President Obama: The Opposition & Charges of Racism

A vociferous opposition to President Obama's administration has arisen during his first year in office. The Tea Party is by far the largest organization which opposes his initiatives. For his part, the president does not seem to handle critics of his policies very well. He oftentimes comes across as perturbed or even slightly condescending with his observations regarding his opponents. Even more alarming is the accusation of racism which has been leveled against the opposition by supporters of the president. Is there a distinct possibility that some of the president's opponents have formed their opinions on racist grounds? Yes, but could it not also be possible that some African Americans who opposed former President Bush were guilty of the same? Once again, the answer is yes however; the vast majority of individuals in opposition to the president's policies have based their views on philosophical and not racist grounds.

The election of President Obama has exposed a philosophical chasm in this country. It seems that he sees the European social experience as a template for modifying American culture. He wants us to adopt the social democratic principles of Western Europe. In Europe, there is no real sense of the individual. A group mentality pervades European culture and this philosophy reveals itself in ways such as, universal health care, no real impetus for individual real estate property ownership, extensive government social programs, and extremely high tax rates. On our side of the Atlantic, the aspirations of the individual have been cherished since colonization. Through a long series of steps and missteps we have created an equality of opportunity and not an equality of societal position. This distinction is what highlights the unique "American Experience". It does not make us better than any other culture but; it is relatively unique to our nation. So, the question remains, if we are to become more like Europe will we lose our identity as a nation? This is the difference between President Obama's social views and those of his opponents.

We don't need congressmen and congresswomen playing the race card nor, do we need commentators or pundits doing the same especially if neither group can produce evidence of racism. I would also like to challenge the president's eagerness to vilify the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck. They are over the top for my tastes at times however; is their opposition to President Obama any more ferocious than the likes of Bill Maher or Jon Stewart?These two men made a great living offering salacious remarks against President Bush and developed a huge following during his two terms of office. If my memory serves me correctly, I never heard former Senator Obama castigate these two men for viciously attacking President Bush so, his comments at the present time complaining about talk radio come across as hypocritical or at the very least thin skinned.

We are in a multi-faceted confrontation for our nation's identity. November 2010 will be a great indicator of just what direction we are headed in. I can only hope that we never lose that sense of rugged individualism which guides the vast majority of us. All we ask for is the government to stay out of our way and not impede any opportunities that we may create for ourselves.

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