At a recent local high school football game, a couple of veterans I was standing with began talking about tomorrow's ceremonies honoring our military on Veterans Day. Since I am not a veteran (I graduated high school in 1976), I chose not to pay very close attention to the differences between the local VFW and the American Legion. But when their discussion took a weird turn, they caught my ear. When discussing the day set aside to honor our military veterans, the two began to openly discuss how Obama has turned the United States into a "Socialist Nation" that is heading to an inevitable "Civil War!" Really? Having grabbed my attention, I shifted my main focus from the football game to their ramblings, and they both seemed convinced Obama has steered America away from values they embrace as "true American." Civil War is being discussed? By military veterans? What else is being discussed in local VFW's and Legions across America about Obama?
Just this weekend, letters to our local paper revealed similar attitudes towards Obama - all under the title of "Liar in Chief." One from a "J.M" went as follows: "As I drive about Sarasota, on occasion I will venture upon, that poor delusional motorist with the familiar blue bumper sticker "Hope and Change - Obama 2012." At first I chuckle and say to myself, Isn't that driver embarrassed to display that? Is the change the voter really wants his loss of personal freedom of choice?... I now feel pity for them - can they really be that naive? Surely they have heard about the health care lies, Benghazi lies, the IRS specific targeting lies, spying on the press lies, Fast and Furious weapons scandal lies, etc. I now realize that he or she is the reason we have to deal with the systematic lies and the destruction of our democratic way of life." Add to the local Letters to the Editor, a recent column written by Charles Krauthamer who wrote, "I'm not surprised Obama tells untruths. He's surely not the only politician to do so. I'm just surprised he choses to tell the obvious ones. Who will tell Obama that lies so transparent render rhetoric not just useless but ridiculous?" (see "Obama's Rhetoric v. Reality", Washington Post Writers Group, 11/9/2013). Okay, you've read enough to think I am a sell out for Obama and no need to read anymore, right? Wrong!
I think Obama has done a horrific job as president! Not because of "lies" about ObamaCare, lies about Benghazi, lies about Fast and Furious, lies about NSA spying, lies about - well you fill in the blank. I think Obama has failed because he never grasped the real symbolic significance of being President - to stand tall when taking shots from opponents and calling them out for their own distortions. As anyone that watches more than Right Wing Media knows, the Right has themselves engaged in an Obama smear campaign since before he was elected in 2008. Talking about folks being naive while using Benghazi as an example, reflects poorly on the letter writer, but where is Obama to address these lies and distortions promoted by Fox and like-minded Media? No where! And that is his OWN fault.
Anyone plugged into real news (and that seems to be less and less Americans these days), knows that the Fast and Furious weapons mission was a convoluted program executed on a local basis with the blessing of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms folks. Anyone who really latches onto that "scandal" refuses to recognize how "stings" actually work, and sometimes do not work. They also refuse to recognize that such "stings" have been undertaken in some form for decades! Have people been hurt or killed? Yes, but where was Obama to explain this?
The NSA was caught spying. Okay, but that is what their mission is. And to blame Obama for their mission ignores the fact that the Patriot Act was passed in 2001 and renewed twice - by CONGRESS. Now that more information has become available, cyber-spying is clearly now more than ever an integral part of our geopolitical World - and every country is actively engaged in the activity. Should Americans be spied upon? In my opinion no, but those that watch Right Wing Media seem to think it is perfectly okay to spy on those with different last names, ethnicity or religions. But hey, why quibble about that? What "real" Americans should be subjected to spying? But can anyone disassociate the Rights' fear of those who appear "UnAmerican?" Just look how the Right treats Obama - "He's not one of us!" But where is Obama to forcefully explain this?
The IRS "Scandal" that turned into a non-scandal is another flaw in Obama's presidential standing. Seems Daryl Issa, (R-CA), head of the House Government Oversight and Reform Committee selectively "cherry picked" evidence to convince Right Wing Media that the Obama Administration was indirectly targeting Conservative groups for IRS scrutiny when seeking not for profit status under the tax code as "Social Reform Groups." Ironically, the firestorm created by Fox and like minded Media failed to mention that the IRS' mission is to investigate all those applying to be tax exempt - including Liberal groups seeking the very same status. Issa failed to include that fact from his "Hearings." So was there really an IRS scandal, or just the Agency doing their job as authorized by CONGRESS? Did Obama come out immediately to throw cold water on the arson inspired flames from the Right? No. So where was Obama to forcefully explain this?
