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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Rich Galen :: Townhall.com Columnist
I've Always Been Proud of America
by Rich Galen
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Michelle Obama:
"For the first time in my adult lifetime I am [really] proud of my country."

Lee Greenwood:
"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free."

I'm thrilled that Michelle Obama is finally really proud of her country. I assume her country is the same as my country, but she didn't actually say that so that may be an assumption which turns out to be terribly wrong.

There appears to be a defense building in the Popular Press which holds that the original reporting of Mrs. Obama's statement left out the word "really" which, they believe, changes the meaning of the statement.

It doesn't.

I am - and I assume most of you are - unreservedly proud of America.

Lee Greenwood:
"And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me."

For those who might be a little thin on this, America - the America of which Mrs. Obama is finally really proud - gives people like Michelle Obama the right to say excruciatingly stupid things. And, America - the America of which I have always been proud - gives people like Barack Obama the ability to run for (and probably win) the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Barack Obama, by the way, won the Wisconsin primary last night by some 13 percentage points over the lagging, flagging, sagging campaign of Hillary Clinton.

If Michelle is finally really proud of America because of Barack's run, she should be aware that Obama is not the first Black person to run for President in either of our countries.

In 1972 Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm ran for President. Mrs. Chisholm, a Black woman from New York received 151 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention that year.

That total will be way more than John Edwards, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Bill Richardson, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich will receive at the 2008 Democratic National Convention - COMBINED.

Now, I will grant you that Michelle Obama was only eight years old in 1972 but one assumes she has read the history of the United States generally and/or the history of Black Women in the United States in particular.

In her speech announcing her candidacy in January 1972 Rep. Chisholm said: "I stand before you today as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States.

"I am not the candidate of black America, although I am Black and proud.

"I am not the candidate of the women's movement of this country, although I am a woman, and I am equally proud of that.

"I am not the candidate of any political bosses or special interests.

"I am the candidate of the people."

Thus demonstrating an understanding of an America which Michelle Obama clearly lacks lo these 36 years later.

Lee Greenwood:
"And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today."

There will be those who will excuse Michelle Obama's acknowledgement that she, previous to this, had never been proud of America; had never been really proud of America.

Where was Michelle Obama on September 12, 2001 the day after the attacks. She was an adult in 2001. Was she embarrassed by America that day?

Where was Michelle Obama in November 9, 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down signifying the end of the Cold War. She was an adult in 1989. Was she embarrassed that day?

Where was Michelle Obama - 22 years old and thus an adult - on July 5, 1986 when the Statue of Liberty was re-opened after extensive refurbishing. Was she embarrassed that day as well?

When Michelle Obama received her undergraduate degree from Princeton and her law degree from Harvard … was she embarrassed by an America which gave her the opportunity to live up to her intellectual capabilities?

Michelle Obama owes America an apology.

Lee Greenwood:
"'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA."

Amen.

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About The Author

Rich Galen has been a press secretary to Dan Quayle and Newt Gingrich. Rich Galen currently works as a journalist and writes at Mullings.com

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(51 comments so Far)
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Reply # 1
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 12:19 PM EST
Gimme (and her) a break
Let us comb thru every syllable uttered by every candidate and every relative since birth to see if we can find evidence of contradiction, equivocation, or any other human foible.

The candidates and their families speak all day every day and she made a minor misstatement. She is no doubt elated and excited beyond measure. Look how far they have come in so short a time. Let it ride.

This sort of clap-trap is the subject of small minds, which unfortunately describes many of the candidates and most of the pundits who follow them.
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Reply # 2
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 12:55 PM EST
Blown out of proportion
I'm not a fan of Obama or liberal political philosophy at all, but I really think grabbing onto what she said is a bit petty.

Who cares that she said that? Most of us know that liberals don't think America is great because they think of it in terms of capitalism, corporations that are trying to make an evil profit, and right wing "conspiracies".

We shouldn't grab onto those words she said and pump them up as though they're something incredible. They're not. And they didn't bother me any. I realzied the moment she said it that it was silly, as to be expected from a liberal.
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Reply # 3
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 2:50 PM EST
Why the brackets, Rich?
Why the [] around "really" Rich? Is it because the rightwing hack & spin machine a la Drudge has been editing the word out of her quote in order to give it a more menacing feel?

