Self Inflicted Wounds

I always shake my head in wonder when I watch a person or a group of people - no matter how large - consciously make decisions that are contrary to their own interests and then have the gall to complain about the results. My generation - the Baby Boomers - have done just such a thing, but what frightens me is the fact that many of us haven't had the good sense to realize the damage we have done. And so, we just keep reloading and shooting at our feet.

It was my generation that started this whole experiment of socialization back in the 1960's. I hasten to point out that while I claim them as "my generation", it was they who marched and protested without my approval or participation, so while I must admit that we are fellows in the Boomer crowd, I abide by nothing they have implemented in my name.

Barack Obama is moving with lightning speed to cast the United States in the mold of Hugo Chavez's Venezuela with his so-called "stimulus plan" and people are actually behind him on it. Never mind that 88 cents on the dollar - of which there are a projected 900 billion - will do nothing more than stimulate the libidos and avarice of many cronies of politicians. Only 12 cents per dollar will actually create jobs and provide actual economic stimulus. "Hurray", say the masses.

Another group of section-eighters are the immigrants to America, both legal and illegal. Most of them come here to flee the terrible conditions of their native countries, yet most still vote for liberal policies designed to remake America in the image of whence they came. I refer you to the photo, top right, once more. What are they thinking?

Barack Obama was elected president on the votes of these people because he promised change; change in the "politics as usual" approach in Washington, change from the corruption in Washington, and change from the rhetoric to which too many Americans have become accustomed. He has failed on all three counts, and he started before he was even sworn into office.

His initial cabinet selections were overloaded with holdovers from the Clinton Administration, something that signaled a departure from change, not the opposite. Then, underscoring his propensity for poor character judgement - as evidenced in the campaign but ignored by a willing media - he had three separate picks with tax violations. Ironically, the only one of the three who made it through confirmation is now in charge of the IRS. The other two bowed out gracefully.

Now, amid this economic crisis we are force-fed, the democrats and the new president are heading to the Kingsmill Resort and Spa, which boasts of “unforgettable golf, luxurious accommodations, first-class dining, a premier spa and an abundance of recreational opportunities both at the retreat and nearby Williamsburg.” What will all of this cost? We don't know just yet, but last year the costs were over $100,000 just for transportation, a photographer and cellular service. Yet the president is admonishing corporations.

One last, frightening thought about the nature of this trip; the agenda will include, in part, strategy sessions between the president and congressional heavyweights. A Quote from The Hill:

“This retreat is strategic planning for the country,” said Democratic Caucus spokeswoman Emily Barocas. “The president, vice president and three Cabinet secretaries will be meeting with the caucus to plan the direction we are taking the country in.”

Someone fetch my ammo...I still have toes left.

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