Obama and Oprah - The Big O's

There are those that believe Oprah is obligated to host other presidential candidates since Barack Obama was on her program. Granted, his appearance was prior to the announcement of his presidential bid, but make no mistake about it, it was a calculated move. You don't wake up one day and say, "Hey, I think I'll run for president of the United States." Years of planning go into it. The Oprah show fulfilled its purpose. It jumpstarted Obama's presidential campaign. As a fan, I viewed Oprah as a smart, wealthy, generous, media savvy woman. Merely sharing a stage with Oprah elevated Obama in many eyes.

Oprah has done many great things but that doesn't mean her endorsement of anything or anyone is without flaw. Let's not forget the Million Pieces fiasco where Oprah endorsed an autobiography that turned out to be pure fabrication. Based upon the book, Oprah heralded the writer as a great American who had triumphed over tremendous odds. When the writer was unveiled as a fraud Oprah initially refused to sway from her endorsement. It was only when the writer confessed that Oprah finally admitted her misjudgment.

How did one of the most powerful, influential people of our time make such a mistake? How could a woman who commands so many people be fooled by one? She had the same resources that were available to those that unmasked the writer's sham. With the truth glaringly evident she severely admonished him and apologized but the damage was done. Millions bought the book because Oprah authenticated it. If she's wrong about Obama, the price for America can be catastrophic.

To say I'm not thrilled with President Bush is like saying September 11 was merely a difficult day. I knew we needed change long before it became the democratic mantra. On the surface Obama appears to be the man. He's wildly popular, speaks eloquently and gives voice to the cry of change that echoes from American hearts.

Then I began to listen: really listen. Sometimes you hear the most from things that aren't said. Barack Obama totes big ideas with no clear path to reaching them. When he does have a plan more often than not it isn't feasible. Keep in mind what a president says he'll do and what he's actually capable of are two very different things.

A great deal of Obama's popularity stems from the powerful woman backing him. As such, Oprah must be scrutinized as well. Everyone knows Oprah is a billionaire that donates to charities. Do you know what those charities are? The Angel Network, Oprah's self-created charity, is the greatest beneficiary of her wealth. In addition to disaster relief there's a great deal in this country that would benefit from Oprah's wealth; education, health reform, alternative fuel sources, special needs children and a slew of other issues. Rather than invest in the country that has made her a billionaire, she opts go outside the U.S. She invested millions into an African girl's school, steeped in scandal, rather than help the underprivileged or special needs in this country.

China also has benefited. Oprah has given money, books and school supplies to the Chinese despite the fact that students in this country are sharing textbooks because of a lack of funding. During the Olympics many protested China's handling of Tibet yet none are lining the streets to protest China's benefits from America's adoration of Oprah. In addition, Oprah is a self-confessed animal lover yet gives her money to a country that, if given the opportunity, would eat her pet. She's spoken freely about growing up poor but doesn't appear to hear the poor Chinese claiming eviction from their home for the cosmetics of the Olympics.

Bill and Melinda Gates appeared on the Oprah show to discuss the educational crisis in this country. Less than a year later her African school opened. That event was widely politicized but not the fact that money from Oprah's book club helps fund education in Russia and China. In essence, America is investing hard earned cash into a woman who lives lavishly and supports the education of other countries rather than our own.

We all know politicians are indebted to those that aid their election. We also know that Obama's camp aligns McCain with Bush because of party affiliation. Based on that theory alone, we can rest assured that Obama's desires match Oprah's. So, a vote for Obama is a vote for the inhumanity in China, the mutilation of animals and the educating of Russian children on how to reignite the Cold War.

Obama has become popular based more on Oprah's status than his own. Take a look around, now is not the time to do the popular thing. Stop supporting those that don't support us. We must weigh every issue because it is indeed the weight of the world on our shoulders. Don't vote Democrat or Republican; vote America. We've never needed it more.