Obama's Power Grab

Since his reelection, President Obama has been clearly showing the country what he intends his next term to look like.  All of his cabinet picks have been a slap in the face to most Americans and our ally Israeli, he has threatened unilateral action via Executive Orders to get around the lack of Congressional support for his proposals, and he has pointedly refused to negotiate with Congress on the budget.  Not worried about facing another election, he is ready to impose his rule as King Obama.  Are we really going to let this happen?

The election was a travesty.  How did Republicans manage to lose?  I still can't believe that the GOP was not even able to get as many people out to vote for Romney as for McCain!  Obama's first term was a complete mess and he country is in a worse state now than when he took office.  There are fewer people employed today than at the height of the recession and the national debt is well over $16 trillion.  What does it take to get people to sit up and take notice?

Republicans need to do two things: first, they need to take the gloves off and start fighting dirty.  There's no way to win this country back by playing nice when the Democrats have no trouble lying about their records and intentions; second, we all need to come together and press the Republicans in Congress to fight every move Obama makes.  It is much more important for this country that they do not give in.  We have to give up sparring within the party and present a unified front before we reach the point of no return.  The things that tend to divide us, like social issues and illegal immigration need to take a back seat to the far more pressing issues of wasteful spending, entitlement reform and protecting the Constitution.  Look at the Democrats. Obama is appointing a cabinet full of white men.  Do you see women's or minority groups saying a word about it?  Not a peep.  We need to show the same unity, but with a principled cause, and push our party leaders to work together to do the will of the people.

Chuck Hagel is the wrong choice

President Obama is providing us all with a clear indication of his views on the use of military power, our relationship with Israel, and his weak response to the threat Iran poses by nominating former Senator Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense.  

Senator Hagel has repeatedly indicated his unwillingness to put military action on the table when dealing with the threat from Iran, which would continue to demonstrate the US position of weakness to the Iranians. Why should they consider the demands of the US and other nations if they already disregard sanctions and continue to move forward with their nuclear program, unless they know the US is prepared to back up talk with action?  A nuclear Iran is a grave threat to the entire world and we need a Secretary of Defense who understands the gravity of the situation and is ready to do what is required to defend this country from that threat. 

Sen. Hagel may or may not be an anti-semite, but he has demonstrated his disdain for Israel over and over while in Congress, and we cannot afford to further damage the relationship with our one true ally in the Middle East Region. President Obama campaigned on his promise to remain a strong supporter of Israel, and while I did not believe him for a minute based on his actions during his last term, I'm sure many voters bought his message.  This nomination has clearly shown where he loyalties actually lie. Unfortunately many pro-Israel organizations, including AIPAC, have decided to remain quiet on this nomination.  That means the rest of us need to step up and press Congress to act where the President will not.

Although I disagree with many of the positions he has held, I do believe that Sen. Hagel served his country honorably both in war and in Congress, but that does not mean he is the right man for this job. Those of you who agree should write their Senator and ask that they vote No when asked to confirm Chuck Hagel's nomination for Defense Secretary.