The Nation's Pulse
The Limits of Self-Hate
Unfortunately for the Obama crowd, most Americans aren’t at heart anti-American.
It started decades ago in this country; the hammering away at the notion that ours is a noble and commendable history. From the demonization of Christopher Columbus and our founding fathers to the endless recriminations concerning reparations — both moral and pecuniary — for past sins that are due those who never suffered directly under them. And now our president has the uncontrollable urge to apologize for every action by the United States that may or may not have caused pain to anyone, anywhere around the globe.
Some of us who take a more charitable view, have tried to explain this attitude away as an erosion of the concept of American exceptionalism; but the simple truth is that what most liberals are selling is a program of national self-hate. But liberal logic is never lacking in irony. These very same feelings of patriotism and pride in our heritage that they disparage are, of course, lauded in others; particularly our Muslim enemies. And it is this kind of thinking that is finally catching up to them.
That Barack Obama’s poll numbers have tanked is not news. Considering the cloying adoration the media have shown him, it’s the speed with which they’ve dropped that should be cause for alarm for his supporters. But from the viewpoint of the loyal opposition, the delicious poll numbers are those that suggest a growing distaste for some of the pillars of the liberal agenda. A glance at the latest Rasmussen Reports should send shivers down the spines of Democrats everywhere.
For the first time, the number of Americans not buying into the human-caused global warming canard is greater than those who have bowed to the near-total propaganda campaign supporting it. Forty-five percent of us think that labors unions weaken our country and nearly half think they have outlived their usefulness. And in a development sure to impact future elections, a whopping 83 percent of those polled think that only U.S. citizens should have access to government healthcare subsidies. And speaking of same, while opposition to health care reform is now at 53 percent overall, the shocking number is that 62 percent of independent voters are opposed to it. So it’s not surprising that Republicans are gaining in the generic congressional ballot polling. But why?
I have long contended that the liberal desire to impose socialism on America is one that must be induced gradually and covertly; much like Mary Poppins’ contention that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Were its aims not couched in sweet-sounding terms like “social justice,” “saving the planet” and “it’s for the children,” Americans would have rejected liberalism’s tender mercies years ago. Without these niceties, naked ambition can be seen as it really is: naked.
Because, at its heart, the true goal of “progressives” is the repudiation of all that this country was founded on; particularly the right of its people to govern themselves in a way that counts the protections of private property and personal freedom as sacrosanct, and is codified under the tenets of natural law as defined by the Judeo-Christian ethic. And this is why, under the guise of their decades-long campaign to raise the self-esteem of our countrymen and especially our children, what has taken place is just the opposite; at least where it concerns their citizenship.
They have encouraged us to revile our predecessors as bigoted, hateful empire-builders, driven by a misguided reliance on religion; and reduced our defense of freedom around the world to a pathetic form of misplaced patriotism. They embrace, as Pope Benedict XVI has said, “a pacifism that does not recognize that some values are worthy of being defended and that assigns the same value to everything.” In a word, they desire to make America into an unlovely nation by seeing to it that it is unloved.
But self-hate can only go so far before it immolates its object; itself. And this is what explains the sudden repudiation of the Obama agenda; too much socialism, far too soon. Again, when ladled out in tiny portions and sweetened by euphemistic doublespeak, liberalism may be tolerated by a trusting populace; one that has always had a good and charitable heart. But after seizing power so quickly and attempting to rush their radical agenda through a friendly Congress, the wolf’s fangs are laid bare as the sheep’s clothing falls away.
Because the thing is, while there are many folks alive who remember the dismal failures of socialism and its big brother communism, there are also many prescient young people who are experiencing it for the first time and have noticed its foul taste; smothered though it may be in syrupy media pap. It can’t make too many liberals happy that according to John Zogby, 41 percent of Americans under 30 now disapprove of the president’s handling of his job.
It’s often said that George W. Bush’s attempts to reform Social Security failed because he dared to tread on the third rail of American politics. But it is the Democrats who are getting the hotfoot this time; shocked as they are their countrymen are refusing to accept government control of their lives for their own good. And for Americans, that is a total expression of self-love.
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Pingback| 9.9.09 @ 7:07AM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : The Limits of Self-Hate [spectator.o links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Richard Crfoss| 9.9.09 @ 9:18AM
The demonization of Obama and his agneda by the crazies baying at the moon in this journal is evidence of the meanness and, yes, un-American wackiness of those who wrap themselves in the flag and relgion while stooping to the utmost un-Christian behavior. It is obvious that they want Obama to fail and hate him for having won the election. He is the best thing that has happened to America in my 77 years. I pray his enemies will be confounded.
Adlai Hussien Stevenson | 9.9.09 @ 10:10AM
Mr Crfoss,
If you're offended by this journal there's an easy solution...don't read it. And thank you for proving precisely the point of this article.
