Clearly Obama is steering us towards a Euro Style Social Democracy. I think the next 2 years will be interesting. With the economy in it's current state I think there is a growing number of people who wish for the nanny state as a safety net. The question is can Obama get the economy turned in the next 2 years, because if he can't then the midterm elections will likely take away his current congressional advantage. I will be interested to see how loyal his democratic collegues in the congress will be in passing his budget. Already some of his Texas democrats have been critical of some of his proposals esp with regards to energy (and what he's taking away from them in terms of tax incentives). Some of his liberal pals aren't too happy with his Iraq plan either. I found this article by Krauthammer to be a good outline of Obama's goals. Nanny State
When Obama openly scoffed at the notion that FDR's massive spending plan didn't save the American economy a few weeks back, I about jumped out of my seat. I really detest many politicians and lawyers (not you Mike, you're safe) but my father's lifelong bitching that I should have done law and politics really deep fries my arse at times like that. I'd debate him head up on that issue any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The gift that Obama has is one of communication. He speaks and people want to listed. My father calls this 'the gift of gab' and as one who certainly has this, I appreciate it quite a bit. He says a lot of crack pot things, but he says them in such a convincing and positive manner that people want to believe what they hear. Sadly, most people are not well read enough on any one issue that they simply believe it because it sounds true. Obama's sin is one of vanity. He surrounds himself with coalitions and think tanks, not because he really cares about what they think, but rather that they provide him plausible defense when things go wrong as well as giving him additional bona fides on issues that he would otherwise be considered an outsider on. Still, he can't help but gloat and at times taunt. If the GOP is to beat him, they will need to showcase the Emperor and his proud new wardrobe but be mindful of the race issue... (something they have failed terribly at to date).
Hey I really don't care but if you think that this country would have been better off without Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Jackson and Lincoln great. The fact is, lawyers more than any other group, formed the Constitutional traditions of this country. End of story.