Media Gives Obama Unlimited Outs

If only George W. had a fall guy when he was in office.

Where was Tim Geithner when Bush had to answer for the economic downward spiral? If we're being honest, Bush had Congress to blame for some of his political woes, but the media never pointed the blame in any other direction than directly at George Bush.

Obama's presidency is shaping up to be the media love fest we all anticipated. He can do absolutely no wrong. AIG gives out bonuses with the tax dollars of struggling Americans? Blame Geithner. He didn't tell Obama until after he found out on March 3....or was it March 10?

Ironically, Obama continues to support Geithner. He told Jay Leno that Geithner is doing an "outstanding job". Huh?

Obama knew about the AIG bonuses and if he didn't, he should have. If he wasn't trying to change the face of America in six months or less and hitting the campaign trail again (i.e. Leno, 60 Minutes and town hall meetings), perhaps he would've caught this.

It's time for Obama to get back to the White House, stop trying to charm the American people and start working for them.

Taxpayers Send Obama to Leno

And that, Mr. Obama, is why no sitting president has ever gone on late night.

"It's like the Special Olympics or something," Obama quipped after Leno asked him about his bowling game. Naturally, the comment didn't go over well with the Special Olympics or parents of special needs children.

The very nature of the Tonight Show lends itself to heavily to a potential gaffe and President Obama fell right into that trap. The platform for American presidents has always been carefully orchestrated for a reason. The flippant and relaxed environment Obama put himself into was a pitfall he should've avoided.

Certainly a foolish, off-handed remark is something we've all made without much thought, but Obama isn't meant to be "one of the gang". We hired him to be something better and particularly during a time of crisis, Obama has no business yuckin' it up with Leno.

From coverage of the president working on his NCAA tournament bracket to his television appearances, Obama is undeniably overexposed. Photos of the president sitting at his desk in the Oval Office would be preferable to another segment of him talking about March Madness.

Democrats Never Will Shake the Napoleon Complex

What's with the obsession Democrats appear to have with the "leader" of the Republican Party? It's the focus of water cooler talk, uber-obnoxious banter between Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Joy Behar, and the focus of liberal news media coverage.

Democrats have the executive branch and the majority in the House. They do not need Republicans at this particular juncture. For the first time in a long time, Republicans should be considered a non-issue. So, why the excessive interest?

Here's a theory; Democrats are starting their smear campaign before the Obamas even have a chance to get completely settled in. Much to the chagrin of any good Republican, Democrats are trying their damnedest to tie the Party tightly to the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter.

With respect to Limbaugh and Coulter for their successes in the entertainment industry, neither is a politician with the experience or power to lead the Republican Party.

Government power based on political party goes in peaks and valleys, as it has for decades. The Democratic Party is far from stable and strong. Perhaps they should get passed their inferiority complex and concentrate on the task at hand. They have far more to be concerned about, what with this earmark bill they've created, than wasting time concerning themselves with what the Republicans are doing to reconstruct their Party.

Obama Offers Rights Based Only on Personal Agenda

In the midst of this financial mess and, what only can be described as a restructuring of the fundamental basis of America, Obama is taking away the rights of American health care professionals. Apparently, young women should have the right to decide the fate of their unborn (partially born) children, but health care workers shouldn't have the right to refuse to take part in the killings of babies, as ordered by their mothers.

Effective Jan 20, George W. Bush had ordered job protection for health care workers who opt not to treat patients as a result of their moral convictions. A little over a month later, with a plate that is overflowing, Obama piles this agenda on top of it.

Ironically, President Obama is in favor of federally funding international institutions who abort babies, but against funding domestic institutions who refuse them.

Let us be frank, there is no shortage of doctors, nurses and pharmacists who will gladly assist, consult and refer patients who want to kill their unborn. Coming from a president who stands by freedom of choice when it comes to murder, you'd think he could extend that same courtesy to citizens who choose to disagree with it and wish not to take part in assisting in it.

