245 Comments

1. Anton:

Amen

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:31 pm 2. Mekan:

Amen

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:42 pm 3. TalkinKamel:

What Hansen said!

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:43 pm 4. Rachel Peepers:

Mr. Hanson,

I’ve had teachers like you in college and law school courses. I’d walk into class that first day thinking the instructor wasn’t much smarter than I, then at about the five minute mark realized how much more intelligent he or she was than me. (I went incorrect case on purpose just to color my point).

So I read (present tense) your article here and am ready to do my satirical take on yesterday’s inaururation, but was stopped in my tracks by your thoughtful, reasoned piece, which, for me, deserves to carefully examined to be fully appreciated. Your work is a breath of fresh air, a stradivarius in words is, sir, what you’re capable of. Because you caused me to pause. And reflect. And even do some critical thinking. You, sir, are a talent that I for one stand up and applaud.
Regards, Rachel

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:44 pm 5. Dan Smith:

You weren’t the only one to be stunned by the emergence of these–what shall we call them–selective patriots. A friend with whom I am no longer close wrote an op-ed piece for our local paper in which he reported that he purchased and began displaying an American flag after Obama’s election. His point was that he no longer wanted to concede patriotism as the province of the conservative elements of the country. He felt that patriotic displays had been hijacked by those with whom he disagreed and that was why he had never been moved to show the colors. He was taken to task by numerous commenters for his hypocrisy, for such a mealy mouthed affection for one’s country can only be described as that. It reminds me of the celebrities who threatened to move out of the country in protest of the election of Bush (but of course never did). If patriotism becomes like just another bit of fashionable apparel, of what good is it? In the la-la land of Hollywood it might be normal to play musical chairs with one’s spouse or one’s country depending on the mood du jour, which another reason to never trust someone whose livlihood depends on role playing.

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:44 pm 6. Greg:

You’ve got to be kidding!?

You are obviously not ready to work together with the rest of us. Enjoy you self-serving life.

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:45 pm 7. Marino:

Thank you Dr. Hanson, brilliant as always.

I’d add those who sit idly expecting President Obama to miraculously change their lives are in for a shock. When the economy does get moving again it will be the go-getters who will seize the day – as always.

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:52 pm 8. Jehosephat:

“Please list, cite, name just one instance from 2002-8 in which you lost your freedom, or you were censored on the library internet, or you were followed around by the FBI, or your letter to the editor earned a wiretap, or even one instance of the loss of any freedom under Bush…”

Those who receive “national security” letters are not allowed to divulge that they have received them. That’s makes this n impossible standard. We are a nation of laws, not men. So if the law has been changed, we have a problem, whether someone can provide you with something personal or not. But that’s abstract thought, and difficult.

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:54 pm 9. Annie:

Bravo. I am sending this on to the confused massses.

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:54 pm 10. Tom in Oz:

I made the same comment to my wife while watching people in their 30s and 40s say “finally I’m proud to be an American”… why NOW after all these years? Because of one symbolic act that will in reality be the harbinger for no real change despite the propaganda? Obama will follow many of Bush’s policies on security, will modify his grand plans on Iraq and Guantanamo when faced with the same realities as Bush, and will probably manage the economy as poorly as any Democratic leader.

If these people felt this way for so long why didn’t they DO something? Why didn’t they emigrate or change the system? They’re all grandstanders and we won’t hear the end of this “moment in history” bleating that each of them is trying to tear a piece off so they can distinguish themselves from their countrymen and wave it around at every opportunity. “I was THERE in DC when everything changed (sic) and finally we were all proud to be Americans.” Please.

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:57 pm 11. Tom in Oz:

Greg @6: “You are obviously not ready to work together with the rest of us. Enjoy you self-serving life.”

Enjoy your delusion that anything will change. Also enjoy your bitter exclusionary knee-jerk reaction to anyone who holds a different view. I guess you’re proud to be an American, finally, and showing us what that means?

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:58 pm 12. Englebert Schwanzpuffer:

that’s the most articulate post-inauguration pouting that i’ve read today! kudos!

Jan 21, 2009 - 1:59 pm 13. ramsis:

i too shared that uneasy feeling yesterday.
As i watched the inaugural speech yesterday and the camera panned the crowd of tear streamed faces, I almost felt like i was watching a clip from Berlin, April 20th 1939. Obviously there were some differences but the Idol worship of Mr. Obama sent chills up my spine. In a wave that can only be described as mass hysteria I couldn’t help but wonder if that moment would have been just as historic and met with that much enthusiasm if say Condoleezza rice had been elected. I doubt it. with an emotional outpouring not witnessed since Sanjaya I think its safe to say we have found our next American Idol.

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:05 pm 14. The Historian:

OBAMA, AL QAEDA & BUSH NATIONAL SECURITY
Bush may be in Texas, but the real threat remains as dangerous as ever.

http://greensrealworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/al-qaeda-obama-bio-terror.html

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:12 pm 15. Anton:

Greg @6: “You are obviously not ready to work together with the rest of us. Enjoy you self-serving life.”

Didn’t Lenin say something similar, that “work together” meme scares me. Who were you working together with five years ago? two? six-months?

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:14 pm 16. Jay:

Greg@6. Do you actually work somewhere? Doubt it. Mr.Hanson is smart, you are a typical leftist tool living in his mother’s basement and blathering whatever drivel you read on the DailyKos.
ps: the possessive of you is your.

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:19 pm 17. Sarge:

Right On ! Im a proud American who fought in WWII as a combat Infantryman. I was brought up proud of these United States which at times dont seem to be united BUT I fly my flag everyday and pray for leadership and a responsible Congress. It is the “CONGRESS” that is the neck in the bottle. It’s time to pull that cork and get TERM LIMITS !

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:30 pm 18. J.J. Sefton:

Once again, you have slammed it out of the park. An excellent essay Mr. Hanson.

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:37 pm 19. DEK:

No fanboy here, but what I sense, intuit, feel within is best articulated and given substance by VDH. Interestingly, his measured rationality, grown darker these days for good reason, is set off well by the foil of the ranting, predictable, adolescent name-calling of Greg@6 types.

The healthy critical questioning needed by any electorate for any ruler has been set aside by some of our fellow citizens and their supposed tribunes, the media, for a bend-over-and-spread democratic dysfunctionality.

This blog is one anchor to hang onto in the coming depressing times.

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:40 pm 20. Laura:

Amen

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:42 pm 21. Martge:

I am still disgusted by the comment made by the so called reverend…..he said…… white America will finally see what is right.

What I want to know is who in the devil is he to tell us that blacks have been correct and whites have been wrong.

That defeats anything they can every say about their voting for a man just because he was black and not because he was the best choice.

I am outraged — they drummed Geraldine out of Hillary’s committee for saying less. No one has said a word about this guy.

Jan 21, 2009 - 2:50 pm 22. Pat J:

Wonderful prose.

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:08 pm 23. J. Rockford:

Agreed, but the mainstream media (MSM) is equally bad,perhaps worse. The MSM’s support of Obama was probably worth 15 percentage points of the vote to him. He would have lost the election if the MSM had treated both candidates objectively. You can fix Congress with term limits, but I honestly don’t know what can be done about the MSM — don’t really think the 1st Amendment should be repealed.

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:12 pm 24. quasar:

Slightly OT but where was BHO’s paternal granny yesterday? Thought I heard earlier that she would attend the inaug. Are they hiding her, perhaps.

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:13 pm 25. jw:

Note that Obama in his Inaugural Speech said that fascism was defeated by alliances and politics, not war. He is either an ignoramus or blinded by bias, since the National Socialists (Nazis) and their allies were defeated by war, World War II. Obama’s approach was known as appeasement and brought World War II on.
In his list of American values, Obama said nothing about liberty; he ignored the Declaration of Independence which lists as some of the rights given to us by our Creator as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” No, Obama lists hard work, etc.
Why does Obama call for unity and denigrate political disputes?

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:14 pm 26. steeple:

Greg 6, I’ve been paying taxes for nearly 30 years now. I’ve never disparaged Obama or any other politician in a personal manner like many did to George Bush. I’ve never served our country in the military, but have always respected and supported their service. My family and I have always supported ourselves and have never had to ask for government assistance in order to maintain our lifestyle. We have always paid our financial debts in a timely manner.

I suspect that many people who read this blog could say the same.

So what part of “work together” do I need to get?

An explaination rather than inferred name calling would be a productive way to begin the discussion.

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:19 pm 27. tanstaafl:

Watch, that (somewhat disputed )symbol that glinted throughout the inauguration speech yesterday, the flag pin, will now become a de rigueur accessory.

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:32 pm 28. tanstaafl:

I didn’t get offended at James Lowery’s remarks.

I thought his litany at the end was kind of funny and provided some comic relief to all the stiff formality, crusty old 87 year old salt that he is.

Way more offensive to me is a more modern style black preacher (JWright) who regularly (and, unless he’s really stupid, intentionally) mis-teaches his audiences & congregations on subjects like who “whitey” is or who’s trying to kill them with AIDS and who bombed “innocent” Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941*, and all the rest of his screeching bombast.

*His claim is about Hiroshima/Nagasaki, but the dude said 1941, Pearl Harbor Day. “The press” stumbled and stumbled around trying to give him a rationale for his blatantly ignorant remark.

Jan 21, 2009 - 3:51 pm 29. Ann141:

I find it insulting and vaguely threatening that so many of Obama’s plans and statements reference us all as so many cattle, who only have value “in the herd”.

There’s no pride in the individual or the achievements of the individual.

Personal liberty is one of the unique and amazing characteristics of American life. I live where I want. Work the job I want. Bank where I want. Go the doctor I want. Travel on vacation where I want. I actually HAVE PERSONAL liberty.

He only sees us as having value insofar as we yield to the group.

I don’t care how you want to dress it up, explain it, or confuse: THAT is scary.

This IS who he is and has always been. He’ll play whatever role he thinks those whom he wants to please want from him at any given time, but his specific goals and methods will not vary.

Day 2.

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:10 pm 30. Ann141:

(ignore the words “and methods” in the last line of previous post…sorry ’bout that)

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:13 pm 31. Dino:

“-given that the United States, in its worst hour, was better than the alternatives at their best.”

Which must be kept in mind if and when a grand play is made to cede U.S. sovereignty to some “higher” global authority for the purpose of extricating Americans from our exaggerated fiscal, environmental, etc. “crises”.

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:16 pm 32. Cybergeezer:

Would you buy a used car from either Obama or Biden? You might not have a choice in six months.

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:28 pm 33. Kevin:

This isn’t really new. I recall the same sudden infusion of patriotism when Clinton was elected. Then of course the ankle biting that went on when Bush won. No matter how outrageous their actions or their statements, the left can no longer surprise me for they are truly pathetic.

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:29 pm 34. fear Obama:

and who bombed “innocent” Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941*, and all the rest of his screeching bombast.
*His claim is about Hiroshima/Nagasaki, but the dude said 1941, Pearl Harbor Day.

You forgot that Hawaii,
our 57th state,
and stateside time zones are a lot different.

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:33 pm 35. Alex:

Clinton as Alcibiades? Apt. Oh-so-very apt.

Professor Hanson, was there ever a Roman Emperor whose name at first sounded as foreign to Latin-speaking Italian ears, as “Barack Obama” at first sounded to English-speaking American ears?

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:33 pm 36. manofaiki:

Ha!

That’s OUR flag now!

Those are OUR jets now!

That’s OUR military now!

It’s OUR country now, you losers!

Payback is gonna be a BITCH!

/full barking moonbat mode OFF

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:50 pm 37. Shef Rogers:

When you have to start your sixth paragraph with “The point?” You know you’re a lazy writer. This is a sloppy first draft, Dr. Hanson. Tighten up the writing.

Jan 21, 2009 - 4:53 pm 38. cfbleachers:

Well done, VDH. I have argued similarly, but not nearly as well. Sometimes I throw my two cents into the fountain, not today. This one, I leave as is. Bravo.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:02 pm 39. TexEd:

Let’s withhold judgment on these “now proud of America and proud to be an American” folks for a while. Let’s just wait and see how Chimpy The Kenyan responds to the first Muslim terrorist attack or maybe the second or, maybe, even the third. When he eventually has to respond as Bush would have, then let’s see how these traitors respond. The front page of the NYT and Oberman will be good indicators. These anti-Americans simply want the country to fail. They will change course should Chimpy
do anything to suggest he doesn’t share their views.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:05 pm 40. Olivia:

I think the uneasiness comes from seeing, so many people with such obviously empty lives. It’s been remarked before that one of the follies of a secular society is that people WILL find God somewhere, usually in all the wrong places. This fits perfectly with the whole conceit of Obamessiah, our savior because we all need saving. With so many Americans steeped in New Age gobbledygook, should it be any wonder that he won?

And I hope your prediction of the MSM’s fate is accurate. But I won’t hold my breath. I never thought Obama would make it past the primaries, and I’ve been unpleasantly surprised.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:09 pm 41. john from cinncinatti:

i cannot bring myself to watch this Obamathon. My father, my brothers, myself and my three sons are veterans, proud of America, there has been no other way.i read in another blog they were hoping America would be great for their grand kids but now that Obama was elected it would be great for their kids. well America was great for my father and for me and for my kids/grandkids and it will continue to be great for the rest of my descendants. listening to these fair weather patriots makes me want to puke.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:19 pm 42. WRH:

I’ve just discovered this very thoughtful blog, and this very much on-target essay.

As an ex-pat American I’ve been asked several times since the election of Obama “are you ‘now’ proud to be an American?” or words to that effect. I have answered that

1) I wasn’t ashamed to be American before,

2) My pride in America is not a function of who is President at any given time,

3) What I’m proud of, as an American, is the robustness of our democratic process, and the fact that elections occur regularly and peacefully. I was proud to see the large turnout of the last election (yes I voted). I was proud to see the grace with which the loser accepted the result. I was proud to see the graciousness with which the outgoing president (with whom I had profound disagreements on many issues) welcomed the incoming one (with whom I may have profound disagreements on many issues).

I would add to the essay’s ” …the United States, in its worst hour, was better than the alternatives at their best,” another point about the political cycle. At worst, you have to live with an administration (and/or a majority party in Congress) you don’t like. You are free to express your opposition, by voting, by writing essays like Prof. Hanson’s, by writing letters to editors or to your Congressman or Senators.

That is one price of democracy: you have to accept that at some times and on some issues you will be in the minority. I have heard people say their “faith” in democracy was restored when Obama was elected. Really? Are they saying it would not have been “democratic” if John McCain had been elected? Is it only “democratic” if the result is the one you happen to favor?

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:24 pm 43. Hugh Walpole:

You’re missing the point. Why so many? Why are so many able to believe that the promise of America now includes them? A few disgruntled, sure. A few losers who blame anyone but themselves, sure. But there were millions out on the Mall yesterday. They came from across the country to stand for hours in a bitter cold (10 below and wind chill was worse). Millions more who shifted their vote from Blue to Red. That speaks of aspiration believed unfulfillable.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:26 pm 44. cowgirldee:

Bravo for saying what so many are not willing to. I am indeed frightened by the millions who are so adoring of a man they know absolutely nothing about. A man with no track record and virtually no experience. Many are hailing him as the “best president ever” when he has not even been in office for two full days. Thank you Dr. Hanson for saying what needed to be said.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:28 pm 45. WRH:

I’ve just discovered this very thoughtful blog, and this very much on-target essay.

As an ex-pat American I’ve been asked several times since the election of Obama “are you ‘now’ proud to be an American?” or words to that effect. I have answered that

1) I wasn’t ashamed to be American before,

2) My pride in America is not a function of who is President at any given time,

3) What I’m proud of, as an American, is the robustness of our democratic process, and the fact that elections occur regularly and peacefully. I was proud to see the large turnout of the last election (yes I voted). I was proud to see the grace with which the loser accepted the result. I was proud to see the graciousness with which the outgoing president (with whom I had profound disagreements on many issues) welcomed the incoming one (with whom I may have profound disagreements on many issues).

Note who was present on the stage at the inauguration: incoming and outgoing presidents, and three former presidents. All welcome and honored guests. None had been jailed, shot, or exiled. Something else to be proud of.

I would add to the essay’s ” …the United States, in its worst hour, was better than the alternatives at their best,” another point about the political cycle. At worst, you have to live with an administration (and/or a majority party in Congress) you don’t like. You are free to express your opposition, by voting, by writing essays like Prof. Hanson’s, by writing letters to editors or to your Congressman or Senators.

That is one price of democracy: you have to accept that at some times and on some issues you will be in the minority. I have heard people say their “faith” in democracy was restored when Obama was elected. Really? Are they saying it would not have been “democratic” if John McCain had been elected? Is it only “democratic” if the result is the one you happen to favor?

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:30 pm 46. CornFedBeauty:

Hey, Greg?

I already work my ass off. I’m working especially hard right now to hoard money because the Democrats are hell bent on spending us into another depression. Everyone else in my family is doing the same.

I say this by way of notifying you that I do not, and never did, intend to “work with” you on whatever your project is. I just want to be left alone, as I have been left alone in the past except for at tax time.

I want to be left alone to manage my life and my finances as I see fit. I don’t need the likes of you and your ilk butting in.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:30 pm 47. ~Paules:

Professor,

I appreciate your reasoning and the somber tone of this essay. I assume the questions you would have leftists ask of themselves are largely rhetorical. You must be aware by now that rank and file progressives insulate themselves from hypocrisy with a carefully contrived cloak of moral superiority. You must also know that the outsized egos of those in power preclude any ability for self-introspection. Comment #6 is indicative of this mindset. The dyed in the wool leftist sees his truths as self-evident. No reflection is required no matter how well reasoned the opposing viewpoint.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:34 pm 48. Jen Bradford:

The most embarrassing example of this phenomenon has got to be the I Pledge video, where stars in their 30’s and 40’s pledge their fealty to the One. Now that Obama is President, they’re going to be good citizens, help their neighbors, volunteer, etc. And I will bet any amount of money they all thought 41’s “thousand points of light” was merely risible. I defy you to watch it without cringing.

Fortunately my disgust at that crowd hasn’t diminished my sense that Obama’s administration will be composed of competent adults. I was thrilled to watch Obama give the death stare to Biden today as he tried to get a laugh by mocking Roberts’ swearing-in glitch. Obama doesn’t have time for that garbage, and he knows it.

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:42 pm 49. Jen Bradford:

I just discovered I’m incapable of watching that video to the end. The guy who is suddenly going to stop giving the finger in traffic – ach! off!

