Obama's Legacy on Civil Liberties: A Historical Perspective
Will history remember Obama's record on civil liberties as one of progress or as a mixed legacy? The answer to this question is not as clear-cut as it might seem, particularly when it comes to issues such as gay marriage and civil rights.
Provisional Judgments on Obama's Civil Liberties Record
It's fair to say that Barack Obama's presidency has been a mixed bag when it comes to civil liberties. If you're a fan of the legalization of gay marriage, you might be inclined to view his presidency as a significant step forward. However, for most other issues, the jury is still out, and this is particularly true when it comes to the broader conversation about civil liberties.
Obama's administration is often remembered as being 'bad but not as bad' as previous administrations. This sentiment leads to a difficult task of determining whether his presidency was fundamentally flawed or if it was merely part of a larger effort to improve the system.
Civil Liberties Under Obama
One of the most contentious issues during his presidency, and one that raises serious concerns about civil liberties, was the use of drone assassinations. These operations, while controversial, are generally considered less of a violation of personal liberties than the massive invasions and interventions carried out by the previous administration under George W. Bush.
The question remains: will the next five presidents be any better or worse when it comes to civil liberties? The answer is uncertain, and it's a fair point to argue that no president who orders assassinations can do anything correct. However, this view might be seen as too pessimistic and not practical.
Guantanamo Bay: A Continuing Controversy
The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay remains a contentious issue. Is Obama genuinely trying to close it, or is he merely stymied by the inner workings of our government? Or is he lying and delaying the process? Only time will tell, and the truth is likely to be complex. Similar controversies surround other policies, such as the handling of whistleblowers and the war on drugs.
For instance, has the administration arrested more whistleblowers or fewer? Is it policing Wall Street more or less? Is the persecution of the drug war better or worse now? We have a good idea of the answers, but they are not entirely clear and unequivocal. Similarly, the effectiveness of movements like Occupy, the disintegration of the Republican party under Obama's watch, and the long-term impact of these events are all subjects of ongoing debate.
A Big Step Forward: Gay Marriage
One area where Obama's legacy is particularly clear is in the progress made on the issue of gay marriage. This issue has shifted dramatically during his presidency, going from a fringe issue to a central tenet of American freedom for more than half the population. This change has largely been attributed to the impact of Obama and his policies.
While there are certainly those who may not view this as progress, even they would acknowledge that a significant change has occurred, and it happened rather quickly. The active encouragement of tolerance for homosexuality and marriage equality under the Obama administration is a notable achievement.
In conclusion, history will undoubtedly provide a more comprehensive assessment of Obama's presidency, especially in terms of civil liberties. However, it is certain that his leadership has played a significant role in the progress made on important issues such as gay marriage.