Peter Heck - columns - Arrogant Americans, Mr. President?

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Sunday, April 12 2009

Arrogant Americans, Mr. President?

As I was sitting in church waiting for the start of the service, my grandpa came walking towards me pointing his finger. No matter how old I get, and no matter how long he's been out of the U.S. Navy, that's still an intimidating sight. As he approached me, his voice quivered as he said, "We saved that continent twice...how dare my president apologize for this country's arrogance." My grandpa is right. Americans need not apologize to the world for their arrogance; rather, Americans should apologize to their forefathers for the arrogance of their president.

Barack Obama's first foreign trip as President of the United States has confirmed the naiveté so many of us feared during the election cycle. But worse than that, it has also demonstrated that our president suffers from either a complete misunderstanding of our heritage and history, or an utter contempt for it. Neither is excusable.

Garnering cheers from the French of all people, President Obama declared, "In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive." Consider that Obama spoke these words just 500 miles from the beaches of Normandy, where the sand is still stained with 65 year old blood of "arrogant Americans."

Indeed, columnist Mark Whittington observes, "One should remind Mr. Obama and the Europeans how America has 'shown arrogance' by saving Europe from itself innumerable times in the 20th Century. World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the wars in the Balkans were largely resolved by American blood, treasure, and leadership." But all that appears lost on the president's seemingly insatiable quest to mend fences he imagines have been tarnished by the bullish George W. Bush.

If Obama wishes to continue trampling the presidential tradition of showing class to former office holders and publicly trash Bush for his own personal gain, so be it. But all Americans should make clear that no man - even if he is the president - will tarnish the legacy of those Americans who have gone before us. Ours is not a history of arrogance. It is a history of courage, self-sacrifice, and honor.

When abusive monarchs repressed the masses, Americans resisted and overthrew them. When misguided policies led to the unjust oppression of fellow citizens, Americans rebelled and overturned them. When millions of impoverished and destitute wretches sought a new beginning, Americans threw open the door and welcomed them. When imperial dictators were on the march, Americans surrendered their lives to stop them. When communist thugs threatened world peace, Americans bled to defeat them. When an entire continent was overwhelmed with famine and hunger, Americans gave of themselves to sustain it. When terrorist madmen killed the innocent and subjugated millions, Americans led the fight to topple them.

This is the legacy that generations of Americans have left. If President Obama seeks stronger relations with the world community, perhaps he should begin by reminding them of these very truths, rather than condemning his own countrymen on foreign shores.

This "obsessive need to put down his own country," has caused blogger James Lewis to call President Obama a "stunningly ignorant man" who has evidently never spoken to a concentration camp survivor, a Cuban refugee, a boat person from Vietnam, a Soviet dissident, or a survivor of Mao's purges.

Unfortunately, I can no longer bring myself to give Mr. Obama that benefit of the doubt. Not after looking at the pain in my grandpa's eyes...a man who still carries shrapnel in his body from his service to this country.

As a student and teacher of history, I recognize that America has made mistakes...plenty of them, in fact. But one of the great things about our people has been their courage and humility in admitting and correcting those mistakes. God willing they will prove that willingness again in four years and correct the mistake that is the presidency of Barack Obama.

Posted by: Peter Heck AT 10:29 pm | Permalink | 85 Comments | Email

Comments:

Dear Mr. Heck, You may have read this story earlier, but tell your grandpa that his work and that of his buddies (including my father) will never be forgotten. The following incident happened when President Johnson sent Dean Rusk to France to calm down de Gaulle, who was insisting that all NATO troops be removed from France.

Posted by Ron Kipfer on 04/13/2009 13:20:26

*********************************************** Eleven cemeteries are in France. In 1964 French President Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO's military structure. He ordered all American military personnel out of France. American President Lyndon Johnson directed Secretary of State Dean Rusk to visit de Gaulle personally and ask de Gaulle a single question. "You tell de Gaulle that this question is from the mouth of the President of the United States of America," he told Rusk. Rusk balked when Johnson told him the question, saying, "I cannot say that to the president of France." Johnson replied, "You tell him exactly what I said."

Posted by RonKipfer on 04/13/2009 13:21:35

In Paris de Gaulle, standing behind his desk, restated his order to Rusk for American troops to be withdrawn. Rusk told him, "I am directed by President Johnson to ask you this question. It is from the mouth of the President of the United States: 'Does your order include the bodies of American soldiers in France's cemeteries?'" Rusk later related that the question hit de Gaulle so hard that he collapsed into his chair and did not respond for a full minute. I don't recall what he said to Rusk.

