Changes

'''Obamunism''' is a portmanteau that was created by mixing together the words [[President Obama|<u>Obam</u>a]] and [[Communism|Com<u>munism</u>]],

'''Obamunism''' is a portmanteau that was created by mixing together the words [[President Obama|<u>Obam</u>a]] and [[Communism|Com<u>munism</u>]],

coined by critics of the [[Obama administration]] to describe [[Barack Obama]]'s [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" economic policies ([[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers.  Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature).<ref>http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/daily-intel/2009/07/20/obamunism-inc</ref><ref>http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944</ref>  Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]] which have contributed to [[Barack Obama and United States Unemployment|high unemployment rates in the United States]].

coined by critics of the [[Obama administration]] to describe [[Barack Obama]]'s [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" economic policies ([[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers.  Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature).<ref>[http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2009/07/meet_manhattans_anti-obama_pro.html Obamunism, Inc.]</ref><ref>[http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944 Is the government creating a bailout bubble?]</ref>  Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]] which have contributed to [[Barack Obama and United States Unemployment|high unemployment rates in the United States]].

[[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638</ref>   Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, although it certainly was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources that are invested using purely business considerations.<ref>http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905</ref>

[[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Top Contributors to Barack Obama, 2008 Cycle]</ref> Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, although it certainly was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources that are invested using purely business considerations.<ref>[http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905 Political Connections and Corporate Bailouts]</ref>

==Economic policy==

==Economic policy==

=== Massive deficits ===

=== Massive deficits ===

[[File:Unemployment.jpg|right|300px|thumb| [http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/07/19/the-anti-stimulus-in-pictures-any-questions/?print=1 ''Chart courtesy Doug Ross @ Journal''] ]]

[[File:Unemployment.jpg|right|300px|thumb| [http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/07/19/the-anti-stimulus-in-pictures-any-questions/?print=1 ''Chart courtesy Doug Ross @ Journal''] ]]

The Obama administration has also been criticized for its [[Obama administration deficit spending|massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[Money supply|money supply]].<ref>http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching</ref><ref>http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm</ref><ref>http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/</ref>

The Obama administration has also been criticized for its [[Obama administration deficit spending|massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[Money supply|money supply]].<ref>[http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching Monetary Policy-Not Obama's Stimulus-Is What Needs Watching]</ref><ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm Bam’s Wise Words], [[New York Post]]</ref><ref>[http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/ Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures], [[Heritage Foundation]]</ref>

Advocates of [[free market]] [[capitalism]] were also opposed to President [[George W. Bush]], who signed legislation passed by the Democratic House and Senate totaling  over a trillion dollars in corporate bailouts in 2008. For example, the Treasury and Federal Reserve bailed out the leading banks and insurance companies in 2008 with hundreds of billions of dollars of guarantees of bad loans (called "toxic assets").   

Advocates of [[free market]] [[capitalism]] were also opposed to President [[George W. Bush]], who signed legislation passed by the Democratic House and Senate totaling  over a trillion dollars in corporate bailouts in 2008. For example, the Treasury and Federal Reserve bailed out the leading banks and insurance companies in 2008 with hundreds of billions of dollars of guarantees of bad loans (called "toxic assets").   

In an April 20, 2009 interview with ''Russia Today'', Gerald Celente stated concerning Barack Obama's economic policy:

In an April 20, 2009 interview with ''Russia Today'', Gerald Celente stated concerning Barack Obama's economic policy:

{{cquote|America is going from what used to be the major capitalistic country in the world of free market – a crusader – into what [[Mussolini]] would have called fascism: the merger of state and corporate powers.  So it is not socialism as people believe, it is socialism’s egalitarianism.  It’s not communism where the state controls monopolies – it’s fascism, plain and simple. The merger of corporate and government powers. State-controlled capitalism is called fascism, and fascism has come to America in broad daylight. But they’re feeding them it in little bits and pieces. First [[AIG]] was too big to fail. Mortgage companies [[Fannie Mae]] and [[Freddie Mac]] were too big to fail. Banks too big to fail and auto companies. And now we give money to the people that make the auto parts. And now there’s talk about the technology companies, wanting their piece of the action. The merger of state and government is called fascism. Take it from Mussolini; he knew a thing or two about it.<ref>[http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig10/celente2.html interview]</ref>}}

{{cquote|America is going from what used to be the major capitalistic country in the world of free market – a crusader – into what [[Mussolini]] would have called fascism: the merger of state and corporate powers.  So it is not socialism as people believe, it is socialism’s egalitarianism.  It’s not communism where the state controls monopolies – it’s fascism, plain and simple. The merger of corporate and government powers. State-controlled capitalism is called fascism, and fascism has come to America in broad daylight. But they’re feeding them it in little bits and pieces. First [[AIG]] was too big to fail. Mortgage companies [[Fannie Mae]] and [[Freddie Mac]] were too big to fail. Banks too big to fail and auto companies. And now we give money to the people that make the auto parts. And now there’s talk about the technology companies, wanting their piece of the action. The merger of state and government is called fascism. Take it from Mussolini; he knew a thing or two about it.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090422065521/http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig10/celente2.html Americans Live in a Fascist State - Russia Today Interviews Gerald Celente]</ref>}}

== Return of Stagflation Concerns ==

== Return of Stagflation Concerns ==

In February of 2010 the ''[[Washington Times]]'' reported:

In February of 2010 the ''[[Washington Times]]'' reported:

In the 1970s, stagflation shocked traditional [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian]] economists, whose models said the economy could not suffer from both high unemployment and rapid inflation at the same time. Unfortunately, the Keynesians were wrong, because an economy obviously can experience both evils simultaneously...

In the 1970s, stagflation shocked traditional [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian]] economists, whose models said the economy could not suffer from both high unemployment and rapid inflation at the same time. Unfortunately, the Keynesians were wrong, because an economy obviously can experience both evils simultaneously...

