He was in the USA on election night and wrote of his impressions. Like him or laugh at him, Hitchens remains popular throughout the world because many citizens of the globe think as he does. Some of you will nod your heads in agreement as you read it; others will frown; and still others will do both.

Let's all hope that Mr. Hitchens' "wave goodbye to America" is premature.

"The night we waved goodbye to America... our last best hope on Earth”

London Daily Mail

Peter Hitchens

10 November 2008

Anyone would think we had just elected a hip, skinny and youthful replacement for God, with a plan to modernize Heaven and Hell - or that at the very least John Lennon had come back from the dead.

The swooning frenzy over the choice of Barack Obama as President of the United States must be one of the most absurd waves of self-deception and swirling fantasy ever to sweep through an advanced civilization. At least Mandela-worship - its nearest equivalent - is focused on a man who actually did something. I really don't see how the Obama devotees can ever in future mock the Moonies, the Scientologists or people who claim to have been abducted in flying saucers. This is a cult like the one which grew up around Princess Diana, bereft of reason and hostile to facts.

It already has all the signs of such a thing... The newspapers which recorded Obama's victory have become valuable relics... You may buy Obama picture books, and Obama calendars, and if there isn't yet a children's picture version of his story, there soon will be. Proper books, recording his sordid associates, his cowardly voting record, his astonishingly militant commitment to unrestricted abortion and his blundering trip to Africa, are little-read and hard to find.

If you can believe that this undistinguished and conventionally left-wing machine politician is a sort of secular savior, then you can believe anything. He plainly doesn't believe it himself. His cliche-stuffed, PC clunker of an acceptance speech suffered badly from nerves. It was what you would expect from someone who knew he'd promised too much and that from now on the easy bit was over.

He needn't worry too much. From now on, the rough boys and girls of America's Democratic Party apparatus, many recycled from Bill Clinton's stained and crumpled entourage, will crowd round him, to collect the rich spoils of his victory and also tell him what to do, which is what he is used to. Just look at his sermon by the shores of Lake Michigan He really did talk about a 'new dawn', and a 'timeless creed' (which was 'yes, we can'). He proclaimed that 'change has come'. He revealed that, despite having edited the Harvard Law Review, he doesn't know what 'enormity' means. He reached depths of oratorical drivel never even plumbed by our own Mr. Blair, burbling about putting our hands on the arc of history (or was it the ark of history?) and bending it once more toward the hope of a better day (Don't try this at home!).

I am not making this up. No wonder that awful old hack Jesse Jackson sobbed as he watched. How he must wish he, too, could get away with this sort of stuff.

And it was interesting how the President-elect failed to lift his admiring audience by repeated - but rather hesitant - invocations of the brainless slogan he was forced by his minders to adopt against his will - 'Yes, we can'. They were supposed to thunder 'Yes, we can!' back at him, but they just wouldn't join in. No wonder. Yes we can what exactly? Go home and keep a close eye on the tax rate, is my advice. He'd have been better off bursting into 'I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony' which contains roughly the same message and might have attracted some valuable commercial sponsorship.

Perhaps, being a Chicago crowd, they knew some of the things that 52.5 per cent of America prefers not to know. They know Obama is the obedient servant of one of the most squalid and unshakeable political machines in America. They know that one of his alarmingly close associates, a state-subsidized slum landlord called Tony Rezko, has been convicted on fraud and corruption charges.

They also know the US is just as segregated as it was before Martin Luther King - in schools, streets, neighborhoods, holidays, even in its TV-watching habits and its choice of fast-food joints. The difference is that it is now done by unspoken agreement rather than by law.

If Mr. Obama's election had threatened any of that, his feel-good white supporters would have scuttled off and voted for John McCain, or practically anyone. But it didn't. Mr. Obama, thanks mainly to the now-departed grandmother he alternately praised as a saint and denounced as a racial bigot, has the huge advantages of an expensive private education. He did not have to grow up in the badlands of useless schools, shattered families and gangs which are the lots of so many young black men of his generation.

If the nonsensical claims made for this election were true, then every positive discrimination program aimed at helping black people into jobs they otherwise wouldn't get should be abandoned forthwith. Nothing of the kind will happen. On the contrary, there will probably be more of them. And if those who voted for Obama were all proving their anti-racist nobility, that presumably means that those many millions who didn't vote for him were proving themselves to be hopeless bigots. This is obviously untrue.

I was in Washington, DC the night of the election. America's beautiful capital has a sad secret. It is perhaps the most racially divided city in the world, with 15th Street - which runs due north from the White House - the unofficial frontier between black and white. But, like so much of America, it also now has a new division, and one, which is in many ways much more important.

