The Obama administration’s attempts to divert attention by manufacturing controversy over who was in charge of the Republican Party and to defend proclaiming the 2009 spending bill “last year’s business,” did not work.  The Democratic House passed the $410 billion spending bill with 20 Democrats voting against.  However, the Democratic Senate was not able to deliver the votes needed to pass the bill. 

These attempts at diversion and defense remind me of tactics used in the movie Star Wars. 

The Death Star, believed by the federation to be invincible, is moving into position to destroy the planet housing the rebel base.  Several rebel fighter squadrons are sent to destroy the Death Star before it can destroy the planet.  The ventilation shaft, which they have determined will set off a chain reaction if hit, is located in a canyon, which is guarded by armed towers and federation tri-fighters.  The rebel Gold Squadron leader, flying an X-wing, attempts a run at the target, reminding team members to “stay on target.”  While he is able to stay on target, the federation fighters come from behind and destroy the Gold Squadron.  

The target is the ventilation shaft.  The diversions and defense are armed towers and federation fighters.  The target was acquired and held, but the rebel fighters were taken out by the diversions and defense.

Rebel pilot Luke Skywalker takes a high-speed run at the target, which he declares to be “just like Beggar’s Canyon back home.”  As his ship becomes a target for Darth Vader and his wingmen, Hans Solo and the Millennium Falcon come from behind and provide Luke the cover he needs to take the shot that destroys the Death Star just as it comes into range and powers up to destroy the planet. (Sorry to those of you who haven’t seen the movie).

The lessons from this scene: nothing is invincible; stay on target while ignoring diversions; teamwork can outmaneuver defense.

How does this apply to President Obama? In his case, the diversion is the attempt to manufacture controversy over who is in control of the Republican Party.  What better way to deflect focus from Obama signing the 2009 spending bill, passed by the Democrat- controlled Congress and which (according to Taxpayers for Common Sense) includes $7.7 billion of earmarks, than by pointing at the other team and yelling – “Who is in charge?” 

Obama campaigned against earmarks, yet publicly pledged to sign the spending bill.  So what the administration needs is diversion, diversion, diversion.  The idea is “Let’s focus the media somewhere else, because if they look this way they might notice.” Continued...