PrintDecember 24, 2009
The Myth of Liberal Populist Divinity
Americans say a bittersweet farewell to 2009 in anticipation of the next year. More and more citizens keenly remember this year's manifold promises for better times as they peel away from the euphoric flock that elected the oath-breakers and charlatans who, by design and rank incompetence, have wrought change for the worse.The costly lesson is that whenever hope for deliverance is the catalyst behind a nation's political and social movements, it is tempting to fête elected servants as messianic figures. That Obama was repeatedly labeled a truth-teller, a light-bringer, and even a savior underscores the dangerous inducement of liberal populism. For our votes, we are promised salvation from ourselves. No mortal (and certainly no politician), however articulate or charismatic, can work miracles.A year ago, a throng chanted "O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma!" His presence elicited such an emotional outpouring that even he and his aides were overwhelmed. Obama's driver...(Read Full Article)
