Obama’s Peace Prize

President Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to an almost universal “Why?”

If Bill Clinton or Hugh Hefner had won the Piece Prize, no one would be surprised. Their qualifications in that arena are legendary.

But Obama, nominated for the Nobel after less than a month in office, actually winning it? He deserves a place in history as the first non-white president and accolades for his charisma and speaking ability but a Nobel Peace Prize – get serious. Acceptance of the prize puts him at high political risk especially if Afghanistan goes south or another 9-11 occurs on U.S. soil. His inability to fulfill his campaign promises even with huge Democrat majorities in Congress, putting the prestige of the Presidency unwisely on the line in the Harvard professor/Cambridge cops dustup and by flying to Europe in an attempt to sell the Olympic’s 2016 site committee on Chicago, his overexposure in the media and now a farcical Nobel are beginning to make his tenure look like the Seinfeld show or a famous Shakespeare play – all about nothing.

President Clinton, shocked by the historic Republican takeover of the House in 1994, moderated his policies and in cooperation with the new Republican Congress accomplished welfare reform and a balanced budget. One wonders if a similar political upheaval in the 2010 midterm elections would have the same effect on President Obama. That would be worth a prize.

Barack Obama was born in ….?

News Flash! Barack Hussein Obama was not born in Kenya or Hawaii but on a grassy knoll in Dallas or possibly at Graceland in Memphis. No, really, just as some expected, he was born in Bethlehem, ….Pennsylvania.

Obama not born in the USA; this story is covered thoroughly in Wikipedia but save yourself some time and as with all conspiracy theories consider the ludicrous lengths the conspirators would have to go to pull off such a hoax. Proving conclusively his lack of citizenship would overwhelm even the skills of CSI New York and Miami combined.

But let’s say the “Birthers” were successful in disqualifying Obama from holding the office of President. How long would it take for two thirds of the House and Senate and three fourths of the state legislatures, in response to national and international outrage, to approve a retroactive amendment to the Constitution allowing a non native-born citizen to be President; maybe a week, two at the most?

Before anyone gets too excited about the possibility of removing Obama from the Oval Office over the authenticity of a birth certificate, consider who would replace him. Read the Constitution and U.S. law which specifies the order of succession to the Presidency if the office is vacated by death, resignation or inability to serve. The next four in line are one, VP Joe Biden (get serious); two, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (get even more serious); three, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, 92 year old Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia and yes, coming in fourth but standing at the ready, Madam Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Better to spend one’s time working to wrest control of the House from the Democrats in 2010. That would put a check on Obama’s leftist ambitions until 2012 when the people can vote for “Change” again.

Dr. Charles Krauthammer Speaks

I received the below from a friend. It is well worth reading if you are concerned about the policies of the Obama administration. It is well worth reading if you are not concerned because you should be.

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BEGIN QUOTE

Last Monday was a profound evening, hearing Dr. Charles Krauthammer speak to the Center for the American Experiment. He is brilliant intellectual, seasoned & articulate. He is forthright and careful in his analysis, and never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is neither a fear monger nor an extremist in his comments and views. He is a fiscal conservative, and has a Pulitzer prize for writing. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News and writes weekly for the Washington Post. The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have shared this with many of you and several have asked me to summarize his comments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically and internationally. Even 2 Dems at my table agreed with everything he said! If you feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded and have not ‘drunk the Kool-Aid’, feel free.

Here is his resume from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Krauthammer

A summary of his comments:

1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be underestimated. He is a ‘cool customer’ who doesn’t show his emotions. It’s very hard to know what’s ‘behind the mask’. Taking down the Clinton dynasty from a political neophyte was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them.
Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan and Clinton. He has a way of making you think he’s on your side, agreeing with your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attention to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can’t be straightforward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand, and wants to ‘level the playing field’ with income redistribution and punishment to the achievers of society. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain or Canada.

4. His three main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION, &
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE by the Federal government. He doesn’t care about the auto or financial services industries, but got them as an early bonus. The cap and trade will add costs to everything and stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is his healthcare program, because if you make it FREE and add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go through the roof. The only way to control costs is with massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada. God forbid.

5. He’s surrounded himself with mostly far-left academic types. No one around him has ever even run a candy store. But they’re going to try and run the auto, financial, banking and other industries. This obviously can’t work in the long run. Obama’s not a socialist; rather he’s a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of revolution. He ran as a moderate, but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he does, not what he says.