Posted by Ron Kipfer on 04/13/2009 13:22:11

Have so many already forgotten that Mr. Obama was the man running for President of the United States of America who refused to wear a flag pin on his lapel? Mr. Obama refused to place his hand over his heart when the pledge of allegiance was said also. There was a video on You-Tube that explicitely showed Obama for what he truly is, and he is NOT an American in spirit, values, or faith. I did not vote for this man, who refuses to verfiy his birth in this country. I wonder if 52% of American citizens really did vote for him, where are those hanging chads?

Posted by Julia Robin on 04/15/2009 00:12:37

Hi Peter! This is the first article of yours I've read. Until I saw it linked to, I'd never heard of you before, but I think I'm going to become a huge fan of yours! I love the way this article is written and I admire your honesty. I agree with every point you've made here and look forward to reading more by you. Crista Orlando, FL

Posted by Crista Wall on 04/16/2009 08:01:50

Peter, You're the Man!!! U.S. Vets need a voice to speak up for us. Our Illegal President (until he proves he is qualified to be our President) is going overseas and only talking bad about our country. Who ever heard of bowing to the Saudi King?? We are way better than them and this was so downgrading for our country. I am from a third generation of Army VETS and for as long as I can remember my family has been fighting and giving it's all this country and we will not stand for a illegal President talking bad about us.

Posted by Anthony S. Altano on 04/18/2009 10:40:19

You are 110% correct, America has made a big mistake and that was letting a illegal person into our President's office that is only degrading our country to the world. He is putting us into so much debt that our kids will be paying and their kids will be paying. For what??? So he can pay off all the crooked Politicians that got him elected when he was not qualified because he was born in Kenya.

Posted by Anthony S. Altano on 04/18/2009 10:41:31

Please be our voice and please take a stand with us..............the American Patriots not the Right-wing Extremism that Homeland Security has now called us. We love our country and we have dedicated our family members throughout our existance to protect this country. The USA is the BEST country in the world until we let a Illegal President get in charge that is only there to destroy us from the inside out since no other country can do this in battle. Wake up America!!! and Smell the coffee, A storm is brewing, be prepared my fellow Patriots!!! God Bless America and In God We Trust!!! Hoorah!!! Signed a concerned VET, Three comments in a row......

Posted by Anthony S. Altano on 04/18/2009 10:42:31

Should we be as angry with Obama (I choose not to call him presidemnt as he does not deserve that respect)as we were with that chubby little blonde girl form the Dixie Chicks when she apologized for beng from the state of Texas where President Bush was from. Damn right! I hope that the people that voted for him are happy with the results, because I see nothing but hard times ahead for all. He does not represent my views, values, or patriotism. He is nt my choice and nothing that he does, or will do surprises me.

Posted by Tim on 04/19/2009 14:29:40

Amen....

Posted by Cheryl P on 04/19/2009 23:21:31

I wholeheartedly agree with the contents of your article, EXCEPT the last sentence. Hasn't he done enough blunders in 90 days? Must we wait for Iran to nuke some of our cities? for North Korea to nuke the oil fields in Alaska or for Al Qaeda moles to blow themselves up at the height of the summer in Disneyland, Disney World or other parks, malls, concerts or other public crowded places? Why wait so long, he should be impeached now !!

Posted by Armando on 04/19/2009 23:31:20

While doing my tour of duty in Europe 1987-1989, I realized how the Europeans viewed us Americans while there (Arrogant)! I asked the same question then as I am asking now, why are we there still protecting them? Why are we protecting the world? President Obama has no clue what US (Veterans) Americans have gone through when it comes to volunteering to serve our country!? He needs to step back and read the history of the United States on how we saved Europe countless times without us asking for anything in return! We helped them (Europe) rebuild their country after WWI & WWII? President Obama, STOP bowing down (Arab King) and appologizing to other country's about who we are and what we stand for! Pull your head out of the sand!

Posted by Rudy on 04/20/2009 15:59:57

Maybe its possible that you misunderstood Mr. Obama's strategy. When you are running to be the Emperor of the World you say to each constituent what they want to hear. It doesn't matter that there is no such office to run for when that is what your strength is that is what you do.

