With every passing day, a single word keeps coming to mind as I watch Barack Obama and his Administration and what they are doing and saying, especially its economic actions and predictions – they have yet to be right.
I believed during the campaign that Obama was an empty suit, a man of high ambition and virtually no real world executive experience. He seemed a product of (as are we all) those with whom he had been raised, worked and educated. His points of reference were his schooling, very radical associates, radical teachings, a confusing childhood at best, an apparent bitterness that too often seems race-based and fueled by the teachings of his mentors, and all that is Chicago-style in politics.
The Obama campaign was a very impressive, first class advertising project selling the proverbial “pig in a poke”. The American people made a risky purchase without inspecting the item beforehand, a job an objective press might have helped accomplish, but it failed in its responsibility, perhaps not unintentionally.
I sensed too many voters seemed to have an “American Idol” mentality that could lay the ground work to destroy our Country. We were trying to elect the leader of the free world, our President, not select the winner of a television talent contest. Tragically, American Idol won.
Obama is a dream-come-true for his radical associates and mentors. To paraphrase Obama*, “he is the one they have been waiting for.” He is all their radicalism beautifully and acceptably packaged -- an attractive, charismatic, questionably well educated and charming personality.
Obama is the Perfect Pied Piper -- his quick smile, teleprompter eloquence and his insidiously cunning and duplicitous skills and attractiveness make him an effective front man for the radical agenda of the likes of Saul Alinsky, Bill Ayres and the Reverend Wright. It seems evident that lots of “pigs in a poke” are forthcoming. When the Pied Piper was asked by the leaders of the village how he would accomplish his promised achievements, he replied, “I will use my charm.”
Obama is charming. His ability to cast aside truth and say anything, even contradict himself, if he thinks it will win the day with many different audiences, is alarming. He is conniving and deceitful.
He and his allies are all about power. They wish to radically and forever change the America that we know. If successful, their damage may be irreversible. Unfortunately, we are allowing them a good beginning.
Promises, strong-armed tactics, deceit and gullible people are the means to to that power. Obama has a collectivist mentality for the masses. He, of course, like his political allies, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Reid et al, would impose collectivism on us, but exclude themselves.
He seemingly knows little of the history and the sacrifices of our people and Country that made it possible for him to be where he is. As to that history, his conduct in office indicates that, if he indeed knows of it, there is little evidence that he respects and honors it.
His mentors and advisors count on their arrogant use of power, a duplicitous mainstream media and voter gullibility. Obama believes his charm and ability to manipulate those followers are irresistible. However, his arrogance and air of superiority may be being noticed by those masses, thus the rush to get his programs through.
I recently visited Arlington National Cemetery, a frequent act which serves to remind me of the blessings of being an American. Visiting there among graves of lots of friends is a reality check as to what is important in life.
Accompanying out of town friends there on their first visit on the 4th of July, we visited the grave site of President Kennedy. As I read his inscribed, inspiring words about our Country speaking of the challenges ahead, about sacrifices and courage, I could not help but wonder how the Democrat Party had gone so far astray from Kennedy, an intellect steeped in our history, who served her in war time, attractive, inspiring and also very charming. In contrast, Barack Obama’s first 8 months in office have been highlighted by his dangerous domestic and economic policy initiatives, arrogance, embarrassing conduct in foreign affairs and his continuous apologies to other countries, some avowed enemies. He is likely particularly offensive to the vast majority of our armed forces veterans who have served, fought, suffered and sacrificed for the Country.
Obama and friends are on a mission and it bodes ill for the United States. He has an unstoppable majority in Congress. It is up to the citizens to rise up and stop him. 2010 elections can bring it to a halt. In the meantime, we need to more strongly say “no” to his destructive policies and hopefully give Members of Congress the courage to also say no.
Oh, that single word that keeps coming to mind when I think of Obama and his Administration.
“Incompetence” ……..Just as I suspected during the campaign.
*“We are the ones we have been waiting for.” Barack Obama
Speech following Super Tuesday results, Feb 5, 2008.
Orson Swindle is a former Federal Trade Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and career Marine Corps officer. Highly decorate for valor and performance, he was held a prisoner of war in Hanoi, Vietnam for over six years. He is a close personal friend of Senator John McCain and worked as a volunteer on McCain’s presidential campaign.
