by Stephanie Gunter

Created on: January 20, 2009

There is no way President Obama will achieve any of his changes in the next four years. Obama wants dramatically change the way Washington works. Those on the other side of the aisle will not let that happen. They have too much invested to even give President Obama a chance.

As much as I am ashamed to say this, our country is still in the grips of neo conservative ideology, especially since the Minnesota senate race still hasn't been decided. The winner of this election will decide whether the Democrats have a filibuster proof majority in the Senate. Without that, there is nothing the Democrats can get to the president's desk. The neo-conservatives (the majority of Republicans) will block any legislation, thereby gridlocking Congress. It is the same ploy used during the 2007-present Congressional sessions. The beauty of this ploy: The Republicans then blame the Democrats for not getting anything done, and our media buys it hook, line and sinker. It's propaganda mastery at its finest.

President Obama may indeed be able to close the Guantanamo prison, but with political backlash. He will be vilified by his own party because he couldn't do it instantly. He will be reviled by the Republicans just because closing Gitmo is a slap in the face to their previous policies and an admission of guilt. The Republicans don't like being held accountable for their mistakes and blatant misdeeds. They don't even like being called out on them. If Obama closes Gitmo, the Republicans will make darned sure Obama can't do anything else in his four years in office. That includes any economic recovery...

Plus, the challenge facing Obama is incredible. The previous administration has trampled all over our previous Middle Eastern allies (except Israel, and Obama might just strain that one), and friendships aren't mended overnight. As a country, we have to earn their trust again, and that does take time. If there is not a nation that will take the freed prisoners, we have a problem. If Obama allows these former prisoners into our country, there'll be backlash. Let's hope that there are nations that truly did see the election of Barack Obama as a turning point.

We also have to worry about any hard feelings about Obama's election amongst major corporations and CEOs in this country. Yes, there is a bailout on the table that would be sent out if it can get past Congress with Obama's new conditions. We'll soon find out if the Republicans are still bitter about the election by their votes. Obama

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