what should we expect of our politicians regarding promises

[mkultra]

Poll question: what should we expect of our politicians regarding promises

What do we expect

[Ozymanithrax]

1. Since no single elected offical can deliver on a campaign promise alone...

I expect they to try. Success depends on to many factors that are beyound the control of one elected official.

But if the representative doesn't try, I won't cast my vote a second time.

[mkultra]

2. sounds like you favor very loose expectations

compared to some.

[Ozymanithrax]

3. I consider myself a realist. Our system is not built for big changes.

Big pieces of legislation like Health-Care are very difficult to put through. It only takes one Democrat to screw the pooch and filibuster with the Republicans to break it. These same battles were fought in the past for other progressive legislation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was met with huge protests and Republicans called Democrats Socialists. (It is amazing that they pull out the same arguments every time but so few remember.) When Title IX was passed expanding those civil rights to female students and teachers, it was another storm of protest.

Health Care reform is not a promise Obama can put through by himself. He needs the House and the Senate to do it. Every person in the House and the Senate is beholden to someone who opposes Health Care. I still think there is a chance he will carry through on that promise with some kind of bill that can be improved over the decades, as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has been improved over the decades. If he succeeds, the victory is shared. If he fails, the failure is shared also.

I am most disappointed by Obama's stance on Don't Ask Don't Tell. I see it as a matter of human rights. He could have used and executive order that would have allowed gay members to continue to serve until Congress acted. He has not. I hope he does something before 2012.

I watch his policies closely to see how he delivers.

[mkultra]

4. wow, 5 people who demand promise perfection

im guessing those people have never been happy with a politician. If you voted "all promises" can you name a politician who has always kept his promises?