Usually, I like to open up my posts with some little story, comparison, or quip that grabs your attention. This time, I'm just a little too hot under the collar to think of one. So, here it is:
Yesterday, Barack Obama, a presidential hopeful, had to fight back against allegations that he attended an Islamic radical school in Indonesia. I read this little excerpt of an article on Yahoo! News, and my jaw dropped. Basically, this is what happened.
The day after Obama announced that he was going to enter the 2008 Presidential Race, an article about Hillary Clinton's accusations of Obama's "Muslim heritage" surfaced on the web site of the conservative Insight Magazine, and it was all over conservative blogs, and, here comes the surprise, it was all over Fox News.
Obama has now had to oppose these allegations in order to prevent from happening to him what happened to John Kerry. Kerry, in the 2004 election, came under fire from the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth on the accusations that he did not earn his war medals. Kerry failed to successfully fight back and lost credibility with both politicians and the American people. "We will not be swift-boated," said Obama communications director
Robert Gibbs, "and we won't take allegations that are patently untrue
lying down."
Yes, the school that he attended while living in Indonesia for two years with his mother and stepfather was primarily Muslim, and Indonesia is known for its radical Muslim schools with ties to Saudi terrorists. However, that does not mean that the school Barack Obama was attending was a radical Muslim school. He attended a public school in which he studied math, science, reading, and even the catechism.
Let me draw a comparison if you will. Most contestants that come to audition at American Idol are terrible. Agreed? Even of those contestants who are good, most don't have that flare or that edge that get them passed the first round. Agreed? So, it's fair to say that 90% (probably more if you watched last night's episode) of people who audition for American Idol are completely gosh-awful singers. Agreed? Now, using the judgment of Obama's accusers, I'm going to draw one last conclusion about American Idol contestants: they're all terrible singers that don't have a hope of making it past the first round. When put into these terms, do you see how ridiculous the logic is of the allegations of Hillary Clinton, Insight Magazine, conservative bloggers, and Fox news?
When one reads that article from Insight Magazine, one will see that they never actually cite a reliable source. They keep quoting "the source". They claim this source in the beginning of the article to be "close to the background check" that Senator Clinton's team did on Obama. They never release the name of this source. First of all, that means it's unreliable, and, second, that means they're trying to hide something.
Even if Obama is a Muslim, who cares? Isn't the foundation of this country built on tolerance, freedom, and equality? Shouldn't we embrace a leader who is different from the last 43? Do as you please, America. Continue on down your path of racism and judgment. By the way, don't even bother watching American Idol next week: all of the contestants suck.
ConfuciusSays posted on Jan 25, 2007
| views: 471
Comments
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silverwhisper said on Jan 26, 2007....
in fairness, a lot of the time for stories like this, sources are never revealed.
that said, it was a particularly petty & vicious little smear job. maybe it's one of those little swift-boats talking heads looking for a new job?
ed -
Ariene said on Jan 26, 2007....
Aside from not believing Obama is qualified at all, I just had to hear him say that the Iraq war is "A Dumb War" to lose any respect I had for him. I'm also tired of people calling me a racist for not wanting certain groups in positions of power in our government. America is still mainly a Christian country, and I would never want a Muslim as president. -
silverwhisper said on Jan 26, 2007....
in your eyes, what's worse, ariene: a muslim or an atheist?
ed -
Ariene said on Jan 26, 2007....
That's a good question, Ed. I don't condone any religion that treats women as if they are subservient to men. Although, I personally would not want to take on a lot of jobs that are traditionally held by them. Atheists don't believe in the existence of God and, therefore, don't necessarily believe there are consequences to their actions after death. But, this doesn't mean they will act in an extreme manner in life. So, even though I don't condemn anyone for their personal religious beliefs, I'd rather have an atheist leading this country, than a muslim. -
ConfuciusSays said on Jan 26, 2007....
First of all, I don't have any religion myself. I believe in a higher power, but I'm not quite sure what that higher power has intended for me or the rest of the world. Because of this, I understand that there might be consequences after death, and, thusly, I lead my life on as straight and narrow of a path as possible.
Islam does not treat women as if they're subservient to men. Nowhere in the religion of Islam does it say to mistreat women. The mistreatment of women is a result of the culture, the government, etc. of areas that participate.
If Barack Obama were Muslim, our country would be saved. Every single country in the world would find it much easier to respect the United States if we had elected a black, Muslim president. We would then be able understand their culture better, and we could realize that it's only a small group of their people who cause us trouble.
