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The GOP's Young Hatemonger
Audra Shay, accused of endorsing racism on Facebook, became head of the Young Republicans on Saturday. John Avlon uncovers new details about her disturbing online comments.
Thirty-eight-year-old Audra Shay’s campaign to become the next chairman of the Young Republicans went from obscure to infamous over the past week, after The Daily Beast revealed details of posts of her Facebook account. Specifically, a thread where one of her friends posts that “Obama Bin Lauden [sic] is the new terrorist… Muslim is on there side [sic]… need to take this country back from all of these mad coons… and illegals,” and Shay responds eight minutes later with: “You tell em Eric! lol.”
“This is an outrage and I CAN NOT believe this nation has him as our leader! It makes me sick!” She posted a few minutes later: “My disdain for Obama is directly proportionate for his disdain of this country.”
Following those revelations, several Young Republican colleagues urged Shay to remove herself from tomorrow’s election at the group’s convention in Indianapolis—a request Shay, the favorite going in to the vote, has pointedly refused. Instead, she said that she was responding to an earlier post from her friend, and labeled criticism against her “political attacks” which “proves that my opponents will stoop to the lowest levels to steal this election from the jaws of victory.”
Now, The Daily Beast has obtained more troubling details about her online musings—despite clear attempts by Shay to scrub her social-networking pages clean. Specifically:
* In October 2008, in the wake of news that an effigy of Sarah Palin was being hung outside an affluent Hollywood home as an offensive Halloween decoration, Shay replied, returning to the “LOL” style that she employed after the “coons” comment: “What no ‘Obama in a noose? Come on now, its just freedome [sic] of speech, no one in Atlanta would take that wrong! Lol.”
She picked up the thread again the next morning with a clarification and a new insight. “Apparently I could not spell last night. I am wondering if the guys with the Palin noose would care if we had a bunch of homosexuals in a noose.”
* Posting and endorsing a conspiracy-theory video that attempts to prove that Obama believes he can only “ensure his own salvation” and “fate” if he helps African Americans above whites, complete with Barnum-esque captions (“LISTEN AS HE ATTACKS WHITE PEOPLE”).
* Numerous posts in which Shay says that President Obama is “anti-American” and has “disdain of this country.”
Collectively her comments are products of an increasingly common GOP mind-set I call Obama Derangement Syndrome, the right-wingers’ version of a virulent strain of obsessive presidential hatred that many liberals exhibited during the Bush years. Symptoms include comparing the president to Hitler and ascribing to him every evil and unconstitutional intention imaginable. It is accompanied by the belief that such a partisan fever is patriotic.
John Talks Joe
Lloyd Grove is editor at large for The Daily Beast. He is also a frequent contributor to New York magazine and was a contributing editor for Condé Nast Portfolio. He wrote a gossip column for the New York Daily News from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that, he wrote the Reliable Source column for the Washington Post, where he spent 23 years covering politics, the media, and other subjects.
The Right Dumps Carrie
Jacob Bernstein is a senior reporter at The Daily Beast. Previously, he was a features writer at WWD and W Magazine. He has also written for New York magazine, Paper, and The Huffington Post.
Geithner's Stock Plummeting
Jeff Madrick is a contributor to the New York Review of Books and a former economics columnist for the New York Times. He is editor of Challenge Magazine, visiting professor of humanities at Cooper Union, and senior fellow at the New School's Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis. He is the author of Taking America, The End of Affluence (Random House) and The Case for Big Government.
Wingnuts of the Week
John P. Avlon writes a column for The Daily Beast and is author of the forthcoming Attack of the Wingnuts, to be published in January by Beast Books. He is also the author of Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics. Previously, he served as chief speechwriter for New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and was a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun.
The Next Wingnut Attack
John P. Avlon writes a column for The Daily Beast and is author of the forthcoming Attack of the Wingnuts, to be published in January by Beast Books. He is also the author of Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics. Previously, he served as chief speechwriter for New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and was a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun.
Glenn Beck's Mob Rule
John P. Avlon writes a column for The Daily Beast and is author of the forthcoming Attack of the Wingnuts, to be published in January by Beast Books. He is also the author of Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics. Previously, he served as chief speechwriter for New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and was a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun.
This woman is not young, obviously not well educated as can be easily discerned from her biggoted posts and lack of command of the English language. And it would seem, Republicans want to perpetuate this ignorance with the election to leadership of such an incompetent person.
Apparently this ignorance is a symptomatic problem within that party. I saw a comment on Politico.com that says Palin is the Republican's best hope for POTUS.
It's a refusal to accept differences that is at the heart of this. These people don't love their neighbor, see differences as a threat, believe there is only one answer, theirs.
They therefore become increasingly isolated and will only identify with someone who ticks all their boxes, the lowest common denomenator. What they don't understand is that with the U.S. electing Obama, rightly or not, there has been a structural shift towards embracing common values.
They will only get more frustrated as they continue to marginalize themselves.
OMG, say it isn't so...if they're thinking that palin is their best chance they are so over. The GOP mutated during the regan, bush the Ist years, festered during clinton and greedily grew under bush 2nd/dick c. admin. The raging infection that is the current republican party represented by Shay et al, does not bear any resemblance to the party of Mr Lincoln. Old-rich-white-men calling the shots while their undereducated base belives they can't understand what palin is saying because she is more intelligent than they are. They refuse to consider that no one can understand her because she makes no sense. I was a member of the GOP then we parted ways and I became an independent, so did a lot of people. Sadly, the party was kidnapped by radical groups and is now part of the lunatic fringe. RIP GOP, we hardly know you.
Sometimes Politico is very irresponsible with their journalism. They will print just about anything to get readers. To say Palin is the best hope for the White House is ridiculous and foolish. When she displays a commanding knowledge of policy THEN and only then should she be mentioned as a presidential candidate.
Sometimes Politico is very irresponsible with their journalism. They will print just about anything to get readers. To say Palin is the best hope for the White House is ridiculous and foolish. When she displays a commanding knowledge of policy THEN and only then should she be mentioned as a presidential candidate.
Is the group actually called the Young Republicans National Federation?
As in: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&addres s=389x1540361?
It's all the more upsetting because these people have taken over a party. One of the problems with a two-party system is that if one gets taken over by radicals, people don't really have any choice at all. (This is not to suggest that other systems don't have their own problems. Clearly, they do.)
Politico is right, even though you obviously do not agree. Palin and Huckabee are probably our only candidates for 2012, and only Palin can raise money. I don't think the others will even run, especially if they can't raise money. I think Romney is toast. His poor performance in last year's primaries while outspending his opponents proves that. The libs and the MSM are going after Palin so hard precisely because she may be our only viable candidate. She can only win if Obama crashes and burns in 2012, but the liberals recognize that with today's economy, a crash and burn scenario is possible. If Obama becomes Herbert Hoover II, Palin could be our next president.
She's a twit at best. Seems the Repubs are aiming high with this one.
She's young compared to other republicans.
With the tax cheats and racists that Obama and the left have appointed or trying to get appointed, I guess the right is just taking cues from the left.
Don't forget all the adulterers and addicts on the right side!
Wow, that's a pathetic response.
Show yourself out.
It never ceases to amaze me how ill-informed the right is...tax cheats, liars, adulters, racists and outright corruption one need only look at Bush's last eight years for an example of what the Republican party is capable of...taking cues for corruption from the left? You obviously do not read the newspapers or your source of information is Fox News (a news organization by name only as it is a mouthpiece for the GOP and Rupert Murdocu who is on his way to controlling all print and web media)
I would strongly encourage you to do some homework before you make broad statements with no basis in reality..
Keep it up!
Funny how conservatives always accuse Dems for the PRECISELY the things they are themselves doing. So Obama is a fascist, racist and hates this country, these are the words from people who make songs about his color, who supported a president who suspended habeas corpus and want to abandon the union because taxes went up for the rich a mere 3%. You know what conservatives? You deserve the leaders you have.
