Lay Off Obama

[sheshe2]

*********************THIS IS POSTED IN THE BARACK OBAMA GROUP****************

Sometimes I think we elected Barack Obama president only in order to abuse him. You can disagree about the kind of job he has been doing for the past six years. I happen to believe he has been a remarkable leader -- patient, thoughtful, dignified, unruffled -- under very trying circumstances. But instead of recognizing the enormous complications of decision-making in our time, his critics on the Left and Right have been using his deliberations as a stimulus for a hailstorm of personal insult. And it all seems so contradictory. Obama has been charged both with waffling and impetuosity, weakness and imperiousness, consistency and inconsistency, being too black and not black enough, persecuting the one percent and favoring Wall Street. Take the Middle East, where he has managed with the utmost difficulty to extricate us from the blunders of the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfield administration only to be hounded by Congress to replicate these disastrous decisions in Syria, Egypt, and Iran.

Or consider the remarks Obama just made at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. I hope I am not alone in thinking that this may have been the defining speech of his administration--almost equivalent in its rhetorical rhythms to Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream," and perhaps even superior to that inspirational hallmark speech in its more complicated view of the racial divide. Yet, I have hardly heard a word of praise for his stirring delivery or balanced content, not even from the largely black audience whose applause seemed relatively restrained, nor from the New York Times, which in its news report called the event "choreographed" and the speech "more sober than stirring."

SNIP

Can we lay off this personal abuse of our president, and give him some slack as he struggles with difficult, sometimes impossible decisions? I'm hardly saying that Obama's policies should not be open to debate and criticism, only that the constant ad hominem attacks on the man are becoming really repellent. If the presidency was once a bully pulpit, then the pulpiteers are now sitting out front bullying the president (just look at the surly faces, say, of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner in Washington, or Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity on TV, as contrasted with Obama's invariably decent, unruffled expression). I happen to think that after all the second-guessing, racial sneers, personal abuse, and, yes, shameless bullying, has evaporated into the sinkhole of oblivion, Barack Obama will go down as one of the most intelligent, compassionate, and visionary presidents in our history. Just look at what he has accomplished with little help from an obstructionist Republican Party or emasculated Democrats regarding health care, immigration and America's slow extrication from the booby traps of the Middle East. I don't expect many to agree with this assessment. But disagreement here as elsewhere in our politics must stop short of indecent assault.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-brustein/lay-off-obama_b_3838474.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

1. This post is meaningless without photos.

[Cha]

2. Not if you can read.

[sheshe2]

5. ***************** THIS IS POSTED IN THE BARACK OBAMA GROUP****************

Could I made it any plainer Cha?

BOG

PS I just finished listening to your Video~ coming there to comment now!

[Cha]

7. You know how they

like to sneak around where they aren't authorized to do so.

[sheshe2]

9. Oh, sorry I corrected my spelling!

Yup you are right, Cha!

[giftedgirl77]

3. Great story!

I've got to tell you the shit is getting really old, especially now that it seems like even the left wants to criticize him for not sneezing the way they would expect.

[sheshe2]

16. giftedgirl~

Yes!

[freshwest]

22. Also seeing a lot of Sarah Palin, Louie Gohmert, etc. support on DU the last few days. DOH!

[giftedgirl77]

38. Now that's just nuts

I haven't seen that but with the crap I've been reading I wouldn't be surprised.

[sheshe2]

40. You have got to be kidding me!

Yikes! We fell down the rabbit hole!



freshwest~

[freshwest]

43. Nope. Two on Gohmert, Sarah's quotes used as posts and OP, an OP with Sarah's view on Syria...

Which was agreed with! And the usual Infowars stuff. Plus two OPs citing World Nut Daily. One was hidden.

A vitriolic post slandering Kerry's Vietnam service, not even in the hate Kerry OP. All rec'd and cheered.

Yup, very knee jerk and thoughtless Also to poison the waters in advance, if anyone doesn't agree, they are nowm instead of authoritarian, fascist, etc. a new word.

The new insult du jour: 'reactionary.'

That's why I'm grateful for this group, and don't care about the forums now. A person's IQ drops there.

It's so 'reactionary,' LOL!

[sheshe2]

50. Sarah Palin and Louis Gohmert were K&R on DU???? Un fugging believable!

Well I hope they are proud of themselves. I will have to find them, or maybe not.

[roguevalley]

137. actually, commentary is allowed within the rules and you don't

have to like it. Syria is a war for oil. Look at the front page and read the stories. I think criticizing him when we feel he's wrong is American. Not criticizing him because of hero worship or whatever isn't. Honestly, I am sick of being told to march in step. Pugs do that. Not me. I remember when being a dem meant thinking for yourself and saying what you thought. But then, too many on this board only know Reagan and Clinton, the bushes and the like as politicians. Remembering that being dem meant speaking up appears to be forgotten. I am glad I'm old. I would hate to live in a scripted society forever.

[RC]

144. +1000

I was upset when a 69 year old man, was adjectived in the news, as being a senior citizen. Hell, I'm 69 and don't consider myself a senior citizen.

[roguevalley]

164. you and me both, honey. Only in the west are the elders

among us treated like we become senile with age rather than someone who might have something to say about things from a longer perspective than the youngers among us.

[Cha]

168. You don't have to "March in step" but we don't have to

March in your step, either.

This is the Barack Obama Group and we support the President. There's so many other places you can talk about our "hero worship".. just not here, not anymore.

[politicasista]

63. Wow. That's poisonous n/t

[IrishAyes]

186. No, YOUR BEHAVIOR IS POISONOUS

You have all the rest of the website to gripe, but you want to shit in our support group. Does that make you on a higher plane? Hardly.

[politicasista]

208. I think you may have me confused

with someone else.

I am a proud President Obama supporter, and don't post much in BOG (or GD of late), but will chime in unless it's news about Dems.


