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9 Worshipers Killed in Church Massacre – Political Leaders Respond

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Out of respect for the nine people murdered in Charleston, South Carolina’s Emanuel A.M.E. Church during last Wednesday night’s bible study, I am holding Part 2 of our 3 part series – A House Divided –until next Friday, June 26th.

Most politicians and many others have weighed in on this horrific crime.  Here are some of their comments.  As you read them, consider their substance and tone – whether or not they have sincerely expressed their feelings, or if they have politicized the event.  With these things in mind, which – if any – of the comments quoted here rises in you estimation, to the level of being “Presidential,”  Rank them in order from most (1) to least (6) “Presidential.”  We’ll tell you who was quoted and how you received their message.

A.______ “We have to have a candid national conversation about race, and about discrimination, prejudice, hatred. The people who do this kind of dastardly, horrible act are a very small percentage. But unfortunately public discourse is sometimes hotter and more negative than it should be, which can, in my opinion, trigger people who is less than stable to do something like this.”

“I think we have to speak out against it. Like, for example, a recent entry into the (    ) presidential campaign said some very inflammatory things about Mexicans. Everybody should stand up and say that’s not acceptable. You know you don’t talk like that on talk radio. You don’t talk like that on the kind of political campaigns. I think he is emblematic. So I want people to understand, it’s not just him, it’s about everybody. The second thing is guns. Let’s just cut to the chase – it’s guns.”

 

B.______“A church is called a sanctuary because it’s a place of refuge and respite from the earthly and connects us to the heavenly. The Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. became a scene of unspeakable carnage because an evil person violated the sanctuary where earth and heaven meet and turned it into a place where earth and hell meet. No civilized person can react except with revulsion to such a senseless, cowardly, and despicable act. And for it to happen in one of America’s truly great and gentile cities adds to the horror. All Americans join in the condemnation of this act, but for Christians, such horror is especially painful because a holy place for peace and prayer has been infected and desecrated by demonic violence. The prayers that were interrupted by a mass murderer will be continued by a grieving nation.”

 

C.______  “The tragic and senseless murders that occurred in the sanctuary of Emanuel AME Church were the acts of pure evil.  To kill in a place of peace and in the House of the Lord is revolting and cowardly.  My wife (   ) and I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this despicable horror.  We pray for the victims and for their families to find peace, solace, and comfort during this difficult time.  And we pray for law enforcement and the entire Charleston community as they come together through the ties that bind them together.”

 

D._____ “( )and I know several members of Emanuel AME Church. We knew their pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who, along with eight others, gathered in prayer and fellow ship and was murdered last night, and to say our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and their community doesn’t say enough to convey the heartache and the sadness and the anger that we feel.

“Any death of this sort is a tragedy. Any shooting involving multiple victims is a tragedy. There is something particularly heartbreaking about a death happening in a place in which we seek solace and we seek peace, in a place of worship.

“Mother Emanuel is, in fact, more than a church. This is a place of worship that was founded by African Americans seeking liberty. This is a church that was burned to the ground because its worshipers worked to end slavery.

“When there were laws banning all-black church gatherings, they conducted church services in secret. When there was a nonviolent movement to bring our country in closer line with our highest ideals, some of our brightest leaders spoke and led marches from this church’s steps.

“This is a sacred place in the history of Charleston and in the history of America.”

 

E.______ “The tragic shootings in Charleston, South Carolina yesterday are a manifestation of the evil that has gripped our society.   Many of us have allowed the purveyors of hatred and division to create conflict between the races, the genders, religious groups, age groups and income groups. The Bible says that a house divided against itself cannot stand. With external jihadist forces trying to destroy us, why would we aid them by engaging in self-destructive behaviors stimulated by hate?

“We must remember that we are a pluralistic society with many components and many beliefs. If we are to live together peacefully and with prosperity, we must learn the true meaning of tolerance, and that it goes in both directions.

“I join with millions of Americans in praying for comfort for the families who lost loved ones in that tragedy. Someone close to me lost relatives last night in that tragedy. We all lose when senseless tragedies like this remove vibrant lives from our midst. May God give us the ability to rise above hatred and join hands and recognize that our strength is in our unity and love heals all wounds.”

 

F.______ “This morning we are all trying to make sense of this senseless act. This is pure evil. It’s infuriating. Mankind’s capacity for evil is horrific.

“I’m enraged by this ungodly act and my heart breaks for these families. I hurt for them.

“To happen in a place of worship is unconscionable. They were opening their hearts to God and lifting their concerns up to Him.

“Every American needs to take a few minutes today, and in the days to come, to pray for the families of those murdered last night. They all need the comfort and peace only God can provide and we should all pray they will find it.

“We also need to ask everyone who might know this suspect to have the courage to come forward and help the police apprehend him. Justice must be done and this killer must face the consequences of his awful actions. This monster needs to hunted down and brought to justice.”

