2012 Tuesday: ‘2016′ says we don’t know the president we elected in 2008
At a friend’s request, I went to the theater Sunday to see “2016: Obama’s America” (it’s true, I’m not the most political person I know). The movie, if you haven’t heard, is the work of Dinesh D’Souza, the Indian-born conservative commentator and college president whose 2010 book, “The Roots of Obama’s Rage,” argued the president’s world view was shaped heavily by his anti-colonialist Kenyan father.
I’m no movie critic, so I’ll spare you my thoughts on the cinematography (I’ll only note that D’Souza worked on the film with Hollywood veteran Gerald R. Molen, and it shows in the film’s production quality). The movie’s about our president’s past and what that means for our future, and I’ll focus on that.
D’Souza dispenses early on with any notions of birtherism, noting briefly, but pointedly, that Obama was born in Hawaii. Instead, he makes the far more interesting argument that what’s foreign is Obama’s ideology, shaped in absentia by a father he barely knew. His evidence for his claim is two-fold: Excerpts from Obama’s own autobiography, “Dreams From My Father” (the film liberally quotes from the audio version of the book, narrated by Obama himself), and footage from D’Souza’s travels to the places of Obama’s youth, Hawaii and Indonesia, as well as to Kenya. There are also phone conversations, videotaped on both ends, with sociologists such as Shelby Steele who try to explain what makes Obama tick.
What D’Souza turns up on his trips is often less than compelling: Brief doesn’t begin to describe what he gets from an interview with a retired Hawaii professor who knew Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham; a lengthier exchange with Obama’s half-brother, George, in Nairobi ultimately fails to land a blow on the president. But that’s not to say there’s no substance to the story.
Briefly, D’Souza’s narrative goes like this: The elder Obama was an anti-colonialist (this much is confirmed in interviews with a pair of his contemporaries; Obama Sr. of course died in a car wreck in 1982) whose antipathy toward Kenya’s British rulers was distinct from America’s earlier rebellion from the British in that it was also a rejection of the West and capitalism. Dunham (who died in 1995) fervently transferred these beliefs to a young Barack — and even sent him home to Hawaii from Indonesia when her second husband, Lolo Soetoro, took a job with a U.S. oil company and got a little too friendly with actual breathing capitalists. Back in Hawaii, her father arranged for young Barack to have a mentor named Frank Marshall Davis, a writer and card-carrying Communist who was on the FBI’s radar. From there, we hear of Obama’s adult associations with which we’re more familiar, including Bill Ayers and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
This is a vetting of Obama’s background that, D’Souza plausibly argues, was given short shrift in the 2008 campaign. For instance, D’Souza notes that Obama’s famous speech about race relations, to address the steady stream of Wright’s controversial statements (uncovered, let’s remember, while he was still contesting the Democratic primary against Hillary Clinton), was a deflection from the collectivist black liberation theology that laced Wright’s incendiary sermons. That, D’Souza claims, allowed Obama to keep his dealings with Marxists mostly out of the public eye on his way to the White House.
It is a vetting that is worthwhile for anyone interested in current U.S. politics, if only because it is so reliant on Obama’s own words. (Here, I must acknowledge I haven’t read “Dreams” and can’t say whether D’Souza is cherry-picking Obama’s quotes or taking them out of context; if he did, however, he has given his critics a huge tool to use in discrediting him.) As an immigrant from another former British colony who is the same age as Obama, D’Souza presents an intriguing figure with alternating sympathy for and critique of anti-colonialism.
That’s the first half of the movie. From there, D’Souza delves into purely political commentary and prognostication that most likely will resonate with you, or not, in close correlation with your own political leanings. I won’t spoil his conclusions, but I will say they err toward the most pessimistic, even conspiratorial end of the right side of the spectrum.
If there’s a tragic aspect of the film, it’s that the only people likely to see it are those who have already made up their minds against Barack Obama. It deserves as well an airing among his supporters and those precious few who are unsure about him, to point out where they think D’Souza is wrong and consider the ways he might be right.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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912 comments Add your comment
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
9:57 am
Doesn’t mean I can’t hope for that situation to change
Oh, I’m willing to bet that will never change in your mind, Tiberius
southpaw
August 14th, 2012
9:58 am
No, Finn @9:50. We don’t want a “subsidy,” which is the government taking money from other people and sending us checks and/or direct deposits. Tax breaks, maybe. We don’t mind keeping what we’ve EARNED. And before you start another “unearned income of the rich” rant, that includes interest, dividends, and so on, based on money we’ve kept instead of squandering. If we squander our money and have none to save or invest, or if we earn nothing, we get nothing. Fair enough?
