When I was a kid, my late father made it a point to take me to see every President. I don’t remember it, but clearly it had an effect on my adult interests. I saw Nixon, Ford, Carter. I’ve been to DC more often that Joe Biden has gaffed (well, more than he’s gaffed this month). Still, when the McCain/Palin campaign came to my hometown this week, I couldn’t resist. My gawd, it’s less than a mile away as the crow flies. This time, I took MY kids. They had a blast, and so did I.
I have to say, I had been told in advance by my partisan friends to watch out for rednecks, racists, nazis, neocons, and hate-mongerers of all sorts. The news reports about people at McCain rallies screaming about Obama being a Muslim, or crying out for his head, all that made me concerned. When I saw the internet video yesterday of the protesters trying to block the campaign convoy, I became very concerned. The web is swamped with reports of McCain supporters burning Obama in effigy, and of Obama supporters screaming like mobs against McCain supporters. At times it seems as if the tenor of supporters on both sides is reported as on the edge of armed insurrection.
Entering the rally, security was tight, but extremely friendly (mega compliments to the Secret Service and the Summit County Sherrif’s Dept!). There were 4 Obama supporters who stood where people crossed the street to get to the rally, but they were nice, waved to their neighbors, smiled, and McCain supporters smiled back. There was nothing at all combative about the setting. Quite the opposite. It was unusually friendly! Everyone seemed eager and happy to express their politics, and I didn’t even see any teasing or anything of the sorts.
The rally was held at a school football field, and it was poorly planned. It was clearly micromanaged. The Ohio McCain campaign did a nice job of having lots of people in the stands w red/white/blue shirts that made up a giant Ohio pennant. Unfortunately, that meant thousands of people didn’t get to be in the stands, and instead 3-4x as many people had to stand on the football field where there was essentially no view of the candidates. There were no monitors to see them either.
Making matters worse, the traveling press corps had bleachers setup in the middle of the field, and the supporters were literally sent to the sides and behind the press bleachers. This was very frustrating, and everyone on the field (thousands of us) were not pleased. The press is necessary, but they should have been farther away where they could use those $10,000 lenses which would have increased the appearance of the crowd in the pics. Instead, the crowd looks like a few hundred people, but there were thousands.
Note to McCain campaign, if you’re gonna have a rally, and thousands of people are coming, it’s a good idea to make it so those thousands of people can actually SEE the candidates!
One of the things I really wanted to do was check out the press and look for some famous faces or known writers. I didn’t see any. Not a one. Definitely a different attitude among the press people I spoke with though. They weren’t at all excited about watching thousands of people take part in the electoral process. Nope. To those people we were just props to a shot that would help continue or further their careers. America and the American people present were secondary at best. I wasn’t surprised except to actually see the rumors of media elite confirmed. It was frustrating. They walked without saying, “excuse me.” They never made eye contact if you look at them nicely. Up on their bleachers in the middle of the entire event, the drank their coffee, and both literally and figuratively looked down on us. More than once I saw cameramen and technicians look at us, laugh, and shake their heads.
Cindy McCain gave a very good speech, and was surprisingly rousing.
Sarah Palin gave a typical stump speech, but was rousing as well, and (to quote Alec Baldwin) is way hotter in person.
John McCain was on fire. Man, it was his stump speech w the modifications of the day, but at the end he went into a new part about fighting to get elected. It was the same kinda speech he gave at the convention, but fully enhanced, and given by a man who there can be no doubt does not quit. This guy is driven, and is a fighter. I was impressed-it was not as staccato as his usual teleprompter-reading. There was real fire there.
When they were done, Sen McCain and his wife left the stage and headed back to the Straight Talk Express. Gov Palin’s kids went too, but she and Todd stayed and shook every hand they could while the crowd melted away.
I took the opportunity to go from my distant spot on the field up to the stage, and got a few pics of the two. Then I went back to where I had been on the field, walked all the way around the damn press bleachers, over to the big bleachers, and found a spot where I could see a lot better. That’s where I got these pics.
As Gov Palin and Todd were walking out, the track was lined with kids from the High School Band (I was absolutely shocked at the number of high school kids there). She walked on a little more, then came over and gave a flute player a hug. I was right behind the girl, and someone reached out to shake Gov Palin’s hand. I did too, got a nice, “Thank you so much for coming,” and a handshake. Todd came over and did the same. It was pretty cool.
My take on the rally was that it was fun. Even an Obama supporter (if they brought an open-mind) would have found the tenor of the crowd nice-surprisingly nice. Walking out, we saw more Obama supporters had come out. They were all kids who were well-under 18, and it seemed to me they were there more to make a statement about being rebellious rather than pro-Obama. Still, even with all their yelling and screaming (there was maybe 10 of em), the crowd was nice, laughed with them, and they laughed back. There’s a certain surreal stupidity that comes with getting riled up over politics, and we all got that.
