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The Obama Watch
How Obama Succeeds By Failing
Ryan on the American Tipping Point: it’s the socialism, stupid.
(Page 2 of 4)
Which is what explains the debt, the high unemployment, the high gas prices, Solyndra, the halting of production on the Chevy Volt and all the rest of the last four years of disaster.
Here’s Larry Kudlow of CNBC, a former Reagan colleague, explaining the basics of this latest try of socialist economics, this time as tried by Mr. Obama.. “If it was going to work,” says economist Kudlow of Obamanomics, “it would have worked.”
Clearly, it didn’t. Or did it?
Kudlow made his remarks at former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s “Newt University” — a convention-long rolling seminar on the challenges facing the country in the 2012 election.
Most impressively at Newt U., here is small businessman David Park, a Korean-American, discussing his hard won American success as a capitalist. At one point he notes the famous photograph of the Korean peninsula at night taken by a NASA satellite. South Korea — the capitalist half of Korea, is ablaze in light. North Korea, the socialist half, is completely black other than a dot of light that marks the capital of Pyongyang. Assessing Obamanomics, Park says the obvious: America is being led away from the light of capitalism towards the dark side that is socialism, with all the dire and quite predictable results socialism delivers.
Yet people fall for socialist economics over and over again through the decades because it is always presented by its advocates as a matter of “fairness.” Any question of whether it works in practice are waved aside with questions of morality. Either that or the outright fabrication that amidst all the obvious resulting disaster — why yes, it really is working!!!!! As a matter of fact, here is President Obama insisting just that. “We tried our plan and it worked,” he says, illustrating vividly in real time today precisely the socialist denial Mises was talking about over 80 years go!
But is Obama really in denial? Or, from the stand point of a leftist in bringing the American Experiment to ground, isn’t he succeeding?
What Mr. Obama is doing right now — he has in fact spent his entire career doing. Where are all those glowing media stories about how much better off the South Side of Chicago was after the famous community organizer departed? There are none, of course. Because it simply didn’t happen.
Or did it? Isn’t creating a community of perpetual economic misery throbbing with racism and thuggish union leaders part of the eternal leftist plan?
In fact, now that we’re down to an Obama-Romney race it’s not only accurate to say but embarrassingly accurate to note that Mitt Romney has created more jobs with the creation of Staples — just one Bain Capital project! — than Obama did with all of his community activism.
Yet this game of socialist fairness and morality versus the greedy, evil capitalists is played repeatedly. Leftist economics is all about fairness — and the facts of the resulting disaster are simply ignored. Or trumpeted as a triumph.
Why is this important now?
Because this election cannot be allowed to generate into a personality contest between two men.
It is not enough to defeat Barack Obama with Mitt Romney.
Are there people out there who are angry with Obama? I’ll say. Are all these GOP Establishment types right that there are independent voters out there who are simply disappointed with Mr. Obama? That they like him, but they are disappointed at his results? Doubtless.
About the Author
Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (44) | Leave a comment
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Appleby| 8.30.12 @ 7:16AM
Or you could come up here to Canada and live under socialism and find out why it's a failure -- because it's designed to fail. It is impossible for socialism to succeed, for the same reason that a college student can't live on credit cards: because sooner or later the bills come due. And if you have made it impossible for people to succeed, there will be no money to pay the bills when they all come due at once. Socialism is built on the College Sophomore principle that Mom and Dad will Pay...which works fine until the day they wake up and discover that Mom and Dad are dead, and now THEY are The Man...and who by Marching and Chanting has paid a dime on the Visa bill? What do you do when your screams of "Gimmee!" echo down the empty halls that used to be businesses and nobody comes out with a chequebook?
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 8.30.12 @ 8:43AM
But you all want the State to give funds and services to your own kin-- even libertopians do!
The Avenger| 8.30.12 @ 9:59AM
You sir, are an idiot. A useful idiot to the Obamanites, but an idiot none the less.
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 8.30.12 @ 10:34AM
Every rightist I know has relatives who are net tax receivers...
Hypocrisy only works when enough people are not aware of it.
John Navratil| 8.30.12 @ 10:57AM
Alan Obama Fan Brooks,
Let me introduce you to one who has no such relatives.... me! Even my 84 year-old father pays more in taxes than he receives in Social Security.