You are such a joker...
Racists on the left...what a hoot!
I guess giving false information to start a war..
transferring the wealth of this nation to cronies through No-Bid contracts
and countries like Saudi Arabia (where most of the terrorists came from...but they're Bushy pals so I guess you're cool with that)
Bankrupting 98% of the tax payers to enrich the top 2%...
Illegally firing lawyers (appointed by themselves)...because said lawyers
refused to stop following the law !!!!!!!
Is just the kind of government a person like you deserves....
motrbotr; It seems to me that you ppl. have a selective memory when it benefits your talking points! Hence, "tax cheats" by the Obama administration? Have you heard of the following ppl.? Rove, Libby, Gonzalez, Rumsfeld and Cheyney.
As for Audra Shay- She is the reason why minorities around the country view the republican party the way that they do. I'm sure she could care less, but when you're trying to win a general election, every vote counts!
This is what Eric Holder spoke about when he mention us a nation of cowards when it comes to race. On the other hand, the very people that post this crap are nothing but cowards! You see them in public and they don't have a word to say.
Btw; LOL?
and the war criminals on the right.
reply to vi-lontano:
By racists on the left he means Rev. Wright who said:
"Them Jews aren't going to let him talk to me. I told my baby daughter, that he'll talk to me in five years when he's a lame duck, or in eight years when he's out of office."
Transferring the wealth and cronies are still in full effect. Both sides merely transfer the wealth from the pockets of the taxpayers to their own pockets and the pockets of people who lick their boots. ACORN, Turtle Tunnel in Florida, Mayor of Sacremento, Kevin Johnson.
And as for firing the lawyers, a great parallel are the Inspectors General who have been fired illegally. By the way Obama co-sponsored the law when he was a Senator and the broke it when firing them improperly.
In response to bgeasyas123:
There are adulterers on both sides, Bill Clinton is an obvious one, as well as Barney Frank who admitted to allowing a gay prostitute to run a sex-for-money business out of Frank's own house.
Seriously, both sides are full of amoral, spineless cowards. Wake up and realize the left-right game is just a distraction to keep your eyes of the freedoms BOTH PARTIES keep stealing from us.
Ooh, burn! I'll tell President Barack Obama (D), how you feel. So negative...
Just a reminder "tax cheat" Palin just paid $17,000 in back taxes in February and paid AK for expenses she charged the state for living at home and traveling with her children at the expense of AK taxpayers.
BTW didn't we pay for all the "liquor" George Bush's daughters drank when they were "underage"
BTW didn't we pay for all the "liquor" George Bush's daughters drank when they were "underage"
IDK if we bought the Bush sisters booze or not, but it is fairly well documented that the we paid for Michelle and the kids to use Air Force One as the family station wagon for shopping trips to Europe and as Obama's we paid for Obamas use of a couple of G5's to fly to dinner in New York.
vi-lontano
Racists on the left...what a hoot!
Yes, Racists on the left. During my military career, I was stationed in Kentucky. I went home to visit family in Oregon. When I was departing Oregon (A very liberal dem state) I stopped at a gas station and filled up, there was an attendant and another customer there (both native Oregonians) talking and I joined in the conversation. During our brief discussion they bith asked where I was headed, I told them I was enroute to Kentucky, the station attendant responded that he could not live their because "there are too many niggers", the other customer laughed and agreed. I got in my car as left. Saying and agreeing with such statements is hardly the actions I would expect from such Tolerant, Liberal, Dems as Oregon has.
I hate to bring this up but Ted Bundy was a member of the Young Republicans, too.
Oh Well, that says everything. And they haven't changed a bit!!
When decrying the lack of education and mastery of the English language of others, it's probably a good idea to check the spelling and punctuation of one's own posts before publishing, yes? While I agree with your point, you look like a horse's ass.
Yes, you are correct she is not young! Obviously suffering from some type of emotional frustration. People who pick up hate and biggotry, generally, are socially deficient in enough human characteristics that intellectually they simply are unable to articulate humanely and assimulate properly into mainstream society. Therefore they find groups of like kind that are easily persuaded because of their similar inadequacies. It is good that they aren't smart enough to move in stealth mode so that we can keep an eye and report on them, thank you and Mr Avlon
No one could ever give a better description than this!Brilliant and exact!
WOW!!! She's so ignorant. I hope she wins.
The Young Republicans have a history of electing very nasty people. And why would a 38 year old be considered a Young Republican? Doesn't this women have a life?
midlife crisis
Young Republicans takes registered Republicans under the age of forty. (I just realized that sounds like a joke. It's not.)
In republican years she is quite young. 100 is just middle aged to them.
It is rather unfortunate that both parties seem to have merged. And both use racially charged hate speech in order to define their positions, including those especially in the liberal left wing. What is more hate speech and unconstitutional than Janet Napolitano's "right wing" extremist memos, and now the pending legislation on "hate speech" in which now evidence of criminal conduct is reduced to "perceptions of intent." And Obama, after all, has socialized now both the banking and automobile industries, making all Americans now enforced shareholders with the banks now loaning back that debt to Americans at additional interest to reap more profits. How could the banks be bankrupt at all when they are merely branches of the Federal Reserve who prints the money.
Incredible the ignorance it appears that spreads on both sides of the aisle. And Obama is more dangerous than Bush, actually, since he has held himself out as a Constitutional lawyer and is clear that he is anything but.
And merely, as was Bush, another lackey for the bankers. Just why do you think we are still in the Middle East after all. War means debt, and debt means profit for those European bankers, after all.
Wake up America. Obama is no savior, simply another lackey politician. And that new "global warming" tax will eat up that $600 credit he promoted in order to get elected faster than you can say either "Hope," or "Change."
Kudos, a Very balenced and well written piece..Also Sadly..A very truthfull piece.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
Redhead5050:
The FIRST thing I wanted to do is mention this woman's lack of command of the English language. I can't say she is completely ignorant because of it, though. A great many people lack such high skill (I'm a journalist and I still make mistakes). The only thing I need to understand about this tragic woman is that she belongs to the other guys and she can keep making her bigoted, ignorant rants all she wants. I think I'll write a letter the RNC thanking them for her.
the republican party does endorse this behavior by being silent on the issue
She's representational of the GOP. They think that's how you're supposed to be because they don't know any better.
Is she related to Sarah Palin?
this does not come as much of a shock to me..the republican party ( which i was raised to be) has become a laughing stock within the political and social world. If the only hope for the young republicans is this, then i am sad to say that i am republican. I truly believe in my ideals and given the fact that i tried to become a member of the young republicans numerous times and was rejected the common courtesy of even a response. It seems to me the republican party is more ingenuous then they are genuine in there hopes to save this dying party.
We must elect the "Common Person", unedcuated, poor grasp of reality and ignorant....good for you Republicans, good for you! You have elected the m,ost common person you could find way to continue being the party of the incompetent.
She is not "common". She is vulgar. The "common" person is not hateful like Ms. 38-year-old whose behavior is pretty much identical to an 8th grade bully with bad skin, zero brains and stinky breath.
Exactly what do you find biggoted about her post? Is it bigotted to be astonished that this nation of allegedly educated left wingers would vote in a man with the least experience of all potential cadidates? I too hold a great disdain for Obama, and why not? Bush started the ball rolling to run the economy into the ground and Obama, after promising to fix the economy has taken actions that actually accellerated the downhill run.
After reading the posts here that contain a left wing tilt, I find an odd characteristic. They seem largely to hold a message of "tolerance toward all", especially regarding ones race. However the pseudo "tolerance" seems to abruptly come to a halt when it comes to listening to those of an opposing viewpoint.
If a person views others of another race with a jaded eye, what makes them any different than another person who views others with a jaded eye, based on their political affiliations? Those who abhor Republicans/Conservatives or Democrats/Liberals, are no less bigotted than a person who dislikes others based on their race.
