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Today's Poll: How do you currently grade President Obama's job performance?

By Howard B. Owens
Bea McManis

Charlie wrote:
Howard, this crowd doesn't even believe he is American....
http://thebatavian.com/blogs/howard-owens/todays-poll-do-you-believe-bar...

Thanks for bringing this back. It was interesting reading through the thread. I loved Chris' response to the birthers (closet or otherwise).
Interesting note. Peter's posts were on there, but when his name is clicked his profile is no longer available.
The results of this poll are no surprise.

Jan 25, 2012, 9:32am Permalink
marc solis

I agree the results of this poll are no surprise. The president is one person, he can not change america on his own. The house is stopping him from getting stuff done its not him. What did Bush do for us???????? Find out for yourself all the stuff Bush vs Obama accomplished in their term. Everyone needs to stop looking at this man for his color and where he was born but start believing on what he can do for us. Yes I said his color cause thats all its about, I in my own OPINION feel he's a great man he cares for America. Bush did nothing and now everything needs to be fixed and takes time. This is all Im saying, its my thoughts and comments. So the normal 4-5 people that like to bash people for their comments bring it on I know where you stand.

Jan 25, 2012, 10:19am Permalink
Bea McManis

This was posted to my FB page this morning.
"wow really so deny an up in SS this yaer or last yr ok that makes since I should support someone who's putting my parents and everyone else I know in a whole..As for unemployment know your fact Cyndi...I live in Ohio and he hasnt helped this state that started going under way before anyone else has.. So yeah! let all the illegal immigrants easy for them to stay here so they can take more jobs from us..GOOD IDEA..or how about that lovely Health Care Plan..So how u like your car insurance..U like paying that each month and never using it? Yea cause that's what it's going to be like when the Health Cares comes too..WOW I'm sry Bea but when She thinks I know nothing about our BI-RACIAL PRESIDENT then she dont have a clue..Like How his Wife said She didnt like America, Or how the Church he went to put down Americans. or how about when he wouldn't wear an American Flag Pin...yea but u all voted him in...lmao! Live in what you voted for then."

Note the caps regarding the bi-racial president. Note the attempt to get in as many of the GOP/Fox/Limbaugh talking points.
When I saw the results of this poll, I can't help but imagine that this post could be written by any one of the Obama haters on this site.

Jan 25, 2012, 11:11am Permalink
marc solis

well John you made it first 3 more to go. My point is color should not matter. You or anyone on here cant tell me you dont feel or not heard anyone saying this is not the time to have a colored president and felt right to have one?? Im not playing no race card so I will say that before someones says I am its the fact. The people that are against Obama are either Republicans or one that does not like that color. All the stuff he said last night would sound better if a Republican said it right???? Then they would of been all great ideas. Like he said to many thinking about themselves and lets start thinking more like a team. We all are Americans no matter what color we are, its time we start acting like real Americans and think of each other as one kind. BEFORE ANYONE makes a comment on the immigrants taking over our jobs and send them all back. WELL I believe most of the ignorant people out here think immigrants are all Mexicans, not its anyone that comes from another country Italy, Germany, Russia and so on. But to get to my point on immigrants taking are jobs, can anyone tell me how many(I will use Mexicans for example since thats what 99% of people think are the only immigrants) jobs have you seen them take? Seriously tell me how many jobs they took from us? I dont see any working at Walmart, Target, Kmart, Bjs or any other company around. Where do you see them working FARMS. So John do you want to work on a farm in the field? I think not. If you wanna play the race card on me bring it I have one question to ask all that wants to say it. If you say then I will ask and I will love to see what the answer will be.

Jan 25, 2012, 12:10pm Permalink
Ed Gentner

It's time to face the fact that Republicans don't think anyone other than a Republican should ever occupy the White House let alone an articulate African-American.

Look at the current GOP candidates, Mitt Romney (Mr. 1%), Newt Gingrich the world's smartest man if you don't believe me just ask him, Rev. Rick Santorum the man who wants to peek into your bedroom. The base of the GOP would rather line up behind this troop of poltroons with the exception of Ron Paul, the lovable but un-electable dutch uncle, who spout nonsense and look to start a war in Iran.

