112 Comments

1. Jay:

Something tells me you don’t hold Laura Bush to the same standards.

Aug 25, 2008 - 9:25 pm 2. Pajamas Media » Michelle Obama Channels June Cleaver, Not Eleanor Roosevelt:

[...] Read the entire piece here. [...]

Aug 25, 2008 - 10:57 pm 3. Obama08:

You know perfectly well that if she addressed issues of foreign policy the Repukes would seize on this with cries that she is ‘uppity’, ‘over-reaching’, and apply every other slur they threw at Hillary while she was First Lady.

Sorry, but you’ve got it wrong. This was the right kind of speech to give.

I do not expect Democrats–especially the first African-American political family to behave like Republicans in terms of gender role expectations. Do you?
No. I expect them to do what it takes to get elected. Do you? Or did you vote for Nader in 2000?

Aug 25, 2008 - 11:36 pm 4. Hyphenated American:

Wow. It’s obvious this was written by a democrat. Ahm…

“American can he be with an absent Kenyan Muslim father, a name like Barak Hussein Obama, a childhood which consisted of growing up in Hawaii and Indonesia, and then losing his mother, being brought up by his grandparents?”

Actually, truth be told, he lost his mother when he about 30 years old. Are you trying to say that his grandparents were bringing him up until such a tender age? How about this – he was abandonded by his liberal mother when he was a kid, and he was raised by his white grandparents, including his “typical white” grandmother, who was also a racist based on Obama’s recollection.

“Michelle Obama also had to dispel the fears about her college thesis as a black separatist–and she certainly tried to do so.”

I guess the only way would be to discuss it, explain what it was about and get an interview with Fox News, who would be the only ones who have the guts to actually ask her tough questions.

“Thus, instead of noting that America has been “criminal” in its treatment of African-Americans, she uncritically stated that she loves America and credits it with her humble and church-going family’s breathtaking rise.”

For a woman who specifically said she got into Ivy league school because more academically prepared whites and asians were discriminated against (she simply stated that got there because of affirmative action), it would be a tad hypocritical to complaint about America mistreating her.

“But for a lawyer with an Ivy League education, I expected much more–no, I actually expected a lot more.”

You think she can stay on the message? Come on, affirmative action liberals ain’t that smart, Ivy League education not-withstanding.

“Contrary to all her “feel good” remarks, I know that not every American can pull him or herself up by their bootstraps.”

I would want to understand the rational and some empirical evidence which support this claim.

” “Hope” is not enough.”

Work hard, stay in school, don’t get pregnant in high school, stay out of jail and don’t do drugs. That’s pretty much it. And you will be in American middle class. I would appreciate to know the number of people who followed all these rules – and are yet dirt poor.

“Try as we all might, we currently do not all have health coverage or quality health care; jobs; our own homes; quality child care; the best educations for our children.”

Well, say thanks to liberals, for making health care very expensive, making it very expensive to run business in US, screwing up our schools and not allowing builging the housing. It’s all liberal fault.

“The dream cannot be realized by wishful thinking and grand, heart-soaring words. It can only be realized by Affirmative Action.”

That is correct. Throw every liberal out of the government, cut government spending by 50%, vouchers for schools, cut most of the regulations. And voila, things will get solved pretty damn quick. Of course, anotehr option is to choke our economy with taxes – this would bring new jobs to America. I mean nothing stimulated business better than a few more government regulations and a few more buerucrats making decisions. Right?

“We would all be taxed at a 60% rate in order to improve matters just a little.”

That’s exactl what I thought. If only our family were to pay 60% tax rate – we would have so much better off – better schools, better jobs, better house, better everything. I mean having less money in your hands and more money in the hands of buerucracy always works wonders. After all, isn’t our government making our schools the envy of the whole world? Don’t you love how the Congress invested our Social Security money?

“Even taxing us will not be enough to ensure that all Americans can realize the dream.
It may not be possible. We need someone with the guts to say so.”

Well, I have a feeling that most working people would be much closer to their dream if only they were taxed at 60%. On the second thought – not so much.

Aug 25, 2008 - 11:38 pm 5. Rob:

If she stated her true views on those subjects, she’d probably scare the heck out of most Americans…

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:01 am 6. Ann:

As a professional woman in her 40’s, educated at the University of Chicago, I also don’t hold Mrs. Bush to the same standard that I hold Mrs. Obama. We undermine our society when we offer less than our best accomplishments. A woman as talented and bright as Mrs. Obama can and should do more than pander.

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:07 am 7. Rachel Peepers:

Nicely written piece.

Here’s my take on the Michelle speech.

When you give this kind of political speech, you have to strike a fine balance between what you think your target audience needs to hear, and what you really feel inside.

Michelle, in my opinion, gave us too much June Cleaver and not enough reality. When she leaves out her honest feelings, the bs alarm goes off, and we’re left having that just-off-the-radio station sensation. Too much tinniness, not enough tell-it-like-it-is toughness. If the medicine is too sweet tasting, how effective can it be?

A monotone McCain is going to trounce a sugar coated, beautifully sounding Obama (her or him)every time if McCain sounds like he means it and the Obamas sound like some speech writer is telling them what to say.

Honey, we’re in a war. Gas is dancing around four bucks a gallon. Wally and the Beaver are grown up.

Democrats have to stop thinking Americans won’t vote for them if they’re honest about what they really think, what they stand for and who they really are.

Michelle is no plastic model out of the 50’s. She’s a brilliant woman who tonight barely showed up.

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:15 am 8. Michael Canzano:

Michelle and Barack are Socialists . It is obvious to me they hate Whitey , Jews and America. Their goal is to make the “Haves” of America give it up to the “Have Nots” and consequently become “Have Nots”. Isn’t this the political program being practiced in Cuba and Russia ? How stupid are you Liberals not to recognize Socialism when you see it ? Or maybe that is what you are striving to install in America. Typical “Liberal Logic” endorse a socialistic program when it has failed over and over again. Socialism is Socialism by any other name.
American Chriatian Infidel
Michael Canzano

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:32 am 9. Nana-J:

I have been a life long Democrat and a feminist. I found Michelle Obama’s speech to be a moving tribute to her family, husband and her obvious intelligence. You seem to have set yourself up for disappointment and to have set up Michelle to fall short of your own hopes and expectations of her.

It was not the intent or purpose of her speech to discuss policy or party plank issues.

I suggest you get over your oh so “politically correct” feminist self. Michelle is of a different generation than those of us feminists who are in our fifties and beyond. Plus, the white males of the right so obviously could not deal with her when she stood in her power as the beautiful, intelligent, and independently minded black woman that she is. So, now, she must also reveal the side of her that is the loving, nurturing mother and wife.

Rather than dissing Michelle, you could diss the MSM and the right, white males who are trying to “keep her in her place”.

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:53 am 10. David Thomson:

“Plus, the white males of the right so obviously could not deal with her when she stood in her power as the beautiful, intelligent, and independently minded black woman that she is.”

Where have I heard something like that before? Oh yes, now I remember:

“I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,” Biden said. “I mean, that’s a storybook, man.”

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2007/01/31/snow.biden.blunder.affl

Both the Obamas are being graded on a curve. Guilt tripped white liberals are simply thrilled if they merely show up.

Aug 26, 2008 - 2:21 am 11. cedarford:

But for a lawyer with an Ivy League education, I expected much more–no, I actually expected a lot more.

Except she isn’t a lawyer. After squeaking through at Harvard Law, she failed one, possibly two Bar exams. Then held her law license for under 4 years, dropping it in 1993.

She wasn’t “Sidley material” and it looks like she was eased out to a non-lawyer career commensurate with her talents and abilities – a series of “diversity” manager jobs requiring part-time work but paying very well – through her patrons in the Dailey Machine and the fabulously wealthy Crown, Pritzker, and Klutznik families.

So bullshit on her speech claims that she “sacrificed” a tremendous career as a top lawyer to instead help the unfortunate. It looks like she was over and done as a lawyer by 1993.

Aug 26, 2008 - 3:06 am 12. Leeotis:

It seems to be impossible any more for Democrats to look at life through any prism other than that of identity politics. Both this article, and Ms. Obama’s speech, are further examples of that sad trend. In recent weeks, we’ve learned that Sen. Obama’s grandmother is a “typical white.” According to this article, Ms. Obama needs to speak the language of “women’s rights.” And over the weekend, Sen. Obama crowed that Sen. Biden comes from a “working class background.”

Democrats no longer seem to think that their policy positions matter. What matters is the group that you can identify with. The result is pabulum like Ms. Obama’s June Cleaver speech. Democrats are getting what they’ve asked for, and what they deserve, which makes the whining about it more amusing but, at the same time, all the more inexcusable.

Here’s a news flash — the reason that the Obamas are doing so poorly with white males is precisely because they spend so much time engaging in identity politics. That is a turnoff to white males, who don’t seem themselves as belonging to any group. They’re not going to improve their standing with white males by transparently attempting to connect with them as a group, precisely because white males aren’t into “group-ism.” All they’re going to do is reinforce the turnoff.

Aug 26, 2008 - 3:43 am 13. sydney jane:

“Rather than dissing Michelle, you could diss the MSM and the right, white males who are trying to “keep her in her place”.”

I’m a black woman, and I’m not exactly a big fan of Michelle Obama, nor her husband Barack. (I didn’t say I wouldn’t vote for Obama, because I have problems with McCain, too, but that doesn’t mean I have to worship Barack or his wife). Unlike Laura Bush, Michelle Obama has made herself an issue by saying some very controversial and negative things about her country, and saying some things that were just stupid; the MSM treated the very outspoken Hillary Clinton the same way (although, Hillary never trashed America), and, as far as I know, Hillary was white.

