YOUR COMMENTS

It is really amazing reading the replies. The ussual bunch still sees nothing at all wrong with anything Obama does even as Obama is steping all over our freedoms and liberties. One promise after another broken. New taxes will be comming like no tomorrow and the national dept will be devistating and he can do no wrong. I won't even go into his class warfare game that even a poor person with an ounce of pride should be afraid of.

Let's see how spending our way out of dept with so called green ideas we don;t even know will work works out for all of us. When it fails we will all know who was lying and it won;t be Bush.
- Deb, Derry

This is the worst-written piece I have ever seen in the Union Leader. Although I usually disagree with the Union leader's editorials, I had nonetheless hung onto the belief that the UL was still a legitimate "newspaper." La Bree's factless rant makes me wonder if I have given the Union Leader too much credit.
- Jason, Goffstown

Don't like the truth about who really hates the Constitution do you? Well, I wouldn't have brought it up but boys and girls, here is the writings of a loon who gives not one example of what he's griping about; he's just an ideologue with no basis in fact in his flatulant screed. So why don't you great defenders of hyperbole and the Constitution that you CLAIM to love put your money where your mouths are and back up your words. You can't and you won't. I am not a fan of Obama but you people are a group of what I consider some bad Americans. Sorry.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Call to arms against our own president who was elected in by the majority of the American people?! You have got to be kidding me.

The people created this mess, quit blaming politicians. If the American people were more responsible as a whole, we wouldn't need leaders to constantly fix our problems.
- Bonnie, Manchester, NH

This is a bait article designed to rile the majority and appease the hard right sliver of loonies. This may work as a book promo for the author (who's name I have already force-forgotten) but I doubt it as there are no facts, and so I certainly wouldn't trust him to write a history of anything including Stark.

But as to who runs the White House the next 3.7, that's been decided. And, Obama supporters DO NOT NEED ANY of the hard right to win the next Congressional elections or reelect Obama, there are enough of us already to do that.

Thus we can afford to ignore the hard right loons.
- Teresia, Campton

Well, we have 1 person out there at least willing to give an actual idea..
Mike in TEXAS
#1 - I think we need some kinda of stimulas- agreed we are going too far.
#3 - I think we need to tax the short term gains ( say 30 days) higher to stop the quick profit taking that makes the rest of us afaid to invest.
The rest I agree 100% - the US needs manufacturing jobs to sustain any rebound. WE need to stop shipping our money outside the US. Stop NAFTA too.

Wally from Manch. I think we have now proved that capitalism can fail - it just did. The companies you refer to did make bad loans and they new it the whole time. They just took the fasted buck they could and ran with greed. Worry about the mess later, let someone else clean it up, they got their millions.

Any more ideas out there?
- Jim, Loudon

These "complainers" or... Republicans to put it simply, are just mad that their presidents have NEVER had a following like Obama does, a leader is only as good as the people he leads. So if you are going to sit at your computer and complain and not put an hand into helping our nation, then shut up.

It's not our fault the democrats had such great leaders as FDR and JFK... 2 months intoa Presidency is far to early to say anything. If your so smart, YOU run for President. Absolutely pathetic.
- Tony, Derry, NH

Kevin K says: "There is nothing complex about this economy." This may be a response to my comment that we do not know how the Founding Fathers would have thought about Obama's conduct. I was referring to the fact that in the Founders' day, I don't believe that there were any enormous companies that would have brought down the entire economy if they had gone under.

That having been said, I am not trying to imply that Obama is perfect or that he would never tread on the Constitution as so many elected officials do (*cough* Bush *cough*). For example, I am appalled at the House bill, which Obama appears willing to sign, that would tax 90 percent of the AIG bonuses. I can't fathom how that could possibly be constitutional.