Jan 25, 2012, 12:22pm Permalink
Jack Dorf

Marc who said anything about racism?? Please explain to me why 94% of African Americans voted for him. How is that not racism. I could care less what color or sex he is. I disagree with his policies plain and simple. It comments like yours that are wrong. Its racist why because you watch MSNBC and they say so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GizNwzKo3n8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wnkShL-rbU&feature=related

Watch the whole thing before you judge others. The problem is you get you definition of what a conservative republican is from sources that are so slanted left its pathetic.

Jan 25, 2012, 12:40pm Permalink
John Roach

Marc,
Nice try, but you brought race into this.
Personally, I think the only reason he won the Democratic primary was because he was Black. If he had been white, Hillary would have beaten him and she would be in the White House now.

Jan 25, 2012, 12:39pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Read an interesting thing about the Democratic primary this morning ... forget where, now, I think Reason's Hit and Run blog ...

Ron Paul is following Obama's delegate strategy. He's not spending much time or money on winner-take-all states, such as Florida, instead going after delegates in the states where he can pick up some just by doing well in the vote.

It turns out that Hillary actually got more popular votes than Obama when all the primaries are added together, but Obama built a significant lead in delegates by the time the convention came around.

Jan 25, 2012, 12:44pm Permalink
marc solis

Jack did you vote for Obama? Why dont you explain to me what you want me to explain to you? What was the other percent? Blacks voted 98 percent for him. Latinos voted 80 percent for Obama and 57 percent of Whites voted against. There are denial and closet racist and then there are people that have no problem showing it. Bob Harker said it all. Just my thoughts just like you have yours and everyone else will have theirs.

Jan 25, 2012, 1:01pm Permalink
marc solis

MY PRESIDENT: 1. Got Osama Bin Laden...check 2. Unemployment rate 8.5%...check. 3. 1.6 million jobs created with no GOP help...check 4. 22 months of job and economic growth with no help...check 5. Ended the war in Iraq ...check 6. DADT repeal...check 7. Not one tax hike in 3 years....check 8. Put a spotlight on some of the Blatant racism in the GOP check 9. 80% of the black vote...check 10....Same wife for 15 years...... with no extra marital affairs...check 11. Helped to save the auto industry and 1.5 million jobs.. check 12. Assisted in ousting Gaddafi...check 13.Only active President to receive Nobel Peace prize while in office...check 14. Mortgage modification to prevent home owners from losing their home...check 15. STILL fighting for middle class families...check 16.Reform affordable healthcare.... check. Despite what the GOP would have you believe the President has been doing these things and more by himself. Obama 2012! Change does not happen overnight--we have to work for it together!

Jan 25, 2012, 1:36pm Permalink
Jack Dorf

Marc, your missing my point. YOU brought up the race issue not anyone else on this forum. Your first thought is that if someone (non-black) disagrees with Obama that it's race base.

Jan 25, 2012, 2:05pm Permalink
marc solis

I base my thoughts and comments on real life talk not media. I have worked with people and read all I need to base my comments on. I heard plenty about Obama colors in person. Im not saying everyone on here has a color issue but in reality there are. It seems the same people like to judge other comments that are not in their favor. Has anyone have anything to say about the other parts of the comments I have left. You have not You guys seem to stick to one topic. I answered you in #16.
Did you vote for Obama John and Jack?

Jan 25, 2012, 3:28pm Permalink
John Roach

Marc,
No I did not vote for him, but I did not vote for McCain either.

How about your statement Obama ended the war in Iraq? Not accurate. He tried hard to get a new treaty so we could stay, but Iraq refused, so all Obama did is obey the treaty put in place by Bush.

True, he was 'given' the Nobel prize, but he did not earn it. In fact, he has expanded the war in Afghanistan and then bombed Libya for oil. Not exactly peaceful. But you tell us what he did to earn it?

Jan 25, 2012, 3:39pm Permalink
marc solis

No comment still on #16? You learn a lot on Fox News. Where are your facts? Cant believe everything said and read in media. See we can do this all day. Can I ask are you the John from Hawk Eye Millers?

Jan 25, 2012, 3:46pm Permalink
John Roach

Marc,
No I am not. Never heard of them.

As for #16, I already stated it's my opinion he would never have been nominated if he was white, it would have been Hillary. But if he was white and nominated, he would have won. That's because I think anyone would have beaten McCain.

Now, what did he do to earn the Nobel prize?

