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Title: Obama on small-town PA: Clinging to religion, guns, xenophobia
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URL Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhi ... -surprise-that-ha_b_96188.html
Published: Apr 11, 2008
Author: Ben Smith
Post Date: 2008-04-11 19:39:50 by christine
Keywords: None
Views: 5857
Comments: 263
Obama on small-town PA: Clinging to religion, guns, xenophobia Huffpo's Mayhill Fowler has more from Obama's remarks at a San Francisco fundraiser Sunday, and they include an attempt to explain the resentment in small-town Pennsylvania that won't be appreciated by some of the people whose votes Obama's seeking: You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations. That's a pretty broad list of things to explain with job loss.
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#148. To: angle (#142)
He was in a series that allowed this, but the Clinton years were not half as bad as the Bush years.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
Swiss row over black sheep poster BBC News, Geneva A political row has broken out in Switzerland over a campaign poster from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, aimed at deporting foreigners - residents without Swiss citizenship - who commit crimes. The poster, which shows three white sheep kicking a black sheep against a backdrop of the Swiss flag, can be seen all over the country ahead of general elections at the end of October. Swiss People's Party poster The controversial poster bears the slogan "For more security" Immigrant groups in Switzerland, left-wing parties and the United Nations complain that the poster is blatantly racist. The Swiss People's Party, currently the largest in parliament and leading in the opinion polls, is pushing for a new law which would authorise the expulsion of foreign families, should any family member be found guilty of violent crime, drugs offences or benefit fraud. Over 20% of Switzerland's population is foreign. Most have been in the country for many years, and around a third of them were born in Switzerland. Swiss citizenship remains very difficult to come by, and being born in the country does not give the children or even grandchildren of immigrants the right to be Swiss. Crime figures The Swiss People's Party claims that foreigners commit more crimes than the Swiss, and says this justifies deporting them and their families. In fact, crime statistics are not at all clear, partly because not all Swiss regions count crime in the same way. A recent study by the Federal Department for Foreigners found that while, at first glance, foreigners appear to be committing more crime than the Swiss, foreigners, especially young men, are also more likely to be charged - whereas young Swiss may be let off with a caution for the same offence. The study also found that young foreigners living in Switzerland were more likely to be unemployed and living in socially deprived backgrounds, than the Swiss. But despite the complex nature of the problem, the blunt approach has clearly struck a chord with many voters. Matthias Mueller, spokesman for the party, says the campaign has attracted huge support. "We've had an unbelievably positive response," he said. "It shows just how necessary our campaign is." Storm of criticism But now that the poster is visible all over Switzerland, there has been a storm of criticism too. Swiss Jewish groups say the symbolism of the poster, and its use of colour, is frighteningly reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. "I think it's a disgusting way to conduct politics," said Alfred Donath, president of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities. "It is entirely contrary to Switzerland's humanitarian tradition, and really not the way we should do things." Meanwhile the United Nations special rapporteur on racial discrimination, Doudou Diene from Senegal, has asked the Swiss government for an official explanation of the campaign. The Swiss People's Party, which wants to pull Switzerland out of the UN Convention against Racism, and abolish the country's own Federal Commission on Racism, is dismissive of UN opinion. "The UN should not be meddling in internal Swiss politics," said Matthias Mueller. "We have got freedom of speech in our country. Obviously [Mr Diene] has not understood our culture of democracy. I would suggest he reads up on it." Video withdrawn The Swiss People's Party is used to criticism of its tactics, but this time there are signs it may have gone too far. Another poster, showing veiled Muslim women accompanied by the question, "Where are we living, Baden or Baghdad?", is now the subject of an investigation to determine whether it violates Switzerland's anti-racism laws. Meanwhile, a campaign video showing what it is claimed are young hooded foreigners committing violent crimes was withdrawn after the Swiss youngsters who actually took part complained they had been told they were taking part in a crime-prevention video. And across the country, hundreds of the black sheep posters have been defaced, many with a single word - "Shame".
The U.S. Constitution is no impediment to our form of government.--PJ O'Rourke
No one forgets Waco, are you suggesting that the Bush years are better than the Clinton years?
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
So that is your problem. :)
God is always good!
Of course he didn't mean it that way, he is trying to get votes, not turn them away. But nevertheless his true colors shined through. He messed up and spoke form his heart and it is certainly not a pretty sight.
God is always good!
As many times as he's lied (I used my words poorly, I never knew Wright was a racist) he's either a real dumbshit or the next slick willie. A man who does not think before he speaks has no business (or brains) being POTUS/ A white man like David Duke could never get away with this "Oops I chose my words poorly" shit.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition "Corporation: An entity created for the legal protection of its human parasites, whose sole purpose is profit and self-perpetuation." © IndieTx I think non-deluded Christians all know who owns this man's heart.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition "Corporation: An entity created for the legal protection of its human parasites, whose sole purpose is profit and self-perpetuation." © IndieTx Actually, by being blunt — speaking from his heart, as you put it — he was merely doing what conservatives have recommended we all be allowed to do for years, i.e., not worrying about being "politically correct" and just saying whatever comes to mind in whatever phraseology forms on one's lips.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
Any man that would make such a statement has no qualifications for the office of president, none. He suffers from elitism hoof and mouth disease. Not just in PA. People all across the nation are going to be PO by this very revealing statement from Obama about his views on guns, religion, and "free trade." If he is the Dem's nominee you might as well just hand over the keys of the White House to McCain, becasue he will win in a landslide. Whoever it is, McCain, Hillary, or crazy Obama, the USA is on the verge of extinction.
