Barack Obama's legacy: Top 10 achievements

Mon, 2016-11-14 12:04

Rev Pesky

Unionist wrote:
...Right, had Obama acted as I suggest, his important achievements might have ground to a halt. I guess you're unaware that Obama exercised his veto power twelve (12) times, and it was only overridden that one time.

Normally a presidential veto is a bargaining ploy. The president doesn't like something in a bill, so vetoes the bill. Congress could override the veto, but it's true, it takes time and trouble, so what they do instead is bargain with the president over the contentious portion of the vetoed bill. When the revised blll goes back to the president, he signs it, and the government carries on.

The important point is the president cannot take away the right to govern from the Congress. In the end, Congress can initiate bills, and see them through, and there's precious little the president can do other than delay the outcome.

And as someone pointed out above, the president can't initiate bills, only veto (delay) them. So trying to run the legislative agenda from the White House is not really possible.

Mon, 2016-11-14 12:29

#53

Unionist

Rev Pesky wrote:

The important point is the president cannot take away the right to govern from the Congress.

I think you misspoke, Rev. Congress doesn't govern. The executive branch does (all of which is appointed by the President). So, more accurately, "Congress cannot take away the right to govern from the President".

Quote:
In the end, Congress can initiate bills, and see them through, and there's precious little the president can do other than delay the outcome.

Oh, how mistaken you are. The President can [b]refuse to implement[/b] a particular bill. And there's precious little Congress can do to implement any of its bills - because, as we both know, it has no executive powers.

Quote:
And as someone pointed out above, the president can't initiate bills, only veto (delay) them.

Umm, did you think Obama didn't "initiate" Obamacare?

The President can text or phone or visit any friendly member of Congress and suggest they initiate a bill. As you may or may not know, this happens all the time. I'd like to see a copy of the bill Obama suggested on gun control. Or the Cuba embargo. Or anything else of value.

Quote:
So trying to run the legislative agenda from the White House is not really possible.

Oh, it's very possible on crucial issues, as I explained above. It requires principle, determination, and pro-people partisanship. Obama has determination (not a good kind), but neither of the other two. That's why his legacy is essentially nil.

Thu, 2016-11-17 22:39

#54

Noops

I'll always remember him fondly as the one who nuked that slimeball tear-a-wrist Obama Bin Laden in his bed.

Thu, 2016-11-17 23:21

#55

Unionist

Noops wrote:

I'll always remember him fondly as the one who nuked that slimeball tear-a-wrist Obama Bin Laden in his bed.

That's Hall of Fame quality - thanks Noops!

Fri, 2016-11-18 01:54

#56

NorthReport

Obamacare although I am not a fan of the termonology.

Fri, 2016-11-18 01:56

#57

NorthReport

Oops

Fri, 2016-11-18 01:57

#58

NorthReport

Actually was born in the USA so is a legitimate POTUS

Fri, 2016-11-18 01:59

#59

NorthReport

Inspiration to minorities showing them they can all aspire to be in the top position in the land with the possibility of actually achieving it.

Fri, 2016-11-18 03:00

#60

NDPP

Freedom Rider: Obama's Hollow Legacy

http://blackagendareport.com/obama%27s_hollow_legacy

"Democrats used to value things like global peace and justice in the workplace. But for decades they have given their votes to warmongers and job exporters.

This week they are mourning the defeat of a politician they once would have despised.

In January, lots of Black Democrats will cry over the exit of a president who won by making himself palatable to white people while also taking advantage of undeserved black power.

Obama's legacy is in tatters, and that is good news..."

Fri, 2016-11-18 03:07

#61

NDPP

PS And fuck the fascist mass murdering emperor and its servile Canadian parliament

Fri, 2016-11-18 09:24

#62

iyraste1313

Cut the unemployment rate by more than half........

.....you just have to wonder what some people here are smoking! With a 94 plus million people in the USA unemployed and technically no longer looking for work! Whew!

Fri, 2016-11-18 09:48

#63

MegB

NDPP wrote:

PS And fuck the fascist mass murdering emperor and its servile Canadian parliament

Really unnecessary.