Of course, that is precisely why we have separation-of-powers and checks-and-balances -- because the Founders knew that ever leader, no matter how wonderful, needs to be kept in check. That's one reason I always find myself scratching my head at conservative complaints regarding "activist" courts. We SHOULD have activist courts to prevent legislators and presidents from stomping on the Constitution.
- Tina, Bedford

Hats off to Clifton for stating what is obvious to any American who has the ability to think for themselves. Unfortunately a large number of so called Americans let the CNNs and NBCs of the world lead them around by the nose ring, telling them how to think and vote. These are the ignorant mentioned by Brian of Framingham. Add to this pathetic group, the hard core leftys, whos` agenda includes bringing the USA down to the standards of Europe and other third world hell holes, and we end up with the mess we have now. Only a few of the leftys will admit to this agenda, the rest just blame Bush. Mark my word, in the next Presidential election, the talking points will be " blame Bush ". Our country is in the apathy phase of great civilizations, which seems to have led to a lot of our problems. Our country became great because the majority of people were hard working, and valued their freedoms, realizing that a big, overbearing government was a threat to those freedoms. The Americans who realize this must vote this mess out of office, or we will be doomed to become Europe West, the very thing our founding fathers wanted to get away from.
- Vic, Derry

"Quiz--Who said this? 'The Constitution is just a Goddamn piece of paper'? Come on, you can do it.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me."

Tom, before you become too delirious with your latest "gotcha" about Bush, Republicans, and people who in general disagree with you, check this out:

http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/did_president_bush_call_the_constitution_a.html
- Guy Plante, Manchester

Angelo, Manchester & All who want “specifics” The Right doesn’t want Obama to fail. They want his policy to fail. If his policy is successful, America will be bankrupt, spent to oblivion, inflated, socialized, unionized, taxed into poverty; our rights and freedom will be minimized, We’ll be on a world currency and monetary standard and our Nations defense will be managed by the UN or whom ever has the money/power.

There is no historical evidence that the above won’t happen with our current and proposed legislation. Couple this with our current fiscal irresponsibility you’ve got a mirror image of Cuba, Mexico, North Korea and the like, all backed by hundreds of years of precedent. If that’s what you’re hope is and if that’s the America you want, get your pom-poms out. Me? I like my freedom and liberty. If that makes me the new un-American, so be it.
- Wally, Manchester, NH

Tom,

Bush being an idiot then, doen't preclude Obama from being one now. The "well Bush did/said ____" is becoming a tired theme. When does the statute of limitations for blaming Bush expire?
- Todd, North Hampton

Jim, Loudon. Americas plan for the first 175 years has been Capitalism, free markets, minimal Government and the Constitution of the United States. No rational person would argue that worked well for our Nation.

By design and in it’s true form, Capitalism can’t fail. Only the Lay-a-bouts flounder. Anyone can achieve greatness. At some point in our history other social and economic practices were introduced into the aforementioned limiting its effectiveness. Most recently, the Community Reinvestment Act. Why would any lending institution (“corporations running wild”) make risky loans when it’s their business to make good loans and profit from the interest? Now today, we call them “Predatory Lenders” and we demonize the wealthy. I still can’t figure out who the “wealthy” are. Is it the guy in a Volvo, the family with an AGI of $200k, or the guy in the penthouse with the limo service?

If I had my druthers, it would be Capitalism, free markets, the Constitution, term limits from Alderman to Congress, secure boarders, no lobbyists, revision of tort law, ending the Federal Reserve, institute the gold standard and mandatory applied business experience for all Senators and Congress. Building America took over two centuries, breaking it down will only take months at our current pace.
- Wally, Manchester, NH

While I agree that the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration are truly sacred documents, they were written in a time when the country was mostly agrarian, simple, hard-working folks. People who understood sacrifice, and honor. Now we are fueled by greed, and selfishness. "what can I get out of you?" and "what is in it for me?" is the credo that rules now. Let's be realistic: Everybody wants flat-screen TV's, i-phones, and big fancy cars to drive. Get out of my way or I'll just run you down! To build a church, it took a whole community taking the time to help. Now we just hire someone and complain. At least Obama is shaking things up, right or wrong. This whole country needs to wake up and take the lessons of what those great documents were written for: Peace, Freedom, Liberty, Justice, and the common good for all.
- Darren Walz, Derry

The thing that really amuses me is how the “Real Americans” are the ones who want the President to go down in flames.
They could care less what happens to the economy, the people or our great nation along the way.
Their number one objective is that Obama fails so they can prove the Limbaugh leaning Right had the correct message all along.
It’s not the country they put first, it’s their party.