The reality is that the Bush/Reagan administrations have given us very little to be REALLY proud of in the last 28 years. While we can be proud as citizens for what this country stands for IN SPITE of and especially BECAUSE OF Bush 43, there's been dam little we can be REALLY proud of.

Obama will hopefully bring an end to the embarrassment of the Bush/Reagan regimes.
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Reply # 4
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 2:58 PM EST
Michelle and Barack
do not love the America we know. Read the reports by Cliff Kincaid at Accuracy in Media.
TH has a link. This is the couple whose Houston office has a Cuban flag with an overlay of the murderous Che Gueverra on it. It's no accident no matter what they say. This kid has been carefully groomed (B.Hussein that is) by known
American communist traitors since childhood.
And Michelle obviously has issues with the land of her birth. I'm ashamed that American citizens can be so stupid that they would even consider this duo and/or the Clintons because
both have been influenced by Saul Alinsky. I wonder should either of these win in Nov. and the
fellow travelers within the Democrat party and
in the House and Senate have the majority if the
useful idiots swooning at every word will live
to regret their selfish vote for change on the promise of bread and circuses.
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Reply # 5
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 3:32 PM EST
We still have to ask permission....
as blacks to give a compliment to America. That is just what Ms. Obama did. She gave America a compliment. But of course, the pundits could not/would not see it like that. Most of the reports are leaving out the fact that she said "Hope is on the comeback" then.....the proud statement.

GEEZ!!!
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Reply # 6
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 4:25 PM EST
To Liberty Dave:
I fully agree with you in the fact that people- be they liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, or what have you-have always and will continue to say things that are downright stupid and smack of ignorance and/or insensitivity.

However, I believe that political candidates and those who campaign on their behalf-spouses, celebs, etc.-can and should be held to a higher standard. Why? Because as far a I know, most of them are not speaking "off the cuff" but have rehearsed a speech someone wrote for them or they wrote it themselves and have supposedly practiced it in front of others who should have critiqued it!

If in the world of business, law, and education, documents must have all the T's crossed and I's dotted before those documents will be accepted by decision-makers; politicians and their cohorts must be PC to a fault! "Formal" speeches to decision-makers (who supposedly will make Mrs. Obama even "prouder" to be an American if her husband is elected?) that contain faux pax's such as hers, are both irresponsible and inconsiderate!!

We are nation of immigrants and there is NO ONE living in the USA today-except perhaps pure-blood Native Americans-whose ancestors didn't come from lands outside of the known boundaries
of the USA. Would it be easy to find someone living in the USA today who would be willing to pack up and move back to their ancestral homes! Why not? Because the USA is truly the land of opportunity, "the land [we] love" and we would not want to live PERMANENTLY any place else!

To give Mrs. Obama the benefit of the doubt, that must be why she said what she said, "SHE HAS NEVER ACTUALLY LIVED IN FOREIGN COUNTRY (and I mean a country whose native language is NOT English) AND, THEREFORE, HAS NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO FEEL THE PRIDE THAT WASHES OVER A PERSON WHEN THEY RETURN! [Her husband and/or family should be ashamed of themselves for not having given her that opportunity!]


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Reply # 7
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 4:51 PM EST
It is important
Because that is how many people today feel. We have two political parties that are the polar opposites in retoric but identical in actions. A lot of people feel fed up... right or wrong... they are upset over things.

So in the context that a lot of people feel that way, her comments ring true to the supporters of her Husband. If that is how they feel they should not hide it but for the love of cake they need to come out and say HOW they want to change things.

As for me I am proud of our Republic. We live in the greatest nation on the face of the planet, perhaps the greatest ever in existence. I am proud of America and all of its people reguardless of how much I might disagree with some of them incuding Mr. and Mrs. Obama.
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Reply # 8
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 4:53 PM EST
Isabella's ignorance or bitterness
You state the "embarrassment" of the Bush/Reagan presidencies. Do you really not recall Mr. Reagan calling on Gorbachev to "tear down this wall"? Do you REALLY not believe millions of eastern Europeans credit Mr. Reagan as a genuine national hero TO THIS DAY ?
Did America not win the Cold War without firing a shot? Under Mr. Reagan unemployment, inflation and interest rates went , respectively , from 8%,9+%, and 14+% to 5%, 3%, and 7% while the economy expanded and 25 million new jobs were created.
This embarrasses you?
All we did was improve the lives of billions with freedom and prosperity and you're EMBARRASSED? Perhaps you'd prefer to live in Cuba or Syria or Red China. I'm offering you a free ticket right now.
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Reply # 9
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 4:53 PM EST
bioprofe1
I understand what you're saying.

