A reminder of Obama’s compassion…for jihadists

By Michelle Malkin  •  September 11, 2008 10:32 AM

Thank you to Sweetness & Light for the devastating and damning reminder of where Barack Obama’s heart lies on this seventh anniversary of the 9/11 jihadi attacks:

In one of the “very serious” articles about Mr. Obama, called “Making It,” in the current issue of The New Yorker we are treated to his response to 9/11 as published in the September 19th 2001 edition of the Hyde Park Herald:

Even as I hope for some measure of peace and comfort to the bereaved families, I must also hope that we as a nation draw some measure of wisdom from this tragedy. Certain immediate lessons are clear, and we must act upon those lessons decisively. We need to step up security at our airports. We must reexamine the effectiveness of our intelligence networks. And we must be resolute in identifying the perpetrators of these heinous acts and dismantling their organizations of destruction.

We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness. The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity and suffering of others. Such a failure of empathy, such numbness to the pain of a child or the desperation of a parent, is not innate; nor, history tells us, is it unique to a particular culture, religion, or ethnicity. It may find expression in a particular brand of violence, and may be channeled by particular demagogues or fanatics. Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad. We will have to be unwavering in opposing bigotry or discrimination directed against neighbors and friends of Middle Eastern descent. Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and within our own shores.

“Empathy” would appear to be Mr. Obama’s watchword when it comes to talking about 9/11.

Related: Educating the ignorant Kumbaya candidate

Posted in: 9/11, Barack Obama

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Comments


  1. #450738
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:10 am, englishqueen01 said:

    We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness.

    Read the Koran and the Hadith. Pretty much all you need to understand is right there.

  2. #450740
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, Mister P said:

    That lack of empathy seems to also reflect on his willingness to let a child born during a botched abortion die.

  3. #450741
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, sonofdy said:

    We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness.

    Yet me help you out there Obama, pick up a quoran.

  4. #450743
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, guitarplayer said:

    The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity and suffering of others.

    Get a clue, Obama. They don’t want to empathize with us. They want to kill us.

    Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    Poverty? Ignorance? All of the 9/11 hijackers were college educated and came from wealthy families.

    This is what the democratic party puts forward as a candidate? We’ll be lucky to survive as a nation with him in charge for four years.

  5. #450744
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Lest we forget that The One also said: “I will stand with the Muslims should the winds shift in an ugly direction.”

  6. #450745
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am, sonofdy said:

    englishqueen01 : beat me to it.

  7. #450746
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am, bansharia said:

    woo hoooo bring it awnnnn

    take THAT dem slacks and media hacks

    we will NOT forget!!!!!

  8. #450748
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:13 am, JDinTX said:

    Obama is either clueless or at least a sympathizer to the terrorists. These people want to kill us and he hasn’t figured this out yet. And I believe he wants to destroy us from within to make it easier for them to take over.

  9. #450749
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:14 am, ajmontana said:

    Obama and his ilk don’t get it.

  10. #450750
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:14 am, Gorebot said:

    Of course, what core fact will the Idiot Media conveniently ignore if and when it ever discusses Mr. OBummer’s post-9/11 article?

    Why, of course: the fact that it is in “more than 90% agreement” with what George W. Bush also said!!!

    With OBummer, we get words. With Bush, at least we got deeds.

  11. #450751
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:14 am, BayStateRepublican said:

    The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers…out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    If you remove the qualifiers and mumbo jumbo, what he says is the perpetrators hate because they’re poor, bitter and stupid. Kinda the same way he feels about rural Rebublicans.

  12. #450754
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:17 am, dj said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, 30 pcs of silver said:
    Lest we forget that The One also said: “I will stand with the Muslims should the winds shift in an ugly direction.”

    30, you beat me to this one.

  13. #450757
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:17 am, navywife91 said:

    Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair

    The “rich” terrorists (OBL, Zawahiri, etc) take advantage of the poor, ignorant, and helpless and use them as tools for their sick ideology. When any of them blow themselves up in the name of Allah, maybe I’ll change my mind, but any empathy for these people won’t come from me.

    We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad

    That is why we are still fighting today. Precisely because we care about civilians, despite what Barack Obama or any left-leaning loon says.

