I've spent the last hour trying to figure out just the right way to begin this gloom and doom article about the impending Obama presidency. The only thing I can focus on is the fact that my Microsoft Word® program keeps underlining "Obama" as a misspelled word. Shouldn't any candidate worth his ketchup at least have his name be recognized by the most widely used word processor in the world?
I guess that ought to be the last the question I should be asking about this candidate and this campaign. It does, however, bring up the question of how a guy who made a speech few years ago as a state senator running for a U.S. Senate seat is now on track to become the president. How did we get here? What will it mean?
I'd be remiss if I didn't blame the media first and foremost. I'm pretty sure they're liberals, but I'm not sure that's their reason for their love affair with Barack Obama. They could have easily picked Hillary to get behind.
Nope, I think Barack Obama allows the media to go on at least a four-year witch hunt where they will personally expose every racist person they can find whether the charges are accurate or not. It will be McCarthyism all over again and the hearings will play out on CNN and MSNBC 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you disagree with President Obama … YOU'RE A RACIST.
Don't believe me? Obama surrogates like Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha have already called entire regions of the country racist because they support McCain. The news media even turned our "first black president" into the leader of the white separatist movement in a matter of weeks at the beginning of the primary season. Poor Bill Clinton was at a loss for words for the first time in his life when he was labeled a racist for supporting his WIFE instead of Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. The media had a field day.
After the media I blame Democrats. All of you. You're so damn angry because you didn't win in 2000 and 2004 that you threw your principles away just to win. You're in a blind fury right now and some day soon you're going to wake up and realize what you've done. What else can I say? As a party you've turned into a rebellious 16-year-boy filled with anger and confusion. It's time for you to grow up. Your decision here will be that chance for you to do so.
Talk to any Democrat about presidential elections and they'll give you two ideals they think all elections should live by. First, unelected officials at the top of the power structure shouldn't pull strings to give elections to those who did not earn them. And second, the person with the most votes should win.
I'm obviously talking about the Florida fiasco in 2000, where the United State Supreme Court had to decide the fate of the election. That same year Al Gore won the popular vote, but failed to win the Electoral College. The election of 2004 had its mix of more of the same on a smaller scale. Needless to say, Democrats are very wary of how elections should be conducted. At least I thought so.
Weeks before the Democratic convention, party leaders had declared Obama the nominee even though Hillary Clinton had garnered more votes. I had to laugh when I saw the Democrats all of sudden pulling the very same tricks they claim Republicans pulled in 2000 on members of their own party. So much for integrity, I guess.
Hillary and Bill were dumped by the party with one of them hugely in debt and the other marked a racist. Bill has since repaired as much of the damage as he could, but Hillary hasn't fared so well. When Barack Obama told "Joe the Plumber" he'd like to "spread the wealth," you can only imagine that Hillary took him at his word and got quite excited. Too bad for Hillary Barack does not "walk the walk" with that message. Her campaign debt is, from some accounts, still growing due to penalties sought by unpaid vendors. I guess she'll have to hope that situation will change once Barack Obama is elected.
This blind fury that has gripped the Democrats has closed their minds to Obama's actual goals. Obama's plan to increase taxes on income for the rich is only made sweeter by a plan to increase taxes on capital gains and dividends as well. He's declared all-out war on making money and our economy will suffer greatly for it. I'd like to say he'd at least be able to redistribute that wealth, but when there's no money left to take, you can't necessarily give it away, now can you?
Obama's admission that he's all for paying those people who don't work out of the pockets of those people who do work in order to get elected is scary. Punishing the entrepreneurial spirit and the quest to build and sell a better product is the exact opposite of what our founding fathers had in mind. So why are the Democrats so enthused with a guy who would seek to quell that American spirit through taxes? Does no one remember why we started and fought the Revolutionary War? We could have saved our ancestors a grueling trip across the Atlantic had they known that one day we'd decide we liked being taxed into poverty just like they were in Europe.
How do we entice someone to go out there and invent the next product that saves or improves people's lives when they will be unfairly taxed for their efforts? How do you encourage kids to endure four years of college if the extra money they earn for their academic achievements is taken and given to those who did not put out the effort?
Do you know how to get rid of class envy? You make everybody the same class. And you can't make everybody rich, so there's only one place left to go – everybody is poor. What a wonderful world that would be. You get the butter, I'll get the knives – we'll start practicing carving statues of Stalin right after dinner.