It's just that this seems like something the liberals do all the time to conservatives, picking out little things they say and twisting them into something bigger than they really are, I don't want to follow suit.

All in all though, as long as we're fighting liberal political philosophy I'm happy.

Thanks for the comments, and God bless.
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Reply # 10
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 6:26 PM EST
liberal do not love this country
Granted she was excited and may have misspoke.

She could have corrected herself later, she didn't because she, like most liberals, are not proud to be Americans.
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Reply # 11
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 6:36 PM EST
Regardless of America's whined about
imperfections--racism and sexism and other -ism's--the US has directly saved or freed 1.5 billion people since Lincoln freed the slaves. Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and freed 3.94 million slaves.

In emulation, Alexander II Russia then freed his serfs (2/3/-3/4 of Russia's 67 million population in 1860), about 43 million.

In 1898, America freed all the slaves of the Spanish Emp. by winning the Spn.-Am. War. That was 10-12 million in South America alone.

We freed Europe in WW I, 368 million, and WW II, 738 million. Then, after WW II, we created the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and immediately keep the ravaged population from starving to death.

In Korea, we saved 2.36 million in the South from being conquered by a dynasty whose major ec. policy is starving the population.

And in Iraq, 150,000 US soldiers freed 24,000,000 Iraqis in a country twice the size of CA, where Saddam Hussein had tortured and killed 1-2 million, including 5,000 Kurds slaughtered with Sarin gas .

We should not be ashamed or demoralized that Iraq is not perfect. A semi-dem. Iraq will buffer Iran's nuclear ambitions, add a ME Arab democracy to Lebanon--maybe help Israel, protect the moderate Arabs, allow business and trade to flourish again (predicted 6% ec. growth this year), and serve as an example to the world. Germany and Japan after WW II became thriving democracies and economic capitalistic engines of success.

JFK said we would go anywhere and fight any foe for freedom. He must roll over in his grave when he hears liberals speak today.

And for those moaners and groaners about how terrible America is, where is there a better example? What colonies or empire did we establish among the people's we freed? What billions has China freed ir India or Cuba or any other country in that magnitude?

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Reply # 12
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 6:36 PM EST
All Liberals and Isabellas
Why don't you move to your own sites like moveon.org or other voice of mad commies???
If you want socialist America - move to Cuba or red China or North Korea. Ever lived in dictatorship?
If the answer is no, then shut the heck up and move your propaganda where it belongs: in the waste basket of history, along with the Berlin Wall, Mao, Stalin, Ho Chi Minh, Pol Pot, Kim Il Sung, Enver Hoxha. Castro will join them soon, too.
As far as Mrs. Obama is concerned, her statement is nothing new. Ever listen to so-called black leaders, to Obama's church pastor?
To my very sophisticated ear her remark sounds exactly like all the other racist remarks from the past, from Jackson to Farrakhan to Sharpton and all small but determined black provocateurs. Her remark is a statement against America, against all of us, including decent black citizens.
That is the meaning of her message. I'm sure it greatly appeases black racists who, unlike unsophisticated you, read it loud and clear.
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Reply # 13
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 6:42 PM EST
Now I'm finally convinced
that Obama will win the Dem nomination...because the right wing harpies are out in force...parsing every word to find something that will serve as red meat to their following. And the right wing sheeple lap it up! Read Tea Party's quote: "This kid has been carefully groomed (B.Hussein that is) by known
American communist traitors since childhood". Obviously a master plan by the commie pinko left to install one of their own as president! Is this REALLY the best the right can do?? In the meantime, very few pro-McCain articles here on TH, even though he's the presumtive nominee...
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Reply # 14
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 6:59 PM EST
To all Liberals
I have listened to people like Alan Colmes spend 10 minutes of airtime picking apart and parsing every syllable spoken or written by a conservative. No matter how obscure. I listen to the lefties jump all over Rush Limbaugh for something he said (NOT) ie the "phony soldiers". I heard that broadcast and that is not what he said referring to our warriors. The real soldiers.