As for Michelle, she had her script and she said what she HAD to say. I’m sure her team went over her speech with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything was perfect. Although, I wish she would remove that line she always says about Hillary, because she’s made clear how she really feels about Clinton, so it just doesn’t seem sincere or believable.

But, you find out more about someone by what they say when they are unscripted, and, unfortunately, Michelle’s got a lot out there that does not make her look very good. And, she’s going to have to live with that, and may never live it down, in the same way that some never were able to accept Hillary.

The only people trying to keep Michelle in her place are Obama’s handlers who are now dressing her, scripting everything she has to say, dressing her in clothes from Walmart, when we know that’s not where she buys her clothes, etc. Barack got all the support he got earlier, because he was a different kind of politician, or said he was; and now both he and his wife are trying to make themselves into something they are not, just for the sake of getting those white males you mention to like them.

Ultimately, though, I’m not going to vote for the president based on his wife, and I don’t think most other people will either. Hillary’s negatives certainly didn’t stop Clinton from being elected and then re-elected.

Aug 26, 2008 - 4:29 am 14. LaMonte:

I’m glad I was watching sports and didn’t have to deal with this last night. Yes, sports — because convention politics is so like a canned television show these days. “Everybody Loves Obama”, maybe “Leave it to Beaver”…

Aug 26, 2008 - 4:54 am 15. Ron J:

Funny, she didn’t talk much about her current job. Michelle Obama works as an administrator in a Chicago hospital figuring out ways how to send poor, uninisured patients to other nearby hospitals, a practice called “dumping.” Don’t believe me? Look it up. The Democrats don’t get it and because they don’t get it, they are toast.

Aug 26, 2008 - 4:55 am 16. jeff:

I thought Mrs. Obama accomplished what she came to do. She wanted to show America that they were a typical family, with typical roots.

The scary thing to me is that they think they need to do that. Don’t we assume that families are typical, with typical roots?

I also understand the great pride that African-Americans feel when they know a party will nominate a person with the same skin color as them to run for the highest office in the world. Would they have the same pride if they were a Republican family? I seriously doubt it.

Condoleeza Rice was just as eloquent, and in a more powerful position. Colin Powell was just as eloquent, and in a more powerful position. Clarence Thomas, just as eloquent, and in a more powerful position. All from the same type of roots as the Obamas.

I think it’s great that Mrs. Obama is channeling June Cleaver. We need more people to be like Ward and June Cleaver. Two parent families that raise their kids to do the right thing. They instill work ethic and founding father American values in their families. What is wrong with that?

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:00 am 17. Slocum:

“Plus, the white males of the right so obviously could not deal with her when she stood in her power as the beautiful, intelligent, and independently minded black woman that she is.”

Yeah, right. Republican males could never deal with a powerful, intelligent black woman like, um, say Condoleezza Rice. And liberals would never treat her in a shameful manner like this:

http://naproom.mu.nu/pics/racistcondi2.jpg

Also on the topic of beautiful, intelligent, powerful Republican women — Obama had better hope that McCain does not choose this one as his running mate or I think he can kiss a boatload of former Hillary supporters goodbye for good:

http://beldar.blogs.com/beldarblog/2008/06/alaskas-gov-sar.html

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:01 am 18. goy:

Ché sorpresa!

The un-feminist version of the empty suit.

Who’d'a guessed?

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:09 am 19. Daria:

I am a single woman and a lifelong conservative Republican who also rejects identity politics. In America, you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps, as was proven by my immigrant grandparents and my second-generation father. They didn’t have government entitlements and went on to great success after very humble beginnings, through hard work and determination. Making people dependent on government only keeps them mired in victimhood and dependency — but I guess that’s what the Democratic Party wants for their own political expediency. One only has to look a cities like Philadelphia and Detroit to see the extreme damage liberalism has done.

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:16 am 20. mjk:

Didn’t she make some comment about Barack’s “funny name”? ENOUGH with that angle! No one gives two tiny little craps about Barack Obama’s name. GAWD!

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:23 am 21. vb:

Cedarford: What are your sources on Michelle’s career? I ask not to challenge the content of your comments, but to have some documentation. I have read bits and pieces elsewhere, just not enough to challenge the conventional wisdom unequivocally.

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:55 am 22. furious_a:

My registered-Democrat (voted Clinton-Clinton-Bush-Bush) wife found the speech pedestrian and “artsy-fartsy”. All of the “currents-and-tides-as-they-should-be” put her off. i

Aug 26, 2008 - 6:13 am 23. furious_a:

(sorry, CAPLOCK/RETURN confusion)

My registered-Democrat (voted Clinton-Clinton-Bush-Bush) wife found the speech pedestrian and “artsy-fartsy”. All of the “currents-and-tides-as-they-should-be” put her off. I thought I heard her eyes roll when Mrs. O spoke about understanding hopes-and-dreams, or whatever. She said that after the speech she’s sure Mr. O is a geat dad and all, but has no idea what kind of president he’d be.

Interesting that Mrs. O never really “abandoned a legal career”, instead never passed the Bar. Bookends nicely with her earning $317K/year in “community service” for a no-show job. Highlights the phoniness of the Obama story “abandoning Wall St.” (did he ever apply for or was he ever offered a white shoe job?) for “community service”. I knew the Chicage Way was all about no-show jobs, just didn’t know they paid that well.

Aug 26, 2008 - 6:19 am 24. Xanthippe:

I don’t want another Eleanor Roosevelt or Hillary Clinton. I am not electing a First Lady.

But as First Ladies go, give me a Lady Bird (”Keep America Beautiful”) or a Laura Bush (”Global Literacy”) First Lady campaign any day, over a Hillary (failed health care plan) or Eleanor (”UN Commission on Human Rights”) campaign.

Aug 26, 2008 - 6:32 am 25. Cherie Clark:

As a 62 year old women raised in a real typical farm family in rural Indiana where race was not as much an issue as an absent factor I have found the Obama’s to be the most inspiring people of my lifetime. I was raised by my grandparents as my twice divorced mother tried to get her life together. My father left before I was born. Our situation in rural Indiana was unique in ‘those days’ …. I thank my mother who died while I was in my 20’s for all that she gave me, all that she taught me about race that absent factor and I thank God she taught me to rise above some of the BS I see on the internet. I hopefully remain convinced that Michelle and Barack are one hell of a lot better for me as I suffer with ever increasing health problems than George and Laura. Talk about fake and phony…. well Cindy Mc Cain is off to Georgia so many of you might sleep better ! Obama Biden 08 becasue we NEED the Democrat’s BACK

Aug 26, 2008 - 6:33 am 26. Robert Hurley:

Talk about cognitive dissonance – Michelle Obama gave a great speech. She was not suppose to give a policy speech. It was about who Obama is. To criticise her for being too June Cleaver is to miss the point of the speech. I am sure she can give a different speech about policy and it would also be a great one.

As to Michael Canzano – What a dope! Has he ever read Karl Marx. Does he know what socialism really is?

Hyphenated American – If you get all you news from Fox, you are getting a distorted picture of the news. If you believe it, you are beyond redemption

Cedarford – Are you a lawyer and have to passed the bar. It is not unusual for lawyers who are very smart to fail the bar exam because it is based on state law of that state and that is not taught in law schools. It is no disgrace to stop practicing. Most lawyers never appear in court and often go off and do other things. Just becasue you hate the Obamas does not mean that you can distort the record. I’d like to see how you would perform

Ron J – Your statement is an assertion – where are your facts?

There is an awful lot of anger and ignorance here

Aug 26, 2008 - 6:52 am 27. radical_moderate:

Any chance of subsituting this version of my previous post? (I didn’t “proof read” it, my bad.)

“How American can he be with an absent Kenyan Muslim father, a name like Barak Hussein Obama, a childhood which consisted of growing up in Hawaii and Indonesia, and then losing his mother, being brought up by his grandparents?”

I would say that Obama, BORN in the USA, and raised almost, with the exception of a few years as a small child, in the USA is plenty American…especially since we have such a hetrogeneous society. (Hawaii is a State…you do know that don’t you OP?) BTW, Obama’s father was an atheist by all reports, not a practicing MUSLIM (unless you are trying to imply that Muslim is some sort of racial category?)

“Michelle Obama also had to dispel the fears about her college thesis as a black separatist”

That was NOT what her thesis was about…umm are you usually this dumb? Hillary LOST deal with it, or descend into the crack-potism that has already overtaken the PUMA people among others.

“Michelle Obama works as an administrator in a Chicago hospital figuring out ways how to send poor, uninisured patients to other nearby hospitals, a practice called “dumping.”

More bullshit. Mrs Obama solved a problem for the hospital that fiscal conservatives should admire: the hospital ER was losing huge amounts of money primarily due to uninsured “drop-ins” (who, in addition to costing the Hospital big bucks, these people also were a time drag on the ER.) The innovative solution was a low-cost clinic near the Hospital to refer non-emergency, non-insured cases there, instead of them using the costly ER service. It was a great solution to a difficult problem; offering these people preventative care along with walk-in services that also happened to be fiscally responsible. But nice try.

“One only has to look a cities like Philadelphia and Detroit to see the extreme damage liberalism has done”

Right, and one only has to take a look at cities like Detroit, and Cleveland to see the extreme damage Neo-Conservatism has done.”

Aug 26, 2008 - 7:01 am 28. Tcobb:

I keep hearing the refrain that the “rich” need to pay so much more because it is really “society” that somehow did it for them and therefore they should pay for their privilege. If one truly believes this, it should doubly apply to all the so-called public servants who make more than the national average in income. Hell, in the interest of fairness I’d be willing to impose a tax of 100% on anything any government worker makes in excess of the national average. After all, the very fact that anyone can make anything at all is due to the existence of the government, right? So in terms of average income its all due to how well government employees as a collective entity are running everything for us.

