Some Perspective on the Labels “Socialist” and “Radical Leftist”

Obama is frequently accused by the likes of Newt Gingrich, along with the sitting Republican leadership and their congressional voting block, and of course all of the FOX political commentators (Glenn Beck, Karl Rove, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and the rest) of being a “Socialist,” “Leftist,” or worse.  A little research into prior REPUBLICAN administrations is instructive to understand how warped that accusation is, especially coming from these Republicans.

For Example, here’s a little history of accomplishments and challenges of The Nixon Administration–

Nixon accelerated the Viet Nam war, bringing many thousands more U.S. casualties, then presided over a peace agreement that was doomed to fail

Opened “Red China” (our sworn enemy) at the expense of our ally, Nationalist China (aka Taiwan), which observers credit with creating the impetus for the Soviet Union to engage in “Détente” with the U.S.

Signed the Salt I and ABM Treaties with the Soviets (our arch military and philosophical enemy)

Implemented wage and price controls to try to curb inflation in 1971 and in 1973 (temporary, generally ineffective, and the most intrusive Federal intervention in the private economy since WW II)

Signed into law sweeping environmental reforms, including
the Clean Air Act, creation of the EPA, creation of OSHA and
establishment of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (all adding “burdensome costs” on, and mandating Federal intervention in, private businesses)

Implemented the first significant federal affirmative action
program, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, and endorsed
the Equal Rights Amendment

Signed Social Security Amendments Act of 1972, which created
the Supplemental Security Income Program, a Federal Welfare
Program still in existence today

During term, direct payments for citizen benefits increased
from 6.3 to 8.9% of GDP. Food aid and public assistance rose,
Defense spending decreased

Took the U.S. dollar entirely off the gold standard

Moved adroitly to desegregate Southern public schools, viewed
by many as the greatest school de-segregator in American history

Approved the development of the Space Shuttle Program,and
approved a 5-year coop program between NASA and U.S.S.R.

Dramatically increased spending on Federal employee salaries
even while the stock market severely declined in ’73 – ’74

Called for comprehensive health insurance, seeking to mandate
employers to purchase health insurance for their employees
as well as a federal health plan that any American could join
by paying on a sliding scale based on income.

Vice President Agnew resigned amid charges of bribery, tax evasion, etc.

Yom Kippur war response led to Arab Oil Embargo

Nixon ran as the Centrist Republican against the “Left wing” anti-war candidacy of George McGovern.  Incidentally, Nixon was a Quaker, a religion that holds pacifism as a core doctrine (not a confidence-inspiring background for the Commander-in-Chief; but Nixon did serve in the Military during WWII even though he could have gotten a deferment based on being a Quaker).  Being a Quaker was apparently not viewed negatively by the populace (interesting when viewing today’s religion-driven controversies).

…And the Right Wing today has the balls to call Obama a “Socialist” and/or “Radical Leftist”!

Is it not interesting that Nixon is remembered for one thing: Watergate?

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