"Bitterness" in America

I can understand why some would consider the commenst elitist, in that they have a tendency to speak "down" about people who "cling" to guns, religion, etc. What raised the hackles of many is the word usage of "bitter" and "cling"; people can be disappointed in government and officials, but that does not make them bitter. It may make them wary of placing too much trust in a government that they feel has let them down, but that does not mean they are bitter. Even those people polled that feel the country is "headed the wrong way" cannot be described as bitter, simply as people that are anxious to see things going the way they want to see them go. To say that the people in small towns are bitter is assigning a feeling of resentfulness to them that may not exist. It would have been much better for Obama to have actually gotten out among those people, talked to them, and LISTENED before calling them bitter. Maybe he would have found out that what he characterizes as bitterness is simply a "wait and see" attitude. It was not fair for him to ascribe that level of negative feeling to people that he seems not to have had much interaction with.

One of the thiings that has fed the charge of elitism is the presumption of Obama that he knows what drives the feelings of those people in the small towns, when he doesn't know those voters. That presumption is what irks so many, the feeling that since that has been true elsewhere, it has to be true of ALL small towns in the midwest. It just seems that is the type of attitude that many liberal elitists have about people in small towns; this attitude that only hicks live in small towns, or that people that live in small towns are somehow trapped there and that bothers us smalltowners. You asked me at my blog why I live in a small, rural town...and I could deal with that. It was an honest question from someone who wanted to understand the appeal of small town life. But I know you can see how my feelings would have been different if you had come at me with assumptions and presumptions about small town life and acted as though there were something wrong with my living here. And in many ways, that is what Obama's comments felt like to the people in those towns, and from people in small towns all over. It is an attitude that so many liberals have given voice to, things like referring to nearly everything lying between the two coasts and the major cities as "fly-over country", as if we don't matter. Obama's comments touched that raw nerve with us small town people, and he has had to deal with the negative reactions he got.

On the "cling to" comment, that was about the worst word choice Obama could have made. People who are desparate "cling" to things because they have nothing else, and in making that particular statement he managed to impugn the faith oif us small town folks. Most people do not come to their faith just in times of trouble, most hold fast to their faith through good times and bad. Most devout people praise God when things are going well and are thankful for their good fortune, and most thank God in their trials and lean on Him to see them through. That is not "clinging" out of desperation, that is simply practicing the faith you claim to have. So to say that the people in small towns "cling" to religion and guns, religion in particular, is to level a serious slight on those whose faith is important to them. And again, that raises the specter of elitism since that is the attitude that so many of the liberal elite hold towards people of faith.

Obama has been fond of saying that "words matter", so he should have been a lot more selective in the wors he used in his remarks. He can try to "clarify" all he wants, but he can't unring that bell. For someone that is so focused on words having meanings, he sure is awfully loose with his.

It's good to see you back, sorry to hear about your family emergency!

One of my biggest problems with Barack Obama is his "Blueprint for Change" which I've been watching over the last four months. The thing that scares me about him is the "blueprint" if you've read it and watched it; he CHANGES it on a monthly basis. So, is this the CHANGE? If he continues to change his mind on where he stands and is not even in office, what could we expect from him as a president?

I still think he's racist, but I don't think YOU are! That's why it surprises me that you would follow him. I was offended by the "gun-toting, Bible clutching" comment he made, I grew up in a small town and none of us were or are bitter! Maybe a little disheartened by some very recent decisions, but NOT bitter.

Obama doesn't relate, how could he when he grew up in a Metro area his entire life? Not rural America, or even small-town America, there's a vast difference and I've lived in both. Did you read his disclosure of income? He's out of MOST of America's TAX Bracket, by far!

06 AGI:$983,826 Taxes: $277,481 Charity: $60,307
05 AGI:$1,655,106 Taxes: $545,614 Charity:$77,315
Funny he reports Adjusted Gross Income, which is NOT a full disclosure!

He gives more to "Charity" than most people in America make in one year! Then the question is "WHO" his charity is? My guess is Trinity Church of Christ! I think most would think the same thing, he doesn't disclose this, does he? If he quotes scripture; did he forget the Bible says to tithe 10% not 1%? Maybe he forgot a zero. Then in is "blueprint" who does he tax? Those who make about what he gives in charity, NOT his TAX BRACKET! To me, the numbers speak for themselves!

