A Distant Sound of Thunder
By CRAIG DELLA PENNA on August 29, 2008 at 9:45 PM in Current Affairs
In the old, old days before the cities and the highways, before the smokestacks and the chimneys, before we knew the sea and the sun, the sky and the stars for what they truly are – even in those ancient days – we knew what leadership was and we know it still. We feel its presence – the ancient Greeks said “the God is near” when they felt it, we know its absence too…
From the gods and demi-gods of Summer: Enki and Innana through Gilgamesh with his friend and nemesis Enkidu to the heroes of the Iliad: “god-like” Achilles, Ajax, Hector, Diomedes and Odysseus, there is a common thread. In our ancient dreams we draw forth the leader from among us, we invest them with our trust and our collective honor and we demand one special thing from them…
Those whom the gods choose, we anoint with oil, we clothe with gold and in their honor we burn precious Frankincense from Ubar… Why?
Through the ages we have had many leaders – not all of them good, nor any of them perfect.
They have a few attributes in common: some can mesmerize a crowd with thrilling rhetoric, some speak softly and move quietly along their way, some beguile with dreams of wonder or ‘cry havoc’ on an oppressor, stirring us to do what we had thought we could not do. There are some who revel in chaos or who are possessed by a holy fire; they send their acolytes to oblivion with promises of paradise ringing in their ears – they, too, are leaders. And there are some who have the power but, sadly, have nowhere to put it, no plan or one plan too many…
Most often we find the qualities of true leadership – in the place we would look first: the military. Leadership in the military is not an option, it is a bare, stark necessity. And, like courage, it need not be displayed because it is assumed. Woe to the young JG who fails this test, if he’s lucky he may just be shouldered aside by his NCO, if not he may wake in the middle of the night next to a live grenade.
Here’s the thing:
Leadership is comprised of many qualities: responsibility, courage, wisdom, experience, judgment, instinct, passion, vision, perseverance, loyalty… among others. But it is founded upon one quality only: sacrifice. All leaders understand this innately but most skew the interpretation to stand it on its ear, they think it must mean your sacrifice. These are always the bad leaders, the narcissists, the warmongers, the tinpot dictators, the power-mad politicians who will sacrifice anyone and everyone to gain their grail. They never seem to achieve it… and because of this fundamental misunderstanding, they never will.
True leadership, is based on self-sacrifice, on the willing gift or, as the Greeks put it, “the sacrifice that goes, consenting”. In the elder days this was literal truth, in times of emergency, of war, of drought or famine, plague or pestilence; the king was called by the god to sacrifice himself for the people.
Oedipus, the King of Thebes sent to the Oracle at Delphi to ask Apollo what to do in a time of great drought and famine. He expected to be called to account for the city’s sins and, in a way, he was. The Oracle told him to “seek out the unclean thing”; he did, and found himself.
We do not demand that our leaders hurl themselves from high places any more nor immolate themselves in the sacred fire nor battle dragons in their lairs. The nightmares are different now: the mushroom cloud, the ravening packs of corporate wolves, the manic hordes of religious madmen (perhaps not so different after all) but the bedrock principle of self-sacrifice remains the defining characteristic of leadership.
Why is this important?
It is important because the tale of history hangs on simple choices, choices that, in retrospect, look freighted with overt meaning but which looked innocent and simple at the time – simple as a hanging chad.
It is important because we have two exemplars in front of us right now, showing both sides and qualities of leadership. The one who spoke on Tuesday showed us elegance and grace, intelligence and compassion, aspiration and accomplishment. More than that, she exhibited all the qualities of the good leader: she shared with us and invited us to share with her and most of all she spoke of her dedication and continuing commitment to core principles and to the common good. Every idea was based on internal conviction and was applied to an external solution. This is the good leadership model: showing by thought and by action, the path forward and speaking the magic incantation: “Follow me!”
The other exemplar we will hear tonight and, if the past has any instructive value, he will, once again, tell us his story, tell us that he is the one he has been waiting for. He will use the rhetoric that attempts to make the ‘other’ into himself, subsuming his followers into his own ego, demanding that sacrifice to himself and then speaking of his dreams, his hope, his change. But there will be an emptiness in his words, as there always is, the hollowness of his core deprives his words of value, the emptiness of his principles is revealed as his lofty rhetoric falls flat. Because there is no internal transcendence of self, his speeches are devoid of power and worse, they show us his inner emptiness. This is why we recoil when he speaks.
One can also tell something about a leader by the company s/he keeps, by the actions of his/her followers and by the environment s/he chooses.
Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers and Tony Rezco are not role models we want for our children, what they have in common is a willingness to suborn the good will of others in search of power. The actions of Axelrod, Pelosi, Dean and Brazile are wanton in their blatant contempt for democracy and savage in their zealotry.
The strutting, preening, pompous parade that is the Obama presentation will reach its climax tonight with his investiture at Invesco Field where, before 80,000 adoring acolytes, he will emerge from the colonnades of a faux Greek temple to accept their adulation. The histories of mad Roman emperors comes to mind. But that pales beside the modern mirror – an instantaneous comparison will rocket to the mind of anyone old enough to remember “Triumph of the Will”. Perhaps there is no one on his staff who can remember those times – or has even seen the movie…
The faux presidential seal, the replacement of the US flag on the tail of his campaign plane with his branded logo, the ‘beer and sausages’ rock concert in Berlin – not at the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of hope and freedom, but at the Siegessäule, the “Victory Column” used, among others, by Hitler to celebrate his victories over neighboring states. All these ornate trappings, the egregious excesses, the arrogance and contempt… all bespeak a man who knows his reach has exceeded his grasp, they are all an attempt to create the very thing they lack, to engender the confidence in others that is not manifest in the self.
There are many paths to self-knowledge, they all require hard work on the inner self to achieve that knowledge and they all require us to give up what we love best: ourselves. Musashi – the master swordsman of Japan, tells us in his “Book of Five Rings” that victory is only achieved when we can look into the Void.
The problem in general is that there are different types of people who grow or acquire leadership capabilities – being a leader is not a guarantee of good humor, good judgment or good sense. Certainly there is a quantum of talent involved in leadership, and there are a shelf full of books that will teach you everything you ever wanted to know (and a lot you didn’t want to know) about how to practice leadership. A leader can be dedicated, passionate, loyal to his cause… and utterly evil (Pol Pot for instance) or he can have those same qualities and be regarded as a secular saint (Lincoln for instance – unless you’re from the South).
The essential quality of the man or woman will always make itself manifest – you are known by the company you keep, by the deeds that you do and by the quality of the relationships that you form. If your relationships are about trust and honor, respect, consultation and mutually beneficial collaboration – the god stays with you and, sometimes, you will hear the distant sound of thunder.
If, on the other hand, your relationships are all about steppingstones to power or about power itself, then you may indeed ascend the rungs of power over the bodies of erstwhile friends and enemies alike – but the only sound you are likely to hear is the echo of your own thoughts…
“Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.” – Euripides
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I think you should add that great leaders don’t abandon their people when they need him to stand up for them, such as was the case in Michigan and Florida. If Obama’s not willing to stand up for people then, he most definitely won’t do anything in the future.