 

Quotes cited from:

Hot Air.com, Foxnation.com and Washington Post.com

 

Lies – Arrogance and the “Obama Way”

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Remember when the U.S. Embassy was considered American soil – wherever it might be.  Remember when the American Embassy was viewed by the world as a place of refuge; a symbol of the greatest country on Earth – a place where the poorest, most helpless person on Earth could be kept safe from the harshest most powerful dictator, if he could just make his way through the gate? Remember when it meant something when someone burned the American flag?  Remember when killing a U.S. Ambassador would have been tantamount to issuing a death warrant on yourself?  Those fading memories  have all been put away quietly by this president, in some obscure corner of the White House, wrapped with apologies, lest anyone suspect us of flashing our power.  Today, under the Obama administration, we have an alternate reality that shifts and changes by the moment – an illusion of power where he orders surgical killings, but is constantly on the search for something that might warrant another apology.  While “Friendly” Afghans assassinated our troops, he responded vigorously…with an apology for the Koran burnings – Korans being used by prisoners to transmit intelligence.  While our Ambassador to Libya and three of his staff are brutally – sadistically murdered, he looks frantically for a third rate amateurish video that will allow him to step away from the fray and enjoy his comfort zone as an apologist.  Meantime, back at home, he crows as the undisputed campaigner-in-chief, showing us his view of the world – a world where we no longer have an American flag, but an Obama flag.  Unbelievable?  Here it is:

See at:  (http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/09/new-obama-flag-looks-eerily-like-bloody-handprints-at-benghazi-consulate/)

Only a Campaign symbol?  Remember when every square inch of our flag was revered?  No longer good enough for the Obama campaign?   In their typical arrogance, they no doubt see the American flag as one more thing they can do better.  Indeed, they have a strange view of reality.

With more than 30 countries literally on fire and brewing troubles in others, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice recently appeared on ABC’s This Week with Jake Tapper.[1]  Responding to a question from Mr. Tapper as to why America had grown less popular across the Middle East despite President Obama’s Muslim outreach, Ms. Rice did what this administration seems to do so consistently.  She argued that the dark moonlit sky above us does not really signify night – and in fact, dark glasses were required to avoid the harsh glare of the sun.  Translated – she spoke like an insane person, living in an alternate reality.   With the trademark arrogance made famous by the Obama administration, Ms. Rice had no doubt that her every word would be accepted and perhaps even cherished.  What did she say?  She responded defensively that we’re not less popular and even challenged Tapper’s basis for making such an observation.[2]

And little wonder say Obama’s admirers…imagine a seasoned journalist coming to such a conclusion solely on the basis of the murder of a U.S. Ambassador and three of his staff, attacks on our embassies, burnings of the American flag, mobs chanting “Obama, Obama,” we are all Osama, while carrying signs calling for the annihilation of  America and Israel…the recklessness of such an assumption is beyond the pale!!!

Don’t forget the movie.  Ambassador Rice reminded us again that the attacks leading to the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens and his three staffers was the result of spontaneous riots, where participants just happened to be carrying Rocket Propelled Grenades and launchers…makes sense.  It was an obscure movie that provoked those murders and riots around the world.  The low budget film, released in July seemed to be dormant for two months, as if hidden in a closet.  Then on just a random date – say, September 11th, all Hell broke loose.  In the world of Ambassador Rice and President Obama, that probably makes perfect sense.  And, if so, that’s really frightening.

——————————————————————–

[1] Ambassador Susan Rice (Sept. 16, 2012), ABC This Week with Jake Tapper

[2] Ibid.

Want to Buy a Bridge?

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With more than 30 countries literally on fire and brewing troubles in others, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice recently appeared on ABC’s This Week with Jake Tapper.[1]  Responding to a question from Mr. Tapper as to why America had grown less popular across the Middle East despite President Obama’s Muslim outreach, Ms. Rice did what this administration seems to do so consistently.  She argued that the dark moonlit sky above us does not really signify night – and in fact, dark glasses were required to avoid the harsh glare of the sun.  Translated – she spoke like an insane person, living in an alternate reality.   With the trademark arrogance made famous by the Obama administration, Ms. Rice had no doubt that her every word would be accepted and perhaps even cherished.  What did she say?  She responded defensively that we’re not less popular and even challenged Tapper’s basis for making such an observation.[2]

And little wonder say Obama’s admirers…imagine a seasoned journalist coming to such a conclusion solely on the basis of the murder of a U.S. Ambassador and three of his staff, attacks on our embassies, burnings of the American flag, mobs chanting “Obama, Obama,” we are all Osama, while carrying signs calling for the annihilation of  America and Israel…the recklessness of such an assumption is beyond the pale!!!

