Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign stop at Cashman Center Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012.
By J. Patrick Coolican (contact) 
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012 | 2 a.m.
J. Patrick Coolican
With President Barack Obama in town this week, I thought it useful to explore a commonly held belief about his foreign policy, namely that Obama has apologized for America and doesn’t believe in “American exceptionalism.”
There’s plenty to criticize in his foreign policy, such as, what will happen to Afghanistan when we leave? Or, what’s happening in Iraq now that we’re mostly gone?
But this apology stuff? It’s bumper sticker jingoism, a Sharron Angle email forward from your deranged uncle, a Facebook post from some guy you went to ska shows with in high school but somehow became a rabid right winger.
The apology argument is timely, as Obama’s Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, attacked him late Tuesday on the issue, in the wake of a rocket attack that killed the American ambassador to Libya and three of his embassy staff.
In case you missed it: Though the origins remain mysterious, someone made an amateurish film, or a trailer of a film, that’s essentially a bad, unfunny satire of the life of Muhammad. Perhaps anticipating an uproar and under duress as protesters gathered, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo issued a statement early Tuesday that said, in part: “We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.” Later, a rocket attack killed the American diplomats in Libya.
Romney released a statement condemning Obama, saying, “It’s disgraceful that the Obama administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.” On Wednesday, Romney called the embassy statement “akin to an apology.”
This was pretty much false. The embassy statement came before, not after, the attacks, and anyway, the secretary of state speaks for America abroad, and here’s what Hillary Clinton said late Tuesday in response to the attacks: “I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our mission in Benghazi today. ... Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind.”
The rather ham-handed Romney attack wasn’t surprising, not just because Romney has struggled to convey authority or a deft touch on foreign policy matters — “American Borat,” they’re calling him abroad — but because there’s a deep-rooted belief among conservatives that Obama is always apologizing for America.
The Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler laid it out last year.
Romney, the Heritage Foundation, Donald Rumsfeld, etc., all have attacked Obama for being un-American by apologizing for America.
The critique sounds to me like the kind of thing you’d hear after a couple kegs of beer in a fraternity house — “Bro! No apologies for Sigma Nu, bro!”
Or, in our case, yes, we invaded your country under the pretense that it was stockpiling dangerous weapons, and, yes, it turned out you didn’t have those weapons, and, yes, our invasion sparked a brutal civil war, but ... no apologies!
In any case, here’s a few examples from Kessler of Obama “apologizing”:
“In America, there’s a failure to appreciate Europe’s leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive.”
That’s not an apology, but it is certainly true. Just ask Rumsfeld, who derided France and Germany as “old Europe” for not joining the Iraq war. He really put it to them that time.
But anyway, here’s the rest of what Obama said: “But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what’s bad.”
Sounds to me like Obama is defending the United States from the “blame America first” crowd in Europe.
Here’s another apology: “The United States is still working through some of our own darker periods in our history. Facing the Washington Monument that I spoke of is a memorial of Abraham Lincoln, the man who freed those who were enslaved even after Washington led our Revolution.”
As Kessler points out, Obama’s predecessor, President George W. Bush, said something similar in 2003, though much more detailed.
Earlier this year, Obama did apologize in a letter to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai for what he said was the “inadvertent” burning of Korans by NATO troops. (I nearly missed that one, but if I had, I wouldn’t have apologized.)
Bush also apologized — actually apologized — for mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners and a shooting of the Koran.
More pointedly, the Bush administration correctly noted that America’s decades-long policy of coddling oil-rich Middle Eastern dictators had contributed to the political and economic environment that spawned terrorism, which sounds pretty apologetic to me.
(I apologize if this is running long.)
Finally, when it comes to America’s special role in the world, American exceptionalism, Obama said this early in his term: “I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” Aha! Romney, in his book “No Apologies,” which could be the title of thousands of bad pro sports memoirs, wrote that this reply was proof that Obama doesn’t believe in American exceptionalism.
But, as with so many Romney attacks on Obama, there’s always another Obama sentence that Romney leaves out.
So here’s the rest of what Obama said: “I’m enormously proud of my country and its role and history in the world. ... If you think of our current situation, the United States remains the largest economy in the world. We have unmatched military capability. And I think that we have a core set of values that are enshrined in our Constitution, in our body of law, in our democratic practices, in our belief in free speech and equality, that, though imperfect, are exceptional.”
Note how he didn’t mention that he’s proud of how much we love Jesus. Did you notice that? Does he think we don’t love Jesus?
Potential sequel to Romney’s “No Apologies”: “Yes, America Loves Jesus, Despite What Some Kenyan Muslim Socialist Usurpers Think.”
Koch Brothers do business in Iran and support Romney and the Republicans. Romney should apologize for taking Iran money for his campaign, funneled through the Kochs.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-02...
The rubbing it in their faces "We got Osama" spiking of the football at the DNC has sure paid off in Libya and Egypt!
"We are all Osama, Obama!" chants the Muslim Brotherhood who can also say they're doing better now then four years ago.
You have got to be kidding me. This will be Obama's Iran hostage crisis. Announcing the new Muslim brotherhood appeasement apology tour. Sept 11 and no heightened security. What are the Marine's orders? Do they use deadly force to protect an embassy? A clear foreign policy does not end with killing Bin Laden. This man want no conflict of any kind before the election. The apology from the Cairo went out under the supervision of this administration. They are now trying to walk this back and blame it on a staff member. And where does this President go in time of crisis? Things like this give you no reporting credibility.
Obama's State department twice this week instead of sending a strong statement condemning the attacks on our diplomatic stations in Eygpt and Libya they issued "Hey we don't like the Americans who make you mad" statements.
How patheic!!!!!!!!!