And if you disagree with me, you’re a racist.

Aug 26, 2008 - 7:14 am 29. mjk:

” hopefully remain convinced that Michelle and Barack are one hell of a lot better for me as I suffer with ever increasing health problems than George and Laura.”
Hmm, Didn’t realize that George and Laura were medical doctors. Or perhaps you think Barack Messiah will miraculously cure your health issues.

Interesting.

Aug 26, 2008 - 7:34 am 30. Ken64:

Daria wrote:
“One only has to look a cities like Philadelphia and Detroit to see the extreme damage liberalism has done.”

Don’t forget about the dumps that extreme liberalism has created in places like San Francisco, Boston and Austin, TX. These liberal places are always on the list of the most undesirable places to live, right?

Aug 26, 2008 - 7:53 am 31. ex-democrat:

robert hurley : “There is an awful lot of anger and ignorance here.”
- you could help with that problem by commenting elsewhere.

Aug 26, 2008 - 7:56 am 32. Chuck Pelto:

TO: Chesler, et al.
RE: Heh

All that you see at the convention facilities is pablum for the consumption of the television audience. In other words, it has little, if anything to do with reality.

That includes, but is not limited to Obama bin Biden praying [to a god not made known to US] and Michelle acting like a 50’s television housewife.

The real indicators are what is leaking out dinners and meetings in hotel lobbies.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[What they are telling can be important. What they are NOT telling you can be vital. -- CBPelto]

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:25 am 33. Self-hating boomer:

With what we know about her, this isn’t very convincing. There’s a thin line between effective marketing and insulting the public’s intelligence, and I think she stepped over it.

Carry on, donkeys…

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:38 am 34. always right:

We come to this point, all because msm would not properly ‘vet’ a major candidate. For fear of racist label and/or a real blindness to the cult of personality.

The journalists and editorials also made the big mistake thinking that they CONTROL the news flow. What they tell and don’t tell no longer matter to a lot of Americans.

Congratulations to Democrats on the selection of Obama, you’ve made your beds (identity politics) for decades. This is the culmination of your efforts.

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:43 am 35. Elena:

Wonder why Michelle forgot to mention Obama’s brother living in the splendor of a hut in the slums of Kenya!

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:44 am 36. Judy, NYC:

thanks phyllis chesler. my own lying eyes and ears tell me likewise. i have been voting democratic all my adult life, and from the outset i considered voting for mccain. i have no illusions about republicans, but this democratic party bears little or no resemblance to any democratic party i can recall. i am so weary of the bullshit, the dissembling, the racial crap, the refusal to put forth facts and keeping barry obama behind a veil. now, comes michelle obama with her tv makeover from battle axe reverend wright loving, whitey referring, ayers agreeing, america disliking reality to this make believe brownie-baking michelle, my ass. i know who michelle would like to bake. how did islamic fascist ingrid mattson, president of the isna who calls for the murder of jews, with ties to the fanatical muslim brotherhood, get invited to speak at the convention? both Obama miscreants should just come out and give us the real deal. Hitler did. He proposed a different Germany. and, lest we forget, Hitler was elected.

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:48 am 37. Paul B:

Robert Hurley and radical_moderate deserve thanks for combating the mouth-breathing idiocy of most of the commenters here, not that it will work with nutcase right wingers who are allergic to facts and reason.

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:52 am 38. AdrianS:

Mr. Phillip J. Berg, a Pennsylvania attorney, has filed a lawsuit/complaint against Barack Hussein Obama claiming that Obama is NOT a U.S. natural born citizen.

Hear his discussion:
http://www.plainsradio.com/

Complaint and details:
http://www.nextgenerationcorp.com/NextGenBlog/?p=43

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:24 am 39. Tom:

What incredible confusion. Everyone seems to live in a different reality. It’s like the planet has gone psychotic.
There is one other possibility, which a few people are talking about:
what if Iran and Israel go at with nukes, draw in the rest of the world, the oil fields are destroyed, Iran launches a successful EMP attack on America, as they have been training to do, we are sent back to about 1875. 80% of the country starves to death, Mexico invades to “retake” the southwest…civil war based on ethnic lines…a weaponized bird flu strain from North Korea takes out half the planet…
The survivors reject technology and reform into small, agriculturally based communities where spirituality, not religion or materialism, is uppermost.
Malls, Republicans, Liberals, Corporations, TV, Computers, Giant “super powers”…all disappear into the dust of history.
Interesting scenario. Looking at today’s dangerous insanity, it would almost be a relief.

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:38 am 40. Mugwump:

Michelle, after being in First Lady finishing school for two weeks, made sure not to mention her statement in her Princeton thesis that she would always be black first and an American second.

Michelle, with her hair straightened, declined to admit, as she did to Newsweek, that she got into Harvard Law School via affirmative action.

Likewise, she did not concede she was unqualified for HLS as indicated by her failing the July 1988 Illinois bar exam she took before starting at Sidley & Austin in fall 1988, and her ceasing to be a practicing lawyer in the early 1990’s.

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:43 am 41. WomanOver50:

I liked seeing Michelle speak and found her to be smart, articulate, poised, and dedicated to both family and country. I wasn’t expecting a policy speech, so wasn’t disappointed like those who were looking for something else. I think she’d make a great first lady. As a professional woman in my 50’s with 2 children, my generation struggled for credibility in the workplace when we had children at home because it was new territory; typically we made a habit of never mentioning our children among colleagues. Reduced working hours during the high-maintenance family years were often translated in reduced in quality of work, even though our intellects and abilities were still high and well-developed. I’m gratified to see younger professional women like Michelle Obama are able to speak openly about family without it being an either-or situation. I’m proud that my generation helped pave the way for the integration of various parts of professional women’s lives into one person.

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:48 am 42. Concerned Citizen:

To Ron J, who wrote:

“Funny, she didn’t talk much about her current job. Michelle Obama works as an administrator in a Chicago hospital figuring out ways how to send poor, uninisured patients to other nearby hospitals, a practice called “dumping.” Don’t believe me? Look it up. The Democrats don’t get it and because they don’t get it, they are toast.”

I guess you didn’t see the RLC article about M.Obama’s program to help non-emergency health needs be treated in neighborhood clinics rather than emergency rooms (quite distinct from “dumping” to other hospitals; either the article was incorrect or your claim is false). Sounds like a great idea to me; I guess others, too because the article noted it’s become a model –it’s a better fit medically, provides consistent & relational medical care, is more effective use of taxpayers & hospitals funds (which translates into premiums). If you think children’s ear infections should be treated in the emergency room rather than a clinic, you’d probably disagree.

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:53 am 43. laura:

Say what you will about George W. But this long term Dem has always held Laura Bush in high regard. She is an intellectual and highly effective in promoting education and literacy through practical and accountable programs.

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:56 am 44. goy:

Hurley, taken in isolation, you might be correct about MO’s lame attempt to sound mainstream. But the truth is that her speech needs to be assessed in the larger context of recent history, and the professional associations she and her husband have chosen.

Too many of us have paid attention to her cynical, race-baiting denigration of America to take her transparent facade even half seriously.

And we can further see the Marxist, anti-American sentiments she dares not express in prime time, by reading the screeds of people they worked closely with for years – like Bill Ayers.

That’s why her speech was obviously written by Obama’s handlers, and came off as a saccharin parody of a 60s stay-at-home Mom: they’ve made it clear to her that she can’t appear on prime time saying what she really thinks.

Aug 26, 2008 - 9:58 am 45. misanthropicus:

Michelle’s Speech, or the Suspension of Disbelief, or the Parallel Reality the Democrats Live in (and want to drag in America, too!)

This convention night – so convicing, so moving, so touching! Of course the ONE can do it! Celebrating ONE’s formidable potential! Obama’s wife and relatives guarantee that he is qualified for the comander-in chief job! Gretchen, did you hear that? The Soetoros, the Robinsons guarantee that Obama can do it! Thanks god! The 106 millions voters heard it, too, are dancing on the streets! What a relief, America is saved, let’s tell the children and the neighbors, Obama can do it!

What piece of crap this Dem Convention night was!
Heavens, the liberals cannot fingure out a better way to persuade a nation of 270 millions to give Obama the commander-in-chief job than bringing in HIS WIFE and a bunch of relatives to vouch for his character? Was this a Chicago Municipal Court session pondering a shop-lifter’s fate? The Soetoros and Robinsons clamoring, crying, sobbing and wringing hands? Are these people and their views on mister Obama’s potential all that the democrats can produce? What a mockery! And what a grossierty for Democrats to subject their (credulous & superstitious) electorate to this degrading claptrap!

Obama’s a man of accomplishment, we learnt, so Dems could have called, among others, the following, who, for mystery reasons, are still kept aside, for producing testimonials about his abilities:
1) Columbia school mates,
2) Harvard school mates & Harvard Law guys,
3) people for who he community-activated in Chicago,
4) clients from his lawyering times,
5) colleagues from Chicago Law,
6) colleagues from Illinois legislature,
7) political advisers like Ayres, Alinsky or Frank,
spiritual advisers like Wright and Phleger,
9) friends like Tony Rezko, Daley & Ludacris,
10) the drunkards – sorry, the ethilically-powered, mighty honorable folks from Iowa who pushed him through the Iowa caucus,
11) those who gave Michelle the first job @ $260 K after Obama was elected in the Illinois Legislature, then brought up her modest income @ $ 360 after the community activiat got elected in the US senate,

… plenty of edifying character witnesses, who sure could enhance Obama’s WIFE arguing that her hubby is the best for the be US president & commander-in-chief job!

