THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Cairo, Egypt)
________________________________________________________________________
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON A NEW BEGINNING
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt
June 4, 2009
1:10 P.M. (Local)
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am honored
to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For
over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a
century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement. And together, you
represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I’m grateful for your hospitality,
and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I’m also proud to carry with me the
goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in
my country: Assalaamu alaykum. (Applause.)
We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the
world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The
relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and
cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by
colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in
which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their
own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization
led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of
Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these
extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view
Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human
rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who
sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that
can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and
discord must end.
I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims
around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon
the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition.
Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress;
tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there’s been a lot of
publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I
answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to
this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each
other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed
doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other;
to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be
conscious of God and speak always the truth.” (Applause.) That is what I will try to do
today — to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my
belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces
that drive us apart.
Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I’m a Christian, but my
father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I
spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and
at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many
found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam — at places
like Al-Azhar — that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the
way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim
communities — (applause) — it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the
order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and
printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic
culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished
music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout
history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious
tolerance and racial equality. (Applause.)
I also know that Islam has always been a part of America’s story. The first nation to
recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second
President, John Adams, wrote, “The United States has in itself no character of enmity
against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims.” And since our founding, American
Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have
served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses,
they have taught at our universities, they’ve excelled in our sports arenas, they’ve won
Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first
Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our
Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas
Jefferson — kept in his personal library. (Applause.)
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first
revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and
Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my
responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of
Islam wherever they appear. (Applause.)
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. (Applause.) Just
as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a selfinterested
empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that
the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were
founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled
for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world.
We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a
simple concept: E pluribus unum — “Out of many, one.”
Now, much has been made of the fact that an African American with the name Barack
Hussein Obama could be elected President. (Applause.) But my personal story is not so
unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in
America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores — and that includes nearly
7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and
educational levels that are higher than the American average. (Applause.)
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one’s religion.
That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union, and over 1,200 mosques within
our borders. That’s why the United States government has gone to court to protect the
right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it.
(Applause.)
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds
within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share
common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with
dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share.
This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words
alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly
in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our
failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one
country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are
at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all
nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are
endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that
is a stain on our collective conscience. (Applause.) That is what it means to share this
world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human
beings.
And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a
record of nations and tribes — and, yes, religions — subjugating one another in pursuit of
their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our
interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over
another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners
to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared.
(Applause.)
Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the
opposite: We must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as
clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally
confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not — and never will be — at war with Islam.
(Applause.) We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave
threat to our security — because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject:
the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to
protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals, and our need to work
together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with
broad international support. We did not go by choice; we went because of necessity. I’m
aware that there’s still some who would question or even justify the events of 9/11. But
let us be clear: Al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were
innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done
nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people,
claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive
scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These
are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Now, make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no
military — we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young
men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would
gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were
not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many
Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
And that’s why we’re partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs
involved, America’s commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate
these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of
different faiths — but more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are
irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam.
The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as — it is as if he has killed all
mankind. (Applause.) And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if
he has saved all mankind. (Applause.) The enduring faith of over a billion people is so
much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in
combating violent extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace.
Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. That’s why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the
next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and
businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who’ve been displaced. That’s why we
are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver
services that people depend on.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that
provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that
the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also
believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build
international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause.) Indeed,
we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: “I hope that our wisdom will
grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.”
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future — and to
leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people — (applause) — I have
made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory
or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own. And that’s why I ordered the removal of our
combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq’s
democratically elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July,
and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012. (Applause.) We will help Iraq train
its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq
as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never
alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The
fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act
contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change
course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I
have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause.)
So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law.
And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened.
The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the
sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between
Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based
upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish
homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in
Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald,
which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and
gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed — more than the entire
Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant, and it is
hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction — or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews —
is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of
memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people — Muslims and
Christians — have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they’ve
endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza,
and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to
lead. They endure the daily humiliations — large and small — that come with occupation.
So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And
America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity,
opportunity, and a state of their own. (Applause.)
For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations,
each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It’s easy to point fingers —
for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel’s founding, and for
Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its
borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other,
then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides
to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and
security. (Applause.)
That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest.
And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and
dedication that the task requires. (Applause.) The obligations — the obligations that the
parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for
them — and all of us — to live up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong
and it does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the
whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full
and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center
of America’s founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to
South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It’s a story with a simple truth: that
violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at
sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That’s not how moral authority is
claimed; that’s how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian
Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its
people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to
recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to
unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past
agreements, recognize Israel’s right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be
denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of
continued Israeli settlements. (Applause.) This construction violates previous
agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to
stop. (Applause.)
And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work
and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing
humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security; neither does the continuing
lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people
must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable
such progress.
And finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an
important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict
should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems.
Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the
institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel’s legitimacy, and to choose
progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public
what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. (Applause.) We cannot
impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away.
Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act
on what everyone knows to be true.
Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a
responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see
their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the
place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home
for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to
mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra — (applause) — as in the story of Isra,
when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause.)
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of
nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic
Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my
country, and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold
War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian
government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostagetaking
and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather
than remain trapped in the past, I’ve made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my
country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but
rather what future it wants to build.
I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with
courage, rectitude, and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two
countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of
mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons,
we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It’s about
preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the
world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No
single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that’s
why I strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to seek a world in which no nations
hold nuclear weapons. (Applause.) And any nation — including Iran — should have the
right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the
nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it
must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I’m hopeful that all countries in the region
can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause.)
I know — I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent
years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear:
No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the
people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions
of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as
we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an
unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind
and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal
administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the
people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are
human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause.)
Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear:
Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure.
Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of
all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree
with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they
govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only
when they’re out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of
others. (Applause.) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by
the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your
power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and
participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your
people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without
these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. (Applause.) The fifth issue that we must address
together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and
Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout
Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we
need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based
upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for
religion to thrive, but it’s being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there’s a disturbing tendency to measure one’s own faith by the
rejection of somebody else’s faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld —
whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause.) And if we are
being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions
between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always
examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on
charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation.
That’s why I’m committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can
fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from
practicing religion as they see fit — for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim
woman should wear. We can’t disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence
of liberalism.
In fact, faith should bring us together. And that’s why we’re forging service projects in
America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That’s why we welcome
efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in
the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith
service, so bridges between peoples lead to action — whether it is combating malaria in
Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
The sixth issue — the sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights. (Applause.) I
know –- I know — and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about
this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her
hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is
denied equality. (Applause.) And it is no coincidence that countries where women are
well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now, let me be clear: Issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for
Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we’ve seen Muslim-majority
countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues
in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.
(Applause.) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity — men
and women — to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the
same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live
their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United
States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for
girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps
people live their dreams. (Applause.)
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and
television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and
mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also
huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations — including America — this
change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic
choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities — those things we most cherish
about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions
between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their
economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the
astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In
ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of
innovation and education.
And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what
comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work.
Many Gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are
beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that
education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century — (applause) — and in
too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I’m
emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America in the past has
focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader
engagement.
On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one
that brought my father to America. (Applause.) At the same time, we will encourage
more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim
students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children
around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can
communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner
with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on
Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders,
foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities
around the world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological
development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace
so they can create more jobs. We’ll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the
Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on
programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean
water, grow new crops. Today I’m announcing a new global effort with the Organization
of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with
Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens
and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim
communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility
to join together on behalf of the world that we seek — a world where extremists no longer
threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and
Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for
peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all
God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But
we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many — Muslim and non-Muslim — who question whether we can forge
this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the
way of progress. Some suggest that it isn’t worth the effort — that we are fated to
disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real
change can occur. There’s so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the
years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I
want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country — you, more
than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we
spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an
effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for
our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It’s easier to start wars than to end them. It’s easier to blame others than to look inward.
It’s easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we
should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There’s one rule that lies at the heart
of every religion — that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
(Applause.) This truth transcends nations and peoples — a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t
black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in
the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It’s
a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a
new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us: “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we
have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”
The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”
The Holy Bible tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of
God.” (Applause.)
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now
that must be our work here on Earth.
Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
(Applause.)
Joe Duck 
I respect Obama’s courage, and his oratory skills to some degree–the quotes from Adams and Jefferson work (though not sure Jefferson was supportive of ANY theocracy– muslim, xtian, or judaic)–though BO-Speak tends to be a bit pompous at times. That said, buena suerte.
President’s speech is historic. He is the first American president to acknowledge Islam and muslim contribution to the world and show respect for muslim world.
I believe in President Obama to bring peace and prosperity to fragmented and disillusioned people of the world.
Allah will bless him and his family for bring peace and stop the extremism in the world. This speech is a blow to all Islamic extremist around the world, lay down your weapons, stop killing the innocents to make your point no one wants to listen to you any longer. Change your path to peace and learning. Islamic extremists promotes proxy treatment by the world. Listen to the president and follow him in peace.
Not everyone is so enamored with the 2009 Bash America Tour by Obama. Obama is weak and thus the United States is now perceived as weak and it will cost us all dearly.
Don’t worry I am sure he will invite ALL important Muslims to a Gay Pride party on the 4th of July at one of our embassy’s and all will be well.
Even the extremists who worship Obama weren’t so thrilled…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-daou/let-women-wear-the-hijab_b_211226.html
when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home
for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to
mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra — (applause) — as in the story of Isra,
when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause.)
The children of Abraham–yes, Chairman Barack–you have correctly pointed out the culprits!
I agree that Obama may have been a bit too accommodating in his speech, yet he’s at least engaging the muslim world, unlike the Bush cowboys. It’s easy to be cynical–perhaps he has weakened the US in some sense, in terms of RealPolitik. At the same time, without some pragmatic negotiations the mideast could erupt into a hell that would be like seriously un-cool. That said, I think BO should downplay the religion and emphasize the need for secularism, and toleration. Mo’ Jefferson–less Prophet, Jeezuss, or Moses.
Fareed Zakaria of Newsweek and CNN has some excellent analysis of the Speech:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/05/zakaria.obamaspeech/index.html
Here is a preview of his next speech:
http://www.dotpenn.com/index.php/World/Obama-Apologizes-For-Building-World-Trade-Center-In-Flight-Path-of-Muslim-Pilots.html
Are we reading the same speech? America bashing?
“Just
as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a selfinterested
empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that
the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were
founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled
for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world.
We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a
simple concept: E pluribus unum — “Out of many, one.””
Perhaps glenn is asserting that the mere suggestion that Muslim-Americans exist is bashing America, at which point we can call a spade, a spade and a racist, a racist.
(8) How do you jump into calling someone a spade or a racist? I read through this thread again and don’t see where that comes from.
he’s at least engaging the muslim world, unlike the Bush cowboys
I think this is a great point and the power of this engagement is not to be underestimated. There are few
examples in history of managing empires with force alone, and those that did for a time (e.g. Alexander) fell hard and brought many problems to their unlucky subjects.