6. Obama doesn’t really see himself as President of the United States, but more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate & coordinate various countries and their agendas. He sees moral equivalency in all cultures. His apology tour in Germany and England was a prime example of how he sees America, as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors. This is the first President ever who has chastised our allies and appeased our enemies!

7. He’s now handing out goodies. He hopes that the bill (and pain) will not ‘come due’ until after he’s reelected in 2012. He’d like to blame all problems on Bush from the past, and hopefully his successor in the future. He has a huge ego, and Mr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcissist.

8. Republicans are in the wilderness for a while, but will emerge strong. We’re ‘pining’ for another Reagan, but there’ll never be another like him. Krauthammer believes Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty & Bobby Jindahl (except for his terrible speech in February) are the future of the party. Newt Gingrich is brilliant, but has baggage. Sarah Palin is sincere and intelligent, but needs to really be seriously boning up on facts and info if she’s to be a serious candidate in the future. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller government, personal responsibility, strong national defense, and states’ rights.

9. The current level of spending is irresponsible and outrageous. We’re spending trillions that we don’t have. This could lead to hyperinflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent them selves into prosperity. The media is giving Obama, Reid and Pelosi a pass because they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due and people will realize the huge bailouts didn’t work, nor will the stimulus package. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama’s allies, unions and the Congress to placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

10. The election was over in mid-September when Lehman brothers failed. fear and panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, and the war was grinding on indefinitely without a clear outcome. The people are in pain, and the mantra of ‘change’ caused people to act emotionally. Any Dem would have won this election; it was surprising it was as close as it was.

11. In 2012, if the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it’s under 8%, the Dems continue to roll. If it’s between 8-10%, it’ll be a dogfight. It’ll all be about the economy.

I hope this gets you really thinking about what’s happening in Washington and Congress. There’s a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, and he encourages us to keep the faith and join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard, but we’re right on most issues and can reclaim our country, before it’s far too late.

END QUOTE

The Obama Presidency

I voted for John McCain but was not really concerned when Barrack Obama was elected President of the United States. His election was a major step toward Rev. Martin Luther King’s dream that one day people “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” His win also diminished the influence of race victim leaders like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Beyond that, had a Republican beaten Obama, there are not enough mental health professionals in the country to deal with the grand funk state of depression that would have affected large numbers of Obomaites across the land. Worse, immediately after a McCain victory, the Democrats would have launched Bush Bashing II only with McCain’s name inserted as the bashee. I’d need mental help too if I had to watch four more years of “the President is dumb” Pelosi and “The war is lost” Reid place politics above country by trying to bring down the Commander-in-Chief.

Besides, based on their record over the past several years, the Republicans did not deserve to win.

My hope now is that the GOP has learned its lesson and can hold off the most egregious parts of the Obama leftwing agenda until the 2010 midterm elections. A Gingrich style Contract with America is needed that clearly lays out a conservative agenda to revitalize the nation without trillion dollar deficits and nanny state Socialism.

We’ll have to wait until 2012 to correct a foreign policy centered on criticizing “American arrogance” in front of international audiences. What Obama calls arrogance, others would label “leadership.” That which is expected from the worlds only super power.

We survived Jimmy Carter and were rewarded with Ronald Reagan. We suffered Bill Clinton but he wrought a Republican take over of the House for the first time in 40 years. President Obama will provide opportunities for a Republican comeback too. The only question is will the Republicans have the integrity and intestinal fortitude to deliver something other that “my turn at the spoils” governance.

Clinton, Bush and Class

I got this one from a friend. At first I thought, “Just get over it, Clinton is gone and so is Bush.” But on the other hand, it shows the difference between class and crass, so worth sharing regardless of the politics of the principals.

Yesterday:

1. Outgoing President George W. Bush quietly boards his helicopter and leaves for Texas, commenting only: “Today is not about me. Today is a historical day for our nation and people.”

Eight years ago yesterday:

1. Outgoing President Bill Clinton schedules two separate radio addresses to the nation, and organizes a public farewell speech/ rally in downtown Washington D.C. scheduled to directly conflict with incoming President Bush’s inauguration ceremony.

Yesterday:

2. President Bush leaves office without issuing a single Presidential pardon, only granting a commutation of sentence to two former border patrol agents convicted of shooting a convicted drug smuggler. He does not grant any type of clemency to Scooter Libby or any other former political aide, ally, or business partner.

Eight years ago yesterday:

2. President Clinton issues 140 pardons and several commutations of sentence on his final day in office. Included in these are: billionaire financier, convicte d tax evader, and leading Democratic campaign contributor Marc Rich; Whitwater scandal figure Susan McDougal; Congressional Post Office Scandal figure and former Democratic Congressman Dan Rostenkowski; convicted bank fraud, sexual assault and child porn perpetrator and former Democratic Congressman Melvin Reynolds; and convicted drug felon Roger Clinton, the President’s half-brother.

