Obama's Callous Indifference

American Thinker ^ | 6-30-08 | Peter Kirsanow - OP/ED

[smoothsailing]

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June 30, 2008

Obama's Callous Indifference

By Peter Kirsanow

Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen declares that Barack Obama is " 'likable enough' -- in fact, so much so that he is the most charismatic presidential candidate I have seen since Robert F.Kennedy." Well, even though I've  never spoken with Obama, I don't like him very much  (I did testify with him [and a few others] once about a bill he'd sponsored on voter intimidation, but at the time he didn't impress me as unlikable, just a little intellectually lazy) .

This hasn't always been the case.  Until early February, I tended to agree with all the news stories that contained the obligatory man-in-the-street quotes proclaiming him "decent," "likeable" and a  "nice guy with a beautiful family." 

According to the hagiography that passes for reporting about Obama, my attitude is rare. And, admittedly, unsophisticated.  After all, I'm black so I shouldn't just like Obama, I should love and praise him.  Sure, I'm conservative, but according to a recent AP story the Obama magic is so powerful that even black conservatives are in a swoon. But then, I'm also one of those bitter guys from flyover country.

I disagree with nearly all of Obama's positions, ranging from energy policy to the Iraq war.  The National Journal's determination that he's the most liberal member of the Senate is a serious understatement.  There may not be a more liberal elected official in all of Washington.  But like most people, I like lots of folks with whom I have major policy disagreements.  Put another way, if Barack Obama came up to me tomorrow, took my hand, looked me in the eye and said "when I'm president, I'll fight to win in Iraq, beat hell out of terrorists, appoint Supreme Court justices like Thomas and Roberts, cut taxes, secure the border, enact free market health care reform, honor our military and use the bully pulpit to prevent cultural decay,''  I'd still dislike him.  Maybe more than I do now.

To be sure, Obama displays horrible judgment, surrounding himself with the likes of Wright, Pfleger and Ayers.  He has a lot of close friends who seem to hate America.  That's pretty unusual for the average person, but it's highly peculiar and troubling for someone running for Commander-in-Chief.  It alarms me and makes me suspicious, but it's not why I dislike him.

Nor is it because he's an empty suit.  He's gone further saying nothing than almost anyone in recent history.  He's done nothing, yet he's poised to become the most powerful man on earth.  He looks like he's never broken a sweat, furrowed a brow or dirtied a knee.  That's not something to dislike. In today's culture it's something to admire-even envy. 

These  all may be reasons for voting against Obama, but they're not, to my mind, reasons for disliking him.  No, I dislike Obama because of his personal qualities. 

Wait a minute. Aren't we constantly regaled about all of his endearing qualities?  He makes people faint and write songs about him.  Hardened journalists get tingles up their legs just thinking about him.

Yet certain discrete actions can provide instant insights into a person's character.  They can betray vivid flaws in a seemingly gleaming persona. 

And they compel one to make judgments about the actor.

The acts may vary by degree, in turn prompting different degrees of reaction:  the pillar of the community seen pilfering from the collection plate; the co-worker who uses a racial epithet behind a colleague's back. Indeed,  people recoiled from the once popular Michael Vick when they found out he'd abused dogs.

I began to dislike Obama when I discovered that while in the Illinois state legislature in 2002, he voted against the Induced Birth Infant Liability Act. The bill was designed to extend the same medical care to babies who happen to survive an abortion attempt as is enjoyed by all babies born alive. 

I couldn't believe anyone would vote against such a bill.  In fact, when a similar measure-- the Born Alive Infant Protection Act-- was brought before the U.S. Senate, not one Senator voted against it.  Even NARAL Pro-Choice America didn't oppose the bill. 

Admittedly, I'm a bit of a curmudgeon. It's difficult for me  to like someone who's eager to extend a panoply of constitutional rights to terrorists but who refuses to provide the most fundamental rights to a living, breathing infant.

Perhaps it's a failure to comprehend Obama's exquisite intellectual nuance. He rationalized his vote in language that evokes Dred Scott. Obama challenged the constitutionality of the bill,contending that conferring equal protection, i.e.,personhood, upon a "pre-viable fetus" would render the bill an unlawful anti-abortion statute.

At what point after birth does Obama call a baby a person  and not a fetus? One day? Six months?

To be clear: I don't hate Obama as those suffering from Bush Derangement Syndrome hate President Bush. I just have a hard time generating warm, fuzzy feelings for someone who voted against helping newborns struggling to live. But that's just me.

I suspect most people don't know about Obama's position on babies who survive abortion attempts and it's unlikely that they'll ever find out.  The media seem more interested in reporting on the cultural implications of fist-bumps or the racial animus of those who question Obama's policies.  I would wager, however, that if more people knew about Obama's disregard for babies who have the audacity to survive an abortion, there would be more scrutiny and less adulation.

Peter Kirsanow is a member of the U.S.Commission on Civil Rights.These comments do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Commission.