Even with all our massive power, anybody who understands military strategy knows you *must* include major diplomatic efforts to produce even a measure of success in the regional theaters and always need major diplomatic initiatives to get a measure of global harmony.
Obama is both sincere and setting the stage for moderates to line up with the good guys (that would be US) if the sh** does hits the fan.
10 – Joe so you prefer Syria, Palestine, Iran, etc as opposed to the UK, Israel, Germany and now France?
8 – All Obama has done since he has been in office is try to appease the people that utterly hate us, hate our way of life, hate our beliefs and most certainly hate the liberal agenda in this country. Only a person with an ego so far out of check like Obama could actually stand up with a straight (no pun intended) face and tell Muslims that we need to have a new beginning just drop all your hatred for our tolerance for so many things Muslims will NEVER accept and oh yeah we will continue to support the murdering dictators in the Muslim countries which is actually the MAIN reason their is so much animosity towards us. Don’t forget for this new beginning to visit one of our embassy’s so you can participate in a gay pride party!!!
He even had the audacity to state that we have no right to push our beliefs on other countries…well except for abortion and gay rights…
Obama promised us change and the change we have gotten is a total shredding of our Constitution at a speed 10X faster than Bush was doing, he has put us on a collision course for complete financial collapse at a paltry $17,000 a second rate.
Look at what has happened with Chrysler and GM. The secure bond holders got 29 cents to the dollar and the unsecured debt holders specifically the UAW got 100%. Everything they have done with the automotives is illegal and unconstitutional. Since he pandered to the UAW it is also the largest form of corruption in the history of our country.
Remember Amtrak…we were only going to own it for a few years – so far that has cost us close to $40 billion since the 70’s and the government still CANNOT figure out how to make a profit. GM and Chrysler combined are more than double that amount and that is just the entry fee!!! Both GM and Chrysler are losing money on every sale – how do you think this will ever be paid back – it won’t and this will be yet another disaster.
Occidental College released Obama’s financial aid papers back in April and it proves 100% that Obama got financial aid as a foreign student – yet NO ONE IN THE MSM is talking about this. This in itself is another massive form of corruption and cover-up.
Finally in the entire history of civilization NO COUNTRY has ever successfully spent their way out of an economic problem like we have. In fact Obama has pledged more spending in his first four months than ALL of the previous 40+ POTUS’s combined!!!
Keep drinking the kool-aid from these non-representing representatives and you will find yourselves in the biggest shock of your lives when this entire house of cards collapses. I am sure your kids will thank you.
Obama and Bush will go down in history as the two worst Presidents who literally destroyed our country.
Just as a reference point for you…the time it took you to read this post the Obama administration spent over $1,000,000.00’s
And don’t forget what I said last fall about ACORN that is all finally coming out and Obama is directly connected with it and it will lead to another unprecedented level of corruption only superseded by people like Barney Frank.
(11)Glenn, do you have more info on the foreign aid for college subject? I can’t find anything that supports your assertion.
(12) Leland actually I think it was an April Fools joke. It was circulating around that it was on the AP…but I have never actually seen the AP article. His records were subpoenaed in early Feb but I do not know the status.
I do know he has spent over $1,000,000.00 of campaign money with 14 law firms in 15 states keeping his various past records under seal. Now why would someone do that?
I didn’t think anyone took the time to actually read my posts… 😛
Perspective
Sometimes I think only when something is put into a context we can all understand that the impact of someone’s actions really sink in.
Let’s take the following scenario.
Assumptions for this scenario:
1. You live in a small town and you know everyone
2. You have worked hard your whole life and you live within your means
3. The mayor is someone you consider a friend
4. There is one bank in your town and everyone keeps their money there
5. Your neighbor works at the bank and his last name is Walnut
6. You have $100,000.00 savings in your local bank. Your entire life savings – for your children’s college
7. Your bank offers you two options for investment:
a. Low yield, absolutely no risk CD where your investment is secure but your return is low
b. High yield, high risk fund where your investment is not secure but your return is higher
8. You have opted to keep your savings in option a: – after all you worked too hard for your money and you absolutely cannot afford to lose it
9. Since your neighbor the Walnuts all work at the bank they have all of their money in option b: – after all they work at the bank and they are smarter than you.
One day your local bank makes a big announcement that they are in financial trouble, their employee costs are too high, they have bad management and they just cannot continue to compete unless the Mayor gives them a ton of money.
Your mayor wanting to do the “right” thing and save the bank decides to give the bank the money it is demanding but in return the mayor wants concessions. Here is what the mayor does:
1. He fires the president of the bank
2. He takes a percentage ownership of bank
3. He liquidates ALL shareholders down to zero
4. He tells all the people that have chosen the secure CD (remember option a) that their “secure” investment is now worth 0.29 cents on the dollar. So your $100,000.00 is now $29,000.00.
5. He tells your neighbor the Walnuts that their non-secured high risk investment is 100% secure and in fact he even gives the Walnuts a 65% stake in the bank. Now remember the Walnuts were receiving a higher yield than you on their high-risk investment in addition to this new bonus.
So I would ask you what country would this small town be in?
What would you think about your friend the Mayor?
What would you do?
This scenario just 12 months ago was completely unthinkable in the United States – but this is exactly what happened with GM and Chrysler and the Mayor is Obama. Hundreds of thousands of hard-working Americans literally have over 2/3 of their hard-earned money stolen from them with absolutely NO SAY.
What good are contracts in this country anymore?
Wow, Obama posts sure get the comments flowing!
Glenn I do think we need to address the Arab communities a lot more directly than we have. Much of the trouble stems from misperceptions of the USA’s intentions in the world. Obama’s the best guy I can think of to change those perceptions, making him the best hope we have to lessen the huge impacts of the many conflicts that are not caused from but are *fueled by* religious intolerance and cultural misunderstandings.
(14) GMGMQ closed up almost 16% on friday. Shareholders not wiped out yet!
(16) Seriously GM is a penny stock and you don’t think the shareholders are wiped out…lol.
What about all the bondholders for Chryslers…Those bonds were secured.
(15) Joe I know no matter how bad Obama screws up you think he is the best guy for the job – maybe because he really is a Muslim – or one of those racist Christians…either way it doesn’t look good to most.
Well let’s see, a feller coulda purchased a few shares on tuesday at 60 cents then sold friday at 90 cents. Nope, definitely not wiped out yet.
(18) I actually think you are serious…lol.
So you are saying some poor schmuck who has his money in a mutual fund that is heavily invested in GM isn’t screwed.
Maybe you should have bought some GM stock around Oct 2007 when it was around $40.00. Or even a year ago when it was still $20.00.
So let’s say you had $100,000.00 in GM about 2,500 shares in 2007. Last week that would have been worth $1,500.00. Yeah but wait I could have purchased over 100,000 shares last week on hopes that it would go up…YEAH RIGHT!!! Let me spell it out for you…if you just lost 98k because of Obama and crew you think anyone in their right mind would jump on another $100k…assuming you have the extra money laying around to buy them and that the shares are available to purchase.
Plus you paid taxes on all this if you were in a fund…and NEVER realized the gain – so that was a double whammy.
So explain to me LS…how someone wouldn’t get WIPED OUT in that scenario…
(17) Glenn, I should say I agree the stock is worthless by most measures. But it was a worthless investment long before most anybody ever heard of Barack Obama.
How come the MSM isn’t talking about Oil…it has doubled in price since the inauguration. In fact if this rate continues we will see that fastest escalation of oil prices in history.
Just imagine what oil will be like if DPRK or Iran actually does something to cause a major conflict…hmmmm…oh wait that’s ok we want oil to be super expensive because that will save the world!!!
(19) Glenn, that someone would lose a bunch. GM has been a horrible investment for a long time. Long before Obama.
(20) Well I agree with you there. I even dropped them as a customer over two years ago…imagine that everyone said I was nuts…
My entire point on GM and Chrysler was more the issue of the government violating our Constitution and breaking contract law…it is not something ANYONE should let them do. To usurp the bonds was plain outright theft and to then add insult to injury and make the non-secure debt holders like the UAW completely whole and then give them a majority stake in Chrysler and a huge stake in GM. This will go down in history as the largest act of corruption in our history.
Literally everything they did in this process was completely illegal. And the guy they point in charge of this – HE HAS NEVER HAD A JOB and HE HAS NO AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE. He is a political hack and once again its political payoff (i.e. that is another form of corruption). That is just plain arrogance coming directly from Obama. This country needs a lot less arrogance right now.
Didn’t we all complain about that during the last 8 years?
Just go look at Amtrak if you want to see the future of GM and Chrysler.
(21) How does oil tie in here? You lost me.
(24) No one is covering the scam that once again Goldman is pushing in regard to oil futures, etc…and the Middle East is most definitely involved there as well.
LS is unfortunate that NO ONE is telling the American people the truth about our economy, the markets, the stimulus, etc…etc…etc.
They already know the stimulus has failed…sooner or later Obama is going to have to try some new radical things to try to stave off the inevitable. The wild card with oil is if it is a repeat of last summer the economic downfall will accelerate like we haven’t seen before and then on top of all of this the inflation we have in our future will make the Carter years look like Reagan’s.
(24) and btw…the entire credit crunch issue has still not been solved and even remotely corrected (remember TARP was supposed to do that).
That is still the core of our problem. There is no credit, everyone is hoarding still and they will continue to do that.
The Fed probably isn’t even going to loan against residential mortgage backed securities, etc…this entire housing thing is far from over. It’s really crazy.
(25)For the most part, people don’t want the truth. I think we’re looking at a smokin train with a bridge out ahead. Hold on for the ride.
I’ve been reading Patrick.net. You might find it interesting. Condenses a lot of housing market news.
(15) Joe, I’m not sure what you mean when you say misperception of USA intentions. I do agree that Obama is the guy to change the perception of the masses, however temporary.
Thx Leland, will check that site out.
By “misperception” I meant how moderates around the world view the USA. Far too many in *most* countries see us as something we are not – an exploitation empire sucking the life blood out of the underdeveloped countries to fuel our greedy ambitions. The same people who long for US standards often see that as unattainable when all they need to do is start playing by many of the basic rules of fairness and economic freedoms that gave us our relatively affluent lifestyle. Some things would need to change to create the environments to give everybody our standards or better, but it is something that can and should be seen as a moral imperative.
Re Oil futures: you don’t mean to suggest that the Feds intervene and regulate speculation in energy markets or something do you Glennster? In fact Harry Reid had at least two bills addressed to that very issue, which the GOP killed (and a few Dems abstained from voting….including Obama). Obama and the Pelosicrats have not exactly pressed the issue either. That said, the oil market–both stocks and commodities has been, as they say, bullish since IWE started. That’s how the business of war profiteering works.