Fri, 2016-11-18 11:15

#64

Unionist

NorthReport wrote:

Actually was born in the USA so is a legitimate POTUS

Are you seriously saying this approvingly? The U.S. gives some citizens more rights than others based on where they were born. Such a provision would be unconstitutional in Canada.

Quote:
Inspiration to minorities showing them they can all aspire to be in the top position in the land with the possibility of actually achieving it.

Yes, Michael Moore has already applauded him for this achievement - but he put it in better perspective than you did:

Aristotleded24 wrote:

[youtube]34hof0bnkC4[/youtube]

First black President and that's it

Fri, 2016-11-18 11:35

#65

Unionist

NDPP wrote:

Freedom Rider: Obama's Hollow Legacy

http://blackagendareport.com/obama%27s_hollow_legacy

Brilliant blog post - thanks, NDPP!

Fri, 2016-11-18 19:36

#66

Mr. Magoo

Quote:
I'll always remember him fondly as the one who nuked that slimeball tear-a-wrist Obama Bin Laden in his bed.

Wait? What?

After all of your loopy, and (frankly) stupid conspiracy theory posts, you actually believe Bin Laden is DEAD?

Dude, he's working at a 7/11 in Tampa, Florida, and everyone knows it.

Or did you, personally, see his dead body?

Fri, 2016-11-18 21:03

#67

swallow

NDPP wrote:

Freedom Rider: Obama's Hollow Legacy

http://blackagendareport.com/obama%27s_hollow_legacy

"Democrats used to value things like global peace

Really? When was that?

Fri, 2016-11-18 21:15

#68

kropotkin1951

swallow wrote:

NDPP wrote:

Freedom Rider: Obama's Hollow Legacy

http://blackagendareport.com/obama%27s_hollow_legacy

"Democrats used to value things like global peace

Really? When was that?

When there was conscription and their sons had to fight in foreign wars. The Democrats fought conscription so it looked for a few years like they were anti-war.

Fri, 2016-11-18 22:40

#69

NDPP

President Obama, Remember Leonard Peltier

https://t.co/2oaVyyUg6U

"While Barack Obama speaks without blushing about the virtues of the Northamerican, 'democracy', and lectures us on human rights, an innocent man languishes in his cell, totally isolated, awaiting only death, or for what the US President alone can, but does not, do."

And never forget, it was Canada that handed him over...

http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info

Sun, 2016-11-20 08:50

#70

6079_Smith_W

http://bust.com/living/18581-president-obama-undermining-donald-trump.html

Quote:

Yesterday when I was driving home, the NPR reporter talking about the Oval Office meeting mentioned that Trump had thought it was going to be a “getting to know you” type meeting, but that he was surprised when Obama stretched their talk out to 90 minutes before sending him along to the Capitol building where he met with congressional leaders for more lengthy meetings and stuff he didn’t want to do.

And he hasn’t even gotten to the actual job yet.

Thu, 2016-11-24 16:32

#71

ikosmos

Great stuff from Canadian Patrick Armstrong.

Obama changes his mind on Russia

Part One: Weak, Regional, Failing

Barak Obama wrote:
Russia is a regional power that is threatening some of its immediate neighbors — not out of strength but out of weakness.

... Netherlands, 25 March 2014

in the same stupid vein ...

Barak Obama wrote:
But I do think it’s important to keep perspective. Russia doesn’t make anything. Immigrants aren’t rushing to Moscow in search of opportunity. The life expectancy of the Russian male is around 60 years old. The population is shrinking. And so we have to respond with resolve in what are effectively regional challenges that Russia presents. We have to make sure that they don’t escalate where suddenly nuclear weapons are back in the discussion of foreign policy. And as long as we do that, then I think history is on our side.

... Economist interview 2 August 2014

and still more with ...

Barak Obama wrote:
Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanctions along with our allies, as we were reinforcing our presence with frontline states, Mr. Putin’s aggression it was suggested was a masterful display of strategy and strength. That’s what I heard from some folks. Well, today, it is America that stands strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated with its economy in tatters. That’s how America leads — not with bluster, but with persistent, steady resolve. (Applause.)

