All Things Expounded

What’s a guy to say when both the past (Bush) and future (Obama) in U.S. politics leaves an unpleasant taste in his mouth? As much as I’m excited about the fact that an African American man is now able to vie for the top office in the U.S.A., I’m not at all enthusiastic about Obama.

I’m clearly not a fan of Bush. His administration’s legacy of big government “conservatism” was horrible, as was his administration’s blatent disregard of the constitution and liberty in general (a link to a CATO institute report). His administration’s foreign policy was also miserable, leading to the invasion of (and continuing struggle in) two countries which each have populations roughly the size of that of California. But don’t think that my critique of Bush’s administration means I’m for Obama. While, as I said, I am excited that an African American man can become president nowadays, I’m against Obama too. I think Obama is easily going to do as much damage to liberty as Bush did, and is a statist, albiet a left wing one.

CHANGE seems to be the slogan of Obama’s administration, though it seems to me that the “CHANGE” idea is mainly attributable to Obama’s election handlers. If the names Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Robert Gates (all in Obama’s administration) are any indication, we can expect the opposite of change.  Iranian officials are crazy, but they are also very astutute in observing that Obama’s cabinet selections signals the very opposite of change.

Those who think Obama will introduce all kinds of civil liberties ought to be reminded that Obama voted for the reauthorization of the PATRIOT act. He is a statist through and through, quaint election platitudes not withstanding. And those who think that Obama is going to deliver America out of a bad foreign policy ought to see a much more negative assesment from a radical Marxist. I’m about as un-Marxist as you can get, and I find the Marxist platitudes irritating, but I think its funny to see how that particular Marxist sees right through Obama’s foreign policy. And there is really some reason to believe that Obama is a hawk posing as a dove.

To those who are excited about Obama: Don’t hope in the state. Don’t let your dislike of Bush blind you to Obama’s record. The state will disappoint you, even if “your man” is in power. The state is a HARSH taskmaster. Obama will disappoint you.  Even if he now wishes to carry out your desires, he probably won’t do it in office. Why? Becuase he’s a good politico, he’ll do what it takes to stay in power, including stampeding over your liberty. Remember that Obama is a politico too.  The religious right has been repeatedly duped by the smooth talking neo-conservatives. Now I believe the left will soon learn that it has also been duped by a smooth talker.

To those who are disappointed about Obama: Don’t hope in the state either.  And don’t worry too much. Obama’s administration will likely continue Bush’s policies WAY MORE than anyone could ever imagine. If you like the establishment statist gig, you’ll get a good deal of it with Obama too. The establishment politicos have not been removed. Yes, there is a lot of rhetoric about CHANGE, but keep in mind that CHANGE works better in the campaign trail than it does in office. And people who want a second term act like good little boys and girls and keep many elements of the status quo.

OK, now go and find something that will make you laugh a bit.