(30) Joe but what the Middle East considers moderates would be extreme in most American’s view. I would say the majority of “true” moderates from the Muslim world already live here in the USA.
I actually have a problem with the US continuing to prop up these dictators. Forget about the rights that women should have…it simply doesn’t exist. They stone children because they were raped, etc…this isn’t about a small extreme group within their population – it is their law and practices.
Personally I think the USA would be a lot better off NOT importing one drop of oil from them. We have more than ample resources within our reach here and we should be exploiting them to their fullest extent for our own benefit.
A lot of people forget it was Israeli intelligence that provided us with the solid information that allowed us to emerge from the cold-war. Why do you think Russia wants Israel destroyed? We owe Israel a debt of gratitude. What has ANY other country in the Middle East done for us? NOTHING, they just try to enslave us with their oil, etc.
America needs to wake up and stop playing these naive Rodney King games on the international scene. Somehow Obama actually believes applying a rationale argument will work with irrational people.
(31) Horatiox you always have a way with words…and you hit a key point Obama is really no different than Bush – he just spends way beyond any reasonable human being could. He will adopt the same corrupt oil practices as his predecessor. Problem with any legislation from Harry Reid is it ISN’T honest…there are always way too many gotchas in his corrupt and perverse view of the way our government and laws should work.
Our Constitution is under attack and has been for the last 40 years and slowly year by year we lose more of our rights, we lose our private property, etc…we have to put a stop to this major unprecedented power grab currently underway in D.C..
(28) Thanks LS…I will check it out.
(28) LS that website is a MUST read for anyone who wants to understand the state of the housing market. It is organized well and the message is clearly written and he obviously understands the core issues. Thanks that was worth the time.
ourcivilisation.com This site has pertinent info on subjects that recur here at JoeDuck. (30)I see what you are saying. I suppose whether or not a view of something is a perception or a misperception is subjective. Maybe we have the misperception, is there a way to check? I wonder.
Another clear example of ignoring the Constitution for their agenda…
http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2009/06/white_house_vid.html
Joe where is your outrage…whenever the government crosses the line with religion you usually have something to say…
Here the White house spent taxpayer money to create a video that promotes Islam. I guess as long as your a Muslim the separation of church and state really doesn’t matter.
Every day Obama is looking more and more like a Manchurian candidate than he is looking like a good old American.
When it comes down to it…Obama is no different than any other lying politician. It’s a shame he didn’t actually mean he was going to bring honesty to the table. He may have brought it to the table but he shoved it on the floor for Bo to eat.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODc2OWI4NzhkZjRkODRjMTJmYjY5NDQxMTZiM2RiMjQ=
You really need to drive and strive for the facts and stop listening to the media that actually believes Obama is some sort of god…
This completely redefines stupidity and naivety…
Secretary of State invites Va. assembly candidate Esam Omeish — who once told crowd ‘jihad way is the way to liberate your land’ — to participate in conference call on bridging divides with Muslims.
If anyone checks out that ourcivilisation site I’d be interested in your thoughts. I’ve been told I may be half a bubble off level, need more opinions to make an accurate diagnosis. Not that I believe it all, but makes me wonder.
Yeah this is brilliant…
GM – Bankrupt Company – 3-year Debt Guaranteed By FDIC 2.25%
FORD – Solvent Company – 5-year Debt 13%
Good idea…penalize solvent businesses and reward idiots. Obama is truly brilliant…really he is. This is a farce.
Al-Azhar is the theological seat of Sunni Islam.
By claiming to address the Muslim world from Al-Azhar, and calling Al-Azhar a “beacon of Islamic learning”, he has in a sense aligned the US with Sunni Islam, and alienated and probably enraged 180 million Shi’ite Muslims, who consider Sunni Islam to be nothing short of heretical, and who totally reject the teaching, authority and importance of Al-Azhar.
If Mr President had done his speech from Qom in Iran (the Shi’ite theological centre) and called Qom a “beacon of Islamic learning”, the situation would have been reversed – Sunni Muslims would have been outraged.
Much better speech…and NOT done in Cairo.
Obama spoke at Cairo University, which is secular, I believe–not the Islamic school Al-Azhar. The speech seemed a bit accommodating–placating, perhaps–but not entirely mistaken.
Gingrich ‘s a rather smooth orator himself–sort of in Jefferson Davis tradition. Gingrich and CO brought about many of these problems–certainly economically. Those who support Gingrich and Reichmarshall Limbaugh might as well wave confederate flags (or is it swastikas now).
(42) Horatiox do you think Sotomayor or Holder are racists?
Not sure. I didn’t find Sotomayor’s Cal speech (the latina vs. whitey rant,etc.) that egregious an ethical offense. Who knows what will happen she puts on her SCOTUS gown, however. Scalia and Co are not such great Americans either (JP Stevens’ record actually somewhat respectable). Holder has uttered a few slightly troubling things: then so did Gonzales, or Janet Reno for that matter. A cop’s a cop, ese, regardless of color.
(44) BTW…Horatiox…Sotomayor has said those statements 8 times in public forums. This was not a single incident where she choose the words poorly. She literally believes that she is superior to white males. It by definition is racism and it is the one thing that should be totally stomped out in this country.
We are a nation of laws, not a nation of empathy and this is another clear example of Obama, et al truly don’t understand the United States, etc. This is a very dangerous path and some people might like this approach today because they think Obama is the messiah but what happens in another election and someone with Senator Byrd’s former viewpoint on race takes hold. This is exactly why our Constitution, etc were created to protect us from idiots that will pick and choose. Justice is blind and it is supposed to be for a reason.
You won’t get me to defend anything from the last 8 years. I was against the Patriot Act, etc…it is ridiculous. We need a reasonable and solid immigration law enforcement and we need to protect our borders – VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD if you are not worrying about pandering to a group of people who you want to turn into victims so you can convince them that you are their savior so that group will vote for you in the future – it is just another scam!
Joe and I had a great discussion earlier about religion and our country, etc. and I started thinking about how people view religion in this country. Me personally I am not terribly religious, I don’t go to church, etc. But I truly believe there is something more to our existence than just random selection, etc…so I guess there is some form of a soul, energy, whatever when we die our energy continues in a different form.
So anyway my point on the religion aspect is this. Our founders understood something VERY IMPORTANT. They stated we are born with unalienable rights and LEND to the government a minimum level control over our unalienable rights for the purposes of a civilized existence, etc. So for the founders that meant there is a much more important higher level element that the government can NEVER trump – call it God, call it a Supreme being, Allah, etc…whatever.
So why is this important and why is the argument about secularism important. The progressives and the far left want to disallow a higher authority. They want to replace the higher authority that our founders believed in with themselves. In essence they want to be the highest power and they want you to believe that they decide what rights you have and do NOT have.
This at the core is the problem with people like Obama, Pelosi, Frank, Reid, etc. and while it is not un-American to have these views and believe in them it certainly is un-American to force these beliefs, ideals, etc that contradict what our founders intended.
No on can argue with the success and vision of our founders – it has been an incredible ride and we need to get back to the original vision.
Do you have a link/cite for Sotomayor’s comments, in addition to the speech? As far as secularism goes, the SCOTUS majority (like five catholics, with two jews, and two protestants–) has for the last few years (if not decades) made numerous attacks on the separation clause. Scalia in fact argued for bringing back the Decalogue into courtrooms . The Founders were no biblethumpers, nor koran or torah-thumpers (nor altar boys ala Scalia for that matter). A secular voice–assuming that’s what Sotomayor upholds–should not necessarily be considered a bad thing.
A journalist who can prove that Ms Sotomayor has ties to La Raza or other militant groups might raise a legimiate point, just as say a tie of Scalia to the mafia, or Breyer to freemasonry or something might be a cause for concern. The rightist fundamentalists barking that Ms. Sotomayor’s not a good church lady are not really saying anything very important, however.
Legitimate, that is.
I am amused by the fundies’ attacks on Ms Sotomayor’s supposed lack of faith, however. Instead of focusing on real issues–like her specific legal decisions, which have been fairly moderate, reportedly (Alex Cockburn says she’s a pro-corporate rightist, actually, like many of Obama’s admin. choices)–they focus on some lightweight character issue. Those ol’ fashioned conservative papists will continue to hold the majority anyway, Frater Glennster.
(46) Horatiox all you have to do is look it up at the American Bar.
According the American Bar Association, Sotomayor is a member of the NCLR, which bills itself as the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S.
Meaning “the Race,” La Raza also has connections to groups that advocate the separation of several southwestern states from the rest of America.
Also you have to do is look at her questionnaire submitted to Congress:
National Council of La Raza 1998–2004 Member The Council works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans in five key areas: assets and investments, civil rights and immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. Mildred J. Reyes Raul Yzaguirre Building 1126 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-1670
( this is on page 12 out of 173 – link follows:)
Click to access Questionnaire-2009.pdf
Then you have this:
Click to access Death-Penalty-Report.pdf
Where she wrote a memo saying the death penalty is racist…she also failed to disclose this in her questionnaire (Question 12(b)). Yet another cover up in the making.
Question 12(b) requires a nominee to “(s)upply four (4) copies of any reports, memoranda, or policy statements you prepared or contributed to the preparation of on behalf of any bar association, committee, conference, or organization of which you were or are a member or in which you have participated.”
And finally her racist and sexists remarks…
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor delivered multiple speeches between 1994 and 2003 in which she suggested “a wise Latina woman” or “wise woman” judge might “reach a better conclusion” than a male judge.
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/legal_beat/2009/06/sotomayor-repeatedly-reference.html
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/rubin/68591
Horotiox if you believe that journalism is still alive you are holding on to a dream. Journalism died and the key check and balance in our society is now gone. We as individuals now have to sort through all the crap thrown at us by these miscreants.
It isn’t hard to find the facts you just have to be willing to see the truth and read it. There is so much wrong with Obama and crew and their ideas and policies need to be stopped.
(47) Horatiox I think the whole faith thing is way out of whack in this country. Your faith shouldn’t matter one iota except of course your religion calls for the destruction of another faith, etc…those whackos should be exiled from everywhere 🙂
But in regard to a judge I think three things are key:
1) How is their moral compass maintained?
2) Will they obey the Constitution?
3) Will they remove themselves from the particulars of the individual and follow the law?
Now 3 is important however there is a problem with 3. That is we have WAY TOO MANY stupid laws on the books now. In order for 3 to work we need to streamline our legal system and really dump a lot of law at least Federally that exists. I really think we are better off letting the states make many more decisions and laws. That way we have choices on where we want to live.
We should have never created the inter-state commerce law it is going to be the death of us all!
So listen to Obama who thinks that our Constitution was written 20 centuries ago. Just for those that want to know how old it is…it was adopted 9/17/1787. So I don’t know how Obama somehow translated that into 20 centuries ago.
But seriously this goes to the core of what Obama thinks about the US Constitution. He believes it is just some old piece of paper that looks good in a museum but gets in the way of his Progressive Disease that he wants us all to catch. In fact if it is proven that Obama is not Constitutionally fit for office (yeah the old birther stuff) it will further prove his disdain and the Progressives disdain for our Constitution and our great nation.
