Pajamas Media

81 Comments

1. Marc Malone:

Faced down Fascism with conviction and ideals? Oh, that’s why FDR sold out Eastern Europe at Yalta! I get it. He was adhering to his Leftist ideals and convictions. Sheesh.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: “There’s nothing democratic about the Democratic Party.”

Jan 24, 2009 - 12:38 am 2. jvon:

Utter cluelessness is the least ominous explanation for this. Fortunately, I think it is also probably the most likely.

Jan 24, 2009 - 1:11 am 3. Delia:

The chosen ONE can do nothing…no nix that, he can do the NEGATIVE of nothing and somehow turn a minus into a PLUS which is basically turning nothing into a SOMETHING minus a few nasty details like substance and results.

As long as the blind continue listening with deaf ears, all the hand flailing and gesturing from us desperado realists will fall on deaf, dumb and stupid brick walls ad infinitum plus bloodied skulls tackling circular logic.

Jan 24, 2009 - 3:04 am 4. Cybergeezer:

Apparently Barack has conformed his view of history to what the main stream media has been printing. The MSM steers away from using the term democracy, also. But they use Democrat whenever they can, as if the two terms meant the same thing. Far from it.
Barack is more than an empty suit; He’s more like a black hole that creates a vacuum. “His Emptiness”, is how I shall address him from now on.
This Democracy has a lot of work to do in the next four years to protect itself from “His Emptiness”.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:09 am 5. quasar:

What does BHO’s recent pissing contest with Rush Limbaugh foretell? (BHO said repubs need to stop listening to Rush and become more reasonable ect.). If this a shot across the bow of 1st Amendment, then the gloves are sure to come off-if they’re not already. Can you imagine Dubya getting into a back and forth with, say, Olbermann? BHO has degraded the Office by this and broadcasted his inexperience and poor judgement.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:20 am 6. ashok:

I see your point that it makes what we stand for convoluted in terms of foreign affairs, and it does contrast mightily with President Bush’s “Farewell Address,” where the argument is that the only hope for a lasting peace is that more nations understand American values, i.e. become democratic.

What do you think the implications are for us domestically? It’s not clear people even listen to the President, is it?

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:36 am 7. howiem:

The only thin close to the word democracy is the word “demand” 3 times. What’s worse is the use of the word “must” 8 times. And if that is not enough he disparages the free market and says, “what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.” If it wasn’t his first day he would have said “communist purpose”, which to this impostor is the same thing.
No, Obama, you don’t tell me what I “must do”. The only thing I “must” do is is what I believe are in my own self interests. Obama would call this selfish, but if everyone acted in their self interest (and within this scope of interest was one other person, we would not have to listen to Obama’s unadulterated crap.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:36 am 8. vb:

I can’t recommend highly enough John’s piece on the EU parliament’s reaction to Guantanamo. Go to his website for the link. Just as Obama shows deficits in his knowledge of WWII, he also misunderstands what our allies expect from us: You play bad cop, and we will criticize you whenever we need votes.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:54 am 9. prospero:

Obama’s Inaugural was carefully coded appeasment all the way through–dictators need fear their own people–not us; we will, indeed, talk to such tyrants, if they “unclench their fists”–toward us, not their people. The world is filled with vaguely referenced “realities” which we must obey. And not a single reference to necessary military action, past or future (even Afghanistan is referred to in terms of winning a hard peace–and it’s not easy to talk about WWII without referring to the need for military action! It’s amazing how many consewrvative find something encouraging here.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:55 am 10. Iranian:

Well the repulicans and Bush democracy plans didnt do sh*t for Iranian people.
Just empty talk and BS.
On other hand democracts will not be better either…same sh*t all of them ….

Jan 24, 2009 - 6:37 am 11. james:

When the Fairness Doctrine is reinstated, all the useful idiots who voted to sell Obama the rope with which he will hang them may finally have the scales pulled from their eyes. But I’m not holding my breath.
Every single impulse of his is tyrannical, and we had all better be prepared to get off our asses and do something about it other than complain to each other in these meaningless threads.
Let’s get real, folks.

Jan 24, 2009 - 6:42 am 12. vb:

Iranian,

We are a powerful country, but no one can give our president a magic wand when he takes office. Many of us know the situation of the Iranian people and would like nothing better than to help them win freedom and a decent material life. We must be very careful that our actions don’t make the situation worse. There is a difference between empty talk and not knowing the answer to a difficult problem. Share your experiences with us, offer your suggestions, and hep us to figure out a path forward.

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:02 am 13. SAF:

#10 Iranian:

Well Sir you need to do “sh*t” as you say for yourself. We can’t give you democracy you need to take it from your oppressors.

We have tried to give democracy to Iraq and the results are still out as to whether or not that will be a success.

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:11 am 14. Perry:

There is much talk now of all Americans (code for Republicans) “supporting” the new President.

I have much trouble with this for I fear Obama because of his history and odious associations. Obama made choices, choices of a conspiracy-mongering lunatic Pastor in a racist church, of the terrorist Ayers as a friend and associate in various projects aimed at radicalizing youth, of anti-Semite PLO hack Rashid Khalidi, Pfleger, al-Mansour, Rezko, etc.

Any other candidate who made these same choices would have been disqualified before he or she even started and a FAIR media would have shredded them.
And that’s the ONLY history we have about Obama; Obama has no friends, no family, and nobody to say they knew him from college. Subtract the charisma and the magic. What has he done? What do you know about him? Where does he come from?

Was he sent here from the heavens? The Messiah!

No. A pretty package produced and sold by an adoring media to an uninformed electorate who voted for President like it was American Idol. Maybe only Clay Aiken or Sanjaya could have beat Obama. But no, not a chance. Neither of them are black.

Already this know-nothing empty suit has started to dismantle the systems that have kept us safe since 9/11.

Is he crazy?

Support him for this?
Do you think I’m crazy?

1456 days to go.

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:14 am 15. cedarford:

Probably a good idea, since Obama was elected on a position that the US would not bomb&invade any more countries to “liberate them and give them the blessings of democracy”.