  14. #450763
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:19 am, bansharia said:

    30,
    obambi has met that ugly wind and he has yet to feel the full force of it
    baby steps for the boy.
    san fran commie libs can’t buy his way
    to POTUS there is a brickwall in his path with a lil brass plaque go on obama get up real close can you read what it says? take your time ahuh thats
    right it says AMERICANS

    NO SALE OBAMA

  15. #450771
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:23 am, bansharia said:

    AJ,
    to be clear obama and his ilk do get it and they feel superior to the rest of America. What they desire to do is with with full awareness and intent. It is simply not going to happen THAT is reality ;)

  16. #450781
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:26 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    Obama. must. not. be. elected.

  17. #450782
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:26 am, Capn Ramius said:

    In the US: Profiling is wrong!
    In Israel: Dance for me, Ahmed!
    When the blood of innocents flows on the streets, empathy is dead, too.

  18. #450784
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:26 am, bradley said:

    Obama states the basis for the Muslim attackers on the US lies out of a “climate of poverty and ignorance”. Right. That shows how ignorant HE is, since the idiot attackers were, on the whole, college educated and NOT poverty-stricken. Like an earlier commenter stated, their fundamentalist idiocy grows out of the Koran and its ceaseless cries to kill the infidel.

  19. #450785
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:27 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    dj,

    It’s just one of the many things this “man” has said that doesn’t sit well with me. His apologists will be here in 3…2…1….

  20. #450790
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:28 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    bansharia,

    Hear, hear.

  21. #450793
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am, Cicero said:

    Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and within our own shores.

    Pure Leftard catechism. The jihadis hate us because of their bad childhoods. Obama is a complete tool, unable to form a single thought outside of the confines of hackneyed liberal dogma. His slavish devotion to a discredited orthodoxy is impervious to things like facts.

    Didn’t The One ever notice that the perpetrators of 9/11 weren’t from impoverished families? Didn’t he notice that several had the benefit of Western educations as well as long-term exposure to our values? They still wanted to kill us, but Obama can’t get it thought that elite head of his that it wasn’t America’s shortcomings that provoked their attack.

    And this guy is supposed to be intelligent? My 18 year-old daughter has a more realistic picture of the world (and she’s never lived in Indonesia).

  22. #450794
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am, Paul Revere said:

    We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness.

    I’m trying to engage, however, the more difficult task of understanding such utter vapidness.

  23. #450795
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am, James Felix said:

    Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    “Most often”? Really?

    The five poorest countries in the world based on 2004 GNP are Burundi, Ethiopa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libera and Malawi. Number of 9/11 terrorists and high profile Al Qaeda members from those countries: zero.

    By contrast, the number of 9/11 terrorists and high profile AQ members who come from affluent Arab / Islamic society: all of them.

    If the assertion made by Obama (and the Left in general) was accurate then we should be fighting off hordes of Burundian terrorists. Yet somehow we aren’t.

    They continue to assert this, year after year, when it is demonstrably untrue. So much for being “reality based”.

  24. #450796
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:30 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Senator Barack Hussein Obama said:
    We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness.

    They are followers of the moon god, taught jihad from birth, sworn to kill infidels? But I do believe Senator Barack Hussein Obama knows all this from his days in Indonesia, re-enforced by Jeremiah Wright at Trinity Church and Mosque and of course Minister of the Nation of Islam Calypso Louie.

    Mohammedism: Bringing the world jihad for 1400 years.
    —-
    The Obamination is on the radio comparing the Terrorist to America’s “inequalities”. Damn that mohammedan/marxist to Hell.

  25. #450799
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am, Trollman said:

    Heroes say, “Let’s roll.”

    Cowards say, “Let’s roll over.”

  26. #450801
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am, Paul-Cincy said:

    Obama wrote: “We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness. [...] Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.” (And then he drones on for another full paragraph!).

    This is the real Obama. Moral insanity. Not to mention now we know many of the hijackers were well-educated in the US, not poor, ignorant, helpless, or in despair. In other words, Obama’s thesis is in this case totally full of crap. What a far, far left vision of life.

