These words Obama told donors in SF have been getting lots of media attention. What do you think?
"You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not.
"And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Does this describe.....us?
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32 comments:
Just look over at the Traveler forums and I think you will have your answer.
His comment wasn't wrong or bad just the truth. The fact that you cling to something in bad economic times isn't a "bad" thing either.
The point he was trying to make is that through the last 25 years of presidential administrations nothing has changed for the better in small town America. Why wouldn't you start clinging to something that is comforting to you or that you feel threatened by if you feel helpless to change the situation.
Evidence of the truth of the statement are on these blogs ALL the time.
Guess what? City people cling to things in bad economic times, too. They start letting the government put cameras everywhere to feel more "secure". They don't mind forcing "poor" people out of their neighborhoods to make it "safer". The list goes on and on....
I am really glad that I don't have a television because I might go insane if I had to listen to the same 4 second sound bites over and over again.... with the impending 4,000 hours of analysis over whether the comment was good or bad.
It sounds like he hit the nail on the head to me.
What strikes me more than his comments, is the way Hillary has jumped on them in a desperate attempt to do or say whatever it takes to get elected. It seems from the response she got today at a press conferrence that more people are starting to see her for the power hungry ____ that she really is.
To the "T"
Yes indeedy!!! Welcome to good ole AC.
You can read some of the writings on the Traveler Talk and recognize it.
I hope it can change.
Nobody seems to want the message, but this may be the first time in a very long time that a presidential candidate has exhibited any knowledge of the conditions of small american rural towns.
Clinton may be right too. The way he presented it seemed to be in a dismissing way to an urban audience.
There is a long history of presidents turning their backs on their roots, sometimes it seems that they do a 180 just to try to legitimize their experiences. That is why the National Guard, which was a dodge to keep W out of Viet Nam is the first deployed to Iraq.
It is over-compensation. Because of this, New Orleans didn't get enough troops, Greensburg had to scramble for troops and supplies, etc.
It is really to be seen if the knowledge of the conditions of rural america will be put to use or just explained all away as "bitterness, end of story".
I'm OK with it being a national political discussion topic that comes up to the top for a while. Might actually do some good.
Even if they completely discount Obama's statements as "elitist", the image and statement is out there and maybe it will have staying power.
I for one was offended by it. I don't feel like I "cling" to my religion because of living in small town America. I BELIEVE in my religion because that's what I believe in -- if I am having tough times, I do look to my faith -- but doesn't everyone. And I guess I'm in the minority here, I'm not having a tough time in Ark City. I guess instead of whining about tough times, I do something about it.
Anonymous said...
I for one was offended by it. I don't feel like I "cling" to my religion because of living in small town America. I BELIEVE in my religion because that's what I believe in -- if I am having tough times, I do look to my faith -- but doesn't everyone. And I guess I'm in the minority here, I'm not having a tough time in Ark City. I guess instead of whining about tough times, I do something about it.
I will say that there was no need for anyone to be offended. I read the transcript of the meeting, and I agree with the statement.
I live my life by what I believe. My faith is in HIM.
The government is not 'my true answer'. People have become hopeless because of the loss of jobs in this area. (in many areas) We're not the only city. PA is not the only area. Take a look at what the world sees. Now, I'm not particularly ruled or govern by what I see in the system of this world. Why? Because I walk by faith, and I do sincerely trust in God.
But listen to the people around you, and you'll notice that many are hopeless. Many feel that they must use whatever means to defend themselves. And the cling to what is familiar. (whatever that may be)
They don't want change, because that involves risk or sometimes it involves money.
Nonetheless, I say, we that cling to our faith, must do more than talk, we must share our faith.
KNOW Jesus = KNOW Peace
NO Jesus = NO Peace
I think it's about time that a leader speaks the truth, even if it isn't popular, or might hurt someone's feelings.
Well I hope you all get what you want and then we'll see how great Obama really is. He doesn't speak for me or represent how I feel. He's proving himself lately as a true politician -- telling people what they want to hear.
Jesus lives down the street from me.
What does that mean?
Well I was offended by Obama's comment regardless if you were or not. I'm offended by most of his views and especially his mentor and religious leader of 20 years. Not to mention his "friendliness" with a known terrorist in Chicago. But since you aren't offended -- you can keep "clinging" to Obama and the change he is going to bring you. Good luck with that.
Obama is all about big government, so maybe you might get the handout your looking for also.
I think the only people that are bitter are the democrats lately?
Obama was crying about taking a whipping in last night's debate today too. Seem's he doesn't like the tough questions or having to explain himself. I guess he thinks he deserve's a pass on everything.
