My 6 Month State of Obama

Tomorrow, President Obama visits New Jersey to promote our governor's re-election and we have tickets. I took off from work. The kids chose to see the president instead of attending the camp they love.

It's nine months since he was elected and six months since he was sworn in. My partner is disappointed because she expected Obama to do more on gay rights, the wars and the economy. My son still worships Obama and my daughter firmly thinks Hillary was the better choice because she's a woman. I remain optimistic about Obama.

I am disappointed by Obama's defense of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). I am angry he has not repealed "don't ask, don't tell" and as a federal employee, I've already stated the brouhaha concerning the supposed "benefits" he bestowed upon gay employees was fooey.

But the climate in the country and in government has changed. Black guys I work with are more proud. Black women too; but men more. Mostly, more people are optimistic. I work with colleagues not quite as varied as NJ's multi-diverse population but quite varied nonetheless. Even quite conservative white guys are cautiously hopeful. We're all understandably reserved and some are tightly holding their breaths.

I exhaled deeply in January and have been breathing steadily since. I think Obama has much to deal with. I want him to inhale and focus and exhale. I want him to concentrate on a few issues rather than trying "to be all things to all men." I am not expecting miracles. (Although, I concede many are.)

I am disappointed about the gay stuff but in the world scheme, these are less. I would like to see Obama work pointedly on the economy and on foreign affairs: Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea and Pakistan. Health care can wait. The environment can wait. Much can wait.

I want him to take a deep breath, followed by a slow exhale. I want him to focus. I am optimistic and given a chance tomorrow, will tell him so. If not, I've said it here in my own little world on my own little piece of cyberspace. The present is better than the eight years, now thankfully, past.