The American Spectator : Obama Agonistes

Text Size

Obama Agonistes

By R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. on 2.5.09 @ 6:09AM

That didn’t take long.

WASHINGTON — Egads, it is going to be a long four years! It is only two weeks since the Prophet Obama’s inauguration, and already he has revived memories of Boy Clinton’s first 100 days. Political observers with a sense of history might well ask whether the Obama Administration will approximate the adolescent incompetence of the Clinton Administration or the Pecksniffian pratfalls of the Carter Administration. Presidential historian that I am, allow me to caution my fellow citizens that here in the vestibule of the Obama Administration it is probably too early to say. Yet with the economy in crisis and American national security in the hands of a starry-eyed novice, one can argue that we are in for a reprise of the Carter years complete with the self-righteous pout.

I had wanted to suspend criticism of our incoming president for a few months until his bungling became obvious. As I wrote during the campaign, it is inconceivable that a modern-day president with only four years in the Senate (and but three terms in a state legislature) could be equal to the demands of this high office. Still, I thought it would take a few months for President Obama to reveal his ineptitude. Well, it only took two weeks. In the area of foreign policy, fiscal policy, and now appointments, it is apparent that 52.9% of the electorate vouchsafed us a dud. Vice President Joe Biden, stay close to Washington! Yet, wait, this six-term senator has had no executive experience either. Whom can we turn to to administer the federal government?

I know there are conservatives who believe that by 2012 the Republic can be saved by the pulchritudinous governor of Alaska. Admittedly, Governor Palin, having been in office two years and served as mayor of Wasilla has more executive experience than either the president or the vice president, but four years is a long time to wait for the curvaceous governor to deliver us. Withal, I have almost as many doubts about her as I have about President Obama, which brings to mind my growing awareness during the 2008 election that our political class at the national level is distinctly second rate.

The mediocrity of our national leaders, truth be told, has been apparent since the first baby boomer replaced the last member of the World War II generation in the White House. President Bill Clinton’s unreadiness for the presidency was obvious during his first campaign, as he flailed his way through the Gennifer Flowers controversy, his draft dodging stratagems, and all the other lies he had to confront. Then his unreadiness was observable anew immediately following his election, with his appointment snafoos, and it is eerie to think that some of his failed appointments had the same problems President Obama’s now have, to wit, employing domestic help (in Clinton’s day illegal domestic help) and failing to pay taxes.

Actually the problems President Obama has had with his appointments are more egregious than President Clinton’s. Mr. Obama nominated Governor Bill Richardson apparently not knowing that Richardson was under grand jury investigation. He nominated for secretary of treasury and for secretary of health and human services two men whose tax problems suggest that evading taxes is a commonplace among prominent Democrats. The problem that forced President Obama’s nominee for the new — and may I say purely ceremonial — position of Chief Performance Officer demonstrates that high-level Democrats still have difficulty paying taxes on their domestic staffs. Then there are the two lobbyists President Obama has brought into his government at the Pentagon and at the Department of Health and Human Services, despite bragging that his newly adopted ethics rules against lobbyists are the strictest in American history. Explained the White House press secretary: “Even the toughest rules require reasonable exceptions.” Yes, and a few more such exceptions and President Obama’s tough rules are no longer rules.

Finally, turn to the problems President Obama now faces with his so-called stimulus bill. It is a mountain range of pork, created by wantonly spendthrift Democrats defiant of any economic stimulus theory, Keynesian or otherwise. Even President Obama is backing away from some of it, for instance its “Buy American” provisions. Obviously our presidential novice was had by Washington’s special interests. In the area of foreign policy he has been had by his own self-righteous meddling. This week the Indians have warned him that he is “barking up the wrong tree” in involving himself in their dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir. The Iranians were even ruder in responding to his offer of talks with them. They simply mocked him. Said the Iranian spokesman, Gholam Hossein Elham, “This request means Western ideology has become passive.” Frankly, I can understand the chap’s playful mood. The Iranians are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Shah. That happened, if memory serves, during the Carter Administration. Again, it is going to be a long four years.

About the Author

R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. is the founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator. He is the author of The Death of Liberalism, published by Thomas Nelson Inc. His previous books include the New York Times bestseller Boy Clinton: the Political Biography; The Impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton; The Liberal Crack-Up; The Conservative Crack-Up; Public Nuisances; The Future that Doesn’t Work: Social Democracy’s Failure in Britain; Madame Hillary: The Dark Road to the White House; The Clinton Crack-Up; and After the Hangover: The Conservatives’ Road to Recovery.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (239) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Drudge Ette Obama| 2.5.09 @ 6:24AM

I understand your doubts about Sarah Palin based on her relative lack of experience, but she has a core and belief system that would give her ballast when the tough decisions lined up. Obama lacks this and relies on his charm offensive. I don't see his charm, much like I didn't see Clinton's (Bill's) either. I am distracted by Obama's purple lips and odd stickout ears, as well as his occasional cheek puffing. With Bill Clinton, it was his E.T.-fingers and Tony Robbins corner of the mouth frothing.

Anyway, we will know the tide has turned when Obama's dour and snippy side (he has one) emerges. Then he will become reclusive. I don't see him running a second term. The potholes in this administration, as you point out, have been numerous and deep.

It sure makes the news day exciting, though. Who will fall next? Hopefully, Panetta. He isn't worth even throwing under the bus. He's probably planning the Daschle-type departure speech as we breathe.

Appleby| 2.5.09 @ 6:38AM

The National Teachers Pet has already started to pooch out his lip (I WON!) as he learns the same lesson learned by any 14 year old girl who ever tossed her hair and shouted at her mother: WHEN I GROW UP I WILL DO ANYTHING I WANT AND YOU CAN NOT STOP ME! and then at 18 sat in a damp rented room without food, heat or toilet paper (but a brand new pair of really hot jeans) without a job -- having discovered that no matter how high you rise, you have to answer to somebody.

Obama apparently laboured under the delusion that he was being installed as the leader of the Supreme Soviet and that once he was elected, nobody could ever question him again. Apparently he never paid any attention even to the scripted words pouring forth from his own mouth that, in true grade school fashion, bounced off President Bush and is now sticking to him.

Two years of this and the electorate will reduce King O to the baby in the King Cake, bleating to the press that he is, too, relevant. Personally I cant wait.

Michael L. Hauschild| 2.5.09 @ 7:01AM

The devolution of the Black Messiah into Jimmy Carters half white cousin is progressing at a rate that even the philandered could not have foreseen.

frost| 2.5.09 @ 7:33AM

Yup, analysis correct. Totally. Absolutely. And the aforementioned link with Jimmy Carter sure seems appropriate. Yet, with the mostly Marxist congressional makeup, and the judiciary leaning further and further left, this is really getting scary!

saleboter| 2.5.09 @ 7:51AM

It's going to be so much fun watching dem v dem for the next two years.

Crusader| 2.5.09 @ 8:28AM

Obama, America's first "kidult" president.

JP| 2.5.09 @ 8:52AM

I have to agree with the column. I was mistaken in the belief that Obama learnt a few lessons from the Clinton "first 100 days". Here are a few observations:

1)The selection of Rahm Emmanual was a huge mistake. I would have been better for him to remain in Congress. The probelms Obama has suffered are a direct result of a Chief of Staff who hasn't a clue how to run a small office let along the WH.

2)Obama has created too many avenues of power. Even before HRC could be sworn in, Obama circumvented State and began efforts at diplomacy primairily controlled by the Oval Office. Rebuffs from Iran, Inda, and the EU were not a good start. Even the appointment of Mitchell to come up with another "Middle East Peace Plan", was confusing. He will report to Obama and not State.

3)Who in the WH is negociating with the Dems over the stimulus. This bill will have Obama's name on it, and not Pelosi's or Reid's. yet, the price tag is skyrocketing by the hour (more than $200 billion in 10 days). Obama is losing independents, moderates, and more importantly many Blue Dog Democrats. The WH has not been in control of this from day one. Like Carter's 1977 Tax Rebates, Obama will lose all credability with voters if this thing passes.

angryjake| 2.5.09 @ 9:08AM

If Lady Sarah had been president, instead of Boy Clinton would Waco have happened ? Why have we forgotten about that horror ? Because we like the FBI and ATF, and do not like being critical of law enforcement ? Remember not just Koresh and his gang perished in the flames. African American kids, 8 I believe, were among them. We will hear about Katrina and all till the day we die, but Waco under the rug.Would Bush and Cheney ever have forged such idiocy of a plan on the FBI ? And, if they had the consequences would have been incredibly damaging.
Would any republican AG have survived 8 years in office ? Let us hope Obama does nothing this stupid, or goonish. Obama has a long way to go before he tops the Clinton crowd.

Curly Smith| 2.5.09 @ 9:17AM

I'm a bit confused by JP's third point. I've seen the same general comment in other places but it doesn't pass muster. The assumption inherent in the comment is that Obama wants the independents, moderates and Blue Dog democrats on his side yet nothing in his history or campaign demonstrates that to be true.

I've seen nothing to indicate that this isn't Obama's Bill. In fact, his words on the economy "the recovery will take years, not months" are intended to deepen the recession and prolong the recovery. He, and his fellow hacks, want a depression and what better way to create one than by massive government pork with a nice corruption sauce?

Joe B| 2.5.09 @ 9:21AM

Well, now I'm scared. No, make that terrified. With Obama in the White House I feel like a passenger sitting in the death seat of a car during a drivers ed class, with a clueless teenager at the wheel, who has accidentally taken the on-ramp onto the freeway.

bluecollarbytes| 2.5.09 @ 9:27AM

Mr. Tyrrell-"I had wanted to suspend criticism of our incoming president for a few months until his bungling became obvious."

...all the while, hoping for the best. Or that's what I've been doing.

Obama might still wise up, realizing there are reasons why Republican administrations do some of that voodoo they do so well. Pres W Bush was fully 'engaged with "the world' at the same time that Democratics were claiming he wasn't. We started to win in Iraq thanks to the front line efforts of our soldiers, as the Left denied it. The threat from international radicalized Islam had to be confronted forcefully in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. For all his mistakes, Pres. Bush had wisdom. I think Obama is capable of gaining wisdom. likely? not with his wacky moondust new age delirium.

Bob| 2.5.09 @ 9:36AM

Tyrrell -- you and others are so blinded by your ideology that you cannot seem to stand back and form objective conclusions. Do you have such short memories, that you don't remember when, in the campaign, people were saying that Obama didn't have a chance? When Hillary started hitting him with hard balls, he kept is cool and strategically kept on target? Certainly, his mistakes so far can't match those of Bush.

You are looking for a management style that forces decisions up front like Carter and Bush -- and importantly, does not listen. His larger goal is to build a post partisan government. If you understand this goal, you can predict his actions. He did not want to control Pelosi and company as that would make him partisan. Furthermore, as Axelrod and others know, it is easier to be post partisan with a partisan bill, than one that makes sense from the beginning. Obama is a strategist, not a reactionary like most of you that post here. If you've read anything about Obama's life, he is most effective when he surrounds himself with smart and experienced people and then coordinates their efforts to a common goal. It is much like an orchestra conductor. The conductor may not be able to play the oboe as well as the principal oboist, but he pushes him/her in a direction that accomplishes the overall goal. This is exactly how he managed the Harvard Law Review and everything else since.

I don't know whether his style will work -- after just two weeks, you have to be an idiot to come to that conclusion. But he has more people from the "other" party than anyone else since FDR. He is constantly working with moderates as the swing vote, especially in the Senate. In the House, there are few, if any, moderates on either side.

Remember that this is a 4 or 8 year marathon and Obama has never started off quickly from the starting gate. Do you remember the polling at the beginning of the primary? Did you see how Obama pulled away from McCain at the end? He is a finisher, not a starter. He is strategic and knows where he wants to go.

Again, it is too early to tell whether he will be successful or not, but gloating now is a game for losers.

However, Tyrell, there is one place where I'd agree with you -- there are no political superstars at the national level. The leaders of both parties in the House and Senate are numskulls. I fear the problem is one of salary. The best minds are out there making money.

And do you really think that Palin could do a better job? Her lack of knowledge is legendary and you cannot have a core belief system without it. Furthermore, she has never been called either strategic or a good manager.