Benghazi? More lies! Really? A covert operation with CIA boots on the ground during a coup in Libya really needed to be openly discussed to explain what happened there? Initially no, but when Right Wing Members of Congress are fed distortions from their supporting Media, where was Obama to explain what really was going on?
Where was the Media to explain that a film DID touch off protests in Egypt on the same day, and was erroneously used as an excuse to cover up the involvement of the CIA in Libya? Why inform the public about the truth when a good scandal can stir up their audience numbers. Time and time again, the GOP-led House has called for additional Benghazi "investigations." This past week, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated he was putting "holds" on all Obama nominations until the Senate investigates all witnessed to Benghazi. Why? Because CBS' 60 Minutes uncovered an alleged witness willing to "tell the truth" about Benghazi that would surely point out the scandal that falls at Obama's feet! Except it was learned after it was aired that the alleged "witness" lied and was not at the Consulate on the evening of the attack. Where is Obama to come out and discredit all those that painted him as a liar? Nowhere! CBS apologized and the "witness's" book has been pulled from bookstore shelves. But how many on the Right will be told about this fraud? Why isn't Obama out front to point out this deception again to make it positively clear his opponents and their supporting Media has engaged in further lying about his administration? Where are Obama's staffers to advise him to act, and to act forcefully? Obama is the President. It appears he has no clue how to deal with public distortions and lies. Is it "beneath him?" If he maintains this philosophy, he does so at his own risk!
Over two years ago, I wrote about a former "friend" who posted an alleged Wall Street Journal article pointing out how Obama has lied about his past and his agenda for America. When I investigated the article she was promoting, I found that the author of the article was NOT the author she claimed and that the Wall Street Journal never published such an article. The entire article and its author was a lie. When I pointed out the irony of using a false article supported by deception was dishonest, her response was that "everything is fair game in stopping Obama." She "unfriended" me that very afternoon.
And now we find that GOP Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a leading Tea Party candidate for the 2016 presidential race has been engaging in plagiarism for years, including his speeches, articles and even a book.
Plagiarism is a form of theft. It is also the height of intellectual dishonesty and lying. According to former Republican Governor and current Fox host Mike Huckabee, “I’m thinking, seriously? Is that the best they got?"
As anyone from Florida can tell you, GOP Senator Marco Rubio was caught lying about his parents' exit from Cuba, a yarn of a story used for years and on his website and book - until he too was caught telling LIES! Where was Obama to point out the lies perpetrated by Rubio? Where is Obama when a slam of Right Wing politicians is warranted for their own lies? Where are the demands that Republicans Issa, Paul, Cruz, Rubio, and Media like CBS, Fox, Newsmaxx, The Washington Times (they did terminate their relationship with Paul), and Breitbart (who subsequently hired Paul and who have a laundry list of lies perpetuated against Obama - AND Secretary of Defense Hagel) be taken to task for their lies and deceptions? All proven LIARS. Where is the outrage over the lies they perpetuate on a daily basis? Where is the commentary about such lies from the likes of Krauthammer and Will? Can we expect an article from Krauthammer entitled, "The GOP's Rhetoric v. Reality?"
And I blame OBAMA! I really do. Why else do folks seem to like Chris Christie? Because Christie projects himself as a "straight talker" willing to "call 'em like he see's em" - that's why! Isn't it high time Obama started defending himself against those that routinely lie about his presidency? Isn't it high time someone begin shouting loudly about the misinformation the Media is engaged in - all designed to enflame passions and emotions that inevitably lead to dividing America so much so that veterans are even talking about an eventual American Civil War? President Franklin D. Roosevelt took hold of his responsibilities as President in a very trying time and publicly stated the following to those passing lies about him; "Never before in all our history have these forces so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me - and I welcome their hatred!" (Madison Square Garden Speech, 1936). Perhaps it is high time for Obama to get off his presidential pedestal and pull a Rand Paul and plagiarize FDR? I for one will always feel Obama has failed America if he does not stand up and speak the truth about his opponents dishonest portrayals of the administration and the alleged "destruction of our democratic way of life" If he chooses to remain silent, the Right will forever frame the way history will portray him - as a lying, scandal prone Kenyan, Socialist, UnAmerican Muslim unworthy of recognition except for destroying America! As Harry Truman once said; "I never gave anybody hell! I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." Being president requires one to act presidential! Until then, America will head down the rabbit hole of dissension and distrust (of all things Obama). Have a great week!
