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Loose Canons
Barry’s Failing Blame Game
From the golf courses of Martha’s Vineyard to the shores of Tripoli and beyond.
(Page 2 of 2)
Iran also knows it’s safe to ignore Obama. Three American hikers who apparently wandered into Iran were sentenced to eight years in prison last week on charges ranging from stupidity to espionage. The sentences were handed down after a multiplicity of pleas from the men’s relatives and the White House. They will be kept as bargaining chips to play against some other Iranian-manufactured crisis. But, again, no one is likely to care.
What should — and likely will — hurt Obama next year is the Palestinians’ new “intifada” against Israel which kicked off last week with attacks on military and civilians riding buses, causing a number of casualties. The terrorists were apparently Hamas operatives from the Gaza Strip who were allowed to cross into southern Israel by the new Muslim Brotherhood-friendly Egyptian government. When Israeli air forces struck back and killed several terrorists as well as some Egyptian “policemen,” everyone from al-Jazeera to the Arab League blamed Israel for the “crime” of striking back.
And, as this is written, there have been several more attacks from the Gaza Strip, Hamas missiles raining down on southern Israel, killing at least one civilian and wounding many others including children. Israeli air strikes continued through Sunday. There are reports that an al-Qaeda group is claiming responsibility for some of the attacks. But we should receive those reports skeptically, as terrorists rename themselves as quickly as they switch from one disposable cellphone to another. Regardless of what they call themselves, their sponsors are in Syria and Iran.
Obama’s anti-Israeli stance has emboldened the Palestinians. They — with the help of the Syrians and probably the Iranians — are baiting the Israelis with escalating attacks, trying to cause the Israelis to launch a large ground-based invasion of the Gaza Strip or big air attacks. The terrorist nations want to preface the Palestinian statehood vote in the UN next month with another media campaign showing large numbers of dead Palestinians, made so by Israeli arms.
Going into a presidential year, it’s better to speak of responsibility than blame. Obama has been in office for almost three years. It was his responsibility to mend our economy, win our wars and protect our allies. In those responsibilities he has failed comprehensively.
If his blame-shifting strategy succeeds, it will be the result of Republican ineptitude. The facts are what they are, and Obama should be stuck with them.
About the Author
Jed Babbin served as a Deputy Undersecretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush. He is the author of several bestselling books including Inside the Asylum and In the Words of Our Enemies. You can follow him on Twitter @jedbabbin.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (47) | Leave a comment
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Lawrence Boccardi| 8.22.11 @ 6:29AM
How is it possible, that even we unwashed masses, knew the future of Israel, after Mubarek's removal, but we let Obama and Hillary deny it?
Gary B| 8.22.11 @ 6:53AM
Mr. Babbin said, "If his blame-shifting strategy succeeds, it will be the result of Republican ineptitude."
Isn't most bad stuff in DC the result of Republican ineptitude?
Obama slanders Congress every day, yet they won't defend themselves against a blatant liar. So, the seething, decades-old anger among Americans who aren't mentally ill is twofold: Anger with the liberal/media complex that's ruining America and anger with RINOs, who are their secret allies.
Stan Redmond| 8.22.11 @ 6:01PM
The Republicans can scream yell jump up and down all day long. They aren't going to be covered by the media regardless.
Keith I| 8.22.11 @ 7:25AM
What makes you think that the ObaMau administration didn't also surmise that the "brotherhood" would renew Egypt's aggression toward Israel? Just ask Huma Abedin.
Mike D.| 8.22.11 @ 7:47AM
The predators of the world see one big juicy, fire roasted turkey leg when they look at this feckless weakling in the white house. This is like Barney Fife being the police chief of NYC!!!
jothepro| 8.22.11 @ 9:52AM
Hey Mike D., That was a pithy comment. Love it.
Buck Ofama| 8.22.11 @ 12:09PM
Except that Barney Fife IS allowed to carry his single bullet in his pocket.
King O'Icarus has no clothes or pockets.
SpiralArchitect| 8.22.11 @ 4:41PM
This is 'intelligent design' of another sort.
Hard to grasp why so few care to review the POTUS background, all the indoctrination of hate for all that is America. This person thinks America is evil and has one objective: bring down America to where (he thinks) it belongs.
