Bob McCarty Writes

President-elect Barack Obama

The presidential election is over, but many still wonder what the future might hold for them in terms of a Barack Obama presidency.  Below are some post-election statements issued by leaders of nonprofit and labor groups which offer a glimpse at what that future might hold.  Each observation is followed by an observation of mine in parentheses.  To read the complete statement of any organization listed below, click on the organization’s name/link:

• “On November 4th America made clear its desire for change by choosing Barack Obama to take this nation in a new direction.” — John Gage, president, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).  (That direction, however, is decidedly pointing to the left.)

• “Over the course of this historic campaign, President-elect Obama and his surrogates argued for a ‘common ground’ on abortion rights. At the same time, he promised Planned Parenthood that his first act as President will be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).” — Dr. Charmaine Yoest, president and CEO, Americans United for Life.  (The culture of life faces a perilous near-term future.)

• “We look forward to having the opportunity to work with the Obama administration in protecting the civil rights of all Americans, projecting an accurate image of America in the Muslim world and playing a positive role in securing our nation.” — Nihad Awad, executive director, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).  (Let’s hope they don’t work together too closely.)

• “For the first time in nearly a decade, we can look to the future with a sense of hope that the enormous environmental challenges we face will begin to be addressed and that our air, land, water, and wildlife — and the overall health of our planet — will not be sacrificed to appease polluting industries and campaign contributors.” — Rodger Schlickeisen, president, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.  (Expect job losses to follow soon after the imposition of more costly regulations on businesses.)

• “To the extent that Senator Obama received a mandate, it is to put government back on the side of working Americans. A critical component of an economic recovery plan for struggling workers must be to set rational limits on immigration, enforce laws against employing illegal aliens, and resist calls for more guest workers.” — Dan Stein, president, Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). (Considering President-elect Obama’s Aunt Zeituni is an illegal immigrant, I don’t expect any substantive action in this area.)

• “President-elect Barack Obama and a more environmentally aware Congress offer the promise of leadership and fundamental change that could usher in new protections for America’s great natural heritage, and a new lease on life for species in decline.” — John Flicker, president and CEO, National Audubon Society.  (I doubt that conservatives will be offered any “new protections” or be added to the endangered species list.)

• “Obama has said that a cornerstone of any long-term economic plan must be an investment in quality public schools. His concrete education plans and other proposals to help working families inspired NEA members and their families–who comprise more than 2 million potential voters in 15 presidential battleground states. His education plan, focusing on early childhood education, professional pay for educators, and college affordability, could not have been more different than Sen. John McCain’s vision and plan.” — Dennis Van Roekel, president, National Education Association (NEA).  (A cradle-to-grave “nanny state” is one step closer.)

• “Tonight does not simply turn a page but begins a new era for America. Forty years ago we saw on the streets of Chicago, at the Democratic Convention, a country divided by race and a war. Tonight, 40 years later, we gather in the same city of past divisions as a nation united by a young leader who has traveled a once unimaginable journey, wise beyond his years, offering hope and an end to the ‘old politics,’ and, proudly, will become the first African-American President in our history.” — Andy Stern, president, Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  (Racism, discrimination and victimhood are things of the past, right?)

• “Our 1.4 million members demanded change and we marshaled our forces in unprecedented numbers for this historic election. There is no doubt that we made the difference. I congratulate Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden on their well-deserved victory, and our Teamster members who worked tirelessly on their behalf.” — Jim Hoffa, general president, Teamsters.  (Say goodbye to secret ballots in the union hall.  Say hello to widespread unionization of small businesses.)

• “Regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation – all working people have taken a giant step forward today.  Barack has renewed our faith in what is possible for those who are trying to stay in the middle class and for those who are seeking to become a part of the middle class.” — Bruce Raynor, general president, Unite Here. (Obama’s election proves anything is possible in this country, so Americans should strive to reach the “middle class?”)