There is a common malady that afflicts many of our American comrades, known as the Bush Derangement Syndrome (BDS), where everything wrong with the world is blamed on our former president. A corollary to that is BAS, or the “Blame America Syndrome.” Regrettably our president seems to have contracted both.
Less than three months into a new administration and America’s role as a world leader is capitulated and subservience shown by our president to foreign powers. During his trip to Europe last week for the G20 meetings in London (what some pundits have called Obama’s “Bash America Tour”), the new president clearly evidenced his BAS.
To cut a little slack, however, we have to remember that he’s a rookie at this. After all, he only had been a community organizer and a State Senator before advancing to the U.S. Senate. And he’d only served there for 143 days before he began running for president. So we can attribute to his naïveté the full-waist bow to the King of Saudi Arabia (how’s that for subservience?), the gift of an Apple iPod to the 82 year-old Queen of England (loaded with Obama’s speeches and some other things), Michelle’s repeated touching of the Queen (I didn’t go to Harvard, yet even I know that’s anathema!).
And we’re not just talking about minor things like on Saturday when he referred to “Austrian” as a language. No, that’s just one of those verbal faux pas like when he referred to visiting all 57 United States during the campaign. And not like the answer to a BBC reporter’s question about causes for the global financial meltdown. Although that rambling diatribe did generate some immensely humorous missives with the BBC and The Guardian that make for some enlightened reading for those who swallow hook-line-and sinker the American mainstream media twist of the trip. But even that vapid answer followed the pattern for the rest of the trip: blame America for everything, and by default, blame it all on George W. Bush.
Two brief examples characterize his theme in Europe. In Strasbourg he said America “has failed to appreciate Europe’s leading role in the world.” Really? In what way is Europe pre-eminent to the United States except in secular socialism? In one fell swoop, America is no longer the one remaining super-power of the world and anti-Americanism is legitimized by the “leader of the free world.”
He further subordinated America’s global leadership role when he stated that our country has “shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive.” He must have been reading Jimmy Carter’s books, for he sounds just like him.
Syndicated columnist and analyst Charles Krauthammer said of Obama’s actions in Europe, “When Kennedy arrived in Paris, he did not attack Eisenhower and the United States. When Obama was elected president, he became president of all of the United States, including Americans who opposed him, and he owns American history, including a past he may not have wanted to engage in. I think what he did is, in order to gain the adoration of the crowd, he denigrated his country in a way that I think is disgraceful.” I couldn’t agree more.
Among his inscrutable statements was one to the Turkish Parliament, where he said, “We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world — including in my own country.” If he was speaking of ancient history, I would understand where he was coming from. But there have been precious few significant contributions to the world from the Muslim world for 600 years. Their extremists have provided us with cause for increased security at airports and other segments of our infrastructure. Maybe that’s what he was referring to.
For all his efforts at American obeisance to Europe, European pundits were not nearly so impressed as was the American media who still maintain a “slobbering love affair” with the new president. Perusing analysis from UK sources, for example, his efforts fostered more derision than praise.
Seems to me that last year when Michelle said she was proud of America for the first time, she was echoing the sentiments of the entire Obama household. How sad that the President of the United States should have such apparent disdain and contempt for the country that he leads.
Popularity: 11%
Related posts:
:@:)
Loading ...
{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting how you write an article about Obama, but you mainly quote pundits talking about Obama. How about some quotes from our President to back up your claims?
It seems you’re peeved that our President is talking to people overseas and giving them iPods. Wow. It’s good to be American if that’s what pisses us off. Oh, and “So we can attribute to his naïveté the full-waist bow to the King of Saudi Arabia (how’s that for subservience?)” was a real gem – your boy George walked hand-in-hand with him. If Obama’s being subservient, Bush was his girlfriend for a day (or, rather, two terms).
This is the kind of garbage that is making this site such a laughing stock. It’s a dumping ground for tired conservative rhetoric and militant anti-government ramblings from people with a PBS education.
You conservatives are so willing to pay higher taxes for more tanks, but when it comes to paying taxes for education or health care, you scream fascism. You supported Bush’s “crusade” in the middle-east with doe-eyed obedience, but the second Obama hugs the smokin-hot First Lady of France, you complain you’ve been sold out. Give me a break. Buy a brain cell.
Tanks will help us when the zompocalypse comes and our families are ravaged by the undead. What will education and health care do for us then?
Tanks are useless against zombies, Marcus! You’ve read World War Z, you should know that. No blood pressure, no damange from explosives. The only effective weapons against zombies is time and a shotgun.
Have you seen the money Obama is pouring into the military lately for crap we don’t even need? I suggest you look into that Jeremy before spouting off at the mouth regarding conservatives willing to pay for more tanks. Your boy is doing quite a fine job of it himself without the conservatives help.
Obama’s military policy is a line-by-line concept. He recently cut 6 Presidential helicopters from the budget (an order put in by Bush) because the President doesn’t need more helicopters. The military does. I think it is funny, though – everyone’s mad that Obama is authorizing military spending, but if he didn’t, you’d all complain that he didn’t support the troops. Use your brains already.
Besides that, anonymous, that was not my point. My point is that people are only upset about higher taxation if it’s for something other than the military. That is absurd and unreasonable.