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:52 pm 50. cdor:

By way of Powerline Blog, Andrew Breitbart writes a tremendous essay on the “newly” patriotic Hollywood crowd. Watch the video and read Breitbart’s essay. VDH is one of my heroes.

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/01/022611.php

Jan 21, 2009 - 5:59 pm 51. Bilgeman:

VDH:

You felt unease? Your gut was rumbling? You should listen to it.

“Excuse me, but as a cynic I confess the politics of the left are now about power, ego, status, and the notion of control, rather than genuine concern for the planet, or the creed of egalitarianism or for freedoms of the people.”

Yep…you got that right, but you knew that already, did you not?
Those folks who were “finally proud of America”, were displaying pride at having conquered it.
At having overcome, as they see it, the white man and his system.

You think I’m wrong?
Do you know racism when you see it?

Cuz here it is, from that Lowery fellow:

“We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.”

On the day that a half-black man was inaugurated President precisely because millions of white Americans were, perhaps, able to look beyond his melanin level, and forgive him his pastor of two decades, by voting for him despite his being the LEAST qualified out of any of the candidites for office of either major party, whites get told to “embrace what is right”.

The mask slipped just for a second there, but the message was clear:

“Eat it, Whitey!”

With that line, Lowery turned every white person who voted for Obama out of a true belief that he’d be the best President into nothing more than a pack of chumps who bought the pimp’s game play.

Every other race mentioned are victims or neutral…but the white race is evil.

Your vote for Obama didn’t redeem a damned thing, o-fay. It didn’t make you better people…it just made you the stooges holding the bag in this power play.

Gut-check…does it agree with me?

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:07 pm 52. harry:

I think you’re wrong VDH. The media is already completely bankrupt. The NY Times without Mexican backing would be financially bankrupt too!
FOX had the decency to show Bush’s homecoming speech in Texas. At least some honor for the man that might in a hundred years time be remembered for bringing Democracy to a region which severely needed it. But in four years will Obama undo what Bush did? Gitmo is already being undone so that when they bend over for Allah five times daily the liberals can kiss their asses freely and not through a barbed wire chain link fence.

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:10 pm 53. Bruce:

“new rhetorical veneers on the Patriot Act and FISA” In a nut shell, that phrase says it all.

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:16 pm 54. thegre8_1:

Great article again VDH. Yes the media is as bankrupt as our banks and government. Sarge you are right we must have term limits in Congress two terms for senators and 4-5 terms for the house. These dinosaurs we have now must be swept out of office, most of them are lawyers, and we are depending on lawyers to manage our economy and national security?

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:25 pm 55. GK:

You are totally wrong about the “price” the media will pay.

Here in Australia, we had EXACTLY the same situation just over a year ago. We had a lying left wing media cover up for an in-exeperienced opposition who then won the election. We lost a conservative government (John Howard) and gained a socialist one which promised all the of same hope and change garbage that Obama did.

What turned out, was exactly what you all think – our new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has backtracked on most of the promises he made to the leftists. He has ruined the economy with wastefull welfare handouts that have turned Australia from having a HUGE budget surplus, to now into deficit, and he has been caught out in several high profile scandals (like lying about a phone call with Bush).

But he has extremely high approval ratings and most Australians still think he`s great. The reason is that MSM has simply refused to tell people what he has done. They have just continued to paint him as our genius savior who can do no wrong, and they will NOT print any stories that expose him.

That`s exactly what your media will do. If Obama pulls out of Iraq and Iraq turns to schitt, then the media will simply NOT report on the masses dying, and they will hail Obama for ending the war. If Obama goes down the welfare state path, and takes the budget into unsustainable deficits that will bankrupt America, then the media will simply NOT report on this, and will instead report that he is helping the poor.

If Obama continues the Bush doctrine, then they will simply report him as a strong and intelligent leader doing the right thing.

The MSM will continue to lie for him, and the public will continue to believe it.

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:45 pm 56. Gary Ogletree:

The media may be codependent now, whatever that means. Pravda to the bitter end.

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:54 pm 57. G Alston:

VDH –

Burke said that for a man to love his country, his country ought to be lovely.

What you’re seeing is simply a reflection of what people deem as lovely. Or not.

You failed to recognize a simple truth, one known for centuries. You’re no Burke.

Jan 21, 2009 - 6:54 pm 58. Mike:

Contrast the text of Obama’s speeches with VDH’s prose; there are big differences in substance and form. The inaugural speech was filled with too many abstractions, and as a result Obama was not able to own its ideas, as if anyone could.

VDH’s ideas are enthralling because his words are used to amplify substance. Beneath it all there is a passion for substance.

I have not seen this same passion in Obama. There seems to be passion in Obama’s abstract world, where he portrays that anything is possible. This does not jive with the real world, when he reluctantly admits in a telvised interview that he has not quit smoking (despite a desire to quit). I guess Obama has not had the types of experiences that would let him know “who” he is, and what are worldly limitations, real or perceived.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:01 pm 59. John Peterson:

Those celebrities of the pledge are ready to be “servants,” that is, serfs in a new fascism. They just don’t know it yet. Cringe-inducing, indeed.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:04 pm 60. Dodo Bird:

So Mr. Hanson, when are you going to run for office? Would you prefer the House or Senate?

I see you in the Senate but what would like to hear from other readers.

Move to Massachusetts and you have my vote.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:07 pm 61. liberty4usa:

The Obama audit shall not ever occur so says the MSM, for it is wholly unnecessary as we are talking about Obama!
This is like the “Greatest Show on Earth”,
the audience is enthralled and the media has been employed as ring announcers.
The idea or notion(Barakism) that our country was foul before, and is now grand with him as the worthy leader, reveals the narcissist that he is.
It is particularly insulting to those who have served and sacrificed for their country
long before most people had ever heard the name Obama(two years ago).
America was not Kenya before yesterday, and
it wasn’t the school yard bully with a lacking morality- it was and still is the shining light among all nations.
I look for the “Losers Limp” to appear soon.
He will not be to blame for dropping the ball it will because the sun was in his eyes, or his suspicious limp that will disappear once safely out of sight.
I can say this, I am embarrassed that we have so many citizens openly displaying such an irrational display of Bush hatred and Obama adulation.
Seeing these peoples display of sudden patriotism reminds me of how I felt seeing Jane Fonda in North Vietnam-sick to my stomach.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:13 pm 62. Kate:

Well, I can see why you thought people put patriotism on hold. I know I was just SO disappointed in what sheep most of the voters for Bush were and how easily he manipulated them with his faux social agenda Rovian Orwellian animal farm PR guys…I stayed patriotic but very very sad. Bush–or more accurately Cheney-Rumsfeld-Rice and Gonzalas made me literally feel sick to my stomach with their daily erosion of the constitution. Their creation of millions more terrorists who hate us around the world–well, that will eventually that will come home to roost and you will blame Obama for the long nightmare this administration set in motion.

Having said all that, I will also say that Jefferson and Washington rolled over in their graves at the scope of the coronation yesterday….I too am unnerved by Obama-mania and the jeering at Bush. Bush caused most of this through his abuse of power and incompetence–extreme relief has turned into blind adoration…..AND hey, let’s not forget that for African-Americans, this was a huge healing moment—as long as they rememeber he is not perfect, that he’s sometimes wrong, and that he is a guy not an icon–we should be okay.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:19 pm 63. D Foster:

When I see the professional politician, those politicians that have been in washington for years upon years, Pelosi, Lahey, Hatch, Gingrich, Dodd, Kennedy, Rockerfeller, Frank, Schumer, Waxman, Dingle, Levin, Levin, Lugar, McCain, Just to name a few, The Political Class are our problem, they believe in Big Government, and they all knowm the President of the United Statesm is only there for maximum 8 years, and they can blaim any problems on the POTUS and take credit for the success. In the mean time they force Corporations to contribute to their Campaigns and become Millionaires in the process of “Serving the American People”. Finally, they protect one another when in trouble. And they have a willing Media, like the White House Press Corp, and it is all one big group which is the “Elite Political Class”. Victor is correct, all that is missing is Louis XV, Could Obama just be the new “Sun God”. We will see.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:19 pm 64. Ron Kean:

We pretend that our objections to Obama are history and in the spirit of optimism we put on a brave face.

But our reservations were grounded in not knowing much about him and we still know little. And what we know about him gives pause.

With Bush gone, I wonder if the world thinks the cat’s away.

Jan 21, 2009 - 7:21 pm 65. Doug Wright:

VDH: Amen and very apt as usual.

However, a slight quibble regarding point 5. Cyrus was invaded by Turkey because the Greek Military Dictatorship was going to annex Cyrus. So, while the Turk action was wrong, it was understandable as a Turk effort to protect their Ethnic brothers on Cyrus.

There is so much ethnic hatred between the Greeks and the Turks reaching back many years. I was on my way to Çorlu, Turkey, in 1958 when Turks pillaged, burned, and killed many in the Greek Community of Istanbul over a perceived slight to the memory of Ataturk; Merhaba Effindi!

Jan 21, 2009 - 8:08 pm 66. TLM:

“…my disgust at that crowd hasn’t diminished my sense that Obama’s administration will be composed of competent adults.”

My disgust at that crowd, at that whole orgiastic scene, is but one more insult to my sense of pride in this country. Competent adults? Many of them acted like teen-agers celebrating their high school team winning a sports championship. Booing the outgoing president? That’s history making, since I don’t think it’s ever been done before. As some witty person at NRO noted: Now we know what the Left means by a classless society. Add to that the photo of Rahm Emmanuel thumbing his nose at someone in the audience. Very classy. That photo was shot for posterity shortly before Obama/Roberts flubbed the oath of office. And the newly inaugurated VP makes a joke — publicly — of that historic gaffe? What a buffoon, the court jester for our new Camelot. (Forget Bush. Joe Biden will very quickly show the world what a truly incompetent, inarticulate and immature (Vice) Chief Executive looks like). Obama and Roberts redid the oath today, and I’m sure no one was laughing. Update: Seems Caroline Kennedy saw the show yesterday and wants no part of it. She may be smarter than she looks.

I hope Team Obama is competent. I also hope they can control the new national mania for salvation they have unleashed. If not, then I hope they point the fevered masses toward the Atlantic and tell them all to go cross the River Jordan.

And, as this hopey feelin’ thing is possessin’ me now, I hope the MSM goes to hell.

Jan 21, 2009 - 8:22 pm 67. G.May:

#60 I fervently wish Dr. Hansen would run for office of some sort.

The problem is that those who would make the best public officials generally lack the over-inflated ego or narcissistic needs that draw most politicians to that arena. Their sense of personal ethics is generally a bit too strong and they rely on knowledge, reason, logic, and critical thinking, instead of the petty skills required to be a successful politician.

Dr. Hansen falls into the former category.

Jan 21, 2009 - 8:28 pm 68. jonnyrancher:

Just when I think Victor can’t possibly get any better…

Jan 21, 2009 - 8:31 pm 69. fred:

#55, GK,

I think things will work exactly as you say. I’m one American who will not blame Obama for anything he fails in or botches completely. You want to know who I will blame?

Not the media.

I will blame the people who elected him and who continue to support him because he is a socialist and they are socialists, whether they believe this about themselves or not. Most of the time these are people who lie to themselves about so much that they can no longer discern reality from fantasy. And they prefer fantasy.

As a former Leftist I recognize what is happening out there. Most people who vote as socialists, think as socialists, act as socialists, and scam as socialists, DENY THAT THEY ARE EVEN SOCIALISTS. They lie to themselves first (or they are just too damn stupid to know anything)and then they try to lie to the rest of us about who they are.

VDH has never struck me as a man who lies to himself or to others. But we live in the waning days of Western Civilization, because men such as this are mocked and denigrated. They are hounded and their work distorted. The mob wants bread and circuses. And the smart politicians will give it to them.

Jan 21, 2009 - 8:33 pm 70. Msagacious:

I can remember the first time I can recall my feelings on America… I was in middle school, and President Reagan was shot – I remember crying and running outside to brush my horse (my private place where no one would bother me) and pray to God (beg, really) to not let our president die. My dramatic response seems rather silly (I was a teenager, afterall), in retrospect, but the respect behind the drama was real – and still is.

I also remember crying a different time during President Reagan’s tenure… “Mr. Gorbachav, tear down that wall!” I was trying not to let anyone see me cry, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

My point… how can people say that they “finally” have a reason to be proud to be American or can “now” be proud to be American? There have been so many times in just my lifetime that have let to pride – and not just during the fall of communism.

However, the reality of the President of United States NOT agreeing with the Constitution that he just swore to uphold is a fear leading to an uneasy feeling that should be held by ALL Americans. Today he swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States; yet, per his own words, he feels it is a “flawed” document which needs to be altered considerably. This would be a reason to feel the opposite of pride. The risk of loss of freedom of speech, religion, or any other protections we have taken for granted should be reason to bring us all to tears.

So, though the ACLU hasn’t always held a high position of respect for me, I think that, considering the change of times and the uneasy feelings the recent events have brought me, I think I may actually break down and become a member of the ACLU – to ensure that my children can enjoy the freedoms that I have always enjoyed. Hopefully they will someday have a president in whose actions brings tears of pride to well in their eyes as Reagan’s actions brought tears of pride to flow in my own. From what I’ve seen and heard from this current President, I would be surprised if he could ever lead me to that depth of pride. After yesterday, I miss Reagan more than I ever thought possible.

Jan 21, 2009 - 8:39 pm 71. thegre8_1:

Speaking of uneasy I just read that idiot Murtha wants Guantanamo prisoners sent to his district in Pennsylvania. I have a better idea how about we send Murtha to Guatanamo where the troops will give him a real warm welcome and stick him with the best or worst prisoners they have to offer.

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:24 pm 72. thegre8_1:

GK great post I agree with you. Is anything in Australian stocks worth investing in the US is a disaster and is getting worse. I am looking at Australia or Spain or Brazil where I like best to possibly buy stocks.

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:30 pm 73. Richard:

“Please list, cite, name just one instance from 2002-8 in which [...] your letter to the editor earned a wiretap”

In all fairness, had my letter to the editor earned me a wiretap, I wouldn’t know about it, would I? The only way I would know is if the information was used to charge me with a crime. Yet J. Edgar Hoover gathered copious amounts of information on all sorts of people, both innocent and guilty alike. Most people were stunned and amazed to learn the depths of the files gathered on them, which resulted in no charges and no allegations of wrongdoing. It is simply wrong for a free people to be monitored and spied upon by their duly elected government, when there is no basis for such encroachments upon their liberty. Eventually figures in government will find uses for that information, which while not legally actionable, is still sufficient to cow the people into subservience to the bureacracy. This is the essence of why warrantless searches and wiretaps are anathema to human liberty. As a scholar of history yourself, this should be patently obvious.

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:31 pm 74. quasar:

Doc, I acquired my uneasiness when I saw our new CinC f*ck up the “oaf” in front of millions and given a Mulligan today. Now we can expect an Executive Order allowing for telepromtering at all swearing-in ceremonies. A shout out to Michael Beschloss-get a Job?

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:35 pm 75. Войска ПВО:

..that nauseating You Tube Demi Moore Pledge piece makes me wonder if the poster above (sarcastically) stating that now it’s their soldiers, their military, their country might have actually touched on some truth here.

As Dr Hanson says, the folks on the left are now becoming dilettante patiots but I am wondering how they will fare when the luster wears off of their Emperor and his inevitable posturing and preening yields nothing but care-worn slogans and photo-ops. How will they handle the criticism and antipathy from a public grown weary of his vapid and ineffectual efforts?

I hope he can maintain his dignity like President Bush did. But I really crave seeing the BusHitler crowd get it handed back to them.

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:38 pm 76. AniEm:

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of so many of us concerned about the sham, hypocrisy, and ethical distortion that have corrupted liberal values in this country. This is a time when thoughtful people should feel shame rather than pride at the triumph of celebrity, commercialism and vindictiveness that this presidency unfortunately represents.

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:39 pm 77. vivo:

Hanson:

“So I am surprised that suddenly the election of a single individual means that we are united, patriotic, proud of America?”

That’s YOUR America. Learn and let live.

(Music by “Live and Let Die”, the Beatles)

Jan 21, 2009 - 9:45 pm 78. Robert Hurley:

I’d say the outhouse is the best place for Mr Hanson

Jan 21, 2009 - 10:04 pm 79. Ned:

OK, I’ll Play. Being a “Northern California Liberal”. Regarding your “Modest Proposals…”:
1. Why should we have to stick to 3,000 square feet? A super-insulated, well-built house will not require much energy to heat and cool. If I have a big family, or frequent visitors, or a need to entertain my Move-On guests, or hold political gatherings, the larger house might make perfect sense.
2. Like many other Lefties, I agree that Caroline Kennedy makes no sense whatsoever for NY Senator. I’m not into political dynasties, like the Bushes or the Kennedys. That’s what I like about Obama – he’s gotten ahead on his own efforts – not because he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
3. Not all liberals are populists. That said, the Inauguration was huge and impressive and expensive. THink of all the jobs it created for caterers and hotels and PortaPotty companies. All that wealth pouring back into the economy! Fantastic.
4. Sorry, I have no such example of how I was affected by the widespread illegal wiretapping. I’m sure others were, though. We’ll find out in the coming months and years won’t we. I’m not impressed with “Trust Me” from our government, and I’m surprised that any true conservative would be either. Our founding fathers set up “checks and balances” to prevent human frailties from jeopardizing our freedom. Unfortunately our feckless Congress, under both Republican and Democratic control, failed in its duty, as did the MSM.
5. Not a big fan of Hamas and hypocritical Arabs who mistreated Jews and in many cases expelled them from their lands after the formation of Israel.

Your “modest prediction” is vague and already false. The difference between a government that honors transparency and ethics is difference from one that values secrecy and self-dealing is more than a rhetorical difference. It is a difference between holding sacred the values of our Founders – rule of law, not man – and believing in privilege for the wealthy few.

We liberals don’t ask for “global parity” but for everyone to have the opportunity for “life, libery and the pursuit of happiness.” The American Dream.

Jan 21, 2009 - 10:06 pm 80. Dan:

We ARE in deep trouble.

Decadence, intellectual, moral and cultural decadence, is becoming slowly but surely, the order of the day, par for the course.

America won’t long survive if she continues careening down this course of moral collapse.

Jan 21, 2009 - 10:48 pm 81. Marc Boyd:

We have elected am empty suit. Uneasy is the best I could describe my feelings.