Elections matter. “Democracy”, as spoken by the Bush Administration, became a code word for US reckless meddling and a rationale for Neocon adventurism and Empire. So by omitting it, Obama is signalling a new period where the US will be highly reluctant to invade another country, spend close to a trillion dollars we can’t afford any more, and take 40,000 casualties.

Even without the Election, we see few recent interventions have brought any true democracy. Haiti, after the 4th time we invaded to “bless them with democracy” is sliding back after 10 years, Somalia was a disaster, the Cedar Revolution failed, and Ukraine and Georgia and some of the initially democratic ’stans formed after the Soviet breakup have abandoned it.

Afghanistan’s democracy is a sham and talks are underway for a return of the Taliban and some sort of power sharing with the narcokleptics we installed. Iraq is trending towards an Islamic “democracy” on the Iranian model, and 50% of the grateful noble purple-fingered freedom lovers strongly approve of the guy that threw the shoes at poor befuddled Bush…who remained unaware for about a day that he was on the receiving end of a deadly insult.

Welcome to a new period of Realism. America will not be doing any new military adventures to foist our ideology on a resentful, violently resistant people for a long time to come. We will not use the military save for limited duration humanitarian missions or save if our vital interests are truly threatened.

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:46 am 16. cedarford:

I omitted inserting after Georgia and Ukraine that they were “backsliding from democracy” along with Russia…while some of the ’stans have abandoned it.

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:49 am 17. Rockmelon:

I think we all agree that Obama (pbuh) is somewhere between Socialism and Communism. So, what brought us here?

Obviously, the will of the “people”! These “people” blindly cast their vote for a man who promises to make their lives whole by taking from one individual and giving to another.

The overwhelming numbers of “people” who, by their vote, have said to Obama (pbuh) that they like his politics want his politics and have the confidence to allow him to speak on their behalf. These “people” come from the lower and middle classes and suffer from a lack of ambition, education and an obvious lack of oxygen to the brain,

With such a huge vote of confidence, Obama (pbuh) believes himself to be invincible. He’s Super Mario jumping from pedestal to pedestal. The problem is that sometimes Super Mario falls off this pedestal and falls into the abyss! And sometimes he gets another chance and sometimes it’s all over. And this is the way I see Obama (pbuh)!

In a nutshell, the majority voted Obama (pbuh) to the highest office in the land and all of those who voted for McCain as well as those who did not vote at all, have little choice except to go along with the crowd. We are now in the minority. Democracy has run its’ course.

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:03 am 18. DaveinPhoenix:

President puberty and his comrades have the goal of creating a third world America and have just started the conversion. What a sad story. This was the greatest country in the world when I was born and now it’s been destroyed and the blame placed on the backs of Conservatives. And we all slept while it happened…….

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:19 am 19. drjohn:

That is congruous with Obama’s new race-based welfare handout program.

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:19 am 20. John Galt:

Hussein is a Muslim Marxist Indonesian citizen. Why would he utter the word democracy or democratic. Its not in the Muslim lexicon. However Hussein did utter the word “Infidels” which is a strong part of the Muslim lexicon.

Jan 24, 2009 - 9:04 am 21. thegre8_1:

Words matter to quote the not so great one. Well so do words you do not say that also matters. Hope and change means hope in four years ypu have more than the change in your pocket. If the holder of the most powerful job in the free world is getting into pissing contests with Limbaugh and Hannity, he does not have the maturity for the job and should step aside. I did not agree with everything Bush did but he respected all Americans regardless of party or ethnicity. This president does not respect the American people look at Joe the Plumber and talk show hosts. I haven’t heard him complement Sully for landing that plane in the Hudson. I can’t wait until he gets with Putin or Ahmadinejihad.

Jan 24, 2009 - 10:02 am 22. thegre8_1:

howiem Government must serve the people these idiots in government just don’t get it.

Jan 24, 2009 - 10:04 am 23. Marc Malone:

#15 cedarford – For once. I have to somewhat agree with you. You’re right that democrcies everywhere are failing. Freedom can’t really be forced upon a people. They have to really want it as a people. It has to become part of their culture. It is easily abandoned.

That said, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. We’re farming hardscrabble. It might take awhile for the seeds to take hold. If we do nothing, perhaps nothing ever grows. Then, we simply face dealing with the virulent weeds again and again.

Personally, I’m wondering if we shouldn’t be starting some decent kingdoms. Perhaps one can’t go straight from Despotism to Democracy. Doesn’t matter. We could never sell that to the public, so Democracy it is.

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:07 am 24. The Wizard:

Obama is rapidly becoming an embarrassment to the free world. His lack of experience, coupled with his hubris attitude is an insult to every American. Not to mention his desire to turn the terrorist loose on America. There is no “change” just socialism and a cabinet that is borderline criminal. His recent comments and run-ins with the press continue to demonstrate his hypocrisy. We are in serious trouble, people. Wake up before it is too late.

Jan 24, 2009 - 12:21 pm 25. tanstaafl:

A blogger at politico.com made these astute observations…

Coupling Paul’s first letter to the early church at Corinth with words from the Declaration of Independence, President Obama said, “the time has come to set aside childish things” and carry forward the “God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

Lincoln more accurately quoted the Declaration of Independence at Gettysburg when he spoke of a nation “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” The difference between “are equal” and “are created equal” is crucial to understanding President Obama’s “work of remaking America.”

His goal is to bring about a more equivalent consequence to each citizen’s life, liberty and pursuit of happiness through federal interventions that move the government beyond its role as protector of those truths to aggressive arbiter of equalized outcomes. Also known as spreading the wealth.

Government mandated equality is not the idea behind this Democracy

Jan 24, 2009 - 12:24 pm 26. Bugs:

Obviously you *can* “introduce” democracy to a nation – look, we did it in Iraq. They had free elections. But as cedarford says, the test comes when our military leaves and that nation is expected to “do” democracy on its own. Too often, democracy in previously corrupt or dictator-led countries just doesn’t “stick.”

I think this may be because we go in promising people all the blessings democracy can bring, but then their situation doesn’t seem to improve – and sometimes it gets worse. Democracy is difficult – it involves debate and compromise. It’s slow to act. People who are used to getting what they want from a system of bribery, tribal relationships, and coercion, or who got along “well enough” in spite of that system, may wonder how democracy is any improvement. Too often, I think, they are left with the impression that America simply wants other countries to be more like America – for America’s benefit, not for the benefit of the countries.