Yet, instead of that, we’re had a bunch of diverse relatives yakking about life-changing meetings, and other Oprah Winfrey crap!
So convincing, so moving, so touching! Of course the ONE can do it! Obama’s wife, his kins are totally behind him, guarantee that he is exceedingly qualified for the comander-in chief job! Gretchen, did you hear that? The Soetoros, the Robinsons guarantee that Obama can do it! Thanks god! What a relief, let’s tell the children and the neighbors, Obama can do it! America is saved [Democrats dance on streets].

Whatever world democrats live in, and their disregard for this nation have, their primitive slyness simply puts this country in danger. And I think more and more people will recognize this during this mushy, pink & violet promotional of incompetence and megalamania.
Methiks that the Dems have screwd up big time again. Terminally. Kaput. Adios. See you in 2012.

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:08 am 46. Robert Hurley:

I just filed a lawsuit claiming that AdrianS is not a U.S. Natural born citizen.

Judy – You were never a Democrat – admit it. You are a natural Repulican – I take that back – I know too many decent Republicans

Elena: What obligations does Obama have to a half brother whom he never grew up with
and what does that have to do with this election?

Ex Democrat – Who is the last Democratic candidate you voted for?

Self Hating Boomer Donkey – I guess that says it all!

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:08 am 47. Selah:

Michelle Obama hit a grand slam last night and every fair-minded American and true believer of Christ knows it. The animus directed at Barack and Michelle Obama by the far right is delusional, evil, and un-American. Barack may become the next President of the United States precisely because he is not the devil some say he is. God is behind this man, and may God have mercy on every person who, rather than sincerely criticize the policies of Obama that they reject, demonize him instead.

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:32 am 48. Nick:

Michelle had a specific role to fill. Michelle filled that role perfectly — setting the stage for her husband to tackle the more difficult issues. If Michelle would have spent any time dealing with the issue of terrorism or anything on that scale, it would have been entirely inappropriate. According to the media, the Obamas have to sell themselves as core Americans to the media brainwashed masses of America’s mainstream. Therefore, the first day of the convention was spent attempting to accomplish that task. Michelle accomplished exactly what she set about to accomplish — setting a tone and a theme with beauty and grace.

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:33 am 49. Marion L:

Dear Dr. Chesler:

I’m an ardent feminist. I watched Michelle Obama’s speech last night and I thought it was wonderful.

The “How American” is he line of questioning at the start of this essay is very unfortunate – if not out and out offensive – as Barack Obama’s diverse background is quintessentially American – and I say this as a grandaughter of Jewish immigrants.

If you listened carefully, Michelle Obama did mention her college and law school education.

As for her emphasis on motherhood, as a mother myself I have long felt that my motherhood enhances my feminism and my feminism enhances my motherhood. That much should be apparent to Dr. Chesler; the author of With Child who proudly and appropriately used one of her blog entries to describe her own son’s wedding.

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:33 am 50. Fern Sidman:

There’s no question that the poised and articulate Mrs. Obama restricted her remarks to those she deemed appropriate as a spouse. I imagine that her handlers at the DNC advised her not to address gritty policy issues or to act “too much” like a leader. Be smart, but not too smart, be articulate but don’t steal your husband’s thunder were most probably the directives she was given.

Having said that, thank G-d the evening wasn’t a total disaster. After all, ex-president Jimmy Carter who was slated to address the convention was only given a brief honor prior to the prime time coverage. I guess that Sen. Obama must have paid heed to Dr. Chesler’s blog entry of Aug 20th, in which she advised the presumptive Democratic nominee for president to put his money where his mouth is, show what real “CHANGE” is all about and break with convention tradition and NOT have this classic anti-Semite sully the convention by granting him a podium for his pernicious views.

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:36 am 51. seguin:

Re: Austin, TX

You do know that extreme liberalism (and I mean leftist) doesn’t really have much of a hold there, don’t you? I mean, it’s still Texas. There’s only so much the County and city can do legislatively, and what they HAVE done is raise the real estate prices higher than any other area in Texas.

Dallas used to be way superior to Austin until the East/West Coast worshipping “Smart Growth” retards decided to screw it up for us…I miss Deep Ellum.

Aug 26, 2008 - 10:42 am 52. Virginia/Greenconsciousness:

As I said over on the Clintonista blog:

As life long Democrats who even voted for (gag) Kerry, I and my mother will write-in Hillary in Wisconsin. Even if we have to scrawl it across the ballot. My 90 year old mother, born before women could vote is determined to vote for the woman she feels is the best candidate rather than support a corrupted party who no longer delivers even when they are in the majority because they too represent corporations just like the Repubs. BO is funded by Wall Street and the Nuclear Industry. See,thecityedition.com

http://www.thecityedition.com/Pages/Archive/Summer08/BushThirdTerm.html

McCain is even more sexist than BO if that is possible although he at least does not use race-baiting to cover his inadequacies and mistakes.

I can’t vote for McCain because of his sexism even if my sense of the injustice of BO’s nomination has become hatred. I will write-in Hillary. If that becomes a vote for BO then so be it. I cannot give in to hatred and vote to hurt rather than to help. It is true McCain will fight Islamic fascism but not with the intent to bring women’s liberation to Muslim countries. He could care less or else he would be working with Condeliza Rice. And voting against equal pay for equal work –no I cannot vote for McCain.

I will do the right thing, write-in my vote for the Best Person,Hillary Clinton, and let the chips fall where they may.

BTW, You should go over to Clintonista and play the beautiful video “The Call”
http://clintonista.wordpress.com/

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:01 am 53. Self-hating boomer:

Michelle Obama hit a grand slam last night and every fair-minded American and true believer of Christ knows it.

That must be the explanation for why the neocons don’t like them.

I don’t get this. Why do liberals go ballistic when Huckabee tries to mix religion and politics, but it’s righteous when the Os’ supporters do it? What are the rules? Is mixing church and politics ok or not?

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:13 am 54. Hyphenated American:

Robert, Robert, Robert….

“Elena: What obligations does Obama have to a half brother whom he never grew up with…”

By the same token, what obligations do the people who earn more than 250k a year have to millions of people, who are not their relatives, and whom they never grew up with? I mean, if Obama is not his (literal) brother’s keeper, then what with the whole liberal-progressive-left-wing idea of all’s responsibility for everyone that you guys promote so much?

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:13 am 55. Marion L:

Far from being June Cleaver, Michelle Obama reminds me of Eleanor Holmes Norton and other courageous Black women who – like other women in this country – have faced the challenge of balancing work and family with intelligence, grace and creativity.

As for her alleged “sepratist” phase at Princeton University, college is classically a time for
self-exploration and it is to Michelle Obama’s credit that she has used her education so effectively in service to her community and ultimately, to the entire country.

I am praying for an Obama victory in November 2008.

The stakes are very high – either four more years of war crimes and human rights abuses with McCain channeling Cheney and Bush – or a fresh start with Barack Obama grounded in respect for universal human rights, civil liberties, and the United States Constitution. God Bless Barack Obama and Michelle Obama! May they go from strength to strength!

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:21 am 56. radical_moderate:

“We come to this point, all because msm would not properly ‘vet’ a major candidate.”
When is is the MSM going to vet McCain, and look into his cozy relationship with Donald Diamond? (that relationship lost the people of Arizona 16 million dollars.”
“Mr. Phillip J. Berg, a Pennsylvania attorney, has filed a lawsuit/complaint against Barack Hussein Obama claiming that Obama is NOT a U.S. natural born citizen.”
When is Berg going to file a compliant against McCain…he was born in Panama!

PaulB, yeah I’m a Stranger in a Strange Land here at PJM, but I cruise over on occasion to see what the other side is saying; what they are saying usually involves some crack-pot theory about Obama’s origins and whatnot, I get a giggle out of it all.

The thing that strikes me on most Conservative websites is that they are sorely lacking in substance, but no matter, I understand where they are coming from. I highly recommend reading Andrew Bacevich if you want to read a Conservative with intellectual heft (and no, it that is not an oxymoron, LOL.)

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:23 am 57. Virginia/Greenconsciousness:

“to” not “too”

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:26 am 58. Dave II:

I could swear I was watching an episode of “Extreme Makeover” last night!

Who WAS that “conservative” dressed up like Michelle Obama anyway???

Oh well…maybe the “Twilight Zone” will be better tonight!

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:44 am 59. DBK:

You present two options: Mrs. Obama is either a brilliant, educated woman with a distinguished career with strong ideas about the right policies for our country — or she is “primarily or only [a] loving wife and mother.” You then ask who the real Mrs. Obama is, and suggest that she is either lying or hiding. I can only shake my head. Why can’t she be both? Every person inhabits multiple spheres–the domestic, the political, or the professional. We often don a slightly different mask for our various roles. Does this mean that our core person is fractured by these constant shifts? That we are “lying” when we reflect multiple personas? Hardly.

Do you swear in front of your parents? Discuss your sex life with your co-workers? Discuss the pros and cons of NAFTA with your toddler? As adults, professionals, and parents, we learn to compartmentalize and respond appropriately to the social situation. And we are not “dissembling” when we highlight one aspect of our personality or the other. Rather, each sphere calls upon, challenges, and reflects different parts of our core person.

Mrs. Obama can be a charismatic and informed politician, delivering awesome stump speaches on the campaign trail. But that was not her job last night. Was she betraying herself and her values for focusing on the personal, rather than the political? Not in the least.

First, as the wife of the candidate, her primary concern is helping to secure his election. Unfortunately, the greatest challenge the Obamas face is challenging virulent racism, lies, distortions, and a perception that they are radicals far left of the mainstream. Many of these fears stem from a perception that the Obamas are exotic, elitist, racist, or anti-American. The best thing Mrs. Obama could do for her husband was to present his human side, and to dispell the viscious rumors circulating around.