We need to kick these losers and clowns out of office this Nov.
They said, "We condemn the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims."
Hillary said, "The U.S. deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others."
Funny that Kool-aid Coolican wrote this article when exactly this week the spirit of Obama's apology tour lives strong in his administration is demostrated not once but TWICE!!!!!!!!
Mr. Coolican this story is why most Americans believe that journalists like yourself have lost there way and are strictly bias in thier political beliefs.
Enjoyed the article, Mr. Coolican.
But what gets me is the Tea/Republicans are not following their playbook. They are actually following Fox News talking points when this "apology" thing came out.
Which basically confirms that Fox News and people like Rush Limbaugh actually speak for them. And they have absolutely no idea what to do if it weren't for them speaking for them and leading them by the nose all the time.
The Tea/Republican Party is bereft of ideas anymore. I really do believe they watch the ultra-ultra-conservative news media on television for ideas.
Now even Romney is participating in this stupid "apology" excuse. No, not accusation. It's an excuse to try to get him in the spotlight and trying to gain some higher moral ground. Romney thinks otherwise, but this has failed. Abysmally. The American people, if they haven't made a decision before what happened in Libya, have made it now. They'd have to be crazy to vote for Romney. The guy is a loose cannon and reacts even before facts come out, just throws out this "apology" dumbness. Clueless Romney.
Another thing that gets me is how can an entire political party (Tea/Republican Party) jump up and down, clamor, scream and rail against another party (Democratic Party) that they are "apologizing" for stuff (which isn't true at all), when in fact the Tea/Republicans make stupid, inflammatory, blatantly false statements all the time...AND NEVER APOLOGIZE WHEN THEY GET CAUGHT DOING IT?
I guess what's good for the goose is NOT good for the gander in Tea/Republican Party politics.
However, I do encourage the entire Tea/Republican Party to continue this line of attack on President Obama and his entire administration.
Mainly because they have been proven wrong time and time again. Debunked at every turn.
And the more they continue that line of attack, the more stupid they look.
Here is the complete text of his speech. Your readers can decide whether the tone and message was consistent with the apology issued from "the embassy".
http://www.spiegel.de/international/worl...
I personally believe Obama has been caught completely off guard (and so does the media - they are collectively covering for him). This is a disaster this close to an election for O, especially when he tried to make Foreign Affairs inexperience an issue at last week's DNC convention. Now he's showing his own inexperience, for the whole world to see. The spin is to try to focus on Romney's comments (read the speech again and decide for yourself), and you in the media, who desperately want 4 more years of leftist government, are carpet-bombing the airways to deflect this Foreign Relations snafu away from Obama. I'm not buying.
Comment removed by moderator. Name Calling
Say it outright: President Barack Obama has not done an apology tour as suggested and said by Mitt Romney and the extreme right of the Republican Party. This apology thing is a total lie, as is everything coming from the Republican Party---Lies, lies, lies.
The weak minded, letting the talking heads, cable news, and extreme talk radio, shape and defined your thoughts and way of life. You all need to pray and ask God for your brain back, and the Holy Spirit in your life!!!
What is very sad, as Americans, we are not openly supporting the President during this time of attack against the embassy in Libya. Both parties, all parties, should be supporting the President in supporting American embassy all over the world. People, you are safe for many reasons, President Obama is a big part of our safety. Where is the hell is your support for the President, for America! Show some gatitude! You all currently enjoying American freedom and independence...You didn't fight for this! This freedom was fought long ago by "real" American Patriots, being maintained by our current man and woman at the front lines. They don't hate America!
Plan and simple, if your not supporting our President,...any President, during a time of attack against American, YOUR NOT AN AMERICA! Your something else!!!.
Is this country so full of bias, prejudice, believing lies, only thinking of self, forget your neighbor, and just having outright hate, that we as a nation, as Americans, would not support the hand that feeds our freedom and independence? What the hell have we've become???
Bigotry and Hatred. If this is you, your group, your family of Un-Americans. Do us all a big favor and leave the country!!!! And don't come back!!!!
Comment removed by moderator. Name Calling
Jerry,
Grow up.
Great article. And look, right below a comment that proves your point!
Obama remains a fraud in my opinion.
Longtime, Your insinuation that, if you don't support the president during a time of duress you are unpatriotic, is obviously based of your belief in unicorns and fairies.
The Democrats excoriated President Bush at every turn during his Presidency. I am sorry your partisan clouded judgement has stricken you with amnesia. The Democrats are the pseudo-patriots in the room. If you want action you need to start at the top. Obamas comments on the middle east are so rife with weakness that he needs somebody to insert a rod into his spine just to stand up.
I have NEVER been so ashamed of a President as I am now.
NOvember=NObama
Got to love how fast the Democrat Party media shills circle the wagon around their president.
Coolican has a long way to go before he can fill Ralston's shoes.
We are in the trouble we are around the world because we are considered weak. When a President goes around the world "bowing" to other world leaders and half the DNC "boos" God, this is a sign of submission and weakness to third world beliefs. Obama is weak but our great land has always been stong. Our country should be "Respected" not loved.
"It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong."
Otto von Bismarck
Like with Dick Cheney when hunting flightless quail, Willard Romney needs to learn how NOT to shoot first and aim later.
Then again, his only experience with foreign affairs (besides having a grandfather who moved to Mexico so he could continue his polygamist lifestyle) is choosing which tax shelters abroad -- in Switzerland, Bermuda or the Caymans -- has the best yield for his vast fortune earned as a vulture capitalist.
Only Willard Romney can make George W Bush look like a
savvy, foreign policy expert in comparison.
Willard Romney is to foreign policy what
Rush Limbauh is to dieting and exercise.