Jan 25, 2012, 3:58pm Permalink
marc solis

I bought a bike off someone with the same name thats why I asked. Its kind of obvious if he won there was a reason dont you think. They dont just give out that prize for nothing. Like I said, he still would of won cause he would have had even more votes. So who do you think is gonna win next term?

Jan 25, 2012, 4:24pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

Obama did not get Osama, U.S. Navy Seals did. Obama was merely informed that they located him. It was a lucky break for us that an messenger for Osama used his cell phone and led us to his location. He may of helped the auto companies but, you forget that he bailed out banks and financial business ceo's, who used the money to pay out bonuses to the very people who led to the down fall of economy. His healthcare reform is going to led us to deeper debt. Really he has helped out the "Middle Class"? The only ones that have benefit from Obama's dealing are the rich, lower income workers, and our lazy society. Amazing how you stated he wanted us out of Iraq but, yet no problem for going after Gaddafi. Mortgage problem was started by Clinton. No tax hikes? Well since he kept Bush's in place. I have seen only the blacks make this about race! I am Democrat and did not vote for him. Why? First, I did research on him and found nothing redeeming about him or his qualifications for being President. No real political , foreign or economic experience. He is a lawyer by trade and does what they do best, "charm people" with their ability to speak. Lawyers know how to screw everyone but, themselves. Oh, if his Reform Healthcare is so great, then why do they not use it? They have different health plans. Why? They know the shortfalls in the system. Obama is pushing for government control and you are extremely blind to that fact. Oh, BTW, I would voted for Colin Powell to be President of the USA so, am I still a racist?

BTW, FOX, CNN and all media in general are BSers. Answer me this question, why does the media focus on the flaws of the Republicans and not the Democrats? They ridicule the Republicans for marital affairs but, I recall several Democrats who had marital affairs and were not ridiculed as hard (Clinton).

Jan 25, 2012, 4:39pm Permalink
John Roach

Marc,
You can't give one reason he got the prize. He got the prize for nothing except not being Bush. The only thing since just being given it is alllow one war to end, expand another one and bomb Libya. Again, what did he do if you think I am wrong? Try hard.

Jan 25, 2012, 5:01pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

So tell us Marc, why was he given the "Noble Prize" for? Is it because, he told America we need change and he would deliver? Is because, he stated that he would change the way the world looks at the USA?

Jan 25, 2012, 4:42pm Permalink
marc solis

If I comment there will be another comment and so on. If he did something or not, he still won the award that could of want to someone else right? So my comment was what it is He won regardless what anyone says.

Jan 25, 2012, 5:19pm Permalink
Nathan Oaksford

1. Obama was told about Bin Laden, not asked. He was against it.
2. more jobs but none pay anything.
3. 1.6 million with no GOP help? How many small businesses went under from taxes in NYS alone? You are nuts.
4. Define economic growth? More deficits?
5. Iraq is going to get a nuke and drop it on us at some point because Obama has no stones.
6. Don’t ask Don’t tell, so what, gay is the new straight. It’s popular now.
7. No tax hike but we gave away more money than we took in.
8. Everything the GOP does is racist, it’s the left fallback slogan. Even though you have no idea how people actually feel about it.
9. 80% of the black votes came from people that only voted for him because he was black. No other reasons.
10. Same wife 15 years? He should get some kind of award for that too.
11. Bailed out failing companies, that’s cool. He did do that. He was good at handing out money that we don’t have.
12. Didn’t a 14 year old kid shoot Gaddafi? Haha they would have killed him no matter what. Obama had little to no role in that.
13. peace prize for what? That was a sad moment and an insult to anyone who legit earned a peace prize.
14. Mortgage mods. The mortgages that Clinton made the banks give out to people who couldn’t afford them. Nice.
15. What is he doing for middle class families? He wants to take money from the rich and give it to the poor who didn’t earn it. Very Robin Hood but doesn’t fix the problems. Redistribution of wealth doesn’t work. If you get all A’s in school and someone gets all F’s you give them some grades and you both get C’s? sounds fair right?
16. Cheaper health care really? For whom? My premiums are sky high as ever. His plan doesn’t work and people are against it for good reason.
Do we need to change things yes. CHECK. Did he do any good? No. Any more numbers you want to say what your president did?

