reengaged" ..... good word to use.

33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions;

There it is again

34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office;

So? It was the I'm not Bush tour.

35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job;

How is this a credit to Obama?

36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast;

Okay. So?

37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles;

Isn't this actually a continuation?

38. "Cash for clunkers" program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulates auto sales;

It was something.

39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government;

Announced plans ...... okay .... but no points until it gets done.

40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children;

Okay

41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program;

Really?

42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return "home" to visit loved ones;

Good

43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions;

Good. No risk, but good nonetheless.

44. Expanding vaccination programs;

Can you explain this one so a moron like me can understand it? What vaccinations? For whom? At what cost? Do *you* know this one in and out or are you just parroting?

45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters;

I HOPE he'd do that. "I'm better than Bush was in New Orleans is hardly a big selling point.

46. Closed offshore tax safe havens;

Can you explain this one to me, too?

47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals;

Wow.

48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back;

Okay. Not brave or cutting edge, but a good one.

49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices;

Recent Headline: Credit Card Rates Triple

50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources;

"Begin Preparing" ... how impressive

51. Lower drug costs for seniors;

Define this one, please

52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings;

Define this one, please

53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel;

Laudable

54. Improved housing for military personnel;

See above

55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses;

Really? At the cost of jobs for non-military people? How about we spread the wealth a little?

56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals;

Ya think???

57. Increasing student loans;

Define this, please? It might be an actual accomplishment.

58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program;

Define "opportunities"

59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy;

Sent envoys .... uh ... sure ..... then the weasel word: "Reengage"

60. Established a new cyber security office;

Good. More military/Security

61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force... this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.;

Where to start? "Beginning the process" "Reforming" "Restructuring" .... etc. No points until something actually gets done.

62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts;

Actually, that is not a good policy. There are real emergencies that need immediate action. What was needed was oversight and sunshine. Not a termination. Bush abused a good program.

63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness;

Another review

64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient;

Wasn't this Al Gore's job under Clinton?

65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced;

Okay. Not a biggie, but okay.

66. Improving benefits for veterans;

Good

67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration;

Really?

68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud;

A new focus? Really?

69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco;

Okay

70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules;

Hahaha

71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports;

Okay

72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons;

Okay

73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Webb to secure the release of an American held captive;

Okay

74. Making more loans available to small businesses;

Can you elaborate on this one? I see NO evidence of it. But I may be too stupid to recognize it.

75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare;

"Established" to "Recommend" ...... ?

76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court;

Good

77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans;

Okay

78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000;

Okay. Meaningless, but whatever.

79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel;

Wow. Good one.

80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan;

Yes. They're now more bellicose.

81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan;

This is on your list of accomplishments? Really?

82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans;

Sweet! A "new" war policy to replace the old war policy? How about a peace policy?

83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production;

See: Can, kick down the road

84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters;

Symbolic stunt.

85. Paid for redecorations of White House living quarters out of his own pocket;

Symbolic stunt

86. Held first Seder in White House;

Okay ....

87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more underinsured;

You're not serious with this, are you?

88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform;

"Put the ball in play" Wow! That's great!

89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform; and

An announcement. Kewl.

90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform.

Intends to reform? Really?

[Oregone]

1. "4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq;" -- Fiction

He didn't begin it. For the most part he was following a timetable laid out in Bush's SOFA agreement that he inherited (though he might be a little in front of it). But to follow a timetable for withdrawal is a bit different than beginning withdrawal

[jpak]

2. 91.

*yawn*

[Stinky The Clown]

6. You're right: "Yawn" ...... and yet it keeps getting reposted as if it has meaning

[Donnachaidh]

11. but it does have meaning to Rahm's Rangers!

And cut and paste is sooo easy. :evilgrin:

[Winterblues]

3. Here is the Republican's list of Republican accomplishments

NO...NO...NO...NO...NO...Whaaaa...Whaaaa

[laughingliberal]

45. Yes, we have "we're better than Bush" administration. I think we all get that part nt

[Winterblues]

60. So which campaign ad will effect your vote the most?

Republicans when they say we Failed....We said NO but they did it anyway...or Democrats when they say we accomplished many many many things and expect to accomplish many many many more even if Republicans say NO. I expect any reasonable person will go with accomplishment over failure every single time..

[laughingliberal]

69. My most fervent wish would be for my time on earth to end before I have to vote for one more

Democrat whose biggest selling point is he didn't do as much harm as the Republican. Otherwise, I suppose I'm stuck again. What a rousing endorsement of our party that so many of us feel this way.

[live love laugh]

118. I don't think it's possible for Democrats to do as much harm as Republicans

they just aren't that evil and greedy.

That being said, it is in fact better to have a part in place that does not harm Americans as much as the previous administration. Not only were we harmed, I personally felt assaulted by BushCo. They stole rights such as a fair trial, freedom of speech, our Treasury $$$$$$$$$$, they stole the simple courtesy of civility and diplomacy from the political landscape...

I could go on and on. But the point is we are better by simply NOT having a republican in charge.

[laughingliberal]

120. True but being better than the Republicans or less harmful is a pretty low bar and I think

we should be able to expect more from our leaders. We can't but we should be able to.