LastThroes is to common sense what
Obama is to foreign policy.
Get off of your knees!
When will Harry say "The war is lost". A patriot if there ever was one.
Mr Coolican, the whole republican platform is based on nothing but lies. It has been since Obama took office.
Mr,Coolican, will you be covering Pres Obama in all "57 states" that he goes to????
@Herectic,
You apparently didn't read what is written, or you just have selective reading.
Your wrong! The entire country was supportive of former President Bush when American was attacked!
What? You don't consider our embassy being attack and Americans being killed as being part of America??? Please, take your partisan hat off man! Take the blinder off! Get informed! There is no reason to be ignorant when so much information is available---facts, real information! Be an American, just this one time, will you???
Bigotry and Hatred have no place in American, especially during the time of war and when America is being attacked. Bush was fully supported by Democrats when America was attacked. Where is your patriotism? Where?
Most kool-aid people people blame America's actions for causing 9/11 to happen.
Any kool-aid people dispute that statement?
We can tell by the way he talks that Willard Romney is a tough guy. How tough? As a young man he once took offense to a classmates hairstyle, and instead of doing nothing and sending a message of appeasement, Willard tackled the offender and gave him a cut right then and there. That's what I call tough.
The, a few years after that heroic incident, Willard was asked to serve his nation during a time of war. But instead of engaging in silly combat against the Vietnamese, the brave young Mormon heard a voice from God telling him to go to Paris and ride his bicycle. It was a hard decision for a true patriot like Willard but when The Man says go ride a bike in France, you do so with no questions asked.
There's little doubt that Willard is from the same mold as many other GOP chickenhawks.
I see the radical right is preaching from Bizarro World again, and as usual get the timeline and facts wrong. I have yet to see any evidence of this "apology tour" they imagine occured. If left up to these warhawks and/or chickenhawks we would have military bases in every mid eastern country. Hmm .. who would man those bases, these complaining and whining warhawks and chickenhawks? Doubt it!
Comment removed by moderator. Refers to removed comment.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.
Obama was a do-nothing, know-everything junior Senator from the most corrupt State in the Union for two years before he "ascended" to the Presidency. He clearly has an intermediate range IQ but has developed a showmanship style that endears him to an electorate that prefers cartoons to substance. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we have Slow Joe Biden one heartbeat away from the Nuclear Codes. Having Biden on the ticket surely disqualifies Obama from another feckless term.
Vernon, your use of the phrase chickenhawk is reprehensible, but that's why you are a liberal.
Longtime, I just wish you were as angry at our enemy as you are at me. Typical liberal. You have a war room for anything but WAR. My regards to Dennis Miller.
The liberal/progressive movement is marked by apology and selective amnesia.
Obama currently is the gravest threat to our country.
Comment removed by moderator. Personal Attack
Just in: the Marine Security Guards (MSG) at the U.S. Embassy are not allowed to have live ammunition. Obama and Hillary apparently don't want to offend their beloved friends in the Muslim Brotherhood who probably use Old Glory for a prayer rug. This is sickening and smells like 1979 all over again. Obama = Carter.
Obama cannot say the words "war on terror" or "islamic terrorist" but has no problem saying the words "war on women".
Which by the way has only one confirmed kill, and that was courtesy of Ted Kennedy.
Sir: A rocket attack that killed the 4? I didn't see that. The news I read was a late night attack by breach, and it went as far in an article or two, to say they were "raped and sodomized".
Now, I may be from Public School, but it was 9-11, there were traffic messages saying such activity was in the works..I would have thought it only proper to have "higher security".
This president doesn't have to apologize, he armed those against the embassy it appears. I guess we need a couple of buildings leveled every year to keep our minds fresh on what is happening in the world.
"The rather ham-handed Romney attack wasn't surprising, not just because Romney has struggled to convey authority or a deft touch on foreign policy matters -- "American Borat," they're calling him abroad -- "
Coolican -- good one! That voters are actually seriously considering Romney goes to show how much like a herd our body politick has become. Still, he's better than his former competitors' rabid pandering to the far religious right. Excepting Paul, of course.
"The weak minded, letting the talking heads, cable news, and extreme talk radio, shape and defined your thoughts and way of life. You all need to pray and ask God for your brain back, and the Holy Spirit in your life!!! ..... Plan and simple, if your not supporting our President,...any President, during a time of attack against American, YOUR NOT AN AMERICA! Your something else!!!"
"Your wrong! The entire country was supportive of former President Bush when American was attacked!"
Longtimevegan -- at first glance your first quote looked tongue-in-cheek, then a closer read showed you to actually be serious. Rather than retort with the counter-rant it deserves, got an apt historical quote just for you -- "The Fuhrer is always right." (Joachim von Ribbentrop, the 1939 Konigsberg address)
"By proudamerican - "Last Throes--You brought up Romney' family background, at least Romney's mother didn't pose nude for porn Mags as your hero's mother did."
VernosB -- I'm with you on this one, and I'll take it to the next level with questioning what's wrong with a woman "pos[ing] nude for porn Mags"? That's the kind of thing the First Amendment protects, yet those among us with an old lady mentality screams outrage just because a nipple suddenly appears on national TV. So much for "land of the free and home of the brave."
"Is this 1984, or what?" -- the Honorable Alex Kozinski, now chief judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in the Unabomber case (2001)
Comment removed by moderator. Personal Attack
Comment removed by moderator. Personal Attack
As America awoke to the news that in Cairo, Egypt the American embassy has been overrun, embassy attacks in Sana'a, Yemen; and in Benghazi, Libya the America embassy was RPG bombed and the American ambassador murdered by al Qaeda --- Obama flew to Las Vegas for a campaign money stop.
