If you want to remind yourself why you worked for Barack Obama's election (and the election of the Democrats who supported him by passing the necessary legislation), if you want to see what a true progressive agenda looks like, scroll down this list and realize: this was in 22 months and in the face of the most hostile Congress any president has faced in modern history. If you are still convinced Barack Obama is a failure and sellout, so be it. But, if you think even a quarter of this list represents real progress for America, perhaps you'll also decide that supporting the President over the next two difficult years makes more sense than walking away and surrendering to the Just Say No Republicans. This indeed does turn out to be the hope and change that I voted for.
Arts and Culture Increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to the highest level since 1992. Created an artist corps for public schools. Championed the importance of arts education. Promoted cultural diplomacy.
Banking and Financial Reform BROAD POLICY Established the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and reform. Established President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans., Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010., Dodd-Frank (DF) Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the biggest financial reform law since the Great Depression. Managed the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Assigned a Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Act of 2009. Pension relief Act of 2010. Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act., Played a lead role in G-20 Summit re: financial crisis. Reformed deferral rules to curb tax advantages for investing overseas. Established new offshore investment policy that promotes in-sourcing., 1