I had fun.
My wife and kids had fun,
and everyone had fun-well, except perhaps for the press corps. Nothing to report except people having a nice time and being involved in the electoral process. Good news is no news.
btw, my take on the Palins is that they were very Very nice people in talking w the crowd. They seemed very genuine, not elitist, and just the kinda people you’d hang out with. She was caring. Kids were adorable and not spoiled little brats, but well-behaved, and seemed to be having fun. Todd…well, if Todd was my neighbor I’d have him over for beers on Friday nights. He just seemed like that guy. Very nice people.
If you want to see these pics better, check out my facebook page. Scott Malensek
See author page
Thanks Scott for that first person report. I am so glad (and jealous) that you got to meet the Palins. They are genuine and authentic Americans of the true red, white and blue variety!
As for “The news reports about people at McCain rallies screaming about Obama being a Muslim, or crying out for his head, all that made me concerned” the operateive phrase is “news reports.” See my latest post which may explain why you felt that way.
But you witnessed the truth for yourself as hundreds of thousands of Americans have from coast to coast.
If only that were enough to overcome the tide of negativity directed at us each and every day.
I hope you will personally relay your impressions to all your friends and family members as you URGE them to VOTE!
P.S. My parent’s took me to see Nixon too. It was the start of my interest in politics.
You should have asked them to autograph your FA thongs.
Great personal account, Scott.
It’s amazing that they are able to maintain the kind of enthusiasm and energy that they do, given the numbers of American voters they meet and greet every day, the travel time, the speeches delivered over and over, rehearsing lines, updating them, etc.
I can’t imagine how taxing this may be to the entire family.
Oh wow!
That is so cool.
I was fortunate enough to meet, and shake hands with, President Bush and Karl Rove in Sept 2006.
That was a day that my two boys and I will never forget.
Perhaps one day I will be fortunate enough to meet President Sarah Palin and First Gentleman Todd Palin.
PS… I’m glad you didn’t try and get an autograph on your thong. You may have ended up on the nightly news.
Hey, I was there as well from Canton. It was a nice rally. Trust me, if you think planning on that one was bad, you’d hate the one in Dayton which I was also lucky enough to go to. Take all those people, but pack them all into a basketball arena 2/3 the size of the football field. It was well over 100*. Unfortunately, McCain was late just like at the Dayton rally. I was first row at the stage, so it was the most cramped place there (people wanted to get up front really badly).
I’ll second the security being firm yet nice. There was a secret service agent standing in the crowd with us. Someone asked him if he was indeed secret service, and he just smiled. He didn’t talk much, but probably wasn’t allowed to. The only time he talked was when one of us (I’m from GlenOak High School, was with friends) asked him if he knew one of his relatives who is a Secret Service agent, and he asked where he was based out of. Very nice guy. We also chatted with another secret service agent, he was extremely helpful in answering questions (would McCain sign things, could we shake their hands, etc.) I did end up shaking John McCain, Sarah Palin and Todd Palin’s hands and getting pictures with McCain and Palin.
Also, as I was leaving a man pointed towards the side where there was a dirt construction site and asked a police officer “why couldn’t someone just come in from there?” The woman answered, “well, there’s a secret service agent over there and there’s a police dog.” “Those are two very good reasons,” the man replied. I was surprised at how nice the usually tight-lipped and uptight security was.
Glad you could make it and hope you enjoyed it, and I hope your kids had fun too.
Forgot to add a few things. Firstly, it was indeed packed. Around 15,000 I believe.
Secondly, there are always going to be remarks from extremists in the crowds. The sad thing is that the news will only report on what McCain supporters say, not what Obama supporters say.
The batch of Obama supporters when I left was kind of obnoxious. One of the people walking out near me told them he’d pray for them. That shut them up.
Dan, that’s so cool! The Secret Service guys were so nice. I spoke w several. I also showed my kids the police dog, and the guy w the sniffer dog got his to come over and let my kids pet it (not sure who enjoyed that more-the dog or the kids). Yeah, the kids protesting on the way out were trying to be obnoxious, but I thought it was a lame attempt at protesting based more on high school rebelliousness. I stood w the loud girls and laughed, and they laughed back. As I walked away, we all went from laughing at each other to with each other. When I was waiting to pull out of the church lot, I saw the girl protesters leaving. They were still trying to get a rise, but clearly laughing at the stupidity of their efforts. Just kids being kids, and only a handful.
Again, the big shock to me (aside from actually being able to shake hands and say hit to Gov Palin and the First Dude (yes, mancrush) was the incredible niceness of the people.
Check out the pics I posted Dan. You in any?!
This is a great first-person report! I enjoyed reading it and the comments.
