The Orange Way Editorial

Thoughts on President-Elect Obama's Victory

Senator Obama's election serves as a historic moment in America's history. The significance or meaning is overstated at times, but real nonetheless. Regardless of the historic barriers of gender and race in play throughout this election season, the new president will be forced to lead immediately. A few thoughts on the new president:

...There is something unsettling about Obama's view of America. Daniel Henninger has an article on Obama's Dour Vision of America. It is remarkably disturbing that Obama views America as a nation in shambles, as opposed to a strong and freedom loving country that has done more to secure the liberty and safety of individuals all over the world than any nation in history. America has problems, but it is still the greatest country on earth. It is unfortunate that the president-elect does not recognize the good in America...

...I was originally critical of Obama's selection of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff. As one of the most strident partisans in recent history, Emanuel seemed to fly in the face of Obama's promises of change and bipartisan cooperation. The wsj had a thoughtful editorial on why Emanuel may be a good enforcer for Obama and a necessary strength against the far left members of Congress. Time will tell for this pick...

...Obama's failure to make a commitment toward missile shields in Europe is disappointing and dangerous. In a world of abstracts and scholarly thought, Obama would be blessed with time to rethink through the issues and challenges that face NATO, Eastern Europe, and the West. In the real world, Obama's words and actions have an immediate impact. The stakes could not be higher.

Poland and other nations recently agreed to allow missile launch sites in their territory. America negotiated continuously for this outcome, only to finally reach an agreement when Russian invaded Georgia. America in exchange, is offering its protection from rogue nations such as Iran (and tacitly from Russia's increasing meddling in domestic politics in many of these nations). These nations stuck out their necks and provoked Russian anger by accepting this agreement, and now Obama is failing to support America's promise.

This lack of strength will be recognized by our allied in NATO and Eastern Europe as well as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Taiwan. All of these nations rely on America's promise of support. More importantly, Obama's waffling will be observed in Russia, China, Iran, and other dangerous corners of the world. An American President who fails to uphold the promises America has made will be quickly run over.

Russia and other threats do not respond to flowery prose and impressive public speaking. They respond to promises and the actions that back up those promises. By not supporting our NATO allies against Russian antagonism, Obama is setting a dangerous precedent that will lead to real consequences...

...Joe Biden is a gaffe prone racist. It is unlikely he will play a major role in President Obama's administration. It will be interesting to discover who is truly influential...