Santelli vs. Socialism

Finally. Someone with a voice said exactly what champions of capitalism, and any American with a brain, is thinking.

The great, unflappable Obama just got flapped. Obama has been enjoying a very long honeymoon, with a willing and eager media in tow.

The silent sector of America that has spent the last eight years on the receiving end of an unforgiving media is applauding CNBC's Rick Santelli for his brave stance against "the great" Obama Administration.

"The government is promoting bad behavior," Santelli said.

You're preaching to the choir, Mr. Santelli.

Something like 92 percent of American homeowners are paying their mortgage. More importantly, those folks are struggling too. Responsible homeowners who made the decision to live within their means will continue to struggle without assistance.

You believe in socialism, "spreading the wealth", and equality for all Americans, President Obama? Picking and choosing who deserves better mortgages based on their own failures is not only unequal and unfair, but it is downright un-American.

"President Obama, are you listening?" Santelli shouted.

Well...are you?

Don't Hang Your Hopes On "Stimulus" Plan

Despite Barack Obama's promises, it appears as though it will be business as usual in Washington with one exception; the Democrats have run amok. Not only are we lacking in checks and balances, but the so-called "economic stimulus bill" was drawn up and signed faster than the media could keep up with its provisions.

Obama went from vowing to ban earmarks to supporting a bill that is riddled with them. It's the first of many promises Obama made as an up-and-coming politician who did not understand the politics of politics.

During the campaign, Americans were wooed by his inspiring rhetoric about change. Either Obama spouted promises simply to get elected or he really believed he could get things done like no one before him. Either way, it doesn't inspire much confidence now.

Included in the plan are $1,000 tax cuts for working couples, whether they earn enough money to pay income tax or not. This turns a "tax cut" into a welfare handout in some cases.

According to Republican Rep. Mike Pence, there are items in the bill that, perhaps, it could do without.

"In legislation before the Senate this week, $20 million for the removal of small to medium-sized fish passage barriers or $25 million to rehabilitate off-roading trails for ATVs is not going to put this economy back on track," Pence said. "And, it was exactly that kind of wasteful government spending that resulted in unanimous Republican opposition last week."

Most assuredly, America is in need of a plan and the basis of the economic stimulus plan was sound. However, thanks to Washington's typical quid pro quo style, the plan has snowballed into an out-of-control, monstrous spending plan. Looks like it's still "politics as usual" in Washington and, unfortunately, there's a rookie at the wheel.

Media Uses Headlines As Political Platform

My, how the headlines have changed since that blessed day on January 20.

'Iraq election hailed as great success,' was splashed across the top of MSNBC's website on Saturday. This is not only newsworthy, but significant to Americans. The headline is neither misplaced nor overstated.

It is, however, strikingly bizarre following years of negative, downbeat stories by MSNBC regarding Iraq during the Bush years.

Also notable is the blurb toward the middle of their web page about a certain "George Obama", half brother to our very own Barack Obama. George Obama was arrested for alleged marijuana possession. This is a story worth mentioning. It was placed where it belonged and was given the proper amount of attention.

However, had this been George W. Bush, imagine how MSNBC would've placed these stories. The two would've been switched around and, under no circumstances, would the blurb regarding Iraq been titled, 'Iraq election hailed as great success'.

The media ought not to put themselves above the likes of slimy politicians. In many ways they hold the same imperious power and have the ability to set the tone for and persuade the thoughts and minds of their audience.

George W. Bush had an abysmal approval rating in part because of media outlets such as MSNBC and CNN . Americans have only the words of journalists with which to base their opinion.

True, Bush may not have been the most popular president regardless of coverage, but the mainstream media was on a witch hunt in their portrayal of Bush. They knew the power they had over their audience, they used and will continue to do so until we begin to see beyond their misuse of power.

Note: The word "Obama" appeared three times in 'Iraq election hailed as great success'. After years of dedication to spreading democracy, I'll let you guess how many times the word "Bush" appeared in that same article.