SlickRick
August 14th, 2012
9:59 am
Pathetic waste of bits and bytes, this your latest attempt at high-minded blogauseation.
iggy
August 14th, 2012
9:59 am
Like barry said. “I just want to spread it around.” In other words, take more from the worker bee and give it to the lazy.
In a nutshell that is barry o and why he must go.
Old Timer
August 14th, 2012
9:59 am
Time for a new version of Hope & Change. If not, would the last person please turn out the lights. Forget about movies, just look around–no jobs, out of control debt . You may add to the list.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 14th, 2012
10:03 am
“And it does beg the question… exactly what has Barack Obama done that you people hate?”
Expanded the role of government, which I predicted.
Completely botched any recovery, which I predicted.
Provided no leadership on budgets or the deficit, which I predicted.
Blamed everybody but himself for his failures, which I predicted.
Has done nothing to reverse the poor policies implemented by his predecessors but still complains about them.
Need I go on?
Lynnie Gal
August 14th, 2012
10:03 am
D’Souza? Really? That’s who you’re quoting now? The right wing lunatic birther who’s so crazy that Fox won’t even interview? Wow. If that’s the best “intellectual” that you conservatives can scrape up to make your low-budget, “documentary” films, your party really is in trouble.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 14th, 2012
10:07 am
“Pathetic waste of bits and bytes, this your latest attempt at high-minded blogauseation.”
And yet you still troll here . . .
southpaw
August 14th, 2012
10:07 am
“lunatic birther”
Check the beginning of Kyle’s third paragraph, Lynnie Gal.
@@
August 14th, 2012
10:09 am
And it does beg the question… exactly what has Barack Obama done that you people hate?
He’s made no attempt to overcome his NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder).
md
August 14th, 2012
10:11 am
“Cons wanting subsidies again. Gimme gimme gimme something. Gimme a break – tax break, loan break – don’t matter – just gimme a subsidy.”
You know Finn, that doesn’t even make a lick of sense……..sometimes I wonder what planet you come from.
Now, explain how transferring the debt burden from those not paying their bills to those that do pay their bills as being any kind of subsidy for those that end up paying the bill………….
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:16 am
mitt says “whoops”!
In polling this spring, more than 40 percent of Americans didn’t know who the Wisconsin congressman is, but among those who recognized his name, 28 percent viewed him favorably and 29 percent saw him unfavorably. Among independents, his favorable/unfavorable score was 21-26 percent.
http://themonkeycage.org/blog/2012/08/11/independents-and-undecided-voters-on-paul-ryan-more-unfavorable-than-favorable/
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
August 14th, 2012
10:18 am
After three years and seven months of total misery, I’m pretty sure the facts are on the side of D’Souza.
I mean, just sayin…
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:19 am
md wants the Government to provide loans at just a slight amount higher than the fed funds rate – never mind that he/she would NEVER ask that of a private company.
If those funds can be funded back into the business of making those loans, well, md doesn’t want any of that! Never mind that the interest above accrued goes to keeping that system in place and keeping loans affordable.
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
August 14th, 2012
10:20 am
Kyle, you are right the movie will do little to change minds. The libs are stuck on willful ignorance and self delusion regarding Obama. After almost 4 years of failure, broken promises, and deceptions, and at times out right lies, they still believe in him. You might use a gun to force them into the movie, but they would cover their ears and eyes and refuse to watch.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
August 14th, 2012
10:21 am
And, check this out, more misery for the diehard obozo voters than anybody. Well, except for the limousine liberals. But anyway, how you liking that unemployment rate, college kiddies?
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
August 14th, 2012
10:21 am
How far does the propaganda get you in life?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:22 am
After almost 4 years of failure, broken promises, and deceptions, and at times out right lies, they still believe in him.
sources? proof? looks like a success to many of us.
Gimme Gimme Gimme
August 14th, 2012
10:23 am
“I can tell the Cons are getting rabid when Kyle writes two straight commentaries that lash out at the pure evil incarnate of the President of the US.”
You should enjoy Bookman’s blog then, he lashes out against Romney 2 to 3 times a day.
Tom
August 14th, 2012
10:24 am
If you want to see something hilarious, search out D’Souza’s debates on religion with Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens absolutely *annihiliates” D’Souza’s wackaloonery.
md
August 14th, 2012
10:24 am
“md wants the Government to provide loans at just a slight amount higher than the fed funds rate – never mind that he/she would NEVER ask that of a private company.
If those funds can be funded back into the business of making those loans, well, md doesn’t want any of that! Never mind that the interest above accrued goes to keeping that system in place and keeping loans affordable.”
