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A Few Clouds ~ High: 48°F ~ Low: 29°F Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 |
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The Day the Constitution DiedPosted Thursday, November 6, 2008, at 5:20 PM
FDR referred to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7th, 1941 as "a day that will live in infamy." I fear that same phrase can, and may, be used by future generations to describe November 4th, 2008. Lest this sound overly dramatic and hysterical, please reserve your judgment for the short time it takes you to finish this piece. We have never had a President before who has vowed to reinvent the Constitution in his ideological image.
Thomas Sowell, in his latest column, headlined, "Obama is all ego and mouth." states, "Barack Obama has the kind of cocksure confidence that can only be achieved by not achieving anything else." I can see why "con men" are call "confidence men" by law enforcement as they pursue them as they perpetrate their scams. Dr. Sowell further states, "The signs of Barrack Obama's self-center immaturity are painfully obvious, though ignored by true believers who have poured their hopes into him, and by the media who just wants the symbolism and the ideology that Obama represents." He adds, "For someone who has actually accomplished nothing to blithely talk abut taking away what has been earned by those who have accomplished something, and give it to whomever he chooses in the name of "spreading the wealth," is the kind of casual arrogance that has led to many economic catastrophes in many countries."
The greater danger than actions of Obama is the actions of the press in anointing him. In this campaign the media actually cast off all pretenses of objectivity and admitted they are going to promote only liberal causes and candidates! They take the Constitution's support of their rights to the letter, yet have no intention of applying those rights in any responsible way as the Founders had envisioned and hoped. The Founders well knew the vagaries of the language was such that no statement should be all encompassing and relied on the citizenry to evoke their rights in a responsible manner. With every right there is an implied collateral responsibility. That the mainstream media is overtly biased is statement of fact that can't not be gainsaid. There simply is not a cogent argument that can rebut the veracity of this statement. That being said, I can hardly imagine freedom being more precious that the freedom of the press. There are others, I aver, just as precious but none more.
One need not outline examples as anyone who is reasonable and of average intelligence must know of the power vested in leaders who control the press. All peoples beliefs and opinions are shaped by the press. When used by despots the phenomenon is call propaganda. I pray you look around you and the actions of the press in contemporary times and state with conviction what we are "fed" is not propaganda. Look at the lives of people during the reign of the former USSR, North Korea, Cuba and China to name a few. Consider then the oppression they are exposed to daily while their "press" tells them they are wonderful and would be much better save for some "devil" across the sea or some such place.
A few examples of "freedom of the press" of the last several weeks. First, the press has you convinced the current economic "mess" was due to "eight years of failed economic policies of George Bush." You, mainstream America, only know this because the media has told you it is so and they know people are easy to brain wash as they well know the principle that says any message heard often enough becomes fact in the mind of most "listeners." The real facts, in very brief detail for if you care enough, look it up. Then don't tell me, tell yourself. In 1977 Pres. Carter and Dem. Congress, both houses, authored and passed the Community Re-investment Act. This act was for the specific purpose of forcing lending institutions to mortgage houses for unqualified people. Their hopes were that by financing houses at 100% and more would not be a problem with housing prices climbing steadily year after year. No rational person could argue this would last for ever. The housing industry is notoriously cyclical. The crash was destined, by any historical standard, to come. Well it hit in 2008. The original scheme was little more than a classic Ponzi scheme that had to fall. Barney Frank and Chris Dodd protected it like a mother crocodile protection her brood. These two gentlemen lowered Freddy and Fannie's capital requirements to 4% from 10% as other lending institutions are required to keep as a safety net. They fought Bush and McCain specifically and all others who sought to rein in Fannie and Freddy. Don't be mislead. All the economic problems of late have their genesis in the "sub-prime" mortgage industry. All the failed institutions either held such mortgages or derivatives of these instruments.
Another example of the raw power of the press. How many times did you hear McCain was tied umbilically to Bush. "Four more years of failed Bush policies." "Voted with Bush 90% of the time." "Supported Bush on war in Iraq." I know you heard all these and more seeking to drive home the notion McCain "has been around Bush" for so long he will be no different. In summation, fraternizing with the President of the United States is bad. Now we look at Mr. Obama. His associations, many of 20 years standing, with people like Rezko, Anchi, Ayers, Wright, Khalidi, Farrakhan, Dorn et al. are of no consequence and hardly worthy of mention. The old adage, "We are known by the company we keep," like other bits of wisdom that have survived great spans of time, usually have some axiomatic affect. This is a principle we have all had our parents preach to us and we have preached to our kids. But now the press tells you it is not true universally. It only affects me, you and McCain and means nothing when analyzing the life and times of one Barrack Hussein Obama!
