Other than a few political appointees and cabinet selections, is there anything of true, meaningful, progressive values that Obama has introduced during his brief tenure?

He's talked a big game about torture, rule of law, closing Gitmo, health care (er, insurance) reform. But it is very evident we are in full-throttle mode of "same boss same as the old boss."

I am afraid his administration is turning into a Potemkin Village Presidency. Sure, it has some nice, fancy ideas and a few feathers in its belt, but otherwise not so much.

Sadly, I don't see any corners about to be turned. I see it heading more and more rightward.

Yes, I'm feeling very punked.

It took the right-wing 20-30 years and hundreds of millions of dollars to build up their echo/pundit push-chamber.

Republican and corporate dems know they have a built-in ATM machine in the form of corporate America and right-wing think tanks, PACs, etc. Factor in the idiocy of the MSM and it's a formidable opponent.

Nevertheless, I am somewhat optimistic with the power the internet tubes and Greenwald, FDL, etc. now exert over the discourse. Shit, we even got a bona-fide liberal in Maddow on the TeeVee.

Bottom-line is no amount of money can beat enough feet marching to the voting booth and pulling the correct lever.

I'm personally giving more now to progressive causes than ever before.

So basically we are all just serfs to our feudal overlords in the Congressional/military/industrial complex.

Are we in essence just a really powerful and rich banana republic?

I feel like Bill Paxton's character in Aliens as the creatures are quickly closing in.

Does anyone have any idea on how to get out of this mess?

Glenn, I appreciate and respect the battle you are waging. It is why I respect your opinion and intellect above all others.

But there is a war going on in the trenches. If the refs refuse to call an elbow to the ear and the team that continues to employ this tactic continues to win, then the losing team must employ the same tactic.

It's a shame that any political party must resort to equating the other party to terrorists, but thems the rules of the game. And as many astute bloggers have indicated: if America were attacked again most Republicans would cheer. They would cheer the defeat of Obama and ostensibly the Democratic party and liberalism itself.

So, please, continue your noble and much-needed cause because we sorely need it. But I for one am glad the democrats are finally standing up to this brutish and disgusting behavior.

I agree Glenn - it is disappointing to hear the left of the dial argue it is unpatriotic to criticize the President.

I agree w/ their tactics of comparing the Republicans to terrorists on this because, as you stated, it's a way to point out the hypocrisy and stupidity with this argument.

Not really that big of a deal, but you must invest in just a few more items for your TV studio. First and foremost you need a good key light. Just using your standard bulb is terrible. Get a light with a reflector of some type to soften it up. And try to work on your background. Don't sit so close to the wall behind you. Try shifting yourself at an angle to have bit more depth in your shot.

Good luck. I can send some links if you have any interest.