... State of the Union Address 20 Jan 2015

Part Two: Maybe not

Barak Obama wrote:
The bottom line is, is that we think that Russia is a large important country with a military that is second only to ours, and has to be a part of the solution on the world stage, rather than part of the problem.

... Washington 18 Oct 2016

Part Three: Powerful, Worldwide

Barak Obama wrote:
With respect to Russia, my principal approach to Russia has been constant since I first came into office. Russia is an important country. It is a military superpower. It has influence in the region and it has influence around the world. And in order for us to solve many big problems around the world, it is in our interest to work with Russia and obtain their cooperation.

... Berlin 17 Nov 2016

In summary, truly "constant since I first came into office". bwa ha ha ha. Talk about flip flops. Obama on Russia is like a dying fish on the highway, left over from some flash flood.

Lame duck or dead fish. Take your pick. But Barak Obama has set back US-Russian relations by decades [Clinton would have furthered the obstinate stupidity] and it will take a great deal of effort to get these two important countries working together on critical global issues. President Trump will face determined resistance against success in this area - and that is presuming he will remain steadfast in his commitment to improve relations.

Short of a thermonuclear war, US-Russian relations could not be worse than they have been under Barak Obama.

Good riddance.

Thu, 2016-11-24 17:29

#72

Mr. Magoo

*Barack

Fri, 2016-11-25 21:46

#73

ikosmos

lol. A spelling flame from Magoo. Pretty soon he'll be reduced to farting in the corner.

Hero babbler, Magoo! bwa ha ha ha

Sat, 2016-11-26 03:34

#74

NDPP

"Fidel Castro described Israel's Obama-backed 2014 offensive in Gaza as a 'new, repugnant form of fascism.'

https://twitter.com/MaxBlumenthal/status/802407918800760832

Sat, 2016-11-26 11:02

#75

MegB

ikosmos wrote:

lol. A spelling flame from Magoo. Pretty soon he'll be reduced to farting in the corner.

Hero babbler, Magoo! bwa ha ha ha

Personal attack. Not funny.

Sat, 2016-11-26 12:38

#76

pookie

Unionist wrote:

NorthReport wrote:

Actually was born in the USA so is a legitimate POTUS

Are you seriously saying this approvingly? The U.S. gives some citizens more rights than others based on where they were born. Such a provision would be unconstitutional in Canada.

But that clause is IN the US Constitution. So, an equivalent one in Canada would be hunky dory. Just like the special treatment for denominational schools which privileges some religions but not others.

Sat, 2016-11-26 12:39

#77

pookie

This site has really sunk to the depths. I barely recognize it anymore.

(Not directed at you, Unionist).

Sat, 2016-11-26 13:36

#78

swallow

When you post, pookie, it raises the tone and certainly adds informed info. Thanks for sticking with this place, even when it seems like a swamp.

Sat, 2016-11-26 13:37

#79

pookie

Thank you swallow, that's very kind. The same goes for you.

Sat, 2016-11-26 13:47

#80

ikosmos

Obama was a place holder for the Bush and Clinton dynasties. He failed to deliver even in regard to that; though, to be fair, Trump may turn out to be another place holder as well.

The first African-American President. That's it. He was gifted with a completely undeserved Nobel Peace Prize - a laughable award - and subsequently showed his blissful ineptitude about making the world a safer place.

Off the top of my head ... coup d'etat's in Honduras, as well as in Ukraine, 5 years of terrorist sponsorship against Syria, the horrific destruction of the richest [highest living standard] country in Africa, more of the endless economic and political war on Cuba [and a flea hop of improving relations there, without, however, any end to the brutal embargo] , and so on, and so on.

Truly, an imperial legacy.

Sat, 2016-11-26 15:02

#81

6079_Smith_W

swallow wrote:

When you post, pookie, it raises the tone and certainly adds informed info. Thanks for sticking with this place, even when it seems like a swamp.

You know I get the frustration (honestly, I do) as I have certainly felt it myself.

