What Change

I'm sharing this commentary and article from a local fan. Thanks Tim!

As Obama has temporarily shifted to the middle to pick up moderate votes, I am not clear where he stands (or will stand in the future) on many issues. I am not sure where he will land after his campaign shifting has run it's course. At this point "change" is good, but will it be good change or bad change. Change to the middle, change to the far left? Truly, our economy is in shambles and much of it is "broken", but it frightens me to hear talk of forced redistribution of wealth. It runs contrary to capitalist principles. Yes, it would help me to have my taxes cut by taking capitol away from some ridiculously wealthy person, but I will make it somehow, some way without the handout, thank you. I feel the country as a whole is over compensating to the far left (rather than the middle) to get away from the policies of George Bush. I have always valued moderation. I considered myself a moderate Conservative. It is hard for me to comprehend how it makes sense to veer to the far left in order to rid the country of anything George Bush. I found this posting (below) by a Cuban Marine and thought it very though provoking.


Beware Charismatic Men Who Preach 'Change'

Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

Would we?

Manuel Alvarez Jr.