Big Brother Barack And His Watchful Eye

Excerpts from Obama's inaugural speech with commentary from yours truly:

Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some...

I assume you're talking about the greed of power-hungry politicians. Good for you.

...but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.

Was the decision to spend $170 million on an inauguration party a hard one?

Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly...

...because of meddlesome government.

Our schools fail too many.

Because of your friends in the teachers unions.

We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.

Only if you stay out of the way.

And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.

This is not your job, Mr. President.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions...

...and they should. "It is the first responsibility of every citizen to Question Authority." —Benjamin Franklin

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

Obama, your stale political arguments are straight from 1933.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.

"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem."

And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

I'm going to hold you to this promise.

..nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control...

Big brother, with his watchful eye, is just as big a problem as any other.

...and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.

Our nation cannot prosper long when it becomes a parasite of the prosperous.

We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers.

In that order?

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

Obama, you are SO naive.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.

America can best help the world's poor by leading a global economic boom, as it did from 1982 to 2007, the greatest period of worldwide prosperity in the history of the planet.

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Read this: Seven reasons for healthy skepticism

Oprah's insane video: “I pledge to be a servant to our President…”

Freedom isn't good for fools. Are we becoming a nation of fools?

You gotta go straight to 3:54.

Via The Agitator, Via Will Wilkinson

Rev. Eugene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, offered this reality check in his opening prayer at pre-inaugural ceremonies. "Bless us with patience and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be fixed anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah." Amen.

Excellent points from north of the border: From my present vantage point in Canada, The Globe and Mail’s John Ibbitson gave it away when he declared at the weekend in a leading news piece that “a bond has formed between Barack Obama and Americans unlike any we have seen between a new president and the people”. It seems churlish to ask for evidence of that proposition, and none was given. The media can feel the vibe and that is enough for them. In fact, the real bond is between Obama and the media.

Poll

RightKlik has been getting about 300 unique hits per day lately. That's about one out of every million people in the U.S. Thanks for visiting, you're one in a million—literally.

Obama's Coronation

For Obama worshipers, Obama's coronation will be the most exciting moment of their lives.  It's a simple thing really: Obama swears to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, then he promptly sets out to execute his personal agenda.  To me it seems quite bureaucratic and not at all interesting.  But inauguration history is interesting, so for those who need a break from the Obama hype, here are some interesting tidbits:

• In 1793, George Washington gave the shortest inaugural address: 135 words.

• 1801: First inaugural speech to be reported in full in a newspaper was Thomas Jefferson's.  An extra edition of the National Intelligencer was printed minutes after the speech ended.

• In 1829, Andrew Jackson, "the People's President," held an open house. About 20,000 people trampled mud and horse manure into the White House, destroyed rugs, broke satin-covered chairs, smashed crystal and china, and spilled liquor. Fights broke out, women fainted and Jackson had to escape through a window. Order was restored when barrels of whiskey were placed on the South Lawn, drawing the crowd outside.

• In 1841, William Henry Harrison defied a driving ice storm for 90 minutes to deliver the longest inauguration speech in history (8,445 words).  He died one month later of pneumonia, believed to have been brought on by prolonged exposure to the elements on his Inauguration Day.

• 1873: Ulysses S. Grant's inauguration was so cold - a low of 4 degrees and a high of 16 - that trumpet valves froze and violin strings snapped. One hundred and fifty canaries, whose chirping was to amuse guests, froze to death in their cages.

• Theodore Roosevelt's 1901 oath was the only one not sworn in on a Bible.

• 1913: West Point cadet and future President Dwight D. Eisenhower marched at Woodrow Wilson's inauguration.

• President Wilson did not have any parties at his 1917 inaugural, saying that such festivities would be undignified.
  

• President Roosevelt held his 1945 inaugural at the White House, making a short speech and serving guests cold chicken salad and plain pound cake.
  

• Dwight Eisenhower’s 1953 parade was covered by a 24-year-old reporter from the Washington Times-Herald known as the “Inquiring Camera Girl”. Her name was Jacqueline Bouvier, eventually to become Jackie Kennedy.

• In 1961, John F. Kennedy was the last president to wear traditional stovepipe hat to the inauguration.