Don’t forget the movie.  Ambassador Rice reminded us again that the attacks leading to the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens and his three staffers was the result of spontaneous riots, where participants just happened to be carrying Rocket Propelled Grenades and launchers…makes sense.  It was an obscure movie that provoked those murders and riots around the world.  The low budget film, released in July seemed to be dormant for two months, as if hidden in a closet.  Then on just a random date – say, September 11th, all Hell broke loose.  In the world of Ambassador Rice and President Obama, that probably makes perfect sense.  And, if so, that’s really frightening.

Sarcasm aside, her response was all too typical of the stream of lies, half-truths and distortions that have come to characterize President Obama and his administration.  Republicans want dirty air and dirty water?[3]  We want to throw grandma over the cliff?  A few days ago, the President said that he has learned that “If you want to be president you’ve got to work for everybody, not just for some.” [4] Unless you’ve been out of the country for the last four years, with no access to television, radio and print material, that’s got to pull a laugh.  When he still held a majority in both houses of Congress, he was already berating Republicans for driving the “car” (of state) into the ditch and telling them they could come along, but would have to “sit in back”[5]…an outstanding way, no doubt often used by Obama to build consensus.  Was this an example of  working for both Republicans and Democrats?

How many times in his first several months as President did he remind us that “Elections have consequences” and “I won.”[6]  Was he binding the wounds – bringing people together – working for everybody?

Then there was his instruction to Latinos to “Punish your enemies,” and his warning that if you are Hispanic and taking your child out for ice cream,   “you’re going to be harassed.”  Was he working for everybody?

He wondered, in the pages of  Dreams from my Father:

“whether a black politics that suppressed rage toward whites generally, or one that failed to elevate race loyalty above all else, was a politics inadequate to the task.”[7]

Has he then been working for black Americans, or white Americans?  Or, was this still another example of Obama working for everybody?

It all seems to beg a question.  Another video was just uncovered, in which Obama again identifies himself as being in favor of redistribution.  He has said that on more than one occasion.  Remember “Joe the Plumber?”

Now, does he represent the people to whom hard earned, redistributed money will flow – or, does he represent those who have worked for what they have and from whom it will be “redistributed” to others?

Well, I guess he’s “working for everybody.”  That’s what he said.  Remember, “Elections have consequences.”  He did win.

We did not.  But, we have another chance in November.

[1] Ambassador Susan Rice (Sept. 16, 2012), ABC This Week with Jake Tapper

[2] Ibid.

 [3] President Barack Obama (May 16, 2012), YouTube post by RASBFFO, Obama:Republicans Want Dirty Air Dirty Water,  Retrieved September 19, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMATBun0_hY

 [4] President Barack Obama (Sept. 18, 2012), David Letterman Show, quoted by Real Clear Politics, Real Clear Politics web-site, Obama: If You want to be President, You’ve got to work for everybody,” retrieved Sept. 19, 2012 from http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/09/18/obama_if_you_want_to_be_president_you_got_to_work_for_everybody.html

 [5] President Barack Obama, quoted in story by Colby Hall (Oct. 26, 2010), Mediaite Web-site, Obama To GOP: ‘They Can Come For The Ride, But They Have To Sit In Back’, retrieved September 19, 2012 from http://www.mediaite.com/tv/obama-to-gop-%E2%80%98they-can-come-for-the-ride-but-they-have-to-sit-in-back/

 [6] President Barack Obama, quoted in story by Mark Thiessen, (Oct. 25, 2010), Washington Post web-site, The Roots of Obama’s Demise, retrieved Sept. 19, 2012 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102502408.html

 [7] Barack Obama, Dreams From my Father, (New York, 1995, Three Rivers Press), 199

Obama’s Insult to America

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As this is being written, violent protests have occurred in more than a dozen Middle East and North African countries.

The wildfire of anti-American protests started on September 11, 2012,  11 years to the day after Islamic radicals brought down the Twin Towers and killed nearly 3,000 Americans.  But, today there is a difference – a very ugly difference.  Today, we face these attacks with an Administration ill suited to the task and seemingly preoccupied with damage control.  In that effort of political self preservation, the Obama administration insults the intellect of the American people and insults the memory of four brave American representatives killed in the Benghazi, Libya assault.

First, we have an apology coming from the U.S. Embassy in Egypt – an apology that actually preceded the assault on the Embassy and the burning of the American flag.  The subject of the apology:  an obscure video released on YouTube in July, 2012, ridiculing the Prophet Mohammed.  Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney quite correctly took issue with Obama’s apology.  But, Obama has apparently been moderately successful in distancing himself from the Embassy’s statement, saying that he did not authorize it – while, at the same time, ridiculing Romney for “shooting before he aims.”