I had attended an election-night party in a smart and liberal white area, but was staying the night less than a mile away on the edge of a suburb where Spanish is spoken as much as English, plus a smattering of tongues from such places as Ethiopia, Somalia and Afghanistan. As I walked, I crossed another of Washington’s secret frontiers. There had been a few white people blowing car horns and shouting, as the result became clear. But among the Mexicans, Salvadorans and the other Third World nationalities, there was something like ecstasy.

They grasped the real significance of this moment. They knew it meant that America had finally switched sides in a global cultural war. Forget the Cold War, or even the Iraq War. The United States, having for the most part a deeply conservative people, had until now just about stood out against many of the mistakes which have ruined so much of the rest of the world.

What Obama’s critics are failing to see, is that he is a former community organizer; he prefers to work under the radar, starting from the grassroots. Those who are looking at the top layer of the Obama Administration wanting to see the signs of the coming of Socialism/Marxism are going to be disappointed. Those who watched First Lady Hillary Clinton set up little wretched enclaves in all the government agencies to push the policies of the Beijing Platform for Action and those who observed Senator Barack Obama utilize the corrupt Chicago Political Machine and ACORN to build a self-serving, shrewd, disciplined political machine that spread from Chicago throughout the nation will recognize the strategy and tactics of a master manipulator.

Even though they differ on many other fronts, Barack and Hillary are family when it comes to using the government’s legendary “soft power” and the national “bully pulpit” to achieve their personal and political goals. So, while the nation is pacified into thinking that Obama is moving to the center, his cronies who are actually carrying his water will be hard-core “progressives” moving the leftist agenda forward largely out of the public’s sight in the mid-level management positions in all levels of the government’s sprawling bureaucracy. Much of the “real change” will happen behind the scenes in thousands of small decisions and initiatives that will remain nearly invisible until –– like the implosions of our financial systems –– the transformation of their cumulative effects begins to emerge. Then it will be too late for this Nation to recover.

While Obama is filling top slots of his Administration with politicians from the center, his agenda will be thrust forward by the hard-core followers in the lower levels of government who will be able to work under the radar to push his far left ideology. That is the bottom-up strategy that he learned as a community organizer and a strategy that links him with Hillary Clinton, who promoted the feminist goals of the Beijing Platform for Action through various task forces set up in the federal agencies following the U.N.’s Beijing World Conference on Women. Both of these leftist politicians have learned to speak the language of the masses while working behind the scenes on the policies of the radical left’s true believers.

I do not believe that Obama will, himself, immediately run to the “Left” and begin his Socialist agenda. That would alienate a majority of Americans, as well as some of those in his own party. Beyond his projections and deceptions, are the consequences which he plans to avoid? With Socialist policies now part of and in many ways the centerpiece of the Democratic Party disguised as “Political and Economic Justice” and “Investments in our Infrastructure and People”; along with the deaf, dumb, and blind media, Obama will watch as his cronies slowly begin his march to the “Left” and “Socialism”. Some of his supporters, formerly the logical and rational, will be first in line of deceived disappointers expressing remorse. They will awaken from the dream of all the good feelings that attracted them to Obama and face the hard realities of the Socialist agenda they enabled.

First, I would like to congratulate Obama for the greatest of victories. I hope and pray that he is able to keep this country together as “One Nation under God”.

He got his moneys worth from the Democrat Party Machine, ACORN, and all the other supporters of his campaign. Lies and deception won-out this time and once the truth is known President Obama will have a lot of explaining to do and will become history’s answer to; “WHY DID AMERICA IMPLODE ON ITS SELF”.

This election maybe a “first”, Obama will be this country’s first black president, but it certainly is not ground-shaking. It only confirms what many have known for years, the white-against-black racism is a relic of our past. And is only used by the race-baiters such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to extort money and favors for themselves; and to keep African-Americas dependent on the Democrats and Governments that will continue to “take from Peter and give it to Paul”, Paul will always vote for a Government that continues this policy.

Now…(I hope I am wrong)…Let the revolution begin with…”WE THE PEOPLE”, have decided that our founding fathers were wrong. Their principles, ideals and their American Dream flawed. “WE THE PEOPLE” have decided that the Socialist principles, ideals and the Marxist Dream are a much better way.

I find it unbelievable that America would elect an unknown far left Liberal/Socialist as President of these United States of America. What have we done? Do we realize that we just enabled a far left Liberal/Socialist agenda upon ourselves? Our forefathers must be turning over in their graves. Mr. “HOPE AND CHANGE” with a total lack of grit will, both at home and aboard; be tested early and often. What if he fails these tests? Then WHAT…? Can we afford his failures?

