Paradise Lost by John Milton (read by Tom O'Bedlam)

President Obama has a vision of what he would like to see develop in the United States.  He called it Hope and change when he ran for office.  Somewhat ambiguous since everybody wants to see some changes made to make “their” world better.  This ambiguity makes it possible to meet everyone’s needs.  As time has progressed the changes have become less ambiguous and I find myself at odds with what he wants for our country.  I see a shift away from the principles I was raised under; the same system my ancestors came here to enjoy and raised their families under.

I see our constitution and our Declaration of Independence undermined slowly but insidiously.  The Bill of Rights is attacked on a weekly basis now. Only certain journalist can enjoy the first amendment.  The 2^nd amendment is under attack daily.  Christianity is being erased from our culture and freedom of religion is being threatened.  Our reputation, worldwide, is being tarnished monthly.

This is not the “change” I hoped for.  A dismal job market and floundering economy for more than 5 years is disgraceful.  His “signature achievement,” his affordable care act sounded good when he spread his false definition of it to us in the beginning, but my skepticism flared when Speaker Pelosi said we’d have to pass it to find out what was in it.  To this day I think there is still more that we have to learn about it.  I’m afraid of it.  In a bygone era he would have been a successful patent medicine peddler, relying on empty promises while fleecing you of your hard earned money.

With this current crisis, the “shutdown” he has shown himself, to me, as a petty, selfish, mean spirited egotist with little respect for long cherished culture and traditions of America.  His disdain for Foreign Service, Military, both active and veteran, Elderly, and Christians shows itself the more his will is thwarted.  His lack of character is displayed by his blaming every failure or barricade on someone or something else.  He bankrupts the country and wants us to bail him out.

Without all the dire accusation and comparisons to evil dictators of the recent past in other countries, I see a petty, small minded puppet unable to tell the truth or make any changes to better America.  In short; he presents himself as an in ineffectual leader want to be.