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Mr. President, please watch your words better
Published Thursday, July 30, 2009
President Obama needs to be very careful about what to say when news that includes people he knows is brought to his attention. The recent flare up between Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Sgt. James Crowley of the Cambridge, Mass., police department is a perfect example.
Professor Gates had returned home from a trip to China and found his door stuck. His driver forced it open and a neighbor called 911 to report that she saw an apparent break-in in progress. Sgt. James Crowley arrived first on the scene.
What happened next is a bit unclear, but we do know that Gates yelled at the police and accused them of racism when they entered the house to follow up on the 911 call. Gates was then charged with disorderly conduct. I personally have found that yelling at a police officer is rarely a good idea, especially when they are doing the job that they are hired to do. When cooler heads prevailed the next day, the charge was dropped.
Scott Schmeltzer
President Obama, who is Gates’ friend, stated that the police were “acting stupidly.” Now, to his defense, President Obama then apologized for his remarks and even called Crowley, and invited both the police officer and the professor to join him at the White House for a beer, but my point is that as president of the United States, he should not be commenting on a case that he did not know all the facts about. I would think that our president has enough to concern himself with at the moment. I would rather he concentrate all of his time and energy to the economy, as that seems to be our No. 1 concern in America.
As for the media covering this issue, rather than see it as a misunderstanding between a Harvard professor, who probably was very tired from a long airplane ride as well as dealing with the quality customer service that you normally get from airport personnel (please note sarcasm here) and a police officer, who was doing his job and maybe had been called one too many bad names by Gates and others that day, they chose to blow this up into a superstar storm of racism gone awry.
This was nothing more than a misunderstanding between one man and another man. Now I do not think that race relations in our country are perfect, as a matter of fact, I think it is far from it, but this is not the case to point to, although many will try. So in short, I hope they do get together for that beer, but Mr. President, please watch your words.
Health care debate
Health care in our country needs to be debated. It needs to be talked about and gone through thoroughly. I applaud what President Obama is trying to do, but I just do not like the timing of it.
I believe we need to take a hard look at the economy first. We need to make sure that the stimulus package is working, that banks are being watched, and that the housing crisis does not get worse.
Health care has waited for a long time and another year will not be sweeping it under the rug, but rather giving it a chance to be debated and studied. I do not want a thousand-page bill that most likely will not be thoroughly read by those voting on it to take any time that could and should be spent on our economy.
Let’s not let health care reform take us away from our economic reform.
Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.
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Comments
Posted by OldTrojan (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We are trained to kiss the behinds of police in this country. They are no better than the next person. I am sick and tired of them being called heroes because to me they are not. They chose to work in law enforcement, they get paid well, plus they have excellent benefits. If the job is too tough or dangerous then they should try a new profession. Obama had every right to call a spade a spade. The arrest was totally out-of-line. The man was in his own home. Also, Obama did not bring it up. He was asked the question during a national press conference. There are some good cops but there are also many cops who are arrogant, power hungry fanatics. It is good that this case has brought attention to the fact that sometimes police make mistakes too!
Posted by Truthbetold (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, Obama blew it on this one... showed his true face. He is racist as is the professor. We usually only think of racism as whites "hating" blacks, but it also can be the other way around. All you have to do is look at the church Obama attended all those years in Chicago... I'm sure he either agreed with it or was influenced by their "black supremacy" teachings.
Posted by newyankee (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shouldn't we have a real debate on just how government spending could ever actually stimulate the economy? We have seen no evidence that a new era has been issued in Washington with special interest groups being gone, the budget being gone over line by line or a new era of transparency. The “Current Occupant” of the White House has not changed politics in Washington. Note the silence on tort reform. We have seen nothing different from past tax and spend politics. Each tax and spend orgy certainly does not expand freedom or at the least hold the line on the growth of government power and the resulting loss of liberty. Why should we the people be expected, again, to have a debate framed entirely on the premise of the left? An honest debate would be should Fannie and Freddy continue to exist? Or should Washington get out of the way and see which State handles this issue best?
