PROMETHEAN ANTAGONIST

Okay, in less dramatic terms; After the election / before the end of the first term.

All is not lost perhaps. There have been a few commentaries since the election pointing out some relatively good news since America’s selection of a pop-celebrity with a very far left agenda. Prior to some sobering analysis, my greatest apprehensions related to the fact that Obama will have a congress that will facilitate the imposition of some radical legislation.

Dick Morris and others have pointed out some things I hadn’t considered in the big picture.

Socialist or not (he is), Obama and his party are constrained by the one constraint socialists hate most, reality. He won largely because he convinced (conned) a large part of the electorate into thinking he was relatively moderate. That hardly gives him a lot of room to now move left, to his more natural inclinations (thoroughly exposed in any honest appraisal of his personal history, associations, and voting record). Already his possible appointments look like a who’s who from the Clinton years (in spirit if not the actual people being considered). Clinton was also a president who found himself forced toward moderation. Clinton was a typical baby boomer radical who brought his youthful idealism and socialist sympathies to a public position that won’t tolerate nonsense.

A president’s first term is ideally spent establishing a reputation that will aid them in being reelected. President Bush didn’t have that opportunity since 9/11 intruded abruptly. He can be chastised for his decisions regarding Iraq (along with Tony Blair and John Howard et al.) but history’s verdict isn’t in on that yet. Hurricane Katrina and not following the global warming Pied Piper are non-issues (unless you’re a journalist or Democrat partisan seeking to concoct issues).

Bill Clinton’s clown show moderated over time but was certainly no grand accomplishment for the cause of individual rights. Obama won’t likely become dear to the hearts of conservatives either but at least Bill Ayers and Jeremiah Wright won’t be attending cabinet meetings.

Actually becoming president must have a dramatic psychological effect on those few people who have won the position. The Obama who held the market and “privilege” in disdain must now reconcile himself with the fact that capitalist sons-a-bitches are our (and his) sons-a-bitches.

I’d speculate that a newly elected president experiences a rude awakening when he gets his or her first serious intelligence briefing. In Obama’s first post-election news conference a journalist actually asked him if he had changed any of his views after receiving his first batch of presidential information. His response was concise (basically saying he wouldn’t respond). That said it all. How could anyone get top level intelligence information and not realize that our country is always under serious constant threat from rogue states and terrorist organizations. I’m guessing that “peace brother” doesn’t work in intelligence briefings.

Although Obama was clearly never patriotic prior to running for the presidency, becoming the country’s leader is probably a fast way to induce patriotism in the most die-hard internationalist. I couldn’t help but note his “God bless America” comment in his victory speech to have actually sounded sincere (I sensed he was even surprising himself in saying it). Among Obama cultists it will be interesting to observe so many vocal unpatriotic types sounding cries for patriotic allegiance and respect now that “American” means a state run by and for the Democrat’s game plan.

I certainly don’t blame Americans of African decent for taking pride in Obama’s accomplishment. They certainly deserve to have a dramatic and tangible symbol of overcoming a history full of injustices (though I would have hoped this would have occurred under the leadership of a non-socialist African-American, of which there are many – Larry Elder would be my first choice).

It’s quite possible that the Obama so loved by the left will be acting moderate and even conservative on some issues in coming months. It’s stunning to actually hear him talking rather hawkish on issues like Afghanistan, a stance he began to take during the election. It’s almost funny to hear hard leftists agree with him on this point. Bush sending troops anywhere of course prompts media scorn and mass riots.

I’m still not happy this guy won but, again, reality will be directing his policy decisions as much as the dusty ideals he had a few weeks ago (which have probably already undergone significant adjustment).

The Democrats will still be attempting to force feed the citizens of America their bitter stew of bureau-statism. I can’t wait to see the look of shock on the faces of may young people who had no idea that the Democrats and Obama stand for mandatory “community service” as well as a return to the military draft. What could be better than seeing a spoiled “pacifist” youth hearing “yes we can” from the government when he or she says the state can’t make them join the military (‘should have thought of that before the election stupid). Also, I can’t wait till the next two elections when the same young people who voted for Obama decide that “community service” and military duty is something they’d prefer to do voluntarily.

In spite of the recent handing of America over to socialists, there is some hope for America and – unfortunately – the Demo-socialists themselves. Already there is some indication from characters like madame Pelosi, that their party actually got the message the last time they tried to shove leftland's itinerary down America's throat (Bill Clinton's first term). This more stealth awareness would allow the Demo-gogues to sneak in their agenda more incrementally under the radar (the mainstream media is no radar at all so such con-artistry is no dramatic feat really).

An insightful exercise in poetic sarcasm has been made by some conservative pundits; in so many words, “Conservatives should show the respect and support to the new president that the left showed to President Bush.” Of course, I really wouldn’t wish that on anybody, even Obama. The dishonesty and viciousness directed to Bush by the left has been despicable and they should “see what it’s like” but we needn’t stoop that low. By the way, Bush was not “Hitler.”

The truly frightening part of the recent political drama has little to do with Obama or even the Democrat's party. In spite of blogs and conservative radio commentary, the dominant voices in media, entertainment, and "education" (compulsory "community service" to the state will now be called "learning") have succeeded in convincing a large part of the electorate that half of the political spectrum is invalid. Belief in lower taxes, the success of business large and small, and a strong defense are now not just opposing viewpoints to be debated but have been branded as philosophically and morally wrong (politically incorrect). This means that a portion of the beliefs that made America strong, prosperous, and dynamic are being rejected wholesale. Soon, with legislation like "the fairness doctrine" the conservative half of the country's political beliefs will be close to being outlawed at least in spirit.

For all presidents, let the person who gains this serious position of responsibility do their job. If they’re idiots or schemers, make due note of their flaws and hope the voters are wiser the next time around. Grand speeches and catch phrases worked well for Obama’s quick ascent to the presidency. Actions will speak louder than words in the next election.

Checks and balances are embedded in America's fabric beyond the mere apparatus of state. Self-government is the most radical and subversive ideology to have come to fruition. It's not going to be defeated that easily.

The founders’ intentions are continuing to serve us well.

# posted by Promethean Antagonist @ 5:34 PM