Obama Name Calling

So, I’ve been pretty clear in my feelings toward our Gentle Leader.  I’ve been very clear that I think Mr. Obama is what we now call a Socialist.  While not strictly accurate by definitions, the word seems to have changed in meaning over time.  I do not think that he wants the state to own the means of production, but he most certainly wants to redistribute wealth.  Further, he has no fear of forcing corporations to follow edicts of his government.

Which has led me to calling Obama a fascist.  While I understand that many many people incorrectly identify fascism with the violent racist militarism we have seen in recent history, the real meaning of fascism is more akin to state control of economic forces.

However, while all of that may or may not be true, I have never read the books Obama penned himself.  I assume that in these books the President represents himself fairly.  And, I think, without having read even page 1, that he goes back to times when he was a young man.

I wanna keep an ongoing thought experiment as I read these chapters.  I wanna see what Obama HIMSELF says about what he feels.

Perhaps we can lay to rest whether or not the man is a capitalist or a fascist.  Or a socialist.

Or a whatever-ist.

11 responses to “Obama Name Calling

  1. Come on man, Obama a socialist?? Along with every other leader in your nation his head is up the ass of the corporations. CAPITALISTS control pretty much everything and they dont like sharing too much. They are so good at getting that they even figured out how to be bailed out when their business decisions go wonky. Now THAT is what I call brilliant business acumen.

  2. Obama’s policy proposals are far more capitalist than even Reagan’s were! But, by your definition of socialism (redistributing wealth) almost EVERY politician in the US is a socialist. Very few are against any social welfare program that redistributes, they just disagree on when and where it’s appropriate, and how much. Obama on that scale is farther to the right than even conservatives in Europe, and arguably to the right of former Republican Presidents like Nixon and Eisenhower. Was Eisenhower a socialist (he defended tax rates that were as high as 90% on the wealthiest, arguing against tax cuts when the nation had high debt)? I mean, when a term covers almost everyone it becomes meaningless. And that is totally contrary to what “socialism” means in terms of political ideology. It still has a clear definition that students learn when they study socialism. By every possible definition, Obama is a capitalist; indeed, a right of center capitalism.

    Fascism is also NOT state control of the economy. Fascists differed from Communists by allowing the business elites to retain control of the economy and instead form a partnership with them (that’s why Schindler in Schlinder’s list could still operate as a private business). Fascists create a partnership with big business, but allow them to thrive in exchange for having their support. The masses are kept in line with emotion-driven propaganda. Again, this is an ideology that has been studied and explored, there is a clear definition.

  3. Can you have a fascist who is in favor of democracy? I thought by definition a fascist uses force to suppress opponents. I’m far from a fan of Mr. Obama (and I’d agree with you that he has serious socialist leanings) but I think he supports the democratic process in this country.

  4. reflectionephemeral

    I don’t understand who would take seriously the words of a known child molester like Pino.

    “Child molester” is, of course, the proper term for anyone who calls President Obama a socialist or a fascist.

  5. Crimson Wife,

    If our Democratic form of Government allowed it do you think Obama would not be exactly like Hugo Chavez? Obama’s bureaucrats have been unevenly enforcing the law against anyone unfriendly to the regime.

    reflectionephemeral ,

    I call President Obama a Socialist all the time. It gets me banned from tolerant left wing boards often. You people cannot debate ideas. You either silence your opposition or smear them .

    • I know many on the left who called President Bush a fascist and worse. I guess that’s part of American discourse. I for one tried to always refer to President Bush with respect. I guess that’s a minority position these days — to actually show respect for political leaders whose world view is different than ones’ own. Bush was no more a fascist than Obama is a socialist. Name calling is emotion-stuff.

      • Name calling is emotion-stuff.

        It can be useful if it’s used as a means to describe a person’s intentions.

        I happen to think that Obama seriously feels that the rich are rich because they have oppressed the poor. That the idea of capitalism is a flawed system. I honestly think that he grew up seeing the world through the eyes of the “the oppressed at the hands of the colonizers” than he did through the eyes of kid growing up in Midwest America.

        It’s one thing to say that we have a $1000.00 dinner bill and that some of us have to pay more than their strict share. And then to say that we have a $1000.00 bill and some people, when they push back from the table, will actually leave with more money than they came.

        I honestly believe that he thinks we have to shift money earned from one man to another.

        This is how he justifies a tax rebate as a tax cut.

  6. Now, before I comment, I wanna point out that I DID mention I may be wrong. That I would read Obama’s own words.

    Come on man, Obama a socialist??

    What is the term you have for taking money from one man and giving it to another by force?

    Obama on that scale is farther to the right than even conservatives in Europe, and arguably to the right of former Republican Presidents like Nixon and Eisenhower.

    In so far that Obama has been unable to implement his vision has no bearing on what that vision is. If Obama could wrinkle his nose and swoosh his pony tail, what kinda world do you think he would create?

    Can you have a fascist who is in favor of democracy?

    As I mentioned, most of us today view fascism through the violent forces of Nazi Germany. To be a fascist doesn’t mean you have that violent dictator mentality.

    “Child molester” is, of course, the proper term for anyone who calls President Obama a socialist or a fascist.

    Strong words reflection. Though I take your point, next time just try to call me a Green Bay Packer fan or something.

  7. What is the term you have for taking money from one man and giving it to another by force?(Pino)

    The thing is, it is not by force. I dont see anyone in the government actually going in and physically taking anyone’s money and redistributing it. Isnt the implementation of your tax system a joint effort that needs to be ok’d by the house or senate or whatever it is you call your system.

    • The thing is, it is not by force. I dont see anyone in the government actually going in and physically taking anyone’s money

      Try not paying taxes. Then, when you are sent a letter that you owe taxes, ignore it. Then, when you are summoned to court, try not going. After that, when the cop shows up at your house, try not going with him. At some point, force will be used. The fact that you intuit this and just agree not to fight at step 1 doesn’t change this.

      In fact all system’s are flawed.

      Sure. But not all systems are as good as others. Not only does Obama feel that capitalism is flawed, he thinks he has a better system.

      I think he’s wrong.

  8. That the idea of capitalism is a flawed system(Pino)

    It is. In fact all system’s are flawed.

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