The Audacity of hope...

I think that was the title of Obama's book, wasn't it? I think it was an appropriate title for my blog post today. You'll see why after you have read it.
About 18 months to go in the Obama presidency. About 18 months before a new president is elected. I think that's pretty exciting, getting a new president. Not that I'm confident that the new prez will be a great one. Hell, he may not be great. But after what we've been through the past 8 years, how much worse could it be? I suppose it is actually possible, but any reasonable person knows it isn't likely. I know, there are some that don't agree with me, they'll defend the prez and engage (or attempt to...) you with a lop-sided conversation of what he has accomplished. Let me engage you in such a conversation for a moment. Our national debt has increased more under his watch than all presidents who preceded him COMBINED. We have national healthcare now. I know, call it whatever you like, but a spade is a spade. More people have insurance than ever before you say, millions lost their insurance they had before and had to pay higher premiums to get more. And lest we forget, this is the first and only piece of major legislation in the history of our country that was passed 100% unilaterally. Not one, single Republican vote. If that's not shoving down our fucking throats then tell me what is... And while it was being debated (calling it a debate is the joke of the century..) the Speaker of the House said, "We've got to pass this bill so we can see what's in it..." Now that's crossing the zenith of stupidity. Scandals one after another. Fast and Furious, IRS targeting conservative groups and individuals, the Benghazi attack, Bowe Bergdahl, the contraceptive mandate in ACA (thanks Sandra Fluke), military intervention, or lack of, against ISIS, the New Black Panther voter intimidation case, Operation Choke Point, Presidential Policy Directive 20 (Edward Snowden), Solyndra, the VA scandal of 2014. And the list goes on. And on. At present the POTUS is attempting to get a bill passed that would allow the TPA to be approved. Only he has run into opposition from his own party because they see it for what it is. It gives him the power to negotiate the deal without the approval or involvement of Congress. Isn't that how our constitution works, the system of checks and balances you know?... Does this behavior come more from arrogance or stupidity? I wonder.
Defend him all you want, but don't expect me to listen. Most of the people in this country are ready for a new leader. One who has the interest of the country and Americans as his priority. And who will defend and uphold the constitution. One who will work to improve race relations. One would think having a black president would be a major step forward in improving race relations. Unfortunately, quite the opposite has happened. They are worse now than at any time since the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. We are sorry Rosa Parks and Dr. King, we are truly sorry.
Yes, we are ready for a new leader. Call that audacity, call it arrogance, call it whatever you like. But we hope for a change that will bring prosperity and growth for the country and for ourselves. We hope for a leader who will help us to leave a respectable legacy for our children. We hope for a better future.