Obama for Supreme Ruler of the Universe?
I have been very open about my disdain for Barack Obama’s candidacy and his socialist plans for the country. But I haven’t really been paying attention to the woman behind the man. For this, I apologize. I most likely would have continued to dismiss Michelle Obama as another dutiful political wife, but this is not what she is. She is a hateful, racist, arrogant entitlement junkie. And this is not what we want in the White House.
Michelle Obama is one angry lady. I’m not going to dwell on her infamous and absurd statement that the possible (yet unlikely) election of her husband to the office of President of the United States of America is the first opportunity she has ever had to be proud of her country. This is one of the most ridiculous statements ever recorded and it should be dismissed as theatrics. But this morning I finally found the time to sit through the 75 minute long UCLA speech given in February.
Take the time to watch this speech ““ it will curl your hair.
“œWe have lost our souls.” I don’t think so. I know exactly where mine is and it is complete. I’d like to meet Mrs. Obama and tell her my life story and how I came to be the woman I am and why I am a conservative. According to her, I am what is wrong in America. Funny, no matter how hard I try I just don’t see it that way.
We have a “œdeficit of empathy””¦ Empathy? For whom are we supposed to feel this empathy? As the Obamas themselves demonstrate, it is still possible to go from nothing to something in this country, no matter how difficult the obstacles placed in front of you by a selfish and self-serving society. Even a poor black boy being raised by a single white mother in the south in the 1960’s can one day run for president.
We have a “œmutual obligation””¦ Yes, we do. We are obligated to care for our family first. Then we can give back to our communities, our cities, our states and our country. It is possible, as a society, to improve the situation of others without government assistance or interference. The private non-profits are great at it.
“œDreams are everything””¦ No, action is everything. Ability is everything. And motive is critical. I have a dream too and it includes continuing to send my child to Catholic school, a vacation with my family once a year and a new roof. Mrs. Obama’s dream is to take my money and give it to welfare recipients and illegal aliens ““ (not mutually exclusive BTW). To legislate an even more level the playing field in America ““ isn’t level level? To make everyone successful and happy and proud ““ as if that were even possible. And apparently all of this will happen if we just raise taxes on the “œwealthy” middle class. Hmm, does lowering the bar so everyone can reach it really count as success?
We must “œlift the veil of impossibility””¦ this little ditty comes from a woman who got into Princeton with the help of affirmative action because according to her, her test scores were too low.
Mrs. Obama talks about change from the bottom up ““ how change cannot come from the top down. She says that without the help and support of all Americans, change will not happen. Then why is she trying to make her husband President? She’s already hedging. Even she knows all their sermons belong in church, not political rallies. You cannot legislate benevolence and social responsibility. Why can’t Liberals (& Democrats) understand this?
“œChange the country” and “œchange the world””¦ Uh, hello? Is Barack running for Supreme Ruler of the Universe?
Seriously, where did these two come from? What America have they been living in? Maybe if they had left Chicago once in awhile they would have had the opportunity to see social change and social justice in action. They could have seen all that is good about America. As I’ve said before, can 26 million illegal aliens be wrong?
In the Obama world, it is unjust that you must pay back your college loans. Health care is a civil right, afforded by the Constitution. Every child is entitled to a government funded “œsuperior” education. We are entitled to a leader who will represent the lowliest among us. Our souls are broken and we have lost our way. But Barack, a man raised with values, is the answer. A constitutional lawyer who has spent his professional career working for civil rights is the guy for us.
Well, I’m not a black kid living in a slum owned by Tony Rezko in Chicago. I suppose that’s why I don’t get it. Most people in America are not underprivileged black kids. And while I’m sure most people will agree that there is still work to be done to raise the standard of living for those kids, the government has a proven track record of failing at this job.
Barack should join the private sector. He needs to go to work for a church or a non-profit. We would all be better served if he used his oratorical talents to inspire social change where it is possible ““ in society, not the White House. And he should keep his angry wife away from the microphones. Or not ““ she hurts his chances every time she opens her mouth.
[GOPMOM recommends viewing mins 44-45, wrench]
GOPMOM
Barack Obama election 2008 fix our souls michelle obamaBarack Obama election 2008 fix our souls michelle obamaPopularity: 47% [?]
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You’re pathetic. Especially because you define yourself as a MOM. Just a what? Ha ha. LOL. I am also a mother, but I don’t define myself as just that, in a nutshell. You also seem like a fascist pig, ooops, too big of a word the F—one?