It seems every week the Obama administration announces some new tax or mandate that will further handicap businesses. Regardless of the official definitions of recession, the economy will remain sluggish for years to come. But if the [[Federal Reserve]] continues with its reckless policies, Americans will experience high inflation on top of high unemployment. As in the late 1970s, Americans will see that the pundits are wrong, because stagflation is very real.<ref>http://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/19/setting-the-stage-for-stagflation/</ref>}}

It seems every week the Obama administration announces some new tax or mandate that will further handicap businesses. Regardless of the official definitions of recession, the economy will remain sluggish for years to come. But if the [[Federal Reserve]] continues with its reckless policies, Americans will experience high inflation on top of high unemployment. As in the late 1970s, Americans will see that the pundits are wrong, because stagflation is very real.<ref>[http://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/19/setting-the-stage-for-stagflation/ MURPHY: Setting the stage for stagflation], [[Washington Times]]</ref>}}

==Command and Control==

==Command and Control==

Bruce Chapman, director of the U.S. Census Bureau under [[President Ronald Reagan]], explains  

Bruce Chapman, director of the U.S. Census Bureau under [[President Ronald Reagan]], explains  

:"[I]f the nation's premier statistical agency were placed under White House direction, the danger to public trust would be enormous. The Decennial count is one of the few federal functions specifically described in the Constitution itself and must be operated above suspicion of politics. Power flows from an accurate census count. Everyone involved for years has seen the count therefore as a sacred trust. It must not be polluted with even a semblance of presidential meddling." <ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=88302 White House grabs 2010 census power], By Drew Zahn, ''WorldNetDaily'', February 07, 2009.</ref>

:"[I]f the nation's premier statistical agency were placed under White House direction, the danger to public trust would be enormous. The Decennial count is one of the few federal functions specifically described in the Constitution itself and must be operated above suspicion of politics. Power flows from an accurate census count. Everyone involved for years has seen the count therefore as a sacred trust. It must not be polluted with even a semblance of presidential meddling." <ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=88302 White House grabs 2010 census power], By Drew Zahn, ''[[WND|WorldNetDaily]]'', February 07, 2009.</ref>

===National Security Council staff===

===National Security Council staff===

The Tower Commission Report on the [[Iran/Contra]] fiasco during the [[Reagan Administration]] reviewed what was wrong <ref>Tower Commission Report (Report of the President's Special Review Board). February 26, 1987. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402. [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/PS157/assignment%20files%20public/TOWER%20EXCERPTS.htm#PartIV]</ref> in the National Security process and made specific recommendations to avoid future potential abuses of power. The report stated the NSC staff had "developed an important role within the Executive Branch of coordinating policy review, preparing issues for presidential decision, and monitoring implementation. For this reason it has generally operated out of public view and has not been subject to direct oversight by Congress."<ref>Tower Commission Report (Report of the President's Special Review Board). February 26, 1987. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402, p. 13.</ref>  In Iran-Contra, the "NSC staff assumed direct operational control,"<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 62.</ref> and "Congress was never notified."<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 63.</ref>

The Tower Commission Report on the [[Iran/Contra]] fiasco during the [[Reagan Administration]] reviewed what was wrong <ref>Tower Commission Report (Report of the President's Special Review Board). February 26, 1987. U.S. [[Government Printing Office]], Washington DC 20402. [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/PS157/assignment%20files%20public/TOWER%20EXCERPTS.htm#PartIV]</ref> in the National Security process and made specific recommendations to avoid future potential abuses of power. The report stated the NSC staff had "developed an important role within the Executive Branch of coordinating policy review, preparing issues for presidential decision, and monitoring implementation. For this reason it has generally operated out of public view and has not been subject to direct oversight by Congress."<ref>Tower Commission Report (Report of the President's Special Review Board). February 26, 1987. U.S. [[Government Printing Office]], Washington DC 20402, p. 13.</ref>  In [[Iran/Contra]], the "NSC staff assumed direct operational control,"<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 62.</ref> and "Congress was never notified."<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 63.</ref>

   

   

As specific recommendations, the Commission declared "Departments and agencies should not be excluded from participation in the process. The staff should not be implementors or operators;"<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 93.</ref> when the NSC staff "take on implementation responsibilities, they risk compromising their objectivity. They can no longer act as impartial overseers of the implementation, ensuring that Presidential guidance is followed, that policies are kept under review, and that the results are serving the President's policy and the national interest."<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 92.</ref>  The Commission also noted, "Circumventing the departments...robs the President of the experience and capacity resident in the departments...Process will not always produce brilliant ideas, but history suggests it at least can prevent bad ideas from becoming presidential policy."<ref>''[http://books.google.com/books?id=cvxelgaMzIoC&pg=PA64&lpg=PA64&dq=tower+commission+report%2Brobs+the+president&source=bl&ots=9I1sgHbSP6&sig=ChdzjK-dH1FBSh13jprsx98qFoc&hl=en&ei=ag_lSoSEGoH8tQPUwZm5Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=tower%20commission%20report%2Brobs%20the%20president&f=false Beyond a Government of Strangers: How Career Executives and Political Appointees Can Turn Conflict to Cooperation],''  

As specific recommendations, the Commission declared "Departments and agencies should not be excluded from participation in the process. The staff should not be implementors or operators;"<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 93.</ref> when the NSC staff "take on implementation responsibilities, they risk compromising their objectivity. They can no longer act as impartial overseers of the implementation, ensuring that Presidential guidance is followed, that policies are kept under review, and that the results are serving the President's policy and the national interest."<ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 92.</ref>  The Commission also noted, "Circumventing the departments...robs the President of the experience and capacity resident in the departments...Process will not always produce brilliant ideas, but history suggests it at least can prevent bad ideas from becoming presidential policy."<ref>''[http://books.google.com/books?id=cvxelgaMzIoC&pg=PA64&lpg=PA64&dq=tower+commission+report%2Brobs+the+president&source=bl&ots=9I1sgHbSP6&sig=ChdzjK-dH1FBSh13jprsx98qFoc&hl=en&ei=ag_lSoSEGoH8tQPUwZm5Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=tower%20commission%20report%2Brobs%20the%20president&f=false Beyond a Government of Strangers: How Career Executives and Political Appointees Can Turn Conflict to Cooperation],''  

Robert Maranto, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (May 2005), p. 89. ISBN-13: 9780739110904</ref>

Robert Maranto, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (May 2005), p. 89. ISBN-13: 9780739110904</ref>