Ms Obama did not just make her comment off the cuff or once. She said exactly the same thing twice in two different prepared speeches.

By the way.... I notice she makes $212,000 as a hospital administrator. Maybe she should go visit her father-in-law in Kenya and see if she can get that in a hospital there. Do they have hospitals in Kenya.

ONE RED BLOODED PROUD FAT BOY AMERICAN!!!
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Reply # 15
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 7:09 PM EST
Dear Loyal:
as a retired public school teacher, I can vouch for the atrocities taught in some classes and schools across the nation for the last 40 years, since 1968.
Some "history" classes have devolved into continuous rants against Am. for slavery--can't admire Washington or Jefferson as they owned slaves--for sexism--can't admire Teddy or Frankling Roosevelt as they were too macho--etc. etc. etc.
Many so-called social studies courses are still full of Vietnam-War protestors whose lives virtually stopped developing in 1972. They don't even realize their glory days are very ancient history to 21st C. kids.
As far as McCain, I just sent him money, will work for him, and vote for him. He offers a real choice between responsibility and private initiative and 19th C. socialism and WW I pacifism, because those are all either Obama or Clinton offer.
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Reply # 16
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 7:09 PM EST
Abomination
Mountain Rose...

Are you married? I think I love you. I can cook.

don
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Reply # 17
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 7:51 PM EST
Pride!
How many people die because of pride?!?

Christians owe their allegiance to Christ alone; and patriotism is the refuge of scoundrels, hidden agendas, and warmakers.

Down with pride and patriotism, up with Jesus and humility!

Amen
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Reply # 18
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 7:56 PM EST
Obama
Mountain Rose, the idea that Obama will take your money is laughable. Bush has spent $1 trillion a year, for nothing, on the military. For nothing. You and I will pay that. Or our children will pay that. He has enlarged the government beyond imagination, and made it far more intrusive in the lives of everyday people. He has gone to court to hide what he has done but it will eventually come out. Anybody, ANYBODY, is far preferable to the FAKE Republicans now in control, and I include in that Hillary and Bill. Hillary and Bush are on the same side. Too many of you people are too wrapped up in your own bloviating to notice that the right-democrats have allied themselves with the left-Republicans so they can run things, to all our detriments. WAKE UP!
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Reply # 19
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 8:26 PM EST
Obama's perfect campaign song
--
Showing my age (remember the '70s? Richard Milhouse "I'm closing the gold window" Nixon and Jerry "Whip Inflation Now!" Ford and Jimmy "Malaise" Carter?), I've got Obama's *REAL* campaign song running through my head, and I've just gotta share it with everyone on Townhall.

You know how it goes, right?

"II wish I was a Negro
.With lots of Negro soul
.So I could stay true to my ethnic roots
.And still play rock 'n' roll

"If I was a funky Negro
.Eatin' soul food barbeques
.I wouldn't have to sing
.The middle-class liberal well-intentioned blues

"Intentioned blues
.Intentioned blues ...

"But I am not a Negro (c'mon!)
.Not a Red Man nor a Mex (join me, kids!)
.I'm a member of the oppressing color
.Language, age, and sex

"I sympathize with the Arab cause
.I feel for the put-upon Jews
.And I keep singing
.The middle-class liberal
.Humanitarian
.Meaningful dialogue
.We are all responsible
.Well-intentioned blues

"Intentioned blues
.Intentioned blues"

-- written by Christopher Guest, and sung by Tom McMahon, from the old *National Lampoon Radio Hour*

(see http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000002548/tommcmah on-20 )

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Reply # 20
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 8:35 PM EST
King Liberal
Apparently when we say, "We love America", what you hear is, "America is perfect."

Frankly I dont know any conservatives who hold that position. We have no problem with lamenting our failings and dare I say it, sins, as a nation. But with many on the left, that is all they do. You cant get them to open their mouth about American history without saying more negative things than positive. Yes, I am generalizing but then so did you.

Oh just a little reminder: The internment of Japanese Americans took place under one FDR. Nobody would say old Franklin was a conservative.

