From The Daily Beast:
Danny Glover, Jesse Jackson, and other activists talk to Lloyd Grove about disappointment in the African-American community with the president’s first year.
Danny Glover heaved a sigh when I asked him recently what he thought of President Obama’s performance so far.
It wasn’t a sigh of relief.
“I think the Obama administration has followed the same playbook, to a large extent, almost verbatim, as the Bush administration. I don’t see anything different,” the activist movie actor said of Obama’s policies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. “On the domestic side, look here: What’s so clear is that this country from the outset is projecting the interests of wealth and property. Look at the bailout of Wall Street. Why not the bailout of Main Street?”
“He may be just a different face, and that face may happen to be black—and if it were Hillary Clinton, it would happen to be a woman,” says Danny Glover. “But what choices do they have within the structure?”
RELATED: Poll: Obama’s Approval Rating Falls Below 50 Percent
More in sorrow than in anger, Glover went on: “What choice does he have—in four years, eight years? Let’s just call a spade a spade. Really. There are no choices out there. He may be just a different face, and that face may happen to be black—and if it were Hillary Clinton, it would happen to be a woman—but what choices do they have within the structure?”
lover is among a growing chorus of African-American opinion leaders who are publicly and privately expressing varying degrees of resignation, disappointment, and outright anger concerning a presidency on which so many hopes have ridden. Who can forget the iconic image of the tear-streaked Rev. Jesse Jackson—who in 1984 and 1988 waged formidable campaigns of his own for the Democratic presidential nomination—as he stood overcome with emotion amid the jubilant crowd at Chicago’s Grant Park as Obama gave his victory speech?
RELATED: Obama Dismisses Criticism From The Congressional Black Caucus
These days Jackson is decidedly dry-eyed.
at 8:50 am
As for Jesse crying, it’s because Obama reached his goal in the first attempt whereas Jesse never did after several.
We all remember his comments about wanting “Obamas balls cut off” when he thought the mike was off. That’s why he didn’t get an invite to the Inauguration party.
He should have been proud that another brother from Chicago made it but instead he couldn’t because the spotlight wasnt on him and his ego.
As I type this ironically the link next to this post is
How Obama brought Ameria’s Economy Back.
http://newsone.com/obama/casey-gane-mccalla/how-obama-brought-americas-economy-back/
at 8:35 am
For all of you people with abbreviated mentalities and memories who are smoking crack, weed, and whatever else so much that you can’t tell the difference between Bush and Obama.
This article above is clear proof that being a celebrity doesnt make you a genius.
at 8:32 am
“Robert P. Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University” Email: rwatson@lynn.edu
I am always being asked to grade Obama’s presidency.
In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far.
I think you would agree that it is very impressive.
His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done.
Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama’s critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive, disrespectful , and unprofessional tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole.
The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.
As such, there is a need to set the record straight.
What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process.
Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.
Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
at 8:30 am
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren’t even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
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
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
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
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
at 8:29 am
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba , allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
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
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
50 Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
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
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
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
60. Established a new cyber security office
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.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
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
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
at 8:27 am
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circ**venting FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. He signed the bill 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 under insured.
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
91. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.
92. He insisted on immediate response to emergencies like the Haitian earthquake which has bolstered the image of America abroad.
93. Passed the only national healthcare legislation this country has seen since it began centuries ago.
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office
at 8:30 am
Look President Obama has enough on his p[late.I rather deal with him than that clownass George W Bush,he really brought America down with his sleazy,scadalous ways of dividing the country among races.President Obama brings hope,wisdom and truth so he will be fine.Black folks should rejoice and pray for him and his family and White House staff,NYC has enough problems too,our young folks has no values,goals and no wisdom these days,that rap music messed up their heads.
at 10:27 pm
I’m wondering what Mr. Glover is honestly expecting Obama to do in one year’s time? The magnitude of the problems here in this country cannot and will not be solved by one man who inherited what his predecessor left behind. We must remember that this is still America and while Obama’s election is historic it simply does not negate all of the injustices of this same country. Do we expect him to right all of the wrongs of the forefathers? He is not just the president of black people, either. He represents all of America. Black ppl wake up from the dream of one man coming to save us and make everything all good. America’s inception was based on racism and its continuation will be centered around maintaining that status quo. We can sigh all day long but at the end of the day we must take accountability for our own actions. To put the weight of the world on one person’s shoulders is shortsighted to say the least. Capitalism permeates throughout this country’s dealings no matter if the Pres. is black. And everyday I am reminded how far things have progressed on the one hand BUT how far we have to go. Mr. Glover continue doing your positive work helping to change and improve lives. It is your right to critique the Obama administration. But, expecting him to solve everything right away is not realistic. Obama already faces an uphill battle from the Republicans and their antics(no matter what he says/does). Change does not simply happen overnight because a black man is in the white house now. And the “powers that be” are not gonna simply relinquish that power. Especially, not when their livelihood is threatened? WAKE UP!