[bertman]

141. Well said, laughingliberal. nt

[SammyWinstonJack]

146. +1

:thumbsup:

[Brickbat]

4. And! He got! The kids a puppy!

Just like he said he would! Tuh!

[xchrom]

5. Recommend

[HughMoran]

17. Always eager

to see the negative.

[tridim]

20. It's called FUD.

Fear, uncertainty, doubt.

Probably the most pointless and juvenile debate tactic ever devised. Something I never though I'd see coming from Stinky.

[Stinky The Clown]

21. Stewie, stewie, stewie .....

.... surely someone as smart as you isn't defending this bullshit list, are you?

The list is contrived, to put it charitably. But the preamble is where you can stop reading, for it is therein where the kernel of the tread will be found.

[tridim]

26. The list is what it is..

and your responses are much more contrived than the list itself. That's why I labelled it as FUD.

The administration has done more good in their first year than any administration in my lifetime. You don't agree? So what? Keep spreading your FUD, it's kind of funny after getting over the initial shock of your rapid downfall as a respected DUer.

[Stinky The Clown]

29. "A respected DUer"?

:spray:

Some years ago, I was "thanks but no thanksed" as a mod! Hahahahaha.

I've worked very hard to be little more than a verbal hand grenade tosser. While I nominally supported Kerry and Obama, I only ever supported two candidates with any verve: Clark and Mfume.

There's no doubt that I've lost a few friends over my criticisms of Obama. But I have always maintained my self respect for saying what I believe. This is, after all, a discussion board. I like to discuss. And get discussions started. Sometimes I even start out with a POV opposite my own.

[Greyhound]

81. "a respected DUer"

:rofl::bounce::rofl::bounce::rofl::bounce::rofl::bounce::rofl::bounce::rofl::bounce:

[Stinky The Clown]

89. Thanks fer yer suppert

[Greyhound]

95. You do have it.

I just realized that it could be read both ways.

I find the idea that participating in a BBS could confer a mantle of "respectability" to be quite amusing.

[countingbluecars]

7. I see lots of good things

on that list and some good things left off.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. Nothing in the OP is at odds with that

The point is not the list. The point is in the preamble.

[countingbluecars]

19. The list does have some value

as I see it. I just think about the 90 things McCain/Palin might have on their list. At least we are heading in the right direction on many of the listed items.

Sorry to see they left off the appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor and some of the president's other appointments to the bench. We are heading in the right direction.

[Stinky The Clown]

22. McPain? Surely you can do better than that. And you missed the mention of her appointment

[countingbluecars]

28. Oops, I did miss that.

Still think this list shows we are heading in the right direction!

[laughingliberal]

52. Uh, the appointment of Sotomayor is on the list and acknowledged nt

[countingbluecars]

57. Yes, I acknowledged that

in post #28.

[Donnachaidh]

8. struck a nerve Stinky -- the unreccers slapped it hard out of the chute. K&R! n/t

[Thickasabrick]

9. Thanks for posting this Stinky. If people are going to post a list -

at least let it be realistic. Otherwise, it just makes the people posting look like idiots and Kool-Aid drinkers.

[kiva]

15. +1

I don't think that anyone here denies that Obama has been without doubt a better president than the McCain/Palin alternative, but the constant posting of this list makes me think of grade school kids memorizing and spewing the multiplication tables...2 times 2 is 4, 2 times 3 is 6...

[noamnety]

12. 12. Stop loss. He hasn't ended it.

We still have almost 10,000 troops stop lossed. He announced an intent to "all but end it" in the future except in extraordinary circumstances (which I haven't seen defined).

[eleny]

13. K&R for the reality check

Btw, you took the time so I read every word. I doubt the unrec squadron bothered. Looks like they lost. :P

[Jamastiene]

14. On #66, I call complete and utter bullshit.

I am a home caregiver for a veteran who recently got approved for the B&B Care program...on paper.

It has been 5 months, 6 phone calls over 6 weeks, and no one has called back yet, no check has been sent to cover the costs, and no help in sight. Each one says they have 72 hours by their own rules to call us back. No one EVER has called back...not even ONE of them. Still no check. Still no answers. Still no real benefit extended.

#66 is complete and utter bullshit. It might look good on paper, but the reality is that they are not sending the money to take care of the veterans after the veteran is approved for the program.

[bertman]

142. Thank you for the enlightenment, Jamastiene, That really pisses me off about the VA.

[HughMoran]

16. You got a lot of time on your hands

very productive use of time :P

[noamnety]

18. I'm glad someone took the time.

When I first saw the list, I was struck by how many of the accomplishments were "announced an intent" or "talked with someone."

I would have gone through it item by item but I didn't have the patience.

[FLAprogressive]

56. the whole list can be summed up as "announced an intent to sign a executive order/proclamation....."

[nevergiveup]

23. You see what you want to see.

One can spin it however they like and either use the list to defend Obama or use the list to belittle him. You chose the latter.

[Stinky The Clown]

25. You're wrong

I chose to belittle the more egregious defenders.

But as you say, it can be spun. Not very well and not very effectively, but it can be spun.

[truedelphi]

32. The same old story of "Killing the

Messenger."