On the other hand, I have heard that sentiment expressed by so many people, from so many perspectives, often at each other, that it is kind of absurd at this point.

It would be nice to be able to wave a wand and make the bullshit disappear, but I think we all know that ain't going to happen. And even if it did happen here, it wouldn't change things in the real world, where it counts.

Sat, 2016-11-26 15:10

#82

Mr. Magoo

Quote:
A spelling flame from Magoo.

It would have been a spelling flame, if "Barak" had been an honest typo.

Sat, 2016-11-26 16:10

#83

ikosmos

Mr. Magoo wrote:

Quote:
A spelling flame from Magoo.

It would have been a spelling flame, if "Barak" had been an honest typo.

Interesting. Now you're trying to ascribe motives to my spelling mistakes? If I mock this sort of personal attack, then is it also a personal attack on my part? Or just fair criticism?

In any case, how about addressing the lengthy and well-substantiated claim I made about Barack Obama being an utter failure when it comes to improving relations with Russia?

Mon, 2016-11-28 23:05

#84

Cody87

ikosmos wrote:

how about addressing the...claim I made

Thanks for the laugh, I needed that

Tue, 2016-11-29 14:20

#85

Sean in Ottawa

Without getting into the specifics of Obama here -- is legacy an equal proposition from both left and right (recognizing that left and right are relative)?

In theory the right wish to tear down and reduce government and the left wants to build institutions and involve the government for good in a number of areas. Forget for a moment the quality of these -- which can endure?

A left term of office can start to build but these take time. They also take a political ability to bring them through all branches of government required.

The wrecking ball is remarkably fast. Institutions that have taken years to build can be gone in a single stroke. We have seen the same thing in Canada.

The legacy of a more progressive side must therefore be dependent on re-election (how many times) of that party whereas the damage from the right, provides a long enough rebuilding that the right only needs to get to power every so often to prevent any substantive progress. One time in three for the right is enough to make sure the right has a legacy and the left does not.

I am not defending or attacking Obama here. I am merely pointing out that the isue of legacy is not an equal one. Healthcare reform may be three terms of battles and a compromise result but it can be reversed in one. Just as an example.

Tue, 2016-11-29 15:17

#86

ygtbk

Sean in Ottawa wrote:

...

In theory the right wish to tear down and reduce government and the left wants to build institutions and involve the government for good in a number of areas.

...

Healthcare reform may be three terms of battles and a compromise result but it can be reversed in one. Just as an example.

I pretty much agree, Sean, although I might add some adjectives and perhaps take issue with equating "change" with "reform". The most recent "USian Healthcare" thread suggests that the process may not have been improving monotonically.

Tue, 2016-12-27 08:21

#87

NDPP

Broken Promises: The Structural Legacy of Capitalist Democracies - by James Petras

http://petras.lahaine.org/?p=2117

"President Barack Obama broke more and bigger promises over his two terms than any of his predecessors."

Is Obama A Russian Agent? - by Dmitry Orlov

http://informationclearinghouse.info/46090.htm

delightful!

Fri, 2016-12-30 12:18

#88

ikosmos

NDPP wrote:
Is Obama A Russian Agent? - by Dmitry Orlov ... delightful!

A summary ...

Quote:
[1.] Perhaps the greatest achievement of his eight years has been the destruction of Libya. Under the false pretense of a humanitarian intervention what was once the most prosperous and stable country in the entire North Africa has been reduced to a rubble-strewn haven for Islamic terrorists and a transit point for economic migrants streaming into the European Union.

Obama the Magnificent!

Quote:
[2.] Next, Obama presided over the violent overthrow of the constitutional government in the Ukraine and the installation of an American puppet regime there. When Crimea then voted to rejoin Russia, Obama imposed sanctions on the Russian Federation.

Obama the Wise!

Quote:
[3.] Obama’s next “achievement” was in carefully shepherding the Syrian conflict into a cul de sac.

Obama the Determined Opponent of Terrorism! ooh rah!

