A Further Perspective
We Win, They Lose
The issue that will soon usher Democrats out of power is national defense.
Another week in the life of our nation sweeps by, and with it comes more evidence that the gloom and doom that has enveloped conservatives for the past year may finally be lifting. It’s not so much the election of Republicans to the governorships of Virginia and especially New Jersey; although to be sure, these were most welcome events. After all, liberal northeastern states like Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut have traditionally favored Republican “daddies” to preside over the state coffers while sending their liberal “nannies” off to Washington to deepen the federal deficit.
No, it’s not so much what happened as how the reaction to these events by President Obama and his administration will be perceived by the voting public. And if there is any consistency to the American character, it won’t be pretty for the big O. Despite the sorry economic picture with its double-digit unemployment rate, and even laying aside the increasingly unpopular government takeovers of our banking, auto, and healthcare industries, the issue that will soon usher Democrats out of power is national defense.
This week the world marked the 20th Anniversary of the demise of the Berlin Wall, that symbol of the inhuman regard that communists have for human beings; almost one hundred miles of proof that it is not free nations that have to wall their people in to keep them from getting out. Quite the opposite is true; countries like ours have a hard time keeping people who long for liberty and freedom out.
Yet our president — sworn defender of the U.S. Constitution — has seen fit to skip the celebration of the restoration to millions of peoples the freedoms that our venerated document represents and guarantees. This is not only a slap in the face to our allies, but in keeping with his apology tour of earlier this year, it is a further reminder that Barack Obama does not share much of the country’s reverence for the American Dream.
Ronald Reagan, hero at the Brandenburg Gate, and George W. Bush, scourge of the Axis of Evil, understood that Dream as not just an opportunity for a higher standard of living, but a life of freedom from tyranny and fear. For these ideals, many U.S. soldiers have given their lives, but sadly, in the upside-down America of Barack Obama, their returning comrades are now considered potential terrorists.
And this brings us to outrage number two: the president’s handling of the Fort Hood shootings. For a man who flies to Europe in a vain and shallow attempt to secure the Olympics for his hometown, and spends millions for a “date” with his wife in New York City, his refusal to speed immediately to the scene of an attack on a U.S. Army base is reprehensible. Even worse is his apparent inability to even consider that the killings are part of the global Islamist jihad.
This man, whose administration has decreed that we are no longer engaged in a “war on terror,” must, in his own mind, actually believe it. There’s no other explanation for his dithering for two months on whether or not to acquiesce to the request of his generals on the ground for more troops in Afghanistan. It is not hard to understand that this kind of overcautious indecision on the part of the commander of the greatest fighting force in modern history is indeed unprecedented, and can only serve to embolden our enemies.
But the American people know that those enemies are still out there, and in case they had grown forgetful due to the wonderful job George W. Bush did in protecting this country, there are plenty of men like Nidal Malik Hasan to remind them. America saw the face of evil up close and all too personally on 9/11 and has no stomach for a repeat of the carnage wrought on that dark day.
One of Ronald Reagan’s greatest campaign ads was called “The Bear,” which warned of the perils of ignoring one’s enemies, and his strategy for winning the Cold War was simple: “We win, they lose.” Of course we are told that things are much more complex now and were reminded nearly every day for eight years that George W. Bush wasn’t fit to deal with the nuances of foreign affairs. But, as has been proven, the simplicity of Bush and Reagan has kept us safe. Most Americans still believe in the “big stick” theory and prefer to leave the nuanced, diplomatic approach to the French and those who think like them.
For the first time in years, voters trust Republicans more than Democrats on all of the major issues facing this country, but they hold a whopping 23 point edge on national defense. Reagan Democrats — or moderate Independents as they are now known — are coming back; not of their own volition, but because Obama is rousing them out of their sleep like so many zombies from their graves. He is proving what Americans have known in the past and are beginning to remember again; liberals cannot be trusted to keep our nation safe.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (64) | Leave a comment
Related Articles
More Articles by Lisa Fabrizio
More Articles From A Further Perspective
http://spectator.org/archives/2009/11/11/we-win-they-lose
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
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
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
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
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
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
S.L. Toddard| 11.11.09 @ 7:28AM
Every time I read a piece like this at AmSpec I wonder - and I'm being absolutely sincere here - whether the writer is truly as simple-minded and gullible as the writing suggests, or whether the writer is merely cynically aware of the simple-mindedness and hyper-credulity of the average public-schooled American voter, and writing accordingly.
