Breaking with tradition of a president giving his farewell speech from the White House, the outgoing occupant of the Oval Office used the symbol of his eight years in office as a backdrop-Chicago, replete with the highest murder rate in the country amid the strictest gun prohibitions, and quite possibly among the worst local economies in America.
His speech was over 51 minutes longer than the farewell speeches of Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush combined, and he referred to himself some 75 times. What he went on to say in this speech is about as incredulous as one could imagine, but it’s his story and he is sticking to it, damn the truth.
He said, “If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history; if I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran’s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, take out the mastermind of 9-11; if I had told you that we would win marriage equality and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens; if I had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high.”
Applying some truth-45 million on government assistance; over 14 million left the workforce; his deal gave Iran nuclear capability; socialist healthcare is an abject failure; and he did more to destroy marriage and Christianity than all other presidents combined.
He outlined what “we” are going to have to do in the future-a new social contract to make sure our kids get a free education; update the social safety net to reflect the way we live now; update the tax code so corporations and individuals ‘don’t avoid their obligations to the country that has made their very success possible. unionizing all workers for better wages.
Sound like a shadow government in the making? He also defined what “citizens” should do to bring about change and affirmed, “I won’t stop; in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my remaining days.” Then he went on to lead his chant, “Yes, we can. Yes, we did. Yes, we can.” This leaves the impression of his plans for the future-can, did, can, again.
He went on to reveal the world according to him: “Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform. Because of our intelligence officers and law enforcement and diplomats who support our troops, no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years.” I guess the last 8 attacks by Muslims, some claimed by the Islamic State, were just workplace violence.
Ephesians 5:6 says, “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
His deception, America’s disobedience by believing him instead of God’s Word, has and will bring wrath upon us. He says “good bye.” Many say “Good riddance.” We all should pray that God have mercy on our nation.
Have a blessed and powerful day!
Bill Wilson