Jan 25, 2012, 6:11pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Bob, lack of patriotism has nothing to do with political leaning. Your excuse that some dirtbag on the left said something similar about another president isn't creditable. Cursing the president is equal to spitting on the flag. Bitterly disagree if you must but, never lose respect for the office. No matter what the immoral racist on the radio says.

Jan 25, 2012, 6:32pm Permalink
marc solis

Nathan your opinions are that, but my opinion is he will be President again come November. What can anyone else running do for us? Can any do better? One last thing did the rich get rich just from being rich? You have to spend money to make it. Unless you are born rich.

Jan 25, 2012, 6:45pm Permalink
David Lazik

I suspect possible ballot box stuffing on this poll by highly partisan unscrupulous members as well as in other lopsisded past polls on this site.

After all there's nothing stopping you here from voting as many times as you want.

Jan 25, 2012, 7:32pm Permalink
Lori Silvernail

I'm hoping Nathan is respectable enough to not take credit for his list, since it was floating around Facebook yesterday. I really think if citations can't be found at least a disclaimer that the words aren't your own should be used.

Charlie, if it is alright with you I'd like to use your words elsewhere (Cursing the president is equal to spitting on the flag. Bitterly disagree if you must but, never lose respect for the office.) It is succinct and says what I've tried to explain to some people. But I'm sure they still won't get it. That hatred runs very deep.

ETA: Looking back through the posts, I see that Nathan was copying Marc's post, so I apologize. So let's hope MARC will cite his words...

Jan 25, 2012, 8:32pm Permalink
Nathan Oaksford

i was gunna say... I was giving Marc a hard time but those are my words. haha

As for Marc on the Rich Get rich thing. I know you have to spend money to make money. It is called investing if you would like to use those words. However, its not just about money. A lot of rich people have worked really hard for everything they have. Education, smart business ideas, Innovations (that is a big one), HARD WORK.

I look at Obama's economic policy as a nice person feeds a wild animal. You keep giving the animal food and eventually it doesn't need to hunt, and forgets how to hunt because the gravy train keeps rolling. The same goes towards giving people free money. We have a very large population in this country that do not work. You can not argue that fact. Some of those people want to work and can't find a job. Some of those people are lazy and don't want to do anything but watch jerry springer. Some of the people are disabled and can't work. What is the problem here...someone is giving people money, and that has to come from someplace. taxpayers would be my guess. The disabled folks have an excuse. The people who can't find work have half an excuse. Because there are jobs that need filling but they don't pay well or not what they went to school for. If you need money bad enough even a crap job is better than no job. The problem I have is the lazy ones sitting there with their hand out. Give me more free money that i don't want to earn.
You can not support an economy when so many people don't contribute.

Next you will say tax the rich more. The rich already pay more in taxes than you have any idea about. Taxing them more means they retire still rich and close their businesses and people lose their jobs. Great idea.

You can only bail out a sinking ship so much before it gets waterlogged. Fix the leaks and the boat stops sinking.

Jan 25, 2012, 8:47pm Permalink
marc solis

Cite my words for what these are comments on a forum, If I have to then everyone else that copys and paste should cite their words also. Yes I saw that on facebook and thought to add it. LORI have you not seen anyone else EVER do that? Exactly. Yes tax the rich more, I dont get anything back in taxes but a child dependent tax and I pay thousands in Fed tax and own a house. I dont agree with giving out money like part time workers working 15-20 a week and bringing in $7500 for a refund. Middle class needs fixing.

Jan 25, 2012, 9:15pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Jeff, I'm not surprised that people on this site voted as they did. I expect the Obama haters to be out in full force.
But, it wasn't like that across America.

"President Barack Obama may not have many fans in the Republican party these days, but he is sitting pretty with the American public -- at least as far as his State of the Union speech from last night is concerned. A CBS News poll following the president's address showed 91 percent of Americans approved of Obama's proposals:"
feel free to read on....

http://www.thegrio.com/politics/state-of-the-union-91-percent-approve-o…

Jan 25, 2012, 9:22pm Permalink
Lori Silvernail

Yes Marc, I have seen people post things before as if they had written the words themselves. That doesn't make it right. The guy from Texas who no longer posts here used to do it all the time. I don't know that Howard has any rules about plagiarizing, but it's really just inappropriate to do so.