Just this weekend, letters to our local paper revealed similar attitudes towards Obama - all under the title of "Liar in Chief." One from a "J.M" went as follows: "As I drive about Sarasota, on occasion I will venture upon, that poor delusional motorist with the familiar blue bumper sticker "Hope and Change - Obama 2012." At first I chuckle and say to myself, Isn't that driver embarrassed to display that? Is the change the voter really wants his loss of personal freedom of choice?... I now feel pity for them - can they really be that naive? Surely they have heard about the health care lies, Benghazi lies, the IRS specific targeting lies, spying on the press lies, Fast and Furious weapons scandal lies, etc. I now realize that he or she is the reason we have to deal with the systematic lies and the destruction of our democratic way of life." Add to the local Letters to the Editor, a recent column written by Charles Krauthamer who wrote, "I'm not surprised Obama tells untruths. He's surely not the only politician to do so. I'm just surprised he choses to tell the obvious ones. Who will tell Obama that lies so transparent render rhetoric not just useless but ridiculous?" (see "Obama's Rhetoric v. Reality", Washington Post Writers Group, 11/9/2013). Okay, you've read enough to think I am a sell out for Obama and no need to read anymore, right? Wrong!
I think Obama has done a horrific job as president! Not because of "lies" about ObamaCare, lies about Benghazi, lies about Fast and Furious, lies about NSA spying, lies about - well you fill in the blank. I think Obama has failed because he never grasped the real symbolic significance of being President - to stand tall when taking shots from opponents and calling them out for their own distortions. As anyone that watches more than Right Wing Media knows, the Right has themselves engaged in an Obama smear campaign since before he was elected in 2008. Talking about folks being naive while using Benghazi as an example, reflects poorly on the letter writer, but where is Obama to address these lies and distortions promoted by Fox and like-minded Media? No where! And that is his OWN fault.
Anyone plugged into real news (and that seems to be less and less Americans these days), knows that the Fast and Furious weapons mission was a convoluted program executed on a local basis with the blessing of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms folks. Anyone who really latches onto that "scandal" refuses to recognize how "stings" actually work, and sometimes do not work. They also refuse to recognize that such "stings" have been undertaken in some form for decades! Have people been hurt or killed? Yes, but where was Obama to explain this?
The NSA was caught spying. Okay, but that is what their mission is. And to blame Obama for their mission ignores the fact that the Patriot Act was passed in 2001 and renewed twice - by CONGRESS. Now that more information has become available, cyber-spying is clearly now more than ever an integral part of our geopolitical World - and every country is actively engaged in the activity. Should Americans be spied upon? In my opinion no, but those that watch Right Wing Media seem to think it is perfectly okay to spy on those with different last names, ethnicity or religions. But hey, why quibble about that? What "real" Americans should be subjected to spying? But can anyone disassociate the Rights' fear of those who appear "UnAmerican?" Just look how the Right treats Obama - "He's not one of us!" But where is Obama to forcefully explain this?
The IRS "Scandal" that turned into a non-scandal is another flaw in Obama's presidential standing. Seems Daryl Issa, (R-CA), head of the House Government Oversight and Reform Committee selectively "cherry picked" evidence to convince Right Wing Media that the Obama Administration was indirectly targeting Conservative groups for IRS scrutiny when seeking not for profit status under the tax code as "Social Reform Groups." Ironically, the firestorm created by Fox and like minded Media failed to mention that the IRS' mission is to investigate all those applying to be tax exempt - including Liberal groups seeking the very same status. Issa failed to include that fact from his "Hearings." So was there really an IRS scandal, or just the Agency doing their job as authorized by CONGRESS? Did Obama come out immediately to throw cold water on the arson inspired flames from the Right? No. So where was Obama to forcefully explain this?
Benghazi? More lies! Really? A covert operation with CIA boots on the ground during a coup in Libya really needed to be openly discussed to explain what happened there? Initially no, but when Right Wing Members of Congress are fed distortions from their supporting Media, where was Obama to explain what really was going on?