Posted by Ralph Warren on 04/20/2009 17:48:47

I SERVED MY COUNTRY FOR 20 YRS IN THE US ARMY AND I DO NOT SEE HOW MR OBAMA CAN DO WHAT HE HAS IN THE PAST WEEKS. THIS COUNTRY SHOULD BE PROUD OF OUR MILITARY AND THE SERVICE THAT WE HAVE DONE. NOT TO HEAR MR OBAMA PUT US DOWN.

Posted by ED BOONE on 04/20/2009 19:13:02

RE: Arrogant Americans, Mr. President? PLEASE...may I reproduce your subject column in my blog, "My America" at, http://nhoop.blogtownhall.com/ It says what I've been thinking for some time now. Thank you, Nat Hooper Oxford, AR

Posted by Nat Hooper on 04/21/2009 07:54:29

Peter, Could not have said it better myself. When (if ever) will it become obvious to the millions of otherwise decent people that the MSM is in the tank for Obama, and will continue scamming for as long as long as a large enough number continue drinking the kool aid. My God, if we were ANYTHING like The One, and many Europeans claim, we could easily have conquered the world already. DUH! Is no one aware of that irrefutable fact? That we haven't attempted to do so makes those stupid cries like "blood for oil" patently ridiculous!

Posted by Ben F on 04/21/2009 10:16:30

As a 2 tour combat veteran I have many of the same sentiments - though I carry no shrapnel. I do hope "as a student and teacher of history" you can see Obama's humility in admitting and correcting his mistakes. Relatively speaking you have allowed 100 vs 2920 days in office (3% of the time)for you to arrive at your conclusions. Try to be considerate from ALL perspectives, not just from your position.

Posted by Jon Hart on 04/21/2009 11:14:19

AMEN....Peter, I intend to share your thoughts with everyone I know. As the daughter of a Man that served in the Koren War and WWII and the wife of a Man that just retired after serving 38 years in the Air National Guard 118th Medical Evacuation Unit I was stunned to hear the President of the United States speak those words. What a disgrace to our country. Does the word traitor come to mind? GOD BLESS THE USA!

Posted by Lorinda McLaughlin on 04/21/2009 12:26:04

Isn't it amazing that people who inhabit civilizations in decline consistently hearken back to days gone by and the acts of revered ancestors - as though their Fathers' goodness is proof of their own. When actually, they fail to recognize that an honorable legacy requires continuity - that goodness must be maintained and propagated; and the title of "goodness" is only granted by the generations that follow. Until then, our actions remain to be tested and proven - so Peter pull your big-boy pants on and try to contribute something positive.

Posted by Paul Deis on 04/21/2009 15:08:12

Thank you for this column. I hope it is read far and wide. An e-mail version is now going around; it seems to be accurate, except for the omission of the final paragraph, which should, of course, have been included. I will send a link to the article, itself, rather than FW the e-mail.

Posted by Vicki on 04/21/2009 18:12:48

I read your article about Obama apologizing. You see he was not raised here in the United States. He went to school in foriegn countries where he formed his ideas. He is making friends with leaders of countries with the worst human rights records. Why, because he said he wants to change the way things are. The U.S. is in a chess match with our own president as our opponent.

Posted by Ellen on 04/21/2009 18:18:47

Dear Mr. Heck, I applaud you for what you wrote in this article. I immediately wanted to send it to the President, but resisted, knowing it would not change anything. We Americans have nothing to apologize for, whether or not the war in Iraq was just or not. I just know that when our Savior, Jesus Christ returns, He will have much more to say. Very well written!

Posted by Barbara J Ferraro on 04/21/2009 18:44:40

Just received a copy of this via email. I'm afraid as a non-american I just can't understand. You say "one of the great things about our people has been their courage and humility in admitting and correcting those mistakes". Well that is exactly what the rest of the world perceives Obama as having done. And lots of people are jealous, wishing their OWN leaders would show similar plain-speak, instead of the stupid "can't let our image slip" spin-doctoring. And "we saved your ass so how dare you question us?" does sound like arrogance from the outside.

Posted by Ben on 04/22/2009 06:24:06

I would like to see such articles backed with actual transcripts of speeches, so that when confronting Liberals, line and page can be cited. We are fighting a civil war of words in which our oponents want to know the definition of "is" Our movement must be very specific and concise in our responses and claims in order to make them, at least, understand our point.

Posted by BILL NORMAN on 04/22/2009 10:57:32

WONDERFULLY written!!!! Thank you.... This needs to circulate all across the US. Something needs to be done... before it is to late.