But messengers are needed.

[asdjrocky]

24. Padding the resume.

[bertman]

143. apt analogy, asdjrocky.

[SammyWinstonJack]

149. hehe

:evilgrin: :thumbsup:

[Bobbie Jo]

27. Nice post, Rush.

:eyes:

[Stinky The Clown]

31. Did you actually read the preamble?

With what do you disagree?

And calling me Rush isn't very nice. It shows your capacity for low information. It is also against the rulez. Lucky for you, I NEVER alert for that sort of shit.

[Bobbie Jo]

41. Nice?

Referring to me as someone with a "capacity for low information" is equally insulting. Unfortunately, both 'digs' are minor in comparison to the trash-talking around here.

What I disagree with, Stinky, is the underlying motive for such posts. I could get the same message from Rush, himself. Your post just seemed to fit the mold. That's all.....

If my post was "alert-worthy," by all means....push the button.

[AllentownJake]

48. It is a bad email forward

It is silly as the ones I would get from right wingers for Boosh. Please we can do better than that trite.

[eleny]

71. "What I disagree with, Stinky, is the underlying motive for such posts."

Just an FYI, Bobbie Jo - Self proclaimed mind readers don't have credibility.

[Bobbie Jo]

76. Fits. The. Mold.

No psychic skills necessary.

Re: Credibility....I wasn't seeking your approval.

Simply voicing an opinion, as you just did in your characterization.

[Stinky The Clown]

80. Bobbie Jo ..... at the core of it, are you defending that list's use as a positive thing?

Not the several actual accomplishments it cites, but that list, per se?

[Bobbie Jo]

106. No, not defending the list as proof positive of anything...

I just recognize the tactic. We could start with a list of any political figure's accomplishments, and thoroughly pick it apart. The question is, to what end?

[Stinky The Clown]

111. If it were an honest list of actual accomplishments, your argument might be stronger

The list is at least 50% pure puffery or a listing of dreams and wishes.

And that's my point.

Which you seem to be avoiding. My post is about the *use* of *this* list. Nothing more and nothing less. The comment to each accomplishment was to demonstrate that *this list* is bogus puffery.

Puffery: "Puffery as a legal term refers to promotional statements and claims that express subjective rather than objective views, such that no reasonable person would take them literally.<1> Puffery is especially featured in testimonials."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puffery

[Bobbie Jo]

117. My response was about the *use* of the *this* list, as well.

But was directed to the manner in which *you* are using it.

Again, *to what end?*

[Stinky The Clown]

119. To let those who use such a list know they're unhelpful

And to give a knock to the >descriptor no longer considered politic on DU< with it. It is so transparently moronic that only morons should cite it.

To *that* end.

[Bobbie Jo]

121. Got it.

Nice post, Rush.

[Stinky The Clown]

123. :snort:

Hahahaha

[eleny]

97. There's a difference between belief and knowledge

You offer no proof of his intention.

[live love laugh]

125. I agree that the impact of the post -- regardless of intention - is overall negative.

[Name removed]

162. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[truedelphi]

30. the only point that matters at all to the Corporate World that rules us all:

The continued destruction of the middle incomed.

Almost complete.

Once Monsanto has the food sources neutralized, and GMO in their place, the Ring that rules us all will be complete. All other needed points on the circle are complete: Endless war, Health Care Reform to benefit the Big Insurers & Big Medical Interests, Wall Street giveaways that took from Main Street and only give to Wall Street, continuation of the Patriot Act and who knows whether the Big Telecoms are spying on us or not?

[laughingliberal]

61. +1000 nt

[FrenchieCat]

33. Is there a primary about to happen?

cause it sure feels like it.


BTW, that list was compiled by a Professor,
in mid November.....and can be found at this link:
http://theragblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-obama-has-done-right-list-of-90.html

You should write to him and let him know you think his list is full of shit.
Let him know you're not a disgruntled Republican, or a pissed off Hillary voter.
Perhaps he'll revise his list.

[Stinky The Clown]

40. I said nothing .......

..... about pink tutus or picture stealing low lifes.

[FrenchieCat]

75. It certainly feels just like its the Primaries again, and yet, we have 3 years to go!

I have read many posts in various forums that tell me clearly that many DUers are now currently
working against this President, not simply some of the policies that they don't agree with.

This is a dangerous environmnent for the future of this country and for the attempt to make as much progress as we can to reverse as much of the Bush years as possible. It is also a boon for the Republicans, as they now know where to get their talking points; just troll the internet, especially some Democratic Board.

I understood that the primaries were very passionate...hell, I was very intense as well, but Barack Obama won the primaries, won the general election and is now our President. Due to this, folks don't have to always agree with him, but they should respect him, because he hasn't done anything that would make him earn the ire that he is being showered with. Yet folks are downright disrespectful and denigrating!

Indeed, there are many Liebermans here, who seek to do damage to this Presidency, and they, like Lieberman, can easily justify it as a difference of "Opinion" on policy.....but it is more than that.

[Stinky The Clown]

84. ......

What are you talking about?