Page Printed from: http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/06/obamas_callous_indifference.html at June 30, 2008 - 01:34:06 AM EDT

[keepitreal]

He’s gone further saying nothing than almost anyone in recent history. He’s done nothing, yet he’s poised to become the most powerful man on earth. He looks like he’s never broken a sweat, furrowed a brow or dirtied a knee...

The candidate for the Seinfeld generation.

[goldstategop]

I agree with Peter Kirsanow. Someone who doesn't respect the life of the unborn has a terrible character flaw. I think if people knew that about Obama, they would stop saying he's a beautiful person. Someone who thinks terrorists should have constitutional rights but the unborn should be devoid of even the status of personhood isn't that kind of person in my book.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[smoothsailing]

I agree with Peter Kirsanow as well, Goldy.

If this is seen and known by enough folks, Obama becomes nothing more than yesterdays news.

[goldstategop]

Yep. The Seinfeld Candidate. Obama has perfected the art of saying nothing. Its gotten him this far.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[F15Eagle]

excellent article

[no dems]

If this is seen and known by enough folks, Obama becomes nothing more than yesterdays news.

Don't expect the Generation Xers to read an article this long. It will have to be broken down into sound bites.

[kitkat]

BTTT

[taraytarah]

I began to dislike Obama when I discovered that while in the Illinois state legislature in 2002, he voted against the Induced Birth Infant Liability Act. The bill was designed to extend the same medical care to babies who happen to survive an abortion attempt as is enjoyed by all babies born alive.

I couldn't believe anyone would vote against such a bill. In fact, when a similar measure-- the Born Alive Infant Protection Act-- was brought before the U.S. Senate, not one Senator voted against it. Even NARAL Pro-Choice America didn't oppose the bill.

Many people miss this: HE VOTED TO NOT ATTEND BABIES BORN ALIVE. THAT IS INFANTICIDE.

This is not just lack of respect for human life. It is a spiritual hatred that goes much deeper.

Obama discredits his last-minute, non-Illinoisian opponent in the 2004 election, Alan Keyes, by noting that Keyes had suggested "Jesus would not vote for Barack Obama."

I think Keyes missed the issue. The issue is how Jesus will respond to Barack Obama on Judgement Day.

I'm not saying it's my call. I'll gladly leave it to the Judge.

[goldstategop]

Its said the true reflection of character is revealed in how a person acts when no one's watching. So Obama thinks children who were just aborted shouldn't be deserving of medical care as those who were born. There's nothing pro-choice or even politically expedient about such a position. But it does give one a view into Obama's soul and I confess I don't like what I see there.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

The people of Illinois were attracted to Obama's external appearance. Nothing quite comes to mind like the old trite and true saying about physical beauty being skin deep. It tells one nothing about the state of a person's soul.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[GOP_Raider]

Does anyone have a link to that particular bill and if the Illinois legislature posts online who voted yea or nay on pieces of legislation? Jeff, do you have any of this?

[goldstategop]

Obama is likeable enough. But he lacks the qualities necessary to be President in a dangerous world. Its also a reminder the race for the White House is not a beauty contest.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[happygrl]

I heard about this vote of Obama's as an Illinois state senator after his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention. That told me that he was among the most political men to run for office ever, more political, than either Clinton.

Anyone who would vote to ensure that a live baby would be neglected unto death, just to ensure the good graces of NARAL and the Pro-abort platform of the Democratic Party, is a loathsome creature, and not a nice man.

[mkmensinger]

The term ‘cold hearted bastard’ comes to mind.

[DB]

Bump for truth.

Obama is a vile man.

[smoothsailing]

Don't expect the Generation Xers to read an article this long. It will have to be broken down into sound bites.

I wish that could not be true. But sadly I realize it may well be.

[Lancey Howard]

This is a thoughtful, well-written piece. Good post.

[Mr. Blonde]

Someone who doesn't respect the life of the unborn has a terrible character flaw

It is much worse than that. He doesn't respect the life of the born. He thinks that they should be left on the table to die.

[Cobra64]

Does anyone have a link to that particular bill and if the Illinois legislature posts online who voted yea or nay on pieces of legislation? Jeff, do you have any of this?

Put me on the list too. I know a lot of liberals who will go ape-sh!t if they knew this about the Racist Magic Negro Islamic Terrorist.

[smedley64]

Obama is a disgusting, craven coward. I remember a few years ago seeing a beautiful young girl who survived a saline abortion speaking at the RNC or some other GOP event. Despite some disabilities caused by the failed abortion, she had a powerful message. And Obama would have let her die slowly on a table if he had his way. This man is a dangerous piece of filth without a conscience. All he understands is power, and is willing to endorse anything, including infanticide, if he thinks that extreme of a pro choice view will appeal to others of like minded evil. I fear that God is going to give this nation what it’s apparently asking for. We deserve the leaders we get, and if this scum is elected president, we’ll deserve every hellish event that follows.

[clockwise]

The vote was on 4/4/02 and it was SB1663. SB1661 and SB1662 were related to it. Those two bills passed. I believe that SB1663 was one vote short after one member of the Senate asked for the vote to be checked.

