I've read a number of columns from right-wingers threatening, cajoling and even pleading with Obama to govern from the center now that he politically kicked their a** and will soon ascend to the White House. None of those is as comical as Chuck "Walker, Texas Ranger" Norris' recent column.
First of all, Norris tells Obama that Norris works for him now, and he stands in "stark opposition to most of your politics." Not Obama's views or stances on issues. But politics. That's a big tent there, and probably a misuse of the word - views or policies would have been a better word to use. Does Norris have an editor for his syndicated column?
Then, Norris doesn't say on which specific issue he opposes Obama until much later. He wants him to "cite the Constitution" often.
It's high time that presidents quit reciting the presidential oath tritely and then abandoning its tenets when they enter the Oval Office. You should be quoting from the Constitution publicly as often as a preacher quotes the Bible to his congregation - at least weekly. If you take this oath and challenge seriously, you will limit the powers of federal government, reduce taxes (for everyone), encourage the freedom of religion and expression (even in the public square), and stand up for such things as our right to bear arms.
Never mind that Bush and Cheney pissed on the Constitution every chance they got. Norris never points that out, of course.
Norris also wants Obama to "protect American life." He doesn't point out what a lousy job Bush and Cheney did in this in getting us into a stupid, senseless war. Norris inevitably brings up abortion, saying:
Quite frankly, that is why I'm surprised that a man such as you, who professes to fight for minorities, would not recognize the clear value of a human life in a womb.
Then, Norris demands that Obama "lead more from the center." Never mind that he never told Bush and Cheney to do so. Never mind that Bush and Cheney never heeded such advice. Here is Norris:
Your track record is clear: You have one of the most liberal records in the Senate. You've had the liberty of voting and fighting for an agenda "from the left" as you've tried to persuade state and federal lawmakers to do the same. But if you continue to lead our country down a more liberal road, you will follow the peril of Bill Clinton, who stepped into office and initially tried to lift the ban on gays in the military and extend abortion rights, only to prompt the creation of a more balanced and strong Republican Congress in the 1990s. Don't underestimate the resurrecting power of the conservative voice.
Norris then accuses Obama of hiding behind congressional members and ends with this, um, threat:
I, especially, am watching. So make sure you lead more from the center.
And then Norris rides off into the sunset with his laptop in hand. If you want a further laugh, the entire column is here.