President Obama's Ledgie Approval Rating- 2nd Edition

[Musicman408]

We did this about 8 or so months ago at least, and I was just wondering where we stood now that some things have kind of played out.

So, do you approve of President Obama?

I still somewhat say yes, because Republicans do NOT seem to have any solutions to what he is doing that's "so wrong".

[FMlex]

Did you really just put quotation marks around that?

:distress:

[carrie721]

that's a pretty flaccid reason to approve of obama. you don't say anything about what you think of his policies. if you approve of him, it should be based on his own merits, not because the republicans don't offer anything better.

i think obama's pretty lame. he f*cked up the healthcare bill, backed down on his pre-election DADT rhetoric, and most recently, he completely omitted homos (http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/04/who-is-missing-from-obamas-pitch.html) in his plea for support from the groups who elected him & other dems in 2008.

[nailatixela]

I was wondering who Ethan was quoting. Also, I don't really understand your logic, Ethan, for your somewhat approval.

[Musicman408]

I approve of the fact that he is making change- it may not be PERFECT but there were some things that needed to be done, in terms of banks, and with healthcare. When it comes to healthcare, I do not know all of the ins and outs of the system and how it works, but I do know that reform needed to come. AND both of my parents are in the medical field and are not dreading the reform, so that should say something.

I do want him to look at education next. And determine WHEN we're going to leave the middle east.

[TrueFaith77]

oh it's best not to tawlk politics

[FMlex]

^ The vagueness of Ethan's above post is yet another example of how ignorant some Americans (especially college students) are. Not singling you out, Ethan. It's the majority of college students out there who got swept up by Obama's charm from the get-go.

[ButterCookie]

oh it's best not to tawlk politics

Hear, hear

[tilthefirefades]

I love Obama for the idea of Obama. The juxtaposition of two things that normally don't go together, black and white, going together. However I did expect him to be much more liberal than he has turned out to be. I wouldn't mind some effing gay rights myself. But at least he did fix the hospital visitation, which was very discriminating.

[Musicman408]

^ The vagueness of Ethan's above post is yet another example of how ignorant some Americans (especially college students) are. Not singling you out, Ethan. It's the majority of college students out there who got swept up by Obama's charm from the get-go.

Alexa, it's not so much the charm that I like. It's the fact that he cares about getting stuff done. I do see where you're coming from though. Only time will tell if the changes will end up helping or hurting the nation. One thing though that needs to be addressed is the debt, and although some of the programs implemented may help in the long run, how the heck are we going to pay for everything?!?! I didn't say that I'm in love with Obama, because I'm not. It is positive, however, seeing change being made. :)

BTW, why aren't we FB friends anymore?

[bluefox4000]

(Pokes head in.......and quickly runs out:sorry:)

Mick

[Jondalar]

I voted I don't know. I'm a Democrat, but it seemed to me that press handed Obama election, no matter how much they deny it. He was never really tested. They did everything to Clinton to hinder her. And I sorta watched in horror as Democrats tore apart the only people who successfully beat the Republicans at their own game. That was stupid. Obama won because he was nice, promised change and is black. That's the truth.

Problem is Obama is really not change. He won't stand behind his Progressive Party. He sorta threw them under the bus. I don't know how many times he can get screwed by the Republican Party and not learn. They are not going to work with him. He comes across as naive, not tuff. I do think he is a hard worker, but he needs to grow up and get out of his bubble. I don't think history is going to be as kind to him as people think. Infact, I'm not sure he will get relected.

However, in my opinion, the Republican Party is a disaster. And it seems to me that they don't care about this country at all. Instead of working with the president, they've done nothing but bitch and whine and mope. They are horrible and juvenile. They just want to hurt the Democrats because they think people will forget Bush. Their motto is "Complain and get your way." It's not really working that well anymore since people realize that is was basically these people who ruined the country.