If you think Obama's intention to destroy the Constitution is untrue and is only the subjective rantings of a McCain supporter whose analytical machinations have deduced a totally incorrect conclusion, look at the exact words of Mr. Obama:
When referencing the Civil Rights Movement, he stated as he tried to opine on the
There is simply no way anyone can interpret or spin these simple statement from his own mouth. The words mean what they say. No amount of "what he really meant was" can alter the fact, and I say fact that Obama sees the Constitution as an impediment to his grand vision and means to destroy it. If that day ever comes, and it will if good men do nothing, we will never be a great Country again for the Phoenix exists only in myth. Just listen to the words. He seeks, by his own omission to break free from the constraints placed by the Founders and the Constitution! How can any American not be alarmed, scared and outraged by that statement?
Equally scary is his statement re the Judiciary. Liberal judges and Obama believe the Constitution is available for unconstrained authority and the invention of new rights as they perceive them necessary in a changing world. No rights are proper and available unless so stated in the Constitution. To support a notion to the contrary divest the Constitution of any meaning and stature and renders it useless for how can it not be useless if it can be interpreted and altered at every ideological whim of an uncontrolled Judiciary.
Another cite from Dr. Sowell's piece, "After this man has wrecked the economy and destroyed constitutional law with his judicial appointments, what can he do for and encore. He can cripple the military and gamble America's future on his ability to sit down with enemy nations and talk them out of causing trouble." Further he states, "Add to Obama and Biden House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and you have all the ingredients for a historic meltdown." How can the press not inform us of the dangers outlined here? We have our answer and it is devastating.
Justice Louis Brandeis reckoned these times would come when in 1928 he ruled, "Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding." Is not this rather prophetic? I think we have met Machiavelli and he is not clad in a dark cape and cowl, but a $2000 custom suit. The rights of the individual are at stake here and will soon be subservient to the state. This will happen if good men choose to accept it..
I think this subject could easily fill a book, but must seek brevity here. This results in a confluence of thought more erratic than laminar. For that I apologize. I hope all who read this will take upon themselves, free of political biases, an objective study of the points I raised. I didn't arrive at these conclusions quickly nor inanely. I sincerely believe them to be correct and it scares the hell out of me. Just remember the Roman Empire, the greatest world power prior to modern day America, did decline and fall and inflict upon citizens of the world a thousand years of misery.
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Near lifelong resident of Bedford County. Will comment on the issues of the day in, hopefully a cogent and certainly an honest manner. Will propose discussions not usually fully addressed in the mainstream media.
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Tolerance is the virtue of men who no longer belive in anything.
I ran into some technological issues in attempting to get it listed there.
TNTaylor,
You can add it for free to Shelbyvillemainstreet.com. Should give you some additional exposure.
Thank you Monkey.
An open dialogue is very important. For too long, we have become accustomed to the monologue of politicians. But to break that trend, more need to reply to the ideas, issues, and concepts those wishing to be our Representatives put out.
As the exploratory nature of this becomes proof of viability, the design of the site will certainly change, hopefully improve. The design of course should be as much a reflection of the people of the district as are the positions on the issues.
In other words, feel free to weigh in on what functions you would like to see in the future website.
TNTaylor nice website, good information to see from someone. I like to see open dialog and it shows you being proactive. Very nicely worded. Wish you had a better design though; the content is good though.
For the next two years, The Party of Obama will maintain absolute power. There is no resistance in the Congress nor in the Executtive to the desires of NY Elitists, CA Idealists, and Chicago Politicians.
As I pondered this reality in our own choice for Congress, I realized in 2010, we must have a choice. http://tennesseetaylorfor6th.blogspot.co...
This year, 25% of our citizens voted for a man of which they only knew his name. More citizens decided not to vote than to vote for a Congressman who would vote with Pelosi & Reid in support of Obama. A few remembered the write in campaign of Edmonson.
I hope and pray that this country, as we have known it, will be around in 2012. I hope the people of this great nation remember why our nations founders enacted the second amendment to the constitution. To enable the people of the nation to take their government back if the need arises. I hope it doesn't come to that.