The transcript of that vote is here:
http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans92/ST040402.pdf

Discussion of the bill starts on page 30.

I am guessing that the same senators who voted against 1661 and 1662 voted against 1663.

Those two votes are here:

http://www.ilga.gov/senate/journals/sfinaljrnls92/pdf/sjf92082_r.pdf

beginning at page 21.

The first link shows only who voted for 1663, not who voted against.

1663 doesn’t show up on the second link, because after the vote it was pulled.

[TigersEye]

I can’t argue with that assessment. It was one of the first things I learned about Obama and I think it’s just disgusting. His “won’t pass Constitutional muster” excuse is beyond lame.

[Northern Yankee]

Couldn't agree more.

I also vividly remember his comment last fall when he said that anyone who wouldn't vote for him is probably racist to begin with.

This has been swept under the rug, but he did say it.

There is no defense for his position on killing babies that survive abortions. He is despicable.

[khenrich]

For those of you too young to remember the summer of 1992, Obama is mirroring Bill Clinton, and the press is reacting the same. Obama has indeed taken a page from history, 1992 to be exact.

[SE Mom]

Wow! This is a terrific piece, thanks for posting :)

[b9]

I began to dislike Obama when I discovered that while in the Illinois state legislature in 2002, he voted against the Induced Birth Infant Liability Act. The bill was designed to extend the same medical care to babies who happen to survive an abortion attempt as is enjoyed by all babies born alive.

I couldn't believe anyone would vote against such a bill.

Absolutely vile. This needs more exposure.

[Piquaboy]

They threw the real Obama away and kept the after birth.

[MrB]

Someone who doesn't respect the life of the unborn has a terrible character flaw.

"unborn" heck.

If the baby happens to slip out during an abortion, he supports letting it die due to neglect. Infanticide.

[MrB]

If you read his arguments,

you’ll see that he thought that attending to the accidentally born baby would be placing too much of a burden on the woman.

[taraytarah]

The people of Illinois were attracted to Obama's external appearance. Nothing quite comes to mind like the old trite and true saying about physical beauty being skin deep. It tells one nothing about the state of a person's soul.

The people of Illinois in effect had no one else to vote for. Skin color had nothing to do with it. "Removing" the overwhelimingly popular Jack Ryan from the race had everthing to do with it. Obama had no chance what-so-ever of beating Jack Ryan, and he knew it.

[taraytarah]

If you read his arguments, you’ll see that he thought that attending to the accidentally born baby would be placing too much of a burden on the woman.

That's pure b.s. Eveything is done "in the name of women." They care nothing for the women involved with abortions. You don't have to take my word, check out Dr. Alveda King's story....better yet, ask her opinion of this idiotic comment of Obama's.

[Cyber Liberty]

I became suspicious when I heard Joe Biden call him clean and articulate.

[taraytarah]

Pardon the personal direction of my comments. Feel free to pass them on to someone who actually believes the twerp.

[MrB]

I just read something that explains the mentality.

Every judgement of rights, to the left, is about “who is the victim”, instead of “what is RIGHT”.

In their opinion, the woman who can’t get an abortion when she wants one is the bigger victim than the aborted baby, so, she “wins”.

[neverdem]

BTTT!

[taraytarah]

In their opinion, the woman who can’t get an abortion when she wants one is the bigger victim than the aborted baby, so, she “wins”.

Someone's next pro-life book: "Victim of Inconvenience: Mother or Child?"

[red irish]

50 million dead American children,yea we deserve divine justice!

[red irish]

Yes I seen her on Fox,she was great! She is going to the politicians and telling them to stop federal funding of abortion mills. I mean we are talking millions of tax dollars. She said the magic number of 50 million dead American children,14 million of those African Americans. And the great part is how are the liberals going to make her out to be the bad guy? She’s black and niece to Dr.King. God bless her!!!

[happygrl]

Just for the record, this article is referring to legislation that was passed when Obama was in the Illinois State Senate.

And even in US Senate race, they could have voted for Alan Keyes, if they cared at all about the unborn.

But that's the real problem in Illinois; it's apparently a state that holds babies in low regard.

[taraytarah]

Just for the record, Obama's vote I was referring to was in the State Senate.

I jumped to the 2004 race because:

1. I'm allowed to do that.

2. It's very important for people to realize why he is in the position he is in today. He should have never been elected U.S. Senator. It was suspicious to say the least.

As far as the Illinois voters, I'm sure you realize that , unfortunately, a lot of conservatives across the country are not necessarily pro-life. And many of them were so upset with the party's decision to bring Keyes in from out of state, they didn't vote. Guess you had to be there to understand.

BTW, I'll grant you that the Chicago-Obama area is very much run by the liberals, but don't judge an entire state by one city.

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

Wasn’t this story on bill Bennett’s radio show today?

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

Uh, no...not smart enough for the Seinfeld group...he is the candidate for the American Idol generation!

[Uncle Ralph]

Some political strategist said recently that the quickest way to bring Obama down was to sink that “nice guy” / “people like me” illusion he's got going. This is an especially important article because it takes just that tack. Pass it on.