I’m an Obama supporter living in the greater Cincinnati area. One thing that I’ve learned is that we all survive … no matter if our candidate wins or loses. I truly despised President Reagan and Bush 43 … yet, I survived the 16 years under their rule. I suspect that *if* Obama wins … the McCain-Palin supporters will survive as well.
In either case … McCain or Obama … I think we all agree that our nation truly has a number of issues that need to be addressed. Hopefully, after Nov 5th we can find common ground on some of the important issues that need to be dealt with … and find ways to communicate in a neighborly fashion (as you described it in Green, OH) when we disagree.
For example, I accept that Obama supporters may be loud and yell inappropriate things at times (as one of the comments here suggested). However, I haven’t seen John McCain hung in a manner that reminds us of the lynching days of yester-year. Yet, I’ve seen Obama hung in effigy right here in Ohio … and also by college students in Oregon.
My hope is that the recent campaign speeches and media interviews that call Obama un-American, communist, socialist and Muslim would not occur. Honestly, I haven’t heard Obama use any of that type of incendiary language when he talks about Sen. McCain.
Anyhow, we have 12 more days for the campaign. We have many more years to live with one another as Americans.
I hope we can do it in the same peaceful environment in which either of us would feel safe and proud to share with our kids. *If* Obama becomes our president and as an occassion to visit Green OH … I hope that you’ll feel the same pride in taking your children to see him as you did when your pops took you to see Ford or the other past presidents.
BTW, I love your theme photo at the header of your blog!!!!
peace, Villager
Welcome Villager. I have to disagree re the idea that McCain supporters are somehow worse than Obama supporters when it comes to getting violent. I saw the video of anti-Palin supporters trying to throw themselves in front of the motorcade. Today I see someone shot at an RNC HQ chairman’s house.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/10/23/news/local/18-romania.txt
If Sen Obama wins, I don’t think we’ll see anything like the riots that will happen if McCain/Palin win.
Yes, America will survive, but the people who hang others in effigy (see also innumberable burnings of Bush in effigy) as well as shoot at political leaders….those people need to chill.
Best way I’ve found to deal with them is politely, with a handshake, a smile, with the truth, with facts, and with the intent of unity and consensus.
Both of these incidents are shameful:
Democratic backer sends message by showing McCain, in KKK robe, chasing Obama
Fairfield man condemned for Obama ‘ghost’ effigy
“One thing that I’ve learned is that we all survive … no matter if our candidate wins or loses.” (Villager)
Not this time around. I have to disagree with you on this. If Obama wins, the USA will become a socialist country. It will be its downfall. How can you survive a downfall? America will never recover from an Obama’s presidency. Never! When socialism hits a country it is irreversible.
“My hope is that the recent campaign speeches and media interviews that call Obama un-American, communist, socialist and Muslim would not occur. Honestly, I haven’t heard Obama use any of that type of incendiary language when he talks about Sen. McCain.” (Villager)
Only because Obama has no reason to say these things. McCain is not a socialist, neither a communist. He is not a Muslim either and he doesn’t hang around with terrorists, crooks and American haters, like Wrights, Farakkan, etc.
You seem to be a nice guy, I wonder why you would want to vote for somebody, who you know will destroy your country. I do not understand you. Or perhaps you are just ignorant of whom Obama really is.
That’s it. If Obama wns I’m moving to Alaska.
i’ll be on the plane with ya Half.
This week I was listening to some radio talk shows in Quebec. I was also reading Quebeckers leftists blogs and a few European’s blogs also. I couldn’t believe how much they hate America. They are wearing Obama’s tee-shirts. Madona was giving a show last night in Montreal and was selling these tee-shirts.
Here is a summary of what I read and heard:
“USA is an arrogant bastard country; they think they are so smart, they think they can rule the World. They think they are the greatest country, they are just a selfish imperialist criminal country and they couldn’t care less about the rest of the World. I really wish they get a Black President, a socialist communist that likes terrorists. Hahahah! That will teach them a lesson. They will become nothing, they will be powerless with him, this is what I hope they get. No wonder every country wants Obama to become their President. The whole World hates America; they sure would enjoy seeing the U.S. on their knees. Really hope Obama wins.”
I was in shock listening and reading about all that hate for America. But, then again, I wasn’t surprise. Quebeckers are leftists and Europeans envy and hate USA. Before America, Europe was No.1. I guess they never got over it.
