Ripping Birtherism in the Media
Kurt Schlichter at Big Journalism is dead-on accurate. The handful of Birthers in fringe media outlets undermine and dilute legitimate criticism of the Obama Administration, and those outlets that aspire to keep the fever-dream alive should be marginalized and then ignored. Love him or hate him, Barack Obama was duly elected by a solid majority of our fellow citizens. You can't revise that history, but you can take on his policies and head on... and those who insist on muddying the waters as they indulge conspiratorial fantasies should be ashamed of their obstructionism, if nothing else.
The birthers remind me of the freaks who occasionally show up in court with long diatribes about how the Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Trilateral Commission, is acting unconstitutionally under their idiosyncratic view of the 16th Amendment, which all boils down to meaning that they don’t have to pay taxes. Oh, and the gold fringe on the flag in the courtroom makes it a flag of admiralty, meaning the court has no jurisdiction over them. The judge usually nods, and the deputies haul the "sovereign citizen" off to jail. And I laugh.
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:05 AM
Comments
1
Legitimate criticism of the Buffoon-in-Chief should also extend to his personal promises, one of which is "transparency".
To call out, and thus limit, those who want such transparency on all matters regarding Barry Soetero, "birthers" allows the Left to limit the debate by defining the terms.
ZERO retains high personal popularity because he's been allowed to continue his personal mythology as a "cool guy" and "well-educated, intellectual" guy. Too many still view him as being bright, but frustrated, rather than devious and dull, more interested in parties and golf than in governing.
The real tragedy is excoriating the birthers as "nuts", instead of expanding their claims to "full disclosure" of all of Barry's past deeds and efforts. Let the birthers have their place among the full disclosure gorup and don't let the Left so easily dismiss them!
Every time they trot out the birther sneers, simply rebut with "its about full disclosure" in response and hammer home every shortcoming in that regard! Turn the tables and attack the leftists on our terms, there' no need to beat up those on our own side, "fringe" though they may be!
To call out, and thus limit, those who want such transparency on all matters regarding Barry Soetero, "birthers" allows the Left to limit the debate by defining the terms.
ZERO retains high personal popularity because he's been allowed to continue his personal mythology as a "cool guy" and "well-educated, intellectual" guy. Too many still view him as being bright, but frustrated, rather than devious and dull, more interested in parties and golf than in governing.
The real tragedy is excoriating the birthers as "nuts", instead of expanding their claims to "full disclosure" of all of Barry's past deeds and efforts. Let the birthers have their place among the full disclosure gorup and don't let the Left so easily dismiss them!
Every time they trot out the birther sneers, simply rebut with "its about full disclosure" in response and hammer home every shortcoming in that regard! Turn the tables and attack the leftists on our terms, there' no need to beat up those on our own side, "fringe" though they may be!
Posted by: Earl T at February 09, 2010 10:12 AM (tbxAn)
2
I am not a Birther. Period. Full Stop. He is a US Citizen as far as I am concerned.
However, I think it is legitimate to ask why various parts of the Democrat party have spent significant amounts of money defending against Birther claims. So far, all cases decided have been thrown out due to lack of standing, but at the cost of a few hundred thousand dollars of legal fees.
Simply signing the needed release document in Hawaii would end most of them at no cost. Of course, nothing will stop the real crazies who argue that the microfilm records from the Honolulu newspapers showing birth announcements are somehow "photoshopped" or otherwise invalid, and the birth certificate is fraudulent. It would, however, pretty much stop the nuisance suits. And that is what puzzles me about the way this is being handled.
The positive on this is that it does give the Birthers some visibility, highly negative in most cases. Being judged by your enemies, and all that. It gives Chris Mathews something to throw at a conservative, along with questions about evolution. So I really would like to see a fully public release of his birth certificate, because I too am tired of the Birthers!
However, I think it is legitimate to ask why various parts of the Democrat party have spent significant amounts of money defending against Birther claims. So far, all cases decided have been thrown out due to lack of standing, but at the cost of a few hundred thousand dollars of legal fees.
Simply signing the needed release document in Hawaii would end most of them at no cost. Of course, nothing will stop the real crazies who argue that the microfilm records from the Honolulu newspapers showing birth announcements are somehow "photoshopped" or otherwise invalid, and the birth certificate is fraudulent. It would, however, pretty much stop the nuisance suits. And that is what puzzles me about the way this is being handled.
The positive on this is that it does give the Birthers some visibility, highly negative in most cases. Being judged by your enemies, and all that. It gives Chris Mathews something to throw at a conservative, along with questions about evolution. So I really would like to see a fully public release of his birth certificate, because I too am tired of the Birthers!
