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The Obama Watch

Determined to Decline

Part 2, in a never-ending nightmare.

(Page 3 of 3)

[R]eviewing the actual and projected GDP data by the Congressional Budget Office, combined with the actual and projected spending by the Federal, State and local governments for the period 2009 to 2014 shows negative private wealth growth [over this period] due to dramatic increases in government spending. The Net GDP per Person is predicted to be below calendar year 2000 for this 6 year period (2014 last available spending projection).

And even this is based on overoptimistic economic assumptions. McCann writes, "[T]he CBO predicts an average GDP growth rate of 4.4% and an average unemployment rate of 6.8% for the years 2010 to 2014. However, a consensus of private economists reveals an estimate of average GDP growth at 3.0% (2010 to 2014) and an unemployment rate in the double digit range through at least 2012." McCann continues:

During the Bush presidency the country went through a recession and the devastating economic impact of 9/11 in 2001. Yet, due to pro-growth policies, the inflation adjusted Net GDP per Person showed overall growth during Bush's time in office. The apologists for the Obama Administration may try to say they are simply trying to work their way out of the economic debacle left them by the Bush Administration; however, the government's own optimistic projections show their efforts will not work even over a six year period.

He concludes, "The country will never see the net GDP per person experienced in 2000 if policies such as Health Care Reform and Cap and Trade are enacted, taxes raised dramatically and nearly trillion dollar annual deficits are experienced for the next ten years. For the first time in our history future generations will be worse off than present ones. The Bush presidency could mark the peak of economic growth and prosperity in the 21st century."

McCann offers some wise political advice for those looking out for the future of America, and their own families,

This can be reversed, but it can only happen if the voting public becomes more aware of the current and prospective situation. With that awareness, become more engaged in the political process, [and] stop being single issue voters and falling prey to the maxim that there is no difference between Republicans and Democrats. Those current elected Republicans who fail to address the future of our country should be challenged in primaries. There is not the time for third parties to ascend to power sufficient to change the course we are on. The next election cycle in 2010 may be the most important off-year election in our history. Time is something we, as a nation, have little of.

Again, all these policies for American economic decline, and declining American living standards, are what your modern Democrat party is pursuing today, from the ultraleft Barack Obama to the ultraleft Nancy Pelosi to the ultraleft Barney Frank to the ultraleft Henry Waxman, etc., etc. If you are a Democrat, this is what you are supporting.

Page:   1 23

topics:
Barack Obama, American Decline

About the Author

Peter Ferrara is Senior Fellow at the Carleson Center for Public Policy, Director of Entitlement and Budget Policy for the Heartland Institute, and General Counsel of the American Civil Rights Union. He served in the White House Office of Policy Development under President Reagan, and as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States under the first President Bush. He is the author of America’s Ticking Bankruptcy Bomb, now available from HarperCollins.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (35) | Leave a comment

Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 10.28.09 @ 8:18AM

Unfortunately, the voting public, in general, have no idea, and do not seem to care at all about politics. They don’t watch, or read the news, and therefore they make their decisions based exclusively off of commercials, or who looks the best, like it’s some sort of High School popularity contest (it’s not, it’s friggin’ important!!).

It should only be about the issues, and where the candidate stands on those issues, it should not be American Idol Politics (like it’s been recently). It’s really a sad state of affairs to think, that I’m the most informed person that “I” know when it comes to politics, because I’m just not that bright (or maybe I am, and everybody else is just that stupid-I hope not!!). So the next round of election’s is the most important ones for our future as a Nation, but to say, that this is no time for third party candidates to ascend to power, is just dead wrong. If the GOP keeps putting these “Joker RHINO’s” on their tickets, well then, there is plenty of time for third party candidates to ascend (see Hoffman in NY-23). The GOP has to be transformed now, so we can get back on track, with a united voice again. But if they don’t change their ways though, it’ll be time to replace the leadership of the GOP, or it’ll be time to bail on the Party altogether, and form a new one. We can create a completely New Party composed of the third Party candidates that the GOP didn’t think kissed enough ass, or were'nt moderate enough to endorse.

I think we all can support a third Party that gives a flying sh*t about this Country, and its future. Maybe the GOP can be that Party again, just maybe, but their recent track record, and their commitment to our future, makes me wonder.
Listen to the people Grand Old Party, or the people will stop listening to you.

