ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected - Latest Comments in Obama The Statesman

Re: Obama The Statesman

ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collect — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:51:34 -0000

[...] being icing without a cake, a doughnut instead of a steak … but the truth of the matter, as I keep saying, is his speeches do have substance that people are starving for; Vision and Inspiration.Â Those [...]

Re: Obama The Statesman

Brian — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:16:13 -0000

Oh, a friend (and Obama supporter) sent me this when I inquired about Barack Obama's leadership experience: http://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives...

Re: Obama The Statesman

Brian — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:12:55 -0000

While I'm a small-government, limited Federal (esp executive) powers, strong domestic policy, secure international affairs type of person which would generally classify me as a Republican, I do appreciate the message Obama presents and presents compellingly.
Yes we can take care of the poor. Yes we can rebuild the Gulf coast. Yes we can build allies abroad. Yes we can make our nation secure.
I think, if I had to consider everything, that I would take a "Republican" approach to many aspects of policy and social concerns, but I'm not sure if the current crop of Republican candidates are adequately addressing the needs of America in a way that connects with Americans. The idea that the private sector can best address the needs of the country only works if the private sector is willing to rise to the occasion. I hope that Obama will use his position not just to influence political change but also to influence cultural change.
Yes we can change the course of this country, and it will take every single American to make that happen. I'm glad that he is calling us to it and I think I can get behind that vision for America.

Re: Obama The Statesman

RThomasETC — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:05:42 -0000

...There is something seriously wrong when people seek leadership from entertainers.

I agree. I think part of it is idolatry. We were made to worship and we will worship something or someone whether we realize it or not. The only "substance" is the vision part. He has vision ... that is definite. And it is a great vision. I just don't think he has the wisdom or experience... or even the right ideas to implement or achieve that vision.
Visionaries are substantive in that they produces inspiration, passion and hope. I say that being fully on board with you regarding the silly "audacity" of hope thing.
I think vision is substantive but it means zero without wise implementation. Just like implementation means absolutely nothing without wise vision. Both can only work for a little while without the other. I feel an article coming on :).

Re: Obama The Statesman

Paul Webster — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:13:15 -0000

Well, I guess we know where the cool hipster vote is going. This is great pop culture politics. Just like last November when the Obama camp furtively released the 1984 video featuring Hillary as Big Brother.
Here is my problem with Obama and this video specifically: Style over substance. I am less familiar with Obama's policies because the notion of "The Audacity of Hope" hits me so wrong that it prevents me to venture any further to check him out.
This is very good micro-target message. I don't think 20 - 30 somethings have ever elected a president. They typically don't vote at all. But this is a fascinating election and, who knows, maybe style over substance will triumph in spite of the need for real answers to our real issues. But maybe that is the consequence of believing that hipster celebrities have something of value and importance to say. There is something seriously wrong when people seek leadership from entertainers.

Re: Obama The Statesman

Brian — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:16:13 -0000

Oh, a friend (and Obama supporter) sent me this when I inquired about Barack Obama's leadership experience: http://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives...

Re: Obama The Statesman

Brian — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:12:55 -0000

While I'm a small-government, limited Federal (esp executive) powers, strong domestic policy, secure international affairs type of person which would generally classify me as a Republican, I do appreciate the message Obama presents and presents compellingly.

Yes we can take care of the poor. Yes we can rebuild the Gulf coast. Yes we can build allies abroad. Yes we can make our nation secure.

I think, if I had to consider everything, that I would take a "Republican" approach to many aspects of policy and social concerns, but I'm not sure if the current crop of Republican candidates are adequately addressing the needs of America in a way that connects with Americans. The idea that the private sector can best address the needs of the country only works if the private sector is willing to rise to the occasion. I hope that Obama will use his position not just to influence political change but also to influence cultural change.

Yes we can change the course of this country, and it will take every single American to make that happen. I'm glad that he is calling us to it and I think I can get behind that vision for America.

Re: Obama The Statesman

RThomasETC — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:05:42 -0000

...There is something seriously wrong when people seek leadership from entertainers.

I agree. I think part of it is idolatry. We were made to worship and we will worship something or someone whether we realize it or not. The only "substance" is the vision part. He has vision ... that is definite. And it is a great vision. I just don't think he has the wisdom or experience... or even the right ideas to implement or achieve that vision.

Visionaries are substantive in that they produces inspiration, passion and hope. I say that being fully on board with you regarding the silly "audacity" of hope thing.

I think vision is substantive but it means zero without wise implementation. Just like implementation means absolutely nothing without wise vision. Both can only work for a little while without the other. I feel an article coming on :).

Re: Obama The Statesman

Paul Webster — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:13:15 -0000

Well, I guess we know where the cool hipster vote is going. This is great pop culture politics. Just like last November when the Obama camp furtively released the 1984 video featuring Hillary as Big Brother.

Here is my problem with Obama and this video specifically: Style over substance. I am less familiar with Obama's policies because the notion of "The Audacity of Hope" hits me so wrong that it prevents me to venture any further to check him out.

This is very good micro-target message. I don't think 20 - 30 somethings have ever elected a president. They typically don't vote at all. But this is a fascinating election and, who knows, maybe style over substance will triumph in spite of the need for real answers to our real issues. But maybe that is the consequence of believing that hipster celebrities have something of value and importance to say. There is something seriously wrong when people seek leadership from entertainers.