In August 2009 it was revealed the [[Obama administration]] ignored the Tower Commission Report. In a profanity-laced screaming match at the [[White House]]<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=8398902 Obama White House v. CIA; Panetta Threatened to Quit Tensions Lead to CIA Director's "Screaming Match" at the White House], Matthew Cole, Richard Espisito, and Brian Ross, ''[[ABC News]]'', August 24, 2009.</ref> [[CIA]] Director [[Leon Panetta]] protested Obama's decision to create a team of interrogators overseen by the White House.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112169988 ''White House To Oversee New Interrogation Team''], Dina Temple-Raston, npr.org August 24 2009.</ref> Responsibility for interrogations of suspects was shifted away from the CIA and the National Security Council staff given direct operational control.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/23/AR2009082302598.html ''New Unit to Question Key Terror Suspects - Move Shifts Interrogation Oversight From the CIA to the White House]'', Anne E. Kornblut, ''[[Washington Post]]'', August 24, 2009.</ref>  Independent Counsel for Iran/Contra Lawrence Walsh wrote in the Final Report, "The National Security Act of 1947, the statute that created the NSC,⁴⁸ charges it to 'assess and appraise the objectives, commitments, and risks of the United States in relation to our actual and potential military power, in the interest of national security," whereas the CIA, created by the same statute as an "agency involved in intelligence activities -- 'under the National Security Council,' and assigns the CIA the responsibility of 'coordinating the intelligence activities of the several Government departments and agencies in the interest of national security . . . under the direction of the National Security Council.⁵⁰" <ref>Final Report of the Independent Counsel for Iran/Contra Matters. Lawrence E. Walsh. Washington, D.C. August 4, 1993. [http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/walsh/part_iii.htm Part III The Operational Conspiracy: A Legal Analysis]. Page 55. Walsh cites 50 U.S.C. 402(c) and  50 U.S.C. 403(a),(d). Footnote 50 includes "emphasis added".</ref> The [[Obama administration]] has said the new arrangements will be involved in "intelligence gathering."<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/27/critics-question-shift-interrogations-away-cia/ Full Circle: Move to Shift Interrogations Away From CIA Draws Pre-Sept. 11 Comparisons], [[FOXNews]], August 27, 2009.</ref>  

In August 2009 it was revealed the [[Obama administration]] ignored the Tower Commission Report. In a profanity-laced screaming match at the [[White House]]<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=8398902 Obama White House v. CIA; Panetta Threatened to Quit Tensions Lead to CIA Director's "Screaming Match" at the White House], Matthew Cole, Richard Espisito, and Brian Ross, ''[[ABC News]]'', August 24, 2009.</ref> [[CIA]] Director [[Leon Panetta]] protested Obama's decision to create a team of interrogators overseen by the White House.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112169988 ''White House To Oversee New Interrogation Team''], Dina Temple-Raston, [[NPR]] August 24 2009.</ref> Responsibility for interrogations of suspects was shifted away from the CIA and the National Security Council staff given direct operational control.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/23/AR2009082302598.html ''New Unit to Question Key Terror Suspects - Move Shifts Interrogation Oversight From the CIA to the White House]'', Anne E. Kornblut, ''[[Washington Post]]'', August 24, 2009.</ref>  Independent Counsel for [[Iran/Contra]] Lawrence Walsh wrote in the Final Report, "The National Security Act of 1947, the statute that created the NSC,⁴⁸ charges it to 'assess and appraise the objectives, commitments, and risks of the United States in relation to our actual and potential military power, in the interest of national security," whereas the CIA, created by the same statute as an "agency involved in intelligence activities -- 'under the National Security Council,' and assigns the CIA the responsibility of 'coordinating the intelligence activities of the several Government departments and agencies in the interest of national security . . . under the direction of the National Security Council.⁵⁰" <ref>Final Report of the Independent Counsel for [[Iran/Contra]] Matters. Lawrence E. Walsh. Washington, D.C. August 4, 1993. [http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/walsh/part_iii.htm Part III The Operational Conspiracy: A Legal Analysis]. Page 55. Walsh cites 50 U.S.C. 402(c) and  50 U.S.C. 403(a),(d). Footnote 50 includes "emphasis added".</ref> The [[Obama administration]] has said the new arrangements will be involved in "intelligence gathering."<ref name=fullcircle>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090829080320/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/27/critics-question-shift-interrogations-away-cia/ Full Circle: Move to Shift Interrogations Away From CIA Draws Pre-Sept. 11 Comparisons], [[FOXNews]], August 27, 2009.</ref>  

Critics such as former National Security Adviser Richard Allen said, "The National Security Council staff doesn't have, in my view, the expertise to be in the interrogation business" and puts the White House "in a position of micro-managing the process."  Tony Shaffer, a former Army intelligence observed, "Once you have direct knowledge of day-to-day activities coming into a central location near or at the [[White House]], there's a tendency, almost a temptation, to meddle in actual field activities, such as [[LBJ]] calling in to commanders in rice paddies in [[Vietnam]] what he wants to have done that day."<ref>Ibid</ref>  

Critics such as former National Security Adviser Richard Allen said, "The National Security Council staff doesn't have, in my view, the expertise to be in the interrogation business" and puts the White House "in a position of micro-managing the process."  Tony Shaffer, a former Army intelligence observed, "Once you have direct knowledge of day-to-day activities coming into a central location near or at the [[White House]], there's a tendency, almost a temptation, to meddle in actual field activities, such as [[LBJ]] calling in to commanders in rice paddies in [[Vietnam]] what he wants to have done that day."<ref name=fullcircle />

Unlike executive departments and agencies such as the [[Department of Justice]], [[FBI]], and CIA, the  National Security Council staff is not subject to Congressional authority and oversight, and operate outside the spotlight of public view.<ref>[http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/j-e-dyer/78202 National Security Council Reloaded], J. E. Dyer, ''Commentary blog'', 08.25.2009.</ref><ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 13.</ref> The [[American Civil Liberties Union]] made this point during the [[United States Presidential Election, 2008|elections of 2008]] when the George W. Bush NSC staff was involved only in decisions and authorizations and before the Obama NSC staff took on an operational role.<ref>[http://www.aclu.org/safefree/torture/35595prs20080610.html?s_src=RSS ACLU Urges Congress to Examine White House National Security Council as Central Decision-Maker on Torture], ACLU Press Release, (6/10/2008).</ref>  

Unlike executive departments and agencies such as the [[Department of Justice]], [[FBI]], and CIA, the  National Security Council staff is not subject to Congressional authority and oversight, and operate outside the spotlight of public view.<ref>[https://www.commentarymagazine.com/2009/08/25/national-security-council-reloaded/ National Security Council Reloaded], J. E. Dyer, ''[[Commentary]] blog'', 08.25.2009.</ref><ref>Tower Commission Report, p. 13.</ref> The [[American Civil Liberties Union]] made this point during the [[United States Presidential Election, 2008|elections of 2008]] when the George W. Bush [[National Security Council|NSC]] staff was involved only in decisions and authorizations and before the Obama NSC staff took on an operational role.<ref>[http://www.aclu.org/safefree/torture/35595prs20080610.html?s_src=RSS ACLU Urges Congress to Examine White House National Security Council as Central Decision-Maker on Torture], [[ACLU]] Press Release, (6/10/2008).</ref>  

[[John Brennan]], who was Obama's first choice as CIA Director, had his nomination withdrawn over allegations he was involved in enhanced interrogations of terror suspects during the administration of President [[George W. Bush]].<ref>[http://www.harpers.org/archive/2008/11/hbc-90003909 John Brennan for CIA? Think Again], Scott Horton, ''[[Harper's Magazine]]'', November 24, 2008.</ref>

[[John Brennan]], who was Obama's first choice as CIA Director, had his nomination withdrawn over allegations he was involved in enhanced interrogations of terror suspects during the administration of President [[George W. Bush]].<ref>[http://www.harpers.org/archive/2008/11/hbc-90003909 John Brennan for CIA? Think Again], Scott Horton, ''[[Harper's Magazine]]'', November 24, 2008.</ref>

<ref>[http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/ad_20081206_1783.php What's Behind Brennan's Withdrawal? Some former spies say left-leaning bloggers and columnists drove John Brennan out of consideration for CIA director], Shane Harris, ''National Journal Magazine'', Dec. 6, 2008.</ref>  As Obama's advisor on counterterrorism, Brennan was placed in charge of the operation.