So do you really think a government takeover of health care would not change the relationship between the American people and “their” government?
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I dont think it is a government take over at all. Was it a Blue Cross Blue Shield take over when they entered the market?
Posted by BadBoy (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
freedman, I bet you toss and turn all night long wondering if that Gates fellow is an illegal.
Yes Obama used a bad choice of words and probably should not have commented on the situation at all. But he and Gates know each other and he probably found it odd that his friend got arrested in or right outside of his own house. Just as I am sure you all would have thought if it happended to one of your white friends. I can only image what it is like to have to be on 24/7, where every word out of you month is analyzed, and re-analyzed. Give the guy a break.
Posted by outoftownlandlord (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
newyank I am with you on this. I noticed that they said he said he was sorry. That is not true. He has never said he was sorry.
This is part of a larger plan to remake America. They will take over healthcare even though most Americans do not want it. Just like the spendulus we are the government and we know better. Give me a break.
Posted by newyankee (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
outoftown, even when politicians or public figures "apologize" it is not truly an apology. They qualify it, as in "if you were offended", then I am sorry for that. The "Current Occupant" was speaking without a teleprompter and his true character came out.
It seems, America to a liberal is always in need of change, to make it better for today's victim.
Posted by outoftownlandlord (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so true
Posted by Culture_Warrior (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Old Trojan: in response to your opinion "there are also many cops who are arrogant, power hungry fanatics." This statement may in some cases be true, but you defend the most "arrogant, power hungry fanatic" of all, who also happens to be President of the United States! Just look at what he is doing in the name of "saving our economy". Bank take overs, car company take overs, the economic fraud called Cap and Tax and now, he's got his sights fixed on a government take over of our health care system! Thankfully, the folks are starting to see this man for what he really is. I hope it is not too late for us.
Posted by outoftownlandlord (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget this is happening right here in Albert Lea and we just sit by and watch as the city takes and takes. Ask anyone who is having a sidewalk forced on them. The city is just as bad as the federal government.
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It has become clear these last few weeks that the America is not the country I remember. We have been asked over and over to give up our rights. The system has been overloaded. They want us talking about race and about this and that. It is like going to a magic show. The slight of hand let’s the con artist complete the trick (con). They want us talking about the cop and beer because then they get cap and trade or socialized medicine. Look at Albert Lea they get us talking about blue zones and next thing we get is more sidewalks. They talk about business not coming in and we get a 4 lane bridge ave. They tell us they are doing us a favor that they are cleaning up the housing stock and we get more foreclosures and more people can’t find places to live. What gets to me is when you go to the city offices and they act like they are doing you a favor. You guys work for me. Can anyone tell me why the city hired 7 inspectors? I know it was their own stimulus plan. While we all have to cut back they hire people then have them attack the people and fine them make them pay fees so they can spend it on more silly things. Great work but they are just following the led of the federal government.
Posted by OldTrojan (anonymous) on July 30, 2009 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
golddigger: Yep, Bush was a winner. So was Reagan's trickle-down economics. LOL! You don't have a leg to stand on.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why did all of you people not complain about "losing your rights" when Bush put on the wire tapping patriot act?
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I've abandoned free market principles to save the free market system."
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter."
"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."
"I can press when there needs to be pressed; I can hold hands when there needs to be -- hold hands."
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
leftys2221,
I wrote this in responce to someone else who asked about what rights have been lost. If you don't think this is unamerican or unfair than there can be no doubt that you do not believe in helping those less fortunate.
"The city has passed an ordinance that does single out one class of people. Here is the link http://www.cityofalbertlea.org/pdfs/Rent...... every landlord must turn over the names of all tenants (including childern), their phone numbers, and other personal information. This is placed in a book at city hall for public viewing. The only other group that must be registered like this is sex offenders. So it is my belief that yes the city has forced people to wear a yellow star.
