The American Spectator

Tory Observer| 11.25.09 @ 7:02AM

Excellent observations but why stop with GE, all the major IT, energy and financial companies led by most aggressively by IBM - publicly announcing its strategy for the future is to vacuum up as much of those US government funds as possible and invest it in growing off-shore markets (how many new labs have they opened in China? 6, 8 ?) - that's the Smarter Planet for ya - right behind them are HP, Oracle, Microsoft, etc. all heavily btting on and pushing Green technology while 'saving' a rapidly growing population of polar bears from 'extinction'.

TennesseeVolunteer| 11.25.09 @ 7:15AM

Thanks, Peter. I have been contemplating a new business model for a year or more and needed a little spark. I agree with your futuristic read but the difficult reality of today for small business of declining revenues and customers going out of business weighs heavily on us small businessmen.
Continue to write realistically but with a view of the positives in our future, we all need a lift from time to time.

J. Kelley| 11.25.09 @ 8:00AM

Obama and the Democrat Majorty today, are from the fringe Left. Their goal is to overload the system to cause a meltdown. Then create a Central system with Obama and Democrats in complete control and with Show elections. ACORN was established partly to get as many people on welfare as possible so as to overload the system. We only have one more chance in 2010 to change. If we don't change the Majorty we will not able to anymore.

ds80| 11.25.09 @ 8:03AM

As J. Kelley points out, 2010 will be a watershed election year: throw them all out.

Nov 2010: Time to refresh the tree of liberty.

DADDIO| 11.29.09 @ 1:18PM

I wonder if we do not succeed in 2010, if 2012 will be the year a sitting American president refuses to leave office?

Bob Miller| 11.25.09 @ 8:53AM

Conservatives also need an anti-Soros or two to push and fund their efforts at all levels.

MikeBee| 11.25.09 @ 1:30PM

Bob's right. However, our "anti-Soros" consists of all of us common people. Our combined wealth dwarfs the wealth of George Soros, even with today's (planned, to benefit G.S.) weakening dollar. Don't hold back to truly conservative candidates in 2010.

S.L. Toddard| 11.25.09 @ 9:49AM

"Tin pot dictators in North Korea test nukes and fire off missiles, while we cut our own national missile defense budgets, withdrawing planned additional missile defense sites from Alaska. While the budget for everything else is soaring, only national defense is cut."

Please note that neocon Peter Ferrara is lying (as neocons do):

"The Obama administration has given the Pentagon a $527 billion limit, excluding war costs, for its fiscal 2010 defense budget, an official with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget said Monday.

If enacted, that would be an 8 percent increase from the $487.7 billion allocated for fiscal 2009, and it would match what the Bush administration estimated last year for the Pentagon in fiscal 2010."

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmsp.....0003022552

Obama will spend $40 Billion *more* in 2010 on defense than was spent in 2009. That is a "cut" to neoconservative liars.

Doorgunner| 11.25.09 @ 1:37PM

He matched a two year old maintenance estimate with dollars worth two-thirds of what they were... while cutting almost all forward-looking defense projects.

That is a cut. Liar.

Margie| 11.27.09 @ 12:19PM

When Toddard speaks, the Neon-Con red light flashes: Liar.

Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 10:35AM

Some type of political/philospohical realignment is in fact taking place. The Left ascendant seems to turn its back on the history and development of American institutions. Speaker Pelosi even discounts the meaning of the Constitution and her oath to defend it when asked about enumerated powers. This is symptomatic of the world view of the Left. They are indeed post-American. they reject a hegemon, they reject leadership of anything like "the free world" and they reject representative democracy (what we used to call a Republic) to further an elitist, statist oligarchy.

Meanwhile the Conservative movement coupled with the populist TEA Party movement and other Constitutionalist groups is building strength. To what end yet remains to be seen. Note also that this growth is happening aside from the traditional home in the GOP. How the realignment may eventuate is yet unknown. Will the ballot box yet provide a solution or will other, less desireable events, take the stage?

We can only work toward a restoration of Constitutional government and the Liberty which so many have given so much to Protect and Defend. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May we always remember its true meaning.

S.L. Toddard| 11.25.09 @ 11:21AM

"Speaker Pelosi even discounts the meaning of the Constitution and her oath to defend it when asked about enumerated powers. This is symptomatic of the world view of the Left."

Indeed it is. The federal government should assume no powers not enumerated in the Constitution.

"They are indeed post-American. they reject a hegemon, they reject leadership of anything like "the free world"

Where, in the Constitution, is the power of leading the free world, or establishing a global hegemon, enumerated?

Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 11:33AM

Correct. Neither exist and America should eschew both "tangling alliances", and funding of international organizations.

Leadership and the hegemon are conditions of being, not policies. Could you reconcile the issues por favour?

