Letters from MoveOn: What Would Obama Have Us Change?

Obama: "My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it."
From Daniel Mintz @ MoveOn.org: "Want to see what Change looks like? Real Change? ...Last week, President Obama unveiled his budget - his and it's ambitious, amazing, and unapologetically progressive. As Paul Krugman said, it will set America on a 'fundamentally new course'. ...President Obama called his new budget a 'threat to the status quo'. ...Unfortunately, most people don't realize how far-reaching and progressive this plan will be - that's where we all come in. Sunday, March 1, 2009.Now, to my point.
What would Obama have us change about 'the greatest nation in the history of the world'?
Would he like us to cease being the land of the free and home of the brave? I think we know the answer to that, don't we?
Would he have us turn our back on the Constitution and the founding principles of America? We're already pretty far down that road without his help.
Would he have us turn our back on the free market and the opportunities available to those who are willing to work hard and prosper? You do realize equality brings us all down to the same level, rather than creating prosperity?
I know he would have us become a Democracy, subject to mob rule, rather than a Republic. When the parasites can control the income and property rights of the achievers, the end is not far off.
Would Obama have us stop our charitable contributions and mission work on behalf of the less fortunate? No, he simply wants control over the definition of needy and the power to distribute our money for his own gains.
Would he have us reduce our military force and weaken our defense against terrorists? Absolutely.
Would he infringe on our civil liberties in ways Bush and Clinton never dreamed of? You bet.
Would he have us surrender our time, money, and property in the name of equality and service to our fellow man? He has said so on many occaisions.
Would he ruin the economy in the pursuit of his concept of fairness? He said that too.
Would he cripple businesses in a quest to end global warming and income inequality? Yes on both points.
Would he turn America from one of the most prosperous countries in the world, to one of the least? Yep.
I have one more question for you: Do you want to stand idly by, while he takes advantage of the successful marketing campaign MoveOn is running on his behalf, or do you want to organize and recruit a truly Conservative opposition? It won't be easy, and it won't happen immediately, but it can happen. The fool's gold looses its luster when the fools realize it won't buy bread and milk for their kids or pay the mortgage.
In closing, I'll leave you with a couple of quotes.
"...His silver tongue seemed tied in knots when he was asked why, despite his promises to cut the deficit, projections have it rising dramatically - trillions beyond what his own office estimates.The true answer is that Obama wants to spend far more than the nation can afford, even with his huge tax hikes. And the more his plans become clear, the less convincing is his claim that they are all tied to the economic crisis." Center for Individual Freedom; Friday, March 27, 2009. Michael Goodwin, New York Daily News

"Obama has surely set the tone for the unfolding riot of Liberal hubris. In his effort to reprise the sort of expression of Liberal power we saw in the Thirties and Sixties, Obama has - without a whiff of self-doubt - committed America to $65 Trillion in extra debt, $65 Billion for each one of his first 1oo days, and that's based on an impossibly rosy forecast of the economy. No wonder Congressional Democrats clamor to take over corporations, tax the air we breath, and set wages for everybody." Jonah Goldberg, National Review Online Editor at Large
Before you accuse me of only criticizing and providing Conservative 'talking points', go to the source of my inspiration: Obama's BluePrint for Change.
This article is cross posted at Liberatchik.

Ignorance is an Amazing Thing

The following is from my recent article on Liberatchik:

...The shirt reads: Freedom is great. While, on the surface, that seems innocuous and easily defensible, let me address the reason it irks me. This woman, having voted for Obama, has no true concept of freedom. Putting the shirt on a child who will bear the burden of paying the bill and suffering the consequences of his mother's vote is the irony. I hesitate to call it cruel, because I don't believe she is knowingly selling her child into serfdom, but it is certainly ignorant. Further, Obama and the current Congress have no interest in Americans being free.
In closing, I will leave you with an excerpt and a link. The fact that this is coming out of Russia should scare the pants off of you.

..."The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His speed in the past three months has been truly impressive. His spending and money printing has been a record-setting, not just in America's short history, but in the world. If this keeps up for more than a year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Wiemar Republic and at worst Zimbabwe. ...The proud American will go down into his slavery without a fight, beating his chest and proclaiming to the world, how free he really is. The world will only snicker."

This quote is an excerpt from an article by Stanislav Mishin @ Pravda.RU

Breaking Down My Philosophy, Installment #1

Liberty is not a Utopian Fantasy

This is a new article for the Liberatchik project. There will be several entries on the subject as the necessity for, and justice of, Liberty over statism will require a lengthy argument. Many view Liberty as a burden and prefer security, regardless of limitations. I will endeavor to explain why I prefer to take on that responsibility.

