Obama’s Legacy

Art by Ray Webster

Barack Obama is an American politician and attorney who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African-American to hold the office of President in the United States. Prior to his presidency, Obama served as a senator from Illinois from 2005 to 2008. He is also a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Obamas legacy has changed the world in so many ways. Let's take an unbiased look at that legacy.

Achievements:

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) - commonly known as Obamacare, it aimed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to millions of Americans who were previously uninsured.

2. Economic Recovery - Obama's administration helped steer the country out of the Great Recession by implementing measures such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

3. Marriage Equality - Obama's administration supported and advocated for the legalization of same-sex marriage, which was eventually passed by the Supreme Court in 2015.

4. Climate Change - Obama's administration introduced the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions in the US and combat climate change.

5. Diplomacy - Obama's administration restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, negotiated the Iran nuclear deal, and reached an agreement with China on climate change.

Criticism:

1. Immigration - Obama's administration faced criticism for its deportation policies, which saw a record number of undocumented immigrants being deported.

2. Foreign Policy - Obama's administration was criticized for its handling of the Syrian refugee crisis, the Benghazi attack, and the rise of ISIS in the Middle East.

3. Drone Strikes - Obama's administration authorized numerous drone strikes, which resulted in civilian casualties and raised questions about the legality and morality of such actions.

4. Gun Control - Obama's administration faced opposition from gun rights advocates for its efforts to implement stricter gun control laws.

5. Partisan Gridlock - Obama's presidency was marked by political polarization and partisan gridlock, which hindered the passage of key legislation and initiatives.

In summary, Obama's legacy is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative aspects.