I hope and pray that this country, as we have known it, will be around in 2012. I hope the people of this great nation remember why our nations founders enacted the second amendment to the constitution. To enable the people of the nation to take there government back if the need arises. I hope it doesn't come to that.
He HE ,me too.
titanup1,
The irony of all the situations... is those who defended Bush are now those accusing Obama of being horrible, even though he hasn't been sworn in... whereas those who used to bash Bush (me included) are now on the defensive.
We weren't United Under Bush 1, Clinton or Bush 2... what is new? Obama is calling for Unity, and I don't think anyone predicted a landslide of the popular vote, the only landslide that was expected was the Electoral College (EC) in which Obama currently has 365, and McCain has 173 (Provisional) which is more than double the EC number.... http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/ Bush won by one state in 2000 and in 2004, Obama won FL, OH, IN, NC, NV, NM, NH, IA all states that Bush won in 2004. The landslide you speak of, is the monumental political shift.
And about the children, I never once distinguished the despicable rhetoric by race, nor did I say any race was excluded from such influence. Regardless of who is saying it, it is absurd and ridiculous...
I challenge your assertion that a vast majority of those who voted for Obama were uneducated voters... I don't the numbers in front of me, but Obama won the battle of voters who had education beyond high school.
61% of Obama's vote total were cast by White people.
Obama won by 8,256,373 votes (2008)... John Kerry lost by 3,012,166, even though John Kerry had 3 million more votes in 2004, than McCain did in 2008!! Therefore the Democratic ticket had a net gain of 11+ million votes.
I understand conversation and debates... but I just hope we give him a chance. IF he fails, I will be the first to admit it, and will not be shy in supporting the opposition in 2012 (unless it is Sarah Palin) ROFL..
Did America just elect new President,If so why are we being so UnAmerican?
-- Posted by ANEWDAY on Tue, Nov 11, 2008, at 10:12 AM
Maybe it is because you annointed a leader instead of electing a president.
Why are we so intent on predicting what is going to happen now that we have a president who happens to be a man of color,would it not be more productive to support,encourage and exercise patience.
John McCain has has conceded defeat and has pledge his support for Barack Hussien Obama's administration.How long will you beat that dead horse. THE AMERICAN MAJORITY HAS SPOKEN AND HAS SPOKEN DECISIVELY:words that were echoed by John McCain in his concession speech.There is nothing to be accomplished here.
"America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
this quote rings so true. i did not vote "Obama" but let's face it he is now destin to be our commander and chief. he and his family is headed for the white house and there is nothing i can do. i did my part by participating in the election process. my canidate did not win but hopefully we as a people will not destroy ourselves !
"Loyal opposition is the concept that one can be opposed to the actions of the government or ruling party of the day without being opposed to the constitution of the political system. Most developed political systems have a similar concept though without the British terminology. Parties acknowledge the constitutional system in which they operate, including the procedures to change the constitution itself. A change of government can take place without revolution and without revolutionary implications."
I think this describes perfectly that opposition can be loyal without being "unAmerican. Those not in the party in power have a not only a right but a duty to give constructive opposition. My only warning to the loyal opposition is that you should be certain that your opposition is based on specific proposals and specific ideas and not to the the leader, at least until he has a chance to reveal his true colors.
Did America just elect new President,If so why are we being so UnAmerican?
Good points titanup1 . . . it wasn't a landslide in actual votes but just in electoral votes. 52% to 47% is no where near a landslide and shows actually how divided this nation is and how many that do not trust or believe in Obama's policy. If Bush was such a bad president then Obama should have defeated McCain by a larger margin but many people feel Obama will not be much better and he may take us in a new direction but it's a direction that is not any better than where we have been.
And yes, racism exists in both sides and neither side is immune from such. To not acknowledge that fact is just simply being naive or unwilling to accept fact.
Plus, it is hard to judge what Obama has done in the past two days other than he wants to push forward two polices(stimulus package and auto bailout) that mirror earlier Bush's policies. Also, he keeps changing his agenda so who knows what the real Obama wants to do and I am sure his supporters will learn that soon enough.
One more point darrick_04...
You are talking about the CHILDREN repeating what they hear from their parents. What about what I've heard my children come home with about how "Now WE are taking over...You better get out of OUR way...WE'RE in charge now.." This has happened to my kids more than a few times. Care to comment on this? (BTW...these children completely meant it as a "race thing".)
