Monthly Archives: June 2012

Reason 16/17 – Obama Reaching Out Again/Geithner: No Solutions – “We Just Don’t Like Yours!”

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Reason #16

Obama – Reaching out Again – knife in hand!

The President who campaigned on hope and change, has steadfastly refused the opportunity to unify the country, to show respect for our heritage and our people, or to attempt to bridge the differences between Republicans and Democrats.  Instead, he has given us 2nd rate theater.

This comment was made before the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee:

“…we don’t mind the Republicans joining us. They can come for the ride, but they got to sit in back. (Laughter.)”[i]

How can we doubt the unifying power of these words.  This is indeed, change we can believe in.

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Reason #17

No Solutions – We Just “Don’t Like Yours”

As Obama talks about intractable Republicans and his determination to work around, rather than with and through Congress in a bipartisan fashion, small debates continue to play out.  Some – like this one with Republican Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Democrat Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner seem to show a combination of serious effort, theater and condescension.

In the following exchange, Rep. Ryan and Secretary Geithner seemed in agreement on some issues, seemed to somehow acknowledge the expertise and savvy of the other, but while it appeared Ryan was actually looking for answers, Geithner seemed satisfied to blame the Bush Administration, lay out what they apparently see as an insurmountable problem, with 10,000 Americans retiring each day, and in a pretty cavalier fashion, admit that they have no solutions – they just don’t like the Ryan plan.

Paul Ryan:  “…Our Government is making promises to Americans, that it has no way of accounting for them.  And so you’re saying, yeah we’re stabilizing it, but we’re not fixing it in the long run.  That means we’re just going to keep lying to people.  We’re going to keep all these empty promises going.  So what we’re saying is – in order to avert a debt crisis – I mean, you’re the Treasury Secretary, of all p…  If we can’t make good on our bonds in the future, who’s going to invest in our Country?  We do not want to have a debt crisis and so it comes down to confidence and trajectory.  Do we have confidence that we’re getting our fiscal situation under control?  That we’re preventing the debt from getting at these catastrophic levels – and if you go back to the preceding chart – Number 13 –  you’re showing that you have no plan to get this debt under control…”

Timothy Geithner:  “…You were right to say we’re not coming before you today to say we have a definitive solution to that long term problem.  What we do know is we don’t like yours.[ii]

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Your Turn

Do you know a Reason why Barack Obama should not be elected President? Can you tie that Reason to something specific and document it with a credible source?  If so, share it in the Reply box at the end of this page.  Working together, let’s set a goal of 10,000 Reasons – and when we have them, let’s share them with the GOP!!!  Make your voice heard.  Check our our “What do YOU Think” page.

 

[i] President Barack Obama, (Oct. 25, 2010), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President at DCCC General Reception at the Rhode Island Convention Center, retrieved December 18, 2011, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/25/remarks-president-dccc-general-reception

[ii] Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Timothy Geithner, Treasury Secretary, broadcast on CSPAN 3 and downloaded to YouTube by “TGRRFG” (Feb. 17, 2012), Timothy Geithner: We don’t have a solution, we just don’t, retrieved March 8, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R27zXCHXK1s

Reason 14/15 – Obama “Inherited” – 16,300 Times!/President Won’t Share Keys

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Reason #14

Obama “Inherited” – 16,300 Times

Even today, this President continues to try and distance himself from the economic problems faced by America.  Nothing is his fault.  He bears no responsibility.  He “Inherited” this mess.  In fact, if you had gone to the White House web-site at 10:45am EST, on March 21, 2012, and in the search box, entered the word “inherited.”  This would have been your result:

Results 1-10 of about 16,300 for ‘”inherited”[i]

In his remarks to a Joint Session of Congress on Feb 24, 2009, he used the word three times and those of us who have listened to him, have heard it on many other occasions.  To be fair, these were not all his own speeches, but they all came from the White House.  Since it would take far too long to search each of the 16,300 uses of the word “Inherited,” I’ll stipulate that he could have used the word in other contexts – but, even if we generously allow that this happened in 1,000 cases, that still leaves 15,300 times in which the word was used once or more to describe his plight as the 44th President of the U.S. and his absolute freedom from any responsibility for our current economic conditions.