I voted for Obama and may again, but I wish there was another option. I don't think Obama can find a middle ground. I find him to be very elequent and smart. But he just doesn't seem like a leader. However, there is nothing worse than a dumb president, whose life was based on priveledge, who did have leadership ability—Bush! That man wasn't even smart. He got into ivy league schools because of his dad. He got bad grades. He was a cocaine addict with 3 failed businesses. The only reason he became rich was because of his dads contacts. His whole life was based on priveledge. Then again, Al Gore couldn't even win his own state. What a disaster! There are no good options.

[goldustsongbird]

I'll say unsure. I am sure that he doesn't instill a feeling of dread in me whenever he addresses the nation, the way Bush did. Obama at least gives the impression that he has his **** together.

Besides, he and Michelle are a very, um, hands-on couple.
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[jaycee]

Well, I'm anarchistic, so I might as well be branded a communist when talking to Americans.
Anyway, the distinction between Republicans and Democrats is obviously pretty thin when Obama and the Democrats are still entertaining the Iraq war. :mad: Also, my disapproval obviously doesn't connotate that I like Republican options - indeed, I'm not sure why democracies commonly have only two major parties. I mean, only having two main options is almost like saying "choose your dictator" whenever voting time comes to pass!
Btw, why are people so scared of politics? I mean, aren't you a part of the world? :lol: Don't you have any ideas about how it should be? :rolleyes:

[LikeAWillow]

I voted no, but it isn't a strong "no."

Things I don't like:

The healthcare bill. When the public option was killed, so was my support. The costs of the bill now outweigh its benefits.

The backpedaling on DADT.

The lack of strong leadership. I don't trust Obama to lead us out of a crisis. I don't revere him the way I used to other Presidents. Maybe that's just due to the fact that I'm getting older and politics have lost some of their magic, though.

Oh, and a little thing called war.

Things I like:

The bailout. I said it. Yes, those men got us into the crisis that was last year, but the bail out kept us from falling even farther.

Arne Duncan. I'm an education buff, and he was a perfect appointment to the cabinet.

The fact that Obama actually spoke out against the **** show that's going on in Arizona right now. Let's see if he'll do the same thing in Oklahoma where a law was just passed allowing doctors to lie to women: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/28/us/28abortion.html?emc=eta1

[jaycee]

The fact that Obama actually spoke out against the **** show that's going on in Arizona right now. Let's see if he'll do the same thing in Oklahoma where a law was just passed allowing doctors to lie to women: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/28/us/28abortion.html?emc=eta1

That article made me too angry. :distress: Obama had better say something pro-abortion quick smart to salvage what respect I have left for him!

[LikeAWillow]

That article made me too angry. :distress: Obama had better say something pro-abortion quick smart to salvage what respect I have left for him!

For me, it doesn't even have to be "pro-abortion" (semantics, I know, but I don't think anyone is pro-abortion. I'm for a women's right to choose because studies have shown that the abortion rate does not significantly decrease when abortion is outlawed, however, the risk to the mother because of an improperly performed abortion increases), but it does need to be PRO-INFORMED CONSENT. The repercussions of what this law could mean for the medical profession terrify me.

[vermicious knid]

Things I like:

The bailout. I said it. Yes, those men got us into the crisis that was last year, but the bail out kept us from falling even farther.




Aren't you thinking of the stimulus? I think the bailout was under George W. Bush.

[LukeA]

Things I like:

The fact that Obama actually spoke out against the **** show that's going on in Arizona right now.

This.

Arizona can go f*ck themselves :nod: Its the last straw for me... and that's coming from a former 'Zonie who didn't know he had any straws left. I've completely disowned it.

[LikeAWillow]

Aren't you thinking of the stimulus? I think the bailout was under George W. Bush.

Bank bail out :)

[LikeAWillow]

This.

Arizona can go f*ck themselves :nod: Its the last straw for me... and that's coming from a former 'Zonie who didn't know he had any straws left. I've completely disowned it.

I still can't believe it. I know that I should be more disillusioned by the world than I am, but how could something like that possibly pass???