    What is it talking about? Is he talking about himself? Father left him, mother left him with her parents, he was a young “black” adolescent in a mostly non-black environment “without any role models” (his words). Such abandonment is the recipe for creating narcissism, which is always distinguished by a lack of empathy and real concern for others.

    Obama wrote: “The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity and suffering of others.”

    Sure he’s extremely charming and appealing. But what about his capacity for caring about others on a personal level? Or is it all about him?

    This is a devastating piece he wrote. I can hardly believe he wrote it. It reflects badly on him.

  27. #450805
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:33 am, josetheguerilla said:

    We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness. The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity and suffering of others. Such a failure of empathy, such numbness to the pain of a child or the desperation of a parent, is not innate; nor, history tells us, is it unique to a particular culture, religion, or ethnicity. It may find expression in a particular brand of violence, and may be channeled by particular demagogues or fanatics. Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad. We will have to be unwavering in opposing bigotry or discrimination directed against neighbors and friends of Middle Eastern descent. Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and within our own shores.

    I’ve always believed this statement to be the most revealing about the Obama mind. This is the true Obama, without the halos, and anointed light. His statement shows he has complete misunderstanding of the Global War on Terror, and a misguided concept of America’s priorities.

  28. #450808
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:34 am, Marshall Russ said:

    In the O’Reilly interviews every chance Obambi got he blamed America. It is his first response to everything. It’s always our fault. Liberals are in a panic because compared to a McCain/Palin story it is a loser. The reality that they have the wrong candidates is sinking in.

  29. #450813
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:36 am, Gorebot said:

    “Bbbbbbuuuuuutttt, won’t the poor terrorists stop hating us if we just love them more and stop bombing them?????

    Matt Damon says so, so it *must* be true. I saw it on Larry King, so I can’t believe it isn’t so.”

    SADLY, THESE ARE THE KINDS OF PEOPLE WE HAVE TO REACH IN ORDER TO KEEP OBUMMER OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE!

  30. #450814
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:36 am, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    “Empathy” would appear to be Mr. Obama’s watchword when it comes to talking about 9/11.

    The only empathy I have with those who perpetuated 9/11 is that of a sinner. The difference is that I’ve been redeemed (not perfected – still waiting for that day). And just as I’ve made my choice, so had they.

    They’d chosen their path. No one else made it for them – there’s a thing called personal responsibility, something we all have, even in the worst of circumstances.

    I have not forgotten the moment, sitting in church during one of many prayer services that week, when it hit me that they were lost – the terrorists on those planes were lost forever. No more hope of redemption.

    And once more I wept.

  31. #450821
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:40 am, FireBlogger said:

    Empathy? He would be a good leader in Europe.
    Our enemies are licking their chops, hoping he somehow wins in Nov.

  32. #450824
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:43 am, simcoe said:

    Muslims in fed terror probe making donations to Obama

    Islamic leaders tied by federal investigators to the radical Muslim Brotherhood in America – including one under active investigation for alleged terror-financing – have recently donated to Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign for president, according to Federal Election Commission records

    Jamal M. Barzinji earlier this year gave Obama [a financial] gift that records show has not been returned…. According to recently declassified FBI documents posted by the Investigative Project on Terrorism, Barzinji and another board member of an Islamist think tank in Herndon, Va., were listed among “members and leaders of the IKHWAN.”

    The Ikhwan is an Arabic reference to the Muslim Brotherhood, which follows the credo: “The Quran is our constitution, the prophet is our guide; Death for the glory of Allah is our greatest ambition.”

    Muslims in fed terror probe making donations to Obama

  33. #450835
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am, Sniper One said:

    Amazing stupidity… what a tool

  34. #450836
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am, meatpieandtatters said:

    I wanna puke. There’s nothing more detestable than a mealy-mouthed fool pretending to know what they’re talking about. And it’s especially irksome when that pencil-necked geek is placing our nation’s safety on the line by parading around a brand of empathy that the enemy hardily embraces….so they can cut our throats.

    :evil:

  35. #450838
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am, GaMidnightRider said:

    Barack Hussein Obama is the new word meaning: The wustifying of America.