Second, Mrs. Obama recognizes, appropriately, that it is her husband, and not she, who is running for president. Wisely recognizing that a political convention is largely a public relations campaign, she presented the schmaltz–the human interst story–and left the politicizing to her husband and the elected officials.

In a perfect world, Mrs. Obama would not have to do so. In a perfect world, Mr. Obama would not have to present his birth certificate to prove he is an American; would not have to declare “I’m a Christian” ad nauseum to dispel twisted fears that he is a Muslim; or assert that he is not in favor of murdering–not fetuses–but actual babies. We don’t live in that world.

Mrs. Obama did the wisest thing possible. She evaluated her audience, her role, and her venue. She then presented an authentic, personal and inspiring side of herself and her family. To me, the genius of this approach is rather obvious, reflective of a deftly run political campaign that can overcome prejudices and “connect” to the Joe American–without dumbing down the message or sacrificing policy. The most effective way the Obamas–brilliant attorneys with Ivy league credentials–have been able to connect with such voters has been, simply, through their amazing personal histories.

But Mrs. Obama did more than deliver a shrewd political move. Her speech must be considered in the context of the larger narrative of the social rights movement, black people in America, and women’s movement. She presented an amazing role model: the Superwoman who can achieve great things through determination and hard work, who can balance family and career, and who can stay true to her values through a commitment to bettering the world.

If you ask me, Mrs. Obama’s speech was reflective of a smart, shrewd woman.

Aug 26, 2008 - 11:55 am 60. tanstaafl:

Women expected more from her.

You can’t give what you don’t have.

Michelle’s Sr. thesis at Princeton, with its rambling constructs and intense/persistent juxtaposition of Black and White (the terms always capitalized) makes for tedious reading.

Granted, it was written quite awhile ago but is, nevertheless, indicative of her level of acumen.

At least she avoided mentioning (again) this nation of “complacents” (as a noun !) and meanspirited, lazy people.

Not to worry, Saint Barack’s gonna grab us all out of our meanspirited “comfort zone”, doncha know.

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:06 pm 61. always right:

Selah@Aug 26, 2008 – 10:32 am
Michelle Obama hit a grand slam last night and every fair-minded American and true believer of Christ knows it. The animus directed at Barack and Michelle Obama by the far right is delusional, evil, and un-American.

Anybody holding a different opinion than the person’s view is automatically branded those names. With an ‘argument’ like that, how do you even begin discussing the matter?

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:39 pm 62. BobK:

I was a bit puzzled by her mentioning her 19 years of marriage to Barrack but that they didn’t have a child until about 9 or so years after the marriage. To me this seems a bit off. Why the long wait??? Also, that they don’t give their children presents at Chrismas, or even their birthdays, rings off as well. Hmmmmm.

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:42 pm 63. Marcia Pappas:

As always your words are thought provoking. I love it!

Aug 26, 2008 - 12:50 pm 64. Virginia/Greenconsciousness:

Marion L -despite your ID as a feminist you always wanted BO to win. I think feminism is not your primary politic — in all our discussions on this blog you always say you are a feminist and then define feminism as something other than putting women rights as the first priority. Here a woman president was not as important as a black male winning even if he is less qualified and won in caucuses which excluded the working class from participation and were weighted to the disadvantage of primaries. Even if he won by vote manipulation by sexist party bosses. Even if he won by sexism. Here we have a male with no record, funded by Wall St and the nuclear industry who has your prayers and devotion despite the fact that he started his political career by sabotaging and smearing his female mentor, destroying her career AND he used misogyny and race baiting to smear and destroy Hillary.

BO rejected Hillary’s 18 million voters in his VP choice. That doesn’t shake your hero worship at all. All this you ignore. Why falsely identify as a feminist except to co-opt the word?

The most excitement at the Dem convention is generated by the appearance of Hillary Clinton not Michelle Obama who is a bore in comparison. It is something of a sick joke that everyone expects Hillary to save BO now, not for BO to win their votes. He rejected her as VP which would have saved him, made the wrong decision from arrogance as usual, and now BO and the media expect Hillary to fix BO’s mess. She is a fine leader but not God. She will not be able to save BO or the Democrat Party. They made their failure from greed and sexism and race baiting. They will be blamed, not Hillary. Their arrogance will give us 4 more years of republicans because as usual they have shown their contempt for the working class voters who will express return contempt with their votes. So do not blame anyone but your candidate and his male VP when you get the Repubs 4 more years.

Aug 26, 2008 - 1:07 pm 65. Mickeymat:

Michelle may have presented a good speech but her new act is just that-an act and not her. She has shown in unscripted after unscripted moments that she has a chip on her shoulder a mile wide. She hates this country, called it mean and relayed she was not proud of it her entire adult life. She whines about life being so hard and is always negative and divisive. She is ungrateful complaining about having to pay back college loans instead of being thankful she was able to attend college. She admits she did not deserve to be admitted to ivy league schools but feels entitled because of her race. This reveals her lack of maturity and self-centeredness. Her salary at the University of Chicago Hospital was tripled after her husband in his capacity as a United States Senator got a one million dollar earmark for her employer. Her college thesis is a whining complaining poorly written diatribe that would have received a “D” had it been written by a “typical white person.” She attended a racist black liberation theology centered church for twenty years and exposed her children to its hate and vicious lying accusations against white people and Jews. All these are facts well documented and many are on video. They do not paint a picture of a person one would want for any position of responsibility in this great nation, much less a first lady.

Aug 26, 2008 - 1:26 pm 66. JRS:

VB,
Read this article stating her position and executions on said matter.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/
1122691,CST-NWS-hosp23.article

Aug 26, 2008 - 1:38 pm 67. JRS:

Cherie Clark,
Obviously, your Grand parents didn’t do a very good job raising you as you rely on government to sustain life and medical treatment. Question: How can you thank an absent mother for teaching you something when she wasn’t there? How can she be in two places at once. I know; democrat magic!

Too, you might wish to take an English refresher course, as your’s is worse than mine!

Aug 26, 2008 - 1:51 pm 68. Chuck Pelto:

TO: Selah
RE: Out of Curiosity…

“God is behind this man, and may God have mercy on every person who, rather than sincerely criticize the policies of Obama that they reject, demonize him instead.” — Selah

…(1) where do you go to church and (2) has Christ come in the flesh?

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[Where there is no religion, hypocrisy becomes good taste.]

Aug 26, 2008 - 2:07 pm 69. Chuck Pelto:

P.S. And by the latter, PULEASE don’t suggest that Obama is He.

Aug 26, 2008 - 2:10 pm 70. tanstaafl:

I would like a feminist to explain to me (really ) how Hillary Clinton is an icon or role model.

She who stood by her man through Monica & Presidential perjury…

She whose husband acknowledged hundreds (not 5, not 10 but hundreds) of extramarital affairs during the course of their marriage…

It would be a huge irony if Hillary’s decision to stand by helped tank her chances during the recent primaries. After all, a lot of people were offended by Bill’s jaw flapping while he was out stumping on her “behalf”.

(Then there’s the thesis that Bill was, in fact, trying to deep six his wife.)

Hillary, to me, is the antithesis of a feminist role model.

When it comes to feminism (or anything else under the sun) actions speak louder than words, n’est-ce pas ?

Aug 26, 2008 - 3:05 pm 71. Portia:

Tom:
“The survivors reject technology and reform into small, agriculturally based communities where spirituality, not religion or materialism, is uppermost.

Malls, Republicans, Liberals, Corporations, TV, Computers, Giant “super powers”…all disappear into the dust of history.
Interesting scenario. Looking at today’s dangerous insanity, it would almost be a relief.”

Oh My LORD! It’s the early seventies all over again. All of a sudden I’m wearing bell bottoms and all the groovie kids want to go back to the land.

a) “reject technology” sounded cool in the sf of the time, didn’t it? BUT humans don’t reject techonology. EVER. We’re designed to tinker. The only way to stop technology is with a dictatorial mind-washing cult. Islam comes to mind, and even then they don’t stop it, just slow it down and make everyone miserable.
So, how far back are we going to reject technology? Can we still use sticks to spear meat over the fire? Do we have to reject fire too? And how do you keep the kids from rubbing two stones together when we’re all happy in our roving band of hominids living like chimps?

b)”agricultural based” — Farming is HARD work. REALLY hard work. Particularly for people who reject technology like, oh, the metal plow and you know fertilizer. Contrary to one’s efforts in the local garden community, veggies don’t grow just because. There’s digging, weeding, fertilizing, then there’s storing so it doesn’t spoil. Are we rejecting mason jars too, with the other technology? And if not, how are we producing them in these joyful agricultural communes? “Agricultural based communities” as the best we can hope for means cyclical famines, rading/hatred of communities with better harvest, illness caused by improperly preserved food. It also means in the long run inbreeding. (What you don’t want to marry the person the next village over. Local boys have first pick. And besides, they’re dirty and they grow corn. We grow wheat. Go visit some are with small agricultural communities and TALK to people if you don’t believe me.) And conformism. I don’t know if it takes a village to raise a child, but NOTHING can pound comformity into a person like a village. The tall poppy gets stomped down. Over and over and over again. What need have you of doing things in a different way from the rest of us, anyway? Why do you want to be “strange”?

c- “Spirituality not religion or atheism” — if the person who wrote this is over seventeen he or she has NO excuse. There has NEVER been any community based on “spirituality.” No, really. Religious tolerance is something that happens only in large, industrial cosmopolite societies with plenty to eat and lots of influx of people and goods from around the globe. Unlocalized spirituality also only happens in those communities. In small communities, particularly those that are agriculturaly based and reject technology, you learn to bow to the local idol. Studying some history will help clarify this. Unless what one means by “spirituality” is the same one meant when speaking of the guru-based cults of the seventies, and then we just shut up, let the great spiritual leader screw us and drink coolaid when we’re told too.

d)”Malls, Republicans, Liberals, Corporations, TV, Computers, Giant “super powers”…all disappear into the dust of history.” Indeed, because — fortunately — we’re all going to live from unicorn farts, after said unicorns pasture on the great jelly bean fields. NO one who types this has any idea how economics works or what it would be like if these things just “disappeared.” Someone said that immortality is craved by people who don’t know what to do with themselves on a long afternoon. I’d say Utopia is craved by people type on the computer about how great it would be if computers disappeared.

e)Interesting scenario. Looking at today’s dangerous insanity, it would almost be a relief.” In the seventies you could smell glee in the air whenever survivalists — most of them right wing — talked about how bombing from Russia would reduce us to pre-history. T hey had their bomb shelters, their guns, their canned goods. Now we smell glee from Democrats talking about Mexico invading the Southwest and us rejecting technology and going back to agriculture.

