The Obama Nation
October 27th, 2008
Well. I read another political book. I haven’t read very many, but if I’m anything it’s obsessive with my interests and with so much political talk on the radio and tv I felt compelled to check this book out.
So, what did I think? A bit much…like wow. Here’s what I wanted to get out of the book: Here are the reasons that you shouldn’t vote for Obama, his ideas have been proven not to work and other interesting things. What did I get? I got a “Hey, Obama’s dad was a really bad guy, so Barrack is a bad guy” logic for 400 pages.
Here are some highlights from the book:
Lies in his books- the author tries to discredit Obama by analyzing everything written in Obama’s 2 books. I mean, if its wrong it’s wrong, you can’t refute that. And some of what he’s written were misleading on purpose. So, no argument, but honestly, analyze any politicians books that they wrote/dictated and you’ll find that. They want to get elected afterall.
Studied Islam- For me, this isnt’ a big deal. But then I know for some old school racists it actually could be a factor in voting. The fact is, friends of Obama said he practiced/believed in Islam up until his marriage with Michelle. He then left it for Christianity. He also admits to having worshiped it as a child when he grew up in the Phillipines (I think it was there anyway). He obviously would be one of just 2 Washington politicians who are muslim, and of course the first president. The issue is that he denies it while some of his high school and college friends say he practiced.
Black Rage- Apparently, as a youth and through his undergrad he was what could be seen for that time period as a fairly normal african american college man. He read some authors that preached black power, beliefs following the black panthers, and general angry black literature. I don’t think it makes him a radical, I think you shouldn’t judge someone for that, especially if he’s got a clean record and just did some blow and weed in college. Could’ve been worse, not that HE was actually violent.
Denying white upbringing- When he was very young he moved in with his grandparents who were both white. In fact, he was raised by his grandparents through high school. That means for most of his youth he was essentially white, yet denies that heritage vehemently, in fact, talks shit on his grandma a lot of times saying she was a racist. (Once she was harrassed on her way to work by a black man, and he made the point that it wasn’t that she was harrassed, but because the man was black. After that he essentially started hating his ‘Nana). I don’t think that’s cool, being raised white, being half-white, and hating on your grandma for votes is wrong.
Relationship with Ayers. Duh.
He’s pretending to be Christian to be elected.
State House campaign corruption. He bought land from a man who then gave him a bunch of money for his campaign. The land was unliveable and so it was seen as Obama did him a huge favor by buying the land. Obama was later quoted saying it was a lack of judgement, but claimed he did nothing wrong.
Doesn’t understand the 2nd amendment. His flip flop on Washington D.C.’s concealed gun law.
Global Poverty Act. Tax U.S. Citizens to help the world out of poverty. Puts the burden on America for the worlds problems.
Those were more notes. My final thoughts, I think Obama has an excellent chance of being elected and the only thing that makes me uncomfortable is that he’ll have full control since it’s looking like the house, senate, and presidency could be blue. That being said I think throwing him in the white house with less experience than Governon Palin is poor judgement and I really don’t like him talking down to those “holding on to bibles and guns” which I think is one of the worst quotes I’ve heard of someone seeking office. This book didn’t scare me about Obama, in fact, it mostly disappointed me that the book was so extreme right that it failed to make plenty of perfectly valid arguments and chose the radical. I did learn a lot about Obama, since the book is very well researched I consider them slanted truths, but truths nonetheless, but it did not have the result I was hoping for.
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10 Comments Add your own
1. Chris S. | October 27th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
#1. If graduating from college and getting a job means enjoying listening to political talk on the radio…….I don’t want to graduate.
#2. I think Obama will win for sure. Too many people hate George Bush and I don’t think there is any way another Republican will be put in office in this election. Look at the history of presidential elections in the US and it almost always maintains the alternating pattern of Republican, Dem., Rep., etc.
2. Sue | October 27th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Thanks for the Cliff Notes.
3. bryce | October 28th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Chet. I am super impressed with that comment. I had you pegged as that guy who had no idea who was running or was the current president.