We again, for the third time in my life-time, have chosen an intelligent, eloquent but untested conman as our leader of the “Free World” (Jimmy Carter was the first, Bill Clinton the second). “The obvious apprehension is that the anointed one is a stranger—a deeply engaging, elegant, brilliant but flawed stranger with whom we had a torrid affair. Once we wake up, we will see the ring and wonder who exactly we married last night.” If President Obama is able to parley Congress to get what he has promised (taking from Peter and giving it to Paul; you will always get Paul’s vote), this wake-up-call may come to late to save America. We made the mistake of giving him the ring on November 4th. We were so disposed in doing so, only time will tell if we will live to regret it. Nov. 4^th, 2008 will become known as “Judgment Day”.

The collective judgment displayed by the majority of the voters on Nov. 4^th, 2008 is very disturbing. Obama reminds me of others throughout history, with their ability to so quietly and enchantingly say one thing, mean and do another; and people will shake their heads in approval of the very things they oppose. What is amazing is they believe they have agreed with him. The results of this election provide proof that people can be hypnotized to the degree that they not know what they are doing. What is very scary is that history has also proven repeatedly; that those willing to agree without questioning become hypnotized and are the first to die by the millions.

This election has set the course of this nation for the next two or three decades and possibly forever. I fear that the voting public does not really understand the choice they just made. It holds only the promise of security and will definitely create bigger government at all levels, and more entitlements; and carries a huge price tag of more expanded governmental power, deficits, and taxes at the expense of our individual liberties. My hope was that voters would choose the more difficult path of liberty and limited government; so that the American dream and culture for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness would once again triumph and flourish.

I do not believe that Obama will immediately run to the “Left” and begin his Socialist agenda. That would alienate a majority of Americans, as well as some of those in his own party. Beyond his projections and deceptions, are the consequences. With Socialist policies now part of and in many ways the centerpiece of the Democratic Party disguised as “Political and Economic Justice” and “Investments in our Infrastructure and People”; along with the deaf, dumb, and blind media, Obama will slowly begin his march to the “Left” and “Socialism”. Some of Obama’s supporters, formerly the logical and rational, will be first in line of deceived disappointers expressing remorse. They will awaken from the dream of all the good feelings that attracted them to Obama and face the hard realities of the Socialist agenda they enabled.

For this new revolution to be successful for the next 4 to 8 years, Obama will depend upon the consequences of new and continuing crisis while blaming it on the previous administration; and hope the deaf, dumb, and blind media…stays deaf, dumb, and blind.

Make no mistake: Barack Hussein Obama’s Socialist policies are both scary and very risky. Where ever Socialism has been tried it has always been a failure.

“Hope” and “change” may be pleasant catchalls, but as Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard’s Almanac, “He that lives upon Hope will die fasting.”  On change, John Adams wrote, “A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” In 1787, the year our Constitution was adopted, Thomas Jefferson, wrote, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.”  I am hopeful that we shall not have to go that route.

Regardless of which Political Party you prefer, “True Grit” is the answer…be informed. Ask yourself this simple question, “Which Candidates really have “True Grit”? Then seek your answer, but do not look to the mainstream media for your answer. These are troubling times in which we live, so look too History and its troubling times for your answer.

Perfect examples of "True Grit" can be found in people like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Eisenhower, JFK, MLK, Reagan…to John McCain and Sarah Palin. As a Vietnam Vet, I get chills even now when I remember those days and think about John McCain’s traumatic experience at the hands of the North Vietnamese. It aggravates me that the Democratic Party has tilted so far to the left…I cannot even recognize it as the Party of FDR and JFK. Everyone should understand and deserves to experience what "True Grit" is and what it means to have “True Grit”.

The United States and the next Administration are going to be faced with some major challenges both domestic and foreign. On the foreign front…a resurgent Russia, an energized China, a global economy with serious problems, to the next chapter of the turmoil in the Middle East and dealing with the Osama bin Ladens of the world.  On the domestic front…an energy and financial crisis that spells trouble for all Americans, taxes and spending out of control, legal and illegal immigration that continues to increase, health care and education costs rise as quality is stagnated or declining, a Judicial Branch with self-assumed powers to Legislate, entitlement programs that will bankrupt this country.

What of Mrs. Palin's liabilities? Like McCain, she makes up for, in sheer determination to do the right thing. The intellect and a values system second to none and some good old common sense; there is no decision she or McCain would make, that I could not trust and support; because they have “True Grit”! If they cannot change Washington and “Today’s Politics”; no one can. They will become the facilitators for change; however we the people must demand that our representatives follow their lead.