I'm REALLY tired of race being an issue here. When do we just become AMERICANS?
darrick_04 the point you miss is that a vast majority of the voters weren't educated on the issues. It was vastly a popularity contest. I keep hearing about this landslide victory but how is 52% to 47% a landslide. I've heard how united we are under Obama. Look at this blog page. DO WE LOOK UNITED???
I also ask to the one who commented how Obama has accomplished more in two days that Bush did in 8 years...what? Give me an example. What has he ACTUALLY done? The fact of the matter is no matter what administration we are under Democratic or Republican, the president can do 85% good and 15% bad and all we as Americans can focus on is the 15%.
Carl, why don't you read this book by your guy Sowell "Black Rednecks and White Liberals". Let me give you a quote from the book "the cultural values and social patterns prevalent among Southern whites included an aversion to work, proness to violence, neglect of education, sexual promiscuity, improvidence, drunkeness, lack of entrepreneurship, reckless searches for excitement, lively music and dance".pg6. In fairness, he was quoting anothor author, but uses this quote and other similar to downgrade the type of folks who settled Bedford County. Sounds like Obama and I have have more in common than I thought - Sowell doesn't like either of us.
I really don't want to harbor any ill feelings toward you or anyone else on here and I wish we could all hold hands and agree on everything
-- Posted by jaxspike on Mon, Nov 10, 2008, at 11:33 AM
Why don't you two just hold hands and make up instead of talking about it?
I, being an American feel he deserves a chance, just like any other human being should.
-- Posted by darrick_04 on Mon, Nov 10, 2008, at 8:34 AM
You see, it is remarks like that come across as condescending . . . so you believe anyone that doesn't agree with that statement or Obama is anti-American?
-- Posted by jaxspike on Mon, Nov 10, 2008, at 11:33 AM
Don't take the words out of context.... That is the reason you don't think the words were chosen carefully. It is simply saying that in America, we give everyone a chance, nothing more. Nobody said a word about you or anyone else being anti-American. I would love a lesson in choosing my words carefully, but reading way too far into something and making a statement something it is not, seems to be a problem as well. Have a nice day.
We love and respect you,jaxspike-even if you are one of those homo sapiens.
I, being an American feel he deserves a chance, just like any other human being should.
-- Posted by darrick_04 on Mon, Nov 10, 2008, at 8:34 AM
You see, it is remarks like that come across as condescending . . . so you believe anyone that doesn't agree with that statement or Obama is anti-American? Maybe you just don't know how to choose your words carefully . . . I don't know. It is comments like that though that really grates some people. Maybe in a few years you will see a difference. At the time when Carl posted about you, I disagreed with Carl's actions and I still disagree with his methods of discourse but that doesn't mean that I can't disagree with your methods either. Sometimes I equate you in the same group with Carl, Michael Bell and parkerborthers in that you tend to represent an extreme point of view but where you differ from them is that yours is the extreme left while theirs is the extreme right.
Anyway, anyone who didn't vote for Obama because of the policies he wishes to enact can disagree with him and maybe they don't wont to see him get a chance to enact such things as less restrictions on abortion and etc. That doesn't make them a bad person or lesser of an American . . . it just means they truly believe in what they stand for and sometimes you have to voice opposition to make sure your voice is heard. Once someone is elected, it doesn't mean they get a free pass to do whatever they want or not hear the people's voice. The fact you so crassly dismiss that at times is what annoys them sometimes and even me. I may not agree with some things people believe in or their opinion but I try not to make comments that invalidate what the feel . . . I just try and state why I disagree with them and then let it be.
I really don't want to harbor any ill feelings toward you or anyone else on here and I wish we could all hold hands and agree on everything but that is just not human nature and you need except that and move forward. I mean really, I didn't appreciate you basically calling me a liar on something I said before finding out the facts but I don't hate you for it. Everyone makes mistakes including myself and I know my opinion will not always be right no matter how much I wish it was. I am human.
Really... Again no proof of belittling or "dehumanizing" LOL... Stop talking in circles. It is just a difference of opinion. Nothing more. Highly ironic that you would mention that blog post.... what were your remarks in that? Also, the author of the blog has a field day lashing out at folks who have different opinions than he. In a thread you posted recently about being able to have differences of opinions, and that it doesn't make us Anti-American for doing so. I happen to wholeheartedly agree with that assessment. So, remember that you said it, but don't accuse me of something that did not happen. Guess what, Obama won... and I, being an American feel he deserves a chance, just like any other human being should.
