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Donna Wood
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Sunday, July 6, 2008 6:20 AM CDT
We could use hope after years of fear
By DONNA WOOD
Living with constant fear is exhausting and debilitating. Just ask any POW, detainee of a repressive regime, torture victim or abused spouse. Boomers grew up, as Freddie Mercury sang, "in the shadow of the mushroom cloud," so we have lived with fear for decades. Young people now live in fear of not finding good work, not finding their way to independence. And too many of us live in fear of a future that doesn't include the places of privilege we currently hold.

The current presidential race is going to be scored as a tense fugue of fear. Barack Obama, with good brains and intent, offers us hope for a better tomorrow, but has little experience to back up the offer. John McCain offers us an extension of the reign of terror, without much experience either. (Sorry, I don't think being a POW for five years equips one to be commander in chief.) You can see where my support is going.

What are Americans afraid of? Many are afraid of globalization, terrorism, equality, homosexuals, the irreligious and losing America's No. 1 spot in the world. Others are more afraid of the religious right, environmental devastation, failures of equality and fairness and Bush's third term. Many are afraid of not being able to provide a better life for our children, falling behind in the race to get ahead, looking stupid, incompetent or immoral.

Many Americans are frightened because they see that we're losing our grip --- perhaps already lost it --- on the world's Top Dog spot. The Bush administration has given China the opportunity to become No. 1; indeed, it seems to be actively promoting China's ascension to global dominance by borrowing more and more to finance its illegal, immoral war.

Fear of terrorism is irrationally connected to Americans' patriotic fears. Americans have been sympathetic when terrorists attacked targets in Europe, South America, Africa or elsewhere, but there has been no righteous fury and no backlash against Muslims. But in fact, most terrorists operating on American soil have been home-grown and often Christian, varying from Tim McVeigh to the Ku Klux Klan, from presidential assassins to mass murderers.

Many are afraid of immigrants; "our" way of life is threatened by "those people." We might have to learn something more than restaurant Spanish! What are we thinking? Most of us wouldn't be alive today if our ancestors hadn't immigrated and instead had been wiped out in religious or ethnic purges, famines or wars.

Some are afraid of same-sex marriage, thundering that allowing homosexuals the same legal rights as heterosexual couples will destroy the family. I've never been able to grasp exactly how this is supposed to happen, and there's absolutely no rationality to it, but the fear is surely out there.

Golda Meir, former prime minister of Israel, once remarked, "Even paranoids have enemies," and certainly Israelis and Palestinians can both vouch for the truth of that statement. There truly is much to fear.

Yet so many of the enemies we perceive are imaginary. An enemy-driven society, a society based in fear, ripe for authoritarian seizure, as Congress' continuing acquiescence to the unconstitutional Patriot Act clearly shows us.

Here's what one intelligent young person said to me recently: "The current administration has driven our country to hell. You'd think it would take longer, but with multiple loan-financed wars, a tanked economy, and tax cuts for people who don't need them, it has only taken a few years. For some reason, we cut taxes and increased spending hugely --- how does that happen? We need stronger federal leadership and stronger solidarity among the Democrats. Dems need to stop bending over for the Republican warmongers --- they won Congress fair and square, and now they need to take the lead and turn this country around. I'm hoping Obama can do that."

Me too, son. I'm tired of living in fear. I believe that war is rarely justified, that debts must be paid and that human rights and justice must prevail. I want to believe that tomorrow can be better. I want to believe in democracy again. I want to leave behind this tired cycle of fakery, noise, humiliation, viciousness, cynicism and babble that passes for television news and politics.

During the floods of 2008 we all saw communities pulling together, neighbors sandbagging and then mucking out together, governments and non-profits and businesses working together. Crisis does bring fear, but if it also brings determination to overcome, then all is not lost.

I want to hope. That's not too much to ask.
     
 More Stories from Columnists » Guest Column

waterloo reader wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:39 AM:

" Donna Wood has truly shown us how her decision making process works. She's OK with the experience of a single term legislator from IL but not OK with the long-term service of John McCain. I thought it was fitting, on the Fourth of July weekend that Ms. Wood attempts to devalue John McCain's military sacrifice for the freedoms we just celebrated...classy! The Democrats are trotting out a strategy of taking potshots, from the fringe, on John McCain's military experience because they need to keep the argument off of NObama's military experience, or complete lack thereof. Very touching how Ms. Wood ignores the vitims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks because it doesn't fit with the picture she is trying to paint. The biggest problem I see with Ms. Wood was captured by her quote of "an intelligent young person." As one of the left-leaning college professors, I worry about how much of this drivel makes it into her business lectures. Would Ms. Wood call a young person that made an argument against her obvious far left beliefs "intelligent" or would she be more likely to give that student an undeserved "F"? For the first time in decades, I am weighing if I want to pay for this level of political rant to be delivered to my home. I have to think about my children and the consequences of allowing this type of nonsense into my home. "

andydandy wrote on Jul 6, 2008 1:01 PM:

" Here is a suggestion for your next editorial - Have a point or make a point. I count dozens of fears you have here and all of them are blamed on Bush. Its no wonder you people need HOPE......You live with all this fear. Or at least during the election years you do. The real fear here is that you sling this doctrine at a public university. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 6, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Ms. Wood minces no words in her hatred of our country. She follows the puppet-masters of the left without question or hesitation. one would think that she would think for herself from time to time, but this editorial assures us that can not be the case.

Since Clinton General Clark came out with his boneheaded statement about 'riding in a plane and spending 5 years as a POW doesnt equip one for commander in chief' statement, liberals everywhere, like Ms Wood use this as an attempt to somehow make Barack Hussein Obama's lack of experience seem more in line with McCain.

I wonder, what does McCains other 40 years of public service equip him for? McCain has a record of reaching across the aisle(which makes him less of a candidate for republicans) and he clearly doesnt just rubber stamp conservative legislation. he has not only been in harms way in battle, but also held command spots in the military. he has served his country honorably for decades.

One must look hard and far for Obama's qualifications. Other than being able to deliver a flowery canned speech, he has none. His only record he has earned is 'the most liberal member of the Senate.' Quite an accomplishment for a freshman senator. Obama has long lists of deceptive and illegitimate associates, friends, advisors and accomplices.

Honor, patriotism, integrity are words associated to McCain.

Fear, denial, rhetoric are words associated with Barack Hussein Obama.

You choose what type of 'hope' you are willing to back.

Ms. Wood it appears that it may be too late for you to learn to think on your own. Dont assume your readers are as old as you.

Quoting some unknown person(or was it your son?)about what a retch our country is in, is beneath you and the readers. Maybe you need to meet some new young people in our country instead of the minions of muppets. "

hillbillytea wrote on Jul 6, 2008 3:32 PM:

" I don't know that being a POW is listed as being a qualificatin for a presidential candidate either.the man served and thats great.but his being a POW is a bit overstated in this election campain.it seems thats the point that general clark was trying to make.however the way Ms wood is using it is downright mudslinging and distateful.she kind of reminds me of the fox news network. "

thinkaboutit wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Ok- the free trade agreement should be blamed on Clinton, not Bush. Look back in history.... Bush just reaped the massacre of the American economy after Clinton messed it up for us.

And as far as BOH...This goes to show how many people are sucked in by a pretty face and smooth words. I have no doubt that Obama WILL win a lot of people. But, what many don't stop and think about is, "What change?" What is it about America that needs to change? Their are a few things I would change. But, I am quite sure they are not the same things YOU would change. Beware of voting for change, just for change sake. I know I DO NOT want most of the changes he's planning on suppying. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:37 PM:

" Being a POW has no bearing on whether McCain should be worthy of the presidency. I will state that I would rather vote for a POW of the armed forces, who put himself in the line of fire, and served his country bravely, than a no-patriot who would rather make an issue by not wearing a flag pin. He then flip flopped on that issue as well.

All things equal, on the military service alone, McCain comes out ahead. In all other areas of service, voting record and legitimacy, McCain wins again. "

jeroze wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:00 PM:

" It is good to know that there are people who dare to point out the fear that our present administration used to try to motivate people into accepting their leadership instead of the other alternative of leadership.

Not all our fears have become realities, some have. I feared when we elected a president who had been with Arbusto, Spectrum Seven, and Harken Energy Company, and while he was with all of them they headed toward bankruptcy but were bought out to save them from that fate. I feared that financially the USA economy would suffer the same fate without a friendly helper to come to our rescue. Imagine my surprise when China bailed us out and Japan even more so.

I feared that there would be more poverty because the present administration judges the health of the economy on whether the rich are getting richer, not one how the lowest in society become better off.

