Friday, December 11, 2009

Obama wrong in Nobel speech

Overall, once again the President did a great job representing American values. He forcefully presented a liberal democrat's case for America's exceptionalism. The President explained why war was necessary to establish and keep peace.

Here's where I disagreed:

1. The idea that climate change is a security threat around the world is overstated and could be completely wrong. I think environmentalists are using any available argument to get people to accept their world views. These include more government control over economies and freedom, and more socialism in general. I accept that most sincerely believe the planet's in peril, but I think there is a set of beliefs that clouds their decision making. I think the President is pandering to the left rather than actually being one of them.

2. The idea that every nation and all people want the same things:

As the world grows smaller, you might think it would be easier for human beings to recognize how similar we are; to understand that we're all basically seeking the same things; that we all hope for the chance to live out our lives with some measure of happiness and fulfillment for ourselves and our families.

It is just wrong. There are millions of people who reject modernity. They don't wake up each day trying to live a better life than the day before. In fact they are trying to live as good and be as worthy as their ancestors. Others try to live out their faith which doesn't emphasize any of our western values. Lastly, others live to make trouble for everyone else. So the notion that is popular on the right and accepted by Clinton, Obama, and others that all the world needs is more opportunity and that everyone "wants the best for their child" type thinking; is not true. I understand that people like those that I'm describing wouldn't be the audience for this speech so maybe they can be ignored, but they shouldn't. It's a complex world. With many people pursuing disparate goals, oftentimes with leaders who are selfishly acting on their own. We would do better to be honest and move forward accordingly.

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