Leaders also have principles. Lines that they will not cross. I don’t know of a single line Obama won’t cross. Without this, there can be no sense of self which is why Obama is described as an empty suit.
Mr. X – I agree totally. I was already in Hillary’s camp but was keeping an open mind about Obama. I thought the FL/MI debacle was a test to see if he had greatness in him (since he obviously didn’t have the resume). To me, greatness is when you’re willing to go against your own self interest to do what is right.
It’s looking like Palin has that characteristic – not Obama.
don’t abandon their people when they need him to stand up for them,
Moses’s pleas to the Pharoh, fell on deaf ears.
and BO’s ears? Same thing. deaf.
Did FL/MI get full votes?
Yes they did? Oh, cary on.
What votes? I’m in Calif & the Calif delegation was told to pass. Our votes were all for nothing. In the end, no ones votes counted. Barky was nominated by acclamation, not by receiving the required number of delegates. The entire Dem conv was a sham from start to finish. I will not vote for any dem until the crooks that ran this show are run out of town.
I know learning how a party primary works is a lot for a newcomer, but really, you just look like a moron when you repeat thing that are not true.
The only sham was puma people raising money from upset hillary people by filling them with false promises and bullshit information.
Aren’t you at all pissed at hillary for wasting so much money so early and conceding the caucuses because she was broke?
Aren’t you pissed that puma went on tv and cut hillary’s ability to retire her debt by claiming puma had taken care of it?
Can you not see the web of lies built for you to believe hillary is a victim and obama an abuser?
wake up.
“Moron”? Really ee, try to be more adult in your use of words. While Obama supporters are not known to be the brightest people in America, they should be able to at least read a dictionary and learn to use different words.
The web of lies are those told by Obama, his trolls, and the Obama New Democratic Party. In particular, it is now becoming well know that they are all bigots.
You are helping to expose the truth about how bigoted the Obama New Democratic Party truly is.
Obama’s Democratic Party: Home of racist, sexist and misogynist.
lol
good luck with that one.
No man I’m pissed because the Obama crowd called RACISM on Hillary in order to defeat her.
THAT was unforgivable. The party is now run by these same slanderers.
And yes, it was a real eye-opener to learn what caucuses were all about. I was aware of them but until C-SPAN showed us how completely fucked they were I never could figure out how Kerry won Iowa in 2004. Well now I know what an unrepresentative joke they really are and how a lame-ass candidate like Obama could game the system and “win”.
Amen – and it WAS a sham – very depressing for me. It was sickening to watch the corruption of the DNC. They need to go. At the top of my list is Dean, Brazille (sp) and Pelosi. I’m voting republican this year. Would never be a republican but can’t be a democrat any more. I’m indpendent.
Arkansas here. Hillary won the state with 70%.
Delegates voting? 32 Obama, 8 Hillary.
Apparently my vote didn’t matter, either.
after the fix was in with the bogus roll call…your point?
THe votes for FL>MI went to the wrong person,Obama stole her votes…
Note: ee does not want people to learn. What does ee’s comment have to do with the topic. Frankly, nothing, but ee’s job is to stop you from questioning. if you are new, please follow along the thread as the tactics of the brownshirts are disclosed.
Well said, Mr. X!
Obama/Soretoro has no core. He is not a leader. He is not presidential material at all. NObama in NOvember.
McCain/Palin 08
B Hussein O ambition for POTUS is SOOOOOO profound, that he will go to any lengths to get it. As evidenced by, all we have seen so far, and all that is coming down the pike before November.
lol. what an idiot you are.
And an islamophobic asshole to boot.
Many people throughout time with the name Hussein are not Muslim. Hussein is an archaic name.
Who is the idiot?
Touche steven!
Unfortunately, SA, they are not here to be touched.
I can be convinced that I am wrong, because I am wrong frequently. Their problem is that they are evangelical about their beliefs They have received the truth via revelation.
It is a fundamental mistake for any English speaking country to not make Samuel Clemens core curriculum.
Nancy Pelosi has got to be one lucky bitch…
first she get’s a “gift from God” in the form
of Barky and then she get’s a “second gift from
God” in the form of Palin, Or so those demofuck’s
would like you to believe
MaCain/Palin 2008
Although I am a seasoned democrat, I finally feel like due to DNC corruption and stealing of an election and hijacking of Hillary’s delegates etc. I am somewhat relieved with McCain’s brilliant VP pick. I now have a place to show my support.
I am through with the Democratic party.
Sorry Hillary, you got the shaft but I can’t look the other way and there can be no unity with what I witnessed during the primary. I can’t reward bad behavior by supporting the Democratic ticket.
Thank you Hillary for being a strong woman, but there was those that just wouldn’t allow it. The Gov just picked today for RNC VP has already been a sexist target. This must stop.
Hillary asked you the other night: “Was it all about me?” You seem to be answering in the affirmative, which makes you a cult member, not a concerned voter. Hillary got as good as she gave. She AND Obama got down and dirty and the chips landed as they did. She gets that, you don’t. [INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT REMOVED BY ADMINISTRATOR]
Aren’t you the sweet talker? Go play somewhere else. You’re wasting your time here.
NoTermObama is just being a MacDaddy just like the big con artist he/she adores.
Moveon.org, troll.
ge buzz, you sure do like to say things like Mac daddy.
Do you like trying to force stereotypes onto people?
Not as much as you like to, but then Obama said it was okay to bring a gun to a knife fight.
Shall we monitor every little disparaging remark you make, ee?
“lol what an idiot you are.”
Upthread in case you’ve forgotten.
You have no credibility because you think defrauding the caucuses, i.e., robbing people of their votes, is an acceptable primary tactic.
Please offer us your last name , so we can use it as a prefix to denote the smallest possible increment of a thing.
Obama won FAIR and SQUARE. Just cos you repeat something often enough doesn’t make it so. Otherwise there’d be a Whitey Tape and Hillary would’ve “taken it to Denver.” Which she kind of did, but in enthusiastic and unambiguous support of our next president. Didn’t you see? It was on ALL the channels.
“Obama won FAIR and SQUARE” the frightened obrat shouted stamping its feet.
it is actually true.
no need to stomp.
Hillary was a broke joke come feb caucuses.
She basically had to concede the races she was far behind in and focus on keeping her lead in others.
you mental midgets now take that concession to mean he ’stole’ it.
lol
“Obama won FAIR and SQUARE,” you say.
Just cos you repeat something often enough doesn’t make it so.
There’s alot of guys in prison who say they didn’t do it, too. Fair and square?
Hardly…
Why do you think there are lawsuits against Obama and the DNC?
sorry buzz.
you are lying.
There is one lawsuit, by a nutcase, who has based his case on the anonymous ramblings of techdude and Texas Darlin.
Either the two of them step forward and get deposed or the case is toast.
go hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
Please
You cannot spell creep, freep, geek, or sleeveen with ee.