The key question for everyone is…if it did come to pass that Obama was indeed ineligible to be POTUS…what would you do about it?
Listen to Sotomayor here…where she says the court is where policy is made…so I don’t know what is worse…1) she said that or 2) she recognizes how bad it is and admits that too.
Nothing too radical there, G.–or perhaps Ms Sotomayor is too much of a city-gal for ya? I’m doubt she’s too popular in the dirty south (She sounds a bit like a character in a Woody Allen flick). As far as higher courts making policy, judicial review arguably allows for that. The Constitution may hold in theory, but the SCOTUS gets paid to interpret, and re-interpret the Constitution, offer guestimates, etc. Judges may look impressive, but rocket scientists they are not. They’re more akin to priests, and not even competent social scientists, Brandeis’ little case studies notwithstanding.
Harry Reid has recently made a few interesting, even somewhat anti-federal statements regarding the power of judiciary–something which sets him apart from the modern judge-loving liberals, who often seem unaware that the founding Founders themselves were protesting the ancien regime courts of England and Europe (Jefferson’s pals in the Jacobins sort of escalated the anti-judicial sentiment, via guillotine). It wasn’t until Hamilton’s boy John Marshall set up the SCOTUS that judicial review –and Madison vs. Marbury, specifically–was established (over protests, including those from Jefferson himself).
Got to say, the new scary-face icons on JD have me spooked. Are they are meant to comment on our writing, or something else? Perhaps W-P has some type of content filter: too many negative or cynical comments, and you get a scary face. So we probably should accentuate the positive, Glennster, in order to avoid the ghoulie-avatar.
You go Ms Sotomayor! Si se puede.
(51) Your funny Horatiox…you make the case against Sotomayor because of her potential associations and then when those associations are clear…you say ah it’s nothing.
I can only image with a white man made the same comments what everyone would be saying.
It is time to hold people to a standard that is good for everyone and not just for whomever is in vogue at the moment. Nation of law…not empathy.
(52) Well when all the truth comes out Horatiox maybe we will get gold stars next to our glyphs…lol.
Sotomayor is a bad choice for America. She shouldn’t even be a judge with her political ideology trumping her oath to uphold the Constitution.
More evidence of the vast corruption with the Supreme Court stepping aside in the Chrysler deal. Watch what happens next the bond markets are going to tumble faster than Gary Hart. Granted the Supreme Court ruling today basically the argument made for the stay was what they considered weak – with an essential try again…however it really looks like the fix is in. To think how silly I feel when I actually through the Supreme Court would hold up the Constitution in this clear illegal and Unconstitutional action happening with both GM and Chrysler.
(38) LS – I checked out the website. There is a lot of interesting information there as well. Good find.
I also recommend looking at:
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/
It is Horowitz’s site and it lays out how all these organizations like ACORN, etc are linked together and how they are connected to people like Obama.
Remember Horowitz was one the radicals with all these folks back in the 60’s.
Boy doesn’t he just exude confidence on this issue. We will probably see a nuclear war because of this President.
54: The associations have not been verified. The Limbaughites are barking away as usual, but no real journalist has as of yet tied Ms Sotomayor to communism, or mexican mafia, or even to ivy league sapphic-Illuminati.
Read the fine print of the last decade or so of US History, and the rational person will probably situate Gingrich in the Culprit column (if not Villain). Remember the 90s GOP? Gingrich orchestrated that, along with Phil Gramm. They finally even got Billy Clinton to sign off on the de-reg schemes. That might not appeal to Limbaughland (listen to Rush a bit, and you note he’s sort of an obese male version of Aynnie Rand…) but that’s what went down. That’s not to say Obama and the Pelosicrats can, or will repair things. Really, I suspect Marquessa Nancy calls the shots, and gets off on power–and cash– mo’ than anything.
North Korea does look hot, Glennster. Monkey house– surrounded by other monkey houses–China the NK’s ally (and perhaps Russia). Japan’s not too pleased, supposedly, and quite a few US monkey-carriers not too far away. Again, say grazi to Bush and his apes for escalating the situation when putting together your do-it-yourself fallout shelter.
Israel’s Channel One TV reported that Netanyahu was told Tuesday by an “American official” in Jerusalem that, “We are going to change the world. Please, don’t interfere.” The report said Netanyahu’s aides interpreted this as a “threat.”
This is the kind of stuff that Hitler’s people used to say. Obama is at best a fascist.
US Liberalism, Fascism, Socialism, Communism are all the same just varying levels of the same flavor and unfortunately this country isn’t appalled by what this means.
And, when asked whether TARP is working, Prof. Elizabeth Warren— head of the Congressionally formed oversight committee for that particular trillion-dollar project—says:
“We can’t disclose what isn’t known. We’ve disclosed as much as we can, we’ve addressed this in our various reports. The Secretary of the Treasury says there are some positive indicators and there some negative indicators still in the economy. And that’s the best we can do.”
“We can see changes, we try to document those and we try to point out where their continue to be weaknesses,” she continued. “You know this isn’t resolved yet, congressman. I’m sorry, it’s just not. We’re still in mid-crisis and there are both up arrows and down arrows.”
What a joke!
Wake up sheeple…lol
Sorry the link didn’t post…try this again.
http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/checker.aspx?v=ydaGqG4zIr
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2009/06/08/mark_levin_rips_newt_gingrich_as_a_phony_and_has-been.html
Mark is a genius…
LS this guy is really informative as well.
http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/
Probably the most perfect example of the mental illness that affects the elite liberals and media types…
“In November 2008 a Dutch journalist, Joanie de Rijke, was abducted by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. She was held captive, raped repeatedly, and released after six days for a ransom of 100,000 euros ($137,000). After her ordeal, she acknowledged that her captors ‘did horrible things to me,’ but added in several media interviews ‘They also respected me,’ and emphasized ‘They are not monsters.’”
This journalist is a complete idiot. She should be forced to watch every single Charles Bronson movie.
It is no wonder why the liberals want full mental health coverage included in the Obama’s new health plan.
Wow Glenn, lots of reading material, it’ll take me awhile to catch up. I did watch the video (56). I got the impression that Obama was being thoughtful and careful about what he said, which I viewed as a positive. Whatever the plan is for North Korea, I don’t think us peons have enough information to form any logical opinions. If they actually become a serious threat I have little doubt that threat will be neutralized. I think it’s more of a distracting sideshow.
(66) LS – DPRK…yes you are right if we were dealing with rationale people. In countries like DPRK and Iran the leadership and the people that have the finger on the button are not rationale.
I don’t think people realize the artillery capability DPRK has. They could literally torch Seoul in minutes and there would be nothing we could do to stop it. Sure we would defeat them as long as China and Russia stayed out of it. Mark my words we will see conflict with DPRK within 12 months and it will be very serious.
Losing face is everything to them and our option now is to continue to force DPRK to lose more face and at some point they will just react – It is exactly what happened between China and Japan in WWII.
There is no room for thoughtfulness with either DPRK or Iran – this is a colossal mistake Obama is making in FP and the world is going to pay dearly for it. I am definitely in line with John Bolton about this. He is literally the only person of authority that has been right about DPRK and Iran from the beginning – unfortunately he understands what must be done but we don’t have the stomach to affect change.
Israel is not going to sit by either.
But the liberals don’t have to fret…they certainly didn’t after they caused so much upheaval here in the US that we couldn’t possibly win in Vietnam…only for us to leave and the world then watched the Communists kill millions in Cambodia and Vietnam and suddenly the liberal left was completely silent – blood was on their hands back then and it will be on their hands this time too.
Welcome to the death of America and capitalism.
Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee said Thursday the administration’s efforts to hector the private sector into reining in executive pay might not go far enough.
The administration contends that excessive compensation contributed to the U.S. financial crisis, but rejects direct intervention in corporate pay decisions.
Instead, the administration plans to seek legislation that would try to rein in compensation at publicly traded companies through nonbinding shareholder votes and less management influence on pay decisions.
“I do differ with the administration in that hope springs eternal and their position seems to be that if we strengthen the compensation committees we will do better,” said the committee chairman, Rep. Barney Frank, a Democrat.
Glennster, recall the the death count in ‘Nam: like 58,000 dead GIs, vs 3 million NV (civilians and military), nearly as many SV. Some estimates are higher. What would have constituted winning? Liquidating the country? For that matter, Nixon-Kissinger were no liberals–ala the Ann Coulter sorts you seem to suggest Nixon himself was soft. For that matter, Obama inherits a mess created by Bush-Cheney (though certainly helped by the Hillarycrats), if not the cowboy-WASP GOP as a whole.
(69) One thing we both agree on…THEY ARE ALL THE SAME.
The point about the raging left loons and Vietnam is they turned against the very people that would fight for their very right to protest, etc…they created so many problems in this country with the riots, etc…and when we left Vietnam and 2,000,000 people were slaughtered…they were SILENT.
(70)The protests were about the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. When troops were withdrawn the protests ceased. Isn’t that what would be expected?
(71) The protests were about the killing of people in Vietnam. But the bottom line is they really didn’t care that the people were being killed…they just wanted a reason to create anarchy here. That was what SDS, etc was all about and those very same people are still doing it today in ACORN, etc.
Also in today’s news…
U.S. intelligence officials are warning President Obama that North Korea intends to conduct another nuclear test in response to passage of a U.N. Security Council resolution this week condemning the communist country for its recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
Gee shocker…
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124467678369503997.html
Bolton on Israel and Iran…
(72) The protests sprung from the fact that people were being forced to risk their lives in a war they had no real interest in. Without the draft the protests would not have existed in any meaningful form. People did and still do care about other people being killed, but if you know them personally it can be very motivating. I don’t think wanting anarchy was the main driver.
I don’t say they are all the same, G. JFK was, I believe, a greater man, and more astute politician than Richard Nixon–or Reagan. That said, Nixon did respond to the anti-war sentiment, and even pissed off the hawks of GOP. (Though that was after he dropped a few more thousand bombs and napalm cannisters). And it wasn’t just raging marxists protesting Nam. Quite a few moderates protested–even Aynnie Rand at one point bitched about it (inefficient use of resources, and big Govt at worst).
All I can think of is…
Suffewen succatash…when he speaks!!!
(75) Horatiox there are always shining lights in any group. The point about being ALL the same is there really is not difference at the end of the day between Dems and Repubs. They only care about re-election, their pork, their bad ideas and they could give a rats ass about our Constitution.
There are a few people that are good but ultimately our current system and approach makes them all bad.
Take Ron Paul for example he is completely against the spending waste, etc but as soon as it lands in his state he will grab the money. This system forces good people to do bad things.
We need a new party that embraces and celebrates our Constitution and the greatness of this country and the people that live here.
Currently no party is offering anything close to that. It is just one scam after another and when the sunsets every day we have lost more of our freedoms and rights.