When you are part of a team, each individual voices their opinion of which road to take.
Then you vote to decide.
Then you fall in line to make sure the plan works regardless of which position you took.
It’s called teamwork and it’s what made America great.
- Angelo, Manchester, NH

Jim, Loudon, I have a simple solution. I confess it will take more than 2 months, but it will work and it will cost less.
1. Cap government spending to 2007 levels for 2 years.
2. Eliminate capital gains taxes for 2 years.
3. Lower ALL tax rates by 10%.
4. Change the IRS code to prohibit a tax return to exceed the amount withheld.
5. Enforce immigration laws. America wants to work. Eliminating 10 million illegal aliens should make enough room for the rest of us.
- Mike Chinni, Houston TX

Clifton, you are so right. Everyone who cares about this country and knows anything about the constitution has been thinking exactly what you have written. Thank you for writing it. I feel very sorry for all the folks with critical comments about this article, for if they get what they say they want, they are doomed.
- Ray, Goffstown, NH

no, instead Bush sent us into another 10 year war.. cause thats so much better.What I was getting at is this, if one person can undo all that has been screwed up in the last 8 years or better in just two months,THAT would be a miracle. No one wants to hear that it just might take some time before the things being done make any sense, Nope you all want the "quick fix", and in business there is no such thing. I really don't know what planet you all are from, but from where Im sitting, it took along time to get into this mess we are in, and its gonna sure as hell take a long time to get out of it.....................
- Steph, concord

"trickdown economics"

It's a trick all right, tricking regular people into giving more to the rich.
Kevin's ruse of an economic strategy is why the proportion of national wealth held by the top 10% is the highest since 1928. You know what happened after that. This is one of the most hysterical editorials I've ever read, in both senses of the word -- it was good for a laugh. Also a warning about how rational and objective his bio of Stark must be, i.e. not.
- Brian, Manchester

I was wondering where all of the overly emotional liberals had gone.....looks like I found them posting rant after rant in this piece.
- Brian, Bradford

Mr. La Bree, are you are suggesting we go back to the good old days of General John Stark - where only white men who owned land could vote ?

I guess we know what kind of glasses you’re peering through…
- Angelo, Manchester, NH

There is nothing complex about this economy. When you have maxxed out all of your credit cards and your FICA score is down in the 400's,you don't go to PAYDAY loans and borrow more money. Right? Anyone who understands trickdown economics understands that when the people on the top make more, it trickles down to the folks on the bottom, ie job creation. If you tax the piss out of them the trickle slows down and folks get laid off. It doesn't work backwards.

Tell me once where a country has EVER bought their way out of a recession? It can't be done. He can print up all the FIAT money he wants and borrow to his socialist's hearts content, we are heading for a depression. You blind sheep can follow him off the cliff for all I care.
- Kevin K, North Berwick

Where 's the substance?

1. Obama is bad.
2. The military is good.

This editorial reads like a 4th grade letter to Santa.
- Chris, Somerville, MA

While I may not agree with every point or how some points are phased, I concur with its conclusion. Our forefathers where vastly Christians who knew the Bible and therefore world history. They clearly communicated what would lead to the downfall of our nation. Obama needs to further his education in history and economics before he makes decisions on all our behalf. Obama is taking many steps that were the national corner stones that brought down the Roman Empire and other formerly great nations.
While we are all flawed human beings, we do have the ability and responsibility when in positions of power to continually learn how be good stewards of the responsibility given us. May Obama humble himself to gain needed wisdom so as not to lead us all not into the hands of our enemies and the dismiss of this great nation. He fails to do so, he will be following the path of the AIG and other executives.
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

Wonderful article! This is a call to arms, not a list of specifics.