Saw Gov. Palin in Troy, Ohio today; anyone who thinks she is a “drag on the ticket” needs to see her at one of these rallys! She fired up the crowd (without a teleprompter) shook hands and signed hundreds of autographs (unfortunately I couldn’t squeeze in there;( ) They could’ve used a bigger facility; crammed in like sardines. I was interested in what you said about the aloof press. I was standing right in front of them and they seemed less than thrilled. They even took back the chair I got from their table for an elderly lady with a bum knee. They couldn’t see sitting down anyway! There were a few idiot protesters outside, but never any violence. As someone said, they were mostly kids, with signs that said that “Palin hates rape victims” and “puppies hate Palin.” There were about a dozen marching in circles chanting “we need health care, not corporate welfare.” I REALLY wanted to walk by with my hands sticking out as if in a trance and say “hope, change, yes we can!”
Wordsmith;
Unfortunately there are people with no decorum on both sides. The first time I saw that “McCain as a KKK member & Obama with a gun” photo was on a far left website and they were using it to charge Republicans in general with being racist. The link you provide refutes that claim in discussing the person who put up the display:
Craig,
I appreciate your feedback. I imagine that you are aware that Barack Obama is not Muslim. Although, I’m uncertain why that would disqualify him from office. Isn’t one of the elements of the Bill of Rights something along the lines of Freedom of Religion? Colin Powell addressed this issue during his endorsement of Barack Obama last week.
Most Americans understand that Barack Obama is not a terrorist. If so, it seems that Homeland Security, FBI, Secret Service and others would arrest him. But, he is not a terrorist because he has not committed any acts of terrorism. He simply grew up as a proud American … earned his law degree from Harvard University … worked hard for many years at local, state and most recently as one of only 100 US senators in our country.
Most Americans understand that Barack Obama is not a socialist. He doesn’t seek to take over the means of production. There is nothing about his career, his writings or his campaign to indicate any desire, real or imagined, to take over the means of production in our economy. If anything, it appears that this is something you should watch from George Bush … didn’t his administration purchase 40% of AIG?
Anyhow, there are 11 days to go in this election. It will be a close election. I didn’t vote for George W. Bush … and his policies in Iraq and domestically have been worrisome for me. But, I survived. I’m confident that you and your family will survive *if* there is an Obama administration.
In either case, I join you in praying for our country. We have many problems that we need to work out.
It works best when we talk with one another. It works worst when we yell at each other … or carve our face up while lying about Obama supporters as Ashley Todd did this week.
Isn’t there any ‘common ground’ that we can begin to talk about?
peace, Villager
Villager, WELCOME! And thank you for the nicely written post. There are some things people disagree with, and some we can agree upon (I HOPE).
I myself am very busy these days w Halloween and my kids. However, very little gives me more personal satisfaction than discussing political differences in the search for common ground. Those last two words are magic to me!
I won’t bother to bring up points of contention or disagreement with your post and/opinions here and now, but I do invite-no, plead that you hang out at Flopping Aces. See what’s being said, and continue with the pursuit of common ground.
Thanks & I hope sometime I’ll be able to discuss with you soon!
-Scott Malensek
FA writer
🙂
Villager,
First of all, I am a Canadian citizen. Everybody knows that Obama was born a Muslim and that he is now a Christian. But he said in his book, that no matter what happen, he will always be on the Muslim side. Nobody said Obama is a terrorist. But he hangs around with terrorists, crooks, and American haters. You can’t deny that, because this is true. Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.
I strongly disagree with you. Obama is a socialist. There is no doubt about that. Listen to Fred Thomson speech that was posted here today on another thread. And for your own sake, I hope he lose this election. I would hate to see this Great Country hit its downfall with socialism.
I have always enjoyed being your neighbor. I feel proud and very secure to have you down south of Canada. But, I must admit that with Obama as a President, that will scare the shit out of me. I think that all North America will be attacked by terrorists (don’t forget that Canada is fighting in Afghanistan), because they are not scared of Obama, they know he has no experience at all. And they like him, they probably even think he won’t mind. This is very scary.
Craig, I’m not too insulted with the remarks. Afteral, the Quebeckers hate Canada too, ya know… uh, how’s their separatist movement going after all these years? LOL
Villager:
I will civilly disagree with you here. I’d rephrase that first statemen to “Most Americans refuse to believe Barack Obama is a socialist”. Altho I’m doing verbal battle with Carl Davidson, a self avowed Marxist, who insists he’s not. Then again, from a full Marxist standpoint, Obama probably looks very conservative.
But there is everything in his career and campaign to indicate desire to take over, not production, but profits from our economy in the name of the government. This is only one step away from government ownership. When a business has threshholds on their profit allotment, this is socialist. The ownership may, and can come later.
I will remind you that Socialism and Communism are but a step away… the former being the transition period to the latter. Per the Marxism list:
i.e…. confiscate enough of the profits with a threshhold designated as “windfall”, and why change the deed into the government’s name?
However, with this new trend to nationalize Wall Street, courtesy of a GOP POTUSs Secy Treasury pick, and backed by the entire DNC and far too many GOP, we’re well on the way anyhow. And I, for one, am not happy about any of it.