We’re sorry you have to work this week-end for Obama. You really should get time plus 50 cents.
It’s really not worth your time to try to stir up anything.
No votes for Obama here.
You forgot the lawsuit filed in Illinois regarding the fact that Obama didn’t list his alias of Barry Soetoro – listed on his Indonesian papers – on his IL state bar application.
Also, because of Barry, the DNC is named in the lawsuit.
Also, he was named in the opening statements of the federal corruption trial of Tony Rezko as a player.
You can look it all up. Did you know that Rezko has been meeting with the feds – pre-sentencing- Why? Probably singing like a canary to get a lighter sentence.
liar.
There is no IL law suit because those claims are based on pure ignorance.
The question is whether you have practiced law under any other names.
LOL
give it up.
why do you need to lie? Is McPain really that weak?
Why is it that anyone who dares confront or criticize THE ONE, they are immediately called a nut case by the obamabots? Sounds very similar to the attitude embraced by the Nazi brownshirts during Hitler’s rise to power.
All the obamabots have is to attack, attack, attack. That’s what happens when you support an empty suit with no accomplishments, no moral core and no principles.
NOBAMA!
oops you said hitler, you lose.
goodwin’s law after all.
You have an illogical and unjustified way of framing the debate. It is based upon your inability to see how others might legitimately view the sparse, but obvious connections between the two men. If you had studied modern German history, then you might have read Speer and Toland and you might see some haunting comparisons. You would also be able to say why the comparisons do not hold. You have not done the research. Accordingly, like most of your group, you speak with authority, but you have no grounds upon which to do so.
YOU are a SEXIST pig!
Anyone who votes for Soetoro-Obama is a sexist pig.
As Shirley Chisholm has said — Sexism trumps racist — politics is a boys club. She got my vote years ago when she ran for President — she worked hard at her job and she would have made a great President.
Obama is a lazy person — he hasn’t excelled at any of his elected jobs — he is alway running for the next office. Obama is a lazy, unprepared, narcissistic person.
PUMA power!
Haven’t you heard that’s the most effective way of winning converts to your cause? Abuse them!
Cos there are some coo coo people in this world who just can’t let go?
Actually what is really bonkers is someone who would hang out in here for 7.00 an hour to be ridiculed by people with far more intellect.
The fishing boats in Alaska pay well. Try working at a real job and doing something with yourself.
We’ve already let go.
A lot of us donated money to McCain today. And in November we’ll be donating our votes to him. also.
We did not see it because we weren’t looking for *hit you are speaking of.
Get out of here, we don’t have anything for you.
Our minds are made up and go lurk elsewhere, like CNN, MSM, GET IT?
Your mind is made up and so is ours, whole families of loyal Democrats swinging over.
Oh and BTW, were are all HISPANIC!!! And Texans too.
My whole family has left the democratic Taliban too. We were 4th generation dems. Hello, New Republic Party. Maybe, Hillary should run with them next time. At least her votes would get counted.
TTO,
You ought to follow your own advice. Texas alone, had 2000 registered complaints about caucus irregularities. Your theories are observation-neutral, however: they are impervious to facts. I suppose it’s because, like your candidate for president, you think that if you say something you make it so, especially if you are talking about the past.
I have never claimed a whitey tape exists, so your comment is meaningless.
I am not a Hillary supporter. Her support for Obama does not change all of the things that make him woefully inadequate for the job of president. I am a student of ethics and social relations who actively works for the principles of George Orwell against totalitarian and corporatist thugs on the right and left.
You are a brownshirt who is not here to do anything other than to disrupt the freedom of association of nonObama people. You cannot tolerate any thoughts that stray from your doctrine. Conversely, Like Hillary and her friendship with McCain, I like hanging with the different types of people here who have gathered to work against the Obama the charlatan and his thugs. For example, I’m happy for Republican Chick that she got her VP choice, though I would not support Palin. In fact, I like interacting with Obama supporters who come to the fray with evidence and respect for a good argument, like sfhillary. You, on the other hand, are evangelical. You know you have the truth and you know it must be IMPRESSED upon us.
SM
LIAR.
They was ONE registered complaint.
It was registered against Hillary’s campaign.
You can’t provide a single link to these so called complaints.
Dr. Long’s fairy tales are not proof of any registered complaints.
Stop spreading this bullshit.
You are not even American. You should fuck right off with your lies.
It is easy to be brave behind a castle wall. – a Welsh axiom
Because you are not in my presence. you feel brave enough to tell me to fuck off.
Just because you say a source does not have credibility, does not make it so. Whom should people trust? Dr. Lynette Long with her impressive CV, which is available at her site, or the anonymous Obot who hides behind his keyboard so he/she feels brave enough to tell another poster to fuck off.
Unfortunately, we are not face to face. It’s unfortunate neither of us can meaningfully call each other out. Accordingly, I am left with no other option than to demonstrate your intellectual and moral inadequacies by dissecting your propaganda posts.
steven.
Dr. Long thinks the dnc weighted delegates to favor blacks. She claims the delegate distribution that favors districts that loyally vote democratic was recently set up to give blacks more power.
She ignores this applies to all democratic districts.
Dr. Long also claims ACORN, an organization championed by Tubbs Jones, floods wallmart to register ‘low class’ ethnic voters.
If Dr. long is so wrong on these basic facts, how can you trust her when she is the only one claiming to have seen 2000 complaints?
lol clarivoyant and telepathic trolls. Maybe they should get a day job with Sylvia.
This ee person is all over the place and clueless.
Clearly ee has not mastered google. Caucus comaplints were filed the next day inmany districts. News articles said complaints against Obama’s henchmanlike tactics were 3x the number of any other primary in Texas history.
I suggest we not feed the troll known as ee.
S1968
I apologize. I am a product of my nation. I want to feed the troll. It’s why we’re trained to have our wrists in line with our fists.
SM
Two term Obama-
Sen Obama & the DNC got ‘down & dirty”…
View these three links.
Does everything in this campaign look okay to
you???
View the video’s released on August 9th 2008 by the Sam J
Ervin Jr, former chairman of Watergate commission, library and museum in Morgantown NC. According to producers, the DNC (with the support of the MSM) has perpetuated a crime and fraud against the American voters by claiming Obama as the presumptive nominee.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lPCunsrI1Q
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Khsg8iKjU
Superdelegates votes can not count until convention
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXpz8AJk8TM
*VERY IMPORTANT PART: Why Obama is not the presumptive nominee
- these videos are very educational, interesting, and well-researched and documented. People are indeed repeating history. What is happening in 2008 has happened several times in the past. Educate your fellow voters. Forward these links to others.
http://www.lynettelong.com/caucusfraud/
This is excellent site too…
http://wewillnotbesilenced2008.com/video/index.htm
Obama & Vote Theft
btw,ITS always been about COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY-
For 18 million plus, Sen Clinton was the best candidate to lead this country.
Thanks, athy, keep up the good work.
For all the flurry of activity of the bots around here, I’ve never seen them reply to a post like yours.
