Barack Obama: The First Four Years

ABOUT THE BOOK 


In one sense, it was a win for the nation when United States President Barack Obama was elected to office, and for most Americans, it has probably been a pleasure to see his family in the White House. Even Obamas staunchest opponents likely considered it a national victory when what may have been the final American race barrier was broken. However, the dust has begun to settle, and on April 4, 2011, President Obama announced that he would seek a second term in office by running in the 2012 presidential election. As the Republican Primaries draw to a close, it seems an appropriate time to overview some of the major actions taken by Obama during the first four years of the historic presidency that began with his election on November 4, 2008. 


MEET THE AUTHOR 


An avid generalist with journalism and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, Kim Jarrett specializes in information gathering. Kim is an attorney, freelance legal researcher, and online writing instructor who would rather be a graphic novelist. When she's not spending time with her family or arguing a point, you'll find her drawing, reading Philip K. Dick, or listening to something by Daniel Johnston. http://www.facebook.com/RawStrategies 


EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK 


In early 2010, President Obama made good on a campaign promise to Nevada by stopping funding for the development of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository program. The volcanic ridge about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas has been the leading site candidate for nuclear waste since the 1980s. However, according to The New York Times, the mountain was selected for political, rather than scientific, reasons stemming from a list created by a 1987 Congress that declared the area dry and remote. However, since its selection and substantial construction, it was discovered that water flows through the mountain faster than believed, therefore any nuclear waste stored inside the mountain could pollute the water supply. 


In a bold move that may have injected a dose of sanity into what had become tantamount to throwing money down a bottomless pit, President Obama cut off all federal funding for Yucca Mountain in 2010 and tried to have the sites application removed from consideration, but a federal court found congressional law required consideration of the application. Without funding, the Yucca Mountain project stalled, and in 2012, Senate Republicans introduced legislation aimed at forcing President Obama to declare the site suitable or start repaying utility companies an estimated $35 billion they contributed to the Nuclear Waste Trust Fund. 


CHAPTER OUTLINE


Barack Obama: The First Four Years

+ Introduction

+ Chapter One: Health & Welfare

+ Chapter Two: Presidential Impact Ratings

+ Chapter Three: Obama's Economy

+ ...and much more