I thought the bill was sold as a way to help the kiddies…..now, it’s about making money off the kiddies to fund an agenda………make up your mind.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:24 am
“The good news is that this ticket now has a vision. The bad news is that vision is basically just a chart of numbers used to justify policies that are extremely unpopular.”
mwuahahahahahahahaha
kayaker 71
August 14th, 2012
10:24 am
So, Finn thinks that the “cons” are upset by the darkening of America and apparently wants all of those who are uncomfortable with this projection to move to another country or accept it. We still represent 73% of the population while the AA population is at about 12%, Finn. Looks like you might consider a move, my friend.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:25 am
I thought
sorry, md, no free business classes from me today.
Gimme Gimme Gimme
August 14th, 2012
10:25 am
“After almost 4 years of failure, broken promises, and deceptions, and at times out right lies, they still believe in him.”
I blame the sugar in all that Kool-Aid they drink.
hsn
August 14th, 2012
10:27 am
You idiotic con-men are always dreaming and coming up with stupid kingdergarten-level doomsday scenarios.
You tried this nonsense in 2008 calling the prez a “foreigner,” “muslim,” “communist,” “fascist,” “Hitler,” on and on to gin up fear, especially, among gullible rural voters to look at him as the “other.” You campaign on fiscal policy, but when you are given a chance you do the opposite, instead attacking social social issues and passing govt intrusive laws while telling us you are for limited govt. Desperate fools.
You are now so desperate, that you are even passing voter suppression laws ahead of the 2012 national elections in swing states like OH, and FL. In OH, polls in Republican districts will open for extended hours while Democratic districts will be closed. Your insatiable quest to destroy this beautiful nation knows no bounds.
When a Republican is in power, the rhetoric is deficits don’t matter. When a Democrat is in office, it is something else. You cons are the worst of the worst in America.
md
August 14th, 2012
10:29 am
“sorry, md, no free business classes from me today.”
thank goodness…..there is enough misinformation here already.
Not So Casual Observer
August 14th, 2012
10:30 am
Finn the narrow minded, thoughtless non-progressive:
The Democrat voter, mostly a give me EBT, welfare, unemployment parasite on the body of the producers, has driven capitalism to the ground through their lack of self-esteem and give me something for nothing mentality.
Much like you Finn, the Democrat Party simply rearranges the facts to suit their needs, as in your ignorant comment on Obama and oil production.
So how does that feel FINN, a little name-calling mixed with a call-out on your lack of veracity? Turnabout is fair play and all of that! No wonder you support Obama, neither one of you has a shred of credibility.
Please post for us the next time (first time?) Obama actually points to his record rather than the constant demagoguery.
Road Scholar
August 14th, 2012
10:30 am
Rafe: And the conservatives are stuck on what? He’s a socialist? He’s a Muslim? He’s a Commie? He’s a thumb sucker? He’s anti American, because you don’t agree with him?
Some say Cons don’t want a handout. OK get rid of all tax breaks except for home mortgage deductions (only for one home) and charitable donations. Capital gains profits taxed as income! Put your money where your mouth is!
I believe Congessman Ryans’ father passed away when he was young. Does that make him any less intelligent? Any less a leader? Incapable of intelligent thought? No! If your going to apply your rules…at least be consistent and base them on REAL history…not that which you morph into your misplaced reality!
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 14th, 2012
10:32 am
“In OH, polls in Republican districts will open for extended hours while Democratic districts will be closed.”
Cite, please?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:34 am
Regarding the old student loan system:
Since the bank-based loan program began in 1965, commercial banks like Sallie Mae and Nelnet have received guaranteed federal subsidies to lend money to students, with the government assuming nearly all the risk.
The Congressional Budget Office said the direct-lending approach would save taxpayers about $61 billion over 10 years. Roughly $40 billion of the savings will be redirected to higher education. Education programs will get an additional $10 billion from the health care package.
Ny Times
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
August 14th, 2012
10:35 am
“looks like a success to many of us.”
Given the low bar you set for your candidates, I’m not surprised, Finn.
But at least he’s clean and he speaks well . . .
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
August 14th, 2012
10:35 am
Finn
Failure-8.3% unemployment using Obama numbers, real unemployment =15%
broken promises- I’m going to cut the deficit in half by end of first term
deceptions- I’m going to have the most transparent administration
lies- I am against same sex marriage (2008)
There are obviously multiple options for each, but I don’t want to go too far down the road of destroying the willful self delusion of the looney left.
SlickRick
August 14th, 2012
10:37 am
@@ – I’m not sure you would know NPD from the APD from the NYFD.