Let’s stop putting our fingers in the Dike to stop the water pouring in, and instead let’s build a completely new Dike (of course a good paying, American employing Dike that is).

Alan Brooks| 10.28.09 @ 12:44PM

"Dike"?
You mean literature today?

("shut up, Brooks")

Lullaby's, Legends and Lies| 10.28.09 @ 1:04PM

Uhmm? What? I don't get the reply Brooks? I'm just not that bright remember? Literature today?

Richard| 10.28.09 @ 11:24AM

The Democrats are well aware of the importance of the 2010 elections, so be prepared to see unprecedented levels of voter fraud. The Obamites specialize in stealing elections - Al Franken's victory in Minnesota will look like child's play compared to what awaits us in 2010.

Don| 10.29.09 @ 11:03PM

Glad someone else has noticed. What is it about the current accepted 'rules' that we re-count close elections until the democrat produces enough fraudulent votes to 'win'? The GOP leadership are largely sheep or worse - co-conspirators with the Dems.

Tim| 10.28.09 @ 11:29AM

The model for this is Hurricane Katrina, or Andrew. Everybody knows for years that they are at risk. One day a storm appears on the horzion and government people reassure everyone that they have contingecny plans. Some people prepare, most don't. The thing hits and a lot of people end up dead or trapped on the roof of their flooded house. then the recriminations begin.

Do better. Don't rely on the government. Move to high ground now and be prepared to weather the storm.

davelnaf| 10.28.09 @ 11:49AM

Many democrats in Congress find themselves in a quandary with Obama in the White House. They can not criticize him and they can not let him fail; their political futures depend on him not becoming another Jimmy Carter. These dems must give the appearance of going along with whatever it is he wants because to deny him his prizes would arouse the radical dem base all over the country. Although a small minority, these people are vital to key democrats and they must keep them happy or at least not turn them off; this has had the effect of perpetuating an appearance (the dynamic) within Congress that many of the things that Obama wants are inevitable.

But more rational democrats with serious reservations about the crippling future costs and eventual degradation of the current health care system must feel as if caught in vise. On the one hand they know that they will take some kind of hit next year or three years from now over Obamacare. For these people keeping a lid on their misgivings and true feelings about it contributes to the appearance that the dems can get this thing done.

More moderate democrats are concerned about the future of their party and they know that passing legislation for the sake of an increasingly unpopular radical in the White House will have some obvious and far reaching consequences as well as many unforeseen ones.

Paul from SA| 10.28.09 @ 11:51AM

Peter, great article, but Newt Gingrich lost his credibility when he endorsed global warming with Nancy Pelosi. Newt is going downhill, and it's too bad. He is now resorting to attacking, trashing and insulting conservatives and anybody who disagrees with him -- just like a typical liberal Democrat. I think Newt would vote for Hitler if he was a Republican and had a chance to win. Mentioning him in your article drops your own credibility down a notch.

Louis Jenkins| 10.28.09 @ 12:31PM

If you rely on the dollar to sustain your future you're building a house on sand in a rushing creek, and I'm not a gold freak. Silver is more to my liking. It's the common man's precious metal. It is maddening that the administration is doing nothing, nothing, to make the dollar stronger. All their efforts are toward destroying it and they're doing a fine job. Is this hope and change that the loonies voted for? Yes it is! The dollar ain't worth a pitence of pocket change. As good as precious metals are, it is better to invest in lead with a steel coating. You could always trade it for a loaf of bread or bring home some dead animal flesh.

Alan Brooks| 10.28.09 @ 12:48PM

The GOP is trapped no matter who you elect..
If you say 'border management' then you are a "racist".

Jen| 10.28.09 @ 6:02PM

Is our government taking the roll of firemen or arsonists with our economy? As Peter Ferrara illustrates: arsonists. I wish more was said in the wider public realm about just how bad our economy really is and how this government is driving it towards a cliff (instead of this drivel about a "recovery"). Real unemployment is closer to 17 % and some have estimated it is higher than 20% (shadowstats). As for the dollar falling, part of the reason (outside of our insane level of debt) is the rampant fraud, corruption and outright market manipulation by the banksters that is becoming so blatantly visible. Be worried folks, very worried. The worst is yet to come.

Sue| 10.28.09 @ 6:37PM

There's no way we can even begin to pay the interest on the debt. It's now at $300 million a DAY. What is it going to be when the debt doubles and a higher rate is charged by our borrowing partners?