Either way it does not bode well for our country.
Somewhat relatedly, I recommend everyone read "We Are Doomed" by (National Review contributing editor) John Derbyshire. This Fabrizio piece is manipulative garbage, designed to whip the troops in line in service of one cabal of sweaty-handed, bought-and-paid-for reptilian Beltway scum over another. Don't buy it.
WRTolkas| 11.11.09 @ 8:34AM
Dear S.L. Toddard,
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you. Miss Lisa's heart is in the right place; but she is preaching to the choir. Defense spending is not going to win the elections in 2010. Exposing the un-Constitutionality of the Health Care Bill and the paybacks to unions, energy Cap and Tax, and the economy are the winners for Republicans ONLY if the NRC can get a coherent message out!
Let me repeat: Only if the NRC can intelligently explain to the American people what they stand for now and repudiate their governing during the Bush years and how the American people will be better off financially vs. the democratic plan for wealth redistribution and financial ruin will the Republicans be the run-away winners in 2010.
We must demand the main-stream-media report on the paybacks buried in the "Health Care Bill." Boycott their news broadcasts, boycott their advertiser's products. And don't vote for incumbents.
Regards,
WRTolkas
Howard| 11.11.09 @ 8:50AM
I agree that the author is overly dramatic. However, her points do have validity. The Democrats have been weak on defense since McGovern in 1972 going forward. They believe more in "talk talk than jaw jaw" to quote a common liberal expression. I do believe the state of the economy will have more impact than defense, unless a major terrorist attack hits in the interim.
Red Phillips | 11.11.09 @ 11:55AM
Howard, the problem is that the Democrats are liberal internationalist who believe in "talk talk," and "conservative" interventionists are internationalist who believe in "bomb bomb." Neither represent the truly conservative perspective of "mind our own business."
Nick| 11.12.09 @ 2:41AM
Howard,
Actually, the democrat party has been weak on defense since FDR stripped the military to the bone to help pay for the Raw Deal.
Red Phillips | 11.11.09 @ 9:09AM
SLT, I too wonder if people like Fabrizio really believe this stuff or if they just fear losing one leg (national defense) of the three legged stool coalition.
Lisa, how has our involvement overseas decreased the domestic threat of people like Hasan? In fact, it has made more Hasans increasingly likely.
Alan Brooks| 11.11.09 @ 9:43AM
Why does Raimando put down a talented guy like Derbyshire?:
JEALOUSY.
NR wouldn't let Raimando write for them because he doesn't have what it takes. But there's a job open at Boy's Life.
Red Phillips | 11.11.09 @ 10:41AM
Mr. Brooks, Derbyshire is not on board with the rest of the NR crowd on foreign policy and the War. You are aware that Derbyshire endorsed Ron Paul, aren't you?
S.L. Toddard| 11.11.09 @ 11:11AM
Dr. Phillips - Mr. Brooks is calling me "Raimando", and believes my post is a "put down" of Derbyshire.
He has a reading comprehension problem.
Dr. Phillips - have you read We Are Doomed?
Red Phillips | 11.11.09 @ 11:50AM
I saw him interviewed on C-SPAN 2 Book TV, but I haven't read the book yet. The interview was an appalling display of PC Thought Enforcement by Alan Colmes.
I have mixed feelings about Derbyshire. The secular conservative thing is non-starter for me, particularly the way he wears it on his sleeve. And I was surprised that he aligned himself with the urban cosmocons against yahoos in flyover country like me. I appreciate his willingness to address the demographic issues related to immigration, but if he thinks he is going to find any love for that perspective among cosmocons, he is deluded. A distinguishing feature of the cosmocons is their squeamishness about anything deemed politically incorrect by the PC thought police.
