Country first

When he was sworn in, I wrote a fawning piece about Barack Obama, describing how willing I was to follow his lead. He inspired me and I am not ashamed to say that I supported him wholeheartedly. But I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on Barack Obama’s first two months in office, and I feel distinctly let down. His economic policies have been nothing short of socialistic. Though some hard-line liberals argue that nationalizing the economy is necessary, I disagree. Banks and automakers have failed because they follow ineffective business models. The government should allow capitalism to run its course.

As he prepares for the upcoming G20 summit in London, Obama confidently discusses the need for a new direction in U.S. relations with Iran and the former Soviet Union. This seems silly – the need for new nuclear non-proliferation treaties is greatly mitigated by Bush’s planned missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, the current administration has backed away from this urgent matter of national security. Instead of focusing on issues that will keep Americans safe, Obama concentrates on using shadowy tax policy to redistribute the nation’s wealth. Considering his Marxist tendencies, is it really any surprise that Russia is more receptive to him than to Bush?

Obama’s stance on “green” energy policy has been naïve, his rhetoric on hope, empty. I made the mistake of voting for him once, but will not do so again in 2012. For the sake of our country, I hope the Republican Party nominates a good candidate – someone intelligent, with the savvy to increase our oil reserves and the experience to take on Russia. Her denial of dinosaurs aside, only one person really stands out in my mind as having these necessary qualities. Though just two months ago I never thought I’d say it, I truly hope our next president is Sarah Palin.

Happy first day of April.