Back on the domestic scene, Mr. Obama has once again cut a backroom deal with the GOP to extend the Bush tax cuts and has infuriated many of his many disillusioned supporters by his cowardly decision to retain current tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. To further enrich the wealthiest Americans at a time when a large part of our citizens are under extreme stress and just trying to survive is totally unconscionable and a craven act. He and his congressional majorities could have and should have acted upon this important legislation months ago to avert the last minute, frantic machinations that have produced another sell out to the GOP and their filthy rich supporters.
This latest compromise and capitulation should stamp Mr. Obama as totally unfit to lead the Democratic Party in 2012. He must not be allowed to run again; the Republicans will slaughter him in the elections as a growing part of America no longer supports his pitiful leadership; he must be replaced. If the Democratic Party does not start now to find a viable candidate to challenge him and defeat him in the primaries, then they will be guaranteeing a massive landslide for the GOP. The Obama administration gives every indication that it cannot govern. Further, this president is destroying his political base and bringing down his party, as well as his own presidency; but he cannot be allowed to bring down America.
Where the Democratic Party might find a man or woman with the courage, the vision, and the leadership skills, together with a solid base of ethics and moral values, I have no idea, not yet. But find one it must. The key point is that if the Democratic Party continues to play defense instead of offense, continues to procrastinate, vacillate and let the elections of 2012 arrive with Barack Obama as its candidate for president, then there is no hope and, certainly, there will be no positive changes forthcoming in America. And the downward spiral will continue.
While the Founding Fathers differed in matters regarding their individual political beliefs, they were united on one overriding issue; they put the interests of America and its people first and were ready to sacrifice their very lives for their country. That kind of fearless courage and determination no longer exists at the highest levels of our government.
The Founding Fathers have been the models for those who would lead this nation into the future but their kind of patriotism is out of vogue in America. Those who lead America today could never be referred to as patriots because, by their actions and inactions, they have proven that they don't have the courage or the ethical and moral capacity to rise to such heights.
Michael Payne
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