God forbid we keep this country as the one place on earth that you can be born the son of dish washer and die a billionaire. It hasn't just happened once, it happens all the time. Why are Democrats going crazy over a guy who wishes to take that opportunity away?
All that I write here will be viewed by cloudy eyes that refuse to believe the realities Barack Obama brings. America's coal industry has learned today that they are to be bankrupted by a President Obama. You may laugh this off, but those in the industry will not. Their jobs have been threatened by the guy who's most likely going to be the next President of the United States, the most powerful man in the world. In a time when job losses are mounting, it's disheartening to think a possible future leader of ours wishes to make the problem worse.
Often presidents issue threats, but rarely do they threaten their own hardworking people.
This blind fury has created a monster electorate bent on revenge instead of America's progress. The intentions of our nation's founders and their subsequent term paper on that subject mean nothing to Obama supporters. Will we lose our liberty for their vengeful win? "Win at all costs" is their mantra. Beat those Republicans even if it means our freedom.
Mark Osborne
November 3, 2008
Excellent article and, unfortunately, spot on.
We can only hope that Obama will do exactly as he says and damage our economy so severely that he will be a one-term president. It will take decades to undo some of the damage, and the rest, we will never be able to undo.
For example, we can expect Boeing's next aircraft to be assembled in India or China instead of in Washington State. Expect entrepreneurs in every industry to avoid the trouble of innovating. Expect fewer doctors and more lawyers. Expect less investment in the stock market and the housing industry.
Bottom line: Expect less prosperity and more government.
larry
November 3, 2008
God help us all. I sense a "Tea Party" may be in order!!! Which states will stand up to accept the secessionism that is going to erupt!
Charlie Wakeem
November 4, 2008
No one else could have said it better. Kudos for such an outstanding analysis.
maleducado
November 4, 2008
But I thought you liked McCarthyism, isn't he your hero figure? No matter, with him out of the way the road is now clear for us commIes to take over the world...bwah ha ha ha ! !
In case you weren't paying attention, that "blind...electorate bent on revenge" IS America. But I'm sure under your McCarthyist vision of government all Americans that don't agree with your sour grapes would be sent to the Gulags, erh.. uh... Guantanamo.
NPT, why do you print this stuff.??..doesn't it better belong on some apocolyptic white supremacist survivalist website?? Print more stories about porn instead.
browseelpaso.com
November 4, 2008
Can't we all just get along? The apathy in the U.S. stems from all this crazy bi-partisanship. Ok, Obama wins, when is it time to get behind a President and move forward instead of acting like bitter children and takes the ball and walks home. Good luck to whomever wins, but do we need 4 more years of bickering? The whole world is watching us divide.
Fred Locke
November 4, 2008
Great article. It has everything. Ignoring facts, willful ignorance, unsubstantiated visions of doom. Keep a fire extinguisher handy when reading, because with this many straw men it's a sure fire hazard.
My favorite? That after 8 years of this disastrous presidency, anyone in the Republican party is qualified to make a sound judgement on any candidate of any party.
Ken
November 4, 2008
As a whole, every day our country gets fatter & dumber. The real horse race is which is happening at a faster pace. Based on Obama's ability to even be considered for the most powerful position in the world, my money is on dumber winning in a landslide. Go ahead and eat your cake today, because tomorrow you won't be able to afford it.
Dwayne Cates
November 4, 2008
WOW!!
One of the best articles I have read in some time.
Until now, I dont think I have really taken seriously the anger the dems have.
I just wanted to thank you for such a well written article for me to share with people.
Dwayne
Merrill Lynch
jimmy
November 4, 2008
why is it that when you try to explain that higher taxes will effect the country detrimentally, my democrat friends seem to cover their ears and ignore basic economic tenants? Being a econ major, why cant people understand that raising taxes in a recessionary economy is extremely dangerous. Dont believe me? Look at what happened to Japan at the end of the 1980's. Extremely low interest rates combined with a slowing economy, the Japanese govt decided to raise taxes dramatically and boost govt spending in an effort to jump start the economy. This situation, much like the one we are in a precursor to, caused a 13 year recession that Japan barely was able to dig itself out of a few years ago. With an increase in taxes on the top 5%, did we forget that the top 10% pay 70% of the taxes in this country? With less income to those in the top percentile range, do you think that they will be able to invest in companies which in turn will allow these companies to hire less people.