Have you ever done anything interesting in your life besides getting married and having kids…? Motherhood is something most women manage to do alongside other more intellectual or creative pursuits that make them better-qualified to comment on current events than you. Like Michelle Obama, for example. Who would have the stupidity to judge someone that they have never even met? I bet you LOVE Cindy McCain, though, huh? Try to copy her style, too?
GOPMOM, go bake some cookies and iron your husbands underpants. The Girl Scout Troop is having a Jamboree session at your house today and you need to help them rehearse the campfire songs. We Democrat women are happy, too. Very. Especially when we match track records and value systems with someone like you. A suburban goddess with the SUV and recipe cards for 675 different types of dip. And we still have time left over to care about other people´s happiness as well. What a farse. Nice thing to teach your children.
It’s not ok for me to judge someone I haven’t met? Yet somehow you are qualified to judge me – typical Liberal.
If you had read a bit more you would have learned that I have done many interesting things in my life, I do not define myself as only a mother (although I consider motherhood the most important thing I will ever do) and I’m not a supporter of the Girl Scouts.
Why, if you are so very happy, are you so very angry? Are you stressed out over the pressure of trying to “have it all” – be a mother, maybe a wife (although I can’t imagine who would put up with you), an interesting woman, an environmentalist, a political activist and world changer. Wow, that’s one busy schedule.
Maybe if you laid off the hookah pipe, you’d see more clearly the social and political reality in these United States.
I think you are too biased to really understand the impact of her words. You are nit picking pieces of a speech without looking at it as a whole. So because you did that to an hour long of speech, I will do the same to your less then a page, um, commentary, if you will.
1) Without dreams, there can be no action. Without a dream, what can you strive towards to achieve? Hmm?
2) NEWSFLAH: Believe it or not, a lot of people in this country aren’t proud of it. I know I’m not. I know my best friend who happens to be an ‘illegal alien’ isn’t. She does happen to pay her taxes, works double shifts and has gone to school here from kindergarten to college. Sorry…I’ve gone off on a tangent. Any who, America is in shambles right now.
3)Barack has spent some time out of Chicago, he was actually born in Hawaii and went to school at Harvard (so did Michelle). And I’m quite sure while on the road for his democratic nom. he’s spent some time in other states as well.
4) Change the country — change the world. I mean, honestly. Were you grasping at straws for something to dislike about them? Do you really need an 18 year old to explain the meaning of that phrase?
5) Your thoughts on mutual obligations are interesting. Now technically I am a ‘black kid’ living in a ’slum’. My community doesn’t have the money to assist me in furthering my life and my career. I got into a great school but with little means to pay for it. Oh yeah! There are loans which I will probably be paying off for the rest of my life, but that’s it. However quaint your ideas are, they aren’t realistic.
6)Obama is our only hope. Our economy, (excuse me teenage terminology) sucks. The war is pointless. And I’m sorry, but McCain is old. I’m also not sure if I want a president who ran around on his ex wife as president. (Or, who was deemed by an old friend as deceitful). It’s time for a change.
You’re a moron. However, you are young. There is still hope for you.
Lol! (Um, ‘laugh at loud’ in case you’re wondering ‘what is this kid speak?’)
Yet, the ‘moron’ was able to keep name calling out of the picture? Honestly, is that all you have to say to me? Offer me insight on your ‘mutual obligations’! Something instead of calling me a moron. Please! You call yourself a blogger? Perez Hilton could beat you in a name calling match.
And yes! There is hope for me because I’m young! (I KNEW as soon as I said my age you would try and throw it in my face. Too predictable) Because I am open to ideas and different beliefs! Because I want to learn. I am willing to accept change! I am willing to read your eh, insightful blog! But for you, I am afraid there is no hope. You are stuck under a rock, and I’m afraid you won’t be (or anyone will want to help you) out anytime soon.
I would think that since I am so young and naive, that you would at least offer me something to change my mind; at least give me reason to come over to the dark side, but no. I get a measly three sentences.
^^ What she said.
And I think it’s funny that gopmom’s thesis statement for this article declared Michelle Obama a racist. Throughtout the article gop made refrences to the race of the Obamas and other Americans…as if it had to do with anything.
Healthcare SHOULD be a civil right. Look at Canada, they don’t really have an armed forced but they do have free healthcare….hmmm…what a novel idea!
And don’t even get me started on immigration… I swear.