I feared that the USA would be standing alone in the world against the rest of the world. I regret that this seems to have happened.

It was hard to start hoping again. Especially since my life is getting to the time of the "slow-go" stage of retirement. I may never live to see the "happy days are here again" nation.

Dr. Wood's thought that adversity of the floods and tornadoes could bring us back together to the real important things of life,

--cooperation, rather than selfish competition,

--love instead of hate and rage,

---truth instead of deceit,

was a reminder to me that I needed hope to keep on going lest I faint and grow weary. And we will work hard as volunteers and friends to be the kind of friends that boost happiness and security. I am proud to relate to this hope because the other alternative is to be an angry curmudgeon who speak despairingly of generous compassion and altruistic virtue.

Thank you Dr. Wood. "

cire wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:39 PM:

" think of someone you may consider to be on the "extreme left"....now go a little further left, and there is Donna Wood.

I had the "privilege" of attending a class of Donna's while I was at UNI..it was a disturbing experience, to say the least. "

50674 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 2:31 AM:

" It's not really that difficult to learn about "what does McCains other 40 years of public service equip him for?" Lots of talk....lots of last minute mind changes (doesn't want the public to really know he took 18 months to jump on the Webb bandwagon supporting veteran's benefits, et al.and that's only because he didn't want to look bad once this became a campaign issue.) Should be a short read hetfield and you swallow it all hook, line and sinker. He's a politician....just like every politician before him and everyone to follow him. No, I am not FOR Obama but I'm most definitely against McCain. "

MAC wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:57 AM:

" I find it amusing that the Republicans are now touting their candidate's military service when 4 years ago, they were down playing the lack of Dubya's.

You can't have it both ways, folks. "

cire wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:19 PM:

" Donna states.."Many Americans are frightened because they see that we're losing our grip --- perhaps already lost it --- on the world's Top Dog spot. The Bush administration has given China the opportunity to become No. 1"

is that a joke? You blame the Bush Administration on China's rise to power? Earth to Donna..most of Asia is enjoying economic success and an abrupt boost to their standard of living. The world does not revolve around us.
If anything, the "left" in America have been putting a choke-hold on our economy for decades now..which is preventing us from operating our industries the way other countries do. Do you think China has second thoughts about drilling for oil somewhere, or building a new nuclear plant? Not a chance. Meanwhile, we sit here debating for 10 years over whether or not to proceed with something, while nothing gets done...and by then it's too late.

But keep blaming Bush for our woes, that statement never gets old......... "

Phil wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:36 PM:

" hetfield - funny you should talk about "no-patriots". I have a strong feeling you voted for the two biggest " no-patriots" in Washington, DC - Bush & Cheney. Another term for them - per Jesse Ventura, who is no lefty liberal - is "chicken hawks".

Other words that go with McCain - womanizer, adulterer (admitted), elitist (8 homes, wife worth over $100 million), warmonger, and flip-flopper of highest extreme. Not to mention the lobbyists he hires to run his campaign - lobbyists who worked for some of the most murderous dictators in the world. But hey, it's all better now - he has Carl Rove's guys working for him now - you know the ones who 8 years ago made up the story about him fathering a black child out of wedlock. So I am sure we will see more high-character episodes like that from his campaign staff.

Guess that puts McCain ahead - in the hypocrisy derby. "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:08 PM:

" thinkaboutit. you mention nafta/free trade as a mistake that ruined our economy, then ask what change Senator Obama will bring about? Unlike Bush/McCain, Obama wants to repeal nafta and other unfair trade pacts. that is the type of change i am looking for. stop with the rhetoric and accept the facts.

Also, I still wonder why no one here includes McCain's middle name in their comments yet Obama's middle name is mentioned frequently. Seems like racist pandering to me... "

TommyBoy wrote on Jul 7, 2008 2:09 PM:

" Hey MAC... you know what's really amusing? The DEM's touting Kerry's Senate experience in 2004, now claiming that experience isn't an issue with Obama.

Playing "party" politics on either side is just plain foolish, you are case and point with the bonehead comment. Both parties are living in glass houses throwing stones on nearly every issue. What's funny is that they can still drag narrow minded fools in with them and hand them rocks to throw.... and the fools do it gleefully.

Sheesh, how dumb can you be? "

GLW wrote on Jul 7, 2008 2:21 PM:

" The only thing I fear is people like Donna Wood.

They scare me as much as Bin Laden does. "

waterloo reader wrote on Jul 7, 2008 2:39 PM:

" Phil, you were probably feeling as positive about the Kerry/Gore ticket 4 years ago. Here's the problem you need to overcome by November: What ACTIONS can your candidate be judged on. We don't elect a candidate based on their words...that's how we got the Carter and Clinton mess. We need to see concrete actions to back up a candidate's words...and NObama doesn't have the actions to back up his rhetoric. His promise to repeal NAFTA is kind of like the kid running for student body president back in high school campaigning on opening up the lunch hour. Everyone knows you'll be eating hot lunch the following year, but it sure sounds good at the podium. I'm ready to judge McCain by his actions. "

50674 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 5:43 PM:

" www.govtra.us will show how poorly McCain has really performed in Washington. It's a non-partisan tally of Washington's performance and rates them in relation to their peers. McCain has an "extremely poor" rating in both his voting record and bill sponsorship/co-sponsorship. The majority of his bills never made it out of committee. I, too, am tired of his using his POW status as something that gives him leadership qualities. It shows him a survivor and a decorated veteran. But in the present, McCain is never consistent, a liar and a typical politian. Add to that he's elderly, older than Reagan was when he was first diagnosed with Alzheimers, and has several bouts of malignant melanoma. That is not "just a skin cancer"..... it is a very deadly form of cancer ...period. I find I will probably write in my presidential choice but I will not vote McCain. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:33 PM:

" I cant beleive the love affair some of the leftys have for ms. wood. What she writes is nothing but a propaganda statement and anti-McCain political ad. Are you on the payroll for Obama, wood?

Her 'reign of terror' statement is an insidious remark during a time of war. It seems she wants terrorists to go on living and planning future attacks on our soil.

Doesnt ms wood know that Barack Hussein Obama pals around with Bill Ayers, a terrorist in our own country? Typical chicago politicians here.


Obama is a menace to our country and will not win this election. "

MrT wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:58 PM:

" hetfield, you said, and I quote: "All things equal, on the military service alone, McCain comes out ahead. In all other areas of service, voting record and legitimacy, McCain wins again. "

Even given that premise (which I don't agree with), then riddle me this hetfield: why is it that despite all that you've put fort, about Obama's lack of experience & McCain's plethra of it, Obama's lack of Patriotism & McCain's plethra of it, Obama's Islamic soundging name & McCain's cool middle name of Sidney. Why is it, that an ultra-liberal, inexperienced "muslim" named Barack Hussein Obama, is going to beat John Sidney McCain by 9 points & win the 2008 presidential elections??? "

unionlabel wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:29 PM:

" Fear....as a lifelong Democrat I'm afraid of what will happen to our country if Hillary doesn't get the nomination. Myself & others at the local will quietly be voting for McCain
if Barack Hussein Obama is the nominee. "

a362966 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:15 PM:

" From a libertarian...Thanks Donna for the fear reminder...Fear has won elections since this country has had elections-it is the war mongers only way to victory. Bush is the King of winning elections (or stealing them, which ever way you would have it).

Phil-you are right on target.

waterloo reader: Let us elect on actions. I agree. McCain graduated the Naval Academy SECOND FROM LAST. Great scholastic record! You want this guy for president?

A web site of Vietnam Vets devoted to expose McCain here at http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/


from lewrockwell:

"In the late 1980’s and the early to mid 1990’s, John McCain would lead the battle to keep the fate of those left behind in the hands of their captors secret from their families and the American public, and was known for his angry verbal attacks on both family members and veterans.

Many find it ironic that the North Vietnamese erected a monument which features prominently a bust of John McCain at the sight of his shoot down. This is tantamount to the citizens of New York erecting a monument with the bust of Mohammad Atta, or the citizens of Hawaii erecting a monument with the bust of Japanese Fleet Commander Nagumo!"

A comfortable interview with his Russian interrogators while his fellow soldiers were dying at the hands of the communists is talked about here:
http://www.usvetdsp.com/mcianhro.htm

McCain is no war hero. McCain is not presidential material. McCain is laughable, as is the previous eight years of hate, war, death, and lies over oil that is not ours. "

Phil wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:57 PM:

" waterloo reader - the Clinton mess? I am actually laughing out loud as I type this. Only about 85% of this country wishes we were back in the days of the so-called "Clinton mess". Don't get caught with whatever you are smoking - it must be good stuff!