Although he still uses “inherited,” to point the finger at others, he has also learned to mix it up – now using the equally stunning “…for the last eight years….” and then again, to “….over the last decade.”  Same message, but as he and Duval Patrick say; “Words Matter.”[ii]

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Reason #15

President Won’t Share Keys – Demands others Compromise

Sticking to the same divisive, partisan rhetoric he consistently uses on the American people, President Obama addressed members of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on May 13, 2010, telling them:

“So after they drove the car into the ditch, made it as difficult as possible for us to pull it back, now they want the keys back.  No!  You can’t drive!  We don’t want to have to go back into the ditch! We just got the car out! We just got the car out!”[iii]

And here at the wheel is the President of “hope and change,” “fundamentally transforming the United States of America.”  His inspirational words no doubt enhanced the spirit of bipartisan cooperation – and this was when Democrats controlled both Houses.  Does the President who was ready to meet with Ahmadinejad sound like he was ready to work cooperatively with Republicans?

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[i] Search Results on WH web-site for the word “Inherited.”  Search made on Feb. 2, 2012 at http://search.whitehouse.gov/search?affiliate=wh&query=%22inherited%22&form_id=usasearch_box

[ii] Rachel Sklar,(February 19, 2008), The Huffington Post, Yes, You Can Borrow My Speech: Why Obama’s Lifted Words Matter, retrieved May 25, 2010 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/19/yes-you-can-borrow-my-spe_n_87382.html

[iii] President Barack Obama, (May 13, 2010), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President at DCCC Dinner, St. Regis Hotel, New York, retrieved December 18, 2011, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-dccc-dinner

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Reason 12/13 – “When White will Embrace what is Right”/Obama Campaign Messaging

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Buy this book now on Amazon.com

Reason #12

“When White will Embrace What is Right”

Just as he immediately set a racial tone in his first book – just as he seemed always accompanied  [according to his book] by someone focused on racial slights – Obama ensured that someone else would be handy at his Inaugural Address, so that racial victimization could be part of the public record, without coming directly from his own lips.  In this case, the observations would come from the inaugural benediction of Rev. Joseph Lowery, former President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.  The video of his speech shows a smiling President Obama’s face as Lowery – this kind looking stereotypical grandfather – tells America in his soft, aged voice:

”Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.”[i] (Emphasis added)

Once again Obama – after just winning the general election for the U.S. Presidency – deftly injects white racism into the mix without saying a word and through a humorous poem that has his admiring constituency laughing instead of questioning.

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Reason #13

Obama Campaign Messaging

Perhaps the quality of a President can be partially measured by the knowledge and thoughtfulness of the voters responsible for his or her election.  In the case of President Obama, that standard should leave America with significant concerns.  In the words of one ardent Obama supporter, following a campaign rally on October 30, 2009:

“It was the most memorable time of my life. It was a touching moment because I never thought this day would ever happen. I won’t have to worry about putting gas in my car. I won’t have to worry about paying my mortgage. You know, if I help him, he’s gonna help me.”[ii]

Other “informed” Obama constituents were interviewed in Harlem in a “man on the street” format.  The twist was that the interviewer was attributing the policies and choices of Senator John McCain to Obama.  The exercise revealed instant support for Sarah Palin as Obama’s alleged running mate as well as appreciation for his “Pro-Life” position and his desire to keep our troops in Iraq until the war was finished.  In other words, whatever McCain issue was sent their way with a phony link to Obama, they immediately supported.  But, asked directly about McCain, one respondent said:  “McCain seems to not really know what he’s doing right now” – another said: “I just don’t agree with some of his, you know, policies.”  Still another said: “He sort of sounds like he doesn’t have enough – like he’s not uneducated – because when he has – they have to vote for the President speaking, uh, he didn’t sound like he knew what he was talking about too much.”  This final interviewee then responded to follow-up questions saying she supported Obama because he was Pro-Life and because he supported the Iraq war.  She was also happy that Obama had selected Sarah Palin to be his VP running mate.[iii]

Our Country is in good hands.  NOT.