We know have majority support in the house for H.R. 1207. Joe we finally have found 218 members in the house that actually have some integrity.
Hopefully they will get this rolling and we will finally get the Fed audited.
Yeah there is no corruption with this President…he is great…what a farce! Wake up sheeple – Rome is burning!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090612/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_national_service_inspector_general
President Barack Obama says he has lost confidence in the inspector general who investigates AmeriCorps and other national service programs and has told Congress he is removing him from the position.
Obama’s move follows an investigation by IG Gerald Walpin finding misuse of federal grants by a nonprofit education group led by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is an Obama supporter and former NBA basketball star.
Walpin was criticized by the acting U.S. attorney in Sacramento for the way he handled an investigation of Johnson and St. HOPE Academy, a nonprofit group that received hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The corporation runs the AmeriCorps program.
“It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general,” Obama said in a letter Thursday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Joe Biden, who also serves as president of the Senate. “That is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general.”
The president didn’t offer any more explanation
Glenn as you know I don’t buy the “massive corruption” line at all, and I think you need to look at the sum total of all activity in congress and executive to see that the challenges we face are not corrupt people, rather extremely huge, complex systems that single people cannot understand or predict or control.
There are a lot of competency issues IMHO, mostly because we have a system that reward porkbarrel projects and personality more than quality governance.
(80) Joe you fit right in the bounds of the recent study from Ohio State. Those that are in strong support of liberal ideas cannot see the other side of the argument.
I could present dozens of clear examples of corruption within our government including Obama. The deals with GM and Chrysler are examples of massive clear cut corruption.
The challenges we face are because of the corrupt politicians in the first place. If we had honesty and integrity in our system literally NONE of these financial challenges would even be happening.
Wake up. It is corruption that got us here and it corruption that is going to finish us off.
Every day there are clear examples of the wrong-doings of people like Obama, Reid, Pelosi, Frank, etc… you just don’t want to see it. You will not seek out alternative news sources to find the whole picture so you can actually make an objective decision.
Anyone that is still supporting Obama really needs to spend some time understand why they would allow this type of tyranny in their lives. You either do not understand our country, how it was formed, what the Constitution really means or you just don’t care and you want to support the ideology.
Obama and the Congress has turned out just like many of us warned last year. If you still cannot see the truth then your liberal tendencies are blinding you to the facts.
BTW…pork barrel projects by definition are corruption. So as far as I know the only person in Congress that has never taken any pork is McCain but he is probably corrupt as well. By definition every person in Congress that has ever taken a dime in pork is corrupt. Go spend some time in wiki and understand the definition of corruption. Obama proves he is corrupt on a daily basis plus he lied to the American people on several issues.
We need to reform our government so corruption CAN’T HAPPEN. Most businesses do it…it is actually easy. We deserve better with people that are so reckless with our hard-earned money.
Joe they estimate at least $60 billion dollars of the stimulus plans are being wasted through corruption and fraud and yet somehow you don’t think our politicians are corrupt.
You don’t think we should hold them responsible for this waste. They are responsible for EVERY SINGLE PENNY of our taxpayer dollars.
If a company had this kind of ridiculous performance and you were a shareholder what would you do? What if Yahoo! did this…you would be like…well Jerry Yang he is honest and means well. He is brilliant and he has a nice dog. It really doesn’t matter that he squandered $60 billion dollars and reduced the share price. It’s ok…I like Jerry so I will just accept my losses and yep Jerry still on my Christmas card list!!!
You would be furious and you should be furious with all of these idiots as well and the buck stops at the top. Obama promised change, integrity, honesty, transparency, etc…etc.. and he has rejected ALL of these campaign promises when it allows him to cover stuff up that hurts him. Remember no lobbyists – out the window, remember he post ALL SPENDING BILLS on the net for days before the vote – out the window, the Inspector General finds massive wrong doing at Americorps and what does Obama do…he fires the guy – that is not only corruption but now he is part of a conspiracy to cover up what is going on Americorps. Americorps is connected to all those organizations that are just harmless little groups of people.
The whole ACORN thing is a complete scam and scandal and the MSM isn’t doing their job…but there is no wide-spread corruption – the fact the MSM isn’t doing their job once again proves the level of corruption, etc.
Joe, you and your friends in Oregon need to spend less time in the hills and down in more O2 rich environments so you can think straight (no pun intended).
Glenn, the air out here in Orygun is actually really good. I am going to stop sending christmas cards to politicians, what else can I do?!
(83) Actually LS…Oregon is amazing and one of the most beautiful states in our country.
You need to join a local 912 group or something…everyone needs to get off their couches, make a sign and hit the streets!
We deserve better than these clowns! Did you see Rangel today with the health care bill? He now says the reform is going to cost way more than $1 trillion dollars. It includes over $600 billion in NEW taxes on us. Seriously these ideas are not possible to implement especially now. They are going to completely tank our country for decades if not for the next century. If you care about your kids or even kids in general you need to let them know you don’t approve of their spending and most importantly we don’t improve of their reckless behavior with our money with literally NO ACCOUNTABILITY.
Obama firing the Inspector General is a perfect example…guess someone go to close to the truth…quick I am King I have to act and protect my fellow cronies. BTW…cronyism is corruption.
They are ALL out of control.
Look at this insanity.
US cities may have to be bulldozed in order to survive
Dozens of US cities may have entire neighbourhoods bulldozed as part of drastic “shrink to survive” proposals being considered by the Obama administration to tackle economic decline.
The government looking at expanding a pioneering scheme in Flint, one of the poorest US cities, which involves razing entire districts and returning the land to nature.
All this is more of a land grab by the Federal Government. Bush did a ridiculous amount of this crap during the last 8 years. It is theft from the states and it is yet another step in controlling what you do and where you do it. They don’t want private citizens to own land anymore – land is the key to power and the government is going to take it all.
It is outrageous!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/5516536/US-cities-may-have-to-be-bulldozed-in-order-to-survive.html
(85) Glenn, it makes sense to me to dismantle abandoned neighborhoods. It’s not a land grab, nobody wants it. There are places in Flint that should have been leveled long ago. (84) If a government is corrupt and out of control, what good will come from carrying a sign in the street? I’m not trying to hound you, I’m just trying to understand your way of thinking.
(86) LS…dismantling isn’t the problem. The Federal Government has NO BUSINESS seizing state land. PERIOD.
If you don’t get out and exercise your freedom of speech then no one will think you care. In fact they will demonize you, call you a right wing extremist of whatever they can to intimidate you and force you to stay at home.
Sooner or later they will erode the freedoms that you hold near and dear…maybe you like to fish or go camping, hiking and eventually they will find a reason to stop you from doing that as well.
If you don’t stand up now and do something your only choice down the road will be civil war and we certainly don’t want that. That is where this all ends up just like it has repeated itself countless times and in countless countries over the years.
How absurd is it that the lefties claim the insaniac that killed the guard at the holocaust museum is a right wing extremist. And they try to blame Rush, Hannity, Glenn Beck, etc that they caused him to do that. Olberman even claimed he was a poster at Free Republic which is a complete lie.
The real facts. He was a registered Democrat from Maryland. He had many left-centric views. Using the MSM approach to blame the blame should fall squarely on Obama’s speech because this man obviously took it as a sign to attack anything Israel.
Now any rational person would say that is just stupid. Exactly, but for some reason people actually believe this guy was some right wing extremist. The left insaniacs all talk about the right hating, etc…when it is the left that inspires hatred and racism – it is a fact. Collectivism has no choice but to inspire racism and hatred – it is what it is all about. Take some time and take a Krugman column and re-write against the left…you will see just how absurd it all is.
Look at groups like ELF…1000’s of documented arsons, crimes, beatings, over 100 million dollars in damage, etc…YET THEY ARE NEVER IN THE NEWS.
It is time for all of this stop. If you don’t someday you will be apologizing to your kids or your kid’s kids for the apathetic response you had when it was most crucial.
Get out, be heard and let them we are mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore (if you need inspiration watch Newsroom).
(86) LS additionally people are not looking into History and understanding that NONE of what we are seeing today is new. This has all happened in the past.
In fact with Obama’s reckless spending and the borrowing from China…we did the very same thing in the past when the world was reckless…we let other countries borrow money from us and when they couldn’t pay it back – we made up new terms and in fact this is exactly how the USA emerged as the world’s super power. When this is all done – China will do the same.
Because of our stupidity right NOW – we will make China the only super power in the world. Imagine how that will be because that is the future and unfortunately at this point we probably cannot do a thing about it.
(86) LS I forgot to mention I have been involved in protests since 1998. It is really well worth it. You get to meet a lot of really nice people that share your beliefs and in many cases your values. It is very uplifting to be with a group of people fighting for a cause that is so important.
Not that trying to save the spotted owl isn’t important but those issues are actually trivial when compared to what we have going on here.
Once you have a sense of how many people feel like you do…you no longer feel alone and frustrated by the system. The man can no longer keep you down. It inspires you to do more. It is a lot different than getting pulled away from your xbox given a lousy box lunch, paid a $100 or whatever to get on a bus and participate in an outdoor stage show.
And finally it makes a huge difference many things I protested ended up getting traction specifically because of the protests. Plan a trip to DC for the week of 9/12 this year. There will be a couple million of us protesting on 9/12 and there are some great conventions happening that week with amazing speakers, etc.
And at least you can say you tried.
(87) A matter of definition then. When you state they are all out of control, I take it as- they are beyond control. In other words, attempts at control would be futile. Obviously that is not your meaning. I think I understand your position better, thanks.
(85)I don’t see where the federal government ends up with the land anywhere in that article.
(90) Well they don’t obey the things in place to keep them in control. Mainly the US Constitution. If our government acted in the way our founders had intended and they followed the Constitution…none of this stuff would be happening. Every problem we are experiencing can be directly linked back to some place and time when the idiots in DC decided to erode the Constitution just one more time.
And in other news…look at what this so called reporter in Dallas (Wayne Slater) had to say:
SLATER: They absolutely need to be motivated and are being motivated. Each of these episodes in recent weeks- whether it’s [the] killing of an abortion doctor- whether it was this Holocaust denier today, or whether it was others- whether you’re talking about Tim McVeigh or anti-tax secessionists in Texas- the interesting thing is they’re all separate, but they’re all hearing portions of the same echo chamber, a kind of dialogue- a toxic dialogue that’s subterranean in large parts. Remember, the man who was accused- who is accused of the most recent shooting of the abortion doctor, according to his ex-wife, had connections with the Montana Freemen, a kind of wild radical secessionist group. You hear not only these conversations about blacks and Jews, but about the government and about other hate-filled issues. It is- although they are separate- they are connected by a kind of dialogue of toxic ideology.
Think about how absurd ALL of that is. Of course there is no mention of the Muslim extremists who killed a US soldier in cold blood. Even look at the statements published by the White House. When Tiller was killed Obama almost immediately expressed outrage over the killing. When the US soldier was killed is was many hours before Obama issued a statement and he said he was saddened. Probably not for the US Solider. Call me cynical but this stuff is way out of hand.