Obama must be stopped from implementing his Chavez Plan for America. Nothing less than the survival of the Republic depends upon it.
- Tom, Campton

Quiz--Who said this? 'The Constitution is just a Goddamn piece of paper'? Come on, you can do it.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Wow, this article uses a lot of words to say, "Obama is evil because!". There is not one specific complaint in this 'article'.
- Jeff, Manchester

What I really would like to see from each person here that says Obama has destoyed the country in 2 months and Clifton La Bree is "what is YOUR plan". Tell us all how you can fix the mess were all in in 2 months. Gov. has let wall street and large corporations run wild for years and this is where we are at. Lets have some of your tangable plans submitted - And you can't use any taxpayer $$, and you can't tell any companies what to do. La Bree sounds like just another whiner out there, complain about everyone else but personally do nothing. Another monday morning quarterback.
- Jim, Loudon

Steph - Act in haste, repent in leisure. 0bama's Congress is passing bills without reading them, and spending far more than Bush did. Obama advocates taking over private companies that do not meet his requirements. Witness Wagoner at GM. At the pace 0bama is going, only those companies that agree with him will be in business. Thank God for Ford.

0bama's environmental plans, cap and trade, energy company carbon taxes, and the like will drive manufacturing off shore even faster. Saipan's textile industry has gone from a billion dollar industry in 1999 to ZERO dollars today because of our government's changes in import rules. Will this happen to our remaining manufacturers as it becomes too expensive to produce goods in the US?
- Richard Waldron, Kensington

This editorial is pathetic. I still recall how the right accused the Democrats of treason for criticizing the Bush administration during a time of war. Apparently now they will print anything as long as it attacks President Obama. I don't know what happened to the Union Leader. They always leaned Right, but there was a time when they actually had standards. Obviously those days are long past.
- Keith Starz, Manchester

Andy from Milford- You are an example of many liberals who have no clue- Bush is not our President, for one, for two- When we give time to a marxist he will destroy all your freedoms. Wake up.
- Jennifer Klein, Barrington, NH

What an invitation to partisans this column is. I agree with Jay and Tina: That Obama is trashing our heritage is insufficiently specific--when there are hundreds of specific complaints to offer. The lefties who say "Give him a chance" will use any silence now as a reason we ought not complain later, just as they used Poppa Bush's capitulation on taxes as an excuse to call him a liar for the rest of his term. Obama and Clinton were both "constitutional lawyers" but not adherents to the Constitution, and Obama has overtly stated his dissatisfaction with its "negative rights"--the fact that it limits his ability to do good works. He appears to be busy devising effective ways to evade those limitations on his power. (Yes, Bush did too, in his own ways.)
- Spike, Brentwood NH

I hope Mr. La Bree's book has more research and substance than this woefully written editorial. I think General John Stark (who believed in personal liberty, freedom, dignity, courage, compassion, humility and other inspiring vocabulary words) would be outraged reading this editorial. Ignoring political views altogether, this editorial offers no concrete substance to establish and justify his opinion. OK, so you don’t like this President…why? Write an editorial, not a rant. Make us think! Make us question our own opinions!
Then again, perhaps this rant...um…editorial wasn’t meant for the 70+/-% of the country who’s supporting our President. Maybe it’s just to drum up anger with the 20+/-% who’d never support this President anyways. I think General John Stark would’ve had a problem with that too.
- Breyer S., Manchester, NH

What's funny Karla, is that you actually think Obama isn't a liar. Can anyone say..." I will read every bill put on my desk and veto pork bill spending"? Hmmm? As far as I'm concerned, the fact he did not even READ the "stimulas" bill before he signed it gives cause for impeachment. The same for the Congress. Beyond irresponsible and contemptable!! But you keep your blind allegiance Karla. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss. How happy you must be.
- Deirdre Taylor, Goffstown

Is there really no end to the right-wing nut-case opinions the UL will publish? The President is "a pathetic commander-in-chief"? "He's a pathological liar grossly unworthy of the office he now holds"? "He is an inept tyrant"?

Other then the obviously warped ravings of his own mind, upon what reality does La bree base such ridiculous charges?

"We are rightfully the shining city on the hill"? Not in the eyes of the rest of the world. What planet does Mr. LaBree live on?