Oh, and he’s also been cutting the F-22 production and “future technologies” research and shifting more resources to troop support items.
Is that what this site has deteriorated to…a washed up, right wing radio hostess cutting and pasting diatribes from her favorite Rush Limbaugh wannabes?
Send her packing or mandate that she regale us with her own words…cutting and pasting speeches just clutters up this site.
Meso – pretty much.
I agree with you both there. This Hallistone person never seems to post anything that they themselves have thought up. Interesting.
I’d have to agree…but only because her and Trish forced Marilyn Manson out of Sandy Downs a long long time ago!
As for tanks…they make a great shelter, and you can run over the zombies too! Explosives would work for getting through debris and such, and depending on the tank you hijack and the weapons that you have, a mounted rifle could do some serious damage!
I never read World War Z by the way – got a copy I could borrow? Sounds right up my alley!
Alright, back up Marcus… this person kept me from seeing Marilyn Manson in my own back yard? I don’t need to know any more about her now, I officially don’t want to read anything she has to say.
I have seen a machete to some awesome work on zombies, but I guess it depends on the zombie… they seem as versatile as vampires (who by the way should never NEVER sparkle).
Someone noted above that this site has deteriorated. Maybe it’s just me, but it does seem that a lot of the people who used to be here are gone. I don’t quite understand that because anyone can post an article, and anyone can reply in any way they please. What would make people decide not to bother with it any more? There does seem to be more vehement arguing, does that have anything to do with it?
Just wondering…
Yep, that damn radio show had a huge impact on the UBER CONSERVATIVES in this area cutting off Sandy Downs as their venue. I think it was back in 2001 or so…I know it was BFE 2 year.
I’m sure that I chased everybody off with my foul mouth and closed-mindedness
.
Yea, I’m sure that was it marcus *rolls eyes* lol
Elsewhere on the interwebs, I read something to the effect that when the zombie apocalypse comes, the Republicans will be whining about the gummint handing out shotguns rather than giving tax cuts to shotgun makers.
I have to say, Marcus, that after reading today’s comments elsewhere on this site, I’d be inclined to think the replies to your comments are more vehement than your comments.
Maybe it’s just me.
And I’m glad I have access to guns, cuz I’ll be ready for those zombies!
Brains for dinner, brains for lunch, brains for breakfast, brains for brunch! Brains at every single meal why can’t we have some guts? HEY HEY HEY!
Damnit, Marcus, you’re supposed to be my mortal enemy, stop making me like you by quoting my favorite band ever!
LOL
It was never my intention for you to view me as a mortal enemy =P. You just got it all wrong from the start!
Why is it when someone is labeled conservative they are automatically liked to Bush? I didn’t like him any better than you all do. I will have you know that I didn’t vote for Bush, or McCain for that matter.
But I can tell you this. A president that ingratiates himself with foriegn entities and bab mouths his own country is not a president that I want. And I didn’t vote for him. Unfortunately he is our president for now, so we must respect the office.
I’m still waiting for evidence of how Obama trashed America on his Euro tour.
You can’t register the evidence if you won’t open your eyes or mind.
Oh my God Marcus, seriously? I’m asking for you all Obama bashers to give direct evidence of how he “bashed” our President overseas. Don’t give me your vague bullshit and answer the damn question.
Now you’ve got me confused. How he bashed himself?
Jesus Christ. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Stop being a smarmy ass and answer the question – you did this same thing when you complained about his inaugurationg.
A question to everyone bashing Obama – “Give me examples, in context, of how President Obama ‘bashed America’ on his recent tour of Europe.”
Now put up or shut up. I’ll take any non-responses as a concession that you’re all full of shit.
“It seems you’re peeved that our President is talking to people overseas and giving them iPods. Wow. It’s good to be American if that’s what pisses us off. Oh, and “So we can attribute to his naïveté the full-waist bow to the King of Saudi Arabia (how’s that for subservience?)” was a real gem – your boy George walked hand-in-hand with him. If Obama’s being subservient, Bush was his girlfriend for a day (or, rather, two terms).”
Everything you’re looking for is in this paragraph, quoted from you. You use Bush as an exit, when Bush was a problem too.
You don’t show your weakness or folly to the competition. In the worst of times, you stand up and project strength and ability to persevere and continue on. Yes, reality is a bitch, and “Obama is merely telling the truth”…but the truth isn’t what EVERYBODY needs to hear. It’s certainly not what enemies to the United States need to hear. It’s one thing to report to Americans that shit is bad, and it may get worse, and it’s another to spout it off to the world.
Since when is Europe an enemy of the US?
“You don’t show your weakness or folly to the competition.”
Not everybody that is allied with us is a friend. Not every country in the world supports us.
Marcus, dear God, I asked you to quote Obama, and you quote me. What is wrong with you? If you can’t address the problem at hand, don’t comment.
My comment about Obama, Bush, and Saudi Arabia was in direct response to the author’s assertion that Obama bowing to the Royal Family in Saudi Arabia was a sign of weakness. In fact, the author said it was a sign of “subservience”. My point was the Bush walked in the Rose Garden holding hands with the same man. When Condi Rice went to Saudi Arabia, she wore a burka. It seems like right-wingers think that our government officials observing the local customs of a place is a sign of weakness. Give me a break.
