Karen sn Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) Too politically heated, nevermind. Edited July 26, 2009 by Karen sn too plitically charged Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacie Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I say kudoos to our President Obama who has HIS OWN opinion and does not need one fed to him. This is not a comment on your opinion, but I got a laugh out of the contrast in this statement and his much discussed reliance on his teleprompter...so much so that it's been given a name! Isn't it great that we live in a place that people can have so many different perspectives on basically the same thing and be able to express them freely? I love my country!! :patriot: Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 This is not a comment on your opinion, but I got a laugh out of the contrast in this statement and his much discussed reliance on his teleprompter...so much so that it's been given a name! Um... his reliance on the teleprompter as opposed to the previous president? Bush didn't use one or rely on one? Are you saying that the difference in speaking ability between these two men is that Obama has better speechwriters and the ability to read the teleprompter more accurately? Just trying to understand... :) I think it might be the first time in a long time that a reporter asked a president a question and actually got an answer to that question. So what if some of us disagree with his OPINION. He was asked HIS opinion and he clearly had one and was able to tell it. I respect that. Also, I'm not how what the OP is talking about here has anything to do with a teleprompter. She was saying that a reporter asked a question and he answered it with his opinion. Are you implying it wasn't actually his opinion and he read it off the teleprompter? Sorry - I hope I'm not stepping in it - I don't think I've ever responded to an even vaugely political thread. This just really confused me. :tongue_smilie: I've somehow completely managed to miss this "much discussed" reliance on the teleprompter. I'm guessing we listen to different media sources. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandtinagilbert Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 As a classical education board, I hope many of us have an idea of great rhetorical speakers. I could not include this president. His appeal (like JFK or Clinton) is high, but have you counted uuuummm, uuummmm. My children are forbidden to say uummm during public speaking. I have never seen the bliss that so many have commented on during his elevated public life. I am glad we have the opportunity of free speech, but I think POTUS has a strong obligation to honor the office of the presidency, which out ways his free speech right to comment on something about which he did not have all the facts , while at a presidential press conference for health care reform. He can say whatever he wants in his free time. Just my 2 cents. No snarky. Just sharin' thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) I like the fact that our president speaks so eloquently and has an opinion of his own, also. However, although I may agree personally with how he felt, as our president, he has to watch what he says and how he says it. I am glad that he apologized. We must remember that he is only human. President Obama is not the only president that has made controversial comments. Example: In addition to the Watergate scandal, Nixon made this controversial comment. “This in effect shows the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional state laws†on abortion restrictions, Nixon says, adding that any 14-year-old girl who “gets knocked up†would be able to get an abortion for “five dollars.†“I know that there are times when abortions are necessary. I know that,†Nixon tells an aide, then adding, “When you have a black and a white.†http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2277828/posts Edited July 25, 2009 by LUV2EDU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandtinagilbert Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Example: In addition to the Watergate scandal, Nixon made this controversial comment. “This in effect shows the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional state laws†on abortion restrictions, Nixon says, adding that any 14-year-old girl who “gets knocked up†would be able to get an abortion for “five dollars.†“I know that there are times when abortions are necessary. I know that,†Nixon tells an aide, then adding, “When you have a black and a white.†eewww Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Two of my favorites: "I did not have sex with that woman!" (Clinton, of course) "Rarely is it asked, is our children learning?" (Of course, Bush) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BalanceSeeker Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) It's so interesting all the different perspectives. I have never been impressed by his speaking ability. All the ummmmmmms are distracting. I search for substance in his words but IMO he rarely says anything meaningful. He repeats himself a lot, too. The only reason I didn't like him answering the question was because he took away valuable time from the health care reform issue. I was quite perturbed at that reporter for changing the subject. The only President who has ever really knocked my socks off was Ronald Reagan. He was a man of great substance in my book. Edited July 25, 2009 by BalanceSeeker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 It's so interesting all the different perspectives....The only President who has ever really knocked my socks off was Ronald Reagan. Oy vey. I'm sure the Gipper was a very nice man. 