OMG, the endless b.s. continues. Please let this messiah fall. Substance isn't a bad thing. Why does the press continue to act as though this guy is simi-normal?
WASHINGTON --- It popped out casually, a throwaway line as he talked to reporters about finding the right puppy for his young daughters.
But with just three offhanded words in his first news conference as president-elect, Barack Obama reminded everyone how thoroughly different his administration -- and inevitably, this country -- will be.
"Mutts like me."
By now, almost everyone knows Mr. Obama's mother was white and his father was black. But there was something startling, and telling, about hearing his self-description -- particularly in how offhandedly he used it.
The message seemed clear -- here is a president who will be quite at ease discussing race, a complex issue as unresolved as it is uncomfortable for many to talk about openly. And at a time when whites in the country are not many years from becoming the minority.
Mr. Obama made the remark as he revealed his thinking in what is becoming one of the highest-profile issues of this transition period: What kind of puppy will he and his wife, Michelle, get for their daughters as they move into the White House?
Because Malia, 10, has allergies, the family wants a low-allergy dog. But Mr. Obama said they also want to adopt a puppy from a shelter, which could make it harder to find a breed that wouldn't aggravate his daughter's problem.
"Obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me," Mr. Obama said with a smile. "So whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household."
The comment underscores that the president-elect clearly does not see race as a subject best sidestepped or discussed in hushed tones. To Mr. Obama, race in all its complications has long been a defining part of his life, and he is comfortable talking about it.
The timing seems fortuitous. Mr. Obama will be sworn in as the country is rapidly becoming more racially diverse. The latest government projections indicate that by 2042, white people will make up less than half the nation's population.
Ironically, Mr. Obama's remarks came just a day after Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, in an apparent joke, described Mr. Obama as "young, handsome and even tanned." Critics called the comment racist, while Mr. Berlusconi defended it as a compliment.
Comments
OMG, the endless b.s. continues. Please let this messiah fall. Substance isn't a bad thing. Why does the press continue to act as though this guy is simi-normal?
I thought he campaigned as an African-American.
Can you imagine the uproar if a white person called him a mutt? What an incredible double standard we have in America today, it smacks of reverse racism.
And 1, 2, 3 the first three to feed on the chronicle race baiting. SAD. Well Augusta let the race games and post begin, thanks to this headline. And when you say FALL do you mean, die naturally or get killed? or did you mean to say fail? Sad.
Any and all comments relating to Obama that aren't in support, or even imply a lack of support will be considered hate speech or race baiting. Four years of this rule should be just about enough to make it clear what a horrible mistake was made. Everything has a purpose. This experiment will teach us one more thing not to do.
Only in the south, it's mostly the southern news papers. If it's baiting and you are past it, why comment, why post? When do you say, I will not post on this subject today. When you read a heading do you ever say not today, this will not ruffle my feathers. And why is it a mistake on him being elected president? If people don't get past hate, anger and bitterness they will always take a good racial bite out of these types of headlines. Try it, if you see a post like this and it's race baiting don't post a comment, read them and see how it makes you feel, you will be amazed at holding your peace/key stroke sometimes.
Yes fruitpaper, I know. I repeat my 7:48 post in response to your 8:03 post.
I will say this again and again: These chronicle posters who spew hate however blatant or subtle it may be, these truly are the end of days for people like them. Their words, which once did have a sting to them, have been rendered irrelevant. White supremacy has been reduced to being a mere relic of the bad old days – the stuff of museums. These posters are a part of a dying breed, and their rants are the scorched earth of a world view that no longer enjoys favor among the civilized.
fruitpaper, the reason everything you see is "only in the south" is because you are in the south. If you were in the west, it would be "only in the west". Get it? It's like a kit. You have to string bits of information together.
It's only in the south, the southern news papers these types of conversations/post and healines draw and or race bait.
fruitpaper, if you're saying that the "you pick on me" or "it's my turn" days are over, I say, thank God. (re:8:12)
Call him whatever you wish, but don't forget the part that states President Elect.
Absolutely Hypo, and in 2 1/2 months, POTUS. Judging by the past 43 presidents, it'll be interesting to see him with silver hair.
Its definitely near the rath of the "O"men.
You will not have to wait long. I say within two years.
Sometimes it's best to HOLD YOUR PEACE, if people would try it, they will see it makes you feel good. So why post all the time everytime, and everyday, try just reading some post some will make you shake your head and say Lord Have Mercy. Holding your peace at times can be healthy.
jackfruitpaper833; they spew hate because they are not happy. They are never happy. Something in their mind and heart is not right. It takes a lot of work to carry hate but they do it anyway. We have to pray for them. :) I should know, I was once there (about certain issues) but never going back again. Life is too short. :)
hey all - mean-spirited people did not and do not have a life - they are too busy finding fault of everyone else.
bcs2k me to, as a born again Christian, I had to REPENT and ask God to forgive me, and wash me clean with the blood of Jesus as anger had set in me so strong towards these posters and their comments. That fast the devil tried to plant a racial seed in me (2 years ago). So when I realized and got a revelation from God, at being so angry, I got so convicted I REPENTED and purposed in my heart, I will never allow the devil to use me or anyone here to bind me up with race relations. How can I make it into Heaven with HATE as a weight on me weighing me down? You can't.
And this was true when all the hate was spewed towards Bush, correct formeraugres? Or has it only been true since November 4, 2008? Can there now be no criticism of the new President? If not, we are headed towards Communism.
Waymore - I never hated Bush - I was amazed at the harsh people attacking Bush - I do not know the man. I can only wish that I reach half of his greatness in life. I often wonder how the average person can sit back and critique greatness.
So how many of you are still waiting on the "South to Rise Again"?
patricithomas, why do you hate Obama so much. You, and many of the fringe right-wing have such bitterness and hate towards our country. President Elect Obama has many leadership qualities that have been lacking the past 8 years that I am not sure why this brings out such anger. I think much of the bitterness comes from people being more educated and not falling for the fringe lies such as He's a terrorist, radical Muslim, radical racist. Only the ignorant believe the hate that is spewing now for the purpose of dividing our country. It won't work.
I love it that someone that says "only in the south" can have an opinion on stereotypes....now that is just funny.
I am not at all happy that Obama was elected, nor am I happy about having to hear "We made history!" shoved in my face from the black community. But...I know my Lord God is in control, and I place my future in HIS hands, not in the hands of the messiah elect. America needs to turn to God now more than ever, and let HIM guide us and not the liberals.
Obama is not messiah elect. He is President-elect.
PATRICIA You sound downright bitter about the election of Obama. You should be happy to see the Republicans out of office for the mess they have made of this country. several folks in here today are doing nothing but spewing racial hatred.
ROSE Get over it honey. The Republicans are out to pasture for at least forty years...that has been guaranteed by thier lousy performance these last 8 years...
Lynxrhot, you are ridiculous and i pray for you. If you are intimadated then so be it while i dont condone shoving celebratory phrases in anyones face this is truly a remarkable experience that all blacks if not most are proud of. Think about it and try to deal with it because he is OUR president. GOD BLESS AMERICA!! The last thing America wants is a race war. Plessy VS Ferguson is over we are now.
withlove, while he is thinking about that, why don't you think about an English class?
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