But back to Obama’s “writings”…. Got me there, ya did. You see, Obama never wrote anything as editor of the Harvard Law Review. His college thesis, as well as his IL Senate records/correspondence, are unavailable for perusal.
But what he has written (his many biographies, his favorite subject) indicate he is steeped in the socialist mentality. This is supported by his choice of allliances and friends… from Rev. Wright, Rashid Khalid, William Ayers, New Party, ACORN, etal. All pretty much in the groups pushing for “social and economic justice”…. a quest of Obama’s that he prominately displays on his own campaign website under education, and William Ayer’s pet cause to advance his agenda for America.
But of course, Ayers and Obama have nothing in common… nope. A shared educational agenda is nothing but a “distraction”. How embarrasing so many buy into this dodge of the issue.
His policy suggestions of free college, govt funded preschool, affirmative action job programs, universal health care, on top of his govt funded energy plan and tax policies, all reflect his background.
You’ll find sundry posts here by many of we authors, with external links, to advise you how many of us got to the realization that Obama is a socialist.
And if you don’t find the Alinsky tactics that Obama has used – not only thru his ACORN/community organizer days, but as the centerpiece of his campaign – offensive, I really don’t know where we can find common ground. You obviously welcome intimidation and thuggery as a method of dealing with “the enemy”, as Alinsky calls the opposition.
Alinsky’s rules? Read about Rules for Radicals here, and here.
Then ponder these words from a compilation post of many quotes I’ve read from various interviews
Alinsky’s specialty was how to wretch power from the “haves” to give to the “have nots”. How to creating that feeling of frustrated defeat, then how to manipulate “the enemy”. Stellar reading, Alinsky… you should try doing some of that, Villager.
“Craig, I’m not too insulted with the remarks. Afteral, the Quebeckers hate Canada too, ya know… uh, how’s their separatist movement going after all these years? LOL” (Mata)
Yes, they do hate Canada. As a matter of facts, they hate “English” people. They think that “French” people are so much smarter… lol
Separatism is down to 25% in Quebec. But they yell so loud, that one could imagine they are 100%. The rest (75%) are mostly leftists socialists. They all cheer for Obama. I’m thinking to move out of Quebec and maybe go to Ontario or Alberta. But if Obama wins, where will I go? I don’t want a socialist neighbor. And Europe is not much better. If McCain wins, I might move to the States, I really like this country.
Scott,
I found your post when googling the rally in Green. I live in Green and was one of the Obama supporters on the sidewalk after the rally. I was with another mom and our teenage daughters and the gentleman in the sandwich board sign. The other group of young people with signs were beside us, but we didn’t know them.
Lucky for you and your family, the scene was friendly when you left the rally, because it was not always so. Many rally-goers accosted us by shouting Terrorist, Socialist, Baby Killer, Murderer, Arab, Get a Job (?), Marxist, and more. There were several very angry individuals who got right in our faces, literally screaming at us. We tried not to engage with people, but sometimes it was difficult not to reply. It was a very ugly scene at times. And the twenty-somethings who were protesting next to us were never the aggressors. The aggression and comments pretty much initiated with the people leaving the rally.
My daughter, my friends and I came over to the rally just to check out the scene, to be part of the political process, albeit we were not interested in hearing the Republican candidates speak. It sure was a glimpse into some pretty narrow minds, though. And thank goodness the situation didn’t escalate beyond verbal interaction, save for one incident when an elderly man went after one of the young guys holding a sign.
This election will be over in a week, and signs point towards a victory for Senator Obama. Senator Obama has the character and vision and leadership to bring this country together again, and for the sake of all us, I hope the healing begins on November 5.
Lee,
Check out these McCain supporters in PA.
Hi Lee,
I’m so sorry to hear of your experience. I saw nothing of that when we came in or when we left. The closest I saw (as I believe I said in the article) was when we were leaving the kids (they didn’t look old enough to vote imo, but that could be my 39yr old mentality being defensive and in denial!!!). They were yelling at the McCain supporters leaving, and I didn’t see or hear anyone comment back. The most I saw was when I went up to a girl who was waving her sign in the air, we looked at each other first laughing at each other, then with each other. As my family and I were walking away I could hear her still laughing and saying, “That guy was just laughing with us!” We were parked across in the church lot, right by the street, and didn’t see anything, but (as you know) it’s probably 100yds or so to where people were protesting, and traffic was FAR AND AWAY the worst thing I saw the entire day. I found the protesters nice. I do remember the guy in the sandwich sign. He was super nice. Waved, smiled. He was right by where we parked when we came in (he mighta moved during the event).
Again, I didn’t see or hear any of the things your referring to, but I don’t doubt it. I’m afraid that there are simply nuts or people that just don’t get it, and they’re at every rally regardless of party. Lord knows I could show dozens of goofball pics from Obama rallys too I’m sure.