So much for the 3:00 am crisis that Obama fended off with a smirk during the 2008 election
Obama-Biden are running on Osama bin Laden is dead AND al Qaeda and the Taliban and the Muslim Brotherhood are alive.
- While taking billions of dollars Hamid Karzai is kicking Obama out of Afghanistan to allow the Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar to return in triumph.
- While taking billions of dollars Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has kicked Obama out of Iraq so he can allow Iran to fly weapons into the Assad Syria.
- While taking billions of dollars President Mohamed Morsi is preventing any security protection of Coptic Christians and the American Embassy in Egypt
- While taking billions of dollars Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf of Pakistan is harboring al Qaeda and Taliban leaders attacking Americans.
- While Obama will not draw a red line with our friend Israel on Iran's nuclear weapon
Following efforts in Egypt, Afghanistan, Yemen, Bahrain, Sudan, Syria, and other middle East places Obama is looking for another Arab Spring Regime Change under his watch. So far we have no idea who will take over in these countries and we have an Arab Winter
The brother of Ayman al-Zawahiri Mohamed al-Zawahiri was nearby during the separate protest at the American Embassy in Cairo offering on TV a faux peace plan
The radical Black Muslim Brotherhood supported by Obama is seemingly overwhelming any moderate Muslims through out the Middle-East
The main difference between most of the Obama supporters and Romney supporters is that the Romney supporters sign their checks on the front, and the Obama supporters sign their checks on the back, and most of those are signed on the front by the US Treasury.
Most kool-aid people people blame America's actions for causing 9/11 to happen.
Any kool-aid people dispute that statement???
Today it is Yemen! Good job Obama! Now they too can scream we are all Osamas. Spike the football some more and rub it in their faces harder. You betrayed Seal Team 6 by identifying them and have released too much information about our intelligence network and cyber activities.....All for politics!
Romney is using the divide America tactic right out of the Mormon playbook. Do they ever have a kind word to say about anyone?
Some politicaql theoroist fell into the honey trap.
@Heretic,
What is written is not in anger. What is written is true, and delivered as it should be delivered, as an America supporting a President in a time of attack on the nation.
Heretic, from what you have written, you seem to not share basic American values? Our embassy was attacked, you appear by your comments, you do not support the President in defending America or Americans in service to the county. On 9/11 when American was attack, Americans supported George Bush. No matter who the President, your always support teh President when America and Americans are attacked.
Heretic do not support President Obama during this time, the time of attack on our embassy, an attacked that killed 4 Americans! When a citizen does not support the government, the President in time of war, when the county is under attack, what do you call this person? What is this type of person, when your county, or your state or your city is under attack and you failed to give support in the protection of an attack? It's called a traitor!
Heretic, please tell the world what you would call yourself, here in America!
I forgot that the Democrat party does show strength. During the DNC when they were honoring Veterans they were showing Russian war-ships on the background screen.
Longtime, no thanks to rhetoric fuel "duel". You wouldn't understand. Bait somebody with a lesser intellect. This board is full of libs dying to be baited.
As for what I call myself....A patriotic American....you can call yourself one too, it's easy just mouth the words..."freedom". Sorry I made that so hard.
"Heretic, from what you have written, you seem to not share basic American values?"
Longtimevegan -- evidently with you and your ilk "basic American values" doesn't include the Bill of Rights. This shows whatever your "values" are it doesn't include either respect for, or basic knowledge of, what it means to be a citizen. Don't expect me and maybe a few others to march lockstep with you shouting your party slogans.
"WAR IS PEACE
"FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
"IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH" -- the three slogans of the Party from Orwell's "1984"
LastThroes, the bully thang was debunked right afterward. Of course, the fishwrapper known as the NYTimes gave it 3 full pages so it must have been true to the thoroughly indoctrinated, correct?
Obama fails again....always late and apologizing.....Obama is deemed as a weak leader and more deaths will occur because of Obama.....
The Communist Chameleon Party Loyalist disguised as Democrats and journalist, the liars love America.
Hey Rocky:
Yer right, the WTC attacks on 911 in the USA in NYC was just our bad luck. Could've happened in Saudi Arabia if those darned terrorist had just had better directions...
Great article Mr. Coolican.
The enemy here is projection. We have to truly come to terms with the absolute fact most of the World is inhabited by uneducated people. People who will kill foreign Diplomats after watching a Jr. High School quality video bashing their savior on YouTube for crying out loud.
These are people who cover their women and in some cases allow husbands to kill wives for disrespecting them.
In other areas we have Governments who will throw their citizens under the Bus when Chevron comes knocking to buy their Oil for pennies on the Dollar.
Still others will gladly use their children to make IPhones if it makes the rulers a few extra bucks.
Other countries are so poor without American aid they would never rebuild after major catastrophes, see Haiti for one example.
Most of this World is filled with uneducated and illiterate people. How else would one explain the killing of Ambassador Stevens? These are acts perpetrated by frustrated stupid people.
One area Obama has hit it out of the Park is in the area of Foreign Policy. The LAST thing we need to be doing is assuming the World is filled with equals and figuring the best policy is to be the baddest amongst equals. That is a recipe for chaos, not Peace.
Respect of others is required and a deep understanding of what we are dealing with. Obama brings this knowledge in excess.
I wonder if the movie was funded by a guy who likes to sue a lot or a guy who combs his hair funny? I hope the CIA finds out who funded the movie and trumps up a charge against them.
@Heretic, @Killerbee, One of the same. You that this would go unnoticed?
Look, both of you. First, I am an independent voter. Second. The posts are about being supportive of the President, no matter who the President, during times America and Americans are being attacked.