Icarus? You have misplaced your metaphore. Obummer is forcing America down with the intent of destruction. Icarus was not seeking destruction as I recall, though the end result is not much different.
Michael Tomlinson| 8.22.11 @ 7:48AM
A competent candidate will beat Obama like a drum. Of those now running Perry and Romney are the most likely to get the nomination. Perry is clearly the conservative with an impressive history of election wins (he's never lost or quit) and a record second to none from the state that has created most of the nation’s jobs. In an election cycle where jobs are going to be a major factor that is going to help Perry in the primaries and general election.
Of those thinking about a run Paul Ryan would be a good candidate, but he's got to broaden his appeal beyond Republicans who understand and support his Medicare reform plan (of self-identified Tea Party supporters - 70% - oppose cuts to Medicare and Medicaid a McClatchy-Marist poll found). If he runs he needs to forcefully tell the public I want to give you a plan like the one Congress has then quickly show how. Tunnel vision might be his biggest weakness.
There are wildcards like Sarah Palin and among Republicans she has potential to win the nomination. A Quinnipiac University survey found 31 %of Republicans would vote for her "enthusiastically," 24% said they could "never" vote for her and the rest of the Republicans (42 %) said they would "consider voting for" her. Among independents who lean Republican 48% would consider Palin too. So she’s got a chance, but she has significant baggage (resigning from the Alaska Governor’s office and her statements that she’d support Democrats in elections are just two).
Outside the GOP an ABC/Post poll found 59% of Americans said they would not consider voting for her. In a year Republicans want to win can they afford a Palin? It depends on how much worse things get. Who would have imagined a person with as thin a resume as Sarah Palin and dubious intelligence would be President. A good stump speech can get you a long way in a bad economy.
Dai Alanye | 8.22.11 @ 8:34AM
Early polls are useless. Period.
Harry the Horrible| 8.22.11 @ 9:02AM
Agree.
This overconfidence on the election is disturbing.
First there is a fair chance that the conservative end of the GOP Primary is going to be overloaded. This may split the conservative vote and send someone like Romney to the General, where the campaign will be about as effective as McCain's.
Second Obama has an immense amount of money and power backing him: Soros, Unions, the MSM, the parasite classes, etc. He has between 35% and 45% of the vote, without getting out of bed.
Winning is not assured. Its uphill all the way.
old white guy| 8.22.11 @ 10:36AM
the parasite class should not be allowed to voted. only those who produce not those who take should get to vote.
Buck Ofama| 8.22.11 @ 12:10PM
WHAT???? I thought that it's not the effort that matters but the equality of the outcome!!!!
WARE MY GUBMINT CHEK?
NO MUH SAYIN?
RCV| 8.22.11 @ 1:15PM
People who can't write a simple sentence properly should not be allowed to vote either. Just sayin.
SpiralArchitect| 8.22.11 @ 5:20PM
Bring out yer dead.
Never underestimate the power of the dead!
Oh, there is still time to grant voters rights to the illegals...
RCV| 8.22.11 @ 1:15PM
Early polls are useless unless they support your position.
Jones| 8.22.11 @ 4:12PM
The GOP nominee will not be running just against 0bama. He/she will be running against NBC CBS ABC CNN MSNBC the New York Times the Washington Post, Hollywood, etc.
Doug| 8.22.11 @ 4:40PM
"Who would have imagined a person with as thin a resume as Sarah Palin and dubious intelligence would be President."
Prior to the 2008 elections, I felt the same way. But after this dullard named Obama won it all, I no longer put anything past the American voters.
Conservative View| 8.22.11 @ 7:51AM
I am struck by a comment that the President made some time ago. He said, if memory serves, that each nation must be able to defent itself. He was talking about the Mid East. That sent a clear, unmistakable signal to the Arab world, that the United States would not come to the aid of Israel if Israel were attacked, that Israel would be left to defend itself. With statements like that, we just gave Hammas an ingraved invitation to attack. Let's face it, as a community organizer he makes a great foreigh affairs expert.
Chalkdust| 8.22.11 @ 8:01AM
Focus groups tell the Republican presidential candidates that they will gain little traction on attacking Obamaniack's foreign policy. So far, not one Republican presidential candidate has shown the uncommon good sense to break with the pack.
