Waiting for Change

Waiting for Change



An email from Obama to his supporters urges everyone to remember how life was when the GOP was in charge. According to him, the GOP was protecting the wealthy with tax cuts and increasing the national debt. That is what drove the economy into the ditch.



We have been reminded of Newt Gingrich’s contract with America. At that time the Republicans were flying high and there was a feeling that they would be in control of the government until the end of time. But then things got bad, the GOP lost in midterm elections, Bill Clinton took over and Newt faded into oblivion. Recently, they have revived the idea with a new face. Senator John Boehner of Ohio has become the face of the GOP and he is mirroring  the contract with America promising to cut taxes and create more jobs.



One big problem for the GOP is that the economy began to collapse during the Bush years. He got this country into two wars and the bailouts became necessary at the end of his tenure. But now Obama has been in power for more than a year and half and it is becoming more difficult for him to blame George Bush for the bad economy, the lack of jobs, the housing crisis, etc. That is now in Obama’s hands.



When he came to office Obama had to concentrate on rescuing the economy as the first item on his agenda. He had to deal with the banking crisis, the housing crisis, the wars, terrorism, and many other issues that landed on his desk, including the legislation on immigration reform. No matter how many problems he solved, many more rose trying to grab his attention. Perhaps if he had more time he could come to the midterm elections with a higher percentage of popularity. At this point he is unpopular with about 60 to 65 percent of the people. About 28 percent strongly approve of the work he is doing as president. About 42 percent disapprove. As usual we have that undecided percentage of the population that has affected the result of the last elections.



Obama has not been popular everywhere. Many Democratic candidates around the country don’t want him to campaign for them.  He did rescue the auto companies and some of the large banks, but he has been unable to address some of the other major issues, like the lack of jobs and the housing crisis. He may not be able to influence the real estate market or do anything about housing, other than trying to get the banks to lend money to activate the economy and create the jobs that are needed.



This November will give us a clear indication as to the mind of the voters. Neither party looks comfortable. Congress looks vulnerable because it failed to deliver on the economy and immigration. For Hispanics, the immigration issue is of prime importance. Too many families are waiting to be reunited, and they are expecting to see more enlightened laws that will allow them to work and live in this country.  We do remember when the GOP was in charge, but things don’t seem any better and Obama did promise change. We continue to wait.