Quote of the day
posted at 10:53 pm on August 24, 2009 by Allahpundit
“The failure of the Carter years was, in Reagan’s view, the failure of the man at the helm and the policies he had pursued at home and abroad. At no time had Ronald Reagan believed that the American covenant had failed, that America should apologize for itself in the world beyond its shores. There was no narcissism in Reagan. It was stirring that the man who headed into the sunset of his life would bid his country farewell by reminding it that its best days were yet to come.
In contrast, there is joylessness in Mr. Obama. He is a scold, the ‘Yes we can!’ mantra is shallow, and at any rate, it is about the coming to power of a man, and a political class, invested in its own sense of smarts and wisdom, and its right to alter the social contract of the land. In this view, the country had lost its way and the new leader and the political class arrayed around him will bring it back to the right path…
American democracy has never been democracy by plebiscite, a process by which a leader is anointed, then the populace steps out of the way, and the anointed one puts his political program in place. In the American tradition, the ‘mandate of heaven’ is gained and lost every day and people talk back to their leaders. They are not held in thrall by them. The leaders are not infallible or a breed apart. That way is the Third World way, the way it plays out in Arab and Latin American politics.
Those protesters in those town-hall meetings have served notice that Mr. Obama’s charismatic moment has passed.”
Blowback
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Okay, this sounds corny, but when I watch a video of President Reagan, or see a picture of him, I say a little prayer to him, “Pray for us, President Reagan”. I can’t help but believe he is interceding for us in heaven.
atheling on August 24, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Gag Bag? Hmmm… I’ll look into it, but I know somewhere in DC where you could find a delegation of Gas Bags…
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Now that would fall under the jurisdiction of the assistant to the special council for the Orifice Czar, foreign and domestic.
Geochelone on August 24, 2009 at 11:47 PM
The only thing foreign is Obama’s fingers entering Chris Matthews’ orifices.
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
It’s Carrie – The Mob, and 9/12 is our prom.
Laura in Maryland on August 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
ROFL!!! And for oversight, do they have a Bureau of Internal Affairs?
atheling on August 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
I see this thread has gone below the waist.
Hmmm. President Pantywaist…I was going for the P*ssy of the WH when I sent my box of tampax…
HornetSting on August 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Catching on ;)
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Usually I find myself straddling the line between believing in God and not, but Reagan is a piece of evidence supporting His existence, for me.
He was a special man, indeed
blatantblue on August 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM
1 dog: check
multiple p*ssies: check
1 crusty douche: check
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:49 PM
That has to be your stupidest post yet.
But then the night is young.
1921 C DRUM on August 24, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Don’t give up hope.
blatantblue on August 24, 2009 at 11:50 PM
I think we should leave the Czars for Russia. I’m tired of czars in America.
Mojave Mark on August 24, 2009 at 11:50 PM
I do the same thing. I’ve never felt so adrift in my own country.
Cody1991 on August 24, 2009 at 11:50 PM
I will if we get rid of Hopus Changus.
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:51 PM
When Reagan was taking on the communists in Hollywood, he refused to bow to pressure to ban them from a debate. He wanted to debate them, not only because it was the fair and right thing to do, but because he knew a full airing of the competing positions would only help his cause. He had confidence in himself and in the people.
Contrast this sense of justice and confidence with the desperately insecure and hateful cult in power today.
rrpjr on August 24, 2009 at 11:51 PM
git yer azz ta bed
blatantblue on August 24, 2009 at 11:51 PM
You forgot the Preparation H.
Knucklehead on August 24, 2009 at 11:52 PM
aight.
I’m just waiting for Sting to give us one more crusty tampon jab…
…alright. Night.
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Hmmm…. sounds like the perfect job for Billy J.
Cody1991 on August 24, 2009 at 11:52 PM
So we are to have a French health-care system without a French tradition of political protest.
——————————————————–
A political class, and a media elite, that glamorized the protest against the Iraq war, that branded the Bush presidency as a reign of usurpation
———————————————————-
It was true to script, and to necessity, that Mr. Obama would try to push through his sweeping program—the change in the health-care system, a huge budget deficit, the stimulus package, the takeover of the automotive industry—in record time
———————————————————-
So our new president wanted a fundamental overhaul of the health-care system—17% of our GDP—without a serious debate, and without “loud voices.” It is akin to government by emergency decrees.