"Not to mention his "friendliness" with a known terrorist in Chicago."
Who?
I just looked at my portable BS meter and the needle is bouncing off of the peg at the top end of the red.
I shook the magic 8 ball and it said "guilt by association smear campaign"
If this dude is a known terrorist, maybe you should call the police on him. They will put him in jail. Or is it Hillary you are referring to as the known terrorist?
Geez. The things people will believe.
I am offended said...
Well I was offended by Obama's comment regardless if you were or not. I'm offended by most of his views and especially his mentor and religious leader of 20 years. Not to mention his "friendliness" with a known terrorist in Chicago. But since you aren't offended -- you can keep "clinging" to Obama and the change he is going to bring you. Good luck with that.
Obama is all about big government, so maybe you might get the handout your looking for also.
April 17, 2008 1:35 PM
I never said I would vote for him,in fact I'm not, but I said that what he said fit AC.
Now with that being said, I do believe that we all need to stand and vote for the right things. So, let us all pay much attention to this political speaking, and then VOTE.
Actually, what the previous poster said was true about the known terrorist, but it isn't the type of terrorist you might think, it's a white guy from Chicago who led a radical group back in the day. I don't remember the whole story, but it was on s few of the news shows. I'm sure you'll hear all about it if he wins the nomination.
I hope Obama does win the nomination, because that would leave poor old Hillary out in the cold. And then I will vote for McCain.
Yeah. I guess if they really wanted to arrest the terrorist it wouldn't be too hard to find him. He is Professor of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Obama served with him on a board of the Woods Fund, a foundation that provides poor people in the South Side of Chicago with affordable housing. That is the big "terrorist connection".
I guess you could say that any student at the U of I consorts with a terrorist. If you look on the web, there are dozens of accusations of Obama hanging out with terrorists, middle eastern and others. It is a smear campaign. It is just that this is the most recent accusation.
Like I said, the BS meter is in the red.
If you watched the debate last night or any news lately you would have heard about it - it is true. His name is Bill Ayers he bombed the Pentagon and a New York City Police Station and then on Sept 11th, 2001 - said he wished he had done more. He is not in any way sorry for what he has done.
This is more than guilt by association -- Obama consulted this guy before he ran for senate and says they are "friendly". They sit on a board together.
If I knew someone who bombed the Pentagon - I would not be friendly with him. It speaks to Obama's character which I guess you care nothing about.
"It speaks to Obama's character which I guess you care nothing about."
Wow. I guess I'm a bad person too now because of Bill Ayers. That is how a smear campaign works.
George W. Bush is known to have confided the highest state secrets and been close friends with Lewis "Scooter" Libby who is a convicted felon.
OMG!!!! He was Cheney's chief of staff!!!!!!
The wacky rightwingers are all about making a big deal about Ayers, who is a controversial guy, and they want to quote his fiction book as reality, because it makes it all seem dramatic. He has written 22 books, mostly educational texts.
Ayers is a respected professor and community activist in Chicago. Is Ayers a terrorist? Apparently the government doesn't think so. He is a free man with no strings.
He said he had no regrets for his opposition to the Vietnam war and his membership in an anti-war group. He said his actions were not enough because it made the war drag out longer than was necessary.
The actions of the anti-war opposition groups were the only reason that the Vietnam war ended, and anyone that doesn't think so should review their history books.
If politics don't work, it may be necessary with Iraq, too. A 100 year occupation proposal is stupid.
What does that have to do with Barack Obama? Yep. Obama served on a board with Ayers on a foundation providing housing to poor people. You are right, it speaks to Obama's character. Providing housing to poor folks. That must be a very bad thing to do.
But it speaks to Obama's character, which I guess you care nothing about. (Sorry, I couldn't resist) ;)
Comparing Scooter Libby and Bill Ayers is a joke - your doing about as good as spinning this as Obama!!!! Just because someone sits on a board for homeless people doesn't make them a saint or undo their past deeds. Your ok with him bombing the Pentagon because he sat on a board for homeless people? And just because he has wrote 22 books doesn't make him a great guy either.
I'd take Scooter over Bill any day. But I guess I'm a "crazy right winger" and I guess that makes you a Left Wing nut job.
Hi Lagonda.
"Just because someone sits on a board for homeless people doesn't make them a saint or undo their past deeds."
Hi. I was sure I recognized you too. It's easy.
What past deeds?
Please.
Just what past deeds did Obama do?
If it is that Obama is guilty of something because he served on a board with someone you don't like then yes, that is a smear campaign and by definition, guilt by association.
If you didn't like Scooter:
Charlton Heston was in the NRA. Timothy McVeigh was in the NRA.