Timothy L. Pennell| 8.22.11 @ 8:08AM
Every day, he says the SAME THINGS.
"We've got to come together." (And do what I want to do) "We have to stop bickering, and do what is Necessary, for the Country." (I want to RAISE TAXES, so I can SPEND MORE MONEY) "We need people to set aside their differences to get things done." (Republicans need to STFU, and DO WHAT I SAY. So let it be written. So let it be done)
Surprised?
He's a BULLSH*T ARTIST. If you've ever known any Bullsh*t Artists, you know that they don't know how to DO anything. They just RUN THEIR MOUTHS. And, they can't take any BLAME, because they're not really MEN.
He's never had a REAL JOB, in his life. Never got his hands dirty, broke a sweat, or got a callous, in his life. He is NOT a Professor of the Constitution. He did NOT teach any classes. He was a Guest Speaker. He came in and RAN HIS MOUTH. That's what Bullsh*tters do. They run their mouths.
They LIE.
And, in this sense, he is the KING of the Bullsh*tters.
His list of LIES is too long to go in to, again. Let's just say that, he hasn't told THE TRUTH, once. From PROMISING to take Public Financing for his Campaign, if McCain agreed to do, also (McCain DID go the Public Finance Route. B.S. Boy did not) to being oh so Transparent (He is just the OPPOSITE) to not having Lobbyists in his Administration, and Putting Legislation up on the Internet for 72 hours before a vote. CSPAN, Guantanamo, Renditions, The Patriot Act.............
You get the picture.
But, this is different. This one is BIG. The swagger is gone. I see FEAR in his eyes. I see DESPERATION. He's tried all of the Liberal Solutions. He has recited the Progressive Bible by heart. MORE TAXES. TAX THE RICH. Support the UNIONS. REWARD our Friends and PUNISH our Enemies. STOP Drilling for Oil. DESTROY the Coal Industry. Curb the Fishing Industry.
REGULATE Business, til they do your bidding.
You know: Paul Krugman 101.
He's used Keynesian Stimulus, to REWARD his friends. No Roads. No Bridges. No new Electrical Grids. No New Infrastructure. NO JOBS.
He used the HUNDREDS OF BILLION$ to shore up his Core Support. Funneling the money to the States, for their PUBLIC SECTOR UNIONS.
That would be: Robert Reich 101, I believe.
Now, he's got nothing. He ignores his Oath of Office, and THE LAW, by going around Congress, at every turn. He is willing to FLOOD THIS COUNTRY with ILLEGALS, to hold on to power.
He's not that different from Khaddafi. He's not that different from Assad. In fact, he's just like GOEBELS.
He's out there, now, REPEATING THE SAME LIES, over and over and over, again. That's how The BIG LIE is done. You have to repeat it, over and over and over, again. And it has to be a WHOPPER! Something like....Oh, I don't know....."I've been the President for almost 3 Years, but, I'm not responsible for anything that's happened, during that time. George Bush did it. The Republicans in the House are to blame. And, if only people would do what I say, we'd be sitting pretty. There's nothing wrong with America. There's something wrong with everyone in Washington EXCEPT, ME."
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Martha's Vineyard, for 10 days at a 28 Acre, Ocean Front, Estate, where I can enjoy the beach, listen to the waves, eat Lobster and Caviar, the Finest Steaks your money can buy, drink some Fine Wines, maybe some Champagne, and smoke Cigars, as I continue to FOCUS ON JOBS like a Laser Beam, and contemplate the SHARED SACRIFICE, that we must ALL endure, if we're gonna get back on our feet, again."
Buck Ofama| 8.22.11 @ 12:12PM
Highly respected, productive members of society:
Farakunt
Al Sharpdum
Jesse Jackass
Jokebama, aka O'Icarus, O'Token, etc.
Intelligent Design| 8.22.11 @ 9:28AM
If Obama were president for 150 years, he would still blame his predecessors for his failures.
Mike D.| 8.22.11 @ 9:55AM
In revolutions, you have to totally defeat opponents AND you have to defeat any ideas or concepts that may give rise to counter-revolutions that your opponents may have. Thats why propaganda is so critical to these leftists, they have to defeat truths through lies.