Where was the Media to explain that a film DID touch off protests in Egypt on the same day, and was erroneously used as an excuse to cover up the involvement of the CIA in Libya? Why inform the public about the truth when a good scandal can stir up their audience numbers. Time and time again, the GOP-led House has called for additional Benghazi "investigations." This past week, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated he was putting "holds" on all Obama nominations until the Senate investigates all witnessed to Benghazi. Why? Because CBS' 60 Minutes uncovered an alleged witness willing to "tell the truth" about Benghazi that would surely point out the scandal that falls at Obama's feet! Except it was learned after it was aired that the alleged "witness" lied and was not at the Consulate on the evening of the attack. Where is Obama to come out and discredit all those that painted him as a liar? Nowhere! CBS apologized and the "witness's" book has been pulled from bookstore shelves. But how many on the Right will be told about this fraud? Why isn't Obama out front to point out this deception again to make it positively clear his opponents and their supporting Media has engaged in further lying about his administration? Where are Obama's staffers to advise him to act, and to act forcefully? Obama is the President. It appears he has no clue how to deal with public distortions and lies. Is it "beneath him?" If he maintains this philosophy, he does so at his own risk!
Over two years ago, I wrote about a former "friend" who posted an alleged Wall Street Journal article pointing out how Obama has lied about his past and his agenda for America. When I investigated the article she was promoting, I found that the author of the article was NOT the author she claimed and that the Wall Street Journal never published such an article. The entire article and its author was a lie. When I pointed out the irony of using a false article supported by deception was dishonest, her response was that "everything is fair game in stopping Obama." She "unfriended" me that very afternoon.
And now we find that GOP Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a leading Tea Party candidate for the 2016 presidential race has been engaging in plagiarism for years, including his speeches, articles and even a book.
Plagiarism is a form of theft. It is also the height of intellectual dishonesty and lying. According to former Republican Governor and current Fox host Mike Huckabee, “I’m thinking, seriously? Is that the best they got?"
As anyone from Florida can tell you, GOP Senator Marco Rubio was caught lying about his parents' exit from Cuba, a yarn of a story used for years and on his website and book - until he too was caught telling LIES! Where was Obama to point out the lies perpetrated by Rubio? Where is Obama when a slam of Right Wing politicians is warranted for their own lies? Where are the demands that Republicans Issa, Paul, Cruz, Rubio, and Media like CBS, Fox, Newsmaxx, The Washington Times (they did terminate their relationship with Paul), and Breitbart (who subsequently hired Paul and who have a laundry list of lies perpetuated against Obama - AND Secretary of Defense Hagel) be taken to task for their lies and deceptions? All proven LIARS. Where is the outrage over the lies they perpetuate on a daily basis? Where is the commentary about such lies from the likes of Krauthammer and Will? Can we expect an article from Krauthammer entitled, "The GOP's Rhetoric v. Reality?"
And I blame OBAMA! I really do. Why else do folks seem to like Chris Christie? Because Christie projects himself as a "straight talker" willing to "call 'em like he see's em" - that's why! Isn't it high time Obama started defending himself against those that routinely lie about his presidency? Isn't it high time someone begin shouting loudly about the misinformation the Media is engaged in - all designed to enflame passions and emotions that inevitably lead to dividing America so much so that veterans are even talking about an eventual American Civil War? President Franklin D. Roosevelt took hold of his responsibilities as President in a very trying time and publicly stated the following to those passing lies about him; "Never before in all our history have these forces so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me - and I welcome their hatred!" (Madison Square Garden Speech, 1936). Perhaps it is high time for Obama to get off his presidential pedestal and pull a Rand Paul and plagiarize FDR? I for one will always feel Obama has failed America if he does not stand up and speak the truth about his opponents dishonest portrayals of the administration and the alleged "destruction of our democratic way of life" If he chooses to remain silent, the Right will forever frame the way history will portray him - as a lying, scandal prone Kenyan, Socialist, UnAmerican Muslim unworthy of recognition except for destroying America! As Harry Truman once said; "I never gave anybody hell! I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." Being president requires one to act presidential! Until then, America will head down the rabbit hole of dissension and distrust (of all things Obama). Have a great week!
RSS Feed