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Your Turn

Do you know a Reason why Barack Obama should not be elected President? Can you tie that Reason to something specific and document it with a credible source?  If so, share it in the Reply box at the end of this page.  Working together, let’s set a goal of 10,000 Reasons – and when we have them, let’s share them with the GOP!!!  Make your voice heard.  And while you’re at it, who do you think Mitt Romney will select as his running mate?  Vote here!!!

[i] Ref. James Lowery, Inaugural Benediction transcript from Federal News Service, posted by Lynn Sweet, (January 20, 2009), Chicago Sun-Times web-site, The Scoop from Washington, Rev. Lowery Inauguration benediction. Transcript, retrieved April 21, 2010 from http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/01/rev_lowery_inauguration_benedi.html

[ii] Peggy Joseph, quoted in Jonathan Danzig, (Feb. 6, 2009), The Primary Source web-site, They Would Crown Him King, retrieved February 12, 2012 from http://primarysource.typepad.com/main/2009/02/they-would-crown-him-king.html

[iii] Howard Stern show, uploaded by “stownplayer,” (Dec. 9, 2008) YouTube.com, Stupid Obama Voters, retrieved February 14, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgfA2b9YSag

Reason 11 – Obama to Change Our History?

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Reason #11

Obama to Change our History?

In 2008, campaigning for her husband in Puerto Rico, Michelle Obama told a supportive crowd that:

“Barack knows that…we’re going to have to change our conversation – we’re going to have to change our traditions – our history…”[i]

Those are not good words if you believe in the promise of America – if you are proud of what this nation stands for; or, if you, a family member, or ancestors have served our Country in time of war.  America does not represent perfection in its history, so much as it does hope in its journey.  Yet, the beauty, freedom and opportunity of America today, stand well above whatever nation claims second place.

Though some may claim otherwise, we remain a nation under God, enjoying the blessings of our Creator.  We are a nation founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs and respecting the religious freedoms of all people.  Those who would change our traditions and our history, tamper as destructive children, with the sacred treasure of Democracy – earned and preserved with the blood and sacrifice of generations.

There is nothing here to “Fundamentally Transform!”

[i] Michelle Obama, (May 14, 2008),YouTube.com, Michelle Obama in Puerto Rico, posted by BarackObamadotcom on May 28, 2008, retrieved January 6, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afGz0dzVSIU

Your Turn

Do you know a Reason why Barack Obama should not be elected President? Can you tie that Reason to something specific and document it with a credible source?  If so, share it in the Reply box at the end of this page.  Working together, let’s set a goal of 10,000 Reasons – and when we have them, let’s share them with the GOP!!!  Make your voice heard on our new page: What Do You Think?

Reason 9/10 – Obama the Warrior/A President as Good as his Word

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Over the past year, we’ve witnessed almost everything we would never have believed.  As our soldiers put their lives on the line for Afghanistan, Afghan soldiers – the ones we’re training – the ones we’re protecting – are killing our people.  Our leader’s incredibly strong response:  apologize when possible.  When the Secretary of  Defense visited our troops, they were ordered to leave their weapons outside the tent – because Afghans – the same ones that are killing them – were reportedly unarmed and we didn’t want it to appear uneven.  Shortly after we withdrew from Iraq, there were more killings.  Since the writing of this book however, Iraq seems to have fallen silent.  But, is it?  On Sunday, a religious ruling was published in the country, in which Ayatollah Kazim al-Haeri – who lives in Iran –  forbade voting for secular politicians.  al-Haeri is the spiritual mentor of “Muqtada al-Sadr, an anti-American Shiite cleric,” who is opposing the current Prime Minister – Nouri al-Maliki – also a Shiite.   The majority of al-Maliki’s opposition reportedly comes from secular groups.[1] On a different note, are you impressed with the amount of money expended in presidential elections?  Here’s what Obama promised in 2008 – and what he actually did.

Reason #9

Obama the Warrior

On October 27, 2007, then Senator and Presidential candidate Barack Obama, promised to end the war in Iraq and bring troops home immediately after becoming President.