It must be nice to have money. I am 23, work two jobs AND go to college. So yeah, I don’t have any money and I never will, especially since gas is $4 a gallon. I tell you what I do have though… student loans. I wish my dreams consisted of a new house and a yearly vacation…seems like a pretty simple life. Instead, I focus on trying to help my fellow man even if it means sacrafice on my behalf. gop, I wonder, have you ever gone hungry before? Have your lights ever been shut off for a period of time? Or have your children fallen to illness and not received medical attention? I doubt it…you know, one kid might be able to make it out of the “slums” but what about the other 30 million?
How quick and judgemental of you to call Marie a moron! Tell me, IS it because she’s black? Because that’s the same view/problem you obviously share about the Obamas. I think instead of stating that Michelle Obama should bite her tongue…you should bite your own!
And btw, Obama was born in Hawaii and raised there (as well as Indonesia) before he attended Harvard and settling in Chicago. I would hardly call Hawaii “the south” so to speak.
Also, the youth vote has been on a continual rise for the past two pesidential election. I doubt there will be any chnnge in those statistics this fall. We’re living in a new world, but have no fear, the indigo children are here and we are excercising our right to vote!
Young is in, old is out. So all you old fogey republicans can hurry up and DIE already!
[Responding to Marie]
No, you got my whole argument. I pointed out your age because no matter what your life experiences, nothing helps focus your view and opinion of the state of the world like time.
I stand by my continued belief that what Obama is promising is pipe dreams, not policy. This is not the stuff of government. Trust me, you don’t want the government to start supplying you with such necessities as education, health care, ‘life’ insurance, as it were. You’re much better off struggling a bit to provide these things for yourself.
If your generation wants change, get it the old fashioned way. Work hard, make money and make it happen. This is a capitalist nation and money talks. And this does not have to mean it corrupts. I will continue to support legislators that believe Americans make better decisions than the government about how to spend money. As a matter of fact, Conservatives make better decisions, including giving away more every year than Liberals – and that is a fact nationwide, in both rich and poor states.
I am surprised that someone so enlightened would fall for such a pie in the sky campaign of rhetoric. Do you really believe that Obama will save your bankrupt soul? Even if you do, there are too many of us out here who don’t require that service – because we already live lives chock full of giving back and serving.
The reason I choose not to debate you is because you are young and I truly believe it is the right of every good future Conservative to dabble in Liberalism while they are young – when it doesn’t really matter. Once you’ve spent some time in their camp, you see more clearly the fallacy of Liberal belief. It worked for me.
OMG, Superbek. Like, you so remind me of myself in 1991. It’s like a blast from the past. Call me in twenty and we’ll compare notes.
If you keep working hard, like I did, your dreams when you are my age (just shy of 40, BTW) will resemble mine too – a new roof, not a new house! And you’ll have a sense of humor about how meager those dreams really are.
Of course I’d like to change the world, feed everyone, educate all children – at least those who get to live- and cure all those who are ill. But first, I feel the need to ensure my little piece of paradise (all 1/4 acre of it) is safe and secure – which is what I do everyday through community service (not court ordered), volunteer work and charitable giving.
Something you have yet to learn is that what you achieve in life is so much sweeter when you earn it yourself. And it’s yours. It cannot be taken away when funding is cut or the political wind blows another way.
I’m shocked by the sense of entitlement in your generation – the difference just since I grew up is monumental. You have been done an incredible disservice if you believe that all these ‘perks’ Obama is offering are free. We all pay. And you will, too. But you better pray we don’t all die too soon because we’re the ones funding today’s benefits.
Marie said she was “technically” black. I think that means she’s not “really” black.
And Canada doesn’t need a military akin to ours, they have ours.
Again, thanks for the memories. A good chuckle is always a good way to start the day. Now get to school.
gopMOM
superbek,
GOPMOM pointed out your mistake when you assumed ‘Free’ health care has no cost. The ‘Free’ part is simple (but apparently effective) political ’sleight of hand’.
I grew up in a country that has ‘Free’ healthcare, I am a British Subject. I do hope all readers of this thread can understand that one of consequences of ‘Free’ healthcare is that everyone pays higher taxes. One of the less obvious consequences, is that once free market competition has been removed, quality of service falls dramatically. Well, this is obvious to anyone why has a basic understanding of economics. This aspect of the ‘Free’ scheme is just not publicized as much.