Raoul Ortega| 9.9.09 @ 10:31AM
Richard Crfoss: I'm glad you've found your secular Messiah, the One who will absolve you of all the sins you believe that others have committed on your behalf, but why must you religious fundamentalist zealots inflict Him on the rest us us?
Robbins Mitchell| 9.9.09 @ 10:57AM
Well,if 'Richard Crfoss' wants to tell the world that he is blind queer for Barokeydoke Hubris Obozo,he has every right to do so....as for me,I can only laugh at any alumni of Trinity United Church of Hating on Whitey who is so arrogant and presumptious as to tell us he is one of "God's partners in matters of lie and death"...as if the Almighty needed HIM for a 'partner'...that is nothing but pure overweening ambition..."by which sin the angels fell"
Ray| 9.9.09 @ 11:07AM
"It is obvious that they want Obama to fail and hate him for having won the election." It's obvious that you don't understand anything. Most people VOTED for Obama, now the same number of people that voted for him oppose his policies. Are you telling me that these people who voted for him all did so because they hated him and just wanted someone in office to berate and impede? That's nonsense! I hope this type of nonsensical cognition hasn't been your pattern of thinking over the last 77 years.
Diane Buscemi| 9.9.09 @ 11:19AM
I disagree that the history of this country excludes socialism and that it "has to be introduced gradually". On the contrary, it's been here all along.
There is a history of organizing in the 30's, '40's, etc.
in unions, among sharecroppers, women that the history that this article tells totally excludes. We have a proud tradition here.
Barbarian Heretic| 9.9.09 @ 11:41AM
Mr. Crfoss (btw an odd surname)-
If your political "prayers" are not answered, does that imply that God doesn't like the president? just curious...
Tom| 9.9.09 @ 11:43AM
Boo-hoo-hoo. We're so mean.
PolishKnight| 9.9.09 @ 11:48AM
The left's mindset is to change the USA into a copy of Western European socialism. Not only do they secretly want to live there, they also view the existance of American limited government and free market concepts a threat to their beloved socialism. So yes, they do "self hate" their fellow Americans and, in a way, themselves for living in such a place.
Let's put ourselves in their shoes for a moment: Imagine the rest of the world is like the USA and you're living in the last holdout of socialist values, let's pick Cuba. You'd want to tear down the current status quo and replace it too. But... and this is a big but, you would want to do so to empower your fellow citizens.
That brings us to another cute little American leftist paradigm: The notion that the right are "fascists" and out, with the Patriot act, to arrest them in their beds overnight and send them all off to Guantanemo. Or listen to their phone coversations. Or "steal" elections. On the other hand, they surely can't be unaware of illegal immigration voter fraud and Al Frankens magical easter egg ballot game. They seem to be proud when they engage in dirty politics and win and especially sore losers.
It's shocking and saddening, really, that 60% of youth still SUPPORT the radical socialist policies of Obama. After all, this is a generation that's more plugged into alternative media than ever before and sees firsthand the Stalinist tactics of the left on college campuses. Why do they buy into it? On the other hand, 40% of them have woken up which I guess can also be considered progress. Even with the brainwashing hoses set to full throttle, 40% escaped the clutches of gimme socialism.
Who knows? Perhaps as the economy worsens and young people see their future prospects dim under socialism they might join senior citizens chafing at their death panel findings to rebel against socialism. Maybe. But Republican leaders will need to be ready to lead the way and sadly most are still trying to get along and buddy with up the left like McCain.
NewCon| 9.9.09 @ 12:10PM
A well-written exposure of the sickly underbelly of today's progressive movement. We should, indeed, be suspicious of anyone who touts "peace and social justice" yet sneers at anyone outside his own tightly drawn circle. I'm in total agreement with this writer, that the smug anti-American sentiment so endemic in the Left has finally reached critical mass and can no longer be hidden behind a facade of "fairness." I'm convinced the theme song for the 2010 elections will be "We won't get fooled again!"
Pete| 9.9.09 @ 12:41PM
I want to see some "Got RemOrse?" bumper stickers around town.
Anthony| 9.9.09 @ 1:58PM
Dear Richard, As the old adage goes, "There's no fool like an old fool." Given your remarkable 77 year penchant for constant confoundedness, I'd say your ode to "Dear Leader" clearly qualifies as your crowning glory to a life time of such idolatry and idiocy.
And to think, all this time I thought Ted Kennedy was the best thing that happened to America during the past 77 years, oh well......my bad.
Missy| 9.9.09 @ 3:24PM
Diane, you socialists may have a tradition in the U.S.--but it sure ain't proud. Out with you power mongering Marxists!
Angel| 9.9.09 @ 3:37PM
Crfoss, conservatives are not motivated by hatred: We believe in the dignity and the power of the individual. Hate drives liberals like you; it's a tool by which you pit people against one another to gain power.