4. Holli | October 28th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I don’t think any of those things in Obama’s past will affect how he governs the country today. In fact, the most surprising thing in your list, to me, was denying his white heritage and hating his grandma. I think his views have changed (if that was in fact true). He’s spent several days with his dying grandma this last week or so. While I wouldn’t call myself Democrat (nor would I cal myself Republican), I *am* voting for Obama. But I also think Congress needs to change, so I’m voting against most of our incumbents. Which will happen to mean I’d be voting for a Republican Congress.
In response to Chris - while I think enivitably, you’re right, it won’t and isn’t a cake walk for any Democrat to take office after a horrible administration like the past 2 terms. I think even Obama said this “Republicans don’t know how to govern, but they sure know how to campaign.”
Bryce - did you say that Obama has less experience than Palin? Or did the book? Because I would disagree.
5. bryce | October 28th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I said it. And how on earth does a Senator have more experience than a Governor?
6. dan | October 28th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Holli, what Bryce is saying is that Palin has more EXECUTIVE experience than Obama, which is true. Obama’s government experience consists of his time in state and federal congresses, which is a very different job from government administration. For example, look at this most recent bailout. Congress passed a bill that appropriated a certain amount of money to be used by the department of treasury to save the economy. However, it is the responsibility of the Secretary of the Treasury (part of the Bush administration) to actually use those funds correctly. Congress has had little say in this, and I heard a lot of people were surprised at how the funds were actually used. Obama will be in charge of appointing those people and in general his administration will be in charge of how the government executes the laws passed by congress (why it is the EXECUTIVE branch of government). It is very different to say “here is a bunch of money to improve education” than to actually build the governmental infrastructure necessary to efficiently and successfully implement the program that will improve education.
That was very long-winded. Sorry about that. I’m not saying that Obama doesn’t have the skills necessary to succeed in the White House. I just know he doesn’t have a track record of ‘getting things done’ like a governor or military general would. Or Vice-President for that matter. Will it matter? Hard to say. A lack of executive experience is not why I’m not voting for him.
7. david | November 1st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I don’t know what books you have read but I’ve read (most of) “The Case Against Senator Barrack (sp) Obama”. It spends some time on his book, it spends quite a bit of time going through his rise in the Chicago political system, goes through his stands and views on issues, and then goes through his acquaintances. When it talks about his acquaintances the author states that he isn’t saying that Obama is like them or even has the same beliefs, but is more about just letting you realize who he lets himself hang out with and lets the viewer take it as they will. It talks about examples of those who view him as the messiah. It was really interesting. And much of what is used is specific quotes (often times multiple quotes) on his issues so it doesn’t feel like he’s just making things up. Idk, I’d definitely check it out.
8. david | November 1st, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Everybody I know (college kids around here) is voting for Obama but I think it mostly has to do with Obama being young, Bush being republican, and McCain being old more so than the issues. Tyler is the only other person I think is not for Obama, however, I think it’s going to be a lot closer than it feels like it will be. My vote won’t matter in Minnesota but it’ll be interesting to see how things go elsewhere. I’m glad I get to vote this year though. I missed it last time by a few days.
9. Schaef | November 1st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Byrce for once in my life I am voting republican. I think Obama is a joke.
10. m!les | November 5th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Seeing as how the election is over, my comment will seem seasoned and wise.
I think Obama will win the election. In fact, I think he’ll win it pretty easy, most news outlets calling it well before midnight.
That being said, I’m glad he’s getting elected with so many detractors. He has a strong fanbase, and his fans are fervent, but he needs people to mistrust him and suspect his intentions. It’s the only way good progress can be made.
I didn’t vote Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin - I voted Baldwin/Castle. I generally lean more democratic in my social attitudes, and I lean more republican in my moral attitudes. That said, both major party candidates felt wrong. So I voted for the Constitution Party candidates. They certainly have some radical ideas, but I found the ideas interesting and worth considering, and they had a stance that I agreed with when it came to the pro-life issue.
It’s going to be an interesting next four years. Good Luck, President Obama. We’re all counting on you.
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