S.L. Toddard| 11.25.09 @ 11:44AM

"Leadership and the hegemon are conditions of being, not policies."

They are most certainly policies. It is American policy to assume leadership of the "free world", and it is American policy to establish and maintain a global hegemony through perpetual military intervention, foreign aid, the U.N. etc. They are components of our hyper-interventionist foreign policy. Were we to return to a non-interventionist foreign policy, these other policies ("states of being") would cease to be.

Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 12:26PM

Finally, at long last we begin to define the divergent philosophies at play. The world view from your wolkenkukkukshiem represents the Blame America first perspective. Glad to get it out in the open.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Toddard and remember what we once called Freedom.

S.L. Toddard| 11.26.09 @ 9:00PM

That's really sort of a meaningless slur for Americans who fail to exhibit a servile, worshipful faith in government. We do not trust it to create a paradise here at home with massive social programs (notice I write "home" and not "the Homeland" - that is Nazi-talk no good American should use), and we certainly do not trust it to do so for the resentful survivors of our bombing campaigns against alien and warlike mountain tribes on the other side of the globe. There used to be a word for such persons who mistrusted the power and benevolence of government - it was "conservative". In our mistrust of government, of its alleged benevolence, and supposed power (and duty) to transform society (or societies), we criticize that government and its overblown, costly projects and scams - we condemn them as unAmerican, we assert that they do violence to our Constitution, to our liberties and our way of life. And our foreign policy, with its nation-building projects and world-policing, is the biggest government boondoggle of all. Really, if one divorces one's sentimental attachments from an assessment of our overarching mission, it's ludicrous on its face, and only a person with a profoundly deep, servile love of and trust in the transformative power of government could buy it.

There used to be a word for such a person, by the way - it was "liberal".

Doorgunner| 11.25.09 @ 1:56PM

The Preamble:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and >>>>our Posterity

S.L. Toddard| 11.27.09 @ 7:04AM

Yes, that's the Preamble. What about it.

Stephen Zierak| 11.25.09 @ 10:50AM

Your brave new world of political and economic good sense can only happen if (1) the stupid party actually manages to win against all the purveyors of bennies and subsidies; and (2) if the stupid party politicians actually go against type and really reform the system. Electing such as la fiorina in California is not likely to accomplish (2) even if she can accomplish (1). I look at the establishment candidates on the horizon and I don't see much likelihood of either (1) or (2). You actually have to have a believable message delivered by believable candidates to tap into public disillusionment with the status quo. You can't fight something with nothing. Look at the nothings in charge of the Republicans in the House and Senate. Do you expect political courage, in the teeth of the reaction of the "opinion makers" in the MSM and the academy, from such as a Boehner, or Cantor, or McConnell? I would remind you that these supported the Paulson-Bush TARP 1. They really lack standing to criticize economic fascism today, and they are not figures likely to lead an effective crusade against Santa Claus Government in tough economic times. It's time to primary all these losers and replace them with new blood, committed to the Reaganism that they have long ago abandonned (except in their pathetic fund-raising missives that they calculate will appeal to the grass-roots "rubes" without requiring any effort on their parts). Time to either reform the stupid party or abandon it for a real American values, free market, national defense alternative.

c. j. acworth| 11.25.09 @ 5:25PM

Right on, S.Z. I stayed home on the '06 mid-terms because my alegedly Republican representative was proudly posting on his website his opposition to drilling for oil in the promising fields of Alaska. This as gasoline was headed to $4. Why vote for an "R" who votes like a "D"?

victor| 12.1.09 @ 12:44AM

So, by staying home, you voted for the democrats.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.25.09 @ 11:31AM

Mr Ferrara................DAMN!

I have copy/pasted that essay to my permanent documents.
This is one of the finest pieces I have ever read. Thank you.
In fact, You guys here at Am Spec are one of my most deeply beloved blessings this Thanksgiving.
http://judgeroy.wordpress.com

Ran / Si Vis Pacem| 11.30.09 @ 9:11PM

Mr Ferrara, thanks again.

Tex, amen. Here's broader commentary plus a bit of squid porn. Great stuff is percolating out there.

Cincinnatus| 11.25.09 @ 11:57AM

Peter:

You have got it absolutely right. Now is the time of the great American Reawakening, with opportunities for conservatives that would have been unthinkable if Obama's radicalism had not enabled them. And you are also right when you say that the greatest danger is the possibility that Republican politicians do not realize the opportunity now before them. For that is the way of the third party and the split vote. David Frum and his 'new majority' could not be more on the wrong side of history.

Margie| 11.29.09 @ 2:16PM

This is exactly what I continue to preach. So who is going to fight to help conservatives get nominated in the Republican Party? We're either complainers and stone throwers, or fighters. If you choose to throw in the towel then you are contributing to the demise of our country.
So far in the NJ & VA elections there is a good start. We have to work with what we've got. It depends on us.