Well, how about that?  Any person who has ever served in a sensitive position in the military, or in the government in general, will tell you that there are protocols for virtually everything – particularly, statements made in the international arena.  The idea that an Embassy would release a statement essentially apologizing , on behalf of the United States, to a large religious block without presidential approval is stunning.  It is particularly odd that a statement amounting to an apology did not come from Obama.  The number of apologies he has made for our Country suggests strongly that somewhere in Washington there is an apology czar combing the wires for stories in any part of the world that could warrant a U.S. apology!

Then there is the obvious – and again I call on those who have served in the military, or in law enforcement.  Given the tensions in the Middle East – given the recent political transitions in Egypt and Libya – how is it even possible that this administration would not have increased security (with U.S. forces) for at least the preceding week and the week following the anniversary of 9/11?  Was this an oversight, or was as it the result of sheer hubris on Obama’s part?  Whatever the reason, four brave men were murdered.  They might have still been alive today, if this very basic step had been taken.

Now, while Romney continues to be the subject of over the top political attacks based on his stand against the initial Embassy apology, the White House is in effect repeating that apology. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney points out that the protesters were not protesting against Obama’s policies, or his administration.  They were protesting against a low budget video released in July, 2012 and amazingly causing people in Egypt and Libya to become sufficiently enraged to burn the American flag and kill four Americans – but, not until September 11 – a day that also “lives in infamy.”  That’s not enough.  Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had the audacity to repeat this theory in the presence of mourning family members of the four dead Americans.

While President Obama spoke today, during the arrival of our four murdered patriots, it is beyond comprehension that he reportedly first called the mourning families from his plane on the way to a campaign event in Las Vegas, that he has allegedly missed (presumably, by choice) 65% of his security briefings and that he refused a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in favor of an appearance on the David Letterman show. Even now, he continues to campaign – or, is he simply doing his best to avoid calls for a decision – to make this another “Present” vote?

This Administration seems thoroughly convinced that whatever they say to the American people will be believed and embraced without discussion or analysis.  Their behavior is no longer just insulting.  It is dangerous.

If these things are not sufficiently bizarre, former President Jimmy Carter has weighed in, saying that Obama should follow the example he set in handling the Iran hostage situation.  Those who remember can tell you that Jimmy Carter did not handle the Iran hostage situation.  He displayed weakness for the world as Barack Obama does today.  The election of President Reagan was singularly responsible for the release of the hostages, as the timing of their release overwhelmingly proved.  Perhaps, if we are fortunate, the election of Mitt Romney will have the same effect throughout the Middle East.

Democratic National Circus! Part Two

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Another Proud Moment for the Left

Yesterday, our conversation centered on omissions from the Democratic Presidential Platform, of “God” and of the affirmation that Jerusalem is and will always be the capital of Israel.  The narrative also described the inexplicable difficulty in returning both of these omissions to the Platform.  In all, three votes were required and still failed to produce the level of consensus required for approval of their return.  That did not stop the Chairman of the Convention, Antonio Villaraigosa, from dutifully reading his pre-scripted teleprompter and announcing that the Aye’s had achieved a 2/3 majority and the measure was passed.

There can be no question that this incident involved conscious decisions, lies and very nearly an open declaration of hostility towards Israel from Democratic Party Delegates.

But, this was not the only “ground ball” for finding lies among the Democrat hierarchy.  Earlier in the Circus, DNC Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) was questioned about a statement she had attributed to Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren:

   “what the Republicans are doing is dangerous for Israel,”[1]

Ambassador Oren quickly responded to the alleged quote, stating that:

“I categorically deny that I ever characterized Republican policies as harmful to Israel. Bipartisan support is a paramount national interest for Israel, and we have great friends on both sides of the aisle.”[2]

When Wasserman-Schultz was asked about the quote and subsequent denial by the Ambassador, her response was not only that she had been misquoted, but that she had been deliberately misquoted. Her precise response – of a type becoming more and more typical of the Democratic Party:

“’I didn’t say he [Ambassador Oren] said that,’ Wasserman Schultz insisted. ‘And unfortunately, that comment was reported by a conservative newspaper. It’s not surprising they would deliberately misquote me.’”[3]

Examiner Senior Editorial Writer Philip Klein, who made the initial report, then produced the audio proving that Wasserman-Schultz had made exactly the statement he quoted in his previous column. [4]  When later asked if she intended to offer Mr. Klein an apology, Wasserman-Schultz allegedly answered “with a slight laugh,”  “No, I definitely will not.”[5] 

Another “Class” moment for the Obama camp – another moment that marginalizes and ridicules their own base.

TO BE CONTINUED…


[1] Douglas Bloomfield, (Sep. 6, 2012), The Jewish Weekly web-site, The Jewish Week/Political Insider, Debbie Does Damage,” retrieved Sep. 9, 2012 from http://www.thejewishweek.com/blogs/political-insider/debbie-does-damage

[2] Ibid.