“I will promise you this – that if we have not gotten our troops out by the time I am President – it is the first thing I will do. I will get our troops home.  We will bring an end to this war.  You can take that to the bank.”[i]

More than four years later – and nearly three years into his Presidency – Obama made good on the promise, leaving Iraq on an announced timetable he helped finalize and in a condition that brought terrorist attacks within weeks of our withdrawal.

Reason #10

A President as Good as his Word

Recently, some have questioned President Obama’s reversal on the issue of “Super PACs.”  After openly attacking the Supreme Court ruling on PACs in his 2010 State of the Union Address and later calling Super PACs “a threat to our Democracy,” he decided to take advantage of them to assist his 2012 re-election bid.  But, for those who were surprised by this flip flop, we have only to look back to his last Presidential campaign, where he promised to join Senator McCain, in conducting his campaign under the constraints of the Public Financing System.  He proudly announced in the Fall of 2007:

“If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election.” [ii]

That lasted until he got a glimpse of how much money he could collect without a public finance restriction.  By June 19, 2008, his tune had changed:

“We’ve made the decision not to participate in the public financing system for the general election.” [iii]

This was the first time since the system was created, that any “major nominee has declined public financing.”[iv] According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Obama raised approximately $745 million, while McCain, who kept his pledge to use Public Financing for the General Election, raised less than half of that.  McCain, because he kept that pledge, “faced an $84 million limit on what he could spend during the general election, putting him at a huge disadvantage compared to Obama, who raised $66 million more than that in September alone.”[v]

Your Turn

Do you know a Reason why Barack Obama should not be elected President? Can you tie that Reason to something specific and document it with a credible source?  If so, share it in the Reply box at the end of this page.  Working together, let’s set a goal of 10,000 Reasons – and when we have them, let’s share them with the GOP!!!  Make your voice heard on our new page: What Do You Think?

http://www.usadebtclock.com/ourfree50.com

1  ZeeNews.com (June 3, 2012), Zee News web-site, Religious Edict Seen as Aiding Embattled Iraq PM, retrieved June 3, 2012 from http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/religious-edict-seen-as-aiding-embattled-iraq-pm_779561.html

[i] Senator Barack Obama, (2007), YouTube web-site, video posted by “Illuminati Seer,” (November 13, 2009), Obama to End War, retrieved January 3, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn134-KLL7Y&feature=player_embedded

[ii] Senator Barack Obama, (2007), quoted in Tampa Bay Times’ PolitiFact.com web-site, On Public Financing of His Campaign, retrieved February 8, 2012 from http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/aug/04/barack-obama/he-said-hed-pursue-it-but-opted-out/

[iii] Senator Barack Obama, (June 19, 2008), quoted in Tampa Bay Times’ PolitiFact.com web-site, On Public Financing of His Campaign, retrieved February 8, 2012 from http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/aug/04/barack-obama/he-said-hed-pursue-it-but-opted-out/

[iv]Bill Adair, Angie Drobnic Holanl, (August 4, 2008), Tampa Bay Times’ PolitiFact.com web-site, On Public Financing of His Campaign, retrieved February 8, 2012 from http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/aug/04/barack-obama/he-said-hed-pursue-it-but-opted-out/

[v] Center for Responsive Politics, Open Secrets web-site, 2008 Election, retrieved February 8, 2012, from http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/summary.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00006424

Reason 7/8 – Timing is Everything/Disappearing Candidates

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Obama’s run of good fortune, as previously discussed, did not stop when he got into elite Punahou in Hawaii, or, when he found himself a student at Columbia University, then Harvard; or even when he was elected President of the Harvard Law Review, or approached as an unknown, to write a book and receive a $150,000 advance.  His good luck didn’t even stop when his campaign knocked all opposing Democrats off the State Senate ballot on a technicality.  Money and good fortune seemed to seek him out as his wife’s salary tripled, as he met his current Senior Advisor; and as sealed secrets about his rivals for the U.S. Senate, were suddenly Unsealed and exposed to the voting public.  With all his own Sealed records hidden from public view, how ironic that he should call for an America where “everybody plays by the same rules.”