Maybe it’s better to grow democracy from within – by giving political and economic support to people and groups who really want democracy. I know we do that already. Maybe we need to do it more. Ultimately, using the military is just a shortcut – a big, sloppy, dangerous shortcut. The military should be used for two purposes: Protecting the American homeland and projecting American power. Using it to create democracy is like using a rifle to plant tulips. OK, maybe it works, but it’s not very pretty. And when you eventually (and inevitably) need to use your rifle for killing something, you find it’s now useless for that purpose.

Jan 24, 2009 - 12:43 pm 27. ashok:

@ bugs, and other democracy skeptics:

You kinda need the military in order to keep people safe, and destroy those who would watch a whole nation burn just because. A lot of these countries where we need democracy to flourish have entire classes of people who are used to bullying others through bullets. They’re not going to give up without a fight.

I think our biggest problem, though, is that we don’t take our own values seriously. We export all this consumerist crap to the world, but does Iraq know about the Federalist Papers? Or Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia? Or Churchill’s speeches warning about the Third Reich? Or Tocqueville? Or Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address?

Democracy/Republicanism has a history of success, and there are many documents by people who were instrumental to that success that need to be known, and known well. And we keep them almost secret: they’re a secret to many of us in the US, even.

Jan 24, 2009 - 2:12 pm 28. e:

26. Bugs:

You are correct that the military is not designed to ‘plant’ democracy anywhere. But that has never been its purpose. The military is there to keep badgers and other wild animals from digging up the tulips from the garden.

Jan 24, 2009 - 2:22 pm 29. Marc Malone:

Gee, I’m glad you guys liked my metaphor.

Jan 24, 2009 - 2:47 pm 30. thegre8_1:

Was it Reagan who said freedom must constantly be fought for and people are always a generation away from losing it? We must keep fighting those who want a few thousand very wealthy people and the rest of us in the rice fields. I like to eat rice not harvest it I’m too old for that crap.

Jan 24, 2009 - 3:52 pm 31. The Historian:

POST BUSH: IS ISRAEL ALONE?
The timing of the Gaza intrusion was not a coincidence. What is the future of the American-Israeli alliance?

http://greensrealworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/post-bush-is-israel-alone.html

Jan 24, 2009 - 4:33 pm 32. Bugs:

28. e:

If we use our rifles to keep the badgers out of the tulips, may we not likewise employ our bayonets to keep the foxes out of the hen house? I say: Yes! But that doesn’t mean the wife will let us in the house with dirty shoes. What we need is a nice mud room.

Marc: Your right, we do love your metaphor. Maybe a little too much…

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:09 pm 33. jody:

The total ignorance displayed in many of these comments, especially the early ones, is absolutely stunning!

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:37 pm 34. D Foster:

Mitchell will not succeed in the Middle East, The leaders in the Arab and Muslim countries do not want peace. In order to rule the people, they require a outside enemy, Israel and America. And what a deal for them, America shows up with money and they become wealthy and remain in power by keeping the people hating and uneducated.
Would like to see the USA stop Nation Building and come home, but I really expect Obama to make Military commitments into Africa, and then we will be in real trouble. Just you wantch Hillary Clinton start to talk about the Chrildren and death in Africa, soon.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:41 pm 35. Oscar the Grump:

Gee, you all must be correct democracy can’t take ahold at the point of a gun. See how it didn’t work in Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea and oops Israel.

Jan 24, 2009 - 5:44 pm 36. Anonymous:

The only people talking about the “fairness doctrine” are Chicken Littles on the right trying to find a threat. No one to my knowledge is seriously proposing a return to it, especially since Rush, Savage, O’Reilly et al have become such an embarrassment and are now driving the GOP into serious minority status. AM radio is SO ’90s, and the left owns the Internet for political purposes.

Why should Democrats care about an echo chamber for a shrinking minority? If the GOP wants to use AM radio to shoot themselves in the foot, the Democrats might even contribute.

That said, I am a US Army vet (E-5), and I see a lot of talk about exporting democracy on this thread. I wonder how many who want to do that have picked up a weapon and taken part in the effort.

What, no vets? Color me shocked. Apparently “exporting democracy” is one of those theoretical exercises that lets you sound patriotic without having to skip lunch or make a sacrifice like a real patriot might be expected to do.

Jan 24, 2009 - 6:11 pm 37. Repack Rider:

The only people talking about the “fairness doctrine” are Chicken Littles on the right trying to find a threat. No one to my knowledge is seriously proposing a return to it, especially since Rush, Savage, O’Reilly et al have become such an embarrassment and are now driving the GOP into serious minority status. AM radio is SO ’90s, and the left owns the Internet for political purposes.

Why should Democrats care about an echo chamber for a shrinking minority? If the GOP wants to use AM radio to shoot themselves in the foot, the Democrats might even contribute.

That said, I am a US Army vet (E-5), and I see a lot of talk about exporting democracy on this thread. I wonder how many who want to do that have picked up a weapon and taken part in the effort.

What, no vets? Color me shocked. Apparently “exporting democracy” is one of those theoretical exercises that lets you sound patriotic without having to skip lunch or make a sacrifice like a real patriot might be expected to do.

Jan 24, 2009 - 6:11 pm 38. Pat J:

So Obama didn’t say the word “democracy” in his inaugural speech. Big fat hairy deal.

During the last eight years Bush used “freedom” and “democracy” as words without meaning. The country and the world are better off without him.

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:23 pm 39. WhyamInotsurprised?:

To the Ignorant One, #36 – re: “The only people talking about the “fairness doctrine” are Chicken Littles on the right trying to find a threat.”

Your glorific “Madam Speaker” has this as her top priority, other than lighting fires all around the country. Check it out at:

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/politics/e3i9417c5a4a703467d1e537194a70bb3de

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:28 pm 40. tanstaafl:

So where ya been, Anonymous/Repack ? Up a tree, in the dark, out to lunch ?

