I'm sure it's not original but a FB quote regarding the right's reaction to his bow made me laugh yesterday, to wit: "If Obama walked on water the right would say 'Obama can't swim.'" #barackobama
Even with the insane dramz that continue to ensue on the national political stage, I for one celebrate the return of good manners to American foreign policy. #barackobama
@Penny: Instead of bowing, he should follow that kick with an armpit scratch and a fart. Maybe a good swift kick to the local palace housepets. That's what I'm given to understand passes for polite in Real America.
"I come across as confident and [foreign countries] assume that means that I think I'm hot shit. And that makes them feel bad about themselves and so they hate [America]."
- Dick Cheney, Graduate, Megan Fox School of International Relations
I wish we wouldn't even discuss this issue. The criticism is so unwarranted, and so completely ignorant, it pains me to address it. Bowing is a common way of showing respect in Japan. I live in the international district of my city and often exchange this type of greeting with others in a variety of capacities. Acknowledging differing cultural traditions does not result in weakness. Rather, it demonstrates an amount of consideration for the people you are amongst. #barackobama
You know what shows weakness, Dick? When you're so insecure/full-of-yourself that you refuse to acknowledge that other countries deserve to be acknowledged as equals and just run around yelling OMG USA OMG!!!! for purely jingoistic reasons. #barackobama
There have been plenty of conservative presidents who have been against torture. McCain was at one point, particularly while he was being tortured, I'm sure. Torture is not a conservative value. I don't understand why people are so in favor of it. "Everything Obama isn't" is not a viable political platform. Nor does it make sense.
I'm so tired of conservatives ragging on Obama for being anti-torture. They make it seem like it's because he's soft, but it's actually because torture doesn't work. I'm not too proud to admit that I would crumble after my first fingernail was yanked. I'd start blathering on about JFK, copping to everything from his assassination to breaking up the Gosselin's marriage.
@CoalMineCanary: One of my cousins sent out an e-mail once about how he knows 24 speaks truth and torture works. Once I got done screaming about the stupidity, I asked what someone could do to him that would make him say that there is no God and mean it (he's particularly religious). He said "nothing," but I'm not convinced that he made the connection to what I was talking about. It's like there's this weird disconnect: "since the terrorists don't believe the same thing I believe, they can't possibly believe in it as strongly as I do, even though they are willing to kill/die for it."
That ticking time bomb crap always gives me that amused/pissed off feeling.
If I was a terrorist and there was an attack I planned that was going to happen in say an hour - I could probably get through an hour of torture. Why would I give up the info if my plan was that close to fruition?
Just one of the many ways in which torture makes no sense - in addition to this: [www.cbsnews.com]
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(Sorry, I'm in a crass, lousy mood today!)
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- Dick Cheney, Graduate, Megan Fox School of International Relations
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And a thousand thousand slimy things lived on ; and so did (he)
He's spoiled more than a few weddings... #barackobama
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If I was a terrorist and there was an attack I planned that was going to happen in say an hour - I could probably get through an hour of torture. Why would I give up the info if my plan was that close to fruition?
Just one of the many ways in which torture makes no sense - in addition to this:
[www.cbsnews.com]
09/28/09