It is the goal of many living in Great Britain to obtain private health care insurance. Yep – you heard correctly, paying for two health insurances, one through taxes and one paid directly. This makes it more expensive than the private health care in the US. The main reason people are willing to pay twice is the staggering difference in level of service offered by private insurance when compared to the state run scheme.
Please read and study the following:
The Times – Waiting list crisis as NHS cuts costs
Statistics gathered by the Department of Health
Ironically, the NHS quality improved under conservative rule and now the socialists are in power, the NHS is failing (again!)
The other point I wanted to add concerns the Canadian military. GOPMOM mentioned that Canada does not need a military, they have the US’s. This is true, but one should also remember that Canada is an important and prominent member of the ‘Commonwealth of Nations’. Membership implies military support from all the member nations.
GOPMOM? That’s all I really wanted. An explanation — some new insight instead of being talked down to. If you want to swing the younger vote in your direction — you’re going to have to do a lot more then just call us inexperienced morons.
Oh — and I can promise you, I am definitley black. I say technically, because I think that’s the only word that you will understand.
I don’t want the government to just pay off all of my student fees. I expect to have loans after I graduate; and I’ve already worked to get a couple of scholarships. But 32,400 + is a lot of money that racks up over the four-six years that I will be studying. I can pretty much garuntee that when you were younger, it was a lot cheaper to go to school. Of course, the standard of living was lower – but still. Every year this number increases, or, is ’subject to change’ as they like to say. Obama is for allotting 1.5 mill. to HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) to help them keep going. Any money that the government gives to these school would be a tremendous help. It could help combat the ever rising fees, and maybe my school would be more generous with their scholarships.
And please don’t think that I don’t know what hard work will get me. My father was diagnosed with polio at a young age, yet he still opened up his own business as an accountant.
And thank you superbek; but instead of her being ‘racist’ towards people of color, she has a prejudice towards those of a younger age.
Hey Marie, why does the government need to supply any additional funding to HBCU’s? Don’ t they qualify for existing aid? And what about all the extremely wealthy black athletes and entertainers? Why don’t they give back in equal proportion to their white counterparts? It is an economic fact that they don’t. I just don’t understand why. Historically, like ethnic groups have contributed to their ethnic communities for the good of all. Why is this not true of the ultra-successful blacks in America? To me this is a no-brainer.
Please enlighten me, if possible.
I think the comments critiquing Michelle’s statements are spot on. I also would like to comment on the “fascist pig” comment from Kris. I don’t understand how people can ascribe the word fascist to people that support small government. It totally perplexes me. Fascism is total government control. It sounds like GOPMOM, who send her kids to private school and supports private community run organizations is definitely for scaling back control from the federal government (I mean how much does the federal government really know about my individual needs and how to best address them) to the communities in which people actually encounter their neighbors situation, have a direct conviction to help them, and are fully informed to make a responsible decision on what’s best for them. Language is an ever-morphing tool that is always vulnerable to corruption and the perversion of such words as racism and fascism are perfect examples of that reality. So to set the record straight. Racism is the qualifying of a person specifically and exclusively based on race and fascism is total government control.
GOPMOM: I was a single mother who managed to get a master degree while raising my children (working full time). Can you believe it- with no help from the government. Its amazing to see what you can do with determination and no government help- finally bought my own house (only took 30 years- but did it on my own) Can you believe I am also a liberal who believes the government is not the answer to everything. My son worked his way thru college and is paying his college loans. Its not the government’s responsibilty to pay for college but it should make loans affordable. I’ve never taken a handout and I don’t to want to spend my hard earned money on hand outs. OMG I’m begining to think I’m not a liberal anymore–Just an independent thinker–just say no deal.
Eileen, It sounds like you’re a Conservative to me. If you put the “moral authority” & party politics aside and just look at political theory, that is. And there’s no shame in admitting it. If the left ever figures out that not all Conservatives are rich, complacent, content Republicans they just might be able to launch a viable strategy of their own. Instead we’re still stuck with defense campaigns – if the right wants it, we must be against it. Could this be why Obama is struggling? He’s trying to sell policies that average Americans don’t buy. No, we can’t just abandon Iraq, we don’t want open borders and unlimited benefits for whoever shows up and we don’t want the government employing our doctors.
I spent most of my childhood in a single parent home and my mom’s greatest achievement was keeping us in Catholic school. We cut corners all over the place just to ensure we could stay in a great school. Congratulations to you for the audacity to do the not so impossible.