Here’s where it gets confusing. In post 88 it sounds like your position is that our demise is inevitable. If that’s so, protesting is futile. Maybe a different tack is called for.
(91) LS you have to read the legislation. The areas will be leveled and turned over into the Federal environmental program that designates the land to be never be used again – it goes into a permanent state of preserve back to nature. The Federal government is the owner.
What most Americans don’t realize is how rampant this abuse of land grab really is. Have you seen the land grab for the Flight 93 memorial in PA?
Guess how much land the Federal government wants to and is seizing for the a memorial at the crash site.
The US Government is taking over 2,200 acres. Yeah that’s right. 3.4 square miles. Explain that one?
The Federal Government now owns 46% of ALL the land in the western US. They own 87% of Nevada.
Eminent domain is nothing other than government sanctioned theft. In Florida it is really hitting home. Many of our seaside communities have limited growth of hi-rise condos because they make the area very un-attractive. So there are a lot of 2 and 3 story condo buildings typically well designed that fit in and look decent enough. However now Florida can seize your condo complex if they want to raise it to put in a bigger higher tax generating property.
It also happens in states like CT, and elsewhere.
So think about it. Your home is in a great location – because you were smart about real estate. The government decides to take your property – they offer you a paltry sum for it – you refuse. They take it from you.
How is that in any way shape fair?
(93) LS…well nothing is ever etched in stone. However if as Jim Morrison once said..the hole chithouse goes up in flames…I think we will want really solid leadership in our country to bring us through it. Not a pandering group of people that will cow-tow to anyone.
2010 elections will be a very vast shift in this country. Liberals are going to get wiped out of office – if the elections are legit. There is a huge building rage in this country. You might not see it as publicly in liberal states but in non-liberal states it is 100% of what people talk about. All people…not just a few.
Look at what just happened in the EU. 70% of people voted for non socialist party members. The socialists, liberals, labor, etc were wiped out. If the European socialism is so great what has happened? Of course you won’t find ANY news agency here in the states willing to talk about it.
(94) I think at one time the federal government owned all the land in the west, they’ve actually auctioned some of it off lately. I agree with you on some of the eminent domain and condemnation issues. Imagine how the Indians felt.
(93) What other tack is there? We have organized protests, we have organized discussion groups. We have over 400,000 people in our boycott system that goes live in 18 days where all the brands associated with these insaniacs will be documented for people to make decisions about what to purchase from whom. We have a huge services database going live in July that allows non-liberals to purchase services from other non-liberals…lol.
We are doing a lot of things that are going to have a major impact.
Many of us in the business are refusing to hire any additional people for the next 4 years. We will all make major strides to limiting our businesses until we have a reasonable business environment again.
There are many things that can be done and are being done. The first step is to realize that you need to get involved.
(97)Purchase services from other non-liberals? I’d say that will do more to doom your cause and appear wacky than almost anything else.
(98) The LOL meant it was a joke..LS.
The Federal Government now owns 46% of ALL the land in the western US. They own 87% of Nevada.
You mean like the massive air bases, missile ranges, army proving grounds etc. Glennster?? That’s the GOP side of Fedville, the DoD. The Dept. of Interior far less powerful, and national parks form only a small part of govt. holdings (that said, privatizing national parks and forests a real bad idea–visit Yosemite Co for examples of privatization gone wrong).
The wonderful Obama administration in action…destroy our country.
(100) Horatiox, Horatiox…it isn’t about privatization or Government control. It is about the state’s losing their right to the land inside their borders. States should not have to give up any land to the Federal Government.
More brilliance from the idiot Marxists controlling our government.
Who in their right mind would do something like this?
The Voice of America in Pakistan is giving air time to the Taliban.
Rep. Mark Kirk, an Illinois Republican, went nuts when he learned that the American taxpayer-funded service has been interviewing Pakistani Taliban leaders.
“The U.S. taxpayer should not be subsidizing free air-time for al-Qaeda terrorists and Taliban leaders,” Kirk said. “These broadcasts put the lives of American soldiers in danger and undermine the policies of the United States in Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
“Pshaw,” said VOA Director Danforth Austin. He said the VOA was simply seeking to increase it’s credibility.
That’s all well and good, but it turns out that the Taliban used the VOA interviews as part of its military strategy. They gave out false information in an attempt to lure the Pakistani army into a trap.
There’s one very valuable lesson to be learned from this story: Never expect brilliance from a guy named Danforth.
What if it’s DoD, and they need an army base? I’m not fond of Eminent Domain, but can understand it being applied in certain situations. And let’s not forget that in many areas of the USA, the economy depends upon a base of whatever sort.
(104) Horatiox if the Constitution doesn’t provide for it then the government shouldn’t do it. We have seen time and time again that when we let this stuff happen sooner or later it is abused.
The DOD should have to negotiate with the state just like anyone else. DOD can make the case on the impact to the local economy, etc…etc…etc…gee what a concept let’s have the government work under the same rules they try to make us work under.
Hey a mall can be a really good thing…why does a mall developer have to work with the state, etc?
The 5th Amend., I believe, allows for Eminent Domain when the govt.–Fed or state– compensates the owner. Even the SCOTUS, supposedly conservative, has recently expanded Eminent Domain–probably in some cases, when some big time developer gets a govt. grant he can use the Feds (or states) to force a sale or something. Some libertarians use it as a scare tactic (e.g, appeal to fear)– the Feds are coming to take our private proper-tay, etc. I don’t think the Obama Admin. are that socialist-statist: BO has already stiffed a few unions, says he won’t cap exec. salaries, dragged his feet on anti-trust, and agreed to Bailout. Not exactly Leon Trotsky, Glennster.
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(106) Hortatiox…you can’t be serious?
Stiffed few unions…well ya the teachers in Indiana maybe.
What he has done for the UAW is a complete outrage. You say he won’t cap salaries…well he has already done that (especially when he fired the CEO of GM) and a lot more is coming.
Agreeing to the bail-out is exactly socialist, marxist, communist, etc…take your pick it is all the same flavor just different strengths. This amounts to fascism and that has always worked out so well.
As far as the 5th amendment goes it was created to protect people from having their property taken without just compensation. The problem is just compensation is not being following in the courts. So once again the lawmakers put lipstick on a pig and then use the courts to do the dirty work. Also the just compensation doesn’t factor in any incidental losses or opportunity costs, etc. It is not as simple and clear cut as you want to make it.
The government if it wants something from a private citizen it should have to pay for it. Funny how the government and most people don’t complain how much the government will pay for things from government contractors who have an army of lobbyists working for them. Hey why not use the same just compensation model the courts force on private citizens on government contractors…that tax savings alone would probably pay for healthcare…lol.
(107) Is there an English translation for that?
(106) Horatiox this whole fiasco with the firing of the IG this week by Obama is going to blow up in his face.
Obama gave the IG 1 hour to resign or be fired. Obama himself co-sponsored a bill that is now law that stated the President had to give Congress 30 days notice before firing an IG. That was in vogue before when Obama was doing everything he could to derail the Bush Presidency.
So you probably think it is justified that Obama can break his very own law to protect his cronies. But this is exactly the type of behavior I expect someone like Obama to exhibit because it truly defines who he really is.
Oh yeah…he fired the IG because the IG found clear evidence that an Obama friend and financial supporter (AKA a CRONY) personally defrauded the US Government and misused federal funds – his tab was only a mere $400k (I would say Geithner class of violation) but further found Americorps misused over $70 million in federal funds.
But you are right about one thing…this proves he isn’t like Trotsky but probably a lot more like a Stalin.
(106) Yeah these people are just so up and up. Completely honest…no problems here…
http://greenhellblog.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/obama-climate-czar-accused-of-law-breaking/
(106) More Hope and Change…yeah the whole Iran thing and DPRK are just working out fine…but I am sure that I’manidiot will feel really bad about rigging the election and causing turmoil in his country because Obama extended him support through his speeches, etc…and will most definitely offer something up to the table in a conciliatory manner in appreciation for the unbelievable speeches by Obama.
Wake up America, fancy words and strong worded responses from the UN DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I feel like a bunch of 5th graders are trying to run the world!
Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi was reportedly arrested Saturday following the reformist’s defeat at the polls by hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Supporters of Mousavi, the main challenger to Ahmadinejad, responded to the election with the most serious unrest in Tehran in a decade and charged that the result was the work of a dictatorship.
Mousavi’s arrest was reported by an unofficial source, according to whom the presidential hopeful was arrested en route to the home of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Biden: “No one realized how bad the economy was, the projections turned out to be worse”..
Gregory: “Package was sold on the premise on the fact that it would keep unemployment at 8%”
Biden: “Everyone guessed wrong at the time estimate was made about what the state of the economy was at the moment that this was passed.”
Gee some of us didn’t guess wrong on the economy and what the job loss would be. In fact in the fall it was easy to predict that unemployment would reach beyond 9%. The stimulus was sold to Congress that unemployment would not go beyond 8%. In fact if we take the hocus pocus that Bill Clinton put in place on how to calculate unemployment…our numbers are actually over 14% RIGHT NOW.
This is complete and utter BS. Why can’t we demand the truth instead of this crap?
(97) Glenn, looks like political protest is considered low level terrorism. The real estate blog I pointed out to you the other day has an interesting article. I hope the article turns out to be b.s.
(114) Are you referring to the additional waves of foreclosures, etc?
That is definitely happening. Pretty much the sub-prime wave of foreclosures is finishing out. By this time next year we will be in another peak of foreclosures and you are going to see yet another wave in 2011 and 2012. The housing market will not bottom out until at least 2012.
Wait until the Commercial market totally collapses…that is the other foot that is starting to drop.
BTW if you want to make a killing in real estate let Joe know and I will send the info to him. Funny if you go back and research how people made a killing during the Great Depression some of those same opportunities exist today.
BTW we also probably looking at a decades long bear market.
(114) Also LS, median home value on average (adjusted for inflation,etc…) always wants to be around $100k based on market forces and we are well north of that right now but you will see the market is going to continue to force this down back to the 100k average.
(115)It’s an article on Patrick.net – june 16, last story.
(117) His last article is from June 7th. There is a list of links to articles for June 16th but there are several. Which article specifically?
(118)Last articles are from june 16th, yesterday. In the last 30 minutes the story has been pulled from his site. It was right below the smuggled T-bill story.
(118) Google- protesting now terrorism, it’s on other places. Funny how it got pulled from his site. He usually updates everyday, not today though. Note says he’s traveling.
(120) Of course anyone who opposes this administration or the liberals in Congress are going to be attacked. Why do you think Homeland Security came out with that report that originally stated if you had a Ron Paul bumper sticker on your car you could possibly be a terrorist…people were actually being pulled over without cause in MO and LA that had Ron Paul bumper stickers on their car.