[3] Philip Klein, Senior Editorial Writer, (Sep. 4, 2012), The Examiner web-site, Politics, Beltway Confidential, DWS Attacks Examiner for ‘Deliberately’ Misquoting her, but here’s the Audio, retrieved Sep. 9, 2012 from http://washingtonexaminer.com/dws-attacks-examiner-for-deliberately-misquoting-her-but-heres-the-audio/article/2506980#.UEuST6OO6So

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ken Shepherd, (Sep. 5, 2012), Newsbusters web-site, Debbie Wasserman Schultz Refuses to Apologize to Reporter She Falsely Charged with Misquoting Her, retrieved Sep. 9, 2012 from http://newsbusters.org/blogs/ken-shepherd/2012/09/05/debbie-wasserman-schultz-refuses-apologize-reporter-she-falsely-charge

 

Obama Denies He’s a King – Disregards Congress – Reason #67

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In early June, 2010, in a dramatic moment during the Gulf oil spill operations, Obama made the unexpected admission that his powers were “not limitless.”[i]  A few months later, in October, 2010, he told radio personality Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo, that:

“…I am president, I am not king. I can’t do these things just by myself. We have a system of government that requires the Congress to work with the executive branch to make it happen.” [ii]

A few nights later he told supporters at a Democratic Dinner that Healthcare Reform took time, because this is:

“…not a monarchy we live in. This is a democracy.”[iii]

On February 22, 2012, back with Univision’s Los Angeles based Sotelo show, Obama again lamented the powerlessness of his Presidency under Constitutional restraints, saying:

“Piolin, I would only have broken my promise [on comprehensive immigration reform] if I hadn’t tried. But ultimately, I’m one man. You know, we live in a democracy. We don’t live in a monarchy. I’m not the king. I’m the president. And so, I can only implement those laws that are passed through Congress.”[iv]

All of this, of course, is his “Go To” rhetoric when explaining away his failure to achieve bipartisan consensus and legislation.  Still, it’s interesting that he seems so consistently focused on monarchies and kingships, because while he claims we’re not a monarchy and that he’s not a king, he seems to have no problem playing the role.

At a Las Vegas campaign event on Oct. 24, 2011, President Obama told his audience that:

 “…I’ve told my administration to keep looking every single day for actions we can take without Congress.”[v]

On Oct. 26, 2011, at still another campaign opportunity at the University of Colorado, President Obama declared:

“We can’t wait for Congress to do its job. So where they won’t act, I will.

“…And I’ve told my administration we’re going to look every single day to figure out what we can do without Congress.”[vi]

On Nov. 2, 2011, in a speech at Georgetown Waterfront Park, Obama told prospective 2012 voters:

“We can’t wait for Congress to do its job. If they won’t act, I will.”[vii]

On January 4, 2012, during a speech at Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, President Obama told a large Democrat audience:

“When Congress refuses to act, and as a result, hurts our economy and puts our people at risk, then I have an obligation as President to do what I can without them.”[viii]

On Feb. 21, 2012, Obama said:

“Now, whenever Congress refuses to act, Joe [Biden] and I, we’re going to act.”[ix]

On Feb. 23, 2012, at another campaign event at the University of Miami, President Obama again stated – and both unbelievably and hypocritically, given the subject of energy independence – that:

“With or without this Congress, I will continue to do whatever I can to develop every source of American energy so our future isn’t controlled by events on the other side of the world.”[x]

Yet, in his restrictions on drilling and his disapproval of a much needed pipeline, he all but guarantees the control of our future by “events on the other side of the world.”

Meanwhile, President Obama had no problem bypassing the U.S. Senate and using the pretext of “recess appointments” to install Richard Cordray as head of his new Financial Protection Bureau, or to appoint three new members to the National Labor Relations Board.[xi]

He had no problem taking the country to war against Libya without Congressional approval[xii] – and his Communication Director warns us that our problems require:

“‘bold, bipartisan action in Congress’ but that Mr. Obama ‘believes we cannot wait, so he will act where they won’t.’”[xiii]

Let’s see…Democracy…Constitution…eliminating the role of congress…Might this be the equivalent of a Monarchy?

Perhaps he does think himself a king.

[i] Sunlen Miller, (June 11, 2010), ABC News.com Political Punch by Jake Tapper, Obama: “I Can’t Suck it up with a Straw”, retrieved September 29, 2010 from http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/06/obama-i-cant-suck-it-up-with-a-straw-.html

[ii] President Barack Obama, (Oct. 26, 2010), FoxNews web-site, quoting President from his interview with Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo, Obama: “I am not King,” retrieved February 25, 2012 from http://nation.foxnews.com/president-obama/2010/10/25/obama-i-am-not-king

[iii] President Barack Obama, (Oct. 26, 2010), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President at a DCCC Dinner, retrieved February 25, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/26/remarks-president-a-dccc-dinner