On edit, I was responding to freshwest's comment about nutcases like Palin, etc being used to trash honorable Dems. Wanted to use the word "disgusting", but "poisonous" came to mind because smear tactics are poisonous. If that clears things up.

[IrishAyes]

209. Perhaps. However, it would help if you clearly designate the behavior or person to whom you refer

Because when ambiguity enters the picture, you can count on being misread by at least someone. My reaction wasn't against the adjective you used, rather your apparent choice of target, Fresh. If you meant to slam Palin etc, why by all means, get it on. I can back that.

Unintended ambiguity is a pit I've always managed to avoid. And if I can possibly convince you of that, next comes a lovely bridge in NYC I'd be willing to sell cheap.

[politicasista]

210. I still don't understand

I wasn't targeting freshwest. He/she knows me as a DUer.. I was agreeing with him/her, and slamming Palin. I not getting what's the deal here.


Probably will be in lurk mode when these crises are over. Emotions are running high now and everyone is on edge.


For the record, I am good DUer that supports PB Obama, I support Dems and hope they succeed.


Peace to you.

[IrishAyes]

211. And peace to you as well.

I understand your focus now. I'm simply trying to explain that written communication requires extra care not to be accidentally ambiguous, because that can lead to all sorts of misunderstandings. I hope you can accept my explanation just as I've accepted yours.

And I wasn't joking. Everyone's at risk of doing this. Myself included. We need to compose our words with the eyes of a stranger in mind, since many readers won't have the past association required to automatically know what we mean. Whether it happens to be the writer or reader(s) or both, I'm simply advising care, that's all. Please don't let this occasion discourage you from posting. We'd both lose if you did.

[politicasista]

212. Thank you for the clarification

And the reminder. Should have made that post longer, but it's all good.

I will be around. Peace right back to you.

[IrishAyes]

213. You'll be a good influence on me, thanks!

[politicasista]

214. Aww. You're welcome

You all do good work in the BOG group too.

[iamthebandfanman]

142. Youll hafta provide a link

to people defending/supporting sarah palin for me to believe that one.

[lumpy]

41. Sometimes it feels like we have been invaded by the far right mud slingers. It wouldn't be so

bad if there was discussion on a more thoughtful level without pure condemnation.

[sheshe2]

42. Thanks lumpy,

you are right.

[freshwest]

44. Yes, I would not mind that. And the extremes of both 'sides' have merged.

If I wanted to hear a lot of grunts and squeals, I'd go and watch pig wrestliing.

It is NOT discussion, there is nothing to be learned from fact free, incendiary, calling the pack to the kill threads and posts.

It's the RW echo chamber complete with the same memees at Freeperville. It's all 'yuh, bubba, we got 'em now, uh, huh, yup!'

And all they have is the sand in their hands falling through their fingers.

[MADem]

163. Only sometimes?

[Thinkingabout]

4. K & R, good post, I am ready to start building a good base to win the House in 2014. I think

President Obama is the leader of the Democratic Party and we need his cool responses to situations which would rattle others. I agree with you, why don't we have more post about the success with the car companies. Ford is now bring lines back to the US, he has worked towards getting the financial world back on track. The repeal of Glass Stegall Act allowed lots of corruption in the financial world. Promote his positive moves such as locating bin Laden and took action. He did not take his eye off the ball.

Thanks again for your post, I hunger for more.

[sheshe2]

52. Thanks Thinkingabout!

I would love to K&R your post!

GOTV 2014!

[Cha]

6. I like this Robert Brustein, she.. and I've only just been introduced.

Robert Brustein.Playwright, director, actor, educator, theater founder

If the presidency was once a bully pulpit, then the pulpiteers are now sitting out front bullying the president (just look at the surly faces, say, of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner in Washington, or Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity on TV, as contrasted with Obama's invariably decent, unruffled expression). I happen to think that after all the second-guessing, racial sneers, personal abuse, and, yes, shameless bullying, has evaporated into the sinkhole of oblivion, Barack Obama will go down as one of the most intelligent, compassionate, and visionary presidents in our history.

My computer is old and slow, she and it's being very tiresome right now. Everytime I go to huff post or dkos it takes forever to download. Right now I can't get the article to scroll down on its site.

Maybe another day it will have more energy and I can read the whole thing!

Thank you for the OP, she!

[sheshe2]

10. He writes an awesome piece!

My computer does that a lot to....so I 'll give you this bit about Burstein. You only missed one paragraph at the link.

Robert Brustein is a veteran of World War II, a former Professor of English at Harvard University, former drama critic for The New Republic and former Dean of the Yale Drama School. He is now a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Suffolk University.

He was the founding director of the Yale Repertory Theatre and the American Repertory Theatre and served for 20 years as Artistic Director during which time he founded the ART Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard. Having retired from that post in 2002, he now serves as Founding Director. He is the author of eighteen books (including The Theatre of Revolt), twelve adaptations (Including the Klezmer musical Shlemiel The First), and eight plays (including a trilogy about Shakespeare). He is presently working on a new Klezmer musical with Hankus Netsky called King of the Schnorrers. His latest book is Rants and Raves: Opinions, Tributes, and Elegies; and his most recent play is The Last Will. He has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame, and was awarded the 2010 Medal of Arts by President Obama at the White House.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-brustein/

I do love the pulpiteers line! Sweet was it not!

Cha

[Cha]

13. What an intelligent, distinquished chap!

Thanks she!

[freshwest]

8. When I see some of the attacks from both sides of the aisle, I remember Lao Tze:

Last edited Fri Aug 30, 2013, 10:29 PM - Edit history (1)

Those who know do not tell; those who tell do not know.

Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Wise men don't need to prove their point. Men who need to prove their point aren't wise.

If you overesteem great men, people become powerless.

And this in particular:

A leader is best when people barely know that he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worst when they despise him. Fail to honor people, They fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, "We did this ourselves."

I've seen a lot of abuse heaped on Obama. He would offer those who were against him, what they seemed to want as a peace offering, so they could not complain later in a just manner.