I agree with the article in that, we are diminishing basic capitalistic tenets of hard work and advancement with the possiblity of a more socialist type economy. More govt subsidies and industry protectionism will add huge deadweight losses to our already struggling GDP, and as the world becomes more competative, just watch as the in the US jobs take flight to more leissez-faire markets. The sad fact of the matter is that the world isnt fair. Some people are better equiped than others, so naturally they stand the chance of advancing more. I dont believe that either nominee has very good econ policies, but McCain's are far less detrimental than that of Obama's. With McCain, you run the possibility of hyper-inflation, but with Obama, youre looking at a depression. Excuse me, but ill take hyper inflation. Ive been coming to terms with the idea that Obama will win and i really really really hope that some economists somewhere knock some sense into him. I dont think there is any need to fight with one another, but why cant we have open discussions and share viewpoints instead of calling eachother marxists or members of the religious right? In the end, my friends will always be my friends and the end result of politics will be a change in my taxes, but isnt that enough reason to think rationally.
Joe Olvera
November 4, 2008
Some people just don't get it. Why should we vote for John McCain, when we have a better candidate in Barack Obama? What a revolting diatribe this David K thrust upon us. David, don't you see that with Obama's victory, we minorities might someday even have a chance for some of our children to be elected President of the United States? Elect John McCain and what changes? Absolutely nothing. Black kids, brown kids, Native American kids, Asian kids - you name them - now have a chance at being elected the leader of the free world. All that b.s. from David K is taken right out of the books of John McCain and his ilk, i.e., Rush Limbaugh, Pat Buchanan, Sean Hannity, Lou Dobbs, Glenn Beck, and other misguided souls who hate anyone who isn't as white as they are.
I used to admire and respect McCain, but, after his attempts to derail Obama's candidacy with his vicious personal attacks, I consider him a total loser. Even if he wins the election, which I doubt, he will still be a total loser. Dirty tricks, dirty politics. When Michelle Obama said she's finally proud of her country, she was speaking as an African American who had faced attack dogs, fire hoses, Jim Crow Laws and powerful hatred/racism that kept minorities from making any progress. Michelle was only stating a fact that we minorities didn't stand a chance at being elected to higher office before Obama. When Cindy McCain stated that she has always been proud of her country, well, let's look at the reality. Cindy McCain - white, multi-millionaire. Michelle Obama - black, came through life the hard way.
Or do you mean to tell me David K that there has never been racism in the United States? I felt that racism too, David K. Remember when the KKK ran El Paso schools and we Chicanos and blacks had the worst schools, the worst books, the lowest paid teachers and the highest dropout rates in our nation? Were you proud of your country then, David K? I'm proud of the U.S.A too, but I'm well aware of its inconsistencies regarding minorities. Do you mean to tell me, David K, that you have forgotten all the b.s. racism that has existed in the U.S., and still does to some extent? Or didn't that racism affect you in any way, shape, or form? I'm assuming David K that you are white? Well, I certainly know where you're coming from. Elect another white man to the Presidency. Don't allow anyone of color to aim for those lofty heights. When the great Chicano writer, Ricardo Sanchez, told his teacher that he wanted to be a writer, she scoffed at him. She just couldn't believe that any Chicano could be a writer. After all, she told Ricardo, what can a Mexican say that hasn't already been said? My, my. Obama for President. Finally, finally, a chance for any dark-skinned child to say that he too wants to become the President of the greatest nation on earth. So, David K, spare me your anger and diatribes. They sound hollow and ridiculous. Vote for McCain if you must. But, don't try to drag us down to your level. Que curadas con este vato que se llama David K. God Bless America, David K - this said by a proud veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces - a dark-skinned veteran, no less. Simon, y que curadas.
JoeOlvera
El Sin Fin
Richard N. Carter
November 5, 2008
David,
The catch phrase "Hitting the Nail on the Head" just does not quite do justice for this article, but it is pretty damn close. The Media can take direct credit for getting Obama elected as President of the U.S.A.
We can equally give credit to the Media when there false Idol fails to deliver as promised becuase they, the Media, heightened and elevated his status and personna to the likes of FDR or Lincoln. FDR or Lincoln he is not, and it will show in the next couple of years when all he has to show for is higher taxes, higher unemployment, and higher distrust amounst his fellow Americans.