I will give everyone some advice. If you have money, sell your stocks and bonds and treasuries and buy gold. At least your Gold will not be worthless in 2 or 3 years and you may at least have your money increase in gold terms. There are two gold ETFs. The biggest is Street Tracks SPDR GLD. There are also options available on the GLD ETF if you want to lock in a purchase price. The gold price has drifted down over the last few days. I am going to go on the Gold standard perhaps tomorrow or Friday. I want to buy low.

Jan 21, 2009 - 10:54 pm 82. Timbo:

GK (#55) I completely agree with your analysis – great stuff!

I’m from NZ and have witnessed “BDS” in full flight over the last 6 or so years and also the strange euphoria during the ascendancy of “The One”. The media are painfully ecstatic and visibly “joyous”. It seems like I am living in a real time, late night motivational infomercial.

Seriously, I am reminded of the period up to the election of Reagan and Thatcher. People were so fed up that enough said “no more” we need to sort this out. My view is that the situation for the “cattle” must become so desperate that they finally see the need for real fundamental change. If the money keeps flowing and/or there is no immediate perceived threat to life and property they will hide from reality and continue to vote these appeasing left wing morons in. So history will repeat again. A pessimist would hold the position that there is nothing that can be done to change this cycle. The cycle is, excuse the “Religious” pun, preordained. Prosperity/Safety leads to Collapse/Terror. A fixer or tyrant emerges to either fix the problem or impose more pain. How long this cycle will go on for we cannot predict. Hate to crash everyones party but the “Dark Ages” did run for some time.

No one seems to read history or at least learn from it – ever. Will it take economic collapse like the 70’s combined with a cataclysmic terrorist attack?

In terms of the current crisis I am not deluded that there must be a correction to what is a hopelessly unbalanced global economy and the resulting hardship this will mean much pain. Unfortunately many will suffer greater pain and for much longer than is necessary as the so-called economic wizards attempt to defy gravity yet again.

An optimist will say that President Obama is a good man, who will learn on the job, be humble and pragmatic enough to change direction, not be driven by polls or popularity and will do what is necessary to fix America’s problems (the world is a big ask) at the very least.

Groundhog Day.

Mr A Pessimist.

Jan 21, 2009 - 11:50 pm 83. Helen:

@Ned “That’s what I like about Obama – he’s gotten ahead on his own efforts..”

Certain about that? Mayor Daly doesn’t ring a bell? Ayers? Al Mansour? Khalidi? Rezko? Blagogevich? Soros?? ACORN? Millions in unaccounted for and foreign campaign donations/online transactions..? The MSM played no part in the anointed one’s accomplishments whatsoever too huh? Ah yes please remind us all what Obama’s accomplishments as a junior senator are…

“Not all liberals are populists. That said.. THink of all the jobs it created for caterers and hotels and PortaPotty companies. All that wealth pouring back into the economy! Fantastic.”

Just as Frank Raines, Jamie Gorelick, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, Jim Johnson, Chuck Schumer helped stimulate the economy in their own right the last 15yrs too yeah? Fantastico!

I hope you were being satirical and don’t believe with any seriousness what you shared was close to accurate.

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:02 am 84. President Obama “We Are Ready To Lead Once More” « An Angeleno’s View of the World:

[...] “An Uneasy Feeling” by Victor Davis Hanson and his take on Obama’s [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:44 am 85. AnninCA:

The history of slavery in our country is the reason for the outpouring of emotions.

It truly is monumental, even in global terms.

That’s the deal. Ferraro was right, but she stated it in cynical terms.

This election, even in the primary, the one for the AA guy.

And based on my own reading of history, it speaks very well of our country.

We struggled through our past.

The part I find disingenuous?

I see people taking credit for Obama’s election who, frankly, were pretty darn racist in many of their choices on other issues in the past.

That bothers me.

But…..

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:51 am 86. BERLET98:

THE INAUGURATION PART IV: What You Won’t Read and See on the MSM

Before we’re all caught up in the heady thrill–and propaganda–of the inauguration and the new administration, some perspective is in order. I’ve seen and read articles that are so effusive over Obama and this Age of Change that I was beginning to wonder if I watched a different inauguration and whether all I know about the true Obama and his Obamaniacs was misconstrued.

Then I regained my senses and realize it is not. (See the 50 or 60 previous articles on him on this site.) I’ve seen the man–and he is just a mortal man, contrary to widely reported information–a man extolled for his countless virtues, his elegance, his unflappable demeanor, even for his handwriting skills by Wolf Blitzer.

However, behind the facade, behind that screen, is simply a man, a flawed man like all of us, and his true skills or lack thereof will be seen even on the world stage soon enough. As of now, barely 24 hours into his reign, he can only be judged by his administrative designations and by his executive orders which suggest he has not fully thought through his decisions, (Gitmo), but will follow through on his planned policies to make free and unfettered abortion the law of the land: http://www.lifenews.com/nat4559.html.

Considering the limitations imposed by a paltry day as opposed to the lengthy four which lie ahead, all we have with which to gain a measure of Obama, (aside from his recorded history, of course), is his friends and his supporters. If in any way we are known by the friends we keep, Obama’s friends give cause for trepidation.

One group of friends, (May we call them FOB for Friends of Barack?), was gathered on the Washington Mall as still-President George W. Bush arrived at the inauguration on Tuesday. I would hope that others in the horde of millions who attended the event were not nearly as disgracefully disrespectful as this contingent: http://www.wjno.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=244038&article=4878923.

In the event that video is mysteriously removed from the website of WJNO.com, it depicts a group of blacks hooting, howling, and chanting derisively at Bush. Another video also captured the former president’s helicopter departure: http://www.mydd.com/story/2009/1/21/12149/1143.

But, okay, one or two malcontented groups do not an audience make. Then again, those are simply the only groups who have made it to the Big Time.

Another malcontent, …

(Read the rest of this article at http://genelalor.com/.)

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:52 am 87. Alana:

And add to this – if you are going to be for women’s liberation, for equal rights for women, and presumably champion the accomplishments of women – then don’t deride and attempt to humiliate a woman who made it a thousand times farther in terms of making something of herself, without benefit of family money, name, connections, or a husband in the business.

That’s like championing a racehorse who started on the finish line, while mocking the horse who came from behind, and still beat the one who began on the finish line.

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:07 am 88. chris:

What’s really silly is that pride is something you should take in a PROCESS, not a result. So, “I am proud of our effort,” or “I am proud of a system that enables anyone to grow up to be President.” Taking pride is a RESULT is a sin (the uh, sin of pride…) What you can be about a result is HAPPY. For instance, “I am so happy Obama won, and so proud of our system.” Or in my case, “I am so proud of our system, as demonstrated by Obama’s win, but not particularly happy to have this hyper-liberal as the president.”

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:14 am 89. Dave S.:

“You are obviously not ready to work together with the rest of us.”

Is this a joke? It sounds like a satire of an Obamabot.

Hey, junior, were you working together with us the past eight years?

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:23 am 90. Dave S.:

“1. Why should we have to stick to 3,000 square feet? A super-insulated, well-built house will not require much energy to heat and cool.”

But the bigger the home, the greater the impact, no matter how efficient. Don’t liberals in McMansions feel at all uncomfortable about lecturing people like me in 1,000 sq ft homes how to live? I mean, really.

“If I have a big family, or frequent visitors, or a need to entertain my Move-On guests, or hold political gatherings, the larger house might make perfect sense.”

Same sorts of arguments the “Global Warming is a clear threat, but I really need my SUV…” crowd makes.

“the Inauguration was huge and impressive and expensive. THink of all the jobs it created for caterers and hotels and PortaPotty companies. All that wealth pouring back into the economy! Fantastic.”

Then I guess you weren’t one of the people begrudging Bush his second Inaugural (which I personally thought was unnecessary). You do realize the money spent with those folks you mention is money that wasn’t spent with others, yes?

“4. Sorry, I have no such example of how I was affected by the widespread illegal wiretapping. I’m sure others were, though. We’ll find out in the coming months and years won’t we.”

No, actually, we won’t. Because it didn’t happen. Besides, Obama signed off on FISA, so any secrecy you allege will simply continue another four to eight years, right?

“Unfortunately our feckless Congress, under both Republican and Democratic control, failed in its duty, as did the MSM.”

Now there’s a statement I agree with.

“Not a big fan of Hamas and hypocritical Arabs who mistreated Jews and in many cases expelled them from their lands after the formation of Israel.”

Glad to hear that.

“The difference between a government that honors transparency and ethics is difference from one that values secrecy and self-dealing is more than a rhetorical difference.”

I assume you mean “administration”, not “government”. And Obama’s is only two days old. How can you make such a confident statement of the nature of a two-day-old entity?

“It is a difference between holding sacred the values of our Founders – rule of law, not man – and believing in privilege for the wealthy few.”

Allow me to follow that generalization with my own – the Republicans are the party of rich businessmen. The Democrats are the party of rich lawyers. Be honest – which class of plutocrats is more beneficial to the country?

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:39 am 91. George:

Shorter version of this article: “Waaaaaa!!!! We lost. I piss, therefore I moan.”

VDH watches the grainy black and white footage of WWII and feels jealous of the folks who actually lived through such momentous times.

This is why VDH and his ilk hope and pray for war, although they lack the spine, guts, or balls to ever be a part of it. They wish to live through times of great historic tumult. Just so long as it doesn’t require sacrifice of any kind on their part.

It’s the great yellow brigades, the congress of cowards of which VDH is a charter member who become aroused at the thought of being a citizen of a great empire the likes of Rome, but wouldn’t put himself in harm’s way if his Republic depended on it.

The good news is this: The GOP is destined to be a minority party for generations. My advice? Read up on the Tories and their recent history in British politics. Try it on for size, and get used to it.

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:57 am 92. george:

Laugh out Loud! Obama has done the Oath again in the Map Room – to silence the conspiracy theorists, apparently. But folks, he didn’t use a Bible coz “there wasn’t one around.” Now why does that surprise me? He didn’t do the Oath correctly. He’s not my President. Heck, he isn’t anyone’s President.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:10 am 93. Chas:

“I distilled from the press coverage and the crowds and the punditry yesterday that for all too many suddenly a vote for Obama redeems America.”

Front page of The Australian today: A NATION REBORN.

Ugh.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:50 am 94. Micha Elyi:

Alright, Ned, being a Northern California Realist, I’ll answer:

1. Why should greenies stick to a limit of 3000 sq. ft. on the size of their homes? It’s not just the energy consumption, Ned. Even a 3000 sq. ft. house is a lot more space than any honestly practicing consumption minimalist needs. Face it, Ned, that’s a huge house and building such a McMansion sucks up a lot of wood, petrochemicals, luxury stone, gypsum, paper, concrete and other limited resources all of which could have been used to build four or more modest homes for families of lesser means. Really, where are the honest consumption minimalists who have “large families”? Or “frequent visitors” or “Move-On guests” who couldn’t do without a private bedroom with attached bath? Or who cannot “hold political gatherings” at the local coffee shop or rented space? No, for an honest, truly committed Leftie, a McMansion makes no sense at all and any realistic exceptions are too few in number to matter. Really, the limit should be under 2000 sq. ft. but Prof. Hansen is a generous fellow. You should be more appreciative of the generosity of others, Ned.

2. Nice try at attempting to equate Caroline Kennedy with “the Bushes,” Ned but you fail again. None of the Bushes sought to be appointed to an elective office. They got into office the old-fashioned way, they earned it by putting themselves before the voters.

Oh, and Obama had his own “silver spoon,” Ned; more than one, in fact.

3. Who said “all liberals are populists,” Ned. Nice try at raising a strawman but you’re busted again. Nor is all that elitist spending on lavish inaugural balls of record sums excused by pointing at the jobs temporarily created, unless you accept that excuse and silence your criticism (and envy) of the luxury goods consumption of others. See, Ned, you Lefties can’t squirm out of being called on your double standards. It’s the Left that was critical of the cost of Bush’s 2001 inaugural and it’s the Left that is hypocritical about the lavish, conspicuous expense of the Obama 2009 inaugural parties.

4. Of course you “have no such example of how I was affected by the widespread illegal wiretapping” because the wiretapping you Lefties were throwing fits over was neither illegal nor widespread. Your faith that “others were, though” is touching; however you were challenged to name names. You can’t and that leaves you 0 for 4 so far, Ned.

5. You claim you’re “not a big fan of Hamas,” Ned but Lefties like you are among their enablers. Little fans, one might say.

Five strikes and you’re out, Ned.

As California’s once and future Governor Moonbeam has said, “Lower your expectations.” Your arguments aren’t as good as you believe, Ned.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:55 am 95. West:

Ned, thank you for the opportunity for an easy fisk.

1. Any two houses designed and built with the same energy efficiency principles and methods have only one independent variable as to power usage – size. The bigger the house, the more energy it will use. Maybe you should think about actually being responsible instead of making excuses for yourself in this hypothetical situation. Invite fewer guests over, use alternative methods of communication, (that Internet thingie is handy), hold your political gatherings at alternate venues. Your selfish and self-serving statement that YOU will have justifiable reasons for a larger house and larger carbon footprint (with the clear implication that other people’s justifications will not have the same weight of necessity – as decided by you) merely serves to highlight your personal elitism, which I am sure extends to any liberals with similar predispositions – but not to conservatives.

2. How do you feel about Hilary Clinton, who carpetbagged her way into the Senate in that very state, and whose qualifications for membership were that she slept with the POTUS? Using that criteria, Monica Lewinsky would be qualified for membership (leaving aside the sleep part).

As far as Obama getting where he is by ‘his own efforts’, His own efforts included discrediting and disqualifying his opponents by legal challenges and scurrilously getting their sealed divorce records publicized. The only election in which he actually had an opponent was this last, and what with the ACORN scandals and documented democratic hijinks even the outcome of that one should be open to questioning. If we had an honest press, that is. We actually had a citizen on national TV claim that he voted twice for Obama – and the TV newsman merely smiled and said “Well, that’s OK”.

Lastly, the claims that Bush did nothing to earn his place have never been supported by an ounce of proof – but they sure make liberals feel good, so the assertions persist. Chances are that Bush’s family connections did help him out somewhat, but he did graduate from Harvard with better grades that Monsieur Kerry and served as the governor of Texas – what has Obama done to date? Based upon his actual accomplishments, Obama should not have been elected dog catcher. He could only have gotten where he is with LOTS of help from the liberal establishment and the Chicago machine – much of which is also well documented.

4. “I’m sure others were, though”. So, you cannot answer the question affirmatively, nor even relate an anecdote to support your claim.
You merely happily accept your premise without a shred of proof because, once more, it fits your predispositions. I do not believe in “Trust Me’ either – and that applies to you as well as the government.

And lastly, all the evidence you have for the ‘honoring’ of transparency is rhetoric, both from the Democratic party and Obama. It seems you are all in for the ‘Trust me’ meme, as long as it is Democrats who are mouthing the words.
Obama has already stated that he will issue executive orders to force the CIA to adhere to the Army Field Manual in interrogations – while considering secret addendoms to allow enhanced interrogation methods. Obama’s office records from his time in the Illinois legislature are ‘lost’. He refuses to release his birth certificate or his undergraduate college transcripts, spending millions in legal fees to block these requests. Now I am no conspiracy theorist, but one would think that such trivial matters would be easily rectified with a little dose of ‘transparency’. Let’s not even start on Obama’s fund raising efforts during the election cycle, which were proven illegal – and for some reason will not be investigated.

So your charges of a lack of transparency in the Bush administration, which was up front in briefing Congress, and later, the American people on interrogation methods, among other things, stands in direct contrast with the behavior of Obama and the Democratic party, to whom you not only give a pass, but attribute the non-existent virtue of ‘transparency’, merely serves to illustrate your double standard on the issue.

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:01 am 96. Jbl:

Very well done, sir. Your analogy of the third grade is fitting; after watching this election I’ve come to the conclusion that we are a nation of children.

And to answer your question: they will be Pravda to the end. The only journalist who MIGHT have asked Obama a tough question at any time in the last six months, Tim Russert, died on us.

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:53 am 97. Ken Besig:

Dear Dr. Hansen,
You have real cause to be concerned and to feel uneasy about the probable outcomes of the Barack Obama Presidency, along with the one party government that America has elected.
Mr. Obama is the quintessential media creation, charismatic, young, attractive, voluble and glib, and pretty much a tabla rasa, upon which all his supporters, advisors, and voters have inscribed their hopes and wishes and then put into office.
I have seen this phenomenon before, in my country Israel. The largely Left wing media here has helped to put into office two former Israeli military men, Yitzchak Rabin and Ehud Barak, and both were the most dangerous, incompetent, and most undemocratic Prime Ministers that democratic Israel ever suffered. Both were elected without ever having to explain or even announce their policies or principles to the voters because of Left wing media never wanted to expose their possible weaknesses. Does that sound familiar regarding Barack Obama, Dr. Hansen? Both Rabin and Barak raised huge amounts of money, much of it from doubtful if not outright illegal sources, and outspent their opponents by astronomical amounts. Does that match up with Barack Obama, Dr. Hansen?
Dr. Hansen, the media is the worst possible avenue for either choosing or dismissing a national leadership, whether here or in the US. In this case, the media was so dismissive of John McCain and Sarah Palin that even the positive contributions of these two candidates were turned by the media into negatives, and in the case of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the media gushed over them so much that not only could they do nothing wrong, everthing they said, did, or didn’t do was turned by the media into something magically wonderful.
It was once said that William Seward, the fellow who bought Alaska from the Russians, and once tried to run for President, never spoke from principle. Well, after watching how Barack Obama threw the Rev. Wright and Bill Ayres under the bus after they developed some negatives, I am forced to conclude that Mr. Obama is in the same category as Senator Seward.

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:57 am 98. Jbl:

“Sorry, I have no such example of how I was affected by the widespread illegal wiretapping. I’m sure others were, though.”

Hmmm…Obama’s not ending that. Doesn’t that bother you? Doesn’t that fill you with rage and distrust?

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:57 am 99. RE:

The Obama talk of re-making America into a culture of dependency and servitude to the state is most disturbing.

It will be interesting to watch the continuing Orwellian doublespeak efforts to convince Americans to forfeit their liberties to a separate and distinct political class. It is the anti-American Dream. Anti-founding principles. In stark contrast the values Ronald Reagan championed.