In the arena of ideas--you morons got nothin'!
ccc| 9.9.09 @ 4:15PM
In the election Obama earned political capital and now he intends to spend it.
If people disagree with him and protest, that isn't his problem. After all a president only represents his "base."
SoCon| 9.9.09 @ 4:59PM
That's fine if Obama only represents his "base," it's also fine that Obama's approvals have tanked as a result.
Osamas Pajamas| 9.10.09 @ 12:06AM
OBAMASCARE
Barak Hushpuppy OhBummer, "The Mistake of '08," is employing SCARE TACTICS to get his single-payer / universal / public-option / government-run socialized medicine / healthcare-hijacking fastened on the backs of the American people. More Americans will die if we don't do it HIS way, he says ---- and we'll all be guilty of murder by turning OhBummer down.
Here he pontificates to the great masses of ignorant unwashed Americans, as he is inclined to regard them ---- who evidently don't trust this sneaky, sticky-fingered, smoothing-lying low-down skunk. Nope. Shake hands with OhBummer. Now count your fingers.
"I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than to improve it." MY ANSWER: Your plan is a hefty hunk of steamin' junk, there is no salvation for rot as ripe as this is.
"Well, the time for bickering is over," he said. "The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action." MY ANSWER: I feel exactly the same way, OhBummer, so knock off the scare tactics and propaganda, and the threats to the tea party and town hall protesters ---- and shut that lying hole in your face.
"I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last," he added. MY ANSWER: I am determined that you will be the last SOB to try to impose this crxp on the American people, too. You're just a heathcare hijacker and a predatory humanitarian ---- while pretending to be Santa Claus, wanting only to confer your "gift" on the American people ---- this is like getting a gift from Typhoid Mary.
Now, it is a mistake to suppose that OhBummer and the OhBummer Wrecking Crew mean to "reform" American healthcare. This is not reform, it is an out-and-out hijacking.
It is worth noting while the Marxist socialists seek to nationalize the entire system ---- such that all healthcare employees become government employees ---- Hitler's Nazis ["national socialists"] adopted another version of the same poisonous statism ---- "interventionism." Under this system of total government control and dictatorship, the Nazis argued that they were merely "regulating" the industry and that it continued to be "private enterprise under a system of private property."
But here's what the Nazis would never have tolerated publishing. A freeman owns himself, while a slave is owned by others. The first article of "private property" is "the self" --- and all other property earned or obtained by gift belongs to the individual. Private property consists of the freedom of use and disposal thereof --- and because the Nazis and their philosophical partners-in-crime, e.g.: OhBummer, Nazi Pelosi, Dingy Harry Reid, Gaseous Al Gore, Mt Potato Head Biden, Hillary HotRod, and Sick Willie Clinton wish to "regulate" their betters, they effectively cancel private property ---- including the ownership of oneself.
Now, lads 'n' lasses! Go out there and kick over some bloody coffee tables, would ya?! And if OhBummer's thugs from the unions and Move On and Code Pink try to stop you, "get in their faces!"
Yi Ha ***
Minister of Information
Peoples' Capitalist Republic of Whizbangistan
*** Pronounced "YEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Daisy| 9.10.09 @ 1:33AM
Hillary HotRod--LOL!! More like an old jalopy to me.
Nancy Larson | 9.10.09 @ 5:50AM
Here he pontificates to the great masses of ignorant unwashed Americans, as he is inclined to regard them Bailey Button Ugg Boots ---- who evidently don't trust this sneaky, sticky-fingered, smoothing-lying low-down skunk. Nope cheap ugg boots . Shake hands with OhBummer
H.Ph Sanders | 9.10.09 @ 5:56AM
All other property earned or obtained by gift belongs to the individual ugg boots uk . Private property consists of the freedom of use and disposal thereof --- and because the Nazis and their philosophical partners-in-crime cheap ugg boots , e.g.: OhBummer, Nazi Pelosi, Dingy Harry Reid, Gaseous Al Gore, Mt Potato Head Biden, Hillary HotRod, and Sick Willie Clinton wish to "regulate" their betters.
Appleby| 9.10.09 @ 11:31AM
Life gets more and more like Atlas Shrugged every day. And I surely am tired of hearing the same old tired rhetoric I had to suffer in 1968 from essentially the same people as are spewing it today.
Can't you lot change the subject? Ever?
Vam Co Tay| 9.10.09 @ 12:09PM
crfoss...buy a vowel!!
Allen Kelly| 9.10.09 @ 11:14PM
C'mon all those who love the country and have to work to support it while Congress and POTUS are busy ruining it. Come to the NATIONAL TEA PARTY on the National Mall, Washington D.C. September 12, 2009 beginning at 7:00 AM
Pingback| 9.11.09 @ 1:12PM
Steynian 382 « Free Canuckistan! links to this page. Here’s an excerpt: