President Obama: The Great Equivicator

It has been a long time since I've taken the time to write an essay. Like many of us, I've become turned off by the actions of President Obama and the democrat controlled congress. This malaise has made it difficult to put pen to paper without coming across as a pathological naysayer. The country is currently in an epic struggle over it's very identity. As I feared, this president is more than likely going to earn the dubious distinction of being the most divisive executive that our nation has suffered under in recent history. His inability to take a stance was foreseen by his numerous "present" votes as a state and federal legislator so, I find it slightly humorous when many of us after observing yet another political vacillation, shrug our shoulders in disbelief. It seems that a large part of the electorate have removed their rose colored sunglasses and are now observing their president in the full light of day.

We all need to ask ourselves a series of questions. What does it mean to be an American? Is nationalism still an important aspect of human culture? When does social philanthropy cross over into the realm of fiduciary insolvency?

Naturally, there is no simple answer to our first question. We are a diverse nation and the definition of what it means to be American is constantly changing. That said, there is a trait which crosses over all social distinctions. We have an inherent independent streak and the idea of self reliance arrived on our shores with Captain Smith and the Jamestown colony. The pilgrims at Plymouth Rock were also extremely self reliant. This trait was directly responsible for the continual push westward as pioneers settled new country. The fact that our nation was settled far from European influences and bordered by two oceans further developed this ideal. President Obama seems to espouse a higher belief in communal reliance than in individual tenacity. The Pilgrims initially thought likewise and put this ideal into writing with the Mayflower Compact however, the fledgling colony almost failed during its first year. It was not until the colonists began to work for themselves that they began to flourish. Our nation would do well to remember the lessons from its past.

Our president seems enamored with the idea of post nationalism. Rather than a conglomerate of nation states, our president sees the world moving into a period of global social restructuring. I do not believe that humanity has developed beyond the principle of nation states. Are the French willing to become more like the English? Do Puerto Ricans see themselves as indistinguishable amongst a vast Hispanic body politic? Are the Italians no different from other Mediterranean cultures? People desire a sense of belonging and the nation state allows them to achieve a sense of commonality and distinction at the same time. Human beings enjoy their cultural differences and the key is to learn how to peacefully coexist while not losing national identities.

Currently, state after state in our Union is operating in the red. Sooner or later, government will come to the realization that it too, will have to learn to live within its means. The family unit cannot long survive in an environment of deficit spending. If it did so, mortgages would be foreclosed, cars repossessed, credit cards cancelled, and eventually the family would disintegrate. Why should we expect any different outcome from governmental deficit spending? President Obama seems intent on the belief that the government can write checks that it cannot possibly cash. All of us can agree that we should help our neighbor and others in need but we cannot do so to the detriment of the whole. We can provide those unable to row with an oar but, it is up to them to place it into action. As a culture, we should clearly portray a sense of expectancy that they do so. We cannot afford to give any of our citizens a free ride at the expense of the rest of us toiling away just to make ends meet.

Our president will soon complete two years in office. Thus far, we have an unwanted health care bill, an environmental disaster in the Gulf, close to 10% unemployment, two ongoing wars, and a stagnant economy. So much for the Hope & Change train. It too, just like our nation, has run out of steam. It is time for those of us with clear vision to stoke up the burners and get the train moving on a new track. I am proud of where we have been and hopeful for where we may go so, I ask all of you to challenge perception, research reality, perform your analysis for action, and act! I'm hoping that a strong wind of change will move into our capital this November with much the same force as the zephyrs that scream down the eastern flanks of the Sierra Nevada Range.

De Oppresso Liber