You can always tell when a side is losing because they start craving a Pyrrhic victory.

Aug 26, 2008 - 3:10 pm 72. ex-democrat:

Hurley:
Am I right in guessing that, like Michelle Obama, you have demonstrated to the world just how “smart” you are by failing at least one Bar Exam in at least one state? If so, can you also support your claim to “brilliance” by having earned an Affirmative Action place at HLS?

(Oh, and as to the last Democrat I voted for: mind your own business.)

Aug 26, 2008 - 3:10 pm 73. S. Kevin Wojtaszek:

Uhhhh….. “Churchillian” is not a word that applies to Eleanor Roosevelt’s speaking style.

Aug 26, 2008 - 3:27 pm 74. Believer:

Well, I thought I heard the signal words last night that gave me pause:

“the world as it is” and “the world as it should be”

It turns out they’re from Ch. 2 of Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals”

Gateway Pundit has posted the source and RiehlWorldView has commented as well.

Aug 26, 2008 - 4:25 pm 75. tanstaafl:

Rules for radicals would certainly explain William Ayers’ (and sidekick Bernadine Dohrn’s) justification for bombing exploits in the early 1970’s.

When it came to destroying the bourgeoisie/middle class and bringing down instruments of civil society, Alinsky taught that the end justifies the means and that “the morality” of any undertaking was determined as a function of the goal of the organizer.

Which would explain Bill Ayers recent statement that “we didn’t do enough”.

The world as it should be was absolutely the goal of the Weather Underground.

The should be was determined by the head honchos of the group.

Michelle and Barack Obama both give off the air that they know how the world “should be” and that they are The Ones to lead us there.

Aug 26, 2008 - 5:25 pm 76. Don Colony14Author:

The speech was sophomoric and full of cliches. It was presented well, although she did appear nervous, it was well accepted by the audience. A decent performance, but only a performance.

She can moan about health care all she wants, but wait until Americans learn she makes $316,962 per year at the University of Chicago Hospitals for her work in encouraging poor people without insurance to go to neighborhood clinics rather than set foot in the hospital. (Of course she wants a national health care plan – those darned poor people are causing her hospital-employer to lose money!)

She can talk about all the sacrifices a young mother has to make, but she lives in a $1.6 million mansion, makes her own boat-load of money, and has a husband who earns $162,500 per year as a Senator and has taken in several million dollars in book royalties. She can certainly afford back-to-school clothing for her kids. She can also afford to stay home with them, so stop the whining about those “difficult choices.”

Granted, it was no doubt tough to lose her father. But she’s not alone. A lot of women have lost their fathers… but that doesn’t qualify their husbands for the Presidency.

And let’s cut the “grew up in poverty in a log cabin doing homework by candlelight” nonsense. If America is such a terrible place that Mrs. Obama wasn’t proud of it until recently, how was it she and her brother were able to go to college? That sounds like an America that works. If America is so racist and mean, how did she and her brother get to where they are today? A lot of whites in this country have less, and they’re not filled with anger and hatred toward America.

Barack Obama was not a poor kid who grew up in the ghettoes. His “goat-herder” father had a middle-class job in the Kenyan government where he advocated socialist policies, attended Harvard, and could afford to travel between the United States and Africa – which is more than most Americans can afford. The young Obama and future Senator lived in Hawaii and Indonesia. (Maybe the airlines have special “poverty fares” that most Americans don’t know about?) Obama Jr. attended Harvard and then lectured part-time at the University of Chicago for $69,000 per year. Not bad for part-time work, where he never once wrote a position paper (which is regularly done by aspiring legal eagles; I guess he didn’t want to leave a trail.) Then he went into politics where he managed to win by getting his State Senate primary opponents kicked off the ballot. And he won the US Senate seat by getting the media to release his opponent’s sealed divorce papers. (The one time Obama had a decent opponent he lost.)

And what’s with the “raised by a single mother” bit? No, Obama was raised mostly by his grandparents, because his father was busy finding more wives in Kenya and his mother was who
knows where (Washington State, among other places).

So let’s stop with the “just your average working class family” shtick. It’s not true of Obama – or McCain or Biden. They’ve all had pretty good lives, and they’ve all got far more money than most Americans. Fine, more power to all of them. But stop the “connect with the audience” idiocy. The next President will be a millionaire, regardless of who is elected. Neither one of them has to worry about whether he’ll have enough to pay his tax bill on April 15, no matter how much he screws things up in the next four years.

The class warfare argument is getting old. If you took all the mney in the nation and divided it up equally, within a few years the people who had been wealthy in the past will be wealthy again, and those who were poor will be poor again. Guaranteed.

Find “Questions the Media Should (but Won’t) Ask Obama During the Debates” at http://www.colony14.net

Aug 26, 2008 - 8:16 pm 77. pappy:

she was feeding the dips a line of crap and the dips were eating it up and looking for seconds. they go like lambs to the slaughter.

Aug 27, 2008 - 7:13 am 78. tanstaafl:

Well said, Colony14 author

The point has been made of late that since both Barry and Michelle managed (with support of family/parents) to come up and emerge successful within this (evil capitalist, exploitative) system of ours…

Why on Earth do they now advocate overweening government assistance/intervention in order for Other People to be able to similarly improve their lives ?

Particularly since everything the federal government has touched over recent decades, from education to “affordable” medical care, has shot craps ?

And that there is nothing within the formal structure of our government that even begins to allow for for such deep kinds of intervention in the lives of individuals ?

Aug 27, 2008 - 7:39 am 79. Marion L:

Dear Virginia/GreenConsciousness:

It seems to me that your definition of feminism is very myopic. In effect, you define feminists as “only women who agree with Virginia/GreenConsciouness on every point.” Feminists could and did, in good conscience, support either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. In fact, I think there is much to admire in both of them, and I am heartened by the fact that Biden (Obama’s choice for VP) is the author of the Violence Against Women Act; which has provided much needed services to battered women and has contributed to a decline in domestic violence.

Your all or nothing, dogmatic approach to politics is not helpful at a time when a McCain victory poses a serious danger to women’s rights.

I am praying for an Obama victory, as are millions of feminists; including Hillary Clinton.

Aug 27, 2008 - 10:12 am 80. Believer:

Just to add another angle — and where, when government becomes our nanny — will our children’s heroes be?

Don’t you think Michelle loved and respected her dad? From what she told us of him, I did. Just as I was moved by the life story of Tim Russert’s dad. They reminded me of my own father. Overcoming tremendous odds to succeed and give themselves unselfishly for those they loved.

Why in the world wouldn’t she see the value in that? Instead, what she and her husband offer would destroy a measure of the human spirit. And all of us would be the poorer for it.

Aug 27, 2008 - 10:25 am 81. Marion L:

Dear Believer:

In a previous post, you write:

“the world as it is” and “the world as it should be”

It turns out they’re from Ch. 2 of Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals”

Whatever the origins of this comparison, it is very compatible with the traditional Jewish injunction of tikkun olam – the Talmudic obligation to heal, repair and mend the world. As a Jewish feminist, I feel heartened by its inclusion in Michelle Obama’s speech as Barack Obama will have his work cut out him as president in cleaning up the mess that the Bush administration made.

We need a president who believes in the Bill of Rights and supports universal human rights and civil liberties. This will be in stark contrast to the Bush/Cheney regime of contempt for human rights and civil liberties.

Once again, let me close by saying that I am praying for a Barack Obama victory, as are millions of American feminists.

Aug 27, 2008 - 10:48 am 82. CITIZEN:

Unfortunately early on in the campaign, Ms. Michelle Obama said things that appeared overly negative and militant to some of your responders re: her opinion about this nation’s relationship with African-Americans. Over-zealous, perhaps? Mistake in rhetoric? Her actions over the years have not revealed to my knowledge any aggression towards the USA. Reading many of the comments, I wondered why some people are so aggressively ready to cast the first stone. Could it be they are Republicans operatives hoping against hope to negatively influence voters to fear the Obamas? Shameful in my view.

Aug 27, 2008 - 10:58 am 83. ex-democrat:

Marion:
“a McCain victory poses a serious danger to women’s rights” – all women? or just those who wish to ‘terminate’ their unborn children?

“We need a president who believes in the Bill of Rights..” – as exemplified by Obama’s campaign to silence his critics, and undermine the 2nd Amendment, for example?

“..and supports universal human rights and civil liberties.” – Escept for Iraqis, of course.

“…in stark contrast to the Bush/Cheney regime of contempt for human rights and civil liberties.” – mine haven’t been affected at all, how have yours??

