President Barack Obama - Term 1 and 2 Thread

[Eric]

I get the feeling that somehow when Bush did this is was BAD BAD BAD! GASP! O is following his lead, are heads going to explode?

No, the Left is not happy about this.
And real Conservatives (i.e. Ron Paul types) are not either.
I'm fine with curbing civil liberties, but I'm not ok with it being done with zero debate, all under the fog of gov't secrecy.

I think the whole thing is being blown out of proportion by both sides. I think everyone knows that Obama's rhetoric during the campaign would be modified once he saw the intelligence and security briefings and fully understood what the President faces on a daily basis.

The left freaks out because it is a "left over" from Bush that the Obama people (Rightly I believe) have decided to keep because it absolutely makes sense.

The right is freaking out because the mainstream media doesn't jump all over Obama about it like the did Bush.

Everyone needs to step back and gain some perspective, put aside the labels and REALLY see what is going on. The wiretaps have not to date, been used against an American citizen without a warrant being issued, they HAVE been used against enemies in other countries who don't care if Bush, Obama, Carter, Ford, Nixon or Reagan is President, they just want us to DIE. All of US, and not just the United States EVERY western country because they have perverted a religion and have a bunch of downtrodden people (downtrodden by their own BTW) to recruit from and give some measure of hope to (70 vigrins anyone?). Die and go to heaven and get rewarded, as long as you send the enemy to hell.

I have no issue with the wiretaps they can bug my phone all day long, if they hear me talk about my day and how work sucks and how I really need a week of vacation, so be it, as long as they are listening to the Al Queda operative planning on walking into the mall to blow it up and stop him as a result.

That is just my opinion though.

Well said

[The_Noble_Cause]

The wiretaps have not to date, been used against an American citizen without a warrant being issued, they HAVE been used against enemies in other countries who don't care if Bush, Obama, Carter, Ford, Nixon or Reagan is President, they just want us to DIE.

The truth is, we don't know the extent on the multiple surveillance programs.
AT&T Whistleblower Mark Klein proved the administration had no misgivings about spying on citizens - friend and foe alike.
Likewise, NSA whistleblower Russ Twice said the same - even going so far as to say Bush monitored members of the press (shadows of Nixon, anyone?)

I have no issue with the wiretaps they can bug my phone all day long, if they hear me talk about my day and how work sucks and how I really need a week of vacation, so be it, as long as they are listening to the Al Queda operative planning on walking into the mall to blow it up and stop him as a result.

That is just my opinion though.

Great.
Then it should've been done through Congress initially.

[RossValoryRocks]

The wiretaps have not to date, been used against an American citizen without a warrant being issued, they HAVE been used against enemies in other countries who don't care if Bush, Obama, Carter, Ford, Nixon or Reagan is President, they just want us to DIE.

The truth is, we don't know the extent on the multiple surveillance programs.
AT&T Whistleblower Mark Klein proved the administration had no misgivings about spying on citizens - friend and foe alike.
Likewise, NSA whistleblower Russ Twice said the same - even going so far as to say Bush monitored members of the press (shadows of Nixon, anyone?)

I have no issue with the wiretaps they can bug my phone all day long, if they hear me talk about my day and how work sucks and how I really need a week of vacation, so be it, as long as they are listening to the Al Queda operative planning on walking into the mall to blow it up and stop him as a result.

That is just my opinion though.

Great.
Then it should've been done through Congress initially.

How many whistleblowers are actually just making shit up? If either of those august personages had a SHRED of evidence then the ACLU would have taken it to the courts, and most likely won.

Congress has passed laws already allowing this, they did it for Carter first. I will look it up later what the law is, I am on a quick break at work, so I don't have time to do all the research.

[The_Noble_Cause]

How many whistleblowers are actually just making shit up?

The 'secret NSA room' that Klein spoke about has been photographed and covered extensively in the news.
What you are advocating is an expansion of gov't into people's lives based on nothing but good faith.
I don't need to tell you how extremely naive that is.
In other words, the President can do an endrun around congress and the law as long as we're at war.
But, like failed wars on poverty and drugs, there's no endgame to a war on terrorism.

If either of those august personages had a SHRED of evidence then the ACLU would have taken it to the courts, and most likely won.

