A large percentage of voters polled in May believed Barack Obama was honest, trustworthy, and shared their values. Polls have shown his presumed integrity to be a strong impetus to those who would vote for him. His talk of hope and change appears to support his having integrity--such as his desire and ability to unify Americans, end partisan squabbles, and clean up corruption in politics (“I’ll fix Washington.”) in order to reinstate government for the people. From reading our local Obama supporter’s letters to the editor, they truly believe like Bob McClellan that “political dishonesty, cover-ups, greed, fear and misuses of power endemic to our political system” and “to bring civility, honesty, integrity and a sense of fairness” are the “very reason Barack Obama is running for president…He has the will, the wisdom, and the leadership ability to change these baseline destructive attitudes…Character counts.” They believe Obama when he says together we can “change the world” and “save the planet.” It is a curious spectacle that Obama fans believe he has the desire and capacity to do these things simply on the basis of his saying he does, rather than investigating whether or not he has a record of actions correlating with his rhetoric.

      There have been many passionate political reformers over the years that have had great ideas and done much good, yet the corruption goes on. So why do fans think Mr. Obama would clean up Washington? Because he says he would? Not only is there no evidence that he used his Illinois political influence to fight corruption, there is abundant evidence that he himself cooperated with and preserved the crooked Chicago Democratic political machine by endorsing corrupt politicians, allying himself with the most corrupt of them, and looking the other way rather than taking a stand. Nor did Mr. Obama push for reform for the short time he was in Washington. Obama’s record of cooperation with corruption is well summarized in David Freddoso’s book, “The Case Against Barack Obama, The Unlikely Rise and Unexamined Agenda of the Media’s Favorite Candidate.” Freddoso wrote the book in response to the lie being told that Barack Obama is a reformer, a force for desired change and unity.

      What would it take to bring unity, end partisan squabbles, and work together for the common good? Appearing to espouse these lofty goals, Obama is touted as a high-minded, conciliatory fellow who can see both sides. Only narrow-minded, caustic and divisive individuals would oppose such unity, right? Having the most liberal voting record in the Senate, what vision of unity is Mr. Obama talking about? As president, he would certainly not be able to conduct two opposite policies at the same time. Translated into reality-speak, he is saying, we have fought tooth and nail, using whatever underhanded tactics available to promote our “liberal” agenda. Now that we have won—with abortion on demand, a mainstream media biased for our views, a liberal majority on the US Supreme Court, acceptance of big government, secured the homosexual agenda, and the US Constitution is treated as fluid-- let’s stop fighting now. Let’s be friends. The truth is, contrary to Obamaisms, division based on principle is a noble thing that stands between us and despotism.

      Honesty is a necessary base for one’s moral integrity, and Mr. Obama’s dishonesty is revealed to anyone willing to listen. They are greatly deceived, those who choose Obama based on his seeming integrity, willingness to fight corruption and save the world. They need only seek truth about him from the many available sources. Those who support him because they are dyed in the wool Democrats would benefit from becoming familiar with the Democratic Party Platform to see if they are still in agreement with this party that has changed so radically over the decades. Those supporting Obama because they agree with his liberal political, social and economic agendas, yet recognize his lack of integrity, probably believe the end justifies the means. I know of no remedy for this morally and intellectually bankrupt utilitarianism (end justifies means) other than studying history for the hideous results of this philosophy.

      Obama fans, I challenge you to read, probe, investigate his record, have an open mind and think for yourselves, rather than being swayed by emotion and party loyalty and bedazzled by lies.

Annie Bukacek MD