Posted by: Tregonsee at February 09, 2010 10:40 AM (lSIZT)
3
He was "duely" elected, but that does not make him a natural born American citizen. What makes him Constitutionally qualified for office is his status, or not, as a natural born citizen. He has yet to prove that. His refusal to release his birth certificate is evidence enough to doubt his status as Hawaii, like many other states, issues birth certificates to those not born in Hawaii. You have to deal with those facts.
What is he hiding? Some claim that this is some judo move that he planned years ago. Not release the birth certificate so as to cause his opponents to go crazy, then, at some future time, release the birth certificate and cruise to some sort of victory over the Republicans sometime in the future.
Well, that ain't happening and the birth certificate controversy will not cause unemployment to fall or Iran to give up nuclear weapons.
The Constitution and its requirements mean something and you just cannot waive them away.
What is he hiding? Some claim that this is some judo move that he planned years ago. Not release the birth certificate so as to cause his opponents to go crazy, then, at some future time, release the birth certificate and cruise to some sort of victory over the Republicans sometime in the future.
Well, that ain't happening and the birth certificate controversy will not cause unemployment to fall or Iran to give up nuclear weapons.
The Constitution and its requirements mean something and you just cannot waive them away.
Posted by: Federale at February 09, 2010 10:56 AM (q3Oy6)
4
Keeping Obama's birth certificate out of view has, by some estimates, cost Democrats over $1.5 million. I think it's fair to say that Obama doesn't understand the value of a million dollars. This is yet another example. How does the Democratic party tell a $200 donor that his donation, and 5000 more like his, will help keep Obama's birth certificate from the light of day for another year? Just what do they think they are paying for?
Posted by: George at February 09, 2010 11:03 AM (WA19M)
5
I saw O'Riley making fun of the birthers a while back. And Libs are always telling us that they hold positions that are the polar opposite of Bill O'Riley. Therefore...
Posted by: brando at February 09, 2010 11:22 AM (IPGju)
6
We won the election and now these sore losers will continue to spew your hate with lies. The way our courts work is that you get a competent lawyer, verifiable facts and present them to a judge, if the facts are real and not half baked lies, then, and only then, you proceed to trial. The Birthers seem to be having a problem with their so called facts that they present. Let’s face it no one will go along with you until you guys win a case, but until then, you will continue to appear dumb, crazy or racist, or maybe all three. Keep plucking that chicken.
Posted by: Montana at February 09, 2010 12:14 PM (t9AvQ)
7
Montana-Obama, you're out of line. I happen to know a few Hilary suporters, and just because you personally won the election, doesn't mean that every member of the Democratic Party are literally Crazy. Dumb. Racists. And Liars.
Oh Wait. Racist? You'd know.
I might not like them, but as a President you represent us, and your behavior is heinous.
Shape up Mr. President. You are crass and base. You owe the whole world an appology. Make it good. You can start with me.
Oh Wait. Racist? You'd know.
I might not like them, but as a President you represent us, and your behavior is heinous.
Shape up Mr. President. You are crass and base. You owe the whole world an appology. Make it good. You can start with me.
Posted by: brando at February 09, 2010 12:38 PM (IPGju)
8
Montana if you checked your fatcs befor you open your mouth you would know that the birth certific cases started from the Hillery suporters.
Posted by: Rich at February 09, 2010 01:08 PM (siQqy)
9
The handful of Birthers in fringe media outlets undermine and dilute legitimate criticism of the Obama Administration
But for some reason the "Bush lied!" crowd never undermined legitmate criticism of the Bush administration. How does that work again?
This is just another example of the rights terror of the media.
But for some reason the "Bush lied!" crowd never undermined legitmate criticism of the Bush administration. How does that work again?
This is just another example of the rights terror of the media.
Posted by: flenser at February 09, 2010 01:21 PM (xQXBf)
10
The GOP started the Tea baggers but you do not see Dems blindly following their claims like the GOP. To all the Birthers, prove it, Oh thats right you can’t, just more of your unsubstantiated rumors you keep writing on your hands to help you keep up. You are just another Palin, just like “W”, just like Quayle, just like Reagan. I love you guys. Keep plucking that chicken.
Posted by: Montana at February 09, 2010 03:36 PM (t9AvQ)
Posted by: Pablo at February 09, 2010 03:59 PM (yTndK)
12
The real tragedy is excoriating the birthers as "nuts", instead of expanding their claims to "full disclosure" of all of Barry's past deeds and efforts.
The Birthers are nuts. There's abundant, legally sufficient evidence that Baracky was born in Hawaii. Full disclosure requests for the rest are all well and good, but no one is entitled to the rest of the records we'd all like to see, so I don't see where that leads politically. But asking for his transcripts, etc doesn't look kookoo like screaming about his birth certificate does.
The Birthers are nuts. There's abundant, legally sufficient evidence that Baracky was born in Hawaii. Full disclosure requests for the rest are all well and good, but no one is entitled to the rest of the records we'd all like to see, so I don't see where that leads politically. But asking for his transcripts, etc doesn't look kookoo like screaming about his birth certificate does.