As for America being the greatest nation, I firmly believe that. But that hardly means I think we are flawless and morally perfect. I will say this though: every transplant I have ever spoken with, be they from England or France, or Mexico, etc. tell me they are glad they migrated here. So we must have something going for us.
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Reply # 21
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 10:38 PM EST
Don
LOL!
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Reply # 22
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 10:43 PM EST
Ron Paul Primary Opponent
Ron Paul has a very serious primary opponent in TX CD14. Some polls have him leading Paul for the Mar 4 primary. Whoever wins the primary should win the general easily.

Chris Peden is the Mayor Pro Tem of Friendswood (Houston suburb). Chris is a Conservative Republican (pro family, anti drug, pro military, economic conservative) who favors the marriage amendment.

You could really help the Rep Party if you could donate a few $$. Chris is just starting to run radio ads.

You can donate at http://www.chrispeden.org/

I am not affiliated with his campaign in anyway but I heard own of his commercials today and checked him out.

If Huckabee wanted to do something favorable for the Party he could come do a fund raiser for Chris.
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Reply # 23
Date: Feb 20, 2008 - 11:33 PM EST
Silly article
Please…I saw that whole thing in context.

What she meant was, this is the first time in here adult life she's been proud of the politics of America.

It was a backhand to the Clintons and the Bush/Rove silliness they have employed while campaigning. And an appreciation of the voters for seeing through it.

For the last 8 years, we’ve had to put up with Bush/Rove hogwash. I’m still looking for John McCain’s two illegitimate black children.

Before that, two campaigns involving Clinton’s partisan platitudes, and before that Bush41 ran smear campaigns that can only be described as childish.

The last time I noticed somebody run a good positive campaign without acting like a 12-year old was Ronald Reagan.

And folks, Michelle Obama was not an adult when he ran in 1980.
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Reply # 24
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 12:03 AM EST
It's How Libs See the Country
Based upon blogs on this site and others, she was just saying what other libs feel. President Bush freed more women in the Middle East from oppression and tyranny then any President or world leader I can think of since WW2, but I never saw organizations like NOW or any womens' group, lib group, etc. praise him for that accomplishment.
How about his father? He was the steady hand that was in office when the Berlin Wall fell. Because of his background in foreign affairs, I believe world leaders trusted him not to take advantage of the situation. He was a respected world leader.
The ultimate problem is that some people can be so entrenched in their political ideology to the point that they fail to see the good in others and their accomplishments if they are not the same political party. I believe Mrs. Obama let us know she has fallen into that way of thinking.
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Reply # 25
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 12:15 AM EST
wwjd: What Would Jackie Do?
Can you imagine Jackie Kennedy committing a gaffe like this? Look at "Comparing Obama to JFK" at http://comparingobama2jfk.blogspot.com
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Reply # 26
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 1:12 AM EST
thinking people
Conservatives are really embarassing themselves with this one. Do they understand the word "change?" Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all say they hunger for change.

Well, guess what? This little excerise is an example of why people want change. People want to put a stop to the idiocy that has dominated American politics for the last 20 years.

This whole thing reminds me of the hoopla over John Lennon's "we're more popular than Jesus Christ" comment. Conservatives went positively batty over that. Thinking people knew Lennon wasn't saying that The Beatles were better than Jesus. Thinking people saw the mania that surrounded The Beatles and in that context knew perfectly well what Lennon really meant.

Thinking people today see the pandamonium surrounding the Obama campaign and they understand how difficult it must be for the Obamas not to get too carried away.
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Reply # 27
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 1:13 AM EST
Andrew
"President Bush freed more women in the Middle East from oppression and tyranny then any President or world leader."

You may not be aware of this, but the life of a woman in Iraq is hell. Of the 4 million people who lost their homes in Iraq and left for Jordan, many had to become prostitutes.

"Women's rights groups report that in the past six months, more than 100 women have been killed in the city of Basra for wearing make-up or what is deemed Western clothing. Those who dare to defend them have also been attacked and, in some cases, killed."

One Iraq women says she thought after Saddam fell things would be better but they are now far worse!
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Reply # 28
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 1:28 AM EST
Clarence Thomas
Which black American is prouder of America, Mrs. Obama or Thomas? If you pick Thomas, I'd suggest reading his book. Here's a money quote...