Quote:
[4.] There have been other achievements as well. By constantly talking up the nonexistent “Russian threat” and scaremongering about “Russian aggression” and “Russian invasion” (of which no evidence existed), and by holding futile military exercises in Eastern Europe and especially in the geopolitically irrelevant Baltics, Obama managed to deprive NATO of any residual legitimacy it once might have had, turning it into a sad joke.

Obama the builder and strenthener of great, and relevant, military alliances!

Quote:
[5.] But perhaps Obama’s most significant service on behalf of the Russian nation was in throwing the election to Donald Trump. This he did by throwing his support behind the ridiculously inept and corrupt Hillary Clinton.

Obama the clever political strategist who shared his great knowledge with ... subsequent political leaders!

Finally ...

Quote:
since Obama’s contribution was especially helpful to Russia, I propose that he be awarded the Russian Federation’s Order of Friendship, to go with his Nobel Peace Prize.

Obama the friend of all nations, far and wide!

..................................................

Darn that Dmitri Orlov! He has all the fun! Can't stand him! How about you?

Fri, 2016-12-30 12:20

#89

ikosmos

Yeah, Orlov is quite brilliant. I've read some of his pieces and been briefly annoyed that I didn't write them myself.

Now, about Obama's legacy ... his recent lame duck actions are truly breathtaking in their utter spiteful stupidity.

Obama’s sanctions ‘gesture of despair, poisoned gift’ for Trump admin – Russian senator

Quote:
On Thursday Barack Obama announced a set of countermeasures in response to what he called “the Russian government’s aggressive harassment of US officials and cyber operations aimed at the US election.”

Thirty-five Russian diplomats have been expelled from the US, with Obama branding them “intelligence operatives.” Two Russian diplomatic compounds were closed, in New York and Maryland.

READ MORE: Zakharova: ‘Obama team are foreign policy losers, humiliate Americans with anti-Russia sanctions’

Loser.

Just quit the field already, Mr. President, and go play golf or something. You're humiliating your own country now with this tantrum over the exclusion of your barbaric regime from peace-making efforts in Syria. Yeah, sure, it's embarrassing but this nonsense just makes you look like a petulant child having a temper tantrum.

There, there.

Fri, 2016-12-30 14:16

#90

josh

Oooh. The Russians don't like what he did. I'm shocked. Maybe if they didn't hack the DNC, they wouldn't have to worry about it.

Fri, 2016-12-30 15:26

#91

ikosmos

Oh no! The President-elect, Donald Trump, just took the "high road" and, were it even possible, humiliated Barak "Lame Duck" Obama even further. This is just too, too embarrassing. I can't look anymore.

Just kidding. It' s really quite exquisite.

President-elect Donald Trump on twitter wrote:
Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!

Scrumptious, delicious, mmm mmm good! How DOES that humble pie taste, anyway, Mr. Soon-to-be Ex-President?

Just when you thought Obama couldn't go any lower. Trump takes the high road.

Q: What's that sound?

A: Liberal heads exploding.

Fri, 2016-12-30 15:34

#92

josh

High road? LOL. Why would he want to diss someone who helped him get elected? Or even someone who has the goods on him. The Siberian Candidate. Putin's Poodle.

Fri, 2016-12-30 15:37

#93

ikosmos

It's really unbearably delicious. The petulant Pres hoisted on his own petard. The author of his own embarrassment. I mean, this is better than Stanfield dropping the football.

Obama has now got a hat trick in "own goals". It's quite unprecedented.

Gawd. Maybe he could do some push-ups in the Oval Office or something - show how fit he is, or something.

Fri, 2016-12-30 17:14

#94

Unionist

I opened this thread, unable to point to a single positive achievement by Mr. Obama after 8 years in the White House.

Now, with his deliciously ironic indignation against Russia for 1) spying, and 2) interfering in another state's internal affairs - I have to rate him in the negative range.

What an ass.

If the likes of Obama and Trump et al didn't have their fingers on nuclear buttons - it would be hilarious. Instead, it's terrifying. Especially considering the apparent demolition of any hope at opposition within the United States, where the "choice" was between Trump and Clinton.

I see the horizon. But I see no hope over the top of it. If (i.e. when) the U.S. empire is dismantled and destroyed, the push will have to come from outside. The only question is, with how much collateral devastation.