I have wondered myself if S. L. Toddard is a pseudonym, but I'm pretty sure you are not Raimondo. You have endorsed immigration restrictions against Muslims as a way to thwart terrorism and Raimondo would not do that.
Are you going to San Antonio this weekend? I'm not going to be able to make it this year.
S.L. Toddard| 11.11.09 @ 12:58PM
Oh it's absolutely a pseudonym, but I'm not Raimondo or anyone else you've ever heard of. I'm just a regular person and do not work in the media or politics or anything even remotely related. My writing consists solely of letters-to-the-editor, to my representatives, and comments on websites and that sort of thing.
I understand where you're coming from as far as the Secular Right business goes (I didn't even realize Derbyshire was an atheist until I read We Are Doomed) but think nevertheless that you will find a lot to value in that work, with the exception of course of the portion he devotes to religion.
S.L. Toddard| 11.11.09 @ 2:15PM
Oh - and no, unfortunately I will not make it to San Antonio.
Susan Tenofsky| 11.11.09 @ 3:04PM
Is this article manipulative or complimentary about American's who care about America. Sir, save the manipulations to describe how liberals are bringing up our children in public school....not so, with with Lisa Fabrisio to her credit. Her heart is in the right place, I approve.
stureed| 11.11.09 @ 8:08AM
ahhh s l ; the truth doth hurt!
martin j smith| 11.11.09 @ 8:11AM
Lisa Fabrizio --enough of your doom and gloom--that me be you but I am angry and motivated
The last election had a number of successes. While I think that this last attack at Ft. Hood will highlite the reality of the dangers of terrorism and the Left's lame response--do not for one second that Obama Care, cap and trade, are very important matters that BIG FIGHT is needed. So take whatever you need to take,get off your intellectual but and stop already with doom and gloom. We do not need that.
Retired Veteran| 11.11.09 @ 8:18AM
S. L. Toddard
It's really too bad that the Fabrizio article is too crude for your elitist sensibilities.
I, on the other hand, found it well written, and compelling. I guess that makes me a sweaty-handed, bought-and-paid-for reptilian scum. But, as a 20 year veteran, it's dull clods like me that fight and often die to keep you free enough to turn your nose up at mere common prose such as the article above which you so disparage.
S.L. Toddard| 11.11.09 @ 8:56AM
"I guess that makes me a sweaty-handed, bought-and-paid-for reptilian scum."
No, it doesn't. I was describing GOP politicians with that phrase, not the voters who vote *against* conservatism by supporting them.
Alan Brooks| 11.11.09 @ 9:49AM
"No, it doesn't. I was describing GOP politicians with that phrase, not the voters who vote *against* conservatism by supporting them. "
You protesteth too much, Raimando.
Red Phillips | 11.11.09 @ 9:01AM
It is just silly that national defense is going to win the election for Republicans. Only movement con obsessives who read movement con websites fret about defense. You really need to get outside the bubble. For the vast majority it is a non-issue. Most people are worried about their jobs and paying the mortgage. Emerging threats from Iran or Russia or whoever is the latest movement con boogie man are the farthest things from their minds. Defense was a non-issue in the 2008 election. McCain didn't really run against Obama as weak on defense. It was at most a throw away line in his stump speech. National defense totally fell off the radar screen in 2008. And 2006 was a backlash against GOP foreign policy. Toeing the movement con line arguably hurt Hoffman in NY 23.
It is time for movement cons to shed their Cold War mentality and embrace the only truly conservative foreign policy, non-interventionism. Lisa Fabrizio is a bitter ender. This type of nostalgia for the Cold War will increasingly fall on deaf ears outside the movement con bubble.
Interested Conservative| 11.11.09 @ 9:32AM
It's a good thing we're not at war or have enemies or face economic challenges which have enormous military/security implications. Cause if we were this article would make a lot of sense.