I'm going to start passing on some quotes

I'm not sure how this will go, but the goal is to put something up every day. When I have time, I will also post a comment or information on the historic significance of the quote in question. Since this is the first installment, I will provide two related quotes. Both were sent to me in emails from Downsizer DC.

"A socialist is somebody who doesn't have anything, and is ready to divide it up equally among everybody." George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish comic dramatist
"Being the state means never having to say you're sorry." -- D.A. Ridgely (Source: Positive Liberty blog, March 23, 2009)

Both of these quotes are exceedingly relevant to the current situation in America. The general populace has been convinced that the government is the source and creator of all wealth and security. When something goes wrong, ironically, it is blamed on the evil rich. The government is expected to step in again, and do something to correct problems that were created by the government and blamed on the private sector. It sounds so absurd, I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it happening every day. I'm beginning to be afraid to listen to the news any more.
The quote by Shaw is particularly interesting in the fact that I see it's application everywhere. Our President talks of wealth redistribution knowing that the only outcome will be to bring the people with money down to the level of those with none. That may sound good on the surface, but in reality it is evil and detrimental to all involved.
First, the majority of rich people got that way through hard work. If they inherited the money, it was because someone who cared about them worked hard. With the rare exception, rich people don't get that way by taking advantage of the rest of us. Someone told me recently that ,"You don't dictate policy on extreme cases". Too bad our government hasn't heard that one.
Second, where do you think your job came from? Did it magically appear by the grace of government, or did someone create it for you through their own hard work? If you take everything they have and divide it up in the name of fairness, will you have a job left to go to? If you work for yourself, do you think you owe a job to someone who is unemployeed because they 'need' it?
Third, most poor people remain poor through bad decisions and lack of initiative. If you can't make it in America, you're doing something wrong.
Forth, as the quote implies, socialists are typically looking out for themselves. If they want wealth redistribution, it is to get more money without earning it. If they already have money, they are looking for power. If Obama and Congress were really concerned about helping the 'poor', they would redistribute some of their own wealth. I'd like to see the hypocrites lead by example for once. As with everything else a politician promises, 'charity' comes out of our pockets, not their own.
As for charity, it can't come from government. The government has no source of income other than taxes. Confiscatory redistribution is not charity. You have to own the money and give it willingly to call it charity. I also think the person receiving help should look their benefactor in the eye and be grateful for their charity. The anonymity of government handouts leads to people thinking someone owes them something.
The Ridgely quote is a good summary of my argument. If you don't have to apologize for your actions or take responsibility, you are free to do as you please. Ironically, Liberals bemoan the dispassion and cruelty of Capitalism. However, the real cruelty is in punishing success, then blaming the successful for your own inadequacies.
I'll take freedom over comfort and security any day. Nothing is free. The government, like the mob and the unions, expect something in return for 'helping' you. Are you willing to hack off your pound of flesh when the time comes? Should you have to?

Destroying the Economy to promote Socialism

I recently received an email with a link that I think everyone should look at. I know the people who support Obama like to call people like me conspiracy theorists, and sweep us under the carpet. It is little consolation that they will have no one to thank but themselves when we are all in an equal state of misery.
Have you noticed how quickly the government and entitlements have grown since January 20th? Rather than waste time with a rant, I will direct you to the information so you can judge for yourself.

Barack Obama is Destroying Our Economy on Purpose. Description: A pair of radical Columbia University professors by the name of Richard Andrew Cloward and Frances Fox Piven wrote an article in the radical magazine known as The Nation. The article was published on May 2, 1966 and laid out what is now known as the "Cloward-Piven Strategy".

The plan calls for the destruction of capitalism in America by swelling the welfare rolls to the point of collapsing our economy and then implementing socialism by nationalizing many private institutions. Cloward and Piven studied Saul Alinsky just like Hillary Clinton and President Obama. Listen as Brannon and his guest James Simpson explain how Cloward and Piven inspired the creation of ACORN that Obama worked for as a community organizer.

This interview must be e-mailed all over the country. Americans must awaken and understand the goal of these radicals and what is to come if they succeed. Time is of the essence. Obama is not over his head as some have claimed; he knows exactly what he is doing. Understand the Cloward-Piven Strategy, the rules of Saul Alinsky and their Cultural Marxist world view and you will understand that what is occurring is not by mistake.

Google Cloward- Piven, below and you will see clearly what the strategy of the left really intends for this country.

