Obama Failing His Biggest Test
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I should be flattered, I suppose, that last week's column had generated 59 comments as of Monday morning.
Of course, as seems to be usual in such matters, the comments fairly quickly went off the rails and a fair number of them ended up dealing with the proper payee for your income tax check, the IRS or the U.S. Treasury. (Treasury is the correct answer.)
I'd like to drag the discussion back to my original topic: the failure of Barack Obama to act presidential. I do this because my column last week was written before Mr. Obama heaved his dead-on-arrival proposal for both tax and spending increases into an already hopelessly polarized debate.
I spent the weekend fighting the flu and trying to find a word a couple of levels beyond arrogant. I'm feeling better now, but I still haven't found the word. I guess arrogant will have to do.
I understand why this president was elected twice: Republicans are in disarray, their candidates ran poor campaigns, Democrats have mastered modern media, George Bush.
In a year that offered a chance to regain the Senate, these same Republicans managed to lose seats by nominating candidates whose brains apparently were not connected to their mouths.
So. We are where we are. Somehow, Mr. Obama seems to have interpreted the Republicans' ineptitude as a mandate to impose his vision of America on the country. He apparently wants the country to believe, and worse, believes himself, that grandstanding over the resolution of the fiscal cliff will endear him even further to his base and force Republicans to agree to higher taxes without any guaranteed spending reductions.
There cannot possibly be a cognizant citizen remaining of any political persuasion who does not understand that the United States is headed for a fiscal train wreck at an accelerating rate. The fault for that does not rest exclusively with Mr. Obama; it rests with 50 years of Congresses and state and local governments that turned unimaginable postwar prosperity into unkeepable promises made to their own generation. We are now going to have to break many of those promises.
There is only one officeholder in the land who can take on the challenge of explaining the need for this and leading the way to a resolution: the president. This job falls to Mr. Obama because we are approaching a full-blown crisis on his watch, albeit at least partly self-imposed.
I am not referring to the relatively simple resolution of the fiscal cliff. That is child's play compared with dealing with the $16 trillion national debt and the $86 trillion (yes, trillion) of currently unfunded public pension liabilities throughout the country.
Where is the president? He continues to pretend that simply taxing the wealthy more will solve everything. That is so far from the truth that it would be laughable if anything going on in Washington were funny.
That the president cannot turn the tide alone is no surprise; Congress and the increasingly obvious failings in our system of government will make certain of that. But that he should take an actively obstructive position is unforgivable.
Like it or not, and I don't, he is my president too. I'm sure the feeling would be reciprocated if the opportunity arose. Doesn't matter; he has an obligation to me, just as to the looniest liberal.
If I were a POW or a prisoner of terrorists somewhere, would his first offer be, "Let the Democrats go now and we'll talk about everybody else next year"? I hope not, but I'm not sure.
Today is Dec. 7. I had thought to write about Pearl Harbor in a commemorative vein and try to make the case that it was the single most unifying event in our history. I can remember as a child in the '50s that, even then, a mention of that attack would set patriotic juices flowing.
How ironic is it that, over 70 years later, the attack on America comes from within, at our own hand, and the most powerful officer in our government is guiding its way.
Fred Wolferman lives in Southern Pines. Contact him by email at fwolferman@ sbcglobal.net.
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Comments
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Very good Mr. Wolferman. I am amazed by President Obama's "untouchable" attitude as if he is responsible for nothing at all. Mr. Rockstar's attitude toward Syria & Israel is appalling. He lets everyone take the fall for him and has already changed his mind reagarding certain campaign promises. This administration is going to bring this country to its financial knees because it's his way or the highway. Mr. President we have three branches of government. I really wish our people would wise up.
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
PS have fun in Hawaii!
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Well said Mr. Wolferman!! As l near retirement age, l feel blessed, but terrified that it might not be there. I work for the Govt. and l worry about the promises that have been made to me. It is obvious to me that President Obama and company, have no idea how to, or desire to straighten out our financial mess. The Republicans are no better. It is just a shame, and again, good letter.
Thatcher 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks, Mr. Wolferman, for pointing out that the correct answer was the "U.S. Treasury." And sorry for derailing your previous thread, but JimHeim was stating things that were obviously false...he does that from time to time on economic matters. Great column by the way! Cheers!
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey Thatcher!! Hope you are having a great week!! We are happy up here. After tonight, our cold is going to break. Almost a whole month without snow, and having the temp being between 25 and 45 below, and now they are saying 5 degrees either side of zero for an extended time. YIPEE!!!
This is a good letter. It does not adress many of the libertarian points that l am fond of, but that exactly how l feel about the economy.
Thatcher 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Yukon!! 5 below? Not for this conservative. I have many libertarian leanings, but 5 below ain't one of them. As I've said previously, libertarians and conservatives generally agree on economics. You, skyline, and pack are spot on about economic matters (plus I love to see you guys give grief to the poster here who claims all Republican owned small businesses cheat on their taxes.) Too funny! Stay warm up there you crazy .... Cheers!
packwilleat 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey guys. Great letter Mr. Wolferman. Yukon I'm right there with you. If Americans don't wake up to the notion that our armed forces are now our only true export things will never change. We are selling our youth out to the highest bidder to do their dirty work. Our military might be the only thing backing our dollar at this point.