The point is that we have barely a week to go. The time (imo) has come to say, “Welp, I’m gonna vote this way, and while I wish you’d vote that way too, I respect however you vote, and since the election’s so close, I’m prepared to respect either man as President.” 90% of Americans have their minds made up. If we are to expect others to respect our own choices, then we must respect theirs. In the end, a good man will become President, and he’s gonna get launch codes in January. He doesn’t get those because the world’s a safe place, or because he’s popular. He gets em because in January…it’s HIS responsibility to use em if needed.
Anyway, my sympathies for your experience. I didn’t see or hear it; honestly. My perception was completely 100% the opposite. I even brought an extra camera so I could take pics of any confrontations, but the protest was so small, and the protesters so few (and nice), I didn’t even bother to take your pic.
Curious, why protest a McCain rally? I mean, did you expect to change someone’s mind to get them to vote for Obama? I never understood the protest thing, and I WENT TO KENT STATE! 😉
Take care Lee. It’s almost over.
Best,
Scott
Oh puleeeze, both of you (Fit and Lee). Obama supporters are, by your error of omission, supposed to be the epitome of tolerant humanity?
Try again… here’s your compadres-in-“spreading the wealth”-philosophy harassing McCain supporters in Manhattan
Think that’s a one of a kind incident? Beg to differ…
Despicable humans come in all parties, you two. So spare me your pious naivety.
And if you think an Obama win will “heal”… in the wake of the treatment of the DNC to Hillary and her primary voters and delegates, the ACORN voter fraud, and a promised redistribution of wealth to a degree never imagined by this country… you’d better have a lot of prozac in the drinking water.
Hey Lee, if you wanna get together at Arabica for coffee sometime, lemme know! I’d love to!!!!
smalensek@neo.rr.com
Then, of course, there’s this Palin effigy hanging by a noose in West Hollywood as “Halloween fun”. Nice…
The Mayor finds it offensive, and has asked it to be removed. The police say they can’t do anything.
The hate monger, as part of the two man couple/residents of the home who has the display said:
Be sure and check out the video for other WeHo “loving” residents that are a tribute to your party.
Feh
I wonder how BO’s fans would like it if the guillotine basket contained Obama’s head.
No, I personally wasn’t looking to change anyone’s vote, I don’t even do that with people that I know. I believe in Senator Obama’s vision and ability to lead our country in these difficult times. I choose hope over fear. That’s why I was there. Just to be a presence for what I believe in, what my family and friends believe in. And frankly, after perusing some of the other posts on this site, yeah, I do think I’m pretty tolerant of humanity. what is the alternative?
Thanks Lee. I was just curious-not skeptical or anything like that. I had hopes for Sen Obama too. His vision is genuine enough imo, but I doubt his ability and his decision-making process. That’s what turned me (a Democrat) against him. Once I saw that he can’t manage to lead his supporters towards bi-partisanship and understanding as demonstrated in so many protests above and media thrashing of Gov Palin (Lee excluded obviously), I lost hope in his ability to lead. Searching for historical precedents where he HAD led since he isn’t leading to tolerance and understanding now, I looked at his record. In Illinois he voted PRESENT 100+ times, and only y/n 26 times. He even voted PRESENT on issues that he knew he could have voted against (like the abortion one he described in the debate). In DC, I looked up his voting record, and again it was 2:1 PRESENT vs. y/n. Foreign policy is my big draw issue, and I just don’t think that he’s got a history of bi-partisanship, of successfully leading people to do things, and his voting record is that of someone who 2:1 chooses to do nothing rather than do something.
Anyway, hey, if you’d like to get together for coffee, I’d love to meet you, shake your hand, and buy you a cup. You know the Arabica by Dairy Queen? email me day and time. I’m always free.
🙂
“I’m prepared to respect either man as President.” 90% of Americans have their minds made up. If we are to expect others to respect our own choices, then we must respect theirs.” (Scott Malensek)
A few questions for you:
– Do you really believe that the Obamatrons will respect McCain as a President?
– So why do you say: “If we are to expect”?
– Would you have respected Hitler as your President?
– So why respect Obama, he is just as bad?
– Is it to look like the good guy, that you said this?
– Or will you really respect Obama?
– And if it is a YES, why would you respect a communist bum who lies, who want’s to spread the wealth, hangs around with terrorists, crooks and American haters?
– I’m stunned! I would NEVER respect that idiot who wants to destroy your Great Nation.
Scott Malensek, I am waiting for your answers.
Craig… just to let you know, Scott can most certainly answer for himself. But I will tell you this. Most of us in America respect the office of the POTUS, and the right of the voters to choose. Even when they are not our particular choices.