I might add that I think Hillary is racist as well. I believe she is just using the Hispanic & lower socio-economic voters, 'Give them a driver's license and $9.50 in minimum wage and I'll take their vote.' She uses everyone and always HAS! She lies at the drop of a hat.

I think I'd remember if I landed under sniper fire in Bosnia!! I also detest Bill saying he was the "first black president" he had fewer minorities in his administration than any president in years. George W. wins the award on having minorities in his administration!

If you recall my story about my grandfather, you know where I stand on race, we just all happen to be different colors! I hope that I did not offend you in my first post, I just have this distrust of Both Democrats running MORE than my distrust of McCain. Therein lies the rub, we haven't been given much of a choice, so I go with what I consider the most forthright, imho. Str8

Thanks for the comment. Sorry for the late response. My allergies have been kicking my @ss the past few days.

I also understand why some would consider the comments “elitist”. I also understand why the words “cling” and “bitter” touched off a firestorm. Personally, I would have used the words “angry” and “comfort” instead. Where I differ with you is that Barack Obama was correct on that there are some bitter people out here who do find solace in things they can personally control: faith, family, their local community, and their guns. I differ with you also on the issue of Barack Obama not listening to people. I mean Flag, the man has been campaigning across the country and has spoken to and listened to more small town people than you or I have. The man can’t completely be off base, can he?

As for small towns in general, I have never lived in one. My knowledge comes from personal conversations as well as a few John Mellencamp albums. You have greater knowledge of small towns, however you don’t speak for everyone either. Indeed, I’m sorry it touched off a nerve in ya man. I’ve never called rural America “fly over country”. I did call West Virginia “Incestville” on more than a few occasions. I must also admit I’ve called counties like Forsyth County, Georgia “Hickville”, "Hazzard County" and “KKKtown”. However in some cases it was justified. Truthfully, I don’t think the Midwest/small town America should be excluded from the national convo on various issues. However, I don’t believe we should pander to Middle America either. IMO, Middle America is no way better or more moral/pure than the favorite cons target, San Francisco. I like San Francisco and Berkeley myself. I like San Francisco values too! LOL!

As for the issue of religion and “cling”, I think he should have used better words. As for people coming to faith/religion during hard times, there is some truth to it. There is also truth in that people find comfort in religion. This in no way is downplaying religion, but there are some sociological/anthropological theories on the relationship between religion and materialism/societal influences. As for liberal elites “holding contempt” towards people of faith, I don’t believe that is true. IMO, I think is that most liberals would like to see faith/religion be a private matter that has no place in the public square/political realm. My personal experience is that some Christians really want to impose a quasi theocracy here in America. I’m totally against that, as should most Constitution believing Americans. When we liberals see attempts to by cons to interject an Americanized version of God into discussions over foreign affairs, domestic policies, etc, we have a big problem. Let’s just leave God/Yahweh/Allah/Jesus/Buddha/ Dalai Lama/Joseph Smith/ Tooth Fairy out of governance ok?

Thanks for coming by str8t talk. Long time no see!! Thanks for your concern about the family. Things have stabilized somewhat. Let’s just hope it stays that way!

As for your comments, I sure you know I’m a Obama Supporter and a proud liberal. As for his changing positions, I’m not sure I follow. When you look at his core “blueprint”, it has not changed one bit. If you could so kindly point out his changes, I would be willing to respond.

As for Mr. Obama being a racist, I really don’t see that one bit (plus I don’t think the term racist is grammatically appropriate). Please show me some examples. As for me being prejudiced, I don’t think I am. Well, I don’t like Cowboys fans and some delusional conservatives on TH. Almost forgot, I don’t like taxi drivers, liars, warmongers, hypocrites, murderers, and drunk drivers. Other than that, I pretty much like most people.

Again, I’m sorry you were offended by the comments. I really don’t Obama meant to assail all those who are religious or own guns (something I have and would never do). I think when provided with the context, it is apparent as to what Mr. Obama truly meant.