Then his 'own' side turned on him viciously, inciting so much hatred that the 'other' side heard them.

Then both sides joined to oppose that which he did not want to begin with, made him the bad guy. And the bad thing did not happen because people of both sides found common ground.

And both sides claimed victory, over him and the evil idea. Then they said,

"We did this ourselves."

Yes, they did it themselves from both sides, seeing what it was. He laid it out for them to choose. He didn't, like the wise man, need to prove his point or win their praise.

The goal is to make life better for all, not a victory for only half of the people. This is what justice, compassion and equality require for peace.




I read Lao Tze everyday during my teens, so these words percolate up from time to time. I googled to get the exact words for you.

Thanks for the thread.

[sheshe2]

11. This!

Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

Wise men don't need to prove their point. Men who need to prove their point aren't wise.

All very well said.

I think I will have to look up Lao Tze. Thank you freshwest, I love to find new sources to enlighten me.

[Hekate]

12. The words are startlingly applicable to this particular man.

This whole thread is a relief from the poison elsewhere.

[sheshe2]

18. Hekate~

BOG

[Cha]

14. Mahalo for your post, freshwest!

"Yes, they did it themselves from both sides, seeing what it was. He laid it out for them to choose. He didn't, like the wise man, need to prove his point. The goal is to make life better all, not a victory for half the people"

[IrishAyes]

187. No education is well advanced w/o reading Lao Tze

[freshwest]

203. It sure beats Atlas Shrugged for teens.

Tao Te Ching: Lao Tzu

I liked the D. C. Lau version which I carried to read between classes and kept until it fell apart. Recently bought a replacement. Other influences were all of the writings of Erich Fromm and William Shakespeare.

[Bonobo]

15. "Hold my feet to the fire." nt

[sheshe2]

17. BOG POST. nt

[Bonobo]

23. I did not say anything critical of POB.

What is the problem?

[sheshe2]

30. I know you didn't.

I just wanted you to know it was a BOG post.

I thank you for respecting that Bonobo.

[Bonobo]

33. Thank you

I actually didn't even mean to post here. I navigated via the Greatest Page and didn't realize where it was, so I appreciate you informing me in fact.

Thanks.

I'm outta here. Sorry for the intrusion.

[sheshe2]

37. Thank you Bonobo.

[Oakenshield]

20. This is the bog.

They don't do that sort of thing around here. Here it's only pom poms and flagwaving.

[Hekate]

25. Go away and play in GD

[Cha]

95. yeah, so you don't want to be here. Bye.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

73. Please kindly "f" off outta here.

[Bonobo]

74. I might just stay now.

No, actually I will.

Pretzel "warrior".

[Pretzel_Warrior]

78. We'll see how long you're able to continue posting here

Yours was clearly intended as flame bait in a clearly marked thread from Barack Obama Group.

[Bonobo]

79. LOL.

I drink your sweet tears of frustration.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

81. Then it does indeed sound like you enjoy being

A disruptor.

[Bonobo]

82. Nope.

You made it personal. I have no problem with this group and have NEVER disrupted here.

But now, to me, your tears are sweet.

[dionysus]

98. your bitter tears are nectar to my soul. nt

[DevonRex]

105. Haha!!

[Bobbie Jo]

133. Ya think?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=profile&uid=124335&sub=trans

[sheshe2]

85. I tried to tell you~

You just had to come back. Not enough places for you to post you snark.

Guess what, the BOG says goodbye.

LOL~ "I drink your sweet tears of frustration."

[kestrel91316]

152. [phone]

[treestar]

122. Boring slogan

Just an excuse to be negative. 60 years ago, get over it.

[Pterodactyl]

19. Ha! When I read "Lay Off Obama", I interpreted it as a call to pink-slip him!

But the author meant it as Leave Britney Alone thing.

[Hekate]

26. Go away and play in GD

That is all

[Pterodactyl]

27. I'll play where I want, thank you very much.

[Hekate]

29. That's what you think

[Pterodactyl]

31. Oh, now I see the light! I will now march in lockstep with you!

[sheshe2]

35. Are you aware?

Statement of Purpose
A safe haven for members of Democratic Underground who support the president and his policies.

This is a group, not a forum. Groups often serve as safe havens for members who share similar interests and viewpoints. Individuals who post messages contrary to a particular group's stated purpose can be excluded from posting in that group. For detailed information about this group and its purpose,

Take your comments elsewhere please. Fair warning.

[Pterodactyl]

39. And I have not done anything to make the members feel unsafe.

You literally cannot take a joke.

[dionysus]

54. no you won't. nt

[Cha]

56. No, you won't.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

83. This ought to be good. Poster with prehistoric animal

As a username is going to show the BOG who's boss.

[freshwest]

201. Sorta like pigeon droppings. But evolution has its ways. Or something:

Hope others are able to read before they post. I'm refining my disclaimers...

[kestrel91316]

153. Du rules comprehension FAIL, troll.

[demwing]

134. Stop the threats and just fucking delete people

that's what you want, right? A bubble, protected from "outsiders"?

BOG shit ends up on the greatest page, the latest page, and the home page. While on DU, you will attract readers and posters who are not a part of your clique. Deal with it.

If you can't deal with plurality of opinion, either use the tools available here or go start your own website elsewhere.

[DevonRex]

139. So why the fucking hell did YOU come here, KNOWING it's a group?

And none of your business. We give WARNINGS before we block people. Not threats. WARNINGS. So they know, just. In case they wandered in by mistake. But YOU didn't wander in by mistake. YOU came in to stick your nose in where it dies not belong. KNOWINGLY.

[demwing]

141. Read what I wrote

"BOG shit ends up on the greatest page, the latest page, and the home page. While on DU, you will attract readers and posters who are not a part of your clique. Deal with it. "

I didn't search out your group, your group appeared on the Greatest Thread page. You're like a protester standing on a corner, expressing your opinion in the name of free speech, while at the same time trying to push every other opinion off of "your" corner.