Reason #7

Timing is Everything

According to author Michelle Malkin, Mrs. Obama’s salary tripled from $122,000 in 2004, to $317,000 in 2005 – timed well with Mr. Obama’s election to the U.S. Senate.  And, although Michelle Obama joined her husband’s campaign in 2008, the hospital still continued to pay her a salary of more than $60,000.[i]

Valerie Jarrett, vice-chair of the Medical Center’s Board of Trustees when Mrs. Obama was named Executive Director of Community Affairs, moved on to become Obama’s Senior Advisor in 2009.  Meantime, Mrs. Obama’s position at the medical center – a position that did not exist before her appointment – was eliminated in 2009, when it was clear she would not be returning.[ii]  It appears that the hospital was able to continue functioning reasonably well without this $300,000 plus position.

Looks like this was a “Win” for Everyone!

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Reason #8

Disappearing Candidates

When Obama decided to run for the U.S. Senate, it was not as simple as knocking people off the ballot by finding errors in their petitions.  There was still however, a serendipitous confluence of events to help him along.

David Axelrod, who became Obama’s campaign manager, was reportedly very well known in Chicago’s political and media circles; and each year, would hold a party, inviting members of both worlds.  As a highly sought after advisor, he was contacted by Democrat candidate Blair Hull in 2002, to assist him with his upcoming campaign for the U.S. Senate.  Hull, a former Las Vegas gambler and Wall Street Securities Trader, was ready to spend millions in the coming race.  His possible Achilles Heel was a sealed divorce record.

During their conversations, Axelrod questioned the circumstances of the divorce.  Hull had been married three times; twice to the same woman.  He admitted the past use of cocaine, treatment for alcohol abuse and that his ex-wife had made allegations of abuse.  When Axelrod pushed to know whether or not the abuse allegations were true, Hull reportedly stonewalled.[iii]

Axelrod ultimately decided to represent Barack Obama and brought with him, a knowledge of Hull gained through his earlier conversations.  During the primary, as Hull continued to climb in the polls, two Chicago reporters – both attendees at Axelrod’s annual party – began pushing for the opening of Hull’s divorce records.

Ultimately “the Tribune and WLS-TV” filed suit and the divorce records were unsealed – not by court order but, incredibly, at the request of Hull and his ex-wife in an apparent attempt at damage control. The records revealed violent behavior on Hull’s part and subsequent interviews exposed his use of cocaine and abuse of alcohol. As Hull’s candidacy imploded, Obama’s political fortunes surged.[iv]  But, it didn’t stop there.

Once the primary had passed, the next obstacle for Obama was Jack Ryan – a Republican who, like Blair Hull, brought a sealed divorce file to the campaign.  Once again, the Tribune and WLS-TV sued to open the file.  When a California judge ordered the files open, they exposed a husband who attempted to coerce his wife “into having sex in front of strangers.”[v]

Ryan, who claimed to be the first politician forced to release sealed divorce records, finally withdrew from the campaign and once again, Obama’s fortunes soared.[vi]

Did Obama’s campaign have anything to do with the opening of Blair Hull’s and Jack Ryan’s divorce files?

What can be said is that there was an extraordinary attrition rate among candidates opposing Obama for the State and U.S. Senates.

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Your Turn

Do you know a Reason why Barack Obama should not be elected President? Can you tie that Reason to something specific and document it with a credible source?  If so, share it in the Reply box at the end of this page.  Working together, let’s set a goal of 10,000 Reasons – and when we have them, let’s share them with the GOP!!!  Make your voice heard.  And while you’re at it, who do you think Mitt Romney will select as his running mate?  Vote here!!!

