2016: Obama's America

When Josh asked me if I wanted to see the film, I initially told him no.  He was a little confused as to why, because I really don’t like Obama.  But, I had to approach a film of this nature with caution and nothing short of skepticism.  I had listened to Glen Beck (who massively pushes this film) interview the creator of the documentary.  I didn’t feel there was much the movie could tell me that I hadn’t already heard.  Then there’s the way I tend to think about things.  I read a few reviews and articles about the movie.  In my reading, I found some of the claims in the film were unsubstantiated.  That raised a few red flags for me.  Call me crazy, but I tend to be a little bit of a devil’s advocate while considering a political situation. 

As I watched the film, I made mental notes of things to fact check.  I already had an idea there would be several things to consider while watching.  First, how valid are the claims the film is making?  For example:  Obama wasn’t interviewed for this film.  No one on Obama’s side was interviewed.  It was a very one-sided approach.  That being said, the film quotes (a lot) from Obama’s book, Dreams From My Father.  Using Obama’s own voice while reading excerpts, I wondered what was being taken out of context to support the film’s message?  The more I watched and the more I listened, I don’t think anything was really taken out of context.  Perhaps, I should read the book.  Probably won’t. 

The overall conclusion of the film was Obama’s need to make his father proud.  Based on Obama’s book, his father was very anti-colonial.  He believed Europe as evil.  So did Obama’s grandfather.  Because Obama wasn’t ever able to know his father, he created an image of him.  Children of absentee fathers tend to idealize their father.  A psychologist addressed this very subject.  He claimed, Obama has a need to honor his father through success and power.  In essence, finishing the dream his father had.

In Obama’s book, he says himself how he decided to choose his friends very carefully.  Those friends ended up being some of the most radical leftist in modern history.  We’ve all heard about Bill Ayers, Frank Marshall Davis, and Rev. Jeremiah Wright.  He mentions these people in his book and of course we know about the relationships through several resources in the media.  The friends he kept help fuel the claim of the film’s hypothesis.  These men had similar philosophies as his father.

I have to insert my own feelings about these relationships.  Isn’t it a little concerning to know our President looked up to individuals who admittedly hate America?  Better still, one of those men was a card-carrying member of the Communist Party.  Why doesn’t this bother anyone enough to change their mind about his capability to lead our country with the best interest of Americans at the forefront?  On the flipside of that coin, perhaps he thinks this is what is best for America.  Based on writings of Obama’s father, he feels the taxation on citizens should be 100% and expresses belief in the imprisonment of the citizens through government dependency.  Hmmm.  Doesn’t quite coincide with the American Dream does it?

Squabbling over the responsibility of the current economic crisis is futile.  The fact of the matter is, something has to be done.  Massively.  Increasing our debt is not an option if the U.S. wants to remain the leading example of the world.  I haven’t found proof yet to one of the final claims of the film.  But, I did read there was an agreement to reduce nuclear armament.  According to the film, we are looking at potentially having 0 nuclear warheads.  All in the spirit of leading the way towards world peace.  Well…I don’t see a lot of that happening around the world.  We have over 5000 warheads, reluctantly released information not too long ago.  The films states Obama promised to reduce that number to 1500.  WOW!

Do I want world peace?  Um, duh.  It’d be great to have a world full of people just going about their lives without incident.  But, let’s be honest.  Never going to happen.  Just read a history book. 

My overall feeling for the movie was good.  It raised interesting points and posed interesting questions.  When electing a president of the United States, full disclosure is not just for the sake of public invasion.  It’s for the sake of comprehension.  Shouldn’t we know who our President is and what he or she stands for?

Do I believe Obama hates America?  Not really, no.  But I do believe he loves a different kind of America than what I want as an American.  It’s my job to voice my opinion in November.  For me the choice is just as clear as it was four years ago.  I hope, for the sake of the future, more people take all information into consideration when heading to the polls.  Voting out of ignorance or fear is simply irresponsible.

After watching this film, I have looked into a number of things.  I’m currently drafting another blog in regards to comparing the two candidates and what they are proposing.  This film has certainly pointed some direction for me to focus on.  I recommend giving it a go.  Go with an open mind or a skeptical one.  But at least give yourself the opportunity to see things a little differently.  What do you really have to lose?  Some of the things introduced in the film shouldn’t be ignored.  Quite frankly, I’m surprised a lot of it has been swept under the rug.  You be the judge on what is important to know about your leader.