Do I fear that by speaking up the government will come after me. Yes because it has happened. I spoke up against a few things already and have paid for it with harrasment by the city. There are others on here who will tell you the same. The 2 party system is not a 2 party system. There is no real difference between the DFL and the GOP parties. They both have failed us. So you are right we do just have a one party system and we now face tryanny.
I would ask you to take some time and study the rise of facism. What it is. How it takes hold. I think if you spent some time you you might see it as I do. If not that is fine.
It is a sign of the times that people do not want to speak up. We feel and it just may be a feeling that we are not listen to. When the city wants to do something the people do not matter. Tensions are high and I think people are about to blow. Have not seen this much distrust of government in my life time."
The polls show that 43% of the people think the stiumulus was a bad idea compared to 36% who like it. 89% like their healthcare and do not want to see changes in it. If you are for government control shout from the roof tops leftys2221 and see how many people join you. I think very few (well maybe the marxist) will stand next to you.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The city is really harassing you for speaking up? Really? What exactly did you speak up about and what exactly happened? What rights are they losing by having their names listed at city hall? I do like how you make an opinion different then yours (mine) Un-American right there at the end when you say that people that agree with me could only be marxist. Or saying that I do not believe in helping those less fortunate because I don't agree with you politically.
How well do people who don't have health care like their health care?
You haven't seen this much distrust in the government in your life! Where were you for the last 8 years.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You just compared Albert Lea to Nazi's also! WOW. I can not believe this.
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well leftys2221 if it in no big deal go on up to the city and register yourself. I do not see why it is the city's business to have renters names (and their kids). Are you telling me you would have no problem with the city having this info and making it public? Really........ So much for the right of privacy. Also because now you are a second class citizen we will strip you of your right to due proccess (see other provisions) and lastly the owner of the property is having his or her property rights strip because the city now can enter any time. (In direct violation of the constitution).
Now with health care the number of people who don't have health care by choice is higher than those who can't get it. 16 million Vs 10million. So now the government will force them to get health care or pay a fine to the government. How is this a good idea. What happen to freedom of choice. Funny most people thought no big deal way back when they passed seat belt laws and anti-smoking laws. A slippery slope indeed.
How long will we have to listen to it is so and so fault? You throw out the last 8 years a lot but lets see in the first 6 months of Obama we have spent more than every president before him combined. We have 40+ Czars who answer to no one yet can tell people what they get paid, can fire CEO and run car companies. How is this not a violation of the constitution. We did not vote for them, they did not have to come in front of congress. Not right and you know it.
Leftys2221 I ask you to take the time and read how Hitler came to power, how he went from an elected offical to a dictator.
Lastly the harassment is real. It comes from the city inspector and others. If you don't thinks so try challanging the city and see what happens.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whats with the jump from having your name on file at city hall to being a second class person? You are jumping to radical conclusions to try to validate your point. You say a lot of nonsense to try to prove your point. The smoking ban is a state thing first of all. So is the seat belt law. You link all of this random stuff together that has nothing to do with each other in some sort of bizarre attempt to make a point. Why will you not mention the Bush wire tapping and email tapping? Have you ever heard how Hitler came to power? The use of Hitler again in some attempt to link not agreeing with you politically as to being a Hitler supporter. I want to hear direct cases of where you were harassed and what the "harassment" was in response to. So if we use your czar argument then The President should not be able to appoint directors of the certain departments either then right? How do people choose not to have health care also?
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also, trying to link the election of Barrack Obama and Hitler together, other then being distasteful and quite ridiculous, is quite the illusion of anything resembling an argument. Hitler received only 37% of the popular vote where as along with winning the electoral college President Obama also received the majority vote (52.9%). Hitler used deceit and the German constitution, or more specifically Article 48 of the constitution, to gain power. Article 48 granted dictatorial powers to the president in times of national emergency.