Doubtful.
The nuts and bolts the programs are largely classified.
It did get leaked (by Repub John Boner, no less) that a top secret FISA court eventually found one of the surveillance programs to be illegal.
I'm not against wiretaps, I'm just against such decisions being made unilaterally and in the dark.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/32596/page/3

Congress has passed laws already allowing this, they did it for Carter first. I will look it up later what the law is, I am on a quick break at work, so I don't have time to do all the research.

It was called FISA - and it was implemented because another Republican president abused his power and started wiretapping innocent "subversives".
It is the very law Bush ignored, despite it allowing warrants to be acquired after the fact.

[Eric]

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id ... _article=1

We have a Terror War and an Economic Crisis and this guy wants to shoot at clouds. Good Grief!

[Eric]

We're going to this:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id ... _article=1

after this happened:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/04 ... ty_-2.html

[Rockindeano]

Just thought I would save FF the time, and post ACCURATE polling data, current through yesterday.

Enjoy Cons-

President Obama Job Approval


Poll Date Sample Approve Disapprove Spread

RCP Average 03/31 - 04/08 -- 60.3 30.3 +30
Gallup 04/06 - 04/08 59 29 +30
Rasmussen 04/06 - 04/08 55 44 +11
Pew Research 03/31 - 04/06 61 26 +35
CNN 04/03 - 04/05 66 30 +36


With nowhere to fight, the Cons are now taking on the Gay and Lesbian fight.

[The_Noble_Cause]

We're going to this:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id ... _article=1

So what?
We dealt with the Soviets as they had missiles aimed at Europe.
It's worth noting that the far right was against both Reagan dealing with the Soviets, as well as Nixon dealing with China.
They were wrong then too.

[Eric]

We're going to this:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id ... _article=1

So what?
We dealt with the Soviets as they had missiles aimed at Europe.
It's worth noting that the far right was against both Reagan dealing with the Soviets, as well as Nixon dealing with China.
They were wrong then too.

Considering the week Iran has had, saying we'll sit down and talk with them seems a little "soft" on our part.

[Eric]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04082009/po ... 163368.htm

[jrnychick]

Not to beat a dead horse but why is the White House lying about O's bow to the Saudi King?

The White House is denying that President Obama bowed before the Saudi King, committing a major mistake. Ben Smith of Politico reports:

"It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah," said an Obama aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Michael Goldfarb summed up the problem for Obama succinctly in the Weekly Standard:

So who you going to believe -- Barack Obama or your lying eyes?

The story is officially "in play" now that the White House has spoken, albeit from an anonymous source. American citizens are implicitly asked to view the demi-prostration and decide for themselves. The evidence simply does not support the official position of the Obama administration.

He did not use 2 hands. The Muslims are rather weird about the left hand thingy as O shows us here. It was a bow, plain and simple.

I was talking to my mom about this sort of thing when Obama met the queen. My mom said that the rules for meeting the queen are basically that you don't make any physical contact with her unless she initiates it. Everyone, except for leaders from other nations, is required to bow or courtsey. If Obama had bowed to the queen, that would have been a major mistake. It was a mistake for Michelle Obama to put her hand on the queen's back, but it was a very innocent one. I don't know the rules for meeting the Saudi king, but I'm sure they are not the same for the US President as they would be for you or me. I have to wonder who is advising Obama about the appropriate ways to greet other heads of state.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Considering the week Iran has had, saying we'll sit down and talk with them seems a little "soft" on our part.

What exactly would you have O do?
We haven't lifted sanctions or anything.

[Eric]

Considering the week Iran has had, saying we'll sit down and talk with them seems a little "soft" on our part.

What exactly would you have O do?
We haven't lifted sanctions or anything.

I don't think we should sit down with them - it arguably sends a message of weakness. I also think he was weak in his response to North Korea, but then so were W and Clinton.

From all I've read, it sounds like he was correct in not addressing the Pirate situation though.

[Eric]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/65314.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first10 ... ps-boasts/


Just a question: Are you lefties as sick of hearing Biden as we righties were of Cheney?

[The_Noble_Cause]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/65314.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first10 ... ps-boasts/


Just a question: Are you lefties as sick of hearing Biden as we righties were of Cheney?