God is always good!
Surely you jest. It is revealing that NO ONE here is supporting any extension of the reign of that SOB. I and most others supported Paul, because he said he would end the war and that part he could have done WITHOUT trhe will of Congress. Any support for Obama/Clinton is support for more American dead and that is unacceptable.
I am not suggesting an extension either, I am pointing out that there is a difference; the Clinton years were less damaging.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
Carter was less damaging but he was a poor president and the voters turned him out. It is what a president actually does that counts. Bush and Clinton were two of a kind, recall Clinton got us involved in Kosovo, Bush has us mired in ME and all three of the contenders are calling for the same. That is four thousand americans families that are grieving over an unjust war. For that McKooK and Clinton/Obama are all for more war. If you support that slaughter by supporting any of the three, that is your right. Most of us wanted Paul because he said he would end the war. As you can see Americans voted for more war. Shame on them.
Therefore, those who support the constitution are bitter about the constitution being violated? One does not necessarily follow from the other. People go to church to worship God. People who want weapons on hand are realists. People who want the laws follwed in the country regarding immigration and are alarmed at how illegal immigrants destroy the economies through their stealing of the tax benefits intended for citizens are educated. The disparaging remarks regarding these folks being motivated by bitterness and fear are part and parcel of the neocon propaganda to paint U.S. Nationals as fringe malcontents. McWar, Rodham and Obama. Their choice, not ours.
Unbelieveable comment.
You refuse to see the reality.
Asians have an IQ on average at least 10 points higher than that of Americans. You have an unwarranted superiority complex, it seems to me. George Herbert Walker Bush and his family have done far more to improve trade links, national security-related or not, with what used to be called "Red" China.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
Sam... In the fine print there is this admonition... Americans are made up of "MANY" races therefore there is no such thing as an American when testing IQ. China on the other hand is near 90 per cent Chinese, ONE race. Thus the IQ rating is actually misleading.
During the Clinton years, I screamed good and loud. I have no illusions, again, I am contrasting and comparing them with the last 7 years.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
Okay, I'll put it this way. East Asians have been shown to have a 6-point higher IQ on average than Whites.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
I'll buy that.
Interestingly, there is still widespread illiteracy in Asia. It's my opinion, based on this (as well as that govt's tendency to make stuff up), that they do not test everyone. Just as only the brightest Asians are sent here to study and work.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
"We've had an unbelievably positive response," he said. "It shows just how necessary our campaign is." People can't be trusted to decide for themselves. That's what the government is for, to decide what's best for them. They aren't intelligent enough to make the right decision.
I see no comparision. What do you say about Clinton and Bosnia, Bush and Iraq?
Iraq is much worse.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
Well then, why aren't you voting for Rodham? They proved they aren't "half as bad as the Bush years."
Nevermind. There's no rational discussion with cultists.
I have no intention of ever voting for a Clinton. I used the Clinton years as an example that there is a difference between administrations. Not that I like them.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
Did Bosnia cost $3 trillion? Did Bosnia cost us our liberties? How many people died in Bosnia? How many troops? Did our economy suffer because of Bosnia?
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
I agree with this analysis.
How so? If China had the missile technology, they wouldn't have needed Clinton to steal it for them.
Swedish Whites or Southern American Whites?
You think Obama is going to make everything better. By his comments he indicates that people who want their constitutional rights to have guns, worship freely and put America first in trade and immigration are bitter, threatened people. What then can he do for us who support upholding our constitution not becasue we're bitter and threatened, but because it is the law of our country and our right?
Once again, I ask you to research how much trade in all kinds of products the Chinese did with the Bush Crime Family. The Clintons are junior members of that Crime Family, so anything done in the Clinton administration was just a continuation of deals begun by Bush 41. This is certainly true of NAFTA as well. Unless you actually invented the ICBM guidance system designed by Hughes-Loral yourself and are upset about being cut out of the project, I fail to see what sort of grievance you would have against Clinton in particular. The overall policy to let China have or trade for Western technology goes back to Old Man Bush's days and he was the first special envoy to "Red" China back in the early 1970s. He has often professed his love for the PRC.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
The irony here is that the real bitter people in this saga are the Rev. Wright and his flock of perpetual victims.
No, I do not think Obama is going to make everything better. I have made it clear that I think he will do less damage than McCain.
