The celebrations of Dreamers and other beneficiaries of yesterday's immigration reform announcement are timely reminders that President Obama's actions have brought moments of unalloyed joy throughout his time in office. Three that come to mind (in reverse chronological order) are the Executive Order on Immigration, the Supreme Court Decision on DOMA and the passage of the ACA.
Let those of mean spirit and diminished compassion scream and rend their garments. Let them compete for the Republican nomination for President by trying to prove they are the most intolerant and punitive. Let hate radio spew threats of impeachment.
We prefer to celebrate.
Let those who say there is no difference between President Obama and McCain, Romney or Bush look at the videos below and ask whether they truly believe that.
We prefer to celebrate.
I was thinking of writing a diary wondering about how this country became so mean and stupid. (Exhibit A -- Poll showing an increase to 52% for Americans who don't think the federal government's responsibility is to provide health care for all.)
Instead, I prefer to celebrate.
Here are immigration reform supporters cheering at the White House.
Here is Edith Windsor, the DOMA plaintiff, leading the cheering in New York after the decision.
And here is Nancy Pelosi, with John Lewis, carrying the 1965 Medicare gavel to the vote on the ACA:
Screw the midterms.
Celebrate Joy.