Sticking to His Guns by Sticking it to the Rich, Essay Example

Jamie Stiehm’s blog-post “Obama Must Let Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy Expire” is a spirited example of politically progressive “cheer-leading.” The blog basically stands as a shout-out for President Obama to hold fast to progressive ideas. In particular, Stienm voices his opinion that John Kerry should be appointed as the next Secretary of State and that this is a pivotal decision for Obama because at this moment Obama is being watched very closely by the world at large to see what kind of second term President he intends to be. Stiehn’s opinion is based on his assessment that Kerry, as Chairmen of the Foreign Relations Committee is the best candidate for the job. The tone of the blog is decidedly slanted toward a progressive agenda and it is through this single issue, that Stiehm recommends Kerry over Susan Rice that any hint of criticism toward President Obama can be inferred.

Additionally, the main point of the blog is to rally progressive support around the notion that President Obama’s second term should reflect a more decidedly progressive agenda. This is partially based on the feeling of national (and global) support for the President: “A BBC survey during the run-up to the election found remarkable support for an Obama second term.” (“World Cheers Obama’s Re-Election;” A14). The most significant recommendation of the blog has to do with the impending political struggle over the issue of the “fiscal cliff” that is presently on everyone’s radar in Washington. The blog suggests that Obama’s decision to raise taxes on the wealthy is not only good policy, but tat it represents a political “Rubicaon” for progressives. In other words, Stiehm sees the issue of tax-hikes on the wealthy as necessary from an economic point of view but also highly desirable from a political point of view.

He writes: “here’s the line in the sand for Obama and all ye faithful supporters: He absolutely must stick to his guns and let the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy expire” (Stiehm). The idea of a “line in the sand” is also meant to foster the idea that Obama’s second term is a good time to begin resisting conservative influence. Since tax-cuts for the wealthy are the central tenant of contemporary conservative policy, Stiehm’s opinions reflect a markedly progressive agenda.

Works Cited

Stiehm, Jamie. “Obama Must Let Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy Expire” (11-27-2012). Thomas Jefferson Street Blog; accessed 11-27-12. http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/Jamie-Stiehm/2012/11/27/obama-must-let-bush-tax-cuts-for-the-wealthy-expire

“World Cheers Obama’s Re-Election; Continuity of Leadership Offers Reassurance to Other Nations; ELECTIONS 2012.” St Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) 8 Nov. 2012: