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Another Perspective
Principles vs. Populism
A tale of two commencement speakers -- Bobby Jindal and Barack Obama.
Barack Obama won the Catholic vote 54%-45% in the 2008 general election. George W. Bush won that vote, 52%-47%, in 2004 over John Kerry, a Roman Catholic. Many political pundits now view Catholics -- heavily blue collar, ethnic, and mostly Northern -- as a critical swing vote in national elections. It has become a rather good predictor in presidential outcomes.
If so, then the recent graduation speeches delivered President Obama at Notre Dame University and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal at Loyola University New Orleans may have offered an excellent preview of the 2012 presidential election.
One likely candidate is an electrifying populist who plays the race card and panders to class warfare, while the other is a convert to Catholicism who lives by his religion's principles and believes in the solutions of the market, not those of an all-powerful centralized state. The difference between the two men could not possibly be more distinct. This is not black and white in physical terms, as both leaders are "people of color." But it is starkly black and white in terms of outlook and convictions.
The outcry against Obama's speaking at Notre Dame has been loud and widespread. Some Bishops of the Church boycotted the event altogether, while groups like the Newman Society obtained over 365,000 signatures protesting the very invitation to the President. The protests were many and visible. The point of contention? The president's record on issues related to abortion, conflicting with the unwavering teachings of the Church.
Obama said to the graduates, "Understand -- I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away. No matter how much we may want to fudge it -- indeed, while we know that the views of most Americans on the subject are complex and even contradictory -- the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable. Each side will continue to make its case to the public with passion and conviction." He came to placate and hint at compromise on issues that are fundamental, and while he got his honorary degree he failed to convince many souls.
Jindal, meanwhile, was elated to be speaking at Loyola and to receive an honorary doctorate there, celebrating his effectiveness as a moral public servant. There were no controversy or protests at all in Louisiana, where Jindal has a very high popularity rating and is expected to launch a national campaign in the not too distant future. He said to a different set of graduates, "I'm all for knowledge... But make no mistake, knowledge is not power. Truth is power." Indeed, it appears that the two combatants are emerging as hands on favorites to run against each other when Obama faces re-election.
What is newsworthy is that Obama and Jindal represent strong polar opposites. The worldviews, political theories and economic paradigms of these two talented, young, smart, non-white politicians could not be more divergent. Obama has articulated what is in essence a democratic socialist message on the economy, with plans to redistribute even moderate wealth, and a radical social policy that includes staunch support for abortion. His view is that America is not exceptional and that it is in fact "arrogant" and must retreat from global power. Yet the federal government must gain new powers to run our lives at home.
Obama said to the crowd in South Bend, "This is the generation that must find a path back to prosperity and decide how we respond to a global economy that left millions behind even before this crisis hit -- an economy where greed and short-term thinking were too often rewarded at the expense of fairness, and diligence, and an honest day's work." He went on to deliver his standard stump speech extolling the wonders of government.
Jindal on the other hand is in the early stages of articulating not just his pro-life defense of the unborn but his commitment to American strength, market-based economic solutions rather than bailouts, lowering the tax burden, and most interestingly, renewing what he calls "spiritual capital." Spiritual capital is the legacy of Western civilization rooted in the Abrahamic faiths and views that backdrop as essential to the renewal of culture, freedom, and economic growth.
Jindal is not anti-corporate, nor does he use race baiting, although he is himself of humble Indian birth. His parents are from the Punjab and he became a Rhodes scholar. Jindal's philosophical orientation is more akin to traditional Catholic/Christian values, subsidiarity -- doing things at the most local level -- and he is opposed to out of control government spending, bailouts of bankrupt firms and industries, cronyism and all pork barrel spending.
Two speeches at graduations to prestigious Catholic schools provided an opportunity for platitudes, but instead illustrated starkly contrasting visions. One is patently secular and deifies the State, disrespecting the Church and its encyclicals, while the other embraces faith and calls on its transcending power to restore national civility, liberty, and greatness. One is populist to a degree not seen in decades while the other is rooted in timeless principles. These commencement speeches signal not just the beginning of summer. The 2012 campaign season is right around the corner.
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NoToObama| 5.20.09 @ 6:57AM
And that campaign can't come soon enough.
Jindal best study up and perfect his speaking abilities and get ready for the left to tear him apart. I'm sure they are looking in his closets already.
David Mathews| 5.20.09 @ 7:22AM
* "One likely candidate is an electrifying populist who plays the race card and panders to class warfare, while the other is a convert to Catholicism who lives by his religion's principles and believes in the solutions of the market, not those of an all-powerful centralized state. "
Please. Conservatives are really desperate if they imagine that Bobby Jindal the Exorcist and Sarah Palin the Exorcised can lead them to victory in 2012.
But if you want to run a Jundal - Palin or Palin - Jindal ticket ... I encourage you to do so! Please, please, please!
Jindal * Palin * 2012 "Republicans are Fundamentalists and Extremists who hate Science!"
John Navratil| 5.20.09 @ 7:55AM
Let's give DM his wish.
john j. pilato,sr.| 5.20.09 @ 7:56AM
Mr. Jindal is a shock to the political culture. He has actually done things that benefit his state and country. From serving in the House of Representatives, to running Louisianna's college system, being involved in medicare reform and health issues, he is the antihesis of Mr. Obama. Obama reads his telepromter well and many swoon at his inanities. Jindal is "cursed" with having ideas backed up by experience. Could anyone have been more effecient in handling his state's last bout with the hurricane season ? Be proud Loisianna, your governor understands how to govern. It is not vapid declarations of kumbaya but rather ideas , deeds and actions that produce results that ASSIST people to succeed in dealing with life's challenges.
Bill| 5.20.09 @ 8:05AM
Davey my boy why are you so bitter and negative? You should be elated that your boy is destroying the country and that you have something to be proud of.
You should be waking up every morning and giving thanks to your empty life that has no meaning and direction.
Art| 5.20.09 @ 8:06AM
What is it about American greatness that so offends the other comment writers? Has the man whose resume fits on the back of a postage stamp (copied from KAS) so hypnotized some that they can't remember what their country has done for the world these 200 plus years?
They're reduced to the usual name calling (exorcist, exorcised) that enables liberals to survive. I'm no psychiatrist but I think they protest too much. They're scared of honest-speaking people. As Jindal said, "Truth is Power." If they can show us some "truth" in Obama's speech, please do. I think they've come up with something: Jindal/Palin. Not bad. Not bad? Great. Yessir, Truth IS Power!
David Mathews| 5.20.09 @ 8:08AM
Hello Bill,
* "Davey my boy why are you so bitter and negative? You should be elated that your boy is destroying the country and that you have something to be proud of. "
Conservatives really want to forget George W. Bush, don't they?
As the Republican party diminishes to nothingness the conservatives cling desperately to the ghost of Ronald Reagan.
Go ahead:
Jindal * Palin * 2012 "The Republican Party is about as stupid as an unlicensed Plumber!"
David Mathews| 5.20.09 @ 8:10AM
Hello Art,
* "What is it about American greatness that so offends the other comment writers? Has the man whose resume fits on the back of a postage stamp (copied from KAS) so hypnotized some that they can't remember what their country has done for the world these 200 plus years? "
Any nation that could produce Bobby Jindal and Sarah Palin and the uneducated idiots who follow such nobodies isn't great.
Thank God you people are an extremist minority. What Would Rush Limbaugh Do?
Indiana Alex| 5.20.09 @ 8:24AM
Whomever the Republicans run against Obama will win.
Obama didn't run on Liberalism, which has failed dismally everywhere it has been practiced.
Obama ran as right of moderate, on a theme of tax cuts.
Now that people see his is actually a Liberal, he will lose, as the liberal losers before him.
David Mathews| 5.20.09 @ 8:26AM
Hello Indiana,
* "Whomever the Republicans run against Obama will win. "
Conservatives are uneducated, ignorant and delusional. No wonder why you are led by Rush Limbaugh ... right over the cliff.
Indiana Alex| 5.20.09 @ 8:28AM
And you Dave, you little winey, pea brain, are led by Joe Biden, who would seem to be only slightly more intelligent than you.
Perhaps we can discuss in person, since you so confidently posted your address?
David Mathews| 5.20.09 @ 8:37AM
Hello Indiana,
* "And you Dave, you little winey, pea brain, are led by Joe Biden, who would seem to be only slightly more intelligent than you.
* "Perhaps we can discuss in person, since you so confidently posted your address? "
Wow ... a brave person behind the computer screen. Conservatives are chickenhawks, though, and they are always afraid. I'd be more afraid of a fly than you.
Conservatives are wimps, cowards and sore losers. Is it any wonder that you are also an extremist minority which spends its time teabagging, too?
Indiana Alex| 5.20.09 @ 8:39AM
Dave,
See you soon...
David Mathews| 5.20.09 @ 8:46AM
Hello Indiana,
* "See you soon... "
Why don't you do that, Indiana?
I'll keep my mind open for the closeted morbidly obese SUV driving teabagger.
Indiana Alex| 5.20.09 @ 8:50AM
I'll call you later to set it up.
Ryan| 5.20.09 @ 9:06AM
One of the questions is whether or not Jindal is going to hang around for two terms. The next governor's election in LA is 2011, so we'll see how that turns out.
Jindal has two huge weaknesses in my mind: he never really held a real job in business, and he spent time in Washington, DC. He MAY, by the time he runs for the Presidency, have spent enough time outside DC to be considered a true "outsider," but it's still there.
If he can lift Louisiana out of the bottom of the barrel - there are some successes that he's introduced and some that he's jumped in front of spurred by others - he has a shot. There really isn't much to complain about under his administration (he handled the hurricane that hit Baton Rouge decently), but I'm not sure if there is anything to be ecstatic about, either.
John Navratil| 5.20.09 @ 9:22AM
Ryan,
There is probably more "hero worship" about Jindal than is appropriate, but there are several things to commend Jindal. His rework of the health care program in Louisiana, while not private sector, clearly shows his executive skills. And while his rhetorical skills do not put him in the class of B.O., at least you don't have to go looking for meaning behind an artful facade. Finally, while he may have spent some time in Washington, cleaning up Louisiana politics and knowing a thing or two about Washington can be considered complementary.
Alice Moore| 5.20.09 @ 9:32AM
In 2012 I have a hunch that a larger part of the electorate will look for solid skills and experience when electing a President. In fact a radio DJ's voice and deftness with a teleprompter may be at best not enough.
When an ordinary person is a candidate for a job, skill sets are closely evaluated. In 2012 more of the American electorate will probably do this.
BTW folks jsut like it's not a good idea to feed the bears in Jellystone Park, don't feed the trolls. I can't help thinking they have to call us losers. Why're you hanging around here then? When Kerry lost in 2004 none of had the urge to go over to MoveOn.org and say, "We won, nyah, nyah....!". So my friends ignore the trolls and they will go away. Just, scroll past the names that pop up every day, respond to the article, comment on COGENT points made by other posters. You know the rest.
As for the article Jindal/Palin, Palin/Jindal? Both sound great. Let me reiterate, slickness and packaging will be much less of a factor in 2012. The political equivalent of Willie Loman will not have such an advantage.
Old Texican| 5.20.09 @ 11:01AM
I really like Jindal
I don't believe he is mean enough to stomp Obama.
Second, I don't think he will have a chance to run.
HERE IT IS FELLOW AMERICANS:
We have GOT to focus on the Senate in 2010 if we are to preserve the country we love.
Even 2010 might be too late. I now refer you all to The "American Thinker" today (Wednesday).
There are two articles that are must reads there.
The US Senate is the only elerctoral lever we can try to use in my best judgement.
We are going to lose the Federal Courts.
We are going to lose much of our dicretionary income.
The House of Reps. it too volatile to corrall.
Big J| 5.20.09 @ 11:04AM
Don't get too hung up on rhetoric or speaking skills regarding Jindal. He is an excellent leader. I was amazed at the distinction between Gov. Kathleen (Boo-Hoo) Blanco and Jindal during a natural disaster. This man is a NATURAL. If you watched any of his press conferences during the hurricane, he spoke faster and more clearly than my brain could operate. I remember when he gave the rebuttal to Obama's first address to the nation. He was all but crucified for his lack of eloquence. I could care less for an eloquent speaker. We have one occupying the White House right now (well, as long as the teleprompter doesn't malfunction). I want leadership.
We don't need anymore empty suits that speak well. We need true leadership, principles and free market solutions. That "my friends" is what will bring this country's greatness back.
Pete| 5.20.09 @ 11:42AM
I like what I have seen of Jindal, but in an era when campaigns are run like popularity contests, I am not sure an Indian man is the right choice, no matter how much his principles may resonate. The color barrier has been broken, and US demographics for Indians don't compare with other minority groups (fewer votes on the basis of "same race" like we saw last fall). Female may be the way to go, but Palin has already been too smeared by the MSM to win unless the messiah pulls a Clinton and gets himself impeached. Just thinking out loud here - it shouldn't matter, but I think it ultimately does - thoughts?
Old Texican| 5.20.09 @ 11:44AM
Big J
Amen to your last paragraph, Sir.
Are either of your Senators up for election in 2010?
Old Texican| 5.20.09 @ 11:54AM
Don't freak, guys, but I want to toss out Governor Perry of Texas.
OKOK...but he will carry Texas, and thats a lot of electoral votes.
Have any of you seen his tea-party speech?
Go to youtube type in: Governor Perry tea party
If he stays tough (???) he can carry every State except Fruit-land and north eastern snoots.
Big J| 5.20.09 @ 12:30PM
Texican,
Thanks. Not sure about Cornyn (read yesterdays article on his endorsement of Crist - I was very dissappointed), but he voted for TARP, which drives me nuts. Hutchison is a RINO hack, but she will try to run for governor (one RINO hack replaced by another). I will campaign AGAINST her fiercely. Heck, I would vote for Kinky over Hutchison.
Governor "Good Hair" is only conservative when it suits him. He DOES need to be thrown out.
Think First| 5.20.09 @ 1:20PM
Look we know Sarah Palin could trounce Obama in a debate without teleprompters. While the MSM has attempted to smear her, she remains popular with a large chunk of people in general. And while we have broken the race barrier, what about the sex barrier?
We know McCain's people tried to muzzle her big time with his attempts at being Mr. Nice Guy while being trashed at every opportunity. I don't like some of her stances on issues like AGW but she has proven willing to listen.
Yes Jindal has the talent more than any one at this point who's come to immediate attention. He's also proven he's not embarrassed by or apologizing for his beliefs. He just gets it done. In a state that is largely liberal and happy victims, he remains popular by getting things done.
Carter certainly wasn't eloquent. Neither was Clinton. Bush's will never be considered talkers. There was only one Reagan in that sense. I think we must concentrate on 2010 first and foremost and see who shakes out.
The current RINO leadership in the GOP is holding us back big time and we've got to get them out of the way first. The spineless wimps in DC at this point keep proving they don't get what's happening. They keep proving they value their DC power more than representing the people. Until that changes we're still seen as just more DC BS in a slightly different suit.
I did watch Glenn Becks show interviewing Tea Party organizers and the members of the group considered themselves from all sorts of political viewpoints but rallied around sound principles. They give any one paying attention a road map to a huge voters revolt yet RINO GOP leaders ignore it at every opportunity. Their support of Crist proves they have no clue.
MichiganDave| 5.20.09 @ 1:57PM
People who read our blog comments here will probably wish us to get jobs.
George Bruce| 5.20.09 @ 2:08PM
DM = racist and sexist
Howard Ino| 5.20.09 @ 2:41PM
The 2012 Debates will be fun!
When Stagflation hits in about two years, we will see 18% inflation & 16% interest rates with high unemployment, just like under the Carter regime. Their policies are almost identical, except Obama has spent much more money!
Per Wikipedia: "...both stagnation and inflation can result from inappropriate macroeconomic policies. For example, central banks can cause inflation by permitting excessive growth of the money supply, and the government can cause stagnation by excessive regulation of goods markets and labor markets; together these factors can cause stagflation."
All of your costs for food, rent, utilities, clothing, etc. will rise (doubling in 4 years), but wages will remain the same... if you can find a job. (High unemployment creates an excess of labor all competing for the same job, so wages remain flat or drop.
The young, elderly and poor will hurt the most!
Uncle O will fix it by taxing the wealthy... Oh yeah... If you tax the wealthy 100% it won't be enough!
NO PROBLEM, Uncle O will tax those vile businesses. One problem... businesses do not pay taxes. Businesses collect taxes from their customers and pass them on the government, resulting in even higher prices (inflation).
If a business loses money, it will go out of business. If Big Government loses money, it just confiscates more from their subjects!
Again hurting the young, the elderly and the poor.
So who do Mr. O's policies really help?
CERTAINLY NOT the young, elderly and poor!
Richard Baker| 5.20.09 @ 2:59PM
Bobby Jindal exemplifies the striving for excellence that I've always noted in the Indians here in America. If he runs for President in 2012, he will be an articulate spokesman for AMERICA and the good contained herein. I told everyone I knew before Obama was inaugurated that a year from January 20th the country would be howling. Whether it's Jindal, Palin, or someone else, the conservatives won't have to avoid speaking about America's promise and goodness. Obama shouldn't get TOO comfortable at 1600 Pennsylvania.
NavyBrat| 5.20.09 @ 3:06PM
I've been a Jindal fan for quite some time. He seems to be one of the only guys in the current party who walks the walk when it comes to actual conservatism. And unlike others, even those on Fox, I was not dismayed at his performance in his rebuttal to the not-really-State of the Union Adress of TOTUS. And even if he wasn't the spit & poilshed snake oil salesman that Obama is, one speech, does not a politician make. As for the digging up of skeletons from his closet, I think the liberal opposition will be hard pressed to find any. Then again, that's never stopped them from making stuff up out of thin air before. I think that Jindal could be their worst nightmare. A member of a minority who is Governor of a highly productive state (farming, oil, & seafood industries, in addition to tourism), who practices the conservatism he preaches, & has the performance of his state to back up his claims of success. We can only hope that in addition to being a "nice guy" & a "good speaker," he's also got some moxy. He'll need it to endure the crap storm that will envelop him at the hands of the fellatious media guard dogs of the Obama regime.
Old Texican| 5.20.09 @ 3:56PM
Mr. Baker
God bless you sir.
We are beyond 2012 in my opinion. In fact, I have bet my very life on you guys out there who believe in personal liberty.
Yes, the country will be howling..a tree falling in the forest with no one to hear.
Our Media has sold out.
They will soon be on the government teat. (Uh that's "tit" for you Southerners). (smile)
GB
Please listen for SILENCE.
When knothead Americans like me are silenced, clean your gun and put it under your bed...loaded.
I truly do not believe Mr. Obama can enlist 8 million young men into his "powder blue" shirts.
The ole' "knock in the middle of the night" cannot work here if you do.
On Memorial day, Monday, I am going to our local veteran's memorial service. If given a chance I will whisper to their loved ones, "Thank you for his service to our country."
I am hereby begging Mr. Obama to REPENT.
I am asking him to turn from his evil ways and embrace freedom and liberty.
If he cannot bring himself to do that, then it is up to we free Americans to simply say "NO"!
I have already asked my loving wife for forgiveness. She will suffer for my convictions. I have decided to make my stand for all those youngsters that died for a free America, come what may.
Be quiet and stand firm, guys.
I shall be honored to speak on your behalf as long as they let me.
Please, go to a memorial day service on Memorial day. Thank the loved ones who grieve for their lost ones.
I AM HEREBY CALLING FOR A TOTAL NATIONAL "STAY AT HOME" MAY 26 THROUGH 30, (UH NEXT WEEK) TO SAY "NO! WE WILL NOT BE ENSLAVED AND SILENCED."
OK, not enough time to organize it? How about July 5th through 11th?
God bless and forgive our vets.
NavyBrat| 5.20.09 @ 4:58PM
Texican. You seem like the type of guy that my Dad would've LOVED. I too, am appalled at the direction our country has taken. I'm only 30, but I realize that the principle that you & I hold dear aren't exclusive to any group. They are what makes America what it is. While my Dad didn't pass as a result of war, I take Memorial Day & Veteran's Day as well, as a time to realize that there are many men who died & got spat upon so that we can sit at home & grill out. We would do well to remember the sacrifices of these brave men.
"Freedom is not free, but the US Marine Corps will pay most of your share."...Ned Dolan
No truer words were ever spoken. Even is the share being paid isn't being paid by Marines, specifically.
ds80| 5.20.09 @ 5:14PM
I see David Matthews is masturbating again.
ds80| 5.20.09 @ 5:16PM
Correction to the first sentence of this article: Barack Obama won the "I-conveniently-call-myself-Catholic" vote 54%-45% in the 2008 general election.
Old Texican| 5.20.09 @ 5:27PM
Hey, Navy Brat
Please do not denigrate your age. Heck, at twenty seven I was running, (my first), fortune sized company. I screwed up a lot, but my "helpers" kept me in charge because they KNEW I was on their side..."LET'S GET THE JOB DONE".
Crazy as it sounds, "our job" was developing half the world.
We did so.
So you just pick your own moment and means of preserving AMERICA!
ps: I love NED DOLAN...GREAT QUOTE!!!!!!!!!
All smiling aside. Please pray for the children I will be forced NOT to help due to the communists that somehow sneaked into leadership of our country.
Our Marines WILL NOT FIRE on american patriots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll back them aginst the rest of our entire military.
US Marines Believe in their oaths to the Constitution.
Hmmmmm, US Marines may be dispensed with.
Riiiiiiight!
Big J| 5.20.09 @ 6:00PM
Texican,
I too will be attending a Memorial Day service (north side of Houston). I am almost ashamed to say that this is my first. In the past, it has been a perfect day to go fishing, barbecue or party. Not so. I am going to honor our fallen heroes and thank the family and friends who have lost more than their share for our freedoms.