Obama bowed because that’s what you do in Saudi Arabia. Is the Prime Minister of England shaking hands with our President when he comes to visit a sign of weakness? You people seem so caught up in this obsessive power-play, thinking that America has to present itself as this unyielding hegemonic superpower that you don’t stop to think about what that means diplomatically.
Are you all so braindead that you think the United States is immune to the need for diplomacy? Is your brain so numbed and dumbed-down by nationalism that you think that the United States can stand arrogantly in front of other countries, tell them to kiss our ass, then expect their help in getting us out of our economic funk (which, by the way, is a GLOBAL issue and did not start and end with the bailouts. Read a book.)
So, Marcus and others who are bashing Obama for “bashing” America on his trip overseas, I’ll restate my question, very plainly:
Show me direct evidence (quotes from the President) that Obama “trashed” on America during his trip overseas.
Marcus, you keep skirting the issue because you’re wrong, and I think you know that you’re wrong. It’s okay to be wrong. be a man and just be okay with getting ahead of yourself and formulating an opinion before you had all the facts. I’ve done it, everyone has. Just be enough of a person to admit when you’re full of it.
This “economic funk” is only plaguing us because of central banks, which governments keep calling for expansion of! Global banks, global currencies…it’s all bunk.
Yes, the world can go to hell. We’re not citizens of the world, we’re citizens of The United States of America, and we need to take care of our own problems, lest we fall victim to globalization and lose a majority of our rights as a result.
Our ancestors built this country on the idea of the rights of the individual. A lot of blood was spilled to separate from England and form our own governmental system. We declared our independence, forged a constitution, and at this point we have strayed so far from the premise of those two documents it’s scary.
I don’t need to quote Obama when you’ve responded to an Obama action in your comment. We’re hitting every country that we can and, in essence, apologizing for any and all actions that we have taken in the last 235 years that those in other countries see in a negative light. We have no need to apologize for our actions. We built a strong nation, we did what had to be done, and somewhere in the last century or so we started voting in corrupt individuals that began dismantling everything that made this country great.
The United States of America no longer stands for freedom and prosperity, but rather dependence and servitude. We have our hands in too many pots worldwide, and all because we thought that because we were strong we had a responsibility to rescue those elsewhere that were weak. Following that model, we have become weak ourselves…and I don’t see anybody coming to rescue us, nor should they.
All I can do is hope that the tables turn in Washington D.C. sooner than later, without any physical altercations, and we get a solid group of individuals in there that truly get it. I can’t write it any better than the framers of our constitution have written it.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
We are the framers’ Posterity, and our Blessings of Liberty have been slowly dissolving for a long time now. That process is speeding up, and if we let it continue, we won’t have any of it left.
You can argue against this until you’re dead and rotting in the ground Mr. Plothow, but you’ll be lying to yourself if you do. You’ve stated before that you had beliefs similar to mine in the past. It’s your business why you gave up on them, but you still gave up on them. This nation was not built on the backs of quitters, but on those that stood true to their beliefs and values.
You’re allowed to take the easy path and regurgitate the opinions of those that stand to gain the most out of this mess…but it’s not a very honorable position to be in. These people already have megaphones and reliable distribution lines, they don’t need your help to reach their target audience (you and those like you). You’re wasting your time trying to “talk sense” into those of us that can see what the result of their schemes will be.
Lack of quotes & evidence noted, Marcus. I hope you don’t work in the legal or scientific fields.
Okay, so Marcus, at this point you’ve pretty much conceded the whole “Obama trashing America in Europe” thing. If you can’t back up your argument, and keep skirting the issue with lofty political rhetoric, then you concede. So, that’s settled.
I’m trying to make some sense of what you’re talking about in your post, and I keep just scratching my head. This country was NOT settled on the rights of the individual – in fact, I’d argue exactly the opposite. This country was founded on the concept of Republicanism, which is the sovereignty of the people to choose a representative Republic. However the framers of the Constitution were certainly well-schooled in French political theory (they quote Locke and Hobbes quite often) and knew that the nature of government necessitates the exchange of personal liberty for benefits of government.
The framers of the Constitution knew that in order to have a functioning government, there needed to be an exchange of nature-given (they used the word “god”) liberties in exchange for participation in government and society. You want evidence? How about the Alien and Sedition Act, passed less than a decade after the Constitution was ratified, which made criticism of the government illegal. Think about that. Almost immediately after the smell of gunpowder dissipated from the air in the new nation, they legislature betrays that which they fought so vehimently against.
So what is the lesson, Marcus? You’re idealizing and mythicizing the “founding fathers” as American gods, infallible creatures which we should look to in order to find the correct way. But what is the correct way? They certainly didn’t know it! Hell, they used the term “a more perfect union” in their new nation’s official documents! That term means NOTHING.
So, let’s give up the 18th-century rhetoric, fast-forward to the future and talk about reality. We’re not living in 1776, and it doesn’t do us any good to wax romance about times gone by. Yes, it’s wonderful to think about a nation founded on liberty and freedom, but what does that mean? Aren’t we describing a Utopia (which, by definition, means “nowhere”, as in it cannot exist.)
