Cheerleader Andrew Sullivan seemed to downplay a little of the “change” aura surrounding Obama with this post:
“Big transformative changes? First I’ve heard of them.”
I think that this is part of the problem. When you have the sort of inspriational, transcendant (and yes transfiguring) campaign such as Obama is waging, people can’t help but expect big sweeping changes. Part of the appeal of Obama’s campaign is that he will ride into Washington and miraculously unite everyone into a common direction.
But what direction? Obama hasn’t exactly made clear what his vision for America is beyond being united. He certainly stands behind all the common Democratic rallying points which in and of themselves are enough to make a Conservative’s head explode. But what else?
There is enough in his background to suggest a very liberal agenda. He supports:
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government programs to protect rural economies
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government intrusion into business with better inforcement of the Equal Pay Act
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racial preferences through affirmative action
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alternative sentencing and criminal rehabilitation
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lighter sentencing for drug dealers by questioning harsh sentencing
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a free public college education to all students with a B average
And there is more in his beliefs that are anathema to a conservative view. It isn’t too far of a stretch for people to be concerned with just what kind of change Obama offers.
This election is about the direction of America’s future. Obama’s ultra-liberal wish list offers a glimpse into where he believes we should go.
