As was usually the case during Bill Clinton's presidency, the ascendancy of Dear Leader Barack Obama means that we will often have to consult the output of center-right commentators, and of course the Media Research Center and its affiliates, to cut through the establishment media's puffery to pick up even the most basic pieces of news.
Charles Krauthammer's column today in the Washington Post on the results of Obama's just-completed European Adventure is one such raw news source.
I have bolded items in the excerpt below that represent news that was either not reported or vastly under-reported by what's left of the establishement media (there are even more examples at Krauthammer's full column):
In his major foreign policy address in Prague committing the United States to a world without nuclear weapons, President Obama took note of North Korea's missile launch just hours earlier and then grandiloquently proclaimed:
"Rules must be binding. Violations must be punished. Words must mean something. The world must stand together to prevent the spread of these weapons. Now is the time for a strong international response."
A more fatuous presidential call to arms is hard to conceive. What "strong international response" did Obama muster to North Korea's brazen defiance of a Chapter 7 --"binding," as it were -- U.N. resolution prohibiting such a launch?
The obligatory emergency Security Council session produced nothing. No sanctions. No resolution. Not even a statement. China and Russia professed to find no violation whatsoever. They would not even permit a U.N. statement that dared express "concern," let alone condemnation.
Having thus bravely rallied the international community and summoned the U.N. -- a fiction and a farce, respectively -- what was Obama's further response? The very next day, his defense secretary announced drastic cuts in missile defense, including halting further deployment of Alaska-based interceptors designed precisely to shoot down North Korean ICBMs. Such is the "realism" Obama promised to restore to U.S. foreign policy.
..... He wanted more NATO combat troops in Afghanistan to match the surge of 17,000 Americans. He was rudely rebuffed.
He wanted more stimulus spending from Europe. He got nothing.
From Russia, he got no help on Iran. From China, he got the blocking of any action on North Korea.
And what did he get for Guantanamo? France, pop. 64 million, will take one prisoner. One!
The bolded items have generally been reported in at best vague terms, if at all, while the media horde has almost unanimously declared Obama's European Adventure an unqualified success. The reality is quite the opposite -- The specifics Krauthammer notes make it clear that President 'Prompter is courting danger (Obama may not think so, but history says he is) and failing to defend our interests, up to and including survival as a nation.
Although Rush is right when he points out that his popularity has generally climbed regardless of who is in office, there's little doubt that center-right talk radio is also helping to fill in the information void the establishment media is creating, seemingly deliberately, around Dear Leader. There are also of course the center-right blogs that are around now to pick up the slack.
We shouldn't have to work so hard just to get the basics, but like it or not, it's the reality.
Cross-posted at BizzyBlog.com.
—Tom Blumer is president of a training and development company in Mason, Ohio, and is a contributing editor to NewsBusters
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Comments Policy
Obama===
April 10, 2009 - 11:30 ET by misterbillat best he is the most naive, inexperienced person to take the reins of the greatest republic on earth. At worst he is the shrewdest, most evil person to infiltrate a nation-state and destroy it. Which do you think??
I keep hoping for the best, yet every day brings something more stupid or more evil than the day before.
The way I view my fellow Americans has changed so drastically in the past couple of months that I am, at times, confused.
My thoughts are, often, not kind at all. My father was right--there are more horses' asses than horses!
" at best he is the most
April 10, 2009 - 11:59 ET by krendler" at best he is the most naive, inexperienced person to take the reins of the greatest republic on earth "
Yep. He effectively went from a 6 year stint as a state senator - serving undistinguished in Chicago's 13th district - straight to the White House.
At least the politically correct media have the black president and cinderella story (Jackie O 2: Michelle) they so desparately wanted and worked for.
Naive, No! Evil, Yes!!!!!
April 10, 2009 - 13:14 ET by GeneralAlat best he is the most naive, inexperienced person to take the reins of the greatest republic on earth. At worst he is the shrewdest, most evil person to infiltrate a nation-state and destroy it.
This guy wants to make America a Communist nation. He could care less about the safety of the people or the recovery of the economy. Hes more concerned with collectivising all forms of the economy under government control. He knows very well what he is doing. His inexperience on the foreign level is of little consequence to him. His indoctrination into the Marxist tutorship of Saul Alinsky is what sets him apart from any one else occupying the oval office!
Dr. K's eloquence during the
April 10, 2009 - 11:31 ET by d1carterDr. K's eloquence during the skewering is the best...
When Bush took office, the
April 10, 2009 - 11:39 ET by ThisnThatWhen Bush took office, the Chinese captured a plane. Bush stared them down, and our forces were released. Obama now has had a ship hijacked by pirates for the first time in over 200 years. His response? Muslims have contributed greatly to the U.S. since its founding. And, "let's stay on topic -- I'm talking about housing today, not pirates".
What a leader, eh? And the MSM continues to laud him. OMG.