Has Hell and Washington DC Frozen Over?

It has happened. Barack Obama and I have found common ground.

No, it's not the economy, social issues, or foreign policy.

Malia and Sasha Obama enjoyed the day off when their private school in Washington DC was closed due to "inclement" weather.

"Can I make a comment that is unrelated to the economy very quickly?" Obama asked at a business gathering, "And it has to do with Washington. My children's school was canceled today. Because of, what? Some ice?"

This quite possibly is one of the strongest statements Barack Obama has made since he began his campaign for the presidency.

When asked if the president thought the people of DC were wimps, he replied, "I'm saying, when it comes to the weather, folks in Washington don't seem to be able to handle things."

If only Obama could've expressed such committed opinions throughout his campaign, it may have eased the minds of his skeptics.

As a resident of the great, snowy state of Michigan, we've grown accustomed to weathering snowstorms that continually pound the Midwest. I, too, scoff at districts that cancel classes when there is so much as a dusting of snow.

Mr. Obama, you have finally accomplished something. You have taken a position that has the ability to tick people off.

You were sketchy and rather quiet on the economy, gay marriage, abortion and the war....but darn it-you weren't afraid to take an unpopular stance on school closings.

Now, if we could just get you to use that strong rhetoric against terrorists...

You Foot The Bill for International Abortions

True to his word, Obama has started his administration by taking funds from a financially strained nation and allocating it to abortion providers outside of the United States.

During his tenure, George Bush prohibited U.S. dollars from backing international clinics that provide assistance for any abortion services.

Naturally, Bush's actions took heat from Planned Parenthood and he defended himself, saying, "It is my conviction that taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortion or actively promote abortion."

In less than a week, Obama overturned that ruling so that America's hard earned tax dollars could assist in the demise of the internationally unborn.

Though he does support abortion, Obama has consistently stated that his intention is to reduce the number of abortions. This order is a direct contradiction of that statement and all but guarantees that more babies will be tortured and die at the hands of doctors and financial backing of American taxpayers.

Remove the poignant sensitivity of this issue. During this time of financial uncertainty and job loss, the funding of international abortions takes money from the hands of out-of-work Americans and puts it in the hands of international executioners.

This action is more likely the first of many favors Obama must repay to organizations who offered financial support to his lucrative campaign.

The real question is, how many other organizations does Obama owe his victory to?

Protection for Terrorists, Privation for the Unborn

Pro-lifers lined the streets of Washington DC just two days after inauguration day. The annual "March for Life" event marks the anniversary of a decision that has led to the slaughtering of millions of unborn boys and girls. The emotionally charged issue began 36 years ago as a result of Roe v Wade and continues to be a hot button issue to this day.

Ironically, as Obama begins his presidency by working toward equality, respect, and fairness for terrorists, he does quite the opposite for the unfortunate souls conceived by mothers who consider their existence to be a nuisance.

"We are reminded that this decision not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters," Obama said. "I remain committed to protecting a woman's right to choose."

Obama's viewpoint bodes well for women and men who want to engage in intercourse without regard for repercussions, but comes as a blow to pro-life advocates, as well as the unborn.

Under an Obama Administration, you'd likely rather be a terrorist than an unwanted, innocent baby in your mother's womb.

Nevertheless, tens of thousands of pro-lifers came out to show their distaste for the practice of abortion. The highest man in the land may have center stage; he may be prepared to loosen the laws of abortion, but this is a sign to him that the unborn has a voice and his support for abortion will be met with a great deal of resistance.

The Circus Goes to Washington

There's no harm in a little overindulgence if it gives hope to people, but the masses are inflating this unremarkable man to the point of even his discomfort.

Certainly, all have noticed the rhetoric of Obama's speeches changing from "Yes We Can" to...."Whoa, let's hold on a minute." Obama himself is slowly attempting to bring Americans back down to reality.