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on July 31, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow talk about about making up facts. All department heads must be approved congress. This is part of the checks and balances. The Bush wire taps were found to be constitutional by the supreme court. They were never used on US citizens.
As for the city only 2 types of people must register with the city. Renters (anyone who is not an owner) and sex offenders. So taking people who are citizens, who work, who pay bills and have them register with the city is making them a second class citizen. I can not see how you say it is ok to make these people register when the have committed no crime.
Now the last election only 56.8% of people who could vote did. So lets look at the numbers 132,618,580 voted of that 52.9% voted for obama. That works out to 70,155,228 votes for obama and 62,463,352 for McCain. Now with a little math we get there are 231,229,580 in the voting age population. So lets see what % obama really got. So he got 30.3% hum looks like Hitler did get more votes than Obama. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.h...
Now you forget that Hitler used a "crisis to grab power" but it is ok to say don't let a crisis go to waste. Also Hitler had to be given that power he could not seize it. Please get your history straight. Now you said "Hitler used deceit and the German constitution, or more specifically Article 48 of the constitution, to gain power. " Sound just like Obama.
As for your other point many people choose not to get health care. Be it that they think they don't need it or don't want it. If you would take time to read the facts and not be so stuck with one party or the other you would see this but when your facts come from the DNC only well than there is not much left to say.
Posted by newyankee (anonymous) on August 1, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I seem to recall Bill Clinton's administration making the case for warrentless wire taps before congress.
Posted by 1126 (Amanda Lester) on August 2, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I find it interesting to see people who have no idea what it is like to be targeted due to race to be judging the actions of those who have lived with it for years. We never know what our reactions would be in any given situation; we do know that our backgrounds inform that reaction. Stop being so certain that everyone is like you. They aren't.
Posted by BabyGotBack (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You said 1126!
People - go back and listen to the song "Free Your Mind" by En Vogue. It's about not judging a book by it's cover and sends a good message about race.
Free your minds!
Posted by conserned (anonymous) on August 2, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Such garbage -- Independent evaluations of the deficet allot 90% to Bush/Cheney, 7% to the stimulus and 3% to the Obama Administration. Again the party of NO uses false statistics or no statistics at all and doesn't have a clue about a plan to attack the miriad of problems President Obama inherited. Would you let GM and the car industry go down the tubes? Would you let the whole banking industry go under? The President is trying to fix this MESS he inherited asap. Things are starting to turn around as we write. So try not to get your grundies in a bundle. We will see how you react when this recession ends soon. He is working 24-7 to right the ship not only the economy but the pitiful state of our foreign relations. He is a good, smart man who is trying to do the best for our country.
5
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How does Hitler's use of article 48 "sound like Obama?" How did he only have 30% of the votes? You really seem to slant the truth to your side but then you are a conservative and your argument for most things is "I am right and you are wrong. That is a fact."
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Also, Hitler got 30% of the votes from the people that voted. I know you really want to move around and change what I say to make yourself seem more right but you are wrong.
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Where to start I know let's start with this "Such garbage -- Independent evaluations of the deficet allot 90% to Bush/Cheney, 7% to the stimulus and 3% to the Obama Administration." AS conserned put it "SUCH GARBAGE" First if you throw out those numbers you better back them up with facts. So lets look at some facts.
Fact 1. Obama has spent more money in 6 months than all the other presidents combined. http://www.heritage.org/research/feature...
Fact 2. From the right wing group MPR. http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display... Look Obama said the stimulus will create jobs. Again from MPR "MnDOT now says the jobs numbers could be less than half that; a total of 5,400 jobs rather than 13,500. " He promised we would not go above 8% unemployment. We are at 9.5% and climbing.
Fact 3 From that well known right wing paper which gets all the first question at all presidental news confrences. The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/grant-card...
Teenage unemployment hits 20% in Feb 2009. I thought Obama was fixing this because we had to pass it now. Don't read it just pass it. Funny, economist said if you raise minnimum wage you will cause unemployment to climb for teenage workers. As of June it was 25% and climbing. Good job Obama.