[iv] President Barack Obama (Feb. 22, 2012), transcript from Univision interview on Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo radio show, provided by FoxNation web-site (Feb. 24, 2012), President Obama: ‘My Presidency Is Not Over. I’ve Got Another Five Years’, retrieved February 25, 2012 from http://nation.foxnews.com/president-obama/2012/02/23/president-obama-my-presidency-not-over-i-ve-got-another-five-years

[v] President Barack Obama (Oct. 24, 2011), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President on the Economy and Housing, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/24/remarks-president-economy-and-housing

[vi] President Barack Obama, (Oct. 26, 2011), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President on College Affordability, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/26/remarks-president-college-affordability

[vii] President Barack Obama, (Nov. 2, 2011), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President Urging Congress to Pass the Infrastructure Piece of the American Jobs Act, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/11/02/remarks-president-urging-congress-pass-infrastructure-piece-american-job

[viii] President Barack Obama, (Jan. 4, 2012), White House web-site blog, President Obama Discusses Richard Cordray in Shaker Heights, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/04/president-obama-discusses-richard-cordray-shaker-heights

[ix] President Barack Obama, (Feb. 21, 2012), White House web-site, Remarks by the President on the Payroll Tax Cut, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/02/21/president-obama-payroll-tax-cut-extension#transcript

[x] President Barack Obama, (Feb. 23, 2012), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President on Energy, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/02/23/president-obama-university-miami#transcript

[xi] Dave Clarke and Matt Spetalnick, (Jan. 4, 2012), Reuters web-site, Obama Defies Republicans with Consumer Agency Pick, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/04/us-financial-regulation-cordray-idUSTRE80312J20120104

[xii] President Barack Obama, (Mar. 21, 2011), White House web-site, Presidential Memoranda, Letter from the President regarding the commencement of operations in Libya, retrieved February 26, 2012 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/21/letter-president-regarding-commencement-operations-libya

Talk and Actions Matching? – Reason #55

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Obama – A New Washington Culture?

In a speech in Green Bay on Sept. 22, 2008, then candidate Obama was quoted as saying:

“We must change Washington.  We must reform our regulations, our politics and our government, but we will not be able to make these changes with the same policies, the same lobbyists or the same Washington culture that allows politicians and special interests to set their own agenda.”[i]

Nice sentiments indeed, for a politician who only a few months later, nominated a Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, who had allegedly made “hundreds of thousands of dollars in consulting and speaking fees from health and pharmaceutical interests, some of which would be at the heart of any effort to overhaul the nation’s health care system” [ii] – an HHS Secretary also found to be owing $128,000 in back taxes.

No hypocrisy here.

[i] Barack Obama, quoted in Linton Weeks, (Feb. 3, 2009), NPR web-site, Obama Nominees: Who’s in and Who’s out, retrieved February 5, 2012 from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100249850

[ii] Linton Weeks, (Feb. 3, 2009), NPR web-site, Obama Nominees: Who’s in and Who’s out, retrieved February 5, 2012 from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100249850

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Reason #44 – Obama and Rezko: A “Distraction!”

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Only 130 Days Remaining!

Reason #44

Obama and Rezko – A “Distraction?”

Tony Rezko, now serving time on fraud, money laundering and Attempted Bribery charges,[i] was considered a friend of Obama for 17 years.  Rezko, his partner Daniel Mahru, their wives and businesses contributed more than $50,000 to Obama’s campaigns over the years and Rezko was responsible for bundling millions more, including $14 million in contributions raised by Obama’s U.S. Senate Campaign Finance Committee – a Committee to which Rezko had been appointed by Obama.[ii]

Rezko was also considered a good friend of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and was, according to author Elizabeth Brackett, “the key figure in the wide-ranging corruption that shattered the governor’s office.”[iii]

Although Obama knew Rezko was under criminal investigation at the time, he made sure Rezko was present when he toured his South side Chicago home for the first time, as a prospective buyer.  A few weeks earlier, Rezko had allegedly received a $3.5 million dollar loan from Nadhmi Auchi, a British-Iraqi billionaire convicted in a 2003 corruption case in France. [iv]

The property included a Georgian style home and an adjacent fenced lot that could not be accessed individually from the street.  Although the owner was apparently selling both the home and lot, Mr. Obama successfully negotiated a $300,000 reduction in the price of the home – from $1.95 million to $1.65 million – without purchasing the lot.

On that same day, Mrs. Rita Rezko – Tony Rezko’s wife – made a coincidental full price offer on the adjacent lot, paying $625,000.  Repeating – this lot could not be accessed individually from the street.  In January, 2006, the Obama’s purchased a ten foot section of the lot from Mrs. Rezko, for $104,500,[v]although an appraisal reflected the real value to be only $40,500.[vi]

Obama had first been offered a job by Rezmar – Tony Rezko’s corporation – after his selection as President of the Harvard Law Review.  He refused the offer, but later went to work for the Chicago law firm Davis, Miner Barnhill & Galland – the firm representing Rezmar – the firm that helped Rezmar obtain $43 million in government funding to rehab 15 of its 30 low income apartment buildings.[vii]  The first time Obama was asked about Rezko, he claimed they had just met.  Actually, they had known each other for 17 years.[viii]  This, as Obama likes to say, could represent a “Teachable Moment” – for American voters.