'nuff said.;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Whether or not I agree with the man - I am so glad that I can watch him on TV (or the web) and not cringe or wonder if he is literate. YES! :iagree::iagree::iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) I always did feel bad for W though. He is dyslexic and no one ever seemed to cut him any slack. No, he's not dyslexic. That myth often circulates, and he does have a brother (Neil, I believe) who's dyslexic, but GW has repeatedly denied that he himself has dyslexia. Edited July 25, 2009 by Colleen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I'm sorry, but I about spewed my drink due to the original post. Obama is not eloquent and not a great speaker. Only if he has a speech written for him and he's reading directly from it. And that eloquence is credited to his speech writer. How offensive that you would make the comment about literacy and our former president. Do you make such remarks about other people that have speech impediments? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 It's so interesting all the different perspectives. I have never been impressed by his speaking ability. All the ummmmmmms are distracting. I search for substance in his words but IMO he rarely says anything meaningful. He repeats himself a lot, too. The only reason I didn't like him answering the question was because he took away valuable time from the health care reform issue. I was quite perturbed at that reporter for changing the subject. The only President who has ever really knocked my socks off was Ronald Reagan. He was a man of great substance in my book. I can deal with a few ummmmms. However, George W. Bush takes the cake.:001_smile: 1. "I promise you I will listen to what has been said here, even though I wasn't here." 2. "Natural gas is hemispheric. I like to call it hemispheric in nature because it is a product that we can find in our neighborhoods." 3. "I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe I believe what I believe is right." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy at Home Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) I'm sorry, but I about spewed my drink due to the original post. Obama is not eloquent and not a great speaker. Only if he has a speech written for him and he's reading directly from it. And that eloquence is credited to his speech writer. How offensive that you would make the comment about literacy and our former president. Do you make such remarks about other people that have speech impediments? :iagree:. Besides, eloquence means nothing if you can't believe what he's saying. Lisa Edited July 25, 2009 by Momto5girls typed before thinking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy at Home Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) ... Edited July 25, 2009 by Momto5girls reconsidered Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn E Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Let's look at his statement. He admitted his ignorance and then chose to call the people who put their lives on the line to protect us "stupid" because they arrested his friend. It's pretty obvious to me that you really don't have to speak with truth or knowledge, as long as you say it eloquently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsMe Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Whether or not I agree with the man - I am so glad that I can watch him on TV (or the web) and not cringe or wonder if he is literate. I saw the clip in which a reporter ASKED him a question and I thought he was awesome. He was asked a question and he answered it. He covered his bases. He specifically stated that he was not there and did not know what happened. But the facts are that the police were called to the home for a break in. Upon discovering that it was not and the person in question actually lived there, there was no more reason for them to be involved. His comment was (IMO) that basically arresting the man at this point is ridiculous. The case is closed. I enjoy listening to him speak and I no longer cringe and worry that the world is laughing at us. I don't care what side of spectrum you fall on politically - you have to admit that it's refreshing to hear a man use correct English and get his point across in an educated fashion. I did not vote for the man - but I love to hear him speak and would probably vote for him in 2012. I think it might be the first time in a long time that a reporter asked a president a question and actually got an answer to that question. So what if some of us disagree with his OPINION. He was asked HIS opinion and he clearly had one and was able to tell it. I respect that. I respect people who have a different opinion than I do when they can discuss it and share it with me. I have discussed organic farming with a rancher who TOTALLY disagreed with me, but I enjoyed that he had reasons to back up his feelings and it was *not* one of those, "Well my daddy and his daddy did it and I don't understand it; I just do it" kind of conversations. This rancher had thought about it and understood it on his own terms. My best friend is a die hard Christian and we discuss religion and politics all the time. We do not see things the same but I enjoy her perspective and I like understanding where she is coming from. Simple as that. You do not have to agree with someone to respect that they have a right to feel the way they do and they also have a constitutional right to express it. I say kudoos to our President Obama who has HIS OWN opinion and does not need one fed to him. That is worthy of respect. Wether you agree with said opinion or not. Mmmm. IMPO Alot of this is really up for debate. If my only concern was wondering what the world thought of a president because of his speaking ability I'd be afraid. Speaking has nothing to do with literacy. Between the ummmms it's pretty bad actually. Teleprompters are very helpful and he doesn't have ONE, but TWO. As far as the police episode, he stuck his nose where it didn't belong and made a public judgement for which he had no right and knowledge of the circumstances. I feel being the president he had no right to express it because of his position. Anybody can talk well and give a line of garbage. Part of speaking well is knowing when to and when not to. Bush has is own opinions and wasn't swayed by what others thought either. And I beg to differ. The world is laughing at us, not because of how he speaks, but because of what he says. What people say is more important than how they speak. I have no respect for him because of what he says. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 The world is laughing at us, not because of how he speaks, but because of what he says. The world was laughing at us because of what Bush said *and* how he said it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I am sorry to disagree with OP. But, I was shocked & even embarrassed by this. He is POTUS... not a next door neighbor being interviewed on Cops! Bush had trouble with subject-verb agreement & Clinton had trouble with interns.... but they weren't running to the aid of "BUBBA" from high school in local controversies. To speak with pretty words and a simple vocabulary is appealing but it has NO substance. To be good looking & speak nicely results in even more admiration for the speaker b/c eyes & ears are being tickled. Listen to him on the radio more... you may have a different view. It is a painful experience. Obama should have kept his mouth shut on the Gates case. He threw fire on a small spark & now it has turned into HUGE national news... you don't jump into a fight as President (that is for frat brothers & ball players defending teenage honor). Good Grief. Now Obama & Gates look very foolish and like they were "crying wolf using racism". Now, he still hasn't issued a true apology... just muddled words in an effort to get out of the fire. He should throw in an apology to the AMERICAN PEOPLE at the same time for his immature & racist behavior. Maybe this sort of incident is why he depends on the teleprompter??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUV2EDU Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I'm sorry, but I about spewed my drink due to the original post. Obama is not eloquent and not a great speaker. Only if he has a speech written for him and he's reading directly from it. And that eloquence is credited to his speech writer. How offensive that you would make the comment about literacy and our former president. Do you make such remarks about other people that have speech impediments? You state that President Obama can only speak eloquently, because he has his speeches written for him. So, where was this speech writer when George was in office? I understand your frustration. However, to defend Bush's speech impairment, but turn around and criticize Obama's speech impairment is...... If it is wrong to speak ill of Bush's speech impairment, then it is wrong to speak ill of Obama's speech impairment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacie Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Um... his reliance on the teleprompter as opposed to the previous president? Bush didn't use one or rely on one? Are you saying that the difference in speaking ability between these two men is that Obama has better speechwriters and the ability to read the teleprompter more accurately? :confused: I can't seem to find anywhere in my post that compares/contrasts any previous president's use of a teleprompter? So, therefore, how can I speak to any difference in speaking ability? Also, I'm not how what the OP is talking about here has anything to do with a teleprompter. She was saying that a reporter asked a question and he answered it with his opinion. Are you implying it wasn't actually his opinion and he read it off the teleprompter? Sorry - I hope I'm not stepping in it - I don't think I've ever responded to an even vaugely political thread. This just really confused me. :tongue_smilie: I've somehow completely managed to miss this "much discussed" reliance on the teleprompter. I'm guessing we listen to different media sources. ;) Again, my response was not regarding a teleprompter. I think it is interesting how some citizens praise him for forming his own opinions/statements while others criticize him for having his opinions/statements fed to him via electronic means (avoiding getting bogged down with the t-word again ;)). I've never to my recollection posted on a political thread, though I may have and not remember. Further, I have in no way given any opinion on my thoughts as to how well/poorly President Obama is performing his job. I make it a point to stay away from political threads also. They belong on a more topical board. My observation and post was more on a human psyche level and being thankful for the opportunity to have and express differing opinions. And my media sources are anything I can find that interests me. I'm a voracious reader! :) Have a great day, matroyshka! I'm off to sign over the paycheck to Whole Foods!! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I wish I could figure out how to multiple quote. There are more people I agree with on this thread than those I don't. In short, I don't think he's eloquent at all. There is very little substance to his words and the ummms are massively distracting. Yes, he has his own opinions, but doesn't everyone? I don't know a single person who doesn't have an opinion. LOL It's great that we have free speech and I don't take that right lightly, but with it comes responsibility. He certainly has the right to express himself, but more importantly, I think he has the responsibility to refrain from making ignorant comments publicly. And, by ignorant, I mean it in the truest sense, not as an insult. He had the choice to wait until he had all the information before commenting, but yet he chose to take the opportunity to insult the police. Yes, he's human but he's also in a very high position and needs to hold himself to a higher standard (as does anyone in the position of President). So, no, I'm not impressed with his ability to express his opinion or his speaking abilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 How offensive that you would make the comment about literacy and our former president. Do you make such remarks about other people that have speech impediments? I'm embarrassed to ask but who has a speech impediment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen sn Posted July 25, 2009 Author Share Posted July 25, 2009 How offensive that you would make the comment about literacy and our former president. Do you make such remarks about other