THE SITE http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=6967

Where is John Galt? #1

For those of you familiar with Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged, you will know what I'm talking about. For the rest of you; for God's sake, read the book. I'm happy to say sales have skyrocketed lately, so the kid at the local bookstore chain might actually know what you're asking for. This book made a huge impact on me when I read it in college. I am confident in saying it changed my worldview, opened my eyes, and gave me the strength to fight for the ideas this country was formed around, rather than accept the country it has become. Fifty and some odd years after its first publication, Atlas is true now more than ever. It was the fertilizer my young mind needed to grow into the well-informed and self-motivated person that I am today. Looking back, it helped me develop a strong personal philosophy and standard of value that has led me to be a political artist and activist. Some would agree, sarcastically, that it is indeed fertilizer. I think my favorite criticism of Ms. Rand's work and philosophy came from someone who said, her books are just written for young angst-ridden girls who have no concept of self. The small-mindedness of people will never cease to amaze me.

This drawing is the second in a series of Americana images I am working on....

The entire article is available at Modern Conservative

The Future Indeptedness Bill has passed

Hey, everybody. I know some of you don't share my views or live outside the US, so disregard this post if it doesn't reply.
To the rest of you, who are probably angry, please read and pass on the article I have linked below. This sham of a 'stimulus' bill that just passed Congress is going to put a huge burden on my generation as well as those of future generations. Government, which is already too large and intrusive, is going to expand to unheard of proportions. We have been screwed in the name of paybacks and welfare projects, just one month into Obama's administration. Who knows what's coming next? Considering I read the Blueprint for America, I have a pretty good idea. The Democrats have become so enamored of themselves this election, they are grasping for everything they can think of. Plus they have MoveOn.org and every other 'Progressive' organization clamoring for a handout. Because I put myself on their email lists to better know my enemy, I get some interesting information from their side. I'm guess none of you are surprised to see President Obama went back on his word regarding everything he said during the campaign. Except for Change, because he's certainly giving us that! The future looks grim indeed.
Commentary on the Stimulus Bill, from SPIN.com
Extra reading from Ron Paul.

Did Ayn Rand have a premonition of Obama?

Some of these quotes are amazingly eerie, in their description of characters resembling Obama. Although he claims to be the agent of 'Change', he is quite the personification of socialist dogma. He is Elsworth Toohey in his arrogance and quest for power, and Peter Keating in his whiny
For those of you who are new to my blog, thanks for joining me. These installments are research for future paintings, and the answer to a friend's request for more Rand.

...His thinking is muddy enough to [demand] an absolute obedience to those ideas from others, but not from himself. He isn't above...accepting money when doing so is quite safe although not quite clean, and forgiving in his "friends" the crimes for which he would destroy an "enemy".

He is a very prominent figure. Especially popular among the semi-literate lower classes... rather indifferent themselves, but will not tolerate any disrespect or disbelief of his authority...

He hates all successful people. A successful man, in any line, is his personal enemy. He rejoices at every failure and at the fall of every idol.

The human herds. All the gatherings of average humanity which have but one aim: to ruin all individuals and individuality, to put "we" instead of "I" everywhere, to have a herd of submissive insiders against everyone outside who "does not belong", everyone who has the courage and conscience to walk alone. The tyranny of number, of multitude, of the average. Communism already established - unofficially.

A mob's feeling of omnipotence is its most jealously guarded possession and therefore a dangerous thing to wound. The mob can forgive any insult or crime except one: challenging its ultimate power... but to see a man who has freed himself from it entirely, who has nothing in common with it, a man who does not need it and who openly disdains it - this is the one crime a mob can never forgive.

...He made an unintelligent speech, full of common platitudes, showing a complete lack of imagination or originality. He had the nerve to speak in defense of the people, the country, the world and soon!...

Everything centered around one idea - one propaganda - and that idea fed to the people until they mentally suffocate.

A terrific machinery crushing the whole country and smothering every bit of life, action and air.
A picture of the state, strangling the individual. A picture of the masses showing who and what those masses are, their ideas, and their rise against the unusual and higher man.

Kira: "But there is a life, a life that I saw, that I was waiting for - and I have a right to it. Who is taking it away from me and why are they doing it?"

The All-Pervading Propaganda: It's ridiculous, far-fetched connections. Its intentionally vulgar,"popular" style and artificial bravado. Glorifying of the drudgery and the "everyday". Its main methods: employment - enforced meetings, "social activists", demonstrators, enforced deductions of pay for "patriotic" enterprises; and schools - enforced study of unscientific "social sciences", a "red" angle on all activities.

The individual against society and a time when society is at its worst and makes itself felt most strongly.

This made me smile...

So I decided to pass it on.
http://americantruckersatwar.com/2009/01/18/dear-american-liberals-leftists-social-progressives-socialists/

Vote Early and Often, the Mantra of Third World Despots has Entered the Presidential Race.