Great Article. Keep writing for the little guy who is trying to make a buck and keep most of it.
MR CK
November 5, 2008
Great article. I am not surprised that the voters kicked out most of the incumbents. People want change. I think people want an extreme position. Either fix it or change it. Congress did not listen to the American people. Lobbyist got out of control. Approval rates of Congress plummetted. We need a change alright. My attitude is give me two years of change. It will either be much worse or it will be an indicator of what the majority really wants. Will Israel get thrown under the bus? Probably. Will Leftists get appointed? Probably. Will taxes go up? Definitely. Will my guns be safe? Who knows. The biggest loser in this mess? The Press.
Paul
November 5, 2008
Hey, can I try out your fear goggles when you're done with them? Sounds like they really know how to distort reality. They must be a real hoot! Maybe you can even try selling them, since you're obviously not cut out for journalism.
B.J.
November 5, 2008
First off, I don't consider myself a Democrat, but rather an independent Obama supporter. I can back this up by stating I voted roughly equally between conservatives and liberals on my ballot, just to state an example.
I think you're missing the big picture, which is the role the Republicans played in all this. They wrote their own epitaph for this election and yet so many seem oblivious to it. I was watching on TV last night and a Republican strategist, lamenting in all the losses, hit the nail right on the head: The Republican Party has gone severely off message and has even gone big government.
Republicans are supposed to be about lower spending, allowing for lower taxes. The problem with that the last 8 years is the Iraq War. War is one of the most expensive things a country can do. I know that "universal health care" is expensive and I don't know how much I could support it. However, for what we spend on the Iraq war in a single year, we could provide everyone in America with health insurance at least 3 times over.
In terms of taxation, you clearly overstate it. Yes, the taxation will be more "progressive" (by the way, progressives taxes were originally championed by Teddy Roosevelt, a Republican - and no, I'm not confusing this with the other Roosevelt, FDR). Contrary to what you say, the economy can grow, even when there is a progressive tax system in place, as evidenced by the economic recovery from the Great Depression and the economic growth in the 90s. I would like to see a more fair tax system too, but you can't do that unless you truly lower spending - something the Republican Party has failed to do. You may not like their ideas, but the idea that the Dems are going to turn this country into a communist or socialist state is ridiculous.
The bottom line is, Obama has been speaking to the issues people are concerned about. He is empathizing and is in tune with the heart of the American people. In the meantime, the Republicans don't have a clue what's going on, with McCain more concerned about discrediting Obama rather than focusing on the issues that matter to people this election.
In another year, the attacks on Obama's character might have worked. But every election is different, and in this one, the main concern of the people was NOT government corruption. It was the economy.
lv
November 5, 2008
David K, your bellowing with undertones of selfishness and greed is laughable. You make me kind of sick.
David K
November 5, 2008
Iv,
I really appreciate you taking the time read my article even though it makes you ill. That just shows me how good I really am. It's the people like you who make get up every day. I'm humbled by your physical sacrifice to enjoy my writing.
ACV
November 7, 2008
Mr. Karlsruher,
I am not one to believe that Democrats - Progressives or Liberals alike - are totally appeased to the notion of higher taxes. No one likes tax hikes and I also firmly believe that any increase in taxes in the short term will create more problems within our country.
This is illustrated in the President elects desire to "listen".
I think that the notion of "smarter" government is far more appealing. The current tax code is funk and fortunatly Obama illustrates that it needs to be reconstructed. Under the progressive tax code, Republicans found a way to please their constituents instead of the people. Furthermore, there is nothing to show for their eight years of control in America.
I believe you need to stop blaming Obama and the Dems and blame your party for this mess. Come up with a new platform, hold your Reps responsible and work from there. Don't waste your time typing Obama 100 times in Word to prove a point. It's incedious and a fallacy.
Where do you get your analysis from concerning the destruction of the entrepreneurial spirit in America? As an entrepreneur, I feel less inclined to grow under Republican leadership. Why would I elect a party who is running with a knife? I almost feel that Republican leadership has failed entrepreneurs by thier inability to adapt to a 21st century economic model.
Finally, race talk is necessary in America. No one, not Obama nor his campaign, pulled the golden ticket of race to their advantage. Believe me, had they and it had been effective, he would have lost the primary and the election. It's not the race card when you have to play defense to questions concerning birth place, religion and being called a terrorist. Sir, if that is the race card, lets not dismiss the conversation.