Everyone knows that a 29.99% credit card interest rate means doomsday for you eventually.

I agree with Jen - the worst is yet to come and it won't be pretty. A box of cereal today is over $4. There was not one single item in my grocery cart under $2. Just last year there wasn't a single item under $1. I'm not talking about the $.99 off-brand of bread either. I'm talking about the meat and potatoes and vegetables that are needed to feed a family.

I believe this man is intentionally creating a coming storm so he can redistribute the wealth to another class of citizens. The problem is, there won't be any wealth left!

David Shipp| 10.28.09 @ 10:44PM

Actually there is still hope and a way to pay off the debt. First watch the race next Tuesday in NY 23rd district. It will be the prediction for 2010. second help pass H.R.25 and third support downsizeDC.org Get involved.

Jonathan Wilber| 10.29.09 @ 7:40AM

Heres my idea. We need a sacrificial congress. This is a group of candidates who say "We will make the hard decissions to cut spending and government to sustainable levels". Their only purpose is to do it. They will then no longer be politically viable and be unelectable. job done. I would vote for a candidate who said " I'll do what it takes... and realize my political career is over".

Pingback| 10.28.09 @ 6:43PM

Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Determined to Decline [spectator.org links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…info Tags #obama #p2 #politics #sgp #tcot #teaparty #tlot #ocra Add Topsy to Your Blog Turn tweets into comments for your WordPress blog. Topsy Plugin for WordPress   2 tweets Tweet The American Spectator : Determined to Decline spectator.org/archives/2009/10/28/determined-to-decline – view page – cached President Obama is leading a worldwide retreat for America on foreign policy, and slashing our…

Rmm| 10.28.09 @ 7:00PM

Great article Peter,
Why must we, who love this country, stand by while the loonies on the left drive us down the road to ruin? What seems to be a concensus on this site, that conservatives are aware of the failed policy's , Keynesian economics for one, promoted by O&CO;, leads one to presume that argument is not enough. There needs to be REAL action, talk doesn't cut it.
Voting the bums out of office is an iffy proposition. Where I live people like me are grossily outnumbered. So where do we go from here? Any fresh thoughts?

Ken (Old Texican)| 10.28.09 @ 7:12PM

Rmm
You betcha!
sign in over at T.E.A.M. AMERICA and read two levers of power.
It works! www.myteamusa.org

bobmontgomery| 10.28.09 @ 9:22PM

Mr. Ferrara, et al, are dstinguished, credentialed, scholarly, respectable people who undoubtedly have the best interests of the country at heart. BUT, why would principled conservatives, taking note of all that has gone on in this country for forty years, Reagan to the contrary notwithstanding, continue to fall in lockstep with a Republican Party whose mottoes are patterned on following the liberal lead, of accepting the liberal premise, of joining the PC movement? To wit:" We, too think the economy needs stimulating, but WE COULD HAVE DONE IT FOR $500 billion instead of $787 billion; We, too, think health care needs reforming, but WE COULD DO IT FOR $250 billion instead of $900 billion; We, too, think MAN CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING, but we want to spend far less combatting it; wE, TOO, THINK WE NEED TO SPEND MORE AND MORE AND MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS EVERY YEAR ON EDUCATION, WE JUST WANT TO DIRECT IT DIFFERENTLY." The Republican Party constantly argues, not that it wants to take less money out of the economy through taxation, but that MORE TAX MONEY WILL FLOW INTO THE FEDERAL COFFERS IF THE TAX CODE IS AMENDED. Now, Mr. Ferrara, and Mr. Gingrich, and Mr. Steele, and Mr. Sessions and Ms. Hutchison, and Mr. McCain, tell me how reducing the top marginal rate and having a result of sending more and more and more dollars to Washington, DC is a CONSERVATIVE VALUE? Your contract with America, if you care to offer one in 2010, should include abolishing the Dept. of Education, the Department of Commerce, the Dept. of Energy, the EPA and a whole slew of others. Don't put 2010 out there as a straw man that we have to beat the Democrats or they will continue to bleed us slowly. We have been bled slowly for forty years. One year, or two, or four, or as long as it takes to get a conservative movement in this country, is nothing. In case y'all haven't noticed, the conservative Republicans most admired by the public are ahead of the curve on this (see NY -23)>