people that have speech impediments? Only when they are puppets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen sn Posted July 25, 2009 Author Share Posted July 25, 2009 I guess quite a few people here do not believe the "to serve and protect" motto. I thought that I could speak my mind to a cop (even if they disagree) as long as I am not doing anything illegal or harmful. One would hope for the arrest of criminals versus the noncriminal citizens minding their own business. If the cops get that offended or feel threatened by some old man, perhaps they should grow some thicker skin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pqr Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 As this thread is moving from the issue offree speech to that of if a politician should interfere with a possibly ongoing investigation and a case that may come up in the courts. It is worth reading the police report. (I did post this on the thread about the incident but as I said we now appear to have parallel posts). A copy of the police report Page 2 Copy of report from Officer Figueroa . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I completely agree with the motto to serve and protect. In my opinion and the opinions of the majority of people according to polls, screaming at police officers outside at night and refusing to stop but continuing to cause a commotion is the very act of disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct. That is why we have such laws on the books. The police officers in Cambridge were trying to protect Prof. Gates from a burglary that didn't happen to have happened. Actually what did happen is either vandalism or destruction of property but I assume that Prof. Gates will either have it repaired or be charged for the damage by Harvard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Have a great day, matroyshka! I'm off to sign over the paycheck to Whole Foods!! ;) LOL - well, here's something we have in common! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn E Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Mr. Gates broke the law. He was arrested for doing so. Disorderly conduct is in the criminal statutes. Should he not have been because he was an elite or a friend of the president? Even Obama regrets what he said. Would he, if he still thought the cops acted stupidly? He has said that perhaps BOTH sides overreacted, but he has reached out to the cop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie in OR Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I enjoy listening to him speak and I no longer cringe and worry that the world is laughing at us. I don't care what side of spectrum you fall on politically - you have to admit that it's refreshing to hear a man use correct English and get his point across in an educated fashion. It really is amazing how any two people can view the same thing and have a totally different take on it. See, I think a lot of the world is laughing at us now. From different op-ed pieces I've read in London and Russian papers, they are most definitely not laughing with us (sorry, no links because it will take too long to find them). And all I hear when I hear him talk is blahblahblahblahblah. It's pretty but pointless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) We see the world through our "world view" glasses. We relate to people of common thought. We rarely challenge what "looks okay". I didn't like Bush - he wasn't conservative, just Republican. I could see having a beer at a BBQ with Clinton, but would never vote for him or trust him near my daughter. Clinton was a master politician... liberal or conservative, as needed. Not a political fan of EITHER man. They occassionally made me cringe or drop my head in shame (especially Clinton and Lewinsky)... but key word is occassionally. Obama embarrasses me on so many issues and OFTEN (regardless of party). *He apologizes for the evil Americans all over the world (even when we have protected muslims as often as fighting them). This is foolish & even fires up many who don't pay attention to politics. Bad move to potentially make your own country mad at you for little substance. *Don't dismiss late kindergarteners... you know they aren't there & adults are making the mess... have staff modify the plans & give you 5 minutes waving & saying hello (Democrat voters for life - powerful impact on their world)... then you can go hang out with the cool Football stars. Think ahead & be considerate of those less fortunate b/c it is YOU who suffer... not the staffer who tells them to get back on the bus *He bows to a Saudi Prince & then says he didn't (it is on film for goodness sake). *He gave PM Gordon Brown a box of DVDs :confused: as a gift of honor. No respect, no honor of tradition, and no interest in guest. *He works hard in appeasing countries aligned with terrorist (& possibly giving them support) by saying the US is a Muslim nation... WHAT? We have many relegions but Muslims do not even begin to have a large number here compared to Sudan, Egypt, or Syria. Don't bold face lie about it. *He refused to see Sarkosy but spent a week in his capital city. Cup of coffee & dessert were easier than potentially losing the support & respect of an important nation! *He encourages us to cut our expenses, eat at home more often, and be more energy efficient.... while he eats gourmet meals, wife has $5000 purse, and flies his kids all over the world to sight see. (complete opposite of what he expects from the rest of us - but common among dignitaries using all they have as much as they can). And don't run the February thermostat at 80 degrees - it ain't the tropics in DC and it is expensive to tax payers. Moderation & respect for those who pay your way. *He takes Michelle on a date night (I love to see a strong married couple!!!) and he MUST use AirForce 1 & military protection, etc as POTUS (expected, necessary).... but don't try to tell people "they paid for it" when all they did was buy the Broadway tickets. Just keep silent & don't stir the pot. Very immature. His OPINION in the Gates case made a mess of the entire situation - NO WISDOM AT