Yesterday:

3. The Bush daughters leave gift baskets in the White House bedrooms for the Obama daughters, containing flowers, candy, stuffed animals, DVD’s and CD’s, and heartfelt notes of encouragement and advice for the young girls on how to prepare for their new lives in the White House.

Eight years ago Yesterday:

3. Clinton and Gore staffers rip computer wires and electrical outlets from the White House walls, stuff piles of notebook papers into the White House toilets, systematically remove the letter “W” from every computer key-pad in the entire White House, and damage several thousand dollars worth of furniture in the White House master bedroom.

Eight years

Headlines On This Date 4 Years Ago:

“Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees”

“Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times”

“Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary Americans get the shaft”

Headlines Today:

“Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $170 million”

“Obama Spends $170 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party”

“Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate”

“Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration

Obama Hope

While I voted for John McCain, I fully recognize the worldwide significance of overwhelmingly electing our first non-white President. It may overcome any concerns, and I have many, about the policies he may pursue in concert with the left leaning congressional leaders Pelosi and Reid. What President Obama will actually do is yet to be determined but for the sake of the nation, I hope he governs from the center, not the left.

There may be a corollary benefit to Barack Obama’s election. Hopefully, it will end or at least begin to end the Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton led race based victim hood business and truly fulfill Rev. Martin Luther King’s dream that people will be judged on the “content of their character” rather than the color of their skin. Along this line, read the Seattle PI Op Ed by Emeritus UW Professor Hubert Locke “A Letter to My Dad” and then read a response letter-to-the editor from Robert Bailey “Locke feels belated pride in US”.

There is a real divide between primarily older African-Americans who trace their roots back to slavery and preach a victim hood that can never be overcome and most everyone else. Barack Obama falls into the latter category but he inspires the former and their progeny. If he does nothing else but replace “victim” with “yes, we can”, he will have made a significant contribution.

Election Bitterness

There is some bitterness in the land from the results of last Tuesday’s election. Below are two examples. One an e-mail sent to a friend of mine and another published in The American Spectator. Hopefully this will fade with time but may well be replaced by fear and concern. The nation has rolled the dice for change and will get it from the Left. Can 2010 come too soon?

First, the e-mail:

“Orson was in my platoon as a second Lt. at Quantico. A North Carolina
Republican who spent five years in the Hanoi Hilton with McCain. Ran for
Congress on Hawaii–and come within two percent. Then served on the FCC.”

To all:
Recovering from defeat. Suspect it will take a while. Have no intentions
to continue to send to my email list, but thought this below sums up my
worst fears. Thank you all for tolerating my missives, hanging in there
and (most of you) supporting John McCain.
The simple truth is the nation’s majority, including a large number of
“takers” and idealistic young people who, at this point in life, haven’t a
clue, voted for a rank amateur of questionable leanings and philosophy over
a tried and tested man who is incredibly bright, courageous and of great
character and integrity — a man who has an extraordinary life of serving
his country.
It is hard to understand — even with the hatred of George Bush — it
defies logic, and is heavy on emotion. A dear friend of mine and Angie
who is as staunch and active Republican as they come wrote the following to
us and other friends:
“This was been an unusual week for me. (Deleted) died 6 years ago today,
(deleted) and I would be married 50 years on Saturday and our Nation died
on Tuesday. ….. I will stop at the Board of Elections and remove my name
from the voting list. I will never again participate in a process that
insults the John McCains, (former POWs) and millions of others who have
worn the uniform of this Nation and their families who have sacrificed so
much to maintain this great Christian Nation. Since the party first
Democrats, minorities and uninformed young people believe that a young,
inexperienced, unproven, radical, Muslin heritage, smooth talking person
can and should be trusted with the leadership of this country over an
experienced American patriot who has spent his life leading and protecting
our heritage leaves no place for me. I will regroup and enjoy the rest of
my life with my loved ones. I have given enough to this Nation.” (My
edits above for privacy reasons)
It would be good to keep in touch with you, but not in so burdensome a
manner as with my frequent messages. We have much work to do. November
10th is the 233rd anniversary of our beloved United States Marine Corps,
and November 11th is the 42 anniversary of my being shot down over North
Vietnam and captured. I am a product of history as are we all. I will be
celebrating the Corps on several occasions beginning tomorrow. I treasure
my friendships.
Blessings to you this holiday season, be well, and keep in touch.
Semper Fi,
Orson

And from The American Spectator an article by Quin Hillyer, “Saul Alinsky Takes The White House”

Bashing George W. Bush

The Wall Street Journal published an opinion piece by Jeffrey Shapiro that reflrcts on the public and political treatment of George W. Bush. President Elect Obama should read it.