This year, we have "adopted" 3 soldiers, sending care packages, emails and letters. I have also thanked anyone that has a military sticker on their vehicle for their service. Such a small and seemingly insignificant show of appreciation, considering all our military does for us. However, it is SO appreciated.
I can't wait for Monday!
Nick| 5.20.09 @ 11:48PM
Mr. Malloch,
The second sentence of your essay contains an obvious error. John Kerry ceased being a Roman Catholic a long time ago.
Hana Bobanna| 5.21.09 @ 1:10AM
I like Bobby Jindal from what I've seen and heard. He is smart and sincere. He cannot out-slick the populist demague, but I have a feeling voters will be weary of lies, overtaxation and economic depression, if not another terror attack here. We will need a smart, steady hand to fix the damage done by O'flim-flamma. Truth will out.
mlk| 5.21.09 @ 2:15PM
Of note, if Bobby Jindal is the best of the GOP future the country will suffer. As a Governor, Sarrah Palin far excedes this man in popularity in their respective states. Futher her accomplishments far excedes that mans by any measure. On principals and populism it is Palin. She should not be paired with Jindal in any combination. He would not be an asset.
Kukee American| 5.21.09 @ 3:35PM
David M. (AKA liberal-Troll)
Please continue to spew your illiterate ignorant diatribes. It appears to me that you have no idea what truth or science are. Bobby Jindal is an American citizen and willingly presents his birth certificate and his educational records. That means he has nothing to hide, which means that B-HO, your candidate, is unwilling to do. Thus B-Ho has something to hide. The B-Ho is a leftist marxist pagan. A liar and a thief. He hate the USA and the Constitution. B-Ho loves teabaggers like yourself, but hates those of us who are concerned about our country, our freedom, our liberty, and our children's future. Jindal and Palin out shine any known Demon-crat, including the farce you people elected. In 2010, when the conservatives retake the house and senate your donkey-butt leaders will be finished. I suggest that we send Pelosi, Reid, Murtha, Waxman, Markey, Shumer, Specter, Dodd, and Frank to Gitmo for a little water-sports.
Sue| 5.21.09 @ 9:18PM
Obama talking about a "sense of fairness!" "Greed and short term thinking?" Let's see. We played by the rules and "racial preferences" denied one of us a promotion; we played by the rules and in today's mail, my "free" credit card will now cost me a fee so I can help pay for those who don't; we played by the rules and paid our mortgage and now we have to pay someone else's; we put ourselves through college and played by the rules and now we have to pay for single mother's to go with Pell Grants; we played by the rules and now my utility bill has a fee on it to help those who don't pay their bills pay them; we played by the rules and got married before we had children; raised the children and now have to pay to incarcerate criminals, a lot of whom are from single parent homes minus a father; we are still playing by the rules by not wasting energy, recycling, reusing, keeping ourselves healthy, and now we have to pay for our "carbon footprint" through a "made up" cap and trade tax; we played by the rules and paid all of our taxes on time for 37 years and now we have tax evaders running our government; you know what, I'm tired of playing by the rules; as a matter of fact, I think 150 million of us should be tired of playing by the rules and it's time these weasel politicians hear from us. But now they've managed to just inch up the electorate where 48% of them pay no taxes and they get "freebies" from the 52% that do. They have managed to strangle our Nation to death or put it on its death bed where they can hover over us all and take pity on our dying souls. The elites among us will continue to strangle us until the very breath goes out and our Nation dies. Who will rescue America? Who will be left standing to continue our "great experiment?" No one. This Nation used to be one with "angels among us;" it has become a Nation of "elites among us" and we will not survive the arrogance and self-serving interest of either the politicians or the Ivy League schoolers.
Richard Baker| 5.25.09 @ 6:29PM
To mlk:
You obviously don't know a THING about Bobby Jindal. If you did, you'd know that he is very popular in Louisiana because he is moving the state into solvency and credibility by means of Conservative principles. Not done, yet, as the culture of corruption there is deep-set. Earl Long, Huey's brother, once said, "One day the people of Louisiana are gonna get good government and they ain't gonna like it". Well, after being treated like fools for about 100 years, give or take, the citizens of Louisiana seem to like good government, thank you. Excepting, of course, in a Chocolate New Orleans.
Answers1| 5.26.09 @ 12:00AM
...noticed what's happened to the UK these past 10 years? They're toast. And that's what Obama has planned for the US.
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