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Chuckit · Nov 15, 2009, 05:54 PM

I don't think see how only allowing natural born Americans to run for national office is a problem. I don't think it's even preventing immigrants from being elected — if that were so, I would expect to see lots of them becoming governors (an even more important office in many ways than being a congressman), but I don't.

besson3c · Nov 15, 2009, 06:11 PM

Maybe you're right about that Chuckit.

Dork. · Nov 15, 2009, 06:35 PM

AFAIK, the only Federal requirements to be a member of Congress or a Senator are age and US residency. States may put additional requirements in place, but I am not at all aware of any (other than perhaps living in the district for a period of time.)

The "Natural-Born" requirement is only in the Constitution for the Presidency and Vice Presidency. It is also ill-defined. This is how Obama has been able to get away with it, he knew that we used the rule so little that we wouldn't be paying attention....

Chuckit · Nov 15, 2009, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Dork.

AFAIK, the only Federal requirements to be a member of Congress or a Senator are age and US residency. States may put additional requirements in place, but I am not at all aware of any (other than perhaps living in the district for a period of time.)

Not just residency. They have to have been a citizen for either seven or nine years depending on which legislative branch they want to run for.

besson3c · Nov 15, 2009, 06:58 PM

Let's say that Swartznegger did an awesome job and would be eligible to run for president. Do you think we would ever vote for him?

shifuimam · Nov 15, 2009, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Was I the only one that felt that it was rather offensive that so many Americans were uncomfortable with the notion of Obama not being Christian? Like there is something inherently wrong with being a Muslim, and that being a Muslim goes hand in hand with being a radical Muslim?

How many of these same sorts of people could tell the difference between a Hindu and somebody of the Islamic faith? Obama being from Kenya could have just as easily been Hindu or Baha'í, and according to the Wikipedia the majority of the Kenyan population is Christian anyway.

The whole conflating Obama with being Muslim just because he looks funny is not only embarrassingly ignorant, but it is also xenophobic. Going to the next step and labeling him as a radical Muslim is beyond ignorant and offensive, and arguably racist.

I don't know why this was as tolerated as it was.

The controversy surrounding Obama's affiliation with Islam had nothing to do with how he looked, or with the basic religion. The Nation of Islam (NOI) is known to be radically racist against white people. Its leaders are vehemently anti-white and pro-self segregation of the black community.

It is a concern when your president associates himself with a belief system that is obviously and strongly anti-white. It would be just as big of a problem if a presidential candidate were a member or affiliate of the KKK.

Chuckit · Nov 15, 2009, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Let's say that Swartznegger did an awesome job and would be eligible to run for president. Do you think we would ever vote for him?

Probably. Californians did when it was a complete gamble. Though IIRC, he was the state's first non-native governor.

besson3c · Nov 15, 2009, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

The controversy surrounding Obama's affiliation with Islam had nothing to do with how he looked, or with the basic religion. The Nation of Islam (NOI) is known to be radically racist against white people. Its leaders are vehemently anti-white and pro-self segregation of the black community.

It is a concern when your president associates himself with a belief system that is obviously and strongly anti-white. It would be just as big of a problem if a presidential candidate were a member or affiliate of the KKK.

The NOI is an organization, not a religion. From the Wikipedia:

The Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) is a religious organization founded in Detroit, Michigan, United States by Wallace D. Fard Muhammad in July 1930, with the self-proclaimed goal of resurrecting the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of the black men and women of America. The N.O.I. also promotes the belief that God will bring about a universal government of peace.[1] Mainstream Muslims consider the group a heretical sect of Islam due to the differing beliefs of the concept of God, race, prophecy, and many others.[2] However, in recent years the group has come a little closer to orthodox Islam by observing Ramadan and the Friday prayers.

There is no rule saying that people who are Islamic are members of this organization or believe in its teachings. I'm not sure where you got the idea that Obama is a member or supporter of this organization?

dcmacdaddy · 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by Chongo

You know what, you guys are right. it is appropriate for an elected officials to show respect for tradition.

Pelosi

Vicente Fox

Absolutely. Glad you came to your senses.

(Of course, your example with the Pope only applies to Catholics. Non-Catholics would NOT greet the Pope by kissing his ring. Again, cultural sensitivity dictates certain behaviors for Catholics meeting the Pope and certain behaviors for non-Catholics meeting the Pope. George Bush would NOT have greeted the Pope by kissing his ring because he is not Catholic. JFK would have, and should have, greeted the Pope by kissing his ring because he, JFK, was Catholic.)

shifuimam · Nov 15, 2009, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

There is no rule saying that people who are Islamic are members of this organization or believe in its teachings. I'm not sure where you got the idea that Obama is a member or supporter of this organization?

