Gary North

Feb. 26, 2009

Mr. Wallis went into cheerleader mode in response to President Obama's first State of the Union Speech on February 24, 2009.

Isn't this too trusting in politics?

Here is what Mr. Wallis said on February 25:

This wasn't really a budget speech, or even a State of the Union. It was a call to rebuild a country -- from its infrastructure, to its economy, to its values. Last night, Barack Obama called a new generation to a new American future. And from the "twittering" and Facebook status updates I am aware of going on last night, the new generation stayed up late to watch and got the speech they wanted--a vision for the new America they hope to raise their children in.

There hasn't been as much political vision or ambition in the chamber of the House of Representatives for decades as there was last night. It wasn't just a list of little ideas or a recitation of familiar symbols; it was a substantial diagnosis of America's crisis and the bold promise to find the solutions necessary. If the inaugural speech disappointed some for being more sobering than visionary, the call to action they were waiting for came last night.

The new president boldly declared that it is time to meet the big challenges. After telling Americans for the last month what we were up against, he said that America can and will rise to meet the challenge. . . .

He said both his stimulus plan and his budget will focus on beginning to fix the biggest issues--energy dependence, broken health care, and failed education. He said our crisis has come from ignoring, neglecting, and postponing solutions to core problems like these while, at the same time, spending money we didn't have to buy things we didn't need.

But the "day of reckoning has arrived," said the new president, and "now is the time" to solve our biggest problems--and while the problems are great, we will solve them.

Some of the most important ideas, lines, and promises were:

Stressing that the economic recovery is "not about saving banks, but helping people."

Reminding us that "responsibility for our children's education begins at home."

Promising to support both soldiers and veterans, but to also get rid of outdated Cold War weapons systems.

Pledging to cut unnecessary subsidies to agribusiness and eliminate no-bid contracts like in Iraq -- big tasks that politics has been unwilling to take on.

Committing that we will no longer hide the price of war in the budget.

Stating emphatically that "the United States of America does not torture," especially saying it the night after Jack Bauer and 24.

Recognizing that the biggest deficit we face is the "deficit of trust" that Americans feel for their leaders and their lack of solutions. . . .

In contrast to the simple Democratic reliance on the government or the Republican mantra of the invisible hand of the market to solve our problems, Obama called for a new commitment to the common good, collective action, and a new combination of both personal and social responsibility. . . .

Some people don't like strong leadership. I do. And this is the kind of leadership that calls and inspires people to act themselves and be part of the solutions we need. I like that too. And it's a new kind of leadership that invites being held accountable to results. That's fair. . . .

But what if, in 2012, inflation is in double digits, Federal money has bailed out the 19 biggest banks, American troops are still in Iraq and Afghanistan, the national debt is up by 50% to $15 trillion, what will Mr. Wallis say? I know: "Those awful Republicans!"

Obama is Commander in Chief. He has been President for a month. He could have announced the pull-out of all American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan -- both with a timetable. He has not done these things, nor will he.

He has ordered the closing of Guantanamo. But he concludes his executive order with this:

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Lose seven years of your life? Sorry, Charlie. Better luck next time.

Each new President shields his predecessor. Always.

Ideologically naive people are easily bought off with rhetoric over substance. The Reagan non-revolution proved that. Now the Obama non-revolution will prove it for the Left.