Wonder why?:-)
NO, Hillary, it wasn’t all about you. It was about how the DNC sold their soul to Barry and crapped on Democracy.
Well said pumawhisper!
These are the faces I’d like to see right now;
BO, MO, Brazile(sp?), Pelosi, Dean, Reid, Olberman, Matthews, Kos, that Huff bitch, and so many more.
Never thought I find myself saying this.
Oh Noooess!!!!
“Barack Obama leads John McCain by 49% to 41% in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking, as he continues to rise in the polls coincident with the Democratic National Convention.”
Numbers from before the Palin pick.
Scared, aren’t ya!
Well, frankly, yes, Catherine Harris clones always give me the heebie jeebies. I bet the polar bears are really hunkering down tonight, too:
“I strongly believe that adding them [polar bears that is, not scientists] to the list is the wrong move at this time. My decision is based on a comprehensive review by state wildlife officials of scientific information from a broad range of climate, ice and polar bear experts.”
Being a Floridian, i can assure you that Palin is nothing like Harris. But i know you pod people who are all alike don’t understand the nuance of individuality.
Obama on the other is definately a fake inexperienced dangerous narcisistic flip flopper, “a typical politician who will say and do anything he has to to get elected,” just like his mentor, friend and pastor of 20 years said.
OBUMMER!! OWN YOUR SHITTY CANDIDATE!!
You’re right. There’s some nuance there. She reminds me more of one of those choosy moms on a peanut butter commercial.
And Obama/Soretoess reminds me of one of those creepy manniquens in the men’s dept.
YES!
I just watched some clips of the Zeubama extravaganza acceptance speech – with the sound off. I was getting really creeped out by his appearance.
Very phony. Maybe it was the make-up, OMG I just realized what it was…he looked like a stiff laid out, except he was animated.
Oh God why did I go there, it’s late and I’m getting ready for bed I hope I don’t have nightmares.
When I see him I always think of an undertaker .
with the sound off
Me and my mute are best friends.
It puts the string to “just words”, eh?
TwoTerm, I, for one, am fed up with sexist comments and would appreciate it if you would shut up. Are you so stupid and thick headed that you can’t see how this has damaged the Democratic Party? The party is looking very unfriendly to women, especially mature women over 40yrs. Now, I am looking back through all the years I supported Democratic candidates and the Party and I am thinking I have been bamboozled, hoodwinked. I’ve been told my vote isn’t needed and should stay home. You, the party ldrs and Obama are complete fools.
Sexism rears its ugly head again. The race card cannot be far behind.
You are a characiture of yourself.
You obviously don’t live in Alaska otherwise you would understand that quote.
I don’t live in Iraq either, but I’m pretty opposed to invading it, killing it’s civilians and occupying it for 5 years.
and how does that relate to polar bears?
It doesn’t. The troll was confused and flipped through his Camp Obama/soretoes training cards frantically looking for something to say.
lol good one
Obama lost the high ground on that issue the first time he voted to fund the war…and he really jumped ship on the issue when he asked a supporter of the war to run as his VP. Wow, you may need some more hopey changey kool aid in your bottle.
TTO,
I disagree with Palin. My research is conducted in a northern economic/ social research department. Progressives should choose Nader or McKinney as a way to voice their displeasure with her thoughts on this issue.
SM
It looks like the “creationist” theme is the primary line of attack.
The bots tend to project a lot about issues that they think voters care about.
All the latest polls show the economy and national security to be the two biggest concerns. The debate between evolution and creationism probably didn’t even make the cut.
But what the heck, proponents of creationism are probably just those bitter angry white folks clinging to their guns and religion.
And NASCAR.
So who cares, right, they don’t count…
Naw, it’s just funny to poke fun at the fundies, that’s all. Now, McCain/Palin’s recycled brand of supply side economics, THAT’S just downright terrifying!! They don’t call it voodoo for nothin.’
Why don’t you explain Obama’s economic policies? TTO, what do you think about NAFTA and Obama’s lies about it? Do you believe he is going to change dividend, capital gains and estate taxes in spite of his chief economic adviser having a history of being more conservative and his campaigns hints he will support the privatization of Social Security?
For that matter, why would you believe he has any firm positions on any policy since he changes his mind on a weekly basis on important issues?
TTO:
Palin RAISED coporate taxes on oil companies operating in Alaska and then split the money with every citizen of Alaska sending them each a $1200 check.
Palin ousted the corrupt Democrat Governor of Alaska.
She also signed legislation giving full partner rights to gays and lesbians in her state.
She’s pro life by choice but she has protected abortion rights in Alaska.
You see – that’s what choice is about.
But you progressive want to inflict mind control over your Brave New World.
That’s why Obama voted FOR FISA.
The ones today are certainly dangling a lot of terms like “fundy” and “islamaphobe,” seems like a bunch of kids yelling taunts trying to hit a nerve. Must be today’s strategy as Camp Obama begins to see that “racism” is not doing it anymore. Taunt skill average troll, -10; Will save average NQ regular +30, no chance for today’s taunts trolls, get a dictionary.
ZOMG!!
NO!
After 4 Days of Non stop coverage the Expected Convention Bump appears thanks to Hillary and Bill endorsing him. WHo would have thought that things as predicted would happen! Especially since its been predicted and talked about for the past 2 weeks everywhere.
Sadley the bump is only 3 points from where he was before the convention started 46%.
My God i am convinced that the trolls & pod people who come here to post read only 3 sites…Barackoolaidbama.com, huffingtontoilet and dailyKrap.
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opuEwG0jCPA
Sweet irony lost on the bots – bots see Obama as a black man, hence, it’s his turn because he’s black.
Non-bots see him simply as a corrupt man with no moral center or real accomplishments – not fit for the highest office of the land.
You want to see a real oscar worthy performance?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zn-fPM4KS0&NR=1
What’s the price of addmission?
After viewing it, sorry I asked.
Such heart.
i cried when i watched it. Incredibly moving.
Beats the pants off Baracks shitty made up life story. And it took all of 1 minute 30 seconds to tell with incredible impact…
…Didnt require a temple or a 300 million dollar campaign designed to convince us of his greatness.
what an amazingl woman. so humble so incredibly grand. such a testament to the human spirit.
How nice for them that their Greek God extravaganza was able to finally give them a bump in the polls…especially after they didn’t get one after announcing biden as vp. Enjoy it while you can, obot. Next week, it’s a whole new ballgame.
Do you take pride in being ignorant?
It was a replica of the IL state legislature.
Fucking moron.
First it was supposed to evoke the structures of ancient Greece, birthplace of Democracy,
Then it was supposed to evoke the White House facade
Then it was the Lincoln Memorial sans Lincoln
Then it was supposed to evoke the Rose Garden
Now its a replica of the Illinois State Legislature?
LOL.
Keep going Obuttheads, you are bound to find a building one day that looks close enough to the Barackopolis to make a comparison…check minature golf courses…you might find one there.
And you are the moron. you ignorant tool.
I just wrote to Larry & Susan. To call this guy a troll would be an insult to trolls. They’ve been out of control here the last couple of days.
