The Obama Tidal Wave

Posted September 1, 2008

A pre-2008 election accounting of Barack Obama

We are witnessing a political phenomenon with Barack Obama of rare magnitude. His speeches have inspired millions and yet most of his followers have no idea of what he stands for except platitudes of "Change" or that he says he will be a Uniter. The power of speech from a charismatic person truly can be a powerful thing. Certainly Billy Graham had charisma and both his manner of speech and particularly the content changed millions. On the extreme other hand, the charisma of Adolph Hitler inspired millions and the results were catastrophic. Barack Obama certainly is no Hitler or a Billy Graham, but for many Americans out there feeling just like a surfer who might be ecstatic and euphoric while riding a tidal wave, the real story is what happens when it hits shore.

Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama:

He voted against banning partial " birth abortion.
Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government.
He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.

In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing.
Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as minimum wage affair.
Admitted marijuana and cocaine use in high school and in college.

His religious convictions are very murky.
He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jung Il andMahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Has said that one of his first goals after being elected would be to have a conference with all Muslim nations.

Opposed the Patriot Act.
First bill he signed that was passed was campaign finance reform.
Voted No on prohibiting law suits against gun manufacturers.

Supports universal health-care.
Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees.
Supports granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants.
Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform.
Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security.

Wants to make the minimum wage a "living wage".
Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes.
Is a big believer in the separation of church and state.

He voted No on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax
He voted No on repealing the "Death" Tax
Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and instead supports increasing the amount of tax paid.

He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax.
Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not succeeded.
He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate today and that takes some doing.

[Source: undocumented email received March 12, 2008]