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• Tuesday, January 13, 2009 07:46 AM

  The Transition of the Public Mindset

  Great post as usual Glenn.

  As we are in the "transition phase" awaiting Obama to take office, I am amazed at the trasition of mindset that I have seen in some that are supporters of Obama. There are people that I have discussions with, who share my views regarding the Bush Administration. Over the last 8 years we have shared the same view on holding the Bush Administration to account for decisions made and some of these people were first to want to line up in the streets to put pressure on the Bush Administration to change course.

  Suddenly, post November 4th, these same people who voted and fully supported Obama now suddenly do not want to apply the same principles of accountability to the incoming administration. We hear the tired lines of "well just let Obama get in there, wait a few months and let's see where he takes us." I have even had a friend say to me:

  "The word 'accountability' gives me a negative connotation and I am tired of all the negativity from the last 8 years. We should just support our new President now."

  The complete 180 degree change in position is something astounding to watch and it is one of the reasons that I expressed concern about the opportunity of "real" change. Real progressive change is only going to happen if the tidal wave of Obama supporters, so energized by the campaign, join with already established progressive movements and amplify their demands. If this largely energized, largely youthful movement that put Obama in office decides to "sit back" and "just support our new President", then we are going to end up with more "inside the beltway" status quo. Change does not simply happen, it is created.

  —CincyChris Read CincyChris's other letters
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