Meanwhile, celebrities have set up camp. Oprah aired her special yesterday, debuting the beautiful "America's Song", written and performed by Hollywood celebrities who are completely out of touch with the average American.

Barack Obama is not Martin Luther King. He has not done anything spectacular yet, though he's already being hailed as the hero of our time.

In his inaugural speech this afternoon, don't be surprised to hear less "Yes We Can" and a bit more of the expectation lowering he's been spouting of late.

Obama deserves a chance to fix the economy, the health care system and unemployment. He's earned that. But he does not deserve the spectacle that has descended on Washington. Let's wait until he does more than demonstrate exceptional fundraising skills before we label him the next Abraham Lincoln.

That being said, well wishes go out to Barack Obama as he becomes the 44th president of the United States. Democrats and Republicans alike are counting on him, as well as the other branches of our government, to make good decisions for a country in turmoil.

A Money Scandal in the Making

In an interesting turn of events, even the mainstream media can't help but report on the most recent blemish on Barack Obama's glorified pending office.

Timothy Geithner, Obama's pick to run the Treasury Department appears to have some difficulty keeping his own finances on the up and up. According to MSNBC, Geithner neglected to pay $34 thousand in taxes between 2001 and 2004.

Obama announced his choice for Geithner's position in November, but had investigated and discovered the issue. The issue was disclosed to senators on Dec. 5, however the problem is being chalked up to an unintentional error.

Not surprisingly, supporters of Geithner insist the mistake is common. however, some tax experts disagree.

Reports from MSNBC state that, "Tom Ochsenschlager, vice president of tax for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, said it would be difficult for someone preparing a tax return for a self-employed person to skip the Social Security and Medicare tax lines."

Additionally, Geithner is being question about his housekeeper who he neglected to get an I-9 form from which verifies the legality of an immigrant employee to legally work in the U.S.

Yet again, Geithner claims not to have known that the housekeeper he employed in 2004 and 2005 didn't have the proper documentation. All things considered, perhaps he should've hired an American citizen. Following complaints of jobs being shipped overseas, his decision in hiring an illegal immigrant is particularly unsettling.

Certainly, Obama was bound to run into a few glitches in picking his cabinet. Finding honest and upstanding politicians to work with is a tall order for any president.

The irony of this particular misstep is that the man appointed to run the Treasury Department struggles to run his own household in accordance with the law.

It may be wise for Geithner to take a page from New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's book and withdraw his name. With the amount of financial issues currently facing our country, hiring Geithner to run the Treasury Department would be like hiring Michael Jackson to run a daycare. Bad idea.

No We Can't

Barack Obama is already retracting promises made on the campaign trail and he hasn't even made it to the Oval Office yet.

According to reports from MSNBC, Obama is recanting his promise to eliminate earmark spending in Congress. More than a week before he has the job, he is beginning to realize that he's not going to get his $800 billion stimulus plan without the use of earmarks.

He got a bit too big for his britches and believed he could have full domination over the United States. One faction he neglected to consider was a little problem called Congress. Checks and balances are exactly what protects the U.S. from a dictatorship. Unfortunately, it also makes it much more difficult to get things done without concessions.

Next up...the elimination of Guantanamo Bay. This too is a promise that Obama concedes may have been overly ambitious. While he doesn't approve of some of the tactics used to obtain information from terrorists, he admits that this promise is going to be much more difficult to carry out than originally thought.

President-elect Obama is about be ripped apart as, even his own supporters, attempt to collect following a year of financial and verbal support in 2008. Every person, PAC, and organization who contributed to the near $1 billion his campaign raised are all going to have their hand out. It appears as though it's starting to hit him that he cannot please everyone and only the mindless Obama disciples are going to continue chanting, "Yes we can" without asking "How can we?".

Hugs for Obama, Hate for Coulter

While Barack Obama discussed college football with CNBC's John Harwood, Ann Coulter took a verbal beating from the journalists at NBC.