Surely you aren't defending this bullshit list, are you? I always thought of you as far smarter than that. I am also not talking about the actual accomplishments Obama has had. I am talking, instead, about the use of *this list* as somehow supporting or defending him. The list is, kindly, overhype. But it is far worse. It is so obviously, so transparently, full of shit that it casts those who cite it with any seriousness as ill-informed morons desperate to prop up the man they adore; it makes them appear as unquestioning fans rather than honest players capable of critical thought. That's not you, is it?

Is it?

[FrenchieCat]

90. You are defending your bullshit thread

as your thread doesn't help anyone in this nation that I know of,
in any shape, form or manner.

It is not a constructive thread of criticism that you wrote,
it is a deconstructive thread (which is why you subjectively deconstructed that list)
and your thread was put up in order to invite those that would denigrate and diminish
any and all accomplishements of a new President who has 3 more years to go.
and you obviously put a great deal of thought to putting together this thread....
and it is me who believed you to be better than that.

[Stinky The Clown]

96. So now you know what's in my head

Trace the thread back to its source today in another thread. You'll find the inspirational post there.

Apart from that, I'll just it back in warm memories of pink tutus and picture stealing borne of desperation. You creased to be objective ages ago, sweetie.



(Cue the inevitable "sweetie" outrage in 5 .... 4 ..... 3 ...... 2 ....... 1 .......)

[AllentownJake]

98. Oh no you've awakened a sleeping giant.

[FrenchieCat]

101. when you mention this Pink Tu-Tu quite consistently,

are you speaking of that thread in where I posted your pic in where you were wearing a pink tutu
for holloween? because if so, yes, that was in extremely bad judgement on my part, and I do regret that action, as it was certainly out of line...although it was the same pic you yourself had posted of yourself, specifically in a response to one of my post....a pic and a post of yours that remains on archive and is dated April 17, 2008.....as I found the link under your prior screem name while doing a search to remind myself how that tutu stuff went down during the primary wars.

So yes, this feels like the primaries all over again, and in fact, you are still upset at that fateful day in April of 2008.


But still, what does that exactly have to do with your deconstructed list, acting like we are still in primary mode when we have 3 years to go?

[Stinky The Clown]

105. Bad judgement

You betcha.

But so typical.

This thread is about one specific point. The *use* of this list to somehow demonstrate Obama's accomplishments. Not the accomplishments themselves. The list does include some actual accomplishments. But the list is so poorly presented, and so obviously tries over hard to turn lead into gold that it makes the person citing the list appear to be a moron and it does nothing to help Obama. Again, the point of this thread is (very slowly now) ....

The

Use

Of

This

List

[bertman]

145. It helped me, FrenchieCat. I had no idea that someone had cobbled together a POS list

like this. Now I know. Now I've made my own decisions about the list and whether the 90 accomplishments are substantive or marketing. Personally, I would prefer to use a list of substantive accomplishments when I am defining what President Obama has accomplished.

Sarcastic does not equal destructive.

[truedelphi]

166. the entire premise of modern day politics is

One of atavistic (ie hypnotic) techniques that have changed the world of politics from people making logical and hard hitting statements to being a world in which the person with the best "image" says things in a rather hypnotic manner.

Obama had his talking points down over the last ten months and since the M$M is Corporate controlled, the media never parsed such statements. THus you hear the unexamined and totally bogus (but rather hypnotic) statement like this one 'Although Single Payer Universal HC would be the best solution, if we were starting from scratch, since we have to work within a system that is already in place, we will have to arrive at something more uniquely American."

We can blame Obama (Which I do, believe me) but the media is too blame also. If we Had a real media, then such an illogical statement would be examined from here to next Christmas.

But instead, we have a media currently fixated on Tiger Woods. The Fourth Estate has fallen away, and as long as Obama keeps it in his pants I doubt he will find himself critically evaluated.

[FLAprogressive]

53. what does this guy have a doctorate in, PR?

he's sure doing a nice spin job :rofl:

[FrenchieCat]

77. What is ironic is that many haven't bothered to change their own self,

yet they somehow think that this President can affect change for them in a nation filled with deliberate cynics not willing to lift a finger since the election unless it is to go against this President.

The motto was "Yes WE Can", not "Yes YOU can by yourself, and meanwhile, we'll be on your back and up your ass actively working against you 24/7 till you fail".

[AllentownJake]

85. WTF are you babbling about "change thyself"

You are starting to sound like you are creating a new religion out of politics.

[FrenchieCat]

92. Is that right?

If you don't understand,
then I can't help you.

[AllentownJake]

94. I was volunteering in my community and supporting progressive policies before Barack

and I'll be doing it a long time after he is out of office whether it is 2013 or 2017 God willing. Some of the posters on here have been doing it for 50 years.

:wtf:

[FrenchieCat]

107. But the question remains....

as most do when dealing with Barack Obama.....
What have you done for me lately?

[AllentownJake]

109. Let me see

I have a meeting with a new non-profit board President in an hour and 15 minutes about serving on the board

I was active in the 2009 local campaigns.

I've cut turf for petitions for a state rep in the past month.

No elections going on right now, can't really help you.

I made calls to my objection of a bill without a public option.

:rofl:


What does your fucking list look like grumpy bear?

Oh and I'm on the front page for articulating my view on corporations on DU.

[AllentownJake]

58. A professor?

Fuck I would think a person with a PHD could do better than that piece of shit.