"Whoop-dee damn-doo," Thomas relates telling his wife when she interrupted his bath to report that he had been confirmed. "Mere confirmation, even to the Supreme Court, seemed pitifully small compensation for what had been done to me."
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Reply # 29
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 1:30 AM EST
Taft--Afghanistan?
The people killing the women are the twisted fanatics the US military are fighting. It is unfortunate that "many" have turned to prostitution. I suppose those in Jordan are not as generous as people in the US in terms of providing assistance.
Speaking of prostitution, what are the women's rights groups doing for the women in Las Vegas?
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Reply # 30
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 1:48 AM EST
Andrew
I don't know the details but Jordan isn't a very rich country and having taken in millions of refuges has really been an hardship on them. These places, like Syria, are starting to kick them out and many Iraqis are just about tapped out of their life savings and will have to go back. Not a very exciting idea if you lived in Baghdad, where your neighborhood no linger will accept Sunnis.

"Speaking of prostitution, what are the women's rights groups doing for the women in Las Vegas?"

Thats a good question. I never thought of that.

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Reply # 31
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 6:44 AM EST
By my count
The apologists got the first 5 posts up and may still outnumber us folks who think Lee Greenwood got it right. America bashers like Mrs. Obama are a tiresome nauseating pain, and worse, a burden on those of us who recognize, appreciate and support our country. America, warts and all, has led the world as an example of political and economic freedom and opportunity for over a century. American black folks like the Talladega Airmen, the millions who have shed blood and fought for this country weigh down their side of the scale far beyond the lightweight cheap sneers of the likes of Mrs. Obama and those who scrabble desparately to defend her candid remark that she had never felt proud to be an American. She is a whining dolt. I am no fan of McCain, but this may be the only reason i can find to vote for him.
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Reply # 32
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 7:19 AM EST
Proud of WHAT?
All I can see that Ms Obama could be proud of is that a bunch of lemmings are lined up at the Kool-Aid Stand.
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Reply # 33
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 7:49 AM EST
Isabella
I agree that this is a tempest in a teacup, but "really" was never uttered by Michelle Obama in that context. Look at the tapes.

This whole thing is as ridiculous a non-issue as can be manufactured by the media. It is simply the Nitwitness News in action.
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Reply # 34
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 7:53 AM EST
Taft
"Of the 4 million people who lost their homes in Iraq and left for Jordan, many had to become prostitutes."

$ million people? BS. Please tell me where you got that figure. If it's true I apologize, but I think not.
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Reply # 35
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 8:47 AM EST
Bob
Thanks for correcting me on that. I was only 2.2 million Iraqis are sheltering in Jordan and Syria.
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Reply # 36
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 10:20 AM EST
M Obama's comment
It does fit the mold of todays leftists and yes obama is a leftist not a liberal. Just look at his past record. The most leftist senator in voting in the senate. I'm not sure about McCain, but definately not obama. His foreign policy knowledge is nill. I would like to ask if he can pinpoint Iraq on a map. Most Ivy League schools do a poor job of teaching anything resembling geography.

Frank
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Reply # 37
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 11:37 AM EST
"In a time of universal deception,
telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

I'm not proud of this country, and will freely admit it. We've lost what made us great, and have fallen farther than I ever thought possible.

So, why should I lie for the sake of political correctness?
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Reply # 38
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 11:46 AM EST
And you thought Daily Kos was bad?!
Dear Sen. McCain:

As a Republican committeeperson in a Colorado precinct, I am a liaison to hundreds of voters in a heavily-Republican enclave in this very purple state. As a matter of full disclosure, in our caucus, not a single vote was cast for you out of forty-two (my wife and I cast ballots for you in 2000, but we voted for Ron Paul this year); Ron Paul even got seven votes. In short, there's not a lot of love for you in my precinct to start with. And in light of recent accusations, the level of concern regarding your candidacy has reached "Orange."

I laid out my concerns, and was promptly banned from RedState, after having been a member in good standing for over three years.

We don't censor on the Right, now do we?

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Reply # 39
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 11:53 AM EST
What RedState fears (1/X)
The latest alleged 'bimbo eruption' barely scratches the surface of my overarching concern that the "Straight Talk Express" was derailed a long, long time ago. The skeletons in your closet are starting to look like Arlington National Cemetery, and some straight talk is needed right now.