GOPMOM (BTW, are you indeed a mother? How many kids do you have? How old are they? Just curious.):
“Comment by gopmom on 9 June 2008:
You’re a moron. However, you are young. There is still hope for you.”
You should not talk to anyone like that, because not only did you present yourself as rude, you’ve also given ammo to the Dems, who desperately need to beat Republicans during debates. You shouldn’t be fuelling stereotypes of Republicans made up by Dems.
Moreover, Marie did disagree with you, but that wasn’t a justification for insulting her. And, if you were to comply with the rules of your own webpage (”if you choose to use profanity and highly offensive derogatory language, you should get your own blog. Comments that do not follow these rules will not be displayed.”), then your comment would have never been posted.
Regards,
Jorge Bush
Finally, someone who knows the truth. Excellent blog post, GOPMom! Obama and his wife are socialist and, however blasting this sounds, could be the next Nazi Hitler if elected. (Did you know Hitler was loved by the people until the day of his inauguration?) While Obama was yelling in Germany that the world should be ready for change (I agree, a president changing the world? Weird!) McCain was giving to charity and preparing to select his VP.
Speaking of charity –
Obama made 4 million last year and gave $200,000 to charity. Whoo hoo, a lot of money! Check your math – 200,000/4,000,000 is 1/20. NOT much. Joe Biden, his lame pick for VP, gave $250 of $200000 yearly income last year to charity. Okay, Dems, I have to agree, you’re just so generous. On the other hand, McCain made $400,000 last year and gave $220,000 to charity. Stingy fat rich Republicans? Maybe I didn’t hear that right.
To “JORGE BUSH” – Maybe YOU were too ashamed to use your real name? And do try to be sincere. You signed “Regards, Jorge Bush” when we all know you meant the opposite.
Believe it or not, I’m a teenager…just about to finish high school. So there ARE some young people who know the truth. Too many these days, the majority actually, are uninformed and care less about liberty.
Well said, Julie. I always enjoy reading the statistics of how much time and money Republicans give back versus Dems. In every state, Reps always donate more. (And ironically, Massachusetts – lots of Dems and $$$ – one of the lowest charity donations per capita.) Apparently Democrats don’t want to take the chance of eliminating all the bureaucracy jobs – where else would they work, after all? We can’t possibly expect them to compete in the real world – so we gave them the bureaucracy (and all those social service departments) and they blow it and we gave them the public education system and they sink it. Now they want our health care system! And look how successful Obama’s “community organizer” activities were. He couldn’t cut it so he chose law and government instead – or rather he used it as a stepping stone.
This election again represents an opportunity for Americans to tell Washington we don’t want another tax and spend guy in the White House. Let us keep our money and we will get the necessary work done in our own backyards. I certainly don’t need an arrogant talking head to tell me I should be doing more for my fellow American.
Julie – I think you might have forgotten that his wife is worth over $100 million…
Uh, ATG, I think you may have forgotten that Cindy McCain files her tax returns separately, so as a private citizen, we don’t know how much she gives away. And while her wealth probably does account for his generosity, the fact remains Republicans across the board give more than Democrats.
What we do know about Cindy McCain is that she travels the world promoting charitable causes. An admirable vocation for a wealthy person – dedicating a life to public service with no fanfare or publicity. Yeah, she’s a selfish monster.
I’d appreciate it if you could point out where exactly I called Cindy McCain a selfish monster…
My point was simply that I wouldn’t be too overwhelmed with John McCain’s giving, considering how little of an issue money is to somebody whose spouse’s net worth is nine figures.
I was not referring to a specific statement of yours. Come on, after all of these exchanges, you should have picked up on my use of sarcasm as I was simply matching the tone of your comment.
But, the socialistic nature of today’s Liberal movement seems to believe that Cindy McCain should be giving away all her wealth, that somehow she and everyone like her is unworthy – an absurd premise. Obama’s “share the wealth” mentality and class warfare tactics are ridiculous and false. If the wealthy (and by wealthy, I do mean multi-millionaires because 1 million is not rich in many parts of our nation anymore) and the responsible of the nation are robbed of their assets and income through outrageous tax rates to support the non-self sufficient, we will see a real crisis. Personal wealth is what keeps us humming, even in down times. If the other 97% of the country wasn’t paying their mortgage right now, it would be a disaster. Since most of us have managed to keep it together through planning and preparedness and responsibility, we are not in another Great Depression – not even a recession. I’m no economist, but I believe they call it an adjustment. Yes, it sounds a bit cold to the people who are facing difficulties but please find me examples of people who did everything right and still got burned.
