(Reviewed by JD Jung)
We all know those who refuse to acknowledge the vast accomplishments of the Obama presidency, even though the facts stare them right in the face. I personally think it is due to racism, but it is not for me to guess people’s motives. I have found many such residents and citizens even in my “blue” state of California.
Therefore it was nice to find this book. Philadelphia Daily News Editor, Michael I. Days objectively documents our forty-fourth president’s accomplishments. He starts each chapter by who the legislation signed has affected, such as workers, veterans, the disabled and elderly. In Part II he spells out accomplishments by issue: defense, diplomacy, justice, labor, education, housing and urban development, transportation, homeland security and agriculture. Part III centers on health reform and energy and the environment.
Though succinct, Days goes into the detail of President Obama’s appointments and signed legislation. He includes a biography of each of his Supreme Court appointments and the background of the legislation including those individuals and organizations who were behind the various bills.
Though he includes quotes to show Obama’s long-term vision, he mainly uses actual instances of what he achieved. Some of the executive actions were limited to federal employees and contractors, as Congress refused to enact laws to benefit workers (such as paid sick leave) in the private sector.
The book concludes with a long but concise timeline which will be especially useful in proving your point to those who refuse to read this book. Unfortunately, I have found that most “Obama – haters” refuse to debate the issues, but speak about the former President solely on emotional terms.
Since this book centers on accomplishments, as the title states, Days does not spend time on what I believe is one of the most important aspects of what a president should possess , and what President Obama indeed embodies. That is an outstanding character.
I recommend Obama’s Legacy: What He Accomplished as President to all Americans. It will remind us in years to come what a president should exemplify .