Again, what would you call yourselves when either of you will not support a sitting President during an attack on the Nation? Ummm?
the message sent by the embassy was a damn apology whether you will admit it or not. the WH is walking the statement back, after about 10 hours of letting it stand. the President is now not even calling Egypt an ally anymore. and furthermore, if this is a "crisis and as Americans we should all follow the blind leader as true Americans" then he needs to have his butt in DC being the President not out campaigning to keep his job.
What the Obama admin and their supporters like Coolican fail to appreciate is the lethality and irreconcilability of the Islamo-fascist (or whatever you want to call it) threat and the fact that they consider themselves to be at war with us (all of us, anyone who's a non-beleiver in their eyes). They will, at a minumum, oppress you and I the same way the Taliban oppressed the Afgan people or the mullahs oppress the Iranian people -- and any violation of their code or suspected opposition is met with death. There can be no compromise with them, no appeasement, no "live and let live", anymore than we could "live and let live" with the nazis.
"Again, what would you call yourselves when either of you will not support a sitting President during an attack on the Nation? Ummm?"
Longtime -- citizen, freeman, not-a-nazi, take your pick. Since your posts are part of the price we all pay for free speech, you're free to mooooo on.
"We have long since made clear that a state of war is not a blank check . . . when it comes to the rights of th[is] Nation's citizens" -- Hamdi v. Rumsfeld, 542 U. S. 507, 536 (2004)
"Obama brings this knowledge in excess." .... Good grief, the only thing in excess is this chameleons ability to expose America's short comings.
Wait a minute, so the same administration that's basing a chunk of their re-election effort on bashing Romney's religion and calling it "a cult" is also trying to claim that "We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
So it's an "abuse" of free speech to say anything offensive to Muslims, but an "inalienable right" when insulting Mormons?
It is a sad truism, but inescapable. The right wing has become to radicalised to be given the keys for awhile.
Come back when you grow up little boys and girls.
"So it's an "abuse" of free speech to say anything offensive to Muslims, but an "inalienable right" when insulting Mormons?"
wendor -- nope
"The fact that society may find speech offensive is not a sufficient reason for suppressing it. Indeed, if it is the speaker's opinion that gives offense, that consequence is a reason for according it constitutional protection. For it is a central tenet of the First Amendment that the government must remain neutral in the marketplace of ideas." -- Hustler Magazine and Larry C. Flynt v. Jerry Falwell, 485 U.S. 46, 55-6 (1988)
Wendor, it is not Obama that says Mormonism is a cult, it is Catholics and Evangelicals like me that say it.
I think Mormons are good Americans, just don't want a devout one in the White House.
wendor I think the problem is because of your unwillingness to think deeply about issues you fail to acknowledge context. Life doesn't fit nicely into dogmatic boxes as your programmers want you to believe.
One normally talks openly at home but is smart enough and respectful enough to act civilized in other venues.
The World is NOT America and we need to truly appreciate that. Most of us do but the Vampires sitting in our house want us to believe otherwise. They want us to make the World safe to sell their George Foreman grills from pole to pole.
No Hypocrisy just maturity.
For once you wrote a good article, no apologies needed for being long.
Oh yeah, and if you want to pick nits and point out that the press release was form the US Embassy in Egypt, and not the White House, here's Obama's actual statement: "While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants."
Let's see how long the White House and the DNC manage to refrain from "denigrating the religious beliefs of others"....specifically other presidential candidates.
Obama condemned Maher's "cult" remark....but kept his million dollar donation. So I guess those principles only go as deep as the top of the pocketbook.
The media don't like it when you criticize their president
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/ope...
As I read the comments from the neocons I am reminded of why they are against increased funding for education. Keep dumbing it down, party of the Borats.
KillerB, I know that supreme court ruling well.
That's why it surprises me so much that in direct contradiction to it, the current administration as chosen to publicly describe Constitutionally protected free speech as "abus[ing] the universal right of free speech" and stating that "the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others". (despite one of Obama's top donors publicly doing so)
Seems that Obama's administration has decided that they will not "remain neutral". Characterizing speech they personally find offensive as an "abuse" of "the universal right of free speech" is inappropriate. Doing so in an official capacity is almost criminal. Doing so in an official capacity while accepting huge donations from the people whose actions you are condemning is.....revealing.
Amen, Patrick Coolican.
Bumper sticker jingoism describes the entire conservative/republican machine. There are, of course, more examples of Romney accusing Obama of apologizing than there are of Obama apologizing. But that's the rightwing definition of reality - repeat a fiction until even you believe it, thus it becomes real. And if it's real to you, well, that's all that matters.
Romney's apology tour technique has been used widely by conservatives. It goes like this: fabricate an outrage; introduce language into the media and mainstream culture that inflames and supports the alleged outrage; blame the opposition; malign the opposition; bask in the glow of self-righteousness; stoke fresh outrage; repeat; repeat; repeat. The whole movement operates on fear and rage, and when they can't muster that, faux outrage will do. The important thing is to instigate and amass grievances, then try to channel that energy. It's a simple, if unscrupulous, strategy. In fact, it's the recipe for creating terrorists.
Obama is not a Dictator and the United Sates is not the World.
I realize due to mass marketing many are confused.
Let me ask you hard headed liberals a few questions. If you were a stockholder in a corporation and the corporation was failing, would you support the CEO? If he wasn't spending enough time in the business, would you support the CEO? If his priority is trying to retain his position in the corporation, would you support the CEO? If he refused to meet with an important client, would you support the CEO? The answer to all of these questions to any sane stockholder is NO!
We are all stockholders in this country, the USA, and our CEO is not cutting it.
He could have headed of the fiasco in Libya if he had paid attention, 9/11, HELLO! One of the few embassies without Marine guards, HELLO! Muslim country, HELLO!