As for not being able to relate, did you have the same qualms with George W Bush or even Ronald Reagan. Neither man was an average American? Also, I don’t want a president who relates or who I would feel most comfortable having a beer with. I want a president that understands the complexities of the world/USA, embraces the diversity of the American experience, is humble enough to recognize that they serve all of America (not just one segment of American life or political spectrum), is trustworthy and honest, and who is well educated in terms of academia and overall life experience.

When it comes to his overall income (impressive I must say), I would suggest you look at this returns going back to 1996. The man was not well off at all. Also, look at Mr. Potter’s (Nickname for John McCain) own situation. The man is certainly not middle class or average:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/04/18/2008-04 -18_john_mccain_made_405409_tax_returns_reve.html


As for giving 10% at church, I was taught to follow that. However, here is an interesting read on that:

http://www.solidrock.net/library/anderson/sermons/tithing.p hp

As for Hillary, I really don’t think she is a racist. I also don’t think she has been using Hispanic voters/ lower income voters. I do find it hilarious that she thinks is part of the “working class of America” and not an “elitist”. As for her lying ways, she is guilty of being a compulsive fabricator. However, what politician is completely innocent of said charge? George W sure nuff isn’t. I really believe that most Americans hate Hillary for no real reason. I also think her personality is unacceptable to most because of her gender.

I also detest Bill Clinton being the "first black president". So stupid. Now, African Americans did flourish under the economic polices of the Clinton administration, as did all Americans. However, Bill Clinton isn’t an African American male in America. As fro George W, he did appoint more minorities to positions. However, so did Bill when compared to Bush 41. Plus, many of W’s minority appointments (Condi, Alberto Gonzales, Al[honso Jackson, etc) have been utter failures and grossly negligent/outright incompent. Even his “majority” appointments have been failures. Look at Donald Rumsfeld, John Ashcroft, Michael Brown, Paul Wolfowitz, etc.

I also recall your story about you grandfather. Again, we are all human. However, I think the differences result from experiences, perceptions, and historical context.

As for offending me, trust me you did not. No need to apologize at all. Now, there are those who offend me on TH. I’ll go into detail later.

As for choosing Mr. Potter, that is your choice. However, would you allow me the chance to possibly persuade you to vote for my candidate?

I don't think I've read any of your novels but I will see if my library has a collection of your essays;)

Elitism is a state of mind and not pockets. I know layabouts who are nuanced like John Kerry. haha.

As for bitterness, maybe 80% of the people you know are bitter but 98% of the people I know are far from it. Perhaps you could make new friends?

I see on Str8t Talk's blog that you have allergies. I sympathize greatly. For 2 months every Spring I start my day with 2 hours of sneeze fits. I try my best not to take medicine because it makes me so sleepy and I can't get anything done. Hope you fell better soon.

I know how you feel, because the last week I have progressed from feeling terrible to simply bad...allergies are kicking my butt, my little girl, and my son...the wife is the only one here not suffering from the pollen attack!

And don't ever think you're butting into any conversation at my spot...it's open to anyone. And I would actually like to hera what you think of my post, my debate with Brian, and the whole situation. I know you have an opinion on that, and I wouldn't mind hearing it.

As to your post, you say that Obama has been listening to small town people on the campaign trail, but is he really listening...or just hearing? I get the feeling that he is simply hearing the words they say, but he continues to not understand what they are honestly feeling. By painting us small town folks as bitter, it tells me he isn't really listening to what is being said to him. He continues to view people that live in small towns in the same way most liberal elitists do: there seems to be a feeling that anyone living in small town is trapped there, and they are by natural extension miserable. But most people that live in small towns are there because they want to be there. We like the idea of knowing our neighbors, of knowing our police officers as more than a uniform, and knowing the people who teach our children. But Obama seems to believe that the only people in small towns are those that can't get out.

No one is saying that middle America is to be pandered to, or that they are morally superior to anyone else. What people in small towns and middle America are tired of is the liberal elite attitude that if we small town folks don't agree with them we are stupid, or worse, evil. I am sure that you remember all of the attacks on the people who voted for GWB as dupes or morons, as if it was wrong to disagree with their opinions. That is tiresome, and when that attitude continues to come from the liberal elite and the Democrat Party, it poisions the well; why should I ever listen to a Democrat when they obviously think i am too stupid to get out of a samll town and too stupid to "realize" that I sohould vote Democratic?