@oldsoldier:
Democrats/Liberals DO indeed feel the need to demonstrate their so-called "intelligence". While they are, perhaps, not as clever as they'd like to think (nobody really ever is), they, at least, focus on *intellect* whereas the Republican/Conservative base their grounds for argument on *morals*.
I have absolutely nothing against morals -- but it seems to me that if conservatives intend to appoint themselves "moral police", they ought to make certain they are "morally" qualified. Most people aren't, but conservative Republicans think its perfectly okay to tell others what is right/wrong all the while demonstrating their own moral bankruptcy. With absolutely NO sense of shame.
So, yes, Democrats do tend to focus on intellect because at least it is rational, fact-driven and used to seek solutions where the Bible is not the end all be all. Read, in contrast, at the posts made by most conservatives and you'll find they accuse zealously, condemn disingenuously and rarely offer any solutions, preferring, instead to post asinine "I-told-you-so" comments which are very hateful in nature.
@oldsoldier:
It is quite different to judge someone based on political affiliation rather than race. Your political affiliation is a choice - you decide what you believe in and vote accordingly. People tend to judge you based on those choices. However, skin color - and thereby race - is not a choice you make. you do not balance options and decide which skin you think you like best.
Do not try to rationalize your ignorance, sir. You, and your party as it stands today, are a sad group of hateful people.. and that's your CHOICE.
Redhead,
The ultra right wing neocons have highjacked the party of both Lincoln and Reagan. They have become more rabid, and they ante up their hypocrisy, bigotry, and hatred.
It also seems to me that the Republican party is being led by ignorant, under educated, and ill informed lunatics (i.e. Limbaugh, Hannity, et al). They embrace ignorance under the leadership of Sarah Palin. You would have to be a certified idiot to truly believe that Palin is fit to be VP, let alone POTUS. It is also obvious that McCain lost because of Palin's sheer stupidity and ignorance. Note to lunatic neocons: I think Palin is a wonderful and great wife and mother, but you have to admit that she is just plain dumb. There are a number of Republican women who is ten times qualified to be VP or POTUS. McCain really made a mistake of having Palin as his running mate. It just boggles my mind to see that so many people still support Palin despite her profound ignorance and stupidity.
And no, contrary to the neocon spin, we are not afraid of Palin. We bash Palin because of the magnitude of her hypocrisy and stupidity. In fact, I would love to see her run for the 2012 presidential election. Palin will help re-elect Obama in 2012.
I can only hope that Governor Huntsman of Utah will consider to run in 2012. He is one MORMON Republican that I can eventually vote for based on his vast experience and his rational and compassionate nature. Then again, both the right wing fundies and left wing wackos would be out to get him but am sure he will prevail.
I miss the truly compassionate conservatives. I want them back
She's not very smart, is she?
Smart is not the point. This group is highly determined and dangerous. This is the same group that put a C student in the White House for 8 years. Radicals fight til the death. Do not confuse their ignorance with their ability to rally their troops, spin lies and win elections.
Indeed, there are a lot of crazies out there, and if you (GOP) give them a platform for their fears and hatreds, they will reward you (GOP) with loyalty at the polls.
Not so, FRD was a C student at Harvard and John Kerry actually had a lower GPA than Bush while in Yale (!) The problem is philosophical, Bush is a 12-Step program ideologue and a close-minded zealot.
Very true. Palin might be President in 2012. I live in the South and until this last election, I thought things were changing some for the better in this region. It is not. There are a lot of racists in America but even more so in the South. There are a lot of open-minded, good people in the South-- but it is still scary how many are NOT. The last election brought all the intolerant people out in full force (nationwide) and it even shocked me--a resident in a Southern border state.The hatred put forth by the local Republican Party that reins supreme here was just jolting to me and made me feel ashamed. The GOP "appears" to be becoming a smaller regional party, but, beware--appearances are or can be deceiving.
You said radicals fight to the death. I too will fight to the death. you think only conservatives have guns. I am tired of letting them wave their so called second amendment on me. If they start a war I am not backing down. no more oppression it is time for us liberals to be tough and fight back. kill or be killed.
little known fact.george bush had a higher gpa than john kerry.I wonder why the news media never reported that?
Don't you mean steal elections?
Very true, after all the left did all that after Reagan and handed us an adulterous liar in Slick Willie. The radical left and its Messiah Obama are now doing the same thing with their own radicalism.
Which C student in the White House? I just read that Pres Obama's Pol Sci grades were mediocre at Columbia. It didn't stop him getting into Harvard Law, or being head of the H L Journal, a prestigious position usually given to the top student of his year, which Obama was not. I also read that he never wrote an article for the Journal. His academic shortcomings did not interfere with his ability to rally the troops, spin lies (?) and win elections, either,but perhaps are being revealed by his dependence on the ubiquitous teleprompter.
Why am I not surprised?
I actually AM surprised. There is a part of me that can't get it out of my head that the majority of republicans are smart and well educated. I started changing that opinion with the Palin fiasco, but always thought of that, along with the election of George Bush, as an aberration. Now I think it might actually be true that Republicans have so "dumbed down" their party that it may be beyond any hope of recovery.
In the 60's and 70's and probably before, that was true. There were jokes about how dems were blue collar and repubs were upper class. The republican party now, however, is more like two parts, the upper class/money interests, and the religious right which tends to be mainly lower socioeconomic status but can be duped into supporting the monied against their own interests.
The Republicans are about as smart as a now infamous plurality group of voters, in 1933 Germany.
Thinking back to when I was an ardent Republican I too cannot believe the GOP of today. I also think this country needs a strong alternate party, but 99% of the current Republicans fill me with disgust even horror. (Not that the Democrats are without their own scum, but the party's aim is higher and hypocrisy far less.)
WHO will lead them back to being a worthwhile entity? Scary
Yes, Republicans are fairly "smart and well educated." But they are also largely Southern, and that puts a different spin on things. Statements like what is in these peoples' emails are Conventional Wisdom in the South, except for the few of us that passed Critical Thinking 101.
Go over to YouTube and do a search for McCain/Palin rallies and get a look at the attendants. Not all Republicans subscribe to the idea that the earth is 4000 years old, but all of the people who subscribe to the idea that the earth is 4000 years old are Republicans.
The wealthiest, most cynical and self serving people in this country have crafted a targeted appeal to the bigotry, religious fanaticism and xenophobic nationalism of the most undereducated and emotionally reactive people in this country to whip them into being a reliable voting base. Throw them enough red meat of hatred, xenophobia and horribly twisted takes on Christianity, and they can be counted upon to turn out and vote against their personal interests 100% of the time. The only smart and highly educated people in the party are the ones doing the manipulating to boost their own personal wealth and power.
It's important to understand the appeal of ignorance and xenophobia. Climate change and the Great Recession are too frightening for many people to address rationally. Too many people don't WANT to understand what's really happening, and prefer simple answers- and they don't care if those simplistic answers are lies. These simplistic answers revolve around making the problem THEIR fault- Not OUR fault. "They" can be any group at all- ..blacks, homosexuals, Christians, Democrats, Repulicans etc. Although many on both the left and the right fall into this disfuncional mindset, there is a difference. Currently, most Republicans view such thinking as a virtue, while (hopefully) more progressive people recognize it as a fault.
You forget, the Republican party was the one who campaigned against intellectuals and the educated elite. And they claimed to be the "small town" party, evidently not realizing that small town = small number of voters.
As l've pointed out on many spaces: after all that has, or hasn't, occurred from Jan. '01 to Jan. '09..... the GOP lost a shade over 4% in the national election. The Neo-cons showed themselves to be exactly what they are. And less than 5% of the voters in 2004 cared. "Dumbed down"? Don't be ridiculous!
Well you'd appreciate this beauty at WSJ.com:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124649175841883047.html
Karl Rove wraps himself in the flag in praising some family who's members have served in the military. The comments from the readers are mind-boggling.
Rove avoided service himself, not to mention that he helped push the USA into the Iraq war. The hypocrisy bellows like a fog horn and yet the lunatics are all on the lawn applauding this villain. It's creepy scary.