Actually John McCain has a lot of actions throughout his life to be judged on - some aren't so good. Like the Keating Five. Like marrying a rich woman so he can use her money to run for Congress. Like flipping and flopping like a fish out of water. Like thinking we should have stayed in Vietnam until we "won" - my God, no one except the really dense think that.

At least Obama has some new ideas - McCain wants to recycle the failures of the last eight years - like putting a new coat of paint on the old jalopy. The engine still leaks oil and the transmission is about to give out, but hey it sure looks shiny, don't it! You like the way things are headed now - vote for old John boy - and Hoovervilles will spring up around the country again. "

waterloo reader wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:06 PM:

" Phil, if the Clinton years were so good, why then was a Republican elected following Clinton instead of his VP? I guess it was just too much of a "good thing" for all of us. I know I won't change your mind but there was a lot of poor decisions that were made by Clinton that led to some of the problems we have had in the last 8 years and enough of the electorate knew that to resoundingly reject Billary II. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:55 PM:

" MAC wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:57 AM:
" I find it amusing that the Republicans are now touting their candidate's military service when 4 years ago, they were down playing the lack of Dubya's.
You can't have it both ways, folks. "

I know. I saw that coming as soon as McCain got the nomination.
Don't expect to see any of the little neocons out here acknowledge that pathetic little phenomenon, MAC. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:03 AM:

" hetfield wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:33 PM:
Doesnt ms wood know that Barack Hussein Obama pals around with Bill Ayers, a terrorist in our own country? Typical chicago politicians here.

Why do you say stuff like this? I've given you a pretty hard time out here, but just to ask an honest, respectful question, Hetfield? Why can't you drop some of the juvenile garbage?
Couldn't I say the same thing about Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam? I don't, because I know Rumsfeld, although a warmonger, is not a terrorist and not an associate of terrorists, or vicious dictators. He just was friendly with the wrong guy at one point in his career and probably was ill informed about the kind of man Saddam was. So, why do you do that? If you think it helps change minds, it definitely doesn't.


Phil wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:17 AM:

" Last time I checked I didn't see Bill Ayers running - not just donating to, but running - Obama's campaign. Yet McCain has people that were lobbyists paid by dictators, thugs and terrorists running his - or they were until they were found out.

Great judgement by old John - guess the Alzheimers is kicking in already. "

Phil wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:18 AM:

" unionlabel - that's sad - and has a definite whiff of subtle racism. I hope that is not the case. "

joeva wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:39 AM:

" How is Ms. Wood even able to leave the house with all the fear she is living with? Obama's brand of socialism is the only thing that scares me. "

Leo46 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Here we go, I wondered when racism would be brought in. If you don't vote for Obama you are a racist? What drivel. "

waterloo reader wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Hey Phil: there's no way I'd ever vote for NObama, does that make me a racist? I'd never vote for Billary either, does that make me a woman-hater? Same with Gore, so I guess using your rules that I hate hypocrite tree-huggers as well. Will never vote for Culver so that makes me one that worships my own money staying in my own pocket. Here's one for you: I think Deborah Berry is a great legislator....I bet that one rocked your world. Phil, your desperation to get NObama elected has a whiff of desperation to it. "

Steady wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:35 AM:

" If this election wasn't so important these posts would be comical. The thought that MAC believes it is the republicans wanting it both ways w/ military service is amusing as well. Big problem when you compare Kerry & McCain, McCain is not lying about what he did while in the service. It was the Dems that tried selling Kerry as a better comamnder in chief since he was in the service. Nice try MAC, but my memory is not that short.

Being in the military, by itself, does not make you a great leader or presidential candidate, but the experiences while in the service could. If you don't believe being shot down in combat and receiving injuries that to this day you can't raise your arms above your shoulders; or being tortured for 5 1/2 years in a POW camp doesn't shape your character or give you a better understanding of conflict - you are fool.

Do I believe McCain is what this country needs - I personally don't think so, but Obama certainly is not either. The idea that we should dismiss McCain's service to our country is idiotic. If you believe his military service has no bearing on his ability to be president you are just jaded and closed minded. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:28 AM:

" MrT, spoken like a true party hack.

Say, wasn't Kerry winning in all the polls, except the most important one?

If the Carter years were so great, why'd Gore lose?

If I don't vote for Barack Hussein Obama because he's a tax raising, gun grabbing, pro abortion Marxist, is there any racism in that? "

hetfield wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:50 AM:

" MrT, do you really believe AP and News sponsered polls? If so, I guess Gore is still president.

Phil and Chester, for you two to ignore the fact that Obama and Ayers were tied at the hip in Chicago, that without Ayers and his underground terrorist organization, Obama doesnt get elected to the State senate in Illinois, and that Ayers continues to advise Obama, for you to ignore that fact is ignorant.

Barack Hussein Obama is a radical, liberal, leftist puppet in this election. How isnt he? He has no new ideas that the left hasnt been tried under Clinton,Carter, kennedy or the USSR. He has flip flopped on many issues already this election, such as the faith based issue, a flip flop that the left should be decrying themselves.

He has shown no integrity when throwing countless friends, advisors, family members, and partners under the bus. He has proven he can not be trusted.

What had he done? He delivers an exciting canned speech. That is it!

a362966, 2nd to last in any military acadamy is better than anything you have ever done, and will ever do. Do not continue to look down on the military and the service record of this man. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:07 AM:

" Phil
wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:18 AM:

" unionlabel - that's sad - and has a definite whiff of subtle racism. I hope that is not the case. "

That's funny, Phil, really really funny. "

youngreader wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:53 AM:

" REALLY?!? I cant believe some people are still on the racist Barack Hussein Obama kick! Just as I had no choice in my middle name either did Obama. If people would take the time to really listen to him, they could make educated decisions, not based on a stereotype about his middle name. I have listened and researched both candidates, both have valuable experience and ideas. I just believe that Obama can lead this country in a direction it has never seen before. Now about Donna Wood's article, I found it rather insightful. I refuse to let fear run my life. I thank her for her ideas and opinions. "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:49 PM:

" when i suggest racism, i am not referring to who one votes for at all. vote for who you want based on your beliefs.
but to refer to the republican candidate as 'senator mccain' or 'mccain' and then include the middle name of the democratic candidate smells of racism. it also proves the author of this column is correct. the bush/mccain strategy of pandering to our fears to implement their policies is furthered when their minions continue to insist on the use of Senator Obama's middle name because it happens to be Hussein. It is a very dirty effort to instill fear in voters by association.
and it comes from the same spirit that has driven the policies of bush/mccain for the past eight years---the same policies that have driven this nation to the brink of failure! "

conservativeme wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:54 PM:

" What I fear most here is a tenured professor who firmly believes what she thinks is real, and passes this garbage on to our kids. "

Kramerica wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:03 PM:

" timbrackett, I, too, wish Hetfield would knock it off with the "Hussein" reference in Obama's name, seems childish and doesn't help the cause, of which I agree with him otherwise on. However, if the associations made are warranted, they should be examined for what they are, i.e. William Ayers, Rev. Wright, etc.

Vote your beliefs, not the party line. "

waterloo reader wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:12 PM:

" Here's timbrackett's logic: Don't even hint at anything about my candidate but I'll feel free to smear yours. Your effort to tie McCain to Bush is laughable. I'll let you in on a dirty little secret, Bush isn't going to be on the ballot this fall. You want to argue that McCain hasn't done much with his legislative record but then suddenly he's in the room with Bush every time a policy decision is made? How powerful are Bush and McCain if they can impose their will on a DEMOCRAT controlled House and Senate? Bush hasn't written one single law that was passed in his term. Again I say, the Democrats have a sense of desperation that I don't see in McCain's campaign. "

Phil wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:13 PM:

" No most of you that won't vote for Obama wouldn't vote for him if he was white - but then you wouldn't vote for Hillary either. You are right wingers who probably think Bush has done a good job - which explains a lot about you and your analytical skills right there.

Now if Collin Powell was the Republican nominee and Joe Biden was the Democratic one, and you started saying how you were going to vote for Biden, well then I might wonder if race was playing into your decision.

On the other hand, neither Obama nor Hillary was my first choice, but Obama is certainly closer to my views than McCain is - as he would be to any Hillary voter. Why would a Hillary voter switch to McCain, especially after Hillary has endorsed and will campaign for him? Can't think of too many logical reasons. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:16 PM:

" youngreader
wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:53 AM:

" REALLY?!? I cant believe some people are still on the racist Barack Hussein Obama kick! "

I can't either, but if you point out his many flaws, including his name in a post 9/11 country, you are accused of being racist.