Posted by connie briehn on 04/22/2009 13:19:28

Its becomes more and more apparent that Obama is narcisstic and wants people to like him. That seems to be his goal. He is weak and inexperienced but likes to show the power of his office by saying how he is going to solve the world"s problems.He continues to wag his tongue showing his lack of experience and knowledge. He is a vote getter and not a leader.

Posted by Bill R. on 04/22/2009 15:13:26

Arrogance is not always a bad thing!

Posted by Ray Bousman on 04/22/2009 16:03:01

Mr. Heck, A friend of mine forwarded an email to me containing this column. I feel so fortunate to have read it and to have my own feelings and thoughts put so well in writing. Please keep the good words coming. I am ashamed of our present president. He does not value the office of the President of our wonderful Country. He does not represent us properly. He disgraces the Oval Office, just as Clinton did when he defiled it. I am afraid for our country now with Obama in office. I am proud to be an American and I am proud of my Country. I can't say that our present president can say that truthfully. I had so much more to say but space prevented me from voicing it. Yours as a Proud American, Marilyn Karnes Biamont

Posted by Marilyn Karnes Biamont on 04/22/2009 17:18:11

We cannot be sure Obama is our President. The rules require that only an American citizen can be president of the United States. He is yet to prove that he meets even that basic test. His actions certainly show that he doesn't have the knowledge of our history. He does know that there are 57 states, however, only in Islam!

Posted by Barb Patton on 04/22/2009 18:27:46

Amen to this article. What a shame for our President to belittle us calling us arrogant!! Our forefathers would roll in their graves if that were possible. All the lives from here that were lost protecting Europeans and he shows dishonor to them. Terrible!!

Posted by Nellie on 04/22/2009 19:15:15

Arrogance? Americans have Conviction. It's what we used to win our freedom from England in the first place. Everyone that thinks Europe has a better form of government can just move there.

Posted by RG on 04/23/2009 12:39:45

He seems almost like a traitor and enemy, this is very confusing. Isn't he OUR commander in chief? He acts more like an apologist and appeaser.

Posted by Tony M on 04/23/2009 13:42:45

We must all work to counteract the efforts of Nobama and his fellow socialists. If the freedom loving people in this country cannot curb the tide, it may be too late to make a CHANGE in four years. We must do all in our power to stop the march to bigger government and less freedom.

Posted by Steve on 04/23/2009 15:51:15

I don't intend this as a defense of either Obama or the French, but it seems to me that your grandfather's "We saved that continent twice" comment betrays the Yank presumptuousness that Europeans find so objectionable. Sadly, Uncle Sam largely deserves his reputation abroad as a bumptious nouveau riche, who thinks that the world couldn't survive without him. http://DomanDomain.blogspot.com/

Posted by Gary L. Doman, M.A. on 04/23/2009 21:04:27

If anyone had any doubt as to the aims of the mainstream media, all they had to do was read an Associated Press article I read on the internet today. It said that a Pew Research Poll showed that 3 of 10 Americans feel Fox News is treating Obama roughly. Now I'm no rocket scientist, but wouldn't that mean that the other 7 of 10 feel Fox is doing fairly to Obama? I mean, as a journalist, that's the way I would have been obligated to report it!

Posted by William E. Buck on 04/23/2009 21:44:24

My Dad landed in Normandy, was wounded twice and helped run the Nazis out of Italy, France and back into Germany. When Uncle Sam put out the call for someone to serve the country, he volunteered to serve. If Mr. Obama is a shame of America, I am sure his African relatives would welcome him home. But I know what he really wants, he wants to be the first president of the world. God bless all of those who have served our country!

Posted by Jay L on 04/24/2009 01:43:16

As Mr. Heck said, we need to apologize to our forefathers. Dead on. Far too many have set aside our true history, to follow a pied piper. Some needs to check this man for "the mark". Could this man bare the mark of 666?

Posted by Dan on 04/25/2009 08:01:47

Dear Mr. Heck, Out of respect for copyright laws, I am requesting your permission to make a copy of your article, and mail it to President Obama. It may not get past his staff that reviews his mail befor giving it to him, but I would like to try.

Posted by Robert L. Rokes on 04/25/2009 21:03:49

A POWERFUL TRUTHFULLY EXPRESSED.

Posted by Norma Bibb on 04/26/2009 09:18:10

I feel it necessary to include the second half of the quote of President Obama from the town-hall meeting in Strasbourg (which btw is hundreds of miles, not yards, from Normandy): "But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual, but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what's bad." The article you have written is patently misleading, and takes the President's quote entirely out of context.

