“I Don’t Think He’s Going to Do It.” Part II

I am a fan of President Lyndon Johnson partly because he was a masterful politician and for his vision of attempting to create a great society within the nation.

During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.

Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs

In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.

President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.

Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive