The Anti-Reagan
Recently, Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, assumed a stance behind the microphone, and proceeded to excoriate House Democrats by utilizing a well-known yet little used piece of legislative lingo — he quoted Led Zeppelin. He explained that House Democrats made him think of the band, for with the Democrats, “the song remains the same.” McCotter went on to fully explain why Democrats are neither inventive nor inspiring — watch it for yourself, and wonder (like many are behind closed doors) where McCotter is in the growing GOP field.
It is rare to see wit and wisdom, intellect and individualism, candor and cunning, and a solid amount of connection with the American people. We last saw it in totality with President Ronald Reagan. George Bush had folksy charm down, and Bill Clinton had (has) a level of smooth and political polish that is hard to deny. But Reagan did it all. You knew he knew the facts, you knew that he could lap his opposition on the intellectual race track, and you knew that America was inspired by his being, his actions, and his heart.
How completely awkward and politically tone deaf is President Obama’s attempt since the massive GOP victories of 2010 to compare himself to Reagan! It was on his vacation during Christmas break of 2010 (as opposed to all the others) that he took a copy of Reagan’s biography with him to Hawaii. Google the words “Obama Compares”: the first match that comes up is “himself to Reagan.” He referred to himself as “The Gipper,” and Time magazine had the two on the cover.
I have long accused this administration of being politically tone deaf: the strength exhibited in Obama’s presidential run is nowhere to be found in his running of government. He campaigns with poetry, he flounders and fails with remarkable frequency in prose. And in his most recent speech regarding the budget, Obama showed that he is — in every way — the opposite of Reagan, and showed why he is so dangerous for America.
While a full study of the text of Obama’s budget speech can show multiple stark differences between Reagan and Obama, the overall tone and sentiment of the speech best explains the difference between freedom and bondage. Obama’s speech certainly did not inspire. It was not about the budget, deficits, or what he has personally done to exacerbate what ails America. As Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) pointed out, this was not the commander-in-chief, but the campaigner-in-chief. Obama took this moment to attack Republicans, mock those who want cuts in programs, blame Bush, and Eat The Rich.
Obama’s speech demonstrated his belief that government makes all things possible. He stated (emphasis mine):
Part of this American belief that we are all connected also expresses itself in a conviction that each one of us deserves some basic measure of security. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, hard times or bad luck, a crippling illness or a layoff, may strike any one of us. “There but for the grace of God go I,” we say to ourselves, and so we contribute to programs like Medicare and Social Security, which guarantee us health care and a measure of basic income after a lifetime of hard work; unemployment insurance, which protects us against unexpected job loss; and Medicaid, which provides care for millions of seniors in nursing homes, poor children, and those with disabilities. We are a better country because of these commitments. I’ll go further — we would not be a great country without those commitments.
How grating to hear that our greatness as a nation is not our people. It’s not the Bill of Rights or the Constitution as a whole. It’s not that we are a republic, not a democracy. It is not: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Obama won’t recognize that “endowed by their Creator” is even in the Declaration.)
Rather, as Obama and the progressives foolishly believe, our greatness is based on entitlement programs that are going bankrupt!
In the very next paragraph, Obama stated:
For much of the last century, our nation found a way to afford these investments and priorities with the taxes paid by its citizens. As a country that values fairness, wealthier individuals have traditionally borne a greater share of this burden than the middle class or those less fortunate. This is not because we begrudge those who’ve done well — we rightly celebrate their success. Rather, it is a basic reflection of our belief that those who have benefited most from our way of life can afford to give a bit more back.
As Roger Kimball of PJM wrote the day before the speech: “Expect the ‘Rich’ to be asked to ‘pay their fair share.’”
The “fair share” meme has proven itself to be code for wealth redistribution. The “fair share” meme is also a lie. The use of the term would make one think that all people pay something, for how else could two people pay a “fair share” if one person pays something and the other person pays nothing? Nearly 50% of Americans (in 2009) do not pay federal income taxes. Not everyone is sharing, and nothing about that is fair.
This is Tony’s best article yet! I think it’s great to be thinking along these lines with Atlas Shrugged coming out yesterday! Reagan certainly understood that governments get in the way and cause many more problems than they solve. Obama is committed to maintaining his grip on power…Is this still America? It doesn’t look like it.
They misunderstood the boy…Barokeydoke was calling himself “The Gypper” and they heard what they wanted to hear
“When Reagan said government is the problem, he wasn’t advocating for getting rid of government.”
That is the truth of it.
Why does it have to be either you are for big government in the Democrat style or for anarchy? Rather ironic considering that Anarchists are the darlings of the left and for big government.
Tea Partier: “I don’t like big government.”
Democrat: “Then you must not think we need roads.”
Winning The Future! (WTF)
“And in his most recent speech regarding the budget, Obama showed that he is — in every way — the opposite of Reagan, and showed why he is so dangerous for America.”
Obama is the typical liberal socialist and now there is now denying it. His speech the other day simply showed what he wants to do, which is the old liberal formula of raising taxes to pay for all of his “precious” social-welfare programs. He didn’t even address the worst tax that hurts all Americans, inflation, which is hitting us hard both at the gas pump and at the grocery store. Nope, according to Obama, taxes will solve everything, especially if he kills your deductions on your home mortgage and charitable giving. Well, in one way that makes sense. Obama wants everybody to be poor enough to qualify for public housing and he wants all Americans to be charity cases to qualify for the public dole, thereby having everyone dependent on government for just about everything. So it really does make sense, at least to him.
2012. It’s the only way out of this mess. The sooner we get somebody to replace him (and, at this point, ANYBODY would be better than Obama), the better. Four years of liberal socialism should be enough for any clear-thinking American. I just hope there will be something to save by November 2012, especially with the taxes for Obamacare about to kick in. Not much time left. Time to make a difference just like we did in 2010.
I think OweBama meant to call himself ” the Grifter.”
I’m sure you are correct; He mispronounces things all the time.
Bravo; BRAVO! Very well said.
Obama is the most revolting, petulant, offensive, contemptible, representative in The United States Government today, because he is supposed to be the pinnacle representative of The American People.
Obama got where he is today, by getting put in front of the line, using ‘set aside’ programs to attain education, and his race to butt ahead of ‘whitey’ for all his privileges.
If I may re-arrange some of the words from your essay; “Obama shows his contempt for capitalism, Our Forefathers, the American Way of Life, and anyone who has made America what it is today.”
If any white man was acting like this juvenile, they would be excoriated by the entire U.S. Citizenry, media, and legal system.
Why does Obama get permission to act this way? It’s precisely because he represents the deepest enemies of The United States.
He’s “CLINGING TO HIS BASE”.
He’s attained what he has today, through every government program available to him. The U.S. Government is his “family” for support. Why wouldn’t he support and perpetuate the very system that enabled him to go far beyond his ability to attain anything of integrity on his own?
For Obama to compare himself to anyone as great as Ronald Reagan, is the most offensive act of narcissism.
If I were a Reagan, I would be suing this ignoramus for defamation of character.
Obama should not be praised for anything of ‘greatness’, but, analyzed for the low life, parasitic, life form, that he really is.
OweBama is even contemptuous of his own Black base. Watch his demeanor and body language when addressing SEIU and (previously) ACORN. He uses obvious manipulative tactics of rhyming catchy slogans and “me and you against oppressive whitey,” but, regardless of where he was born, he was not raised in the U.S. and consequently did not share the Black experience in the U.S. He has used them like he has used everyone else, and has shown them little respect in doing it. His demeanor and body language when speaking to his Black base is cocky, patronizing, and insincere.
Sounds like the angry old white guy still can’t stand it that a black man is president.
How did you get that out of that? By the way, the only part you got right is that I’m angry. I do not have to agree with a President whether he’s black, white or anything else. I love Black conservatives like Allen West. I am against OweBama for every appropriate reason and race isn’t one of them. But I believe YOU are a racist who only sees things in black or white. Go back to PMSNBC troll.
“Reagan was a poser”? Of what?
You’ve shown how ignorant you are of basic facts in just two lines; But, don’t let us stop you from displaying how totally ignorant you CAN be. There’s a lot more space here for that. Go for it!
Sorry, you seem to have a monopoly on ignorance. GO FOR IT!
I am not; YOU ARE!
(Your turn).
This troll has no interesting facts, just typical left-wing hate-filled unfounded accusations. Boring. Ignore it and maybe it will go away.
And here was me thinking lefties were too intellectually advanced to profile, but that’s what this useless idiot just did to PTBW. Did you hate Bush and Reagan because of your age, color or gender? is that how YOU form your opinions?
Is he black?
I was so busy loathing him because he’s a an America-hating, liberal Democrat doofus, who is so dim he makes Jimmy Carter look intelligent, that I plain forgot to notice his skin color.
Bloody race-baitor (/racist)
Well done Tony. Those of us who follow Thaddeus McCotter are not surprised at all. I don’t know what his aspirations are, but I will support him in whatever office he seeks (or not) in the future. Check the schedule for “Red Eye” on Fox. TM is a regular guest.
Several months ago after witnessing Thad McCotter speak, I wrote an email to him in which I complemented him on his intellect and that I thought he would make for a great president. Within weeks I received a personal handwritten note from him in which he thanked me for my kind words.
In Yiddish, Thad McCotter, is a mensch; a mensch being a class act of a man.
Thad McCotter for president; how refreshing.
Agree ! McCotter seems well-grounded and is sharp minded for sure. One of conservatism’s biggest constraints is that it doesn’t use appeals to government guaranteed happy outcomes for all. We therefore need spokesmen who can articulate the conservative alternative in real time against progressive canards (think interviews with MSM, Sunday morning shows, debates, etc). He can fill that bill — like Reagan did.
Excellent, Tony. And for those who still don’t get it, there is this other mensch:
http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/happy-tax-day/
but nevermind.
reagan was an extremist whose politics were way over the top to ever be embraced by the main stream
oh, wait…
reagan only won two of the most lopsided victories in the history of the united states
can we get our act together? the blueprint to rooting out statism is in front of our faces
eliminate wishy washy fence straddling proposed by the rinos and take a firm stance in the values of conservatism
why is it so hard?
why do so many people let the left dictate the discussion?
So let’s see: when Reagan entered office our national debt was about one trillion dollars. When he and Bush 1 left office, they had run it up to four trillion bucks.
When Bush 2 was running he promised to govern in the style of Reagan i.e. run up the national debt some more. He sure kept his campaign promise!
So; You’re saying your boy is following the leadership of these great men, right?
Always you Lefties try to compare apples and oranges.
Reagan was fighting the Cold War. He and Bush I Brought down the largest empire in the world… without having to fight a hot war.
Bush II had 9/11. He spent $792B fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 100′s of Billions more were spent on internal security. Homeland security was created. Critical facilities were hardened. Airport security. Financial investigations of jihadist organizations.
To be sure, both of these guys had lots of other spending. Reagan had a solidly Dem Congress, and they control the budget. Every budget Reagan offered was balanced. The Dems added the debt. Bush has no such excuse. But then, he is a RINO.
What is Obama’s excuse? Is the financial crisis greater than the one faced by Reagan? Not hardly. Oh, he inherited wars. What? We’re not out of Iraq YET? How’s Afghanistan doing these days? Obama’s war in Libya? That is justified exactly how? Oh, and Gtmo is still open. Just sayin’.
At this very moment, there is a show on the History Channel, that does have a world leader that has a governing philosophy that Obama seems to be following; It’s Hitler.
I have to agree with the Left on this issue. Obama is their version of Reagan. The Right has Reagan. The Left has Obama. I think both sides are represented perfectly.
Also, Reagan carried 49 States in his re-election bid. Let’s just see how well Teh One does.
Some in the media are speculating that President Obama will spend 1 billion dollars in his re-election campaign.
How anyone can expect any good to arise out of that kind of a system is beyond me.
America has become so unwieldy because of its large population and smothering bureaucracy that freedom, law and democracy itself are being smothered.
There are so many laws and threats of litigation behind every least public move that we have been neutered.
That crazy old woman who spilled coffee on herself and the court she went into opened up a can of worms immigrants, minorities and any other person who considers themselves disenfranchised were quick to pick up on and now can raise an expensive storm helped by pro bono attorneys.
The price of doing business has rocketed and the stakes along with it. Lost in the shuffle is America. When I went back to college a couple of years ago I saw a man in the school, maybe 50, out of shape, a woman now I guess – halter top, breasts, black leather mini-skirt, high heels, bow legged – a mess, long scraggly blond hair. He would have been considered an insane person when I was a kid – now I MUST respect him – everyone MUST.
Laws have overtaken the morality upon which the laws were based on in the first place and those laws constrain everything we do and tax us out of our minds and really don’t apply to the disenfranchised although they themselves bitterly proclaim otherwise.
A nobody for President and elected because of the nuanced view that he has dark skin? Who is really surprised?
America is finished in its urban centers and it’s creeping inland because the nuts have taken over the asylum. The least elegant, American and smart are now the poster children for what a ‘real’ America is – hell, even an illegal immigrant has their status touted around the idea of American values.
Screw Obama – he’s a Barbie Ken doll in a pirate outfit. Philosophically speaking, him and his wife cackle at what America has become and that is a place under siege with the barbarians not only at the gates, but in the palace as well. For them, the least is the best and must be awarded with the fruits of what the best accomplish.
Some day the host will be bled dry and what then? Reagan led a brief era of a reawakening of pride in America – it sputtered and died.
300 million people doesn’t work – it just doesn’t.
Our present President could never say, without choking, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’”
That’s pretty much the difference. President Reagan believed that. President Obama believes that “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” is precisely what everyone should WANT to hear.
McCotter is a profoundly serious man about the things that matter—liberty, freedom, family, the country he loves, and the constituency he serves. The MSM slobbers with attempts to link our current President to the images of FDR, JFK, Reagan, et al, apparently so that he can reflect their essences while himself being nothing but silvered glass… I don’t want to burden Rep. McCotter, and suggest he is a simulacrum of anyone else. However, in this anniversary year of the Firing upon Fort Sumter, I see a fellow citizen, one of us, entirely, uniquely American, and think, “Lincoln was like this, who took him seriously in New York or Virginia? How many had the opportunity to hear him speak at Cooper Union?” Who would have expected a president to come from Springfield, IL? Or Livonia, MI?
“President Obama; Tear down this Country!”
‘He and his administration have not broken the “vicious cycles that are crippling our economy.” They have made the economy worse and have exacerbated the debt.’
He *IS* breaking the cycle of boom and bust–by making sure there is never another boom. No cycle–just continual bust.