KennesawJack| 8.30.12 @ 11:35AM
John, don't fall into the leftist trap of associating Social Security receipts with tax receipts. SS is nothing more than the return of a miserably small portion of monies expropriated by the government over a working lifetime. It is a standard leftist canard to include SS recipients with the parasites who spend their entire lives on the dole in the the group of those who are dependent on the largess of big brother. SS is a Ponzi scheme. Always was.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 3:24PM
At the risk of being a broken record, there are a few Reasons that things are the way they are.
#1 - The Great Society, unless you're Black, or you are the one Paying for The Liberal Plantation, that most Blacks find themselves in, lo these many years.
Everyone else knows, that you don't get something for nothing. Liberals don't do anything without a Purpose, and the "Stings Attached" are always the reason.
In the 60's, the Liberals decided that Blacks - whom they used to OWN, and when they could no longer OWN them, they started Lynching them - needed to be Taken Care Of.
So they set up Welfare, to get them "Free Money". The String Attached, was that, if you wanted Money? You had to Get Rid of Dad.
The Black Man was Banished from his Family, and we all know how that has turned out.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 3:39PM
#2 - The Leftists of the 60's infiltrated the Public Education System, and began Teaching the next Generations of Children, what they were Preaching in the Streets, before they Rioted, and Burned those Streets down. Our kids went from learning The Greatness of this Country, its Founders, its Founding Documents, and its Founding Principles. To learning that their Country was the Focus of Evil, throughout the World. Chapters on Abraham Lincoln were replaced by Chapters on The Ku Klux Klan, minus the Historical FACT, that it was the Democrats who ran that Show.
The Founding Fathers were reduced to White Slaveowners. The Civil War had NOTHING to do with Slavery. And Che Guevara was the guy they should be looking to for Guidance, until Mumia Jabaar Alcinder gets outta Jail. The Rosenbergs were Patriots, Alger Hiss was just somebody that loved in their Neighborhood, and Communism was the wave of the Future.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 3:46PM
#3 - The Immigration Act of 1965 that decided that Hard Working, Opportunity Loving, Entrepreneurial Europeans, were no longer welcome. We needed more Third World Inhabitants, with Zero Experience in the ways of the World, and would be more than happy to be PAID for their Loyalties to a Political Party that would give them Free Money
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 3:50PM
#4 - A Media, infiltrated by Affirmative Action Race Hustlers, Poverty Pimps (Al Sharpton comes to mind, but the lost is endless) and the Cream of the Crop from the Leftist Incubators, we used to call - Universities.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 4:00PM
#5 - The total Control of Hollywood and Television, by the Left, which has produced an unfettered Deluge of Politically Correct Propaganda, not just through their Movies, and Television Shows, (Highlighting the Flaws of this Country, and the Beauty of the Homosexual Lifestyle) but by their Indoctrinational Cartoons aimed at our Young, for the purpose of Conditioning our Young Ones to their way of thinking. Global Warming, Open Borders, and The Joys of Anal Sex with the guy across the street, and Abortion on demand.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 4:01PM
Add them all up?
And, it's a wonder that this Election is even close.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 4:03PM
I count 3 Spelling Errors.
Not bad.
John Navratil| 8.30.12 @ 3:57PM
Kennesaw Jack,
My point was merely to state that retired and receiving Social Security, my Dad still puts more into the system than he takes out. Neither he, nor any of my relatives (we are a small family) are net tax receivers.
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 8:30PM
A
TLP| 8.30.12 @ 8:31PM
McCaskill 45.
Aikin 44.
Appleby| 8.30.12 @ 11:00AM
Not me. Keep your hands off my money and let me pay my own way.
Pecos Pete| 8.30.12 @ 8:05AM
The zeal of the communist/socialist/statist/liberal/progressive will run smack dab into the fact that there is no more money. Not that it will matter to them for what they have done feels so good. They would create the Soviet Union in the Union of American States and that would feel so good because it is only fair. Forward!
As the GRZ would say: There ain't no more money and fixing it is going to hurt really really bad. (Apologies to GRZ for any error in restatement of his belief.)