Obsessive presidential hatred exhibited by liberals during the Bush/Cheney administration? If there was it was too little, too late.
I agree. Unlike these insane Obama haters, we who despised Bush did so based on his horrific actions, not on lies spread by racists. And no matter how angry Bush made us, we never attempted to incite violence from the craziest people we could find.
You mean Cheney/Bush.
A president whose despicable acts bring this great country to its knees -- like dividing the country by lying about his reasons for invading another country then dividing Americans against themselves before leading them into an unnecessary war that costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of U.S. soldiers and innocent Iraqis and a trillion or two dollars, not to mention collapsing the world economy before slinking back to Crawford to spend the rest of his life pursuing his one true interest: working on his abs -- deserves the "deranged hatred" of all Americans, at the very least.
To compare regular Americans' antipathy toward Bush, a strutting, aristocratic popinjay, to the baseless, incoherent, paranoid raving of right-wingers about Obama is the sort of facile cluelessness that has become the hallmark of the mainstream media in our era.
being wrong is not lying and all the world agreed at the time and the deranged hatred we ''evil neocons"have for obama is nothing compared to the lunacy you libs showed toward bush in you your never ending lust for power and control over every aspect of peoples lives.
Hey jonponder: Give it up. They can't grasp it. If a person is still defending Bush, that person's reasoning ability is impaired. Therefore, explanations and debate are wasted effort.
Like this line here: "the lunacy you libs showed toward bush in you your never ending lust for power and control over every aspect of peoples lives." Wow. I shouldn't embellish on that. It's a work of art.
Or this one: "being wrong is not lying and all the world agreed at the time..." The world agreed at the time? What world? The one in parke47's mind? There were demonstrations all over the REAL world, when Bush declared war. We were outcasts. If you traveled, you said you were "Canadian" because the world was so disgusted with America.
Furthermore, you can't afford to be wrong when it comes to declaring war. You let the inspectors finish looking for weapons of mass destruction, if that's your justification. When they don't find them, you withdraw and go home. You don't invade. You don't reword the CIA intelligence that says Iraq is not a threat and decide oh yes it is (wag finger in face). So that's either really wrong, or it's lying. Take your pick.
We're back to "stupid". That always sums it up in the simplest way possible. Done and done.
Deer Oddra,
U ARE DA BOM! YOU HAVE MY FOOL SUPPORT! By the way, I loved the edit of the 23rd Psalm. You're not just in the same valley anymore; you're right inside the freakin' shadow!! As an atheist I can't really relate much, but it's clearly more ballsy than the original.
Dear Democrats,
Please stand quietly at a safe distance while the GOP is busy shooting itself squarely in the foot.
Hilarious.
Yes, I had the same reaction: I hope she wins the election. Let people see them for who they really are. And what is with these hip hop Republicans? I know I certainly would not want to belong to a party which has a substantial percentage of people who despised me.
From what I gather, hiphoprepublicans.com is supported by a younger urban crowd that is conservative, but not socially inept.
I am an independent who could definitely be swayed by a fiscal conservative arguments. However I am so put off by this party, I could never vote them into power in good conscience. I love my country too much.
Why am I not surprised? This Obama Derangement Syndrome is rampant among many conservatives...I see it all over the internet.
What is really amazing is that many people use the internet to post vile and racist things and forward them to people on thier mail lists that do NOT share thier point of view. I've had in-laws and cousins forward me stupid, outright racist, and unfunny idiotic things knowing that I would find them offensive. When I respond indicating my disapproval and the overt racism, they play the victim or bitch about free speech. Really eye opening. I was brought up with a value system that taught me to keep my mouth shut if my mind had thoughts that were offensive or out of bounds. I"m convinced parents no longer teach such values>
Totally agree. Since President Obama's election I've learned more about my "friends" and family than I ever wanted to know. The one that particularly impresses me sends God and Christian emails regularly and then here comes an Obama hate email. Something is wrong with this picture.
My cousin accidentally sent me one of those forwarded hate emails. It felt good to respond and question her (newly found) Christian belief system since she obviously felt so much hatred towards her "enemies." Still waiting to hear back from her.
That has been my experience exactly. People I thought were Christian friends forward me racist, mindless emails accusing Obama of being a secret Muslim, and wanting to destroy the country. They usually provide quotes from real people of authority, though the quotes themselves are fabricated. It is like a self-reinforcing paranoia group. It is really sad to see people delude themselves primarily because of their racist core beliefs.
So, so true. I had to put the foot down on 2 in-laws. One immediately respected the boundaries, the other not so much - and it changed my opinion of both of them. I knew they were Repubs, but really... But the really sad case was a friend from college, a friend for 35 years, who simply refused to stop forwarding those things around & who indeed played both the victim and the free speech cards. The things were stupid, extremely racist, unfunny - and LIES. I tried a few times with her, finally did the debunking "reply all" option & declared the friendship dead. My only regret is she had the only good photos of me from my college years.
Turns out my brother-in-law is a big 'ol racist from the South. We really never knew until President Obama was elected. It is shocking the hateful things he has sent us and he knows we worked for the Obama campaign. My husband finally wrote him and requested he not send that sort of thing to us and so far, so good. He has well over a hundred people on his email list that he sends that stuff to. I can only hope most of them find it as offensive as we did.
I got this kind of viral video thing a while back from my ACCOUNTANT purportedly professing to support the troops in Iraq because of the deep Christianity of the founding fathers. The teeniest, tiniest, bit of research discloses that the founding fathers, at their most candid moments, were not Christians, barely Christians, not Deists,and wrote many admonitions, warnings, and outright refutations of church and religion (particularly vis-�-vis the state) -- both organized and not. I gathered a bit of this up and accidentally hit "reply all" so that his entire client list was copied. I only get business e-mails from him now. He is a very good accountant.
I think the three of us are related. Will you be at the next family gathering? I need strength in numbers. As it is now, I am the only non-Republican, and I can't stand it.
Is that the syndrome where we all follow him over a cliff because we are all blinded by his aura?
No, that's the syndrome where you all want him dead because your blinded by racism and hatred that stems from the intimidation you feel from a president who can read.
Too late, motrbotr. You and your fellow conservatives already did that with Bush.
motrbotr: If you had a rational argument instead of a fear based emotional hatred, then perhaps I would listen. The Republican party has not yet figured it out.
Obama won because most people supported his ideas. Not because of his race. If he fails to do what he said he would do, you will see that support dissipate. The Republican party will also dissipate if it does not get in touch with the needs and desires of the voting public.
Rational arguments and ideas, a functional opposition party. That's what we need. Miss Audra, for all her education, can't even spell correctly. FAIL.
I get those too. I point out that their e-mails generally cite no sources or authors, I paste copious soundly sourced facts that disprove whatever lies and paranoid propaganda they're pushing, and hit "reply all." It's always good for a fireworks show in the inbox. The most important thing is to constantly let them know the facts are not on their side and that there are other red blooded Americans who do not share their ideas. They tend to live in a Fox News/e-mail forward echo chamber where people either think like they do or are afraid to speak up if they don't.
obama derangement? please google the obama deception unless your afraid?
Here we go again. Thanks for the good work Mr. Avlon. We are reassured that all of the Republican leadership seems to be cut from the same racist, ignorant, hypocritical cloth. The more they speak the more fun it is to watch. You go girl. Keep on misspelling your heart out. Pick up the rock and let the sunshine in.
Who cares about the Young Republicans?
Its hilarious that youngest republican they could find to run the organization is 38!
(and semi-illiterate)
Thank you - this made me laugh way out loud - AND I'm an Independent.
My guess - Palin/Shay in 2012! That would be a show - riddled with sadness, but it would be some show...
Ted Bundy was a young Republican.
...And Obamas buddy, Bill Ayres is a left wing kook, Weatherman, terrorist, bomber. Your point?
