Barack Obama, unposed
Wouldn't you know it? Barack Obama, the champion flip-flopper on space, grabbed on World Space Week to issue a privately-circulated Rocket Man statement on space:
This week, we join more than 50 nations around the world in celebrating World Space Week. And this year, as we mark the 50th anniversary of NASA, our space program is at a crossroads.
As other countries are moving forward in space, my opponent's vision would cause us to fall unacceptably behind. His pledge to freeze all discretionary spending for programs other than veterans and defense would assure the loss of thousands of jobs in Florida, and seriously threaten America's leadership in space. I have a different vision. My plan to revitalize our space program will reduce the gap between the Space Shuttle's retirement and its next-generation replacement; and we'll increase funding for a robust human space exploration program and research that pushes the very boundaries of discovery.
Throughout its history, NASA has united Americans to a common purpose and inspired the world with accomplishments we are still proud of. As President, I will lead NASA down a new path for the 21st century that guarantees our preeminence in space today, tomorrow, and the day NASA celebrates its 100th anniversary."
Obama, after someone told him that space is an important issue in terms of money, corporations and voters, continues to race along in those flip-flops, hurrying to inflate his rubbber rhetoric about space and NASA. Never mind that he originally wanted to chop NASA's funds.
Given that McCain has had provided consistent, strong support for space, with actions in his career as well as words, Obama and his handlers had to figure out a way to spin up some words, fast. The words, of course, don't matter--nor do their truth. It's just the buzz that counts, doncha know?
So far, this statement hasn't appeared on Obama's official site. Instead, it's circulating via private Obama-supporters-only email and some websites like avowedly Obamite Space Politics.
So if Obama's so pro-space (suddenly), why wasn't this statement put on his website and why wasn't it made available to everyone? It's the same sort of covert communications and actions that have plenty of people worried, including Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, who's taken a stand against "the abusive use of Missouri law enforcement" in activities that carry "the stench of police state tactics."
One thing that the Obama "truthers" are skipping over in this email non-public release: McCain originally said that he would freeze federal funds if required, in response to a question from Jim Lehrer during the Sept. 26 debate. Here's a transcript, but to save you time, I'll note one key phrase the Obama news release just slid right on by: "I think we ought to seriously consider it" is what McCain actually said.
Note: at the request of an Examiner editor, who had concerns about the harshness of the comments posted in response, the video has been removed. To be fair--and to encourage dialogue without flaming--the comments pertaining to the video have also been removed.
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