Von Mises Jr| 8.30.12 @ 9:23AM
It is not that there is no more money. It is that the socialist want it all. They want the POWER to run the world, and that is the GREED.
Federal Reserve Monetary Expansion, Agenda21, LIBOR, metal markets are all fixed by socialist governments, bankers and their cronies to steal power and wealth enslaving the people.
The LIBOR scandal was where 16 international banks fixed the interest rates high to sell bonds and mortgages when they knew that the real interest rate was going to be near zero. They stole the difference. It is perhaps hundreds of trillions.
Charlie Gasparino from Fox Business News yesterday broke the story that the major banks are holding back contributions to Romney/Ryan since they are afraid of the Justice Department prosecuting them for the LIBOR scandal. But you have to be a moron not to understand the politicians were in on the deal.
C. Vernon Crisler | 8.30.12 @ 8:13AM
This is an excellent analysis Jeffrey, and one of the reason some of us have criticized Romney and the GOP establishment. They want to make it all about personality and technique, whereas the important issues are about political and economic philosophy.
pogybait| 8.30.12 @ 8:14AM
Yes, the ascension of Obama as a new American Political Idol has been nothing more that a grotesque comedy of errors. However, the real effort to take advantage of this political/social trend lies within our own fears which are aided by cultural trends. Nothing in society fuels collectivism more than a runaway stampede constantly aided by the willing liberal media/trendsetters as their efforts continue to determine the tone of popular culture of American through Hollywood, mass media and television. November is still few months away.
Mimi | 8.30.12 @ 8:36AM
When we heard the word "fairness" as his answer after stating he would raise the capital gains so high we all gasped and said ut-o! Something doesn't sound right here..This sharp looking , nice soundingBlack guy (1/2).....Do the Dems KNOW who they are presenting to us??? Those who knew better...voted Mc Cain. Those who didn't are about to be "SUCKED-IN" again.
For the good of our nation it is critical that the TRUTH comes out...he has spread out a lot of wealth ....Everyone says..." there IS no money"....Our younger educated men and gals have tucked away some monies in the 401 K...He has yet to get that...'til after the election a job for the second term. It's on his list of do's.
This has to come out...befor the Nov. vote...he has to be confronted...not that he will tell the truth...but so the vast numbers of voters can put that information into their repitoire when they vote in this ...CRITICAL ELECTION !
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 8.30.12 @ 8:47AM
"This sharp looking , nice soundingBlack guy"
Before you said Obama is a metrosexual-queer-eye-for -the-straight-guy, but now you say he is sharp and good-sounding? You cannot make up your mind.
Mimi | 8.30.12 @ 9:57AM
Not true...never said it!
The Avenger| 8.30.12 @ 10:01AM
You sir, are an idiot. A useful idiot to the Obamanites, but an idiot none the less.
Crassus| 8.30.12 @ 11:08AM
You can be both, Junior.
Von Mises Jr| 8.30.12 @ 11:14AM
Troll alert, Mimi. Little Brooksie did not try to annoy me above since it has no freaking idea what I am even talking about. You lost him when you mentioned 401K. Can you sign up at the Obama website for that benefit?
Louis Jenkins| 8.30.12 @ 11:28AM
First off, a very good aritcle Mr. Lord. You're always close to the topic,and unerring.
Mimi: You are exactly right. Obama, and his cronies in DC, do have their eye on our 401 Ks, and other private retirement funds. In fact, I read the other day a recommendation that we do whatever to get our money out while we can, in so much as to take out a loan if we have to. I have a 401 K, and hopefully, a year from now, will begin my withdrawals. Now that's a delimma. Spread the wealth indeed, those who would benefit didn't earn it, I put the money in it.
Scott Mayer | 8.30.12 @ 10:17AM
Unfortunately, Obama's policies are "working" all too well.
spike59| 8.31.12 @ 6:08AM
i cannot think of anything ObaMao's administration would have done differently had they been intentionally trying to run the country over a cliff
fmm| 8.30.12 @ 10:46AM
Brilliant summary Mr. Lord. thanks
Houdini| 8.30.12 @ 11:37AM
First you break the economic engine that is capitalism, and then tell the masses that are suffering as a result that "there is a better way", and like the proverbial starving man, they will listen. You then break the healthcare system because it is "unfair" and offer "healthcare for all" and since they are broke with little prospects, they will listen. Next?....maybe you go after the internet and offer "equal access for all" the idiots will probably listen then too.......of course they (your betters) will determine what is "fair" content.....pretty soon you have the Soviet Union, and your betters will make all the decisions for you. You won't have to worry about work, because you'll be too busy standing in the food lines and, when it is time to work, don't worry, your betters will assign work they feel is of benefit to all, regardless of your desires. All you idiots out there even thinking about voting for Obama....make sure you buy some comfortable shoes.....real handy for waiting in line for everything your nanny government is "giving" you.