And by the way.... WENDOR......Embassy's in foreign countries are an extension of the White House. The Ambassador is appointed by the President and follows the orders of the White House. Some day you sheep will have to start excepting the fact that it isn't always some else's fault.
---
--
June 2009, Cairo: Obama apologized to the Muslim world saying that post 9/11 "The fear and anger led us [America] to act contrary to our ideals."
While the brother of Ayman al-Zawahiri - Mohamed al-Zawahiri was at the riot at the American Embassy in Cairo offering on TV a faux peace plan. Hillary and Obama are blaming a 6 month old "Innocence of Muslims" U-Tube video for all the violent. really???
Of course Obama who has not participated in a daily security brief since September 5th knew nothing and can not be blamed.
Obama only participates in the daily security briefing less the half the time. And there were NO Marines protecting our Ambassador on this violent 9-11 anniversary.
So much for the 3:00 am crisis that Obama fended off with a smirk during the 2008 election.
----
Obama-Biden are running on Osama bin Laden is dead - AND - al Qaeda and the Taliban and the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi Islamist are alive.
"I think Mormons are good Americans, just don't want a devout one in the White House."
Jeff -- good point, and I'm a liberated LDS. Taking your reasoning to the next level, I don't want a devout anyone in the White House!
"KillerB, I know that supreme court ruling well."
wendor -- cool, there's more than one of us! I remember Flynt's words after winning, to the effect of "If the First Amendment protects a scumbag like me, imagine what it does for the rest of you."
Yet peaceful demonstrators outside both the recent RNC and DNC conventions were suppressed. Worse, voters are lining up to support both parties in spite of it.
"If the exercise of constitutional rights will thwart the effectiveness of a system of law enforcement, then there is something very wrong with that system." -- Escobedo v. State of Illinois, 378 U.S. 478, 490 (1964)
Doesn't matter. Obama's weak kneed response to the attacks on our embassies have guaranteed his defeat. It's shameful that an American president has so little outrage over the deaths of Americans. The only good thing is that real Americans now know what his real beliefs are and will turn him out in November. Maybe our country can still be saved.
@coolican, QE3 are you kidding, I thought we were passed that, only fools own gold, could please re-print that goofy article, the economy is better only idiots that listen to beck and rush own gold, that was great kid. Those of us that have been buying gold are doing so because our fiat currency is failing. Paper money is no longer a store of value, I do not know what rush or beck say, but check of faber, shiff, celente, the mistake is not to own any gold, thanks for the laughs coolican!
Jeff has spoken on behalf of the Democrats and the libs.
He says it is America's fault for 9/11.
That is how libs and Obama think.
That is why he runs around the world apologing.
That is why Obama's state department stated that they were really upset wtih those Americans that use their 1st Admement rights and triggered those Muslims into killing our Amassador.
It is all our fault.....at least that is how Democrats think.
At least Jeff did not say it was the CIA or Bush/Cheney that did 9/11.
Those crazy 9/11 Democrats......
Yeah....."I don't want a devout anyone in the White House"
What about a devout atheist?
Here are some excellent devout atheists that did the world a lot of good.
Mao
Stalin
Hilter
Kim Il-sung
Pol-Pot
They either slaughter or via horrible government policies have kiiled hundreds of millions of people.
Yeah....we don't want anybody that believes in any religion.
We should put it in the US Constitution and have some religious or anti-religious test.
If u check out a speech by BO in 2008 he criticized Bush on his policies when our embassy was attacked in Libya. Selective criticism of Romney.
SgtRock,HackDelahunts,dave202,Future ,stephenrblv......
Don't you find that trying to have a honest debate with a liberal is like going to war and your opponent(the liberal) is un-armend, Or you invited the liberal to a gun fight and they showed up with a knife.
I find this whole apology thing amazing.
You know that is exactly what the libs want the president to do.
They want him to go to the world and say America is bad and because we are bad we harm the world.
They want him to scream that everyday.
But here today they are fighting tooth and nail and says the has never done anything like that.
It is hilarous.
Proud really says "...Don't you find that trying to have a honest debate with a terrorist is like going to war and your opponent (ambassador) is un-armed, Or you invited the ambassador to a RPG fight and he showed up with no Marines
Obama/Hillary must stop apologing. Hillary and Obama are blaming a 6 month old "Innocence of Muslims" U-Tube video for all the violent. really???
------
June 2009, Cairo: Obama apologized to the Muslim world saying that post 9/11 "The fear and anger led us [America] to act contrary to our ideals." Would that be Bush gathering intelligence and using drones against our enemies.
Here are some excellent devout atheists that did the world a lot of good --
Albert Einstein
Arthur C. Clarke
Frederick Nietzsche
Sigmund Freud
Hugh Hefner
Ernest Hemingway
John Lennon
Seth MacFarlane
Eric Blair, aka George Orwell
Frank Zappa
Charlie Chaplin
Angelina Jolie
Stanley Kubrick
Richard Dawkins
Thomas Edison
Ayn Rand
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Mark Twain
Edgar Allan Poe
Marie Curie
Helen Keller
Larry Flynt
Susan B. Anthony
And last but not at all least, our very own Penn Jillette!
Einstein was also a Socialist which made me realize that being a Socialist was the smart thing to do :-)
Killer B where is it that you find Helen Keller to be an athiest. I looked it up and no one knowa for sure.
Frank Zappa and Hugh Hefner? Come on.
This whole mini-tempest in a teapot shows me two thing about Romney.
1. The embassy statement deplored the (mis-)use of a universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others. In repudiating this statement, Romney clearly and officially puts himself on the side of those who encourage religious bigotry and intolerance. An interesting position for a member of what some on the right claim is no more than a minor religious sect.