    Just as my human predecessors did not climb to the top of the food chain to eat vegetables, my forefathers did not create a nation to be a whipping dog of the world. I do not care what any other country thinks of my country. The only reason they complain about the U.S.A. is that they wish they could be us. The only reason Barack Hussein Obama complains is because he sees our freedom as a threat to him making us a Marxist socialist state. His plan in the event of a terrorist attack is to talk to them to understand why they are doing it ! My plan is the one from Conan …. To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women.

  36. #450839
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:48 am, mojoe said:

    I’m sure the 20 years of Rev. Wright’s “God Damn America” speeches were nothing compared to what Obama heard in Madrasas in his youth.

  37. #450855
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:54 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    Poor little Jihadists… it’s just not their fault.

    Yeah… sure.. whatever you say B.Hussein.

  38. #450856
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:54 am, MNUSMCDavid said:

    EQ

    spot on….. I have three words seared in my brain and they come to the forefront when I hear “empathy” and “understanding” spouted. The words are:
    Sharia
    taquiyah
    dhimmitude( this is very interesting to those who think Muslims were “nice” to Jews at one time)

  39. #450858
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:54 am, Madam President said:

    Just how low does one’s I.Q. have to be to vote for this putz?

    I really wish we’d have some sort of test to prevent idiots from voting.

  40. #450863
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am, vickisoup said:

    This is the same tired, misguided speech he’s giving in his current campgaign.
    Ignorance is bliss suicide.
    Obama: Not Ready to Lead.

  41. #450865
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:58 am, Gorebot said:
  42. #450866
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:59 am, vickisoup said:

    “campaign”. :oops:
    vickisoup: Not Ready to Spell.

  43. #450869
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:59 am, Rob said:

    I really wish we’d have some sort of test to prevent idiots from voting.

    We could start with a citizenship test…

  44. #450870
    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:59 am, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    No, sir, it grows out of a climate of hatred.

  45. #450874
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:01 am, CleanGuy said:

    Idiot. Understanding does not equal action.

  46. #450885
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:06 am, zorro said:

    I cannot believe Obama is that deluded. He is not fit to even run for the highest office.

  47. #450896
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:12 am, lgm said:

    Obama has it right here. What a feat of leadership to be able to say these things to Americans who were hell bent on starting wars in Muslim countries as revenge. The contrast between Obama and Bush “Start a crusade, find `em in their fox holes, get `em in our sights, bring `em to justice.”

    Obama was ready to lead on that day. Bush was not. Whipping up a cry for revenge is not leadership. Threatening a war on the Muslim world (which is how Muslims view the Crusades) is not leadership.

  48. #450901
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:15 am, Rob said:

    Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    All brought about by no father in the home, drugs and alcohol, low IQ, skipping school, a sense of entitlement, welfare, and COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS!

  49. #450912
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:21 am, James Felix said:

    Obama was ready to lead on that day. Bush was not. Whipping up a cry for revenge is not leadership. Threatening a war on the Muslim world (which is how Muslims view the Crusades) is not leadership

    One of the things that puzzles me about people like lgm is how they can continue to assert things that are provably wrong.

    The math here is simple: before we started fighting back we had a major attack every two years. Since we did start fighting back we’ve had no major attacks. That math is easy enough that even a liberal should be able to do it.

  50. #450913
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:21 am, wighttrasch said:

    Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.

    That’s why I saw some folks in a trailer in the woods strapping bombs to themselves and ordering uranium from West Africa.

  51. #450914
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:21 am, TexasEngineer said:

    lgm, I bet you were the kid who apologized for getting in the way of the bully who stole your milk money and kicked you in the shins in grade school.
    Right?

  52. #450916
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:23 am, MrScribbler said:

    It is impossible to begin to “understand” the kind of insanity that fills Osama Obama’s head.

    Did those for whom he pleads for “understanding” care that “civilians” (3000 of them) died as a direct result of the 9/11 attacks?

    They were Bill Ayers writ large.

    It is a measure of America’s greatness that demented, foolish children like Obama can mouth their stupid and traitorous beliefs and survive.

    It is a measure of America’s decline that millions of Americans appear to take him seriously.