I believe that if Obama wins it won’t be because of “Change” and “Hope”, it will be because he successfully sold the message of a hand-out to those unwilling to take responsibility, face a challenge, make a “change” of their own and work their own way out of their own troubles. But they will have a rude awakening when they discover that the money does run out – especially when “95%” of the population gets a tax cut.
Anyway, back to the McCains – it is admirable that John McCain gave away that amount of money. Cindy McCain’s life work is admirable. Obama and his wife could have given more considering they expect all of us to do so and they complain about such stupid expenses as ballet lessons (in trying to appear more average) while living in a million dollar home and making millions. That is why this is all absurd.
I’d say giving away 5 percent of your income is pretty admirable, especially since 35-40 percent of it is already gone in taxes, but I guess that’s my opinion. And I objected to the Cindy McCain bit because it wasn’t even related to what I was saying – nowhere in that post was my intention to imply anything negative about Cindy McCain, simply to point out that John’s generosity was being exaggerated given his wife’s situation.
I don’t think I’m going to get too deeply into the idea of redistribution and handouts because I could write a book on the topic (not that I need to – John Rawls has done a decent job for me). All I will say is that the railing of the right against handouts and redistribution is pretty disingenuous from a political standpoint. I think that if you offered voters a world without welfare, social security, medicare, or medicaid (which is the world you are talking about when you don’t think the government should be redistributing), they would boot you out of office pretty quick.
“Obama and his wife could have given more considering they expect all of us to do so and they complain about such stupid expenses as ballet lessons (in trying to appear more average) while living in a million dollar home and making millions. That is why this is all absurd.”
Honestly, are repubs still trying to paint Obama as rich? Obama came from poverty(ie he couldn’t waltz through life on daddy’s money, a foreign concept to lots of republicans) and has a net worth of around $800,000 vs. 36,000,000 for McShame. Note that Obama has one house, not eight. The only “average” thing about McCain is his intelligence, illustrated by his class rank of 894/899, and quite frankly, that’s one thing I would not want to average in my president. Call me insane, but I’d rather have a president that is intelligent and can do his job than one I can drink beer with.
Barack Obama is rich based on his own definition. And growing up in middle class Hawaii isn’t exactly poverty. Is it possible he’s exaggerated a bit? Turns out exaggeration is his hallmark – his school career, his resume, his dubious connections. Just goes to show, people will believe what they want to believe.
Put everything about these two men aside and just look to life experience and challenges faced – I’ll take John McCain over Barack Obama every time.
I haven’t heard anything about his school career, so I don’t know what you’re referring to there. I don’t think he does exaggerate his resume (certainly nothing compared to I’m prepared to deal with Russia because I can see Russia from my home state), and I think he has been pretty straightforward about his connections, for anybody who bothers to watch him get asked and respond to those questions.
Sure John McCain has been through a number of challenges. I’m sure they were more physically and psychologically challenging than anything Barack Obama has been through. Those challenges, however, do not qualify the man for the presidency – I have seen little evidence of a thoughtful person, and whatever principles he may espouse about a cleaner, better political system have been washed away by the demands of a national campaign. Obama himself has faced significant challenges in growing up not as a part of the wealthiest class of Americans (sure he’s rich now, but that is as of the last 4 years – from the time he was growing up to the time he entered the Senate, he had none of the advantages of privilege) to a single mother as an African American. The fact that he has faced those challenges down to become the first black editor of the Harvard Law Review, a United States Senator, a viable candidate for the presidency, and one of the most inspiring and thoughtful politicians I’ve ever encountered I think says a lot about him as well.
It’s pointless and small-minded to belittle his life story – from the standpoint of any objective observer, it is an impressive one. The same should be said of John McCain. The point is, those life stories have produced two very different people. Put aside life experiences just to look at visions for the country, positions on major issues, academic backgrounds, reliance on thinking through ideas rather than fitting them into scary sounding soundbites, and I’ll take Barack Obama over John McCain every time.