[crispini]

34. Ok, so I gather your biggest beef is that he has "ordered" this or that

or engaged in talks with people to explore doing something.

Newsflash: He's the PRESIDENT. That's his JOB -- to order other people to do stuff. It's not like he goes around and does this stuff himself. He gives orders, or starts the ball rolling, and then the agencies pick up the policy and implement it.

You know, the overall impact of the list IS in fact impressive, I think. It shows that the administration has a breadth of interest. They have a shitload of federal agencies to shake up and federal policies to review.

My only beef with it that it's not sourced, and so it makes it easy for people to pick it apart. However, there is a very good, searchable, online database of the Obama agenda and promises kept, right here:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

And so, for example, to your comment:

41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program;

Really?

I am able to search on "Americorps" because I remember when this was signed, and I found the following:

Obama passes Serve America Act

Updated: Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 | By Robert Farley

In what has been called the most sweeping expansion of national service programs since the creation of AmeriCorps, President Barack Obama on April 21, 2009, signed legislation that promises to pour nearly $6 billion over five years into efforts to expand volunteerism in the United States.

Named in honor of Sen. Ted Kennedy, who helped shepherd the bill through Congress, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act establishes a framework to expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 positions to 250,000 by 2017.

Obama had pressed Congress to move quickly and in a bipartisan manner to pass the legislation. And it did. The Senate passed it 79-19 and the House of Representatives approved it 275-149.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/promise/371/fund-a-major-expansion-of-americorps/

So much for your snarky little "Really?"

Feel free to investigate the rest of the site for the sourcing of all the other claims you seem so skeptical about.

[countingbluecars]

35. Thanks for posting this.

Facts are nice.

[jgraz]

59. No, our beef is with him squandering the best opportunity for real change in three generations

This is the kind of list I'd expect to see from a caretaker administration during a long stretch of peace and prosperity -- not from the HOPEANDCHANGEANDYESWECAN president elected during the biggest crisis in over 70 years.

[FrenchieCat]

86. He hasn't squandered anything, as he has 3 years to go......

but you are squandering the chance to move this country forward in a positive and constructive manner, even if it just a little bit (in your view), because you are now actively working against an administration that still has 3 years to go!

When people start to care less about the future of this nation by actively assisting Republicans, directly or indirectly, and start to care more about making points to undermine this President,
they become a negative liability, politically speaking to this people of this country.

[jgraz]

99. Sorry, the window's closed.

This year was his big chance and he blew it. Expect even more incremental incrementalism from here on out.

[FrenchieCat]

115. Your window for him was never truly open......

it was a tiny crack, and he would have broken his back trying to get in.

But that's fine. That is your right and your choice.

[jgraz]

127. Of course you know that's not true.

I took a gamble that Obama actually meant all that HOPEANDCHANGE stuff. I was wrong.

[live love laugh]

126. You can't be serious? The best opportunity in three generations with all the crap he inherited?

Pfffft. :eyes:

[jgraz]

128. Yes, like all the "crap" FDR inherited.

He certainly seemed to get something done.

I guess it was lucky he didn't have an online community making excuses for him.

[live love laugh]

131. FDR lived in a different era--there was respect, civility; Republicants (won'ts?) actually COULD

back then.

Even FDR would be the subject of the same type of criticism as Obama today.

[jgraz]

132. Um... the Republicans tried to stage a COUP against FDR.

But hey, I guess they made Democrats a bit tougher back then.

[live love laugh]

151. They are trying the same thing with Obama after staging a coup on America.

FDR did not operate in the type of political environment that Obama does. Even more importantly, Americans don't operate in that long lost environment. There is no comparison.
In fact, I'd like to see a successful, decent president who actually will be ALLOWED to rule/lead.
There will be one--and whether they are Republican or Democratic--as long as they are for the people and the policies of the Constitution, then I would stand behind them.

[jgraz]

153. Sorry, not buying it.

Obama didn't run on "YES WE CAN (unless the Republicans are mean to me)". If he didn't think he was up to the task, he should have let someone else take the reins.

[live love laugh]

156. And I ask once again what are "WE" doing other than criticizing him? nt

[jgraz]

161. That's a good question (though I think criticism is important)

And I don't (yet) have a good answer. The first step is admitting we have a problem. After that, I think we've got a lot of work to do.

[Kokonoe]

36. Here are a few snippets from W.

!.Signed two income tax cuts, one of which was the largest dollar-value tax cut in world history.
2.Turned around an inherited economy that was in recession, and deeply shocked as a result of the 9/11 attacks.
3.Initiated discussion on privatizing Social Security and individual investment accounts
4.Passed tough new laws to hold corporate criminals to account as a result of corporate scandals.
5.Killed the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty.
6.Significantly eased field-testing controls of genetically engineered crops.
7.Killed the old US/Soviet Union ABM Treaty.
8.Killed U.S. involvement in the International Criminal Court.
9.The only President since the founding of the UN to essentially tell that organization it is irrelevant.
10.His leadership resulted in Republican gains in the House and Senate, solidifying Republican control of both houses of Congress and the presidency.

