Reflections on Obama’s first year in office

Last week, a pretty horrific week in progressive politics, also marked the anniversary of President Obama’s inauguration.
I was one of the thousands of people on the Mall on that cold, cold day last year. Despite the economic turmoil, I was also one of those people with a lot of hope for what the new administration might mean for our country and our progressive agenda.
It’s been a tough year.
A lot of folks have been reflecting on how Obama is doing after herhis first year. Many people point out that a year is nothing in political time–it will take years before we can really judge Obama and the success or failure of the changes his Administration is trying to make.
But as one of the people who supported his campaign and watched my generation leave their jobs to go out and work to get him elected, I can’t wait ten years to decide what I think.
It’s easy to focus on the big news items–like health care reform–and judge Obama solely on the progress (or lack there of) of those agenda items.
If we were judging solely on those issues, it’d be hard to say anything too positive. The health care reform situation has been a collective hot mess and it doesn’t look like Obama has been willing to put himself on the line for things that I care about–a public option, protection and advancement of reproductive rights, coverage for immigrants.
But in reality, I think it’s the little changes, the ones we don’t hear about, that might make more of a difference.


Forget the big ticket big media coverage things like health care reform. Instead let’s talk about all the thousands of people appointed to government jobs across the Administration. Let’s talk about who is in the White House, and running groups like the FDA.
I first started thinking about this when I heard an NPR story about the presence of the toxic chemical BPA in our products–it’s one of the most commonly occurring chemicals. It’s found in plastics–everything from baby toys to plastic food containers.
One of the scientists who has studied the harmful effects of the chemical explained that the FDA’s recent statement which expressed “some concern” about the levels of BPA in our products and it’s possible effects on humans was a huge departure from the last eight years. During the Bush Administration, the FDA refused to admit that there might be problems with the chemical, despite much scientific research to the contrary.
Maybe it’s the optimist in me, but I’d like to think that these types of shifts will, in the long run, have a big impact on our country. While Congress might not be able to get it together to pass progressive legislation in the ways we would like them too, the people Obama has put in power across government will continue to make changes that will matter in generations to come. And let’s not forget about Justice Sotomayor’s nomination to the Supreme Court. May she live a long, long and healthy life.
This is also an interesting monitor of Obama’s campaign promises and where he stands in relation to them. While most of his promise’s have yet to be acted on, it leaves a bit of hope for the weary.
For those of you in NYC, go check out our Editors Courtney and Samhita on a panel this weekend at the Brooklyn Museum of Art talking about Obama: One Year After.
h/t to Tanya for the Obameter link.

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