Fact 4: The current bill will lead to single payer government run system. Barney Frank said on July 27 that "Frank: I think if we get a good public option it could lead to single payer, and that’s the best way to reach single payer. Saying you’ll do nothing until you get single payer is a sure way never to get it." Obama wants single payer government run health care just like Canada. http://www.verumserum.com/?p=7408
Listen to his words. He is telling us what he wants. He is just doing what he knows. He is the face of Acorn. Wake up he is a socialist.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He is not a socialist.
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lefty2221,
I check out the numbers and Truth is right and he/she used facts to prove it. Why is it so hard to for you to see this. It is true for most presidents. Now as for Obama taking over look at what he has done. The constitution means nothing to this man. He got elected by using the same plan as Hitler. He has promised people everything and it will cost them nothing. Obama has jumped into bed with GE who will make big money if Obama gets his state run healthcare and his cap and trade. Sounds like Hitler and the German industrialist. Just yesterday Obama's big guy Summers said there will have to be tax increase on the middle class to pay for healthcare. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-Obama-of...
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's treasury secretary said Sunday he cannot rule out higher taxes to help tame an exploding budget deficit, and his chief economic adviser would not dismiss raising them on middle-class Americans as part of a health care overhaul."
I can't understand why you defend a man who lies to your face and of course we will get you yelling about Bush but if Bush had done half the things Obama has done the press would have come un-glued.
On last point that bothers me. Under Obama we had the bloodiest month ever in Afghanistan. Where are all of you on the left. Where is the moral out rage. Wait can't do that because Obama is our man. Stop being a party person and be an American.
As for the city. You asked why having to register with the city makes you a 2nd class citizen. Who else has to. I don't. As a home owner my information is kept private. There are ways to keep my name off the record. My bank did not have to report my name to the city. However you think it is ok to invade other people's privacy. Time for less government not more. Be it local, State, or Federal. Less is better...
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so glad that you settled that argument lefty2221 that Obama is not a socialist. Funny even Newsweek said it but you have spoken. Let’s see if he fits what socialism is. This might help you. A socialist is a political advocate of socialism. Socialistic is advocating or following the socialist principles; "socialistic government" , and socialism refers to any one of various theories of economic organization advocating state, public or common worker ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.
Karl Marx posited that socialism would be achieved via class struggle (which Obama pushes daily) and a proletarian revolution (redistribution of wealth) and become the transitional stage from capitalism to communism. I would say Obama is there. His words and action explain it all.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So if Newsweek says something then it is true? You would say.....you would say......it is your opinion.
Posted by Truth (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So it is my understanding that when you can't defend your ideas with facts you just change the subject and attack the person.
What about taxes? What about you turning your name over to the city? Oh well you sit and see things as what can everyone else give to me. God bless you but life is better when you do for yourself. Death to large government. Power to the people.....
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
leftys2221,
I find it odd that when you are challange with facts you change the subject. Newsweek is a leftist rag and yet they have no problem saying Obama is a socialist. Yet you attack the person not the facts. Just wondering why you do it? Is it because you want to get a rise out of people or is it that you really support these ideas. If you support them than great but support them with facts not the same old same old opinions. That is my 2 cents.....
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How am I the one attacking here. Every fact I brought up was challenged by opinion guised as fact.
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You have provided no facts. Where is the proof? The others here have provided their links. You just say it so it must be true. You are the only one using opinions as facts.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DFL, "He has promised people everything and it will cost them nothing." What politician does not do that?
Posted by NoDFL (anonymous) on August 3, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tell you what leftys2221 I will answer your question once you answer the ones that have been posied to you.
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What opinions am I using as facts?
Posted by leftys2221 (anonymous) on August 4, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DFL, your Fact 3 from a few posts ago, saying that Obama raised the minimum wage is wrong. It was raised under the last administration. It was a three step process that started in 2007.
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