In his column “Survivor nation: Can we protect ourselves from Obama and those who elected him?,” Jeff O'Bryant uses blustery, vitriolic rhetoric to prescribe survival of his apocalyptic description of the next four years.
By using phrases like “take matters into our own hands,” he furtively describes an America where people must take up arms against a horde of 61,170,405 irresponsible people who claw at the property of those who really earned it. If this is the future of the America that Mr. O’Bryant honestly sees, one whose “greatness is no more,” he should look closer. The same political principles and institutions that have existed since the founding of this country are still alive and well.
I have identified as a Republican since I could vote. Mr. O”Bryant does not speak for me or many other Republicans. To be sure, many will agree with his outlook. I not only disagree, but I abhor the tone used by Mr. O’Bryant and many of my fellow conservatives of late. It seems like Republicans have acted as if being anti-Obama requires being anti-hope since 2008, when his heavy use of the words “hope” and “change” swept him into office. It is time to move on. To languish in frustration and promote fear does nothing to move the country forward. It does reinforce what critics of conservatives and Republicans dislike most about us.
In a time when our country needs statesmanship, will we instead urge anger toward and fear of our fellow Americans? Gov. Romney, for whom I voted, recently suggested that the President won re-election by giving “gifts” to those who voted for him. He used the word “gift” to mean the same thing as Mr. O’Bryant uses the words “free stuff.” Mr. O’Bryant goes a step further in calling on people to “protect" their property from the irresponsible ones. Our problems are not so easily solved. Such rhetoric hurts, not helps, our country.
The election is over. Our nation faces difficult crises ahead, including an impending fiscal cliff, an immigration policy in need of reform and a world that requires strong leadership. The way forward is to offer solutions by relying on our deeply rooted conservative principles: freedom, stability and steady progress. We inherited these principles, and our call is to pass them on. These principles deserve standard bearers who do not marginalize their audience with extreme positions and who will not deepen the disagreements between their countrymen.
Matt Williamson, LaFayette
I lived very close to China and Vietnam for 12 years, I know first hand how Socialism, Communism and Democracy work. I prefer a Democratic Republic like our Constitution intended.
I truly wish the way forward was to offer solutions but, unfortunately, the left in America is becoming increasingly hostile to solutions that make any sense at all. The rhetoric is a natural outgrowth from people who see their way of life (that is to say, prosperity) slipping away. We have to fight back. Offering words no longer works. Washington is broken. The founders set it up to where it wouldn't be easy for any one group to dominate the other- and there is wisdom in that. But we have reached a point to where virtually one half of the country is in a face off against the other. Since conservative principles offer a way out, they have to be pursued. And if that means fighting every inch and using every possible tactic necessary to achieve those ends, then so be it. I respect your view, but while you stand and speak, you should consider action as perhaps a more optimal route to victory. It's sad, but it's reality.
He made recess appointments when Congress was not in recess. That is a violation of the Constitution.
He modified US laws which is a power only granted to the Congress. He created a dream act in violation of the Constitution. He also decided he could grant states waivers to the work requirements of US welfare requirements which is also in violation of the constitution.
There is no doubt that tyrant Obama took these actions and no doubt that they are in violation of the Constitution. He is guilty of treason and violation of his oath of office. Every American should be demanding his ouster and imprisonment.