I began writing this article under the title “Another disappointed Barack Obama voter.” I began researching all the bills, acts, waivers, policies, memorandums and proposals throughout his presidency. As it turns out, I’m actually a bigger supporter than I realized.
While disappointed, I have less to complain about than I thought. I voted for Obama for three reasons: his liberal approach to economic issues, his pro-women rights agenda and his support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. On one hand, my wallet is empty and my tuition is rising. Abortion has been removed from the proposed national health care bill, and the New York state senate shot down gay marriage. Is this change? Am I pissed? Of course. But the more I look into the specifics, the less angry I am. I’m not thrilled about the lack of major change, but I’m no longer waiting to grab my bloody pitchfork.
So my wallet is empty? I wasn’t expecting any magical bank deposits but a decline in unemployment might be nice. Since Obama has taken office, the following economic policies have been issued: an immediate freeze on salaries of White House staff making more than $100,000, the “Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act” is signed, promising further legal action against employers who discriminate based on sex, race or age and Obama announces companies receiving federal bailout money must cap pay at $500,000. These actions all took place within his first 15 days. Maybe he is serious about the economy.
What has Obama done for the pro-choice voters? How about a reversal of the “Global Gag Rule,” a policy which revokes health care funding to agencies and clinics who provide abortion services abroad. Or creation of a White House Council specifically to focus on women’s role in government policies. Obama reversed a rule, implemented by the Bush administration, which would give benefits to health care workers who deny women abortions. Also, Obama publicly addressed the shooting of Dr. George Tiller in Alabama, a doctor who was killed while in his church. By addressing this, he strengthened his position on being a pro-choice president.
Gay rights might see the light of day after eight grueling years of George W. Bush. Under Obama, gay rights advocates have had their ups and downs. While feeling on the back burner, gay rights policies have still made some strides. Obama has chosen openly gay candidates for the positions of U.S. Marshal, the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. The most common positions Bush placed gays in was either in the closet or with their mouths sewn shut.
More recently, Obama has pledged to end the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Whether this comes to fruition, only time will tell. Undeniably, support for gay rights is on the radar under Obama. While a lot of talk and not a lot of follow-through is disappointing, I can’t help but wonder what this country would be like if John McCain had won.
Is Obama the best president to ever grace the Oval Office? No. Is he the best person for the job but a little drunk on promise juice? Probably. It’s a tough pill to swallow but sometimes the best of the worst is all an election has to offer. Optimism, anyone?
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