———————————————————–
The leader would be different things to different people.
————————————————————
The Obama devotees were the victims of their own belief in political magic.
———————————————————-
Now that realism about Mr. Obama has begun to sink in, these iconic figures of history had best be left alone. They can’t rescue the Obama presidency. Their magic can’t be his. Mr. Obama isn’t Lincoln with a BlackBerry. Those great personages are made by history, in the course of history, and not by the spinners or the smitten talking heads.
————————————————————
Thus the moment of crisis would become an opportunity to push through a political economy of redistribution and a foreign policy of American penance.
———————————————————–
Health care is the tip of the iceberg.
———————————————————–
That way is the Third World way, the way it plays out in Arab and Latin American politics.
I hope not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
canopfor on August 24, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Ouch.
ddrintn on August 24, 2009 at 11:53 PM
order!
order in the court!
that is superfluous!
blatantblue on August 24, 2009 at 11:54 PM
I’m just waiting for Sting to give us one more crusty tampon jab…
…alright. Night.
Upstater85 on August 24, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Upstater85: That nasty baaaaaaaaaad,tee-hee:)
canopfor on August 24, 2009 at 11:54 PM
God was watching over us when He saved President Reagan and Pope John Paul II. He had work for them to do.
After reading Mark Twain’s biography of Joan of Arc, and especially his forward, I am convinced that not only is there a God, but that He does intervene in the affairs of man, instead of buffing His nails, as a Deist would have us believe.
There is no way that a 17 year old illiterate shepherdess could lead one of the largest armies in Europe to victory after 100 years of war with the English and restore French sovereignty without divine intervention. Twain became a believer after his research and authoring the book.
atheling on August 24, 2009 at 11:54 PM
LOL. Spelunking majors get all the good gov jobs.
Geochelone on August 24, 2009 at 11:54 PM
My freedom is not theirs to take. And I will not go quietly into that night! Hell No!
Now watch this kickass video “Silent No More”
deedtrader on August 24, 2009 at 11:55 PM
SNAP!
1921 C DRUM on August 24, 2009 at 11:56 PM
gnight, all……….
Red State State of Mind on August 24, 2009 at 11:56 PM
How about sending obama some lube? It has to be painful with your head always up your own arse….we should make this easier for him.
‘There’s always time for lube’…..from a strange, and yet, timely movie…..Evolution.
HornetSting on August 24, 2009 at 11:56 PM
WOW. Thanks. I didn’t know such a thing existed. I just put it in my Amazon Cart.
Is this the best Bio on her?
Geochelone on August 24, 2009 at 11:57 PM
DOUBLE SNAP!
1921 C DRUM on August 24, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Strange, but even though I was only thirteen when Reagan was elected, even I noticed that life was better and I saw more people showing pride in things American. My parents really struggled in during 1977-1980, but even as a kid, I could feel that something changed after Reagan came into office.
pjean on August 25, 2009 at 12:00 AM
My freedom is not theirs to take. And I will not go quietly into that night! Hell No!
Now watch this kickass video “Silent No More”
deedtrader on August 24, 2009 at 11:55 PM
deedtrader: Excellent video!
As Paul Revere rides through the night,echoes
could be heard,
‘the Obamabots are com’n,’Silent No More’!!:)
canopfor on August 25, 2009 at 12:00 AM
It’s an amazing thing.
Too bad I’m stubborn in the question of God’s existence
blatantblue on August 25, 2009 at 12:04 AM
I hated Reagan when he was first elected.
Then I grew a brain.
We really need another Reagan right now, but I’d settle for a lot less to get that master criminal Obama out of office.
Daggett on August 25, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Nite Red State State of Mind!
And I’m off as well, night H/A crew:)
canopfor on August 25, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Night Canopfor!
HornetSting on August 25, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Night!
Laura in Maryland on August 25, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Never mind. I will read them all. What could be more interesting than this? My knowledge of this historical event has been fragmentary but now I am FULL on it.
Thanks atheling.
Geochelone on August 25, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Nighty night!
Laura in Maryland on August 25, 2009 at 12:06 AM
I like this idea very much. It is comforting.