Yeah i am reporting him too. Its probably one of the regular trolls with a change of screen name.
No doubt. Thanks for sticking up for me! You’re a nice guy as well as hilariously funny, Jeremiah!
Gee how come the set builders don’t agree with you?
link?
but did they get the 15%? how about 10%? Anything less than 10% means that they didn’t get the return-on-investment for those columns.
McCain/Palin 08!
How many millions does one point cost?
Is there a futures market to be had?
According to “Who’s Line is it Anyway?”
.
Obambi and Ayers mis-spent over $100,000,000.00 and have nothing to show for it.
Obambi take note:
This is what HARD WORK brings!!
Senate passes AGIA
Story last updated at 8/1/2008 – 5:02 pm
JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate voted in favor of awarding the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA) license to TransCanada Corp. on Friday, allowing the company to enter the next phase toward building a 1,715 mile natural gas pipeline from the North Slope into Canada.TransCanada will be awarded $500 million from the state to assist in building the pipeline.
The Senate voted 14-5 in favor of awarding the license following the House of Representatives approval last week. Gov. Sarah Palin applauded legislators following the vote for enabling her plan to bring affordable energy to Alaskans, a platform she has vehemently pushed since taking office.
The pipeline will run from a Prudhoe Bay natural gas treatment facility to Alberta, Canada.
“This is a historic day in Alaska,” Palin said during a press conference following the vote. “Alaska’s potential to continue providing a safe, secure and domestic source of energy is great. I am proud of the hard work that went into this process from both the gasline team and the legislature.”
The TransCanada Alaska gasline will be the largest construction project in the history of North America. The gasline is estimated to ship 4.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The Alaska section of the line’s route will have h six compressor stations at startup and five natural gas delivery points throughout Alaska.
Palin has claimed that building the pipeline is the best, and most affordable, way for rural communities to wean themselves from expensive diesel fuel. Even some of Alaska’s energy conservation experts have said natural gas is the best “bridge fuel” while alternative energy projects are under construction.
TransCanada has constructed several natural gas pipelines and operates more than 36,000 miles of pipelines in North America.
In its application, TransCanada Alaska commits to nearly two dozen “must-haves,” which Palin’s administration claims will ensure “the most jobs for Alaskans, the most energy for Alaskans, and the greatest amount of revenue for the state.”
When is the birth certificate forgery going to break?
Why do we PUMAS even waste our time talking or thinking about Obama if it is forged??? If it is he’s toast, even if he were still Constitutionally eligible.
Then there really will be NO OBAMA.
“When is the birth certificate forgery going to break?”
THIS quote sums up the sad, little aftermath of PUMA in a nutshell!!!!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can smell the stink coming from the back of your shorts all the way across the internet.
Give it a rest.
We get it.
Your are freaked out at the possibility that the Obama is going to lose.
That’s what happens when you discover that they replace hope with Hype, and change with Hairplugs.
LULZ!
Leadership? I wonder, what do John McCain’s fellow guests at the Hanoi Hilton think of his leadership? Very highly I suspect. I imagine that to keep from going insane they diverted themselves by playing mind games with their captors.
I think we saw that leadership in action again today. Faced with overwhelming odds thanks to Bush wrecking America he made a bold move and chose Sarah Palin to be his running mate.
You know he scored major points because the air at Kos was filled with Cheetoh dust from the exploding heads.
The down side to his selection is that if he should win in November Hillary’s chances in 2012 are dashed. After John McCain for four years it will President Palin for the next eight.
MrMike,
Is that a flaccid, miniature elephant in your pocket or are you just a republican? I was not a Hillary voter, but to compare her to a crazy soccer mom anti-choice Creationist freak, whose biggest claim to fame until not long ago was being crowned Miss Wasilla, AK, is just downright silly. And Hillary would not approve of that message.
Obama/Biden 08
Obama= 0 experience
Palin= executive experience
You shouldn’t even be ALLOWED To utter Hillary’s name.
It’s all about one thing: taking the racebaiting, empty suited freak down.
“You shouldn’t even be ALLOWED To utter Hillary’s name.”
God, that’s a sick comment. And rather dehumanizing of someone whose ability to laugh at herself and self-deprecating nature I’ve always rather admired.
You should know about sick comments since so many are coming from Obama supporters.
You’re a brave little Obot considering the 527s and the GOP ads haven’t even started, yet.
There’s enough truthful negatives out there about Obama to bury him.
It’s only a matter of time.
Tick…tick…tick…tick
The Obama timebomb!
Oh what joy when it goes off!!! Will it be Rezko singing to the feds?
Will it be the TRO from the citizenship lawsuit? Will it be the whitey tape?
Will it be the corruption trial of Blagjeovich?
Will it be the lawsuits against Biden’s own children? Guilt by association!
Will it be the Annenberg/Ayers connection?
Will it be the disgust over associations with Farrakhan, Cone, Auchi, Davis, etc?
Oh there are so many ways Obama can be taken down by his own folly. We really should have Vegas odds on which one deals the blow.
Put a sock in it troll. You said a lot of shitty things about hillary in previous weeks.
Now shutup and crawl back under your rock and get ready for the hit parade.
Rezko
Ayers
Wright
Oh My!
what assholes these reprobates are.
btw this line is a classic.
“Is that a flaccid, miniature elephant in your pocket or are you just a republican? “
(thanks ee! i feel so misunderstood here, sometimes!…half-stifled sob…)
You are not misunderstand. We know exactly who and what you are:
Part of Obama’s New Democratic Party-Supporter of racism, sexism, misogynism and the glass ceil for women.
Wow you guys type well with all those cheeto crumbs on your fingers and your hairless donkeys in your hands. Get a life and get out of moms basement.
She was also a vice mayor, mayor, and now a Governor. She has a son in the military.
But I guess none of that counts because she wasn’t a community organizer.
Isn’t American democracy grand?
Where else on the planet could you have four more different stories seeking the highest offices of the land?
Alaska brings out certian qualities in person. Chicago Illinios brings greetings from the BOMBINE.
TwoTerm Obama
Are you as big of a sexist as you sound?
Well, I’m a woman with degrees in Sociology, Women’s Studies and Social Work, [INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT REMOVED BY ADMINISTRATOR]
With all of that you would think you would be a little smarter.
If that is a woman then i have a 14 inch leaning tower of pizza in my pants.
you really hate women don’t you? Does your degree in women studies allow you to call other women bitches and be proud of it? Me thinks you are a fraud, just like Barry Soetoro.
TTO:
You lie as easily as your candidate does.
Proof positive, the vitriol spewing forth from the likes of Two Term Troll. The dems f**ked up big time dumping on Hillery and they know it.
No, if anything it will increase Hillary’s chances.
The Democrats, will be rushing to be the Me Too Party to win back the female base and pull even with the republicans for pushing forward.
It will be all about how much they love hillary, how wrong they were, how much she deserves it how great it will be with her in the white house…just wait for the about face.
They will Push Hillary as the matriarch in waiting. Palin will only be 48, Ubummers age then and will know her time will come. She is the beginning of the revitalisation of the Republican party.