[laughingliberal]

65. Yes, we have concensus Obama is better than Bush nt

[progressoid]

37. Yup - #23 would be me.

Frankly, the few that are actual accomplishments I would expect from any semi-competent president. We shouldn't have to go out of our way to highlight these accomplishments. From a Democrat, it should be a given. Kinda sad.

[FLAprogressive]

38. "67. Many more press conferences and town halls"

LOL...and this sums up the "accomplishments" listed here.

[Hidden Stillness]

39. Just a Few Comments on a Few of Them

Just a few comments on the ones that are the easiest to knock down:

10. Limits on lobbyists' access to the White House;

Really? See: Lobbyists, healthcare, and Lobbyists, pharma
(Answer: This is because they don't CALL them lobbyists, but give them other titles. Health insurance, etc., industry lobbyist Tom Daschle is "White House liason" on the "health care" bill; Goldman-Sachs representative Timothy Geithner is the Treasury Secretary, etc.)


75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare;

"Established" to "Recommend" ...... ?
(Answer: This is actually bad; this will be a pretext to cut services to Medicare, etc., on the pretext that these wonderful programs with almost no overhead-cost/waste, are somehow "not controlling costs," which is not the problem at all. Unregulated corporate price-gouging, the obvious problem, still will be unregulated. Wait until we hear who will be on this "independent" "commission"--oh look, it's Obama's insurance industry donors and Daschle's friends, again.)


78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000;

Okay. Meaningless, but whatever.
(Answer: Even somebody who knows as little about the ways of corporate scams--money laundering, tax shelter scams, hiding income--as I do, knows that when they say they are "cutting their salaries," that usually only means they will then pay themselves some other way, such as from stock dividends, which are almost un-taxed; another crime of the privilieged.)

I did not see it on the list, (it probably is), but I recently heard someidiot give Obama credit for ther recent extension of unemployment benefits. Apart from the painful irony of trying to wrench "credit" out of the fact that you are doing nothing to help the rising unemployment rate, the fact is, unemployment benefit-extension has no connection to the President at all. It is a routine, always passed (actually used to be much easier to get than it is now), action of the Congress alone. Obama is a disappointment, and as long as the corporate influence rules all levels of Government the way it does now, no one will ever be a success again.

[FLAprogressive]

42. They'll begin giving him credit for the sun continuing to rise.

"91. The sun has risen and set every day since Obama has taken office."

[jgraz]

47. I hear he's announced plans to think about advocating for a study to see if he's in favor of that.

Just as soon as the Chamber of Commerce tells him it's OK.

[FLAprogressive]

51. Ooh well there's #92

[shadesofgray]

82. LOL! Change we can believe in!

[amborin]

138. LOL!

[Donnachaidh]

54. I'm waiting for walking on water

As a non-drinker, they can keep the water into wine nonsense.

[FLAprogressive]

63. LOL!!!

:rofl:

[jgraz]

66. He's too busy right now stepping on progressives.

[shadesofgray]

83. So true.

[AllentownJake]

43. I was going to do this, but didn't want to spend the time playing with a bad email forward

Used as "evidence." Generally the people who post it are hit and run people.

Thanks for taking on the task.

[FLAprogressive]

46. Most of them are as tenuous as "91. He's not George W. Bush" "92. The sun continues to rise"

[AllentownJake]

50. He has accomplishments, some really good ones

but bad email forwards like this make us look like dumbasses and freepers.

Generally speaking the ones who would hit and run me with it I would ignore. They were back in the bat cave snickering about it and I really didn't feel like spending the time arguing with a dumbass.

[jgraz]

44. It's a pathetic list of non-accomplishments.

Just about the minimum one could possibly do and still call themselves a Democrat without being openly laughed at.

[phasma ex machina]

49. K&R

[liberal_at_heart]

55. I kept hearing about this list but hadn't seen it, not very impressive

Personally I give the President credit for doing one big thing and a few small things. I do think he saved us from a second Great Depression, but he never enacted any banking rules and he didn't do anything to help Main Street while he was busy saving Wall Street. He didn't repeal the Bush tax cuts either. That was a big dissapointment. He did expand SCHIP and increase the minimum wage, and it's nice to see the military families get some additional help. I've never considered myself a one issue voter, but healthcare is my one issue. Obama and Congress have sold us out to the insurance compnanies and big Pharma and that is the one thing that will be on my mind the next time I vote.

[bertman]

147. Good points, liberal_at_heart.

[bvar22]

62. These lists are the common tripe of campaign websites.

You can find the same kind of list glorying the achievements of Reagan or Bush.

Here is another list of "accomplishments":

*WARS fully funded and EXPANDING. Bill sent to our children…...Mission Accomplished !

*Trillion Dollars given to friends and campaign contributors on Wall Street. No Strings Attached...Mission Accomplished!

*Military Spending INCREASED....Mission Accomplished!

*Trillion+ Dollars given to the Health Insurance Industry. Easily Avoidable, symbolic only strings attached....Mission almost Accomplished!


*Force all Americans to buy invisible products from For Profit Corporations who produce nothing tangible and create no wealth.....Mission almost Accomplished!

*Kill the possibility for a REAL "Public Option" or REAL Universal Health Care for at least another generation, and begin the “Entitlement Reform” defunding of Medicare (-$500 Billion)....Mission almost Accomplished!