Jan 25, 2012, 9:32pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

I stopped following polls a while ago, they are the most misleading tool used in modern media. When you can read two polls released on the same day that show exactly opposite results, they lose credibility quickly. I'm not sure how they posed the questions in the poll, but there is absolutely, positively, no way on God's green earth that those poll numbers accurately reflect public sentiment towards that speech last night. Period

Jan 25, 2012, 9:36pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Never mind I looked up the actual poll and read how it was done. Last nights address was the lowest rated in Obamas term. Historically, watchers are overwhelmingly same party supporters which makes sense. Even with around 38 million viewers, the poll used 659 responders so follow the logic...voluntary participation in a poll where the majority of those asked are already favorable to the subject (almost 2 to 1 Democrat to Republican according to the poll itself). Using a sampling of .001% of viewership in a pre-skewed data set, it is not surprising that those results would come out, but they are hardly representative of the American public as the media have been portraying it. Polls are a joke and I have never quoted one to support any of my assertions because of their lack of credibility.

Jan 25, 2012, 10:04pm Permalink
Nathan Oaksford

i agree with you that the middle class needs fixing. I disagree that making the rich do it is the way to go. I think they should pay the same percentage as everyone else does. Having money doesn't justify taking more money from them. However i think they should tighten the loopholes and make sure the profits they get from investments are earned fairly.

You shouldn't penalize someone for doing well. This is capitalism that is the goal.

Its kind of funny how states like Texas that don't have income tax are doing very well. Taxes are not the answer to the problems in this country. It is spending pure and simple.

You balance your budget at home, and if you don't have the money you don't spend it. Or you cut back on things you don't need like junk food and buy more important things. The government needs to stop spending on things it doesn't need. There are so many problems you can't point to one person and "Hope" that they can "Change" everything. Everyone has to change. From the kids in this country to the people over 100. everyone needs to adjust to the new economy and understand that we can't just buy everything we see on tv. its time to cut the credit cards and start being responsible.

Jan 25, 2012, 10:07pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Here is even better news on your poll Bea. The 659 respondents didn't even have to watch the SOTU, just indicate days before that they intended to watch. And the best part of all...the poll is from LAST years SOTU, not this years. The media started running with it before checking the date. Here is the link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/26/politics/main7284238.shtml?ta…
Even Alan Colmes who I follow on Twitter was touting the poll without checking it out. I love it when the media dupes each other!

Jan 26, 2012, 6:20am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Regarding plagiarizing other's work:

1) You shouldn't do it.

2) If you do it it, at least cite, but even citing doesn't save you from violating copyright (some people think that 'oh, I linked to the original post, therefore it's fair use.' That's not true. Taking the entire or substantial part of somebody else's work and reposting it is a copyright violation in almost all cases. (Fair Use is a very complicated doctrine).

3) I'm under no legal obligation to remove it. However, if a copyright holder sends me a takedown notice, then I must remove it. That's why I never act on copyrighted material being posted here, though I cringe every time I see it. I've had my work stolen and I hate to see the work of other's stolen, especially without credit.

The proper thing to do is quote a portion, comment on it, and cite your source, and tell people where to go to read the whole thing if you think it would be worthwhile for people to do so.

Jan 26, 2012, 9:04am Permalink
Bob Harker

MY PRESIDENT: 1. Got Osama Bin Laden...check US military that he opposes got him

2. Unemployment rate 8.5%... bragging about 8.5%?!?! He promised sub 5 %

3. 1.6 million jobs created with no GOP help...check Net loss of 2 million jobs during his term. Of jobs created, most are public sector.

4. 22 months of job and economic growth with no help...check Please look up crony capitalism. Solyndra is only 1 isolated example of his "green growth" that is underwritten by tax dollars and destined to fail if ever exposed to the real world of profit and loss.

5. Ended the war in Iraq ...check Iraq is now in chaos and will fall to Iranian control within a year. Good job!!!!

6. DADT repeal...check How is this good for our military? Fixing things that are not broke is a waste of time. REMEMBER - DADT was your beloved Clinton's baby.

7. Not one tax hike in 3 years....check TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE TO BE PAID BACK! He borrows unfathomable dollars from the Chinese to fund his escapades.

8. Put a spotlight on some of the Blatant racism in the GOP check 9. 80% of the black vote...check This isn't racism?!?!?!

9....Same wife for 15 years...... with no extra marital affairs...check No, he's been to busy screwing the American public.

