Monday, October 20, 2008

Prager & Medved, Powell's Endorsement And Obama's Impervious Liberal Dogma

The two issues aren’t related, but they were prominent in media discussion, today. Many were unable to dismiss the suspicion that Powell’s declaration that he will vote for Barack Obama was based in Obama’s status as an African American. Michael Medved asked if we could imagine Powell announcing such an endorsement of Hillary Clinton. Also, Powell mentioned his discomfort with Sarah Palin (obviously he’s bothered by explicit and relevant faith) and the prospect of more conservative judges. Are the last two supposed to be right wing extremists? Really? To me, this clearly says more about Powell than it does about Roberts and Alito.

Dennis Prager also could not fully explain Powell’s action on elements other than race, supposing that Powell was a “fiscal conservative” and a “social liberal.” But, he is not. Among his other concerns, Powell said that he thought Obama had a better sense and plan to deal with the economic problems. When this was raised, Prager elaborated, supposing that like most Obama supporters, Powell would be unable to detail exactly how Obama would address and improve the economy. I’m sure he wouldn’t. We knew long ago when the media tried to shove Powell down Republican throats as a Republican presidential candidate, that he was no social conservative, being pro-choice and pro-affirmative action, at least.

Now we know that he is no economic conservative either, and probably never was, else he would choke on the idea that we will tax and spend our way to economic prosperity. Colin Powell’s Republicanism begins and ends with the fact that he is a dedicated and dutiful military soldier. He’s an honorable man, but philosophically undefined. I’m not mad at him, but his endorsement of Obama means nothing to me.

And speaking of fiscal policy, there was also reference in both programs to Obama’s “socialism.” Because of visceral reactions, I don’t endorse the use of the term. But John McCain is right that “spreading the wealth” is at least a definitive element of socialism, a statement he made to Chris Wallace in the context of discussion of Joe Wurzelbacher, or “Joe The Plumber.” Prager frequently discusses the impermeable nature to liberals of the consequences to their policy, which is based on feeling and dogma. Ironically of course, this is the criticism of religious dogma of many outsiders, frequently on the left. But, it is important to understand that Barack Obama has been very explicit in this regard.

Though I couldn’t quickly find it, I believe it was Bob Schieffer (in an interview, not the debate) who responded to Obama’s expressed interest in raising taxes on upper incomes, essentially that many economists say that history suggests that raising taxes will thwart economic growth, reduce government revenues, and bring unemployment. Obama responded that he still would want to do it in the interest of “fairness.” Oookay: economic constriction, diminished revenues, and losing jobs means “fairness?” And some people call trust in God irrational? Anyway, as Prager says, the consequence is irrelevant. It’s about liberal doctrinal faith and how they “feel.” And I suppose that if I don’t embrace this crap, it’s because I’m “racist?”

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Borghesius:

I've been having trouble with my Blog editor posting multiple times. But, I responded to you second comment below.

Anonymous said...

Is it about race?
Only one person knows for sure…and it’s not Limbaugh.
Powell claims that he’s not happy with the “rightward shift” of the Republican party. But is there any merit in his accusation???
Listen to the views of Republican Senator Michelle Bachmann
Video of Senator Michelle Bachmann on Hardball
So...what do you think??. is Colin Powell was just being overly sensitive, or does he have a point???

Anonymous said...

Norris:

Fist of all, Michelle Bachman is a Congressperson from Minnesota, which leans too leftward to elect a Senator like her.

As for any racial motivation on Powell's part, as I said I think he's an honorable man. From hid own moth, he said, "if that had been my ONLY (emphasis mine) concern, I could have done this months ago."

The best evidence that race was a factor is the weakness you perceive in his other claimed concerns. I believe he was serious about Palin and The Supreme Court. I just think he's wring. Roberts and Alito aren't far right and Palin is the most popular governor in the country with a rapid recent rise that is no accident. If you really look at her ascendancy and her record along the way, its quite remarkable.

That said, Powell admits that a black president would be a landmark and I agree. I just have strong principled constraints against this one. Powell doesn't. As I said, he's a Republican as a dutiful soldier, and that's it.

But, as for Medved's challenge about whether you can imagine Powell doing the same fo Hillary Clinton, especially given his long friendship and shared Vietnam military background with McCain, it's pretty hard to imagine.

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