Gary B| 8.22.11 @ 10:08AM
And, isn't this clear evidence that liberalism has failed? Its smartest and most powerful proponents can not help Obama. His smarter-then-everyone-else, Ivy League team is out of answers.
Why? Because liberalism is a luxury that thrives on stolen resources during times of abundance. That bad day has finally arrived. There is no more abundance; there is NO MORE MONEY.
The panic we're witnessing is that of a greedy parasite that sucked its host dry. It's now at its most dangerous, as it frantically seeks another.
Trinacria| 8.22.11 @ 5:41PM
Extremely well stated. Truer words have never been spoken...
idalily| 8.23.11 @ 12:04AM
Agreed. Unfortunately, I don't know a single liberal who can look at Detroit and see it for what it is: the inevitable consequence of liberal ideology.
SpiralArchitect| 8.22.11 @ 5:22PM
+1
Who Knows?| 8.22.11 @ 11:15AM
Got gold?
Mike D.| 8.22.11 @ 11:40AM
Yep, bought 30 ounces at $878 per.
moncler coats on sale | 8.22.11 @ 11:42AM
i think goverment should not allow parasite class should to vote
RCV| 8.22.11 @ 1:16PM
i think stupid people should not to vote be allowed
Truth to Power| 8.22.11 @ 1:38PM
You will have have some free time on election days.
Reprobate Charlatan Vomitus| 8.23.11 @ 1:21PM
I don't bother with silly sanctmonious hypocrisy of what is stupid, on
"I supported Obama from the beginning" (8.6.11 @ 1:11PM)
and on
"He will be re-elected" (8.22.11 @ 4:00PM)
and on
"Obama beats every one of the sorry lot of "conservatives" who've thrown their hats into the ring" (8.22.11 @ 4:06PM)
on being so stupid, and such an idiot, I not only sanctimoniously espouse my support for the dithering idiot liar in chief of downgrade matters, I am so stupid, and such an idiot, I am still, to this very day, after all the words and actions of the dithering idiot liar in chief of downgrade matters, wholly in support of the dithering idiot liar in chief of downgrade matters, as sanctimonious Christian expert hypocrite, sanctimonious Bible expert hypocrite, and sanctimonious Constitution expert hypocrite matters.
MacDaddy| 8.22.11 @ 1:50PM
I continue to expect ( I called it out first in February of 2009) that Obama will not be the nominee of the Democratic party in 2012.
As the world economy gets worse, Soros will pull the plug and vote with his money for Hillary. If Obama willingly goes along, he gets the UN presidency as a nice parting gift.
If Obama the narcissist resists, I've got one heck of a conspiracy theory for you....
Al Adab| 8.22.11 @ 2:04PM
Perhaps Dr. Occam could adress the issue, but isn't the constant blame casting at others indicitive of an underlying psychosis? The inability to accept the consequences of one's actions reveals a deep rooted mental instability. What options are available under the 25th Amendment?
Trinacria| 8.22.11 @ 6:17PM
It's really far less complicated than that, AA (though I hasten to note there's no shortage of psychological pathology there). The fact is that his constant finger pointing is indicative of 2 things:
1) Profound immaturity.
2) Profound incompetence.
He's like a petulant child who, after a lifetime of being coddled, finds himself out of his depth and facing the reality that he can no longer expect to be awarded success based solely on "who he is". Lacking the requisite skills and intellect to formulate a plan, or the caability of looking inward to find the root cause, the child employs the only weapon at his disposal - blame everyone and everything else (and why not? bitching and moaning and playing the victim has gotten him this far).
Clearly, anyone who can utter the words (with a straight face), "Today the rise of the oceans began to slow and the earth began to heal" has major underlying psycological issues; however, the "blame" thing is the result of a life lived free of accountability (and a dash of Reverend Wright's grievnace ideology thrown in). Plain and simple.
