In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed bipartisan legislation that reformed welfare. Democrats from Carl Levin to John Kerry, and even Joe Biden supported the bipartisan reforms. President Obama, on the other hand, has been a consistent opponent of the law and recently dismantled the historic bill. When it comes to welfare reform, President Obama is out of step with the country, his party, and even his own Vice President.
The welfare reform package passed by a Republican led House - the days of Newt Gingrich's leadership - was perhaps the single signature legislation in Bill Clinton's presidency. Republicans held his feet to the fire and after two attempts, both vetoed by Clinton, the legislation was finally signed. Clinton would go on to take full credit, of course, once he realized it was indeed truly supported by a majority of Americans.
It is not surprising that then Illinois state senator Barack Obama would oppose such reform. His history is that of a big government, cradle to grave entitlement mentality. He took it upon himself in an election year when his re-election is in question to pander to those who might enjoy sitting out the work requirement of welfare assistance and with the stroke of his executive order pen re-wrote the legislation.
That is how Barack Obama operates. Unable to lead Congress, he governs by executive order and bypasses Congress at every opportunity.
It is time for a change. America deserves better.
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