The fascinating thing about Barack Obama's election is that few Americans seem to know exactly how the man is going to govern. Will he be a Nancy Pelosi enthusiast, a far-left guy? Or will he move to the center like President Clinton did? Even his devoted followers don't really know how he will initially use his power.
There's an old country saying: "You dance with the one who brung ya." Just hours after Obama's victory, the far-left MoveOn outfit issued a press release saying that during the campaign it had raised an astounding $88 million on behalf of the president-elect. The timing of MoveOn's statement was no accident: It was a subtle reminder that payback is expected.
For far-left zealots, the goal is a European-like entitlement culture where the feds provide direct assistance to those without a lot of money. In countries like France and Sweden, there are no demands placed upon those receiving government money; cradle-to-grave financial support is given to anyone earning less than a certain amount. If you want to gamble all day or drink vodka until your legs give out, fine — you still get the check, the housing, the medical care.
Traditionally, Americans have rejected that kind of nanny state. But make no mistake: That is what the far left see as "economic justice."
And then there are "San Francisco values." That is the George Soros vision of legalized narcotics and prostitution, unfettered abortion rights, legalized euthanasia, and gay marriage, to name just a few social issues.
Soros, a big-time contributor to MoveOn, believes America should be a libertine society where moral judgments about social behavior are unacceptable.
Where will Obama stand on those issues? He says he personally opposes gay marriage, but I can't imagine him working against it. He's also fine with abortion in cases where the health of the mother is an issue. Of course, the health of the mother could be a panic attack or a headache. Based on his voting record in the past, I expect Obama to be extremely liberal when social legislation is presented to him. I also expect Ruth Bader Ginsburg to have a new best friend if a Supreme Court opening occurs.
However, if Obama tacks to the left on entitlements and the controversial social issues, his appeal to working Americans might quickly diminish — especially if the economy doesn't turn around. Even while Obama was winning liberal California, voters were overturning the gay marriage law imposed upon them by activist judges. The United States is still a center-right country when it comes to traditional values.
I believe Obama and his advisers understand that. But I am also sure that the MoveOn brigades and devoted liberal media outlets are hungry for more "progressive" change. This is a dicey situation for the newly elected president. The words "rock" and "hard place" come to mind.
Veteran TV news anchor Bill O'Reilly is host of the Fox News show "The O'Reilly Factor" and author of the book "Who's Looking Out For You?" To find out more about Bill O'Reilly, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. This column originates on the Web site www.billoreilly.com.
COPYRIGHT 2008 BillOReilly.com.
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4 Comments | Post Comment
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Sir;... I gave my book on Caesar to a soldier, but it seems there was a time that one of the Senatorial folks whose estate he was marching by, was raising hell with him, and Caesar replied something like: I hoped we all could do well... He did not want to destroy the traditional power system, and he did not want to destroy Rome; he only wanted to cut the Roman Citizens in because they were the strength of the nation... And later he wanted to open up the whole of the Roman conquest to citizenship... I expect that Mr. Obama will act as a pragmatist, and try to preserve the nation so that we all can do well, and do good by the world... We have taken a lot out of the world... Now that they object, we, the rich we, have begun to take a lot out of the people...The more the rich take out of the republican core, the more they come back for more... They don't want to feed the government, but they want the government to enforce their privilages... And they want the goverment to enforce their morality... And sure, I think there is a disconnect there, and I can't say what the cure is because the republican core, like its Palin, is mostly uneducated, undereducated, and swayed by fear and superstition.... But, if Mr. Obama can improve the situatation for the liberals, he will improve the situation for the reactionaries... There is not part of the country he can afford to cut off, and no group he can afford to be without... And I think there is enough hate out there and fear to make life very dangerous for Mr. Obama... I wish you folks on the right would tone down your nonsense before some one gets hurt... You have hurt the nation... I don't forgive you for that... But to aim your acid at the president when he was elected with a secure majority is wrong... Go along to get along.... We do it too much... You folks can do it a little... Thanks...Sweeney
Comment: #1
Posted by: James A, Sweeney
Sat Nov 8, 2008 11:37 AM
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Dear Mr. O'Reilly: A small mind like yours has no clue how Obama will govern. That's clear. Those of us who have some activity in the synapses can see where he is headed. He will start to deal with the stuff you washed up, me-first, pseudo-conservatives were too caught up in catching the money of the day to think about: The future of our kids, the viability of our planet, how to get national leaders to see themselves as representatives of world government, and general respect for the values that define true humanity. The nice thing about him is that he has no interest in punishing you for your stupidity. He's just wants to teach. It's not too late even for you.
Comment: #2
Posted by: Masako
Sun Nov 9, 2008 6:13 PM
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This article is so irresponsible and so reckless! The self-appointed censors of free speech should run you out on a rail. You do more damage to the psyche of America than any of the other trash that is out there. If anyone can stir up the reactionaries and the hate mongers, you can. I suggest you hearken to the words of the Dylan song "You Gotta Serve Somebody". The lyrics run through my head frequently as I read your articles. Your masters give you free reign and big $ to spout your venom, and you puff yourself up in your high place, but there is not doubt in my mind who you serve. Anyone care to deny that Mr. O'Reilly is the first to suggest "lynch him" and the first to accuse those who do the lynching? Anyone care to deny that? Your balls must hurt from sitting, Mr. O'Reilly. However, since you've been sitting so long, I must conclude you have no balls and what and who you serve has brought you to the place of seeking darkness when the light is turned on. Maybe you're not familiar with the damage inciteful words can do to a deranged mind. I suggest you tone your rhetoric down because, as Mr. Sweeney notes, it is difficult enough in the best of times to be President of America, encouraging the haters and the fearful will only make it that much harder. Unless, of course, that too is your agenda. We will all know soon enough. It won't be a repeat of Kennedy or MLK, this time all will be held accountable, including irresponsible media. What you write is not responsible journalism, it is irresponsible for anyone in your position to appeal to the lowest common "dominator", fear.
Comment: #3
Posted by: liz
Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:41 AM
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It is a joke that the Creators Syndicate allows this column's author to be categorized as "Unaffiliated". I'm sure it was a condition of his contract, so that he can continue to live this lie (or is he now simply a parody of himself?), perpetuating his No Spin Zone as "fair and balanced". O'Reilly laughs all the way to the bank as he drives his wedge deeper between the close-minded masses and those who choose a leader who plans to take America back in the right direction.
Comment: #4
Posted by: Paul
Thu Nov 13, 2008 6:26 PM
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