Prominent Senators & Representatives speaking out on their desire to see the return of (anti) FD in past 6 months, Chuck Schumer (NY), Teddy Kennedy (MA), Nancy Pelosi (CA), Jeff Bingaman (NM), Harry Reid (NV), Dennis Kucinich (OH)…(oh wait, Kucinich isn’t prominent, he’s from outer space)

All these Democrats realize that Left talk radio has been a failure (economically and listener share) and they really can’t stand it that they are unable to compete in the marketplace of ideas.

So they want some yahoos at the FCC to determine what constitutes fair & balanced over the airwaves.

There has been so much yakking about reinstatement of the (anti) FD that US Congressman Mike Pence has introduced a bill to

Prevent reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine

Just today, Barack Obama had some comments…

His own personal version of a fairness doctrine

So, where ya been that you’ve missed out on all this, Anon/Repack ?

Jan 24, 2009 - 7:29 pm 41. gizmo:

Repack,

I’m a vet too, same rank (Infantry Sgt. E-5, Vietnam, Americal Division, 1969) and I’ve noticed the same thing. A lot of bluster and bravado from the Keyboard Kommandoes on the Right, but when it’s time to pick up a gun and do the dirty work, they are nowhere to be found. And further, if they are so enthused about democracy, they would spend their time making sure that we have clean elections and a functional democracy here in the USA before they get all hot and bothered about pushing democracy abroad.

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:25 pm 42. JackT:

Why should he have to mention it. We already know what kind of country we are. You people need to stop trying to pick apart every little thing he does. Keep your eye on the big picture. Btw, he forgot to mention that the sky is blue.

Jan 24, 2009 - 10:09 pm 43. cedarford:

Repack Rider – There are Vets posting here. Many would agree with you, some though, are Neocons.
IMO, we should ask our military to be willing to shed lives only in defense of OUR nation, or when compelling vital interests like a Soviet invasion of Europe or seizure of the Gulf oil supply was threatened by a dictator.

I consider certain humanitarian missions acceptable as well because they help others – as long as they don’t pin troops down for years in a dangerous morass, and dont cost us a trillion dollars and 40,000 casualties (as bringing “democracy” to the bloodthirsty but Bush-praised “noble purple-fingered freedom-lovers!!” of Iraq did.) The military is hardly the right outfit to export democracy and “nation-build”. It’s like putting the IRS in charge of government medical research funding.

Ashok – I think our biggest problem, though, is that we don’t take our own values seriously. We export all this consumerist crap to the world, but does Iraq know about the Federalist Papers? Or Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia? Or Churchill’s speeches warning about the Third Reich? Or Tocqueville? Or Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address?

A problem with exporting our ideological crap, is that few have any understanding of the culture and core values they seek to foist “America’s values” on. The Federalist papers read like gibberish to anyone outside an Anglo-American context. Jeffersons “Notes” presume initial conditions that were relevant to America, not other countries. The Iraqis have plenty of great speeches from Battles of their own without a foreigner named Lincoln evoking foreign things never seen in Iraq and evoking an Infidel God every other sentence.

Why would Iraqis have the slightest interest in a Frenchman visiting America 180 years ago? A person visiting Iraq and writing with illuminating clarity, on the other hand, would be of strong interest.
Burton wrote much about Africa in the same time, but Americans have little interest because it is about friggin’ Africa.

As for Winston Churchill, he is a hated figure in Iraq and much of the ME. He is the guy that staunchly defended Zionism and the Balfour Declaration in his role setting up the Mandate – and helped pave the path for the disastrous Partition with his 1922 White Paper. Then he went on to screw Iraq out of it’s Mosul oil revenues, and as Secretary of War ordered the bombing, strafing, and widespread use of poison gas on Iraqi civilians in villages during the 1920s revolt. Churchill also had dozens of quotes belittling Arabs as an inferior, childlike race of bloodthirsty brutes.

As was after we beat Saddam’s regular military, the children of Neocons flocked to the Green Zone handing out the Federalist Papers and other stuff in their “How to Be More Like Your American Betters, Iraqi Brothers..” playbook. It mostly ended up as toilet paper or kindling.

Even the supreme America cultural lodestone, the Sacred Parchment itself, the US Constitution
doesn’t work. Too Anglcentric, too archaic, too full of major disconnects with cultures outside the USA. Were it was tried, in whole or in significant part, it was swifty jettisoned..though some nations found smaller parts worth keeping..

Jan 24, 2009 - 10:16 pm 44. eor:

It appears that Obama learned an awful lot about politics and very little about history in school. On the other hand maybe he just learned his lessons well from Davis, Alinsky (Hillary’s old buddy) and Ayers. In which case we may very well have a Marxist dictator on our hands. For his information I was aware before Dan’s Bake Sale that Rush speaks for me. He still does. Noone in the Washington D.C. cesspool does. Yes, I am frightened.

Jan 24, 2009 - 10:25 pm 45. Marc Malone:

Gizmo & Repack – Really, you two? You do know that about 75+% of service vets are Republicans, right? Lots of vets on this site; more than you’ll find on Lib sites. Those accusations of us being keyboard Kommandoes was just… what… specious… ignorant? Absolutely amazing. Libs calling conservatives non-warriors. Risible. I mean, that just takes the cake! I just can’t wrap my mind around having read that. Wow.

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:34 pm 46. stonepony:

cederford

O Hussian B does not care about the freedom of America. Why would you or anyone else expect him to care about the freedom and liberity of any other nation.

You surely must be on drugs. Do you and O Hussian B have the same dealer?

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:38 pm 47. Dano:

Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal, for highlighting this highly significant but often overlooked statistic. Of course, your numbers prove unequivocally that Bill Clinton had 50 percent more democracy than W, and 80 percent more democracy than Bush Sr. (and 0 grams trans fat!)

Shockingly, Obama also didn’t repeatedly trot out “liberty” or “freedom” in the speech. It would appear that we can no longer rely on our president to repeat meaningless platitudes to us in language that a third-grader can understand. There’s always talk radio.

Jan 25, 2009 - 12:16 am 48. boguty:

does “democracy” mean a right to torture people freely, just at your will?