2. Romney's vaunted experience at Bain is used to demonstrate his ability to make clear and concise decisions. Of course, there he was able to insist he be given ALL data applying to a routine situation, mull it over for a couple of days, and come to a proper solution. His statement Tuesday indicates his ability to take only a small part of the data applying to an emergency situation and use it to present an immediate solution. The ability to do the former is quite nice in a President; the ability to do the later is VITAL in a President. Romney just failed abysmally in the latter situation.
How do we respond to The Middle East
They hate America and American's
"Frank Zappa and Hugh Hefner? Come on."
chuck333 -- Zappa was famously anti-religion. You can find a lot of that @ http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/quot... under Frank Zappa. I'll admit Hefner is iffy.
"Beware of the fish people, they are the true enemy." -- Frank Zappa, speech to a pro-choice rally in Los Angeles around 1989-90
You Sharron Angle republicans make the Ron Paulites look good on this thread.
WoW...............
renorobert - " In repudiating this statement, Romney clearly and officially puts himself on the side of those who encourage religious bigotry and intolerance."
Sorry, but that a logical fallacy you've got there.
Opposing the suppression of free speech does not mean that you agree with the speaker....just that you defend their right to say it.
For example, I don't agree with what you say....but I'd react just as negatively if the US Government labeled your posts here as "abus[ing] the universal right of free speech".
You and the filmmaker both have the right in this country to freely express your opinions....no matter how ignorant they may be. Defending your rights does not mean that anyone agrees with you.
But liberals have told us not only do we have to tolerate artistic attacks on Christianity, but we should also subsidize them through the NEA.
Comment removed by moderator. Name Calling
I have greater respect for atheists than for lying, greedy, crazy so-called-christians who so obviously do not believe in the Almighty, nor practice their religion.
Dirty-rotten-scoundrel Mitt Romney making stuff up. Then when he's called out, makes more stuff up. Disgraceful is too mild a word for Romney.
Thanks for the good article, Cooligan. I appreciate the factual content, as well as the manner in which you presented it.
After reading the comments, however, I couldn't help but notice many similarities between the extremist right in the Middle East and N. Africa, and the extremist right in America.
J. Patrick Cooligan,thank you for a wonderful article and support of our President in saying what is true, and what is reasonable.
As one can read from the posts, many people believe in false information. Instead of doing a little research to get the facts---true information, we clearly see many people are making decisions fueled by bias, prejudice and hate. The truth to many people would be a cure for the shortcomings, but like most people in denial, they prefer to cling to long standing false beliefs taught by misguided parents, relatives and friends, coming from communities that fostered and reinforced falsehoods during childhood to adult.
Sadly, many Americans will take bias, prejudice and hatred in the voting booth in November. Many people have not earned citizenship in American. Just being born in America does not mean you earned citizenship in America! Your not entitled until you earned what has been given. Being a responsible citizen in America is not difficult. Follow the law, pay your taxes, participate and support reasonable state and government initiatives, which includes being in the armed forces, if you disagree with something, you have a debate on the issue for a resolution. More importantly vote in local, state and national elections. However, before one can be a citizen, to do all that is required of a citizen in America, one has to be reasonable, have the facts on the issues, and then act responsibly.
Bias, prejudice, and hatred have no place in America. If you are a person aware of these shortcomings in yourself or with others, there is help available. For the ones who know and fuel these attitudes, the message for you, your in a small shrinking group. It's a matter of time---short time, when your voices will not be heard or recognized. Citizenship carries responsibilities, having bias, prejudices or hate is not one of them.
It is clear that the right wings experimentation with unstable individuals not being clearly excoriated, even honored, even financed is a real part of our international perception.
The right wings allowing of "birtherism and Muslimization" of Obama like being born in Kenya or being a Muslim is a disease you have forced upon America.
So yeah, the American right wing has blood on its hands with those 4 Americans deaths.
You people have no idea how much evil your stupidity causes.
Just chiming in:
The Government is NOT a Business and shouldn't be run like one.
two
The Government finances cannot and should not be run like your finances as they are completely different entities.
Difficult concepts if you get your news from Fox and other assorted manure outlets the Globalist use to brainwash you good Patriots.
Here are some excellent devout atheists that did the world a lot of good --
Killer B please tell me how Frank Zappa did the world alot of good. Thats my reference.
And peacelily states:
"After reading the comments, however, I couldn't help but notice many similarities between the extremist right in the Middle East and N. Africa, and the extremist right in America."
This is an outrageous statement made by this person and I wonder where the moderator is? To equate those maniacs in the middle east to anyone on this board is disgusting and we should all, left and right take offense to it!!!!!!!!!!!
Chuck333 makes the comment:
"And peacelily states:
"After reading the comments, however, I couldn't help but notice many similarities between the extremist right in the Middle East and N. Africa, and the extremist right in America."
This is an outrageous statement made by this person and I wonder where the moderator is? To equate those maniacs in the middle east to anyone on this board is disgusting and we should all, left and right take offense to it!!!!!!!!!!!"
I say:
Y'all are sort of mirror images of each other, shoot first, aim and think later. Y'all both hate Obama and the current American Foreign policy, and neither one of ya is tew briht.
I hope the moderator is enjoying the start of a nice weekend, as long as we all throw pretend rocks at each other they leave us alone pretty well.
Hope you come around to a more sensible point of view, you seem like a lukewarm republican anyway.
Jeff no worries even in politics I wouldn't acuse you or anyone else to being similiar to the crazies across the pond. And not Republican or Democrat. Just read what is here and evaluate. Just seems that this newspaper is very bias and if it went the other way I'd defend them to.