"both have valuable experience and ideas" Please point out any experience or unique ideas that Barack Hussein Obama has? If he has ever had an original idea, it would have died of loneliness. And what experience?

Marxist gun grabber = Barack Hussein Obama. Punish the law abiding and be kind to criminals/terrorosts. Look at his voting record. Notice how he never brags that up, especially his state record. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Hey timbrackett. A very dirty effort? It is his name, isn't it? It's not like the GOP gave him Hussein as a nickname, is it?

And then you end your post like a typical Democrat party hack. "

MrT wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:38 PM:

" I just don't get it, why insist on using Senator Obama's middle name? Does it make you feel better about yourself that you are exposing something that should not be used to enduce shame upon someone? Granted, whle I don't think that just because someone is not supporting Obama, that they're then a racist. there are many racist who won't support Obama, that is there decision I guess & I can't do much to stop it.

When I question someones racial motives though in regards to Senator Obama, it is when they persist on using Barack Hussein Obama like the name hussein is a naughty word. Last I checked, Hussein wasn't in George Carlin's list of 7 dirty words!

Infact: Senator Obama's real name is Barack Hussein Obama Jr. That's right, his father, who was a non-practicing muslim from Africa, was named Barack Hussein Obama.

Barack was given that name by his parents. He did not choose that name, and the idea that we live in a country where a persons middle name is used as a divisive political tactic is scary. Just because a name has a been used as a means of stereotyping, does not mean that everyone with that name must represent that stereotypical image. For instance, I don't think that Reggie Bush (running back for the New Orleans Saints) is a self-centered war-mongorer just because of his last name.

Furthermore, even if you did insist on is middle name having significants, in 1994 King Hussein concluded negotiations to end the official state of war with Israel resulting in the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace which he had begun negotiating in secret with the Israelis in the 1970s.

The only value on insisting to use his middle name is that it plays on peoples stereotypes. If i'm wrong then PLEASE, give me a GOOD reason why you insist on using his middle name??? "

hetfield wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:56 PM:

" Barack Hussein Obama is the man's name. If you have a problem with it, you should contact him to change it. I do not have a problem with it, which is why I use it.

The man was named it by his father Sr. who WAS a muslim and moved his family to Jakarta for some unknown reason. He then deserted his family.

Now onto other issues which the left wont answer.

What exactly would Barack hussein Obama 'change' if he were to take office?

Where does all the 'hope' come from?

This guy is a politician first and foremost. You dont become the most liberal member of the Senate in 2 years for no reason. He has no experience, refuses to cross the aisle, refuses to answer questions on his stances(other than to refer back to his liberal straight party voting record), he refuses to tell us what issues he will correct.

Say no to abortion
say no to de-militarization
say no to continued foreign dependence on oil
say no to increased taxing/spending
say no to continued handouts
say no to the greenies

say no to Barack Hussein Obama!

It's time to drill, boys, time to drill! "

xdfred wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:57 PM:

" Here's a good reason, T. Liberals don't like it when we use his middle name. Best reason there is.

What in the world is a non-practicing Muslim? "

a362966 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:41 PM:

" hetfield-when will you ever use facts or references?

Say what you have to say, and be done. No one wants to hear any more. You do not have to reply 5 times to each article, especially when it contains no facts or references, just hot air opinions. No one cares.

You do not know me. To make a statement like

"...is better than anything you have ever done, and will ever do."

is to show your ignorance. All 3 of my uncles are graduates of the Naval Academy, upper 10%. McCain doesn't come close to their honesty, intelligence, commitment, patriotism, and leadership qualities. Too bad they are not running for office. Too bad McCain is. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:41 PM:

" Given this ... article, I would assume hope, a false hope at that, is better than solid leadership. Welcome to the world of liberal academics. This is right up there with gun control laws making people feel safe, even though crime rates and massacres occur in gun free zones. It's all about how one feels, isn't it? "

MrT wrote on Jul 8, 2008 5:05 PM:

" hetfield & xdfred - you have both proved my point, there is not a GOOD reason to insist on using his middle name other than fear mongoring. Well, your BS isn't going to work this year. Your BS is getting old. And your BS is transparent. We know what your BS is really all about, racism. ... />

"Time to THINK, folks, time to THINK" "

hillbillytea wrote on Jul 8, 2008 5:50 PM:

" I didn't vote for either candidate in the caucuses but obama is still the lessor of the two evils.on one side we have obama wanting to take a more diplomatic approach and negotiate.then on the other side we have Mcain who I almost liked till he spoke about indefinate stay in Iraq.then he proceeds to taunt Iran and the soviet union.throwing gas on a fire like that will get us into WW III.I can stomach obama but world war three will kill us.then Mcain has this guy Kagan as a campain advisor.I saw the guy on CSPAN talking about a book he wrote.durring the interveiw he voiced support for regime change polocy dating back to the regan years.then he supports intervention in another countrys election process,he has no problem with our oil addiction.he wants domination of the middle east.he out right sterotryped the islamist culture.and he made it clear that he idolised bernard lewis who was responsibile for the very bias minded theorys that were used to brainwash the our country into a state of islamafobia.thats the kind of mindset that gets us into trouble in the firstplace when it comes to polocy in our country,what ours is ours and what they want in their own country is not for us to tamper with.I like john mcain but, he has a cold war mindset and with people like kagan in his campain camp,we could very well end up in WWIII.the arrogant and intagonist behavior needs to come to an end.thats the change that people are hoping for. "

kmack44 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:21 PM:

" Quite simply, Donna Wood is correct!! All you so called "patriots" can't see beyond your little white bread enclave to understand the much larger world that dwarfs you and renders you insignificant. But then again, that is why you live in Iowa, isn't it? My hope is that Ms. Wood's voice will finally resonate with the true patriots and reveal the majority among us. It is only a matter of time. "

cire wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:50 PM:

" kmack44, wow...using the term "white bread" totally destroys any point you are attempting to make..

Are there any more racist insults you'd like to throw at the people who disagree with a socialist daydreamer like Donna Wood? "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:48 PM:

" My point is that I would not have a problem with using Senator Obama's middle name if those commenting were also using Senator McCain's middle name. It is a double standard and I question the motives of the double standard.
As for change, I offered one example earlier. Senator Obama wants to repeal NAFTA. McCain wants to continue NAFTA and also wants a free trade agreement with Columbia that would harm our middle class.
That is an example of change. And the hope comes from knowing we will have a President in the White House who will put the middle-class voters interests ahead of big business interests. That one example of change gives me hope as a middle-class American. "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:52 AM:

" President Reagan, who is in my opinion one of the greatest presidents, was willing to engage with the enemy. There are many factors that ended the cold war, but the reason President Reagan is credited with winning the cold war is because he engaged Gorbachev/USSR at an unprecedented level.
I find it ironic that it is now the Republicans (largely) who deride Senator Obama for his willingness to engage the enemy. "

hillbillytea wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:33 AM:

" true reagan did end the cold war with russia.but in doing so he also was partialy responsible for bringing the taliban to power.his shinangans whith iran and Iraq didn't do much to quiet things either "

xdfred wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:22 AM:

" hillbillytea, the Soviet Union doesn't exist anymore, so how can McCain taunt it?

T is right. It is time to think, about what a shyster Barack Hussein Obama. He waffled on his nafta pledge, and now he's waffling on Iraq. The man has feet of clay.

timbracket, who really cares what senator McCain's middle name is? Go ahead and use it if you'd like. I like using Barack Hussein Obama's full name because it torques off the left wingers here. And the accusations of racism that come back show the depth of the campaign. "

Phil wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:27 AM:

" MrT - you are asking a lot of these folks when you tell them its time to think. They let Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Dick Cheney and others do that for them, then they just repeat what they said. You see thinking would take work, you would have to research things, look at both sides, evaluate positive and negative outcomes. Admit mistakes. That takes time and energy.

Instead, just repeat all the talking points you are told to, ignore reality and more importantly - the facts, and live in your own little world - with your own form of bigotry and ignorance that you aren't even aware of.

Finally, be a victim by blaming liberals, progressives, the media and anyone else who has worked to educate, enlighten and improve the world for others without worrying about their own profit motives first.