Schnirt
kayaker 71
August 14th, 2012
10:38 am
Ryan’s long suit is telling it like it is. Liberals just don’t want to hear it. This country cannot survive with Medicare staying like it is. We all know this but Ryan is the only one who has voiced concern and advocated doing something about it, except for one Democrat. The Ryan plan is really the Ryan/Wyden plan, co-written by a long term liberal Democratic senator from Oregon. It is bi-partisan. Thankfully someone on the other side of the isle is also concerned. But the liberals won’t touch this one.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:38 am
Not so Casual Observer,
Need help getting your panties unwadded?
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
August 14th, 2012
10:40 am
Roughly $40 billion of the savings will be redirected to higher education. Education programs will get an additional $10 billion from the health care package.
It must have been intercepted somewhere out there in the eithernet, the schools always seem to want even more. Maybe it funded the “get moving” program.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:41 am
The Ryan plan is really the Ryan/Wyden plan, co-written by a long term liberal Democratic senator from Oregon. It is bi-partisan.
Another conservative LIE.
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:42 am
Finn, I doubt you could teach anyone much about business. Your business seems to be doing nothing but spouting off on this blog. Lots of time on your hands?
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:44 am
In lobbying fiercely against the overhaul, the private banks argued that it would eliminate jobs, even though the government will hire many of the same banks on a contract basis to service the loans and perform other back-office administration. Furthermore, the banks said that with the government as the only lender, students would not get the same level of service.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/us/politics/26loans.html?_r=1
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:45 am
Lots of time on your hands?
Lots! That’s what education will get ya! Try it!
Dusty
August 14th, 2012
10:47 am
Well, Kyle saw a move that might give us insight into the president’s upbringing. Without debate, he was influenced by a socialstic mother, a card carrying communist. a rebel like father whom he saw less than a long movie. What does it matter? Not much. As an explanation of his lifestyle, very little. He changes to meet the environment.
What we really dislike about the president is his almost four years of poor leadership. Background or not, skin color, personalilty, it doesn’t matter in the long run. But the four years of debt building and lack of organization and misery between political parties has been his monumnet. We don’t like it.
So chatter all you want, paid and unpaid liberals here. We will not elect a president with the history of Obama. We do not care to lead our country further into the financial and economic disaster Obama has directed. We will not ask for more bad times under Obama. We do not wish to repeat a disaster and will not vote for it..
Jefferson
August 14th, 2012
10:47 am
If you didn’t get a chicken sandwich with your ticket, you got waxed on the price of admission.
kayaker 71
August 14th, 2012
10:47 am
Fin, 10:41,
“Another conservative LIE”. Google is your friend, Finn.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:49 am
he was influenced by a socialstic mother
Can we leave the mothers out of it? No?
What is a socialistic mother, any way? If you can’t spell it maybe you ought not bring it up?
Aint that a sham
August 14th, 2012
10:50 am
Dusty
Who is “we”? You have a frog in your pocket or are you referring to the record numbers that voted for Obama in 08.
just saying..
As a poster said yesterday, stay in the shallow end where you are most suited
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
August 14th, 2012
10:50 am
Kayaker, the Dem voted against it. All the Dem did was a study that came to some of the same conclusions. There WAS NO bipartisan anything on the Ryan plan.
and you know it.
kayaker 71
August 14th, 2012
10:52 am
It’s so nice to see Finn shuck and jive when he knows he’s wrong.
Rafe Hollister, suffering through Oblamer's ineptocracy
August 14th, 2012
10:52 am
Road
I will tell you what I am stuck on, I don’t speak for anyone else. I am stuck on the total unmitigated failure of Obama to craft one workable solution to these problems, after 3.7 years. Has his administration ever worked to craft a reasonable budget or plan to get us out of this mess. I am also stuck on his failure to take responsibility for anything that has happened during this period. He continually blames others. It is like he doesn’t want to sponsor anything because if it fails, he gets blamed. It is easier for him to sit back and critique other plans and point blame at others.
I have no problem with the tax reform you suggested, other than capital gains. The risk takers should not have to bear the burden of investing in America by paying regular income tax on capital gains. They should get some benefit for risking their capital. I know I’m out of the market, when I have to report investment income the same as wages.
I didn’t get your point on Ryan’s father dying young. Admirable that he has done so well, without a father in his life, same as for Obama. It doesn’t mean that that makes either one any better suited to lead, than anyone else.
phil
August 14th, 2012
10:54 am
A lot? Is that better? Guess you didn’t do much with your degree in English. Sorry, I’d love to stay and chat but, break time is over, and I have your EBT card to pay for. lol..