George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, and Ayn Rand all warned us against these control freaks and their methods. So I wonder if the current generation up to the task of defending our hard won rights and liberties? There are signs they may not be. False promises of free stuff and unicorns might be too much for them to resist. They just might piss it all away.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:26 am 100. windy blow:

Proud to be American? Hey, I’m a Brit, but I am proud to be America’s friend.

Given all the alternatives and the common kinship between our nations – and yes, I think it was entirely right that the States broke away from Britain when it did because without that event, the world would be a much darker place than now – I believe America is more right than wrong.

But I am dismayed by what I see in the Obama doctrine. I live as part of Europe (and thus am cursed by the mindless, petty dictats of the EU) so I have seen socialism in action. I have witnessed the rise of waste and ignorance, the encouraging of the ‘benefits-class’ and their dependency on state handouts just so they can then be controlled. There has been a diminishing of our desire for justice and fairness, an erosion of our status and the squandering of good people’s talents in favor of an ‘equality’ where any hope to build a better world is taken down rather than lifting others up. And above all there is the endless spin and rhetoric and distortions.

Socialism does that; it is the politics of envy and the bringer of misery. It lowers expectations, removes ambition, chokes enterprise, stamps on free speech.

That’s why I shudder to think America might go the same way, and I fear the Obama mentality will speed that up. Believe me, as nasty small-minded and grubby dictators and assorted tribalists rise up, the world needs a strong and confident America. Take that away and the liars and cheats and pond-life will spring forth. The likes of Chavez and Castro and Putin and all the motley crew of Iranian and North Korean freedom-haters will make trouble like never before.

So Americans; be proud of what you made, what you achieved. You may not be perfect but without your resolve there will fall a darkness on the world that will crush the human spirit.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:26 am 101. Despaxious:

Bravo Mr Hanson, a measured and well written piece. Americans have just elected the most inexperienced presidential candidate in modern history. If it makes it through without lingering generational failures (e.g Carters failures in Afghanistan, Iran, Zimbabwe which are still with us today)it would be due to good fortune not a true vetting for the best candidate. Obama and the Democrats, thanks to the media, are like sailors that always have a fair wind at their back and smooth seas. They are never tested.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:30 am 102. sookie:

“4. or you were followed around by the FBI, or your letter to the editor earned a wiretap, or even one instance of the loss of any freedom under Bush—and if so, just one example of how the election of Obama has once again restored your lost liberty. Nothing in the abstract, please—something concrete, an example both real and personal.”

Not personal, but the people this happened to are unlikely to be reading your columns.

The protest groups who were monitored before the conventions…. maybe they needed to be monitored. And no, I don’t think Obama is going to restore this. I think it’s likely to get worse under Obama’s watch though it may be applied to a different set of people.

And I think there are probably other real examples out there of rights being squished if not outright denied. The state using the background check database, intended to clear people for purchasing a gun, by LE to deny CCW permits.

“The conservative grandee at least lives by his unapologetic creed, one that we sometimes abhor, but accept is consistent with the natural law of the jungle in that the stronger and more capable claim that that they deserve a greater material reward for their greater accomplishments or, barring that, even unabashedly for their greater luck in being born lucky.”

The conservatives grandee??? In many cases the law of the conservative jungle was sliced and diced to protect their friends (donors) and inhibit their enemies (not donors)…. just like the Dems.

This is one of the reasons so called conservatives were swept from office over the last couple of years. I’ll make a prediction, it will be one of the reasons that so called liberals/progressives will be swept from office in a few years.

I consider myself a libertarian (small l, cause the bit L’s are a bit wacky, especially on foreign policy & immigration matters, but which political affiliation doesn’t have it’s whack jobs..) but the just escorted out of national office conservatives have not been very conservative, except when it comes to sex, marriage and abortion…. and let’s not forget the War on Drugs.

There are many things I applaud Bush on. Many I fault him on. Not every issue I have fault with, has been his but congress. They’ve mostly been about staying in power rather than commitment to positions.

From my perspective, to put it more precisely stay out of my pocketbook. Stay out of my bedroom. Leave my body alone and don’t give our sovereignty up to other entities at the national level. Don’t violate my personal freedoms at the state and local.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:35 am 103. Terrye:

I have to admit I watched very little of the days and days of Obama worship. I read that Obama’s inauguration got 35 times more coverage than Bush’s and yet he could not beat the viewership of American Idol.

I agree with Hanson, there is something unhealthy about the weird cult like following of some of Obama’s more slavish supporters. They might want to ease up on that sort of thing, otherwise a lot more people might start getting an ueasy feeling.

I get the feeling that if and when a Republican wins a lot of these folks are going to back to burning flags and wishing disaster on their fellow Americans. Bad feeling.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:44 am 104. Stephen Smith:

I’m sending this link to everyone I know, both conservative or liberal. This sums it up for me… as well as I’ve ever seen it put down on paper.

A masterpiece… which should be required reading for every conservative tired of the eight year double-standard.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:49 am 105. TJ:

“The difference between a government that honors transparency and ethics”

So far Obama honors these things in words, and not deeds. The campaign has shown him to be a fluent liar, so his words mean nothing. He had plenty of opportunity for transparency in his contacts with Blago, his purchase of is home from Rezko, his association with Ayers. He was forthcoming in none of these cases, I guess because he was worried that people would get the wrong idea. A little transparency there would have earned him a lot of trust, right now, he has none with me.

Answer me this: how is this an indication that he will be transparent in his administration?

I think that the movie that describes Obama best is “The Music Man” We are going to fix our trouble with a capital T using the “think system” We are going to think everything will be better and it will magically happen. America has elected a fictional character POTUS.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:51 am 106. mikee:

Another Nuremberg rally (lite) ????

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:27 am 107. E. R. Hanson:

VDH has an irrational response to Obama. Anyone who has read his increasingly unhinged posts at the Corner could see that. I suggest serious therapy.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:34 am 108. SAF:

Mr. Hanson:

Great piece.

I think one of the good things that came of the election is that it proves you can get a fair break even if you are black. “Better ideas” (whether you believe they are better or not) can be sold regardless of color. In my travels across the country I have sensed a new pride within the black community and that is a good thing. They do feel more American and I for one can’t blame them.

One man can make a difference. But Obama has been oversold and there can only be disappointment. I was pretty sure we would have a terrorist act on inauguration day, it certainly would have made sense from the terrorist point of view. That it didn’t happen can only be attributed to George Bush, who will never get the credit.

Fortunately for Obama the press will be able to, for some time, blame all Obama’s failures on Bush. I see nothing in his economic package that is new, nor anything in his foreign policy that is new. Different from Bush, perhaps, new, nah.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:36 am 109. joe:

It is amazing but then not surprising that greg is the perfect example of what the thrust of the essay was about.

And not let us forget Mr Huley another wonderful contributor to our nation.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:44 am 110. Mwalimu Daudi:

A response to “Ned”:

1. Interesting how leftists can justify obscene amounts of wealth (Soros, Buffet, Gore and his mansion, etc.) when the plutocrats support lefty causes. The liberal version of “The American Dream” – every leftist plutocrat and robber-baron has a mansion. Or five.

2. The crooked Chicago machine is somehow better?

3. Ah, yes – the proles must have been so excited! In fact – let them eat cake! Just so long as they do not try to touch the hem of His garment.

4. Sound like a variation of “fake but accurate”. You have no proof, but you are still sure. In Third World thugocracies they are called “kangaroo courts”. This is change we can believe in?

5. Wow – you’re not a fan. What a relief! Make sure Hamas gets the memo.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:50 am 111. TLM:

Ned:

You play at being a liberal. The hallmark of that species is adhering to a set of beliefs without deviation. We can still disagree, though:

It’s much easier to heat any home in Northern California than in New England for example. It’s also not that easy to “super-insulate” 150 year old homes, and of course you forget, not everyone can afford to do so.

I agree, Obama is no Caroline Kennedy.

Not all liberals are populists, just the ones in government it seems.

No one should believe in “Trust Me” government. This country was founded on the antithesis of that sentiment. It follows: we agree to be skeptical about the new Administration until it warrants our trust.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:55 am 112. James:

Pretty sad. Here we have a clutch of bitter conservatives clinging to the shaky legs of a bitter writer who mischaracterizes EVERYTHING about the inauguration and the new President himself. But blindness of every sort is why conservatives lost the last two elections and find themselves in exile today being led by gas bags like Hanson and Limbaugh. It’s going to be a long eight years for you folks. I wish I could work up some sympathy but you have done it to yourselves.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:00 am 113. formwiz:

Excellent piece, and right on the money. From an educational point of view, Dr. Hanson once again shows why the liberal arts are still important – history and literature give us the necessary perspective needed to evaluate events and people.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:01 am 114. PWT:

I woke up this morning with a sense of forboding, uneasiness, about my personal future. I feel my freedom slipping away. Taxes, rules, government control over what was once free enterprise terrifies me. A Secretary of Culture? A half million “green industry” jobs, paid for out of my pocket? Unbridled expansion of entitlements? Where are we headed.

My hope is that the scores of Americans who believe that Obama will pay for their home, their gas, and their health care will be bitterly disappointed, because in reality, it will be the upper income taxpayer such as myself who pays.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:03 am 115. Gringo:

I last voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 1976. I share the disgust others have towards the Reverend Wright for his “Goddamn America” and such screeds.
That being said, the Reverend Lowry should be given a pass. He was playing with words, modifying old lines that went this way: “It you’re white, you’re alright. If you’re brown, then stick/hang around. If you’re black, then stay/get back.”

When he was saying ” white did right” or some such, he was simply saying that times have changed.

I do not give the Reverend Lowry a pass for his anti-Bush screed several years ago at an MLK memorial ceremony when Bush was in the audience.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:15 am 116. Broadsword:

Exactly one nanosecond into the “New Era!!”, the highest form of Patriotism morphed from dissent to blind obedience. How ’bout that!
And…”he glued new rhetorical veneers on the Patriot Act and FISA”. Take it from a professional wood guy, rhetoric makes terrible glue.
What most concern me about the “New Era!!” is the so called stimulus package. In the Immaculation speech, The One did not,(of course) talk about the real causes of the housing troubles, the Fannie-Freddie/Dodd/Frank triumvirate and the bad loan and housing policies pushed by the same. And I do not believe he will ever do so, as he would have to go after those in his own party. The ideology he truly subscribes to, (and it is not Christian, whether black-liberation or any other kind) is “Hey, look at me. Ain’t I cool?” Party identity and just plain shying away from conflict will prevent his confronting real problems. So some 850 billion in ear marks will be burnt up for rebuilding Job Corps buildings, and the care and feeding of other albino elephants. This pattern will continue until he notices whatever shite caused by the world’ problems has now risen to knee level, and he will be forced to act. But I am not sanguine that the economic mess will metastasize around the world, (and it seems to be doing this already), and we know about the other three horsemen which follow global economic disasters. But what the hell, fly the flag, and say, “The eight years of neglect of the Bush administration…” The newspapers still standing may even echo that refrain. But I’d suggest saying the Rosary, and putting not your faith in princes. “IHS”.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:16 am 117. Never Yet Melted » Finally, Proud of America:

[...] Victor Davis Hanson marvels at the new-found patriotism of the democrat left. [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:16 am 118. Broadsword:

One more thing…laugh at me all you want when I prescribe prayer. But when someone’s house is destroyed by fire or flood or hurricane, even a CBS reporter or a CNN anchor babe will neither praise the wonderful new President or curse the old terrible fascistic one. Their attentions will be higher. Don’t wait for a disaster to make this decision for you. Without prayer, we don’t have a prayer. “IHS”

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:23 am 119. cfbleachers:

You are totally wrong about the “price” the media will pay.

Here in Australia, we had EXACTLY the same situation just over a year ago. We had a lying left wing media cover up for an in-exeperienced opposition who then won the election. We lost a conservative government (John Howard) and gained a socialist one which promised all the of same hope and change garbage that Obama did.

What turned out, was exactly what you all think – our new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has backtracked on most of the promises he made to the leftists. He has ruined the economy with wastefull welfare handouts that have turned Australia from having a HUGE budget surplus, to now into deficit, and he has been caught out in several high profile scandals (like lying about a phone call with Bush).

But he has extremely high approval ratings and most Australians still think he`s great. The reason is that MSM has simply refused to tell people what he has done. They have just continued to paint him as our genius savior who can do no wrong, and they will NOT print any stories that expose him.

GK at 55 demonstrates the war on truth that is raging in every corner of the globe. The enemies of truth have infiltrated the information streams of all the civilized world and they are bound and determined to filter every fact through their prism, bend every story to their whim and create a narrative that twists and distorts every instance into a piece of their one note melody. Their “message” reigns supreme.

This assault comes not with guns, but with words. Their motto is “If you own the message, you rule the world”. Please, please, please stop calling the enemy “mainstream”. They are polluters of the stream. They are stealers of truth, theives who are building a cultlike following by the very same methodologies of all cults….cut off reality and build an alternate reality.

Also, ALL words have meaning…and precise words have precise meaning. The people who steal the truth are not in any way, shape or form “liberal” or “progressive”. Truth stealers are leftist, cultist, demagogues. We should DEMAND truth in our information streams. The mindless sheep, not bright enough to think for themselves, respond to the lies and lap them up like cotton candy at a carnival of ignorance.

We have no greater enemy. Al Qaeda pales in comparison. The 3rd Century-minded terrorist conceives of ways to attack civilization from the outside and faces retaliation, even with its hit and run tactics.

Stealers of the truth attack from the inside. They create a fiction, then demonize those who point at the truth and demand that the lies be exposed. Weaker minds fall victim to the fakery and promote the cult with ferocity and blind loyalty.

They champion tolerance through intolerance. They champion open dialogue through oppression of divergent thought. They champion equality through inequality. And to the brainwashed eye and ear, this all looks and sounds “normal”. Seek the truth and demand it. And stop using the words of the cult that brainwash the masses.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:23 am 120. Fen:

“I’m not into political dynasties, like the Bushes or the Kennedys.”

Or the Clintons. No surprise you left that out.

“Sorry, I have no such example of how I was affected by the widespread illegal wiretapping. I’m sure others were, though”

I was. The “illegal” [it was not, and FISA just ruled so] wiretapping prevent terrorist attacks on my friends, family and fellow countrymen. Really, there’s no need to discuss this further until you demonstrate you understand the diff between gathering intel for warfighting VS gathering evidence for a criminal proseuction.

[...]

Hanson’s points can be distilled down into something I’ve always known: the Left doesn’t really believe in the things they lecture us about.

Witness Obama’s policy through the next year. Under Bush, “x” was a horrible for the nation; under Obama, that same “x” will the greatest idea since sliced bread.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:26 am 121. Daily Blogger - Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 | Jack’s Newswatch:

[...] Pajamas Media | Victor Davis Hanson: An Uneasy Feeling [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:29 am 122. Blue:

Greatness in America…

A generation of American youth has been brought up to believe that America is not a great country. A generation raised on Vietnam, No blood for Oil and 3 Mile island. A generation that sees Che as a freedom fighter and George Bush as a terrorist. A generation raised on American hostages in Iran and the bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon. A generation that saw the S&L and Enron scandals and believes that’s just the way it is. They have been raised on these perceptions of America and that is all they have been taught. For them, that is America. They have been so overwhelmed by the flaws in America, that they have become blind to the greatness in America.

Yesterday, not just a nation, but the whole world turned its eyes to America and saw the greatness in America. They saw more than a slogan of Hope and Change. Whether they know it or not they saw the culmination of hundreds of years of hard work and sacrificed lives. Let us take some time to honor those who did the work to make America great and rebuke those that refuse to acknowledge it. The founding fathers that are at the foundation of our national beliefs need to be honored. Obama echoed their very words. The American Christians who began the anti-slavery movement in America. The American soldiers that fought to free slaves and still fight for those who would harm us. The leaders of the Civil Rights movement who sacrificed their own safety and in the case of MLK his life. The US government that changed laws in order to bring equality to all Americans. The significant majority of Southerner’s that peacefully integrated the last 50 years. Let us honor people like George Bush who appointed minorities to some of the highest and most powerful positions in the history of the world. And the American people that elected who they believed to be the best person to serve as the President of the United States.

Remember all of these things were accomplished BEFORE America’s first African-American served his first day as President. Let us not diminish their efforts, but acknowledge them.

The world turned its eyes to America and did see real hope and change. Brought to the peoples of the world by America.

Let us not forget to teach our young people that while America has many flaws it is also a great country. Let us not downplay the uniqueness and greatness of America. There are many paths which a free people can walk down. It does not serve our children or the world to diminish our own accomplishments.

America did not become a great country TODAY, America became a great country YESTERDAY.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:36 am 123. Ann141:

66.TLM…your last paragraph! YES!

Succinct and funny….thank you:)!

Day 3.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:39 am 124. anonymous:

“Before Clinton bombed Milosevic in 1998″

In 1998, Clinton was bombing Saddam Hussein’s WMDs, an empty in Afghanistan, and a Sudanese aspirin.

Milosevic was bombed in 1999.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:40 am 125. Mike2:

6. Greg:
“You’ve got to be kidding!?
You are obviously not ready to work together with the rest of us. Enjoy you self-serving life.”

Actually Greg that’s exactly what I am going to do since that is my right as an American citizen and there is not a darned thing you can do about it. I am going to do everything I can do to keep from putting anything into the system while taking out all I can and there are a whole bunch more of us that feel the same way.
—————————————
Who is John Galt?

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:46 am 126. gus3:

Ned,

You have got to be kidding me. Obama ahead on his own efforts? What has he actually accomplished? Don’t say “he won his Senate seat and now the Presidency”; those are merely opportunities to accomplish things. What legal cases did he argue in court? How has he defended freedom in Congress? Those are accomplishments, and he has possibly fewer than any President before him.

And as for how the supposedly “illegal wiretaps” affected people, it’s time for you to face facts: None of your friends, and likely none of your friends’ friends, have lost even one inch of hairline or gained one facial wrinkle due to wiretaps, because they were never wiretapped. If those wiretaps had occurred on the scale you and your professional victim friends claimed they did, we’d have a list of thousands of names long. Do you really think the government could cover up an operation that large for so long? No, all you have to go on is rumor, innuendo, and the classic FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt). You have no facts.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:48 am 127. Joe Heater:

VDH said, “Suddenly Okinawa or Antietam, or all those who died at the Argonne, are ours to claim again…”. I doubt most on the left are able to tell you where or when events at those locations occurred. Ditto on the reference to the B-17. And the fawning press playing Pravda? No doubt in my mind that with their investment in Obama it is a forgone conclusion. Did they report the ugliness and disrespect shown President Bush on the 20th? Nope, not a word. Did Obama do anything to quash that ugliness? Not that I saw.