I would not be at all surprised if in my lifetime i see two women presidents.
Meanwhile, Obama will become an elder statesman of the Illinois state community organizers and retire…hopefully to one of those shitty tenament housing projects in his district that he helped Rezko build…if they are still standing
I don’t know if one can say that McCain choosing Palin puts the presidency out of Hillary Clinton’s reach. The Democratic Party might have stopped this. I recalled long before HRC started racking up those last wins after February that I thought the best scenario for the Democrats would be to let HRC have the top spot on the ticket, with BHO as vice president. Let her have 8 years–then, let BHO have 8 years; this would have been a 16 year run for the Democrats. Now we are not even sure the Dems will get 4 years.
It is unfortunate to listen to the pundits take Palin apart for lack of experience; at least she is second place on the ticket. I recall reading in the New York Times that BHO felt he was not ready to throw his hat into the race for President because of his inexperience, but Uncle Teddy (Kennedy) and Uncle Tom (Daschle) encouraged him and told him this may be the best time to run before he collected a lot of baggage, etc. in Washington. Perhaps this is what Palin was thinking too(even though her track record surpasses BHO’s). Wonder if BHO would be willing to play a game of one-on-one basketball with Palin? Probably would unnerve him. Not only is she younger than he is — she actually has a record of accomplishments–including her own athletic ability on the basketball court.
I had already decided to throw my vote to McCain. Now I feel even better about that. The Republican ticket is not perfect, but from the top of the Democratic Party(Dean/Pelosi/Reid/BHO/Biden)right on down the line, there are some serious issues that must be addressed. It has been sad to watch the unfairness and overt negative actions taken by the party leaders. And now the CNN pundits want to beat up on Palin so their only ‘little messiah’ can be crowned. If this happens, we can only imagine how much money BHO will invest in his coronation on January 20. If you think last night was over the top–just wait.
Interesting to mention those ideas of sacrifice for others. That’s been a rare idea lately. Thanks for the post.
Craig-
Well written article.
Having studied Greek mythology, I appreciate where you are coming from.
The event last night was way over the top-way too over the top. I could not finish watching Sen Obama’s acceptance speech…
I kept thinking about George Orwell’s book “1984″.
I kept thinking about what has happened to our Democratic party. I kept thinking that this isn’t real..this can’t be real…How stupid do they think that the American people are?
I just hope they saved the Barackopolis set. Cause in November when they lose they need to start preparing for the Broadway Opening of OBama The Musical and that set will come in handy.
Obama the Musical!!! Funniest thing I’ve read all day!
O-bama mia!
Or for fire wood. Those Chi winters can get cold without a job.
especially if you live in one of those 11 tenement housing apartment rat traps that were the rezult of the Obama rezko deal.
Funny!
South Side Story
Thanks for the comment. As to how stupid we are, apparently we haven’t reached bottom yet…
I’ve been telephone polled. There’s an interesting thing that happens every time. When I don’t say I’m for Obama (not saying whom I am voting for) they hang up immediately. This has happened more than once.
I begin to wonder whom they’re polling and what calls they’re counting.
Palin: Commander in Chief of Alaska National Guard
Obama: Commander in chief of obamabots
HA! Good one.
and O Force One, don’t forget the airborne component of his Magical Kingdom!
Ruler of the Obamacropolis.
So far BO has said nothing that explains his ties to crooks and terrorist. Until he does he will not get my vote.
What’s he gonna say?
“OOps! My Bad.”!?!?!?
Fantastic post. In terms of appreciating the wisdom of the ancients with respect to the human condition, I recommend Jonathan Shay’s “Achilles in Vietnam.” Through an examination of PTSD among Vietnam and Desert Storm vets, he shows, through his understanding of the Iliad, how the archaic Greeks had a very nuanced understanding of the berserker phenomenon and PTSD. I also recommend Nussbaum’s “The Fragility of Goodness” as it relates to the Greeks use of tragedy as am means of preparing their soldiers to cope with the horror of killing people like themselves for the well-being of their families/society.
Thanks, I’ll look into your references, they sound interesting.
What luck for rulers that men do not think.
Adolf Hitler
Islamic leaders tied by federal investigators to the radical Muslim
Brotherhood in America – including one under active investigation for
alleged terror-financing – have recently donated to Sen. Barack
Obama’s campaign for president, according to Federal Election
Commission records.
Jamal M. Barzinji earlier this year gave Obama $1,000, a gift that
records show has not been returned. Other Democratic candidates,
including Rep. Jim Moran, have refunded donations from Barzinji since
federal agents raided his Virginia home and offices in the wake of the
9/11 attacks.
groups.google.com/group/soc.culture.usa/browse_thread/thread/8d9af7c0d6776bbb
OBAMA INSULTED HILLARY AND ALL AMERICAN WOMEN.
THE BIASED MAINSTREAM “OBAMA” MEDIA IS AT IT AGAIN. AMERICA HAS A QUALIFIED WOMAN RUNNING FOR VP AND MSNBC TALKS ABOUT HOW MANY HOMES SHE OWNS??? OBAMA, THE DNC AND BIASED MEDIA WILL DESTROY OUR COUNTRY.
NOW WE HAVE TWO PEOPLE RUNNING WHO LOVE AMERICA — McCAIN AND PALIN!
GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN IS A GREAT CHOICE FOR ALL AMERICANS! She has lots of experience on many issues and truly cares about America. SHE HAS ACTUALLY “GOVERNED” — OBAMA HAS DONE NOTHING BUT RUN FOR OFFICE, TELL LIES AND MAKE PROMISES.
WHY DID WE ALLOW PELOSI INTO OUR WHITE HOUSE? IN 2004 SHE PROMISED TO UNITE AMERICA. SHE AND HER BIG-WIG DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HAVE CAUSED US FURTHER DIVIDE. WE NEED TO REPLACE ALL DO-NOTHING DEMS IN CONGRESS.
Just remember, Hillary helped Obama get his Senate seat — then he stabbed her in the back. Now the DNC is forcing Hillary and Bill to support him until November. Will they pay off her campaign debt then?
Regarding Obama’s acceptance speech — Tucker Bounds:
“Americans witnessed a misleading speech that was so fundamentally at odds with the meager record of Barack Obama.
When the temple comes down, the fireworks end, and the words are over, the facts remain:
Senator Obama still has no record of bipartisanship, still opposes offshore drilling, still voted to raise taxes on those making just $42,000 per year, and still voted against funds for American troops in harm’s way.
The fact remains: Barack Obama is still not ready to be President.”
WE DON’T NEED A PRESIDENT IN TRAINING!
I’M VOTING FOR THE HONORABLE JOHN McCAIN IN NOVEMBER!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
If Palin is a creationist she is ignorant and should not under any circumstances be anywhere near power in Washington. It is bad enough the phoney religiosity of bush, but creationism is ignorance on top of ignorance.
If Palin is a creationist, AKA subscribes to the Intelligent Design theory, she quite possibly is in accord with a whole lot of voters who cling to their Bibles and their guns. Out there in places like Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and Michigan…
those battleground states where all the bitter clinging white folks live.