Cam| 2.5.09 @ 9:37AM

I agree with humor analysis of the column, but as long as the MSM retains the air waves and the American people keep buying the nanny-state propaganda that is spued daily, nothing is going to change.

No matter the lunacy of decisions being made (and have yet to have been made) by the Obamanation Machine, the MSM will cover it up and the American people will lap it up and learn to normalize if not idealize all that that One does.

Nothing's really going to change until Americans realize that there is no free lunch, government does not ever grow economies, and our freedoms are worth shedding blood and treasure for. That means "growing up," which I'm afraid America has been stubbornly opposed to doing. The Obamanation will continue to perform dismally, but nobody will really care because of all the goodies the adminstration will shower on itself and its friends. All who oppose will be silenced. Welcome to socialism. Marx and Alinsky would be proud. Finally, they managed to build a silk purse from a sow's ear, and fool people into believing that it's true. Any one hear taps blowing over this nation?

Let us answer this challenge by first remembering Shakespeare’s cry of King Henry V, the same as when he roused us on St. Crispin’s Day (Henry V, Act 4, Scene 3), declaring:

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their Manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.”

We all need to awaken, rise up and retake our nation again.... Semper Fi!

WendyG| 2.5.09 @ 9:45AM

Yep. It's deja vu all over again. What a fast fall our new Boy President has taken. The bloom sure is off the rose. How could he be such a naif about foreign policy, so arrogant and ignorant about domestic policy? And what is this "I won" nya nya nya... Are we back in the schoolyard with the 6 year-olds?

Assuming we somehow get though the next four years, there is some comfort in the notion that as horrible as Carter was (and still is!!) he paved the way for Reagan. I have faith that someone of stature and intellect will emerge in the GOP to take over the reins.

JP| 2.5.09 @ 9:50AM

Curly,
Just a quick point. While Obama didn't run as a "moderate" he sure as heck needs them to get his bills through Congress. Last weeks's Rasmussen poll shows that it is with this group that he is losing support.

WendyG| 2.5.09 @ 9:57AM

>>>I agree with humor analysis of the column, but as long as the MSM retains the air waves and the American people keep buying the nanny-state propaganda that is spued daily, nothing is going to change.

Cam, I see what you are saying but even the MSM cannot completely cover Obama's rear. As the Daschle debacle proves. Some things just are what they and cannot be made pretty. And already foreign countries are starting to chafe at Obama's dictatorial manner in foreign relations.

It will be most interesting to see how Netanyahu handles Obama, assuming Bibi wins the election in Israel. How ironic and somehow perfect that a Likud hawk should rise in Israel just as a leftwing naif surrounded by policy wonks hostile to Israel is elected to the WH. I am positive that the Israeli public (most of whom supported McCain) would relish the opportunity to have their leader push back against this New Carter. And just as the Israelis took the initiative against Saddaam's nukes in the 1980's, so will they do what must be done to protect themselves now, regardless of what Samantha Powers is whispering in Obama's ear.

Red Bubba| 2.5.09 @ 9:58AM

Obama is a political performance artist who wants desperately to be universally loved. It ain't gonna happen. In my opinion, the ubiquitous comparisons to Carter miss the mark, he's more of a a Woodrow Wilson - much scarier.

Old Guy | 2.5.09 @ 9:58AM

Too many of your readers are thinking in terms of 4 or 8 years. What about the 50-60 year old judges Obama places in the federal courts who will expand on his big government ideas for the next quarter century?

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 10:06AM

The positive side of this presidency is that it will discredit so many nostrums of the Left.

For example, when Iran goes nuclear despite "vigorous diplomacy" and engagement, what does that mean for the kumbaya brigades? To the true believers, nothing. They are enamored with an ideology of pacifism. However, to Joe and Mary Sixpack, it will mean a great deal.

All the MSM hagiography in the world will not be able to cover over obvious failure.

The rally cry in 2010: Change You Believed In.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 10:23AM

Obama might still wise up.
+++++++++++++++++++++

I think not! When he couldn't handle the heat at the White house. His wife and him ran off to a school for a PR move. Which didn't help.
Obama can't vote "present" anymore.
This is real life and so far he hiding in the corner.
This PORK bill is blowing up in his face and all he can say is (it has a few give aways) A FEW????????

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 10:25AM

The rally cry in 2010: Change You Believed In.
+++++++++++++++++

Then got SHAFTED! (-:

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 10:34AM

It's going to be a FUN 4 years!!!

In fact, it may not even last that long. Look for MAJOR changes after the 2010 midterms, reminsicent of '94, but this time with strong support from Blue-Dog Dems.

The debacle that was the Carter administration forced Liberal Democrtas into a corner. In order to EVER get elected again, they needed to completely co-opt the slogans of the Reagan-era and fool the voters. In short, the needed to lie - loudly, and often.

The result was the Clinton administration. Clinton, with his boyish charm, continued to fool voters about his intentions even AFTER the '94 midterms, and he brashly took credit for a few conservative initiatives like "ending welfare". Oh well...Small price to pay for achieving an objective, right?

Unfortunately, the perceived "success" of Clinton's administration (on issues like the economy, where he was, in fact, a by-stander) softened the electorate to the message of hard-left idealogues like Obama. Not helping the situation was the Bush 43 administration's steadfast refusal to play hard-ball with the left on a plethora of issues, including the appointment of judges.

And now we have President Acorn in the Oval office. Once again, the Dems have achieved election victory by lying to the public, and co-opting Conservative phraseology like "tax cuts" (meaning increased welfare payments), while the Conservatives, led by the decidely non-Conservative Senator Straight-Talk, fumbled at the goal line...again.

But all is not lost. As Mr. Tyrell rightly points out, it did not take long for President Acorn's true agenda and utter incompetence to be on full display. As he is not only incompetent, but also extremely arrogant, don't expect this to end anytime soon. As Rush Limbaugh said, the dangerous thing about Obama is not how little he actually knows, but that he doesn't actually know that he doesn't know it.

So allow me to make a few bold predictions:

1. 2010 midterms return one or both houses of Congress to Repubs.
2. Repubs make gains at the state level, too, nationwide.
3. Hillary Clinton will resign from State as soon as it becomes apparent that continued association with the OBama administration damages her future chances at the Oval Office.
4. 2012 - As the Democrat Party crumbles, a Republican is ushered into the White House.

Obama (I'm sorry...I can't say "President" Obama...It's simply too absurd...It causes me to giggle) will do more damage to the Dems than either Carter or Clinton. Clinton was ultimately a pragmatist. He liked being President more than he liked pushing an agenda. When he needed to, he moved to the center, or the right, to maintain his viability. Obama is an idealogue. He's also arrogant. He'll be far more intransient.

So hang on! Watching this circus will be fun, and if we play our cards right (and the country survives), we can right this ship as ealy as 2010.

tony| 2.5.09 @ 11:02AM

Bob:

Isn't there some sort of statistical chart you can show us to back up your statement that Obama's mistakes so far can't match those of Bush? At least I can say this for you; you are consistent, although unintentional hilarity isn't exactly a bragging point.

Mike M| 2.5.09 @ 11:09AM

Don't be suprised if in 6 or 8 months the now tropical heat of the oval office causes our Messiah President to strut about in his Bermuda shorts, with various "escorts" dropping by to pay their respects...Finally, back to the good ol' days!!

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 11:32AM

Well Bob.
Obama isn't acting so cool now. Running off to a school with his wife to get away, doesn't show that he's in control.
Plus all these tax cheats, what the heck is that?

james| 2.5.09 @ 11:42AM

We need to stop calling this disastrous "stimulus" bill a pork project. It's not. It is a naked power grab whose every line item will forever be part of baseline budgeting.
And everyone knows what that means. A bridge to nowhere gets built and that's it. This bill will live forever and grow like brain cancer till it kills us all.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 11:47AM

James.

Yep you got that one right. It's a dream spending ticket for the dem's!

Be damned to our childern when the bill comes around.

Joe amato | 2.5.09 @ 11:52AM

I had every confidence that Bush & Cheney had the terrorists by the throat and that no bomb would be dropped on my building in NYC. Watching this apologizing shoot from the hip man with no plan I do not feel as secure.
As for Palin -- I trust her judgement and her common sense on the big issues.

Jack| 2.5.09 @ 12:00PM

Obama is the Ted Baxter of politics,we just dont know who is feeding him his lines. With so many Clintonites in his cabinet you might think its the Raskally One himself. But most likely its the sewer rat Emanuel. Obama choice of Geitner is especially troubling. Yes he is a tax cheat but in his last job at the fed he was supposed to be watching counterparty risk involving credit derivatives of large financial institutions! This is like letting Barney and Dodd fix the financial disaster they created or putting Maddoff as CEO of MER.
Remember before he was elected he has both Raines and Johnson,two scoundrels who looted Fannie as advisors. Only an imbecile or a crook would be in the same room with these two guys. I think he is totally clueless.
Certainly when you heard him mention proper tire inflation as an energy policy you question his sanity and intelligence, but a week later when given a chance to retract the moronic statement, he defended it and of course the knucklehead McCain thought it a great idea. That is third rate.
How about when Obama said Russias invasion of Georgia was not in the Olympic spirit?
This guy appears to know absolutely no world history,nothing about economics,and little about what is right and wrong.
But how could he? He went to Harvard,he was an community organizer handing out smokes and beers for votes and now he is the most powerful person in the world. Insanity.

rw| 2.5.09 @ 12:05PM

Bob,

What don't you understand about the comment "I won" as spoken by our fearless leader and said to Republican leaders. Doesn't exactly plant the seeds for a post-partisan atmosphere. Instead, it creates a hyper-partisan atmosphere.

Wakeup and smell the arrogance!

Anthony| 2.5.09 @ 12:06PM

Sorry Bob, both Drudge Ette Obama and angryjake are spot on in their analysis, and you, I'm afraid, are still operating using the left's lexicon. The fact that Gov. Palin is not part of the ruling class is a big plus!! Gov. Palin, despite her lack of years in public service, makes up for it with her common sense, her value system, and her basic decency. All things the left scowfs at. Years of service, per se, don't mean squat. Look at Biden, Kennedy, Clinton, et al. With them, the left bestows competence upon them simply because of their longevity. Same with Hillary; just what life experiences and educational training does she actually have to be Sec. of State? A few years in office, big deal . Obama's flimsy resume was so thin, the left didn't even try and go there, they just ignored it completely. But with the left and their candidates, there's an asumption of competence and smarts; with conservatives, the opposite is assumed.
Angryjake, you're damn right Waco would not have happened on President Palin's watch, nor Ellian whisked off to Cuba. This recession would be well on its way towards recovery & the markets sighing with relief that sensible pro growth policies are being implimented. Just Gov. Palin's energy policy alone, with the components of energy infrastructure jobs, and energy creation to help boost our $14T economy, would have the Dow above 10,000. Instead, we are going down the road of blind arrogance of the left's dogmas and ideology, as being practiced by Obama. So spare me the Palin doubts, it's about time our new political class came from Idaho State rather than Princeton and the rest of the Ivy's.

Obama Rulez | 2.5.09 @ 12:09PM

This site is so funny! A bunch of old Republican coondogs dreaming of days of yore. Sorry, it's not 1959 anymore. Welcome to the 21st century, where bigoted, self-serving Republican politicians do not fare well.

How funny that Dictator Bush will always be remembered as the last "prez" to ever come from the GOP party?

Rest In Peace, GOP.

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:21PM

Obama Rulez:

Hey, do me a favor? In between your incoherent, ignorant rants, please don't forget to shine my shoes, ok?

And pay attention when you wax my car, huh? I likes it ta' shine!!!

If ya' do a good job, I'll give ya' a shiny new quarter and a Hip-Hop CD, ok??

If you knew your history, you'd understand political cycles. But since you're an ignorant fool, let me explain it to you...

1959?? Dang...Those WERE the good old days. And we're gonna' try our best ta' bring 'em back! That's what we Republican coondogs do!

Now runalong! Go on, now! Git! We'll call ya' when we need ya'?

Now where's my gumbo?!?!?

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:22PM

Hey, R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr., do you still get paid by the Kazakhstan government to write favorable articles about them?

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:23PM

1959! Good old days!! Were you dere, hanging dem niggers!?

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 12:24PM

The way forward in this economic crisis is to forward, all homless people and unemployed to Iran to start the 3rd world war. The first thing America would get rid of the people they can't afford on Social Security. That would reduce their spending.

The stimulus package could be spent on keeping those still in jobs and businesses afloat.

If the biggest threat to America is American economic system, and not some old guy living in a cave, then if starting another war is the only way out, why wait. I think it's a good idea, that leaves the 78 Million people who retired last year to pay their pension to and three years later their medicare, is the next problem because the American economy has no investment and no money to pay their pension or health care what do they do with the pensioners?.

Even Ben Bernaki said America can't grow their way out of this hole, so what is the way forward. The top Accountant in America David M Walker also agree, the Brooking institute also know that America many never recover.

The people on Wall Street and Washington DC know this, but would not tell the public this fact.

What is required is not Government, but a way to survive into the future. Good old fashioned community spirit.

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:25PM

Hey, Obama Rulez!

Is you like yo' mama?? 'Cuz you gots a big ole' mouth, know whut ah'm say'n??

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:27PM

Question: What is the MOST confusing day in "Obama Rulez" neighborhood?

Answer: Father's day!

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!!!

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 12:33PM

Dr Right, or Dr Wrong.

Why do you wan't to shout down Obama RuleZ, he has a right to his opinion.

He sounds like a disalusioned, RED NECK, out of his mind on some oldfashioned MOONSHINE to me.

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:36PM

Doc Right, is you mah daddy? I knows youse rednecks like dem nigga women!

Gino| 2.5.09 @ 12:41PM

Unfortunately we are looking at an uninformed and I daresay unintelligent neophyte in the WH.
Damn the economy, the dangers of terrorism, lives of innocent babies, countries who buy our worthless bonds and a balooning debt. This so called pree appointed "GENIUS" is actually a pathetic reincarnation of the feckless Jimmy Carter.
Woe to our children and grandchildren who will inherit this once great and free nation.

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:42PM

Hey, Doc, I'm so sorry that your Uncle made you perform oral sex on him when you was growin' up in Wes' Virginny. Do you still get that urge, sometimes, to get down on your knees...?

angryjake| 2.5.09 @ 12:43PM

I refer you to the National Review website. Item 34 on the Obama pork list is 7.6 billion for " rural communtity advancement programs ". Acorn for rural America perhaps ? If so , soon republicans will see those rock solid counties Lady Sarah cooed about going blue. Actions like this will lead to DNC and liberal dominance. What can we do ? What can we do ? How about a presence on the ground everywhere in the USA, and this takes money and unlike the dems the GOP does not get tax money for political activities. It must be private and private sector dollars. Hoping some tax embarrassments by cabinet appointees will bring Obama and his party down is truly " magical thinking". The right and all others, all those opposed to the destruction need to get together real fast, and form an Army of patriots to fight back. This will be an Army of many big tents, and we need great leaders. It is not gonna be easy. We need soldiers on the ground and money in the right(proper) accounts. Who will lead ? I have defended Sarah Pallin in the Brown University area of Providence, R.I. Try that on for size, why dontcha. But not sure she is the one. I am telling you we gotta get to work. We gotta meet and greet the folks. Need to listen to their concerns, and what upsets them. Got to find a way to help that is better than the crazy, dignity destroying, morality bashing(and on and on ) model of the left. This work can't be left to talk radio, or studies from Heritage. Though the latter are important. Talk radio could help too, but not when all we hear is outrage that CEO Thain is being wronged for his lavish remodeling. Wake up dudes. We need our own Acorn, privately funded and putting forth a patriotic, common sense message. One that regular folks all over will say " is the way to go ".

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:43PM

Hey, Obama Rulez!

Sum I likes, and sum I don't be likin'.

Fo' instanz, I don't think I be likin' yo nappy mama. Why? One word..."Pantene"!

Lemme' 'splain...I been lookin' at da' top a' her head fo' at least 20 minutes, and she gots da' nastiest dandruff! I guess its hard ta' keep clean in dat crackhouse, know whut ah'm say'n??

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:48PM

Hey, Obama Rulez!

I DO like yo' sistas, though! 'Dey be bein' real nice ta' me, know whut ah'm say'n???

Shaniqua is da' cutest, but Aquanetta got's da' nicest booty! Uniqua ain't bad, neither, but she can't control da' teeth, dig?

Obama Rulez (Doc Right Droolz)| 2.5.09 @ 12:48PM

Then that makes you a nigger lover, right, Doc? Isn't that against dem rules of de KKK?

Pingback| 2.5.09 @ 12:49PM

New Paltz Journal » Blog Archive » “Obama Agonistes” links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Vandam on Politics and Culture « No chair for Daschle when the music stops “Obama Agonistes” Obama had but to hum a few bars and Bob Tyrrell, who happened to be sitting at the piano, picked up the tune: WASHINGTON — Egads, it is going to be a long four years! It is only two weeks since the Prophet Obama’s inauguration, and already he has revived memories of Boy Clinton’s first 100…

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:53PM

Hey, Obama Rulez!

Aginst da' rulez of da' KKK? No, suh!! We likes 'em just fine when 'dey be knowin' 'dey place...Like it wuz before, so it will be agin'...Know whut ah'm sayin'??

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:59PM

Well, I'm glad I called you out, Doc Rite-Aid, you old racist pig. I knew it! Scumbag Republicans and the GOP are all "exclusive whiteys." You must've hated Colin "Another Nigga" Powell being part of Bush's administration, eh?

How's about a hanging!?

Griff| 2.5.09 @ 1:05PM

Obama Rulez,
Before you start insinuating that Republicans are racist, perhaps you need a little history lesson:

In 1865, Congressional Republicans unanimously backed the 13th Amendment, which made slavery unconstitutional. Among Democrats, 63 percent of senators and 78 percent of House members voted: "No."

In 1866, 94 percent of GOP senators and 96 percent of GOP House members approved the 14th Amendment, guaranteeing all Americans equal protection of the law. Every congressional Democrat voted: "No."

October 7, 1868: Republicans criticized Democrats' national slogan: "This is a white man's country: Let white men rule."

February 8, 1894: Democratic President Grover Cleveland and a Democratic Congress repealed the GOP's Enforcement Act, denying black voters federal protection.

January 26, 1922: The U.S. House adopted Rep. Leonidas Dyer's (R., Mo.) bill making lynching a federal crime. Filibustering Senate Democrats killed the measure.

May 6, 1960: Eisenhower signed the GOP's 1960 Civil Rights Act after it survived a five-day, five-hour filibuster by Democrats.

Finally, the 1964 Civil Rights act would not have passed when it did without a greater percentage of Republicans voting for it than did Dem's.

Rulez, you're a perfect example of the failure of public education to teach historical truth.

bob montgomery| 2.5.09 @ 1:06PM

Whatever the longevity of Obama, the executive orders, EPA rules, sub-cabinet level appointments, federal bribes to the states, Freddie and Fannie "fair housing' policies, etc, ad infinitum, continue, along with the anti-culture culture war. 30 years after the Reagan Revolution, why is there still a Department of Education? There shouldn't even be a Dept. of Commerce by now, or HUD, or HHS.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 1:08PM

Obama Rulez:

Why is it just plain racist not to fawn all over our empty suit of a president?

Here's a rudimentary lesson for you:

To Kumbaya Leftie:

Obama= NelsonMandela + JFK

To Troglodyte Rightie:

Obama= James Earl Carter+ "Professor" Harold Hill

I expect if anyone on this site is locked in 1959 its your ignorant ass.

Griff| 2.5.09 @ 1:11PM

Cat got your tongue, Rulez? Or, are you just in shock to discover that the real racist party has been able to fool African-Americans for so long?

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 1:23PM

he'll triangulate his way out of this as a black man cannot be allowed to fail as potus.
he and his family are instant JFK-royalty.
for all eternity.

you dont believe it now but you will.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 1:23PM

Obama Rulez
____________

You guys control BOTH houses, yet you still can't pass the pigfest of a bill. LOL
So much for your great leader.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 1:26PM

Obama rules.
Were you dere, hanging dem niggers!?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Naaa, that was the dem-o-crat party. Try Bird, he was their grand leader.

LOL you fail history didn't you!

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 1:27PM

bob montgomery,
the purpose of education is to teach us not to think in the way modern 'art' teaches us to not appreciate art.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 1:30PM

Another point to ponder Obama Rulez, what party enacted and enforced Jim Crow?
I am glad that in 2008 with the selection of Obama as its leader that party finally could start the process of healing the hurt caused by its despicable history of bigotry and racial division.

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 1:32PM

Here's some advice for Republicans eager to attract more African-American supporters: don't stop with Trent Lott. Blacks won't take their commitment to expanding the party seriously until they admit that the GOP's wrongheadedness about race goes way beyond Lott and infects their entire party.

The sad truth is that many Republican leaders remain in a massive state of denial about the party's four-decade-long addiction to race-baiting. They won't make any headway with blacks by bashing Lott if they persist in giving Ronald Reagan a pass for his racial policies.

The same could be said, of course, about such Republican heroes as, Barry Goldwater, Richard Nixon or George Bush the elder, all of whom used coded racial messages to lure disaffected blue collar and Southern white voters away from the Democrats.

Yet it's with Reagan, who set a standard for exploiting white anger and resentment rarely seen since George Wallace stood in the schoolhouse door, that the Republican's selective memory about its race-baiting habit really stands out.

Space doesn't permit a complete list of the Gipper's signals to angry white folks that Republicans prefer to ignore, so two incidents in which Lott was deeply involved will have to suffice.

As a young congressman, Lott was among those who urged Reagan to deliver his first major campaign speech in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where three civil rights workers were murdered in one of the 1960s' ugliest cases of racist violence.

It was a ringing declaration of his support for "states' rights" — a code word for resistance to black advances clearly understood by white Southern voters.

Then there was Reagan's attempt, once he reached the White House in 1981, to reverse a long-standing policy of denying tax-exempt status to private schools that practice racial discrimination and grant an exemption to Bob Jones University.

Lott's conservative critics, quite rightly, made a big fuss about his filing of a brief arguing that BJU should get the exemption despite its racist ban on interracial dating.

But true to their pattern of white-washing Reagan's record on race, not one of Lott's conservative critics said a mumblin' word about the Gipper's deep personal involvement. They don't care to recall that when Lott suggested that Reagan's regime take BJU's side in a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, Reagan responded, "We ought to do it."

Two years later the U.S. Supreme Court in a resounding 8-to-1 decision ruled that Reagan was dead wrong and reinstated the IRS's power to deny BJU's exemption.

Republican leaders and their apologists tend to go into a frenzy of denial when members of the liberal media cabal bring up these inconvenient facts. It's that lack of candor, of course, that presents the biggest obstacle to George W. Bush's commendable and long overdue campaign to persuade more African-Americans to defect from the Democrats to the Republicans.

It's doomed to fail until the GOP fesses up its past addiction to race-baiting, and makes a sincere attempt to kick the habit.

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 1:34PM

To: Griff

Re: Don't waste your time

Griff:

There's no point in arguing facts with an ignoramus like "Obama Rulez". He's only interested in stirring the pot with his brand of uninspired idiocy.

As you rightly point out, African-Americans have always been victimized by the Democrat Party. The Dems kept them on the plantation (literally) in the 19th century, and they kept them in metaphorical bondage in the 20th century. The Dems need a large, black underclass to survive politically, and that's why they do everything they can to:
1) Keep as many of them dependent on government as possible, and
2) Tell them all of their problems, real and imagined, are caused by "white racism", and
3) Deny them real choice in public education

The Democrat Party lives in abject fear of the day when African-Americans wake the hell up and realize how badly they've been hustled.

With >90% of blacks consistently voting Democrat in national elections, that prospect seems far off. But remember, a swing of only 10-15% to the Conservative side is doom for the Democrats...And their fears may be well-founded.

In the aggregate, African-Americans comprise an economic base which puts them on par with many first-world nations. Like any sensible person, there will come a day when they realize that the BEST way to economic prosperity, power, and influence is through capitalism, not through tired, old socialist bromides. That day will be the end of the Democrat Party.

Our job as Conservatives is to hasten that trend.

African-Americans have been hustled by the Democrats for far too long. Idiots like "Obama Rulez" will NEVER get it. Many, however, will.

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 1:36PM

Dr Right.

You need to get off the Prozac, you're letting you mind run away with you. What are you, some Poor white nigger with no sense. A Joke is a Joke you must know where to stop.

davod| 2.5.09 @ 1:39PM

"You are looking for a management style that forces decisions up front like Carter and Bush -- and importantly, does not listen."

Unlike Obama who is appointing Czars to work out of the White House and oversee all aspects of government?

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 1:41PM

To: Obama Rulez

Re: African-American voting trends

Dear Obamie:

As a useful idiot for "the cause", you're blissfully unaware of one TRULY glaring fact:

Conservatives DON'T need African-American votes to win.

Never have. We won without them in '80, '84, '88, '00, and '04.

In that regard, when a Conservative gets elected, what does he "owe" African-American voters??

Answer: Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

That's what you get for voting in a monolithic block, and never questioning the Party that pretends to support you, but actually lies to your face - NOTHING.

If African-Americans wanted to truly have a deep and lasting impact on the future of American politics, the best thing for them to do wouyld be to split their votes. Then BOTH parties would be beholden to them for success.

But instead, one Party knows they can always rely on thier votes, and ALWAYS stab them in the back.

Guess which party that is, genius?? Go ahead - guess!

...dumbass...

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 1:43PM

So now we know that "Obama Rulez" and "Top Secret" are the same person.

Two personas...One complete idiot...

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 1:43PM

Dr Right.

Time have changed, and the same people who were heading the Democrats have changed, and the people in the Dark ages running the Republican Party have died, and your party, if it's the Republicans it's dead because people like you with your racist ideologies have killed your own party.

People with mentality are all across America, this is the time for the brightness to shine through. Black people don't aspire to become shoeshine boys anymore, or you are too daft to notice.

Your comments speak volumes, about the brand of idiots in the Republican Party, and it's no wonder no Black with any sense wants to vote for a party that does it's best to alienate it's voters.

Thomas| 2.5.09 @ 1:50PM

Don't worry. The coming world war will jump start the economy, just like it did in the '30's.

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 1:50PM

Dr Right.

Do your self a favour, and lets look at important issues facing America, and the rest of the world, do you think you are up to that? I doubt it, because you are like the pro NAZIS, nothing to do with issues but all to do with Zionizm.

Griff| 2.5.09 @ 1:52PM

Rulez,
I can't identify off-hand the leftish source of your return comments, but they seem to be noticeably long on opinion and innuendo, and short on facts. And you don't really want to get into a discussion of code words, do you? Our friends on the left have plenty of those to explore. Ah well, back to work for those of us who still have jobs despite the best efforts of Dems to drive us all toward government dependency.

DougN| 2.5.09 @ 2:02PM

"Obama Rulez": Bush was a dictator? One thing a dictator needs is a fawning, roboticized legion of fanatics. With armbands, preferably. When celebrities pledge to serve not the country, but Obama directly, I sense the seeds of dictatorship more easily than with Bush, don't you? Of course not, since your intelligence is seen by your use of "GOP party." Since the "P" stands for party, you actually dismissed the electoral chances of the Grand Old Party Party. Dope.

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 2:02PM

To: Obama Rulez/Top Secret (they're the same moron...)

Re: Oops! Your stupidity is showing!

This is the MOST priceless statement yet:

"you are like the pro NAZIS, nothing to do with issues but all to do with Zionizm"

It's always (ALWAYS!) "the jews" causing the real problems, isn't it???

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! What a FOOL!!!!

Tweak a leftist moron long enough, and his true colors emerge!

By the way, I'm sooooo glad that "People with mentality are all across America"...

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 2:07PM

when i was a left-libertarian (squishy-lib) 9 years ago, the moderator-- it was different in 2000-- at AS back then wrote:
"and to all the liberal masochists who come to AS..."

Obama rulez, Jeremiah (though he is so 'plastic' you cant say for sure) are masochists wasting their own time mostly, not ours.

davod| 2.5.09 @ 2:10PM

"It will be most interesting to see how Netanyahu handles Obama, assuming Bibi wins the election in Israel. "

Do not underestimate the reach of of Obama's millions (The campaign funds that will no be audited) and his ideology. Obama's campaign staffers are already in Israel advising Livni.

With a split conservative vote, a united left and a 16% Muslim population, Netamyahu had an uphill battle at the start. Add in the Obamites and their international supporters and it becomes much harder.

JJ JR| 2.5.09 @ 2:22PM

Y'all,

We're all on the "Road to Serfdom." This "shining city on the hill", this great federated, representative republic, "the last best hope of man on earth", now slowly and inevitably sinks into the quick sand of the Religious Left and Karl Marx. It's a sad day.

To Obama Rulez: by your moniker, I guess you're a supporter of the big-eared imbecile who, when defending Reverend Wright, threw his white grandmother under the bus and uttered "like a typical white person." Sounds like he engaged in one of the left's pet projects--racial profiling. You call us "bigoted"--who's the biggot?????????

Michael L. Hauschild| 2.5.09 @ 2:25PM

Olaf better watch out. There has been a precedent set that whenever a democratic President gets in some sort of hassle with the legislative branch he now can turn to page 1998 of the Clinton playbook and invoke the “distraction bombing.” This time however in order not to enrage his constituency the bombing run will have to be on a Scandinavian, Christian pharmaceutical factory. The backlash should be minimal as not many would care about target vectoring a few Nordic socialist “workers of the world.” After all they don’t have a military to speak of and the chance of accidentally hitting a mosque is minimal.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 2:29PM

Obama Rulez:

Let me get this straight. The filing of a brief over one university and appearance at a county fair in Mississippi is the moral equivalent to the non codeword actual racist history of the Democratic Party? You do know Wallace was a Democrat, don't you? And all those grand Kleagles.

Never mind that the code words "state rights" spoken by Ronald Reagan might not be codewords for Jim Crow revanchism, but you know, a return to federalism, as understood by the founders. Well to consider that might involve "intellectual curiosity" which your tin Messiah is supposed to be the prime specimen.

How long have you been Axelrod's astroturfer? You certainly can't do more than regurgitate tired Democrat talking points and myths.

Top Secert| 2.5.09 @ 2:30PM

Dr Right.

Would the Republican Party have Obama head their party? I know there is no way. There is the first reality.

Would the Republican Party be complaining if Obama headed their Party and won for the Republicans the answer is still no.

The first law of Politics, its not about the colour of your voters, it's about winning. Insulting Black people accusing people of being idiots, when the accuser is more of an idiot is very evident in the type and style of comments.

Obama is intellegent, after Bush is it a wonder that people did not want to risk another 8 years of that style of leadership. What are you going to do curse the entire population for voting Democrats.

First of all the 2nd lesson of Politics, people will vote how they choose, you can slag off individuals by accusing them of being African Americans, or Shoe Shine boys to insult people who happen to have a difference of opinion, who looks like the idiot? do you live in a Democracy, do you know what it means? people can vote for who ever they want regardless of what you say, with informed choice.

Those who thought TAX cuts for the minority voted Republicans, the unfortunate thing is, for people who can do simple maths know that leaves out the majority.

The problems facing America is not something that can be swept under the carpet, it is real and has to be dealth with there is 78 Million people retiring and there is no money to pay their pension, that is reality. Cutting TAXES does not generate money to pay people what they have been promised. Balancing the budget the money has to come from somewhere. America can't go on printing money forever, there will be no trees left in the forest. America can't go on borrowing and spending money it does not have, that is the 3rd reality.

What people need to do less insults, and more thinking. Politics is about deception, false promises, and that is what got America in the mess it is in. How do you improve your country, tell lies to win election, don't you see the CHICKENS have come home to ROOST?. YOU GET AN ECONOMY THAT IS BANKRUPT.

Some people take their lives seriously, they don't run their lives based on Racist ideologies, some of us run our lives on real things like our future, and hopes and aspiration for our children, setting an example for our children can acheive, and become responsible adults. Not another future of Racist BIGOTS, that has been tried already.

Mauri Pelto| 2.5.09 @ 2:31PM

My very conservative friend suggested I need to broaden my reading. He suggested American Spectator. Now, I find on reading the very first article, and the comments that follow, that this news outlet suffers from the same lack of objectivity and serious criticism that all the others do. And your reader/commentators are as ignorant of the language and foul mouthed as all the others.

But, I'll keep reading in hopes a better column appears.

Mauri

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 2:45PM

Top Secret:

Obama could not be the head of the Republican party not because he is of African origin but becuse he is a Socialist.

The tin Messiah is smart. Woohoo. Intelligence does not equal executive ability as he is proving himself every day.

Do you know that the poor don't pay federal income taxes in this country? Because of the earned income tax credit, they get a "rebate" for taxes they never paid in the first place. It has been that way since the administration of the "racist" Reagan.

This lard factory of a Stimulus Bill is not being paid from taxes, it is being paid by borrowing the money. How does that balance the budget and get us further from national bankruptcy? We're already over a trillion in the hole already deficit wise.

If you want your kids to be responsible adults be a responsible parent. Don't rely on your Uncle Sam to do anything for you except keep you safe from your country's enemies.

In fact, answer this: your kid wants a game for his/her game system. Who's a better judge of what he/she should have, you or a federal bureaucrat in West Virginia? If you wouldn't let them pick your kid's videogame, why should you let them pick your kid's healthcare plan.

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 2:47PM

Dear "Top [sic] Secert",

What the HELL are you talking about????

You have a typical Democrat's grasp of economics...Meaning you have NO grasp of economics whatsoever.

You're also completely ignorant of history AND current events.

In short, you're the perfect Democrat voter...

RAW| 2.5.09 @ 2:55PM

Wow, what a bunch of crap. This just demonstrates that many Republicans are nothing but ideological nits. What a waste of space and time. Reading this article and then the comments clearly demonstrates that once the congregation has gathered they all love to drink the Kool-Aid. Republicans are upset that they can’t dole all this money out to there already wealthy cronies. The average person who supports this dangerous thinking is delusional thinking that some day they to will benefit from believing in this corrupt ideology. It isn’t trickle down it is drip down economics keeping most of the wealth with the wealthy. Delusional Republicans are just that it’s not what’s good for the country, society or families it’s what’s good for the very few elites who want everything. Republicans and Bush brought fear, and I never thought of Americans as fearful but Republicans certainly want you to be fearful, all the easier to manipulate you.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 3:01PM

RAW:

How is borrowing a trillion dollars from the Chinese and other foreigners advantageous for the Average Joes?

If thinking that the money I've earned is mine and not Nancy Pelosi's to shower and waste on her constituents and cronies makes me delusional, then pass the Kool-Aid.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 3:02PM

Top Sec.

Your right, blacks have stayed with the DEM party for so many years, heck their even Mayors and Gov. In states that are broke and blacks have gained what so far?? Still have the slums (dem cities) Still poor (dem cities) lack of a good education (NEA & dem cities) So you want to tell us that REP's are racist and we to do more to attract blacks for voting???
Take of the blinders!

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 3:02PM

Teleprompter Messiah.
At least you have a sensible argument, people should be more responsible, and I agree. But it goes for Blacks as well as Whites you cannot get a good paying job with no education.

The social wealfare system in a civilized society, does not leave families to starve because they don't earn enough. So what is your solution?
Do you think crime has anything to do with poverty?. Would you like to see a more African style poverty and disease in America? How did you feel when the Katrina Storms exposed a super power, showing the racial divide, and the levels of poverty in America.

I think helping people out of poverty produce wealth in the long term, through education and training, for both whites and blacks.

If America can spend 50 Billion per week promoting democracy in Iraq it should have taken the thorn out of it's own eye first.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 3:03PM

OOPS.. (take OFF the blinders)

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 3:06PM

Top Secret

WRONG again... How much have we spent on the welfare programs since the 1960's with little results? Try over a trillion.

HomelessLeRhino| 2.5.09 @ 3:13PM

Mauri, why not read William Tucker and learn something about energy policy. It is not all ooopeeennneeeeeeeeeeyyyon here. That's how mall cop says opinion, sorta. I mean brace yourself the movie China Syndrome is actually challenged for veracity her at AS, not to mention Albert Gore.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 3:14PM

Top Secret:

Katrina showed all Americans something: do not rely on government to save your ass.

There are a lot of people in Kentucky (majority White) right now that haven't had power due to ice storms. Is Obama racist because he hasn't visited the Commonwealth? What does it say about the racial divide?

The family is the bedrock of society. Foster healthy families and you foster a healthy society. Foster dysfunctional families and you will breed a dysfunctional society.

The solution to poverty is a mom and dad with remunerative work skills. No social worker on earth will advance and educate a kid better than loving parents.

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 3:16PM

RAW,
so WHY do you come here? i was here 9 years ago as a lib and discovered i was wasting MY time, not anyone else's. you are making the same mistakes i did almost a decade ago--
why do you insist on being your own worst enemy?

the-gunslinger | 2.5.09 @ 3:23PM

Did Top Secret actually just introduce "Zionism" into the discussion?

He's an idjit. No point in wasting another word on him.

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 3:23PM

Dustoff.

If you look at the State in which you live you perhaps have a point, but you have to remember America is huge it is not just your state alone.

America has spent close to a Trillion in Iraq, not to mention the other WARS they have wasted money on. America gives Israel each year 780 Billion each year, and 600 Billion to Egypt each year. Tell you what see if you can work it out?.

America has a Democracy, you can vote but your vote counts for nothing. The amounts of money given to just these two countries to do nothing that is productive, could be better spent on things productive inside America that makes a difference to Americans lives.

The American problem is due to lack of information, for one reason or another. It's for the American people to demand change, and if you can get change vote in a way thet enhance the lives of your own people.

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 3:25PM

RAW
are upset that they can’t dole all this money out to there already wealthy cronies.
____________________________

Then WHY can't your dem party pass the pigfest bill?

LOL

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 3:27PM

TS...

I guess I should have been down to more persice numbers. Last I read we had spent over 3 trillion on the new deal and have got zip for it.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 3:31PM

Top Secret:

You are misplacing some decimal points. There is no way the federal government spends over $1.5 trillion on Egypt and Israel. Except maybe by Nancy Pelosi math where 500 million Americans are losing their jobs every month, you are way off.

Curiously, what other wars are we wasting money on that could better be spent on bike paths in Vermont?

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 3:37PM

Top Secret is DAPHNE KENWARD.
nothing can disguise her turgidosity.
so how can one please an unpleasable woman? Is it equality she wants?
how 'bout we split the difference, giving Israel $690 billion, and Egypt the same?
would that make the you-know-what happy?

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 3:37PM

For the majority, it makes no difference, if it's Democrats, Republicans, the agena is set. The whole political system needs to change.

The whole economical system needs to change. The problems facing the American public is how do you acheive this change. That is what all Americans needs to be working on, it's not about infighting, it's about improving your country. This would be for the good of the NATION, that's where people's mind set needs to be, insulting each other is no solution. Americans need to look at the past, and look where they are going and find a solution to the grave problems facing the American economy and the world.

America is a big country, and there are many brains in it, they need to come togeather independently, and set up think tanks, to solve Americans problems independently, and put it to the country. If it's strong enough and has any solution in it, it will win support.

The American problems afect the whole country, and it does not have to be, a Democratic solution, or a Republican one, because at the end of the day what is required is a solution to this massive mess created by two political parties, whose only aim is to win elections.

The real problem is how we move away from the two party system to find the answer to the issues that faces each man woman and child in America and the world as a whole.

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 3:42PM

Teleprompter Messiah,
&1;.5 trillion is Daphne Kenward math;
just play along with her.
"Daphne, we'll move Israel out of the region and let the Arabs love each other to death".
something like that... keep it simple for the old she-simpleton.

if she really IS a she.

Mr. Obama Rules| 2.5.09 @ 3:44PM

To: Dr. "Right" (aka Dr. Moron)

Re: How'd you get to be so stuuuupid?

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! What a DUMBA$$ YOU ARE!!!!

Tweak a right-winged imbecile long enough, and his true racist nigga-hating colors emerge!

This is the MOST priceless statement yet:

"We likes 'em just fine when 'dey be knowin' 'dey place...Like it wuz before, so it will be agin'...Know whut ah'm sayin'??

It's always (ALWAYS!) "the niggas" causing the real problems, isn't it???

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! What a FOOL!!!!

By the way, I'm sooooo glad that these are the kind of people you have in the Republican party...GOP's gotta great future with worldly thinkers like this!!!!

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! DR. MORON!!!!!

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 3:48PM

Daphne, we know it's you. you think we cant see what you are but you dont fool anyone except yourself..
this last post of yours includes enough platitudes to make you a de facto politician. why dont you write:
"we should all love each other and share everything and smoke weed and make love not war..."

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 3:59PM

Mr. Obama Rules
+++++++++++++++

Any person who must used cuss words to make a point or insult others is usually someone of a small mind and little education.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 4:04PM

Alan, you're funny! Daphne is the crazy old aunt in the attic, laughing hysterically while typing at her computer. If and when we get nuked by terroists, Obomber Rules and his liberal tool minions will scream, "Racism," and try to blame it on conservatives. Liberalism is a mental illness.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 4:05PM

Dustoff, you've just described liberals.

Louis Jenkins| 2.5.09 @ 4:08PM

VP Biden has said it is patriotic to pay taxes. So were does this place all of Obama's non-tax paying nominees? Seems tax evasion is the norm rather than the exception for his picks. If it were a person of conservative persuation he would have been arrested and chained by the IRS, and duck walked to the clink. The new DNC slogan: "Do as I say, not as I do!" "Hope and Change" are useless mumblings of ineptitude.

Bob| 2.5.09 @ 4:09PM

Tony, actually, the inaccuracies of the ideological postings and lack of use of data is not "hilarious", it is quite sad. The writers and posters here lack the ability to reason and analyze data. In a general sense, that is called competence. Belief over reason is the hallmark of ideologues (on both sides of the political spectrum) and social conservatives. I'm going to have to get my statue of the three ideological monkeys out of storage -- you know, hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.

Making snap judgments is not the hallmark of a thinking individual. Give it time, and we'll see in 6 months or so how Obama leads. Already, he has organized the Senate moderates who are the swing vote on the stimulus bill and they are developing a compromise that should pass in the next day or so. Hmmmmm....

However, I am enthused to see some Republicans starting to use reason and analysis to develop good, solid proposals like reducing the payroll tax and providing home and auto purchase credits. This is what conservatives should be doing. It is also something that Dems would not think of doing. I believe they are moving in that direction because in order to be taken seriously, they needed to develop something that economists would agree are good ideas and not the Pelosi nonsense we've seen in the House. There is hope for conservatives as long as reason lives in some of them.

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 4:09PM

It seems the people who don't care about the subject or its content, are back because they are not interested in the topic of conversation.
Nor do they understand the subject, it would be wise for them to find a subject that they understand. We have had people who have been writing about shoeshine boys, which has nothing to do with the subject.

There are those who are insulting people wo may have or may not have voted Republicans. Which is not the subject. Why bother to write on a subject you don't understand.

There is Allan Brooks who thinks any one who writes about peace is on weed, the subject is not about who smokes weed or what ever else they may or ma not smoke.

Stick with the issues, if you do not understand the issues find an issue on the page that you may find interesting.

It strikes me the reason these people are writing in is because they hate the fact that a Black person won the 2008 Election.

My take on the matter is if you live in a free society, you are free to vote as you choose. It's not a reason for a civil war. If the Republicans did not win this time, then the intellegent thing to do is look at some of the reason you lost, it's common sense.

Making stupid comments will not change anything, except make people think, I'am glad I voted Democrats.

It would not have changed the economic situation, because it was there before. But if people see the things Republicans worry about, Race, Shoe Shine boys, people smoking weed, people worring about the formation of the Republican Party who abolished Slavery, all the Republicans are pointing out is their fears, the fear of race, the fear of Black people who make up 13% of your population, there are other minority groups who thinks the Republicans does not represent them. So what do you do attack the people of colour, how will that improve your chances. If you attack your potential supporters, what do you expect to gain?.
Then thete is those who are writing on a subject of race, which is not the subject.

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 4:17PM

To: Dr. "Right" (aka Dr. Moron)

Re: How'd you get to be so stuuuupid?

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! What a DUMBA$$ YOU ARE!!!!

Tweak a right-winged imbecile long enough, and his true racist nigga-hating colors emerge!

This is the MOST priceless statement yet:

"We likes 'em just fine when 'dey be knowin' 'dey place...Like it wuz before, so it will be agin'...Know whut ah'm sayin'??

It's always (ALWAYS!) "the niggas" causing the real problems, isn't it???

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! What a FOOL!!!!

By the way, I'm sooooo glad that these are the kind of people you have in the Republican party...GOP's gotta great future with worldly thinkers like this!!!!

BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! DR. MORON!!!!!

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 4:20PM

Telepromter Messiah.

I can't argue with you on that. Don't rely on the Government to save you ASS. I coundn't have said it better my self.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 4:23PM

Top Secret:

The difference between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans have long thought it was possible for a man or woman of African origin to be president. The content of their character and not the color of their skin is what America is supposed to judge on, isn't it?

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 4:48PM

T.S.
It strikes me the reason these people are writing in is because they hate the fact that a Black person won the 2008 Election.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

O-please, what a COP-OUT!
Obama is a flimflam man, this is what people dislike.
He hasn't done ZIP in his entire life, yet I'll give him credit. He was able to convince millions he is the ONE. So far his real life lessions are showing!

BIG TIME....

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 4:51PM

Teleprompter Messiah.

You have some valid points, but sociology is a big subject. We are talking about people that came out of SLAVERY, they had no education. People was being bred to make money from white people, the problem how do you insill that a man and a woman is responsible to bring up their children to be responsible? it takes time and poverty don't go away over night.

Blacks in America has come a long way but have a long way to go. I don't know the answers no more than I know the solutions. But I can only say this the answer is in education, history. Blacks were not treated equal, so there is the 1st problem.

The fact that Black people have survived in America is amazing, show they are a resiliant people. Blacks live in the worst conditions in America, others coming from other countries had normal life, Blacks in America suffered mentally, economically, spiritually. Many Black Americans have been damaged for life. Its a big subject - sociology is a study on its own.

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 5:00PM

what Bob--
(Daphne Top Secret agent 000 doesn't count)
who is the best of left of center guys here-- cant grasp is that this is not a news outlet this is a conservative OPINION site.

GET IT?

Anthony| 2.5.09 @ 5:13PM

Obama says of the Porkulus Bill; "Pass it now or we may never recover". Wow, it didn't take long for the community organizer to go into full panic -lie mode. Two weeks and he's already becoming unhinged. Oh, check out NRO and read the 50 top waste projects in Porkulus. Every damn Congressional Dem, save for 15 or so, should be frogged marched to GITMO and waterboarded.

Mary| 2.5.09 @ 5:14PM

Obama is in the unfortunate position of having a sort of "first" first two weeks. As he keeps himself in the public eye, he runs the risk of living Montaigne's plea right out loud:

Eloquence is an engine invented to manage and wield at will the fierce democracy, and, like medicine to the sick, is only employed in the paroxysms of a disordered state.

Shame on all eloquence which leaves us with a taste for itself and not for its substance.

His piece in today's WaPo is insipid and pathetic. When Chris Matthews begins to agonize over Bam, Bam's in trouble.

It only took two weeks for the woolly-headed stereotype that dogs liberals to become enlivened once again.

For better or worse, he's President. If Obama is smart he'll defang Pelosi and proceed with stimulus caution. But he doesn't seem to be doing that today. He seems to be taking la Carognia known as the stimulus off her hands.

Where money can be applied to rebuild what needs rebuilding or reinforce confidence where that's vital, he'll have the support of the people. When and where he wanders off into moronic ideological drift, he'll lack that same support. Snowe will need other heavier hitters to make anything she advises worth something. Graham has rightly called Obama out on his desperate scare tactics.

Oh, and if he really wants to position the Democrat party for something other than fluke wins based on the incompetency of the other side, he'd better arrange for Pelosi to taste of the felt gag soon, and while there to linger long.

There was always much less to Obama than met the eye. If I'm wrong, I'll easily fess up, but I'm afraid we've elected another boy.

President Bush was callow too, but the slaughter of 3,000 of our own jump-started the full formation of his manhood, and gave him the courage to say polls be damned: Better they should hate me and remain alive, than be silenced through more slaughter.

Today's Rasmussen poll notes that "overall, 62% of all voters somewhat or strongly approve of Obama’s performance." Those categories could easily oppose one another, so I'm not quite sure how to read the number and interpret a possible split.