<ref>[http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/ad_20081206_1783.php What's Behind Brennan's Withdrawal? Some former spies say left-leaning bloggers and columnists drove John Brennan out of consideration for CIA director], Shane Harris, ''National Journal Magazine'', Dec. 6, 2008.</ref>  As Obama's adviser on counter-terrorism, Brennan was placed in charge of the operation.

==Civilian National Security Force==

==Civilian National Security Force==

{{QuoteBox|Members of the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce shall be organized, trained, cleared, equipped, and ready to deploy in support of combat operations by the military; contingencies; emergency operations; humanitarian missions; disaster relief; restoration of order; drug interdiction; and stability operations of the Department of Defense in accordance with DoDD 3000.05.}}

{{QuoteBox|Members of the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce shall be organized, trained, cleared, equipped, and ready to deploy in support of combat operations by the military; contingencies; emergency operations; humanitarian missions; disaster relief; restoration of order; drug interdiction; and stability operations of the Department of Defense in accordance with DoDD 3000.05.}}

Both H.R. 675 and the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce directive will establish civilian “soft power” under the direction of the Pentagon. Alex Jones' Infowars.com site states, "Obama is now actively working to create a paramilitary 'civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded' as the military. In order to skirt Posse Comitatus, Obama’s paramilitary [[brownshirts]] will be organized and run out of the Office of Personnel Management with orders coming from the Pentagon."<ref>[http://www.infowars.com/hr-675-building-obamas-civilian-national-security-force/ H.R. 675: Building Obama’s Civilian National Security Force], Kurt Nimmo, Infowars, June 23, 2009.</ref>

Both H.R. 675 and the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce directive will establish civilian “soft power” under the direction of the Pentagon. Alex Jones' [[Infowars]].com site states, "Obama is now actively working to create a paramilitary 'civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded' as the military. In order to skirt Posse Comitatus, Obama’s paramilitary [[brownshirts]] will be organized and run out of the Office of Personnel Management with orders coming from the Pentagon."<ref>[http://www.infowars.com/hr-675-building-obamas-civilian-national-security-force/ H.R. 675: Building Obama’s Civilian National Security Force], Kurt Nimmo, [[Infowars]], June 23, 2009.</ref>

Some critics have expressed concern over President Obama's intentions. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D94CDDM80&show_article=1 Georgia congressman warns of Obama dictatorship], Bob Evans, Briebart, Nov 10 2008.</ref>

Some critics have expressed concern over President Obama's intentions. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D94CDDM80&show_article=1 Georgia congressman warns of Obama dictatorship], Bob Evans, [[Breitbart.com]], Nov 10 2008.</ref>

===Indoctrination===

===Indoctrination===

[[File:MyObama screen shot.jpg|thumb|450px|left|]]

[[File:MyObama screen shot.jpg|thumb|450px|left|]]

By act of Congress and the signature of President Obama, the eighth anniversary of the [[September 11, 2001 terror attacks]] marked the first officially designated Patriot Day, a National Day of Service. The concept was championed by MyGoodDeed, an organization founded by family and friends of people killed in the attacks. The group's mission statement calls for honoring "the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging" good deeds and various volunteer activities. A ''[[New York Post]]'' editorial alerted to the danger how  

By act of Congress and the signature of President Obama, the eighth anniversary of the [[September 11, 2001 terror attacks]] marked the first officially designated Patriot Day, a National Day of Service. The concept was championed by MyGoodDeed, an organization founded by family and friends of people killed in the attacks. The group's mission statement calls for honoring "the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging" good deeds and various volunteer activities. A ''[[New York Post]]'' editorial alerted to the danger how  

{{Cquote|Acts of kindness are easily distorted into [[propaganda]], issues advocacy and attempts to redefine 9/11 for political purposes. This cheapening has already happened, and in the most inappropriate place - the [[White House]]. <ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/08/30/2009-08-30_keep_faith_with_911_official_observances_must_not_obscure_days_true_meaning.html Keep faith with 9/11: Official observances must not obscure day's true meaning], Editorial, ''New York Post'', Sunday, August 30th 2009.</ref>}}

{{Cquote|Acts of kindness are easily distorted into [[propaganda]], issues advocacy and attempts to redefine 9/11 for political purposes. This cheapening has already happened, and in the most inappropriate place - the [[White House]]. <ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/08/30/2009-08-30_keep_faith_with_911_official_observances_must_not_obscure_days_true_meaning.html Keep faith with 9/11: Official observances must not obscure day's true meaning], Editorial, ''New York Daily News'', Sunday, August 30th 2009.</ref>}}

The [[Obama administration]] supports creating clean energy jobs in cities through a campaign called '''Green the Block''', started by the groups Green For All and the Hip Hop Caucus. A video and statement are posted on the White House blog. Environmental Czar [[Van Jones]], founder of Green for All, said 9/11 commemoration would be an opportunity to "connect, to find other people in your peer group who are also passionate about repowering America but also greening up America and cleaning up America." In 2004 Jones on behalf of his organization, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, signed on to the [[conspiratorial]] 911 Truth organization [http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20041026093059633] alleging a U.S. role in planning and executing the attacks.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/04/radicalization-obamas-green-czar/ The Radicalization of Obama's 'Green Czar'], FOXNews.com, September 04, 2009.</ref>  

The [[Obama administration]] supports creating clean energy jobs in cities through a campaign called '''Green the Block''', started by the groups Green For All and the Hip Hop Caucus. A video and statement are posted on the White House blog. Environmental Czar [[Van Jones]], founder of Green for All, said 9/11 commemoration would be an opportunity to "connect, to find other people in your peer group who are also passionate about repowering America but also greening up America and cleaning up America." In 2004 Jones on behalf of his organization, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, signed on to the [[conspiratorial]] 911 Truth organization <ref>[http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20041026093059633 Respected Leaders and Families Launch 9/11 Truth Statement Demanding Deeper Investigation into the Events of 9/11]</ref> alleging a U.S. role in planning and executing the attacks.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/04/radicalization-obamas-green-czar/ The Radicalization of Obama's 'Green Czar'], [[FoxNews]], September 04, 2009.</ref>  

barackobama.com, which now is "Organizing for America, the successor organization to Obama for America,"<ref>[http://www.barackobama.com/learn/about_ofa.php Organizing for America] About OFA</ref> carries an event described as follows:

barackobama.com, which now is "Organizing for America, the successor organization to Obama for America,"<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090704092123/http://www.barackobama.com/learn/about_ofa.php Organizing for America] About OFA</ref> carries an event described as follows:

<blockquote>'''PHONE CALLS ON 9/11 - Illinois! (Health Care Organizing Event)'''<br><br>

<blockquote>'''PHONE CALLS ON 9/11 - Illinois! (Health Care Organizing Event)'''<br><br>

What day? Our US Senators return to DC the Tues after Labor Day. That next FRIDAY, Sep 11, is Patriot Day, designated in memory of the nearly three thousand who died in the 9/11 attacks.<br><br>

What day? Our US Senators return to DC the Tues after Labor Day. That next FRIDAY, Sep 11, is Patriot Day, designated in memory of the nearly three thousand who died in the 9/11 attacks.<br><br>

All 50 States are coordinating in this – as we fight back against our own Right-Wing Domestic Terrorists who are subverting the American Democratic Process, whipped to a frenzy by their Fox Propaganda Network ceaselessly re-seizing power for their treacherous leaders....<br><br>

All 50 States are coordinating in this – as we fight back against our own Right-Wing Domestic Terrorists who are subverting the American Democratic Process, whipped to a frenzy by their Fox Propaganda Network ceaselessly re-seizing power for their treacherous leaders....<br><br>

...according to a White House Advisor to the President with whom I spoke ten days ago at a DNC Panel, he said, "ON ONE DAY you 'burn-up' the Senate Switchboards - THE NEXT DAY you've got the Senator's attention". We will achieve that effect, on Friday, Patriot Day 9/11. [http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:3kI-WRLXCWwJ:my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/healthcareorganizingevent/gpk4cj%20mybarackobama%20gpk4cj&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us]</blockquote>

...according to a White House Adviser to the President with whom I spoke ten days ago at a DNC Panel, he said, "ON ONE DAY you 'burn-up' the Senate Switchboards - THE NEXT DAY you've got the Senator's attention". We will achieve that effect, on Friday, Patriot Day 9/11. <ref>[http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:3kI-WRLXCWwJ:my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/healthcareorganizingevent/gpk4cj%20mybarackobama%20gpk4cj&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us my.barackobama.com]</ref></blockquote>

One week prior to the first Patriot Day and Green the Block action, President Obama's aides acknowledge the White House helped the [[U.S. Education Department]] craft a proposal for prekindergarten to sixth-grade students to write letters about "what they can do to help the president," and for students immediately after listening to a speech by the president to engage in a  discussion about what "the president wants us to do." A curriculum was distributed nationwide by the Department of Education prior to Obama's presentation to students.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/02/wh-withdraws-call-students-help-obama/print/ White House withdraws call for students to 'help' Obama], Matthew Mosk, ''The Washington Times'', September 3 2009.</ref> Part of the exercise was to include teachers putting up “quotations” from Obama on the walls, and having the children making a “pledge” to do what they can to “serve” President Obama. <ref>http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/porter/2009/09102009.htm</ref>

One week prior to the first Patriot Day and Green the Block action, President Obama's aides acknowledge the White House helped the [[U.S. Education Department]] craft a proposal for prekindergarten to sixth-grade students to write letters about "what they can do to help the president," and for students immediately after listening to a speech by the president to engage in a  discussion about what "the president wants us to do." A curriculum was distributed nationwide by the Department of Education prior to Obama's presentation to students.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/02/wh-withdraws-call-students-help-obama/print/ White House withdraws call for students to 'help' Obama], Matthew Mosk, ''[[The Washington Times]]'', September 3 2009.</ref> Part of the exercise was to include teachers putting up “quotations” from Obama on the walls, and having the children making a “pledge” to do what they can to “serve” President Obama. <ref>http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/porter/2009/09102009.htm</ref>

===Retribution against percieved 'enemies'===

===Retribution against perceived 'enemies'===

President Obama rose to prominence as the Keynote speeker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention declaring in the speech,

President Obama rose to prominence as the Keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention declaring in the speech,

{{Cquote|there's not a liberal America and a conservative America... there's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America. ... Do we participate in a politics of cynicism, or do we participate in a politics of hope? <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html</ref>}}

{{Cquote|there's not a liberal America and a conservative America... there's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America. ... Do we participate in a politics of cynicism, or do we participate in a politics of hope? <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html Transcript: Illinois Senate Candidate Barack Obama], [[Washington Post]]</ref>}}

President Obama told the corrupt, scandel ridden [[ACORN]] organization, an organization involved in human trafficing, the teenage sex trade, and ballot box stuffing initiatives on behalf of Democratic candidates,<ref> http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/187873/sen-al-franken-d-acorn/mark-hemingway</ref>

President Obama told the corrupt, scandal ridden [[ACORN]] organization, an organization involved in human trafficking, the teenage sex trade, and ballot box stuffing initiatives on behalf of Democratic candidates,<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/187873/sen-al-franken-d-acorn-mark-hemingway Sen. Al Franken (D., ACORN)], [[National Review]]</ref>

{{Cquote|We're going to be calling all of you in to help us shape the agenda.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=T-lmcZL_bXIC&pg=PA259&lpg=PA259&dq=obama%2BWe+are+going+to+be+calling+all+of+you+in+to+help+shape+the+agenda&source=bl&ots=fkP3HHz1SW&sig=DrMGmbe0IaGWgqQ6ta9E4uPoVmA&hl=en&ei=t_LSTKnCL8SBlAfL6OW9Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=obama%2BWe%20are%20going%20to%20be%20calling%20all%20of%20you%20in%20to%20help%20shape%20the%20agenda&f=false</ref>}}

{{Cquote|We're going to be calling all of you in to help us shape the agenda.<ref name=Malkinbook>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=T-lmcZL_bXIC&pg=PA259&lpg=PA259&dq=obama%2BWe+are+going+to+be+calling+all+of+you+in+to+help+shape+the+agenda&source=bl&ots=fkP3HHz1SW&sig=DrMGmbe0IaGWgqQ6ta9E4uPoVmA&hl=en&ei=t_LSTKnCL8SBlAfL6OW9Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=obama%2BWe%20are%20going%20to%20be%20calling%20all%20of%20you%20in%20to%20help%20shape%20the%20agenda&f=false|last1=Malkin|first1=Michelle|title=Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and Cronies|date=2010|publisher=Regnery Publishing|isbn=978-1596986206|pages=259}}</ref>}}