What freedoms do you want, Marcus? You want your guns? Nobody is trying to take them. You want the right to vote? You have it, and have had it since what, 3 years ago? You want the right to raise your family in whatever religion (or lack thereof) you want? It’s yours. It seems like you’re complaining mainly about your right to be free from taxes. Show me a country in history that has not had taxes, sir.
Think back to the emerging nation, back in the 18th century – one of the first actions taken by this country was the tax whiskey! WE TAXED FIRST! Taxes are as American as apple pie, Uncle Sam, and reality TV. It makes no sense to be blindly against the concept of taxation because it’s a reality, and will always be a reality, of government.
It’s ironic that your taxes, Marcus, being in the American middle class, will be significantly lower under the Obama tax plan. And you’re still taking to the streets, complaining about being over-taxed?
You and I agree on “bailout” debacle. Thing is, that’s not Obama’s baby. He stepped into the big, steaming turd the second he took office. It was the democrat-led congress which first shot down the initial “bailout” not so long ago, and remember who it was that threw a fit? It was the “small-government, ‘don’t tread on me’, no mo’ taxes’ REPUBLICANS who screamed and yelled until the Democrats agreed to vote for a modified version of the bailout bill.
So don’t sit in front of your computer and wax freedoms at me and tell me that President Obama is the source of all ills in this country. Don’t try to tell me the world can kiss our ass, that’s nationalist, racist, ignorant garbage. Marcus, you have a brain, I know you do, it’s just time you leared to USE it. There are people spouting off rhetoric all over the place, but nobody’s saying anything. Start thinking, start saying something. The time for speeches is peace time – let’s get to work.
Racist eh? Show me.
Again, assuming I’m against taxes. I’m not.
I never said it was Obama’s mess.
You are all taking talking points from the same source, and these talking points don’t describe me. Kudos to you Jeremy for actually changing the verbiage. The rest of you seem to be content with copying and pasting it all.
You all know where I stand, and I won’t be moved. When the shit hits the fan, I’ll be prepared for it. I like you Jeremy. You’re one of the few fighting for the wrong cause in this community that I’d consider taking in if you really needed it. You know how to get ahold of me if you do.
There’s a source for “all of us”? I must have missed it – please direct me.
Marcus, nationalism is racism. Nationalism is based on the assumption that one can identify oneself accord to their nationhood, and how are nations formed? Language and race. Historically, this is fact. So, to say that America is better than “Nation X” is a nationalist and racist statement.
And what, Marcus, is my “wrong cause”? My few political stances that I’ve taken on this site are for public education and better use of taxes. What’s wrong with my cause? That I’m not a nationalist?
Nationalism is your description, not mine. Furthermore, there is no such thing as the American/Canadian/Mexican/German/etc. race. In a priority list, our country comes first.
Germany was formed after the collapse of the Hapsborg Empire, which was an empire that had one distinguishing factor – language. What is it that separates one “race” from another? Well, there are biological issues but there are also linguical issues. You say there is no such thing as a “German” race, but why only 50 some odd years ago did Nazis in Germany engage in the ultimate racial action – genetic euthenasia? They did it in the name of nationalism, Marcus. Nationalism is DANGEROUS.
And I can’t help but think at this point that you’re just arguing for the sake of argument. Either you know you’re wrong or you’ve given up or you just don’t know what to reply with. I’m out. I’ll give you some time to formulate a well-thought, fact-based retort to my points. We likely won’t agree about the concept of nationalism – some people love the taste of whiskey, others hate it, some hate the taste but love the feeling. What can you do.
This debate is about public policy and responsibility. So, if you want to debate, bring the facts, bring the evidence, and leave the rhetoric at home.
I’m still not a nationalist, and my opinion and viewpoint doesn’t have to be documented by anyone else. I am not debating.
Don’t agree? Fine. Don’t agree. I don’t give a damn. I’m not debating. You can bring all of your discussions out of history books and news articles if you want to, but I’ll stick with stating it as I see it in my own words.
You evidently don’t get it. Maybe all of this schooling screwed you up.
One day, man became aware of the world around him and looked at the great, spanning sky above, and invented the Sky God who blew the clouds which great lungs and shot down lightening when he was angry. Some time later, another man, after learning about the world and how it worked, told this same man that the clouds were moved by air pressure and lightening was caused by electrical energy in the clouds.
Then, the first man ate the second man in the name of his invented sky-god.
Marcus, it’s a ridiculous notion that education “ruins” somebody. I don’t even know why you would have that idea. It’s as if you WANT to believe a certain way, and anyone who disagrees with you is … welll … sacrificed to your God in the Sky.
Don’t make me eat you, Man #2. I just had a filling course of steak and stuffed peppers…I don’t know that I can handle anything more on this fine evening.
I’m one of the former members.
I could come back anytime, and I still lurk here a little, in hopes of seeing this site return to what it once used to be- one that was generally courteous, but with just enough heat to keep it lively.
Mostly, I quit because every topic that developed past a couple of comments became stupidly and pointlessly contentious. I just got tired of the continual fights, offhand insults, snark, and defensiveness.