Oldefarte| 8.22.11 @ 2:20PM
I'll possibly startle some here by decalring that this country's current foreign policy by this administration could/should have been predicted right after 11/4/08 when our current president was elected. This event was the classic case of a trojun horse'd capture of a fortressed nation without a shot or weapon being fired. The encouragement under the public radar of these continual citizen uprisings within the middle east is no doubt a natural consequence of same, since the subduing of any resonse/involvement from this country militarily was assured on 11/4/08. Previously, Iran's Shah was overthrown and a Muslim radical terrorist-oriented government was installed in its place; and the eventual copying of that scenerio will transpire throughout all of these Muslim dominated middle eastern countries will take occur. The Muslim Brotherhood is seen as the dominent political organization within Egypt presently, and no doubt it [or a similar organization] will rise up within each/every one of these previous secular governed countries. Israel sadly will find itself much more dangerously surrounded and threatened [and the Jewish community within this country hopefully now understands its mistake on 11/4/08 and will politically support the Republican candidate in November of next year in order to protect their/our friends/relatives within Israel]. This spring uprisings are all no doubt being subversively encouraged from our present administration in DC; and the eventual outcome of same will not be in this country's [or Israel's] best interests, I can assure everyone of that!!!!!!!!
Pat| 8.22.11 @ 5:07PM
As a Californian, I can accurately state California doesn’t have a foreign policy – we treat everyone, foreign or domestic, with equal contempt. But many in our state are thinking of adopting one because we can then speak about bad stuff happening in foreign countries – like in this Libya place which we assume is located somewhere a bit south of Mexico – and getting everyone talking about our state’s foreign policy would take their minds off how bad things actually are within the Golden State. Under our state’s one party system of government, we often need to divert folks’ attention so blame doesn’t trace back to “the Party” – Gorbachev taught us that little trick while on a state visit to Disneyland.
The Feds quietly borrowed California’s domestic policy early in Obama’s administration so, in return, we’re looking toward Washington to learn foreign policy ins and outs. And yeah, we did recognize all the elements of our domestic policy Mr. Obama and you could have at least given us some of the credit, buddy.
Like borrowing heavily from anybody who will lend us money. Or, miniscule budget cuts to show our deep concern for prudent fiscal management; we especially prefer laying off DMV clerks, although nobody really important ever gets cut and certainly no highly paid union people. Raise taxes as well but disguise the increases as much as possible (we prefer the term “fees”) . And we’re against those greedy, polluting private businesses anywhere within the state, which covers almost all of them, unless they are willing to “contribute” to the right causes.
But we do admit we have much to learn about drafting an effective foreign policy. For instance, we now understand that if it wasn’t for rogue countries like Libya, California could balance its annual budget. And we welcome regime change there and offer all freedom loving Libyans 25% off a day pass to either Disneyland or Lego Land – know also that we cordially welcome you and your tourist dollars to our state and trust you liberated Libyans will be gratified to learn many Californians can also converse with you in your native Spanish.
Trinacria| 8.22.11 @ 6:23PM
"As a Californian, I can accurately state California doesn’t have a foreign policy – we treat everyone, foreign or domestic, with equal contempt. "
Not true, Pat. As a fellow Californian (I just reallized how dirty it makes me feel to say that), I can tell you that we don't treat everyone with contempt - just the hard working, tax paying, law abiding conservatives. Illegal immigrants (sorry - undocumented workers) and condescedning liberal pseudo intellectuals are treated with the utmost respect!
Pat| 8.22.11 @ 6:56PM
Trin, you're right of course. And as businesses continue to abandon our state for other venues, the melting pot will become a lot smellier - wonder if anyone will notice.
Steelwimp| 8.22.11 @ 9:40PM
What I do not understand is that Ben Stein (who bears some physical resemblance to Jed Babbin?) is all over O'Reilly (and Laura Ingraham) saying that we gotta soak the rich, and it is not Obama's fault, and he inherited a disaster from Bush, and it all would be worse etc. What is a girl to do? Stein has always presented as a fiscal conservative, so what is happening with him?
RCV| 8.22.11 @ 10:45PM
He's just speaking the truth.
Farhan | 8.23.11 @ 7:07AM
yeah you right!
____________________
http://sticky.tk
Clint Brooks| 8.23.11 @ 1:31AM
The operative word is "presented" Stein is and never was a consevative.
Rick| 8.22.11 @ 11:49PM
Your a bigget and a rasist!