The_AnonymusProfit 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Good Article Kudos
Profit says 2 thumbs up
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey Pack, TAP, and Thatcher. Yep, we pretty much agree on economics, and it is my hope that America will come around to a non-interventionalist approach to foreign policy. It seems like more and more people are starting to see that ideas like what Ron Paul preaches are correct and the answer to our policies that are currently ruining our nation. Best Wishes to you all, and it looks like our weather is headed south (according to the weather channel) We are happy for ya'll and hope you get lots of snow for Christmas!!
njc17 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Goog Lord, kids, derail the thread again won't you. Mr Wolferman. I appreciate the commentary. ANY administrator in any business THAT IS SUCCESSFUL, will stay at the helm directing the ship, through the storms that assail it. Every President good, bad or indifferent, through the centuries, has made the hard choices, stayed in the oval office working on needed solutions whatever the problem. This sorry excuse for a POTUS cannot at any time face the pressures of office, cannot at any time accept responsibility for the job and the SNAFUs that occur. Obama SHOULD be sitting down with congress and hammering out solutions. BUT this president has an agenda that is not favoring the Constitutional aspect of the United States. That is NOT favoring the private business world , that is not favoring personal initiative, that is not favoring the energy and fiscal needs of the United States. and that is NOT favoring the personal sense of responsibility of each citizen. America has been transformed and it is not good. Obama is NOT presidential, he is more the Chavez type dictator.
DaveyNC 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Our Fearless Leader is well known for over-estimating his abilities and I fear that he is doing so again. He seems to be drawing out the fiscal cliff negotiations and seems to be willing to go over the cliff. He's placing tactics over the country's best interests. He seems to think he has a mandate, when no such thing happened. He won by a slight majority; it wasn't exactly a rousing endorsement of his policies.
Personally, I say let him have everything he wants. Let him, and the Dems, have everything they want. Time for them to own it, for a change. They've spent the last 60+ years gradually piling more and more crap on the backs of the people, let them finish what they've started. Our children and grandchildren will curse our names, but they will put it back together. The Boomer generation has destroyed this country in its own selfish interests.
njc17 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Davey, did you ever try to stuff raw milk back into a cow?
DaveyNC 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Naw, it just sits there and goes bad. Somebody has to come along and clean it up, too.
njc17 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Exactly; and if the obamaites are allowed to have their way, this nation will forever be changed into the socialist disutopia obama wants. and it will never go back. and our children will curse us for it.
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree that one party is no better than the other. It's disgraceful. It's amazing how many wolves in sheep's clothing there are lurking about Washington. We let them get away with this crap. It's all all all posturing and closed door deals. No transparency. No accountability.
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
And they are playing us for fools, and doing a darn fine job of it.
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
You know something that'll help our friggin economy and national security (I'm gonna get attacked for this one and you know what?-I don't care!) Enforce our immigration laws! Yep! Wasn't McAfee arrested for entering Guatamala illegally recently? What a concept! If we worked vigorously on our economy and preserve what we can for our citizens imagine how much better off our children would be financially! Not to mention safer.
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
The law has been broken so we give them rewards for doing so like free benefits? No. I say cut off the gravy train-make it less atrractive.
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
You won't get an argument from me Teufelhunden. Thankfully we are not overrun up here like down there. They don't like it so much here. You know, we are a bit socialist up here....WE are the State of Alaska, and as such the resources belong to us. We share equally in their development and use. At the same time, other than the Federal burden that we share with all Americans, we have free enterprise up here. If a man does not chop his wood, or kill his food, or work to make for him/herself, they go without. We do have some social nets for folks that are bad off, but most just live hand to mouth if they do not provide for themselves and their families. It is a hard life, but a really good one for most of us.
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
That sounds good to me. I believe that was how it was in the lower 48 some time ago, but of course that was when people weren't afraid to help their neighbor out. If you knew someone had little to eat you might bring over some potatoes and bread if you could spare it and they might repair something for you in return. People knew how to help one another. Neighbors would mend your clothes if you brought them some eggs. It is a simpler life than having the government provide so much for you that you forget how to stand on your own two feet. Yukon, Alaska sounds good to me. I think it is necessary for people to learn how to live simply on less again. Because we may get to the point we have to. Learn how to survive people because the government will only be able to provide for so long.
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Teufelhunden, we would welcome you also. There is more than enough room for more up here. We also still have jobs, not lots, and not so many of the really high paying ones, but we have jobs. If one stays long enough, and has some skills, a good job will find them eventually. It is a bit on the pricey side, but the wages are better also. It is getting ready to get so pretty here for Christmas....sounds like regular bouts of snow, and warmer temps. We both know, the govt. will eventually collapse if they keep on the same track, and no one seems to really care, just give me what has been mine as a birthright!! Such a shame and so basic, you wonder why the majority does not see this coming.
aggou 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Actually, Southerpinesupperwestside,
That's not entirely true. The reason Obama won is not because he received another mandate, or the majority of the population outright "rejected" Republican views on the economy.
