Hmm, maybe Obama is changing the world's opinion of America

Many of my favorite bloggers on the right side of blogland are quick to point out that Obama's election hasn't materialy changed the world's opinion of us. After all, they rightly point out, Muslim terrorists haven't loosened their grip on their weapons in order to respond to our Messiah., and just because people love the man, doesn't mean that nations will alter their policies to dovetail with our interests.

Now, however, there is evidence that Obama's appeal is leading to opportunities to push the fabled "reset" button. Hillary Clinton is in Lebanon to urge the Lebanese to vote for moderates, something that under Bush would have been the kiss of death -- probably literally -- for the moderates.

Let's see if Obama's coat tails extend to the Near East.

We really do elect cultural idiots in this country

After eight years of Bush and less than 100 days of Obama, it seems there is no denying it: this country cannot produce a leader with any cultural knowledge, or interest in the outside world.

From a report on Obama's recent press conference we get this gem (emphasis supplied):

At a news conference afterward, Obama said his debut on the international stage had convinced him that “political interaction in Europe is not that different from the United States Senate,” where he served before entering the White House.

“There’s a lot of -- I don’t know what the term is in
Austrian -- wheeling and dealing, and people are pursuing their interests, and everybody has their own particular issues and their own particular politics,” he said in response to an Austrian reporter’s question.

Res ipsa loquitur

Followed the link from Tim Blair, who may be as confused by the start of the F1 season as am I.

"Peace, bread and roses" to be new national slogan

Yes, the old Socialist/Communist dream of a just and fair world (the phrase was used by the Rosenbergs when signing their death house letters), will be resurrected -- in a different form -- to push President Obama's goal of "fairness".

Charles Krauthammer peers into the future, and sees Europe, except without the superior beer, authentic coffee houses, and fast cars. All thanks to our president's vision.

Fairness through leveling is the essence of Obamaism. (Asked by Charlie Gibson during a campaign debate about his support for raising capital gains taxes -- even if they caused a net revenue loss to the government -- Obama stuck to the tax hike "for purposes of fairness.") The elements are highly progressive taxation, federalized health care and higher education, and revenue-producing energy controls.

The Rosenbergs' shades will surely be pleased.

Followed the link from Ace