Progressive Magazine Asks Obama Stop Changing Positions and Start Standing on Principles

by Deb Cupples |    It seems that The Nation is waking up (The Nation magazine, that is).  The magazine's most recent edition includes an open letter to Barack Obama -- signed by more than 13,000 people -- gently pointing out that progressives are not happy with Obama's recent (and repeated) reversals on policy stances or promises that he made during the primaries.

The letter is titled Change We Can Believe in (emphasis in original).  Below are some excerpts:

"Since your historic victory in the primary, there have been troubling signs that you are moving away from the core commitments shared by many who have supported your campaign, toward a more cautious and centrist stance--including, most notably, your vote for the FISA legislation granting telecom companies immunity from prosecution for illegal wiretapping, which angered and dismayed so many of your supporters.

"We recognize that compromise is necessary in any democracy. We understand that the pressures brought to bear on those seeking the highest office are intense. But retreating from the stands that have been the signature of your campaign will weaken the movement whose vigorous backing you need in order to win and then deliver the change you have promised....

"If you win in November, we will work to support your stands when we agree with you and to challenge them when we don't....

"Stand firm on the principles you have so compellingly articulated, and you may succeed in bringing this country the change you've encouraged us to believe is possible. (The Nation)

I suspect that Obama's recent reversal on off-shore oil drilling may have something to do with progressives' disenchantment: that and Obama's reversals on FISA and NAFTA -- which the Obama campaign has tried to package as not being reversals, when in fact they were.   

Among the 13,000+ signers of the open letter are the following people:

- Gore Vidal

- Phil Donahue

- Jane Hamsher

- Norm Birnbaum

- Juan Cole

- David Sirota

- Studs Terkel

- Norman Solomon

Thanks to TalkLeft for pointing out the letter.

Other Buck Naked Politics Posts:

* Air "Fresheners" May be a Health Hazard

* Alan Grayson is The Congressional Candidate for Florida's Dist. 8

* Construction Contractor Takes Millions, Fails to Finish Jobs

* Heart Drug Tied to Cancer, Some Want Quiet Debate

* Watch out Florida: Obama Supports Offshore Oil Drilling
 

Comments

[gormenghast]

So The Nation sends a gentle begging letter to Obama, composed by, and signed by, people who are going to vote for him anyway - isn't that just a little pathetic?

[D. Cupples]

gormenghast,

You make a good point. :)