Fri, 2016-12-30 18:12

#95

josh

Ok. A former ambassador and Assange associate fron an article that appeared in the right-wing Daily Mail. You're free do believe. I don't.

Fri, 2016-12-30 18:20

#96

NDPP

josh wrote:

Oooh. The Russians don't like what he did. I'm shocked. Maybe if they didn't hack the DNC, they wouldn't have to worry about it.

Who Leaked the Podesta and DNC Emails? (and vid)

http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/gaius-publius/70467/who-leaked-the-podes...

"I know who leaked them. I've met the person who leaked, and they are certainly not Russian and it's an insider. It's a leak, not a hack; The two are different things.' - Craig Murray, frmr British ambassador to Uzbekistan

Hypocrisy Over Alleged Russian 'Hacking'

http://consortiumnews.com/2016/12/30/hypocrisy-over-alleged-russian-hacking

"The psycho-drama over the alleged but unsubstantiated Russia hacking of Democratic emails to influence the US presidential election has yet to reach its climax. Already, though, it has earned nomination as the most surreal and passionate works of fiction of the 21st Century.

Perhaps the biggest piece of the untold story is the US government's pioneering role in electronic surveillance and hacking..."

Fri, 2016-12-30 19:02

#97

Unionist

Obama promised in 2007 that he would close Guantanamo.

Liar.

Obama leaves office with the embargo on Cuba intact, 55 years later.

He changed the "no" vote on the embargo to "abstain".

He changed the "no" vote on condemning the illegal Israeli settlements to "abstain".

He is an asshole and a liar.

The only front where he acted resolutely, like his buddy Hillary Clinton, is to intensify the risk of conflict with Russia.

His name would go down in infamy - if in fact he had done anything resolute enough to merit that label.

Fri, 2016-12-30 20:51

#98

6079_Smith_W

Here are a few more:

Enacted a permanent ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in areas of the Arctic and the Atlantic Seaboard.
Refused to veto a UN resolution condemning Israel's settlements in the West Bank.
Designated two new national monuments totalling more than 1.6 million acres: Bears Ears Buttes in southeastern Utah and Gold Butte in Nevada.
Instructed the Department of Homeland Security to formally end the long-disused NSEERs database, which Trump could have revived as the backbone of a new Muslim registry.
Instructed the Army Corps of Engineers to deny final permits for the Dakota Access Pipeline where it crosses the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation.
Issued a final rule that bans the practice among some red states of withholding federal family-planning funds from Planned Parenthood and other health clinics that provide abortions.
Finalized rules to determine whether schools were succeeding or failing under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Began an investigation into charges of Russian hacking during the presidential campaign

http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/12/heres-how-obama-trump-proo...

There is a list of other pending actions in the article.

Sat, 2016-12-31 12:30

#99

ikosmos

What an absolute train wreck the Obama regime has become.

I guess he's trying to set the bar really, really low. That way, Trump might actually look good in comparison.

I bet he doesn't flush on the way out. That's what the "legacy" of this administration has become - a floater for the next person.

Really classy. The high road.

Hope floats.

eta: Adam Garrie: "There is something seriously wrong with Barak Obama." Garrie notes that Obama's Russophobia is like a pathology. A mental illness.

"In your guts you know he's nuts."

Sat, 2016-12-31 12:35

#100

josh

Your daily Russian propaganda.

Sat, 2016-12-31 12:47

#101

Unionist

Yeah ikosmos, are you aware that it's possible to oppose U.S. imperialism and puncture the myth that Obama actually did anything to advance progress in this world, without framing it as pro-Russian propaganda? By doing so, you make it pretty simple for potential allies to dismiss it. If I actually thought I needed to like Putin and his regime and his policies in order to fight U.S. intervention and aggression in this world, I'd have the kind of tough choice to make which I don't have right now. Putin doesn't currently represent anything remotely near to the economic, political, and military danger that the U.S. imposes on the world's peoples. But that doesn't make him my friend.

Barack Obama's legacy: Top 10 achievements

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