Mind you there are many in this country that refused to say Bush was “their president” because they didn’t vote for him. But, if Obama is elected, I will be one of those that will respect Obama as the POTUS because of our process, and the office itself. I may not like him, but I will respect that he got there as a result of our Constitutional process (hopefully with minimal voter fraud…)
Part of our process is if citizens of the US are unhappy with the choice, we work to change that… as we have the right to do every four years. And, at last resort in extreme circumstances, we still have the 2nd Amendment for utter revolt. Hopefully, it will not come to that. And it is one of the reasons many of us are adamant that the RKBA *will not be infringed*.
And I think, on that note, I probably echo even our most far left visitors here. We all prefer to work out our morphing directions via elections, and not violence.
Love your enthusiam, but remember that not all of us here are going to agree with you on every single issue. Scott is one of FA’s own… a well versed military patriot. You are misjudging him to the max.
Mata,
You did not understood what I said. I am not misjudging Scott. I am asking him a few questions. The two most important ones, where:
1- Would you have respected Hitler as your President?
2- Why would you respect a communist bum who lies, who want’s to spread the wealth, who hangs around with terrorists, crooks and American haters?
I do not understand how some well informed people about Obama, could still respect such a disrespectful asshole, if this person becomes a POTUS. And I still don’t. If you would have lived in Germany and you would have been well informed about the politics of Hitler, would you have still respected him as your chief? I surely would have not. So just because he would be a POTUS, than he becomes respectful? WOW! You will have to explain me better than this, because I do not get it at all. POTUS or not, he still is what is his, and he merits NO RESPECT.
Craig, both of those questions are nothing more than an insult to Scott… and an unwarranted one at that.
Here is Scott’s FA author archive
Here is a link to books authored by Scott.
To suggest that Scott would have “respect” for either scenario you present is a complete misjudgment of the man. You’re running to an extreme here. As I said, the majority of us have respect for the process, and for the office. To do otherwise would be to abandon what this nation stands for.
Mata,
I agree with having respect for the process, and for the office. No problem there. What I don’t understand is how can somebody respect Obama? Sorry, but I do not understand. And you are wrong here, I do not disrespect Scott, I like the guy and all his articles, this is the reason why I wanted him to explain me how will he be able to respect Obama?
I find your comparison flawed and offensive, Craig.
You’re living on the fringe extreme. You give Democrats plenty of ammunition when they wish to point out the vitriol and hatred coming from right wingnuts.
Gee! What’s wrong with you guys? We can’t ask you a question anymore without you getting upset? Hum! That will give plenty of ammunition for the Obamatrons.
Most of the stuff I have learned about Obama, I learned it here through your articles. I have learn how despicable Obama was. And now, you say you will respect Obama as a POTUS, and I should not be surprised? I don’t understand you people. You are like McCain who says Obama is a decent guy, even if he knows it is not true. So what was the point of all those articles, if in the end, you will respect him anyway? I really do not understand. And you get upset because I don’t understand. Why don’t you just explain me HOW you will be able to respect Obama. Maybe then I could understand. To me, Obama in not any better than Hitler. All his campaign is base on racism. The first black men going for the POTUS. If you question him, it’s racism. If you oppose him, it’s racism. If you say the truth about him, it’s racism. Jeremiah Wright hates White people and America just as much as Hitler hated the Jews… and he was his mentor.
And why should the Obamatrons care about me? I will not be voting, I am Canadian. I care about this election because I love the States and I would hate to see it destroy by THE ONE. And, I must also admit that as your neighbor and first commercial partner, it would scare the hell out of me if Obama wins this election.
P.S.: Mata explained me that she respect the voting process and the office, and that is good, I respect that also. But to respect Obama, the man? I do not understand. I really don’t. The man will not disappear behind the POTUS, he will still be there.
@Craig:
Thin ice Craig.
Thin ice.
Do some reading about Scott before moving forward with this topic.
There’s a lot of stuff in the archive you need to familiarize yourself with.
Morning Craig! Sorry I zonked out before I saw your questions last night. Happy to answer them now 🙂
Nope. Not one bit. I don’t believe anyone in the left will respect Pres McCain.
Maybe I should’ve used the word HOPE? It just seems unfair to expect or hope someone else to step up and respect my views if I don’t show them respect as well.
DEFINITELY! If I didn’t, then his thugs would come after me. Though I like to think I’d have the courage to start an underground movement to unseat him.
I don’t believe he is as bad. Obama’s track record is that of a do-nothing politician. Put him in a position where he has choices between worse and worst…I expect him to do nothing as he has in the past.
No false pretenses here. If I look like a good guy that would be because the idea is one a good guy should have.
ABSOLUTELY. I’ll respect him, but I’ll continue to point out his flaws, misleading, and duplicity at every chance; albeit as nicely as I can.