Meso’s comment #7 summed it up best. Halli Stone is all hit and run, and always leaves a path of destruction in her wake. Fine for Halli, too bad for IFT. As long as the site owner puts up with her, things will continue to slide downhill, but that’s his decision. He can run a good house or a garbage dump as he wants.
Everything past that was pointless junk and ego squabble. Idaho Falls Today is just a waste of electrons these days. There are other, and more pleasant, places to talk over the local topics that are ‘discussed’ here.
Marcus- High School only gets a person so far. Do some real self-education if you can’t afford to go to school. Learn some totally new things that you know nothing at all about for starters.
Jeremy- both you and Marcus need to get over yourselves. You need a more civilized forum than this one to keep your frustration and temper in check.
Both of you are smart young guys, but unless a little bending comes from both of you, neither is going to ever really going to learn anything from the other.
I hope to see both of you sometime, somewhere else. For now, I’m gone again.
I learn new things all the time, but they’re not generally core subjects.
I likely won’t find you everywhere. I only know how to type the letters in idahofallstoday.com. If you could link it up, I might be able to figure out how to click it.
I believe Marcus and I talk to each other like most 20-somethings with very different opinions talk to each other. I talk to Marcus like I talk to my friends. I’m not one to shy away from calling my buddies f***tards.
My God Jeremy. You even shook the Hapsburg’s out of their dusty old tombs here. You made them a part of a discussion on Nationalism. They were a dynasty, the first Hapsburg king in Germany popped up in the 13th century and they didn’t fade completely away until the very early 19th century.
They ruled the majority of Central Europe at one time and reached their imperialistic fingers down into Spain and Portugal too.
Six centuries of Hapsburg’s, who I believe originated from Austria, was probably enough to make Hitler roam around the countryside blaming the genocide on the Hapsburg’s. Or he would have if the nasty anti nationalists hadn’t hunted him down like a dog and forced him to kill himself to avoid capture.
You know I came to hate the Hapsburg’s in my history classes because they just wouldn’t go away, and I’m starting to develop the same kind of feelings about these intellectual diatribes you go on because Marcus doesn’t play by your rules.
He isn’t discussing things with you because he wants you to teach him something grand, he probably gives about as much a hoot about your academic conquests as I do.
My take on it is that Marcus is more of a Patriot than a Nationalist, but then you have to slow down and read the words in his posts to see that.
One of my shortcomings is skimming a post and deciding I know it’s message even though I’ve really only caught about 25% of the words. That’s why I stop and reread every post I respond to a couple times, just so I’m sure I’m addressing the topic I think the writer intended to put out there. Maybe you and Marcus could both give that a try.
The Hapsburg discussion was in response to Marcus’ notion that there is no German “race”. Sorry if you’re not a Hapsburg fan (I mean, who is, really) but history is necessary in understanding how nations are formed, how we identify ourselves, and how we understand race. It was not intended to teach Marcus some “grand idea’ but to discuss the concept of nationalism. You just can’t talk about nationalism without talking about dynasties.
And if you haven’t really read any of the posts, why reply?
Your comment about Marcus was funny. It reminds mr of a recent conversation I had with someone at work. They said, “I’m not a Christian. Don’t call me that. I’m a Christ-follower”.
You like the word patriot because of the connotation it brings with it. You’re a nationalist. Not that there’s anything wrong with that …
But you did state that there’s something wrong with being a nationalist by associating it with racism. You’re contradicting yourself.
There still is no such thing as the German race. Your Hapsburg rant doesn’t prove anything of the sort.
na?tion?al?ism
–noun
1. national spirit or aspirations.
2. devotion and loyalty to one’s own nation; patriotism.
3. excessive patriotism; chauvinism.
4. the desire for national advancement or independence.
5. the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of one’s own nation, viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or the common interests of all nations.
6. an idiom or trait peculiar to a nation.
7. a movement, as in the arts, based upon the folk idioms, history, aspirations, etc., of a nation.
chau?vin?ism
–noun
1. zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory.
2. biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.
pa?tri?ot?ism
–noun
devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.
There are negative connotations to just about any word that you choose to use to describe a person, group or ideal…but you can’t ignore the positives. Out of seven definitions, only one can really be considered a negative…and I certainly don’t believe that it describes me.
If we all focused on helping each other, we would never end up in an ideal situation ourselves. Are you really saying that we should sacrifice our own well-being in order to ensure that there is a level playing field for everybody? That’s lunacy.
lu?na?cy
–noun, plural -cies.
1. insanity; mental disorder.
2. intermittent insanity, formerly believed to be related to phases of the moon.
3. extreme foolishness or an instance of it: Her decision to resign was sheer lunacy.
4. Law. unsoundness of mind sufficient to incapacitate one for civil transactions.
Evidently Wordpress doesn’t like bullet-points to be used as dividers…I’ll be sure to change them to hyphens in the future.
Sigh. Marcus, you’re so in love with this America that you’ve invented it’s blinding you. You’re so madly in love with this romantic notion of the “Founder’s America” that it’s blocking your ability to think about things rationally. My point in your rants about America the Beautiful – people in Sweden feel the same way. People in Mexico love their country and their heritage. People in China love their country. Everyone loves their country, the same as you, and most feel like their country is the best on Earth.