[jaycee]

For me, it doesn't even have to be "pro-abortion" (semantics, I know, but I don't think anyone is pro-abortion. I'm for a women's right to choose because studies have shown that the abortion rate does not significantly decrease when abortion is outlawed, however, the risk to the mother because of an improperly performed abortion increases), but it does need to be PRO-INFORMED CONSENT. The repercussions of what this law could mean for the medical profession terrify me.

Well, I'm all for semantics! :D In that respect, yes, indeed, no-one (reasonable) is pro-abortion. :)

[jaycee]

I still can't believe it. I know that I should be more disillusioned by the world than I am, but how could something like that possibly pass???

You have to think (or is it not thinking?) like Todd Lamb:
“The goal of this legislation is just to make a statement for the sanctity of human life,” State Senator Todd Lamb, the majority floor leader, said in an interview after the vote. “Maybe someday these babies will grow up to be police officers and arrest bad people, or will find a cure for cancer.”
Or could become bad people, or die of cancer. Arguably, I may have had a sperm that, if combined with the right egg (from the girl I secretly love, of course! :o), could've produced a human that may have gone on to solve the Riemann Hypothesis. But that sperm may now be long gone, or will be produced soon and then die. Actually, women are even more to blame, because each egg that's not used each month is truly unique (men could produce two identical sex cells much easier than women, as men produce very many more during their lifetime). So there's a very good sense in which all humans are constantly aborting elements of the set of most admirable humans. I thus fail to see any good justification for why a coupling of the two sex cells (i.e. zygote) should receive any special protection pre-birth.
It may also surprise (well, it did me) that the majority of zygotes actually naturally abort anyway, unawares to the mother (yay, tracked it down! http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7117572).
I also wonder what the likes of Todd Lamb would say if we could "genetically select" police officers or people that probably won't get cancer... actually, it's obvious! :laugh:
"Stop playing God, evil heathen!"

[LikeAWillow]

I should have been more specific--Luke and I were actually talking about what's going on in Arizona right now, known to the NYtimes as Arizona enacts stringent law on immigration, and to Marissa as Arizona sets itself up to become a racist police state:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html

The pro-life mindset I can actually fully wrap my head around, as twisted as it is, because a not-so-insignificant part of me does think that life begins at conception. I just think that legalized abortion is the safest method for all people and potential people.

[jaycee]

I should have been more specific--Luke and I were actually talking about what's going on in Arizona right now, known to the NYtimes as Arizona enacts stringent law on immigration, and to Marissa as Arizona sets itself up to become a racist police state:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html

The pro-life mindset I can actually fully wrap my head around, as twisted as it is, because a not-so-insignificant part of me does think that life begins at conception. I just think that legalized abortion is the safest method for all people and potential people.

Well, the moment of conception is important for any individual, as it greatly increases the probability of that individual's successful birth. So, arguably, conception was the most important event in my life! But in doing so my conception denied the life of another human, one most probably better than myself.
As for immigration, I'd let everyone in. And if we need to make space, we could deport all the people who've lived at everyone else's expense to those horror-stricken, despairing places!

[LikeAWillow]

Well, the moment of conception is important for any individual, as it greatly increases the probability of that individual's successful birth. So, arguably, conception was the most important event in my life! But in doing so my conception denied the life of another human, one most probably better than myself.
As for immigration, I'd let everyone in. And if we need to make space, we could deport all the people who've lived at everyone else's expense to those horror-stricken, despairing places!

I don't want to hijack this thread and make it about abortion, but I just don't buy your argument here. It doesn't matter that your conception denied the life of another human. That person wasn't alive. When you believe life begins at conception, like I stated I do, that's the line. Bam. Saying that I shouldn't be concerned about a fetus because I wasn't concerned about an egg doesn't make sense. I told you that I don't believe the egg is alive (or dear god, would my period be more upsetting to me than it already is each month!), but I do believe the fetus is.

[jaycee]

I don't want to hijack this thread and make it about abortion, but I just don't buy your argument here. It doesn't matter that your conception denied the life of another human. That person wasn't alive. When you believe life begins at conception, like I stated I do, that's the line. Bam. Saying that I shouldn't be concerned about a fetus because I wasn't concerned about an egg doesn't make sense. I told you that I don't believe the egg is alive (or dear god, would my period be more upsetting to me than it already is each month!), but I do believe the fetus is.