Posted by Greg Hollingsworth on 04/27/2009 10:04:44

If this article, and what has happened in the last couple of weeks, doesn't cause that American flame deep down inside of all of us to burn a little hotter, then it's time to hit the history books so we can remember how we became the most powerful nation on Earth. What's scary is the decision that American's are now left to make. If a world leader from another country had said the things about America that Obama said, any other president would have been furious. Now what happens when it is our own president saying it?

Posted by JBing on 04/27/2009 10:29:51

Obama is on a mission to undermine all America has created. To the naive who put him there, dont whine down the road when his truth is revealed.

Posted by J FLip on 04/27/2009 10:30:54

"Barack Obama's first foreign trip as President of the United States has confirmed the naiveté so many of us feared during the election cycle." and I suppose Sarah Pallin would have had more experience if she had to take over the presidency. Get over yesterday and start dealing with what we have done with our country today and were we will take it tomorrow.

Posted by John Payne on 04/27/2009 10:55:44

PETER HECK for President! I hope & pray America wises up to Obama. I refuse to call him my president as well.

Posted by Shelly West on 04/27/2009 11:34:16

Mr Heck, As a history teacher you should be aware of the fact, usually and conveniently overlooked, that America owes it's very existence to French blood being spilled on US soil in our Revolution. The War of 1812 had more to do with France rather than US military success. Although I agree with the overall sentiments expressed in your commentary I feel most Americans are ignorant of these facts and ARE a little arrogant towards the French. A better understanding of OUR debt to the French in the earliest years of our nations history would probably offset that a little. It is not a one sided relationship.

Posted by M. Slattery on 04/27/2009 11:52:06

Well written article. I unfortunately can not claim to be a veteran, but have honored my many uncles and great uncles for their service. I just lost my Great Uncle who marched in the Battan Death March. I have a nephew in Afghanistan, second tour after his Iraq tour. I am sickened by this presidents audacity. The "New Birth of Freedom" as his innauguration called it is both disgusting and saddening. I can't imagine that my ancestors fought so our tax dollars would fund foreign abortion clinics. I can't believe we are being asked to pay for what once was understood as "Nazi Science". Someone needs to bring this guy back to reality.

Posted by Gary on 04/27/2009 16:05:49

No offense intended but whoever said Obama speaks in Plain Speak has their marbles out of place... This guy is a master lyer and betrayer of TRUE SPEAK Only Change this guy is bringing is a constant change of his own positions..... wake up America or you will be using the Chinese currency to kill your babies in the future.

Posted by GARY on 04/27/2009 16:10:57

Why don't you arrogant Republicans ask Native Americans about arrogance? If you go further back in history, we white, European thieves stole this land from another nation of people who were here first. We should all be apologizing to the real Americans for pushing our beliefs, agenda, society on them as we murdered thousands of them in the process.

Posted by Lynn Tanner on 04/27/2009 19:34:20

Dear Mr. Heck, You don't have the intellectual honesty to include the second part of President Obama's remarks about the American arrogance where he said that Eropeans also at times shoved arrogance towards the US. If you want to be taken seriously you must be fair and objective in your reporting - cherry picking is just a cheak trick.

Posted by Mogens Holst on 04/28/2009 01:48:20

It's clear from your viewpoint that you are just one more Republican hack. What the president was talking about was not WW II, but the embarrassing arrogance that surfaced when the ill-fated Bush II became president and began expressing his incredibly insane comments and performing actions dictated by the evil Cheney and Rumsfeld. Thank God they are gone!

Posted by MJ on 04/28/2009 02:08:50

Mr Obama and his chosen henchemn in this administration, are not ignorant of America's history, nor America's sacrifice in the interest of other countries, over the years. Mr. Obama's first 100 days reminds me of a book I read "The Rice and Fall of the 3rd Reich"

Posted by Carl on 04/28/2009 11:07:04

I have lived in this country for 49 years (having come from Europe) and cannot believe what is happening here! Never thought I would see anything like this in my lifetime. I love this country. It is like a bad dream from which one hopes to wake up. I have confidence in the American people. They will wake up and do what is necessary to stop the madness.Please,,,,,

Posted by B. Soba on 04/28/2009 19:12:36

Mr. Heck....this is one of the best articles I have read recently. Thank God you are a Republican "hack" as so referenced in a previous posting. I have never seen the country so torn apart politically. The hate and arrogance of this new administration is going to tear this country apart. Keep speaking out. You are the voice for many!

