The rise of Barack Obama has been nothing short of amazing. Democrats and Republicans alike were awed at his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention where Democrats had a future leader to put hope in and Republicans wished Obama were one of their own. Since that speech, Obama has gone from being talked about as a future (read: 2012 or later) candidate for president to being the Democratic front-runner in the current race.
Perhaps what is most amazing about Obama's incredibly quick climb up the political ladder is the remarkably short time he has actually been involved in national politics. It was only five years ago that the current U.S. Senator from Illinois was a mere state senator. That means that Barack Obama has not even served a full term in the U.S. Senate. Despite this, he is currently running for the highest office in the land.
While I have an incredible amount of respect for Mr. Obama's speedy rise in politics (one that many fledgling politicians wish they could imitate), I must submit that this same candidate is ill-prepared and too inexperienced to lead our country. While his speeches are apparently uplifting to some, he lacks the necessary substance and accomplishments to be the president.
He has not sponsored or passed a single piece of significant legislation and as such has no record whatsoever. When asked why Mr. Obama should be president, supporters respond with "because he's black," or "because I like him," but even more often with "well, I don't really know." The fact is that lofty rhetoric about hope and such will do little to defeat our enemies abroad and fix our problems at home.
In addition to not having the necessary experience to be president, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding Mr. Obama that bears serious scrutiny. There is, of course, the question of his patriotism. Mr. Obama refuses to wear a flag lapel pin like every other politician and even refuses to put his hand over his heart during the national anthem. In addition, his wife is quoted as saying that the first time she has been proud of her country was once her husband starting winning primaries. Funny, I didn't know a nation needed to advance one's spouse's political career in order to merit love and dedication.
Besides the question of his patriotism, serious questions abound about Mr. Obama's religious and political affiliations. While he now belongs to a Christian church, Obama was also educated for some time in a foreign madrasa. While this does not mean he is connected to Osama bin Laden, Obama nonetheless has been exposed to an environment that has no doubt been a haven for anti-American sentiment in the past. While the Senator now attends a Christian church, his white mother - should she want to attend - would not be allowed to, since it only admits people of African descent.
Perhaps the scariest of Obama's religious and political affiliations is the fact that Louis Farrakhan has endorsed his candidacy. Farrakhan - the former head of the Nation of Islam - is a bonified racist and anti-Semite. The fact that Obama has not denounced this endorsement, but in fact defended it, is reason for deep suspicion.
2008 Woodie Awards
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