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The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
Yeah I remember reading
April 10, 2009 - 12:33 ET by TexasteacherYeah I remember reading about all the muslim minutemen helping fight the British...
obama's notion of bi-partisanship is telling conservatives to shut up and do what he wants.
One cant forget the heroic work of the Muslims
April 10, 2009 - 13:13 ET by dark_ds"Yeah I remember reading about all the muslim minutemen helping fight the British..."
One can't forget the heroic work of the Muslims during our revolution ....remember the fearless Car Bombers that came to our aid at Lexington and Concord .. You know the Car Bomb that was heard around the World. "George Washington Akbar!"
"America is on the Short Bus to Socialism"
→ 70 Virginians
April 10, 2009 - 13:25 ET by Cool ArrowYes, Thaddeus Kosciusko Al-Aziz was a great hero of the American Revolution, having delivered some 50 Redcoats to his harem of 70 Virginians.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Bush stared them down, and
April 10, 2009 - 13:33 ET by Dan The Man 2Bush stared them down, and our forces were released.
I think President Bush faltered on that one. The USA came out of it with egg on their face. I realize China is not Somalia and while they are pirates they have a big stick they brandish. However, Prsident Bush could have done better; dont ask me how because we would be in WWIII with China right now.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Spineless failure
April 10, 2009 - 11:50 ET by sdbHow does this affect his narcissism, I wonder? Does he consider it a great success that he got France to agree to take a prisoner? Or does he see the failure to get everyone on board with his plans as the fault of everyone else? Does he even recognize the failure here? IMO, European leaders wanted BHO because they knew that he was spineless and inexperienced. They knew they would be able to control whatever agenda he wanted to pursue. His narcissism will prevent him from admitting that others would control him, while his inexperience will let others do exactly that. He is a puppet that cannot, will not, act without someone else pulling the strings.
Good analysis--
April 10, 2009 - 11:59 ET by misterbillhe probably has convinced himself that no one else could have gotten France to take that one prisoner...........
Poor old me, I saw his trip as largely a failure. I cannot help but compare it to Reagan and his trips.
→ Krauthammer
April 10, 2009 - 12:07 ET by Cool ArrowCharles, you magnificent bastard!!
Let's order pizza, Michelle.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
they did order pizza, some
April 10, 2009 - 12:38 ET by seaniepthey did order pizza, some jackball from the midwest is flying in just to cook them pizza for them and their best 140 friends, probably so that they can talk about global warming and how those CEOs waste money
I think its up on Hot Air
I hate the New York Times more than it hates the US Military
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/n
April 10, 2009 - 12:42 ET by seaniephttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168940/Obamas-fly-chef-860-miles-White-House--just-make-pizza.html
I hate the New York Times more than it hates the US Military
→ Thanks, seaniep
April 10, 2009 - 12:47 ET by Cool ArrowIt's nice to know my humor isn't lost on this crowd.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
I mentioned this in the OT
April 10, 2009 - 12:49 ET by motherbeltI mentioned this in the OT and linked to Michelle Malkin's blogging on it.
Environmentally Friendly Restaurant Delivers Pizza 800 Miles for "Green" President.
As I commented there, hypocrisy in the Service of Obama is apparently no sin.
They might say "Wow, that sucks!" But at least they'll say "Wow!" -Duff Goldman, the Ace of Cakes
this is what happens
April 10, 2009 - 12:08 ET by katainkentwhen you send a boy to do a man's job.
Obama is all smoke and
April 10, 2009 - 12:17 ET by MrSnugglesObama is all smoke and mirrors, all he has to do is put on a smile, get a good photo op, and the media will fall all over themselves to be the first ones to proclaim him a success.
Mort Kondrake has similar
April 10, 2009 - 12:52 ET by motherbeltMort Kondrake has similar sentiments up at RedState....and expresses it as They love him, but do they respect him?
But Obama's minions, just as they proclaim every leftist act and appointment as "centrist" will continue to portray this should-be embarrassment as a "global victory."
They might say "Wow, that sucks!" But at least they'll say "Wow!" -Duff Goldman, the Ace of Cakes
Love and respect
April 10, 2009 - 13:07 ET by KC MulvilleThey love that he's president, because they don't respect him.
For years, leftists assured us that the rest of the world respected us, not for our military or economic power, but because of our domestic liberalism. In other words, they loved us because of Hollywood. Now they're putting that theory to the test. The result? They're hysterically laughing at the Obama foreign policy.
You simply don't conduct foreign policy on the premise that other countries are eager to solve our problems. They have problems of their own, and that's what they're trying to pursue. The sooner Obama drops the fantasy that they love us, the better.
Obamaboozled!
April 10, 2009 - 12:59 ET by GeneralAlEvery move this guy makes is characterized by his worshippers as "Brilliant!' The bottom line here is his race, like it or lump it. The guilt ridden liberals in the media do not want the first black president to be labeled as a failure no matter what the case may be. They will prop him up to the very last man. Even a Watergate type scandal will not lessen their worship of him! The sad truth is our prestige in the world is lessening, not increasing. This guy is so lacking in foreign policy understanding that he confuses being liked with being respected. I'd rather have a bear respect me as opposed to liking me. If he respects me, there is a good chance that he won't dare to eat me!