  53. #450918
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:23 am, nyc123me said:

    Obama has it right here. What a feat of leadership to be able to say these things to Americans who were hell bent on starting wars in Muslim countries as revenge

    Excuse me? Iraq invaded Kuwait – that’s when that war started. It never finished, it just went through a period of 12 years of wasted diplomacy as Hussein made a mockery of the UN.

    Muslim terrorists attacked the US on 911 and started the war which we are still fighting today in Afghanistan.

    What, you think when someone is coming at you with a sword to decapitate you, and they are sworn to kill all non-believers or die trying, that they’re going to stop because you think they just lack understanding? The only thing lacking is your intelligence – the rest of us understand exactly what we’re up against, and diplomacy does not work against this kind of foe, and we’ve seen already. It is kill, or be killed. Period.

  54. #450920
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:25 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    simcoe said:

    Muslim Brotherhood, which follows the credo:
    “The Quran is our constitution, the prophet is our guide; Death for the glory of Allah is our greatest ambition.”

    And what a generous and gracious people we must be to accommodate their Death for the glory. 72 Virgins, no waiting.

  55. #450923
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:26 am, mirak said:

    I can’t believe I’m defending Obama, but I find nothing objectionable in the writing above. Obama often imposes an absurd moral equivalency between America and her enemies, but I don’t see it here.

    Rampant unemployment and poverty are not the only cause of Islamic terrorism – Obama doesn’t say they are – but they are a contributing factor.

    The impossible task of eliminating poverty and unemployment cannot be substituted for military and intelligence deterence – Obama does not suggest that it can – but America needs to make great efforts to bolster its perception abroad even while it wages war against Islamic terrorism.

    Isn’t that what Obama was trying to say? What’s wrong with that?

  56. #450924
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:27 am, dj said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am, Paul-Cincy said:
    Sure he’s extremely charming and appealing. But what about his capacity for caring about others on a personal level? Or is it all about him?

    How is he charming and appealing? No, seriously? To me, he is vile and detestable, and when I see or hear him he creeps me out, and he has from the start. And I say this as a woman. Beauty and charm come from within, and there is nothing attractive about this anti-American, self-centered, smarmy loser.

  57. #450928
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am, SuzEQCitizen said:

    Isn’t that what Obama was trying to say? What’s wrong with that?

    To me it reveals a frighteningly naive concept of what Islamic terrorists are all about.

  58. #450930
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:30 am, SuzEQCitizen said:

    Yikes, meant to say terrorism.

  59. #450932
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:30 am, MtsEdge said:

    That lack of empathy seems to also reflect on his willingness to let a child born during a botched abortion die.

    MisterP, you took the words right out of my mouth.

    BHO also mentions “understanding…this madness.” Madness, I agree. But why should we seek to “understand the sources of” madness? We should destroy it, not relate to it.

  60. #450933
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:31 am, Lindsay said:

    McCain should use this Oblahblah as an ad. I think it shows weakness and namby-pambyness. Not traits I want as President.

    McCain/Palin ‘08!!

  61. #450934
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:31 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Actual quote from “The Audacity of Hope” [pg. 261]:

    Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.

  62. #450936
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:32 am, wighttrasch said:

    America needs to make great efforts to bolster its perception abroad

    Why?

    ‘Cause they’re our ‘friends’?

  63. #450937
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am, dj said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:26 am, mirak said:
    Rampant unemployment and poverty are not the only cause of Islamic terrorism – Obama doesn’t say they are – but they are a contributing factor.

    No, they are not a contributing factor at all. They are taught to hate our way of life, which they see as greedy and sinful. They frown upon our very existence because we do not follow their beliefs. That has nothing to do with unemployment and poverty, although I’m sure that Alinsky-ites and bleeding heart liberals try to associate the two. There is plenty of poverty and unemployment out there, but who exactly is perpetrating the acts? Those radical Islamists who have been indoctrinated into this bastardization of their religion.

  64. #450941
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:36 am, mtngrandpa said:

    It is a measure of America’s greatness that demented, foolish children like Obama can mouth their stupid and traitorous beliefs and survive.

    It is a measure of America’s decline that millions of Americans appear to take him seriously.

    MrScribbler

    MrScribbler, your eloquence is AWESOME! Thank You!