Jan 25, 2009 - 4:41 am 49. beth:

Cedarford: Obama IS spending a trillion dollars we can’t afford and undoubtably many trillions after that. He also said he would consider invading Pakistan and using our military to stop genocide – I’m pretty sure they would have to BE in the country and be there without the host governments permission. He doesn’t subscribe to the concept of democracy unless it serves his, and his puppeteers, ends. He is promising nothing less than an amoral America that is broke, broken and under the thumb of unions and a socialized banking industry. He has offered nothing new, just re-hashed Marxist crap that has failed spectacularly everywhere it has been tried. If you are such a fan, please enjoy the beaches of Cuba.

Jan 25, 2009 - 4:44 am 50. beth:

Cedarford: One more thing. My husband retired from the Foreign Service after thirty years of government service. Most of that time was spent in Africa and in some pretty awful places. He retired as a very senior officer and was given a lovely ceremony where he made a speech. First he thanked the people he had worked with over the years, then his family. Finally, he thanked the many foreign nationals he met. He said they kept his faith going becuase of they ‘believed in our Constitution more than we did’. A man who has served in many of our wars, including Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, had tears in his eyes as he said this. People want freedom, they want it more than TV or movies or cars. What’s more important here is that we have set the standard for freedom. When that light starts shining IT MUST BE given the opportunity and support to spread. Maybe you have taken your freedom for granted and assume it will always be like this. Maybe you would enjoy the position of elitist in a Marxist regime – you seem to relish the role of psuedo-intellectual liberal who loves to lecture. But what have you actually done? Lived overseas? Served our country? What, traveled a bit in Europe and Asia so now you are an internationlist? What crap, you’re just another over-educated idiot who thinks ideas trump facts.

Jan 25, 2009 - 5:02 am 51. bit:

to vb #8:
You said: “Just as Obama shows deficits in his knowledge of WWII, he also misunderstands what our allies expect from us: You play bad cop, and we will criticize you whenever we need votes.” I work for on European MPs. They do not care the Obama’s WWII knowledge. What they really care, is to be NOT involved in Guantanamo and torturing people, incl. innocent ones. Because it is Europe that payed for that mad policy of GWB. The US has exported the Sept.11th to Europe. You’ve got just one terrorist attack. We’ve got them in Spain, London, Germany, etc.etc. For all Middle East terrorists it is much easier (even in terms of travelling) to bomb themselves out in Europe than in the US. So, your European allies expect you to stop this right now. And this sis what Obama did. I waas a strong supporter of a Afghanistan war, than Irak, and now I supported Israel during the Gaza war. Bush administration lost everything, they could. They won in Afghanistan, won in Irak, and than they lost peace they should accomplish. Instead, your allies got sucicidal bombers in Europe. So this is you, who do not understand. We do not want a cop at all. We want a leadership.

Jan 25, 2009 - 5:10 am 52. bit:

to vb #8: Once more. Perhaps you do not understand geography. The entire Europe is of a size of the US. Imagine what would be to live in the US with the WTC bombed, the State University of Philadelphia almost wiped out and Chicago railway station filled with blood of the passengers. Plus some minor casualties. This is why Europeans hate neocons so much, no matter, the Right or the Left. Perhaps you have read the headlines about these bombings but you have no imagination what it means for Europeans. This is a small and tiny place. A lot od countries a smaller then the states od the US. A bombing in Lisbone and a bombung in Berlin sounds aas a front line to European ears. It is so close. We have families everywhere. GWB defended the US against terrorists pretty well. But you are to be afraid mostly about the airports. Europe is diffferent, for geografic reasons. The GWB policy REALLY exported terror to Europe. Myself, I welcome Obama with all my hopes and best wishes. Hopefuly, the US will play a role it should – years ago. Not a mad policeman. A real leader.

Jan 25, 2009 - 5:39 am 53. tanstaafl:

Finally, he thanked the many foreign nationals he met. He said they kept his faith going becuase of they ‘believed in our Constitution more than we did’.

I’ve read that students in Poland study our Constitution.

Whereas the typical American student has a hard time naming the 3 branches of government*, let alone being able to tell you any of the principles or restrictions on power built into our Constitution.

So when a guy running for office goes for overweening federal government, unconstitutional expansion of the duties of the Executive to mandating “equality” through spreading “wealth” around and promises endless free lunches, 53 million of our citizens say…go for it !

*some cynics say this dumbing down and creation of a vast pool of “sheeple” has been intentional

Jan 25, 2009 - 6:02 am 54. tanstaafl:

Because it is Europe that payed for that mad policy of GWB. The US has exported the Sept.11th to Europe. You’ve got just one terrorist attack. We’ve got them in Spain, London, Germany, etc.etc. For all Middle East terrorists it is much easier (even in terms of travelling) to bomb themselves out in Europe than in the US.

This is what we in the US politely call BS*.

(*merde de taureau)

Europe is as much a target of violent jihad as the US, ever heard bin laden’s litany of appropriate western targets ? (the goal is the destruction of western civilization as you and I kind of/sort of know it). Europe is more accessible and easier to get to, not being separated by one very large ocean. The terrorist attacks in Madrid (mainly perpetrated by guys from North Africa), London (a growing cadre of hateful Islamists spurred on by imams in radical mosques) were more convenient given the proximity coupled with (see especially Britain) a lot of politically correct bending over to not give offense to Muslims, “radical” Muslims as well as non radical Muslims. The Dutch (you know, where Theo van Gogh was slaughtered while riding his bicycle for making a film about Islam ?) have, particularly, abandoned their small country to these kinds of forces. The French have the suburbs of big cities, growing numbers of unhappy inhabitants whose goal is not to adapt to life in France and her secular liberties, but to change France forever into Islamic turf.

Just last week, one of bin Laden’s especially horrible buddies in Waziristan, al-Libi, called for more terrorist attacks in Britain to “avenge” Israel’s operation into Gaza.

If you want defense against all these kinds of forces wishing to dominate, change &, ultimately, control Europe, you’ll have to stop seeing all this as an American problem that has been exported to or dumped onto you.

Jan 25, 2009 - 6:21 am 55. bit:

tanstaafl, we in Poland are usually much more supportive to the US. policy than other European countries are. Yes, we learned constitiutons, some time ago;). I work for an MP who plays a role of a vice chief od Human Rights team of the EU. It is on his records. He was first to initiate the campaign to put Hezbollah and Hamas on a terrorist list. But he was unable tu support GWB. Me, too.