ALL. You have free speech but you have consequences. (Dixie Chicks anyone?) He may be 1/2 black & feels compelled to speak out over presumed Black issues..... but know the facts and pick your fights wisely! Edited July 25, 2009 by Dirtroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Hood Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I find Pres Obama to be smooth and seductive, but a good orator? No. Not at all. Not close. I think Hillary is a good orator. I am fascinated by her, her occasional screech and all, but please don't make a mistake and think that I like her. She just says it well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacy in NJ Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 You confuse style with substance. Just because you sound sophisticated, smooth, comfortable doesn't mean the substance of what you say is accurate or meaningful. I find Obama to be incredibly non-specific; I thought this from my very first impressions of him. I think the reason that the health care debate/bill(s) are a failure is because of his inability to articulate specifics, either because he's not versed enough on the the topic or he thinks the specifics will do further damage to its likely passage. His falling polls illustrate the disconnect between rhetoric and reality. He doesn't know how to address reality; he likes abstractions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 You state that President Obama can only speak eloquently, because he has his speeches written for him. So, where was this speech writer when George was in office? I understand your frustration. However, to defend Bush's speech impairment, but turn around and criticize Obama's speech impairment is...... If it is wrong to speak ill of Bush's speech impairment, then it is wrong to speak ill of Obama's speech impairment. There is a big difference between someone that says "uuhmmm, uhmmm, yeah" on a regular basis and someone with an actual speech impediment :glare: Bush was laughed at because he had an actual speech impediment, not because he spoke like a teenager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I find Pres Obama to be smooth and seductive, but a good orator? No. Not at all. Not close. I think Hillary is a good orator. I am fascinated by her, her occasional screech and all, but please don't make a mistake and think that I like her. She just says it well. As much as I don't care for Senator Clinton, I still have to agree with this. She is an example of a good orator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 :iagree: We see the world through our "world view" glasses. We relate to people of common thought. We rarely challenge what "looks okay". I didn't like Bush - he wasn't conservative, just Republican. I could see having a beer at a BBQ with Clinton, but would never vote for him or trust him near my daughter. Clinton was a master politician... liberal or conservative, as needed. Not a political fan of EITHER man. They occassionally made me cringe or drop my head in shame (especially Clinton and Lewinsky)... but key word is occassionally. Obama embarrasses me on so many issues and OFTEN (regardless of party). *He apologizes for the evil Americans all over the world (even when we have protected muslims as often as fighting them). This is foolish & even fires up many who don't pay attention to politics. Bad move to potentially make your own country mad at you for little substance. *Don't dismiss late kindergarteners... you know they aren't there & adults are making the mess... have staff modify the plans & give you 5 minutes waving & saying hello (Democrat voters for life - powerful impact on their world)... then you can go hang out with the cool Football stars. Think ahead & be considerate of those less fortunate b/c it is YOU who suffer... not the staffer who tells them to get back on the bus *He bows to a Saudi Prince & then says he didn't (it is on film for goodness sake). *He gave PM Gordon Brown a box of DVDs :confused: as a gift of honor. No respect, no honor of tradition, and no interest in guest. *He works hard in appeasing countries aligned with terrorist (& possibly giving them support) by saying the US is a Muslim nation... WHAT? We have many relegions but Muslims do not even begin to have a large number here compared to Sudan, Egypt, or Syria. Don't bold face lie about it. *He refused to see Sarkosy but spent a week in his capital city. Cup of coffee & dessert were easier than potentially losing the support & respect of an important nation! *He encourages us to cut our expenses, eat at home more often, and be more energy efficient.... while he eats gourmet meals, wife has $5000 purse, and flies his kids all over the world to sight see. (complete opposite of what he expects from the rest of us - but common among dignitaries using all they have as much as they can). And don't run the February thermostat at 80 degrees - it ain't the tropics in DC and it is expensive to tax payers. Moderation & respect for those who pay your way. *He takes Michelle on a date night (I love to see a strong married couple!!!) and he MUST use AirForce 1 & military protection, etc as POTUS (expected, necessary).... but don't try to tell people "they paid for it" when all they did was buy the Broadway tickets. Just keep silent & don't stir the pot. Very immature. His OPINION in the Gates case made a mess of the entire situation - NO WISDOM AT ALL. You have free speech but you have consequences. (Dixie Chicks anyone?) He may be 1/2 black & feels compelled to speak out over presumed Black issues..... but know the facts and pick your fights wisely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Bush was laughed at because he had an actual speech impediment... Speech impediment? What, specifically, are you referencing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeanestMomInMidwest Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I'm glad to see politics are again allowed and that this conversation isn't all about liberal vs conservative :tongue_smilie: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Speech impediment? What, specifically, are you