On President Obama

Let's get to the obvious: it's great to have a president who is articulate whenever he gives a speech. Its also damn refreshing to have a Commander-In-Chief that is willing to listen to all sides of an issue, rather than say its my way or the highway all of the time. The United States has been subjected to eight long years of an administration who's idea of diplomacy and the exchange of different ideas was basically do as we say or you're with the terrorists (in certain cases, if you disagreed with the agenda, you were either outed by Robert Novak, Scooter Libby, and/or Dick Cheney).

Having said that, Here's my take to my fellow liberals and President Obama himself:

To the liberals: I know you're disappointed that the President hasn't done some of the things we wold like (the defense of Defense of Marriage Act, not getting tougher on the banks, waterboarding-gate and not going after Bush administration officials, are some examples). I share your frustration, but we also have to remember one important detail - it's been almost six months since Barack Obama took office. The problems we're facing - from a recession to a health care crisis - won't be solved by Obama stealing Harry Potter's wand, and enunciating, 'Reparo,' and the economy will be thriving and Adam and Steve will be able to say "I do," legally. My honest guess is that he's picking and choosing his battles (e.g. - fix the economy and get Americans affordable health care now, get re-elected and tackle gay marriage and reforming how Wall Street does buisness in term two, possibly).

To the President: I know you're trying to get past the partisan and political divide that has poisoned the national debate for years by running as a president who'll reach out to both sides of the aisle, but in order for bi-partisanship to work, the other side must unclench their fist. The GOP, thus far, has been unwilling to do so. It's time to let the Republicans know that bi-partisanship is still on the table, but until they make the effort without acting like vindictive, shallow pricks, leave em' be. You have 60 votes (whenever Minnesota will seat Al Franken) in the Senate, a huge majority in the House of Representatives, not to mention the public on your side and an enthusiastic base eager to change our country. The Grand Old Party is, for the moment, irrelevant.

Also, I understand you're trying to the president for everyone, which is a noble goal, but at some point, you're going to have to take a strong stand on key issues we liberals voted for you on. In order to get health care and other legislation passed, you have to draw a line in the sand and say, 'this is what I, and the American people want, and this is what we're going to do. Don't like it? Tough shit.' In order to get done what needs to get done, sometimes you're going to have to risk pissing people in Congress off.