*Block ANY REAL re-regulation of BIG BANKS and Credit Cards....Mission Accomplished!

*Protect the Bush War Criminals and Torturers from JUSTICE....Mission Accomplished.

*Throw the GBLTs under the bus and expand "faith based" initiatives....Mission Accomplished!

*Reinforce the worst Police State provisions of the Patriot Act....Mission Accomplished!

*Protect the very richest. Tell the Working Class that they CAN WILL compete with 3rd World Slave Labor for their jobs.....Mission Accomplished!

*EFCA (Employee Free Choice Act) killed in the crib....Mission Accomplished!

*More Anti-LABOR "Free Trade"....Mission almost Accomplished!

*Jobless Recovery....Mission Accomplished

*The Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party SHUT OUT of the Obama Administration…...Mission Accomplished!

*Accelerate the destruction of Public Education...Mission Accomplished!

[FLAprogressive]

64. +1

[PufPuf23]

74. So true and so sad.

Talk about wasted political capital and momentum that coiuld have helped the American people.

Pragmatism and incrementalism is fine but the direction of the neo-liberals in war, economy, and human rights is essentially the same as the neocons.

This is not what I voted for.

[SammyWinstonJack]

155. That 'historic' election - working out nicely, eh?

:evilgrin:

[Obamanaut]

67. You are right, the list is quite a reach. I've seen the same list, without

your comments, posted several times and it was posted in such a way that I half expected a host of angels to begin singing to underscore the greatness of the list.

I like yours better.

[AllentownJake]

70. Generally, I get it with "Have you seen the list"

and I just roll my eyes.

[mdmc]

68. 91. Kept Palin away from Power

ok.. well met..

[jgraz]

72. No, we did that.

Never forget who's supposed to be running this nuthouse.

[AllentownJake]

87. +10,000 nt.

[mdmc]

88. point taken

[timeforpeace]

137. Righteous.

[laughingliberal]

73. Thanks, Stinky

I've been perusing this list which has been spammed here ad nauseum and seeing the same thing you have. I'm just grateful someone had the energy to tackle it. It is like a bad email forward. I see it, my eyes glaze over, and I move on.

[change_notfinetuning]

78. Taking out all of the plans to do something and actual bad things, there's

only one accomplishment that I think is really worth writing home about (okay, maybe a couple of others also): the appointment of Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Excellent, but the rest, not so much.

[Stinky The Clown]

93. Actually, you're wrong

No snark. There really is more sunbstance in that list.

But taken as a whole, the list is bullshit.

[noamnety]

79. I made a chart for you

I had to take some liberties with responses, most I interpreted in a generous way for him (small nonrisk accomplishments were listed as "good").

Here's how I put each numbered item:
01. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending; undertaking study, nothing accomplished
02. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices; undertaking study, nothing accomplished
03. Instituted enforcements for equal pay for women; good
04. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq; weasel words, mission not (yet?) accomplished.
05. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover A.F.B.; good but minor
06. Ended media "blackout" on war casualties; reporting full information; good but minor
07. Ended media "blackout" on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover A.F.B.; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family; good but minor
08. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act; weasel words
09. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible; weasel words
10. Limits on lobbyists' access to the White House; ?
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration; good
12. Ended the previous "stop-loss" policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date; weasel words, mission not (yet?) accomplished.
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan; not done
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research; good
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research; good
16. New federal funding for science and research labs; good - but how much?
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards; good but minor
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants...) after years of neglect; good - but how much?
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools; good - but how much?
20. New funds for school construction; good - but how much?
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out; weasel words, mission not (yet?) accomplished.
22. US Auto industry rescue plan; ineffective plan accomplished
23. Housing rescue plan; ineffective plan accomplished
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan; ineffective plan accomplished
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying; ineffective plan accomplished
26. US financial and banking rescue plan; ineffective plan accomplished
27. The "secret detention" facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed; unverifiable
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards; unverifiable
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops; good
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010; good
31. Restarted the nuclear non-proliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols; talk, no action
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic; talk, no action
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions; talk, no action
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office; talk, no action
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job; ?
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast; ?
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles; continuation of existing policy
38. "Cash for clunkers" program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulates auto sales; ineffective plan accomplished
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government; talk, no action
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children; good
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program; good
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return "home" to visit loved ones; good
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions; good
44. Expanding vaccination programs; good
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters; good
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens; good
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals; good
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back; good
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices; ineffective plan accomplished
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources; undertaking study, nothing accomplished
51. Lower drug costs for seniors; ?
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings; ?
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel; good
54. Improved housing for military personnel; good
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses; neutral - no jobs created, just being given to different people
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals; good
57. Increasing student loans; good
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program; good
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy; talk, no action
60. Established a new cyber security office; ? Is this good or bad?
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force... this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.; talk, no action
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts; good
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness; undertaking study, nothing accomplished
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient; ?
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced; good but minor
66. Improving benefits for veterans; Good
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration; talk, no action
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud; talk, no action
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco; good
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules; ?
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports; good
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons; good
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Webb to secure the release of an American held captive; good
74. Making more loans available to small businesses; good
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare; talk, no action
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court; Good
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans; good
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000; good but minor
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel; ? Is this good or bad?
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan; ? Is this good or bad?
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan; ineffective plan accomplished
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans; ineffective plan accomplished
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production; talk, no action
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters; good but minor
85. Paid for redecorations of White House living quarters out of his own pocket; good but minor
86. Held first Seder in White House; good but minor
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more underinsured; ? Is this good or bad?
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform; talk, no action
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform; and talk, no action
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform. talk, no action

[dana_b]

100. wow - that is some pie chart!

weasel words?! well said.

