The Sunday Commentator: Article on Politics: The Company You Keep

From day one I was skeptical of Obama. It's only natural given he kind of came out of nowhere. To be sure, there were moments where he intrigued me and I posted about it. While he has the courage to discuss certain touchy issues, sometimes I wonder of if he is a case of plus ca change...

Consider this article in the conservative National Review by Andrew C. McCarthy.

Hmm. Wonder if Michael Moore will make a movie about this. Much has been made about the Bush's family attachment to the House of Saud. But what about the relationship Obama has with the characters mentioned in the article? Well, we know Moore is not about the truth so let's forget that notion. It would be a tad unfair to give Obama a pass but not others on this particular issue.

Sometimes you are not the company you keep. Personally, I grew up with people who ended up in organized crime. I played sports with them. Hung out and shared an espresso with them. Joked around and debated.

I always knew there was a fine line between socializing with them and becoming a part of their world. My father was always sure to remind my brother and me. It was our own private "A Bronx Tale."

I kept this in mind when I was reading the article. That Obama has flirted and befriended people of questionable character and accepted a philosophical outlook that is rather divisive and regressive is his personal choice. The truth is that as it is described, these are not just misguided people. But citizens of low moral fiber. Individuals that Dante would have no trouble finding room for in The Inferno.

As it turned out, I wasn't running for office and always knew where to draw the line. Many times I had intimate conversations with the people I know about why they chose their route in life. I learned early that in life people choose their paths and that I can either agree with it or not. I came to understand it but never accepted it. I never judged but I didn't attempt to justify it either. We all have choices. We instinctively know the difference between right and wrong.

It's hard to believe that Obama, who by all account seems like an inherently decent person (the eyes say a lot) can't tell the difference. It does look like he and his wife crossed a line I was never prepared to do.

He should face this with truth and honesty. Not with the shrugging of shoulders. He made his bed. Now we will find out if he is willing to sleep in it.

Note: Just wanted to drop another perspective on this. After discussing this with a sports radio host from Boston, who shall remain nameless, he made the point that, "Dissent is built in to the foundation of the union."

And in the interest of balanced perspective read this at Urban Legends... of all places.