It is much easier than thinking and you are clueless when things don't turn out the way you want - but no big deal since you are the victim anyway. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM:

" Phil, I'll listen to Rush for two good reasons. He just landed a $400 million dollar contract because he is so good at what he does. Shed light and liberals darkness. And very rarely is he wrong about anything he says or writes. Can any of the Air America crowd make the same claim? Randi Rhoads? Jeanine Garafollo? Al Franken? Or daily Kos? Huffington? Because that's who you listen to. Please show an example of what thinking for yourself means? What your really saying is Cross's line. You guys are right because you say so and the rest of us are wrong. Yet failed government policies have the word liberal in them somewhere, don't they? Johnson's great society.

I want to thank liberals for all the hard work they have done screwing the country up. "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:46 AM:

" xdfred. you are correct. no one cares what mccain's middle name is. because it is not a name that incites fear, like the name Hussein. So using Senator Obama's middle name when not using the middle name of other candidates is acknowledging the fact his middle name is capable of inciting fear. which proves the author of this column to be correct. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:03 PM:

" Barack Hussein Obama is a menace. What is more troublesome is that the liberals on this blog, and in this state, wont answer simple questions about their candidate.

What international expertise does he bring to the table?

What fiscal and monetary policies does he subscribe to?

What life experience does he have to ensure the safety of the citizens of this country?

What are his detailed plans to 'change' and give us 'hope?'

You libs talk about references so much you dont think for yourself. You need to rely on other libs to do it for you. This is what is wrong with the donkeys.

Barack Hussein Obama is certainly not qualifed for US senator let alone President and Commander in Chief. He is a muppet to the puppet masters of the democratic zoo.

Time to drill, greenies, time to drill! "

xdfred wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Timbrackett, if the name Barack Hussein Obama incites fear, then why isn't anyone here claiming to be scared out of their left wing shoes? Who is saying it incites fear? I use it to torque off left wingers, and it is his name, isn't it? So I'll keep using it. If you and T don't like it, tough.

In a post 9/11 country, the name Barack Obama is a liability, even without the Hussein. Nothing will change that. Even racism accusations.

The fear I'm tired of is the man made global warming imminent danger the sky is falling fear some people have due to the left wing hoopla. "

Phil wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:29 PM:

" xdfred - sorry, there aren't any good reasons to listen to the racist bigot - which he is - Rush Limbaugh.

But I want to thank you, by admitting you listen to him you prove my point better than I ever could. Now everyone who reads your posts has first hand evidence of your source. "

Phil wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:39 PM:

" hetfield - you ought to go into comedy. You have become a parody of yourself, like a wacked out Saturday Night Live skit.

Your points are so funny - they apply as much, in fact even more, to John McCain as they do to the scary Barack Hussein Obama.

In fact they applied even more to the current idiot in the White House - yet I am sure you voted for him without pause (You are old enough to vote right? - after reading your posts I'm not sure sometimes). Heck after almost 8 years, they STILL apply to old GW Bush.

Got that group from Exxon drilling in your back yard yet? Just as well take advantage of that free market and get yourself your own energy supply. Might help the rest of us out a little too. "

50674 wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:33 PM:

" As usual hetfield assumes that everyone is for Obama rather than just against McCain. Ever read up on the truth about that lying piece of slime, McCain? Go to moveon.org for a link to a very interesting expose on your hero printed in the Washinton Post. Move on does not endorse any candidate but, of course, you don't want to know any truths but the your own. (Which are so off-base they defy reason.) "

xdfred wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:33 PM:

" " xdfred - sorry, there aren't any good reasons to listen to the racist bigot - which he is - Rush Limbaugh.

Prove it, Phil. Feel free to prove that accusation. Has he ever said/wrote anything touting white supremecy? Or what is your definition of racism? Criticizing a an individual loser who happens to be a member of a protected class make one a racist these days? Can't criticize Michael Vick, that's racism, and don't even think about bringing up any of Barack Hussein Obama's many many shortcomings. That is a sure sign of racism, huh Phil?

Rush Limbaugh is a good source of information. $400,000,000 says so. If he was a lying racist bigot, accusations which are sooooooooo typical of the left wing, then why do so many people listen to him, so many stations carry his show, and his sponsors pay him so much?

Face it Phil. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Gee Phil, let me make it easy for you.
Radio
Limbaugh, when I can
Hannity, when I can.
Steve Dace on 1040 A.M.

TV
Fox News
Hannity and Colmes
Oreilly

Web
Worldnetdaily.com
Keepandbeararms.com
Boortz.com

Of course, since you do your own thinking, you don't have a list, do you, Phil.

Phil, you accused Rush of being a racist bigot, whatever that means. Please prove it.

That's the fear in this country. That some underachiever like Phil is going to accuse you of racism, meanness, being hateful, etc. etc. "

Kramerica wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:06 PM:

" "Move on does not endorse any candidate"........LOL!!!!

I'll pass. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 9, 2008 6:43 PM:

" 50674 is still posting even after her laughable post last week of not knowing that congress voted to go to war with Iraq.

You keep on reading Moveon.org, 5. At least you're reading and not just looking at the pictures.

Phil, instead of shooting my questions back on Bush(a two term president that the left could not defeat, I might add) why cant you just make up the answers for Barack Hussein Obama, at least then he would have some.

Keep on 'movingon' leftys! "

hetfield wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Phil pokes fun at Exxon drilling in my back yard. Well Phil, sorry, not me but you may be interested in this story.

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080630/ap_on_re_us/overnight_millionaires_1

Oh, I know, it's not true and if it were, the North Dakota Polar Bear is running for cover. What an outrage! Someone call ACLU and greenway.com as this is utterly unconstitutional. May as well ask Obama to drill in the slums of Hyde Park. "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:05 AM:

" on two different posts i've offered an example of the change we would see with Senator Obama (i.e. repealing NAFTA).
Yet, no one has offered to acknowledge my example of change.

What confounds me is that I willingly acknowledged my belief that President Reagan is one of our greatest Presidents, yet those who refuse to acknowledge my example of change clearly support those who claim to carry the mantle of President Reagan (i.e. Bush/McCain).
As an independent, I'm not interested in those who simply tow the party line like sheep. I'm interested in an engaging conversation about the state of these United States of America, because no matter your affiliation or personal political beliefs, it is clear that we are at a crossroads today as a nation. "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:14 AM:

" xdfred. i make the argument that using Senator Obama's middle name is an attempt to incite fear for many reasons. but i will give you one specific example. my grandmother, an extremely religious southern baptist woman with a pure heart, believes that Senator Obama used the Koran instead of the Bible when he was swore into the Senate. Even thought there is evidence dis-proving this rumor (youtube even has a video of the swearing in ceremony, where Senator Obama is clearly placing his hand on a Bible), she is un-shaken in her beliefs because she only trusts certain media outlets as she forms her opinions.
My disgust with the use of Senator Obama's middle name when the same people do not mention Senator McCain's middle name is because it is more than just "riling" those on the left. From the top, it is a clear tactic of those who wish to see Senator McCain elected to prey on the fears of narrow-minded voters to insure more votes for the G.O.P.
I feel it is a low (and border-line racist) move, and that ideas and policy positions should be what decides this election. "

Leo46 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 6:59 AM:

" Timbrackett... I don't see where you are railing against libs for useing "Bush/McCain" when talking about McCain. Only against those useing Hussein in Obama's name.

Bush is not running for anything but retirement.

(and border-line racist)??? How is useing Hussein a racist comment? Is Hussein a black name? Is it an Arab name? Or is it a Muslim name? Isn't tieing race to a religion, in itself racist? Are you a racist Timbracken? "

hetfield wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Obama the flip-flopper.

Barack Obama Breaks Promise, Flip Flops, and supports Telco’s
- TechCrunch Yesterday - Today, Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama voted for H.R.6304, which amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (F.I.S.A). In doing so he voted to give telecommunication providers immunity against civil damages that they might incur in the course of enabling the government to execute wiretaps and other types of electronic surveillance. He did so, [...]


Tim this is one reason noone acknowledges your examples. Barack Hussein obama will say and do anything to win this election. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Barack Hussen Obama:

"The list of issues on which Barack Obama has flipped now that the primaries are over is long and growing rapidly.
• He says he believes in a Second Amendment right to bear arms.
• He now opposes late-term abortion.
• He suddenly is a devotee of using faith-based institutions to deliver public services.
• He now says that he won’t raise Social Security taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year. In the primary, he said he’d eliminate the threshold entirely, including on people making as little as $100,000.
• He recently opposed the Fairness Doctrine for talk radio.
• Now he says he’s going to consult with the military before pulling out of Iraq.
But so extensive a list of flip-flops, all in the past few weeks, begs the basic question: Was he lying before when he was a liberal, or is he prevaricating now?