Obama and the Democratic parties push for a governmental solution to any and all problems will mean far great loss of liberty for the individual than any of the perceived losses inflicted by the previous administration in combating the terrorists that would be happy to witness our demise.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:49 am 128. qrstuv:

“We liberals don’t ask for “global parity” but for everyone to have the opportunity for “life, libery and the pursuit of happiness.” The American Dream.’”

Yet when one person earns more money than another, you demand that the state “correct” the inequality and take money from one and give it to the other.

When one person does not get into a school and that person has a different color of skin than people who passed the tests with higher grades, you demand that the state “correct” the inequality, thus (inadvertently) bumping other people out of attending that school, despite their higher grades.

You constantly demand that the state reduce people’s choices by enacting laws that spell out what people can do with their property and their time, all in the name of a list of “isms” that have nothing to do with the American Dream.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:50 am 129. Mike2:

69. fred:
“But we live in the waning days of Western Civilization, because men such as this are mocked and denigrated. They are hounded and their work distorted. The mob wants bread and circuses. And the smart politicians will give it to them.”

Yes, yes, yes! I agree wholeheartedly.
—————————————-
Who is John Galt?

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:53 am 130. John Steele:

“6. Greg:
You’ve got to be kidding!?
You are obviously not ready to work together with the rest of us. Enjoy you self-serving life.
Jan 21, 2009 – 1:45 pm”

And where the H*ll were YOU for the past eight years. We didn’t see the likes of YOU striving to work together with the rest of US. Oh, that’s right, YOU pronounced US wrong and unworthy of YOUR cooperation.

Shoe, meet other foot.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:11 am 131. Dave:

Absolutely dead on right.

And I see the lefty astro turf crowd is piping in. The lack of any serious rebuttal and the inane insults illustrate how on point this article really is.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:15 am 132. Sarah:

@ Ned #79 – “We liberals don’t ask for “global parity” but for everyone to have the opportunity for “life, libery and the pursuit of happiness.” The American Dream.”

Just having the priviledge of living in America gives EVERYONE the opportunity to EARN “The American Dream.” Not have it handed to you, EARN it! No one is standing on the doorstep of the “underpriviledged” with a gun and keeping them from making something of themselves, they have the same opportunities to be innovative and creative as everyone else and if they want it bad enough they’ll find a way to make it happen.

I grew up in a single parent home with 5 other siblings and we learned how to work for the American dream at an early age. We all covered 6 newspaper routes, I worked in the summers through high school, and I paid my own way through college and we managed to do it all with NO GOVERNMENT ASISSTANCE!

Everyone does have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, however, most of them are too lazy to work for it and you liberals are wilings to give away everyone else’s money but your own in the name of “equal opportunity.”

I CALL BULLSH*T!

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:18 am 133. The Ratnest » Blog Archive » It helps to be consistent and mature:

[...] it’s people.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:18 am 134. Must-Read of the Day « Grand Rants:

[...] than)

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:22 am 135. Pops in Vienna:

Heck Doc, we’ve been in deep trouble for a long time. I agree with a previous post; most liberals have no idea what Iwo Jima or Sharpburg are. Didn’t the Japanese fight on the US side in WW II?

I’ve been living in Europe for 7 years and I noticed the “Mrs. Wilson” change in attitude the day of the inauguration. People were coming up to me and telling me how wonderful our new president is. There were probably more inauguration parties in Vienna than there were in Chicago. A major international organization even provided a stadium size digital TV event so nobody would be denied an opportunity to see the Messiah take the oath.

It reminded me of photos I’ve seen in Vienna museums depicting Hitler’s visit to Vienna after Austria’s annexation. Hail to victory!

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:27 am 136. grampa guy:

Hey Jehosephat:

JUMP!

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:32 am 137. Libertyship46:

What really stuns me is the fact that you see so many Liberal Democrats on TV now calling for “unity,” “working together,” and “healing.” What a load of buffalo chips. These were the same people like Ted Kennedy or Jack Murtha, truly despicable people, who were calling President Bush “a liar,” “a threat to civil liberties,” and an “incompetant leader” (among other deplorable things). And these same democrats were saying this while we had men and women fighting in battle. No matter what you may have thought about the war in Iraq, Congress (YES CONGRESS) gave the president authority to go to war and Congress kept FUNDING the war. People like Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden, and John Kerry keep forgetting this simple fact. These same Democrats also strongly urged for military intervention in Iraq. So why were they so surprised when the President actually decided to INVADE Iraq? If the Democrats in Congress (who also were the ones who controlled Congress for the past two years) really wanted to get out of Iraq, why didn’t they stop funding the war? And did you ever, ever, hear one single Democrat (other than Joe Lieberman) actually demand victory or promote a plan for victory in Iraq? In fact, they tried to public humiliate the only General who actually had a plan for winning the war! Seems to me the only plan the Democrats had for “winning” a war was to leave Iraq, and fast. So now these same Democrats want the “unity” and “healing” to begin. What lieing hypocrites. To them I say I will treat your messiah, Mr. Obama, with the same respect, support, and cooperation you showed George W. Bush. Lets see how much of that “unity” you’ll be able to stand.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:43 am 138. tanstaafl:

The dyed in the wool leftist sees his truths as self-evident. No reflection is required no matter how well reasoned the opposing viewpoint.

I kept looking for supporters & O-maniacs at PJM and elsewhere to show something besides the…nanananana…we won ! deal with it…mentality, after Nov. 4.

Or some depth of reflection. But it was, by and large, a futile search.

Barack re-took the Oath of office on Wed., given that the word “faithfully” comes early in the (Constitutionally mandated) sentence, not at the end, as it was spoken in the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday.

Chief Justice Roberts (re) swore him in, sans Bible. Reportedly, no one had one at hand (Lincoln’s Bible had been returned to the Library of Congress).

Sigh.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:51 am 139. kynna:

Excellent piece. Not only did I find Democrats unpatriotic during the Bush administration, I found them to be anti-American.

And even though there’s a stab of irritation at the new-found patriotism, at this point I’ll take what I can get. The flag gives me a warm feeling, no matter who’s flying it.

At least they aren’t burning it anymore.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:58 am 140. sean sarto:

In Carl Sandburg’s biography of Abraham Lincoln,(the one-volume edition, mind you) There is mention that there was the belief that John Wilkes Booth was under the influence of Marijuana the day he assasinated Lincoln. Sandburg states that marijuana was believed as an ego-enhancing drug.
I can probably say with some degree of accuarcy that the Inaugural crowd was in many ways “half-baked”…half to fully overcooked, more likely. So by their acts and associations alone,(of course the drug useage was and is not seen nor reported), the crowd that fashions itself in the symbolisim of Lincoln and benefited from his governence, choose to be also induced by the physiological state of his assasin.
In a way their demeanors and dialouges are reminiscent of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crowd…

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:11 am 141. HubFlyer » Blog Archive » Have You Made Your pledge?:

[...] Victor Davis Hanson has An Uneasy Feeling: [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:19 am 142. Daily Pundit » The Problem….:

[...] Works and Days » An Uneasy Feeling 4. If you are a civil libertarian, if you are in the ACLU or a law professor, or a liberal in good standing who swore that George Bush from Texas, with strut and twang and mangled vocabulary, destroyed your liberties with FISA, with the Patriot Act, and with Iraq, then please extend that outrage to Barack Obama, for whom all such shredding of the Constitution suddenly has become merely complex and problematic rather than fascistic. Please list, cite, name just one instance from 2002-8 in which you lost your freedom, or you were censored on the library internet, or you were followed around by the FBI, or your letter to the editor earned a wiretap, or even one instance of the loss of any freedom under Bush—and if so, just one example of how the election of Obama has once again restored your lost liberty. Nothing in the abstract, please—something concrete, an example both real and personal. [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:21 am 143. gymnast:

Welcome to the media created age of the racialist society, where the measure of everything is made on the basis of it “being different”. The the media, too often ignorant of the past, praises that which is new or unproven simply because, in their ignorant eyes, it is “different” from the past. Hang on, it’s going to be a hell of a ride.

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:27 am 144. Charles Martel:

[...] Daily Dose of VDH [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:29 am 145. ThinkingPerson:

I’m forwarding this onward. It should be seen by the quivering, uninformed, ill-advised masses (if they’re home from the inauguration yet that is).

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:35 am 146. Must reads from the Insomniac | The Anchoress:

[...] Davis Hanson has an uneasy feeling. And more cowbell won’t fix [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:40 am 147. Jack Marcotte:

Essential vdh

Eventually but to late, understanding will soak in after the analysis begins of the disaster that will now materialize. A disaster that is now facing America with the assent and election of Barak Hussein Obama (BHO) as president of the US.

To know the extent of this disaster is to realize that it is not BHO Hussein Obama or his “blackness” that is the problem or the solution.

BHO is simply the manifestation of the problem that is so large it is not even recognized or noticed by most Americans but it affects the very ground they walk on.

Now, Those who think in simple color seem to be a majority. America is now great because we have a black president. Even primitive tribes are not that stupid to be so easily “conditioned” into a cult or ideology abandoning all rational and experience driven thought.

The nature of the disaster now facing America is like the fish being the last to discover water until the pond goes dry and he is dieing on the beach.

Now a large percentage of the American voting population legal or illegal inner city voters is a product of the abortive American Educational system, and a failed immigration system and listens to and are conditioned by a dysfunctional ignorant and Anti American MSM.

The MSM is Propaganda disguised as objective Reporting. No real discrimination in place.

A large percentage of legal or illegal voting Americans now perform more like schooling fish than humans.

Self protection and class warfare is the order of the day. An inner city gang bang. The exact opposite of what MLK wanted. “Not by the color of their skin”.

BHO is A simple manifestation of ancient and ignorant tribalism cloaked in the human conditioning propaganda of communist and socialist revolutionaries.

BHO’s words regurgitated are a sirens song that has kept most humans in the world even yet in a cesspool of class and tribal warfare and at the bottom rung of humanity since the beginning of time.

His comments would be more appropriate for a “queen bee” than a rational responsible human.

BHO’s idea of a “society” is more akin to a beehive or anthill than the ascendance of an individual rational and intellectual man who is individually responsible for his actions.

This western civilization created by a rational man along with the concept of private property who can now, for a while, own the fruit of his labor. This responsible man is the basis for modern Western Civilization” and its ascendance.

The products of this ascendance of western civilization is what BHO and his like thinking functionaries are fighting over for “redistribution”. A primitive and feudal idea.

The riches of America is nothing current political leadership created but it is pursued like the spoils of war in more primitive times.

Chicago Politics is not politics but tribal cronyism based on mutual interests not supported by any thing other than payment for supporting cronyism.

Random spots of Chicago corrupt politics will not kill America. Chicago politics imposed on America will.

America currently is the high water mark of Western Civilization. Who doubts it, who asks why we have it. Why we need it to advance humanity. Now it appears no one in the leadership of America even recognizes that these questions need answers–now.

There is a “free” press in America jailed by ignorance and bias trying to push America over the brink.

BHO, the American educational system and the MSM represent an outgoing tide for America because once the idea of individual responsibility and all it means is lost—humanity begins to sink along with the ability to develop more advanced societies.

There is nothing real about BHO starting with his “name” his “education” and his “blackness” or the “bootstrap success” touted in the MSM.

BHO’s “success” is the simply another manifestation of the core problem. “American left wing revolutionary politics” and its compatibility with the “klepto politics of Chicago and the surrounding areas in Illinois. Those circumstances accurately describes who BHO is and his past record.

BHO’s father was a typical African Muslim who as a “tribal group” has wallowed in religious ignorance and foulness over the last 800 years or more. The idea of human slavery is still accepted in the “modern” Muslim world. It still exists there. Not here in America but in Africa?

BHO’s biological father also knew how to manipulate the charitable systems in the west. His “education” was it appears wasted.

There is a contempt for America in African leaders because it destroys by demonstration the notion that a persons importance is determined by his tribal birthright.

Muslim world ascendence 800 years ago would have plunged the world into a “darkness” and Madness” that no western American today would even begin to grasp.

Not even BHO grasps the comparative primitive madness of Muslim thought and beliefs. Even the use of his name implies an ignorant impression by voters and a propaganda move by Barry.

Why has information on Muslim teachings not been absorbed within the American educational system. Why has existing written Muslim dogma not been understood even when accurately translated into English.

BHO’s game has been simply “petty politics” and a “playing of the System” including maximum use of affirmative action. As any “lazy uneducated” or unaware smart man would. So goes Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rev. Wright, and on and on.

BHO’s Muslim half brother who lives in a mud hut, in ignorance, looking now for ascent and probably getting it, not because of love or charity or who he is as an individual but because of the assumption that he now may be valuable to the “local powers that be”. He after all is the half brother to the President of the US. BHO’s half brother is not other than typical for who, where and why he is.

Do any now dare to ask what side of the family Barak’s “talent” comes from. A Muslim half brother on the fathers side living in a mud hut, looking for handouts.

“BHO” existance and position itself demonstrates how hypocritical his comments about America are. His election did not cure problems. He will not cure “racial” problems His election demonstrated that the problems he says he will cure, his branding of America in his Euro speeches do not even exist in America.

BHO’s current comments and his campaign policies playing on the growing dependency of Americans date back to any description of revolutionary rhetoric within the last 100 years in the “modern” world.

BHO’s solution to The problem of the Haves and Have nots settled by class warfare and redistribution taxes rather than the American uplift on the wings of every human being within America’s boundaries.

BHO’s comments are socialist and communist revolutionary theory that when implemented within a modern world with efficient weapons caused the death of millions of people by murder and warfare in the name of “social justice”.

Do we even now believe that the rhetoric of socialism and communism will work after millions have died and failures demonstrated. Based on the elections it appears we do.

When the curtain is pulled aside on BHO’s pronouncements it is shown and known as simple tribal warfare psychology designed to weaken the enemy’s resolve and strengthen the aggressor’s. It could also be described as cult or mob thinking as understood by modern psychologists. Brainwashing as understood in North Korean prison camps explaining conversion of American POWS to communist ideology.

BHO’s words provide a thought process that is very compatible with primitive and “ignorant” humans.

When humans were throwing rocks at each other it was a very benign somewhat rational human adaptation to current circumstance that existed for a primitive hunter gather society.

This response and thought protected the tribe’s territory and was the primitive state of humans.

It was many hundreds of years before the “enlightenment” occurred. It appears that we are losing it.

One must ask what ideology will turn out the lights on western civilization and thought.

All BHO’s comments in the name of the common man and the redistribution of wealth are a tribal mentality that predates Christianity and was and is the primary cause of abject human misery and debris.

BHO’s beliefs are the very beliefs that have kept tribes in place, intellectual darkness, magical thinking and humanity in a cesspool of ignorance, greed,envy, diease, and famine with class or outright warfare in a permanent and static position. There are not individuals just tribal members performing their functions.

A taking of goods and services until a “balance is achieved”. Nothing is created only divided up.

There will be no going from “poor” to “rich” in BHO’s society. Being “Rich” is bad. Having “self interest” is bad. His articulated thought is so “primitive” Americans don’t even recognize it for what it is.

Nothing in the current education of young Americans prepares them for empty promises that cannot be fulfilled by a controlling government.

Indeed, who should know that BHO’s rhetoric is only being used to cover for a power grab in a “democracy” not with weapons but simply the ability to count votes legal or illegal.

What does the above say about Americans who allow this destruction of Western Civilization to happen.

Our fore fathers fought a bloody revolution to create America as is and was. We do not even appear now to be able to vote to preserve it.

It can be seen in the MSM comments that any “conservative enlightened dissent” is considered racist, bigoted, and now Anti American and Anti “feel good” globalism.

In reality the MSM comments are no more than the stone throwing of a primitive tribal response to an attack on the tribe. A primitive and destructive response to be sure.

Who wants to understand why America should not go down the path described by BHO? What dependent and ignorant and slave like American wants to hear about how America got to be America. Why our fences had to keep people out instead of locking them in. Who now is even asking these questions? Where is America’s Tom Pain.

What is now occurring is a testament to the foulness of our educational system and the depth of penetration by revolutionary communist and socialist ideology.

Current events are a testament to what the dumbing down of America means. It is a testament to what the loss of understanding means about the history of the world that America grew up in.

America has never been the problem. America has always been the “imperfect” high water mark in human history. It is an island rock that has risen above the abortive sea of tribalism,communism, socialism and cronyism.

America was a place that humanity could go to evade primitive tribal ideology born in the minds of men of no purpose other than to seize power.

Power that they like BHO and the left wing democrats were not willing to work for or secure as individuals. They instead rely on “tribal” instinct that sees all “outsiders” as enemies that must be destroyed.

A primitive human response is now manifested mostly within the MSM reporting process and the educational process in America . It is not based on individual responsibility and the right to own the results of the individuals labor. We will become primitive again with our current paths. So be it.

Standing in a rain of words saying pretty much the same thing. Maybe some of us will get wet.

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:55 am 148. PD Quig:

“Call out the instigator
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution’s here”

We will come out of these next four years longing for the good old days of 2008. An Axis of the Federal Reserve and federal politicians have conspired for nearly 100 years to bankrupt the middle class taxpayers of this country for the service of their plutocracy. With rampant overspending and inflation destroying savings, the Fed has bailed out bad loans to corrupt foreign countries and corporations alike–all backstopped by the American taxpayer in the end.

This time it will end in bullets and blood, despite anything that Mr. Hopenchange may attempt.

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:58 am 149. richard mcenroe:

“Please list, cite, name just one instance from 2002-8 in which you lost your freedom, or you were censored on the library internet, or you were followed around by the FBI, or your letter to the editor earned a wiretap, or even one instance of the loss of any freedom under Bush…”

But, but dude, like every other episode on “Law and Order”, three times a week, those angry white Christian males from Homeland Security are hassling innocent ethnics or hiding guiltly felons “for security reasons”… I mean, they couldn’t say that if it wasn’t true, could they? In President Obama’s America?

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:59 am 150. Bandit:

I prefer the term periodic patriots. They like America when their side wins – and then they can say how much they hate the rest of the country.

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:01 am 151. PJ:

“Excuse me, but as a cynic I confess the politics of the left are now about power, ego, status, and the notion of control, rather than genuine concern for the planet, or the creed of egalitarianism or for freedoms of the people.”

It’s the new French Revolution. I wonder when the Committee for Public Safety convenes?