Why should I . . .every time I show proof you never acknowledge it. You called me a liar at one time when I said Obama told people to get in people's faces and argue with them and then I showed video proof of it, you never said anything. It wont change the way you belittle people who have a difference in opinion than you. In fact, you are the only person on this blog forum who actually had a blog entry devoted to you and the way you treat people. Yes, people disagree in here and that is expected in these blogs and that is ok because everyone is different and people have different beliefs and opinions and debate is always good in getting to the real true. Unfortunately you have the capacity to dehumanize people who you feel don't agree with you and it's sad. I can tolerate a lot but it is getting ridiculous.
Now show me proof. Disagreeing does not = hate. Prove your continuous allegations.
darrick_04 . . hate takes many forms and you have spread some yourself with personal attacks. Dont assume a high horse when you are guilty of such things yourself.
No Kool-Aid here... you seem to forget who orchestrated that team, who put those people in those places, and who didn't sell Kool-Aid but common sense. It just so happens you weren't effected by his message. Well guess what this was the clearest response to 8 years of Bush and 4 more years (under McCain) that I have ever seen.
Finally; lost homes, lost jobs, lost retirement funds, lost respect around the world all trumped the once obvious racial divide... However, since I still receive multiple forwarded texts a day which do nothing but blast is race, while mentioning nothing about his goals and ambitions, I fear we have a long way to go. As a Caucasian American it sickens me that in the year 2008, my brothers come home from school telling me how other CHILDREN speak ill of Obama, how other CHILDREN say he's gonna get shot, and how other CHILDREN are already spreading hate. It begs the question, when do children stop that nonsense? As soon as their bigoted, uninformed, and uneducated parents do.
It is time, we give him a chance... I gave Bush 8 years, and my response was not to vote for his mirror-image would be successor.
Volfanatic, some one did run a masterful campaign, but it was not "The One". It was his handlers, backers and money sponsers. The American people just had to drink the Koolaide and push the button. About half of us have made a terribly tragic mistake. The other half will pay.
And this election was won by those who chose to listen to a national media that is no longer interested in the truth, the good of the country or the welfare of the people. It is said that we reap what we sow. If that is true, we have a terrible harvest coming. When a lot of you don't get the change that you were expecting, what are ya gonna do. This has been coming for a long time and he had better be your messiah cause he's gonna need some major miracles. At least Carl does his research, others just listen to the buzz words and catch phrases. Whatever happened to thinking for ourselves? Most of the people we send to Washington can't hold an honest job. Ethics, character,integrity and honesty are not words in their vocabulary. And they are already gearing up for the next election to try and keep their personal perks. We are all afterthoughts to them except when they have to come off their thrones and beg for our votes. I received a call yesterday asking for a donation so they can continue the battle to perserve our way of life.I laughed at the caller and hung up. I honestly think, next time I vote, it will be with the Patriot party.
ANY society that punishes success and rewards failure will collapse upon itself. Like the proverbial house of cards, it just won't stand.
-- Posted by Tattoos & Scars on Sat, Nov 8, 2008, at 12:43 PM
Sort of like the mammoth bailout Congress provided the banks, the soon to be bailout to the Big 3 automakers and letting convicting criminals live life free of charge (no pun intended) while we pay their medical, food and utility bills.
ANY society that punishes success and rewards failure will collapse upon itself. Like the proverbial house of cards, it just won't stand.
Well said heaven8.
Obama is not in office yet and already we are looking for things that are bad about him. Why can't we just give him a chance before we start putting him down about every word that comes out of his mouth. Everyone has a right to prove themself.We all may be very surprised and happy with what he does. Let's give him a chance everyone please.Stop making us scared to death before we need to be.
Well jaxspike,
If you weren't so quick to critique a guy who has never had the chance to prove himself as President, then perhaps you wouldn't have to be so cynical. Highly ironic that you vote for Chuck Baldwin just because he isn't one of the two major candidates, just to prove some sort of point... Really, if he had achieved such great things and he had the ability to do something good, don't you think more than 600,000 people would have found out about him. Not knocking the fact that he was basically a nobody, but what has he done that is so different than the rest of these folks. Yeah, he probably talked a big game to draw significant contrasts between him, Obama and McCain, but just like all candidates, we know he wouldn't have fallen to far off the path, you say most won't do anything they say, so it applies to your candidate as well.