Reality
April 10, 2009 - 12:58 ET by JDWThis is the real lib world. Anyone who wants to throw more dirt on Reagan's grave is handcuffing them self to a life of government dependency. Hell maybe world dependency. Krauthammer is stating the obvious, dump our military power and 'bow' to the terrorists. why not be friends? We cannot even dominate a handful of terrorists floating in a lifeboat, they are pirates who are 'business people.
Our debt has become infinite. Our unemployment continues to climb, and they want to welcome illegals? How many more private companies does Obama intend to own? How much higher can our taxes rise? How do our CEO's compare to the terrorists?
By not sharing these concerns how does our news media benefit anyone? Why should they receive our tax funds to remain in business in order to continue their lies and or refuse to cover the news?
JDW
DAILY WAVE
The government works for me, not the other way around
And above all, he would not shut up over there
April 10, 2009 - 13:13 ET by StarAZBlah blah blah. I guess the Europeans love him, though don't heed him, beause he is taller than Bush and can say nuclear.
Check out Obamas response
April 10, 2009 - 13:32 ET by BuckleyguyBuckleyguy http://exurbanleague.com/2009/04/09/obama-issues-statement-on-the-pirate-attack.aspx
Krauthammer not exactly steady Eddy
April 10, 2009 - 14:08 ET by j17ghsI think Krauthammer is reverting to his political roots as a Walter Mondale aide. Krauthammer has certainly and boldly espoused his share of pro-Western (or, conservative, as Marxists label us) philosophy but lately he seems to waver, i.e., lack conviction. I like the guy, wish him well, and maybe it's for political convenience (or cover).
The rest of the world
April 10, 2009 - 14:27 ET by MidAmericaThe rest of the world loves obama because he has ended this country's role as the lone super-power. As a socialist, obama's main concern is control over internal politics not international affairs. What happens outside of our borders is a 'distraction'. Russia and China must be pinching themselves trying to believe that this free pass, to do as they wish, is really happening.
And as a consequence, Americans will be persecuted more often internationally because there is the belief that obama will ultimately back down. There is an uptick of hostilities in Iraq, Afghanastan and we have the pirates. Without US leadership and military dominance the world will descend into a very dangerous place. Without assurances from Washington of survival many weaker nations will become defacto or real bases for terror. What would obama do if he was confronted with what George Bush the Elder confronted when Saddam invaded Kuwait? Would he have made war against Muslims or would he have blinked and chose to talk and reason with a man who did not respond to reason? Would he have accepted a tyrant having control of much of the Mid-East oil and threatening the rest of it?
But on the other hand Barry and Michelle look so spiffy on magazine covers.
MA... Your last line summed
April 10, 2009 - 14:34 ET by bigtimerMA...
Your last line summed it all up in a nutshell when it comes to O....and the left in this country.
Pathetic what this country is coming to at this moment in time.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
There are many reason
April 10, 2009 - 14:58 ET by MidAmericaThere are many reason socialist states fail but one of them is because it drains so much of the time, money and energy of the government to keep the citizens from demanding their freedom from that government. Europe has been a model for the nanny state for one reason, the US has been it's protector. They have been like grown kids that live in their parents basement that can spend their thoughts and money on concerts and new clothes without needing to confront grownup responsibilities. So obama's plan to model the US into another country that chooses to ignore self reliance is going to produce disaster because there is no other country that will look after our survival and sacrifice it's money and young people while we party and mock our benefactor.
I like your analogy
April 10, 2009 - 15:08 ET by katainkentI have used a similar one before summed up in one line
Who's you're Daddy now, EU?
Yep, that line plus... Be
April 10, 2009 - 15:10 ET by MidAmericaYep, that line plus... Be careful what you wish for.
Well now, let's be fair
April 10, 2009 - 17:47 ET by RESTLESS 1France did also pledge 150 MP's to Afghanistan. :/
This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Sadly this muslim
April 10, 2009 - 18:41 ET by RD Kingpiece of excrement like his role model slick willie clinton will cause the unnecessary deaths of countless Americans. The real heroes who stand proud and defend this nation and he is not fit to lick their boots. I say we should sacrifice him, for the good of the country and send him over to the Somali community organizers and let them keep him, they are after all his brethen.
Limbaugh Wants Bobo To Fail?
April 11, 2009 - 09:10 ET by NoJellyHell, BOBO wants Bobo to fail, and is proving it on a daily basis...Unfortunately he is intent on taking the rest of us with him...
Ayn Rand warned us...
April 11, 2009 - 10:18 ET by AMR1960Obama & his merry band of Crypto-Marxists have taken our Republic into a Kafkaesque Collectivist nightmare...
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Long Live...THE REPUBLIC !