However, we will all need to keep up with the hard work ahead no matter how much President Reagan in interceding.
Mutnodjmet on August 25, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ’till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here’s a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ’till we meet again.
Knucklehead on August 25, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Since the thread has “evolved” I have a question. When and how do they make “feminine products” green?
thevastlane on August 25, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Happy Trails, Knucklehead. Sweet dreams.
HornetSting on August 25, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Prabobly the same way you recycle toilet paper….damn smelly hippies.
HornetSting on August 25, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Mr. Obama – tear up this bill
izoneguy on August 25, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Well, it’s a biographical novel, but very accurate. Twain fell in love with her, that’s for sure. He did meticulous, almost decade long research on her for the book.
She got wounded in the neck at Orleans. They said she cried like a little girl – she didn’t expect it would hurt so bad. But then they patched her up, she went back into battle and led the French forces to lift the two year siege of Orleans in nine days. After that, the entire army believed in her.
She was bold. The French had been humiliated for years and were deeply demoralized. She swept in and brazenly took leadership, demanding authority to lead them, citing that God commanded her to do it. She claimed that the Archangel Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret spoke to her, and that God had heard the cries and sufferings of the French people, and that He would send her, His “Maiden”, to drive the English out of France.
She always referred to herself as “the Maiden”. From Wiki, an excerpt of a letter she dictated to a scribe, to send to the English king:
I wish someone would say the same to our Congress. Get out, give the keys back to the People, who you violated for years.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:17 AM
That’s what I was afraid of. Feminists stink! (literally)
thevastlane on August 25, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Yup. Pray like all depends on God. Work like all depends on you.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:19 AM
So…spathi can’t fly?
1921 C DRUM on August 25, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Tonight on Liberal Logic we discuss how The One would have engaged the USSR in the late 1980s!
In this universe, President Reagan asked that The Wall be torn down.
How aggressive. How cowboy. How er, American.
On the other hand, The One would have studied the situation. And engagged the Soviets. A government which He would have seen as a massively successful but possibly flawed attempt at economic justice which was hostile because of the failed US policies of the past. (This holds for most nations since The Annointed One was usually stoned for History class.)
And as for The Wall, he would send aid to the USSR to keep it up. Why?
Manifestly, they were losing some of their best people and how could the USSR realize their potential without their most educated, talented people? And people whom the government had invested so much in developing?
So The One would have pressured the Germans to return the wall crossers and investigate anyone who helped them. A subsidy for The Wall’s upkeep would be called for, also.
IlikedAUH2O on August 25, 2009 at 12:20 AM
+100!!!
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:23 AM
It’s still Morning in America. The sun will never set.
And Ronald Reagan never died. He is still alive and well.
Loxodonta on August 25, 2009 at 12:26 AM
P. S. I can’t take credit for the rationale cited for The Wall’s existance. I heard it from a professor at what I believe passes as an Ivy League school. Without laughing, he said: “They had to build The Wall, they were losing some of their most talented people and the exodus was making the Soviets look awful.” Honest, he actually said that.
That is why I don’t sleep well.
IlikedAUH2O on August 25, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Grover Cleveland was a Republican.
He wasn’t a communist like Reagan. No he wasn’t perfect, but he did minimal damage.
I was just offering an alternative.
Spathi on August 24, 2009 at 11:03 PM
I’m quite sure the only alternative you contemplate is universe.
heshtesh on August 25, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Catholic?
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Lol, it’s showing, isn’t it?
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:27 AM
We hear praise of a power-wielding, arm-twisting President who “gets his program through Congress” by knowing the use of power. Throughout the course of history, there have been many other such wielders of power. There have even been dictators who regularly held plebiscites, in which their dictatorships were approved by an Ivory-soap-like percentage of the electorate. But their countries were not free, nor can any country remain free under such despotic power. Some of the current worship of powerful executives may come from those who admire strength and accomplishment of any sort. Others hail the display of Presidential strength simply because they approve of the result reached by the use of power. This is nothing less than the totalitarian philosophy that the end justifies the means If ever there was a philosophy of government totally at war with that of the Founding Fathers, it is this one.
- Barry Goldwater
MB4 on August 25, 2009 at 12:28 AM
I just got my 2010 Reagan Ranch Calendar — the caption is American Values for All Generations.