To his credit, Harwood did ask Obama about his tax plan for America, but let Obama wiggle out of answering a question about whether or not and when he would rescind Bush's tax cuts for the rich.

"I'm not prepared to make a hard and fast commitment," said Obama of a possible repeal. He seemed pretty committed to this issue on the campaign trail.

Admittedly, Coulter stirs up controversy whenever possible. She's out to sell books. Her actual conviction often falls into question due to her transparent, money-grubbing objectives. However, there is something strikingly peculiar about these interviews...Ann Coulter is an author. She's a shock jock. A hack, even. Barack Obama is two weeks from taking office as the President of the United States.

Still, journalists continue to throw him softball questions like "Do you think Utah would finish undefeated by defeating Alabama?".

The point is not that Coulter is forced to explain her controversial statements, but that Obama enjoys laid back, ineffectual interviews by even the most respected journalists.

Journalists are the job interviewers for the public. We can't all personally ask Obama the questions that would have helped us make an informed decision on a the proper candidate for the job. Unfortunately, the folks that we rely on to handle this task let us all down.

He was more fun to watch and charismatic...without question. But, journalists needed to apply the same interviewing tactics to Obama that they did to Sarah Palin and Ann Coulter.

Coulter made an excellent point in her interview with Lauer. It boiled down to the fact that the next four years may be a surprise to us because Obama was rarely forced to answer direct questions.

Moreover, with his infamous habit of voting "present", we certainly can't look at his history to determine our future.

A CIA Director Only An Enemy Could Love

Terrorists are no doubt rejoicing as Obama taps Leon Panetta, Bill Clinton's former chief of staff, to head up the CIA.

Thus far, Obama has been surprisingly conservative in choosing his staff members. Perhaps as a self-aware man, he realized that his facade is what Americans really bought on November 4.

At a closer glance, it becomes painfully obvious that Obama is not only inexperienced, but unsure. He has wisely surrounded himself with staff members who are experienced and more knowledgeable than he is...up to this point.

During a time of war, choosing a 70-year-old liberal to take charge of an agency that has the ability to determine the physical fate of the country may not have been the best decision. While Panetta has had access to intelligence in the past, he is lacking in any vocational experience in intelligence. He also opposes some methods of terrorist interrogations that have kept Americans safe during the years since 9/11.

The fact is, if ever we have needed a strong, experienced, no nonsense CIA director...it's now.

Who's the Real Fool?

While Sarah Palin was busy fending off reporters with infamous, often disprovable accusations, Joe Biden was able to skate through the entire election season with his provable gaffes attracting little attention.

Sarah Palin thought Africa was a country, not a continent. She didn't know the countries involved in the NAFTA agreement. Certainly you've heard these claims. Perhaps you've even heard the reports on Fox News. These claims are hearsay. You're never a complete idiot until you've been caught on tape.

Vice President-elect Joe Biden has provided an insurmountable amount of embarrassing blunders and it's doubtful that the average voter could rattle off a single one. Please, allow me to enlighten you.

While on the campaign trail in Missouri, Biden gave a respectful shout-out to State Senator Chuck Graham. "Chuck, stand up, let the people see you," Biden said. Senator Chuck Graham was unable to oblige of course, being that he is handicapped and restricted to a wheelchair. Imagine what the press would've done with that had it been Palin.

While talking to an Indian-American supporter, Biden quipped, "You can not go to a 7-11 or a Dunkin Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent." Way to be politically correct, Mr. Biden.

According to Biden, the number one job facing the middle class...a "3 letter word, J-O-B-S." And, you thought Sarah Palin was a moron.

"Hillary Clinton is as qualified or more qualified than I am to be vice president of the United States of America," Biden stated at a campaign rally, "Quite frankly, it might've been a better pick then me." Perhaps so.