11. Helped to save the auto industry and 1.5 million jobs.. check Really? Simply gave Chrysler and GM to the unions and dumped billions of dollars into the 2 and they continue to absorb public money.

12. Assisted in ousting Gaddafi...check You opposed ousting Hussein, and others,and call this a victory? But again, our military did it's job - and he wants to cut $1,000,000,000,000.00 from it.

13.Only active President to receive Nobel Peace prize while in office...check Please tell me for what accomplishment - it was simply a symbolic move to help promote a new world order with a fascist in charge of America.

14. Mortgage modification to prevent home owners from losing their home...check More of my tax dollars being spent on people dumb and greedy enough to sign mortgages that they could not afford. Stupid is as stupid does.

15. STILL fighting for middle class families...check Huh? How? Redistribution of wealth does nothing but destory the middle class.

16.Reform affordable healthcare.... check. Affordable?!?! Average plan up 31% in 3 years! His greatest accomplishment - a system that is already undermining health care advancement. It needed fixing - he's destroying it AND making our kids, grand kids, great grand kids etc. pay for his mistake.

Despite what the GOP would have you believe the President has been doing these things and more by himself. Obama 2012! Change does not happen overnight--we have to work for it together!

So that hope and change is working for you? Congrats. You are one of a very few.

Jan 26, 2012, 10:45am Permalink
John Woodworth JR

Well add another 1.2 trillion in debt. Bush added four (04) trillion to debt in his eight (08) years in office. Obama has added six (06) plus in least than four (04) years in office. Hmmm, Bush was a horrible President, I wonder what people will call Obama? If, he is elected for four more years, we can only assume that he will add even more. I am guessing twelve (12) trillion plus. Do not forget he is planning to start up all these committees to monitor and regulate his new programs. Bigger government, MORE TAX DOLLARS and MORE DEBT! Good job President O' debtncontrol!

Jan 26, 2012, 1:00pm Permalink
Bea McManis

John, no worries, you can vote three or four times for the candidate of your choice, just like you did for the county election. By the way, how did you do it?

Jan 26, 2012, 1:06pm Permalink
Bob Harker

I fully respect the office and went to war to defend it. I am vehemently opposed to the fascist that currently occupies it and have every right to voice that however I wish.

Jan 26, 2012, 1:11pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I thought he was a Marxist? Is he a fascist or a Marxist?

Also, where do you get that he opposes the military? He's just another neocon empire builder like all the GOP candidates, except Ron Paul.

Come November, assuming Paul doesn't get the nomination ... you'll have a choice between a big spending, empire building, individual rights disrespecting Democrat or a a big spending, empire building, individual rights disrespecting Republican. Won't be one whit of difference between the two big part candidates.

Jan 26, 2012, 1:16pm Permalink
Tony Ferrando

Wow, Bob... how can he be this super commie pinko leftie that you've described over the past several years.... yet also be a fascist at the same time? I mean, with your deep breadth of knowledge on this topic, certainly you're aware that these two things are polar opposites on the political spectrum.

Please explain, in detail, your evidence that this man is both a left-wing extremist and right-wing extremist simultaneously.

Jan 26, 2012, 3:47pm Permalink
John Roach

Mr. Woodworth,
I believe Bea was referring to your saying you voted for 3 candidates in last years County legislative elections, in two different districts. And I am not sure you even live in either of them. Since that is illegal, how did you do it?

Jan 26, 2012, 2:17pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

If Obama is a fascist (Fascism defined by Benito Mussolini: "The foundation of Fascism is the...State... ...the State as an absolute, in comparison with which all individuals...are relative, only to be conceived of in their relation to the State. The Fascist State...the individual...is deprived of all useless and possibly harmful freedom... ...the deciding power...cannot be the individual, but the State alone... ...For Fascism, the growth of empire... is an essential... ...empire demands discipline... ...the practical working of the regime... ...the necessarily severe measures which must be taken against those who would oppose...")? What the hell is his predecessor who used the justice department to make torture American-values-friendly, denuded the Fourth and Sixth Amendments and called it The Patriot Act, directed the NSA to conspire with tel-com providers to intercept private telephone calls without court order, invaded Iraq and Afghanistan on a whim (actually borrowed justification from the movie, "The Blues Brothers," '...we're on a mission from god.')...?

