Caving on Principles

Dear Friends,

I am afraid to report that President Obama is continuing to cave into Republicans and overly conservative Democrats when he should stand up for what he believes in.  Here are two examples from recent days.

First, Dawn Johnsen who was nominated by President Obama to head the Office of Legal Council has withdrawn her nomination.  She was a great nominee, and President Obama failed to support her nomination, failed to include her in his recess appointments and ultimately either forced or encouraged her to withdraw.  Here is The New York Times article about her withdrawal.  The article quotes Ms. Johnsen about her reasons for withdrawal as follows:

“Restoring O.L.C. to its best nonpartisan traditions was my primary objective for my anticipated service in this administration,” Ms. Johnsen said. “Unfortunately, my nomination has met with lengthy delays and political opposition that threaten that objective and prevent O.L.C. from functioning at full strength. I hope that the withdrawal of my nomination will allow this important office to be filled promptly.”

There will be no nominee that would be reasonably acceptable to President Obama who will receive support from any Republicans.  President Obama refuses to accept the obvious that the Republicans will almost unanimously object to anything that he proposes.  He needs to stand up for what he believes in.

The second example of President Obama caving in to the Republicans and fear mongers is the increasing likelihood that he will overrule Attorney General Holder with respect to the civilian trial of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed.  The White House acknowledges that it is reviewing Attorney General Holder's decision, and there have been reports circulating that a decision to overrule the decision to try Khalid Shaikh Mohammed in civilian courts will be announced soon.  In his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee today, he said that a civilian trial of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is still a possibility and went on to defend his decision for a civilian trial.  Here is a Los Angeles Times report.  Attorney General Holder's decision was the right one and his argument for it is logical and compelling.  The only reasons for objecting are fear mongering and politicizing.  Those are not reasons to move away from the principled and correct decision.  There is still time for President Obama to do the right thing on this issue, but I am not hopeful.

Thanks for reading and please comment,
The Unabashed Liberal