General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Harry Belafonte Says Obama Lacks "Moral Compass" [View all]ljm2002
(10,751 posts)...does indeed talk about specific Obama policies, so in that sense it does at least address the substance of Belafonte's remarks. Although some of the items listed under "What was done right this year?" could be argued. But still -- not a bad list, and definitely germane to the topic at hand. Although it does not directly engage with any specific points in the Belafonte article, apart from the use of the phrase "moral compass".
Furthermore, you introduce your argument with this:
"I mean, Belafonte would have people believe Obama is without a soul."
This is not a true statement. There is no interpretation that I am aware of that would equate the statement "X lacks a moral compass" (or, more accurately, "X does not use his moral compass" , with "X does not have a soul". In fact your statement perfectly encapsulates the hysteria that criticisms of Obama often produce. By starting with that statement you set the frame for your post and make it combative from the gate IMO.
Belafonte was talking about the historical sweep. Of course Obama has done things, and many of these things are infinitely better than what would have occurred under any Republican. But where is the transformation? You cite health care and Wall Street reform as examples; however, these are not as cut and dried as you seem to imply. I clearly remember when single-payer advocates were EXCLUDED FROM THE DISCUSSION -- those views were not even allowed to be heard. I clearly remember when the second round of bailouts were disbursed to the banks, with no strings attached and little incentive to invest in Main Street.
Please understand: while I do feel disappointed with Obama in many ways, I am under no illusion that it is an easy job. He's good for the most part, just not the transformative figure that I and others had hoped he might be. He's still head and shoulders above the Republicans, and yes he has done many good things. None of that puts him above criticism though.