Comments on: Barack Obama and the elephant in the room

By: hub

hub — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:49:47 +0000

It is said that the greatest thing to fear is fear itself. But there is a greater fear. The fear of losing posession, control, power, dominance, and ultimately, prominence. When you examine the evolution of modern society, specifically American society, you will see that all resistance to change was based on the loss of one or more of the above. You will also note that with the overcoming of this resistance we can become a greater society.”

By: kcob95

kcob95 — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:38:18 +0000

Whether you are left or right, black or white, I think we really need to get off the name calling. What are we 3rd graders? I profoundly dislike the words used to describe the opposition left or right.

Those on the right use words like “radical”, “socialism”, “marxism”, government run. Those on the left use words like “extremist”, rightwing conservative”, “obstructionist”. What ever happened to me just not agreeing with my neighbors argument or despite our similiar backgrounds we just solve problems differently. Democrats will not due things the same way as republicans and vice versa. You have elections to try something different or not. Can’t we disagree without being disagreeable? Perhaps taking that suggestion by the president would do us all some good. Signed Independent voter.

By: Intelligent and Sickened by our Country's Political Behavior

Intelligent and Sickened by our Country's Political Behavior — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:52:08 +0000

I am not as prophetic as some of you above! However, I am sickened by how some of you are covering up your disdain for the elected President by challenging every effort he makes to address issues in this Country. Your responses are political and some are definitely racial. He has reached across the political aisle to bring about change only to be rebuffed by illogical and trumped up concerns. The very people these improvements will help are pushing back for no other reason than politics and race! More race because from the responses of some of them on the news “RAGS”, you do not speak intelligent enough to understand nor debate the issues at hand. You are simply repeating the hate filled venom of some of our elected idiots! For those of you trying to guess my political affiliation, I have never voted a straight ticket in my life and I never will. GROW UP AMERICA BEFROE WE BECOME THE NEXT THIRD WORLD COUNTRY!!!!!

By: cm

cm — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:49:26 +0000

I can only speak for myself when I say I oppose his policies. I see him actually creating more of a race issue with his speaches. I also see him appointing very radical, very far left “czars” who have not been vetted. I see what he has done so far to not help the unemployment, but actually harm it. Why is he worried so much about the healthcare agenda now, when the United States is facing such high unemployment? At the moment, companies are scared to invest due to the uncertainties of what is happening in Washington. It comes down to the question of do they want to hire more employees if it is going to cost much more in taxes? Do they want to develop that land or create a new business if they are going to have change their plans midstream in order to meet the “green” criteria? The question of him speaking to the children is very simple. A man is judged by the company he keeps. Van Jones is a case in point. He believed that change started with indoctrinating the children. Please remember that Van Jones is a self proclaimed communist. Do we really want to trust this whole situation before we really know the truth? What about the Acorn situation? We know he worked for Acorn as a community organizer. We also know their is a lot of corruption going on there. This is not a black and white issue, it is a major mistrust issue! Why do I want to trust a healthcare bill that was written not by congress but by an affiliate of Acorn? I am not saying that there are no racists, but I am saying there is a lot of unrest due to the corruption on both sides and the heavy liberal leanings of our current president, who campaigned on slight left leanings.

By: Bobby Anthony

Bobby Anthony — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:29:21 +0000

I like Obama. I voted for Obama. My mother, if she was still alive, would be mortfied. I am white and 55 years-old. A lot of my friends do not share my sentiments. The South has come a long way since the 1960’s but still has a long way to go. When we continue to elect hatemongers, like Paul Broun, we continue to display that even though we go to church on Sunday we deny ourselves the true love that Jesus admonished us to have for one another.

By: Sasha

Sasha — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:38:21 +0000

I thought racial issues were disappearing but I am living in the middle
of a huge republican base that is very racist….to the point of
being pathetic. They are all over 60, have beards, tattoos, ride motorcycles, and most have pot bellies along with many health issues
they like to blame on agent orange. It is very sad they can not connect
mentally with what is really going on in America.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:02:01 +0000

Of course there are people who object to Obama’s policies on purely ideological grounds.

But for some people, the nasty tone and unyeilding disgust and loathing directed at the president is just too much. It can’t all be due to his ideology. Especially when you consider the fact that he’s not anywhere close to being the most left-leaning high-profile Democrat.

Something else is behind the near hysteria of SOME political opponents. It’s just so personal.

And to the those conservatives who feel we are making unfair generalizations about ALL conservatives, I can only say what conservatives of all colors said to industrious hard-working blacks who were offended when Reganites spoke endlessly about the problems of the black underclass, “WE aren’t talking about you.”

By: Matilda

Matilda — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:56:27 +0000

Jessica and others: No one said “all opposition.” Mr. Galloway wrote: “there is a perception growing that race is driving some elements of the opposition to Obama…” Note the words “Some elements.” I agreed.

That some of you choose to distort “some elements” into “ALL” indicates that you are using “straw man card” to support your own disagreement.

Not everyone is racist. That does not erase the fact that many people ARE racist, and many of those people oppose Obama, at least in part, because his father was not white like his mother. (Birthers anyone?) But certainly, if you make the argument that “all” people who object to your opposition to Obama’s policy are erroneously “playing the race card,” it’s much easier for you to play the “victim card” isn’t it? How convenient.

By: RetiredSoldier

RetiredSoldier — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:15:55 +0000

right on Jessica

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:43:56 +0000

I think some people really believe that all opposition to Obama stems from racism. They are wrong, and many of them have brainwashed by leaders who have a financial interest in keeping racial troubles alive and well in this country. Some might have experienced real discrimination in their lives, but it still isn’t logical to assume that all white people or all conservatives are motivated by race.
Some other people know deep down that it is policy views and not race that motivates distrust of Obama, but it is easier for them to accuse others of racism and close their minds than to actually THINK about the issues. It’s a way for them to stick their heads in the sand and avoid facts that make them uncomfortable.
The people who REALLY make me angry are those who play the “race card” to try to coerce other people into going along with them or at least shutting up. They are basically saying, “If you disagree with me, you are a racist.” They are closed-minded bullies who prefer to malign and intimidate anyone who challenges their world view rather than have an open debate.