The last generation left us no peace dividend. The elites, -who don't give a damn about the Country and refuse to address the underlying issue and problems with our currency- are fascistically longing to be preferred dividend holders. We have no bench atop which erudite, wise and affable leaders sit. We have never been in circumstances less amenable to boy leadership than we are right now.

Mr. Tyrell, contrary to the claptrap on this thread, has been gracious to Senator, then President-Elect and now President Obama. The historic nature of Obama's win and Oath of Office cannot and should not be gainsaid, but that isolated singularity has been swallowed by our Cronos-like history and will be disgorged 4 or 8 years hence.

At present, competence in governance is the coin of the realm. This isn't '29. Obama is not FDR, and he's not "a gonna save us all."

President Obama (why do I think of Obama as his first name?) had better put down the Niehbur and pick up Agrippa. He'd better become a fallibalist in 3, 2, 1...

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 5:15PM

the amspec moderator in 2000 was right-- progressives who come here are masochists. guilty wittle masochists. it took me nine years to find out.
nine years...

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 5:15PM

T.S.

Blacks in America suffered mentally, economically, spiritually. Many Black Americans have been damaged for life.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

No-way well I let you get away with this LIE. Yes in the 1960 things were bad, but much has changed. You should do some traveling over seas. Try Asia, where blacks are still slaves and sold to others by blacks.
Get off you high horse.
Not one nation is perfect!
By the way, have you seen any top blacks saying zip about what goes on in Aisa? NO-zero!

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 5:18PM

SLAVERY is not the reason that certain persons of African origin are poor. Lifestyle choices are the reason. That is true for Americans of other ethnic origins. Especially the lifestyle choice of having children outside of marriage.

In a country where a man of African origin is the president, what's the excuse for not figuring out that a loving family is the surest way out of poverty. Mr. Obama owes his grandparents a lot.

One of my only hopes from the tin Messiah is that the emulation and celebration of the gangster culture will end. Brothers need to pull up their pants.

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 5:23PM

...guilty ittle bitty teenie weenie white masochists, and one or two rough-trade black gays.

Chauncy Gardener: "I like to watch"
Leroy: "wow! you do?"

Anthony| 2.5.09 @ 5:25PM

TM: Leftist Democrats always avoid Dr. King's most famous line because it belies the racial warfare they have perpetuated against America these many decades. Not to mention, the left practices exactly what Dr. King preached against. And MLK was a Republican.

Bob| 2.5.09 @ 5:38PM

Alan, I do understand what you are saying -- that the OPINION represented here lacks a factual basis. On that we agree... Again, you demonstrate belief over reason and analysis.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 5:38PM

Anthony:

Another good thing about our tin Messiah is that he owes nothing to Jackson and Sharpton. These parasitic charlatans can now just go away and shut up.

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 5:45PM

this year Obama will call Thomas Sowell into the white house and say
"what should i do?"
next year a Gingrich will be elected and say "we need to focus on biotech immortality and colonize space".

i guarantee at LEAST one of these two predictions will be fulfilled. Sowell will wind up on O's speed dial.

Terleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 5:53PM

Bob:

When did reasoning skills and the use thereof ever become the province of the Left?

Mr. Obama is an inexperienced (two year stint as a lawyer, ten year adjunct law professor, multiple term state senator and one term United States senator don't count as executive experience) executive (enough facts?). He has never had to make anything like the life or death decisions he has to now, daily. Making pretty speeches is not the same as leadership. This ain't the Oxford Union.

Roping in a majority of votes when your own party is overwhelmingly in the majority should be a cakewalk and hardly counts as a singular example of leadership abilities. His inability to even do that shows that this intelligent but empty suit of a man hasn't got the skills needed.

RAW| 2.5.09 @ 5:56PM

Teleprompter Messiah - Where were you and your high and mighty beliefs when George Bush was handing out unrestricted cash tyo the banks, cutting taxes to the insanely rich and forcing everyone else to pay the bill. Such hypocrisy.

RAW| 2.5.09 @ 5:59PM

Alan Brooks - I like being entertained and one should keep there enemies close at hand.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 6:11PM

Bob, you have to be an idiot to defend the incompetent moron; but we already knew that about you. Guess the Obamassiah's 'knowledge' and Ivy League education just aren't enough, Bob. So much for your expert analysis and all.

Bob| 2.5.09 @ 6:13PM

Terleprompter, both the hard left and hard right lack reasoning skills. Neither side has a significant advantage in reasoning skills. Yes, Obama is relatively inexperienced, but he is pragmatic and his reasoning skills seem to be sound. As for executive experience, McCain was a staffer for almost all of his life and Palin had less than two years as Governor. I don't count being mayor of a small town as executive experience. I spent my career in business and ran corporate divisions for over 20 years, so I do understand executive experience. The only candidate with real executive experience was Romney (and that's who I supported). None of the candidates made life or death decisions for people as I had to do as a Sergeant in Vietnam on a daily basis. As Tyrrell said, and I agree, there are NO great leaders in our national government.

Reagan made some good decisions and some very poor ones. The same with Clinton. Bush1 made very few important decisions and Bush2 failed miserably to follow secular conservative principles. He did help social conservatives, however, which is one of the reasons he failed miserably.

In terms of getting a majority of votes, for political reasons, the Republicans will not even support a good bill. Most of the House Republicans are in safe districts and know the bill will eventually pass. If the spending works, they know people will have a short memory. If it doesn't work they have a campaign issue. The only ones that will vote their conscience are those in close electoral districts.

You do realize the Republicans should have, and could have, done many of these things last year. However, there was no electoral reason for doing so. Now that's patriotism, right?

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 6:13PM

Hey, dummo RAW, taxes on the 'insanely rich' INCREASED during W's two terms. Check the facts, moron.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 6:18PM

RAW:

Bush did not "cut taxes to the insanely rich and force everyone else to pay". Please quit pretending that you think for yourself or can do any research before spouting off inane Kos talking points. According to the Treaury Department, the wealthiest 5% of Americans earners pay 60% of the income taxes in this country. I suppose you are right, a whole bunch of folks are forcing somebody else to pay the bill.

Where was I on the bank giveaways? Yelling at my congressman not to be a wimp and vote for it.
Let the buggers fail is and was my motto.

I'm sure you'll be manning the barricades on TARP II.

I'm also sure you turn over every penny you earn to the federal and state governments because they have better use for it than you and you are an altruist.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 6:19PM

Bob, you've been defending Obama's knowledge and great education for months now, and that he would be a good president. Wrong! He's a disaster, and you are an idiot for defending him. Obviously your reasoning skills are non-existent.

RAW| 2.5.09 @ 6:20PM

Ruth - Are you residing next to a river in Egypt.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 6:20PM

Dummocrats love to raise taxes because they don't pay any.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 6:24PM

Freak, and you're still wrong about taxes.

Sub MOA| 2.5.09 @ 6:25PM

I'd like to get back to what Angryjake and Cam were talking about above. There is a immense leftist inertia in the print media, the TV networks other than Fox, the entire educational system-- esp. college, the well oiled ballot stuffing apparatus, much of the internet, the Holywood Illuminati, and on and on. I would love to think that the middle left would come to it's senses over the present cabinet scandal, etc, but they didn't when presented with enough pre-election dirt and disgrace to make Nixon look like Mother Theresa. They just don't care. Besides, there's a psychological principle-- can't recall the name-- in which people with a poor logic circuit often find it more comfortable to persist in supporting a delusion even when the delusion is proven, than to admit that they were wrong and have to start from scratch on the other side. I would predict that nothing that Obama does is going to be billed at parity by these people.

That being so, and I hope I'm wrong, what do we do? I have decided that if I'm going to consider myself a Patriot, I'm going to have to do the work of a Patriot, and the occasional letter to my senators is not enough. I have decided to start cold-calling people in my town, asking if they have been paying attention to the bailout, and go from there. You know, 'never let a crisis go to waste.' I'm sure there are better ideas, and I would love to see discussion and hear some of them. But we are seeing the belly of the socialist agenda Beast right-the-hell-now, and it must not go unanswered.

RAW| 2.5.09 @ 6:29PM

Teleprompter Messiah - not at all I agree completely let em fail. I also think tarp II sucks, stimulus pkg sucks, but thats what happens when a Republican like Bush sells the farm, capitalizes crap and sells it to the world, becomes an imperialist, openly endorses freidman economics and shuts down science based on religion and the list goes on. It is too early to judge Mr. Obama like Ruth does. Ruth get a brain. Republicans are very scared about this science project of tarp funds I am watching closely and will reserve my judgement.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 6:33PM

Bob:

I tip my hat to any veteran and thank you for your service.

Where is this pragmatism and reasoning on display? I keep getting lost in the platitudinous speechifying and the smug "I won" ungracious arrogance.

As for the Stimulus Bill, it is a bad, bad, thing. Better to stand pat and do nothing than suck a trillion dollars out of the world economy and then spend it on expanding existing programs in the name of doing something. There is no downside in opposing this stupid and wasteful bill if you do believe in limited government.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 6:33PM

You should be more scared, RAW; when Tarp goes down in flames--so will you dummocrats.

RAW| 2.5.09 @ 6:40PM

Quote - Mr Bush "I have political capital and I intend to spend it" sounds like platitudinous speechifying and the smug "I won" ungracious arrogance.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 6:45PM

RAW: Bush ended up wasting that political capital on trying to reform Social Security with his own party. But hey, lets not dither, its not like Republicans can actually stop the coming of Obamac Utopia is there?

Bob| 2.5.09 @ 6:49PM

Teleprompter -- let's forget ideology for a minute. The original Obama outline had about 40% in tax cuts and spending on infrastructure, unemployment, food stamps, and not much else. The reduction in tax cuts and loading of pork came with the House bill. Obama's pragmatism came in with the high amount of tax cuts to appeal to Republicans and the choice of spending programs.

From the perspective of econometrics, the key to any stimulus bill is to slow down the recession enough to get people spending again as spending accounts for almost 70% of the GDP. Remember that about 80% of the public still have jobs and are still paying their mortgages. It is fear that is stopping them from spending. Economics is not an exact science and you see exaggerations on both up and down slopes. Failure to stop the slide will actually hurt the debt in an amount greater than the stimulus, so inaction is not a reasonable action.

As to the pork, there is lots of it in the House version and it should not be there. Tax cuts should be limited to those that can put money into the economy quickly which means payroll tax cuts and credits for auto and home buying. Cap gains cuts will not benefit the creation of jobs because capital is there, it's just waiting on the sidelines.

If politics weren't there on either the right or the left, we'd have a chance at a good bill, but both sides seem to value ideology over reason. Furthermore, there should be no pet projects in the bill, only those that will affect the economy over the next 2 years.

The original "I won" remark was said tongue in cheek is a closed door meeting as I understand it. If you had a sense of humor, you could laugh at that one. This is political correctness gone too far.

As I've said, I don't know if Obama will succeed or not, but he was a whole lot better than the alternative.

And Ruthie, the TARP was proposed by REPUBLICANS.

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 7:12PM

Bob:

What in the hell did we get for $700 billion in TARP? That was to save FoP's (Friends of Paulson) from losing the house in the Hamptons and the mistress or else we would all be living like the Joads.

Now we are supposed to spend even more money we have to borrow. Just like TARP.

This is insane.

The cause of this recession, like most that preceded it is malinvestment. Good money was used in bad investments. Even worse, a lot of that money was borrowed. The cure for bad investments is revaluation, not propping up inflated values. The cure is also not to save inefficient businesses from their failing business models.

No one is spending now because no one is sure that the bargain they got today will not be even more of a bargain tomorrow. Wait and see is reasonable and logical.

What is not reasonable or logical is to conclude that removing a trillion dollars from capital markets to be spent by governments on dubious projects will change the dynamic of value. Japan tried it ten times in a row and those ten times are known as the "lost decade".

Top Secert| 2.5.09 @ 7:51PM

Look how divided the people are, and they live in the same country. Not a single person has the ability to look at the real issues, look at it's implications.

There has been two parties who has, one creates the mess, the other comes in tries to sort it out then the next comes in and creates a bigger mess, and it keeps getting bigger and bigger, national debts. Then the tax on each generation gets bigger and bigger then some other Party comes in promising to sort it out, but can they really sort it out? could the figures be wrong, perhaps it's not as bad, that is the American dream now.

We are a Super power, we don't have to worry, we can get our oil free, we print our own money, it does not have to be of any value, backed by anything. What happens when the rest of the world does not want to trade in this fiat currency that is worthless.