  65. #450947
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:40 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    America needs to make great efforts to bolster its perception abroad

    If the man really believes that he is scarier than I thought. Nations have interest not friends.The way the Obamination throws people under the bus I guess the same could be said about him.

  66. #450951
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:44 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:12 am, lgm said:
    Obama has it right here. What a feat of leadership to be able to say these things to Americans who were hell bent on starting wars in Muslim countries as revenge. The contrast between Obama and Bush “Start a crusade, find `em in their fox holes, get `em in our sights, bring `em to justice.”

    Obama was ready to lead on that day. Bush was not. Whipping up a cry for revenge is not leadership. Threatening a war on the Muslim world (which is how Muslims view the Crusades) is not leadership.

    “ONE constant Obama theme is the claim that poverty and economic factors breed terrorism; this echoes the analysis of Jimmy Carter back in the ’70s. Strengthening that impression is Obama’s pick of Sen. Joseph Biden as running mate.”

    You see what that mentality has wrought us. More on Obama:

    Obama also says he’ll open “America Houses” in Muslim capitals. These would be community centers with libraries, Internet cafes and English-language classes. Has he considered the possibility that these might become prime targets for terrorists?

    Plus, he’d set up an “America’s Voice Corps,” which would recruit and train thousands of young Americans to go to Muslim countries to explain “American values” and, in return, “listen to Islamic voices.”

    I can’t wait to sign up!

    /sarc

  67. #450953
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:44 am, John Ansell said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, sonofdy said:
    We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness.
    Yet me help you out there Obama, pick up a quoran.

    Does anybody have any rubber gloves? My Koran is in the toilet.

  68. #450958
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:45 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am, dj said:

    They are taught to hate our way of life, which they see as greedy and sinful. They frown upon our very existence because we do not follow their beliefs.

    Yes, they are taught to hate us.

    This is a family feud that has been going on for thousands of years.

  69. #450966
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:50 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    lgm said:

    Obama has it right here. What a feat of leadership to be able to say these things to Americans who were hell bent on starting wars in Muslim countries as revenge. The contrast between Obama and Bush “Start a crusade, find `em in their fox holes, get `em in our sights, bring `em to justice.”

    Obama was ready to lead on that day. Bush was not. Whipping up a cry for revenge is not leadership. Threatening a war on the Muslim world (which is how Muslims view the Crusades) is not leadership.

    Oh please enlighten us then as to the CORRECT response to the attacks on 9/11.

    Don’t just say this or that was wrong… please.. enlighten us. What was your correct response?

  70. #450968
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:52 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Rampant unemployment and poverty are not the only cause of Islamic terrorism – Obama doesn’t say they are – but they are a contributing factor.

    Contributing factor? Please take a moment to get up to speed regarding the logistical and financial capabilities that are necessary to fund jihad. Poor, that’s laughable. What do you make of statements like “Iran and Saudi Arabia being huge sponsors of terror”?

    The impossible task of eliminating poverty and unemployment cannot be substituted for military and intelligence deterence – Obama does not suggest that it can – but America needs to make great efforts to bolster its perception abroad even while it wages war against Islamic terrorism.

    America needs to protect America’s interests. It is not in America’s interest to play footsie and make nice with any and every other country.

    Isn’t that what Obama was trying to say? What’s wrong with that?

    No, that’s not what he is trying to say. It is unnecessary to have to pick apart his statements. What he means is as clear as day.

  71. #450969
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:52 am, John Ansell said:

    Bin Laden interview by PBS. Clinton supporters need not read or your love for the do-nothing-nut will vanish. :evil:

  72. #450971
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:54 am, YTZGal said:

    The war against Islamofascism is a multi-front war. Not only are we fighting the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Phillipines and Indonesia, we are fighting the beachhead here on the homefront:

    the slow erosion of the civil rights that have their foundation in English common law; the freedom of speech and the right to dissent; upholding universal human rights over the imposition of religious doctrine and ideology; property rights and emminent domain; and last, but not least, the rights of women to be treated with dignity and as equals.

    Given his track record to date, a vote for Obama is clearly a vote for the “away” team as they attempt to chip away at the fabric of our beliefs and ideals.