Sorry greasemonkey . . . I keep hoping this is all a dream and that I wake up and realize that we actually had two qualified candidates running for president and that it wasn't a choice of the lesser of two evils or just to "make history."
It is sad that people are expecting so little from their candidate just because he isn't Bush. I couldnt really stand Bush either but that doesnt mean I run to first thing I see that isn't Bush. I never thought I would already be this jaded about Americans at my age . . . I thought I would be a old geezer when that happened. LOL!
What complete and utter nonsense this post is.
Well in that respect, I am sure Bush has done something nice for someone in need but you wouldn't vote for him again just because of that?
-- Posted by jaxspike on Fri, Nov 7, 2008, at 3:18 PM
I thought you were smarter than that, dont you know Bush hides in childrens closets and comes out and gets them and eats them. I also heard he goes out late at night and kicks puppies. You just thought he was a mediocre pres, you dont know the half of it. He broke in the WTC and set those bombs on the late nite of sep 10, you just thought those were airplanes. Bush used his secret decoder ring to make a hologram in the shape of an airplane. He is also highly allergic to silver and holy water. I thought you knew man......I thought you knew.
Well when you hope I get to eat crap, thats not very peaceful. I am sorry you are given to complacency about our Pres-elect, (no longer a candidat)I will not just give up. You are right there is nothing I can do about it , except exercise my 1st amendment right to say what I want. That includes voicing my opinion whether you like it or anybody else. I have been asking questions without getting any sensible answers, as have alot of people. As far as a positive outlook, sorry I have none. Its like I told my wife, hope for best and prepare for the worst.
You are mistaking my comments for hostility. I am really just fed up with hearing ALL the comments about all the candidates. Just to be clear, I am not an Obama follower, I did not vote for him. And I really don't care if you are a racist or not, doesn't bother me either way. Of course you can question our leaders, but I think the time for questions was up a few days ago, there is nothing your questions or answers will get you now. Maybe you should try a more positive outlook about his leadership and all the rest of our leaders.
Dear Bluemoon:
A fortune teller I am not - don't even believe in such trickery. However, as an old man there are certain things that, through the years, I have observed repeating themselves enough to be considered fact.
One is that folks who are fortunate grow old! Perhaps you will have such good fortune - I'm pulling for you.
Ignorance is the epitome of laziness. I hope you are an industrious young man with the ability and disire to learn.
A bigot is defined as "someone blindly intolerant of another's view(s)".
Mr. Bluemoon, of the three charges you leveled against Mr. McClanahan, I can personally assure you that only the "old" indictment is correct.
In your future quest for knowledge, I believe you will find that a true definition is a 'full' defining. By the by, on your way through life remember, 'Be careful of that for which you wish, because it just might come true'.
That was the response I thought I would get. No answers just more hostility.
So you never had a single bad thing to say about Bush or any politician ever? Should we not question our leadership and make sure we are not getting screwed? I have never thought my opinion was the right one, only the right one for me. I have questioned some peoples intent and tried to get clarification on their stances so I know where they are coming from. As of yet the only answers I am getting is to not question our lordship Obama, I am a racist and shut my mouth. I hope Obamas followers are not a reflection of his leadership.
Greasemonkey,
What I mean about "pulling together" is stop arguing all the time and letting everyone know how awful YOU think he is. No matter what, he did win and there is nothing YOU can do about it. So stop whining and griping, if you don't like his policies, maybe you should run for office next term. Of course nobody would vote for you, because on all these blogs you think you know more than anyone else, and according to you, your opinion is the only right one. I hope he ends up being the best President we have ever had so you can eat all the crap you type on the Times Gazette website!
Well in that respect, I am sure Bush has done something nice for someone in need but you wouldn't vote for him again just because of that?
Well that certainly changed my mind, that one act of kindness surely will overide his socialist agenda.
carl,
i found the following on a site where one can generally find the debunking of various viral e-mails, urban legends, etc.
sometimes the stuff instead can be confirmed as true. this one was true.
just to be certain, i looked up the article on VG, and (altho my norwegian is not very good) i was able to verify the story, and that the translation is accurate.
draw your own conclusions.
Oct 05, 2008
The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog "Leisha's Random Thoughts" has translated the story.
It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge:
When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.
-You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said.
Mary had no money. Her new husband had traveled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call.
-I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.
As tears streamed down her face, she heard a "gentle and friendly voice" behind her saying, "That's okay, I'll pay for her." Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before.
-He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?
Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man.