From Dick Morris at Townhall.com

Gee, but don't you dare criticize him, or you'll be labelled a racist. This is what you leftwingers get for pushing a nobody for president. "

MrT wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:49 AM:

" Leo... let's get real! Does the name Hussein insights fear amongst those who aren't the most tolerant? Yes! Is the insistance on using Obama's middle name an attempt to play on those fears? Yes! Is this attempt transparent and probably going to backfire on republicans by turning off level-headed suburban independents? Yes!

Now, let's address the differences between "Bush/McCain" & the usage of "Hussein".

"Bush/McCain" is in reference to policy & McCain's willingness to tie himself (through the continuation of the Bush Tax-Cuts & a continuation of the Bush administrations foreign policy, particularly in the War on Terror/Middle East). Thus, the justification for the "Bush/McCain" phrase is based on idiology. Meanwhile, the justification for the usage of "Hussein" is not based on idiological similarities with Senator Obama & the stereotype of those named "Hussein."

Oh, and by the way, acknowledging racism & racial prejudices in America is NOT in-and-of-itself racist. Infact, it is the first step to ending racism & racial intolerence. Just like someone with an addiction, the first step to recovery is admission of a problem. It is time that we as a country begin to have a serious, open & frank conversation about race & race relations in America. "

Leo46 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:56 AM:

" MrT... Being called a racist simply because you dissagree with someone who happens to be black, is in itself racism. When that fact is acknowledged, then maybe we can have "open & frank conversation about race & race relations in America. "

Are you actually trying to tell me that "Bush/McCain" is not being used to strike fear in the illinformed electorate? Get real. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:05 AM:

" T, given Obama's latest series of flips, should it be Bush/McCain/Obama? "

conservativeme wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:15 PM:

" From now on people let's not use the Hussein middle name. He should really be known at Barack "voted most liberal Senator in Washington" Obama. That is more to the point and I guess still plays on peoples fears.... "

MrT wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Xdfred- I have no problem with you criticizing Obama based on his record or stances. I simply am offended when you play of unjustified fears based on his middle name.

But let's address what you've just quoted of DICK morris

"He says he believes in a 2nd Amendment right to bear arms" - he believes in the supreme coarts decision to respect both sides of the 2nd Amendment arguement. The decision did not say that assault riffles should be allowed, simply that handguns for personal protection should be.

"He now opposes late-term abortion" - he has not voted against late-term abortion in his own state of Illinois, true. But he supports a states right to vote on the issue. That's what you anti-choice people want... it's up to the state... small government.

"He suddenly is a devotee of using faith-based institutions to deliver public services" - he has been an advocate of faith-based programming for a very long time. Heck, Obama started his work as a community organizer through a church group. That's right, the church funded the community organizer position that Senator Obama occupied. He has long understood the importance & role of faith in changing the lives of people for the better. That is why he chose Trinity. Because he knew of their community work on aids awareness, soup kitchens & overall emphasis on community activism.

"He now says that he won’t raise Social Security taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year. In the primary, he said he’d eliminate the threshold entirely, including on people making as little as $100,000" - 2008 Philadelphia primary debate, on Apr 16, 2008 Obama said: "What I have proposed is that we raise the cap on the payroll tax, because right now millionaires and billionaires don't have to pay beyond $97,000 a year. Now most firefighters & teachers, they're not making over $100,000 a year. In fact, only 6% of the population does. And I've also said that I'd be willing to look at exempting people who are making slightly above that.
Q: But that's a tax on people under $250,000.
OBAMA: That's why I would look at potentially exempting those who are in between. This is an option that I would strongly consider, because the alternatives, like raising the retirement age, or cutting benefits, or raising the payroll tax on everybody, including people making less than $97,000 a year--those are not good policy options."

"He recently opposed the Fairness Doctrine for talk radio" - He considers this debate to be a distraction from the conversation we should be having about opening up the airwaves and modern communications to as many diverse viewpoints as possible. That is why Sen. Obama supports media-ownership caps, network neutrality, public broadcasting, as well as increasing minority ownership of broadcasting and print outlets.

"Now he says he’s going to consult with the military before pulling out of Iraq" - in the 2008 Philadelphia primary debate, on eve of PA primary Apr 16, 2008 when asked: You have said "we will be out of Iraq in 16 months at the most." No matter what the military commanders say?
Obama replied: The commander in chief sets the mission. That's not the role of the generals. The president's approach lately has been to say, well, I'm just taking cues from General Petraeus. Well, the president sets the mission. The general and our troops carry out that mission. And unfortunately we have had a bad mission. Once I've given them a new mission, that we are going to proceed deliberatel in an orderly fashion out of Iraq, if they come to me and want to adjust tactics, then I will certainly take their recommendations into consideration. And I have to look at not just the situation in Iraq, but the fact that we continue to see al Qaeda getting stronger in Afghanistan and in Pakistan, we continue to see anti-American sentiment fanned all cross the Middle East, and we are overstretched in a way that we do not have a strategic reserve at this point.

You, xdfred, said "But so extensive a list of flip-flops, all in the past few weeks, begs the basic question: Was he lying before when he was a liberal, or is he prevaricating now?" Well sir, maybe if you had paid more attention to what Senator Obama instead of constantly repeating "Hussein, Hussein, Hussein" like one of those little monkey's that you wind up and it bangs a drum over and over and over.

"It's time to THINK, folks, it's time to THINK" and maybe I could add, "For Yourself!" "

MrT wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:39 PM:

" fear of policy Leo, not fear based on a perceived cultural image.

It's cool to disagree with Obama on policy, but when you use his middle name with the hope of inspiring fear based on perceived cultural images, stereotypes & prejudices, then yes sir, then yes you are a racist or at the least, subscribing to racist tendencies.

So, let's be open & frank. The persistence of the use of Obama middle name, knowing the outcome of such cultural fear mongoring, is showing your hand. And that hand is racist... you could say that you hope not to have any clubs or spades in that hand.

Please, my republican drumming monkeys, please continue the divisive ways of Karl Rove. Because they have proven to stand the test of time (2006 & democratic turn-out in the 2008 primary).

Please, keep your BS comin.

"Time to THINK, folks, time to THINK" "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 10, 2008 1:45 PM:

" leo46, i don't recall anyone stating that simply disagreeing with Senator Obama (or any african-american) is a racist act.

The only reason race has been injected into the comments on this story is because there are those commenting who are using Senator Obama's middle name yet do not use Senator McCain's middle name. It is a double standard! There is no way around the issue, it is a double standard.
I, and others, are simply questioning why the double standard is being applied. Is it racism? Is it ignorance? Is it religious intolerance? I can't think of a positive reason for the double standard and therefore must assume there is a negative reason. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:30 PM:

" Wow, these libs really dont like barack hussein obama, or is it his name, or his religion, or race(which one.)

I use his full name because it is his legal name. I dont use it for any other reason.

Keep whining about it however. It is what liberals do, whine, nothing more. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:18 PM:

" So if I were to use this name Martin Luther King Jr I am then being racist?

I dont understand why the left whines about every issue and plays a race card, when jesse Jackson himself is playing the race card.

MrT and/or TB you care to respond or?? "

MrT wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Hetfield, I love how you ask if I care to respond like I don't respond to every ...comment you put up here. BTW, your last post was no different.

Martin Luther King Jr: Well, if Luther was a name that inspired fear in those who weren't familiar with the culture in which it derives and to those people it was synanimus with terrorism, then yes, I would be against the use of it as a form of a slur.
But, as it stands, thats perfectly fine to use his middle name, as it is not one that injects fear into the culturally ignorant.

You asked earlier in an earlier post "(why) we libs don't like barack hussein obama.is it his name, or his religion, or race(which one)?" Well, its not Obama that we don't like, its the ill-intentioned over-usage of his middle name; its the mis-representation of his religious beliefs; its the subtle games played in regards to his race (i.e. how "firey" his wife is & how he is catering to the black vote). That is my only objection to Obama sir, that you are using him to perpetrate your own racist & insensitive motives. Barack Obama is a screen in which we wish to project our hopes, not a screen in which we wish to project the worst parts of American society (hetfield). "

Leo wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:04 PM:

" Ok MrT lets be open and frank. I don't recall using Hussein to describe Obama, I do recall questioning the lefts attempt to make it racism for using his middle name. And specifically for it being "fear mongering" to use "Hussein" and not "fear mongering" to use "Bush/McCain" How about if we start refering to Obama as "Clinton/Obama"? Or how about if we refer to McCain as "John Sidney McCain III" ? Would that be ok?

As far as calling me a racist because I compare using Hussein to using bush/McCain is absolutely ridiculous. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:09 PM:

" Mr T "......like one of those little monkey's that..... That's a racist statement.