Jan 25, 2009 - 6:54 am 56. bit:

tanstaafl, we in Poland are usually much more supportive to the US. policy than other European countries are. Yes, we learned constitiutons, some time ago;). I work for an MP who plays a role of a vice chief od Human Rights team of the EU. It is on his records. He was first to initiate the campaign to put Hezbollah and Hamas on a terrorist list. But he was unable to support GWB. Me, too. I think GWB was a madman.

Jan 25, 2009 - 6:55 am 57. cedarford:

Beth – Finally, he thanked the many foreign nationals he met. He said they kept his faith going becuase of they ‘believed in our Constitution more than we did’. A man who has served in many of our wars, including Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, had tears in his eyes as he said this. People want freedom…

Yah, sure Beth! And of all the foreigners he met that loved the American Constitution more than we did, how many were just wheedling green cards or out for money – vs. actually impliment the Beloved US Constitution they claimed they all but worshipped and brought tears to your Foreign Service officers eyes? I ask because no country wants more than a few small pieces of our “Sacred Parchment” included in their own.

And the countries you list as great places for US soldiers to die because the locals love them so…and our dear Constitution so….and Free Market Freedom!! and democracy ever so much…Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq?

We all know how Vietnam and Somalia turned out. Afghanistan is being lost because the heroin narcokleptics we installed in that noble democratic experiment have no support outside fellow clan drug smugglers and who the US pays huge money to be loyal to Karzai and his henchmen. Presently, the “noble democracy lovers” of Afghanistan are in negotiations for a return of the Taliban and power-sharing in a strict Islamist coalition.

Barely a few phrases of the old US Constitution were found of any use in Afghanistan, none in whatever passes for Vietnam and Somalia’s case. Iraq has some pieces, but the Iraqi parties want much of the “infidel text” deleted, claiming much was added that had no relevance to Iraq, may be harmful to Iraq – because Americans paid corrupt legal scholars to add it..
As for Iraq, the lovers of the US Constitution, Democracy – 50% support the shoe thrower, more than 50% regard the killers of American soldiers in past years as hero resisters. Those tribes now being paid 10s of millions of dollars to refrain from killing our guys any more have the best of both worlds – new homes paid for by the Infidel dogs, and great war stories to thrill their kids and grandkids. Of how brave warriors of their tribe succeeded in killing and maiming many Infidel dogs with all the money and high tech in the world with simple courage and crude explosive devices from 2003-2007. Then the indidels had to bribe them to lay off..
As is, Iraq might still be a democracy, but the odds are favoring an Islamist version similar to the present Iranian Islamist-democratic election system with the Shiites. With Sunnis and Kurds getting Sunni allies. With autonomy, the highest chance for real success with real democracy lie with the 4 million Iraqi Kurds.

If that is worth it(40,000 casualties, 1 trillion spent, critical problems in America ignored for 5 years), as the last Neocons willing to appear in public claim, they can make there case for the history books after events play out and the US military is gone and 5-10 years pass..

People want freedom, they want it more than TV or movies or cars. What’s more important here is that we have set the standard for freedom. When that light starts shining IT MUST BE given the opportunity and support to spread.

Beth spouts rank ideological gruel, which she wants paid for in OTHER American’s blood and treasure.

“Die for the shining light I see glimmering in some fetid 3rd World craphole of people too indifferent or frightened to fight for their own Freedom!!!! Freedom, sweet Freedom!! and democracy, which our heroes give to grateful warlords, heroin smugglers, and those cheering the Arab sports of backstab and shoe-throwing!”

But what have you actually done? Lived overseas? Served our country? What, traveled a bit in Europe and Asia so now you are an internationlist? What crap, you’re just another over-educated idiot who thinks ideas trump facts.

Certainly I have done more than you have in your life sitting on your fat ass clamoring for others to die for your wars of Empire and “spreading freedom at gunpoint”. Gulf War, O-3.
As for facts vs. ideology, I have laid out facts, while all you spout are Bush slogans and neocon ideological drivel that were faddish many years ago.

Jan 25, 2009 - 7:03 am 58. vb:

Bit,

tanstaafl has said much of what I would say. I add that Mohammed Atta came from Europe. He was an Egyptian student who was recruited in Hamburg before Bush was elected. Have you ever heard of Finsbury Park Mosque or Neu-ulm? When did the harrassment and rape of girls not “properly” dressed start in the bannlieu? I am well aware of how radicals recruit disaffected young men, who then intimidate others in the immigrant neighborhoods or travel to foreign training camps to learn the fine art of jihad. If the problem in Europe is imported, the source does not lie in the US.

BTW, I do know how large Europe is. I have driven through large parts of it over the last 20+ years.

Jan 25, 2009 - 7:08 am 59. bit:

In these American dominated pajamas media (….;) I perhaps seem as a unnecessary voice, however, even with German (anti-American) elections, nobody in Europe questioned the US. leadership. Our trouble was, that nobody in America was ready to meet the expectations…

Jan 25, 2009 - 7:12 am 60. Maverick:

Only someone who is more concerned with passing the global test would leave out Democracy. President Obama might view Democracy the same way those against any war does. Democracy is not occupation. We are not to blame for the wrongs of the world. The problems the world has are due to their leaders, not our way of life. When some of the world leaders were about to be put in prison for taking bribes and stealing monies, they turned anti American to win the hearts of their attackers. It might not have dawn on President Obama yet, but we’re not part of Europe. We’re not Europeans. There’s no gain in making an inaugural speech to please the world. President Obama was only elected President of this country, not the world.

Jan 25, 2009 - 8:02 am 61. bit:

@vb. I have heard more than you could perhaps think about. I work for a vice chief for the EU team for human rights, which means, that I personally was assigned to more wars than some Americans could perhaps dream about.

Jan 25, 2009 - 9:30 am 62. bit:

@vb. Want to hear mu life story? I was inprisoned under stalinism, as a very young girl. When we were free, i start organizing a freedom movement. They voted me to be their represetative in the council of europe. Then I went to Bosnia. A digging mass graves is something your never forget. In the meantime I was a representative of the Council of Europe on behalf of Poland. Do you realy think that i care of what a former member of national guard thinks? he means nothing to me. He escaped responsibilities and then he tortured people. Thats all i think about neocons.