Block our posts if you don't like them, use the tools available to you. But don't tell people (especially DUers) to stop talking up, it only makes them louder.

The responsibility is on you to listen to what you wish to hear. It is not our responsibility to say only what you find palatable.

[DevonRex]

143. We can't delete posts. Where the fuck did you get THAT idea? Do you

have a fucking clue how DU works? We can only block people. We can alert on posts, sure. And because of people who hate the BOG half the time the offensive posts remain.

Take your own fucking advice. Use the tools available to YOU. If you are so offended by BOG posts or anything positive about the President, TRASH THIS GROUP. You have that power. You'll never see us again. And we will never see you. Without having to BLOCK you.

As I will do if continue this disruptive conversation.

[demwing]

145. So "block" me

I'll get blocked from the BOG, ooh whatever will I do? Wake me when it's over ...

As long as I have a voice here, I will say whatever I damn well please. The responsibility is on YOU. Do whatever the rules allow you to do.

[IrishAyes]

189. So you don't take responsibility for your own behavior? Others are responsible to stop you?

Juvenile pretense you have there.

[kestrel91316]

154. If yo don't like the DU group rules, YOU need to leave. Go start your own

"We Hate Obama" website.

[demwing]

166. Have I broken one of your group rules?

show me.

Specific to the group?

"Those who have a generally negative view of President Obama and his administration, support his defeat in the 2012 presidential election (in primaries or the general election), or who are generally supportive of those who do, are not welcome in the Barack Obama Group."

None of the above applies to me.

How about specific to the site? Have I violated the Community Standards? The TOS? If I have, alert on the post and let the jurors decide.

Otherwise you have two choices --block me, or don't

[Cha]

167. You're a prime example of why Groups have the option

of blocking an intruder whose only contribution is to distrupt.

And, ya disrupted poorly.

[DevonRex]

175. I got my

superpowers back. With only a slight delay. Thank you for taking care of that.

[Cha]

177. My pleasure, Devon..

Welcome Back, honey!

[MADem]

162. You are free to join protected groups if you would like--no one is stopping you.

You're also free to trash this entire group so you don't have to see it.

[IrishAyes]

188. So you think you're entitled to shoot everything you see? Nihilist crap.

I see my neighbors' homes, too, but I don't go stomping in there unwanted to crap in their living room. Surely you could show at least that much class.

[Cha]

191. ..

Brava!

[Cha]

60. Only the freakshow do nothing rw teabaggers want to Impeach Obama

Most Amercicans can see he's doing an excellent job as president.

Actually, you'd have to read the OP to know what the writer is saying.. but, it seems you're too busy snickering your head off. Your loss.

[another_liberal]

21. I reserve the right to criticize my President.

I worked for Barack Obama's election. I gave more money to his campaign than I really had any business giving. I cheered with the crowds in Washington D. C. on the night his election was announced.

No one has the right to tell me I should stop criticizing President Obama. He is about to make a huge mistake. If there is any way I can help to stop him from making that mistake, no one has the right to tell me I should not!

[Hekate]

28. This is the BOG. It's a group, not a forum.

We don't kiss ass or worship the president, but if you want to criticize, your reservation is in GD.

Go play there.

[another_liberal]

34. That's your call?

You have the final say about things here, right?

[sheshe2]

55. Wrong!

[Cha]

66. Yeah, if you had actually read the OP you would know it's not about

"criticizing" the President. It's about the ugly ad hominem attacks by fucking republicons.

And, many of us campaigned and helped elect PBO and we're damn glad he's where he is right now.

[treestar]

123. Seems like see it as a personal type of relationship

You married your spouse, does that give you the right to criticize them?

Do you ever say anything good? Or is it all fault finding?

[kestrel91316]

155. Don't you DARE come into BOG and criticize Obama. You do that in GD.

[demwing]

165. Or what? What happens?

???

[IrishAyes]

190. That's not what we're saying at all.

Yes, criticize anyone you wish - but not the President in a group organized to support his policies. You don't think you're going to change our minds, do you? We'll read any worthwhile posts you make elsewhere. But neither you nor anyone else has the right to disrupt a support group. Would you join the Westboro Baptists in their harrassment at inappropriate times and occasions? I think better of you.

[mehrrh]

24. Lay off, yes!

I am so happy to read this article -- I don't know what people, right and left, expect from this president -- except maybe that he be superhuman.
I agree that he will be remembered in history for many accomplishments, but generally as a president among the great ones, a decent, intelligent, compassionate man.

[sheshe2]

169. Welcome to DU, mehrrh.

[Cha]

171. Mahalo for your post, mehrrh.. and yes

Welcome to DU~

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

32. The lie that MSNBC is the liberal equivalent to Faux News is just that: A FUCKING LIE!!!

Every single morning and afternoon, the commentators are relentless in their bias and anti-Obama attacks. I couldn't discern whether I was watching CNN or Faux.

[freshwest]

68. I know that too, but the hero worship of whoever, makes sure it is forgotten.

Last edited Sat Nov 30, 2013, 04:57 PM - Edit history (1)

It's also a plea to have some rich, slick and even personable person with power take care of all one's issues instantly. Real life doesn't work that way. These shows are merely entertainment, a diversion from going to the local level and finding out how things really work.

I see ridiculous bravado demanded from PBO and Demcrats that never work IRL, so I'm not buying the keyboard warrior bullying. It only shows they don't have what it takes.

Understand that the more deeply you hold your ideals, the more you are morally obligated to be pragmatic...

Idealism without pragmatism is just a way to flatter your ego.

~ Barney Frank

When I was less experienced, I hated the words pragmatism and compromise. I thought in the same childish terms I see bandied about here so proudly like 'sell out' and 'principles' etc.

Then my education in real life began, seeing I had to give a little or a lot, to keep people alive and well and that it was not about me winning anything. I lost a lot in my personal life, but I saw it as my duty. Nor was I paid.

