December 28, 2008

"Snakes on a Train" *

Barack Obama and the HopeyChange Express

The decision by Senator Obama to travel to his inauguration on a train has been popping up intermittently in the news. The trip, beginning on January 17th in Philadelphia, will include stops in Wilmington, DE and Baltimore, MD before finally arriving in D.C.

To resurrect an old phrase - symbolism over substance. Obama seems to see himself as the reincarnation of several of our most beloved presidents (in this case Lincoln) and is trying to re-institute some of the policies of our most prosperity averse leaders.

However, my complaint has more to do with logistics. Specifically the miles and miles of track that will have to be secured by the Secret Service.

I was fortunate enough, during my ex's time at Dover AFB, to take a Secret Service tour at Andrews. Among the amazing equipment, and the absolutely stellar men and women in the SS, were great stories. Some scary, some funny - some ridiculous. Among the ridiculous were a lot about Jimmy Carter (no surprise there).

Tell me if this reminds you of anything:

Carter, wanting to be seen as a man of the people, and thinking the helicopter might be perceived as pretentious, insisted on traveling from Andrews to the White House via motorcade. Securing the route and the vehicles for the trip was more costly, in time and money, than simply hopping in Marine One for the short flight. The road closures required made life miserable for locals along the way - and the local law enforcement, as well.

In trying to be seen as a 'regular guy', Carter made life more difficult for a lot of regular guys..and cost the regular guy taxpayers more of their hard earned money.


In trying to milk this "historic moment", Barack Obama is creating an intensive logistical challenge. But what does that matter to a man so intent on glorifying himself? Clearly everything he does is about Obama, with very little thought about the country he was elected to lead.

So much of what Obama does reminds me of Carter. Perhaps one positive thing to remember is that the Carter years laid the groundwork for Reagan.

We could use another Reagan.

* Title stolen from DanDraney, 'cause it was much better than mine.

Posted by Vox at December 28, 2008 02:23 PM | politics
Comments

"Clearly everything he does is about Obama, with very little thought about the country he was elected to lead."

Yes, that's it. Bush and Cheney are the selfless ones that have done everything for our country and not profited a dime.

You're an idiot.

Posted by: Jon at January 2, 2009 09:11 PM

Wow, Jon, way to make a point. Clearly no one here is a match for your obviously superior debate skills.

You know, unless they can come up with such strong points as "neener neener neener"

Posted by: Vox at January 2, 2009 09:39 PM