So what now? what should be done to get America back where it belongs in this world? America is not being protected by this so called president. Its people are being forced into debt. They are unprotected. When the people protest they are called terriorists. Your thoughts...

I'm in the UK and we have a much bigger problem with Gordon Brown. However, we all acknowledge that regardless of who is or will be in power (election must be called by next June), we will all be facing a huge debt and we will all pay for it somehow. It will mean unemployment will rise, pay will be cut, etc., etc.

I'm American and I know there were complaints about Obama before the election, even from the Democrats. However, he did not create the current crisis, he only stepped into it. I didn't vote in the last election. And it wouldn't matter to me who was in power, he/she would have to face the same problems. They may not have agreed on the same way to deal with it, but however you look at it, there would be ups and downs. No plan is perfect. If there was such a plan, I'm sure it would have been thought up by now. It's not just the president, but all the politicians. They all have to work together. Unfortunately, they can never agree. It's always "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours". Laws can never be passed that is free from lobbying movements.

I don't know what's happening that Obama is causing people to go into debt. Last I heard, he wanted to increase tax on the rich. For all I know, I will soon be double taxed (UK & US) - though, I am not in that rich class. This double taxation has been in existence for years.

As for his health care plan, I wish Americans wouldn't rush into making direct comparisons with the NHS. From what I understand, it's not like the UK plan, but a mix of several different plans. The British, in general, think that the NHS needs to change as well, in the same direction.

One of the biggest problems here, and maybe in the US, is that interest rates are extremely low, which hurts those who are prudent and trying to save. On the other hand, it is difficult to get mortgages, so many are forced into renting. There are deficits in the rental market. It's all a vicious cycle.

My only advice is hang in there and don't get caught up with extremists on either side. Look at the big picture. The problem is that too many of us start to turn inwards and only see what's best for each of us individually. We all have to make concessions for the collective good. Unfortunately, it will mean many people will suffer - most of them will be those who are already worst off. Not the bottom people, because they will receive benefits somehow. There are fraudsters everywhere.

(09-18-2009 03:27 PM)Tracker Wrote:  So what now? what should be done to get America back where it belongs in this world? America is not being protected by this so called president. Its people are being forced into debt. They are unprotected. When the people protest they are called terriorists. Your thoughts...

The debt started well before he came into power.

As for being called 'terrorists'; I thought that was under Bush's regime? I've not read anywhere that Obama has called people terrorists.

Afghanistan will remain the thorn in his side and may ultimately determine his fate. The economy will improve over the course of the presidency, however the war in Afghanistan may not; it may get a lot worse for him depending on the actions and support of US allies.

(10-07-2009 01:01 PM)smotmon Wrote:  Afghanistan will remain the thorn in his side and may ultimately determine his fate. The economy will improve over the course of the presidency, however the war in Afghanistan may not; it may get a lot worse for him depending on the actions and support of US allies.

I can't see how it will determine his fate as he is just picking up the pieces from the previous regime.

Even though Mr. Obama inherited a mess, he still has decisions before him pertaining to the war in Afghanistan. The decisions he makes I feel will determine said fate. It is unreasonable to attribute the success or failure of Mr. Obama's future decisions on Mr. Bush's past decisions.

(10-08-2009 02:25 PM)smotmon Wrote:  Even though Mr. Obama inherited a mess, he still has decisions before him pertaining to the war in Afghanistan. The decisions he makes I feel will determine said fate. It is unreasonable to attribute the success or failure of Mr. Obama's future decisions on Mr. Bush's past decisions.

I agree; what he decides now will be down to him. But that doesn't mean that Bush should be let of the hook.

Mr. Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize since your last reply. How do you feel about that?

(10-12-2009 07:14 PM)smotmon Wrote:  Mr. Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize since your last reply. How do you feel about that?

Probably a bit too early, however, I think awarding it is more political than earned.