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:11 am 152. Truth Fairy:

Those of us motivated to respond to the likes of Greg@6, E.R. Hanson@107 and James@112: Bomb throwers never contribute to the discourse. They sashay into a discussion chin aloft, read for a minute, drop their ad hominum bomb and leave the room, closing the door behind them. They just can’t be bothered with addressing the merits, doncha see?

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:11 am 153. Valerie:

Today on the black talk radio I heard a reprise of Michelle Obama’s “for the first time I was proud” comment, this time from a black guy who said he’d never touched a United States flag before. He was given one at the Inauguration, and he was struck and thrilled by the variable crowd, that included so many young black men waving the flag.

This man’s alienation from his own country was the life’s work of those preachers who have slandered this country, and told these young men that there is no place in our society and encouraged them to separate themselves from the rest of us. Their influence has been far-reaching, and should not be underestimated as a barrier to black success.

If Barack Obama the man turns out to be a mediocre president, and yet succeeds in convincing our young black men and women to participate in our democracy, it will have been worth it. And if he turns out to be a mediocre president, Conservatives will be partly to blame, for failing to articulate what their concerns and ideas have to offer.

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:24 am 154. Cranky Greg:

Fantastic! as usual….
Why didn’t I have professors like VDH when I was in college?

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:25 am 155. Jim,MtnViewCA,USA:

One typo “derelection” should be “dereliction”, I believe.

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:27 am 156. threedonia.com » Blog Archive » VDH: An uneasy feeling:

[...] Victor Davis Hanson made it through Inauguration Day. [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:30 am 157. Nate:

Dr. Hanson–

I agree with most of what you write in this excellent article, however I note that many liberals seem also to have become uneasy with the bizarre cult of Obama we have witnessed over the last few days. For example, yesterday I had an interesting chat with several very liberal acquaintences of mine at USC in the heart of liberal Los Angeles. I was surprised to learn that they also found the inaugural orgy excessive and banal. This reinforces my impression that many on the left were embarrased by the reactionary anti-patriotism of the fashionably leftist elite during the Bush era. I am therefore optimistic that without a foil to set themselves against the cultist glitterati are fast becoming a joke even for the people they purportedly lead. This is a very important development that likely will return our civil discourse to what it used to be.

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:48 am 158. the youth vote:

Mr. Hanson,
I’d just like to put in a word or two in defense of those of us who do feel new (or perhaps renewed) pride in our country at this moment.

I am one of those elusive, allegedly apathetic, easily disregarded “youth voters” who, along with millions of my peers, declined to fit the stereotype of us and actually did show up at the polls last November. This was the first presidential election in which I could legally vote, and I felt a sense of overwhelming pride at filling out that ballot — performing one of the most important and patriotic acts as an American citizen.

The first thing I ever read about politics was when, as an eight- or nine-year-old, I stole my parents’ Newsweek and discovered the Clinton scandal (needless to say, I didn’t understand some of the… subtleties of the issue, but even as a child I knew that something bad had happened). September 11 was two days before my 13th birthday. Almost half of my life has been spent under the auspices of the Bush administration — eight years in which I felt ignored, disregarded and pushed aside. Certainly, I couldn’t yet vote, but wasn’t my 16-year-old self still a citizen?

From quite a young age, I felt (and was shown) that I could not trust my government, because they did not represent my will, nor the will of the American people. The crimes committed against the Constitution and the justice system by the Bush administration were, to me, unforgivable. Studying the Iraq war and issues of national security throughout classes at university has only reinforced my sentiments that there was little honesty or trust either within the past administration or toward the American people.

And that, to me, is the most significant difference. I love (most of) the people of America. I love their capacity for kindness, their generosity to others in even the most trying of times, their ability to survive through disasters and to help one another. I love what this country is supposed to stand for: the ideals of liberty, of freedom, of equality for every single person. These are things that I have always been and will always be proud of. The difference now, at least for me (although I believe I can speak for many people I know), is that I feel that I can now be proud of my government, and trust that it may actually represent the ideals and intrinsic beliefs of this country that we all love so much.

I feel engaged. I feel that I have been given a voice, and that it may be listened to instead of ignored like it was for the last eight years. I never stopped being proud of what America stood for, but now I feel that I can be proud of what it is, and what it can become.

Jan 22, 2009 - 9:59 am 159. LSD:

Count me with the sullen.

I tried to listen to the President’s speech with an open mind, but it sounded like he was saying this: “Now that the bad guys are out of office, the time for petty partisan politics is over.”

I even heard someone from the Huffington Post suggest that we have moved into a ‘post-partisan’ era! -As if anyone who disagrees, ought to be considered obsolete.

Thanks again, Dr. Hanson.

Jan 22, 2009 - 10:14 am 160. TJ:

In two years Obama bashing is going to be so widespread that it will become boring. The guy is clearly in over his head, and the stars in their eyes followers will learn this soon enough.

Jan 22, 2009 - 10:40 am 161. Selective Patriotism « Obi’s Sister:

[...] needs to go back to Charm School, Village Idiots) Read all of Victor Davis Hansen’s An Uneasy Feeling (h/t The Anchoress). Just a taste: But America was always ours, the public, and the nation [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 10:47 am 162. Daily Pundit » And Speaking of Weird Comparisons….:

[...] Works and Days » An Uneasy Feeling Let me preface that worry: I did not think much of Bill Clinton our modern-day Alcibiades. [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:02 am 163. Sara2009:

My polics veer strongly to the left but the public display of affection for Obama is just creepy. What is wrong with people? The whole campaign from start to finish demonstrates the power of marketing – online and otherwise. Very early in the day I remarked on the strange appropriation of the screen printed iconographic imaging of him – in the style of Che! The shots “on the campaign trail” in black and white so as to make it look as though this were all happening historically, rather than 5 minutes ago – it really is a mob spectacle that yes, makes me nostalgic for Bush! I can’t believe I said that.

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:15 am 164. ret7:

It was, & is, not just the glorification of this one man, Obama, by Americans that concerns me … but that his effect is so strong outside this nation of ours…that gives me even greater reason to pause

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:15 am 165. George Best:

Obama had a chance to give an historic speech on Tuesday and he laid an egg. The man is all style and no substance.

No matter what he does, he is the first “black” President, so his actions while in office will never be looked upon negatively by but a small percentage of the population. The fact is he is the worst qualifed person ever to be elected President.

I still want to know where the mf was born. If he was born in Hawaii, why isnt there a big sign that says Obama born here out in front of the hospital.

Why wont he produce a real birth certificate and his grades for that matter?

Im really sad for white people who feel like they owe his ilk something. If a white guy who was elected President gave a speech telling black people to do what ie right, ie stop having too many out of wedlock babies, commiting a disproportionate amount of violent crime, disproportinately taking too much welfare etc, can you imagine the outrage we would see.

Why do black people always get a pass because of their race?

To see Obama and his wife anywhere near the White House and all the pomp and circumstance that comes with their election makes me puke.

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:35 am 166. Nick:

Sir, your articles have been invaluable in arguments with my mindless liberal peers.

Thank you very much.

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:42 am 167. Roderick Reilly:

“”"”"”"”"Those are OUR jets now!

That’s OUR military now!

“”"”"”"”"”"”

NOT really, assuming the above wasn’t parody. First off, the military doesn’t like people who think the way you do. Secondly, the military comes primarily from people who don’t like you. They won’t obey “your” orders. Got it?

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:59 am 168. Roderick Reilly:

Dear “”"158. the youth vote:”"”

Is this parody? Did you lift this piece from the “Onion” and put your name on it?

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:03 pm 169. Delia:

More pomp, myth and circumstance regarding the actual turnout for “The One’s” inauguration:
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mithridate-ombud/2009/01/22/obamas-million-ghost-march

Obama’s ginormous ego and the people feeding it so blindly scare the eff out of me.
http://www.faithfreedom.org/obama.html

Let’s all goose-step in line and hail da chief quick-like.

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:26 pm 170. Stevie Wunda:

“Please list, cite, name just one instance from 2002-8 in which you lost your freedom, or you were censored on the library internet, or you were followed around by the FBI, or your letter to the editor earned a wiretap, or even one instance of the loss of any freedom under Bush…”

I can’t. But if we leave it to only those who lost their freedoms to fight the system, it is just a matter of time before we all lose. I wish I could remember exactly the phrase from someone from the Warsaw Ghetto, something like: “First they came for the vocal dissidents. Then they came for the trade unionists. Then they came for the gypsies. Then they came for the Jews. When they came for us there was no one to help us fight.”

When we as a society become indifferent to the degradation of civil liberties in this country then the very spirit of America can be pronounced dead.

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:33 pm 171. the youth vote:

re: #168, Mr. Reilly — If you can help it, please don’t toss around charges of plagiarism like that. As a journalism student, I take that kind of thing pretty seriously. But thank you for assuming that, since I’m a young’un, I couldn’t possibly write something coherent, using complete sentences and leaving out contractions and LOLspeak. Astonishing, isn’t it, what the kids are up to these days?

Besides, if I’d taken it from the Onion, I can promise it would’ve been a lot funnier. I prefer to leave comedy to the professionals.

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:44 pm 172. cfbleachers:

I prefer the term periodic patriots. They like America when their side wins – and then they can say how much they hate the rest of the country — Bandit #150

Timeshare Americans, they want to reap the benefits without maintaining the upkeep.

There is no pride in ownership of this homeland of ours, in fact, they will trash talk it at the drop of a hat if every petty demand isn’t met and by the way, expect a tantrum at any inconvenience or denial of their prima donna directives.

Spoiled rotten, self-absorbed, me first/me always, disloyal and always aggrieved whiners. If they don’t get their way every time, …expect another tantrum.

Jan 22, 2009 - 12:59 pm 173. richard mcenroe:

#158 — You avoided the point of the question, junior. Name. One.

And episodes of Law and Order don’t count.

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:03 pm 174. West:

Dear Youth Vote,

Prepare to be ignored for the next 4 to 8 years. Typically that is what the Democrats do – lots of promises and rhetoric about how they will serve any given demographic, and then once in power, they will happily screw you until they need your vote again. (See – ‘Jews’). If you actually pay attention to events instead of the rhetoric, you will find this will apply to the youth vote, as it has to so many other groups for he last 40 years or so. Of course, Republicans can be guilty of this as well, but I must say that they have not refined it to the fine art that today’s Democratic party has.

I see that rather than actually answer any of VDH’s challenge questions, you assert that ‘in university’ (Hint – Americans do not say ‘at university’, they say ‘at/in college’, or ‘at the university’. So, unless you are just attempting to be euro-cool, I suspect you are not quite as American as you protest to be) you were taught all about “the crimes committed against the Constitution and the justice system by the Bush administration ” – without naming any. That is because there is no solid evidence that the Bush administration did commit crimes against the Constitution, and if there actually were any, impeachment would not be a pipe dream of the left, but would be proceeding with that evidence as a basis – or at least lawsuits would have been filed. Since neither of these events have come to pass, I consider my point proven. It may be that evidence will come out in the future of transgrssions of this nature, but to date there is none, and any assertions made by the left to that point are either completely false, or to be generous (to the left), arguable. I suggest that you apply your skepticism of authority to the university and faculty where and from whom you learned these ‘truths’, perhaps you might actually learn something rather than parroting the assertions made by your no doubt biased and most likely duplicitous faculty.

Lastly, as I have neither the time nor inclination to address each and every one of your your unsupported claims, I would like to point out that you let the cat out of the bag with the sentence beginning:

From quite a young age, I felt (and was shown)”

Using only feelings and information fed to you by others, parroting the information placed in front of you by others without critical examination is a trait of a well programmed individual, who has been taught ‘truths’ (from an early age, no less!), with no focus on critical thinking and the weighing of evidence. When actual facts and circumstances take second place to propaganda and groupthink, you have the hallmarks of a red diaper baby, who thinks that their worldview, carefully nurtured by others to go only in one specific direction, and never exposed to the tools that can truly free your mind, is the only correct way to think. It is too bad, I hate to see our youth so squandered.

However, as I was brought up in a similar milieu and was able to develop critical thinking skills on my own recognizance and reject the false prepositions of leftism that I had been steeped in all my life, I have hope that you, too can rise above your seriously deprived education and learn to think for yourself. It may just take some time. You may even end up holding the same positions you have now, except you may be able to express yourself with concrete examples and some factual basis for your assertions, rather than the baseless slander and ‘feelings’ with which you support your arguments today.

I sincerely wish you good luck with that. We need more free minds in this world.

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:09 pm 175. Pat J:

That “uneasy feeeling” is what’s called extinction, VDH. Get used to it.

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:25 pm 176. urbanleftbehind:

#165

Maybe the hospital in HI closed down from all the visa overstays from Asia hanging out in the ER planting their anchor babies!!!

Jan 22, 2009 - 1:47 pm 177. Jim Baker:

#158
In a nutshell, you have been well trained by the collectivists who control your campus. After you spend some time out in the world, making your own living, you can lecture me on how Obama made you proud of your country. You have always had a voice, your President was never opposed to the values you love, and you will only be a happier person when you realize that no one else, including President Obama, can give you any self respect.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:01 pm 178. Nightly Ramble: Now that the dust is starting to settle… | BitsBlog:

[...] it. It’s ard to be inspired while you’re parsing every word.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:04 pm 179. AndrewJ:

“Professor Hanson, was there ever a Roman Emperor whose name at first sounded as foreign to Latin-speaking Italian ears, as “Barack Obama” at first sounded to English-speaking American ears?”

Elagabulus. His name was as Semitic as he was, although it has been rendered Heliogabulus in some quarters. He likewise believed in Change, especially as religions go, and he threw great parties.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:06 pm 180. view from afar:

Great article, right on the money, spot on…I watched the swearing in, the French on television have it right “le sacre d’Obama” (what happened to French kings, the little empereur), and although as I am not home it was awesome to see the US, I just had “an uneasy feeling” Thank you.
Now for N°158, equality is a French motto, not an Amaerican motto. Americans are promised “the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” i.e. the right to be alive, to be free, and to try to achieve happiness, but by their own efforts. No guarenteed equality. However the French promise the right to “liberté, egalité, et fraternité” i.e. to be free, to equal, and to be brotherly. However the problem is in France that there is no egalité, its all the fake feel good about yourself, pat yourself on the back sort of thing that most conservatives here are criticizing about the image that the left is portraying, and most leftist posters are proving to the hilt.
N°168, probably! stole it from the onion

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:20 pm 181. view from afar:

awesomee retort N°174! thanks, I ‘m heading off to bed (it’s 22H30, as I am in France, but am an American)
ooo I am tired: “although I am not at home, it was awesome to see the US on French televsion portrayed positively for a change
Oops, American, not Amaerican. Guaranteed not guarenteed…

and maybe 158, you are a French journalism major?

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:30 pm 182. TLM:

E. R. Hanson:

“VDH has an irrational response to Obama. Anyone who has read his increasingly unhinged posts at the Corner could see that. I suggest serious therapy.”

The MSM has an irrational response to Obama. Anyone who has read, seen or viewed their increasingly unhinged reports on him can see that. I suggest serial bankruptcies.

VDH packs his essays here and on the Corner with a fair amount of substance. You can always disagree with the details, or with the gist of what he writes. But irrational it is not.

Look to the “tingle up my leg” type media pundits for true examples of irrationality.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:49 pm 183. Cybergeezer:

I take back what I said about our new President. He’s not incompetent. He’s juvenile and adolescent. After this mornings news conference, I’m convinced. He’s an absolute joke. We The People are screwed. And this includes you pathetic Obama supporters.

Jan 22, 2009 - 2:59 pm 184. Mike:

This is the best article that I’ve read in a long time.
Thank you.

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:22 pm 185. Jeremy:

1. Sure – but even if someone’s a total hypocrite, they can still be right.

2. Sure – but then that’s what you get with your permanent two-party system, and will continue to get until you implement something more democratic, like at least preferential voting. Until then, your two corrupt major parties are unassailable, no matter what they do.

3. Done. Massive waste of money, and an insult to the world’s poor.

4. Done. Obama either undoes the damage Bush did in terms of dismantling civil liberties, or we’ll condemn him for it too.

5. I condemn all those things. But you can’t seriously be demanding a full CONDEMNATHON every time we criticise Israel or anyone else, can you? It’s pretty much a given that most people condemn China for Tibet or Russia for Chechnya etc – the difference with Israel is that certain people keep defending its “right” to do these things. Hence a debate.

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:49 pm 186. Jeremy:

Would it help if I recited the Catalog of Contempt?

Jan 22, 2009 - 3:55 pm 187. NMSC:

Bravo. Terrific piece.

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:01 pm 188. West:

To view from afar, post N°181

Thank you, just attempting to do my part. I have found that attempting to argue ideology is usually fruitless, although it can be entertaining. Fostering critical thinking and objective weighing of evidence, however, will gain conservative thought converts, when successful. Vive la France!

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:25 pm 189. The Historian:

BLACK AMERICANS SUFFER FROM DISCONNECT
Obama didn’t change America. It’s been this great all along.

http://greensrealworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/some-americans-finally-discover-their.html

Jan 22, 2009 - 4:30 pm 190. John Costello:

I think “Marin County Patriots” is better than “selective.”
Nor was it a “tingle up his leg.” Rather, his bladder gave way and he wet his pants thinking of the Big O.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:18 pm 191. Truthwillprevail:

An interesting article. But the questions raised re: ‘first feelings of pride’ are beyond the understanding of the average white folk (I am not saying you are necessarily racist). Only the excluded can fully appreciate inclusion when it finally happens. The argument about past fallen heroes suddenly becoming ‘ones own’ etc. is a cheap shot at tugging at the emotions of the ignorant masses. Ask yourselves what was it like for a black American/native American/minority ethnic living in the USA during WW2… – you can’t begin to understand something if you choose to ignore the different levels of complexity of a situation.

And if your main reason for not liking Obama is because he is ‘black’ -and again I am not saying that is necessarily the case – only you know what feelings drives you – remember this – his mother was white. So you can identify with him afterall you sillybillys.

Jan 22, 2009 - 5:39 pm 192. ~Paules:

Zee Americans have put zee pied noir in zee Maison Blanc. Even a French cobbler can appreciate zee ironie. How is it you stupid Americans fail to laugh? Why so serious? Life eez an adsurdity.

I throw my scarf around my neck and order more absinthe for zee table. I ask zee waiter, “why have you ashtrays in zee district Non-Fumez?” He says it saves much work rubbing zee burns from his wooden tables. We share a laugh of fraternite as another neighborhood of Paris burns in zee distance. He glances at zee glow, and with a shrug, he declares that it spares us zee trouble of playing host again to zee Bosch Armee. We are now beside ourselves wiz humor. Absurdity goes well with absinthe.