Take the focus off oneself, keep one's eye on the prize, what is really worth fighting for such as life and healing, making it happen in whatever way WORKS, is what one has to do with their whole heart. If one cannot love others, one will not stay the course, despite the many arrows shot at one, the prize is lost.

It is wounding, but the bruises meet nothing in comparison to the goal. Someone's life was saved. Those who demand victory fast and without compromise, never learn to question themselves in face of well paid, well organized opposition.

As the saying goes, we learn much more about ourselves from our enemies than our friends. One most draw from one's depths to do what Obama and many Democrats I know have done for others. It defines who one truly is, teaches one's own shortcomings and strengths.

It is not sign of weakness, cowardice or selling out to get what you can to keep people alive. Those who are shallow think of pride and demand they get their way. THEIR way. That is not the prize, it is EGO.

I like the song by Garth Brooks, Shameless. It's a romantic song but it applies to other things in life. Love makes one bear the shame some will cast to scare one off and win, even if it's unjust. And it often is. Be shameless in doing what is right, let them slander and accuse. One just does the right thing, because one has to live with oneself.

Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

See you later...

[sulphurdunn]

36. I have never read an ad hominem

attack against the President on this site. Strong criticism of policy or lack of it is not a personal attack. Currently, the President has declared a unilateral right to attack a sovereign nation that poses no threat to the United States, without the consent of Congress, the UN, our allies or the will of the American people. Such an act is without precedent, is illegal, and rises to the level of an impeachable offense should it be implemented. That is not a personal attack. It is a statement of fact.

[creeksneakers2]

62. Obama is frequently called things

like a tool of Wall Street. Those who call him that say they aren't making a personal attack.

[Cha]

64. Well, I have. And, if you read the OP.. the wrtier is mainly talking about asshole

republicons.

And, since this is the Barack Obama Group which it clearly states in the OP.. you'll be taking your impeachment talk elsewhere.

[grantcart]

87. lol

[Coolest Ranger]

119. See how funny it is

when they start banning you and your ilk from this group

[treestar]

124. It's an opinion

And one that does not consider both sides of the issue.

And there have been ad hominem attacks.

[kestrel91316]

156. Then you have been sleeping or can't read, because DU is a viper's nest of anti-Obama ad hominem

attacks and pure hatred these days.

[Hekate]

183. +1234

[IrishAyes]

192. It's a statement of opinion - yours. Not holy writ. And yes, it's personal. Don't lie.

[fascisthunter]

45. lol

[SunSeeker]

46. K & R

[tblue]

47. Does BOG have to be told to lay off BO?

[SunSeeker]

51. That is the title of the HuffPo piece.

It was posted for its content, to be discussed by folks who support the President. You've got the whole rest of the site for your snark. This is our one little spot to enjoy a little respite from the snark and Obama hate.

[tblue]

59. I meant no snark.

Why you bearing up on me? I just did not understand why someone had to tell BOG to lay off the president. I didn't think that was the way to speak to us. I could get as nasty as you, but I have no need to. Go ahead and abuse people. Obama would NEVER treat people like that, and I doubt he'd want you to. You don't represent very well. Goodbye.

[Cha]

65. That's nice you "meant no snarK". But, as SunSeeker said

this is our BOG. And, if sheshe posts a "Lay off Obama" piece in it.. it's a sure thing it's going to be an interesting article by Richard Brustein..

"Robert Brustein is a veteran of World War II, a former Professor of English at Harvard University, former drama critic for The New Republic and former Dean of the Yale Drama School. He is now a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Suffolk University.

He was the founding director of the Yale Repertory Theatre and the American Repertory Theatre and served for 20 years as Artistic Director during which time he founded the ART Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard. Having retired from that post in 2002, he now serves as Founding Director. He is the author of eighteen books (including The Theatre of Revolt), twelve adaptations (Including the Klezmer musical Shlemiel The First), and eight plays (including a trilogy about Shakespeare). He is presently working on a new Klezmer musical with Hankus Netsky called King of the Schnorrers. His latest book is Rants and Raves: Opinions, Tributes, and Elegies; and his most recent play is The Last Will. He has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame, and was awarded the 2010 Medal of Arts by President Obama at the White House."

[tblue]

86. It's your BOG? Okay.

You just can't help being divisive and 100% UNlike Obama, can you? Excuse me for being where I am unwelcome--when I meant no harm whatsoever. You may as well put up a "Whites Only" sign, with the segregationist stance you take. You do a disservice to the man you claim to represent. This black chick is done with your rudeness. I take that crap from no one. Shame on you.

[Cha]

88. Of course it's our BOG.. we are the ones who formed it and made our Mission

Statement.

You really didn't need to act like a victim. You're the one who came here asking a somewhat silly question in proportion to the OP and it was answered.

If you want to play the "Shame on you" game.. then shame on you for acting like we're being racist because I said it was our BOG. People just can't get it through their heads that this is a Group that has members only. We have quite a diverse bunch of Obama supporters who would no doubt disagree with you.

We represent President Barack Obama just fine in spite of your accusations to the contrary. Now if you don't mind we have work to do.

[grantcart]

89. The BOG is actually the most tolerant group at DU. We wish all well but enjoy this forum for

what it is. We have no animosity to others and participate in other forums and groups without animus.

Its the Obama haters that are intolerant and wish supporters of the President would leave.

Guess what.

We aren't.

[sheshe2]

107. "Guess what. We aren't"

Well done grant!

Thank you she~

[kestrel91316]

158. + 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000

[kestrel91316]

157. You can piss all over Obama an the entire rest of DU. You CANNOT come into BOG and do it.

Period.

[IrishAyes]

193. Laying it on pretty thick yourself, aren't you?

[freshwest]

99. Have you seen the kind of snarks we deal with here on a regular basis? I didn't take your first post

as a snark, thought you were making a joke about BO the dog.

The OP is not about the BOG, or Sheshe, it's about the way Barack Obama has been treated.