• January 20, 1969 Richard M. Nixon took the oath of office on two Bibles; both family heirlooms.

• Apropos comments from Reagan's inauguration in 1981: "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems; government is the problem." 

• Ronald Reagan's second inaugural had to compete with Super Bowl Sunday.

• Clinton's 1997 inauguration was the first ceremony to be broadcast live on the Internet.
  

• In 2001, George W. Bush's inauguration was the first to be interrupted by naked protesters.

• The oath is taken with a hand upon a Bible, opened to a passage of the president-elect's choice. For his first inauguration, Bill Clintion chose Galatians 5:8. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

• Barack Obama will be using Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural Bible to take his oath of office.
  

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What Recession? The $170 Million Inauguration.  Obama's Inauguration Has Been Financed by Bailed-Out Wall Street Executives.

William Ayers turned back at Canadian border: To me it seems quite bureaucratic and not at all interesting ... If it were me I would have let me in. I couldn't possibly be a threat to Canada."  Great response by a reader: "Who among us hasn't tried to blow up the Pentagon? Give the guy a break. While he has never expressed regret for his terrorist activities, I'm sure one day he might. Maybe."  Hat tip: American Thinker

Biden tries to shush wife after state-VP slip

We need a timetable for withdrawal from the Obama agenda! Bring my tax dollars back home!  A Times/CBS News Poll, conducted last week, offered at least some guidance for the Obama Expectations Clock. Most respondents said they thought it would take Mr. Obama two years or more to deliver on campaign promises to improve the economy, expand health care coverage and end the war in Iraq. 

Hitler’s Mom Speaks Out, Defies Court Order; father is hospitalized.

To heck with Champagne, break out the Botox. It's inauguration party time.

Every network from BET to Disney Chanel to QVC will have wall-to-wall coverage of the inauguration.  

Your King has been Crowned!

For more than two hundred years, America’s citizens have witnessed the Inauguration ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the United States.

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Obama's inauguration

1993 All Over Again

Obama's Massive Approval Ratings

The latest polls indicate that 73% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Barack Obama. Only 14.8% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Obama.  That's approximately one in seven.

So this is it.  Take note.  Only 15% of Americans have proven themselves to be thoroughly resistant to the Obama hype.  Only 15% of Americans remember what Obama said during his campaign, care about the future of this country and have a reasonable grasp on reality.  Only 15% of Americans are paying attention.

Fifteen percent of Americans have taken note of the fact that Obama will spend $160 million on his inauguration party (four times the amount that triggered Democrat angst when W was inaugurated) and have asked, "Is this what Obama meant when he said he plans to spread the wealth around?"  The other 85% of Americans apparently think we have elected a monarch.

One American sees the silly "Office of the President Elect" sign on Obama's little podium and thinks "What a narcissist.  Our nation is in his hands?"  ...Six other Americans are mesmerized by the sound of Obama's voice.

Obama promises to create 4.1 million jobs out of thin air.  He wants to meet with dictators and anti-American leaders.  He plans to put the coal industry out of business.  He wants to send the government in to do the heavy lifting and let the private sector pick up the loose ends.  Obama has big, bold, bad ideas. Only 15% of Americans hear these promises and plans and say "this guy is either a demagogue or a fool."  The other 85% of Americans think that Obama is supernatural. 

Fifteen percent of Americans observe Obama's selective use of the "one president at a time" rule and wonder what will happen when Obama really is in charge. 

Fifteen percent of Americans are taking America's future very seriously.  Can 15% of America hold it all together for the other 85%?

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Cheney: "The Iraq War Was Worth It."

It’s amazing that Andrew Cuomo, who owes his whole career to his dad, may not get the Senate seat of Hillary Rodham Clinton (who owes her whole career to her husband) because David Paterson (who owes his whole career to his dad) may give it to Caroline Kennedy (who owes her whole career to her dad). You would think a state as large as New York could find someone who deserves something on his or her own."

Only 15 percent of Americans are aware that Harry Reid is the Senate majority leader.

USA Today Rejects Christian Message to President Obama

The Coronation of King Obama:  So this is why you booted us out a couple of centuries ago. You simply replaced the pomp and ceremony of hereditary monarchy and with the pomp and ceremony of elected monarchy. 

Dalai Lama stuns audience: "I love President George W. Bush"  Also says non-violence can't tackle terror.  

The Big Race

The Republican National Committee (RNC) provides national leadership for the Republican Party. It is responsible for developing and promoting the Republican political platform, as well as coordinating fundraising and election strategy.  The RNC Chairman is tasked with enormous fundraising and managerial responsibilities, and can become an important carrier of the Republican message.

Later this month, the 168 RNC members will meet in Washington to elect their next chairman.  When a party controls the White House, the president effectively decides his own party chairman, so this year’s RNC race the first open Republican race since the 1990s. Six candidates are currently vying for the position:  Michael Steele, Saul Anuzis, Ken Blackwell, Chip Saltsman, Katon Dawson, and Mike Duncan.

If there's a common thread in the candidates' messages, it's this: "We need to get back to our conservative principles, we need a 50 state strategy, and we should probably try out that internet thingy. Hey, it worked for Howard Dean!"  

The candidates are clearly interested in replicating the DNC Chairman's success, but they all lack the crazed zeal of Howard Dean.  Not that we necessarily need a conservative wingnut equivalent of Howard Dean to rescue the Republican Party, but a little enthusiasm probably wouldn't hurt.  

Here are some of the candidates' exciting thoughts:

Michael Steele

The Republican Party must present a vision for the future of America that relies on our conservative values and core principles. It is wrong to believe the voters have suddenly become liberal.  They have just lost any sense of confidence that the Republican Party holds the answers to their problems.   We must face the fact that our party has failed in recent years to live up to our own principles — we have failed to be 'solutions oriented' in addressing the concerns of all Americans.

Saul Anuzis

We must be the party that offers individuals the freedom to create, build and dream.  Republican Governors are succeeding by doing just that, and I will work with them and follow their example, to help rebuild our national party.  America’s return to our country’s traditional values, and the Republicans’ return to majority status, must have as one of its cornerstones the recognition that entrepreneurial opportunity must be promoted.  This will make America stronger, more prosperous and more hopeful.  And it will ensure our status as a world leader. 

Ken Blackwell

We will bring our party back by clearly articulating conservative principles, inspiring our base, decentralizing authority, and building technical and precinct–level organizational capacity to facilitate a conservative resurgence across the country for the GOP.

Chip Saltsman

Republican resurgence must begin with a return to our longstanding ideals of principled conservatism and fiscal responsibility. In January, a Democratic President and the Democratic Congress will begin work on raising taxes, increasing spending, regulating industry and appointing activist judges. To meet these political and policy challenges, our party will need to act quickly. We will have to be better equipped and motivated to fight for our core values and to oppose the harmful policies of a virtually unchecked liberalism.

Katon Dawson

Despite the setbacks our Party suffered at the ballot box in November, it is an exciting time to be a Republican. Great political movements begin in times of great adversity. Over the next two to four years, our Party will redefine itself without abandoning our Republican principles. We will find new ways of applying those time-tested principles to modern challenges and opportunities. We will become the Party of hope that inspires  Americans from all walks of life to do great things. 

Mike Duncan

I am seeking re-election as Chairman to provide strong leadership for the Republican National Committee. That leadership will include more deeply involving RNC Members, from start to finish, in the direction and programs of the Committee.  The election of Chairman is about which person can best provide the leadership necessary to assure we define the proper role for the RNC and to make certain that role is successfully accomplished.

There is no question that to win elections we must do things better and differently. Everyone agrees the time has come for real and significant change. That does not mean, however, that we abandon proven successes merely for the sake of change. We must seriously evaluate where we are, improve on what works, change what does not, and constantly look for even better ways.  We win elections when we run on the power of ideas and have the financial resources to execute aggressive, technologically sophisticated nuts and bolts campaigns. I look forward to RNC Member participation that will transform our ideas and resources into many Republican victories.

If any of the candidates have a clear and compelling vision for the future of conservatism, they're working hard to keep it a secret.

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Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), will deliver a prayer at the National Cathedral during the National Prayer Service on January 21st. The event is part of the festivities for the inauguration of Barack Obama, which occurs January 20.  Ingrid says that "Right-wing Christians are very risky allies for American Jews because they are really anti-Semitic. They do not like Jews." 

Military rates higher with Americans than Congress, Media.

Obama says he always thought Bush was a 'good guy'  Oh, reeeeeally?

Obama to crowds: "I love you back."

Very interesting: Bush's Imminent Rehab

RNC Candidates' Websites:

mikeforchairman.com

katondawson.com

chipsaltsman.com

kenblackwell.com

anuzisforchair.com

steeleforchairman.com

Online Surveys & Market Research

Hitler Taken Into Custody

Remember 3-year-old Adolf Hitler Campbell?

He’s the little boy whose name was the center of an international firestorm in December after a Greenwich, N.J., supermarket refused to write his name on a birthday cake. The store said it was inappropriate and refused to give an apology after the parents demanded one.

Sgt. John Harris of the Holland Township Police Department has confirned that Adolf Hitler Campbell and his sisters, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell, were taken from their Holland Township, N.J., home on Friday by the state's Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS).

Their father, Heath Campbell, is expected in court Thursday in Flemington, N.J., in connection with the case. Kate Bernyk, a spokeswoman for the DYFS, said confidentiality laws barred her from commenting on the case or even confirming that the Campbell children were involved.

"DYFS has their reasons and they normally don’t release any information, so we kind of have to go on faith with them," Harris said. Police were not told what the agency was investigating. "I’ve dealt with the family for years and as far as the children are concerned, I have never had any reports of any abuse with the children," Harris said. "As far as I know, he’s always been very good with the children."

"Just from knowing Mr. Campbell from the past ten or so years, I've never known him to abuse his children and when he has talked about his children he has been very much into his kids. Very loving,” Harris said.

Speaking generally, Bernyk said the state's "decision to remove a child is based on the safety and well being of the child and the risk to that child, and that decision is made in conjunction with the courts and the county family court judge."

Forensic psychologist N.G. Berrill said naming a boy Hitler could be considered child abuse. "Part of it is the infantile nature of the parents’ behavior," Berrill said. "You can name your dog something weird, but they think they’re making some kind of bold statement with the children, not appreciating that the children will have separate lives and will be looked at in a negative light until they’re able to change their name. It is abuse."

If it turns out that the Campbell children were taken from their parents because of their names, it wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened. Last year, a New Zealand court removed a 9-year-old girl from her parents in order to change her birth name: Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. In that country, officials do not deem a name abusive unless it causes serious bullying.

I think people need to take their heads out of the cloud they've been in and start focusing on the future and not on the past," Heath Campbell said Tuesday in an interview. "There's a new president and he says it's time for a change; well, then it's time for a change," he continued. "They need to accept a name. A name's a name. The kid isn't going to grow up and do what (Hitler) did."

[Compiled from several news sources.]

I can certainly imagine situations in which action should be taken against parents who make very poor choices in naming a child (for example, if a parent were to give a child a name that included obscene words). But if government is going to get in the business of regulating names, action should be taken at the time when the parents choose the name, i.e., when the child is a newborn. Waiting until a child is 3 years old to address the problem is stupid. Taking the child away is irresponsible and subjects the child to psychological trauma that amounts to child abuse.

Another point: regulating baby names puts us on a very slippery slope. Where do you draw the line? What if someone names their child Stalin Campbell? How about Pol Pot Campbell or Kim Jong-il Campbell? Would Ahmadinejad Campbell be okay?

Update:

Adolf Hitler Campbell custody hearing postponed

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Tim Geithner! How does a guy on the fast track to be Treasury secretary fail to pay $34,000 worth of federal taxes? Americans expect the man who’s in charge of the I.R.S. to pay his own taxes. Maureen Dowd has managed to make a legitmate point! Don't get excited, the rest of the article is disappointing.

Parents get serious about baby names in tough year.

CU's College Democrats oppose hiring of right-wing prof.

Obama inauguration to air in theaters

Man sells 14-year-old daughter into marriage for beer.

Skeptical of Obama's Stimulus Plan.

Our media (along with academia and the popular culture) have constructed an all-encompassing faux reality that cannot truly be understood unless you step outside of it.