"Americans have a right... to take back their country"? We just did that Mr. LaBree, we took back our country from the right-wing nut-cases.
- Edward, Chester NH

Spot on....and you liberal hacks on this site have no idea what Obama has in mind...but then perhaps HE HAS NO IDEA WHERE HE IS GOING...this is a socialist path he is on...no question. But then again, how would any of you know what is about to happen...in this 'gimme' society and 'take down the well to do' I am not surprised at some of the opinions I just read.
Here's a clue...the rich are who employ us...and the governement is who takes from us.....wake up!!!
- Sandra, Tampa/Florida

May I interrupt ona point of order, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you.

Does Mr. La Bree not merit the services of a competent editor? Or are there none left at the UL?
- Doug, Derry

This article reads like the wailing of a small boy who's scoop of vanilla has fallen off his cone onto the dirt, except that the boy would have truer cause to complain and be putting more thought into it.

Gotta love Melvin's suggestion to "watch Fox News." Yes Mel, that is a fine place to get all of your information, and you can wash it down with gallons of GOP goofy grape koolaid.

UL is really marching forward into the internet age - as the hard right loonie paper of record.
- Joe, Keene

This op/ed seems awfully vague. It is impossible to respond to it because it is completely unclear WHAT specifically THE AUTHOR is claiming Obama has done to violate the Constitution.

I also think it is impossible to know what the Founders of this country or General Stark would have thought about President Obama, or any other modern President. Our economy has become much more complex and interdependent than it was in the 1700s. The challenges we face are quite different.
- Tina, Bedford

What a blowhard you are Clifton. There was nothing specific in the manure flying in you article. Obama used to teach constitutional law. He's actually read and studied the constitution as opposed to the shrub who can barely read. Remember the shrub and his thugs completely trashed the constitution basically stating that it didn't apply to the president or the vice president. That the president can do whatever he wants to defend the country which included; lying to us about Iraq, condoning torture, ignoring our right to privacy by authorizing illegal wiretapping, abuse of power and treason by permitting a subordinate to disclose the identity of an undercover CIA officer just to name a few facts.
- Dallas Langevin, Loudon, NH

List of obvious signs of ruination.
!. Universal health care (socialism)
2. Excessive power and money to unions (socialism)
3. Federally owned or controlled banking institutions (socialism)
4. Supporting through an appointee criminal activity, ie: illegal aliens (criminal)
5. Breaking campaign promises such as no lobbyists in cabinet or earmarks (untrustworthy)
6. Appointing cabinet candidates under criminal investigation or tax evaders (lack of forsight/intelligence)
With all this under his belt in only two months, imagine what he will be able to accomplish in four years....
- Mike, Rochester

This article has to be a parody of hard right talking points, no? This is supposed to be a well considered opinion? Can't be, it's just emotional foolishness not a fact or organized thought in here! Obama a liar? How could you possible say that? He's just the clearest speaking and most consistent President in the last forty years.

I get it, it's supposed to be funny! Good to see the UL is turning to comedy to retain readers, smart move Joe!
- Karla Holder, Merrimack

Let's give George Bush some time... Let's rally around "our" president. Rome wasn't built in a day... Good grief Steph I highly doubt you expressed those same opinions for him. I'm sorry you dem's open this can of worms. You went crazy attacking GW and now you ask for patience with the big O-no. Sorry....
- Andy, Milford

Well, this is coming from a liberal. Socialism for the rich is over. The vast transfer of money from actual workers to the rich is nowhere in the Constitution, it is in the heads of conservatives. Wages have been flat for 20 or more years for those of us who actually work. Paper shufflers and those who conive to squeaze money by clever accounting tricks and moving assets off shore, no bid contracts, government handouts have now gone far enough to put us on the brink of disaster. Just listen to the squealing of the greedy rich. Even $750 billion is not enough to get them out of their gold plated caves and supporting the economy again. Neither burger flipping nor bond flipping nor house flipping is a long term solution.
- William, Deerfield

Wow, I don't know who Clifton Le Bree is but he sure is full of himself!
- Richard, Manchester

be serious! Who wrecked our constitution? Who spied on us? Who ruined our economy? Who allowed the theft of our national resources for their pals personal gains? Who put us in this hole for a personal, stupid war? What planet do you guys live on? And here I thought NASA took a budget hit, too! Apparently there is life on Mars!!
- fred, alton

Yes, Brian from Framington, again. hitting the nail on the head. You said exactly what myself and so many others think and well. Thank you. And, thank you, Union Leader for this article. Now what are we going to do about it??
- Mike Harris, Lee, NH

It is a very sad time for this country. We have elected officials that are trying their level best to ruin what has been built over the last 200 plus years and a good portion of this country thinks it is a good idea.
Steph- inheriting a "problem" does not mean that you are free to do what ever you want regardless of the rules. Inheriting a deficit does not mean that you can expand on it with out being held accountable. Inheriting a problem does not mean that you stick your head in the sand like Janet Napolitano. Inheriting a problem does not mean that you assemble an administration/staff that tries to defame every person by name that speaks out against it.
It does not take any length of time to see that the direction we are heading is BAD. Unless of course, you want to be France or one of the other socialist EU countries.
- Jesse, Orford

Yes Melvin I agree with what you say, and more. My point was that Clifton did not offer any specifics at all. What we got was an emotional screed that sounds over the top. Not a good way to sway the public to your cause IMO.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

I guess I live in a different part of New Boston from Mr La Bree, because the view isn't all that gloomy. I still don't know how McCain/Palin would have been any better, and the current Republican 'leadership' in Congress isn't what I would describe as 'inspiring'. Sad time in our country? Worst politician ever? Hyperbole gone wild.
- JB, NB, NH

clifton could not agree with you obama is a sorry excuse of a president and people better start to wake up and realize it before it,s too late.
- kevin dumont, nashua

Our Constitution has been under attack long before the last few Administrations.

This year....Our own State of NH Legislature refused to pass support for the 10th Amendment.

What is criminal is allowing the Federal Goverment powers not allowed in the Constitution. Fix that and all other needed fixes will follow.
- Robert, Sunapee

Obama was elected because he offered false hope and false promise to an angry, emotional and sadly uninformed and ignorant electorate. His campaign was nothing more than a modern day version of the old smoke and mirrors show. He was, and he remains, the most dishonest, deceitful and subversive politician I have ever seen in this country.
- Brian, Farmington

Jay, all you have to do for specifics is watch Fox news or read the Wall Street Journal each day. Look at the President's plans to regulate the banking industry and now Geitner, his Treasury Secretary, wants to regulate all businesses that may pose a threat to the economy. Look at the AIG bailout and the Obama Administration's role in it behind the scenes. Look at his closure of Gitmo and his release of terror suspects. Look at past history on everything in the Illinois Senate, and his lack of courage on anything in his 3 years in the US Senate.

You can finish with his health plan, plans to cut defense spending while we are at war, his welfare spending increase in this last budget, and his appointees such as Homeland Security Chief Janet Napolitano's plan to suspend enforcement of our immigration laws.

Come on Jay, do your homework. The specifics are all around for anyone looking.
- Melvin, Keene

wow, such conclusions after Obama's been in office for a mere 2 months or so..one might want to remember that he inherited the mess that is the US today, he didnnt' create it. As far as the promises he made, it remains to be seen what will be accomplished..give the man a chance and stop looking for an instant fix or some miracle.. Rome wasn't built in a day, and the US didn't get in this mess overnight, it'll take some time to get out of it.
- Steph, concord,nh

Leading up to the election of President Obama something became obvious! The
amount of promises ,that he made, would not be possible to accomplish by
five Presidents much less one.
This is a sad time in our Country.
- Calvin Colby Jr., Manchester

Want to give us some specifics Clifton in place of this ad hominine attack ? I'm a conservative/libertarian so this is not coming from a liberal. As a matter of fact your column reads like something a liberal would put out. There is a lot wrong with Obama, but your column has not pointed out in a logical or rational way just what it is we should be up in arms about. Specifics man......specifics, and less emotion.
- Jay Collins, Laconia