[treestar]

127. Who is being "told" anything?

Someone found an article the BOG would like. The professor who wrote the article is of like mind. The BOG would enjoy reading that. No one even tried to put it in GD, since, though this is Democratic Underground, its GD would sneer and rip the article to shreds with 50-year-old slogans about Holding Feet to Fire and Making Me Do It.

[Zoeisright]

57. Gee, how classy.

Your words and attitude are both simply appalling.

[Cha]

61. "Stick up your ass and spin on it." Seriously.

[DevonRex]

69. And a jury seriously left it alone. Real nice community "standards"

eh? And nice to know that people here are considered fair game for pot shots from complete strangers. As long as they say rude things to people in the Obama Group they're cool I guess.

And I am pissed off as hell.

[freshwest]

71. And you know they're running back to GD highfiving each for 'sticking it to the man' like juveniles.

Or demanding the BOG be deleted along with the rest of us for daring to support a Democratic President on a website named Democratic Underground. Which has a TOS they agreed to when signing up that the mission of DU is get more Democrats elected.

[Cha]

76. Hey fresh.. I just saw

it was auto removed! So that's good.

[freshwest]

90. Yeah, how did that happen? MIRT or Skinner?

[Cha]

92. Not sure how that works but it

apparently went over the head of the jury that let it stay!

[greatauntoftriplets]

117. Posts are removed automatically when MIRT or Admin ban a newbie.

[sheshe2]

206. I read a response from Skinner in ATA.

He said he reads all jury decisions. I did not know that, it must be why he can react so quickly at times.

Interesting to know.

[DevonRex]

84. Thankfully one of the Admins or MIRT tombstoned the asshole above.

I'm sure High fives are going all around.

[Cha]

72. Really. Well, I'm glad we have the option of telling him

to take his "stick up his ass and spin it" right the fuck outta here.

We have our own community standards that keeps out those who are here to insult and play stupid games. they can take their pot shot but it will be their last.

[Cha]

75. Guess what, Devon! It was auto removed.. it must have gone

over the juries' head!

[NYC_SKP]

91. .

[Cha]

93. ...

thanks?

[DevonRex]

102. You're good.

[DevonRex]

103. Thank goodness for

nice MIRT people. They take their jobs seriously.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

53. FDR had a relatively easy time being POTUS

Can't think of another act of aggression by a national state against the U.S. that didn't require a full-throated debate at any time in history. Maybe Abe Lincoln. And in this particular case, when a very limited action is required to show we can't accept chemical attacks without consequences, we have a dysfunctional Congress, chomping at the bit to impeach Obama.

I don't see how any limited action will be helpful. I hope with all my might that there is a plan that is well though through, which will benefit those Assad is killing, and not Assad himself. How can we know? And is it worth impeachment?

[Coyotl]

58. Grow thicker skin.

I'm sure Obama has

It is part of the job.

[Cha]

67. you're right.. President Obama can handle it. However, it's still a good

Last edited Sat Aug 31, 2013, 02:02 AM - Edit history (1)

piece from Robert Brustein.

[DevonRex]

70. Or you could grow thicker skin. Since it seems to piss you off if

somebody posts a supportive article in the Barack Obama Group published in Huffington Post.

If you don't agree with anything posted here, just don't come here. If you don't want to see anything that's posted here, trash the group. Since you apparently have a thin skin and all.

[sheshe2]

77. Could I have made it any clearer?

That this was a BOG post?

After a few run ins last night it's clear that we can not post without the qualifying header. However even as they complain, "I didn't know I was posting on the BOG". They still post.

Thanks Devon.

[Coyotl]

97. How am I supposed to know what the BOG is?

I clicked a link somewhere else, likely Latest Threads, and responded to the article. I had no idea what BOG means or that this group existed until this moment.

Lighten up people! I didn't know Obama is the new Jesus

[sheshe2]

100. Well Coyolt

This was the header I posted!

Lay Off Obama

*********************THIS IS POSTED IN THE BARACK OBAMA GROUP****************

No idea? Really? Seriously? This was was at the top of the OP. How could you possibly have missed that?
The letters were in bold print!

[Coyotl]

104. So what. I still don't know what the BOG is beyond what I've read here.

I read two forums, GD and LBN, and landed here via a link somewhere.

Is the BOG like the Church of Barack Our Savior or something?

[sheshe2]

108. First and Foremost.

You have been here a few months more than I have. I believe that you should read the mission statement that DU provides. That would include reading about the rules of the Groups on DU.

Barack Obama Group

This is a group, not a forum. Groups often serve as safe havens for members who share similar interests and viewpoints. Individuals who post messages contrary to a particular group's stated purpose can be excluded from posting in that group.

[DevonRex]

101. No, you could't have.

I loved the article. People are just using this as an opportunity to crash the group and be snarky.

[Hekate]

110. They are coming out of the woodwork tonight. "Snark" hardly covers it. nt

[DevonRex]

111. It doesn't.

Remember back on DU2 when a few people decided to run the Obama supporters off the site entirely? And pretty much succeeded...

Well, if I didn't know better...

Nah, couldn't be happening here. Not on DU3.

[Hekate]

112. I do remember

It was when I left. And I think it is happening now. GD is being swarmed -- really swarmed.

Neo-DU.

[DevonRex]

113. Sigh.

So did I. At least I know I'm not alone in the vibe I'm getting.

[kestrel91316]

161. I've gone nuclear and am rigorously putting Obama haters who crash BOG on ignore. And I don't care

how long they've been on DU or how many posts. I am DONE with that crap.

[Hekate]

179. Works for me, kestrel. Someone complained...

... that 101 DUers had been barred from posting in the BOG. My heart bleeds for their troubles. There are over 200,000 registered DUers now, socks, zombies, and all -- and some people are upset that a tiny fraction of one percent can't come in this one tiny clubhouse and crap on our floor? Please.

[IrishAyes]

196. Well, if you put them on ignore

You can't help guard the gates against the philistine hordes, can you? I say campaign to have them banned from the BOG and let them bleat all they want elsewhere. If you ignore them, they'll enjoy not having to deal with you in here. I don't put the devil himself on ignore.

