Reply #109: Why is it that America seems frozen in time, no matter who the president is?

[Politicub]

Obama had the wind behind his back to usher in earth shattering changes. He has done some good things, but I'm still waiting for the big promises to come to fruition.

But if I understand what Klein is saying, it is that Obama never really made many of the promises we ascribe to him. Instead, we are projecting our hopes and dreams on the blank canvas he placed in front of us. It explains why there seems to be this disconnect between the jaded political establishment who see this as business as usual, political bullshit and the hopeful grass roots.

The establishment isn't surprised at the centrism, the incrementalism, the inviting of corporate interests to the table. But many of the grass roots folks who supported the election of President Obama and placed our hopes in him are shocked that the administration stands in sharp contrast to what we expected. Yes, President Obama needs the congress to pass legislation, but in the meantime he could use the bully pulpit to its fullest extent to further progressive causes.

At least this is how I feel, and I'm coming to terms with it. I don't know if we can escape this American drama from continually playing itself out.

Maybe President Obama forgotten that it was the passion of progressive and liberals combined with a strong anti-republican sentiment that culminated in his unlikely election to President.

It makes me worry about 2012. I'm convinced that Dems will not prevail without an engaged and energized grass roots. And it feels like President Obama and this democratic-majority congress are doing everything they can to tamp down the spirit of change and hope. The GOP is fanning the flames of racial and government hatred to engage their base, and it's working. This is all that matters at the end of the day when it comes to the presidential election -- who has the most impassioned base.

If you haven't read it already, I highly recommend Klein's book The Terror Dream. In it she describes how so many myths of America continue to be perpetuated, effectively crippling us from breaking free and moving forward beyond them to create a more just society.