    Today is a day we must all remind ourselves what it is we stand for and we what are up against.

  73. #450974
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:55 am, Valerie said:

    This part is pretty good.

    We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad. We will have to be unwavering in opposing bigotry or discrimination directed against neighbors and friends of Middle Eastern descent. Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and within our own shores.

    —and it was George Bush who undertook these tasks, including the part about “the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children” — that’s what The Surge was all about.

    So, why didn’t he support our President in these great efforts?

  74. #450979
    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:58 am, wighttrasch said:

    So, why didn’t he support our President in these great efforts?

    Obama was too busy trying to figure out whose ‘rights’ were being violated having to wait for a second physician to arrive & determine whether or not a baby born alive after a botched abortion was viable….

  75. #450985
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:02 pm, beenthere said:

    Obama and Oprah were on the same wavelength from the beginning. The quote below is impossible to parody (HT to Mark Steyn):

    It was not a good sign when New York City decided to entrust its special prayer service [post-9/11] at Yankee Stadium to Oprah, and it would have been too much to expect Oprah to forgo Oprahfying. “May we leave this place,” she concluded, “determined to now use every moment that we yet live to turn up the volume in our own lives, to create deeper meaning, to know what really matters. What really matters is who you love and how you love.”

  76. #450993
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:07 pm, Laree said:

    use your brain vote for McCain

    http://www.myspace.com/hicaliber

  77. #450994
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:08 pm, sandyb said:

    Obama also says he’ll open “America Houses” in Muslim capitals. These would be community centers with libraries, Internet cafes and English-language classes. Has he considered the possibility that these might become prime targets for terrorists?

    Plus, he’d set up an “America’s Voice Corps,” which would recruit and train thousands of young Americans to go to Muslim countries to explain “American values” and, in return, “listen to Islamic voices.”
    I can’t wait to sign up!

    /sarc

    Yessiree, let’s hear it for the religion of pieces.

    And as for those “good” Muslims out there, I’ve taken the attitude of author Brad Thor’s alter-ego in his political thrillers. In a nutshell, I’m not going to feel sorry for you or worry about you being targeted for speaking out against the whackjobs of your “religion” if you won’t speak up. We keep hearing about how few of the nutjobs there are in relation to the total number, so? If you aren’t part of the solution…

    The Agitator: Uh, uh, uh, my Muslim faith.

    George Stephi: Your Christian faith!

    The Agitator: Yeah, yeah, my Christian Faith.

    Osama: We will destroy you from the inside out.

    And lgm, if you buy that bunk about CAIR condemning terrorist acts, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. How about the Geo. Washington bridge Islamists were casing before they were noticed? It’s still there.

  78. #450999
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:10 pm, James Felix said:

    Rampant unemployment and poverty are not the only cause of Islamic terrorism – Obama doesn’t say they are – but they are a contributing factor.

    There simply isn’t any evidence to support that assertion. None. I have just as much factual basis to say that a shortage of unicorns and rainbows contribute to Islamic terrorism.

  79. #451002
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:11 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Rampant unemployment could be solved with rapid depopulation, infrastructure reduction and other fun things. The survivors could have a new prayer:

    Hey Ayatollah Mockmoody: look at the sky.
    Holy cow are those B 52s?

    But then people might not like us anymore as they did in Mogadishu under the universally loved Bill Clinton or the first Trade Center bombing under the universally loved Bill Clinton.Any possibility that the mohammedans have all those problems because of islam?
    Drill here
    Drill now
    Let them herd goats

    Hey Ayatollah Mockmoody: look at the sky.

    —-
    9/11 Remember the Dead
    Never Forget

  80. #451007
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:13 pm, MrOlympia said:

    This is the very reason why terrorists, libs, far left foreign leaders, dictator thugs, and many evil people around the world want Uhbamah to be POTUS.

    A NARCISSIST does not know what empathy is. However, they WILL say anything to bend whatever words they need to in order to frame the situation for their own benefit.

  81. #451020
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:20 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    Bin Laden did not attack us because he’s poor (he isn’t poor by the way) or because he thinks people in the middle-east are poor. He attacked us because he wants the world to dominated by Islamo-Fascism.