And maybe that's all we need in this world...just a little bit of understanding.
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husbandhater said on Jan 26, 2007....
After the 19yrold that they let breeze through b/c she snuck there from Ohio. I already see that this is going to suck. She was o.k. but not good enough to go to Hollywood,but what she did have was looks, which is what they go by. Could that be why the parents asked her not to go?And I agree with you totally Confu. You can't choose where your parents put you educational wise( he was a kid), and he was with his mom who happened to re-married an Indonesian man with a muslim background. Gee,he at 8 could tell his mother Don't marry that man ma he's going to ruin my political career when I get old enough to run for President of a country we don't even live in(U.S.A). I don't wanna go to that muslim school it. America will be fuled by Anti-muslim sentiments when I'm old enough to run for political office. Next they'll be telling us he had knowledge of 9/11!This is stupid and we all see right through it. -
Ariene said on Jan 26, 2007....
husbandhater - Not all of us see right through it. Obama's past and present ties are in question. So, he claims he is a muslim in name only and converted to christianity. Since he doesn't have a chance in hell to be elected, I guess it really isn't that important at the moment. -
ConfuciusSays said on Jan 28, 2007....
Not a chance in hell?! Have you been living under a rock on the Sinai Peninsula?!
I've talked with people from Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Florida, New York, and California, and they're all from different cultures, ways of life, religions, age ranges, and social classes. Most of them knew who Barack Obama is, and most of them said that he's definitely a candidate to be considered in the next election. Many even said that they already knew that they're going to vote for him.
I think that you need to take a look outside of your television, take a look outside of what garbage our media is feeding you, and go out and talk to people.
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Ariene said on Jan 29, 2007....
ConfuciousSays - Sorry, Confucious, but I've been actively involved in politics for a long time. I know many would like to see Obama elected, but not enough would actually vote for him. Obviously it's come down to the Democrats pushing for either a black or woman to be our next president. When there is a choice between Hillary and Obama, I believe Obama will lose. He is inexperienced and not qualified. So, the outcome remains to be seen. I still believe he doesn't have a chance in hell. -
silverwhisper said on Jan 29, 2007....
ariene, if you honestly don't want any muslims, irrespective of their beliefs, i hate to say this but that does make you a bit prejudiced. you are making broad assumptions about someone's character based in part upon that person's religion. how is that not prejudiced?
ed -
Ariene said on Jan 29, 2007....
I know more than a few muslims, Ed, and I've had some long discussions with some. We've always agreed to disagree. I just wouldn't want freedom here to erode more than it already has. My biggest concern is that eventually the Constitution will be amended to a point where we allows non-Americans to run for president and the country loses its' identity and status in the world. I'm Catholic and I could say "in name only", because I don't go to church on a regular basis and I disagree with some of the beliefs of the church. But, that wouldn't be true. I used to work with a muslim originally from Saudi Arabia. I knew he didn't have good intentions, but he pretended to. He was featured in some area newspapers over a period of years for his so-called accomplishments. As much as I voiced my opinion, everyone believed he was this "nice guy". In the end, the mosque he was heavily involved in was found to have ties to terrorist groups. So, lets not be naive. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Muslims do have basically the same beliefs, although, some are extremists. Either way, we have nothing in common. Because of their religion, I don't believe a muslim could lead this country objectively. But, that's just my opinion. -
silverwhisper said on Jan 29, 2007....
ariene, if you substitute the word "jew" for muslim, or "catholic" for muslim, how would you feel about someone saying that?
no, not all muslims have the same beliefs. i worked very closely w/ a few a couple years ago and these were some pretty bright, level-headed people. there's a problem here in anyone saying what islam is all about, or what all muslims believe, b/c there's no central authority on muslim theology. it isn't the same as catholicism, where the church says "this, that and the other are our theology: all else is heretical".
ed -
Ariene said on Jan 29, 2007....
I'm not easily offended by words. So, I'd rather gain knowledge of people's ideas and opinions then stick my head in the sand and pretend they don't exist. Just as many Christians would like to overturn abortion rights, wouldn't those who follow Islam also have their own agenda? Then the question becomes..what is it, and to what degree. Ed, please explain to me then what do all muslims have in common? I'd really like to know what the ties that bind are. I wasn't saying they are stupid or all extremists, but that we should be aware that there are some people in this country who aren't who they seem to be and/or who's belief go against the Consitution. Especially after 9/11, I find it difficult to accept people at face value.