Before sufferring a resounding rebuke of his leadership,<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110208183.html?hpid=opinionsbox1</ref> his party, and the progressive liberal [[ideology]] in the [[2010 midterm election]]s, Mr. Obama urged partisan backers to exact revenge on their 'enemies'.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/28/AR2010102806270.html</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110205027.html</ref><ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/250919/did-president-united-states-describe-some-americans-ienemiesi-kathryn-jean-lopez</ref><ref>http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-latinos-punish-your-enemies-voting-booth_511932.html</ref> The president suggested,  

Before suffering a resounding rebuke of his leadership,<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110208183.html?hpid=opinionsbox1 For Mr. Obama, a rebuke and a chance to right himself], [[Washington Post]]</ref> his party, and the progressive liberal [[ideology]] in the [[2010 midterm election]]s, Mr. Obama urged partisan backers to exact revenge on their 'enemies'.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/28/AR2010102806270.html The great campaign of 2010], [[Washington Post]]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/02/AR2010110205027.html Obama's message for the day after], [[Washington Post]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/250919/did-president-united-states-describe-some-americans-enemies-kathryn-jean-lopez Did the President of the United States Describe Some Americans as Enemies?], [[National Review]]</ref><ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-latinos-punish-your-enemies-voting-booth_511932.html Obama to Latinos: "Punish" Your "Enemies" in the Voting Booth], [[Weekly Standard]]</ref> The president suggested,  

{{Cquote|We're gonna punish our enemies and we're gonna reward our friends.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=T-lmcZL_bXIC&pg=PA259&lpg=PA259&dq=obama%2BWe+are+going+to+be+calling+all+of+you+in+to+help+shape+the+agenda&source=bl&ots=fkP3HHz1SW&sig=DrMGmbe0IaGWgqQ6ta9E4uPoVmA&hl=en&ei=t_LSTKnCL8SBlAfL6OW9Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=obama%2BWe%20are%20going%20to%20be%20calling%20all%20of%20you%20in%20to%20help%20shape%20the%20agenda&f=false</ref>}}

{{Cquote|We're gonna punish our enemies and we're gonna reward our friends.<ref name=Malkinbook />}}

== Human Rights ==

== Human Rights ==

===Snitch list===

===Snitch list===

In July  2009 the [[White House]] began soliciting from its immense social media networks and the general public  that if they were to "see something on the web about [[Obamacare|health insurance reform]] that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."<ref>http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/facts-are-stubborn-things/</ref><ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27655039/</ref>

In July  2009 the [[White House]] began soliciting from its immense social media networks and the general public  that if they were to "see something on the web about [[Obamacare|health insurance reform]] that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/facts-are-stubborn-things/ Facts Are Stubborn Things], [[White House]]</ref><ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27655039/ Congressman: Obama wants Gestapo-like force], [[MSNBC]]</ref>

Under the [[Privacy Act of 1974]], which was passed after the [[Richard Nixon|Nixon administration]] used federal agencies to illegally investigate individuals for [[political]] purposes, prohibits any federal agency from maintaining records on individuals exercising their right to [[free speech]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/07/white-house-collect-fishy-info-health-reform-illegal-critics-say/ White House Move to Collect 'Fishy' Info May Be Illegal], [[FOXNews]].com, August 07, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/08/mark_your_calendar_flagwhiteho_1.asp Snitch List to be Released in 2018 (or 2022)?], Weeklystandard.com</ref>

Under the [[Privacy Act of 1974]], which was passed after the [[Richard Nixon|Nixon administration]] used federal agencies to illegally investigate individuals for [[political]] purposes, prohibits any federal agency from maintaining records on individuals exercising their right to [[free speech]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/07/white-house-collect-fishy-info-health-reform-illegal-critics-say/ White House Move to Collect 'Fishy' Info May Be Illegal], [[FoxNews]], August 07, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/08/mark_your_calendar_flagwhiteho_1.asp Snitch List to be Released in 2018 (or 2022)?], [[Weekly Standard]]</ref>

Sen. [[John Cornyn]] of Texas stated in a letter to the White House, "I am not aware of any precedent for a President asking American citizens to report their fellow citizens to the White House for pure political speech that is deemed ‘fishy' or otherwise inimical to the White House's political interests."<ref>http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ForPress.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=ebc2c77d-802a-23ad-4ae4-6ccf4c7a255c</ref>

Sen. [[John Cornyn]] of Texas stated in a letter to the White House, "I am not aware of any precedent for a President asking American citizens to report their fellow citizens to the White House for pure political speech that is deemed ‘fishy' or otherwise inimical to the White House's political interests."<ref>[http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=InNews&ContentRecord_id=ebc2c77d-802a-23ad-4ae4-6ccf4c7a255c Sen. Cornyn Sends Letter To President Obama About "Fishy" Activities Program], Office of Senator [[John Cornyn]]</ref>

Congressman Darrell Issa also expressed grave concern about the administration blurring the lines between political and official business by collecting data on administration critics.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=8352544</ref>

Congressman Darrell Issa also expressed grave concern about the administration blurring the lines between political and official business by collecting data on administration critics.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/article/384070/issas-something-scott-coffina Issa’s Onto Something], [[National Review]]</ref>

===Data collection and privacy rights===

===Data collection and privacy rights===

===Patriot Act===

===Patriot Act===

The Obama [[Justice Department]] has been accused of being "secretive, tyrannical, and oppressive" and compared with [[President George W. Bush]], "even worse."<ref>[http://donedems.com/2009/04/14/holy-crap-obama-actually-manages-to-make-the-patriot-act-worse-than-under-bush/ Obama Actually Manages to Make the Patriot Act WORSE than Under Bush], DONE, April 14, 2009,</ref>  As a candidate, Senator Obama lamented that the Bush Administration "invoked a legal tool known as the 'state secrets' privilege more than any other previous administration to get cases thrown out of civil court," however in a motion to dismiss ''Jewel v. NSA'', the Electronic Frontier Foundation litigation against the National Security Agency for the warrantless wiretapping, the [[Obama Administration]] argued that the state secrets privilege requires the court to dismiss the issue out of hand. The Obama administration argued that simply allowing the case to continue "would cause exceptionally grave harm to national security." As in the past, this is a blatant ploy to dismiss the litigation without allowing the courts to consider the evidence.  