He dumps those guys as soon as they’re politically inconvenient=he doesn’t care about them or their beliefs. He just wants the Oval Office. As to his communism/socialism/marxism whatever…I have zero income. Bring it on. I tell all my working liberal Democrat friends almost every day, “Get back to work. I need a laptop” or “Vote Obama ’cause you’ve got the ability and I’ve got the need”
We should always try to be respectful of one another imo. Got a difference of opinion w someone, smile, shake hands, discuss it factually, and then have a beer. We’re all citizens in the United States of America; UNITED.
Thanks for your answer, Scott. I understand better now where you stand. I guess it’s only a matter of tempéramment. French people, have Latin backgrounds, we are passionate and wholehearted. We are not as tolerant as Americans. We love or we hate, there is no middle. Middle for us is like hypocrisy… weakness… surrounding. We stand strong for what we believe. I would live in the States, I would move out if Obama was elected. If Quebec would separate, I would immediately move out. This is how we are, very radical as to say. In a way it is good, in another way it is bad, but this is who we are. When I hear McCain say that Obama is a decent guy, I fall off my seat, I’m stunned. When I see McCain not wanting to blame publicly the Dems for the financial crisis, because he wants to protect bipartisanship, I fall of my seat again, I’m stunned. I guess I just don’t understand that mentality.
I have trouble dealing with American’s tolerance. Maybe I am at the right place to learn it. I have tolerance for the people who will vote for Obama because they are ignorant, but for the people that knows who he is and will still vote for him, I have tolerance ZERO. I think that Americans invented that logo: “If you cannot fight them, join them”. I couldn’t do that, it is not in my nature. I would prefer: “If you cannot fight them, leave them”.
You said about Hitler’s approval: “DEFINITELY! If I didn’t, then his thugs would come after me. Though I like to think I’d have the courage to start an underground movement to unseat him.”
That I can understand. I’m all for it… “have the courage to start an underground movement to unseat him.” YES! I agree all the way. I could see myself doing that, but I still would not respect the guy, I would just pretend that I respect him.
I guess what you really meant, is that you would not respect the guy, but you would respect the decision of the population, not the guy himself. If so, than I agree. Sorry for all that misunderstanding. In the end, we think alike, we just don’t express ourselves in the same way.
You said: “I’m prepared to RESPECT either man as President.”… I would have understood better if you would have said: “I am RESIGNED to ACCEPT either man as President.” Between “respect” and “resigned to accept”, there is a big difference to me. This is probably why I did not understand what you meant. Maybe it was just a matter of language. But, I’m practicing my English here; I hope it is getting better… lol
N.B.: I am so sorry that some people thought I was trying to insult you, I was not. I just wanted to understand you; I hope that you believe me. I respect you a lot and I enjoy all your articles and comments. Keep the good work!
I think we already figured that out about you, Craig… LOL
Mata,
LOL… does it show that much? Sorry, I hope I did not offend anyone here. I always say what I think, I’m a very direct person. Everybody knows where they stand with me, that’s for sure. I’m an open book. I guess you figured that out very easily with the Colin’s case… lol
‘sokay Craig, I doubt anyone is really offended. And I could tell Scott wasn’t exactly getting a “tingly sensation up his leg.” and suddenly “seduced to the Dark Side on us.” Having the military experience, I would think of an Obama administration as being assigned under an officer you really can’t stand. You still have to respect his position. But you don’t have to like them as a person.
Craig, I think more than anything you proved the point of something I’ve been trying to say for years now. It’s an obvious one, one we all recognize, admit, and even understand, but it’s also one that we all CONSTANTLY forget. Audiences vary, and so the tenor, tone, language, slang, verbage, etc that is used in presenting the same message to various audiences must be tailored for that audience. Your French background bears out a different perception of what the word “RESPECT” means. For me, it damn well doesn’t mean love or like. If I’m in a boxing ring with a washed up Mike Tyson, or even some ancient debilitated boxer like Mohammed Ali…I respect him. I am NOT fear or love or hate, but I will respect his abilities. That means recognize them, pay them their due diligance, and pay homage to their rank, right, etc.
Nah, no harm. No foul. My hat tips to you mon ami. Hang around. We need people who are informed, have an iota of humility and seek compromise and understanding.
United in the pursuit and propagation of the truth…those who seek to oppress and take power via lies are weakened, and the rights of man prevail.
(wow, and no coffee either!)
btw all, the local newspaper did a piece on the rally, and it came in the mail today. Not a single word about the protesters, or any mentionable taunting from either side.
My offer to get together w Lee and have coffee remains. In fact, Sen Joe Lieberman’s gonna be in Akron at the Republican HQ tomorrow. I might take Kenny for a photo op and handshake. Lee’s more than invited to talk to a Dem, and formally complain about the McCain supporters.