Alan Brooks| 11.25.09 @ 12:00PM

Okay, but in the meantime (you are getting slightly 'futuristic' in your "predictions") why can't the GOP run better candidates?

Margie| 11.29.09 @ 2:20PM

Alan,
It's because too many people are too busy blaming all the other bad guys, sitting back and wailing "Oh woe is me, it is so hopeless!" Instead of doing something to contribute to help get conservatives nominated and elected in the Party.
Do you really care about this situation yourself? After all, you claim you are going to vote for Obama again.

Alan Brooks| 11.25.09 @ 12:01PM

"And you are also right when you say that the greatest danger is the possibility that Republican politicians do not realize the opportunity now before them."

DUH!

Richard Baker| 11.25.09 @ 12:29PM

You know, Scoop Jackson, Hubert Humphrey, and Harry Truman would now be outcasts in their own Party. For me, that says it all.

Northern Rebel| 11.25.09 @ 12:41PM

Al Adab:

My son-in-law and I play word games, using vocabulary that is designed to impress upon each other our knowledge of language.

We add or subtract points, as we see fit, depending on the quality, or rarity of the words used. We hope to transfer this game to my grandchildren when they are old enough to participate.

Even though it is a German word, and I have no clue what means, (well I do a little, by reading the two posts) I hearby, with my son-in-laws consent, award you 10 points for creativity!

In another letter response, you wished me Happy Thanksgiving, and I respond in kind:

Happy Thanksgiving sir, you are a great American.

Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 1:43PM

Rebel:
My best to you and yours. Thanks for the 10 points. Good to see you know Germaan. The word means cloud coo-coo land. A fitting definition of the Left worldview.

Ray| 11.25.09 @ 3:52PM

I see it spelled as wolkenkuckucksheim. Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Richard Baker| 11.25.09 @ 12:53PM

Northern Rebel:
His German word means cloud cuckoo land, if my German is correct. The Germans are known for their use of compound words.

Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 1:44PM

Richard:
Nice translation. You might get 10 points too. Happy Thanksgiving.

Richard Baker| 11.25.09 @ 3:17PM

Al Adab:
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Auf Weidersehen.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.25.09 @ 8:26PM

All of you patriots,

I thank God every single day for you...all...y'all (Texanese).
I am so thankful to connect here on Am Spec with you.
If you have a spare 20 bucks, send it to them. They done good!
We certainly have our share of whack jobs here, but hey...they just help us focus upon the truth.

Y'all know that "America" is the last chance for the world.
Either we welcome the Messiah.....or He comes anyway.
("Thank you Father for our lives in freedom"
Amen)

Andrew P| 11.25.09 @ 9:00PM

The Democratic Party today is a strange coalition of the Rich and the Poor, allied against the middle class. This is the only way to make sense of this Obamacare monstrosity that they are ramming through the Senate. If they are not routed in 2010, we won't have a middle class left in 4 years.

philfl63| 11.26.09 @ 12:08AM

Bill Clinton was not a brilliant leader. He was a white Obama. He was a corrupt, treasonous POS.

Oldefarte| 11.26.09 @ 11:08AM

Very simply, this 'COMMUNISTIC' takeover of this country truly began under Kennedy/Johnson, when the GREAT SOCIETY was implemented [and for which we taxpayers are still paying with today's taxes]. Basically, liberals' policies result in the PRODUCERS versus the NON-PRODUCERS; with the government taking from the former and re-distributing/giving same to the latter. The only HOPE for this country's survival is for the former to take over politically, begin the process of making the latter self-sufficient through an efficient public school education, and thereafter for the latter to join the former so that all are PRODUCERS. It ain't rocket science, folks, or then again, maybe it is!!!!!

Steve Lee| 11.26.09 @ 11:24AM

While New Jersey and Virignia voters have chosen to reverse the course their states were on by electing conservative governors a curious thing happened in the Upstate New York Congressional Special election, Link:
Conservative Candidate Endorsed By Brand Name Republicans
Click "Steve Lee" Above for an article about Sarah Palin Surprising The Media Again.

Gerald Stephens| 11.27.09 @ 7:08AM

REBIRTH -NO!

RE-EDUCATION is, however, essential. Identifying as Republican, Conservative, or Democrat is the egocentric mechanism designed to lure the persuadable into squandering a vote for 'personalities'.

The Nation' s founders gave America a business plan and named it CONSTITUTION. It unambiguously defines the limits of a federal government, powers of the states, and most importantly enshrines to the people ALL other rights and liberties. It even provides an exquisite means of amendment should the need ever arise.

Next time you listen to a potential candidate for any office, if they fail or falter in a knowledge of and adherence to America's Business Plan, find a candidate who understands and accepts the 'PLAN'. To do otherwise is to suffer the fools.