First, there is your extremely problematic vacillation on the bedrock issue of illegal immigration, your willingness to open the borders to the floodgates of illegals, and your refusal to answer reasonable questions on this issue, as was captured in this video: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1073039/dont_ask_mccain/. Our Congressman is Tom Tancredo, which should give you a fair understanding of how we feel here. To elect you is to elect Barack Obama on this issue, except for the fact that you have taken more positions on this issue than Mitt Romney (who won our caucus in a landslide) has had on any issue.

The next video -- courtesy of the opposition, of course -- establishes that "Straight talk" seems to have devolved into scarcely more than a mere shibboleth with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI. Pat "Diamonds are Forever" Robertson and Jerry Falwell used to be "agents of intolerance," but you accepted an honorary doctorate from his Liberty University? Which is it, Mr. Straight-Talk?

Second, there is the matter of your abrupt divorce of your first wife, coupled with your rather quick marriage to a Percocet-popping heiress to what some are now suggesting is a Mafia-sourced fortune: http://tiodt.blogspot.com/2006/12/married-to-mob.html. [cont.]
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Reply # 40
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 11:54 AM EST
What RedState fears (2/X)
This is going to hit the fan sooner or later, and with oppo research being what it is, almost certainly in September or October. What's more, it lends credibility to the NY Times' allegation of a Gary Hart-class bimbo eruption, because anyone who cheats on his first wife is likely to cheat on his second. Just ask Rudy. Are there any other potential Juanita Broaddricks out there? You will understand my concern, as the apparent Democratic candidate seems quite formidable, and hasn't been around long enough to get dirty.

The larger concern many of us have is that there appears to be one set of laws for the Übermenschen, and another for the untermenschen. We are going to want details as to how Cindy managed to avoid a criminal conviction, whereas average people in the same or similar circumstances are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I sit in outrage at the fact that Attorney General Mukasey will not even investigate what are on their face indisputable war crimes, while Marion Jones is sent to prison for the unspeakable offense of shooting hGh in her tail and lying to the FBI about it.

For what you did in the Keating Five scandal, you should have spent time in prison yourself. However, the most troubling aspect of the Times' bimbo eruption story is that you seem to have learned nothing from that episode.

Finally, the extent to which you have strayed from the Reagan mantle is troubling to many. President Reagan used to say that democracies don't start wars, but your bloodlust seems to exceed Dick Cheney's. To have a Presidential candidate sing about bombing a country that poses no credible threat to us is unseemly; to have us commit to a hundred-years occupation and concomitant low-level war raises serious questions about your personal judgment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U39zae4IxUA&feature=related [cont]
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Reply # 41
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 11:55 AM EST
What RedState fears (3/X)
Most Republicans have gotten the message (I got it from the Cato Institute even before we invaded): the imperial invasion of Iraq was an ill-advised adventure at best, and a for-profit enterprise at the expense of the American people at worst. http://www.frequencyclear.tv/PalastInterview.html That you would be booed at a Republican debate for your comments speaks volumes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjNUtRYkqxE&feature=related
(Olbermann is merely the messenger here; if you want to know the truth about a man, ask his ex-mistress).

And now, we're hearing rumors of wife-beating? That calls to your household have appeared in law enforcement logs -- but actual reports are "missing," and intake reports at local emergency rooms list her as a patient, but detailed medical records for the visits can't be found? We learned from Watergate that it is not the crime, but the cover-up, that is the most damning; missing police records suggest that something happened that needed to be hidden. (Remember John "Purple Band-Aid" Kerry and his service record?) 'Bimbo eruptions' are one thing, but a President with an uncontrollable temper is a grave danger to the nation.

The Bush campaign raised this issue in 2000, but I attributed it to the indisputable fact that Karl "black baby" Rove is the sleaziest man on the planet (Sen. Clinton wins the 'sleaziest woman' award, hands-down). But in light of the foregoing, it is time that we take a serious look at whether you suffered sufficient psychological damage in that prison camp to render you unfit for command.