I’m not sure I do. To say that America is the best country ever because I happened to be born here seems, first, mighty egotistical of me, and second, there are great things about all countries. I can appreciate aspects of Sweden, Mexico, and China. Oh, and yes, America’s great, too. We have the best blues, the best sports, and the best punk rock. Go us.
My point – Marcus, you don’t have to be one thing or another. You don’t have to be a wild, flag-waving jingoist, but also don’t have to be an anti-American Commie. There are so many shades of gray. The framers of the Constitution were brilliant people, but people with faults and weaknesses, moral shortcomings and logical issues just like the rest of us. The Constitution is law, written by man, with weaknesses and faults. It’s not an eternal, sacred document. To treat it as such disables you for intellectual growth.
When I say I’m not a nationalist doesn’t mean I’m wrong or evil or a Commie or a Frenchie (though, I’ve been to France and found the nation, and its people, quite lovely), it means I’m not twitterpated with my country the way you are. It’s kind of like religion – it’s not my slice of pie, but does that mean religious people are all morons who don’t know anything and are evil? That would be quite presumptuous of me to say, wouldn’t it?
I say Nationalism is racist because it is. It makes you xenophobic and hateful. It makes you halt your intellectual growth and cling to blind ideology for emotion’s sake. It is my perspective that this is not the best way to live one’s life or grow one’s mind.
Jeremy…did you even read what I wrote? Just wondering how you got off on the topic of ability to enjoy other countries and cultures when my comment clearly had nothing to do with that.
Pulling the Jeremy and ooh_child card:
It makes you xenophobic and hateful.
Put forward some proof.
Wait a sec – how did I get pulled into this debate about Nationalism, Marcus?
My particualr POV on the topic: Most people love their countries first & best because they’ve never lived in any other country for any length of time. They’re comfortable where they are, with the language they speak, and the food they eat.
I’ve traveled to other countries some, and while I’ve enjoyed the experiences I’ve also been very grateful to get back home.
I’m a patriot too, but I don’t see the connection of that fact with Nationalism.
Getting back out of the topic now……
It was the asking for proof thing, not the subject.
Okay, gotcha. But I usually ask for evidence, not proof. Proof is for alcohol & mathematics. Small nitpick.
I see what you did there!
Proof is also used extensively in the world of print advertising!
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.
—Mark Twain——-
I love you Meso. Sometimes.
Mark Twain was also an anti-Nationalist.
Marc, if I really feeel up to it, I’ll reply to your request for proof about Nationalism. I don’t feel compelled to do so, though, since you didn’t have the courtesy to do the same with your wild statements and rhetoric.
And I am a nationalist? You assume too much.
Finish this sentence: ___________ First.
Women
Oh, excuse me:
Ladies
Can’t argue with that.
Actually, it goes right down to my family. I will take care of my family before I take care of anything else, and I expect that my government will make sure that my family is taken care of and taken into account before taking care of, for example, Haiti.
You mouths are arguing just for the sake of arguing.
So, what does it all have to do with Obama telling the world that the U.S.A. is to blame for… every darn thing?
Interesting discussion. One thing that stands out is a comment by Marcus:
“You all know where I stand, and I won’t be moved. “
Marcus, this will not serve you well in your life. You are young and perhaps haven’t yet figured that out. You hold steadfast positions and you will not allow logic or reason to sway you. Whenever you adopt a rigid position and will not allow any evidence contrary to the position you already hold, well that’s a CLOSED MIND and is dangerous.
We all have filters. We tend to filter out anything that doesn’t support what we already believe. And you, Marucs, take this to an extreme.
As Jeremy said, you have a brain. I would serve you well to open your mind and use your intellect for something other than a fight to the death to “prove” you’re right.
I am coming from the point of logic and reason. Common sense my friend.
expect that my government will make sure that my family is taken care of and taken into account before taking care of, for example, Haiti.
Idaho Falls Today! Comment # 61 by Marcus on April 17, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
Vote: Add rating 0 Subtract rating 0
marcus arent you the one always going on about how you want the government to stay out of your life, and that you do not need nor indeed want to be taken care of by the government.
Nope, read again. I’m against too much government guidance (see: control).
well please clarify, in what way do you want your children to be taken care of, as opposed to applying the same care, to , as you said, haiti
You misunderstood. We need to focus on the problems here at home before focusing on the problems of other governments/countries.
The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.
Charles DuBois
That sounds good on paper, but unfortunately people today aren’t willing to sacrifice anything. Theyd rather suffer, be miserable & complain than take the necessary steps to change things.
I’m not quite sure what either of you are getting at.
Anonymous-Is it wrong to stand your ground? Should Marcus be willing to change his values for the greater good? Having an open mind does not mean going against your values. I commend Marcus for standing his ground and not being swayed. It shows his strong character. Do you have a set of values that you live by? I know I do. My values may not be “right” for everyone but they sure helped me through hard times and give me something to lean on and look to. I know who I am.
The greatest revolution in our generation is that of human beings who by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives
marilyn ferguson
do you not want to transform and evolve? I do not want to live a stagnant existence, which is why i am willing to embrace new ideas and reach a higher consciousness
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds like you’re saying that any new idea should change the way a person thinks, and that’s not necessarily a good thing.
