The whole “Joe the Plumber” case epitomizes the looney left (which includes the Obama campaign). They attack any person or institution that sheds some much needed light on Obama’s real agenda. A plumber in Ohio, who said his name is Joe, asked Obama essentially this: If I become a small-businessman making over $250,000 a year, are you going to take more of my income and give it to other people? Part of Obama’s response was that spreading the wealth around is good for everybody. McCain, of course, jumped on Obama’s socialist comment big-time and it got a lot of play in the media.

The looney left’s response? Joe is not a plumber (because he doesn’t have a license). Joe only makes $40,000 per year so he would actually be helped by Obama (never mind all those who do make over $250,000). Joe is behind on paying his state taxes (he owes about $1200). Joe was a plant by the McCain campaign (not substantiated; if so, so what?). Joe is only his middle name (I’m not kidding; someone felt this needed to be pointed out).

They seem to be saying that Joe is unqualified to ask such a question so Obama’s unguarded response should not count. Apparently it’s okay for debate moderators to ask hypothetical questions, but not the average Joe.

Joe the Plumber is not running for president. Barack Obama is. So the spotlight should be on Obama, not on Joe the Plumber. In the context in which it was made Obama’s comment that spreading the wealth around is good for everybody clearly reveals his socialist bent. While spreading the wealth around is a desirable result of capitalism, it is not guaranteed on an individual basis; it is linked to the extent of an individual’s contribution. Capitalism provides equality of opportunity; socialism provides equality of outcome (everyone ends up poor).

Obama wants to take money from the wealthy and give it to the poor. If that sounds admirable to you, you’re a socialist.