Posted by
Dan Abbett on Saturday, August 09, 2008 2:49:18 PM
“Just words?” Such was the exclamation from Barack Obama in reaction to a criticism by his then rival for the nomination of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton. Sen. Clinton’s criticism was an inference to Obama’s glowing rhetoric with respect to reality. Even a veteran of the era of “the meaning of is,” recognized the glaring holes in the substance of an Obama proclamation.
Sadly, there is a significant segment of today’s society that believes in words. It is the message they seek, they believe that deeds will surely follow. To them, Barack Obama, is, as his growing image portends, “a messenger from on high.” There seems little value in pointing out Barack Obama's liberal record or his strict adherence to the Democratic Party’s position as a form of criticism. It means nothing to those who also ascribe to this tenet; rather, it gives him stature in their eyes.
Sen. Obama however, seems to have the ability to provide self-inflicted criticism on somewhat of a regular basis. Barack Obama has now exposed himself in a politically injurious way with regard to the greater electorate. He spoke of America in unflattering terms before cheering crowds in Europe. He cosponsors a bill in the Senate that would transfer American productivity to the UN and he tells a little girl that he is running for president because the greatest nation on the planet is not what it once was.
It is key then for those who hold this nation in higher esteem, to cheer America for where it is today, recognize the enormous distance we have traveled from where we began and the potential for the future, should we continue to allow individual effort to achieve its greatest level of accomplishment. Obama does not look at America this way, he has contempt for individual achievement, he seeks to hold it in check.
Obama spoke of the "bitter clingers." It is not those who hold dear their faith and personal freedoms who are bitter however, rather those who lack the ambition to succeed, and believe the successful owe them for their failures. This is Obama's world. This is the contrast that now needs to be made.
As we approach November 2008, regardless of who ultimately wins the election, there will be one nagging question that will never be put to rest. Barack Obama initially ran as a candidate who transcended race. A close study of his campaign, both in the primaries and now as we head into the general election reveals that Obama intends to use race for its ability to intimidate. Will racial intimidation be the deciding factor in the voting booth? It would seem that his latest attempt at insinuating that his opposition would use race as a political tactic has only succeeded in further inflaming the racial divide.
There is a phrase that is often used by those in elected office. They speak of “empowering” the people. There has never been a time when we the people lost our power and it is not something that can be “granted” by the government. Far from empowerment, an administration under a President Obama would seek to take that power away.
There is nothing wrong with the United States of America. We are not a broken nation nor do we have any reason to feel shame or guilt for the success we have become. We are not a nation that must deny our greatness to be more acceptable in the eyes of other nations. Moreover, we are not a people who require government supervision. We are a people who demand a leader who will set a bold vision and an inspiration to challenge the people to achieve it. This is not the essence of Barack Obama; his vision is one of control, a vision of a nation that determines our needs and directions, a vision of a powerful nation no more.