But you Americans lack zee finer points of culture. The Louvre, you know, is stacked high wiz zee broken bits of zee past. It is time we French led the world. Our motto: Futilitae, Ironie, Absurditae!” But I must go. I promised my wife that I would dine with her before I see my mistress.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:22 pm 193. Mary:

To make an unabashed religious reference: this is all very Moses/Joshua. Bush served as our Moses, receiving heaps of scorn, blame (whining) from the people for attempting to move us towards what’s right… Obama is now hailed as Joshua (a.k.a., Yeshua): the one to deliver us to the Promised Land. He’s our “savior” simply b/c he’s, well, he’s not Moses. I’m proud to be an Israelite.

Jan 22, 2009 - 6:42 pm 194. therealist:

Excellent article. I do think its perfectly reasonable to love your country and be proud of its heritage and accomplishments but still have mixed feelings about its policies, direction, past actions, etc. I guess this is what you’re saying.

By the way, I was a Democrat for a long time and then one day I just saw through the whole charade. Don’t lose hope – remember Abe Lincoln’s famous quote about fooling all of the people some of the time.

Jan 22, 2009 - 7:57 pm 195. Love Means Never Having to Say “He’s Not My President”. : The Sundries Shack:

[...] Victor David Hanson has noticed and his commentary is spot-on and as kind as the sunshine patriotism of the left deserves. [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 8:01 pm 196. G.May:

To the youth vote,

Your “argument” is empty rhetoric and your foundations of knowledge of Bush are clearly funadmentally flawed. You failed to address (like most leftists on this page) the very substance of the article. Like Obama, you have offered a lot of high speech, yet very little substance.

I admire your ability to express yourself as most of your peers are failing at that in larger numbers. As another poster already pointed out, when you get out into the real world, and experience man in all his shortcomings, you will begin to achieve a more well-rounded understanding. Hopefully you will find the intellectual honesty to research the so-called facts you were fed that form your “strong” opinion.

Everyone is of course entitled to their opinion, however the vast swaths of our electorate who have voted an extremely ill-informed opinion (like yours) are doing just as much harm as good. I hope that as a journalist, you will not be guided by opiniun, but ethics. That is something your future profession has lost sight of. Then strive for intellectual honesty.

Jan 22, 2009 - 10:52 pm 197. TLM:

the youth vote:

“I feel engaged.”

You read this article, commented on it and voted in the recent election. You are engaged. You feel like an American.

“I feel that I have been given a voice…”

Indeed you were. Circa 1776.

“…and that it may be listened to instead of ignored like it was for the last eight years.”

Check back in eight years and tell me if any one listened to you.

“I never stopped being proud of what America stood for…”

Repeat after me: Stands for…Stands for… Stands for… Stands for…

“…but now I feel that I can be proud of what it is…”

But now I feel like I need a nap, or to beat some skepticism into your silly head. Reread the article while I’m flipping a coin.

“…and what it can become.”

And that will be up to you and your generation. Study hard.

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:03 pm 198. » LifeStream Digest for 2009-01-22 Cadm.us:

[...] Works and Days » An Uneasy Feeling No TweetBacks yet. (Be the first to Tweet this post) *name [...]

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:05 pm 199. Ned:

@ 83,90,94,95
Thanks for your responses to my critique of Hansen. Perhaps I should have been a little less flippant – many of you properly attacked some sloppy reasoning:
1. When you answered my questioning of Hansen’s 3000 foot limit for a good environmentalist with sound responses about how smaller houses use fewer resources than bigger ones, I can only say you are right. Still, I’m not sure I agree with Hansen that living in bigger houses is incompatible with believing that as a country we should try to do more (and even create laws) to protect the environment. I also don’t see an issue with more successful members of society having more than those with less ability, focus and accomplishment. Do you really believe that people on the left think that there should be NO differences between the wealth of individuals?
2. I have an issue with hereditary political “machines” whether Republican or Democrat. A recent study showed that 25% of members of Congress had hereditary ties to their jobs. Just don’t like it. And, yes, Obama “earned” it. Worked hard through elementary school, high school, college. Head of Harvard Law Review. He didn’t get there because of Bill Ayers or Mayor Daly. He showed talent. Made the most of his opportunities. Time will tell whether his shrewd and successful campaigns will translate into success as President. But in my mind it was a much better bet than reckless John McCain.
3. I’m not a critic of rich people who spend a lot on clothes or spend a lot on parties.
4. The whistleblowers are already coming out of the closet to tell about how the Bush administration spied on Americans. It was illegal AND unconstitutional. It wouldn’t have been hard after 9/11 to get a law passed to allow it – but it didn’t happen. Hansen’s challenge is senseless – no-one who was a victim is going to be reading pajamas media or responding to it.

As for transparency, it’s not too hard to see that the Obama administration will reverse some of the secrecy of the last 8 years. Obama revoked EO 13233 today – Bush’s executive order to keep Presidential records secret, something that national archivest’s felt at the time “violates both the spirit and letter of existing U.S. law on access to presidential papers…” and “potentially threatens to undermine one of the very foundations of our nation.” That’s on Day 2.

God Bless America!

Jan 22, 2009 - 11:13 pm 200. JackT:

We finally have a real leader in Washington. The Bush admin. was a complete disaster. It’s very clear that God has raised Obama to lead our country. How else can you explain his meteoric rise? Everything, I mean everything fell right into place for him. There is nothing that could have prevented it, nothing. It was not the economy, it was not McCain or Palin, it was not Bush, it was God’s will. It feels so good to trust the White House again. He’s a good man and you know it. He has the best of intentions. Obama has always been proud of his country, this is nothing new. What you people don’t understand is that it’s not about what color you are, it’s about what’s best for our country. And what’s best is the rule of law, honesty, proper diplomatic relations with other countries. It’s about mutual respect and not arrogance and fake patriotism, it’s about not calling other countries evil, or thinking that we have the right to go and do whatever we please throughout the globe. Sure there are people out there that don’t like us, but that doesn’t give us the right to totally disregard international law and the principles we stand for. You bozos are always talking about being Christians, well, you should try and act like it. What ever happened to love, and what about compassion, what about truth, honesty, what about, giving, sharing, what about lifting up, instead of tearing down, what about equality, what about Jesus. God didn’t say love your neighbor provided they are nice to you. Jesus didn’t teach love for each other provided conditions were just right. The true test comes when we are challenged, challenged to make the right decisions, which I’m confident Obama will do. This guy is the real deal. I’ve been watching and listening to him for a few years now. At first I didn’t like him. But he has proven time after time to be a gigantic figure, full of grace, charm, intelligence, wisdom beyond his years, and the right temperament to be President. He will prove to be the best President since Lincoln, mark my words. This land does not belong to anyone, we are just borrowing it for awhile. We are lucky and truly blessed to live on this soil. This is God’s country. We are a mixture of white, black, and native for the most part, and we all have a stake in it’s life, it’s history, and it’s future. You people have to realize that you are on the wrong side of history with your hateful rhetoric and racist remarks. The wisdom of the ages will eventually reveal the truth to us all. The events of this world work together to show us to ourselves so that we will chart a more perfect course. God has handed us the tools, he has given us a real leader. God had to allow Bush to stay for 8 years to show us how NOT to do things. This is our chance, this is our opportunity to change, before it’s too late. Lets’ not blow it.

Jan 23, 2009 - 12:16 am 201. A nation of 3-year-olds. | The Skepticrats:

[...] Victor Davis Hanson writes of the new calls for “unity” from the Left: I distilled from the press coverage and the crowds and the punditry [at the inauguration] that for all too many suddenly a vote for Obama redeems America. Now, to paraphrase Michelle Obama, for the first time in their lives they are apparently proud of the United States. (Had we not had the financial meltdown in mid-September, and had Obama stayed three points back in the polls, would millions have stayed soured on America and now in sullen silence licked their wounds?). [...]

Jan 23, 2009 - 1:50 am 202. vivo:

92. george:

“Obama has done the Oath again in the Map Room – to silence the conspiracy theorists, apparently. But folks, he didn’t use a Bible”

Nobody needs a frikking bible.

Jan 23, 2009 - 3:58 am 203. mac:

Mr. Hanson is, as usual, correct. It’s a true pity that we ended up buying Iraq’s freedom at the cost of our own. No good deed goes unpunished.

Jan 23, 2009 - 7:09 am 204. Count Chocula:

#158, as you have studied the Bush adminstrations excesses towards the Constitution, please go the extra step and look into how two of our more celebrated presidents had Constitutional issues of their own: Abraham Lincoln and FDR (two presidents our current president hopes to emulate)

you will see that the Bush administration actually treaded lightly compared to some things his predecessors have done.

Jan 23, 2009 - 7:18 am 205. pwr:

Ned,

1. “Do you really believe that people on the left think that there should be NO differences between the wealth of individuals?”

Sorry, of course, party members always have the best cars and dachas. What strain of leftism do you adhere too, some sort of “neo”-communism or a purer Marxism? Or when you refer to the left are you also including “blue-dog” Democrats and other center-left moderate types? I would hazard a guess most here could differentiate between a liberal and a leftist.

2. “He didn’t get there because of Bill Ayers or Mayor Daly. He showed talent. Made the most of his opportunities.”

He didn’t make it alone on talent. The aforementioned as with any mentor, backer, etc. may have significant influence in helping you make the connections, decisions, and showing you the opportunities available. You can’t believe that Obama navigated the Chicago machine on talent alone.

Also the Obama’s have been pretty reckless with Rezko and Michelle’s pork appointment. It just didn’t matter in the public’s eye at the end, especially compared to a Senator, whose base never really loved him.

3. In a way, I am a critic of this behavior. It doesn’t mean we should stop it, especially when it is THEIR money. I just think it could probably be put to better uses. If I was that rich, would I invest or would I spend on a big party? Don’t know, not in the position.

Should Obama have an inauguration party? Sure. However, how much is too much? Probably baseline the non-security costs and have it keep pace with inflation. No matter what, the security costs were going to be higher with Obama.

4. You MAY be right about one of the programs. However, I think it is safe to say there has been a balancing act by the Bush administration with regards to “spying on Americans”. Also one of the more “onerous” ones had to have monthly approval by a small selection of Congress.

Hansen’s challenge is not senseless. It makes a lot of sense. Given the amount of hand-wringing and press coverage on this topic, there should be plenty of examples. However, I think if a more sober and fact-based assessment would be done, the number of actual problems would be small (like the number of library searches). I remember reading an LA Times article of the FISA court and terror prosecutions. After 9/11, the number of warrants doubled, but prosecutions off of warrants went up near 80%. Over time, the % has returned to historical proportions, but the warrants number has stayed steady. The author made it sound like we lived in a climate of fear.

9/11 had to test some boundaries and stray into gray areas. This was unavoidable. These should have been debated and assessed as opposed to be villified and over-dramatized. It makes correcting the mistakes and giving the government the tools it needs to fight terrorists more difficult.

Obama’s EO is an increase in transparency and he will probably move us back to more historical norms. Some of that will be a part of BO’s approach, but how much of that is due to the lack of an event demanding such security?

Jan 23, 2009 - 7:41 am 206. tanstaafl:

Some of zee French I have contact with hate zee Sarkozy.

I figured we elected zee President they wanted, so, for a time, zee United States will be smiled upon by zem.

(however, recollect, the spirit of “nous sommes tous américains” following 911 (headline in Le Monde) lasted about a week and then we descended into arguments about freedom fries and wine boycotting & so forth

Zee French are extremely fickle.

Anyway, yesterday Chirac’s depressed poodle bit him and he had to go to zee hospital. (you remember Jacques, he was great friend & trading partner of Saddam ?)

Jan 23, 2009 - 8:58 am 207. Teacher in Texas:

I am a high school economics teacher and I teach that subject to seniors. Right before Christmas break, one of my kids came back to visit, after his first semester of college. And I got to see first hand why the cult of personality surrounding the Messiah scares the life out of me. Among my former charges comments:

“Bush was the worst preisdent in history.” I shut this one down as I always do with “you are too young to have experienced Carter.”

“Bush is going to be tried for treason”

(Naive, high pitched voice) “Oh Obama can’t wait to get started and tackle all these problems. He just can’t wait.”

“Personally I like McCain, but he graduated last in his class.” I reminded him of how one gets into the USNA, the rigors of the physical and academic regimin Middies undergo, and how I will take the man or woman dead last at a service acadamy vs. the upteenth BA in “Queer Studies” or “Post-Marxist, transgendered Feminist Literature from Harvard or Yale.

He also referred to McCain as “loser” because he got captured by the enenmy (no kidding!) His tortured logic was that in war, the fundamental rule is not to get captured. (This BTW was so mind-numbingly idiotic I had no response.) But I did point out that his Savior never joined the military and never even considered it. He did not think that was a big deal. I also asked my former charge if he would ever consider the military. No, of course not. I then pointed out that its funny how someone who obviously “lacks the requisite decended male genitalia” (my exact words) to actually put his body on the line for the freedoms he takes for granted really doesn’t have the standing to criticize anyone like McCain.

It was sad. When he left me bubbling with enthusiasm about “hope and change” I shook my head.

It was not hard to picture him in another reality, waving his Little Red Book and screaming at the traitors to the people or wearing his brown shirt willing to do anything to serve the glorious leader.

Jan 23, 2009 - 9:08 am 208. view from afar:

N° 200, God also put the Pharoh that was horrible to the Isrealis into power to prove his glory. Obama ignores “the least of these” in direct violation of God’s will. Ok, then let’s just touch on the bible issue vivo brings up, actually, I’m not sure about the exact law, but tradition has held that the President be sworn in on the Bible. The fact that the first oath was “botched” and the second wasn’t on the bible, can’t Obama logically then argue that he isn’t held to his oath to uphold the Constitution, as neither oath takings were correct, and therefore he can do what he wants to the Constitution, or against the Constitution, then argue no fault, because he swore twice in good faith, but…? Anyway, I personally am getting more and more wary of Obama, the more I am learning about him. I still hope the uneasy feeling is wrong…

Jan 23, 2009 - 9:18 am 209. view from afar:

Paules N°192, what zee hell was that about?
I’m not French, nor do I defend the French head in the sand way of dealing with their internal racial conflict. By the way, a pied noir is a white French ex-pat, that came back after they were kicked out of Algeria, so Obama is not a pied noir, although he does have un pied noir (black foot, which was in reference to the French colonist’s black shoes/boots).
Plus the French absolutely love Obama, and can’t believe that the earth hasn’t become perfect since he has been sworn in…plus, during their presentation of the inaguration, they treated Washington DC as a very provincial place, nice but provincial (which is the French way of saying “the sticks” “boondocks” or “hicksville”). That really sort of ruined things, as I felt insulted ( am used to that living here and being an American) and made me laugh at the irony of the new left’s self image as equal somehow to Europe…

Jan 23, 2009 - 9:30 am 210. Sue:

Why is everyone surprised about everything? And, Mr. Hanson, did you mean to say “inauguration” or faux-coronation! Bye the bye, people in America have not truly paid attention to what has been going on in the ranks of Rev. Wright and his type of churches, which number in the hundreds, across America. Or, the audience members of African-American performers who scream filth across our nation in regards not only to Bush but this country. The fact that “they” are able to finally be “proud” of America is more about them than about this great country. No one truly paid the attention it deserved to Michelle Obama’s comment “For the first time in my life I am proud of my country”. This is the prevelent sentiment but it was ignored. I just hope is isn’t to our complete peril.

Jan 23, 2009 - 9:36 am 211. Kathy:

JackT
“How else can you explain his meteoric rise? Everything, I mean everything fell right into place for him.”

Yup, Satan is a pro at that stuff, just check the Good Book.

Jan 23, 2009 - 10:57 am 212. Ann141:

200. Jack T

Wow. Apparently Adolph Hitler WAS God’s chosen leader for Germany, huh? How else would you explain his meteoric rise?

Jan 23, 2009 - 11:01 am 213. ReConUSMC:

37. Shef Rogers:
When you have to start your sixth paragraph with “The point?” You know you’re a lazy writer. This is a sloppy first draft, Dr. Hanson. Tighten up the writing.
_____________________________

You far leftist never made those kind of comments on the Daily Kos , Move on,org or the Huffington Post about your Brothers and Sisters .
The Atheist anti American Bible of “Your Kind …… “” The Point ” ! B/S !
Comment on his many points , opinions and well thoughts out researched “Points “is what this web sight is all about .
Your kind after Feeling . Emotions , Lies and little else written in perfect Grammar is still moronic and useless .
You compared to Hansons awesome background , PHD , His many written great Books ,Skills , Lectures , Mind and Education would be equal to Nancy Pelosi …….Perfectly written Pathetic daily comments .
You talking down , demeaning and Belittling reveals your feelingand own Agenda about Hanson not his “”Points”" or Article ….. Duh !!!
Go back to the MORONIC DAILY KOS !

Jan 23, 2009 - 11:11 am 214. Bilgeman:

#158 The Youth Vote:

“I love what this country is supposed to stand for:”

It doesn’t work that way, junior. Because it will never, ever, be exactly what you want it to be. It will never be able to fully realize the ideals that you, or anyone else, have set for it.
When you offer conditional love, it is conditional first and foremost.

You love it for what it IS, and you forgive it the flaws.

BTW, until you internalize this, you’d better not get married…

“…the ideals of liberty, of freedom, of equality for every single person. ”

” I couldn’t yet vote, but wasn’t my 16-year-old self still a citizen?”

No, kid. It’s for citizens. Not foreigners, not convicts, not children. Governing is a grown-ups only game.

I’m afraid that you’ve been miseducated as to what the government is supposed to be. It is supposed to be the servant of a free association of equals…sovereign citizens.

“I feel that I have been given a voice, and that it may be listened to instead of ignored like it was for the last eight years. ”

Uhhh, youngster? That wasn’t teh fault of the government or anyone else. What you were feeling is what is known as “adolescence”.

If you were being ignored, it was out of kindness. Folks politely leaving you be while you worked some things out,(and also because if we had paid attention to you and taken you seriously, we’d probably have had to KILL you. Nothing personal, y’understand, but adolescents have that effect on adults…it’s a genetic thing).

Dude…been there, done that.
Now as you age and get some seniority and start making some money,(don’t expect to make much until you’re about 40…unless you invent Yahoo or something. Rush Limbaugh once said that, and he was right), you’ll start seiing things differently.