While working for Davis Miner Barnhill & Galland, Obama performed an unknown amount of legal work on Rezmar deals.  When questioned about the amount of Obama’s Rezmar work by the Sun-Times, Mr. Miner – a partner in the law firm said “We’ll put together a list of the cases he worked on involving Rezko/Rezmar in the next day or two.”[ix] That statement was  reportedly made on March 13, 2007.  According to the Sun-Time’s Tim Novak, the information had not been received as of April 23, 2007.  Obama’s state senate campaign staff, on the other hand, says he worked only about five hours on such cases over a six year period. But, rehab deals on half of Rezmar’s low income apartment buildings were made while Obama was with the firm. [x] Recall Hillary Clinton’s accusation during one of the debates of the 2008 Democratic Primary, that Obama had handled the legal work for a “Slumlord.” 

In February, 1997 Rezmar got away with a $100 fine, after tenants in one building suffered without heat for five weeks beginning in December, 1996.  On January 14, 1997, During a time when Rezko and his partner reportedly couldn’t come up with the money to turn on the building’s heat, Obama received a campaign contribution of $1,000 from Rezmar. [xi]

Eleven of Rezmar’s 30 buildings turned out to be in Obama’s State Senate District.[xii]

(Excerpt from 203 Reasons Not to Vote for Barack Obama)

[i] Tom Leonard, (June 5, 2008), Telegraph.co.uk web-site, World News, USA, Barack Obama ally Tony Rezko convicted of fraud, attempted bribery and money laundering,retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/2077135/Barack-Obama-ally-Tony-Rezko-convicted-of-corruption.html

[ii] Tim Novak, (April 23, 2008), Chicago Sun-Times website, Obama and his Rezko ties, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article

[iii] Elizabeth Brackett, Pay to Play: How Rod Blagojevich Turned Political Corruption into a National Sideshow, (Chicago, 2009, Ivan R. Dee), 91

[iv] The Times, (March 5, 2008), Timesonline.co.uk web-site, U.S. & Americas News/U.S. Elections, Q&A: Barack Obama and Tony Rezko, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3486054.ece

[v] The Times, (March 5, 2008), Timesonline.co.uk web-site, U.S. & Americas News/U.S. Elections, Q&A: Barack Obama and Tony Rezko, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3486054.ece

[vi] Binyamin Appelbaum, (March 16, 2008), Boston.com web-site, Home/News/Nation – The Boston Globe, Obama haunted by friend’s help securing dream house, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/16/obama_haunted_by_friends_help_securing_dream_house/?page=1

[vii] Tim Novak, (April 23, 2008), Chicago Sun-Times website, Obama and his Rezko ties, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article

[viii] Gather.com (Feb. 25, 2008), Gather.com web-site, Obama & Rezko & Slumlord, Oh My!, retrieved March 7, 2012 from http://politics.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977268326

[ix] Tim Novak, (April 23, 2008), Chicago Sun-Times website, Obama and his Rezko ties, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article

[x] Tim Novak, (April 23, 2008), Chicago Sun-Times website, Obama and his Rezko ties, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article

[xi] Tim Novak, (April 23, 2008), Chicago Sun-Times website, Obama and his Rezko ties, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article

[xii] Tim Novak, (April 23, 2008), Chicago Sun-Times website, Obama and his Rezko ties, retrieved June 10, 2010 from http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article

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Reason #42/43 – Obama: “I’ve Now Been in 57 States!”/Obama: U.S. has “Countries”!!!

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Only 131 Days Remaining!

Reason #42

Obama: “I’ve Now Been in 57 States!”

Here are his words: In a 2008 campaign stop at Beaverton, Oregon, Obama made a statement that was received very differently by liberals and conservatives.  Most liberals will say he misspoke because he was exhausted from a busy campaign schedule.  Have you, even once, heard any American make a similar error?

The question:  Was it exhaustion, or was it the error of a person whose only attachment to this nation is superficial and academic – not emotional.

“Over the past 15 months we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States.  I’ve now been in 57 states?  I think one left to go – one left to go.  Alaska and Hawaii I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit…”[i]

That makes 60!  Ask yourself how many times you’ve made the same error, or heard a friend or relative misstate the number of states in the United States of America…or perhaps just give Obama another pass.