Is it too difficult to understand the implications for America. Does any one understand how many governments it took for America to arrive in this difficult place, how many will it take to solve this mountain of debts.

How will it transpire, will it result in civil war, when people begin to understand thew gravity of this huge problem.

Many Army Personnel have resorted to commiting suicide in huge numbers, because the ideas of killing innocent people around is more than they can take, some have left to go to Canada. Some have been called back from Iraq to fire on their own citizens, in the expectation of civil unrest in America.

The problems is not only economical, but socially as well. People fighting over resources, due to lack of money. This could be replicated nation wide, and world wide.

America will eventually end up in a civil war, because the nation cannot understand why their economy has been destroyed. The rich think they will be safe, but if thats is true, why has the Bush administration set up safe haven for the political elite. If you are rich and not a political elite what is your option?. This problem is not White, Black or Brown, it affects every body. These people have destroyed a whole country and after it's obvious that there is no solution they can go into hiding. That is what people are faced with, you do not need to a scientist to know that people don't borrow their way out of a melting economy.

How many people who don't even know if they will have a job next week, or next month, let alone next year, that is planning to take out a loan to buy a car from Chrysler?.

How many people who are in their right mind think this stimulus package is going to benefit them? who has it benefitted so far? the people who caused the problem to be exact. Now Tony Blair has turned up on the seen say it all.

Which raises the question who is running Obama's administration? too many chief and no Indians. It's like an organisation that is based on self interest only. The whole thing is like a Cuckoo Clock, Obama pokes his head out every hour to tell people don't worry you have some money coming, but we don't know when it will get to your neck of the woods.

I read about people speaking about Ronald Reagan, he is dead, the problem is now. For all of this mess you can blame who ever you like, it's tough, what people is faced with is the HERE & NOW. People can have all the infighting they want but the issues and how it affects people in the real world is the problem today and tomorrow.

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 8:13PM

Allan Brooks.

Conservative SITE get it. Reminds me of a bit of history WHITES ONLY TOLIETS.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 8:18PM

Not TARP II, brilliant Bobi, that's all yours.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 8:21PM

Another original thinker of the liberal persuasion. No decent argument? No problem, just throw the race issue into the mix. Predictable and boring.

DaveinPhoenix| 2.5.09 @ 8:23PM

I agree with the feeling shared by Joe B, only with an additional fear...

"Joe B| 2.5.09 @ 9:21AM

--onto the freeway headed in the wrong direction --

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 8:24PM

Alan, the clown, Daphne, aka Top Secret, can't even spell your name right. Even after all this time. Stupid is as stupid does.

Kat| 2.5.09 @ 8:27PM

Dave in Phoenix, if it's any comfort, you're not alone. Toughen up, it's going to get bumpier.

Paul Nelson| 2.5.09 @ 9:01PM

Barak Obama is a totalitarian marxist. If you believe that, you see that much of what he does is just to distract his opponents until they can be "disappeared." Watch what happens in the military. If he begins purges of the "politically incorrect" you may assume that he is preparing to use the military against the people. The left has a monopoly on power in the federal government, as they did in 1992. The left lost the elections of 1994. You all seem to expect that the left will lose in 2010 elections, but that assumes that you will be able to vote in 2010. An election in 2010 is a risk for our new dictator, and one that I expect him to do his best to avoid.

S.L. Toddard| 2.5.09 @ 9:18PM

They created the KKK and they call us racists. Those dumb liberals! I think we have an invasion of cockroaches here. RAW, make yourself RARE before being well done. Bob, you stink. Even with my eyes closed, I know you're out there, molesting young blacks and blaming it on Republicans. Obama Rules, use the correct orifice or wash your teeth. And you liberal morons, get a life. Time to flip burgers.

S.L. Toddard| 2.5.09 @ 9:22PM

Did I hear a libturd fart? Sorry Top Secretion, I didn't mean to ignore you but you're so irrelevant I almost stepped on you, pal.

Pingback| 2.5.09 @ 9:28PM

| The Liberal Democrat links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…playful mood. The Iranians are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Shah. That happened, if memory serves, during the Carter Administration. Again, it is going to be a long four years. Source . is the founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator and an adjunct scholar at the Hudson Institute. No related posts. Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website…

Pingback| 2.5.09 @ 9:31PM

Obama Agonistes | The Liberal Democrat links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…playful mood. The Iranians are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Shah. That happened, if memory serves, during the Carter Administration. Again, it is going to be a long four years. Source . is the founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator and an adjunct scholar at the Hudson Institute. Related posts: Obama to End Military’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’…

G.| 2.5.09 @ 9:35PM

Watch FREE porn involving Obama Rulez, Top Secretion, Blow Bob and RAWful. Bondage, S&M;, necrophilia, liberal voting! You won't believe your eyes!
www.salon.com

Jeremiah| 2.5.09 @ 9:41PM

These people have no decency. No wonder most sex offenders and drug addicts are card carrying liberals. It's not the Audacity of Hope but the Opiacity of Dope! They're worthless but they bring lots of new readers who come and see the Light.

Homesick Ex-Wasillan| 2.5.09 @ 9:46PM

Emmet, the word is SNAFU, not snafoo. It's an acronym from the greatest generation military: Situation normal, all ****** up. Just thought you'd want to know.

Jeremiah| 2.5.09 @ 10:00PM

How about FUBAR?

tazman| 2.5.09 @ 10:09PM

As Rush always says "Conservatism works everytime it's tried".

Game is up Check Mate| 2.5.09 @ 10:19PM

Breaking News.

Obama STIMULUS package is about to fail and it will be bad for the US economy, or that is what is being said.

But this was expected from last year because this is where the economy collapse totally. And this is about now they plan to introduce the AMREO, it was planned for several years. This is the New begining, the dollar totally collapse, and all investments held in US dollars will become worthless.

I tried to warn you.

It's Over Don't Blame me| 2.5.09 @ 10:38PM

You People think this is a Black and white issue, not at all, this is a reality, that affects Black people and white people and all people who have investments held in US dollars.

I can't stress this enough, this is a serious issue it affects the global economy, America will not even be able to import oil, in the US dollars the economy will become stagnant.

Don't fight me I am only the person giving you the News. If you people had a better system of free and fair media you would know what is going on in your country.

Don't blame Obama, it's more to do with the last 8 years. Wasting time worring about Bin Layden who has been dead for years. You people should have been worring about your own country and your economy.

Ben Dover N Grab'im| 2.5.09 @ 11:29PM

Barry O believes all of the hype he's been fed for the last few years, and believes that he can effect "change" merely by his presence. See also his "I reject those theories" statement from his speech tonight; I mean, who cares? I reject his theories, I reject global warming, are we to fall at his feet and beg forgiveness because he "rejects those theories"? What does he know of those "theories" anyway? We don't even know his GPA from college and law school or what he studied.

Kat| 2.5.09 @ 11:31PM

Shut up, Daphne. Bin Layden--only an idiot would write this. You must live in a cave; probably not far from Bin Layden.

ruth| 2.5.09 @ 11:34PM

BendOver, Obama got all As in ACORN 101 and he's the community organizer-in-chief, don't ya know nothin'?

Obama Rules| 2.5.09 @ 11:40PM

ruth, you ignorant slut!

ruth| 2.6.09 @ 12:05AM

That's all ya got, OR? You're slipping, loser. Go smoke another joint to forget your 'incompetent Obomber' sorrows. Dude can't even fill his cabinet. Oopsies!

Osamas Pajamas | 2.6.09 @ 12:42AM

The problem with OhBummer's resignation is that any follow-ons in his gang are no less corrupt and stupid and leftist than he is ---- they're all a gaggle of gargoyles as one pundit wrote of the Clinton admin, and they're all a waste of space.

Obama Rulez| 2.6.09 @ 3:25AM

I Love all American people and I will vote republican next time I vote because I was only kidding on the earlier post's ,sorry you people.I apologize for every hateful racist word I said.I believe Barrack Hussein Obama's policies are bad for our country with his socialist elitist views and I hope he reaches out way across the isle to the men and women called conservatives because they are the true hope and strength of this great nation of ours!
God Bless you all and God Bless America!
Sorry I was such a racist aszbite as I can really be self centered quit often,again I am sorry for being such a hateful dick!
I love conservative republicans!
Peace my friends......Obama Rulez-not

Pingback| 2.6.09 @ 7:58AM

Obama Agonistes | links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Obama Agonistes | var zoomImagesBase = '/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/wp-fancyzoom/'; addDOMLoadEvent(setupZoom); Featured Links [Blogroll] 11 Alive Ace of Spades HQ Air Traffic Atlanta AJC AJC Political Insider Atlanta Braves Atlanta Business Journal…

Pingback| 2.6.09 @ 8:50AM

Never Yet Melted » Get Ready For a Long Four Years links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…yet melted. — D.H. Lawrence « Bigtime Oreo Needed For Conservative Columnist Position, Apply at NYT 06 Feb 2009 Get Ready For a Long Four Years R. Emmett Tyrell, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama R. Emmett Tyrell warns that, like the first Robin, the first crocus shoots announcing that Spring has arrived, the first corrupt and ludicrously leftwing appointments, the first foreign policy gaffes already herald the…

In Memoriam| 2.6.09 @ 9:24PM

http://img26.xooimage.com/files/8/4/2/looney600-af0fcd.jpg

william1| 2.7.09 @ 7:16PM

For the tiresome vulgarians who have, it seems, infested this site, it may serve you well to remember Cicero's observation. Nominem stultorem partibus haerunt.

Pingback| 2.7.09 @ 7:56PM

Besieged Barack « The Sheeple Blogs links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

Barack « The Sheeple Blogs /* */ window.google_analytics_uacct = "UA-52447-2"; /* */ The Sheeple Blogs Besieged Barack February 8, 2009 THE OBAMA CRACK-UP? Re: R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr.’s Obama Agonistes: The debonair Mr. Tyrrell, a clear eyed chronicler of the Clinton foibles, in a scant two weeks is agape at the stumbling Boy Prophet. I prefer to envision Mr. Tyrrell with his handsome face upturned. If…

KL Tuttle| 2.8.09 @ 3:36PM

It looks as though more than half the population were wrong and less the half of us were right. I too thought it would be an Obamanation. I thought he had no experience, hillary either. I thought he had never had an original idea in his life. An empty suit, I pegged him. Only a small fraction of the population voted for him because they liked his positions, the rest voted for him because they like him, or his color or his cuteness. Then came Clinton redo.

KL Tuttle| 2.8.09 @ 3:39PM

William1, I am sure that at least one will.

Arms Industry| 2.9.09 @ 12:39PM

Yeah! I am living next door to Bin Laden Grave, he has been dead for 9 years because he suffered from Kidney failure, and could not get treatment in his cave, he came to America for treatment where he died.

George Bush who was a friend of the Bin Laden family asked if his image could be used in Bush campaign for war on terror.

The Tora Borah bombing was to kill the Talabans, who did not agree to the terms of the pipe lines being run through from the Caspian Sea, because they wanted more money.

Karazi a former CIA agent was set up as Prime Minister, to contain the Talabans but was not able to contain them, he is now on his way out.

What is the war about? do you think it has anything to do with terror? no it don't it's about oil pipe lines. And nothing else, the Iranians want a pipe line to India running gas and another for oil.
All these wars are about who gets there first, with their pipe lines. America is the only loser because they want control with nothing to run.

All America is doing is fighting Iran's war, the Talabans traffic Drugs from Afganistan, they wanted rid of Saddam, they have that, they wanted closer ties with Iraq they have that now you have majority control in the area, sheia's. Who is worried the minority Sunnis, Saudi, Egypt, Israel. America has managed to Unite the biggest group in the Arab world, well done. If this was not real I would think it's a joke.

And now America wants to fight almost the whole of the Arab world single handed with Israel.

The only way it can be done is with the help of the Europeans, so Obama is right again because America cannot do it alone.

If Israel attack Iran, it gives Iran a reason to attack Israel, another stupid move. It also give other Arab nations a reason to join in, after Gaza.