That sums it up!
Based on what I've seen out of the right in recent years and especially in recent months, it sounds like she would be an appropriate fit for them and most definitely someone they'd love having as a leader.
I don't think anyone should use racial slurs. It divides people and we don't need that right now. However, I do not think that those of us that see Obama as a threat to our freedoms and our way of life, are all racists! The race card is over played. America is a melting pot and most all of us now have the blood of all races running through our veins. It is absurd to claim that everyone that dislikes this POTUS because of his policies, his ideologies, and his hatred toward America, is a racist! I don't look at what other think or say, I watch what Obama does. Anyone that thinks this man is anything but dangerous is very misinformed, uninformed, or simply unintelligent! He has managed to finish off what was left of this country in record time and he intends to do so because you can't usher in communism/fascism in a healthy and robust economy! The 2008 election was about race, not policy! Those who push to destroy our American way of life will regret it someday when they have no freedoms left! I guess they will enjoy life here if cap and trade passes? What adult wants to be told they can only spend "x" minutes in the shower? Or that they can only watch their television "x" minutes per day? Or that the air they breathe out is polluting the environment and they may have to pay to breathe? You laugh, but if you do, it is only because you are uninformed and you haven't read the bill!!!! HR 2454, read it for yourself! Those of you that are not intelligent enough to defend yourselves---don't worry! Those of us who have read history for ourselves, and those of us who trust our own judgment more than governments will be defending your rights as well. Please stop acting as if you know so much when you don't read the bills for yourselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cuckoo!!
I've read this article outloud to my 2 voters who are in the eve of registering to vote for the first time. My maybe young Republican's were not confused about language such as "noose" or "Obama" Bin Lauden and they were far from impressed.
This election will be the first concrete clue about what 2012 will be about. If Shay is elected, 2012 will be about race not policy. If that's the case, we are heading towards a civil war. It clearly indicates that progress as whole is not the GOP's goal. Shame, shame who let that David Duke in?
I'm not sure if this is racism or more of the idea that admitting to a mistake is a sign of weakness. One of Bush's big problems was that he was incapable of admitting that he was wrong. Remember the rallying cry of 'Stay The Course,' even when the course was a disaster. The ultimate result is not a person who looks strong but a person who looks like they cannot see the situation clearly. Ms. Shay's rhetoric may appeal to the base but it is not going to convert any Democrats and will drive away the Independents.
Tick Tock.....Gallup....Rasmussen....Quninnipiac......
It has nothing to do with ODS. People are beginning to realize that the Pied Piper is lost.
Wow, just wow.
Notice how she blathers on about Obama's "socialist/anti-American" actions, but doesn't list any examples to prove her point. Even if she did, it would be the usual bloated hyperbole infused with THE FURY OF CAPSLOCK!
God, I am not awake- I almost googled THE FURY OF CAPSLOCK! LOL, as they say. Very good.
Responding to a post a little earlier about the Repug.s having dumbed themselves down- has it occurred to anyone else that the culmination of the many and varied genocides of the last 2 centuries is that we, as the human race, have dumbed ourselves down? Killing the 'intelligentsia' and generally, those who thought independently, whatever historical point you want to pick.
Not a flattering or cheery thought, but look at this - Palin? This bimbo we're talking about today, just after, what was that twit's name? The 'beauty' queen? I know they're all repug.s but we dem.s seem to have been retarded as well. Kerry? Like I said, I'm not awake, but we all better collectively wake up- or we're DOOMED, DOOMED I TELLS YA !
As someone who didn't think Palin was qualified in the beginning, I am curious about one thing---what do you on the left have against her? What did she do that has caused so much hatred towards her? Not being sarcastic---really want to know! I mean in detail, what did she do to cause the left to dislike her so?
patriotradical I can answer your question: Before she was picked as the VP candidate all you cons ALL OF YOU were bitching how unqualified Obama was. Then all of a sudden here comes miss I-can't-name-the-papers-I-read and she's all the rage. To me that was proof that republicans are racist and irrational.
THE FURY OF CAPSLOCK. Help me I'm dyin' here. HiLARious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Obama Wrong for YOU? http://allpoliticianssuck.blogspot.com/
If you are one of the following then Obama is the wrong president for YOU!
If you need a job in 2009.
If you really need a job in 2009 and are desperate.
If you prefer gas or fuel that is economical.
If you believe that we should use our own natural resources.
If you believe sending our money to foreign governments should stop until our debt is paid off.
If you believe the government should lower taxes.
If you believe government officials should serve two terms only.
If you believe that lobbyists should not be allowed to contribute to public officials.
If you use a minivan to take your kids to school.
If you use an SUV to take your kinds to soccer practice.
If you own a boat for fishing.
If you own a boat for water skiing.
If your boat requires a truck or SUV to pull it.
If you own a pickup truck.
If you own an ATV that requires a truck.
If you own a motorcycle that requires a truck or SUV to pull it.
If you are a retired person with a recreational vehicle.
If you own a camper that requires a truck or SUV to pull it.
If you own an gun for protection.
If you own a gun for hunting.
If you do not want the government in your life, daily.
If you agree that the government has not once successfully managed anything.
If you want a job other than working for the government.
If you believe the government is hurting the economy.
If you believe the government should help business and employment.
If you do not believe that prosperity comes from the government.
If you believe that the government should encourage growth for all businesses.
If you believe that the government is hiding the truth about how the economy got this way.
If you believe the people that created this economic failure are still in office.
If you believe that the people trying to fix the economic failure caused it.
If you believe that the government is NOT transparent.
If you believe the economy is the # priority
Beyond stupid.
If you wake up with an alarm clock.
If you have a dog.
If you drink coffee on Mondays and tea on Tuesdays.
If you wear underpants.
If you floss your teeth.
what in god's name is this rubbish?
So I guess the Ku Klux Klan rebranded itself to the Young Republicans organization. Good to know...
Ku Klux Klan was a democrat thing down yonder
This propaganda has been shot down over and over again. What is the need you have to keep peddling it?
"Thurmond was increasingly at odds with the Democratic Party, on September 16, 1964 " and joined the republican party along with all of the KKK
Which turned into a GOP thing after the Dems passed Civil Rights.
You always seem to leave that out, Mal...
Ask the blacks they lynched how "democratic" the KKK was, Malicious.
I don't care what the party name is. As an independent African American male voter, I will vote for the candidate that I feel brings ideas or potential solutions that have the greatest value to my country.
Period. Democrat, Dixiecrat, Republican, National Socialist. It matter not what the party name is, what matters is what they intend to do.
However, since we are discussing the south, and terms like 'coon', I would like to remind everyone of an interesting trait of the raccoon. It will hold onto a shiny object and not let go of it, even to free itself from a trap. Instead it is caught and killed.
Learn to let go of the past.
to al-nafs. thank God finally a voice of reason in all this lunacy.
They are all subsidiaries of Al-Craquer in America, and are the equivalent of Al-Qaeda in the middle east.
Where is it written that we have to love everyone. I am used to being hated...by those who do not know me....and once they meet me they either like me or I beat them into submission. Come on folks. Free Speech.
BTW if Obama continues on his current course he will be as disliked as Bush....he needs to make good choices and turn things around. Not give away the country's assets and mortgage our future.
It is not about loving everyone. It is about not hating everyone different from you. So keep going with your current attitude. This is why the Republicans will fade into history, just like the Whigs.
BTW. Bush destroyed the economy, and along with Cheney is responsible for over 120000 deaths, including over 4500 brave Americans, for the Halliburton/oil war. No one will be as disliked as Bush/Cheney.
I just hope people remember how evil the two were when it comes time for the next election-with all the interviews with Cheney now, it is so obvious he is going to run for that office. We heard little from this cruel and heartless person when the BUSH years were coming to a close. Why is he is now everywhere on the television talk and news programs?, Don't people KNOW what he is by now? God help us all.