There is something to be said by not being swayed by every new trend and knowing what you’re all about in your heart.
im not saying that at all. I try to think outside the restraints that society places on us. And by that i dont mean i think it’s ok to hurt someone….by this i mean i am spiritual and do not care for dogma
Does no one want to evolve to much a much better existence? Do you all want to remain in your closeted lives not daring to see the great wonder that the universe holds for us. In order to do that you must open up your heart to the bigger picture and realise we are all one.
Interesting point but I think the two are completely different. While I understand how the two can be confused, I think most Americans understand the value of each values/morals and an open mind.
Marcus won’t be budged on his values, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that he is open to new ideas and entertaining alternative methods of doing things….IF…they are within the scope of his values.
You can’t tell him that what he values is wrong. That’s where things get scary.
When it comes to values, how can anyone be “wrong”? What are we using as a measure? Religion? Common Sense? History?
People will always disagree on what is right and what is wrong. It’s all relative. That’s why we have to have laws.
I consider myself open minded and ready to entertain new ideas, but I’m also bombarded with idiotic things and I pick and choose what I want to believe.
If I were to disregard one particular person’s thoughts, then that person would probably see me as closed minded because I refuse to agree with their vision of things. That doesn’t make me closed minded.
Alice said it beautifully.
I like your last two comments Alice. That pretty much sums it up for me too.
Tigerlilly keeps quoting all these people, yet I really don’t think she believes in any one of them.
The mistake she’s making is thinking we’re all one. No we’re not, we’re all different and unique in our own way.
A lot of people have a tendency to think that everyone thinks and feels the same way they do. I believe that a lot of people simply cannot comprehend that a person would see things differently than they do.
I am surrounded daily by a VERY broad range of people with a broad range of beliefs… nothing would surprise me any more, and I’ve learned volumes from it.
That’s just the way I like it
I love you Alice. If I wasn’t broke, I’d come down to the shop right now and buy every last box of Nag Champa in stock
.
Muchas Thanks!
We’ll be here when you’re ready
i’ve quoted these people because i do believe what they say. I certainly wont quote anyone that i dont believe in. The book i quoted from is called Frequency, the power of personal vibration, by penney pierce.
I just think you need to realise that you are not free, and will not be until you free your spirit, and then everything is possible. And as far as us not being one, ok , yes we do have different auras, but ultimately we are at one with the universe.
So really as far as the mundane goes, bashing obama for the change he is trying to bring…ok you may agree or disagree, but change can mean suffering or anger…you need to let go of that and embrace yourself and your place in the universe. Reach for your higher self and become enlightened. If a lot of this generation cannot embrace that, future generations will.
http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Cove/1418/OneSpirit.htm
You’re saying that we should be for the change that Obama and his administration is pushing whether that change is good or bad for the majority of citizens in our country.
Also, there is a huge difference between being free spiritually and mentally, and being free physically. Anybody can be locked in a 10′x10′ cell and be able to escape into their spiritually free minds for comfort and the endless possibilities of thought…but they’re not walking out of that cell.
tigerlily-From what you wrote it seems you are clinging to Obama’s idea of change based on the fact that you are bored with your own life. That’s really sad. I am sorry you feel that way. Need a hug?
One with the universe? Pushing your beliefs on people are we? Don’t be ridiculous. You really think that EVERYONE needs to realize that? That’s part of your FREEDOM of religion. I don’t take your religion pushing lightly. You have crossed a line there.
I didnt push religon, im sorry that you are confusing religion with spirituality. I dont adhere to any creeds or dogmas. I’m sorry that you are so offended by dicussion of something so natural as your spirit, possibly…, it seems like you have not reach any form of enlightenment yet.
I am not bored with my life, far from it, im intrigued with life, i enjoy searching for everything the cosmos can provide me to take me to a higher consciousness. As far as a hug goes, im always up for a hug from anyone who has some good vibes to share.
As far as obama goes…well im trying to rise above petty politics. I believe he is good person, maybe others dont agree……that is fine. However you need to know what you want, not what you dont want and move forward….You need to move forward in your own life positively and remove the hatred from hearts. The cosmos is such a wonderful place, let us spread love and show others how to love.
wow
I’m only hateful on the internet sweetheart.
Tigerlily, I commend your spirituality, and you seem to have a fine sense of self.
However, your posts come off with a tad of a superiority as you seem to believe that you have found something that makes you feel you are better than other people. It seems that you feel that anyone that doesn’t think the way you do is inferior.
Someone who has truly found themselves spiritually is generally not as judgmental of others, IMO.
Marcus = internet bully lol
Good post Alice, that’s how I read it too. But I digress…
im sorry that you feel that way. I’ve become more enlightened, im happy, what can i say. Ive always been a spiritual person, but lately i have this huge surge of something come into my life, and i like to share.
I like to impart spiritual knowledge to people in my circle at work and home, and i feel sorry that you misinterpret my ‘brimming over with passion’ concerning life, as being superior, without any other substance. I just feel somethings need to be balanced, and i found this to be one of the posts that is like a see saw, or rather bi polar…i just feel balance is good in life(and im not refering to fox news)
Im really just saying this is what you need to do, as opposed to saying something negative.