[giftedgirl77]

173. I saw it last night, what they do is someone

actually reposts the thread in GD with the statement look what the fan club is up to now... Then the swarm of trolls hits, it's very disturbing & childish.

[sheshe2]

176. Good assessment, giftedgirl.

[Hekate]

180. It's kind of like having our very own Elm Tree right here in DU's front yard, isn't it?

With manure spread all underneath in the shade.

[treestar]

126. They want to take over DU

If they are numerous and active enough, the "community" becomes one of libertarians and assorted nuts and right wingers, and they can point and laugh that even Democratic Underground doesn't support the Democrats.

The BOG is frustrating to them. How to take it down and get even it to be full of criticism and vitriol and disappointment?

[DevonRex]

138. Yep.

You know what pisses me off the most? There have been threads in which we discuss issues. The Libertarians automatically rush in to disrupt so we have to either block them or shut the thread down.

Then in GD they mock us for the number of blocked people and because we don't discuss issues.

[freshwest]

94. The post was titled that, it's not Sheshe's statement. If you'd read before dissing her, you'd know.

So what made you come here and disrespect Sheshe?

She's been supportive of all your posts on women's rights in Texas in GD, as have I and others here.

What gives? Just mocking her to impress someone?

I'm disappointed in you, but I guess you have no respect for me, either.

[Coyotl]

96. What makes you think I'm addressing a specific poster here?

Grow thicker skin, or, as we usually say, lighten up!

[freshwest]

106. Please specify who you are addressing then?

Coyotl (6,634 posts)

58. Grow thicker skin.

I'm sure Obama has

It is part of the job.

The OP author, Sheshe?

The writer of the Huffpo piece that the title comes from?

Or is it everyone here, since you now tell me the same thing?

Kindly clarify who needs to grow a thicker skin, without anymore snarks, as you seem to be only delivering those and not addressing any of the topic in the OP.

[Coolest Ranger]

120. I'm getting tired of you telling

people to grow a thicker skin. You don't like it here, don't post here.

[IrishAyes]

194. You're using such carte blanche advice as an excuse to behave like a 2 year old?

Nobody over the age of 3 is impressed.

[Coyotl]

195. Why thank you. Now on to alert on this post.

[davidpdx]

197. Fail

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Sep 3, 2013, 12:35 PM, and the Jury voted 2-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: It is the person who was replied to and probably alerted this that should have posts hidden and blocked from the group.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT and said: How about a discussion not childish name calling?
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: The whole thread is getting out of hand, some comments that people should work together and state facts and opinion, as oppose to personal attacks is needed, but not a ban.... at the present time.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

80. Excellent piece. Thanks for sharing.

[sheshe2]

109. Thank you PW!

[Flying Squirrel]

114. We can't lay him off

But if we could, would he get unemployment?

[Pretzel_Warrior]

115. Unacceptable reply to a post in the BOG.

[Flying Squirrel]

116. Oh come on... that was funny, admit it.

At least marginally.

[Coolest Ranger]

121. It's not funny

laughing about people being on unemployment. I do not like your style of humor and I remind you this is a group for people who Support BO. You want to bash him, take it to GD.

I would like to ask the admins to please start kicking some of these folks out of the group.

[great white snark]

128. I'd enjoy it more if there weren't DUers calling for his impeachment.

Marginally funny yes, bwahaha laugh up my breakfast and pee myself a little...no but the day is still young Flying Squirrel.

[Coolest Ranger]

118. Bless you for posting this

This was awesome to read and I could really do without the smart alec comments from the anti Obama people. I have to really question if they are true democrats.

[sheshe2]

170. You are welcome CR.

[great white snark]

125. Great article and a good measure of it's veracity is how many haters are hating on it.

Always enjoy your posts sheshe2.

[sheshe2]

172. Thanks GWS~

[LostOne4Ever]

129. I read the thread by 1sbm in GD

And now this one where you guys are getting trolled.

Every time I come here all of you are as nice as possible to me and I just wanted to post in support of your group and PBO. Thank you for standing up for one the best presidents we have ever had and being a voice for all the good he has done.

Don't let the trolls get to you and keep on doing what you guys and President Obama do best! Keeping Hope alive!



PS: Biden rocks too!

[Cha]

146. Biden does Rock! Mahalo for your support for the Prez, LostOne4Ever..

No worries on the "trolls".. when you consider the source it's meaningless.

[Ocelot]

131. "Can we lay off this personal abuse of our president"

It's obvious that you have to do a lot of barrel-bottom scraping when the best article you can find that fits your purpose is a puff opinion piece from the Huffington Post.

I don't see anyone on DU "personally abusing" Obama. What I do see is people rightly and justly calling him out for his embrace of the NSA and their abuses of our Constitutional rights, his callousness towards the poor (Catfood Commission), his sucking-up to wealthy corporate interests (TPP), his eagerness to start another illegal war (which fortunately almost no one is buying into), and the many other misguided and wrong positions he's taken. These are not personal abuses of Obama, these are rightly and correctly pointing out how much he sucks as a Democratic leader, and the jeopardy he's putting us in for the 2014/2016 elections.

[Cha]

147. It's obvious you didn't read the OP because the writer, Robert Brustein, is

mainly refering to the gopricks.

So, as you know this is the Barack Obama Group and sorry, but you don't come in here and insult the members like you know what's going on.

[Th1onein]

132. Such bullshit. This is just like the posts accusing people who disagree with Obama of being racists

I, for one, am sick of it. Please do not compare us to Boehner and his ilk. We disagree with Obama's policies, such as SPYING on the American people, and then LYING about it on national television. Such as attacking Syria to back oil interests. Such as the TPP agreement, which is SECRET, just like the laws that were interpreted that allow his NSA to SPY on the American people.