[i] Michelle Malkin, Culture of Corruption, (Washington, DC, 2009, Regnery), 52-53

[ii] Michelle Malkin, Culture of Corruption, (Washington, DC, 2009, Regnery), 52-53

[iii] Mendell, From Promise to Power, (New York, 2007, Harper) kindle book,167-171, 214

[iv] David Mendell, From Promise to Power, (New York, 2007, Harper) kindle book, 213-216, 235-236

[v] David Mendell, From Promise to Power, (New York, 2007, Harper) kindle book, 260-263

[vi] David Mendell, From Promise to Power, (New York, 2007, Harper) kindle book, 267

Reason 6 – Obama: Looking Out for Number 1

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Reason #6

Obama: Looking Out for Number 1

Shortly after being elected President of the Harvard Law Review, Obama was approached by literary agent Jane Dystel, who suggested he prepare a book proposal for an autobiography. According to author Christopher Andersen, Obama agreed and Dystel took it to several publishers.  Finally, she landed him a book contract with Poseidon Press, a Simon & Schuster company.  Obama was given the almost unheard of first time author advance of $150,000, receiving half in advance.  He was to provide Poseidon with the completed manuscript by 1991.  Time passed and Obama failed to produce.  In 1993, his contract was canceled.  He reportedly went to Simon & Schuster and was able to receive their forgiveness of the $75,000 debt he now owed them.  Despite what could be easily interpreted as a major breach and a large mark against author Obama’s credibility, Dystel was undaunted.  She not only obtained a new contract for Obama with Random House’s Times Book Division , but she also managed to negotiate a new $40,000 Advance.

Following Obama’s 2004 Keynote Address at the Democratic National Convention, the book began to move and Dystel once again attempted to maximize Obama’s profits by obtaining the rights to his book and then finding still another publisher.  Before she could do this however, Random House’s Crown Book Division published it in paperback.  The book went on to sell approximately two million copies and when Obama was elected to the Senate, Crown offered him a two million dollar contract for two books.

In the true spirit of a man who believes in keeping commitments, rewarding loyalty and ensuring fairness for all, Obama reportedly dumped Dystel as his agent and hired an attorney to finalize the deal with Crown.  Why?  Reportedly, to avoid paying Dystel’s longer term commission, in favor of one time hourly legal fees connected with the completion of the new contract.[i]

As the famed Community Organizer, Saul Alinsky said:

“…one’s concern with the ethics of means and ends varies inversely with one’s personal interest in the issue.”[ii]

How Presidential…

Note:  You can read the entire 203 Reasons Free today with an Amazon Prime Account, or purchase the Kindle version for only $4.99!

Your Turn

Do you know a Reason why Barack Obama should not be elected President? Can you tie that Reason to something specific and document it with a credible source?  If so, share it in the Reply box at the end of this page.  Working together, let’s set a goal of 10,000 Reasons – and when we have them, let’s share them with the GOP!!!  Make your voice heard.  And while you’re at it, who do you think Mitt Romney will select as his running mate?  Vote here!!!

[i] Christopher Andersen, Barack and Michelle, (New York, 2009, Harper Collins E-Books),pp138-231

[ii] Saul D. Alinsky, Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals, (New York, 1989, Vintage Books), 26

Reason 5 – A Charmed Life:Obama Glides Into State Senate

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157 Days Remaining!

We normally don’t think of a person’s good fortune as a reason not to vote for him or her.  Sometimes, however, the way that good fortune comes leaves serious questions about what a candidate is willing to do in order to chalk one in the “Win” column.  It seems more than appropriate to weigh such tactics, when evaluating the candidacy of someone who, as a boy, was known for yelling “Curang, Curang” (cheater, cheater) and who as a man, blames so much on others.  The question, perhaps:  Is this a politician who lives by the spirit of the law, the letter of the law, or by what moves him most effectively towards his own ends?  Your answer may or may not leave you with a Reason Not to Vote for Barack Obama.  It will certainly leave you with another piece of the puzzle answering: Who is Barack Obama?

Reason #5

A Charmed Life – Obama Glides into State Senate

There can be little doubt that Barack Obama has lived a charmed life.  While apparently not from a particularly wealthy family, he was able to attend Punahou, an elite Hawaiian prep school and then move on to Occidental College in California, followed by Columbia University in New York and finally, after spending time as a Chicago community organizer, to prestigious Harvard Law School, where he was selected first black President of the Harvard Law Review.  After being selected President of the Harvard Law Review, he was given a book contract with Simon & Schuster and an advance of $150,000.[i]

But, in 1995, on top of all this good fortune, Obama was given the gift that has kept on giving.