Aug 27, 2008 - 11:04 am 84. Ritchie Emmons:

I shall be voting for McCain. He wasn’t my 1st or even 2nd choice from the Republican field. He was in the 3-4 range. Nevertheless, despite the fact that I disagree with him on some issues, I respect and like him.

The biggest reason I will be voting for him though is that his name isn’t Barack Obama.

Aug 27, 2008 - 11:28 am 85. Marion L:

Dear Ritchie Emmons:

If you vote for John McCain, you are voting for war crimes, human rights abuses, extreme militarism, and the abrogation of your civil liberties. You are also voting for an unjust tax system that penalizes people of moderate means and redistributes more wealth to a favored few who are already wealthy.

John McCain is a war hero who survived five horrible years of unjust imprisonment and brutal torture. That makes it even more inexcusable that he associates himself with the architects of Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and extraordinary renditions.

Aug 27, 2008 - 11:43 am 86. Believer:

Dear Marion L –

And I will be praying for you.

I imagine – should your candidate be elected – you’ll soon find yourself faced with the most difficult task required of the Christian faith.

Forgiveness.

Aug 27, 2008 - 11:54 am 87. tanstaafl:

…her (Michelle Obama’s) opinion about this nation’s relationship with African-Americans

Her comments covered a little broader area than that.

For example, she said that you, (presumed, for purposes of argument, to be an American)…

…have become “cynical” and “mean” and have a “broken soul”…

Further, in Michelle’s considered opinion…we’re a divided country…that is “guided by fear,” we’re a nation of cynics, sloths, and complacents.

To top it off, her husband condescendingly told a crowd of rich San Franscicans that you bitterly cling to guns and religion.

(If you’re not offended by that assessment of you, then I’ll be offended on your behalf )

Michelle’s speech at the convention about mom and apple pie etc. was intended to paper over some of her earlier observations about you.

Aug 27, 2008 - 12:05 pm 88. tanstaafl:

“…in stark contrast to the Bush/Cheney regime of contempt for human rights and civil liberties.” – mine haven’t been affected at all, how have yours??

Don’t hold your breath.

This rhetorical flourish about “contempt…for liberties” and so forth is never backed up with specifics.

John McCain is a war hero who survived five horrible years of unjust imprisonment and brutal torture. That makes it even more inexcusable that he associates himself with the architects of Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and extraordinary renditions.

Marion L. you should know that John McCain is one of the biggest advocates for the closing of Guantanamo and the biggest advocates against the US engaging in “torture” of any kind.

He’s nearly completely boring on that particular topic, so you should (at the very least) “like him” for that.

You seem to have bought whole hog into a party line yourself, without knowing much about specifics.

Which gives me more pause (even frightens me) more than any of Michelle Obama’s outrageous statements.

Aug 27, 2008 - 12:18 pm 89. Believer:

Marion L. states:

“You are also voting for an unjust tax system that penalizes people of moderate means and REDISTRIBUTES more wealth to a favored few who are already wealthy.” (forgive the caps – they’re mine to highlight the error)

Tax policy is above my pay grade — but I think I understand this much: you’ve got the redistribution thing backwards. To raise taxes on the wealthy (which your guy wants to do) means they fork over their hard-earned dollars to make slackers happy and wealthier. Their wealth is redistributed to others. To NOT tax them so severely means they get to keep their money — at no time do they receive anyone else’s money.

I hope someone more knowledgeable than I steps in to clarify.

Aug 27, 2008 - 12:54 pm 90. Marion L:

Dear Believer:

I’m Jewish, not Christian, so I am not certain what point you are trying to make to me with your allusion to forgiveness in Christianity. I’m also not sure who or what I would be forgiving if Obama is elected. In Judaism, forgiveness is coupled with teshuva or repentance. Therefore, it would not be incumbent upon me to “forgive” Bush/Cheney et. al. for their horrendous human rights abuses unless they demonstrated genuine remorse for their crimes and sincere efforts to undue some of the damage they’ve done. In addition, as I’m not a prisoner at Guantanamo or a victim of extraordinary rendition, it would be highly presumptuous of me to judge whether anything Bush et. al. does should garner forgiveness from the victims. That is for the victims themselves to decide.

Aug 27, 2008 - 1:36 pm 91. Marion L:

Dear Mr. Canzano:

Your comments are so laden with bias and falsehoods that I’m not certain it is worth the effort to reply.
However, I will attempt to rebut some of your most egregious falshoods:

1. Obama does not hate white people. His mother was white and he loved her very much.

2. Obama does not hate Jews. He has many Jewish supporters (myself included) and he has shown great respect and empathy for the Jewish people; most notably during his recent visit to Yad Vashem.

3. Obama is not a socialist. In his book The Audacity of Hope, he explicitly states that he believes in free enterprise. (I wish he was a democratic socialist in the tradition of people like Michael Harrington and Cornel West as I believe that this would be consistent with his progressive values overall.)

More generally, a belief in democratic socialism is not a sign of stupidity. It is a sign of caring, compassion and a desire to seek a more just world for all. Our political democracy will continue to be seriously flawed unless it is supported by a greater level of economic democracy. As a feminist, I believe that such a system would be far more equitable for working women than the one currently in place.

Aug 27, 2008 - 1:45 pm 92. tanstaafl:

Tax thoughts…

1. The notion of both major democrat candidates that they would use Congress’ (highly limited) power of taxation to redistribute wealth is antithetical to the spirit and intent of the Constitution.

2. Already, the bulk of the tax burden is borne primarily by the wealthiest Americans. The top 25% of earners pays something like 85% of total federal taxes. The bottom 50%, 3.1%.

Here’s a Graph

3. It appears there is an inverse relationship between level and degree of federal government taxation and federal government revenues.

4. Any notion of “democratic socialism” and an elected President of the United States using his (limited) Presidential powers to attempt to redistribute income according to his personal view of “fairness” would be anathema to the Founders of this country.

“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.” —James Madison

Aug 27, 2008 - 2:52 pm 93. Marion L:

Dear Tantasaalf:

Even if we have not personally felt the impact, the civil liberties of every American are in danger from the USA Patriot Act and Bush’s contempt for the rule of law. His inflated concept of “executive privilege” is more appropriate for a monarchy than a democracy. His Military Commissions Act is a travesty of (in)justice. Not to mention FISA immunity, Abu Ghraib, lying to start a war against a nation (Iraq) that did not attack the U.S., and extraordinary renditions.

McCain has an inconsistent record on Guantanamo – at times claiming he will close it down and at other times condemning judges who rule in favor of the right of Guantanamo inmates to a fair trial. In sum, it appears that McCain cares more about discrediting Obama and other Democrats with the false charge of being “soft” on terrorism than he does about closing Guantanamo and ending the terrible human rights abuses that take place there.

Aug 27, 2008 - 3:08 pm 94. tanstaafl:

Marion, I don’t believe you’ve personally visited Guantanamo or have personal credible verfification of the claims you make.

You have read things, and, given your ideology, you have drawn conclusions.

The base in Guantanamo,Cuba, post action in Afghanistan, to house some of those individuals picked up on the battlefield was, likely, a very bad idea.

But the notion of extreme abuses at Guantanamo (even though some less than healthy interrogations have taken place) has been used by ideologists of your stripe to continuously harangue and abuse the current administration in Washington DC.

I’ve read things, too, like the entire and quite boring Patriot Act which added on some new powers to some old federal laws. In fact, the Patriot Act has been re-upped twice, even by a Democrat majority Congress.

As noted above, none of your own civil individual liberties has been abridged in the passage of, and re passage of, said Patriot Act.

You’ve got to be specific in your claims, else you sound simply like a parrot for the ideology of The Left.

I can’t take you on one on one and attempt to re-engineer your entire thinking. I haven’t the time or the energy.

But sometimes you might consider that you tend to repeat liberal bromides that you yourself personally have no actual knowledge of.

Aug 27, 2008 - 3:34 pm 95. Believer:

Marion — as a Christian, I have the deepest respect for Judaism.

You wrote of the “obligation to heal, repair and mend the world…”

My faith has taken me to an understanding that this begins with each of us — one man at a time — loving ones neighbor as we would want to be loved. For the fullness of this to be realized, it involves, I believe, forgiveness. And a recognition that it takes One greater than ourselves to achieve it.

In my response to you, I made light of this high calling, and for that I’m sorry. I was referring to there being a time when you would discover you’d been “bamboozled” by your candidate. And might have need to forgive him, rather than hate him for it. In no way did I mean to impose my faith on you.

But I was interested to learn from you that “in Judaism, forgiveness is coupled with…repentance” — though, if I understand you, forgiveness is offered the offender if HE is repentant. I had to think about that, because –

As a Christian, I have discovered that forgiveness is coupled with repentance too. But repentance was not required of my offender. Instead, given the grace to finally see, I was the one to repent. I needed a love greater than my own to be able to fully forgive — and to see that to not love my offender was to not love God.

I mention these things because the Christian Church your candidate has attended for two decades teaches a different theology. In fact, one antithetical to the Cross of Christ.

*************

You write also of “democratic socialism…a sign of caring, compassion and a desire to seek a more just world for all.” I see it differently. I think socialism – while its intent might sound good – stifles the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of man. To replace God with government one might say is, in fact, evil.

Perhaps we can look to the lives of the two candidates. One believes in Christ and the other believes in Socialism. Who has shown more compassion?

One forgave his captors and torturers — and adopted a child gravely ill with a birth defect to love and care for as one of his own. The other has ignored his own brother who lives in tremendous poverty — and has voted several times to disallow lifesaving aid to infants born alive when the purpose was to destroy them. He also approves of delivering a fullterm child – but for the head – in order to puncture the skull and vacuum out the brains.