Sorry. I was thinking of the Revered Wright incident.

besson3c · Nov 16, 2009, 01:55 AM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

Sorry. I was thinking of the Revered Wright incident.

No problem, I don't know what I'm saying half the time, including right now

Chongo · 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by dcmacdaddy

Absolutely. Glad you came to your senses.

(Of course, your example with the Pope only applies to Catholics. Non-Catholics would NOT greet the Pope by kissing his ring. Again, cultural sensitivity dictates certain behaviors for Catholics meeting the Pope and certain behaviors for non-Catholics meeting the Pope. George Bush would NOT have greeted the Pope by kissing his ring because he is not Catholic. JFK would have, and should have, greeted the Pope by kissing his ring because he, JFK, was Catholic.)

Hmmm

Chongo · Nov 16, 2009, 10:55 AM

One of my favorites.

Chongo · Nov 16, 2009, 02:52 PM

Compilation of Emperor Akihito shaking hands with other foreign (and domestic) leaders, juxtaposed to Obama shaking hands with Emperor Akihito
YouTube - Obama Bows to Japanese Emperor Akihito

besson3c · Nov 16, 2009, 02:55 PM

THIS time there will be no doubt, huh Chongo?

besson3c · Nov 16, 2009, 02:56 PM

Hmmm... I still feel some doubt.

Chongo · Nov 16, 2009, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

THIS time there will be no doubt, huh Chongo?

That he was bowing. If it is proper, is up to you.

SpaceMonkey · Nov 16, 2009, 02:59 PM

There's always the possibility that the other people in the slide show were just being big jerkfaces...

[/kidding]

Chongo · Nov 16, 2009, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Hmmm... I still feel some doubt.

I thought only Catholics kissed the Pope's ring.

smacintush · Nov 17, 2009, 09:08 AM

In this case I don't think it was improper to bow, I just think that it shows Obama's ineptness. What a horrible "big American *********" bow. Or is he trying to sneak a peak and make sure his fly isn't open?

Laminar · Nov 17, 2009, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

The NOI is an organization, not a religion. From the Wikipedia:

The Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) is a religious organization founded in Detroit, Michigan, United States by Wallace D. Fard Muhammad in July 1930, with the self-proclaimed goal of resurrecting the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of the black men and women of America. The N.O.I. also promotes the belief that God will bring about a universal government of peace.[1] Mainstream Muslims consider the group a heretical sect of Islam due to the differing beliefs of the concept of God, race, prophecy, and many others.[2] However, in recent years the group has come a little closer to orthodox Islam by observing Ramadan and the Friday prayers.

Wut. You'd have to be splitting hairs to differentiate between a sect and a religion, but whatever.

hyteckit · Nov 17, 2009, 11:58 AM

Obama is the first US Pacific President.

He is just practicing proper manners of the Pacific by respecting the elderly.

besson3c · Nov 17, 2009, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

Wut. You'd have to be splitting hairs to differentiate between a sect and a religion, but whatever.

Maybe you should correct that Wikipedia article?

OAW · Nov 17, 2009, 02:28 PM

The Nation of Islam (N.O.I.) is part black nationalist organization, part Islamic sect that is presently under the leadership of Min. Louis Farrakhan. Most black Muslims in the US are not members. President Obama has no relationship whatsoever to this group.

As for the OP .... the entire "controversy" is stupid. Showing respect for foreign heads of state in their own country is a simple sign of respect. Those of us who had what we call "home training" know this. Unfortunately, there are others who clearly are lacking in this department

Bottom line? This was stupid when people criticized Pres. Bush for holding hands and walking with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah ... and it's just as stupid when people criticized Pres. Obama for bowing to the Japanese Emperor.

OAW

Chongo · Nov 17, 2009, 06:17 PM

Nixon and Hirohito in 1971

Please note that the two men are bowing mutually to each other (at somewhat less than a 45 degree angle), with hands at their sides. That is the correct way to show respect in Japan.

Dork. · Nov 19, 2009, 08:07 PM

Let's face it, this 0bama0 guy will bow to just about anything....

(from Wonkette : More Obama-Monster Evidence From Photos )

besson3c · Nov 19, 2009, 08:19 PM

How do we know that isn't baby Hitler?

Dork. · Nov 19, 2009, 08:31 PM

We know the baby isn't Hitler because he isn't a brilliant public speaker.

Besides, I think he's a she, anyway. Girl babies can't be Baby Hitler (although they can still be little tyrants).

turtle777 · Nov 19, 2009, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

How do we know that isn't baby Hitler?

How do we know that you are not Abe ?

-t

besson3c · Nov 19, 2009, 11:04 PM

Because I think that foreign agents are awesome, I have no problems with Davie Bowie or Anna Benson, I'm not a Republican afraid of my own shadow, I don't post 23498293048 political articles, and I'm still lousy at thread love making?