And vote.
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IS AN AGENT OF HOPE AND CHANGE — HE “HOPES” WE WON’T NOTICE HOW OFTEN HE “CHANGES” HIS MIND.
Why is an “ARABIC” news network covering Obama’s campaign?
THE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE CHANNEL OF THE “ARABIC” NEWS NETWORK “AL JAZEERA” IS BROADCASTING FROM GOLDEN, COLO., home of the Coors Brewing Company , as part of its coverage of the Democratic National Convention, as well as from the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field.
The broadcasts from small-town Colorado are intended to show their international audience a slice of Americana, according to political program editor Julian Ingle. Only one satellite provider and a handful of cable companies carry Al Jazeera English in the United States, BUT THE NETWORK IS AVAILABLE IN 120 MILLION HOMES IN 80 COUNTRIES.
Did anyone read Maureen Dowd’s article recently?
This is a person I’ve never really cared for; however, when she reported that “Millions and Tens of Millions of dollars” have gone to Obama from very QUESTIONABLE SOURCES in Saudi Arabia, IRAN, Syria, Libya, and millions of Muslims around the world, I had to pay attention.
THE OBAMA CAMP’S RESPONSE WAS THEY ARE TOO BUSY TO CHECK WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM — Every Muslim around the world is cheering for Obama — wonder WHY???
Is Obama a sheep in wolf’s clothing?
Think before you vote!
[INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT REMOVED BY ADMINISTRATOR]
Chicago/Combine dirty politics — does it all lead back to ‘Frank’ and Ayers? Or is there something behind that yet again?
Gosh, I guess PUMA’S 18 million has had a few defectors, huh??
NEW YORK – Barack Obama’s audience for his acceptance speech likely topped 40 million people, and the Democratic gathering that nominated him was a more popular television event than any other political convention in history.
And there’s the problem. It’s more about popularity than competence or ability.
It fits right in with the American Idol culture of America.
Everybody wanted to see the toga and The One rising from beneath the floor and the fireworks and Stevie Wonder.
The Broncos get that many fans every Sunday.
I hear that Hitler pulled really big big crowds too.
So did Ghandi.
The 2008 Super Bowl got 97.5 million viewers.
IF you believe the 40 million figure re:Zeusbama’s coronation speech, then he got 59%less of an audience than a football game.
Senator Prom Queen has some work to do.
Judging by their works, I’d say BO is no Ghandi.
Gandhi liberated an entire nation. The best Oblahblah could do was liberate money from many a mouth-breather’s pocket.
Craig Della Penna & Barack Obama share a similar wordsmith’s ability to construct lofty image intense arguments meant to inspire/persuade. Obama, in the final innings of his campaign, has been forced to tone down the soaring speeches, as he attempts to morph into the common man, not pose before the mirror of American history but rather seduce the undecided voters to project their needs & dreams upon him. He will not issue the “magic words”, “Follow me”. He doesn’t have to. It may be enough, if his shaman tactic is successful to convince them THEY are up on stage, THEY are leading the charge, then attacks leveled against him become attacks against them. Only time will tell. I admit it’s fascinating to watch. No one involved in serious competition should ever underestimate their opponent.
Well, it’s the first time I’ve been compared to Mr. O. I have to say it feels a bit creepy, but thanks for your compliment(?)
MLK was a master with words; Oblahblah is a master of catch-phrases. All Oblahblah does is string together words and stolen catch phrases and rearrange them to sound clever. That they are meaningless and repetetive after the massaging is lost on the kool-aide drinking sippy-cup crowd,which never learned real English in the first place. Oblahblah is style over substance and format over content–he is a powerpoint presentation.
Yes, mimicry is common in nature as a tactic. Behold Obama, the cuttlefish. The purpose of Obama’s words is deception.
Believe what you want little Obot.
The speech has already been forgotten and the stage has been dismantles.
There’s a football game this week-end at Invesco. Probably the same numbers to show up.
It’s all about the entertainment.
Nice try, though.
Obama should give you a 50 cent raise for stupidity beyond his wildest dreams!
When I get those frequent calls for funds for Mr. O. I tell them “I am no longer interested.” There is usually stunned silence at first. No truer words could be spoken – I am no longer interested in the Democratic nominee for President for our party. I have never felt so hopeless and so adrift. For me, the pain of the way this nomination came about will not go away. I could not even bear to watch his speech last night. First time I missed one of those acceptance speeches in my life.
I just tell them that we are not interested in who they have to offer.
I tell them that they will not be receiving any money until Brazile, et al are long gone and then it’s only a maybe.
The silence is pleasant.
Beware the empty suit if enough people think it’s in their size.
I agree. People defended GWB even as prices rose, the economy tanked, and people lost their homes.
As long as we have our bread and circuses, like the Romans, we won’t notice the fall until it’s too late.
Is larry johnson really gonna vote for Republicans this fall?
Karl Rove, Rush Limball and BillO are thanking him for his vote!
Karl Rove said Obama took his (Rove’s) advise on how to win the election. Obama has praised Bush and Reagan. One of Obama’s advisors is a member of the Trilateral Commission and another wants to expose jobs from America.
Obama is Bush 3 and you are asking about Larry voting Republican.
Ha ha ha haaaaah, you can’t aim let alone find a target, Go take your place in the Democratic circular firing squad. I’m not an Obot. He’s way too left of center for me.
Sound of Thunder? Nahhh! The sound of Reid, Dean and Pelosi soiling their knickers.
Who in the hell put all the shot first/ask questions later knee jerks on troll patrol?
It’s probably all the trolls pushed them over the edge. Talk to your troll friends instead.
Former Swedish Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson, lifelong friend of Olof Palme, praised John McCain today, stating McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin can have decided the outcome of the November election.
“An unbelievably deft move by McCain”, the retired politician told the local newspapers. “It’s things like this that decide the outcomes of elections.”
The praise is particularly instructive as Carlsson is a Social Democrat on the other side of the political spectrum from McCain. But Carlsson is also an expert in political strategy.
Elsewhere internationally they’ve already christened Sarah a “superwoman” and a “supermom”. It’s really amazing but in one day – and not by giving speeches but by people just studying her track record – she’s swept up more buzz than Obama’s been able to do in a year and a half.
“I never had a career in politics in mind”, she told reporters. “I was an ordinary hockeymom in Alaska when I started my fight against corruption in the oil industry – and I didn’t get into politics because I thought it was easy.”
On the other hand several other European media sources are painting cloudy skies into the Obama horizons. “Obamamania isn’t what it used to be”, writes Philippe Gelie. “He’s always had fanatics but now he’s an official candidate and that means lots of questions and having him put to the test. The phenomenon Obama has become a politician, the rock star a prospective Commander in Chief. It’s a serious challenge and he still can’t close the deal.”
Tom Baldwin and Tim Reid, writing for the venerable Times, describe Sarah “igniting” the race, giving McCain a “surge”, and the rally as “rumbustious”.