Jan 23, 2009 - 11:24 am 215. deguello:

Mr. Hanson: Your uneasy feeling may come from

Jan 23, 2009 - 11:28 am 216. Word to the wise:

Kate, Rummy and Cheney are fine human beings, finely accompjished men and great patriots. There is not one person in the Democrat party that is worthy to even clean their toilets. And that includes you.

That you fell for the Left’s cant about these people shows what a clueless twit you truly are. Wait until you see what the Democrats do to this country. You will not like it.

When that happens, remember that you had a hand in the destruction of your nation.

Jan 23, 2009 - 1:19 pm 217. TLM:

Bilgeman:

“If you were being ignored, it was out of kindness. Folks politely leaving you be while you worked some things out,(and also because if we had paid attention to you and taken you seriously, we’d probably have had to KILL you. Nothing personal, y’understand, but adolescents have that effect on adults…it’s a genetic thing).”

That’s a riot. I’m gonna’ show that to my teenie & tweenie boppers at home, the next time they say something that threatens my genetic heritage.

Jan 23, 2009 - 2:42 pm 218. J.E. Dyer:

But, of course:

When the Obama supporters inform us that they are finally proud of their nation, it’s not Iwo Jima and the Argonne, the Battle of New Orleans and Washington crossing the Delaware that they are finally endowing with their approval.

Most of them have no sense of the continuity of today with yesterday. They have been raised to be C.S. Lewis’ “Men without Chests,” swimming in an artificial lake of often-incoherent abstractions as their basic way of life, instead of striding the earth, and identifying with it, from blank necessity, as they deal with its unyielding realities.

Most of them have no sense of what a short time ago WWII was actually fought, and how everything in our world today still bears, in its fundamental outlines, the stamp of the campaigns and battles fought in that war, and the political decisions it produced. Many of them probably don’t even know which of their ancestors and older relatives fought in that war, or where, or when.

They know, rather, that Adolf Hitler was “the greatest evil the world has ever known,” because Tom Cruise calls him that. And they think of D-Day, and the bloody fight across northern Europe, not as a means to a terrible but necessary political end, for millions of weary but determined Americans, Englishmen, and others, but as a sort of abstract, metaphorical sacrament in a meaningless paroxysm of slaughter — because they have seen “Private Ryan,” but have never read Churchill.

Perhaps they have never even looked in the attic. When Reagan spoke so eloquently of the “boys of Point du Hoc,” he was speaking of my great uncle. Others — uncles, grandfathers, Dad — served in the Pacific, in WWI, in Vietnam and Korea. And I am not the last: my service in the Cold War, the Balkans, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom is followed by nephews of whom future presidents will speak, when they commend the “men and women of Fallujah,” and a dozen other campaigns, some not yet fought.

The personal experience of so many Americans today is of an ahistorically absolute security and prosperity — and detachment from the exigencies of literally fighing for survival. The phrase that runs through the mind very often is: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Jan 23, 2009 - 4:09 pm 219. Cape Conservative:

VDH I THANK you for saying what is in my heart and mind! May our country somehow survive the torment it is going to be subjected to in the years ahead.

I can’t remember as rough a ‘beginning’ for a presidency in my voting years…the gaffes just keep rolling in! What is the old saying about a house that is built on sand? Our country was built on a FIRM foundation, the Constitution and Bill of Rights – and it appears the new president is intent on removing that foundation as quickly as possible!

I agree with others that TERM LIMITS in Congress would go a long way toward a better government. The days of professional politicians should be GONE! If so, perhaps some highly-qualified individuals such as Mr. Hanson would agree to see for a term or two! And that would be a HUGE PLUS for America!!!!

Jan 23, 2009 - 4:58 pm 220. Uneasy Feeling « Truth, Lies and In Between:

[...] An Uneasy Feeling [...]

Jan 23, 2009 - 5:54 pm 221. Wil:

The Youth vote

” The first thing I ever read about politics was when, as an eight- or nine-year-old, I stole my parents’ Newsweek and discovered the Clinton scandal (needless to say, I didn’t understand some of the… subtleties of the issue, but even as a child I knew that something bad had happened). September 11 was two days before my 13th birthday. Almost half of my life has been spent under the auspices of the Bush administration — eight years in which I felt ignored, disregarded and pushed aside. Certainly, I couldn’t yet vote, but wasn’t my 16-year-old self still a citizen? ”

At the start of your post , you already revealed yourself as a petulant child , hungry for attention and importance . Young man or young lady as the case maybe , you have been used by adults who should have known better . Here is the painful truth , from time immemorial , children are ignored , cast aside and often disregarded by their rulers unless they need something from them either their loyalty , their votes or their lives in order to stay in power , your welfare is dead last to their ideology and ambition .

” From quite a young age, I felt (and was shown) that I could not trust my government, because they did not represent my will, nor the will of the American people. The crimes committed against the Constitution and the justice system by the Bush administration were, to me, unforgivable. Studying the Iraq war and issues of national security throughout classes at university has only reinforced my sentiments that there was little honesty or trust either within the past administration or toward the American people.”

You are well indoctrinated to the talking points of the Left but I will wager that your classes were bias in one way and you and your classmates were never given an opportunity to hear a dissenting argument . Give examples of what the Bush administration did in violation of the US Constitution and the justice system ? I can wait .

” And that, to me, is the most significant difference. I love (most of) the people of America. I love their capacity for kindness, their generosity to others in even the most trying of times, their ability to survive through disasters and to help one another. I love what this country is supposed to stand for: the ideals of liberty, of freedom, of equality for every single person. These are things that I have always been and will always be proud of. The difference now, at least for me (although I believe I can speak for many people I know), is that I feel that I can now be proud of my government, and trust that it may actually represent the ideals and intrinsic beliefs of this country that we all love so much. ”

You have in this one paragraph have effectively demolished all your arguments against the Bush administration and revealed your hypocrisy for all the world to see . If you distrust the government , why do you think you can trust this one . Just because their motto is Hope and Change ?

Jan 23, 2009 - 7:20 pm 222. Rootin' for Putin:

Vlad’s Russia, please hurry up and conquer us…

Jan 23, 2009 - 7:47 pm 223. Observational TheraPist » Blog Archive » Why I Love Victor Davis Hanson:

[...] An Uneasy Feeling [...]

Jan 23, 2009 - 9:15 pm 224. Plato:

—Alex:— Clinton as Alcibiades? Apt. Oh-so-very apt.
Professor Hanson, was there ever a Roman Emperor whose name at first sounded as foreign to Latin-speaking Italian ears, as “Barack Obama” at first sounded to English-speaking American ears?—

Alex, here is a quote I think you will find to be quite relevent:
—quote—A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear. The traitor is the plague. — Marcus Tullius Cicero—end quote—

Sarge, john from cinncinatti: and all those I missed (not on purpose): God bless you and your families for the serviceis rendered upon the alter of freedom.

Jan 23, 2009 - 11:17 pm 225. Dave:

Website thankW.com has a Thank You note to
George W. and Laura Bush. You may add your
own comments if you wish. I have posted mine.
You are invited.

And if you just gotta troll, you will be deleted. That not is OURS, not yours.

Jan 23, 2009 - 11:50 pm 226. vivo:

208. view from afar:

“The fact that the first oath was “botched” and the second wasn’t on the bible, can’t Obama logically then argue that he isn’t held to his oath to uphold the Constitution, as neither oath takings were correct, and therefore he can do what he wants to the Constitution, or against the Constitution, then argue no fault, because he swore twice in good faith, but…?”

Swearing on a bible or a phone book doesn’t mean anything. What counts is what the person SAYS. And then . . . how many people have sworn (correctly) that they will love someone ’til death do us part’? and then . . . not.

Jan 24, 2009 - 6:22 am 227. ex-Democrat:

The only suspense? Will they play Pravda to the end?

They will. See: THe New York Slimes…right down the toilet, hoisted by their own lies.

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:57 am 228. tanstaafl:

The fact that the first oath was “botched” and the second wasn’t on the bible, can’t Obama logically then argue that he isn’t held to his oath to uphold the Constitution, as neither oath takings were correct, and therefore he can do what he wants to the Constitution, or against the Constitution…

There’s no provision in Article II Section 1 of the Constitution (where the Oath appears) that it be taken with one’s hand on the Bible.

Nevertheless, I still have an uneasy feeling about the affirmation to “protect and defend the Constitution”.

In 1794, when Congress appropriated $15,000 for relief of French refugees who fled from insurrection in San Domingo to Baltimore and Philadelphia. James Madison wrote disapprovingly, “I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.”

A couple hundred years go by, and it seems that all the Executive and Legislature do anymore is devise deeper and more elaborate ways to spend, spend spend.

Jan 24, 2009 - 9:17 am 229. sfcmac:

What we just witnessed is not an election, it’s was a annointing of cult leader. The off-the-charts idol worship of Junior Jesus-elect Obama has got to be one of the creepiest things since the Jonestown zombies took a big swig out of the special punchbowl.

EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN OBAMA!

Jan 24, 2009 - 9:22 am 230. ashok:

225 comments – alright, someone might have said this before, but: Bill Clinton as Alcibiades?

I mean, Alcibiades was effective: he could sway the demos, he was an excellent general, he understood Athens’ strengths and weaknesses. Plutarch doesn’t really malign him, when all is said and done, despite incontinence looking like his downfall at the end. And Thucydides only makes his very dark side apparent by implication: the Melian dialogue’s nasty turn, Leo Strauss says.

There’s no way to compare Bill Clinton and Alcibiades. Bill Clinton’s a hack, a showbiz wannabe, whose most masterful skill was getting the American people to focus on Socks and Buddy instead of foreign policy.

Now the deep question is where people like Alcibiades, Demosthenes, etc. are. Herodotus ends the Persian Wars suggesting an age of heroes is about to come again, and I don’t know that I want such a thing either. I admire heroes, but I dread the concomitant slaughter.

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:58 am 231. Bob1:

VDH: “…the politics of the left are now about …. the notion of control.”

I have long noticed that the Democrats are the party favored by control freaks.

Jan 24, 2009 - 12:55 pm 232. Jen Bradford:

Why are people attacking the youth vote guy? He’s precisely who I would expect and encourage to “discover” politics now, and to be giddy about Obama. Slapping him down achieves what, exactly?

It’s the people who are old enough to have lived through several administrations, but who sound like they can’t be out of their twenties who alarm me. Or those who imagine that 9/11 and the many attacks since around the world will magically cease under Obama because he’s willing to “engage”. Patronizing a first-time voter is lame.

Jan 24, 2009 - 2:01 pm 233. Marc Malone:

#163 Sara2009 – So, you’re a Lefty, huh, but this public bachannal disturbed you? You are awakening from your slumber. Be careful; you may soon become a Centrist, or (gasp) a conservative. A Conservative is a Liberal who was mugged yesterday.

In all seriousness, this is a perfect time to reassess your values, before you go back to accepting all the same things as before. Do it while you are still in doubt. I suggest you look at the people who make up the Left. See what character traits they have in common. Hear the manner in which they speak and behave. This will put you in greater doubt.

Once there, start reading some of the things that Reagan said; the principles he espoused. Try looking at Bush, not as the former President, but at his demeanor and personal behavior. Contrast his basic human decency to that of his detractors.

Can these men really be evil? If they be goodly men, then can they truly be embracers of destructive ideology or committers of evil deeds? If not, then perhaps their ideology is more worthy of consideration. Look at the other men and women who share their beliefs. Do they no live righteous lives? Look at the people! How can they live such righteous lives, but be steeped in flawed ideologies?

Conservatives believe in God. They are anti-abortion. They believe in the sanctity of marriage, and that one-man & one-woman in marriage is one of the cornerstones of our society. They believe in fiscal discipline. They believe in personal responsibility. They believe in our Constitution. They are unabashedly patriotic. They give greatly to charity. Liberals are the opposite of all these things. Compare their agendas, and the people, then decide which side you’re really on.

Jan 24, 2009 - 2:29 pm 234. Bilgeman:

#232 Jen Bradford:

“Why are people attacking the youth vote guy? He’s precisely who I would expect and encourage to “discover” politics now, and to be giddy about Obama. Slapping him down achieves what, exactly?”

He or she is now an adult, I was treating him like one.

The time for coddling the little darling is over.

I told him and I’ll tell you…politics is a “grown-ups only” game, (and for very good reasons).

Jan 24, 2009 - 4:18 pm 235. TLM:

I usually find looking for silver linings in every storm cloud a cop out, a consolation best reserved for children and liberals afraid of loud noises (one group by dint of immaturity and the other because of their young age). But, after having survived this week’s Sturm und Drang national catharsis, I realized the consolation here presents itself, and can no longer be ignored: Our new messiah is all too human, as his first divisive (and venal) acts as president clearly show. He petulantly derided a common citizen (Rush) with whom he disagrees. He harangued the democratically elected Republican opposition leaders to be cool like him while he spends yet another cool trillion. He toasted a couple dozen Paki bad guys on home turf, turning them (and ? their children) into good hajis. He pissed off the Vatican with his international abortion rights bill.

And he even tried to muzzle the White House kennel’s bitches-in-heat — I mean, press corps — while they were sniffing alpha male dog hindquarter. Doesn’t he feel their pain…. their aching desire to… uh, prove to us that they are not merely his lapdogs?

Yeah, he’s had a busy first five days has our new president, and succeeded only in providing a target rich environment for conservative bloggers. And from Michelle Malkin’s delectable skewering to VDH’s searing exposes, the blogosphere has been firing for effect. Too many must reads to mention here, but the usual suspects were fast at work. I guess they all consider the divisive first missteps of the new Administration to be their part of the stimulus package. If this is an omen of what the Age of Obama entails, bloggers can look forward to four years of gaffetastic job security. And for the rest of us, this’ll be more amusing than the usual bread and circuses fare from Washington.

Of course, we’ll have to kill any attempt at reinstating the Fairness Doctrine if we wish to remain entertained. Or sane. That’s next cloud on the horizon.

Jan 24, 2009 - 6:52 pm 236. Ron Kean:

Dang. This blog’s been discovered.

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:17 pm 237. tanstaafl:

He petulantly derided a common citizen (Rush) with whom he disagrees.

Shocking remarks from the new President, even if he jokingly tried to cast his comments in a bigger context of bi-partisanship.

Apparently, the new definition of bi-partisanship is that the party controlling the White House & Congress calls the shots and the other party goes along.

Minority dissent is as important as majority rule to the health of a free society.

Or, maybe, the new idea is for the society to only ask “how high ?” at the order to jump.

Jan 24, 2009 - 8:53 pm 238. boston:

Great article VDH.
Just watched Vid pledge and the only thing remarkable, nay worthy, was the gap toothed one (what’s his name, used to be some sort of a sports star or criminal [or both]), say that he Pledges to only refer to himself as an AMRICAN not an african-american! Let’s see if that happens in his next car accident or other altercation.

Jan 24, 2009 - 11:34 pm 239. boston:

Oh, and by the way, especially Mr/Ms/Mrs youth vote. I also am an ex-pat (that means ex-patriot if you look it up in your Websters or whatever leftie dictionary they force you to buy at your University); i.e. it means I left the country and live elsewhere, but I still love my country of birth.
I finished Uni (did not graduate) because I had a son and family (after serving my time as one of the last of the Draftees during the Viet Nam conflict(remember that?); and all of my classmates and friends from the good old Hippie years of the sixties said that if Reagan got elected they would leave the country to Canada or whatever. Myself and family drove out of Mass. the day of the inauguration in ‘81 and have lived overseas since, except for a short stint back in the US. I am a registered Libertarian, and have only voted twice; once in 2004 in order to keep that mongrel Kerry out, (there is no worse person than a Mass. Democrat to be President of the US. [unless an Illinois Dem.]), and the other this year for virtually the same reason.
You speak/write very eloquently for a child of your years and I look forward to reading your debates in the future. You will grow up, we all do.

Jan 25, 2009 - 12:22 am 240. boston:

Great article VDH.
Just watched Vid pledge and the only thing remarkable, nay worthy, was the gap toothed one (what’s his name, used to be some sort of a sports star or criminal [or both]), say that he Pledges to only refer to himself as an AMRICAN not an african-american! Let’s see if that happens in his next car accident or other altercation. Actually this should have come before the other post, but I’m a novice at this. Mea Culpa

Jan 25, 2009 - 12:38 am 241. Bilgeman:

#235 TLM:

“If this is an omen of what the Age of Obama entails, bloggers can look forward to four years of gaffetastic job security.”

And consider the fact that you never even mentioned our newly-minted Vice President,(the Left’s answer to Spiro Agnew).

Heck, I could start a blog:

“The Collecetd Sayings of Vice President Joe Biden”

and have ‘em rolling in the aisles.

Jan 25, 2009 - 6:38 am 242. Pajewmas tuba teakettle of fish:

74 f*ck up, now what could that possibly mean? How did that get passed the moderator unless you are a bot. Nah, mine would’ve made it then. Execute America, am I reading to far into it?
I know the cough cuss became popular.

Jan 25, 2009 - 10:41 pm 243. Pajewmas tuba teakettle of fish:

“too”

Jan 25, 2009 - 10:42 pm 244. POLYSEMY: The Daily Goose:

[...] feeling exactly: “the nation transcends the proposition of whether Obama gets elected or not.” addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fpolysemy.org%2Fdailygoose%2F%3Fp%3D1804′; addthis_title = [...]

Jan 26, 2009 - 12:06 pm 245. Philip Williamson:

I can’t quite figure out what the Democrats could do that could be worse than what the last 8 years have brought us. Forced labor camps and death squads, maybe? Is that what you fear?

I like the article, and agree with many aspects of it. I’ve been disgusted by “left-wing” (I won’t call it Liberal) hypocrisy for 20 years. I also don’t believe that hypocrisy is the only evil left to us – I believe in real evil, too. Unflinching, self-satisfied and consistent harm-mongering.

But:
1. I don’t see the reasoning behind listing every war of conquest or injustice of the last 50 years when talking about Israel’s actions in the last few weeks. Are you putting it in historical perspective? Or just changing the subject?

2. I like what Obama said in his speech, and I don’t see any evidence here that he’s shredded the Constitution, or even intends to.

3. I can’t believe that none of the paranoid commenters above took a moment to imagine what might happen to all Bush’s executive power when someone they DIDN’T like got elected. Who could possibly have seen that coming?

Jan 28, 2009 - 10:11 am

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