Neither do I want to hijack the thread (if you really want, you can start a new thread, but I won't bother). I guess my main point is is that most abortions are natural anyway. Also, IVF centres always have a few zygotes left over - they take about twelve zygotes, and implant only three, of which (usually) only one becomes a baby. My other point (the one you're addressing) is that it's always a retrospective thing that I can say I'm happy to be alive, as my parents are - were it another zygote that became a baby, they'd be the one happy to be alive, and my parents would be happy with them. It's also a bit like how I don't want to die, but if I did die I wouldn't actually know any better.
Imo the best demarcation that's been suggested is working out at what stage the fetus suffers in the abortion (i.e. around the time the nervous system develops). Mind, anti-abortionists are unlikely to be vegetarians, and could care little for the suffering animals endure at a slaughterhouse, or even suffering humans that would prefer to die, so this argument is also probably wasted on them.
I think it's safe to say the thread can return to topic now. I've nothing more to add. :)

[KarmaContestant]

I have had an inclination in the past to let politics get the best of me. I'm very passionate about our country, our planet - our species - and the way we treat each other, and as such I tend to get far too caught up in the moment. The past year or so I've taken a step back away from it all to get more aquainted with my own personal views...trying to live my own life, so to speak.

Our leaders, be they judges, Senators or Mayors have hard jobs - most try to do their best, but some of them are not very good people when you get right down to it...some of them are rather dispicable folks, hungry for power. Others have admirable intentions, but all too soon they all get caught up in the 'reality' of politics...and eventually they let someone down somewhere and it all gets blown out of proportion.

I think a big part of the problem is that people look to politics more and more for their entertainment. Senators are celebrities; people can't wait to turn on their TV to hear how Republican so-and-so slammed Democrat so-and-so. Ooh! Snap! It's pathetic, really. These men and women were elected to do a job - part of which is not to entertain us with popularity contests and witty arguments. Politics has become the new reality TV where the common person tunes in to get their daily dose of drama to fill a void in what is an otherwise uninteresting life. That's a broad generalization, but it's an observation I've made that I feel very comfortable with.

I've come to accept the fact that no elected official is ever going to stand for and represent all of the things that I as an individual want to see. I'm so far left that it's very unlikely that I'll ever exist in a political system I truly enjoy.

I'd love to see taxes high enough to ensure that everyone gets a quality education, with a focus on arts, music and real history as well as math, sports and literature. I believe every citizen should get four years of college - just because they are citizens.

I would like to see universal medical coverage for everyone. I'll take that one step further and say that I'd also like to see all private medical institutions become non-profit organizations so the revenue they do make is all put back into better quality care and facilities.

And by citizens, I don't just mean Americans - I'm talking about the world. I am a global citizen, like all of you.

I think the food industry, water, electricity - all of these should be non-profit. I feel it's unethical to make a profit off of Earth's resources. We all live here - this is our planet - we are natives, with nowhere else to go. This entire world belongs to all of us, and it's shameful to me that we do not do a better job of making sure that all of us benefit equally from the resources that exist on our home - seemingly because we choose not to, not because we are incapable of doing so.

In that respect, I believe this should be a world without political borders. None of us are 'aliens' or 'illegal'. We are human beings, trying to make the best lives we can on the world we come from - the world that rightfully belongs to all of us. No one will ever convince me that we should not be able to go wherever we please, unrestrained.

As far as abortion, ugh, I'm a man and I think that pretty much disqualifies me from the debate. I'm also gay, which distances me even further. But I do have an opinion, and it's simple: If you don't like abortions, then don't have one. Shut up and get your nose and prying eyes out of the personal lives of others. Don't you have issues in your own life and family to deal with?

In the end, it's up to us to make our own lives the best we can. Unfortunately we give our power away to others to make rules and decisions for us, and it's shameful really. Representative government can and should work, but it never will as long as the same people keep representing only themselves over and over and over. Can we get some term limits up in here, please?