Yes, he is “rich” by the standards for a normal American, but comparing him to the “average” American is just a BIT unfair for a presidential candidate don’t you think? http://fortune535.sunlightprojects.org/
You’ll see that he is well in the middle pack for lawmakers in Illinois, whereas McCain is up 30 million from the next guy in Arizona. Also, provide some facts please about his “exaggeration.” Fact: He grew up being considered black with a single white mother and they lived off food stamps at times. As for his school career, he went to Columbia, then Harvard and became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. As for his “dubious connections” I don’t know what you’re referring to, but McCain’s record on that front is FAR from clean, so you won’t win that argument. As for life experiences, the judgment that comes from those experiences is far more important – and although I would have surely voted for McCain for a senator if I were from AZ his last election, as his rhetoric and ads now show, the “Straight Talk Express” has no credibility to be spoken of anymore. The once honorable, and dare I say maverick John McCain has caved into the far right by engaging in the slime politics he said he would avoid(Obama only responded to McCain’s ads in kind) and picking Sarah Palin, the biggest joke of a veep candidate in our history. Its truly disheartening that Americans haven’t immediately rejected the ticket including her as an utter embarrassment to the world… oh well I guess we can wait until November for that.
booooh!!!
someone talks social politics, you people go scared.
scary monsters,socialism..hitler!what a laugh.
do you actually know the guy?
free medical care to poor folks!!
how do they dare!
it exist in europe. the free health care.
we don’t have guns at home.
no hold ups at school.
no forbidden books(god!!)
or TV 4 hours at day.
our kids are not supposed to have a diabets
(one on three born after year 2000 in USA)
nether die in a war for oil control.
ouch.
nothing is for free.
health care,oil,war.
you decide how to spend the money you pay as taxes.
chose well..
forgot Sarah Palin.
it left us speechless.
it might be the sport culture difference.
she is some Dark Age beginning.
poor Darwin.
ignorance is the mother of terror..they say.
There’s a saying: “It takes about 20 years for a liberal to become a conservative without changing a single idea.” I just think it’s ironic that you told Superbek to call you 20. Spooky.
Ian, There’s another saying that I hear often – “Let ‘em go Liberal in college, before it really counts.”
And that’s how it’s always been in my family, or at least it was for me. I spent maybe 6 months on the ‘other side’. And most of my friends from that era did the same – the ones who are now successful, responsible adults, making it on their own. It is very enlightening to spend some time with those who feel the government is the ultimate security blanket. I’m not saying all college Liberals become Conservatives (some people will always need that kind of back-up) and I’ll give you that conservatism today is a bit watered down by the time it makes it to public office, but to say we’re the only ones that have changed is false. Just as no one would mistake W for Teddy Roosevelt, no one would confuse Obama for JFK – well, except for the MSM, they tried to shove that one down out throats earlier this year but thankfully they abandoned it.
My point is and always has been – 20 years of real life experience has the power to profoundly change one’s political opinions. In my personal experience, left to right is far more common.
define conservatism.
i did read most of your comments on that site.
gopmom.
funny.. something is amiss.
your use of language, rhetoric…convictions?
they do not go well together.
a sumptuous joke.
like someone trying hard,
a way to clever
for the job..
If your personal experience was correct, then by now we’d have many more Republicans than Democrats – based on current demographics. Also, Democrats, especially liberal democrats, would agree that they change -that’s why they’ve been labeled “progressives.” Conservative Republicans on the other hand consider themselves “traditionalists,” which insinuates that they don’t change (as much).
Now I don’t necessarily agree with the quote, I just found it ironic that you used 20 years as the time it takes one to change from left to right.
As I said, I was a Liberal for 6 months. It took less than a minute for me to change my mind.
This is what you said:
“OMG, Superbek. Like, you so remind me of myself in 1991. It’s like a blast from the past. Call me in twenty and we’ll compare notes.”
and then…
“My point is and always has been – 20 years of real life experience has the power to profoundly change one’s political opinions.”
I’m not trying to argue with you. What you said reminded me of that quote – I just found it an odd coincidence. If you want to change 20 years to 6 months and one minute, that’s your right. Either way, it’s kind of a pointless to argue it.
Ian, you either need a sense of humor transplant or a job. (And this is sarcasm again -try not to be offended.)
I’ve written previously of my personal “flip-flop”. I was suggesting to the commenter that it might take awhile but (s)he should be open to the possibility that things might just change. I’m suggesting that it takes some longer than others – I guess I’m gifted. (***Sarcasm Alert***)
Gifted indeed, perhaps even special (**Sarcasm Alert**). What part of I don’t necessarily agree with the quote don’t you understand? Your statement reminded me of the quote and I found it ironic PERIOD – end of story! That’s all. How the heck do I know how long it takes for people to change political views? Why do I care? I don’t.