No politician is above error. But, let's face it...we eat what the media feeds us and, in 2008, they served up a plateful of Obama/Biden.

More Obama/Biden

Tears of Joy and... Sorrow

Inauguration day may be historic and significant for African Americans, but it will be a very sad day for one faction of America...the unborn.

"The first thing I'd do, as president, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do," Barack Obama stated at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event.

Really? With everything going on in the country, the first thing you'd do is make certain that a woman has every right America can offer her to murder her own child (or, if that makes you more comfortable, "evacuate her fetus")?

It isn't just that Obama is pro-choice. It's that he supports partial birth abortion and actually opposed the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act. This legislation was passed after Jill Stanek, an Illinois nurse, discovered live, aborted babies being placed in soiled utility rooms to await death following induced labor abortions. So disturbing is this practice that even Hillary Clinton supported the protection of infants born alive through failed abortion attempts.

Last year, Obama stood before a group of Planned Parenthood advocates, citing his two little girls as the reason for his presence. He claimed to want them to have the ability to "dream without limit, to achieve without constraint and to be absolutely free to seek their own happiness." Apparently, they can't do so without the right to have intercourse and later decide to kill their unborn child at will.

So, as tears of joy and pride are shed for the historic occasion slated for January, the cries of millions of babies will go unheard as he vows to silence them with every bit of power he has.

Packaged, Promoted and Poised to Preside

Democrats have Barack Obama pegged as America's savior and his wife, Michelle, as the next Jackie Onassis. Obama's campaign was possibly the most successful sales pitch to date. Never before has such a well-structured, solid, and powerful facade been built. The truth is...we don't know Barack Obama. Americans liked his slick appearance, cool performance, and her J. Crew getups. But, who are they?

Michelle was proud of America for “the first time” in her adult life as she campaigned for her husband. Barack refused to wear a flag pin or put his hand over his heart during the national anthem as reported by mainstream media.

These are the actions of the folks that will occupy our White House in January. Yet, the honor of our country took a back seat to this smooth talking salesman.

Well, he's all ours now.

I noticed he's sporting a pin these days and has figured out how to respect the flag during our national anthem. But, it's too soon for the parade. He's a man without a record or even much substance. He had one hell of a slogan, though. Here's hoping he loves and respects America as much as you and I do...even if it's only because he finally gets to lead it.

How Can I Get My Likeness on a Gold Coin?

Okay, I'm willing to accept that the American people have spoken and perhaps they all know something I don't. Perhaps Obama will "change" the American economy and foreign policy for the better. But, are we jumping the gun a touch in creating commemorative coins to honor our 44th president? He hasn't actually done anything yet. He spent little time in the Senate. His record is nearing nonexistent. What are we glorifying?

His association with Reverend Wright is enough to raise some eyebrows. And, how about his terrorist friend, William Ayers? Lingering questions about Ayers were put to rest when he appeared on Good Morning America and confirmed that he is, indeed, a spawn of the devil. Notably, he didn't deny his relationship with Barack Obama.

But hey, let's give Obama the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he was able to lie down with dogs and get up squeaky clean. All I'm asking is that you wait until Obama does something worth honoring before we start selling gold coins with his likeness on them.

Hollywood and Tantrums Won't Turn Back Prop 8

Neither Ellen Degeneres nor Melissa Etheridge made much of an impact on California voters as they decided the fate of gay marriage. Perhaps it's because Americans are not so ignorant as to let out-of-touch celebrities decide the fate of the country. They needn't pat themselves on the back for Barack Obama's pending presidency either. Obama won in spite of celebrities and because of George Bush and a very poorly run McCain campaign.

Republicans are willing to accept an Obama victory and a federal government chock-full of Democrats. Voters opposed to proposal eight in California would do well to follow suit. The majority has spoken. If you throw yourself on the ground and begin kicking and flailing your arms...you still lost. It's called democracy. The government and the media can't help you anymore than they can help Republicans retain John McCain for president.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28055296/