All in all I feel President Obama is doing a fine job. Is he doing a great job? I don't think it's possible to a 'great' job as an elected official - but by no means is he doing badly. I'm happy, even satisfied, because he is doing far better than I could under that kind of pressure.

If you're not happy, not satisfied - if you feel you could do a better job, then by all means please do. Go ahead and put your life and your family on the line for something you believe in. Just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. If you're not in politics to make the world a better place, for everyone, equally, then **** off and let those who want to lead the world forward do their job.

[Jondalar]

Neither do I want to hijack the thread (if you really want, you can start a new thread, but I won't bother). I guess my main point is is that most abortions are natural anyway. Also, IVF centres always have a few zygotes left over - they take about twelve zygotes, and implant only three, of which (usually) only one becomes a baby. My other point (the one you're addressing) is that it's always a retrospective thing that I can say I'm happy to be alive, as my parents are - were it another zygote that became a baby, they'd be the one happy to be alive, and my parents would be happy with them. It's also a bit like how I don't want to die, but if I did die I wouldn't actually know any better.
Imo the best demarcation that's been suggested is working out at what stage the fetus suffers in the abortion (i.e. around the time the nervous system develops). Mind, anti-abortionists are unlikely to be vegetarians, and could care little for the suffering animals endure at a slaughterhouse, or even suffering humans that would prefer to die, so this argument is also probably wasted on them.
I think it's safe to say the thread can return to topic now. I've nothing more to add. :)

Why are people so upset about abortion and denying human life. There are millions of people on this planet who are alive who have been denied a decent life. People who are in misery that should of never been brought into this world to begin with. I guess what I'm saying is don't romanticize life. It's the quality of life that counts. Only 6% people are able to get out of poverty. Poverty is not everything, but it does affect the quality of your life and many of those people were brought here by irresponsible people. The world is all ready overcrowded. Having a child should be a priviledge, not a right.

[tilthefirefades]

Why are people so upset about abortion and denying human life. There are millions of people on this planet who are alive who have been denied a decent life. People who are in misery that should of never been brought into this world to begin with. I guess what I'm saying is don't romanticize life. It's the quality of life that counts. Only 6% people are able to get out of poverty. Poverty is not everything, but it does affect the quality of your life and many of those people were brought here by irresponsible people. The world is all ready overcrowded. Having a child should be a priviledge, not a right.

The truth hurts.

[louielouie2000]

I try to steer clear of political discussions like I try to steer clear of VD's, but I'll say this. Until Obama unilaterally draws us into an unnecessary war under false pretenses, he'll likely have my support ;). Yes, there are policy decisions he's made which I heartily disagree with, but I can say that about any president's tenure in my 28 years here on Earth. I may be liberal, but I'm not a blind or bounded one. I've voted Republican in the past, and I've voted against some "liberal" policies, and I'll likely do all that again. I can also say I hold George HW Bush in very high regard. Honestly, Obama's permanently cool, intelligent resolve reminds me a LOT of GHW Bush. When it comes down to it, politicians are pretty much all the same. The office of the American President is bound and restricted far more than the general public realizes. It's not so much what you do as president, but how you do it. These are my two cents, and I'm sticking with them! :thumbsup:

[tilthefirefades]

I try to steer clear of political discussions like I try to steer clear of VD's, but I'll say this. Until Obama unilaterally draws us into an unnecessary war under false pretenses, he'll likely have my support ;). Yes, there are policy decisions he's made which I heartily disagree with, but I can say that about any president's tenure in my 28 years here on Earth. I may be liberal, but I'm not a blind or bounded one. I've voted Republican in the past, and I've voted against some "liberal" policies, and I'll likely do all that again. I can also say I hold George HW Bush in very high regard. Honestly, Obama's permanently cool, intelligent resolve reminds me a LOT of GHW Bush. When it comes down to it, politicians are pretty much all the same. The office of the American President is bound and restricted far more than the general public realizes. It's not so much what you do as president, but how you do it. These are my two cents, and I'm sticking with them! :thumbsup:

I hope that's sarcasm...:)

[vermicious knid]

I didn't vote, not even to say not sure. Because I'm sure of the things I agree with, and I'm sure of the things I disagree with.

