Occupy Wall Street Protesters

What, to me, seems as one of the most divisive presidencies in modern history continues to grind on and I, like many ordinary Americans, have become weary of the dialog from the extremist ends of BOTH political parties that purportedly “lead” our country. The tone and tenor of today’s political debate on issues of huge importance to us all, our economic stability, personal freedoms and overall quality of life aren’t honorable disagreements of well-intended statesmen and women — it has become mean, hateful and, notably, highly divisive.  Irrespective of your political beliefs, persuasions or affinities — the public record is replete with stark examples of such divisiveness from our current president Barack Obama.  The most current example being the contraception debate and mandates put upon religious organizations and their affiliates in apparent direct violation of our nation’s Constitution.  In example after example from this current administration, they seem to make “accommodations” in policies that either press the limits of, or even cross the line, of government’s authority to impact and intrude into our daily lives.  I think Fox News Channel analyst Dr. Monica Crowley said it best this week on the Catholic “accommodation”: “Mr. President, how about accommodating the Constitution?”  Class warfare, the 1%, corporate jet-owners, sound familiar?  Now he plans to rent out Bank of America stadium at his party’s national convention in Charlotte NC to accommodate those he demonizes, all while holding his hand out for contributions for his re-election campaign. It is simultaneously saddening and maddening. Not to mention galactically two-faced and hypocritical.

I truly believe that our citizenry requires two basic attributes from the presidents we elect — no matter the party: leadership and a unifying vision for our country’s future.  If you accept that premise, Obama has failed to consistently deliver either.  Moreover, I am yet to be convinced that any current candidate for the office of the presidency this election season, based on their performance so far, meets this test.  I am hopeful one will emerge and demonstrate these qualities in a quantifiable and believable way.  Hope springs eternal.  Color me disenfranchised at this point.  But make no mistake, my response to Mr. Obama’s protestation that he “deserves a second term,” I say, “like hell you do.”  Based on what?  Seriously.  You have spent INFINITELY more time, energy and resources seeking to keep your own job Mr. Obama, than you have in any truly measurable effort to re-employ Americans and create an environment where America’s private sector — our economy’s engine — can thrive and turn the corner on this recession.  I agree with many in the political arena that say “Mr. Obama is a decent person, a nice guy, good father and family man.”  My view is that he is simply incompetent — as a leader, manager, steward of our nation’s economics, and knowledge of ANYTHING having to do with what the American people overall want or expect from their government, both in size and in scope.  To be clear, I am not a hater and bear no ill-will to Barack Obama the person, I simply believe he should be fired for non-performance.  No more, no less.  He has single-handedly created more uncertainty, division and regulatory barriers to economic success and vibrancy of any president I can remember.  Extreme ideologies legistlated or mandated upon the governed — liberal OR conservative — fly in the very face of what our Founders envisioned when they drafted our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

His supporters, in his defense, will rightly point to what they believe are significant accomplishments — healthcare for all, numerous programs offering government assistance for more and more people, heavy regulation of numerous industries to “protect” us all.  I suggest that the shear volume of programs, regulations, laws and rules are not a valid measure of any successfully presidency.  But Mr. Obama will no doubt try and convince us that these were SIGNIFICANT accomplishments.  Most objective economists will say the uncertainty created by these “accomplishments” has deepened our recession and that their recurring costs have us on the road to economic disaster.  And there is evidence of this — Obama also accomplished having the first S&P downgrade of our country’s credit rating on his watch.  This is huge, and one of the many negatives in his record that Mr. Obama cynically hopes that we minions will forget, or are simply too stupid to understand.  That we will all be mesmerized by his pretty words, forget his actions and adore his lovely smile.

Mr. Obama has had accomplices in this “fundamental transformation” of America.  Two full years of a totally Democrat Congress led by Nancy Pelosi.  You remember her? “We have to pass the healthcare bill to know what’s in it (devised behind closed doors with a complete shut-out of Republicans) and “Occupy Wall Street is exciting, young and have a relevant message.”  Yeah her.  But I submit Washington’s problem is deeper.  Entrenched congress members and senators of both parties who have occupied their offices for decades.  Cynical, special-interest laden and paid for, and in severe need of retirement in my view.  They are complicit.

This post is getting long, so I will try and wrap up.  But when some say that this election may be the most important of our lifetime, I do not see that statement as either hyperbole or rhetoric.  It just may well be.  As one of the masses, I just sense the majority of us are desperately seeking that Reagan-esque white knight to emerge, articulate a solid vision and save us. — and one hasn’t emerged, so we in the middle remain non-commital, bordering on disenfranchised.  But the stakes are too high to disengage.  We must hold our nose, pick an alternative and press the alternative to perform in the betterment of our country.  To do nothing, would be to concede our future to one has proven himself to be a rabid ideologue with no discernable skills beyond raising money and ability to be divisive, both politically and within factions of our nation’s social fabric.

When someone tells you” “we can’t afford another four years of Obama,” be inclined to believe it.  When someone tells you they are “unimpressed with the alternatives,” be sympathetic, but select one.  I believe the future of our country depends on it.