'Individuals should not take responsibility for their own defense. That’s what the police are for. ... If I oppose individuals defending themselves, I have to support police defending them. I have to support a police state.”' Alan Dershowitz
People go to church to worship God. People who want weapons on hand are realists. People who want the laws follwed in the country regarding immigration and are alarmed at how illegal immigrants destroy the economies through their stealing of the tax benefits intended for citizens are educated. These, of course, are your theories. However, it is known that people are more likely to go to church during hard times. Hard times also makes people more likely to volunteer for a revolution or some armed rebellion. This is also known. If you have a steady, well-paying job and live in a safe neighborhood you may not notice the presence of illegals or, if you do, you might appreciate their willingness to provide you services for less that the natives would charge. You may also support your government 'open trade' initiatives because they bring in cheap goods. As for the constitution, it's always open for interpretation and the worse off you are the less happy you are likely to be with the current constitutional views. Think about it. It kind of makes sense.
Antiparty - find out why, think about 'how'
this just in, now Obama is "apologizing" for his arrogance. Odd so many here found nothing wrong with his words. ""If I worded things in a way that made people offended, I deeply regret that," Obama said in an interview with the Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal."
George W. Bush is the only true Christian President in many a moon, according to my former pastor down at the First Baptist Church, and Dubya has a policy of NEVER apologizing and NEVER admitting error. So I guess this means Obama is not a Christian for sure. Christians never apologize or admit error. They just issue ultimatums and bomb.
“I would give no thought of what the world might say of me, if I could only transmit to posterity the reputation of an honest man.” - Sam Houston
Why would he do that? By all we researched those are his heartfelt positions. Besides, the political damage is done. He just became Willie Horton.
Obama suffers from self aggrandized elitism of the worst kind. I wonder if it is not his white half that is looking down his nose at we white trash hill billies????
The roof has fallen in on Obama, rightfully so. This from Washington times... "MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) – Democrat Barack Obama on Saturday conceded that comments he made about bitter working class voters who "cling to guns or religion" were ill chosen, as he tried to stem a burst of complaints that he is condescending. "I didn't say it as well as I should have," he said."
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#149. To: Jethro Tull (#129)
True, they aren't under active invasion by 3rd worlders
#150. To: Cynicom (#139)
#151. To: robin (#21)
Or maybe a beer? ;P
#152. To: robin (#24)
(Edited)
If you are offended, then I suppose it was insensitive. But I honestly don't think he meant it that way.
#153. To: Cynicom (#96)
"There is no 'legitimate' Corporation by virtue of it's very legal definition and purpose."
-- IndieTx
#154. To: RickyJ (#152)
He messed up and spoke form his heart and it is certainly not a pretty sight
"There is no 'legitimate' Corporation by virtue of it's very legal definition and purpose."
-- IndieTx
#155. To: RickyJ (#152)
#156. To: Cynicom (#26)
I can assure you that thousands of Pa neanderthals will be POed tomorrow morning.
#157. To: robin (#150)
No one forgets Waco, are you suggesting that the Bush years are better than the Clinton years?
#158. To: Cynicom (#157)
#159. To: robin (#158)
I am not suggesting an extension either, I am pointing out that there is a difference; the Clinton years were less damaging.
#160. To: a vast rightwing conspirator (#145)
(Edited)
You don't believe that it is so?
#161. To: Sam Houston (#141)
China didn't need our technology.
#162. To: robin (#148)
#163. To: angle (#161)
#164. To: Sam Houston (#163)
Asians have an IQ on average at least 10 points higher than that of Americans.
#165. To: angle (#162)
#166. To: Cynicom (#164)
#167. To: Sam Houston (#166)
#168. To: Sam Houston (#166)
Okay, I'll put it this way. East Asians have been shown to have a 6-point higher IQ on average than Whites.
#169. To: DeaconBenjamin (#149)
Matthias Mueller, spokesman for the party, says the campaign has attracted huge support.
#170. To: robin (#165)
I am contrasting and comparing them with the last 7 years.
#171. To: angle (#170)
#172. To: robin (#148)
He was in a series that allowed this, but the Clinton years
#173. To: robin (#171)
#174. To: angle (#172)
#175. To: angle (#173)
#176. To: Peppa (#28)
"... making an assertion that guns and religion are false posessions of security. The right leader will help relieve you to cast away such antiquated thinking and fetishes. We will give you a new religion and security state..."
#177. To: Sam Houston (#163)
You have an unwarranted superiority complex, it seems to me.
#178. To: Sam Houston (#166)
6-point higher IQ on average than Whites.
#179. To: robin (#175)
How much did the Clinton years cost in terms of setting it up to have Bush get enough votes to steal the election in the first place? How much executive privilege, how many executive orders, how much governing with impunity, how much so that the Pentagon reported a missing $ 2.3 trillion 9 months after Clinton left office?
#180. To: angle (#177)
#181. To: angle (#179)
What then can he do for us who support upholding our constitution not becasue we're bitter and threatened, but because it is the law of our country and our right?
#182. To: angle (#179)
#183. To: angle (#160)
Therefore, those who support the constitution are bitter about the constitution being violated? One does not necessarily follow from the other.
#184. To: robin, Jethro Tull, angle (#182)
#185. To: Cynicom (#184)
#186. To: Cynicom (#184)
this just in, now Obama is "apologizing" for his arrogance.
#187. To: Jethro Tull (#186)
Besides, the political damage is done. He just became Willie Horton.
#188. To: Jethro Tull, robin, angle, christine (#186)
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