The Obama [[Justice Department]] has been accused of being "secretive, tyrannical, and oppressive" and compared with [[President George W. Bush]], "even worse."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090924001648/http://donedems.com/2009/04/14/holy-crap-obama-actually-manages-to-make-the-patriot-act-worse-than-under-bush Obama Actually Manages to Make the Patriot Act WORSE than Under Bush], DONE, April 14, 2009,</ref>  As a candidate, Senator Obama lamented that the Bush Administration "invoked a legal tool known as the 'state secrets' privilege more than any other previous administration to get cases thrown out of civil court," however in a motion to dismiss ''Jewel v. NSA'', the Electronic Frontier Foundation litigation against the National Security Agency for the warrantless wiretapping, the [[Obama Administration]] argued that the state secrets privilege requires the court to dismiss the issue out of hand. The Obama administration argued that simply allowing the case to continue "would cause exceptionally grave harm to national security." As in the past, this is a blatant ploy to dismiss the litigation without allowing the courts to consider the evidence.  

The Obama Justice Department then argued that the U.S. Government is completely immune from litigation for illegal spying — that the Government can never be sued for surveillance that violates federal privacy statutes. Birch Bricker writing in the ''Auburn Journal'' then points out, "This is a radical assertion that is utterly unprecedented. No one — not the [[White House]], not the Justice Department, not any member of Congress, and not the [[Bush Administration]] — has ever interpreted the law this way....The Obama Administration goes two steps further than Bush did, and claims that the [[US PATRIOT Act]] also renders the U.S. immune from suit under the two remaining key federal surveillance laws: the Wiretap Act and the Stored Communications Act. Essentially, the Obama Administration has claimed that the government cannot be held accountable for illegal surveillance under any federal statutes." <ref>[http://my.auburnjournal.com/detail/111477.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=Patriot+Act&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=2&sub_type=&town_id= It's Actually Possible... The Patriot Act Gets Worse], ''Auburn Journal'', 4/12/09.</ref>

The Obama Justice Department then argued that the U.S. Government is completely immune from litigation for illegal spying — that the Government can never be sued for surveillance that violates federal privacy statutes. Birch Bricker writing in the ''Auburn Journal'' then points out, "This is a radical assertion that is utterly unprecedented. No one — not the [[White House]], not the Justice Department, not any member of Congress, and not the [[Bush Administration]] — has ever interpreted the law this way....The Obama Administration goes two steps further than Bush did, and claims that the [[US PATRIOT Act]] also renders the U.S. immune from suit under the two remaining key federal surveillance laws: the Wiretap Act and the Stored Communications Act. Essentially, the Obama Administration has claimed that the government cannot be held accountable for illegal surveillance under any federal statutes." <ref>[http://my.auburnjournal.com/detail/111477.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=Patriot+Act&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=2&sub_type=&town_id= It's Actually Possible... The Patriot Act Gets Worse], ''Auburn Journal'', 4/12/09.</ref>

===Guantanamo===

===Guantanamo===

As the Democratic candidate for president Obama pledged on numerous occasions to countless audiences closing the [[Guantanamo Bay]] Detention facility housing uncharged captured combatants in order to "regain America's moral stature in the world." <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQXZoM__vU0 60 Minutes: Obama Reiterates Promise To Close Guantanamo Bay]</ref>  After assuming office, Obama made a budget request to transfer the detainees to the [[United States]] without specifying where the detainees would be held.  The Democratic-controlled Congress repudiated Obama by denying funding for that transfer, and leaders from both parties spoke against it.<ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6326589.ece</ref> Obama then endorsed indefinite detention without trial.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104045.html Obama Endorses Indefinite Detention Without Trial for Some], Peter Finn, Washington Post, May 22, 2009. </ref>

As the Democratic candidate for president Obama pledged on numerous occasions to countless audiences closing the [[Guantanamo Bay]] Detention facility housing uncharged captured combatants in order to "regain America's moral stature in the world." <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQXZoM__vU0 60 Minutes: Obama Reiterates Promise To Close Guantanamo Bay], [[60 Minutes]]</ref>  After assuming office, Obama made a budget request to transfer the detainees to the [[United States]] without specifying where the detainees would be held.  The Democratic-controlled Congress repudiated Obama by denying funding for that transfer, and leaders from both parties spoke against it.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/us/politics/20detain.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 Democrats in Senate Block Money to Close Guantánamo], [[The New York Times]]</ref> Obama then endorsed indefinite detention without trial.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104045.html Obama Endorses Indefinite Detention Without Trial for Some], Peter Finn, [[Washington Post]], May 22, 2009. </ref>

===Iran===

===Iran===

"[O]ur opposition to [ [[Ahmadinejad]] ] does not justify meddling in another country's election while proclaiming "universal democratic values."<ref>[http://blogs.salon.com/0002255/2009/06/19.html ''Halt Cheney's And Now Obama's Covert Iran Operations''] by Allen L Roland, Salon.com, June 19, 2009.</ref>  

"[O]ur opposition to [ [[Ahmadinejad]] ] does not justify meddling in another country's election while proclaiming "universal democratic values."<ref>[http://blogs.salon.com/0002255/2009/06/19.html ''Halt Cheney's And Now Obama's Covert Iran Operations''] by Allen L Roland, Salon.com, June 19, 2009.</ref>  

Eric Margolis, a columnist for Quebecor Media Company in Canada and a contributor to ''The Huffington Post'', wrote:  "While the majority of protests we see in Tehran are genuine and spontaneous, Western intelligence agencies and media are playing a key role in sustaining the uprising and providing communications, including the newest electronic method, via [[Twitter]]. These are covert techniques developed by the US during recent revolutions in Ukraine and Georgia that brought pro-US governments to power."

Eric Margolis, a columnist for Quebecor Media Company in Canada and a contributor to ''[[The Huffington Post]]'', wrote:  "While the majority of protests we see in Tehran are genuine and spontaneous, Western intelligence agencies and media are playing a key role in sustaining the uprising and providing communications, including the newest electronic method, via [[Twitter]]. These are covert techniques developed by the US during recent revolutions in Ukraine and Georgia that brought pro-US governments to power."