In the interim preceding the 2010 go-a-round, you may wish to acquaint yourself with the Committees of Safety.org. The mission is that of those Colonials who gathered to defend and protect the Constitution against all enemies from birth to infinity.

The Nation you save is yours!

Gerald Stephens
Hartford, CT

Mandarin Chinese Online| 11.28.09 @ 4:34AM

What they say doesn't matter to me.
it really make me down

Louis Jenkins| 11.28.09 @ 9:01AM

"To those who are paying attention, and not just blindly accepting the Obama/Democrat talking points, everything suddenly seems so different, because America was conquered by an alien ideology in 2008. "

Unfortunately most of the sheeple haven't woke up to this strange alien landscape. But a lot of them know that something's wrong, ie, a dollar that's buying less, statist newsmedia that doesn't give them the news or keep them informed, Taxes-Taxes-Taxes, more regulation, and , what's getting more obvious every day, Congressional/Executive/Judical branches of government that are out of touch with the Constitution, and the citizenry/Constitution they have sworn to serve. The problem is similar to those who sleep in during the morning and those who get up and do something. The majority will sleep in, and there are some of us who get up at 4 am and do more before daylight than the sleepers will do all day. Those are the people who are shaping this movement. This nation has too long slept in. The alarm clock is ringing. Obama's counting on you to hit the snooze button. Will you get outta bed or do what he expects? It is not a re-birth, it is a matter of hitting the floor.

Northern Rebel| 11.28.09 @ 4:02PM

Having been born in 1957, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation of power.
Anyone younger than forty, will find this hard to believe:
The most powerful entity in The United States of America in 1960, was not the federal government!

The most powerful organization at that time was the amalgamation of The teamster's union, and others like them, and the Mafia.

The Mafia, and the unions were so powerful, that they were able to assasinate an American President, and make it look like a nut job did it.

In those days an independant businessman would pay about 10% income tax, and a little "insurance" money, (It'd be a shame if somethin' happened to this nice store) to stay profitable.

In 1957, the Appalachia meeting scandal brought the Mafia to the attention of the average American , and they demanded gummint do something about it.

They did.

They took the Mafia's power, and made it their own.

Rudy Guliani took the wind out of organized crime's sails during "the pizza wars", and unwittingly transfered the corruption to the federal government, which with the help of the mob's former allies, big labor, has consolidated, and grown by leaps and bounds ever since.

Now, "It'd be a shame if something happened to this nice business" style of extortion, has turned into, "If you don't pay confiscatory tax rates, and heed onerous regulations, we will stormtroop your doors with jackboots, and shut you down, and take everything you have worked for.

Given a choice, I'd prefer the Mafia.

At least they didn't try to tell me where to smoke, what to drive, and how much toilet paper I should use.

At least the Mafia believed in capitalism.

Carolynn | 11.29.09 @ 11:45AM

What a great and inspiring article -- I did not want it to end.

You have fantastic writing skills!

Howard| 11.29.09 @ 1:18PM

Excellent article!! The 1974 House class (Post-Watergate), led by Waxman, Obey and other lefties, has waited over 30 years to assume control. They are stuck in a 1970's mindset, along with the Mainstream Media. They are getting old, and are now ripe for permanent retirement. I do agree wholeheartedly with the author's description of General Electric (and by association many other) Company being a "Corporate Pig". These useful idiots abandoned any pretense of capitalism when they agreed to perform fellatio on Obama and company. I hope they are not considered "Too Big To Fail", if they find themselves in trouble. Finally, I look forward to continued distress for the Mainstream Media. I am told that the Boston Globe will be taking a dirt-nap soon. I feel sorry for the blue collar workers to an extent. But no sympathy for the arrogant editorialists and other arbiters of left wing orthodoxy.

Kate| 11.29.09 @ 10:41PM

Amen. Enough said.

electronic| 11.30.09 @ 4:11AM

First of all, I wouldn't trust ANY bill punched out by the idiots in congress today.

Roy| 11.30.09 @ 5:04AM

I'd love to believe this, but I don't. I have no evidence, but then neither does the author.

Oh, sure, Republicans will claw their way back to 50% or even 55% - that's the way the world works. But will a single sliver of a smidgen of a speck of the huge behemoth of Big Government that Obama et al will have built in the meantime be rolled back? To say yes is to ignore all post-1930 history.

I agree with some writers at National Review who says that the key is to get Republicans to commit, NOW, to rolling back Obamacare at the first opportunity. Otherwise they'll shrug their shoulders and say eh, we all know entitlements are untouchable.

Howard| 11.30.09 @ 8:58AM

Excellent points. Do the Republicans want to be Bob Michael or Newt Gingrich? the Democrats are building a permanent Liberal Social program akin to Sweden. Accepting that as inevitable would be reason for the GOP to commit suicide.

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