As for faith in the political arena, i am not in favor of anyone trying to force their religious beliefs on anyone. But for most of us, our faith is not somethng that we can out on and take off depending on the situation. Our faith, for many of us, shapes the very people we are and the views that we hold so why should we be asked to not take our faith into consideration as we make political decisions? And how can we do that, if our faith is real? I am not a bumper sticker type of guy, but I do consider what is the Christian/scriptural response to situations that I find myself in...so why should I NOT make those considerations when it comes to politics? What is so threatening about people that say "I am a Christian, this is what I believe, and that belief leads me to this position"? Why is that they should be silenced, where others have free reign to use their beliefs/lifestyles to inform their positions?

As for Obama's comments themselves, he did not say "some people" were bitter, or "some people" cling to guns and religions...nor did he make clear that this was just a possible reaction...he sadi "they" did this and this is why! For someone that has stressed so much howords mean things, he was very careless with his words! And if you add to that the fact the remarks were made behind closed doors in a setting where he didn't think they would actually get out into the public eye, you get the unmistakeable stench of elitism. What you say for public consumption often is irrelevant; who you are in private is who you are. And in that instant, among people who are his supporters, he felt no compunction about saying that "they" are bitter, "They cling to religion and guns", and "they" are anti-immigrant. He used the word "they" to distingish himself from them; he made them the unenlightened "other."

And think of it this way; most of America is made up of small towns and "fly-over" country...not large cities. If your candidate sees small town voters as bitter, he is putting a large swath of America into that category, so how is he going to win them back after insulting them? It is obvious to me that he doesn't think that WHAT he said was wrong, just the way he worded it...which means that he does think that small town Americans are bitter, anti-immigrant, and cling to God and guns.

But I would vote for JC Watts... or Michael Steele... or Ken Blackwell... or even Colin Powell... or Conoleeza Rice...

I find Obama's comments problematic, elitist, and false. I view his relationship with Rev. Wright as an indication of poor judgment and questionable character. I disagree with Obama's socialist/Marxist views, so I will not vote for him.

In light of all this, am I a racist?

Hello! I first want you to know why I’ve been delaying my response to you. I respect you as a friend and a fellow blogger, there are many that I wouldn’t give the time of day. You are NOT one of them! I wanted to mull over my answer before I posted to you. I honestly cannot endorse Obama as a presidential candidate. I get a check in my spirit when it comes to Obama and I have to follow that. I sincerely pray about who I vote for each election. I can’t say that anyone running leaves me completely at ease. I also cannot endorse a pathological liar – HRC! Yes, I agree McCain has things I DON’T agree with. Quite frankly, they’re ALL too rich! I would just sit this election out, but as a person who became a political activist at the age of 10; I feel very impassioned about placing my vote in every election: local, state, and federal.

I don’t hate Hillary; hate is a word I’ve never allowed in my house. I don’t TRUST her and I would not want her running our country. As to her being female, there are many that would serve far superior! I happen to know quite well, politicians who’ve served on committees with her and she cusses worse than most men, not a leadership skill, IMO! She shuts people up when they're trying to talk and if you’re talking, how can you LISTEN? To be able to lead, you must also be able to listen. She laughs or cries when she’s nervous or put on the spot, not very calm and collected.

On this issue, I politely must disagree, but I smiled when you asked me if you could persuade me to vote for your candidate, it sounds like something I would say. Although, I’m not trying to persuade anyone this year, I’m just trying to make them investigate everyone thoroughly before they cast their ballot. Godspeed my friend.

I never said you were prejudiced, I don't know what you're talking about on that. I don't see you that way at ALL! You have your beliefs and you stick by them, that does not make you prejudice. You look at things and form your opinion and if it is different from mine, so be it. We cannot all come to the same conclusion. If we did, it would be a boring world!

As for interrupting my blog, you were not and if you want me to come by, don't ever hesitate to give me a shout out! ;) I like talking to intelligent people and I put you in that rank. It doesn't matter if we don't agree. I just re-read some of what you wrote to me and I felt I should address it.

As for the allergies, I know what you're going through. I'm on a one month supply of antibiotics for a sinus infection that was triggered by allergies. I live in one of the windiest states there is and the pollen blows everywhere. I hope you get relief soon!