We now live in a nation that anything you do against the police state is going to be cracked down on. Makes you wonder why we were so sloppy about convicting people like Bill Ayers – if we had done our job back then we probably we wouldn’t see a lot of what is going on today.
Like it or not we are edging closer every day to fascism, socialism, communism, etc…take your pick they are all based on the same things.
Big government, little individual freedom and choice.
If you think the government health care plan that Obama is promoting is a good idea then you don’t understand their plan. They are going to force private health options out of business and we are moving toward a single-payer government based system where EVERYONE is forced to buy government based health insurance. When that day happens you can literally forget any freedoms you will have for your eating choices, etc…
The National Security Agency is facing renewed scrutiny over the extent of its domestic surveillance program, with critics in Congress saying its recent intercepts of the private telephone calls and e-mail messages of Americans are broader than previously acknowledged, current and former officials said.
Precisely why you CANNOT trust this administration, this congress or the MSM…this is ridiculous!!! TURN OFF ABC.
ABC is refusing to air paid ads during its White House health care presentation, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned, including a paid-for alternative viewpoint!
The development comes a day after the network denied a request by the Republican National Committee to feature a representative of the party’s views during the Obama special.
Conservatives for Patients Rights requested the rates to buy a 60-second spot immediately preceding ‘Prescription for America’.
(120) You are right LS…OMG…this is pure insanity!!!!
A written exam administered by the Pentagon labels “protests” as a form of “low-level terrorism” — enraging civil liberties advocates and activist groups who say it shows blatant disregard of the First Amendment.
The written exam, given as part of Department of Defense employees’ routine training, includes a multiple-choice question that asks:
“Which of the following is an example of low-level terrorism?”
— Attacking the Pentagon
— IEDs
— Hate crimes against racial groups
— Protests
The correct answer, according to the exam, is “Protests.”
“Its part of a pattern of equating dissent and protest with terrorism,” said Ann Brick, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, which obtained a copy of the question after a Defense Department employee who was taking the test printed the screen on his or her computer terminal.
“It undermines the core constitutional values the Department of Defense is supposed to be defending,” Brick said, referring to the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble.
(124) Maybe this is why some of the outdoor advertisers are refusing to rent their billboards asking where the birth certificate is. Might be considered terroristic.
(125) LOL…yeah you are probably right. Well if this Pentagon fiasco along with the rest of the stuff that is going on doesn’t convince you to stand up and make a sign…I don’t think anything will.
The weekend of Sep 12th we will be in DC…we expect more than 2,000,000 protesters…so come on down.
If you do plan to come I have great deals on hotel rooms still in DC and VA area.
A listener from Glenn Beck pretty much sums it up…
(127) The link didn’t post here it is again…
http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=011008&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=6075725&referralPlaylistId=f909db77f0ad31bbfd35cb7e6a04f50204809c04
I wonder how many people in Congress actually suffer from some form of mental disorder.
“Could you say ‘senator’ instead of ‘ma’am?’ It’s just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title. I’d appreciate it.”
–Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) to Brigadier General Michael Walsh during Senate hearing Tuesday, when he the general repeatedly said, “Yes, ma’am,” and “No, ma’am,” when answering Boxer’s questions at hearing she chaired on New Orleans’ levee system.
A top White House lawyer called the firing of AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin an act of “political courage”
This is the new keyword for corruption. We will bury the truth and be corrupt but we will call it political courage.
Now we learn Obama has fired 2 other inspector generals that were critical of the stimulus…etc…
THIS IS THE BIGGEST COVER-UP OF CORRUPTION AND THEFT THAT HAS EVER OCCURRED IN THIS COUNTRY.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This is a complete outrage!
Ron Paul on Healthcare…of course he is right and he makes sense.
So where is the accountability? Obama warned everyone that if they didn’t pass his outrageous plan of theft called stimulus that our country would go beyond 8% unemployment…so…what happened???
Our unemployment numbers are skyrocketing and in the current reporting:
The unemployment rates in eight states hit record-highs last month and only two — Nebraska and Vermont — did not report increases.
The Labor Department says 48 states and the District of Columbia saw employment conditions deteriorate last month. The fallout from the longest recession since World War II, was the worst in Michigan. Its unemployment rate rose to 14.1 percent.
The eight states that set records are: California, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
The West region reported the highest jobless rate at 10.1 percent. The last time any region had a rate of at least 10 percent was September 1983, when the country was emerging from a severe recession.
Nebraska’s jobless rate dipped last month, Vermont’s was flat
So where is the accountability? Obviously this is another fine example of an Obama failure and no one is calling him on it. Why are we letting someone with literally no experience bury us in debt? It makes no sense. Everyone that voted for Obama should have to pay the taxes for these outrageous plans.
Glenn, I found an, uh, interesting site called “sendarope” That’s not your video is it? 🙂
(134) LS…LMAO…we need to send that guy a CLUE!!! How did you find that site? I don’t think sending things in the mail that could be viewed in such a negative way is helpful at all.
This guy is like those extremists from SDS in the 60’s…and he is another Bill Ayers in the making.
Creating a sign and taking to the streets I think has more impact.
LS the momentum is building and this administration and this Congress are going to have to deal with it sooner or later.
Saw an interesting stat this week…there is less support now for government healthcare by America then there was during the Clinton years.
Also how come no one is talking about the $134 billion in treasury bills that were being smuggled outside our country?…that happened two weeks ago and all you hear is silence about it. The silence speaks volumes to the level of corruption and manipulation going on in our government.
(134) LS I found a top 10 list of things from the 9/12r’s that I mostly agree with:
1. Term Limits
2. Flat Tax / Fair Tax
3. Abolish Federal Government waste
4. Spending Freeze
5. School vouchers
6. Let states decide their own abortion laws
7. Constitutional amendment for marriage between man and woman
8. All laws are to colorblind with no favoritism to any or against any race or religion
9. Secure borders against illegal immigrants
10. Stop the government war against freedom of Religion in public places
#7 I could really care less about. What I think the government should do is GET OUT of the marriage/divorce business ALL TOGETHER. If you want to get married, find a church that believes in what you do and get married. If you want a civil union then create a clear contract between the parties so we can stop all this legal nonsense and waste of money about this topic.
Of course I think we need to repeal the Patriot act, etc…there should be NO SPYING on American citizens…it is an outrage. If we secured our borders properly we would be much more effective about blocking terrorists trying to get into our country.
We should stop propping up these horrible dictators in the Middle East, etc…that is how you influence people and get their respect. You don’t take the Rodney Dangerfield approach to apologize to everyone and still GET NO RESPECT. Actions speak a lot louder than words or a strongly worded letter from the U.N….geesh.
(120) Of course anyone who opposes this administration or the liberals in Congress are going to be attacked. Why do you think Homeland Security came out with that report that originally stated if you had a Ron Paul bumper sticker on your car you could possibly be a terrorist…
Actually, Glennster, although I oppose the Paul-tards and Vegass-style libertarians, I will agree that most lib-rawls and Democratic politicians are not to be trusted on civil liberties issues. The voting record of Feinstein– assumed to be a liberal by many California thanatoids–shows how the J-Edgar-crats operate: she blessed each and every security measure that Bush recommended, from Pat Act to FISA, the wiretapping, warrantless searches. They’re control freaks.
That said, I think there are some authentic Democrats who still value the Constitution, Due Process, First Amendment, and shall we say basic Jeffersonian rights: alas they don’t live in California.
(137) Horatiox I think there are good politicians…but let’s face it the controlling members in both the house and senate are ALL pretty bad regardless of party. Pelosi, Feinstein, Reid, Frank, Dodd, Waters, Coyners, Rangle, Murtha, Schumer, etc…etc…etc…they are the perfect example of why we need term limits for Congress.
What logic is is that says let’s spend at least $1.6 trillion dollars on health care and only help at most 16 million of the 47 million (they claim need coverage)…that $100k per person for healthcare…what a freakin scam!
Yeah this administration isn’t corrupt…lol…what a joke…Walpin-Gate moves into to hyperdrive!!!
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/22/walpin-gate-opens-wider/
President Obama’s excuses for firing AmeriCorps Inspector General Gerald Walpin look weaker every day. The FBI has opened an investigation into a Sacramento program formerly run by a close ally of President Obama’s, giving credence to the IG’s work.
Now here is where the story gets really interesting. On the very same day that the president fired Mr. Walpin, St. Hope’s executive director, Rick Maya, left his job at St. Hope. He did not go quietly. His resignation letter charged Mr. Johnson and several St. Hope board members with numerous ethical violations. Most explosively, he charged that a board member improperly deleted e-mails of Mr. Johnson’s that already were under a federal subpoena.
Suddenly, the problems at St. Hope begin to look as severe as Mr. Walpin had charged rather than being minor infractions.
On Wednesday, the Sacramento Bee reported that Mr. Maya’s allegations have been deemed serious enough that the FBI is investigating potential obstruction of justice at St. Hope. In that light, the firing of Mr. Walpin, who properly blew the whistle on mismanagement and possible corruption, looks ill-considered.
(135) Glenn, I ran across the rope video while reading about the birth certificate billboards. I was surprised to see it as I assumed something like that would land a guy in jail.
(140) Well the guy is literally in the same hate-type crowd of the Perez Hiltons out there. I am full supporter of free-speech etc…but we should have some way to publicly rebuke some of these nuts.
Hey Joe…you could start a new online service and call it twit instead of twitter and we could go out there to rebuke people that make outrageous statements on TV or on their websites, etc…lol
call it twit instead of twitter and we could go out there to rebuke people that make outrageous statements on TV or on their websites,
Glenn I think this is a neat idea. I’m noticing more and more at the blogs that owners tend to either censor out views that don’t match their own or allow the blog regulars to shout down any dissent. RealClimate.org and ClimateProgress.org suffer from both, basically banning or shouting down even respectful disagreement. Daily KOS doesn’t even make a pretense of being open to other opinions.
(142) Joe do you want me to build it? Let’s get some of the brains out here to work together on a test. We need to come up with a name…get the url, put together some ideas and I will build the initial technology to support it. This could be fun…lol
(140) LS…wait until you read what happened here. This guy is completely off-track…however I fear we will see a lot more of this horrible stuff in the near future.
http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/06/04/hal-turner-arrested/
I might remind some to take a walk into history and listen to this speech by Reagan and how communism would fall and Poland’s solidarity.
This is how an American President should speak when on foreign soil.
http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/reagan-parliament.htm
http://puzo1.blogspot.com/2009/06/sixth-congressman-signs-on-to-sponsor.html
If there is nothing to hide why would the Democrats not pass this bill…it is a no-brainer…time will tell.
There is no way Obama could have legally traveled to Pakistan on a US passport when he was in college? So just how did Obama get into that country back then? Who were his roommates? Why not identify them so we can see what they are doing today? Are they members of the Taliban?
