Republicans will rue their birther backing
The timing of the release of Barack Obama's birth certificate expertly made a fool of Donald Trump – and the GOP with himPaul Harris
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 27 April 2011
Given that his credentials as a citizen have been questioned by a significant minority of his fellow Americans, President Barack Obama could have justifiably been a bit annoyed as he finally released his long-form birth certificate.
After all, he has more pressing things on his mind: like numerous wars and the ever-stuttering US economy. But the lunatic birther movement, championed by Donald Trump, appeared to have forced his hand, questioning the very Americanness of the country's first black president so loudly that he had to act. To the surprise of no one with two brain cells to rub together, the document (pdf) proved that, yes, in fact, Obama was indeed born on American soil.
Yet Obama seemed barely in chiding mode at having to deal with this idiocy. Instead, he appeared relaxed. He told reporters that he had "watched with amusement" as the rumours spread and been surprised they refused to go away. "I have been puzzled with the degree with which this thing just kept going," he said, before adding the sanest words anyone has uttered on the subject: "We do not have time for this kind of silliness."
So, why the good mood in the White House? ............(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/apr/27/donald-trump-birth-certificateration