Their monetary gifts to charity are starkly different as well. One has given between 27-29% of his income. The other has given from 0-4%.

I see the working of God in the heart of one man. The other? I see nothing — only some pretty words, but many of them lies.

Aug 27, 2008 - 6:50 pm 96. click212:

Thank god she didn’t go off on any important issue. She has publicly trashed Hillary on ABC and Bill Clinton at other times. Michelle Obama’s face at the convention while listening to Hillary Clinton said it all. She is not a happy camper. Her face is just sediment from mean spirited anger and the less we see or hear from her the better. She is one ungracious person and belongs no where near a camera.

I think the Democrats have done again a wonderful job of losing the WH. The party is broken and it needs to be cleaned of the hyenas, Donna Brasile, Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid etc. This convention lacked positive energy the party is split and they only have themselves to blame for ignoring and disrespecting 18 million people.

Aug 27, 2008 - 7:54 pm 97. Another View:

Damned if you do damned if you don’t. Michelle will never please you. Nuff said.

Believer; please with religious rhetoric. Just stop already, you make no sense. Your the person in Times Square with the billboard strapped around your neck. You are the same as a Muslim Fundamentalist. You think religion makes you strong. The reality is it makes you weak and easy to manipulate. You are an addict. You are dependent on mysticism to give your life meaning. I am afraid that in my lifetime your beliefs will be shown to be more irrational. Then what will you do? Really lose it?

Click 212;
Disrespecting 18 million? What about the 20 million that made Obama the WINNER. And there are tens of thousands of votes that Obama would have got in FL and MI. I know that 212 can’t be Manhattan. Unless you don’t come out of your penthouse.

It is amazing how you people choose your information. You only want to know things that support your ideals. When will we just take facts as facts and move on. Almost every one on this board pretends that their opinions are facts.

Do you people care about what is going on in the real world? Not the Spirit world. I don’t care who you vote for but please Stop the bullsh*t.

Also you guys constantly are trying to stir the pot to link Obama to some person of questionable interest. It’s comical. McCain is linked to G.W.Bush. That man has broken more laws, killed more innocent people, lied the people into wars,and as padded his and his cronies pockets. Oh, but he is the president. Yeah the president who stole 2 elections.But it’s Obamas ethics and judgment. Hypocrites to the fullest.

I bet none of you can look in the mirror and say different with a straight face

Anyway here are some real issues. just a reminder
http://freedocumentaries.org/theatre.php?filmid=184&id=1066&wh=1000×720

Aug 28, 2008 - 5:02 am 98. Believer:

Dear Another View:

I’m sorry my exchange of thoughts with Marion has so offended you.

But I think it’s entirely likely you’ve not been honest about what you find so offensive. You are stirred up, to be sure. And that’s a good thing. I hope you’ll let it work to know yourself better.

Aug 28, 2008 - 9:43 am 99. tanstaafl:

Also you guys constantly are trying to stir the pot to link Obama to some person of questionable interest.

Barack Obama’s 7-year formal association with Bill Ayers’ Chicago Annenberg Challenge (as a grown-up, not as an 8 year old) is no fabrication. Obama’s land/house deal with “convicted felon” Tony Reziko is no fabrication. His 2 decades attending the hysterical, hateful screaming meemie, Farrakhan-loving church of the Reverend J. Wright is no fabrication.

They are all “factual” associations.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, since “Guantanamo” has been discussed here, you’ve gotta watch…

LINK: This video of Jason Mattera as he goes around getting some folks to sign his petition in Denver

Hysterical.

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:05 am 100. tanstaafl:

Tony Reziko

Rezko

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:08 am 101. SGT Ted:

“Plus, the white males of the right so obviously could not deal with her when she stood in her power as the beautiful, intelligent, and independently minded black woman that she is.”

This is bigot talk, pure and simple. Let go of your hate!

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:11 am 102. Marion L:

Dear Tanstaafl:

It is not necessary to make a personal visit to Guantanamo to understand that pervasive human rights abuses are taking place there. We have eye-witness testimonies from a few of the survivors who have been released, and reports from reputable human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. In addition, we have accounts from the attorneys for some of the inmates demonstrating how difficult it is to get fair trials for their clients under Bush administration constitutional violations. Taken together, this provides very persuasive evidence that Guantanamo is a disgrace to core American values and should be shut down.

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:16 am 103. tanstaafl:

We have eye-witness testimonies from a few of the survivors who have been released, and reports from reputable human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Do you have any eyewitness testimonies relative to the (too many) former Guantanamo guys who’ve been picked up doing “jihadist” stuff after their release ?

Do you have any notion of how “abuse” at Guantanamo has been used by jihadists themsleves for purposes of PR ?

(Guantanamo “abuse stories” have made for great public relations points for those people who would happily behead you)

Do you have any eyewitness testimonies of the plush, overly comfortable, halal food…etc. current conditions of Guantanamo detainees ?

AI and HRW (you cite) and their own desk bound complaining and agendas as to “human rights” are a whole other topic.

I would recommend you watch that “Guantanamo/Denver” video I linked above so you can see some of your fellow Guantanamo Groaners

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:30 am 104. Marion L:

Dear tanstaafl:

With regard to your last post, I don’t have the eyewitness testimonies that you cite regarding post-release “jihadist stuff”. That is because they do not exist. The inmates who have been released have written harrowing accounts of how they were kidnapped, tortured and abused. They are too busy being reunited with their families and rebuilding their lives to engage in the type of extremist politics that you allude to.

According to the Center for Constituional Rights (a source that I trust) some 80% of Guantanamo inmates are innocent. Many are there because bounty hunters kidnapped them for the money without regard to alleged guilt or innoncence. If the Bush administration is so certain that it has a strong case to make against these inmates, then why won’t it allow fair and public trials to take place? The fact that Bush et. al. will not follow constitutional guidelines in trying these inmates indicates to me that in fact they are not certain that their “evidence” against these inmates is as air-tight as they would like us to believe.

Aug 28, 2008 - 11:18 am 105. tanstaafl:

Last word on this topic, I promise

(Thank you Ms. Chesler for the space)

I’m not saying that “abuses” didn’t occur at Guantanamo, I’m not saying that what went down at Abu Ghraib wasn’t a travesty, I’m not saying that the conduct of the war in Iraq wasn’t a giant mess for a very long time.

And I’m not saying that the Patriot Act is necessarily some kind of fullproof set of safeguards against another 911 type act.

I’m saying, Marion, that “versions” of stories are put out there (an endless stream, really) for you to read, absorb and propagate and that you, personally, may well be a very willing soldier in an enormous propaganda war.

And that you shouldn’t allow yourself to be “used” that way.

Aug 28, 2008 - 11:19 am 106. Luce Garcia:

Lets see, when you meet a person for the first time you could almost visualize their character and inner thoughts even when they have not uttered a word. Did anyone of you looked at MO facial expression when Hillary was delivering her speech? I saw an ANGRY face and the fumes were coming out of every hole in her head specially her SCARY LOOKING EYES!!!CAN AMERICA afford to have a 1st Lady like that??? GOOD LORD!!!!HELP US!!!

Aug 28, 2008 - 1:37 pm 107. Marion L:

Dear tanstaafl: (last word on this for me too!)

It is precisely because I do not want to be used “in an enormous propaganda war” that I seek out sources of information that I trust. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are not perfect, but I trust them because they do extensive research, have sometimes saved lives, and try to be as accurate as possible in gathering evidence and drawing conclusions. And both of these organizations have concluded that pervasive human rights abuses are the norm at Guantanamo Prison. In terms of propaganda, the continued operation of Guantanamo Prison is providing propaganda to enemies of the United States; so that even from a perspective or real politic, it should be shut down.

Aug 28, 2008 - 1:50 pm 108. Another View:

Luce Garcia;
Now the woman looked great and the look on her face didn’t tell me what it told you. But that is were you people are. If they don’t say it they are thinking it. Get a life.

Aug 28, 2008 - 2:18 pm 109. Another View:

Believer;
What I find offensive is religious talk infused in politics. Religion is more destructive to the masses then it is to the “Flock”. Although I am a capitalist. You some how equate socialism to evil. Instead of Lenin being evil it’s the political idea that is evil. And if any political system were evil it would be capitalist according to Jesus teachings. Thats why you need to talk politics in its singular. Not in relation to. Our capitalist system is a pyramid. It will always need poor people on the bottom. But you say socialism is evil. Our millitary is socialist, our postal service is socialist, but socialism it is the Great Satan. WWJD.

Aug 28, 2008 - 2:43 pm 110. Adria:

Thank You so much for the article. I stand as a proud black educated woman, with a career and a family. I expected more from Mrs Obama. I wanted her to speak up about real issues is nice and lovely that she has a cute family. Life is no longer about having a cute family. If we as a society don’t stop sugar coating real issues what is the future for us? I have always stood as a proud democrat but for the first time I voted Republican. If issues are not address and if the obamas continues with there sugar coating. I will not vote for him

Aug 28, 2008 - 4:48 pm 111. hp:

“Contrary to all her many empty, “feel good” remarks, I know that not every American can pull him or herself up by their bootstraps.”

wow.

thank you.

Aug 28, 2008 - 8:54 pm 112. Another View:

Adria;
What issues are important to you? Also Michelle is not on the ticket. Must we know not fall in love. Must we VETT or spouses because we might run for office. Michelle is not a policy maker.

1 Iraq
2 Healthcare
3 Economy
4 Taxes
Was Michelle supposed to dictate policy on these issues.

A lifelong DEM who is Black is Voting GOP this time. Sorry, I doubt your black.

Not that there aren’t black conservatives but it doesn’t happen over night. And the GOP has the country upside down. But you had a epiphany.

Aug 31, 2008 - 7:06 am

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