(Excerpt from 203 Reasons Not to Vote for Barack Obama)

* * *

Reason #43

Obama: Ever the European – Speaks of U.S. “Countries”

In October, 2011, speaking at the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) #5 Training Center in Pittsburg, PA, President Obama took the opportunity to cast Republicans as being against his Jobs Act because passing it would represent a Win for him [Obama].  He then went on to characterize the Act as something that would represent a Win for the working people of America – virtually everyone.  Having once again created a divisive strawman, Obama also used this speech to reiterate his opinion of America’s exceptionalism, stating:

“We used to have the best stuff. We used to be the envy of the world. People would come to our countries and they would say, look at — look at the Hoover Dam, look at the Golden Gate Bridge. Now people go to Beijing Airport and they say, I wish we had an airport like that. We can’t compete that way, playing for 2nd or 3rd or 4th or 8th or 15th place.”[ii] (Emphasis added)

Aside from being another example of Obama denigrating the Country he was elected to lead, his use of the word “Countries” here, leaves me wondering if he has once again confused us with his beloved Europe.  In the U.S., we have “States” – just not 57, or 60 of them.  But, even most first graders know – we don’t have “Countries.”

(Excerpt from 203 Reasons Not to Vote for Barack Obama)

[i] Uploaded by Obamagaffe, (May 9, 2008), YouTube web-site, Obama Claims he’s Visited 57 States, retrieved November 15, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGH02DtIws

[ii] President Barack Obama, (October 11, 2011), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by the President on the American Jobs Act, given at IBEW #5 Training Center, Pittsburg, PA, retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/10/11/remarks-president-american-jobs-act

The Work and Words of Obama’s Associates
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Reason #41 – Obama’s Pride in America – a Mixed Message

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Only 132 Days Remaining!

Reason #41

Obama Finds Pride in America as Election Nears

During an interview with Barbara Walters, aired on ABC Nightline, on December 23, 2011, President Obama said:

“Here in the United States,  everybody’s always talking about China and how they’re rising.  When you’re in Asia, people are still looking to the United States.  They don’t look to China.  They look to the United States for Leadership, for security, on economics, on culture, on politics – not because they think we’re perfect, but because they realize that we are a unique superpower in the sense that we don’t just think about our self interest.  We also think about what’s good for the world.  And, I wouldn’t want us to trade places with anybody – and I want to communicate that more effectively to the American people.”

In October, 2010, he was not quite so happy with America, when he said of China:

“Right now, China’s building hundreds of thousands of miles of new roads. Over the next 10 years, it plans to build dozens of new airports. Over the next 20, it could build as many as 170 new mass transit systems. Everywhere else, they’re thinking big. They’re creating jobs today, but they’re also playing to win tomorrow.”[i]

In August, 2008, then Senator and Presidential Candidate Obama was quick to show the losing role of America – particularly, as compared with China:

“Think about the amount of money that China has spent on infrastructure. Their ports, their train systems, their airports are vastly the superior to us now…”[ii]

And, as for receiving the world’s admiration for not just thinking about our self interest, but also thinking about “what’s good for the world,” could Obama have been more supportive than in his 1990 statement that we were “mean-spirited” and ungenerous,[iii] or, in his January, 2009 interview on Al Arabiya TV, when he told their audience that “…all too often, the United States starts by dictating…”[iv] or, in his April 2009 speech at  the Summit of the Americas, where he confessed, “…we have at times been disengaged, and at times we sought to dictate our terms.”

The contrast of his current statement to his consistent position on these issues is indeed something to behold.  Perhaps, it has something to do with the proximity of the 2012 Presidential elections.

In true keeping with his “No Drama Obama” persona, time and time again, the President  illustrates his rugged ability to stare his own statements in the face and deny them with impunity.  Still, for those who watch and listen, he is indeed transparent.

(Excerpt from 203 Reasons Not to Vote for Obama)

[i] President Barack Obama, (Oct. 11, 2010), White House web-site, Speeches & Remarks, Remarks by President on Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure, retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4McJhMjum4

[ii] Senator Barack Obama, (August 21, 2008), quoted in article by Jim Geraghty, (Aug. 22, 2008), National Review Web-site, The Campaign Spot, Obama, Fan of Chinese Ports, Trains, and Airports, retrieved December 28, 2011, from http://www.nationalreview.com/campaign-spot/9045/obama-fan-chinese-ports-trains-and-airports

[iii] Allison J. Pugh, Associated Press, (Cambridge, MA 1990), “Law Journal’s Leader Wants to Help Poor,” appearing in National Section of Altoona Mirror, April 16, 1990, p. B7, retrieved from Newspaper Archive.com http://www.newspaperarchive.com

/PdfViewerTags.aspx?img=70515705&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=5&currentPage=0&fpo=False, using search terms “Barack Obama” “between years 1987-1995”, (Retrieved June 8, 2010)

[iv] President Barack Obama, (Jan. 2009), release of President Obama’s interview with Al Arabiya TV by Consulate General of the United States, Dubai-UAE, retrieved December 28, 2011, from http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/obama_arabiya.html

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