GOPMOM you are being too nice to these morons. And, yes they are morons. They cannot be explained any other way. This country was founded on the basis of hard work. Our forefathers initially created a socialistic state where all land and property belonged to everyone and everyone was supposed to work for the good of all. Guess what? IT DIDN”T WORK! People were then given their “piece” of the land, if they didn’t work it, they didn’t eat. Worked out pretty well until now when liberals like all of you blogging here decided that everyone must suffer so others can benefit. If you cannot see how ridiculous your views are then no amount of arguing will work anyway. Once a moron, always a moron sadly.
“If, after listening to this, you are not convinced that Obama is a lying, unrepentant, reparations-seeking, communist-theory-believing, (surprisingly) under-educated, racist entitlement junkie, who is still desperately trying to hide his thieving nature behind the cloak of “do good politics”, you are a F***ING IDIOT…” from 40 Acres… GOPMOM
barb – I took the gloves off. And they’re staying off. It would appear that 24% of the population wants the USA to fade into oblivion. I’ll be working determinedly to see that does not happen. And welcome.
GOPMOM you rock! You are dead on with your analysis. I, for one, cannot understand the anger and hatred spewing from the liberal side! They have been spewing this garbage on Bush and Cheney for 8 years now, and they are still not over it! Such hate! Obama will not and cannot fix that! They are good with the name calling though aren’t they. Hey, ask these hot heads to describe what an America they could be proud of would look like? They can’t answer you!
Nothing constructive from these people, just tear down and criticize. If they put that energy into something positive, THEY could change the world.
I like how you contradict your own views by pointing out how shitty a job Bush and Cheney did by saying “They have been spewing this garbage on Bush and Cheney for 8 years now, and they are still not over it! Such hate! Obama will not and cannot fix that”. By “that” I assume you are talking about the two wars Bush has fucked his way into and our economy which he has turned into something that would look better tightly coiled in a toilet. By the way, if you want an example of an America that my “hot headed” liberal mind will not criticize, here is a wish-list:
1. Universal Health Care
2. Regulated Trade on Wall Street (no not literally you fuckhead)
3. No occupation of Iraq
4. No need of foreign oil
5. Regulation of total carbon emissions
6. No torture
7. Taxes raised for people with extremely high levels of income
8. Exclude people who are uninformed from voting
9. Marriage for all
10.Legalize marijuana and TAX THE SHIT OUT OF IT
Um, I’d like to respond to your comment more fully but this article is old, as are the comments and school starts tomorrow and I don’t have time to read through all of it – especially since the statement you quote is not mine.
But, we share some common ground.
3. No occupation of Iraq
4. No need of foreign oil
6. No torture
8. Exclude people who are uninformed from voting
10.Legalize marijuana and TAX THE SHIT OUT OF IT
As to #10, I would also propose we have heavy penalties for people who operate vehicles of any kind while under the influence, we institute mandatory and random drug testing for all HC and safety personnel (police, fire, nurses, doctors, teachers, military, etc) and remove insurance mandates for and public funding of addiction treatment. And dealing should still be illegal.
I appreciate your ideas even if I don’t agree with them and I certainly don’t see the reality behind some of your reasoning. And I fundamentally disagree with your overall obvious position the gov is the answer to every issue. I don’t understand your contradiction that gov is the problem yet gov is the answer.
GOP MOM,
This is probably the one and only time that you will ever hear this from me. I actually agree with you on your last response. I do not think I have ever agreed with a single bit of garbage that you have spewed forth. I will give you kudos for the last one. God, I’m scared!!!
Scary indeed!
The reality is, most likely, that we are much closer in our views than you would think. I want everyone to be free to pursue whatever makes them prosperous and happy (within reason), with as little government interference as possible. The above reflects that.
Maybe try not to be a cliched talking point for MSNBC and we could find more common ground.
I think if most people put up 10 points that they feel strongly about, they will find several points agreeable to almost anyone. Debate is best had when first talking on points of agreement, then shaking out the disagreement.
So philosophical this AM. I guess you haven’t read the Morning Briefing on RedState.
I think the key here is that the general populace has been abandoned by their national party leadership – GOP and Dem – and it is time to take it all back. I think the Presidential approval polls indicate that the Dems have gone too far and they have lost their base – just as the GOP did by moving Left of center. No one lives on the Left – for long.