Posted by: Pablo at February 09, 2010 04:03 PM (yTndK)
13
Montana is the only tea bagger around here
Posted by: Rich at February 09, 2010 04:35 PM (siQqy)
14
"The GOP started the Tea baggers"
Um. No. The proper words are 'gay', or 'homosexual'. Look it up. In a book. And, um, not started by the GOP. Gay folks have been around a lot longer than the GOP.
Time's linear, Barak. If that is really you? If not, maybe don't claim you won the election next time.
Zing.
Um. No. The proper words are 'gay', or 'homosexual'. Look it up. In a book. And, um, not started by the GOP. Gay folks have been around a lot longer than the GOP.
Time's linear, Barak. If that is really you? If not, maybe don't claim you won the election next time.
Zing.
Posted by: brando at February 09, 2010 04:39 PM (IPGju)
15
I doubt Stanley Ann Dunham was stupid enough to want to give birth in a Kenyan hospital; or that Barack Hussein Obama Sr wanted her there, given he already had a wife and family there. The Hawaiian birth certificate is a distraction from the documents that really should be investigated: Obama's records from Occidental and the other schools he attended.
Posted by: zhombre at February 09, 2010 04:54 PM (FBJBT)
16
Where is the abundant legally sufficient evidence of anything that verifies who president bozo is? Altered COLB? Backdated draft registration? 1.5 million spent on quashing legal challenges? His sister was born in Indonesia, she has a COLB from Hawaii as well. So I'm crazy according to CY because some people have a problem with the federal reserve scam and obviously others who don't accept fake documents are like minded wackos. As if anyone in osamas administration cares about your "legitimate criticisms". How about putting up on your site both sides of the evidence...aah forget it. Anyone that won't agree with you is some kind of freak.
Posted by: ron at February 09, 2010 05:43 PM (cwBuu)
17
1.) What is the legal definition of a Natural Born Citizen? (two citizen parents + born here?)
2.) Does The One fit that definition? (one citizen parent, probably born here?)
If I wanted to hide something, but claim I was revealing it and simultaneously limit the investigation into it, would I:
a.) Reveal it to one or more of the major news networks -or-
b.) Reveal it to an unknown, Joe Miller, at hole-in-the-wall web site factcheck.org?
If I wanted to reveal something in a fashion where it could be fully explored by the public, would I:
a.) Reveal it to one of the major news networks -or-
b.) Reveal it to an unknown Joe Miller at hole-in-the-wall web site factcheck.org?
I'm not saying he's not an NBC, but I am saying I don't know, neither do you, and it's a legitimate question to ask.
2.) Does The One fit that definition? (one citizen parent, probably born here?)
If I wanted to hide something, but claim I was revealing it and simultaneously limit the investigation into it, would I:
a.) Reveal it to one or more of the major news networks -or-
b.) Reveal it to an unknown, Joe Miller, at hole-in-the-wall web site factcheck.org?
If I wanted to reveal something in a fashion where it could be fully explored by the public, would I:
a.) Reveal it to one of the major news networks -or-
b.) Reveal it to an unknown Joe Miller at hole-in-the-wall web site factcheck.org?
I'm not saying he's not an NBC, but I am saying I don't know, neither do you, and it's a legitimate question to ask.
Posted by: scp at February 09, 2010 10:11 PM (dRX4b)
18
The funniest thing about the birthers, including the Hillary ones, is that it's a more legitimate accusation for John McCain, and that's what it probably started out as.
Senator McCain was born in Panama on whis father's ship but the Senate unanimously voted to clarify his status as an NBC a few years ago. Hillary supporters were probably planning to use it if she won the primary, but decided getting to the Federal election was more important, so they made some crap up about obama being born in Kenya or Indonesia or something
Senator McCain was born in Panama on whis father's ship but the Senate unanimously voted to clarify his status as an NBC a few years ago. Hillary supporters were probably planning to use it if she won the primary, but decided getting to the Federal election was more important, so they made some crap up about obama being born in Kenya or Indonesia or something
Posted by: MAModerate at February 10, 2010 11:53 AM (/O2Yg)
19
"Senator McCain was born in Panama on whis father's ship" Ship????
Posted by: davod at February 10, 2010 01:10 PM (GUZAT)
20
McCain III was not born on a ship, but at a U.S. naval base hospital in the Canal Zone.
SCP,
the legal definition of natural born is real complicated. you have to be born in the U.S. Period. Parents residency status is immaterial. That is why pregnant illegals risk sneaking into the country to have "anchor babies."
SCP,
the legal definition of natural born is real complicated. you have to be born in the U.S. Period. Parents residency status is immaterial. That is why pregnant illegals risk sneaking into the country to have "anchor babies."