The people who paid for the State of Israel will get back their money a Trillion times over, because they were never interested in Jews they wanted a group of people to live in Palestine, and you cannot have a State with no people. The more wars they stired up the more money they made from Arms deals, and the more Arms deals is made by the Arabs it's a business deal the reality on the ground no one really care about Israel or the people of Gaza not even Arabs, they have been used to make money for the Arms industry.
To defend this little strip cost money, who has been paying? the Americans, are the Europeans worried, no because it helped them to rid themselves of Jews. Tough reality but true.

ruth| 2.9.09 @ 3:36PM

Bin Laden's been dead for 9 years? Great math skills, Daphne. Publik Skool education on display.

Pingback| 2.11.09 @ 2:47AM

Secret System Shows You How To Make Insane Amounts Of Cash. | 7Wins.eu links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…| HeroSite.net Fan Blogs Mike Davidson - SSSS Equals No SXSW 6 Reasons Why John Reese’s Vre(virtual Real Estate) Concept Is The … | Arbitrage Conspiracy : CeleBlog The American Spectator : Obama Agonistes Tags sell on ebay to make market research from home This product is also listed in Business to Business Education New Products Marketing & Ads How To's New Products Trends Gravity…

Pingback| 2.12.09 @ 5:36AM

Oklahoma Mesothelioma Law professional, OK , mesothelioma cancer, OK Law practice links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…for bankrupt [...] Blogs related to Oklahoma Mesothelioma Law professional, OK , mesothelioma cancer, OK Law practice The Book of Emmett by Deborah Forster | Boomerang Blog The Natural Patriot The American Spectator : Obama Agonistes The Natural Patriot The Natural Patriot Top Mesothelioma News for Thursday 12th of February 2009 EPA Awards Gary, Indiana With Environmental Grant Asbestos Removed From Alabama School Gym New…

Pingback| 8.10.09 @ 2:50AM

Baby name meaning and origin for Kenward links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…& Getting Effective Relief From Labor Pains. Blogs related to Baby name meaning and origin for Kenward napaman.com Red Is Life: BBQ The American Spectator : Civil Lies Red Is Life: Beverage The American Spectator : Obama Agonistes Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon Suggested Products Put an end to all the Frustration, Stress and Annoyance of family members telling you how to get pregnant!! ... And…

jhjh| 11.23.09 @ 4:46AM

TOD Converter Mac,
TOD File Converter Mac

Trackback| 1.3.10 @ 8:26PM

credit repair alaska, on credit repair alaska, links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

I am going to add this website to my diggs!

gfsg| 1.19.10 @ 3:07AM

Convert to MKV is a powerful MKV video converter and MKV file converter, that can help you convert videos to MKV files with fast speed and excellent output quality.
Convert MKV to DVD as well as all the other popular formats are supported; batch and multithreading convert MKV to DVD and make the most of your multi-core processor power; create MKV to DVD with menu templates, split your movies into chapters and watch them on your home DVD player afterwards;
convert MKV to DVD by deleting unwanted parts, split and join video files and much more...

Pingback| 2.19.10 @ 10:46PM

Ethics And Competence - There is Nothing New Under the Sun: Pt. 4 - There is a Price links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…about this article or you need assistance, please call me at 214-629-7217. Related blog posts How Diamond Dave Eludes Justice « Moving On Up a Little Higher Belmont Club » From this moment on The American Spectator : Obama Agonistes Canons of Judicial Ethics « LAW RESOURCE INDIA Hot Air » Blog Archive » Blago gave Burris' son housing job ... Woman-on-Woman Bullying Works and Days » Hope He Can

rewrwe| 3.1.10 @ 9:56PM

iPod to PC Transfer,
iPod to PC Transfer

Poptropica | 4.8.10 @ 1:03AM

Back in the day, I had three choices for playing electronic games: our brand-spankin’ new Atari 2600, my hand-held Mattel Football game, or the arcade at the mall. The kids these days just don’t know how good they have it: XBox, Playstation, Wii, PSP, DS, PC, online, download, kid-focused MMORPGs. The possibilities are nearly limitless. So when my daughter came home saying she really, really, really wanted to play an online game called Poptropica , I had to check it out for myself.

Poptropica is a free Flash-based game designed for kids ages 6 to 15. Created by the Family Education Network,Poptropica is a world that consists of many islands, each with their own set of problems and mysteries to solve. For example, on the Super Power island, you have to help recapture six criminals that have acquired super powers from a falling meteorite. As you travel across each island you must complete a number of tasks and challenges, each building upon the other.

While you are free to roam around the 2-D environment, some parts of each island are locked until you can accomplish certain goals. Thus, you can expect to make multiple trips into the game to “complete an island” and earn the coveted gold medallion. Fortunately, the game comes with a save feature. You will need to create a username and password to store your game. I recommend you write your info down on paper as well as there is not a password recovery feature.

The challenges on each island are very much age appropriate. Some are very simple and in the vein of classic adventure games since time immemorial, “I’ll tell you a secret, if you bring me the magic pig”. As you complete a task, you acquire achievements in the form of playing cards. Some cards can be enabled, such as the Jet Pack card, which lets you fly like a certain famous Mandalorian. For younger kids, be prepared to offer a little assistance as other tasks are a bit more complex, such as the secret decoder ring on Spy Island. And if your kid is stumped and you have run out of ideas yourself, you can always find walk-throughs on the internet.

As with many free online games, there are some advertisements in the game. The majority of them are embedded within appropriate locations. For example, I saw an ad for a new kid’s movie near a movie theater in the game. Some ads only appear for certain age groups, so don’t be surprised if your experience is different from someone else’s. It is important to note that the ads in no way affect how you obtain a gold medallion on an island.

There are currently eight islands in Poptropica: Early Poptropica, Shark Tooth Island, Time Tangled Island, Carrot Island, Super Power Island, Spy Island, Nabooti Island, Big Nate Island. The login page lists a 9th island set to arrive in 2009, Astro-Knights. There are bunch of previews and screenshots for the new island on the Poptropica blog.

All-in-all, this is a great site where geeklets can be introduced to online gaming. There are limited chat opportunities (no free chat at all). The games and challenges are simple yet extensive enough to keep them engaged and striving to help all of the citizens of Poptropica be rid of their island woes.

wow| 10.17.11 @ 9:50AM

A very interesting blog... i will inform my friends too, he ask me to research a really interesting topic

diving equipment

oipret| 4.28.10 @ 3:31PM

http://rosyad.raudensah.com/20.....-fifa.html

balcuizar62| 10.13.11 @ 3:04AM

I completely agree with you. I enjoy this information. It has many useful information.
yaz class action

ruth| 10.17.11 @ 3:50PM

Great! Thanks for the great informative post and your effort. I think the above article is valuable for all concerned people.

mesothelioma lawsuit

fiance visa| 10.18.11 @ 4:16AM

Adventure is something that i have in my blood. I like ti live my adventure life. I like to try a new thing in my life and i think that makes me feel alive and never get old.

fiance visa

fiance visa| 10.18.11 @ 12:37PM

so interesting to visit your site.What a great info, thank you for sharing. this will help me so much in my learning
actos lawsuit

creamer| 10.20.11 @ 2:10AM

We have made a link to this from our site .All the very best for your work,
Actos Attorney

abominable putridity| 11.5.11 @ 1:20PM

i really like this blog and i will visit here always thank you so much for this blog...

L Tod Schlosser

wow| 11.13.11 @ 9:00PM

What is the point of allowing comments when you are going to delete insightful comments when keeping all that garbage comments on your site? Not Cool!

paxil lawsuit

Latest Headlines

From the Obama Ministry of Truth

Ben Stein|51 comments

Despite the WaPost, Benghazi Is a Major Scandal

Quin Hillyer|45 comments

IRS Union Chief Stonewalls

Jeffrey Lord|56 comments

McCain-Feingold Gave Us the IRS Scandal

Ross Kaminsky|105 comments

Anyone Still Believe Me?

Aaron Goldstein|30 comments

The Book We Still Can’t Spare

Lars Walker|46 comments

Delivering Serbs to the Wolves

Doug Bandow|19 comments

Wincing at Cumberbatch

James Bowman|9 comments

The Spectacle Blog

UPDATED: More on Lerner Pleading the Fifth

Kaylin Bugos | 4:27PM

Did Virginia Republicans Just Elect Terry McAuliffe?

Ross Kaminsky | 3:41PM

Lois Lerner Will Take the Fifth

Ross Kaminsky | 3:27PM

Cook Insists: No Income Shifting, Tax Avoidance

Luca Gattoni-Celli | 3:01PM

Democrats Outraged Over IRS, But Not the Right Aspect of It

Kaylin Bugos | 2:10PM

What Happens If the Uninsured Can’t Register Under Obamacare?

Patrick Ryan | 1:22PM

Whitehouse Berates Republicans for Causing Tornadoes

Claire Healey | 1:11PM

UPDATED: Former IRS Chief Refuses to Apologize

Kaylin Bugos | 12:45PM

FLASHBACK TO: 1995

Pope Culture

By George Sim Johnston

A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck

By P.J. O'Rourke

Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
Dames at Sea

By John Corry
In the Absence of Guns

By Mark Steyn

In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
The Metaphysical Martini

By Werner J. Dannhauser
Counting the Costs of Clintonism

By Robert H. Bork

The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
Chuck McHagel

By George Neumayr

It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted

By Douglas Bartholomew
It’s the Best Time of the Year

By Mark Steyn

The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
The Bush Crack-Up

By Brit Hume

Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?

The American Spectator

The Current Crisis

Obama Agonistes

About the Author

Letter to the Editor View all comments (239) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Drudge Ette Obama| 2.5.09 @ 6:24AM

Appleby| 2.5.09 @ 6:38AM

Michael L. Hauschild| 2.5.09 @ 7:01AM

frost| 2.5.09 @ 7:33AM

saleboter| 2.5.09 @ 7:51AM

Crusader| 2.5.09 @ 8:28AM

JP| 2.5.09 @ 8:52AM

angryjake| 2.5.09 @ 9:08AM

Curly Smith| 2.5.09 @ 9:17AM

Joe B| 2.5.09 @ 9:21AM

bluecollarbytes| 2.5.09 @ 9:27AM

Bob| 2.5.09 @ 9:36AM

Cam| 2.5.09 @ 9:37AM

WendyG| 2.5.09 @ 9:45AM

JP| 2.5.09 @ 9:50AM

WendyG| 2.5.09 @ 9:57AM

Red Bubba| 2.5.09 @ 9:58AM

Old Guy | 2.5.09 @ 9:58AM

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 10:06AM

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 10:23AM

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 10:25AM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 10:34AM

tony| 2.5.09 @ 11:02AM

Mike M| 2.5.09 @ 11:09AM

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 11:32AM

james| 2.5.09 @ 11:42AM

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 11:47AM

Joe amato | 2.5.09 @ 11:52AM

Jack| 2.5.09 @ 12:00PM

rw| 2.5.09 @ 12:05PM

Anthony| 2.5.09 @ 12:06PM

Obama Rulez | 2.5.09 @ 12:09PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:21PM

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:22PM

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:23PM

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 12:24PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:25PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:27PM

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 12:33PM

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:36PM

Gino| 2.5.09 @ 12:41PM

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:42PM

angryjake| 2.5.09 @ 12:43PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:43PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:48PM

Obama Rulez (Doc Right Droolz)| 2.5.09 @ 12:48PM

Pingback| 2.5.09 @ 12:49PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 12:53PM

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 12:59PM

Griff| 2.5.09 @ 1:05PM

bob montgomery| 2.5.09 @ 1:06PM

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 1:08PM

Griff| 2.5.09 @ 1:11PM

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 1:23PM

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 1:23PM

Dustoff| 2.5.09 @ 1:26PM

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 1:27PM

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 1:30PM

Obama Rulez| 2.5.09 @ 1:32PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 1:34PM

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 1:36PM

davod| 2.5.09 @ 1:39PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 1:41PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 1:43PM

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 1:43PM

Thomas| 2.5.09 @ 1:50PM

Top Secret| 2.5.09 @ 1:50PM

Griff| 2.5.09 @ 1:52PM

DougN| 2.5.09 @ 2:02PM

Doctor Right| 2.5.09 @ 2:02PM

Alan Brooks| 2.5.09 @ 2:07PM

davod| 2.5.09 @ 2:10PM

JJ JR| 2.5.09 @ 2:22PM

Michael L. Hauschild| 2.5.09 @ 2:25PM

Teleprompter Messiah| 2.5.09 @ 2:29PM