Who Knows?| 8.30.12 @ 11:48AM
Hello choir!
Hello wannabe preachers!
Remember, a high turnout election gets 57% of eligible voters. Run the numbers, and ponder the majority of Americans---non voting adults and voting Democrats---who are FOOLS.
Just as Islam needs to re-form, it is always the case that America must re-form.
Goggle Dr. S, and watch his freely offered video wherein he interviews a woman who’d been constipated for her whole adult life. His description of the absolutely “inner working” waste system, and how his herbal products flush it, is priceless; and for those with open minds, go ahead and allow a flight of fancy to analogize this to our present clogged political system---the whole world’s actually.
Overlay a picture of a bursting-with-stored-s**t colon on one of a brain---that’s the image!
It’s going to take a long time, and massive dumps, to return both of them to vital health. In the meantime, a mean time to be sure, inevitably there will be burst “crap” floating all around us.
Witness the leftwing blogosphere, the MSM, academia, Hollywood---well, how many people even know of e e cummings, let alone his saying—
there is some s**t I will not eat.
Who Knows?| 8.30.12 @ 11:49AM
Doctor Schulze
Cuffs| 8.30.12 @ 11:57AM
Thank God for this article!!
I know it is convoluted by Obama's
"failure" is actually success and that
is the dirty little secret most Americans
don't seem to grasp. According to the
globalists, Obama has done very well,
bringing this country down--no jobs,
extensive welfare, energy problems,
occupy unrest, rising taxes. This
is a perfect progression toward the
finish line of the long march to
socialism. Barry the Tic has
done a wonderful job. I am more
than sure the global elites are
very proud of him. He has done
a bang up job in just three years.
Mr. Ryan put a wonderful tag
to it all "Everything will be free
but us."
Rhoetus| 8.30.12 @ 3:42PM
Totalitarianism is an auto-immune disease of mankind. No society, no civilization [sic] is protected from its symptoms or spread. In its earliest stages it creates a mob mentality where mass hysteria or hatred occurs resulting in property damage or the death of its victims. If the values underpinning society are not embedded in the majority of the people the second stage progresses to the point where politicians are elected that use envy, hatred, and identity to motivate members of a race, class, creed or national ancestry to act politically resulting in the transfer of power from the people to the State. In its final and fatal stage, constitutions are made impotent, power is concentrated in a tiny oligarchy, and the State’s ministries disseminate propaganda resulting in mass man accepting the State’s lies as truth. Only when the State losses all moral authority will it collapse and a new society be built.
Dave Williams| 8.30.12 @ 6:32PM
Jeffrey, man, I love your content, but howzabout trying to squeeze it into fewer pages? Just saying....
Carroll | 8.31.12 @ 4:06AM
I think you will find that Debbie Blabber-Mouth Schultz wants to friend you on Facebook. Good luck with that.
Martin kzovich| 8.31.12 @ 7:41AM
What must be done now is to challenge the basis dof the Marxists attack of what call "fairness". Here are a few thoughts. The poor or so called poor are government dependent and will vote Obama. However here is the essential message that should be sent their way: You want your goodies --we need booming economy. Your guy Obama will sink the economy and sink your goodies. There will be NO MONEY. If no one works, no tax collected and no money for YOUR GOODIES.
For the not so poor the message should be: Who decides what is fair ? Suppose your family has an income of say 60,000 and your neighbor has an income of say 90,000 are you going to take half their 30,000 more ? How would they feel if they worked hard to earn that extra money while you did not--or- what if you were the with 90,000 and it went the other way.
And point out that among the Marxists are some very wealthy people happy to be wealthy and include the high life that our esteemed President lives off your dime.