2016: Obama's America 2012

As we delve into the corridors of power, a profound inquiry unfolds: can one man’s complex past recalibrate the trajectory of America’s future? In 2008, a world weary from economic strife and military conflict yearned for a leader who would unite the globe. Amidst this turbulence, Barack Obama emerged as a beacon of hope, embodying the ideals of American democracy. But what lay beneath the surface of this enigmatic figure? What were the formative experiences that shaped his worldview and informed his vision for America’s next four years?

Dinesh D’Souza, renowned author and narrator, embarks on a quest to unravel the enigma that is Barack Obama. As he traverses exotic locales across four continents, D’Souza discovers how Obama’s past has been shrouded in mystery, influencing his very identity, thought processes, and the path he intends for America to take. The journey takes us from the distant shores of colonial empires to the beacon of liberty that is America’s empire.

As we reflect on Obama’s journey, which can be traced back to Kenya’s independence, a tapestry of historical moments unfolds: clips from Election Day, his inauguration, and the reactions of news anchors as he took office. The narrator poignantly reminds us that our past shapes who we are today. For D’Souza, this introspection begins with his own childhood experiences. As a young immigrant to Dartmouth College in 1978, he found himself bewildered by classmates’ fascination with India, the land of his birth. He recounts how his life would have unfolded had he remained there.

D’Souza’s path soon led him to join The Dartmouth Review, a group of rebellious conservatives who shared his passion for the Reagan era. As a non-citizen working in Washington, D.C., he was driven by an unwavering devotion to the 40th President. This fervor earned him a job in the White House, where the question arose: could another president be found to address the lingering issues of Reagan’s legacy?

As the cinematic narrative unfolds, we find ourselves transported to a pivotal moment in history - the election of Barack Obama, an individual with an uncanny resemblance to Dinesh D’Souza in terms of shared experiences and demographic similarities. Both men hail from similar Ivy League alma maters, graduating in the same year, marrying at the same time, and boasting mixed racial heritage. The nation’s electorate opted for the relative unknown senator over two well-established politicians, a feat achieved only once before by Abraham Lincoln.

Obama’s campaign slogan “hope” resonated with the masses, as he rode the wave of change to victory. However, upon taking office, he faced a chorus of criticism and accusations from those who had initially rallied behind him. The country was reeling from an economic crisis of unprecedented proportions, with 40% of households seeing their wealth evaporate - a stark reminder of the Great Depression.

D’Souza’s observations on Obama’s actions were both fascinating and perplexing. For instance, he found it unusual for a Democrat to support Argentina, delay the Keystone Pipeline, block domestic oil drilling, while simultaneously doling out financial assistance to foreign nations, axing NASA funding, and employing force to intervene in Libya’s genocide - albeit with notable exceptions, such as Syria.

Meanwhile, Obama’s policy decisions raised eyebrows. He demonstrated reluctance to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, instead choosing to impose economic sanctions on the United States itself. His stance on Israel versus Palestine also sparked controversy. As D’Souza noted, these actions were a far cry from what one would expect from a traditional Democrat.

The enigmatic figure of Obama’s father, Barack Sr., played a significant role in shaping his life and worldview. Born in Kenya during the 1930s, he left behind two children in Africa before marrying Ann Dunham in Hawaii and eventually divorcing her to return to his homeland. This complex individual went on to sire three more sons, leaving an indelible mark on Barack’s psyche.

The influence of absentee fathers was a topic of great interest to psychologist Paul Vitz, who posited that individuals often develop strong feelings towards the things associated with their absent parent - in this case, a deep-seated desire to prove themselves. The excerpt from Obama’s memoir “Dreams From My Father” offered poignant insight into his own struggles, as he grappled with the dual legacy of his father - an image that both inspired and intimidated him.

As a young boy of six, Barack Obama, accompanied by his mother Ann and stepfather Lolo, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Jakarta, Indonesia. The cityscape of their new home was marked by the lingering shadows of revolution, as Lolo regaled Ann with tales of his own family’s loss during the Indonesian Revolution. With the Dutch departed and a new era unfolding, Lolo felt compelled to return to Indonesia, leaving behind the comfort of their life in Hawaii. As Obama recounts in his book, this period was fraught with challenges, mirroring the struggles faced by D’Souza in British India, where his own grandfather nurtured a deep-seated anti-West sentiment.

In stark contrast, Dr. Alice Dewey, an esteemed professor of anthropology in Hawaii, recalls Obama’s early years with warmth and fondness. Her familiarity with Ann Obama allowed her to share intimate details about the young boy’s upbringing, as well as Lolo’s employment with a California oil company. However, as the realities of their situation became apparent, Ann made the difficult decision to send Barack back to Hawaii to live with his grandparents, instilling in him a strong sense of responsibility by emphasizing his father’s unwavering commitment to principles.

Upon arriving on the Hawaiian islands, Obama was fortunate enough to have Frank Marshall Davis, a poet and journalist, serve as a mentor figure. Their relationship would flourish until Obama’s departure for college, with Davis’s columns often stirring controversy due to their anti-American bent. Notwithstanding these concerns, Davis played a pivotal role in shaping Obama’s worldview, earning the young boy’s enduring respect and admiration.

As D’Souza delves into the life of Barack Obama, he sets his sights on the enigmatic figure of Obama Sr., father to the 44th President. A journey to Kenya unfolds, a country that left an indelible mark on Obama’s psyche, with one-third of his book devoted to this pivotal visit. In the heart of this East African nation, D’Souza meets Granny Sarah, one of Obama Sr.’s five wives, who proclaims that her grandson is eerily reminiscent of his father. However, their excursion takes a cautious turn when Obama’s half-sister cautions against further investigation, sensing a growing sense of unease.

