The Obama Hype: Sermons without Substance

by Will Blakely

President Barack Obama has been one of the most recognized and talked about political figures in the last century.  Between the president’s young age, his ability to attract young voters, and his sermon-like speaking skills, President Obama is able to woo people throughout this country.  But have you listened to what he is actually saying?  I’m still amazed by the way that the citizens and the media of this country treat President Obama as a super star of Hollywood proportions, especially before he has really done anything.

Obama is a great public speaker; I will give him that.  But what about the context of the message he is conveying?  Look past his rhetoric and actually listen to what he is trying to sell to the American people.  For anyone that follows politics they should see that his new plans for “change” and “hope” are nothing more than a spending feast similar to the policies of The New Deal as well as the failed policies of Jimmy Carter.  I wish that people would listen to his words and not just be swayed by his mesmerizing sermons.

God forbid you make a negative comment against him.  At a recent press interview, one reporter stood up during the question and answer segment and asked President Obama how we (referring to the American people) are supposed to be trusting of him and his cabinet when they have associated and nominated with those that have been proven to be anything but trustworthy.  Following this reporter’s questions, they were embraced by a round of boos from the crowd.  Are these Obama supporters serious?  Obama was asked a legitimate question that raised some significant points about him and his cabinet, and yet, this is how the American people responded?  I just don’t get it. 

Did you also notice how President Obama provided a better response to the reporter who asked the question about A-Rod’s steroid use than to any of the subject matter related specifically to his Cabinet members or his stimulus plan during his first major news conference?  But I guess that’s all part of the star treatment he receives.   

If you were to walk around New York City during the primaries or general election you would constantly be bombarded by street vendors selling Barack Obama pins, magnets, t-shirts, and other knick- knacks.  When you turn on the television you constantly see ads selling Obama plates and coin sets.  Is it just me, or is a cult forming that idolizes a public figure who has yet to prove himself?   I understand that President Obama is our Nation’s first African-American President, but all of this adoration by his supporters goes way beyond that fact.  He is being treated like a celebrity, not a president.  I don’t remember ever seeing the G.W. Bush collective coin set or T-shirt being sold to celebrate his presidency.

Throughout this country, establishments are even idolizing him.  In Long Island, New York there was an elementary school, and more recently, a high school in Boulder, Colorado that want to name their schools after Barack Obama.  In my personal opinion, I believe we should determine what his accomplishes are for this great country before we hold him on such a high pedestal.  Remember, a situation that goes from bad to worse is still change.