What I disagree with most are the areas in which he has bolstered and continued some of George W. Bush's worst policies. See here (http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/glenn_greenwald/2010/04/29/risen/index.html).

[golddustgypsy09]

I voted yes

-HC- not perfect but good start
-START treaty with Russia (please get it ratified)
-cuts to the nuclear arsenal (chickening out with the NPR did tick me off)
- oil deal and deal to raise MPG to 50 (?) for all cars sold in america

[jwd]

Obama SUCKS! November can't come soon enough to sweep the Democrats out of power!!!!!

[Nathan]

Obama SUCKS! November can't come soon enough to sweep the Democrats out of power!!!!!

What a word for what will is really only likely to be a handful of seats, at most.

[Nathan]

Yes - best not to talk politics.

But, in any case, the question is too vague.

'Do I approve of President Obama?' Are we talking about him? Or his handling of an issue? What issue?

There's not a yes or no. If this were my poll, I would ask three or four specific questions in a row, and then break the "do you approve" out.

[louielouie2000]

I hope that's sarcasm...:)

Nope. I have very high regard for Bush #1 (Bush #2, completely different story). If for no other reason, than his handling of the first Iraq war with surgical precision. He went in, did exactly what he had to do (drive the Iraqis out of Kuwait and humble them a bit), not an iota more, then left. He knew there was no winning in regards to middle eastern conflicts, so he did what he had to to retain regional stability. He didn't let ego get in his way. Probably why he didn't win the '92 election... he wasn't an ego driven man. I'm not saying he was the best president ever, but I do think he made some very shrewd decisions in the name of our country vs in the name of his legacy.

[louielouie2000]

Yes - best not to talk politics.

But, in any case, the question is too vague.

'Do I approve of President Obama?' Are we talking about him? Or his handling of an issue? What issue?

There's not a yes or no. If this were my poll, I would ask three or four specific questions in a row, and then break the "do you approve" out.

Agreed. I don't agree with many of the policy decisions he's made or is pushing for... but I still think he was the right leader for the right time. We're only 2 years into his presidency, but I can already say that history will likely be kind to him. He's making tough decisions that won't have benefits until some time down the road. Something other politicians frown on, because it won't get them reelected.

[David]

Obama SUCKS! November can't come soon enough to sweep the Democrats out of power!!!!!He & his minions (everyone from Geithner to Napolitano to Summers) stink & are corrupt, but the only folks waiting in the wings for their turn are also stinking corruptocrats.

To oust one statist for another, just because the latter happens to have a different public affiliation, is to gain nothing.

SECURE THE BORDERS!!!

[Nathan]

SECURE THE BORDERS!!!

BRING HOME THE TROOPS!

[David]

BRING HOME THE TROOPS!Absolutely. They shouldn't be all over the world getting ensnared in local civil wars.

My post my various political & social thoughts on my blog at: http://claverandconverse.blogspot.com/

I share the blog with a friend, but her politics & aesthetics are very different from mine (although she & I share views on personal finance & Fleetwood Mac).

[vivfox]

Absolutely. They shouldn't be all over the world getting ensnared in local civil wars.

My post my various political & social thoughts on my blog at: http://claverandconverse.blogspot.com/

I share the blog with a friend, but her politics & aesthetics are very different from mine (although she & I share views on personal finance & Fleetwood Mac).


Is your name Joel Gillespie?

[jwd]

He & his minions (everyone from Geithner to Napolitano to Summers) stink & are corrupt, but the only folks waiting in the wings for their turn are also stinking corruptocrats.

To oust one statist for another, just because the latter happens to have a different public affiliation, is to gain nothing.


So what do we do David, not vote? Or perhaps public executions are the answer. Right on the steps of the Capitol. Off with their heads, just like the good old days! ;) Apathy is not the answer!

[jwd]

BRING HOME THE TROOPS!

Yep, heard that one before!

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