Undeterred, D’Souza and the Obama party relocate to Nairobi, where they pay a visit to George, Obama Sr.’s half-brother. George, an adult now, expresses a sense of detachment from his famous sibling’s actions or inactions, attributing it to their divergent paths. In his 2010 book, George postulates that colonialism is not solely responsible for Kenya’s stagnation, rather, the country’s failure to capitalize on its initial promise, allowing other nations like South Korea and Singapore to surpass them.

As the narrative shifts to Obama Sr.’s untimely demise in a car accident, D’Souza discovers that Obama himself undertook a pilgrimage to his father’s grave in Kenya. This poignant journey marks a turning point for Obama, as he reconciles with his father’s memory, releasing the pent-up pain of his childhood, marred by the absence of paternal attention and love.

In a striking revelation, D’Souza uncovers Obama Sr.’s article, proposing a state-controlled economy, where private industry is heavily regulated, and tax rates soar to 100% – provided the benefits are tangible. The irony is palpable as many countries worldwide thrive at a rate three to five times that of the US, embracing an economic philosophy seemingly antithetical to America’s failures.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama Sr.’s ideological bent is juxtaposed with his son’s presidency, raising questions about how this individual can simultaneously espouse an “anti-American” worldview and occupy the highest office in the land.

Here’s a rephrased version of the section:

According to Dr. Shelby Steele, Senior Fellow at Hoover Institution, Barack Obama’s presidential victory was largely attributed to his racial identity. Americans sought to transcend their own biases and prove that they could move beyond race by electing a black leader. It wasn’t just about Obama’s achievements; it was about America’s accomplishment in embracing its own progressiveness. As Evan Thomas, editor of Newsweek, notes, Obama realized early on that people would be eager to help him rise through the ranks, all the way to the White House.

Dr. Steele wonders how it was possible for someone with relatively unknown credentials like Obama to become President. The answer lies not in his individual accomplishments but in America’s willingness to break down barriers and make history. However, this ascension came with its own set of challenges. Obama had to keep a low profile about his close-knit circle of advisors, affectionately known as the “Obama Founding Fathers.” This group includes Frank Marshall Davis, Bill Ayers - a former domestic terrorist who tried to bomb various government institutions - and other influential mentors like Said, Roberto Unger, a Brazilian Socialist, and Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s pastor for 20 years.

Wright, who championed third-world liberation theology, often used provocative language in his sermons, famously declaring “God Damn America” instead of the more traditional “God Bless America.” When faced with pressure to keep quiet about his controversial views, Wright refused and attempted to cover up his remarks. Another notable gesture was Obama’s decision to return a bust of Winston Churchill to England, symbolizing his rejection of colonialist ideologies.

In the realm of international relations, Obama prioritized fostering pride and contributions from Muslim countries in science, as revealed by a NASA administrator. He also expressed support for Britain relinquishing control over the Falkland Islands and forgoing oil drilling in America. The issue of healthcare reform presented another challenge. In a notable moment, Obama struggled to articulate the cost of his proposed plan during a speech, only to later acknowledge that passing the legislation was necessary to uncover its true nature.

Lastly, when discussing the 1%, Obama’s references weren’t limited to the United States; he was alluding to the global population. Interestingly, this perspective is mirrored in his treatment of his brother George, who chose to live in Nairobi’s slums due to his differing views from their father.

As Joe Biden and journalists engage in a candid discussion about Dinesh D’Souza’s scathing critique of Barack Obama, the consensus is clear: Obama’s detractors believe his words are nothing short of vitriolic trash. Despite their fervor, however, they acknowledge that tangible evidence is needed to substantiate their claims against the charismatic leader. D’Souza, meanwhile, has made three prophetic predictions in his book, each of which has already been borne out by reality. The first two – that Obama would fail to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and instead allow the deficit to balloon – have proven uncannily accurate. As for the third prophecy, that Obama may slash military spending and raise taxes if re-elected, it remains to be seen whether this prediction will ultimately come to pass.

In the absence of concrete evidence, Obama’s detractors are forced to rely on innuendo and speculation. A telling moment occurs at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, where Iran’s representatives fail to appear, only for Obama to shrug off their absence with an air of indifference. It becomes increasingly apparent that Obama’s ultimate goal is a world free from nuclear weapons – a vision shared by no other nation.

In a speech delivered in Egypt, Obama espouses the virtues of mutual respect and shared ideals, yet his words come across as little more than empty platitudes, inadvertently casting America as the villain. D’Souza himself warns of an imminent threat to Western values, positing that the “United States of Islam” has emerged from the ashes of the Arab Spring, its radical adherents hell-bent on destroying all that is dear to America.

As the nation teeters on the brink of fiscal collapse, annual debts incurred by previous administrations have ballooned to a staggering $10 trillion under Obama’s watch. The consequences of this reckless spending are dire: without drastic reforms, America risks succumbing to the same fate as Greece – a notion both sobering and infuriating.

Meanwhile, a poignant glimpse into the hearts and minds of America’s youth is afforded through the innocent words of a little girl singing “Sing for Change” in tribute to Obama. The song’s title speaks volumes about the nation’s collective psyche: what exactly has changed, and will we continue to chase Obama’s vision or forge our own path come 2016? As the clock ticks down to that fateful election, one thing is clear: the future hangs precariously in the balance, awaiting the collective decision of America’s citizens.