Hope Index – 2/1
Well, it didn’t take very long for President Obama and the left to throw cold water on the freedom fest of two week’s ago. We went from Scott Brown to the favorable SCOTUS ruling to Air America’s disgraceful exit from the airwaves. It was a good week.
However, reality hit with a thud this week as the President gave his first State of the Union Address, where he reiterated his dedication to enacting his radical – and increasingly unpopular – agenda. To quote the prez: “I don’t quit”. Good to know, sir.
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As of 1 February 2010 the United States is
Still Free (Someone tell the President)
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White House Policy
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6 |
Congressional Legislation
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10 |
Judicial Activism
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20 |
Culture
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16 |
BanterNation
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12 |
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Freedom Score:
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65 |
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HOW WE GOT HERE:
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| White House Policy
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| State of Dis-Union – Obama’s first State of the Union address on Wednesday made it ever more apparent that our country is lead by a man who does not view democracy the way we do. The system of checks and balances is a burden – or as Obama described it in his speech: a cause of “gridlock”. As the going has become increasing tough, Obama gets thuggish. In true Chicago, mob, and dictator fashion, he seeks to intimidate and bully his political enemies into doing things his way. Under the guise of bipartisanship, Obama calls for unity and supposes that telling Republicans to stop disagreeing with him is the best road to progress. As evidenced by his Q&A at the House Republican getaway in Baltimore two days after the speech, Obama does not care for agreement; rather, he seeks acquiescence. His idea of debate has nothing to do with the substance of an argument, but rather his ability to use a condescending, disparaging, argumentative, and belligerent tone in an effort to break the will of his opponent.
This man wishes to govern as an all-powerful dictator, not a citizen-elected representative of a system of separated and balanced powers. Thankfully he foolishly overestimates his own power, thus preserving what is left of American freedom. Nonetheless, his ambitions alone are enough to knock the freedom score down a couple of notches.
Score: -2 |
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| Congressional Legislation
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| As President Obama speaks of fiscal responsibility, Congress approves an increase in the federal debt limit an astronomical $1.9 trillion.
This is further evidence that lawmakers pay no regard for the economic freedom of the citizens they were elected to represent. Nothing kills freedom quite like debt, and this debt limit increase is destined to doom the nation for generations to come.
As someone who has substantial credit card debt how free they feel when the collectors start calling.
Score: -1 | Supplementary Links: Here |
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| Judicial Activism
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| Scott Brown was the man of the hour two weeks ago. Last week? Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. His muted assertion that an Obama claim made during the State of the Union was “not true” has caused much raucous.
Of course, Obama was misrepresenting the facts (or simply lying), and it was refreshing to catch evidence of a Supreme Court Justice who understands the meaning of first amendment rights.
Score: +1 | Supplementary Links: Here |
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| Culture
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| Nothing brings out the important dirtbags in society quite like a self aggrandizing awards show. The Grammy Awards on Sunday were no different.
After a touching performance of a earthy, feel good song that Michael Jackson was working on before his death, his two children were marched out on stage to make uncomfortable speeches. They were understandably nervous, but performed admirably under the conditions.
Exploitation of children on this level reveals a sad state of affairs in our culture.
Score: -1 | Supplementary Links: Here |
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| BanterNation
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| BanterNation returns to form as Debbie Downer, taking a hacksaw to the freedom score as they see it. |
| Score: -2 |
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