No.
Cheney's lies were dangerous ("last throes", "greeted as liberators" etc).
Biden's just a blowhard.
I AM tired of Rove's holier-than-thou appearances on FOX News speaking as an authority on good government.

[Eric]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/65314.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first10 ... ps-boasts/


Just a question: Are you lefties as sick of hearing Biden as we righties were of Cheney?

No.
Cheney's lies were dangerous ("last throes", "greeted as liberators" etc).
Biden's just a blowhard.
I AM tired of Rove's holier-than-thou appearances on FOX News speaking as an authority on good government.

We were greeted as liberators. We're just not welcomed as occupiers.

[Deacon]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/65314.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first10 ... ps-boasts/


Just a question: Are you lefties as sick of hearing Biden as we righties were of Cheney?

No.
Cheney's lies were dangerous ("last throes", "greeted as liberators" etc).
Biden's just a blowhard.
I AM tired of Rove's holier-than-thou appearances on FOX News speaking as an authority on good government.

I wasn't aware that Rove was criticizing Obama's government as a whole as your statement implies. Could you provide a specific example of that? I ask this because all I had seen in his interview with Megyn Kelly was him criticizing Biden blatantly lying.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I wasn't aware that Rove was criticizing Obama's government as a whole as your statement implies. Could you provide a specific example of that? I ask this because all I had seen in his interview with Megyn Kelly was him criticizing Biden blatantly lying.

Take any one of his appearances on O'Reilly, Hannity, or Glenn Beck.
He is usually on at least one of those shows per night.
He even goes so far as to tsk-tsk those who play the game of politics - this, from a man, who went so far as to start rumors of a war vet having an illegitimate black baby and another of being a pedophile.
I am not willing to search for a specific example for you (tho there are many watchdog sites out there), all I can say is keep watching FOX News.

[G.I.Jim]

I wasn't aware that Rove was criticizing Obama's government as a whole as your statement implies. Could you provide a specific example of that? I ask this because all I had seen in his interview with Megyn Kelly was him criticizing Biden blatantly lying.

Take any one of his appearances on O'Reilly, Hannity, or Glenn Beck.
He is usually on at least one of those shows per night.
He even goes so far as to tsk-tsk those who play the game of politics - this, from a man, who went so far as to start rumors of a war vet having an illegitimate black baby and another of being a pedophile.
I am not willing to search for a specific example for you (tho there are many watchdog sites out there), all I can say is keep watching FOX News.

Best advice I've heard all day!

[The_Noble_Cause]

What an ass that Dick Cheney was...

Baghdad Pool Reopens After Refurbishment




By Army Sgt. Jason Thompson
Special to American Forces Press Service


BAGHDAD, July 10, 2008 – Summer days in Baghdad often rival the hottest days around the globe, and until recently, many residents of central Baghdad’s Karkh district did not have a place they could visit to escape from the heat.



But a cooperative effort between Zawra Park officials and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team led to the July 5 reopening the public swimming pool in the district’s park.

“This is a great day for the citizens of Baghdad,” Salah Abou El Lail, Zawra Park director, said. “This pool will be a great and enjoyable destination for many Baghdad families. Families already enjoy visiting the park and the zoo here, and the pool will be fun for everyone.”

The project to refurbish the swimming pool complex began more than four months ago and cost almost $500,000 to complete.

Temperatures in Iraq regularly surpass 120 degrees during the merciless summer. But for the soldiers who patrol the streets in central Baghdad, the pool is a welcome scene that will help the people they’re here to protect.

“This makes me proud,” said Army Lt. Col. Fred Wintrich, a Union City, Texas, native, and executive officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “Everyone worked hard together to reopen this pool for the Iraqi citizens.”

Right.
I must've missed the portion of Bush's State of the Union where he said the primary objective for war was so Amin and Yusef can work on their backstroke, and smoke hashish poolside.
Vietnam is a big exporter and, for all purposes, a capitalist nation.
It’s done very little to justify LBJ’s Tonkin lies.
Likewise, no matter what happens in Iraq, nothing will convince people that Bush and Cheney are anything but petro-guzzling vampires.
Jackboot toilet seat crabs like you should be fumigated with Saddam’s mustard gas stockpiles; now go slip on your best crotchless leather chaps, take the titanium ball bearings out of your withered coinsack, and go teabag for liberty!