The good news is that we have time to properly vet you before you become our standard-bearer. With all respect, before I can discharge my obligation to promote your candidacy in my precinct, I'm going to have to hear some straight answers to these serious concerns. We still have some clean candidates out there who may deserve a second look.
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Reply # 42
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 12:00 PM EST
Don't know how much longer I'll be here
The censors come in the black of night. They fear samizdat.
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Reply # 43
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 12:32 PM EST
What if Monica had been a lobbyist?
Wouldn't it have been prostitution?

Call him "John" McCain? LOL!

Suddenly, Mitt Romney is looking better and better (even without the mousse).
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Reply # 44
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 1:49 PM EST
Salty & friends...
Mrs. Obama did NOT mis-speak....her speech was written down in front of her. She meant every word. She's an angry militant black woman. About what, I don't quite yet know, except I knew this about her from the moment she first spoke about her husband potentially getting "shot at a gas station."

AND she didn't even come close to apologizing later on. She'll never back down and apologize. Even her husband has said, in effect, she's hard-edged and stubborn.

Furthermore, the look on her (homely) face was one twisted in bitterness and anger. We need this in the White House? I think not. Between the two of them, they'll give away the store. And so will Hillary.
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Reply # 45
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 2:37 PM EST
True statement
Mrs. Obama meant what she said. Her husband has the same opinion as evident by his own actions. After all, anyone who flies a flag, or wears a flag lapel pin is showing "fake patriotism." I served this country for 12 years in the US Army and I am EXTREMELY proud of this country. For those of you who are not proud, I refer to the following quote, (I can not remember the author).

”If you can not fight for America, then go find a country that you can fight for."

This is still a free county and those of you who are not proud of the great US of A are free to emigrate to Cuba, China or some backward Middle Eastern country.
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Reply # 46
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 2:40 PM EST
I'd like to know
what it is all these cry baby liberals have to complain about. Show me one of them that really has a hardship that was not self inflicted.

I say let em "change" everything, and then watch when they want the rest of us to fix what they broke.
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Reply # 47
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 5:28 PM EST
Yesterday's new now
Boy, how fast things change. Yesterday Michelle was in the barrel and today it's McCain. Huckabee was prayiing for a miracle and he may have gotten it. And Romney may want to thing about revving up his campaign again. Of course Huckabee's old lady was staying at Hooter's in Vegas last weekend to see a boxing match and hang out with the Hollywood crowd.
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Reply # 48
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 5:30 PM EST
ture pride
One can tell how proud someone is of their particular faith by how much they freely give to the organization.

One can tell how proud someone is of a civic organization like the Boy Scouts by how much they freely give to it.

One can tell how proud someone is of their country if they constantly complain about giving to it.

When Falwell, Robertson, et al said that God had allowed Muslims to attack the US on 9/11, were they speaking with pride of America? No, they had problems with things America does. So does Mrs. Obama and everyone else. Give her a break.
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Reply # 49
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 5:47 PM EST
Cam
Your stretch to compare Ms. Obama and Robertson is a feeble obfuscation. I'm no fan of Falwell and Robertson, but they have many times expressed pride and support for America and her institutions. But even more apropo, neither of those guys has a shot at the WH. so their pronouncements are down in the mud, dissemination-wise. And finally, your use of the classic liberal technique of trying to excuse liberal nincompoopery by quickly shouting "you guys do it too, and worse, and oftener, and more hypocritically", is merely tiring. Its OK to like the Obamas. Its a big country and has survived worse. If you want to defend a gaffe though, best you find better ammunition.
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Reply # 50
Date: Feb 21, 2008 - 5:57 PM EST
Savage
It's an even greater stretch to compare a single statement of a political newcomer with the complete records of two people who had years in the public eye. Do you really thing Mrs. Obama lives in shame about the US?

Back to my original point, it's one thing to wave a flag, it's another to reach into your wallet. Conservatives need to put your money where your mouth is.
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Reply # 51
Date: Feb 25, 2008 - 3:48 PM EST
Church giving & going
I would guess that Michelle and Barak must give to their church so they must believe in its racist demogogary. Why does the great BO and his wife get a pass when Sunday after Sunday they get a earful of how bad the US is from their pastor. Check it out at tucc.org.

THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM is one of their concepts. It clearly makes the point that white America is only interested in killing off Blacks. Why would anyone be proud to live is such a racist country?
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