referencing? I know several people with mild to moderate speech impediments, some being relatives as well as one of my children. When I listen to President Bush speak, I hear the same pattern and difficulties as I hear from these other people. Simply because someone doesn't have an "announced" or "diagnosed" speech impediment, doesn't mean they don't have one. From what I have observed, it appears that President Bush may have an impediment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 People like to use tags as an anonymous form of expression. Case in point, someone tagged this thread, "politics allowed now?" ~ either as a means of indiciating his/her disapproval of this thread, or as a sincere question. If it's the latter, the answer is, "Yes, politics are allowed now", but it's not no-holds-barred. Read the rules here for more information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I know several people with mild to moderate speech impediments, some being relatives as well as one of my children. When I listen to President Bush speak, I hear the same pattern and difficulties as I hear from these other people. Simply because someone doesn't have an "announced" or "diagnosed" speech impediment, doesn't mean they don't have one. From what I have observed, it appears that President Bush may have an impediment. So the notion that he has a speech impediment is merely your opinion. Thank you for clarifying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeanestMomInMidwest Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 People like to use tags as an anonymous form of expression. Case in point, someone tagged this thread, "politics allowed now?" ~ either as a means of indiciating his/her disapproval of this thread, or as a sincere question. If it's the latter, the answer is, "Yes, politics are allowed now", but it's not no-holds-barred. Read the rules here for more information. Thank you. Been gone for awhile. Tag changed. Sorry to offend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 So the notion that he has a speech impediment is merely your opinion. Thank you for clarifying. No, it's more a matter of me using my ears, recognising an impediment, and acknowledging that he shows signs of having one. That's quite different than, "uhhmm, yeah, uhmmm" My opinion on Presidents and honesty: I think very few, if any, have ever been completely honest ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Thank you. Been gone for awhile. Tag changed. Sorry to offend. Not at all. I'm not around here much any more either; nice to "see" you!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joy at Home Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Can someone explain what a tag is? I read the tag warning, but don't understand what it means. Embarrassed to ask . . . Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 It really is amazing how any two people can view the same thing and have a totally different take on it. See, I think a lot of the world is laughing at us now. From different op-ed pieces I've read in London and Russian papers, they are most definitely not laughing with us (sorry, no links because it will take too long to find them). And all I hear when I hear him talk is blahblahblahblahblah. It's pretty but pointless. :iagree::iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Can someone explain what a tag is? I read the tag warning, but don't understand what it means. Embarrassed to ask . . . Lisa Me either! How do you put a tag on a post and how do I read them? I don't see them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 No, it's more a matter of me using my ears, recognising an impediment, and acknowledging that he shows signs of having one. That's quite different than, "uhhmm, yeah, uhmmm" I disagree. It's your opinion ~ certainly one to which your entitled, but just that. My opinion on Presidents and honesty: I think very few, if any, have ever been completely honest ;) I agree, and I think the same is true of people in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usetoschool Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Regarding the original post - what is it about his speaking that makes people think he is so eloquent? I find his tone (bland, monotone, stilted), choice of words (he uses big words - but often when a simpler word would work just as well if not better), and construction (awkward sometimes and meaningless other times) annoying. Most of the speeches sound like strung together cliches. The 'ums' are fingernails on the chalkboard. I think I must be missing something, but I can't figure out what. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 (edited) Mr. Gates broke the law. He was arrested for doing so. Disorderly conduct is in the criminal statutes. Should he not have been because he was an elite or a friend of the president? Just because someone was arrested does NOT mean he broke the law. The charges were dropped because they were not defensible. The police spokeswoman said that the incident was regrettable and that the "just outcome" was to drop the charges. Which means someone did not think that they could be successfully prosecuted and I would say that's because he didn't actually break any law, though some will see it differently. So no, I don't think Gates broke the law. He did, however, make an @ss of himself. I guess he's legally entitled to do so. I feel sorry for the officer who was responding to a call in good faith. It seems like maybe he would have been better off to leave once he established that Gates was the homeowner and was not being burglarized. He let the insults get to him. It may not have been the best decision, but good grief, the poor guy has reporters camping on his lawn. To me, he's the real victim here even though his actions may not have been perfect. And I think the president "acted stupidly" when he commented on the case. He knows it, too. He is engaged in some major back tracking, now, and I guess he learned a hard lesson. Edited July 25, 2009 by Danestress Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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