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January 24, 2012
Why Do Conservatives Distrust the Media?
WASHINGTON — Declaring the American dream under siege, President Barack Obama called Tuesday night for a flurry of help for a hurting middle class and higher taxes on millionaires, delivering a State of the Union address packed with re-election themes. Restoring a fair shot for all, Obama said, is "the defining issue of our time."Fairness. That's in the Constitution,right?Obama outlined a vastly different vision for fixing the country than the one pressed by the Republicans challenging him in Congress and fighting to take his job in the November election. He pleaded for an active government that ensures economic fairness for everyone, just as his opponents demand that the government back off and let the free market rule.
Okay, that's just snark. Fairness is not mentioned in the Constitution, for a simple reason - life is not fair. I do not say that because I'm a comfortable member of the "one percent." Quite the opposite.
My father was in the military and I was raised on bases around the country. My first job was framing pictures at an art auction. That was when I was in high school. When I was in college, I paid for books and gas money by working in retail and food service. I have put up with grumpy customers who have literally hit me with shopping carts and burned myself on skillets and with hot frying grease.
After graduation, I got my first 'professional' job, which led to another job and graduate school, which led me to where I am today. I earn a decent salary with good benefits because I've worked for them. My wife is a medical professional who makes more than me. In Obama's world, neither of us should profit from our efforts to better our station in life. In our president's eyes, the fact that we earn more than others is reason enough to hand over more of our paycheck to ensure we aren't making more than we "should."
Frankly, the fact that our president has decided that he knows the acceptable level of personal profit we should earn from our labor is frightening. At best, his statements on 'fairness' make him a dreamer. At worst, they reveal his true nature - a near-fascist who dreams of a utopia defined by his personal desires.
Neither is comforting.
What's even less comforting is that the media seems all too willing to frame their stories in a way that supports his message. In their eyes, Obama wants "fairness." The GOP? They want you to be at the mercy of the awful "free market." Look upon the invisible hand and despair!
So...Newt? Mitt? After that speech, all I have to say is yes. Just...yes.
Posted by slublog at January 24, 2012 11:52 PM
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