Sunday, August 31, 2008

My thoughts on Obama's acceptance speech, Part 1.

I've read it through a few times now. I've listened to it, numb to the same thing over and over... change.

You know how you repeat a word so many times you forget what it means?

Here's what I know to be true, from Obama's speech.

1. He loves America. He truly believes there needs to be change from the past 8 years.

2. He disagrees with the "Ownership society" mentality that people should pull themselves up if they get knocked down, that they should work hard, that they should take care of themselves before the government lends a hand. Obama would prefer to write some more checks. He must think the government can hand out "Pass GO, Collect $200s" cards for free!

3. Obama is happy to tug on the heartstrings, and does it well -in rhetoric and the show of emotion across his face, his voice dipping ever so lightly. The poor single-mother waitress, his own mother, the auto workers...etc....but we're still waiting for A PLAN.

Here are his definitions of change and what he will do as President:
a. A tax code that rewards businesses and workers, not lobbyists. (But how? What does that mean?)
b. Tax breaks for employers in America
c. Eliminate capital gains for small business
d. Cut Taxes - for working families only, though he is including a large 95% of them.
e. Oil-Independence in 10 years.
f.
"I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America."
(Again, how? Not offshore drilling? Although didn't you already waffle on that...)
g. Here comes the HOW: $150 billion in investments in renewable energy.
h. Invest in early education.
i. Pay teachers more.
j.
"I'll invest in early childhood education. I'll recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries, and give them more support. And in exchange, I'll ask for higher standards and more accountability.

And we will keep our promise to every young American: If you commit to serving your community or our country, we will make sure you can afford a college education."
These are pretty vague...

and now...
k. Healthcare. FOR EVERYONE. (Again, HOW?!)
l. Eliminate bad programs. Make others cost less.

So he's going to lower taxes. And pay for everyone's healthcare and pacify the teachers' union. Perhaps his math is better than mine, but it doesn't add up.

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