An excerpt:

“The treatment President Bush has received from this country is nothing less than a disgrace. The attacks launched against him have been cruel and slanderous, proving to the world what little character and resolve we have. The president is not to blame for all these problems. He never lost faith in America or her people, and has tried his hardest to continue leading our nation during a very difficult time.

Our failure to stand by the one person who continued to stand by us has not gone unnoticed by our enemies. It has shown to the world how disloyal we can be when our president needed loyalty — a shameful display of arrogance and weakness that will haunt this nation long after Mr. Bush has left the White House.”

Colin Powell Endorses “The One”

I have great respect for former Secretary of State General Colin Powell. He has a long record of honorable service to the nation including key positions in the Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43 administrations. Never known as a conservative, his politics are liberal Republican at best and since his endorsement of Obama on “Meet the Press”, perhaps not even that.

Some bloggers and talk radio hosts say he did it because of race but I doubt that. Catholics voted for Kennedy, Mormons supported Romney, many women wanted Hillary and African-Americans, already overwhelmingly in the Democrat camp, are hard over for Obama; all perfectly understandable. All things being equal, Powell might have used race as his tiebreaker but his reasons for endorsing Obama were through a liberal lens not a racial one. It is those views that are subject to challenge.

The Republican Party has moved too far right. Really! Then how come McCain is the Republican nominee for president? He defeated several candidates to his right – Hunter, Brownback, Thompson, Romney.

McCain was unsure as to how to deal with the economy. And who was, Barney Frank? McCain was at least willing to enter the fray while Obama said “Call me if you need me.” Obama has a history of voting “present.”

Sarah Palin is not ready to be president. Powell has known McCain for years. He met with Obama at least twice. But he never talked to Governor Palin. Did he rely on Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson’s edited interviews? Or did he just not like her non East Coast worldview? He certainly gave her no slack for her shaky start on the national stage but calls the often wrong still gaff prone after a quarter century on the same stage Biden ready for the Oval Office.

He would have difficulty with two more conservative judges on the Supreme Court. Apparently, two liberal judges would be just fine. To be fair, he seeks diplomatic balance in everything. Which is the better judicial or political philosophy does not count.

He is concerned about some anti Muslim expressions from some Republicans. Yet he seems unconcerned about Obama’s long time association with radicals like Rev. Wright, an avowed terrorist like William Ayers or far left groups such as ACORN. I don’t think Obama is a secret Muslim but I understand why people are concerned since the primary source of terrorist activity in the world today is radical Islam.

Obama has intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge and would be a transitional figure. Age and race make Obama a transitional figure but his entire academic and political life has been immersed in the influence of the far left. As the saying goes “Can the leopard change its spots?”

The good general is buying into a dream; a hope against hope that “The One” can meet the Everest high expectations assigned to him. If Obama wins, reality will be a rude awakening.

Also see Obama, End of American Racism

McCain Rides High in Saddlebrook

It’s been almost a week since the debate of sorts hosted by Rev. Rick Warren at Saddlebrook Church in California. It may have been a turning point in the campaign for the White House if the jump in the polls for McCain is any indication. For sure, it was a demonstration why Barack “I’ll debate John McCain anywhere, any time” Obama has flipped on his bravado. Now it seems, we will get the same old three debate format of past presidential elections. Spare us, please, from the You Tube boobs asking inane to just plain ridiculous questions. Wouldn’t be a treat to have Rev. Warren be moderator and sole questioner for at least one of the debates?

Frank Luntz, a pollster who appears regularly on Fox’s Hannity & Colmes, suggested that McCain should not give the standard acceptance speech at the Republican Convention. Rather, he should come on stage, at audience level, no notes, no teleprompters, and hold a town meeting. Just talk to the folks. The contrast between such a down to earth appearance and Barack’s mass rally of Obamiacs in the Denver Bronco’s stadium would be stark and telling especially if the teleprompter failed to work.

At Saddleback, Obama appeared to be formulating his positions on the issues as he answered the questions. Nuanced to the point of being a human pretzel. McCain, by contrast, answered questions crisply, with authority. He clearly had thought about the issues, applied his years of experience and was comfortable with his positions. This is a difference voters will see and it will be decisive.