Read the headline. Obama doesn't have to apologize for lies in his speeches? Did he say that he would lower un-employment under 8%? Did he say that if not he'd be one term? Did he say the stimulous would work then retract and say that these projects weren't shovel ready. Come on. These aren't lies they are what was said. If he was a Republican I, like you and everyone else should hold him accountable.
Where is the story on the Henderson resident who was killed in Libya?
chuck333 Sept. 14, 2012 2:21 p.m.
And peacelily states:
"After reading the comments, however, I couldn't help but notice many similarities between the extremist right in the Middle East and N. Africa, and the extremist right in America."
This is an outrageous statement made by this person and I wonder where the moderator is? To equate those maniacs in the middle east to anyone on this board is disgusting and we should all, left and right take offense to it!!!!!!!!!!!
`````````````````````````````````````````
Chuck,
I am sure the moderator is reading our comments. At times, I too have wondered where the moderator was, but realized if the Moderator felt a comment was in violation of the Full Comments Policy; the comment would be removed. That is their job. And the Moderator(s) do a great job at the Sun.
Peacelily did not "..equate those maniacs in the middle east to anyone on this board.." I cannot/will not speak for Peacelily. However, I will say I am not offended by Peacelily's comment.
Peacelily is a great commentator and always provides positive, factual, and enlightening posts in a very professional manner. She is well informed, very respectful in her comments and with other commentators.
What I find disgusting and what offends me is the mean-spirited, belittling, condescending, pompous, arrogant, and hateful comments posted at times by some (not all) right wing conservatives on this blog.
I find the nasty comments about the president very disturbing and very upsetting. I have never in my life heard that type of language when talking about the President of the United States! I find hatred scary.
That is my opinion. I am sorry for the intrusion, but wanted to share my opinion.
Peacelily, thank you for what you do every day. Thank you for fighting for what you believe in. Thank you for being you! Love your posts!!! Keep it up.
Have a nice evening.
THE RELATIONSHIP THAT WAS MEANT TO BE COULDN'T BE
There is most likely nothing that I will ever write that touches me deeper, personally, than the words of this experience I had as a U.S. Marine back in the early 1970's. In one way, this is surely representative of the turmoil between America and Islam, but also clearly represents how two deeply opposing ways of life can have a mutual respect for each other that can peacefully coexist in this world.
There was still a lot of chaos going on in the Middle East when finally, as part of the Sixth Fleet, the Sailors and Marines of our ship were finally to get some liberty in the port of Toulan, France.
I had decided to take a joint civilian and U.S. serviceman sponsored tour to Paris. I met this young, intelligent and beautiful lady in Paris. Her first name was of French origin. When I met her father, I was quite shocked to realize that she was of Arab ancestry and that her father was Palestinian. To say the least, initially, he hated me. However, his daughter and his wife forced the father to temper his hate towards me.
Through his daughter's translations, her father and I had some very lengthy discussions. The one aspect I made clear was, that I was a U.S. Marine and represented my country. However, between us, religion and politics were absolutely "off the table". Her father agreed.
We found we had a lot in common when it came to family values and enjoying life that was associated with the wonders of nature. It didn't take us long to form a mutual bond of friendship.
Although by our standards of life, his daughter was an adult. By the father's culture, this was quite different. I assured the father that my intents were purely honorable with his daughter. Therefore, the father trusted me, and I never breached that trust.
My liberty time was short and before I knew it I had to report back to my ship for duty. The family drove me back to Toulan. To say the least, it was an extremely and emotional goodbye for all of us.
Both the father and I knew quite well, the moment I stepped back on board ship that we were both enemies again. But, this was for sure, it was not from our own free choice.
I hope I have conveyed my message here.
What used to be wrong is right - What used to be right is wrong - "Do what ever you feel you want to do if it is right for you. There are no one or no power defining ultimate truth. Do what ever is right is right in your own eyes. The end justifies the means." This is what our country and its citizens have become. Short term gain - long term demise. Don't worry about the future because there is none, all we have is today.
How's that workin out for ya Barry?
By the way, Tom Edison, Helen Keller, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and Albert Einstein were NOT atheists. That fact is well documented. The rest of the individuals on that list are a feeble lot, at best.
The author is very naive and living in never never land. You deal with terrorists by killing them. You can not reason with them or apologize to them. The only thing they understand is death. The Muslim countries perceive Obama to be weak. The leaders of Libya could find these killers in five minutes. All Obama has to do is just cut the foreign aid to them. Talk is cheap and I do not see Obama doing much. This has nothing to do with Romney or anyone else. It is the pure incompetence of Obama.
Comment removed by moderator. Same (or similar) comment posted on multiple stories.
The author is too naive. You have a President who was financially supported by George Soros and other high net worth individuals. Obama is taking his marching orders from these people. They fight dirty as is typical of the Chicago political machine. Obama wants us to be a third world country as this furthers the financial situation of his supporters. The losers are the American public. Too much unemployment and an economy that is headed for disaster. I voted for Obama the last time but no way would I vote for him again. He let me down. He let the country down. The speeches by Obama mean nothing. They are written by professional speechwriters. The truth is that we are doing far worse than we were four years ago.
He does owe an apology,more than one. the first for leaving those people unprotected (and yes that is his job) We also know that the Ambassador was in fear for his life, and stated that he was on a "death list".
The second apology for misleading (we could call it lying) to the American people about it not being a planned attack. The fact that you can say Obama is doing great shows just how blinded you are on what a poor and miserable failure he has been.
Yesterday, the White House finally stopped the cover up about the attacks. They also confired in their contrived words (such as self-evident) what Romney had the day after the attack.
I realize this paper is owned by a big Obama supporter, so the stories will be slanted in his favor (or the bad ones not even in your paper. You owe it to the public to speak the whole truth and not the part you you pick.