Neo| 11.11.09 @ 11:25AM
"in keeping with his apology tour of earlier this year" Obama is going to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where, if were lucky, they will reenact the end of WWII.
yesIsaidFBO| 11.11.09 @ 11:19PM
Kind of scary. This is exactly what I was thinking. Made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. We must be some sort of bizzare soul mates. You are a beautiful person.
james wilson| 11.11.09 @ 12:11PM
Why choose one abomination over the others? At the rate Obama is going, he will not finish his "first" term.
Pingback| 11.11.09 @ 12:21PM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : We Win, They Lose [spectator.org] on links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Louis Jenkins| 11.11.09 @ 1:51PM
What part of failure does the Earthly Messiah not comprehend? Nothing is working Obah-me-boy. All your stooping and bowing didn't keep the Ft. Hood soldiers safe! The media is worried about a backlash against Muslims? It's Americans that are in danger!! At least those simpletons Reagan and GW attempted to keep the US safe. Your supreme effort is to bare the country's neck, turn over the nation to the UN, and tax us into poverty. Slavery is not a hard concept to understand if one has reason, and sacrifice comes easy for the left, as long as its the other guy.
Red Phillips | 11.11.09 @ 2:21PM
"All your stooping and bowing didn't keep the Ft. Hood soldiers safe!"
Louis, what? If obama hadn't "stooped and bowed" that would have prevented Ft. Hood how? Please explain that to me.
S.L. Toddard| 11.11.09 @ 3:17PM
What is the point. It's lost, Red. Try to keep as much of America alive amongst the people you live with - beyond that it's a lost cause. Look at the "arguments" all over this website - that's America now. Do you look across this country and see a people capable of governing themselves and doing it well?
We've got what we deserve. Game over.
dbTX| 11.11.09 @ 8:05PM
To S. L. Toddard
I agree, we got what we deserved, but the game is not over. Somewhere back stage I hear a fat lady clearing her voice. We play all four quarters for a reason.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.11.09 @ 2:36PM
Folks,
The thing that Toddard and ilk just cannot…cannot… understand is that their head up their hiney attitude simply cannot work anymore…if it ever could.
One cannot reverse…or erase……… history. They cannot erase the “shores of Tripoli”, OR Pearl Harbor, or South Korea, or Viet Nam, etc etc. etc.
They just blame us… the good ole US, for not “minding our own business”.
At best, they are blathering idiots. At worst they are a fifth column trying to apologize for our very existence. Well if their reductionist logic goes to it’s conclusion, none of our European ancestors should ever have left Europe in the first place and come displacing Amerinds. We should all still be squatting in our peasants’ huts in Europe…bowing to the so-called aristocracy.
Bottom line people, they are as stupid as the hairs that migrated from your head to your nose …or where ever… over the last few years.
Now.
Let us grown ups put away childish things and childish Toddards and Reds. Their ilk are simply cowards …or worse….treasonous traitors.
My personal belief is that they are PAID cowards/traitors .
If I am mistaken, then they are simply …..little children.
Ignore them and use the scroll button, unless you just want to vent a little.
Just laugh at them as do I.
Wesley Mouch| 11.11.09 @ 4:38PM
What the hell are you talking about. Dude asked about how Obama is responsible for Fort Hood, Toddard says don't bother asking basically, & you chime in with treasonous traitors & idiots? If this is small c conservative thinking in action it's curtains.
I grow tired of all the name calling. If want you to respond to this post with some kind of reasonable explanation for the above, great. You want to call names, don't bother posting.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.11.09 @ 6:29PM
Wesley
Name calling Name calling Name calling Name calling Name calling Name calling!
You are a squirrel. Red is a coward, and Bob and Toddard are...My God they are less than you.
Every now and then you make sense. They NEVER do.
I always chuckle at your moniker. If we ever meet and you are what you write here...hooo boy.
In the novel, I always wondered how looooooong it took the productive guys/gal to finally get the message and forge forward. OKOK...it was a looooooooooooong novel. (Did she get paid per page?)
Wesley,
Join the winning side.
A year from now you can either spout your silliness, or be killed or interned as a loose "political" cannon by Obama and crew.
