Pinheads And Patriots: Where You Stand In The Age Of Obama Part 15

So I snuck in that Reverend Jeremiah Wright jab. If you saw the interview on TV, you may have noticed that Mr. Obama's smile dimmed a bit upon hearing that. Some people hammered me for ending the chat with a bit of mindless banter, but I say, give me a break. I appreciated the opportunity to talk with the man and wanted to leave on an up note. After all, he didn't have to submit to the interview, which, by the way, could very well be the toughest one he's ever done.Also, just as I did not dislike President Bush, I don't dislike President Obama. They are human. They do good things; they do bad things. Like all of us. I enjoy talking to these guys. They are both smart and have experienced incredible things. When I visit the White House for an interview, I am totally engaged. But that doesn't mean I'm starstruck. My main obligation is to you. I think my interviews with both Presidents demonstrate how I keep that in mind.For me, things get complicated when a President's policies adversely affect you. President Bush let Iraq get out of control for a while and did not watch the Wall Street bandits closely enough. The brutal fallout from those failures hurt most Americans.Right now, President Obama is spending the country into peril. In addition, his liberal view of the world has not resulted in any improvement in the lives of most of us. His big issue, ObamaCare, remains a wild card. n.o.body knows how that will work out. What we do know is that it will be expensive and complicated.Finally, we are now firmly in the age of Obama, a fact that has a direct effect on your life. He is dominating world events but has not delivered on the "hope" promise. "Change," yes.In just a short time, the President has become a polarizing figure, who is most likely in over his head as chief executive of the most powerful country the world has ever known. But so were Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan in the beginning of their White House tenures.As for your place in this age? It's to a.s.sess the country and your personal situation honestly; it's also to be a loyal citizen no matter what your political and social allegiances.As Mr. Obama's first term moves along, polls show that most Americans have lost some confidence in his ability to lead. The blunt truth is that most of us are not better off than we were in the last year of the Bush presidency, not exactly a shining moment for America.But as my pal Billy Joel once sang, keep the faith. Throughout our gallant history, Americans have always responded to tough situations by fighting through them and electing great men and women to represent us. If President Obama does not inst.i.tute policies that improve the lives of most Americans, he will be voted out in 2012. I have no doubt. The system will work.In the meantime, he's a Patriot for serving his country but also a Pinhead on some important issues. We will know rather soon which label will override the other.

AFTERTHOUGHTS

It's All About You

SO WHAT DO YOU YOU THINK? THINK? Not about President Obama and his policies, but regarding your place in your country. After all, that is the subt.i.tle of this book. How are you feeling these days about being an American? I'd sincerely like to know. Not about President Obama and his policies, but regarding your place in your country. After all, that is the subt.i.tle of this book. How are you feeling these days about being an American? I'd sincerely like to know.

So if you would be kind enough to put together some thoughts and send them to O', I will read them and highlight some of your musings on the Web site. Beginning in September 2010, we'll post daily updates written by everyday Americans about this book and about how folks perceive their own personal situations.

This will be fun and instructive. I want to know where you disagree me with me. If you see something in Pinheads and Patriots Pinheads and Patriots that strikes you the wrong way, let me hear it. I might even include some of your critiques in the paperback edition of this book. So let's get on it, people! that strikes you the wrong way, let me hear it. I might even include some of your critiques in the paperback edition of this book. So let's get on it, people!

At the end of my books, I like to thank you, the reader. With all the options you guys have these days, it is a major compliment to me that you have taken the time to read what I have to say.

Also, I hope the book has given you some clarity about your life and the country in which you live. We are still the most prosperous, generous people on the planet, but things are changing rapidly in America, and your voice is important to steer that change in the right direction.

As you may know, I believe in the "power of the people." But, unlike the crazy radicals of the 1960s, I actually understand who "the people" really are. The folks to whom I speak are largely traditional-minded, fair, hardworking, and respectful of their country. They understand that it is not government that has made America great; rather, it is Mary and John, who live their lives honestly, fulfilling responsibilities no matter how difficult they may be. The power of change lies with those folks, and that is the great hope of the United States.

Things may not be the way we want them to be right now. Anger and discontent are in the air. But, always, the folks have prevailed and the nation has snapped back from hard times.

That will happen again. The people will rise and correct the political chaos that has taken place. That will happen for one very simple reason: in America, there are far more Patriots than Pinheads.

Bill O'Reilly August 2010 Long Island, New York