"He says he believes in a 2nd Amendment right to bear arms" - Barack Hussein Obama is quoted extensively saying he wants to ban handguns nationally. Extensively. Can't hide that one, T.

"Now he says he’s going to consult with the military before pulling out of Iraq" Well, look at his campaign speeches on pulling out of Iraq as soon as he gets in office. Also extensively covered.

"Heck, Obama started his work as a community organizer through a church group..." You mean the hate America church he belonged to until recently. That church?

"He now opposes late-term abortion" - Yet he voted against a bill that would protect the life of a baby accidently born during an abortion. How gruesome. I'm pro choice, T. Let the baby have the choice. BTW, I'm glad you're OK with infanticide. Actually, no I'm not. Ever hear of Margaret Sanger and her views on abortion and the black community?

And his views on the failed program called social security, which was supposed to be a safety net and has become an income redistribution scheme, are very telling. True blue governemnt sanction income redistribution.

Barack Hussein Obama talks a lot. And says very little. And he has feet of clay with regards to his stances on issues. You can't hide it, T. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:31 PM:

" Six months ago, the good barack hussein obama stated he would not support the wiretapping bill and that it violated citizens rights for privacy(which they dont have) regardless of national security.

He loudly voted for this bill yesterday. now do you consider this a flip-flop of obama's, a change of heart due to changing circumstances(it isnt), or obama's blatant attempt to move to the middle and garner votes(it wont)?

regardless it is fair to attack his record and call a duck a duck.

Barack Hussein Obama is this, if nothing else; a liberal Chicago politician. He will do, say, or vote any way he wants to make himself look more electable.

McCain has a record(say what you want) of not staying with party lines, of sticking to his guns on several votes vs. Bush(a fact that the right does not like), and putting the safety of the US and it's citizens first.

Obama is a heck of a liberal politician, while McCain is a heck of a US Senator. "

chester wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:45 PM:

" Keep saying his full name, Hettyfield. All it does is make you look like a petulant child stomping on the wall. And I'll agree with T, at first it was annoying when you neocons did it, now I want you to keep doing it. Whatever rhetoric Barack may spout, he looks dignified doing it. That interview with his family is going to charm the heck out of many, many voters. Regardless of the issues, he is going to annihilate John McCain in live debates, and I know you know that. We live in a superficial society, with experience and intelligence padded by soundbites and personality. Make all the excuses and justifications you want; you're doing it as a schoolyard taunt because that's what you have to fall back on now. Knock it out, brother. It doesn't matter what you call him, and no matter how much YOU whine about the liberal medial and grovel and spit ineffective insults through hot tears of anger, it doesn't matter. Because Barack Hussein Obama is your next President.
Care to respond, or...?

Flip flopper, xdfred? Obama may be on some stuff. But that's gonna backfire before November. John McCain has changed positions on just as many things as in your copied and pasted list. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:05 PM:

" Remember when the tough rightwingers were emphatically shooting down our hopes for some compassion relative to the illegal immigrants' situation in Postville? With every point we made, we were told that "the law is the law! Period."

Donna Wood's article suggests that, too much now, we're inundated with hardline politicians that want to lock up or kick out a decent enough portion of our population.

So, if the law is the law, should Karl Rove be tossed in the cooler..
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/07/10/photo-of-the-day-roves-empty-chair/
for ignoring a subpoena?

Do you neocons respect the law still, or..can the law be bent and adjusted depending on biased ideals? Or, OR, is THIS law just a stupid partisan one and therefore Karl Rove can do whatever the x he wants because this is just some silly political ploy? But you know, still a law...

What say you, Hetfield? "

timbrackett wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:57 PM:

" Generally, in our society, one is referred to by how they chose to be referred to. George W. Bush ran for office under that moniker. But no one continually refers to him as George Walker Bush. To use Senator Obama's middle name when he has not chosen to use his entire name as his moniker while not using the middle names of other candidates can be ascribed, at best, as ignorance. But at worst, it can be described as racist because it is race-baiting.
And to use his middle name to "rile" up the left-wingers does not excuse the border-line racist behavior. Using undesirable labels to get a rise out of certain segments of the population is never right.
But i've come to realize some of you are too narrow-minded to change your ways, so continuing to make my valid points is pointless.
I've been clear that I am an independent who loved President Reagan, yet I am still lumped into the "liberal" category by those here who refuse to look inside themselves and discover the real motive for their use of Senator Obama's middle name. I'm gonna move on to those who are willing and able to listen to the truth, cause I'm wasting my time here. "

hetfield wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:03 AM:

" chester and your twin 11 yr old brother chester11, Rove can choose to not respect a subpoena if he wishes and will be found to be in contempt of congress. What is your point?

now as far as barack hussein obama being my president, if elected he will be as much my president as bush is yours.

i might add that he will not be elected as the public (as a whole) is not as stupid as the left thinks it is. listen to the AP polls all you want. And by the way, why wont the good obama partake in town hall chats with McCain? Because he would get blistered by real people, not canned speeches.

the man has no experience and is the head flip-flopper in charge! "

chester11 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:25 AM:

" I'm gonna qualify some of what I posted above by saying I personally don't hear only rhetoric when I hear Obama speak, I think he's got a willingness, enthusiasm, and the right moral compass to make some legitimate, positive changes for the U.S. No, he's not a messiah but I might have implied that I thought he's superficial over intelligent and experienced.

He may not be the most experienced but I don't see superficiality there either. What I see from McCain is not superficiality as much as abject cluelessness.
The man really used to be what I'd consider a political maverick but in the past 2 years he's made the choice simple with all his pandering.

So, again, Barack Hussein Obama is the next POTUS. All your swiftboating won't change that. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 11, 2008 10:22 AM:

" chester11
wrote on Jul 11, 2008 7:25 AM:

" I'm gonna qualify some of what I posted above by saying I personally don't hear only rhetoric when I hear Obama speak, I think he's got a willingness, enthusiasm, and the right moral compass to make some legitimate, positive changes for the U.S. No, he's not a messiah but I might have implied that I thought he's superficial over intelligent and experienced.

He may not be the most experienced but I don't see superficiality there either. What I see from McCain is not superficiality as much as abject cluelessness.
The man really used to be what I'd consider a political maverick but in the past 2 years he's made the choice simple with all his pandering.

So, again, Barack Hussein Obama is the next POTUS. All your swiftboating won't change that. "


Lot's of mayonnaise on that sandwich. What you just said is the guy isn't qualidied to run a dog pound but you like the way he looks and sounds. No swiftboating needed. He'll implode and Hillary will come to save the day. Notice she hasn't officially dropped out yet. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:21 PM:

" No, xdfred, I didn't say that. Although I can understand why you'd think that. What I was saying is that we live in a society that does see charisma, enthusiasm, and a basic freshness from the norm as appealing. How many people vote based on 6 or 7 soundbites or 1 article they read in the paper a week before an election? Probably about the same number that pick an NCAA team to win a bracket game cause of their uniform color.
Right now Obama has many in the country excited. Some easily amused folks, mesmerized. Whether they are basing it on superficial reasons or not, the Republican brand is so poison right now, that it's impossible to swing all those indies by November.
When Bush won 2004 we were still, even 3 years after, shaking from the 9/11 attacks and the country had a different outlook at that time. There were still many who thought, understandably maybe, that there was a radical Muslim around every corner. And they voted with a fearful outlook.
My only point right now is that Obama can't be beat, no matter the issues.
The country has changed. People's perspectives have changed. I don't care what the AP says, Hetfield. If it were possible, I would bet you December '08 salaries that Obama will be the next President.
...I'll resist here from making a personal attack joke about your Arby's wages. "

coalplant wrote on Jul 11, 2008 8:13 PM:

" hey fred, I really like how the libs on this board are suddenly pontificating about who will win elections,,,,, when most of them still haven't figured out who won in 2000. Guess that explains it though even when they lose they think they win. Bunch of silly little kids looking for a government handout or teat to suckle on "

chester11 wrote on Jul 12, 2008 2:02 PM:

" "coalplant wrote on Jul 11, 2008 8:13 PM:
" hey fred, I really like how the libs on this board are suddenly pontificating about who will win elections,,,,, when most of them still haven't figured out who won in 2000."

Umm...what? You like how..what?

Bush was President from 2000-present.
I'm making cavalier assertions and offerings to gamble that Obama will inducted in in January 2008.