Kerry Marvin| 10.28.09 @ 9:59PM

Sent 28 Oct to Senator Alexander, and Senator Corker. and Congressmen Roe and a Host of Other's on Judiciary and Commities for The Government Afairs, Ethic's and Rules.
Dear Senator Corker,
cc Senator Alexander.
I have Sent Several E-mail and Faxes to you on Several Issues, But Now I wish to declare Myself in the Camp of those who are Calling for the Immediate Impeachment of this Sitting President for Cause.
Qoute:
Be It; Resolved, that Barack Hussein Obama, President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate:
Articles of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Barack Hussein Obama, President of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Article I
In his conduct while President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has:

unlawfully exercised the authority of his office to take private property for public use in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees to the People that “private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation,” and without “due process of law”;

unlawfully interfered with the management of private companies for the purpose of achieving government control of them, in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

unlawfully interfered with the economic rights of the People by imposing unreasonable impairments in the fulfillment of their intended contractual obligations, and their ability to enter into such contracts, and attempting to change our fundamental economic system, where there is no significant or legitimate public purpose to do so.

In doing this, Barack Hussein Obama has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute on the Presidency, has betrayed his trust as President, and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.

Wherefore, Barack Hussein Obama, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.

Article II

In his conduct while President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has prevented, obstructed, and impeded the administration of justice, and to that end, through his subordinates and agents, has:

unlawfully engaged in a conspiracy to suppress evidence of the true place of his birth. This obstruction of justice has resulted in a violation of the Constitutional provision that a President of the United States must be a natural born citizen.

unlawfully refused his assent to the Laws of the United States, and exercised false powers of veto that are contrary to Constitution.

In all of this, Barack Hussein Obama has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute on the Presidency, has betrayed his trust as President, and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.

Wherefore, Barack Hussein Obama, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.
UnQuote:

I call on You Sir and Your Oath of Office to do Your Sworn "Duty to Defend and Protect the Constitution and Our Rights".
In Short Sir.
" Represent U.S. Interests instead of a Political Party or Agenda Inimical to the Constitution and Bill of Rights of the United States of America!"

Thank You For Your Consideration, and Support for your Duty and Oath of Office.

David Shipp| 10.28.09 @ 10:49PM

I will support this. ds

Pingback| 10.29.09 @ 5:47AM

The American Spectator : Determined to Decline | americantoday links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…it should not be American Idol Politics (like it’s been recently). It’s really a sad state of affairs to think, that I’m the most informed person that … More: The American Spectator : Determined to Decline Share and Enjoy: Tags: most, wake Politics Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Headlines America abc about and- best black ceo corp- daily david…

Pingback| 10.29.09 @ 5:47AM

The American Spectator : Determined to Decline | americantoday links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…be American Idol Politics (like it’s been recently). It’s really a sad state of affairs to think, that I’m the most informed person that … Read the original post: The American Spectator : Determined to Decline Share and Enjoy: Tags: most, wake Politics Leave a Reply Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Headlines America abc about and- best black ceo corp- daily david…

Gerald Steohens| 10.29.09 @ 7:50AM

Historically, Americans have revealed they can be slow at the switch yet the Nation has survived.

Americans understand 10% unemployment. They are also capable of grasping lousy economy but not corrosive deficit. Even individually, the message angers them, when coupled they will pay undivided attention.

DRUMBEAT the bloody message by any and all forms of communication. SPEND some money on mas media outlets. DRUMBEAT!

The Democrats mastered the technique during the entire BUSH presidency, DRUMBEAT, incessant DRUMBEAT. Slick Willie rode the technique into the White House.

" IT'S YOUR JOB STUPID!"

"KILL THE ECONOMY - KILL EVEN MORE JOBS"

"IS YOUR JOB NEXT?"

Even the smart butt young will get IT!

Gerald Stephens
Hartford, CT


Gerald Stephens
Hartford, CT

Pingback| 10.30.09 @ 2:29PM

barry Chooses Decline for America - Expedite Trucking Forums links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…Toledo, Ohio Posts: 3,121 Re: barry Chooses Decline for America ------------------------------------------------------------- Determined to Decline By Peter Ferrara 10.28.09 @ 6:07AM The American Spectator : Determined to Decline Quote: President Obama is leading a worldwide retreat for America on foreign policy, and slashing our nation's defenses, including adoption of policies for nuclear disarmament, as we…

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Each exam codes prepare for different certification,such as 70-401 designed for MCTS and 70-624 designed for Vista.

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