In the evening, I like to sit on my porch and ponder. It's a good exercise for the mind. Tonight I thought of the phrase "The soft tyranny of low expectations." I don't remember where I heard, but as I thought about it, it occurred to me that this phrase accurately describes the Obama administration.
Think about it. He ran in 2008 on the slogan "Yes, We Can!" But he has governed with the attitude, "No, You Can't."
No, you can't obtain quality health care, let the government give it to you.
No, you can't find a job, let the government support you.
No, you can't make more money, let the government assist you.
No, you can't run a profitable auto industry, let the government run it for you.
No, you can't determine for yourself what you should eat or drink, let the government decide for you.
No, you can't keep your airplanes safe, let the government screen for you.
No, you can't keep yourself free, let the government make decisions for you.
No, you can't make decisions concerning your safety, let the government arrest and detain those the government thinks may harm you.
The list can go on.
Is there one policy, just one, where the President has said, "Yes, you can make your own decision in this area without government assistance?"
Think of one? No, you can't.
That is the soft tyranny of low expectations.