Unsubscribe. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 12, 2008 2:09 PM:

" Also Coalplant, I like how you're one of the 20% of Americans with such blind allegiance to the GOP, and apparently Bush in particular, that you refuse to look around you and see normal, regular people wondering when wages are going to start matching up with rising prices in every facet of life.
220 million silly little kids they all are. How'd you get so sharp? "

FAQ wrote on Jul 12, 2008 5:30 PM:

" Well, for one, I can hardly wait until January 21, 2009 to arrive.Why, because if Barck Hussein Obama is indeed the president on that date, I expect him and the Democrat party to:
Have ALL of our troops from Iraq, back on American soil within a week, at the latest. Afterall, that's what the Demorats have been asking for; I expect the cost of gasoline per gallong to be at no more than what it was when Bush took ofice in 2001, which was a national average of $1.46! Afterall, "we" all know that George Bush is totally responsible for the current gas cost, so there is no reason why the cost of a gallon gas won't immediately go back to $1.46 and remain there for all of President Barack Hussein Obama's 4 year term; I expect that there will be peace throughout the world, which will hold, with no exceptions, for his 4 year term. Afterall, all we need to do is to "talk" to our enemies. That's just the start of what we citizens can expect in the first term of President Barack Hussein Obama. Oh yes, I don't want to hear one single excuse as to why this won't be possible from the Demorats or from the lips of Barack Hussein Obama, as we know that George Bush is responsible for everything that happens, just as Barack will be held responsible for everything on January 21, 2009. Stay tuned to see what this "wonder man" will be doing for all of us. I can hardly wait! "

coalplant wrote on Jul 12, 2008 6:29 PM:

" Chester, maybe john Edwards is right there are two Americas, The America where you and your lib buddies (apparently 220 million or so but I think you lied about that number) go to the local Gov office to get your handouts and free teat suckling, and the other America where people strive to do their best and advance by their own brilliance and hard work against the ever coming onslaught of absolutely stupidity coming from the libs led by you and Cross and Obama,,,, all under the tutelage of George Soros.

Obama in 08
Free everything for everbody (paid for with someone elses tax dollars,, not yours) "

chester wrote on Jul 12, 2008 10:14 PM:

" Meant Jan. '09 up above...

Coalplant wrote:
"The America where you and your lib buddies (apparently 220 million or so but I think you lied about that number) go to the local Gov office to get your handouts and free teat suckling..."

Are you kidding me? I've seen you write "teat suckling" about 8 or 9 times since I subscribed a month or so back. Do you really think anyone buys that? It's hyperbole at best and stupidity at worst.
Yea...I don't work! I run to the government food bank to get my kids fed! I go to the public library when I'm coming off my crack high to type these words and sentences for you, Professor Mindreader.
It must be swell to know the intricate details of everyone's life here based solely on their opinions and whether or not you agree with said opinions.
Gather round villagers, peek into Coalplant's crystal ball! He has it all figured out. Because God forbid there is anyone but dirty hippie liberals that would like to see some tangible improvements in a country where their elected officials can rob their tax dollars for self rewarding pork projects, allow useless Paris Hiltonites to benefit from dad and friends' massive corporate welfare, and whiz all over veteran's benefits. All in the name of free market individual responsibility. No possible chance that there is anyone but crazy whacked out meth-heads hoping they don't go bankrupt if one of their kids has to have a costly, over-coverage surgery and clear out their life savings. No, no. We're all whining and wanting the government to give us sponge baths whenever we feel like getting out of bed or climbing down from our treetop. Do I got that about right, Coalplant? Is that what we liberals think?

Have you convinced even one person here with an IQ over 50 of these presumptions?

Truthseeker made a good point in a different thread. He said that welfare and government assistance have been so exploited since when they were sorely needed, when workers were on their feet 14-16 hours a day, 6 to 7 days a week being paid peanuts or when layoffs were at an all time high and people couldn't "just go get jobs" but that the pendulum has swung too far the other way. I don't agree with him on everything but I can respect his argument there, Coalplant. If he gives me examples, I will look at them. He comes with a balanced thought process regarding at least those issues.

But you'd rather go the playground bullying route. We can do that.
Unfortunately, you can't even come up with a clever dinger. Other than calling me a liar regarding my military record. Which I didn't and wouldn't do to you.

Be original. Much like the ever articulate and inventive "Barack Hussein Obama" Hetfield you sound like a parrot. I'm "suckling at the government's teat with all my libbie friends" Good one, Bob Saget.

Again, unsubscribe. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 12, 2008 10:18 PM:

" "FAQ wrote on Jul 12, 2008 5:30 PM:
" Well, for one, I can hardly wait until January 21, 2009 to arrive.Why, because if Barck Hussein Obama is indeed the president on that date, I expect him and the Democrat party to...."

Your post makes all kinds of sense. The next President of the United States should be able to change 7 years of various policies, and execute all those changes, within 1 to 2 weeks. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 12, 2008 10:29 PM:

" Oh, and repeat this, "suckling at the government's teat with all my libbie friends" 16 times. That's when it really has impact! "

chester11 wrote on Jul 12, 2008 10:43 PM:

" oops...another Bush scandal.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/times_online_tv/?vxSiteId=d8fa78dc-d7ad-4d5a-8886-e420d4bc4200&vxChannel=Times%20Online%20News&vxClipId=1152_timesonline0938&vxBitrate=300 "

coalplant wrote on Jul 13, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Chester,

It is obvious that while you were down at your local government office applying for your next round of benefits and teat suckling, that you were given new marching orders from your lord god george soros to create another new lie out of mid air. You have lied about what you thought another poster said,never have you apologized for that, and now you claim out of the blue that I called you a liar. Sir I say this to you in all kindness, the sixties are over and you must let your mind breath without the fog created by whatever you have inhaled or exhaled in the last 30 or forty years. Once again I say to you I am not here to argue, nor convince anyone of anything,,, it is entertaining to me to watch you libs wet yourselves over anonymous postings on an unimportant website, that no one cares about. Yes, Chester the world is ending, everyone in America is losing there jobs and homes and they won't be able to buy food next week. What an unending world of misery you portray to everyone and it is all complete BS. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 13, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Ok Coalplant, I'll finally clear it up for you.

xdfred mentioned twice that I had a bogus DD214. I didn't realize I fingered the wrong guy until after he said that, so I chose not to apologize at that point since he really is calling me a liar.

You have said at least three times that people like Cross and myself sit around whining and never lifting a finger, including during the flooding. How do you know that? Well, you're Coalplant.
Now initially, you were only talking about Cross but then expanded it to include me. You then said later that we never volunteer for anything but our "government suckling" persists. So I'll correct you. Again, and again, and again. Especially considering how weak your posts are.

This all sounds petty but I really don't think it is. Because you have a warped vision in your melon about what a progressive looks and sounds like, but more importantly, how they behave. Dude, none of us can prove anything here at an anonymous website but if you think I'm just gonna let your insults go.... "

xdfred wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Let's see:
1. Gun control good. Locking up violent criminals bad
2. Abortion good. Abstinence and adoption bad
3. Taxes good. Generating wealth bad
4. Keeping more of earnings, greed. Taking someone else's earnings, good.
5. 10 commandments bad. Smut, good
6. Success/failure, bad. Self esteem, good.
7. Making good choices, bad. Making bad choices good and will be enabled.
8. Traditional marriage bad, Anything goes, good.
9. Private property, bad. Collectivism, good.
10. Poverty, good. Individual economic success, bad.
11. Personal accountability, bad. Group victimization, good.
12. Exploiting resources bad. Pretending to save environment, good.
13. Destroying US economy, good. Questioning motives, bad.
14. Parenting, bad. Government indoctrination, good.

How's that Chester? Good start?

Molon labe. "

chester11 wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:05 AM:

" You're an infant, xdfred.
Parenting is bad, abortion is good, success/failure is bad, anything goes, good.

This is what you believe? I think all those things? Barack Hussein Obama believes all that above, verbatim? How about Noam Chomsky..? Pat Tillman?

You got problems. "

xdfred wrote on Jul 15, 2008 1:34 PM:

" Tsk tsk Chester. Name calling. What would Cross say. Nice way of scrambling what I wrote, but the end justifies the means, doesn't it. Kind of like you have to break a few good eggs to make a lousy omelette, according to your hero.

Actions speak much louder than words. Ultra liberal gun grabbing abortion loving Barack Hussein Obama's actions sanction that very list of liberal dogmas. What I can't understand is how anyone would support a party who sees us as subjects and not as fellow citizens. An armed person is a citizen. A disarmed person is a subject.


Molon labe. "

50674 wrote on Jul 15, 2008 6:02 PM:

" hetfield, you refer to me as "her" why???? There you go with those dang assumptions .....again! "

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