I really believed in the hope and change BULLSHIT he spouted during his campaign. I raised money for him. I donated, personally. I voted for him, and brought people to the polls to vote for him. I am UTTERLY DISGUSTED with him. But there's a difference between people like me and Boehner et al: WE'RE DEMOCRATS AND WE SUPPORT DEMOCRATIC POLICIES.

[pasto76]

135. you beleived you were voting for a liberal, thats your fault.

Obama has never been a liberal. Your version of 'democrat' is more along the lines of liberal. Obama is in fact a pretty damn fine democrat. Ask any of the gays in this country right now. Ask the female gunner we have in my rocket artillery battalion. as the credit card companies, the health insurance industries. the Stimulus put me back to work. Ask every single fucking man and woman in the military about how much they'll miss the constant deployments to Iraq. Wait a year and then ask them about afghanistan. I cant wait till my soldiers stop dying in that country, you?

there is really little difference between you and boehner. Neither one of you are offering alternatives, or realize that a president can only do so much. You need to realize the laws and precedents, _and the power_ behind our intelligence communities and programs. No president can simply switch it off. Maybe by the end of his term he'll have been able to do something about this.

I also trust this man when he pulls the trigger. I served one war already under Bush and his idiots, and it was a fucking catastrophe. We just passed the 10 year anniversary of our first troop killed in combat there. I left the service and waited until a democrat was in office to re-enlist. I have full trust in THIS president not to send us anywhere willy nilly. Yeah, he's a TERRIBLE president. to re-instill confidence that I can serve my country and my life wont be thrown away. Wow.

[Cha]

150. Thank you for your Excellent post, pasto!

..and from your personal experience. Mahalo for Serving our country.

[Cha]

149. If you had bothered to read the OP you would know that the writer

wasn't talkng about "criticizing" the President's policies. And, it was addressing the ad hominem attacks from the gop and whomever else.

this is the Barack Obama Group as it cleary states in the OP. Plenty of other forums for you to rage about your "lying" accusations.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

178. You are disgusting in your contemp of this group

You willfully stampede in here because a pro-Obama post made it to the greatest page and front page.

I hope you and all of your ilk who have revealed yourselves as perry and unwilling to adhere to rules are banned fom this group. You've got the other 99% of DU to use in your sliming of Barack Obama.

And note to the OP, sheshe, way to flush these people from their bitter and hateful lurking!

[Grateful for Hope]

207. "You willfully stampede in here because a pro-Obama post made it to the greatest page and front page

I think that is exactly it.

[valerief]

136. He'd just be yet another American getting laid off. nt

[Cha]

148. Yeah, right.. because that's what the OP is about. Actually uniemployment

is down. Yay Obama! And, Biden!

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate

[MADem]

140. They never will.

And to hell with them.

I like having a President who objects to the use of chemical weapons.

How pissed will people be when Congress backs him up, for once?

[Cha]

151. the statement PBO made this morning in

the Rose Garden with VPBiden by his side was brilliant, MAD.

He stated his case and now "Let's Have this Debate.".

[MADem]

159. I loved the comment about "the dog has caught the car..." that Axelrod made.

Now all these "Waaaaah, Obama should do this, Obama shouldn't do that" whiners are going to have to stand and deliver.

For a change.

Let's see how they like "accountability"--most of them have not exercised any in quite some time.

[Cha]

160. Yes, Congress is the dog who caught the car. They're pissed they

can't whine about "dictator! "

[sheshe2]

174. Oh I can't wait for this show to start!

Accountability 101~

Let's see if they pass or fail!

MADem~

[Hekate]

181. Now this is a popcorn party I will be happy to attend

Let me know when to show up, and I'll bring extra garlic butter.

[sheshe2]

182. Yum!

Garlic butter~

[hopemountain]

184. heartening to read an opinion piece

that asks for substance instead of slime.
thanks, sheshe2. and good job to our admins of the barack obama group for herding the naysayers away with aplomb

there is a bigger picture and our president sees it.

[sheshe2]

185. thank you hopemountain~

[IrishAyes]

198. Great OP

Lousy trolls, though. BOG hosts need to clean house big time. At least 4 or 5 - or more - trolls should be banned. They're begging for it anyway. They might not all be in the direct employ of the Kochs, but they're fellow travelers. To crash a group where they're not welcome to spew venom, and then threaten to alert on posts that call them out for it - they're shameful cowards, and I'm not afraid to say so.

My computer's slow this evening, the wifi's slow, and I wonder if DU itself isn't also maybe running slow tonight. It's taken me way over an hour just to finish this thread. Once I post and then try to return to the full thread, it takes forever to wind my way back down the list to where I left off.

But this despicable invasion business is too serious for me to give up.

[sheshe2]

199. Hi Irish~

We worked hard here the other night. Eight posters were banned from this thread. This place was a nightmare.

BOG hosts can ban yet the posts cannot be removed, we don't have that power. The best we can do is call them out. Then ban them. One poster was alerted on, however it was allowed to stand. The good news is MIRT got it and they are history.

Sorry your computer is running slowly. Mine freezes a lot and it frustrates me.

Thanks for support of my OP!

[IrishAyes]

200. You know I'm in your corner.

Even if you might sometimes wonder if you can take me anywhere. I will always defend those who have my president's back, because I have his, because he has ours....

And everlasting shame on the scumbags who don't appreciate that he's trying to help them too. That's one of the things I love most about President Obama - he really is a more evolved human being than I am. But then that makes him someone I can look up to and trust - which I'm strongly disinclined to do with most of my fellow humans.

[sheshe2]

202. I know that Irish.

I understand your frustration in the BOG when the others come dump on us.

Doesn't matter, you are right we have his back and always will. Best President ever! Now that's the truth.

I never "wonder" about you, Irish. We all have each others backs.

[underthematrix]

204. I agree with the lay off President Obama

The best PBO site is www.theobamadiary.com

[Cha]

205. Yes, I know. :)

It's a favorite of the BOG.. Mahalo underthmatrix!

Welcome to BOG