It’s been said that when people are experiencing trials and tribulations, they often seek a higher power. Apparently, the president is one of them.
Yesterday, in perhaps the most overtly religious move of his tenure thus far, the selectively faithful Obama preached his health care message to more than 1,000 leaders of different faiths in two conference calls, hoping they will see the light with regard to his overhaul. — No word if Reverend Wright was on the line.
According to The LA Times:
“The effort, known as ’40 Days for Health Reform,’ features a national television ad, prayer rallies, meetings in congressional districts where lawmakers are waffling and a nationwide ‘sermon weekend’ at the end of August. The push also aims to influence leaders in the Jewish faith before the fall religious holidays.”
I suppose grassroots organizing isn’t so bad when you have the guy upstairs on your side. Take that town hall evil doers!
“We are God’s partners in matters of life and death,” Obama said during the call with Jewish leaders, according to Washington Rabbi Jack Moline via Twitter.
Translation: Seeee America?? It’s just you and the man upstairs. No death panels!
Further, Pastor Obama said that many were “bearing false witness” and took a shot at his opposition calling the pushback to date: “fabrications that have been put out there in order to discourage people from meeting what I consider to be a core ethical and moral obligation: that is that we look out for one another, that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. In the wealthiest nation on earth right now, we are neglecting to live up to that call.
If Obama wants to be his brother’s keeper, shouldn’t he start with his own family?
So much has been made over Obama’s religion it’s an interesting turn of events that he has strategically decided to channel biblical references in hopes of turning believers into believing in his plan.
But will this theme of holy health care stick? When it comes to messages on universal health reform Obama has been all over the map. He initially argued it was a moral imperative, then quickly shifted to an economic imperative that reform would save costs. When the Congressional Budget Office debunked that theory saying the plan would actually raise costs, the White House pivoted yet again to a political imperative: demonizing the big insurance companies. Now with his plan and poll numbers in peril, he’s back to embracing the moral dimension to this discussion in the hopes of a political miracle.
But what exactly are Obama’s morals? Defend the weakest or reward the dumbest? Obama paints a picture of an indigenous mass of nomads but the Congressional Budget Office projects that among the uninsured in 2009, 17 percent will have family income above 300 percent of the poverty level (about $65,000 for a family of four); 18 percent will be eligible for (but not enrolled) in Medicaid; and 30 percent will be offered (but will decline) coverage from an employer.
Isn’t it their moral duty to get coverage, rather than have others foot the bill for those who make bad decisions? And isn’t our moral duty to try and cover them first before strapping future generations into massive debt? Can I get an amen for personal responsibility?
Not long ago Obama criticized those who “cling” to their religion. With support for his mission rapidly fleeting, he’s now the one with open arms asserting that if you believe in God you should believe in his policies. I guess in times of adversity, it’s acceptable to use a Hail Mary to get us to cling to him.
Andrea Tantaros is a conservative commentator and columnist. For more go to www.andreatantaros.com.
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