Obama’s ‘Mistakes’: Way Too Early to Judge – Time Magazine

In the article linked above, Joe Klein addresses all the criticism coming President Obama’s way nearing the end of his first year in office. Klein notes, of all the past Presidencies both baby Bush and papa Bush were the most popular after one year in office.  Things weren’t looking nearly as splendid by the end of their terms, as the infamous George W waged enough war for the US to maintain losses on every front.  Economic catastrophe and ample death toll in Afghanistan and Iraq to name two big big big consequences for W’s mistakes.

Klein causes the reader to question, ‘maybe success after one year in office isn’t a good sign at all?’ Usually quick changes, tax cuts, increased spending, “War(s) on Terror” are all quite a rush to begin with but boil down to massive national debt and far too many casualties in the long run.  Whereas both Clinton and Obama have gotten off to a slow start, in terms of their popularity but Klein suggests this is due to the Democratic tendency to make significant changes to the fundamentals of how the country is run. As he states, “[Democrats] take on impossible issues, like budget-balancing and health care reform. They run into roadblocks — from their own unruly ranks as well as from Republicans. They get lost in the details. A tax cut is much easier to explain than a tax increase.”

Most of us should know by now that change takes time, whether social or political. Especially when untangling the chaotic web Bush’s aftermath. I still believe Obama will deliver on his promise to change America.  He did insist throughout his campaign that change in America begins with you not him.  The implications of which, asks you and I as individuals to make small changes in how we live our day to day.  As neighbours, students or professionals.

If at all, President Obama’s biggest fault is being too cautious and diplomatic with other nations (see more Obama’s Diplomacy In China). That’s a fault I can live with, as I do trust he is setting the groundwork for the rest of his term in office.  Change doesn’t have to be dramatic, as we’ve had enough drama with the ups and downs of W’s 9/11 vengeance. In order for change to be significant, a new foundation must first be laid.  So I encourage you to continue to question authority, as it’s your democratic responsibility. Change is a process. So when it comes to Obama bringing about  [inter]national change: I trust the process.