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Press Room Analysts Review Obama’s First 100 Days
Press Room Analysts Review Obama’s First 100 Days | Analysts Review Obama’s First 100 Days |
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Analysts Review Obama’s First 100 Days By CYNTHIA POST By CYNTHIA POST www.atlantadailyworld.com The Applied Research Center recently launched their analysis and report of President Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office, examining both highs and lows of policy decisions around race and the economy, health care, immigration, and civil rights. The Applied Research Center (ARC) is the largest racial justice think tank in America. A group of panelists praised Obama for measures such as pushing for fair pay for women and health insurance for children, but some noted that there is always room for improvement, particularly in the areas of immigration and foreign policy. Founded in 1981, ARC investigates the hidden racial consequences of public policy initiatives and develops new frameworks to resolve racially charged debates. In conjunction with the release, ARC’s Compact for Racial Justice Forum hosted a panelpress conference call titled “Race In Review” to review policy decisions and provide an analysis April 28. Featured speakers included Angela Glover Blackwell, CEO of Policy Link; Tarso Luis Ramos, director of Research at Political Research Associates; and Deepa Iyer, executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together. “A review of the Obama administration’s activities from closing Guantanamo, to the unfolding of the stimulus plan, to the inclusion of immigrant children in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), along with other major decisions will help us understand this administrations’ priorities, while we analyze whether equity has been the underlying principle behind the change President Obama is bringing,” said Tammy Johnson, director of strategic partnerships with ARC. Johnson moderated the panel. Blackwell, Ramos and Iyer simultaneously praised the Obama administration yet stated there was room for improvement in the areas of immigration and foreign policy. Overall Blackwell was pleased with the Obama administration thus far. “It’s up to us to make the change we need -- to be organized and studious,” said Blackwell. “We need to give thanks when thanks is deserved and be critical when it’s time to be critical.” Obama’s overall performance is definitely above average, said Iyer. There is an unprecedented access to the Obama administration, said Ramos. “We need to take full advantage of this process,” said Ramos. He gave Obama’s first 100 days a B+, because there is always room for improvement, said Ramos. Did Obama push justice for all, or for some? Was justice denied? Or is it still too early to tell? asked Johnson. There were many high points during the first 100 days of the Obama administration, including the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, said Iyer. “The Obama administration is also reaching out to many nations across the planet including those in the Muslim world,” said Iyer. Ramos mentioned the specific appointment of Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis as extremely significant. “And the order to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center is a big shift in foreign policy,” said Ramos. From day one, Obama’s inauguration was extraordinary, said Blackwell. “We saw that the president is a hard worker from the beginning,” said Blackwell. “Obama’s stimulus and recovery package is directly aimed at helping communities of color and all working people which will really make a huge impact. “And this is pretty amazing in the first 100 days,” continued Blackwell. The appointment of Eric Holder as attorney general provides hope for good things to come from the Department of Justice, said Johnson. |
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