Therefore, Charlton Heston bombed the Murrah Federal Building. (take that Moses)
If Avery is such a big spooky terrorist then why don't they arrest him?
Whole thing is a big stretch.
Gotta be pretty gullible to not see through it.
Meter in the red. Still.
If you want to link Obama to this guy do so but do not do it because you are afraid of a black man becoming President.
I think you would have to hold the character and intent of the mostly white board who hired the white terrorist and then you might want to look at the character of all the students ( oh no a terrorist breading ground for Americans).
But then you have to or maybe you will not want to question George Bush and his ties to Bin Laden family and there oil ventures in the 80's then let's share thoughts of character and see what the conversation will be like while you pay $4.00 a gallon for gas this summer.
I think most of this sounds bitter. Vicious accusations are the fruits of the bitter heart. The posts begin with comments about faith and religion as if they are a buoy of life in a tumultuous time.
So quickly faith and religion are jettisoned for personal attacks based on the suspect and biased research and reports presented through hot media.
If TV news says it, it must be Gospel seems to be the tenor of conversation. It sounds bitter and is bitter.
Maybe one can momentarily turn their attention away from the smut fest and shock moments long enough to listen for the Presidential candidate who will bring these conglomerates into accountability before they bleed the common man dry.
$4 gallon gasoline does not align with record billion dollar corporate profits and double digit earnings payouts to stockholders.
2% increases in social security and reduction in Medicare payouts does not align itself with prescription meds and medical procedure costs nearly doubling within the past five years.
Who would like to see something addressed along those lines from the next elected occupant in the Whitehouse?
Sure people are bitter and they hurl insults about because they no longer believe that anyone will take a stand to these extortive prices. Fighting the pointless war in Iraq is not nearly as diabolical as our President (under the direct auspices of the VP) allowing Halliburton to bill the nation's defense department 10's of millions of dollars per month for their phantom support services.
Whether or not we prevail in our mission in Iraq, a few wealthy people have profited at the expense of affordability of our children and grandchildren who will have to pay the bill.
Yes, let's keep debating - with bitterness - about whether or not they should close UIC (?) while we watch the meter running on energy, defense and healthcare. Don't give any of those matters another thought.
We're a bitter people who utter biting words while we cling to our faith because we believe in it - except the part that says "love is kind"!!!!!
Sorry but it's not Lagonda, so you don't recognize me.
Last I knew Charlton Hesston didn't go to Timothy McVeigh's house and get his blessing before running for senate. I never heard Charlton Hesston say he and Timmy were "friendly" did you? So there again, you can't really compare that.
And somehow I knew the race thing would come up again. Just because I'm not voting for Obama, I'm scared of having a black president? I'm sure anytime anyone disagrees with anything he does if he does become President, that's what where going to be told also. And if it comes down to that -- then no I don't want a black President.
Bill Avery was in the WU but didn't plant the bomb.
Didn't know Charlton Heston ran for Congress. I guess you learn something everyday.
You didn't know Charlton Hesston ran for Congress -- of course not. But that's all you got now?
Obama went to Bill Ayers house to get his blessing. That's the difference. But since he's just a "respected English professor" that's ok.
While all details of Obama-Ayers relationship isn't fully known, this might help shed light on what the deal is. Interestingly it seems the 9/11 comment by Ayers wasn't a quote after 9-11 at all.
It's from Fox News — no defender of liberal politicians.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/04/17/fact-check-obamas-relationship-with-william-ayers/
My best friend when I was growing up was the brother of one of the guys who took over the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Washington DC and broke out windows and threw all the IBM Selectric typewriters and file cabinets 10 stories onto the concrete sidewalk below.
That doesn't mean I am a bad guy or my friend was a bad guy.
Tim Allen is an ex-con, but we still watch his stupid movies and laugh when he talks about more power.
Now I know I will lose support on this next statement:
The Pope was a Hitler Youth that served with the Luftwaffe in WWII.
I'm sure all the (adult) Hitler Youth in Ark City will probably think that is fine and miss my point completely.
I care nothing about Bill Ayers. I'm much more concerned with the smear and the confusion some have between fact and fairytale on the issue.
“And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values, doesn’t make much sense,” Obama said.
I agree.
""Black People" now are as racist as the "White People" were!"
I don't think they are. I don't think white folk are as racist now as in the 30's or 50's and I don't think black folk are very racist at all either. Some of both groups are, for every Klansman you have a Nation of Islam brother.
The black community has their troubles, with popular culture glorifying drugs, violence and misogyny.
There are moron hillbillies in every culture and in every nation. They just act differently, but they are basically the same, white and black. It is a small minority and not shared by the mainstream.
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