Jan 26, 2012, 2:26pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Bob, then the action is beneath you. Cursing our President is an offence to our democracy. You throw around the word fascist like it doesn’t mean anything. If the president was a fascist, your friend on the radio would have disappeared by now. Our current president’s policies are not all that dissimilar from the last.

I’ve been around long enough to know the next guy is going to be just like the previous two and there is nothing anyone is going to do about that.

Jan 26, 2012, 2:39pm Permalink
Phil Ricci

Bob...I have an issue with this...

6. DADT repeal...check How is this good for our military? Fixing things that are not broke is a waste of time. REMEMBER - DADT was your beloved Clinton's baby.

First, it was a broken system. You could serve, fight and die for your country, as long as you kept your mouth shut about be gay. Yeah that's freedom.

Second, Clinton wanted all out equality, but the Republican Congress led by none other than Newt (You know the current front runner) wouldn't have it.

Last, A Facist would never repeal something like this. Just saying, if you're going to use powerful titles, you might want to know what they mean.

Jan 26, 2012, 3:26pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

The hits just keep coming, another green energy stimulus recipient just filed for bankruptcy today. $118.5 million taxpayer dollars gone with nothing to show for it.

Solyndra $535 million
Beacon $43 million
Ener1 $118.5 million

$696 million in tax payer $$$ thrown away, add to that the $1.3 BILLION in back taxes owed by federal employees and you have $2 BILLION in our money lost due to simple mismanagement. Geitner and Hillary bailing on a second term, on his fourth chief of staff in 3 years, second press secretary....things are going GREAT!

Jan 26, 2012, 4:36pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Since it doesn't happen often, I have to point out when Charlie Mallow and I agree:
"Cursing our President is an offence to our democracy." Absolutely
"Our current president’s policies are not all that dissimilar from the last. " Sad but true statement
"I’ve been around long enough to know the next guy is going to be just like the previous two and there is nothing anyone is going to do about that." Unfortunately, I have to say that too is true.
The outlook is bleak.

Jan 26, 2012, 6:05pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Mr. Woodworth,

On the thread:
Legislator Cianfrini questions payout of GCEDC bonuses
Submitted by Howard Owens on January 19, 2012 - 8:37am
http://thebatavian.com/howard-owens/legislator-cianfrini-questions-payo…

John Woodworth Jr. wrote:
So, you just stop trying? I voted for the three candidates above. Yes, they failed to win. Now instead of focusing on their loss, focus on Legislator Cianfrini. Ensure that he see this investigation through and has it resolved. Who knows if, this seek more national attention. Getting the petition started is just the beginning.
Howard replied:
If you voted for all three of those candidates, you committed voter fraud.

Jan 26, 2012, 6:28pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Jeff, I really like politics but, sometimes it loses perspective. The rhetoric is just over the top at times. When you look at the big picture, there is truley little that is different between our two parties. When you look at how the rest of the world's governments are run, either of our parties is far superior. There is just too much emotion and angry words flying around. Whomever our President is, from what ever party (or third party), they deserve respect. You don't spit or burn the flag and you don't curse a sitting commander and chief.

Jan 26, 2012, 8:11pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Charlie, the ironic thing is those, on this board, if presented with the opportunity to visit our President in the Oval Office would probably be tongue tied. I wonder how many would have the nerve to be as outspoken and as disrespectful as they are on this board?

Jan 26, 2012, 8:54pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Thats an assumption there Bea. Marc can tell you that some of us speak the same way in person as we do on here. Doesnt matter who it is, I dont pull punches speaking to anyone in person. I look foreward to telling any member of Govt my opinion, and have when I have had the chance.

Jan 26, 2012, 9:47pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Giving someone, in government, your opinion is generally welcome. That is what our government is all about.
There are two ways to give that opinion, Kyle. You are smart enough to know that.
You can do it the way some do here or you can do it with a modicum of respect for the office.
I suspect that you would take the course of respect for the office; form your ideas with a great deal of care; and express them in an intelligent manner.

Jan 26, 2012, 10:09pm Permalink
Bob Harker

First of all, Tony, your arrogant attempt at sarcasm was pretty lame.

