GraniteGrok

I think the time that Obama can just "skate" on a ambiguous marketing theme of "Change" has all about come to an end.  The media is now starting the migration from telescopes to distance glasses to magnifying lenses to microscopes.  Certainly, we have!

Words mean things - and this is no different.  The question is, what will be the price that American taxpayers will pay for Obama's leadership?  And let's be clear about what that cost might be and it isn't always about the money (sometimes, it is FAR more precious):

Pitching his message to Oregon's environmentally-conscious voters, Obama called on the United States to "lead by example" on global warming, and develop new technologies at home which could be exported to developing countries.

"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK," Obama said.

"That's not leadership. That's not going to happen," he added.

No, it isn't leadership.  That is socialism. This is not a Right vs Left issue - it is a Freedom vs Tyranny objection!  And no, we cannot allow his idea to happen.

This is all about individual freedoms - it always is!  What Obama is saying here is that our individual freedoms should and will be subjected to the "feelings" of foreign countries during his Presidency.  These issues are not, nor should they ever be, up to the citizens or other governments to ever decide for American citizens!  This is cultural appeasement!

Nativist? Parochialist?  Like a good meal and stuff myself to the gills once in a while (or more often)? You betch'em! 

This country was founded, not on the coerced collectivist mantra but on the ideal of free individuals voluntarily banding together to accomplish a goal, and then go back to being individuals.  I am so sick of this "we're all in this together" crap - it often is nothing more than to allow free riders on society when forced upon us by our "betters" - or our government.

What Obama is stating is that he has no qualms to use the power of government to force behavior.  Why?

So other countries will like us.

Yeah, this certainly is a national goal that's achievable.  My reaction - being liked is nice for individuals but never for countries.  Walking the plank, at the behest of countries that will never, ever like us, to watch us go hither and thither for this unachievable ideal of "they like us" is plain

Appeasement. 

Try doing that schtick with bullies or other people whose self interest is other than yours.  You'd never achieve meeting their "needs" and they'd be having so much fun and thinking "what a dunce (or wimp)".

Me?  I like the "walk softly but carry a big .50 cal" idea - I'll leave you alone, but I expect, and will enforce, the same from you.

Remember this from Mr. Change, too, as he demonstrates yet another moment of Fine for me but not for thee from the elitist crowd:

After the meeting ... Obama left in a GMC Envoy after admitting to favoring SUV’s himself

Sure, leading by example.....