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silverwhisper said on Jan 29, 2007....
what all muslims seem to have in common is that they believe mohammed was the prophet. just as all christians seem to have in common little more than that christ atoned for all sins, was crucified, dead & buried and was resurrected.
trying to say "all muslims believe [x]" is every bit as difficult as saying "all christians believe [y]". no, not all muslims believe that jihad as it's used most frequently today is a good idea. many muslims think it's a horrible betrayal of the fundamental principles of their faith. sadly, these are not the guys w/ the bullhorns.
ed -
Ariene said on Jan 29, 2007....
I understand what you're saying, Ed. I'll concede that I am a bit prejudice. But in my defense, I don't think any of the presidential candidates are worth voting for no matter what religion, if any, they follow or are associated with. -
ConfuciusSays said on Jan 29, 2007....
I have quite a few things to say to this because I know a few Muslims myself. The Muslims that I know are always telling me: "Islam is not a religion to us: it's a way of life. Islam means 'one who submits to the will of Allah.' Muslim basically means 'Islam-er'."
With that in mind, you must remember that 99% of Muslims use Islam as a basis for their morals, and, if you ask me, those morals run parallel with those of Judaism, Christianity, and many other religious beliefs. Morals such as: no drinking, do unto others as you want done unto you, Allah is the ultimate judge of character, and so on.
However, this is all beside the point. Barack Obama is not Muslim. He is a Baptist. He has never been a Muslim, nor has he ever claimed to be one. He went to a predominantly Muslim public school for two years in Indonesia where he studied math, science, and, above all, THE CATECHISM! Sounds like a good little Christian boy to me. Happy Ariene? -
Ariene said on Jan 29, 2007....
We know Obama converted to Christianity, Confucious. I did read an article the other day, however, regarding questions about ties his church has with a certain group. I'm middle of the road. I smoke, once in awhile have a drink, and never follow anyone without question. I guess you can say that I'm a liberated woman. The statement "One who submits to the will of Allah", says it all to me. Aside from that, why in the world would I vote for someone who's political views I don't agree with and I think is incompetent. I do believe we needed to go into Iraq and remove Saddam. Obama saying the war there is dumb, just shows me he lacks respect for the troops and those who have died there. I don't want to help elect anyone who can make such a statement to become the Commander and Chief of this country. -
ConfuciusSays said on Jan 29, 2007....
If someone can submit to the will of Allah and really mean it, I can respect that person. The Muslims that I know are some of the most dedicated, level-headed, intelligent people that I know. The main cause of this is a result of their firm foundation in their way of life.
I can't believe that, after all this time, there are still people out there who think that this war on Iraq was a good idea. I hate even calling it a war. It is not, never was, and will never be a "war". It was a massacre, it's now a failure, and will always be something America looks back on with shame. There were several things wrong with this war before it even started. The first issue is false/weak intelligence that there are/were WMD in Iraq. The second issue is what we should do now that Saddam is long gone. Obviously, the problem is far from over, and, obviously, Bush didn't plan for this to happen. There was only a plan for the game and no plan for the post game.
Obama said that the war is dumb. He did not say that the troops are dumb. In fact, on several occasions, I've heard him say that he supports the troops in Iraq even though he does not support why they're there.
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Ariene said on Jan 29, 2007....
Confucious - I'll bet you're younger than I am. You remind me of myself, but with a different cause, some time ago. -
ConfuciusSays said on Jan 30, 2007....
I'm greatly offended that you would attempt to guess my age based on my viewpoints and enthusiasm. I'll have you know that there are people who range in age from freshman in high school right up through Social Security collecting age that share my viewpoints and my enthusiasm. Though I don't know your age, It appears to me that you've just let yourself become cynical with time.
This is not post about each other's ages, however, so I'd prefer if we could just stick to the topic for now.
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Ariene said on Jan 30, 2007....
Confucious, I'm not cynical and I'm sorry that you were offended. I was merely referring to how important this issue is to you. OK, you say that Obama is against the war, but supports the troops. Well, try telling that to the young U.S. soldier who lost his leg in Iraq only to have cigarette butts thrown at him while he was spit on by anti-war protesters in the U.S.. Was Obama ever even in the military? I think not. I watched my husband leave for long periods of time while serving in the U.S. Navy never knowing for sure if he would return home again. I saw family and friends go off to war, some never returning home from battle at all. You can't protest the war and support the troops at the same time. These guys believe in what they are doing, but maybe not the way it is being carried out. I don't like the idea of sending more troops and I have relatives that could possibly be sent there who have served for a long time, but I would never, ever speak out against the war unless I had a better alternative to offer.
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