[jonnyblitz]

103. HA, that would be funny if it wasn't so sad but true. nt

[Stinky The Clown]

108. That seems about right

[benld74]

91. On the other hand, NAME ONE Accomplishment from the LAST POTUS

Quit yer bitchin!!!

[salguine]

102. He apparently taught the current one quite a lot. How's that?

[RetroLounge]

133. Yes, he's better than Bush

We've agreed on that.

Next?

RL

[burning rain]

104. What I want to know, is why the compilers left out....

the purchase of Bo, the cute li'l doggy. Certainly, that accomplishment reflects the audacity of change just as strongly as many items on the list.

[Stinky The Clown]

112. Bo was a rescue, wasn't he? That's what were told the first dog would be. Am I misremembering?

[Thickasabrick]

122. That was the original plan, then allergy issues came up, so it was

a gift from Teddy Kennedy who got it from a breeder.

[Individualist]

110. K&R

[Neecy]

113. Wait....that list is missing something....

What could it be?

Oh, that's right! All of the lies, I mean campaign promises, he made to the GLBT community when he said he'd be our fierce advocate!

[Nikki Stone1]

114. .

.

[zoff]

116. (Serendipitously) Listening to Moyers, Taibbi and Kuttner as I read through.

We criticize Obama not because we want to bring him down but because we are hopeful that he will deliver. This is our way of telling him that not enough has been done. We seek justice and fairness, especially from enemies within the country who would do us wrong. We rightfully critique his actions, unlike the tea-baggers and birthers who attack him in inappropriate and uncivilized ways. (The right is not smart enough to understand and use the progressives' criticism of the President.) The President should realize that the regular folk on DU and around the country don't buy spin and big words like re-engaged, established, begin preparing, etc. We are looking for results and until policies that help us regular folk are enacted into law, the waves of criticism will continue. With all the flaws of our politics, I can only hope that President Obama truly cares about us.

[bertman]

148. Nicely worded, zoff.

[freddie mertz]

124. It's what we might call a "padded resumé."

Lots of filler in there.

[Donnachaidh]

129. so much padding Twiggy could change her name to Chesty Morgan n/t

[freddie mertz]

130. Indeed. If they feel the need to pad it, there is usually something missing.

[RetroLounge]

134. K&R

RL

[mmonk]

135. I have heard of the plan to take the repayments by the Wall Street

Bankers and issue loans to community banks to spur lending to small business. I think that is a good idea (and should have happened actually before some the big banks' bailout). I haven't heard if this has been done yet but applaud it.

[dem mba]

136. I kind of figure he would have accomplished more

had he not been busy trying to save our economy from the greatest global financial collapse since 1929. To me at least, that's a pretty decent feat for his FIRST year in office. Most reports I see these days indicate that the recovery will be in full swing in 2010. All things considered I think that's pretty damn good.

Don't you think he gets a bit of leeway, all things considered? Whatever gripes we may all have about TARP or the bailouts you have to admit at least, it seems to have worked.

[WonderGrunion]

139. Could you summarize for those of us that don't care about your whining

How many of the 90 did you acknowledge as "good"?

[Stinky The Clown]

144. Why should I?

Fish can't read out of water.

No fish can.

[WonderGrunion]

152. But grunion have sex out of water

Isn't that enough?

[cherokeeprogressive]

157. It's enough... IF you call the way grunion males fertilize eggs "having sex" n/t

[salguine]

160. Why is it "whining"? Oh, fuck it, never mind. Ignore list for you.

[bobbolink]

140. I really like all the housing that has been built for homeless people.

Orrr, even the mention of us....

:thumbsdown:

[noamnety]

163. It's even worse than that.

Increasing housing costs will be listed as an accomplishment.

[bobbolink]

167. And "progressives" will cheer.

Nothing will change that bit of hopelessness---there is no heart there.

[bertman]

150. Thanks, Stinky. REC.

[AVID]

154. you have WAY too much time on your hands...try reading a book

[bvar22]

158. I love how they list making a promise as an "accomplishment".

I wonder if they had to go back and edit out.

*Promised to support the Public Option

[timeforpeace]

165. Ouch. That's embarrassing.

[highplainsdem]

159. K&R

[WT Fuheck]

164. two-thirds of the "Stimulus" was wasted on republican supply-side tax credits,

tax cuts, pork barrel subsidies, etc. About $200 Billion, NOT $780 Billion went to the programs cited.

Most of that $200 Billion remains unspent. There was precious little stimulus in the stimulus, but plenty more giveaways to the "haves."

[defendandprotect]

168. Good thread -- only got thru first dozen -- back later ...!!!