Jan 25, 2009 - 9:49 am 63. Friendly Girl:

Thank you, John, for your interesting article. I shall take note of it for future reference, as your précis may be a leading indicator.
For me the great unanswered question about Pres. Obama is whether he is a supporter of democracy or of socialism.
This confrontation, between democracy and socialism, has been at the forefront of politics since the publication of the Communist Manifesto in 1848. Former Pres. GW Bush replaced a socialist dictatorship with a democracy in Iraq; this drove the supporters of socialism insane with hatred.
The socialists, I believe, are using the Islamists as a cat’s paw to attack democracy all over the world by both military and cultural means. This explains the widespread traitorous support for the enemy among both the media and academia.
They think that they can, to use a phrase from the past, ‘ride the tiger’ with little danger to themselves.
For this reason the question of Pres. Obama’s personal beliefs are of utmost importance. He has successfully used socialists as a support base in his rise to power but is this just cunning opportunism or a true indicator, time will tell.

Jan 25, 2009 - 10:24 am 64. e:

57. cedarford:

It saddens me that you believe that. I suggest you travel to a poorer part of the world and talk to somebody outside the tourist hot spots.

Jan 25, 2009 - 11:45 am 65. Rdkng07:

#10 iranian said “Well the repulicans and Bush democracy plans didnt do sh*t for Iranian people”

Well, you know what? The people from the great country of iran haven’t ever done sh*t for me or any other American I know of. So quit putting your hand out you make me sick. We owe you nothing, so buzz the F**k off…

Repack, I am a vet as well,(USMC), and I have carried a rifle, in fact I actually know how to use it correctly. For one thing I think you are a pompas a$$. I mean who cares if your an E-5? So what??? People like you forget there are vets all over the place. I see puffed up folks like you all the time, so do us a favor and sit down and shut your pie hole. Color you shocked? I would rather color libtarted folks like you red…

And I don’t think we should be into democracy building either. In fact, I say bring all the troops home from EVERYWHERE, kick the UN’s butt out of here, resign from Nato, and start using our military for border security and to put the intrests of U.S. citizens FIRST for a change. (I know Europe will not be our so called friends anymore, but who cares). And I am talking about real citizens, not the mindless Kool-Aid drinkers I have to suffer through every day…

Jan 25, 2009 - 12:42 pm 66. Cybergeezer:

I wonder if “His Emptiness” is getting the news that ex Gitmo guests are showing up on Al Queda videos. No doubt that their exposure to other visitors turned them into Al Queda operatives.
Just wanted to get that out there since I know the MSM and the “Mr. Emptiness” administration will be using that excuse.

Jan 25, 2009 - 12:46 pm 67. Horace Wells:

the main elements of anti-intellectual vacuousnes are this fluff headed superficial blog post and the matching comments from like minds. Jeesh, Obama didn’t mention story time and bedtime for children, that must mean he wants kids to stay up all night and recite the “Internationale”!

Jan 25, 2009 - 7:00 pm 68. Horace Wells:

Cybergeezer:
Where do you come up with those pearls of nonsequiter, pointless inanities? Are you really senile and slow or are you just acting the part?

Jan 25, 2009 - 7:26 pm 69. bugger:

great article

Jan 25, 2009 - 8:50 pm 70. Northstar:

Notice where democarcy has “stuck” and where it has not. The common thread is religion. The countries that have stuck with it are, for the most part, either Judao-Christian or Hindu. The mid-east and asian “stans” are Islamic. The greartest drawback of accepting anything new is the human weakness called “religion”. Case in point, compare the cooperation of the international scientific community, which places a lot less emphesis on religion, to the human rights beliefs in the same countries.

Jan 25, 2009 - 10:28 pm 71. e:

68. Horace Wells: Cybergeezer: Where do you come up with those pearls of nonsequiter, pointless inanities? Are you really senile and slow or are you just acting the part?

Your comment could apply to a few of your own comments including the previous #67.

Jan 26, 2009 - 4:47 am 72. cedarford:

Northstar:
Notice where democracy has “stuck” and where it has not. The common thread is religion. The countries that have stuck with it are, for the most part, either Judao-Christian or Hindu. The mid-east and asian “stans” are Islamic. The greartest drawback of accepting anything new is the human weakness called “religion”. Case in point, compare the cooperation of the international scientific community, which places a lot less emphesis on religion, to the human rights beliefs in the same countries.

Not entirely true. Most black Christian nations that started out democratic at independence, many with the same legal structures and parallel constitutions to France’s, the UKs, even the US Constitution – soon failed or are in the process of reaching “failed”.

And many white nations in the “judeo-christian” tradition, headed by Russia, but including Venezuela, Moldava, Nicaragua recently have backslid after finding democracy failed to work well..And, of course, the historical list of white nations in which democracy “blew it” and was replaced by authoritarian or communist rule is long.

Nor are all nations outside “judeo-christian” or “hindu” traditions excluded from being stable democracies. Japan – and more recently Singapore, Bangladesh, S Korea, Philippines, even Indonesia are presently democracies.

We can also add that Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey are quasi-democracies – where democracy is well-established as desired by most the people, and practiced…But fragile, and tempered by Mullahs in the case of Iran or the military in the case of the other two usurping the will of the people on key points.

But, if we are honest, we would admit that the will of the People is also frequently usurped in Europe by unaccountable EU ministers, in Israel by judges and lawyers (substituting as secular Mullahs of the Jews).

And in the USA, our democracy is frequently usurped by courts and by an unaccountable Jewish-Gentile Ruling Elite determined to shove Free Trade, Open Borders, Wall Street machinations, abortion, PC, ruinous anti-AGW actions, an ever-growing government, uncontrolled debt – on the American masses no matter how the “little people” vote. In many ways, our democracy is now similar to Irans. The people vote and if the Ruling Elites or Mullahs agree, the peoples will prevails. If they disagree, well, the people of Iran or the USA are out of luck. We and the Iranians effectively have democracies subject to veto by powerful, unelected forces.