Join TEAM AMERICA www.myteamusa.org
When the dickens are you going to figure that out?
Robert Rosencrans| 11.11.09 @ 4:37PM
The simple but earnest words in this article describe Barack Obama's lack of patriotism and concern about this nation's safety accurately. Barack and his legion of doom are doing everything in their power to destroy this country. Ironically, all their plans are stupid and they find themselves tripping over their lying tongues at every turn. Good article Ms. Fabrizio.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.11.09 @ 5:49PM
Robert,
Thank you.
JimE| 11.11.09 @ 6:01PM
Resr assurred that when the obama/toddard coward apology tour fails they will be the first to crawl to FT. Hood and hide between some GI's legs and beg for protection. Morons like toddard and obama understand nothing of the real world.
Pingback| 11.11.09 @ 8:24PM
We Win, They Lose « HOME – Other Right Links and Posts links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
sagman888| 11.11.09 @ 8:48PM
I want to believe that Ms. Fabrizio has it pegged, but I don't know anymore. Why don't I know anymore? Because some 60 million people voted for Obama. And before him, Gore and Kerry.
Ms. Fabrizio seems to be making the "American -voters-are-pretty-savvy argument you often hear George Will make. I'm sorry, but when half the electorate chooses a cipher like Obama, then it's a pretty good indication we are headed down. And I don't care how much the media covered for him, it was all there to see.
We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.
PacRim Jim | 11.12.09 @ 2:58AM
Imagine this possible scenario: A terrorist organization hides low-yield, dirty bombs obtained from Iran in a dozen or so U.S. cities. Then come the lengthy list of humiliating demands. What then? Checkmate? Impossible you say?
dofus kamas | 11.12.09 @ 4:07AM
http://www.igchest.com
dofus kama | 11.12.09 @ 4:08AM
http://www.igchest.com
higgins1990| 11.12.09 @ 4:18AM
We take freedom for granted, until it is taken away.
Havoc| 11.12.09 @ 4:19AM
"... the wonderful job George W. Bush did in protecting this country ..." ?
The terrorist, Major Nidal Hasan, was in the army because President Bush failed to purge that army after the muslim attacks of 911. In fact, I don't believe that President Bush understands who attacked us to this day.
Spare me the 'President Bush kept us safe' nonsense - Hasan's attack is a slap-to-the-head-with-a-frozen-mackerel to the 'Bush-kept-us-safe' crowd. Of course, that crowd must be sentient to feel it.
Richard Baker| 11.12.09 @ 9:19AM
Havoc:
What would your response have been if President Bush HAD purged the military of Moslems and the Hasan-types? Your inane comments are classic Bush Derangement. Other than whine on-line, what exactly have YOU done to serve this country? The internet is a haven for anonymous punks like yourself.
From a Veteran
Jim| 11.12.09 @ 4:40PM
And dittos from another Veteran Mr. Baker.
Pingback| 11.12.09 @ 9:57AM
About house, abortion, democrats, white, republican, obama - Find me About links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.12.09 @ 4:25PM
Mr. Baker
First...thank you for your service to our country.
Second,
Thank you for your words above.
Ken
Trackback| 12.22.09 @ 10:28PM
ct credit repair, on ct credit repair, links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
sdfhhjgh| 4.1.10 @ 2:44AM
MOV to DVD Converter is a professional and multifunctional software which can not only help you to convert MOV files to DVD, but also can help you to edit the MOV files before converting, set the output parameters, and edit the DVD menu.
FLV to WMV Converter is the most professional software, which is able to convert flv to wmv and convert flv files to wmv. In addition, it is very versatile, for flv file converter wmv can also convert flv to AVI, MP3, MPEG, MP4, iPod, etc. Is it your best assitant
www.us-bapeoutlet.com | 4.3.10 @ 9:25PM
www.us-bapeoutlet.com
lay123 | 4.3.10 @ 11:40PM
They are really popular among teenagers or outdoor enthusiasts, famous by 'hip-hop' style in rap and hip-hop videos and also well-known for their strong and enduring work boots varieties www.timberland-outlets.com