===China and Tibet===

===China and Tibet===

[[File:021910 dalailama13 slideshow 604x500.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Dalai Lama is escorted past White House trash bags after "strong objections" from Chinese officials over a meeting with President Obama. [http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/02/18/obama.dalailama/index.html]]]

[[File:021910 dalailama13 slideshow 604x500.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Dalai Lama is escorted past White House trash bags after "strong objections" from Chinese officials over a meeting with President Obama. [http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/02/18/obama.dalailama/index.html]]]

On Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]]'s first official visit to [[China]], the Secretary told Chinese leaders the [[Obama administration]] considered [[human rights]] concerns secondary to economic survival<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/4735087/Hillary-Clinton-Chinese-human-rights-secondary-to-economic-survival.html Hillary Clinton: Chinese human rights secondary to economic survival,] Richard Spencer, ''London Telegraph,'' 20 Feb 2009.</ref> and asked the [[CCP]] leaders for help financing [[President Obama]]'s massive $787 economic stimulus plan by buying US Treasury securities.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.42a44b0f5d9cf5c9762e80574e79a3d5.831&show_article=1 Clinton wraps Asia trip by asking China to buy US debt,] Briebart, Feb 22 2009.</ref>   

On Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]]'s first official visit to [[China]], the Secretary told Chinese leaders the [[Obama administration]] considered [[human rights]] concerns secondary to economic survival<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/4735087/Hillary-Clinton-Chinese-human-rights-secondary-to-economic-survival.html Hillary Clinton: Chinese human rights secondary to economic survival,] Richard Spencer, ''[[Daily Telegraph]],'' 20 Feb 2009.</ref> and asked the [[CCP]] leaders for help financing [[President Obama]]'s massive $787 economic stimulus plan by buying US Treasury securities.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.42a44b0f5d9cf5c9762e80574e79a3d5.831&show_article=1 Clinton wraps Asia trip by asking China to buy US debt,] [[Breitbart.com]], Feb 22 2009.</ref>   

The [[Dalai Lama]], often portrayed as a religious leader, was made [[Tibet]]an head of state in 1950, the same year that China invaded and annexed Tibet.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/18/analysis.china.dalai.lama/index.html Analysis: Why the Dalai Lama angers China,] Jaime FlorCruz, CNN Beijing Bureau Chief, February 18, 2010.</ref>  [[CNN]] reports the Chinese find it "unacceptable when they see the Dalai Lama treated as a VIP, or even akin to a head of state." <ref>Ibid.</ref>

The [[Dalai Lama]], often portrayed as a religious leader, was made [[Tibet]]an head of state in 1950, the same year that China invaded and annexed Tibet.<ref name=Dalai>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/18/analysis.china.dalai.lama/index.html Analysis: Why the Dalai Lama angers China,] Jaime FlorCruz, [[CNN]] Beijing Bureau Chief, February 18, 2010.</ref>  [[CNN]] reports the Chinese find it "unacceptable when they see the Dalai Lama treated as a VIP, or even akin to a head of state."<ref name=Dalai />

After the Dalai Lama met with President Obama in February, 2010 he was unceremoniously escorted through a side door that trash is regularly carried out to a photo op with awaiting camaras.

After the Dalai Lama met with President Obama in February, 2010 he was unceremoniously escorted through a side door that trash is regularly carried out to a photo op with awaiting camaras.

====Book burning====

====Book burning====

In May 2009 [[bible]]s were burned at Bagram Air Base in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/20/Military-burns-Bibles-sent-to-Afghanistan/UPI-70431242828660/ Military burns Bibles sent to Afghanistan], UPI, May 20, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=32000 Is the Military Supposed to Burn Bibles?], by  Robert Maginnism, ''Human Events'', 05/26/2009.</ref>

In May 2009 [[bible]]s were burned at Bagram Air Base in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/20/Military-burns-Bibles-sent-to-Afghanistan/UPI-70431242828660/ Military burns Bibles sent to Afghanistan], [[UPI]], May 20, 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=32000 Is the Military Supposed to Burn Bibles?], by  Robert Maginnism, ''[[Human Events]]'', 05/26/2009.</ref>

===Free speech===

===Free speech===

The Cybersecurity Act of 2009 would give the administration authority to conduct warrantless spying and dictatorial power over Internet.<ref>[http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2009/04/should-obama-control-internet Should Obama Control the Internet?], ''Mother Jones'', April 2 2009.</ref>

The Cybersecurity Act of 2009 would give the administration authority to conduct warrant-less spying and dictatorial power over Internet.<ref>[http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2009/04/should-obama-control-internet Should Obama Control the Internet?], ''Mother Jones'', April 2 2009.</ref>

*Section 215 -- drastically broadens the kinds of information the government can demand under Foreign Intelligence Security Act to "any tangible thing" while lowering the burden of proof to obtain such an order. According to the ''[[Washington Post]]'' this measure "allows investigators probing terrorism to seek a suspect's records from third parties such as financial services and travel and telephone companies without notifying the suspect. The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the provision, saying it violates the First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens."  

*Section 215 -- drastically broadens the kinds of information the government can demand under Foreign Intelligence Security Act to "any tangible thing" while lowering the burden of proof to obtain such an order. According to the ''[[Washington Post]]'' this measure "allows investigators probing terrorism to seek a suspect's records from third parties such as financial services and travel and telephone companies without notifying the suspect. The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the provision, saying it violates the First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens."  

*Section 6001 -- or the "lone wolf" provision, which allows for secret FISA surveillance orders against people who have no connections to a terror group or foreign nation. "The government justified this provision by imagining a hypothetical "lone wolf," an international terrorist operating independently of any terrorist organization," explains the ACLU, "but there is little evidence to suggest this imaginary construct had any basis in reality."

*Section 6001 -- or the "lone wolf" provision, which allows for secret FISA surveillance orders against people who have no connections to a terror group or foreign nation. "The government justified this provision by imagining a hypothetical "lone wolf," an international terrorist operating independently of any terrorist organization," explains the ACLU, "but there is little evidence to suggest this imaginary construct had any basis in reality."

Rod Beckstrom, formerly in charge of coordinating the US government’s cyber-security operations, in a resignation letter to Secretary of Homeland Security [[Janet Napolitano]],<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/BeckstromResignation.pdf Letter from Rod Beckstrom to Janet Napolitano], March 9, 2009.</ref> cited the expanded control over the nation’s computer security efforts poses “threats to our democratic processes.” <ref>''[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2009/03/11/US-cybersecurity-head-quits-citing-growing-role-of-spy-agencies/UPI-64411236692969/ U.S. cybersecurity head quits, citing growing role of spy agencies]'', Shaun Waterman, UPI, March. 11, 2009.</ref>

Rod Beckstrom, formerly in charge of coordinating the US government’s cyber-security operations, in a resignation letter to Secretary of Homeland Security [[Janet Napolitano]],<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/BeckstromResignation.pdf Letter from Rod Beckstrom to Janet Napolitano], [[Wall Street Journal]], March 9, 2009.</ref> cited the expanded control over the nation’s computer security efforts poses “threats to our democratic processes.” <ref>''[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2009/03/11/US-cybersecurity-head-quits-citing-growing-role-of-spy-agencies/UPI-64411236692969/ U.S. cybersecurity head quits, citing growing role of spy agencies]'', Shaun Waterman, [[UPI]], March 11, 2009.</ref>

==Further reading==

==Further reading==