Posted by CFaz on 04/29/2009 09:01:08

You should go back to church and pray for forgiveness! Face it! Bush and Cheney chaired the worst foreign non-diplomacy towards our Euro friends and allies ever. We did Not save Europe by ourselves. England helped. France gave us intelligence. The Russians manned the eastern front. We are arrogant to tell the world now we did it alone and that we don't need them. Then we are also arrogant to take credit for everything that was done by others then and say we did it alone. There were French, Canadian and English troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are not doing by ourselves. Pres Obama is correct. It's a new day and time for real truth. You should pray hard.....

Posted by Rick Dias - Proud Vietnam Vet on 04/29/2009 11:51:20

I think the attitude that these comments represents is what Mr. Obama was apologizing for. There are so many things that go on above our general level, and we think we can understand and even judge them? There are many sides to every story, don't refuse to see them all. That would be arrogant.

Posted by Another citizen on 04/29/2009 12:39:18

I am shocked by the comments of the fools who read and watched photoshopped pictures on the internet to say President Obama is a muslim and make him look as anti American. Nowhere in Europe in the 20th century were black men and women beaten and harrassed and murdered for the colour of their skin than here in the USA. I look back at the footage in the 60s where black teenagers were spat and screamed at because they wanted an education in a WHITE school district. Thank God under Bush a lot of American soldiers lives were taken for NOTHING... Mr Heck... you don't know what the HECK you are talking about. You and your followers belong to a sick cult and you all will rot in hell at Armageddon .

Posted by Brian on 04/29/2009 21:15:02

No one is perfect and no nation is perfect. Having said that, we can see that Barack Obama as the clone of Jimmy Carter does not understand which side he is suppose to be on. True Americans do not whip their own backs.

Posted by P Alfonso on 04/29/2009 22:12:55

Brian, your hyperbole re how blacks were murdered in the 20th century bears closer inspection, because it seems to me that it is characteristically myopic. Exactly how many were murdered in African and Asian countries, and could it be that there were many, many more murders there than in the USA? How do YOU know? And, in the USA, how many blacks improved their lives and the lives of their children in the USA because of the immeasurably more opportunities here than in Africa (or for that matter, than in any other country)?

Posted by Ken Strom on 04/30/2009 08:59:29

America is a much kinder place since those bootboys were kicked out. Obama has made a huge difference, not having to watch and hear these loud mouth racist, rabble rousing, alarmist, fear and war mongering pigs every day has been such a joy. The REPUBLICAN PARTY is DECADENT... ITS CLAY FEET ARE OBVIOUSLY SHAKEN... WELCOME CHINA AND MAY THEY TAKE THE STATE OF TEXAS, ALABAMA, TENNESSEE, KENTUCKY, SOUTH CAROLINA, MISSISSIPPI AND WEST VIRGINIA. I WISH MCCAIN HAD WON, THEN CHINA COULD HAVE OWN PRACTICALLY ALL OF THE SOUTH.... TRILLIONS MORE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SPENT IN IRAQ as Al Queda grow bigger in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Posted by Brian on 04/30/2009 11:51:32

Wonderful, finally people are beginning to speak up about the arrogance of Obama! As a US President it goes beyond appalling that he does not show support for the country that he represents. The fact that during pre-election campaigning he refused to wear a US Flag pin, refused to place his right hand across his chest shows his true feelings and allegiance and it is NOT FOR AMERICA OR AMERICANS! The function of the US President is not to go on a whirlwind POPULARITY QUEST but to ensure that the US continues its existance as a free country without assault from terror and tyranny!

Posted by Yvonne OMartin on 04/30/2009 13:17:41

Brian, I understand the bitterness you have because of blacks being killed and abused. Then I ask, why you would support a president who supports, greater than any other president, the senseless slaughter of blacks? Yes, Barack Obama is the most pro-abortion president ever. The leading cause of death in black people is abortion. This is the cruelest torture ever. See what one is: http://vodpod.com/watch/1402978-this-is-abortion Watch it, learn the truth, know that blacks are the biggest target for killing in this manner. Do something about it.

Posted by Cary on 04/30/2009 22:12:09

It is said that we most often hate in others what is most obvious in ourselves. i believe that is what is wrong with barack obama. HE is the arrogant one.

Posted by one more voice on 05/01/2009 12:26:36

Mr.Obama is a disgrace to our entire country. As a Vet.it is hard to understand how any true American would make the statements that Obama has. Either he doesn't know or doesn't care about what are country has stood for over the years. In either case there is no reasonable excuse.

Posted by jim smith on 05/01/2009 12:34:40

No one could have put it better.From Obama saying that plus what he did with the saudi king. Our fore fathers are turning over in their graves of whats happening in our great country right now. But Obama will find out that we cannot let this go on. Have them make fun of the tea parties but they are going to keep growning until they get the message we are feedup.

Posted by dorothy vance on 05/02/2009 13:16:21

Our New Zealand friends read your article and said, "Totally correct. Your next four years will seem like an eternity." How many years will it take to repair the damage of Obama and our govnernment leaders? I still want to see Obama's birth certificate! Government leaders do not uphold themselves to high standards of ethics, honesty, and honorable representation. What a blessing it would be for our great sate of Texas to suceed from the union, and stand for what is true, what is fair, putting our citizens, our honor, and our freedom first. Thank you again, and do write more excellent articles.

Posted by Marilyn Satterwhite on 05/03/2009 13:43:51

Americans *have* been arrogant toward Europeans, but true or not, it's good diplomacy: you butter up people you want to work with. Let me illustrate: I'm sure Heck was one of the guys villifying Obama for shaking hands with Chavez. But you know what we got when Bush was presdent? We got Chavez inviting the Russians to build a military base in Venezuela--Cuban Missile Crisis II anyone? Chavez gave Obama a book--he wants his position to be understood. Once he feels understood--even if it just nodding and smiling--he is much easier to handle. He can be persuaded to tell the Russians to pack up and go home.

Posted by Vince Czyz on 05/03/2009 14:08:14

If Grandpa could remember past WWII, he'd recall that long before America saved ANYone, FRANCE SAVED AMERICA. There would have been NO America if the French navy had not time and again engaged the British during the Revolutionary War. .All this chest-beating and flag-waving needs to be balanced--like Fox News. America has accomplished numerous amazing feats, but there are a few black marks on our record: the American Indians and slavery for examples. We're not perfect, we make mistakes. Heck seems to think we can do no wrong. He is arrogant AND ignorant--in a columnist, neither is excusable

Posted by Vince Czyz on 05/03/2009 14:10:10

As a 22 year navy veteran it is indeed a sorry state of affairs when we cannot be proud of our country because some snot nosed kid, who is our president, downgrades the the sacifises of the many Americans who never came home because they were lost fighting for the rights our president has that has never served in the military, so really doesn't have the right to condemn those who have made this county free.

Posted by Tom Williams on 05/03/2009 14:56:58

excellent read!

Posted by Bettina on 05/03/2009 18:43:22

As a retired RVN vet, I wonder if the USA has gotten so worthless as to deserve what obama will be placing on the backs of our descendants. God Bless America and may HE give our people some intellegance. We need it!!!

Posted by Boyd Sullivan on 05/04/2009 12:16:13

I strongly disagree and the presidency of Obama is not mistake it is in fact a blessing.

Posted by Matt on 05/06/2009 00:26:00

Paul Deis' posting is SO TRUE!

Posted by Paula Amari on 05/06/2009 08:33:39

Obama dares to critique American actions, therefore Obama hates America. Yada yada yada. Ever heard of hubris, Peter? No it's not a venereal disease, but if it were, the U.S. would have a raging case of it.

Posted by N. Gavelis on 05/15/2009 18:26:49

The majority of this blog is an emotional pull. I am a conservative but I will NOT go silent when my party stops thinking critically and resorts to emotional pleas and logical fallacies. If you want to be a conservative then great, but make sure it is logically and empirically accurate. The conservative party needs better than this Mr. Heck... Last, I read a lot of Christ-name dropping but I do not hear any love in what they say. I read Christ saying to forgive your brother, turn the other cheek, store up treasures in Heaven, be the LAST if you want to be the first... I want to challenge all people who name drop God/Christ to read His words and be consistent. If you want to read my full response: http://zhefuego.blogspot.com/

Posted by Zhe Fuego on 05/17/2009 17:19:51

The trashing of Bush is a tradition done to the father of our country, to FDR, Reagan and to Clinton. Bush did irreparable harm and SHOULD be indicted, to set a precedent. We're an imperial nation. Past empires have been more brutal. If other regimes had our power, they would do worse. Jesus preached, turn the other cheek. He reached out to social outcasts and threw the money changers out the temple, AND he was crucified. I'm afraid that may happen to Obama. America has a responsibility to avoid using our military power to bully and destroy, but to protect and build. I applaud Obama for showing the world America is back on track to regain the good will that Bush squandered after 9/11.

Posted by Jonathan Mann on 05/23/2009 04:01:34

We as Americans are not perfect and the country has made a lot of mistakes. If admitting you made mistakes is arrogant then most relationships would perish. Admitting that America has made mistakes in the past is not arrogant Mr. Heck it is humble and it is a way to move forward in good faith. Imagine a marriage or a business partnership where no one admits to any wrong doing. The problem I see between Conservatives and Liberals is that they get so caught up in thinking in black and white, that they fail to see reality. Reality is often somewhere in the middle. You speak of your Grandpa's service which I applaud. But, what about my godfather's 3 tours in Vietnam? Would he be arrogant by admitting America has made some mistakes?

Posted by Myclette Lavalais on 05/25/2009 21:23:23

I served my country for six years and served honorably defending the rights and principles we all are supposed to have as guaranteed by our Constitution. Has anyone thought about the fact that our country honors few of those constitutional rights and procedures anymore? We have not declared a war on anyone since WW2 as is required by the Constitution. Think about how arrogant we appear to the world when we invade countries without provocation and threaten the world at large with preemptive military actions if we feel threatened and all of this is done without the Congress declaring a war?

Posted by Miguel Chipman on 05/27/2009 12:24:51

Should we not admit we were wrong? Can you honestly and with certainty tell me that we were threatened by Sadam and his WMD's and that the thousands of lives lost there were justified and we are safer because of it? Do you think that spreading fear is a good political venue to govern by? Do you think our founding fathers envisioned their democracy evolving into this? Do you think you can actually hide these facts by attacking the new President and insinuate that he is making us less secure by his actions to bring America back into the world community? Do you understand the immense sacrifices our troops have made so you can speak freely? What kind of world is it you want? Not one that follows our Constitution I bet!

Posted by Miguel Del Mar on 05/27/2009 12:39:11

THANK YOU, Mr. Heck This is the first article that I have read from you. I look forward to following your work. You are exactly right about how our president has treated our veterans, our ideals, our previous president(s), and we citizens who remain proud of our country and its actions. Your Grandfather must be very proud of you. Keith

Posted by Keith on 06/01/2009 21:51:34

Thank you for this article. This is the first article of yours to which I have been introduced, and so, I must continue to follow. No country is perfect, and by acknowledging that we can humble ourselves, learn and grow. I find it despicable that one of our supposed leaders would defame our country in such a manner. There is too much hanky panky going on with this administration and too much undisclosed information. I am honored by all the American soldiers who defended ours and other nations and pray to God that He changes the hearts of those who think Obama is pointing our country in a good direction. God bless America and those who fight for our freedom!

Posted by Tekla A. Staley on 06/08/2009 13:43:04

Thank God I found you. I am tired of being bashed for supporting Sarah Palin. I figured out how long she has been in public office compared to the president. I am more qualified than him, how did he become president? At least she is an American. Don't blame me I voted for the American!

Posted by Nikki on 07/14/2009 01:03:28

At the present time.. conventional war fare as we have known it is outmoded... remember Mutually assured Destruction.. At one point My uncle was a russian linguist in berlin during the Cold War, Czech Republic is another example... change happens very differently and dissent must form in the hearts of the populace first.. not very conventional forms of warfare-- Guerilla actions and psy-ops....peace everlasting.. shalom---but sharpen your swords brothers.... r. out ( what is the definition of martial law?!)

Posted by bhudda boy on 08/04/2009 09:58:34

would support you for any office you would run for, God bless you.

Posted by rebeka on 10/05/2009 16:19:43

Just call him Barack Chamberlain.

Posted by Karol on 01/03/2010 00:17:19

I agree with you about what our legacy is, and share your anger at the constant lecturing we get from people who are only able to lecture us because this country gave lives for them, and because they're ignorant of their own history and ours. (In fact, how I happened on this post a year after it was published is I was searching for the famous Dean Rusk quote). But I think you misunderstand what the President was saying. And would those who deny that Obama is President please reflect on THEIR respect for our Constitution and our country? A clear majority of your fellow citizens elected him President according to the procedures we've been following for more than 200 years; respect for them (us) and our country requires you to accept that.

Posted by Proud Liberal American on 04/15/2010 10:59:49