I donate. I’m not a fan or anything.
IlikedAUH2O on August 25, 2009 at 12:31 AM
The forests will sing, the oceans will cry
The ravens soar through every sky
Brother Loki will carry the flame
And Thor will throw down the lightning and rain
Upon the dragon-boats, the tyrants assail
The Freeman’s battle-call will wail
Storming Washington with torch in hand
Driving the tyrants from our the land
Till one day they view the Mussolini Tree
And hang from it the same as he
MB4 on August 25, 2009 at 12:33 AM
LOL, phraseology showed. But I agree.
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 12:35 AM
The last couple dozen posts are why I come here to HA. You folks are brilliant and inspiring. This place makes me smarter than I am.
Mojave Mark on August 25, 2009 at 12:35 AM
gotta go through a Carter to get a Reagan.
John the Libertarian on August 25, 2009 at 12:39 AM
I’d love to give Spathi a touch of the spatha.
BillyGoatGruff on August 25, 2009 at 12:40 AM
Sorry.
I can’t spell anointed when I think of The One as it crosses with the word annoy in my neurological wiring.
IlikedAUH2O on August 25, 2009 at 12:41 AM
Well it’s been said that Ogabe is Carter on steroids, so do we get Reagan on steroids?
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:41 AM
We had to get through the failed, disastrous Presidency of GWB to get Obama. Thanks, Dubya!
dcwvu on August 25, 2009 at 12:41 AM
gotta go through a King George III to get a George Washington.
MB4 on August 25, 2009 at 12:42 AM
Thanks, you rock.
I am getting it, the Twain’s Bio of her. He spent 12 years researching and took 2 years to write it. He said it was his best book. He knew he was on to something big. Can’t wait till the book arrives.
Amazon Link
Geochelone on August 25, 2009 at 12:44 AM
Obama, light in the pants and out of his depth.
And not one good speechwriter to help tune the TOTUS.
(Bill Ayers only does book ghostings.)
profitsbeard on August 25, 2009 at 12:45 AM
This dude is NOT Othin!
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 12:46 AM
The Community Reinvestment Act and, as another post said, John McCain, got us The One. Unless the Democratic Party shows a lot more skill than they have to this date, they are not going to like what they get. But they will get it.
IlikedAUH2O on August 25, 2009 at 12:48 AM
While it’s true that Reagan may have been the godfather of modern American “cowboy” politics, especially in matters of foreign diplomacy, it turns out the caricature dissipates in the face of so much contrasting BS. The real value of his character fully emerges from our discarded history.
In other words, laugh though the left may at our adoration of Reagan, I’ll take cowboy politics over an administration of bedwetting panty-wastes any day.
Bu then, we also have to remember, we must hold back from doing the very thing the Obama minions do with their prop – esteeming one single man over the office itself. Good leaders come and go, and bad ones take their place.
I think the kindest words we should ever be able to muster about any president is “well, at least he didn’t f the country up.”
somewhatconcerned on August 25, 2009 at 12:49 AM
I had to put little 7% to bed………..
……. It gave me time to remember this:
(Watch in full screen and turn the volume up.)
Seven Percent Solution on August 25, 2009 at 12:50 AM
Over hill, over dale,
We must stop Herr Obama from swinging America by the tail,
And those Caissons Go Rolling Along
Counter march! Right about!
Hear those protesters shout
While those Caissons Go Rolling Along
To the front, day and night
Where the constitutionalists against Herr Obama dig and fight
And those Caissons Go Rolling Along
Our barrage will be there
Fired on the rocket’s flare
While those Caissons Go Rolling Along
With the liberty loving blogs, boot to boot
We will join in Herr Obama’s pursuit
And those Caissons Go Rolling Along
Action front, at a trot
Volley fire with shell and shot
While those Caissons Go Rolling Along
Should the foe penetrate
Ev’ry conservative gunner for Herr Obama lies in wait
And those Caissons Go Rolling Along
Fire at will, lay ‘em low
Never stop for any foe
While those Caissons Go Rolling Along
But if fate me should call
And in action against Herr Obama I should fall
Keep those Caissons a rolling Along
Then in peace I’ll abide
When I take my final ride
On a Caisson that’s Rolling Along
For it’s “Hi! Hi! Hee!