I gave closing remarks at an art show recently and heard one of the most disturbing things of this election cycle. The owner of the venue made some comments before I went on stage; then asked if everyone was registered to vote. One woman was particularly excited. She added that she had not only registered, but had voted at the same time. Then she yelled out “Vote early and often. I am!”
If that kind of mentality doesn’t terrify the honest people of this country, I don’t know what will. It’s bad enough that people who don’t pay taxes, then go to the government for a handout, are voting. Now they think they have a right to vote as many times as they want in order to put Obama in office. This is how the nasty little despots who are starving the people of South America got into power. You hear about voter fraud from the Left every election, but now that they have a messiah on the ticket, we’re supposed to turn a blind eye to their activities. If McCain or any of the other white guys in this race were encouraging such behavior, there would be such a cry of racism, that we’d all go deaf.
The double standard in this country has gotten out of control. I’m tired of being called a racist and a fascist because I’m white and oppose Obama’s platform. I couldn’t care less about the color of his skin. I want to talk about his economic policies. I’ve never owned slaves, and didn’t live through the Civil Rights Movement. Why should I pay reparations, or support a candidate because we owe it to black people to put him in office?
I want to see a candidate who will reduce the government to its intended role as laid out by the Constitution. I’m not sure Obama or McCain even know what the Constitution says. The current state of our government and economy is appalling. Obama and McCain won’t change that.
I feel very strongly that Obama is going to win. I hope I’m wrong. On the bright side, I think he will be a one term President. How much damage do you think he can do in four years with a Democrat majority in Congress? Remember, Congress is the Legislative branch of the government, and therefore, cause the most damage with their pork-laden and civil liberty crushing bills. There’s no Reagan waiting on the sidelines this time to pick up the mess and repair the damage when Obama leaves office.
It’s time for the American people to start voting on principle. There are viable third party candidates running in this election. Bob Barr is the best chance this country has right now. It’s time to raise awareness and understanding of his platform. People are getting tired of the status quo. Now is the time to present an alternative.

Change you can fear#1: Defining Obama’s Blueprint for America.

There are so many things wrong with this man’s campaign platform, I don’t even know where to start. After slogging through this repetitive and dogmatic treatise on Obama’s socialist dream for our future, I was absolutely amazed that anyone would vote for this man. I can’t believe that people have gotten so lazy that they would put this guy in office. We’re in for some hard times if Obama gets the Presidency with a Democratic majority in Congress. The only up side to the whole thing is the inspiration it has given me for a series of paintings. The level of taxes I’ll have to pay if I sell them makes me reconsider the practicality of working for myself. The days of bread and circuses are upon us, and it won’t be pretty.
The biggest concern I have with the Blueprint for America, is the economic reality of it. Since the government has no means of income other than taxes, I’m having trouble figuring out how Obama thinks he’s going to pay for it. Even if he empties his tax sheltered account in a gesture of good faith to the American people, he won’t come within a century of being close to paying for his programs. I guess some people think it sounds great to stick it to the rich because they can afford it, but there are several problems with that plan.
First, there aren’t enough rich people in the world to pay for it all. Obama wants to give everything to nearly everyone, and he’s not happy to restrict himself to Americans either. The second problem I see is that government rarely does anything well, and it always costs much more than projected.
I would say he just wants to help people, but he’s really just like any other politician on a power trip. I would say he just doesn’t realize that the numbers don’t add up. The problem is, he said he doesn’t care about the effect on the economy because he’s more concerned about fairness. I have a hard time understanding what’s fair about taking money from people who work for it. He talks about the debt of the Bush administration, but he’s promising to pile on some more. The inevitable result of wealth redistribution in the name of equality, is that everyone ends up poor.
I guess he has the messiah complex too, because I got the impression he’s going to solve all the world’s problems while he’s in office.
We keep hearing about change we can believe in, but no one has really defined what that change is going to be. We’re told that it’s okay that Obama doesn’t have any accomplishments as a Senator because he inspires people. I’m not feeling very inspired, unless you count the ideas I have for paintings about him. I have a feeling he won’t find that very inspiring, so maybe it’s an even trade. He talks about his ability to change Washington, and my ability to help him achieve that goal, but our goals are not the same. I don’t need another wealthy politician/lawyer/pompous oaf telling me that I can make a difference. I already knew that.
I prefer to have the opportunity to improve my life, rather than have the government screw it up. I don’t want to be reduced to the lowest common denominator, I want people to be responsible for themselves, whatever the consequences.
Don’t fool yourself thinking this man cares anything about your needs. He is concerned first and foremost with his own ascent to power. His ideals and their execution are the only other concern he has room for. Not your health. Not your well-being. Not your income. Not your safety. Nothing.