***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and we look forward to publishing several feature articles by him in 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***

“Obama Coins: Save Your Money And Keep The Change”

By: Josh McGrath, Columnist

The “official” Barack Obama Inauguration Dollar Coin is currently on sale for the “unbelievable price” of only $9.95, plus S&H (Shipping & Handling). According to the television commercial that ranks right up there with the “Snuggie” and the “Sham-Wow,” if I purchase the coin within the next 10 minutes, I’ll get a bonus! If I call “right now,” I’ll also have the “amazing opportunity” to buy a half-dollar “bonus coin” with a picture of Barack Obama standing with John F. Kennedy in the background…for an additional $5…plus S&H, of course.

I understand that coin collectors buy these circular pieces of worthless metal for many occasions. I don’t have a problem with that. What strikes me as unusual is the “bonus coin” offered in this special TV offer.

The second coin attempts to portray Obama as the next Kennedy. While both men served the same political party, I would argue that their similarities end there. In fact, Kennedy’s ever-popular inauguration speech encouraged self-responsibility and individual independence. Neither of these ideologies have yet to be conveyed in any of Obama’s speeches or writings. Instead, Obama supports a ‘Big Brother’ mentality in regard to the government’s role in our lives.

To put it simply, just look at Obama’s proposals for the government to nationalize health care/insurance for every American. This would increase the size and role of the government in our daily lives, thus creating dependency among citizens, and therefore crippling the very ideals of capitalism.

Kennedy, in my opinion, would be strongly opposed to nationalization of health care/insurance to anyone but the elderly and the poor. Instead of promoting a nation dependent on the government, he promoted a government dependent upon the personal responsibility of its citizens. He encouraged Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you,” but rather, “ask what you can do for your country.”

To assume that Obama is the next John F. Kennedy (before he even takes the Oath of Office) is a ridiculous claim. Only time will tell if such a comparison is valid. For now, I suggest you save your money. Buy the Sham-Wow instead.

***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and we look forward to publishing several feature articles by him in 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***