In the Impeach Obama Artillery
Call off your numbers loud and strong
And where e’er we go
You will always know
That those Caissons Are Rolling Along
MB4 on August 25, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Lol, I’m so glad you’re into it! It blew my mind after reading it. Twain was also amazed, and the man was a cynic!
He believed she was the purest soul he ever knew of. And also he admired her warrior’s heart.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Well I kind of disagree. First of all, a human being is always more than an “office”.
Second, we value President Reagan – nay – revere him – exactly because we know he would never violate his oath of office. So it’s safe to elevate him. Just as we do for George Washington.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 12:57 AM
That was my first thought too, but it wasn’t the right plural for any latin declension, LOL (I did have to go look though).
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 12:58 AM
I love Twain, but that’s one I don’t have. I’ll soon rectify that.
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 1:02 AM
Fighton03 Spatha is singular. And it only takes one goooood touch to ruin your whole day!
BillyGoatGruff on August 25, 2009 at 1:03 AM
I was referring to it’s handle. I was attempting to give it the benefit of the doubt that the troll was tryin gto use a plural, LOL. Too much credit.
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 1:06 AM
I hear ya. My point was just in not tying the entire hope of our country’s worth on a single person, when the office itself is designed to vacate the person after 4 or 8 years. I’m all for elevating people of true character and esteeming great leaders. I just have problems with regarding them as more than great people humbly serving their country and their constitution for a short period of time.
And of course I have a bigger problem with people who elevate themselves while in office.
somewhatconcerned on August 25, 2009 at 1:06 AM
Yes, I see. Or people who elevate themselves before they assume office.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 1:08 AM
This was a great post, Allah! So good, I linked it to my blog and gave you the HT! The elegance of the devastating column MUST be kept for the Republican nominee of 2012. It has to be about OPTIMISM! That is what makes our current president such a phony. There always has to be a crisis. For without one, liberalism ceases to exist.
righty64 on August 25, 2009 at 1:09 AM
He considered his work on Joan of Arc to be his masterpiece, and his favorite work.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 1:09 AM
Those who ‘elevate’ themselves. We can see he’s aiming high huh?
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 1:13 AM
I don’t think it would know what to do with a real spatha or a Latin text for that matter!
BillyGoatGruff on August 25, 2009 at 1:13 AM
sit on it?
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 1:17 AM
Oh he flew way too high… too close to the sun.
Now he is plummeting to the earth. It’s very much like a Greek tragedy.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 1:20 AM
Well at least he left. Man, is he an annoying troll. So needy.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 1:21 AM
Tragedy??? That sounds like a tragedy?????
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 1:23 AM
Well, actually, yes. What is happening to Barackus is exactly the classical definition of a Greek tragedy. A protagonist is raised high, or born to a very high place. But his character flaws become the cause of his demise.
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 1:25 AM
We have not yet begun to fight — John Paul Jones
Christian Conservative on August 25, 2009 at 1:26 AM
See Obama’s star fall from the sky
Every dream he has spun is a lie
Here’s the one bitter lesson of Obama’s history
His soul should no longer remain a mystery
His many faces change
What you thought you knew grows ever more strange
And he has so many faces
His real self erases
With all those lies dancing in his empty eyes!
PercyB on August 25, 2009 at 1:28 AM
We Papists have our own language that we use to call out to commenters in the blogs and off the internet. Pax et bonum!
DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP
Good night and God speed everyone
Let’s win this one for the Gipper
Fallen Sparrow on August 25, 2009 at 1:31 AM
You’re a generous soul to refer to him as a protagonist. What is the redeeming motive to place him in that role? I’m not sure I’m as generous.
Fighton03 on August 25, 2009 at 1:33 AM
I really do believe that we are heading for a new revolution. Not necessarily violent, but that there is an awakening for the cause of liberty in America.
Thomas Jefferson said:
I used to shake my head with disbelief, and think, “Not anymore; we’ve become a different, weaker people”. But now, I’m beginning to see that it is still there. Our traditional values and love of liberty is growing, and conservative values and thought is spreading.
Let freedom reign!
atheling on August 25, 2009 at 1:33 AM
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