I will be happy when others become enlightened too.
just let’s spread some love and happiness
You’ve gone and read some hippie propaganda then eh?
oh no i havent gone and read it, i write it:)
but im not a tie dye hippy, dont care for that at all
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for love and happiness. I just think that everyone has to find it their own way, and you really can’t micro-manage happiness.
I have 1 teenager and 1 grown child… if that doesn’t teach you to back off and let people find happiness in their own way, nothing will LOL.
I agree. Just because you (tigerlilly) have found your happiness a certain way, doesn’t mean everyone will find their happiness that same way. We’re all different that way. What makes you happy could actually piss me off and visa versa. And then there are some people that are perfectly happy being miserable.
To each his/her own.
But it’s Friday and I can honestly tell ya I’m pretty damn happy!
Im merely putting my thoughts out there into the cosmos. If i discover something wonderful, like a lot of other spiritual people have, then it’s nice to share. If not everyone wants it, that is ok, i just hope that soon the world in general will realise their potential that is in them, in their spirit.
About 14 years ago on a trip to Vancouver BC, i met this great lady, by all appearances an everyday person, but an enlightened one, and she shared a lot of her enlightenment with me, something that i was searching for within my spirit. She taught me a lot, i didnt condemn her for teaching me and guiding me, i didnt think she was superior. I just thought she was a person i had been happy to encounter.
So if my words appear like i have some negative vibrations, please forgive me, that is not my intention.
love the universe, because you are part of the collective consciousness that we all are
And i am curious, please tell me ways in which you believe will or have made you happy. On the point of the discussion, is a political agenda that you embrace going to provide you happiness. Physical happiness is fleeting, spiritual is constant. But seriously i would really like to know.
My brother decided years ago to join a certain local religion that will remain nameless.
He and my sister in law were very, very happy, and wanting to share their happiness with the rest of the family. They shared their happiness to the point that some broke off contact and there was distinct hard feelings.
Thankfully, after some time, they decided that they could be happy and we could be happy in different ways, and we are all speaking again.
I love happy endings
Some people just aren’t spiritual, flat out. I’m not.
Now, with that understanding, be on your merry way ye flower child.
lol
i feel sorry that you have such hostility in your energy, but i will go eagerly on in life, and maybe if another topic warrants some of my input i will dwell a while there. Thank you for letting me share this frequency on this topic for a brief time.
love the universe, because you are part of the collective consciousness that we all are
“share this frequency”?
You’re definately “out there” TL. Best of luck on your cosmic journey.
doesnt internet cable operate on a frequency? sorry i thought it did
http://www.ispub.com/journal/the_internet_journal_of_neurology/volume_10_number_2_6/article/high_frequency_brain_oscillations_600_hz_in_human_somatosensory_evoked_potentials_quantification_of_effects_after_needling_and_stimulating_large_intestine_4_using_new_eeg_electrodes.html
and i believe this link says we have brain frequencies. ..but no matter have a happy day, enjoy the universe
lol
Hmmm… What to say…Where to start.
You are in fact PUSHING religion/spirituality on all of us. Phrases like “love the universe, because you are part of the collective consciousness that we all are” or “it seems like you have not reach any form of enlightenment yet.” Those are both perfect examples of you not only acting as if the rest of us are missing something (that we need to find to be whole) but also being condescending to those of who don’t feel the need to discuss our spiritual/religious journeys. I am not missing anything from my life. If I suddenly felt empty I wouldn’t share it here. I would find what fit me.
You never even bothered to ask any of us if we were “enlightened” spiritually. Maybe some of us have already taken that journey and moved on to more pressing matters in life.
“On the point of the discussion, is a political agenda that you embrace going to provide you happiness.”
To answer that question: YES! Creating a better world for the next generation will be more fulfilling than anything I have ever done.
To quote a hated man (out of context-I’m sure you will have fun blowing this one up), “I hope he fails.”
Stop quoting me without citing the source man…you know that ticks me off…
oh man…..it’s definitely Friday!!
LOL
Marcus, you’re an (comment edited. please refrain from swearing) When you meet someone who thinks differently than you, you just start slinging these stupid little insulting names around. “Hippie”, “socialist”, blah blah blah.
Get over it dude.
“you just start slinging these stupid little insulting names around. “Hippie”, “socialist”, blah blah blah.”
How are those insults?
Sigh. Honestly, if you don’t think that Marcus intends these words as an insult, I don’t know what to tell you. The level of discourse on this site is mind-numbing sometimes.
Someone would have to be extremely overly sensitive to take the term flower child as an insult. My mother was a flower child and she was proud of it.
Ugh, they’re not insults, they’re labels. Not meant to be insults at all.
You’ve labeled me a libertarian and a nationalist. I can assure you that those labels are incorrect, but they work in your mind to describe my viewpoints and that’s all there is to it. To you, they are accurate, and that’s fine by me.
If you meant those to be insults, I’m sorry that I didn’t take them as such.
As for hippie and flower child…hippies raised me. I have nothing against hippies, and wouldn’t use it as in insult.
“hippies raised me. I have nothing against hippies, and wouldn’t use it as in insult.”
Marcus, you rock.
Happy New Year.