It wasn't all Obama - much of it was Shrub jr. However things certainly haven't gotten any better under obama on those topics.

I think you may have hit on the key point: it doesn't matter who's in the position, the position itself has acquired too much power.

+Jefferey Cave Very true. America is playing the rogue state quite a bit.

I really don't think America has a particular problem relative to any other country. I just think the recent fear experienced by a large portion of the population can serve as an useful example of why leaders should always be distrusted, and constrained in their power, not just when the leader is disliked.

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.