It's much more simple than that. Obama got his base out to vote, better than Romney did.
It's that simple. He got more Liberals and Democratic leaning voters out to vote, than Romney did getting Conservatives and Republican leaning voters out to vote.
The_AnonymusProfit 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Heya Yukon and gang.
This article is spot on, the question is will Obama step up, or will he drop the ball.
fugitiveguy 5 months, 2 weeks ago
SP-the national debt passed 16T some time ago, it is projected to hit 20T by the end of President Obama's 2nd term. President Obama called former President Bush irresponsible and unpatriotic in 2007 because the debt under his watch went from 6T to 11T. What do you see as the end game as far as the national debt goes? What are your concerns over how this will affect your children, grandchildren and future generations?
skylinefirepest 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey spuws, save your therapists for after obummas final day in office...I think YOU are going to need them then when you see the state of the country that he will leave us in...
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
spuws, I swore l wasn't going to respond to you, but you continuously talk about anyone that doesn't like President Obama as being angry that Mitt Romney lost. I, for one, am happy that Mitt Romney is not our President. Do l think that President Obama is going to bankrupt our country and crash the economy, but I am not angry that Mitt lost. I think you are going to be sorely surprised/disappointed in the results of our President if/when his administration is over. I am so happy we are here, where we are free, like America used to be, and we are removed from the cities where it will be so bad.
teufelhunden 5 months, 2 weeks ago
SP your rant is so tired. We want a responsible government period. Regardless of who was elected.
njc17 5 months, 2 weeks ago
SPUWS, don't you think you have acted stupid enough? Please. What we have here is a pseudi president who abdicates responsibility with the ideate of "Let them do it, if it works I take credit, if it doesn't It's their fault"This is the most irresponsible leader wannabe I have seen . The debt is HIS fault with out of control spending and bailouts,Bush may have buckled under at the end of his term with the first of the stimulus payouts but he was in no way responsible for the economic collapse, which was fostered by out of control lending and bad bookkeeping. [ by the way the democrats were in control of congress, and THEY are the spenders, not the president.] Obama has changed that with his bypassing of congress time after time. Raising taxes is not a solution. All that does is shut down many businesses who are affexted by the tax proposals. AND unless spending is cut , and drastically, all the taxes will do nothing but drain the economy.
Yukonjohn 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey upperwestside, I think everybody else has gone to bed. I have an honest question for you. You don't really believe this stuff you put out do you? Do you not see that it is unsustainable? If you took ALL the money that millionaires and billionaires had...all of it, it would not run the govt for even a couple of months at best!! And with the President saying he will not cut any spending, it excerbates the problem many-fold. I am not an economist, but l have lived 55 yrs and have seen how to run a household. Our federal govt is just like our household, just much bigger. The same principles apply. If you do believe this stuff you put out on this site, your ignorance knows no bounds. I did not say you were stupid, that is knowing better and still doing it, but ignorance is just not knowing. If you believe, truly believe this stuff, you need to go to someone...not one of the republicans, but someone with knowledge that can teach you how a macro economy works, and how what the President is doing will not, cannot work. Best wishes and l hope you can find knowledge.
skylinefirepest 5 months, 1 week ago
101, I couldn't have said it better. You are spot on and sp is so racially motivated that he doesn't want to see it. It's a shame but his fanny is ate up with hate!! He does spout the liberal line though, so I guess Jimmy Heim is really proud of him.
Yukonjohn 5 months, 1 week ago
skylinefirepest, you and 101 nailed it. People like this will not survive when it all goes to ca-ca. They will be out trying to steal what is not theirs and will perish. The people that are getting handouts are going to freak out when the govt that they love so very much cannot provide for them anymore. There will come a time, and you both know it, that the govt will not be there to provide for the Jim Helms and upperwestsides and others like that anymore. All of the wealth will be gone, and there will be no one left to work by the sweat of their brow and it is going to be ugly. People like myself, who might perish, but not without a fight, will die protecting our little bit of stuff. I dont have much, but what l have is mine, bought and paid for, and l will not let go of it easily. This is what our President and his cronies have brought upon this country. Hey, I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt for almost his whole first term, and nothing has changed, except to get worse. Just wait, it wont be so long now until it all comes crashing down.
bufordsplay 5 months, 1 week ago
Hey southernpinessupperwestside, how does one "Steal" their own money ? How is not wanting more of their money forcibly taken from them to give to someone else "cheating?" you're a moron.
bufordsplay 5 months, 1 week ago
?????
skylinefirepest 5 months, 1 week ago
Bu, you won't get an answer out of him...all he does is whine about how the truth will bear him out. But just like Jimmy Heim he can't answer ( or won't ) an honest question so all they are doing is fooling themselves. But to answer one of his comments I am not mad that Romney lost...I'm mad that America lost and the gimme's got one more term for this liar and his incompetent administration to continue killing this, the greatest country on the face of the earth.