Jan 26, 2009 - 6:31 am 73. Northstar:

#72 I didn’t mean to say that Islam is the only drawback to democracy, only that many of the failures are religion based. Northeast Africa has most of its problems caused by Islamic culture (Sudan, Somalia, Etheopia, etc), however, most of the other “black” nations have similar cultural roadblocks to succesful democracy placed by old tribal religions.
Pakistan and Indonesisa are hanging on by a thread only because of a few strong leaders that so far have held it together. Trukey is a exception, based largely on it’s success in keeping “church and state” seperate, time will tell.
Russia has a different situation. Although they have tried for almost a hundred years to deny any religion, there is still a strong undercurrent of several religions that are at odds with each other and and like Venezuela, a few politically power hungry individuals have taken every advantage of it that they can.

Jan 26, 2009 - 9:37 am 74. Horace Wells:

e
my #67 applies to the whole post to begin with, it was an attempt at humor but I guess it went over your little head.

Jan 26, 2009 - 10:08 am 75. Ms. Attitude:

Cedarford—Do you recommend isolationism? Where we take care of our people and our land and to heck with the rest of them. Let the EU be overran by Islamic terrorist, let Israel be innihilated, let the people of other nations be murdered by their dictators while the dictators live a life of luxury (Saddam)?

Jan 26, 2009 - 11:28 am 76. Ms. Attitude:

62. bit:

Why is it the US’s responsibility to take care of Europe? All of the money and lives that the US has lost defending Europe goes without a thanks….nothing but being asked to do more. Let your military defend you since your nation is so much better than ours!

You must have the wrong information on conservatives in the United States, we are not the same as conservatives in Europe.

Jan 26, 2009 - 11:36 am 77. SGT Ted:

Repack and gizmo,

As a recently retired E-7, having served 24 years in the All Volunteer Army, I am disgusted with your cheap attempt to use the “chicken hawk” arguement in order to try and shut people up. This arguement is as stupid as the one where being a fighter pilot is the same as dodging the draft.

Many of our Nations founders never served in the Continental Army, either, but their ideas about individual liberty, fighting for freedom are just as right today as they were back then. Were they “chickenhawks” too?

I beleive in helping others to be free and I’ve put my butt on the line for it. I appreciate that others who don’t serve recognise the importance of freedom to the human spirit and support me, unlike you who have served but don’t care why.

Jan 27, 2009 - 5:30 am 78. ReConUSMC:

OBAMA : when it comes to Middle East matters “all too often the United States starts by {Dictating}

Obama gives first TV interview to Arabic network

{{{{{{{{WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama gave his first formal television interview as president to an Arabic cable TV network, telling Al-Arabiya that when it comes to Middle East matters “all

too often the United States starts by dictating.”}}}}}}}}}}}}

And we all though Jimmy Carter screwed the Middle East up .
Obama just out did Jimmy Carter winning by a Mile .

Mr President ..Pssssssssstttt We are the only Supper Power in the World .

This man needs help . Word matter : Now lets see the Media spin that insane statement in a positive way with that was a very smart statement .
But it tells us what Obama really thinks about America without any question ….
He Obviously sees and deeply Believes America as do College students and the left
is are Imperialist , Bullies who need to be put in our place and he scolded us thought a Middle east net work that hates America .

One can only imagine what that totally “Moronic Statement ” and the Cheering that brought The “Media ” in the Middle East ,UN , Europe , America ,Anti American left ,Code Pink , Russia , Cuba , Hugo Chevez , N Korea , China , Iran , College Class rooms ,The Egyptian Brother Hood , Hamas’ , Hesbollah , Fatah
Al Quada , Bin Laden and even Saddam from his grave .

And of course the great despair it will bring America in dealing with other Nations that want American and Israeli Blood on the streets .
In basic # 101 negotiations training . You don’t start with ..We are Wrong ( Dictating “meaning Bully ” in Liberal terms . And what can we do you can help us “change “. We are all ears ?
One suspects those few words will haunt Obama but sadly America as well for years to come .
Ronald Reagan and our Founding Fathers must be sad in their own graves of honor .

Jan 27, 2009 - 8:54 am 79. 888:

Everyone knows, including his own liberal establishment, that Obama is only about self and votes for his party in 2012. He doesn’t care about democracy and making lives better for those poor, terrorized, disenfranchised, disadvantaged people outside of the 50 (57?) states. Remember, he didn’t even care about his own people in Chicago’s South Side.

And now, he’ll do anything for the conservative and evangelical vote — look, he’s even putting his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem and wearing the US flag on his lapel. But we all know the truth: he’s just doing that to fool y’all into thinking he’s changed. Unfortunately, Obama’s spots are huge and will always come out to show his true colors.

Jan 28, 2009 - 5:40 am 80. JP49:

Now Obama is trying to change the pledge of allegiance, see:

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/01/i-pledge-allegiance-to-obama-of-the-divided-states-of-america.html

I knew this was going to happen. Can the people who verified he was a natural born citizen be tried for treason now?

Jan 29, 2009 - 4:12 pm 81. hourglass:

what a bunch of uninformed, misinformed, propagandized wackos posting here. talking head multimillionaires have convinced you they are on your side. the rich have had their way with your jobs, your kids and your futures with that joke of a 401k (if you’ve even got one) for, oh, 30-odd years now. “over 50% of americans are in the stock market” the talking heads blurt – yeah, well thats because our pension funds from the jobs we once had were cut and the 401k was the congressional carrot on the string. how’s that doing for ya? saps and suckers. you scream about investment in our commons yet grab your ankles when the bankers get your grandkids future. repugs and dems are all the same. no legislation gets passed without a corporate and lobbyist OK. the poor and people of color are not the ones fleecing you and your country and getting rich. heard rush screaming “this is retribution, folks, that’s what ‘they’ are up to” i say your damn right you 400 million dollar pig of a benedict arnold. yeah, beck, hannity, o’reily, fox, nbc, cbs, abc are all on your side, suckers – check out who are on the boards of directors of the above and pentagon contractors – i dare you to learn to read and think for yourselves. i’m ashamed to be your neighbor and countryman. turn off your teevee it lies to you – librul media – ha – get out of your pajamas and momma’s basement and join the revolution you sissy-la-las.

May 14, 2009 - 4:46 pm

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