-He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.
She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.
Who was the man?
Barack Obama.
Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign:
-He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling.
She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.
Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him:
In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.
And Obama replied:
In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped 'United States Senate, Washington DC', Barack Obama writes:
'I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States Senator'.
The parents sent the letter on to Mary.
Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the kind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office.
Truly a wonderful story, and something that needs to be passed along in the maelstorm of fear-and-smear politics we are being subjected to right now.
UPDATE: Thanks for the recommends, folks! Also, remember this was 1988, when 100 dollars was quite a bit of money, compared to today's value.
Comments: The text above consists for the most part of a translation done by Oslo, Norway blogger Leisha Camden of a news story that appeared in Verdens Gang, Norway's largest daily newspaper, on Oct. 14, 2008. The original article included a photo of 51-year-old Mary Menth Andersen of Asgardstrand, Norway displaying a letter her parents received from Barack Obama in 2006.
Andersen, who was born in the United States and whose parents still live in California, married a Norwegian man in 1988 and was about to fly across the Atlantic to join him when an unexpected baggage surcharge threatened to ground her in Miami. A tall, well-dressed good Samaritan stepped forward to pay the $103 fee in full. The name he wrote down on a slip of paper over his mother's return address in Kansas was "Barack Obama."
Eighteen years later when Barack Obama was considering a run for the presidency, Mary Andersen's parents sent him a letter of encouragement, also thanking him for the good deed he had done for their daughter so long ago. Obama's cordial response is quoted in the email above and is on display in the Verdens Gang press photo of Andersen.
A reporter for the Santa Rosa, California Press Democrat confirmed the details of the story with Andersen's mother and father, Peter and Mary Menth, in an article published Oct. 26, 2008.
I wish I was old, ignorant, and a bigot so I, too, could get such an insignificant job as a blogger for a close-minded, small town newspaper. Seriously people, I rushed like crazy to get out of Shelbyville as soon as I was old enough to leave my parents' house. Most others with any sense do the same. It is about the only town I ever see anymore that has not changed from what it was 10-15 years ago. It doesn't matter who responds or what you respond with, because I most likely won't even come back to see it. Have fun hating everyone and everything that doesn't look, talk, or act like you.
I keep hearing a lot about "pulling together" and so on. Does that mean that if our views are different than Obama or his followers, that we should just jump on board, if not what are we pulling together to do and what would be accomplished when we "pull together"? Sounds alot like "change" and "yes we can".
This is the first time I have ever responded to any of these blogs. I know everyone has their own opinion, and we each think our own opinion means more than anyone elses. I would just like to say that I have read all of Carl's blogs on this website, and he is really beginning to sound like an overgrown whiny child that didn't get his way. Maybe if we all stop critizing and pull together, we might just be able to make it through these troubled times. Carl, all you do is complain because the person you wanted didn't win. Thank goodness Curt Cobb won, or else we would have to read another ignorant piece on Barbara Blanton. I did vote for Curt Cobb, but I was honestly so sick of seeing your rantings on Mrs. Blanton. Did you ever stop to think that maybe all the crap you write might turn people off instead of making them see your point?
If indeed Obama intends to govern from the center, his main enemies may be the far left of his party. The expectations of this segment may be more damaging that the resistance of the far right.
Carl your opinions and many of the comments above are based on fear, ignorance, and intolerance. If this were 1964 you would be screaming out against desegregation in the same manner. I am glad Barack Obama will be our new president. I am not hypnotized by the man and I was not persuaded by the media. The man hasn't even had his first 100 days to get started and already you hate him. Obama represents the new generation and he is not a Washington insider with decades of corrupt bargains under his belt. Give the man a chance to prove himself. I know some of you are never going to support Obama because of your religious beliefs which is fine, but get used to the fact that your side lost this time because that isn't going to change.
Obama's election is based on several things. One, the economy...people vote their pocket books. If the economy is doing well, citizens don't feel compelled to make a change. If not, well you saw what happened. Second, Obama ran a very masterful campaign, raised a ton of money, stuck to his guns and remained calm and cool throughout the whole process. Third, McCain's campaign exhibited instability and an overall unsure demeanor as the economy melted down. Fourth, Sarah Palin, she was a very poor choice for VP considering many other viable, knowledgeable and intelligent options. These are the primary reasons Obama won.