[Deacon]

Take any one of his appearances on O'Reilly, Hannity, or Glenn Beck.
He is usually on at least one of those shows per night.
He even goes so far as to tsk-tsk those who play the game of politics - this, from a man, who went so far as to start rumors of a war vet having an illegitimate black baby and another of being a pedophile.
I am not willing to search for a specific example for you (tho there are many watchdog sites out there), all I can say is keep watching FOX News.

I haven't heard him tsk-tsk anyone from the Obama Administration [edited] too harshly, and even if he does, he is justified in doing so because he has lived the life of being in the White House daily. In fact, the only thing that I've heard him do that to is Senator McCain whenever his campaign created a blatantly lying video.

But, then again, specific examples are better than general statements like I just typed.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Hey TNC, looks like that bow to the Saudi King is coming back to bite O. Islamist nutbags have now hijacked TWO ships at high sea and 17 people are being held hostage. WWTPD (What will teleprompter do)? Welcome back Carter.

Carter negotiated up thru the night of his last day in office to get the hostages free.
At the very least, he never sank to illegally trading arms with terrorists like Reagan would go on to do (after explicitly promising not to).
Not sure how anyone can view the endangered life of a fellow US citizen as some sort of partisan football.
If you can point to specific Obama legislation that enabled this to happen, I'd love to see it.
Otherwise, you are just dancing on the Captain's undug grave.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Not legislation TNC, it's the bow. Just like in Mogadishu we now appear weak.

And yet, Bush kissing and holding hands with the Saudi King somehow kept the pirates in line?
What of this video of Bush subserviently bowing and receiving a necklace from the King?

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article ... _Bowed_Too

The causal relationship between a diplomatic gesture and imminent disaster exists only in your own Obama/liberal/socialist hating psyche.
Not since the German American Bund has a group so desperately wanted to see their own nation succumb to wrack and ruin.
Truly disgusting.

[Lula]

i'm confused fact finder- are you crediting cheney with the swimming pool and school renovations? i don't see his name in the articles. am i missing something?

[RossValoryRocks]

Not legislation TNC, it's the bow. Just like in Mogadishu we now appear weak.

And yet, Bush kissing and holding hands with the Saudi King somehow kept the pirates in line?
What of this video of Bush subserviently bowing and receiving a necklace from the King?

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article ... _Bowed_Too

The causal relationship between a diplomatic gesture and imminent disaster exists only in your own Obama/liberal/socialist hating psyche.
Not since the German American Bund has a group so desperately wanted to see their own nation succumb to wrack and ruin.
Truly disgusting.

Now since I know you aren't an idiot...hw is much taller than the Saudi King...so he was leaning down...MUCH different than bowing to him.

[Deacon]

Not legislation TNC, it's the bow. Just like in Mogadishu we now appear weak.

And yet, Bush kissing and holding hands with the Saudi King somehow kept the pirates in line?
What of this video of Bush subserviently bowing and receiving a necklace from the King?

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article ... _Bowed_Too

The causal relationship between a diplomatic gesture and imminent disaster exists only in your own Obama/liberal/socialist hating psyche.
Not since the German American Bund has a group so desperately wanted to see their own nation succumb to wrack and ruin.
Truly disgusting.

Was Barack Obama receiving something?

[AlteredDNA]

[Lula]

Well it's now day 5 of America held hostage by a group of ragtag Somali pirates. Welcome back Carter. I hope this doesn't go on for 444 days.

The One has enlisted the FBI and the DOJ to look into criminal counts against these pirates, hope they don't send them to Gitmo, that would be terrible. I so do hope the FBI reads these guys their mirand rights first. Wouldn't want any technicalities to get in the way.

what action do you suggest we take?

[Rick]

BTW, these Pirates have declared that they are not afraid of Americans, we need to change that line of thought for them ASAP.

I so much agree.

[Barb]

BTW, these Pirates have declared that they are not afraid of Americans, we need to change that line of thought for them ASAP.

Yep. This whole situation is so ridiculous!! It's 2009 and the big threat of the day is freaking PIRATES?!!!!