THE BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA PLAN

In the beginning was the Obama Plan (Change We Can Believe In!). And then came the Obama Assumptions. And the Obama Assumptions were without form. And the Obama Plan was without substance. And darkness fell upon the face of the Voters.

And the Voters spoke amongst themselves, saying, “This is a crock of you know what, and it stinks.” And the Voters went unto their Party Supervisors and said, “It is a pail of dung, and we can't live with the smell.”

And the Party Supervisors went unto their Party Managers, saying, “It is a container of excrement, and it is very strong, such that none may abide by it.” And the Party Managers went unto their Party Directors, saying, “It is a vessel of fertilizer, and none may abide its’ strength.”

And the Party Directors spoke amongst themselves, saying to one another, “It contains that which aids Plant growth; and it is very strong.” And the Party Directors went to Joe Biden, saying unto him, “It promotes growth and it is very powerful.”

And Joe Biden went to Barack Obama, saying unto him, “This new Plan will actively promote the growth and vigor of the Nation with very powerful effects.”

And Barack Obama looked upon the Plan and saw that it was good.

And the Plan became Policy.

And that, my friends, is how; “you know what” happens.

Yes I have been paying attention and have been listening to Barack Obama. He talks a good talk, but specifics are what I need!

HOPE:

First, what does he mean by hope? What strategies will he employ; because hope by itself is nothing but an emotional state of mind? Hope must be grounded in objective truth otherwise it will quickly become wishful thinking. Hope alone will not protect you from terrorists or from becoming a victim of crime; hope alone will not lower your taxes; hope alone will not help you buy a home; and hope alone will not ensure quality jobs, education and healthcare for you and your family. Hope alone will not afford every citizen the opportunities to turn their dreams into reality and their hopes into action for themselves and their families. Hope without action, passively waits for others to solve problems. Without action, hope looks at what could be, instead of doing the hard work required to make it a reality. Without action, hope is powerless to do anything but dream and question…“What If”. Hope by itself, is not getting it done or changing things for the better.

UNITY:

How is he going to be able to unify the country? He is so far out in liberal left field he makes Ted Kennedy seem conservative. This country is divided into three camps conservative, liberal, and those with focused special interests. How does he plan on unifying the country, when even the Democratic Party is unable to humanly speak to one another? All his talk of unity seems vague and empty.

CHANGE:

What kind of "changes" does he support? What are the costs in both monetary and the freedoms that we will be forced to give up? Who will pay for these changes? What cuts in other programs will be needed to balance the budget? How will he go about implementing these changes? What actions will he perform and what are his expectations of the Congress and the American people to accomplish these changes?

“A no-brainer”…yes…however, fortunately we all have brains, it is just that many never learned to use them. They did not need too, for doing what feels good without thinking is how a liberal society flourishes and leads to its eventual decline.

Obama states the obvious, unity, hope and change which do not need to be said, over and over again. However, Obama reminds me of others throughout history, with their ability to so quietly and enchantingly say one thing and mean and do another; and people will shake their heads in approval of the very things they oppose. What is amazing is they believe they have agreed with him. What is really very scary is that history has also proven time and again; that those willing to agree without questioning are the first to die by the millions.

LiL Red Hen (Modern version)

Once upon a time, on a farm in Texas, a little red hen scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered quite a few grains of wheat.

She called all of her neighbors together and said, "If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?"

"Not I," said the cow.

"Not I," said the duck.

"Not I," said the pig.

"Not I," said the goose.

"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen. Therefore, she did.

The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.

"Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen.

"Not I," said the duck.

"Out of my classification," said the pig.

"I'd lose my seniority," said the cow.

"I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose.

"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did.

At last, it came time to bake the bread.

"Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the little red hen. 

 "That would be overtime for me," said the cow.

"I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck.

"I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig.

"If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the

goose.

"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen. She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. However, the little red hen said, "No, I shall eat all five loaves."

"Excess profits!" cried the cow.

"Capitalist leech!" screamed the duck.

"I demand equal rights!" yelled the goose.

The pig just grunted in disdain.

In addition, they all painted "Unfair!" picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.

Then a government agent came, he said to the little red hen, "You must not be so greedy."

"But I earned the bread," said the little red hen.

"Exactly," said the agent. "That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants.  But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle,"

They all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, which smiled and clucked, "I am grateful, for now I truly understand,"

However, her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the "party" and got her bread free.

All the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established.

Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...as long as there was free bread that "the rich" were paying for.

Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs.

Hillary got $8 million for hers.

That's $20 million for memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY, OR WHAT?