at 3:45 pm
well it is no surprise, everyone was so taken up with the fact that he was black but the truth is we played right into the hands of the illuminati. they knew that in order to achieve their one world agenda they needed a way to bridge the gap between blacks and white and who better than o’drama and what message better than change, what we never focused on was what kind of change he was talking about. but the signs were there from the get the man dropped his church, pastor and all things god for the presidency, when he got in office all the talk about the troops starting to come home this past summer turned into 40 thou more being deployed, all the promise of fixing the welfare system is now a myth and now worse he is building a civilian army in which everyone 16 to 25 first now its 30 to serve their country which will be mandatory, everyone in his cabinet are task masters to make sure he sticks to the plan he is a puppet people he has strings and the ones pulling them are the same ones who was grooming the public to accept him from 1996. if the pig is surrounded by dirt he will wallow in it soory people im sure one day we will all look back at this era as the era white folks say “see thats why you dont give black folks no power” and we will all shake our heads and cry from our stupidity. read, research and educate yourself black people the time is now, dont be decieved.. bless and trust god
at 3:18 pm
this wasn’t ignitiated @ Nightowl358
but I am directin this towards you
good process _A_
“Funny! anytime someone offers constructive criticism towards this country, they are labeled as self hating Americans. Are Americans not smart enough to see the good and the bad of something? Or is it that America is all good and all criticism is misplaced? Its amazing to me, how people want to apply labels to people, while they themselves fit into very stereotypical, derogatory categories.”
it’s easy 2 Hate…hard 2 Love
at 1:58 pm
Anybody still wanna buy Obama’s senate seat??? LOL!!!!!
at 10:51 pm
the man said….”Let’s call a spade a spade”…hotdamn
“On the domestic side, look here: What’s so clear is that this country from the outset is projecting the interests of wealth and property. Look at the bailout of Wall Street. Why not the bailout of Main Street?”
I aint got nuthin else to say! He just said it all…
at 8:26 pm
Sorry to rain on the parade! The Agenda is set, it never mattered White or Black the Government has its own plan as its always been! Find the doc**entary Esoteric Agenda nothing is as it seems every action has served a purpose towards there goal not the greater good of the people.
at 4:42 pm
The problem isn’t the president, the problem is us people… How many of you went out to better yourselves? How many of you went back to school to learn new skills that will be needed for job markets of tomorrow?… Most of you are sitting on your ass complaining about what the president aint did for you…What happened to “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”? This is a welfare society…A bunch of complainers and whiners… We got women making babies while serving in our armed forces then get mad when it’s time to deploy… The man has been in office one year and ya’ll expect him to clean up 8 years of policy… A majority of blacks thought the battle was over when he got elected, when it was actually the beggining…7 presidents before him wanted to fix healthcare…7 most of which had 8 years to do it… He’s getting the s**t done in his first year and facing wars on two fronts…He sure the hell aint spending no time in Crawford, Texas… For all of you complainers and naysayers do us all a favor…. Kill your goddamn selves… Nothing worse than loud mouth know nothing negroes sitting on a fence complaining like some black ass crows.
at 3:09 pm
I guess danny glover must be stupid and blind.that’s just like a n****r.danny must also have half a brain,just because he is a actor does’nt mean what he says is important or makes any sense.
at 12:59 pm
Funny! anytime someone offers constructive criticism towards this country, they are labeled as self hating Americans. Are Americans not smart enough to see the good and the bad of something? Or is it that America is all good and all criticism is misplaced? Its amazing to me, how people want to apply labels to people, while they themselves fit into very stereotypical, derogatory categories.
@Annunaki40. You raise an interesting point when you say a President has to carry out some policies of his predecessors. To that, I would say, the bail out of the Automotive CEO’s, Cash for clunkers, FHA first time homebuyer credits are HIS policies and due to that, there is no discernible difference between the two men in that regard. Above that though, during the 2 year campaign trial, Obama not once hinted that he would have to continue on some policies, in fact, he told the voters, if you want another 4 years of Bush, vote for McCain, but if you want real change, vote for me. Are you then saying the voters were hoodwinked? I personally don’t need an answer, because like many, I didn’t expect anything out of Obama, or any other politician for that matter, because they are all illusionists!!
at 7:31 pm
The lives of blacks aren’t gonna improve just because Obama was elected. Why even think that? LOL, why?? Newsflash, if your ass was poor and broke before he was elected. . .well, guess what, your ass will stay poor and broke while he’s in office too!
Pave your own road.