You are correct, in your infinite wisdom, that the very basic definition of a fascist is "an extreme right winger". If, however you had the wherewithal to do any basic research at all (no, being mesmerized by the pretty lady on MSNBC does not count) you would find the following definition of fascism: "a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc.,"

If you don't believe this to be a very accurate description of your beloved's administration than I guess its not the clouds that your head is in. (my sarcasm).

This will be difficult for you to follow, but please try.

No single label can be definitive for any one person.

The definition of communism: "a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state." As you can see, this description also accurately obama's attempts to redistribute one person's earnings to that of another that is not productive/successful for whatever reason.

So, the President has earned BOTH labels, depending on who he is trying to screw at the time.

Have a nice day.

Jan 27, 2012, 2:35am Permalink
Tony Ferrando

Oh Bob... thank you ever so much for going to dictionary.com and copying and pasting definition 1. It's shocking - but despite my advanced degree, where I majored in history and minored in poli sci, we somehow never covered what that definition was. Nor did I ever need to write papers demonstrating what the concept meant. They surprisingly just handed my the degree.

Of course, that isn't true... the real reason I ask, is because people that call him that are a real curiosity. They are the same ones trying to rewrite history, to erase the fact that fascism is a right-wing ideology - and they want to take nazism with it, which also happens to be a right-wing ideology. Led by such intellectual giants as Glenn Beck, they believe this man because he simply says it is so... quoting such a ridiculous definition without any understanding t of how it applies to real life. But anyways, I'll get off that topic...

... if you think Barack Obama is a dictator or a communist - or both at the same time to make it even more outrageous and further demonstrate my point that it's impossible to be both at the same time - then you're absolutely clueless about this topic and I have nothing more to say to you after this - for you've been lost to the world of 24 hour news, with a melted brain as often feared would happen in the 50s with the advent of television. Hugo Chavez is a dictator claiming to be a communist. Fidel Castro was a dictator claiming to be a communist. Joseph Stalin was a dictator claiming to be a communist. They could accurately be called fascists under the definition you've cherry-picked. Yet none were communists despite their claims, figure that out. If you need a lesson in communism, I'd suggest reading the Communist Manifesto itself, for it isn't a collection of government policies - but it is right in that definition.... and that's the only hint you get.

Jan 27, 2012, 8:16am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Well Bea in some ways you'd be right. I would start out with thoughtfulness and respect for the office. But however I am very passionate as well about some of these things and if I was handed BS or talked down to respect for the office would be eclipsed by anger at the person in the office for patronizing or talking down an issue rather than dealing with it.

Jan 27, 2012, 8:26am Permalink
Bea McManis

Kyle, when I worked in Philadelphia, one of my colleagues was invited to the Oval Office to receive an award.
This person was very much against the administration in power at the time. He planned to go to let the President know exactly how he felt, "no holds barred.".
We are talking about a well educated person who is well known in his field of expertise. We are talking about someone who can articulate a thought and has a calendar filled with speaking engagements.
When he came back from his Washington trip, he admitted that walking into the Oval Office was a moving experience that left him speechless. It had nothing to do with being with the President, but a realization that his respect for the office far outweighed his plan to lambaste the man.
I have a feeling that experience is shared by many.

Jan 27, 2012, 9:08am Permalink
Bob Harker

Phil, think about it. When serving, you are in very close quarters for extended periods of time. Why add this distraction to the mix? This is exactly why females serving are not assigned to certain units.

Jan 27, 2012, 12:42pm Permalink
Bob Harker

I hope that someday your left wing blinders will be removed and set your self proclaimed brilliant mind free.

Yes, you are a better man than I, Mr. Ferrando (I shouldn't be calling you Tony). If you are my age, I was in Southeast Asia while you were being indoctrinated by our left leaning institutions of "learning", making your opinion much more enlightened than mine - and one that overrides common sense.

I am just a poor working slob that has worked since age 14 and pays taxes, a mortgage, and supports my family through hard work 50 hours a week and also runs a successful business on the side.

My awe of your greatness is second only to your own.

All your little snippets conveniently condense world history and the inherent political philosophies into 3 short paragraphs, not motivated I'm sure, by an attempt to belittle me. Quite a feat!

For my betterment, please advise which reference source to use when posting definitions.

In closing, let me say that if the worst happens and your beloved is re-elected, we will revisit this subject in 5 years-if there are still means of unrestricted communication.

Til then............

Jan 27, 2012, 1:06pm Permalink

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