It seems the wheels fell off the Obama Express just as the victory celebration ended. The hangover has set in and it may last four more years, if he survives the gods of politics. Suddenly, even ardent supporters are stunned as they watch their leader stumble from one crisis to the next.
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
It seems the wheels fell off the Obama Express just as the victory celebration ended. The hangover has set in and it may last four more years, if he survives the gods of politics. Suddenly, even ardent supporters are stunned as they watch their leader stumble from one crisis to the next. What is the next shoe to drop? Clearly, this lame duck president is in trouble. But as far as I’m concerned, the damage was done a long time ago. The foul stench of Chicago-style politics permeates the country and is tearing us apart.
W.R. Deeble is a welcome contributor to the ongoing debate of the Obama administration through the letters page in this paper. While I concede Mr. Obama is a transformative president, I have repeatedly shown him to be too divisive. Polls find that the country remains split 50-50 on Obama and his policies. Mr. Deeble suggests in his recent letter that I would “be more persuasive to Obama supporters” if I took a more courteous approach.
I stopped trying to convince Democrats to reconsider Mr. Obama back in October. Conversations often led to arguments and strained friendships anyway. So why bother speaking up now? My wife thinks it’s a waste of time but I don’t. I care about the country and think I raise issues many people are too afraid to share publicly. Groupspeak is a powerful force that stifles dissent and free speech. We’ve all felt it. If you challenge Obama you are bad; if you put his bumper sticker on your car, you’re good. One of the team. The unfolding IRS scandal only reinforces the sense that team Obama is comfortable — and successful — in intimidating opposition.
While the election battle is over, the need to be involved and vigilant continues. Government is too big, Mr. Deeble. We spend too much money. We waste too much money. Big brother is alive and well in Washington, D.C. I suggest my friend focus more on the Tea Party message rather than the messenger himself. He should also stop fixating on Fox News. The mainstream media fell in love with Obama back in 2008 and only recently remembered that they are supposed to be objective journalists. Each one of us must hold our government accountable.
The truth is I don’t trust Barack Obama. I don’t trust my president and that is a very pessimistic and disturbing statement. It didn’t have to be this way. We were promised a transparent leader and a healer and we didn’t get either. Hopefully, the next president will be more like Lincoln and less like Nixon.
Peter B. Robb, Holliston and Oak Bluffs
Comments
So good to know that their
a.mSo good to know that their are others like you, Peter B. Robb, who still dare to stand up and be counted. We are in desperate times and it will take desperate measures to restore America to the land that we all once knew and loved.
But, it will take the approach of an Eagle and not of an Ostrich to do so!
God bless America!
Thanks for your encouragement
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsThanks for your encouragement. We are the vigilant minority and we need to let our voices be heard. Even in Blue MA, where we are subject to abuse at every turn from the Democrat majority, we have to speak up.
Peter
We need more like you, Mr.
MLWe need more like you, Mr. Robb, to speak out for us. Cries of "racism" and "Fox News" are just popular screens of the Left used to coverup weak logic and defense. Anyone who still uses the tired Fox News version is immediately proclaiming "I don't know how to defend my position, so I blame them."
How can ANYONE trust this president or his circle of advisers now? Benghazi, IRS, AP and now VERIZON. (And knowing how cozy Comcast is with this admin., it wouldn't be surprising if there's more to that story.)
Never has there been such a cascade of scandal and incompetence in one administration. While Obama was groundbreaking because of his skin color, hopefully the Left is finding out that managerial experience, integrity, and a basic knowledge and respect of our coveted fundamental Constitutional rights are much more important than melanin and an agenda. Now we know what disasters can ensue from emotional choices vs. rational ones.
ML--
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsML--
Thanks for sharing your comments with us. I sometimes feel like I live in Wonderland where up is down and good is bad etc. This presidency has turned out worse than even I thought. It's my sense that, to quote his favorite pastor in Chicago, the good Rev. Wright, "the chickens...are coming home...to roost!" At some point, a tipping point, this administration will capsize. There is just too much bad stuff coming out. I feel like it's Nixon all over again. And it could not come at a worse time, what with the world in such turmoil....
Peter Robb
As one of President Obama's
MB Oak BluffsAs one of President Obama's supporters the thing I am not stunned by is the "maimstream" medias attempts to embroil the President in "crisis" after "crisis". It is a needed and sought distraction for the Party of No.It is better for them to have the Republic focused on that then on our do nothing Congress. Chicago politics are certainly something, but does the stench compare to Florida, Ohio, Texas or any of the other states that openly conspired to strip your fellow Americans of the right to vote in previous and future elections.
Mr. Robb you state, " I have repeatedly shown him (President Obama)to be too divisive.".Your use of the word shown presumes proof, your opinions are only proof to you.
Where is it you find, "... many people ... too afraid to share publicly." It must be Hollister.I have never encountered political intimidation on the Island and if I do, I hope I speak up to it.
As to the unfolding IRS scandal, if President Obama was so successful with his intimidation perhaps you could list the countless groups he denied or outwardly opposed.
Undeniably and inevitably the appeal of the tea party continues to wane, apparently it is the Message. If W.R. Deeble takes the suggestion to not fixate on Faux News, I will go one better and ask people to simply not watch at all. That way we won't misconstrue the message their objective "journalists" spew onto the airwaves and into the echo chamber hour after hour.
Truth being I don't trust any politician. My faith is in my ability to hear over the group speak, see through the media facades and speak truth to power. The only transparent politician is a hologram.
Lastly, It would be more persuasive to some Democrats if when you're referencing good Republican leaders you don't have to go all the way back to President Lincoln for your rolemodel.
Dear MB--
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsDear MB--
Thank you for taking time to comment. After reading your comments, there is nothing I could say to change your opinion of Barack Hussein Obama. Your loyalty is unwavering so discussing the severity of the current crisis mode in Washington is falling on deaf ears. The party of no? As is no more corruption? Job killing taxes? The Orwellian disaster known as Obamacare? Bailouts? Crony Capitalism? I could list dozens more reasons millions of Americans are crying out "No More!" BHO is a divisive president and if you have paid attention you would know that. He has pitted one group a citizens against another in a never ending campaign to advance his agenda. It starts in Washington and ends on Main Street. I have spoken to many people too afraid to speak out against BHO, both on and off island. People are intimidated at home, school, work etc. It's a fact! Look at the reports coming out of the IRS scandal! It is systemic and starts in DC. (See last weekend's WSJ for some specifics,,,or any of their issues dating back several weeks). I admire your faith in your ability to hear over the Groupspeak. Many can't. Our president promised to be transparent and he lied. And now we are all paying the price. Good Republican leaders? How about Ronald Reagan?! Sadly, we are stuck with BHO and the country must suffer the consequences. Elections matter. I hear Lady Michelle is coming to island this summer to be joined by her husband in August. I am sure you will take much joy in this. Maybe I'll just stay home.
Sincerely,
Peter Robb
PS: How come you are afraid to post your name here?
I put my name on my comment
Matthew W Burke Oak BluffsI put my name on my comment but it came up as initials. I have no fear of putting my name on everything I comment on. You will not convince me with your tea party dog whistles of Barack Hussein Obama and Lady Michele. In my opinion the WSJ lacks credibility. I say this because I do pay attention. Taxes don't kill jobs, Obamacare does not take affect till 2014 and the Bailout was Bushes baby. Please outline these groups that Obama has caused to be pitted against one another and perhaps a discussion could begin there. Ronald Reagan really? Try to find any Democratic President that had even a tenth of the convictions that came out of Saint Ronnie's administration. The country is not stuck with this president at least not the majority that elected him. Nothing you say is falling on deaf ears, just the opposite they are falling on ears that have heard this all before. He is an other, he is not like real Americans, he is a Muslim, he is the anti Christ and on and on. PEACE?
Mathew, thanks for sharing
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsMathew, thanks for sharing your name with us and taking the time to add your comments. BHO is his name! Same as LBJ, RFK and MLK. What's your problem? (I dislike Michelle but that's neither here nor there.) The WSJ is a proven source of information that is more accurate than the Boston Globe and NYT. You asked for names of people and organizations targeted by the IRS: Last week's editions listed them. Funny thing: not one was liberal. Hmmmmmmmm. Reagan was a transformative president, having the exact opposite vision of BHO. Funny how the country swings back and forth every decade or so. Obama won 51% of votes and then gave the finger to Republicans and the millions who did not vote for him. Some leader. I never said he was not American, or a Muslim or anti-Christ. I just don't like his politics, plain and simple. God help us get through the next four years....Peter Robb
You are right, the teabaggers
matthew burke o bYou are right, the teabaggers are right, the wsj is right, you poor souls have been victimized long enough.It is an evil plot by us libruls to systematically take away your rights. That is why Barack HUSSEIN Obama and other monsters like me have ... . You and the other victims can fill in the blanks.
PEACE OUT
Dear Matthew,
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsDear Matthew,
Did you happen to read that the Massachusetts congressional delegation (all liberal Democrats) denied that they had any detailed information about the top-secret Prism domestic surveillance program? But the president had just finished saying it's no big deal and that congress was fully informed and behind the program. So who is lying? Obama's foreign policy is in shambles and his lead from behind strategy is playing out in Syria with tragic consequences, where Assad's forces are burning out the last rebel strongholds. Now we learn about a rampant problem at the State Department with prostitutes. Is Hillary (Hillary for President) Clinton behind the stand down order that stopped the investigation? The IRS, AP and Benghazi scandals remain. Question: Is there ANYTHING we have talked about here that gives you pause to reconsider your unwavering support for Mr. Obama? The president comes to our state today to help campaign for Mr. Markey, a loyal soldier. I am sure he will receive a warm welcome from the faithful (and surely will work the crowd for donations). You see, the campaign is never ending.
Peter Robb
I have a friend (I know hard
matthew burke oak bluffsI have a friend (I know hard to believe) who uses the expression JAQing off - Just Asking Questions. It is when a person wants to hurl accusations with little or no proof. The term teabaggers came from your side, look it up.. Yes my frustration comes from defending my president, not from having to do it, but having to do it while wading through all the PRATT,(POINTS REFUTED A THOUSAND TIMES) and being psychoanalyzed by strangers. I'll call your IRS, AP and Benghazi and raise you an Iran Contra, WMDs and a Supreme Court abetted stolen election, you must have been too outraged to comment on those. And you should probably check into Obama campaigning for donations, that could be this weeks scandal. Faux Noise Reports That Unknown, Foreigner, Democrat, Politician Extorting Money From Unsuspecting Voters. Skewed Coverage at Eleven. It was not surprising to see your minions pulling out the I want my country back, Hitler and I'm afraid to put my name on this because the other in the White House will get me.My last point and I do mean last point is to say, we can listen to all sides from every angle,but we don't get to choose what facts we like and don't like. I am done with this now, must get out to campaign for the Democrat Party. Just saying. Keep on fighting the good fight. God Bless. No mas.
Matthew,
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsMatthew,
Glad you are still with us sharing your thoughts. I was disappointed that you chose to use the offensive term some liberals have used in the past--"tea-baggers"--to refer to me and others who are favor smaller government. Did you know that the term refers to a disgusting sexual act? Does that make you feel smarter than me? You and many of my liberal friends often complain about Fox News. I don't have cable TV but was visiting family last night and got to watch an hour of it. Very good, I thought. I learned more in 60 minutes than I did all week watching CBS/NBC/ABC news. You remind me of my nephew who, when told to do something he doesn't want to do, covers his ears and sings a comforting song. As citizens of this great land, our job is to take in information from every angle and then decide what we like and don't like, issue by issue. That is truly how an informed citizen should act, rather than make blanket statements that so and so is crazy all the time and therefore I will ignore everything he/she says. Freedom of the press guarantees us access to numerous opinions. It's a beautiful thing, Matthew, not something to ridicule. I sense your anger/frustration growing with me expressing honest and valid points. You sound exhausted from defending BHO. Again I ask: Is there ANYTHING we have discussed that makes you question your loyalty to him? (It's OK to express doubt, my friend. You sound like you are bigger than the man who sits in the Oval Office.)
Peter Robb
It is true that bho has been
maIt is true that bho has been a most divisive, polarizing destructive president. He has pitted whites against blacks,poor against the wealthy,democrats against the republicans. During his last election,he actually called the republicans, "the enemy". That is disgraceful! He has single handedly set back the good work of dr.martin luther king by 30 years! His goal of "change" in this country was meant to change from a democracy to a socialist state. He has about succeeded in doing that. obama care has little to do with health care, as it will in reality destroy the quality of America's health care, which is the best health care in the world. It is really a move to increase government and make our very lives dependant on it. And, with the IRS in charge of who lives and who dies. How anyone today could be aware of the facts and still support this president is something that has not been seen since hitler's germany. Why do i not attach my name to this opinion? Because, I do not trust "him" or this government. We are all under scrutiny in a way that we have never before experienced in this once great land. I and many others like myself, are horrified, disgusted and frankly, scared!
Thanks MA for sharing your
peter robb Holliston and Oak BluffsThanks MA for sharing your thoughts. I assume you live on MV and know it must be tough to hold a minority opinion. The island has become a liberal oasis that does not tolerate dissent. This is my 53rd year coming to the Vineyard and my god, what changes I've seen. The island used to welcome folks and everyone seemed to get along. Now, in summers anyway, it has become a haven for rich liberals having fundraisers for their Democrat friends. The liberal elites. Now you are abused and chastised if you challenge the Democrat message. I have been attacked in this very paper for speaking up, called a racist, typical Republican (I am an independent)and a Tea Party terrorist. So much for liberals and free speech. Careful what you say cause it will come back to bite you. Your neighbors will turn on you that fast.
Peter Robb
Well put! Kudos to the
Rock MullensWell put! Kudos to the Gazette for publishing your article. It is not so amazing that the President's approval rating is in the 40% range as it is amazing that there are so many who still approve. Among the many other failings he does not seem to realize that he cannot be simultaneously pro-job and anti-job creators.
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