Popular Illinois State Senator Alice Palmer had decided to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress against Jesse Jackson, Jr.  As a believer in Obama, Palmer encouraged him to run for her seat and endorsed him as her replacement.  When things went bad for her in the Congressional race, her staff contacted Obama, requesting that he withdraw from the race and allow her to recover her old seat.  Obama refused.  Undeterred, Palmer obtained sufficient names on a petition to be placed on the 1996 ballot, running against Obama in the Primary.

According to David Mendell, author of Obama: From Promise to Power, “a volunteer for Obama challenged the legality of her petitions, as well as the legality of petitions from several other candidates.”  All were disqualified and Obama finished the Primary unopposed.  With Republicans not well represented in the contested District, Obama walked across the finish line with an easy win.[ii]

Truly a moment for Democracy – eliminating all of your opponents on a technicality!

Your Turn

[i] Christopher Andersen, Barack and Michelle, (New York, 2009, Harper Collins E-Books),pp138-231

[ii] David Mendell, From Promise to Power, (New York, 2007, Harper) 108-110

Reasons 3/4 – Obama The Drunk Punk/Obama:Capable of Decades Old Grudge

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Encompassing his days at both Punahou in Hawaii and Occidental College in Los Angeles, the following two “Reasons” from 203 Reasons Not to Vote for Barack Obama, show a teenager out of control and a man capable of holding a grudge in a manner and for a length of time, reminiscent of the classic Mafioso.  But, this is neither.  This is the President of the United States.

Reason #3

Obama the Drunk Punk

We know very little about President Obama’s school years, except that which he opted to share through his book: Dreams from my Father.  Among the elements comprising his literary self portrait is this passage:

“…the swagger that carries me into a classroom drunk or high, knowing that my teachers will smell beer or reefer on my breath, just daring them to say something.”

This is the President with the bad boy rock star persona, carefully crafted to attract America’s youth.  This is the President who supports the “Occupy” movement – home to drugs, violence, filth, interference with private business and destruction of property.  This is the President who sends patriotic young men and women into combat and who controls our nuclear arsenal.

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Reason #4

Obama: Capable of Decades Old Grudge?

Obama’s characterization of his relationship with his high school coach – Coach McLachlin – was that  “…there was some strain,” when he first joined the team.

“Coach McLachlin was a terrific coach, but he was also Mr. Fundamentals. He was very big on picks and rolls and bounce passes and chest passes. He never cared for behind-the-back passes, or spin moves. So we had some conflict. We had some tension. In retrospect, I realize that he probably was right in most of our disagreements. At the time I thought he was unfair. But he was a terrific coach, we had a terrific team and we had some great players. I have very fond memories of our team.”[i]

Although coach McLachlin apparently has good reason to believe that their disagreement is now behind them, one article says, ”those close to Obama say that the clash still rankles with him.”[ii] David Mendell, author of Obama: From Promise to Power, writes that when he mentioned McLachlin to Obama in 2004, he got “a visceral reaction” – that it “was one of the moments when Obama’s short fuse and healthy ego slipped out from behind his cool exterior.”[iii]  If that is indeed the truth, it reveals an almost frightening aspect of Obama’s personality – the ability to sustain a grudge – even one resulting from perceived childhood slights – for more than a quarter century!

[i] Austin Murphy, Sports Illustrated CNN.com website, Viewpoint (May 21, 2008), Interview with Senator Barack Obama, Obama Discusses his Hoops Memories at Panahou High, Retrieved August 26, 2010 from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/austin_murphy/05/21/obama.0521/

[ii] Toby Harnden, U.S. Editor, (August 21, 2008), Telegraph.co.uk U.S., Barack Obama’s true colours: The making of the man who would be US president, retrieved October 28, 2010 from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/2591139/Barack-Obamas-true-colours-The-making-of-the-man-who-would-be-US-president.html

[iii] David Mendell, From Promise to Power, (New York, 2008, Harper Collins), 48