It started with Reagan, "The Man Who Sold America"
The only time the left thinks this rule applies is if they want it to! We on the right are sick and tired of being silenced and we won't be silenced while you continue to spread untruths! We on the right will be telling it like it is from now on and "pc" is out for us! BTW, Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and so was Martin Luther King! The Dems always try to rewrite history and tell people who don't know that they are the party for the people. The truth is that it was the GOP that fought for the freedoms of the people. Having said that, I am an Independent and I agree with Al-nafs, I will vote for the person, not the party!
"the economy is not as bad as we thought." barack obama
"or I beat them into submission"
So you beat up people for not liking you? You do know that is called assault and battery right? You are aware that that is illegal right?
Allow me to put this in terms even you can understand:
It's not a matter of "loving everyone". One of the principles of democracy is equality. Equality, you know, that thing where you judge people by their actions and the content of their character. "Love Everyone" isn't written, but "Equality" *is written*, it's called The Constitution.
If you are going to be involved in a political party in a democracy, one of the things people are going to judge is your concept of equality. So, if you make references to lynching (you know, like the KKK did) and allow people in your circle to compare anyone who holds office to a terrorist, people are going to question whether or not you are fit for the job.
It's not about "loving everyone", it's not even about political correctness: it's about respect, dignity, and equality.
But hey, what would I know? I don't beat up people who don't like me, I just avoid them.
Great post - sums it up perfectly. Thanks for your voice of reason.
Sometimes the "beating" takes the form of rough sex....then we share a smoke afterward and sing kumbuyah.
"Where is it written that we have to love everyone."
Um, in the New Testament, I believe. This Jesus Christ guy said it, something like, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Stupid Republicans--only embrace "Christianity" when it suits their position.
spot on.
or when it saves them the trouble of having to exercise any kind of critical thinking.
If you are so tough I challenge you to meet up with me tough guy. Let me know what city you are in and I will gladly come to meet you.
Remember...I am not just tough....I am internet tough. pkali77
Would you bring those sexy fur underpants that you wore last time we met at the truck stop? You make one helluva power bottom.
Internet fight!! Go get him Port-man-toe! Give him a left pee-kalli!
*goes to get popcorn*
Portmanteau: Didn't Hitler and Stalin say something like this too? You keep good company.
You go Audra. Keep up those racist, tea-bagger comments, girl.I pray that you are elected. You will continue to dig the Republican hole even deeper. And that is only a good thing! Cause the majority, yes, the majority, will see you for what you truly are..... an under educated, middle aged, snarky southern princess. Enjoy your 15 minutes.
tarryh.....Read your comment, you are no different. "Teabagger", how nice. The citizens (that includes you) of the United Sates are entitled to free speech, like it or not, by the Constitution. She unfortunately has no place in the Republican Party. My Republican, Democrat and Independent friends and associates are in favor of turning this country back to the people and ensuring the America we know and love stops circling the drain. We support the right to peaceful protest. Your reference to teabaggers is vile. Your familiarity with "teabagging" I'm sure is personal, showing you are familiar with the ugly connotation of that word. Applying that word to legal functions of honest Americans that only want the best for their country, functions that also included children, is beyond the pale and you should be ashamed. People such as yourself? well, that's part of the the problem with our country. You have forgotten or have never known the real America. How sad for you and your ilk.
Thanks for the reminder about teabagging. I am sorry, but does anyone else find it as hilarious as I do that people referred to tea parties that way? Do they not know the connotation? Too funny.
Should a party composed of racists be denied a representative leader? No, it's better for all concerned that they be transparent on this.
Amen. Democrats should rejoice that Republicans no longer have a smart pol like Karl Rove as puppet master. Instead we have the dumb and dumber show. The only thing that keeps me awake at nights is how do these people get elected?
I have many family members who are fiscally conservative Republicans (ie. Milton Friedman fans) and who have served their party in official capacities in their states. They are now being called "RINO's" because they are not "socially conservative". This will be downfall of the GOP if they continue calling loyal Republicans "RINO's" just because they do not walk "lock step" with these socially conservative Republicans....In fact, a few of these family members are looking seriously at the Libertarian Party because they are so frustrated by the GOP....
Stay tune while the GOP implodes...
can you please ask them how they can reconcile the policies of George Bush would be economic theory of Milton Friedman. He was a monetarist who totally believed that the printing of money (spending without taxing) led directly to inflation. George Bush printed more money in eight years than -- well I don't know, but it must be more than anyone in a long time.
Sorry, fiscally conservative Republicans are "RINO's" too. It is the goal of every true conservative president to follow the footsteps of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush by doubling our national debt (while, of course, reducing taxes on the rich).
yes and in sixteen months obama will triple our debt.three trillion dollars in sixteen months.does not the economy always recover when you completely devalue the dollar. oh no, wait, the economy collapses when you do that.yes, change we can believe in.obama will change this recession into a depression and if you don't believe it just google the obama deception unless your afraid?
It seems to me Ms. Shay can;t write what she feels is the truth, without being criticized. On Obama she is correct, he is a socialist and he does hate America. He said as much during his campaign.... He ran on a platform of change. He is totally ignoring the Constitution, more so than Bush. As for those who voted for him they are ignorant. More than anything else they voted for him to be part of history. If not that they voted for him because he espoused socialist/fascist ideas and the others voted for him because they hate America as much as Obama.
I voted for Barack Obama, and you are completely wrong about my intelligence and motivations. What is so tragic in Audra Shay's comments, and in yours, is the confusion between opinions and hate speech. The former have value in our society; the latter has no value and can only mean the death of modern civilization.
hey jenny unless your afraid of the truth. google the obama deception.
please google the obama deception unless your afraid
To my utter regret I so agree.What an incredible thing to have Obama elected after the signs were all there as to what he really was, all along. The people who elected him deserve this mess he has brought among us, but for the ones who read, listened to the what he said and not what he meant and so did not vote for him, we do not but are going down with the ship anyway.
what mess? we were in this mess before he took office
You are just plain wrong on so many levels. First of all, he taught Constitutional Law at a prestigious law school and I ask you to give me even one example where he has failed to follow the guidelines of the Constitution.
Second, are you implying that anyone who disagrees with Bush (whose policies he sought to change) hates America? George Washington and numerous other presidents would disagree with Bush on many of his policies.
Finally, I voted for Obama and I would wager that I know as much as, if not more than you about government, politics, the economy, economics, and foreign policy and foreign affairs.
I am a republican and bush tripled the size of the government and raised taxes like no ones business so why do dems hate him so much?because they were not the ones doing it.google the obama deception,unless you are afraid?
msn,
Whether it's "He is totally ignoring the constitution, more so than Bush" or "As for those who voted for him, they are ignorant" or "they voted for him because they hate America as much as Obama........"
Just so much there to go after that I just don't think it's necessary. If you really, truly believe those things, there's no way that you would listen to (or read) reason. I will say this though, this belief, this venom you guys spew, it's the reason why your party seems to be getting more and more ostracized(sp).
I will leave you with this though.....I voted for the man. I even knocked on doors and made phone calls on his behalf. Without giving you my resume', I'm just going to ask you to believe that I'm not ignorant. Most importantly though, I am a man that has spent 21 months of my life in Combat Zones with others from all across the political spectrum on behalf of the USA.
Now, knowing that, would you still have the Audacity to Believe that I and those like me (Believe me there are others) that have worn the uniform of this nation "Hate America" because we vote for Democrats from time to time?
Thank you for your service, SlimSoldier!
hey slim thank you for your service. but please google "the obama deception"
What does 21 months on Combat zones have to do with anything here? I have 22 years in uniform, but that does not qualify me as a political expert. You time in the military does not equate to having a special love for the nation either. I entered the military out of love of country and a desire to serve, but others in my family did not, yet they do not love the country any less, nor do they know any more about politics than I.
