Judging the president

Judging the president, Sunday, Sept. 17 Kansas City Star letter to the editor

History always judges presidents. The judgment comes after their work is done. So how can we judge President Barack Obama today?

I have been a history teacher and political activist for nearly 50 years. One of my observations about presidents is that the more sweeping the changes, the louder the outcry from their opponents. Based on this, Obama is delivering on his promise.

He saved the nation from economic collapse brought on by the unsound policies that had wiped away safeguards put into effect during the New Deal. This alone should rank him as one of our greatest presidents.

However, he followed that by doing what Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson all failed to do: develop national health care for America.

This ranks him with Franklin Roosevelt and Social Security. This accomplishment would make him one of our greatest presidents.

He still has much to do, but remember — he has been in office for only two years.

The attacks will continue, but that just means he is not afraid to take on the people who want to destroy America for their personal gain.

Richard Tatro

Kansas City, Kan.