Activists press Obama to stick with change promise

By Associated Press Writer SOPHIA TAREEN (The Associated Press)

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CHICAGO (AP) — With opponents speaking out at health care town halls and "Tea Party" demonstrations, supporters of President Barack Obama gathered Tuesday in the Chicago park where hegave his election night speech to celebrate and encourage his mantra of change.

A group that included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, proponents of immigration reform and gay rights activists signed a letter praising how far Obama has come on health care reform. The letter also asked the president to quickly address issues such as immigration, unemployment and the environment.

"Opposition to significant change is always fierce ... Protectors of the broken status quo predictably attempt to manipulate fear to block reforms in many arenas," the letter read. "On this anniversary of your election we urgently ask that you show ... courage in support of everyday Americans and the common good."

The hometown praise comes as Obama faces scrutiny for not acting quicker on immigration reform, climate change issues and to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military.

Most at Tuesday's rally lauded Obama, including Jackson, who said the president is responsible for a positive shift in global attitudes toward the U.S.

"Given the hand he was dealt, he should be commended," Jackson said in an interview. "But there's unfinished business."

The civil rights leader said there should be a second bailout to help average Americans, instead of just major banks.

Others said they hoped movement on immigration reform would be swift as Obama has vowed to tackle that issue next year.

"We've just gotta make change happen faster, faster than it's been happening," said Juan Salgado, a board member of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Speakers urged activists from a variety of groups to unite behind Obama, saying that would help quell opposition at "Tea Party" protests against big government and health care town hall meetings.

"We've come so far, but we've got so far to go," said William McNary, adirector at Citizen Action/Illinois. "He said, 'Yes, we can,'" not, 'Yes, I can.'"

The letter signing in Grant Park followed an indoor rally where audio clips of Obama's election night speech were played and attendees broke into familiar chants of "Yes, we can!"

For some, it was a chance to bask in the nostalgia of election night, when Obama addressed more than 100,000 at the park.

"Since I missed that celebration I thought I'd get to this one," said Kenneth Williams, 50, a bell captain at a downtown Chicago hotel. He said he has been satisfied with Obama's leadership so far.

"There's always a struggle," he said. "He's got a lot of people battling him."

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On the Net:

http://icirr.org/sites/default/files/ChangeSignOnLetter.pdf