A person who votes for a radical, who has stated that the Constitution is "fundamentally flawed" and a desire to change the very document that he swore an oath to "support and defend" as well as his stating a "desire" before his election to institute socialist type policies, in a nation that has always been opposed to socialism, may not be an America hater, but is definately of questionable judgment.
oldsoldier,
Funny you should say that because on a daily basis I skim past a channel of "Political Experts" that regail(sp) the masses about why we should bomb *insert nation here* but many of those people have never so much as done a push up under duress but that's okay....right?
You're right, I am no more a Political Expert because of my Service than the next man. However, making blanket assumptions based on a General statement is one thing but I think someone would be hard pressed to look a Veteran, any Veteran, in particular a Soldier or a Marine who is an Iraq or Afghanistan Veteran in the face and tell them that despite their Sacrifice, whatever it was, they believe that they "Hate America" because they disagree with them Politically. I mean that's just.......
I WILL always make it point to say that sure enough, we all join for our own reasons but some of us, no matter the political spectrum, have actually laid it on the line on behalf of this Country. Standing up and beating the b.s. drum about checking the (R) in the ballot box being the only way to prove said love is bullshit and I'll always, until my last breath point that out.
You've been in the Army for 22 years, so you know, as well as myself and anyone else that's ever done it that there are all kinds in our midst.
The perceived Lock that the Republican party has brainwashed the public into believing as it pertains to matters of national sercurity, is just that...propaganda. In fact, Your Socialism statement comes to mind.
Ms. Shay has a right to her opinion, but on face value, her opinion is error dense. When a politician runs on a platform of change, it doesn't imply that there's hatred of the status quo, it necessarily implies a desire to IMPROVE what one loves. Otherwise, why bother - it's such friggin' hard work!! The human species does change its ways when situations call for it, and our country's situation (under Bush/Cheney) warranted massive change on a variety of venues. THAT is why Obama was elected. The old order wasn't good enough any more. Even the founding fathers understood THAT! As to the Constitution, there is NOT ONE SHRED of evidence that Obama is subverting the Constitution, unlike his predecessor appears to have done.
I once read an article that conservatives and liberals/progressives both love their country, just in different ways.
Conservatives wish to CONSERVE what they love about their country and are very nostalgic for the times when our country exhibited greatness - hence the proclivity for invoking the Founding Fathers, WWII, etc. (and completely ignoring the darker periods like Southern slavery, native population legislation, Vietnam). Banner waving, kick-assing, jingo-istic American exceptionalism, which is fun on Independence Day, and Day 1 of the Iraq War, but doesn't solve complex problems.
Progressives, on the other hand, want what they love (the country) to PROGRESS beyond its current state, so they see fit to point out all the failings which need to be addressed, so the country can roll up its collective sleeves and GET TO WORK! So at times, it may appear that all the progressives do is complain about all the egregious wrongs in America.
The happy balance is what is called for. Acknowledge the good, the bad and the ugly and then GET TO WORK for the necessary changes. If you're standing still, you're going backward because the rest of the world is moving.
As to your ignorant comment about socialism/fascism (which I assume you know lie on opposite ends of the spectrum), you need to somehow understand that our country is actually an oligarchy of corporate interests which just periodically re-channel their funding from the Republican to Democratic troughs and back. This oligarchy waves the banner of "free market capitalism" whilst doing their best to subvert any type of competition because they've arrived at the summit. WAKE UP.
Spot on! I could not agree with you more! BTW, I'd like to read this article that you mention.
Excellent post. Too bad it won't do any good. Sleepers, awake!
Nicely said.
corporate oligarchy is entirely it.
1. You're right that he is ignoring the constitution, possibly worse than Bush. However, you undermine yourself when you claim that Obama is a socialist, when he is so obviously not. Read a little about the history of socialism and you will understand why that is such a ludicrous claim that it's difficult anything else that someone making such claim has to say.
IN WHAT WAY IS HE IGNORING THE CONSTITUTION? Really, Valkyrie and msn, put up some facts! Which article is he ignoring, or which amendment of the Bill of Rights? Stupid mantras roll out of your guys' mouths and you have no basis for them! (BTW, Bush subverted the Third Article, and the 4th, 8th, and 14th amendments.)
And tell me how Barack is being a socialist? Do you even know that socialism involves state ownership of ALL factors of production, and the citizenry are all employees of the state? It's laughable to think we are even close to that.
And of the top 28 industrialized nations, we are 24th LOWEST in income tax rates. How is that socialism?
Anyone who names their login name over a Movie, ought to be ignored.
msn is really not worth replying to because those are not his/her thoughts - they are just a regurgitation of a bunch of cobbled together GOP wingnut slogans/talking points/catch-phrases. You have to have two parties with intellects to have an intellectual discussion. Otherwise, you're just trying to nail jello to a wall.
I keep hearing that phrase about President Obama..."he is shredding the Constitution, or ignoring the Constitution". Really? How so? Obviously they are parroting some right wing tv/radio host who has coined this phrase. But, I have yet to hear one example of what they mean by that accusation.
Also, regarding Socialism. Palin is the biggest socialist of the bunch and even the Republicans in her state called her plan to give citizens checks based on oil revenues----socialism. Yet, she seems to be the poster child of the GOP.
Fascist ideas? Could you actually tell me what fascism means? I doubt it. If you can, I would love to hear how Obama's ideas are fascist.
"It seems to me Ms. Shay can;t write what she feels is the truth, without being criticized." This is got to be the dumbest thing I have ever read in a political discussion. Isn't that the whole point of the marketplace of ideas? Somebody presents their opinion and somebody else tries to shoot it down? This kind of ignorance makes me want to bang my head against the wall.
Could you give us some insight on how the current POTUS is ignoring the Contitution? Or how about examples that demonstrate that he is a socialist? How about examples in how he hates America? What about this platform of change that he ran on? Wasn't that more of change regarding the current state of things with the former POTUS?
Please cite examples rather than generalities. All of us would like to be as enlightened as you. By the way aren't socialist/fascist ideas the direct opposite of each other? How can anyone espouse both? Please explain that as well.
First of all, every time someone equates socialism and fascism, they expose their complete ignorance right there. The two are mutually exclusive, yet people who do not know any better constantly equate the two for the benefit of the other people who do not know any better.
Hitler and Mussolini were fascists. Fascism is corporate/industrialist control of the government (read Mussolini's definition - you want to argue with him?). Hitler put socialists to death in the concentration camps. The party name National Socialist had nothing whatsoever socialist about it except the name. Try looking up the definition to your words before you go writing things like "socialist/fascist."
As far as your other allegations, that Obama "hates America" and that those of us who voted for him are ignorant and only wanted to be a part of history, these are the subjective, reactionary rantings of someone who lets Sean Hannity do his thinking for him.
Would somone PLEASE explain for once and for all; how is it possible to be a socialist AND a fascist at the same time. I've heard this crap for a while now and can't figure out what you mean. I usually write it off to parrotting of Rush and just move on, but....obviously, you have no idea what one OR the other means. My guess is both.
msn04061960: Are you sure you don't work for Fox News? Or maybe this is just a Rush Limbaugh echo...
"Ignorant?" I have a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and I voted for Mr Obama. I suggest that fear of those who are different causes you make to make ignorant statements.
Do you know what socialism is? I mean seriously, really?
Nothing this administration has done or proposed to do is socialist in nature. Even the 'single payer' health care that is so demonized by the right is not socialist. The main concern there seems to be competition from the government.
Systems based on truly Socialist ideals are usually marked by some government *ownership* of the means of production. Investing in failing American businesses, even helping them run their operations is not government ownership of GM factories. GM is still held by its shareholders, in fact, I am one of them.
When the government says that it is the only entity that is allowed to sell vehicles in the US, then I will be concerned. Until then, I'll just laugh at you and vote your party out of power. Idiot.