President made these interesting admissions during interview with Anwar Iqbal of Pakistan’s Dawn Media Group this weekend:
Iqbal: Any plan to visit Pakistan in the near future?
Obama: I would love to visit. As you know, I had Pakistani roommates in college who were very close friends of mine. I went to visit them when I was still in college; was in Karachi and went to Hyderabad. Their mothers taught me to cook.
Iqbal: What can you cook?
Obama: Oh, keema…daal…You name it, I can cook it. And so I have a great affinity for Pakistani culture and the great Urdu poets.
Iqbal: You read Urdu poetry?
Obama: Absolutely. So my hope is that I’m going to have an opportunity at some point to visit Pakistan.
http://www.creators.com/opinion/chuck-norris.html
Chuck Norris and his “birther” cronies are grasping at straws at this stage. BO’s vetting was not so great (let’s not forget that journalists–including even PC-Demo ones–were denied access to Barack’s college records), but the COLB was verified. His birth was announced in the Hawaii paper in ’61 as well.
A better tactic would be to focus on real issues–such as BO’s shady DoJ team (Holder has already done some fairly questionable things), or BO’s stalling on health care, or his proposed defense budget, which exceeds Bush’s. (a point few Demos have noted. Greenwald did).
(148)Horatiox, a better tactic for what? Do you think there are any questions being asked about Obamas past that are legitimate?
AS stated, the lack of access to Obama’s academic records was a bit odd. The records of Bush/Kerry/McCain were subject to scrutiny.
However given that his parrents announced his birth in the Hawaii papers in ’61 (Barack Hussein Obama, future US President), and there is a COLB, along with the Hawaii official confirming, the birth question seems to have been verified/confirmed. Unless you think there was some conspiracy involved with the papers, along with the hospital, his parents, etc.—or maybe take the Glennster view that BO’s a member of the Illuminati.
(150)You think some of the questions being asked are legitimate? Am I understanding that correctly? I’m still wondering what you mean by “a better tactic”.
I’m not that supportive of Pelosicrats, but they should be assessed in context–. They don’t seem quite as incompetent and corrupt compared to BushCo, or the Gramm/Gingrich congress.
I favor the Tri-committee’s health plan (as far as I understand it), which is similar to what Hillary proposed. Really, Obama’s plan is not that leftis. Companies should have to cover their employees. Some DINO-crat business types want a big Medicare or VA (obama’s plan more or less), so they won’t have to pay the premiums. I say that’s BS. The companies can afford it–or the shekels they pay in premiums go to a big VA for everyone (sort of how EU does it, I believe).
I may have posted on wrong thread (the writing on Duck’s blog is posting very slowly…………whatev)
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/documents/2009/08/cornyn-to-obama-are-you-collecting-info-on-your-political-enemies.php?page=1
Literally everything bad we predicted last year about Obama has come true and even worse in most cases.
If you voted for Obama you have to reconcile the decision with yourself…he is systematically destroying this country and he is as un-American as you can get. He is so un-American that it isn’t surprising people think he was born somewhere else…only someone who doesn’t understand America would act like him.
He is literally the only modern day president where we don’t know where he was born – typically it is celebrated and recognized with plaques, etc…
He promised transparency – yet he LIED. He has lied about everything…no one understands what he really wants…he says one thing to ACORN, SEIU, to people in town hall meetings and then he says something else when he is caught in his lies. IT IS ALL A SCAM.
He will go down in history as the worst and most fraud ridden president PERIOD.
But what can you expect from someone WHO HIDES EVERYTHING, lived with a drug dealer during college, gladly participated in drug use, took foreign money to pay for school, listen to the scumbag Rev Wright for 20 years, hung around the bigger idiot Ayers, came up with lightning speed through the most corrupt political machine in our country, has “friends” all around him that are now being investigated, etc…was the lead trainer for the most un-American politically corrupt organization in the country – ACORN, etc…etc…etc…
Seriously if you voted for Obama you just don’t understand what is going on or you wanted to be part of history because you had to vote for a non-white man to be president (which btw…if you did that then you are probably a racist), or you just believed the total BS he sold you and in that case I have some stuff to sell to you.
This country is now in shambles directly because of his irresponsible, unconstitutional and un-American actions and we just past 6 months.
This country is headed for civil war and ACORN will be right in the middle of the horrible violence about to descend on our great country.
Hope you are all proud of yourself for voting for the least qualified person EVER to step up as president – we are all paying for your foolish decision.
(154) LS that program that Obama initiated is actually illegal. Since the Nixon administration it is illegal for the president/White house to record any information about people that are exercising their free speech in opposition to the government.
They say they are not recording any information about people…well unfortunately that can’t be true because there is another law that states ALL communication in or out of the White house must be tracked and recorded.
So once again screw the laws or screw the constitution if it gets in the way of our Marxist, socialist, communist agenda…just look at the complete whack jobs that Obama was put in place as Czars, etc…it is unbelievable.
Look at the arrogance and disdain shown by Obama, et al to anyone challenging their ludicrous and irresponsible ideas.
This country is under attack from within and our freedoms and the very fabric of what makes this country so great is being destroyed.
For myself I am looking forward to the massive backlash that is forthcoming – hopefully we will go so far right people will finally understand why YOU CAN NEVER vote in extremists!!!
Its ok to call American citizens a mob…but you can’t call a terrorist a Jihadist…
That PRETTY MUCH SUMS UP HOW GOOD A PRESIDENT OBAMA IS.
This is a complete farce.
The polls numbers for the liberals in this country are plummeting faster than ever in history – this hopefully be the end of their tyranny in this country.
Yeah remember it isn’t fascism when the liberal left does it…
I didn’t vote for Obama, but I didn’t vote for McCaint/Palin either. Chose to write in
CHICO THE WONDER DOG!
He hasn’t killed nearly as many humans as BushCo (as of yet).
I’ll tell Chico TWD you are a fan of his Horatiox! After his flea medicine he’s been under the weather for a day so this will cheer him up.
Obama’s a bright boy. And I don’t oppose everything he has done. At the same time the Obama Admin has enabled some people and groups (like ACORN, and his AG, Holder of DOJ, or the G-sachs crew) that don’t jibe with my Jeffersonian ideals. Nancy Pelosi seems about like some Italian or spanish Marquessa (bay area DINOs a whole do, really).
But that’s the nature of American democracy, based on a popular vote. The Brownshirt or maoist alternative would probably be worse.
Glenn, this will give you a chuckle-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_AjGOBS0zU
(160) DNC Enough of the Mob AD at youtube
(158) Horatiox I didn’t vote for either as well. The whole system is busted.
(161) http://www.breitbart.tv/obama-dont-want-the-folks-who-created-the-mess-to-do-a-lot-of-talking/
There you LS you can see how Obama just believes he is a dictator – wasn’t he the one who promised bi-partisan solutions? When he gets down in the polls…he just blames America or Bush for everything he is screwing up…
There is no more intellectual honesty in DC…it is all just a big scam.
Glenn, the clip titled “nobody is collecting names” (breitbart.tv) is especially interesting from 6:23 to the end of the clip. Few people could view that and not think someone was being very evasive.
Tho’ I am not down with the Tea-bagger, I admit Nancy Pelosi sort of bugs me (as she should anyone who values the Constitution and American history). Watch Pelosi speaking with reporters……..always arrogant and patronizing, like “You will listen, now, peasant”. When she became Speaker of the House she attempted to have C-SPAN kicked out of the House and Senate (finally after protests they let C-SPAN in, though on a much reduced schedule).
She’s a millionaire as well with big estate in Marin or something, and her kids are all rich as well (like four daughters, one son, all bay area hipsters, pals with hip-hoppers, celebrities, etc). Examine a few close-ups–or even some tape on You tube–Pelosi often seems a bit disoriented. On occasion nearly delirious.
I humbly suggest she’s like stoned, more often than not (as are some of her sleazy daughters). Not merely pot, or booze: but crack. The Crack Ho of the House.
(164) uh yeah, daves not here.
(165)…classic…
Here is another fine example of whats wrong with our non-representing elected royalty in this country!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124960404730212955.html
They have to order all these private jets because there are going to be riots in airports if these arrogant intellectually dishonest politicians show up!!!
BTW…have you seen the stat…the UK’s health care system is the 3rd largest employer behind the world…behind India’s government rail system and the Chinese army.
Seriously does anyone really understand what it means in this country to pass health care the way they want to?
It will forever change this country for the worst and you really need to see the survival rates for cancer and other health problems in Canada and the UK…prostate cancer in the UK is 77% compared to 100% in the USA.
We just need to reform the lawsuits and change the health insurance industry to be just for disaster…not for every day health needs.
But of course the politicians get millions from the lobbyists supporting lawyers and that it why you don’t see ONE thing to reform the lawsuits. Democrats also get far more contributions from lawyers than any other party – what does that tell you?
I guess it all comes down to what the definition of is – is?
Perfect example of the intellectual dishonesty on the news stations these days…Ed O’Donnell what a freaking ahole!!!
(168)I agree.
Here is the hope and change that people voted for!!!
The brown shirts of Obama’s fascist regime attack a protester outside of St Louis Obamacare town meeting. Listen to the Obot from the SEIU (directly connected to ACORN) say the protester attacked America so it was ok for him to beat him up.
Even a member of Rep. Russ Carnahan’s own staff was arrested for trying to pick a fight!!!
As I said many months ago we are headed to civil war and ACORN & crew would be responsible for the violence about to unfold in this country. In fact the Obama administration has directed ACORN, SEIU, etc to punch back twice as hard to any protester for Obamacare.
Plus the Whitehouse has set up an illegal “flag” email address for people to play McCarthy and “report” other Americans for speaking out against Obama – this is OUTRAGEOUS!!! Where is the ACLU?
Welcome to the Obama tyranny…all you Obama voters out there must be really proud of the violence and shame you have ushered into this country.
The hypocrisy of the freaking left in this country…
More hypocrisy…unbelievable watch the staffer of Carnahan (Javonne Spitz) stop a “black” man to take his picture (documenting an opponent of Obamacare) and tell him how awful it is that is against Obamacare – she then is pointed out correctly as a racist. This is unbelievable…
The more you watch liberals in action at events like these it is hard not to wonder if some of these people are just mentally ill.
Wake up to the truth…
Are ALL the people in MO stupid? Listen to Congressman Cleaver…”THERE IS NO HEALTH CARE BILL”. The arrogance and disdain from the liberal left is staggering…
This just keeps getting better every day…watch this…and you have to ask yourself how is this health care system being forced down our throats any different than the Nazi’s used in WWII. The people behind Obamacare are just plain bonkers.
Lawbreakers in the White house…here is your proof…she even admits it on CNN…
Real astroturfing by the lying Democrats. Here captured by hidden camera THE TRUTH about Obamacare and the Democratic party. If they accuse someone else of doing something you know damn well they are doing it and are just using the unethical approach by the scumbag Alinsky.
This is outrageous…the liberals are hijacking the democratic process in this country. TYRANNY!!!
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