According to the Times, McCain explained he’d chosen Palin because she had the “grit, integrity, good sense and fierce devotion to the common good” to shake up Washington.
The announcement came only hours after the gracious Obama graciously accepted the gracious request to become the Democratic nominee.
The Republican convention begins on Monday. The election takes place on November 4. Polls show the two candidates neck and neck.
Mrs Palin made pointed reference to the defeat of Hillary Clinton at the hands of Mr Obama, saying: “It turns out the women of America aren’t finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”
Thank you for this perspective from across the pond.
Well, I’m only half Svenska, (but I love your movies, Miss Garbo,) so I’ll limit myself to half a smirk. Words matter, but Character matters more.
I love this post, Craig! I wrote my dissertation on Eurpides.
As a candidate, Bozo reminds me of some of the worst of the ancient world. Either that, or a character out of Aristophanes. Actually, his whole campaign is a farce, in the true sense of the word. He’s like the Adolescent Boy in a Plautus play, propped up by Daddy Dean and Mommy Pelosi and paid for by the Pimp.
The closest I came when comparing Mr. O with the ancient Greeks was Alkibiades, the protege of Socrates who thought he was the Philosopher King, but was so arrogant that the Athenians ran him out of town… hmmmm…
Obama wants to grow up to be Caligula.
For Barack’s future read Lysistrata. Her ambitions frustrated, a thoroughly pissed off Michelle will cut him off and Barack will end his days a prisoner of failure and on the down low.
I love a farce.
The nincompoops on CNN have already begun demonizing Sarah Palin. I was appalled at the venom dripping from David Shuster’s ugly mouth tonight. He was interviewing, by telephone, the public safety employee that she fired. Apparently he thought wife beating and tazering his stepson done by a police officer under his command was acceptable for a law enforcement officer. Schuster kept asking leading questions, trying to pull damaging information from this individual, but kept getting evasive answers. I assume the guy was afraid to stretch the truth too far, because there is an ongoing investigation, or so it seems, and he doesn’t have clean hands.
David Schuster and his ilk should not be allowed anywhere near a microphone. It turns their brain to mush and their tongue into a snake. He should have been fired after his crude remark about Chelsea Clinton, but here he is again with the same old same old trying to tarnish Governor Palin on the very day the choice is announced.
They are running scared. That is why you see so many trolls operating here tonight. They are panicking and like the rats they are, they lash out blindly and stupidly.
God help them, they don’t know any better.
Why isn’t David Shuster looking into Obama/soretoe’s background???? Hello David??? Whatabout Ayers? Whatabout Rezco??
If you could answer my question without just calling me names it would be great.
What do y’all stand for?
DEMOCRACY
amen HARP. That’s what America is about. Apparently, not in Barack America.
I stand for a country well-run for the benefit of its citizens. Bill Clinton did that. Obama – ask the people in the 11 (or was it 12?) Chicago tenements left without heat in the middle of winter. Obama’s pal Rezko was the landlord and their representative in city govt. (Obama) did nothing to remedy the situation.
P.S. Just for the record, I am a life long Democrat
but I hate injustice, and I’ve seen so much of it this election cycle that I’m just sick of it.
I was watching Bill O’reilly tonight (these are strange times) and he went off on NBC today for their childish, idiocracy by putting on their banner when Palin was announced as VP “breaking news: How many houses will Sara Palin add to the Republican ticket”. And they wonder why their ratings suck.
Coming from the network that had on their banner, “Michelle Obama, Barack’s Baby Mama.”
I just threw up a little in my mouth.
(the times aren’t that strange. You’ve just gone off the deep end. Where you used to think Bill was before you were blinded by your hatred of Obama).
Your right, I do hate Barry Soetoro. But how does that banner stating how many houses Palin adds to the ticket breaking news. Can we say “panic mode”. I bet you throw up a little in your mouth a lot. Better use scope, or your teeth will rot.
I will proudly vote for McCain, even more so now that he has shown respect for women’s abilities in governance.
And to think that Hillary is so much more qualified than all of them. I hope she gets to do something about the DNC once BO is defeated in the fall.
Beautifully written post. BO leaves me cold. I wonder when I’m watching him what other people see that I’m missing. He’s an empty vessel and it’s all about projection.
I can’t stand Krauthammer but this is a very good analysis of BO
http://tinyurl.com/55kbqb
I don’t see it either. His voice, his famed oratory skills – what am I missing? He seems to be reading a script, badly. He says um and I every other word, his voice is harsh, his movements lack grace. What he says is just bits of made-up nonsense strung together…
You want oratory skill? Rewatch Bills Speech at the Dem COnvention…now tht man knows how to give a speech.
I swear if i didn’t know anything about barack obama i would have gone running to the polls right after he finished and waited in line till they opened.
Thank god i Know enough about Barack Obama to be able to say NO to Barack Obama.
I love Bill and Hill, but i know why they did what they had to do. The only way to rescue Bill and Hill is to ensure Obama fails so the party can be reclaimed from the latte leftists and the Ofanatics.
It will be interesting to see how MSNBC and lead frat boy K.O. cover the Rep. convention. Matthews and Fox look better every day. Go figure.
Very impressive.
Thanks Craig, for a captivating and provocative essay on leadership. Truly a wonderful read.
Craig, thank you for this wonderful article on leadership. I read your comments many times on TM before I left that site for good and they’ve always been excellent. This one is especially appropriate given the Greco Roman example of overindulgence Thursday night presented by the non-Democratic Party.
The Greek and Roman Gods were overindulged and , at times, decadent. They wrought havoc on each other and their mortal victims because of their vanity. They were often vindictive and destructive.
In the real world, the most lasting and beneficial leadership came from humble men and women whose vision for the world demanded we be better members of our society, but asked nothing for themselves. Mahatma Gandhi, Mlk, Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela all served time in jails, were beaten or gave their lives for convictions they held and the armies they led were held together by a common goal: To fight for the rights of others without taking up arms against those who opposed them. To my knowledge, none used any weapon greater than words spoken or written which touched the hearts and hopes of so many.
The twenty fist century gods and goddesses are those with physical beauty or great wealth. American Idols who have become famous for non-accomplishments or because of soaring, empty retoric as you described. Dose this idicate the opposite of an advanced civilization; a reverse evolution to the time when it was all about what pleased the Gods and made their acolytes happy living a vicarious, empty life?
Hasn’t the end of those civilizations been marked by an emptiness that only more excitement can satisfy until they, in indulgence, bring down the very thing they should cherish?
I’ve been thinking about the “long night” and how it happens. You make good points.
Poor misundersood Obama now has to destroy the reputation of yet another woman. Ironically, his drooling surrogates will attack her for “lack of experience”. Meanwhile, the “community organizer” and best friend in the whole wide world of non-repentant terrorist William Ayers will pretend he is above the fray. Imagine the anger that the morally-compromised Obama supporters feel when they see a decent, loving, caring AND competent person like Sarah Palin. Trust me on this: the attacks on Sarah Palin from the Obama camp are going tro make what they did to Hillary look like a love-fest.