I just don't like the continuing advancement of government in every aspect of peoples lives and why should we wait untill the state does completely take over.then it will be to late.government is the problem not the solution,look at the d.m.v. small government good,big government bad.
oh yes, I am a republican but screw bush I love america,america is still a beacon of light for the rest of the world,but screw the government
How could you Mix fascism and socialism together. Man, those are two opposing political ideology. So you mean to say I hate America even after serving 6 years in Army because I voted for Barry? Did you even study any goverment politics in college. I suggest you go back to school then read, listen and absorb. Man, you need not to be near around any computer with internet connection, you are disgusting.
I am sick and tired of people calling Obama a "socialist". That simply reflects their ignorance of basic political philosophy, and the ridiculous rightward bias of American politics. As a socialist myself I could only wish Obama was one too. As it is, he is a reasonable, well-educated and at least somewhat intelligent center-right politician.
Hey msn:
How did it feel to get your statement stuck up your behind, point by point? Shows you what happens when you ape Republican talking points without checking the facts out yourself.
This is where I guess I'm supposed to say "As a conservative, I am embarrassed/ashamed etc." But I can't because I don't feel at all connected to people like Audra Shay. Like her, I am 38 but not involved in politics other than as a voter and news junkie. A lot of us conservatives saw - and laughed at - left wingers consumed by Bush Derangement Syndrome. It's upsetting to see some people allegedly on "our" side giving in to those same impulses with President Obama. If you live in a talk radio/blog bubble, this is what happens. And I think John makes a brilliant point about "Young" Republicans recruiting their leaders from almost-middle aged people.
Agree. Though I was opposed to Bush policies, I was uncomfortable by the "over the top" personal attacks made against him. I think most Americans, not those obsessed with political blogs, feel the same. Let's keep the discussion and discourse on "policy". The personal attacks, and hate mongering, by either side of a sitting President is unproductive, and demeaning.
I appreciate what you are saying, but I take exception that it was "left wingers" who started this with Bush. A lot of "left wingers" laughed at-right wingers consumed by Clinton Derangement Syndrome. Your side gave into those impulses years ago. Hell, Limbaugh was in his glory days during the Clinton administration.
History didn't begin with Bush. Maybe at 38 you are too young (or were not involved enough) to remember, but for many left-wingers, we DO remember.
I seem that--the right wingers--some how forget history and talk about the left attacking Bush. Sorry, but history didn't start with the Bush administration.
trisha08, I'm pretty sure Rescuedog DID NOT say that derangement syndrome began with the left against Bush - she just mentioned she 'saw it' happening. Saying that is totally different than saying the left started it... her statement didn't at all come off as a right-winger 'forgetting history.'
Most liberals attacked Bush's policies, rather than him personally. (After all, he was - and still is - a fairly likable person.)
Today, I see many more personal attacks on Obama, and fewer attacks on his policies. (This despite his being at least as likable as Bush.)
Let me add that if Obama cannot turn things around he will set race relations back 100 years.
Why do you say that?
... agreed. He may have made history, but it is still so very true that success for African Americans still takes 1,000X the strength, smarts, stamina and support than it does for others. There is little (maybe even no) margin for error. Never has been ...
ROFLMAO!!!!
Absolutely it is already beginning.
Which is why he appears to be really, really more conservative and centrist than most would have expected. He's temperamentally and stylistically conservative with mostly, but not universally progressive ideas. White people voted for him because they felt comfortable with him on a personal level, IMHO. I don't believe he will set race relations back because he does not play into the sterotype, and he does not personally represent the sterotype.
Sure....that shot of him checking out the 16 year-old ass is really 'conservative'.....so poised....so Presidential.
Portmanteau:
That "shot" was proven to be a still which did not tell the story, according to Van Susteren who aired the entire clip and disavowed the veracity. Kilmeade is a tool, Hannity's people are super busy with the editing "scissors" in order to prove points which do not exist. Please get educated before you make assertions which prove to be FALSE.
I think you better look long and hard at the history of race relations if that is what you believe. that is total crap. He may not advance relations, but he certainly won't send them backwards
Everyone ignore Portmanteau from this day forward. He/she is at this point just saying the dumbest thing possible to rile people up.
you just set them back a millennium
Er... pushing 40 should disqualify you from being elected to the YOUNG Republicans anyways, methinks.
That's why the Young Dems cap it out at 35 (with two chapters having exceptions).
Which is more oxymoronic:
Young Republicans
or
Moderate REpublicans?
Don't be like that. There are indeed moderate Republicans -- Democrats can't afford to alienate these poor souls who are already wondering what the F is happening with their own party.
This is someone full of hate,racism,and extremely miserable.We need good,strong leaders, honest,decent,human beings,caring,concerned politicians,in both parties.Any Republicna,who really cares for his country,will pull away from her.Her hatred does nothing for our country that is going thru,an economical,broken,social,political crisis.By bashing and attacking each other,we do not heal,& get nothing done.There is just no room for this nazi,hatred.But this is the land of the free, and we all have been free to say what we want.We,and the media,have to be carefull not to make her more important and bigger,than she is.She has alot of work to do,first she has to get over,that we have a Black Pres.a beautiful,first lady,black,and that the country wanted them.She needs to go to confession,and find out whats wrong with her.This is not even political.This is racism &ugly,and she hates everyone.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
You are quite negative for a Log Cabin Republican. Please spare the visuals! You may get off on it but most of us have no interest in your personal activities.
So...you agree with Audra?
Wow. I hope you revel in your eventual marginalization and obscurity.
Hear, hear! Well said.
1. It was halloween when they hung Palin in effigy. There was a moment in U.S. history between 1770's and 1960's where white men would form mobs and lynch black men for crimes which they were never convicted of. Considering the historical implications I am sure that a reasonable person could see how hanging a black political figure in effigy would be more offensive than hanging a white person as a halloween decoration.
2.not even close to the same thing...while I think that hanging anyone in effigy is ineffective and ignorant the difference is huge.
3. What was his main goal? Community organizing? I thought it was getting the military out of Iraq. Closing Gitmo. Preventing a second Great Depression. Ultimately pulling us out of trillions of dollars of debt. Not sure what you are trying to say?
4.As far as the teabagging issue. Perry Mason used to use this line that I think is appropriate. "You opened that door counselor." It was the conservatives who chose the tea bag as their symbol not the liberals. We just stood to the side and giggled as millions of idiots in this nation made their true nature known.
Hey, send your post to Republican rewrite so we can understand what the hell it is that you're talking about. Or better yet, take an English 101 course.
1. Women and gay people were not the ones being hung in nooses by white men. Now, had the scene been about Palin being assaulted or raped (or another traditionally woman-targeted crime) I am confident everyone would have been up in arms.
2. ???
3. Community Organizing is not about elevating one race over another. It is about bringing people together neighborhood by neigborhood to address common issues and problems. When I was an Acorn Organizer, we fought hard for speed bumps and stop signs to prevent people from speeding down the same side streets their children played on. We helped unite the people, create the discorse, and taught the communities how to effectively create change. Evil world domination isn't it?
4. Unfortunately, no, both sides are ugly. Always have been and always will be. Lincoln was called a sodomist by his competitor for the presidency. However, the ugly always makes the frontlines. Hence, Rush's popularity. If you think about it, the only people on the left with as much success as Rush is Stewart and Colbert - and they're not nearly as ugly.
And quite frankly, watching Anderson Cooper discuss "teabagging" was hillarious. That was bad marketing plain and simple. When creating an event, you have to think about the spin, and the Tea Baggers, clearly did not.
screw acorn racist bastards
As I recall
it was your people...the "teabaggers" and conservative
"news" (I do use the term loosely) anchors
who kept talking about "tea bagging" Washington (my Dad is a Fox fan so I heard it with my very own ears...from the mouths of your prophets)
LOL
CLUELESS of the current cultural reference...
Pointing to the GENERAL CLUELESSNESS of the Repubs when it comes
to the people who actually live in this country...as opposed to their delusions.
You can't blame others for laughing at what you are saying when what you're saying is ridiculous..
You have to stop blaming others for your own poorly informed, marginalized
selves
Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery
: )
Thank you.
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