As for how he will govern, that remains to be seen. However, based on what I see and his commanding knowledge of history, I believe that he will govern from the center and not to the hard left as many seem to speculate. He is very well aware of the problems that Clinton and other Presidents from both parties had in their first two years and will try to avoid the same mistakes.
As for all of the right wing, neoconservative crap about his associations and his religious beliefs, etc., that is exactly what it is...crap.
Dear Mr. McClanahan:
Your most recent article entitled "The Day the Constitution Died" is superb! As customary, your research supporting both quotes and history stands to validate the piece. However, issue must be taken with the title.
On November 4th of 2008, many United States citizens allowed emotions to direct their vote for President.
Some voted through ignorance, never researching the pertinent issues - instead, allowing the press to 'force feed' them the information they believed to be undeniable truth.
Others - a great number you should note - cast their vote through selfishness. A promise of 'something for nothing', i.e., lower taxes, free health care, higher earned income credits (translated, larger welfare payments), etc.
Ironically, over twenty-five million voters openly exhibited their racism and voted because of color - be-damned the candidates views, accomplishments, or qualifications. Simply stated, they voted for Senator Obama because he was of their race!
So now, Mr. McClanahan, for my final few words from this stint on the 'soap box', I say emphatically to you that the United States Constitution is not dead. The Great Document has received an awful assualt, one like no other before and, even though a multitude of folks either do not recognize the attack or, refuse to warrant what is obvious, there are among us those who believe it must and will be, preserved and protected at all costs. Good men will accept nothing less!
The day the Constitution died... October 26, 2001... The Patriot Act.
-- Posted by darrick_04 on Thu, Nov 6, 2008, at 7:04 PM
We may not agree much, but you are exactly right. I think the constitution has been dying a long time.
darrick_04 . . . I am well educated and I didnt vote for Obama or McCain. What does that make me? Seriously for once, can you state an opinion without attacking someone
Please people, calling people names or saying the are uneducated because they didnt vote one way or another just proves how IGNORANT you really are. PERIOD! Seriously . . . I have never seen so much hate before in my life . . . and those that supposedly support tolerance and hope seem to being doing the most of it lately(or at least in here).
Carl,
Your work keeps getting better and better.
There are so many great well researched and thought out points in your blog that I would not know where to start at.
Due to lack of time getting on the road I will just say again... "Your work keeps getting better and better".
Also in departing this morning I commend you in putting the truth and facts out here openly and holding your head up while taking a bashing from the "rock throwers that lurk from behind the bushes and closet doors".
A man will step up and say his opinion. A coward will pitch it from the bushes.
You know what is SOOOOO funny about all the accusations of Obama being the AntiChrist (which he is not)... why are you scared? If it is prophecy then it has to happen sometime? Seems as though you'd be delighted to battle him and spread the good word as opposed to the negative message, but ironically enough the roles seem to be reversed.
Tatoos and Scars,
You comment is so ridiculous... Explain to me why the majority of educated voters chose Obama? And a majority of those making 75,000 or more a year, chose Obama? Ironic.
Very good blpg Carl, we will have to wait to see how far to the lrft he goes.
God's law is what governs me.
He may not be the ANTICHRIST but then again he could be, but he sure is doing a good impersonation.
Never before have I seen praise for a man from the whole world who has done nothing yet.
Non thinkers and idealogs flocked to support Mr. Obama as if he were some sort of messiah. The radical Islamist, Reverand Farakhan even described him as such. The liberal mainstream media held him up as if he were the second coming of Christ. However, we have just put a vastly inexperienced man in the White House who couldn't even get a security clearance to check baggage at an airport. Apparantly, to most Americans, things like character and sacrifice for one's country aren't worth a damn any more.
Good Luck
carl i must say you are full of crap......totally. i'm so glad that WAY OVER half
of America didn't agree with your twisted way of thinking....Colin Powell included. If i remember
correctly wasn't it you that said that "Colin Powell voted for President Obama because he was Black"? I wonder why the majority of people in all races in America elected BARRACK "HUSSEIN" OBAMA President of the United States? How's your yard investigation coming?
What is the difference, changing the Constitution or outrightly disobeying and breaking it's numerous rights it was supposed to protect? McCain says he wants to stay the course in Iraq, Why? Seems President Obama has already achieved more positive things during his 2 days of President-Elect then Bush has in 8 years of his Presidency. Imagine how embarrassing that is?
The day the Constitution died... October 26, 2001... The Patriot Act.
I agree 100%...........!!!!! Well said!