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at February 10, 2010 01:22 PM (WjpSC)
Posted by: MAModerate at February 10, 2010 03:32 PM (/O2Yg)
22
CY, maybe. I've also seen people who write that there's a distinction between a native citizen (born in US) vs. Natural Born Citizen (born in US + 2 parent citizens). I don't have an opinion on whether that's right or not, but I think it's plausible. I'd sure like to have an answer from the courts.
How 'bout my other point? Do you honestly think Joe Miller at factcheck.org would be someone's first choice for disclosing a document to silence the rumors if there's nothing to hide?
How 'bout my other point? Do you honestly think Joe Miller at factcheck.org would be someone's first choice for disclosing a document to silence the rumors if there's nothing to hide?
Posted by: scp at February 10, 2010 10:44 PM (dRX4b)
23
Whatever his citizenship status, Obama is going about proving that he's just barely American.
Posted by: Locomotive Breath at February 11, 2010 08:39 AM (tuuQT)
24
The problem - as I see it - with the 'natural born' requirement is that the Constitution provides no means to enforce that requirement, and Congress has not passed legislation for enforcing that requirement.
It seems to be left to the state officials who approve the ballots in each state and the Federal electors. And of course, Congress' certification of the election
So if you want to do something about that, get Congress to set up a body to pronounce how the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates can meet the requirements and whether they have.
This dog won't hunt otherwise - 'cause its long dead.
It seems to be left to the state officials who approve the ballots in each state and the Federal electors. And of course, Congress' certification of the election
So if you want to do something about that, get Congress to set up a body to pronounce how the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates can meet the requirements and whether they have.
This dog won't hunt otherwise - 'cause its long dead.
Posted by: Mikey NTH at February 12, 2010 05:14 PM (nlRuk)
25
the legal definition of natural born is real complicated. you have to be born in the U.S. Period. Parents residency status is immaterial.
Actually, it's a bit more complicated than that. Your last sentence is true. But, a natural born citizen can be born in a foreign country if one parent is a US citizen.
There are two kinds of US citizens, natural born and naturalized. There is no other legal definition of citizenship. Period.
Millions of US citizens have been born abroad with one or both parents being US citizens. Those citizens born abroad to US citizen parents have not had to go through the naturalization process. Therefore, they are considered to be natural born citizens.
Actually, it's a bit more complicated than that. Your last sentence is true. But, a natural born citizen can be born in a foreign country if one parent is a US citizen.
There are two kinds of US citizens, natural born and naturalized. There is no other legal definition of citizenship. Period.
Millions of US citizens have been born abroad with one or both parents being US citizens. Those citizens born abroad to US citizen parents have not had to go through the naturalization process. Therefore, they are considered to be natural born citizens.
Posted by: Dude at February 12, 2010 10:26 PM (5gxhz)
26
What's the deal? Bigjournalism, redstate, and confederateyankee have all recently decided to dump big time on "birthers".
#1 Freerepublic.com has the best piece on why bho is not a natural born citizen and it has only to do with his father, not his birth certificate.
#2 If Max Clelland, can demand and get (with the full support of the press) George W. Bush's National Guard paystubs which are totally insignificant and decades old, then the Obama should be forced to show his pertinent documents. And if the standard is paystubs from the national guard, then anything can be requested.
#1 Freerepublic.com has the best piece on why bho is not a natural born citizen and it has only to do with his father, not his birth certificate.
#2 If Max Clelland, can demand and get (with the full support of the press) George W. Bush's National Guard paystubs which are totally insignificant and decades old, then the Obama should be forced to show his pertinent documents. And if the standard is paystubs from the national guard, then anything can be requested.
Posted by: Jayne at February 14, 2010 11:09 PM (dwIL0)
27
Give it up, Jayne. You're never going to get what you want in regards to the BC. Even if you did, you still wouldn't be satisfied.
Obama has met every legal standard required by law proving his status as a natural born citizen. He is under no obligation to "prove" anything at all to you or to others who question his status. He has has already done all of the proving that he needs to do.
If you or anyone else has evidence to prove otherwise, our court system is open for you to pursue your challenge. In fact, I would suggest that it's your patriotic duty to do so if you have such evidence. Pool your resources with other like minded individuals, hire a competent attorney to take your case and file suit in Federal Court.
Obama has met every legal standard required by law proving his status as a natural born citizen. He is under no obligation to "prove" anything at all to you or to others who question his status. He has has already done all of the proving that he needs to do.
If you or anyone else has evidence to prove otherwise, our court system is open for you to pursue your challenge. In fact, I would suggest that it's your patriotic duty to do so if you have such evidence. Pool your resources with other like minded individuals, hire a competent attorney to take your case and file suit in Federal Court.
Posted by: Dude at February 15, 2010 12:27 AM (5gxhz)
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