    Obama still thinks that if we just get them to like us… to really like us… they’ll stop trying to kill us.

    I almost can’t believe how naive he must be to believe this.

    The fact that there are Americans who would give this guy the keys to the White House is truly disturbing.

  82. #451022
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:23 pm, mirak said:

    In short rebuttal to the numerous responses to my post #55, poverty and unemployment are contributing factors to Islamic terrorism.

    Yes, organizations such as AQ and Hamas are driven by wealthy financiers and an evil ideology, but it is simply indisputable that the majority (there are are notable exceptions) of the footsoldiers are recruited from the poor and unemployed.

    It doesn’t hurt to try to bolster our image abroad, as long as it is not a substitute for stronger deterrence. This is why we send so much relief aid when natural disaster strikes. This is why our soldiers hand out candy and soccer balls to Iraqi and Afghani children. This is why we are working to build schools as a subsitute for the madrassas.

    I’m a proud conservative and a hawk on the WoT. I think many of you are flying off the handle over a fairly innocuous writing. There are many other Obamisms that we can criticize.

  83. #451023
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:24 pm, Paul-Cincy said:

    Obama’s thesis that the 9/11 terrorists did it because they were poor, oppressed, or lacking empathy is bullcrap. They were soldiers. It’s a job and they did their job. The cause of their actions was the ideology of Islamofascism. Not a lack of empathy. Obama is a deluded far left-winger. If he becomes prez we’ll suffer for it.

  84. #451025
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:26 pm, Send_Me said:

    Empathy – n. 1. Putting oneself into the psychologic frame of reference of another, so that the other person’s feeling, thinking, and acting are understood and to some extent predictable.

    Is empathy (not compassion) a bad thing? This is warfare 101. Sun Tzu wrote about this in his “The Art of War”. “So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will fight without danger in battles. If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose. If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.”
    There is a difference between empathy and sympathy. One implies understanding. The latter implies an understanding and emotional attachment and agreement.
    Not all Islamic terroristis/insurgents are ideologically driven. Some are opportunists. Some are motivated by other items on Maslov’s heirarchy of needs.
    Why do we think so many dislike us around the world? Here’s one example: How many times have we stopped short in helping those we’ve promised to help? The Russians during the Bolshevik Revolution, South Koreans during the Korean War, the Germans when the Soviets built the Berlin Wall, the Cuban exiles we abandoned at the Bay of Pigs, the South Vietnamese, the Iranian government prior to the Ayatollas, the Lebanese in ‘83, the Afghanis after the Soviet retreat, the Kurds and Shia Iraqis in Iraq during Desert Storm, now the Georgians… This is just one example of a motivation of some of our enemies, but we don’t like to talk about it. Regardless of whether we think it’s a suitable reason to dislike the U.S., many people certainly do think it is.
    These motivations are key to understanding the enemy, which is why I believe that neither McCain nor Obama have a good understanding of our nation’s enemies.

  85. #451029
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:32 pm, Regulus said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 11:01 am, CleanGuy said:

    Idiot. Understanding does not equal action.

    Well and succinctly put.

    “Understanding” is like “diplomatic negotiations” — both are the means to an end, and not the end itself. But there are many foolish people in the West who purposefully refuse to grasp that axiom.

    I’m all for “understanding” Mohammedan fanaticism in the same way that my father’s generation employed the “Know Your Enemy” approach in World War II: find out what makes them tick, so you can discern and exploit their weaknesses on the way to destroying them.

    Militant Mohammedanism is like a disease. It is what it is, and it acts on its own agenda. It either kills or debilitates you, or you find a way to wipe it out. You don’t “compromise” or come to a “modus vivendi” with something that understands neither, and only sees your efforts in that direction as a sign of weakness.

  86. #451031
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:36 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    I understand one thing and one thing only….Mohammedans attacked us and killed ……. I don’t care if I don’t “understand” them….. I don’t really give a rat’s patoot if we as a country are liked. But we WILL be respected, and yes, if necessary…feared in this world that is like it has never been before. McCain has a better understanding of the enemy than Obama ever could…. and I admit my thought process is tainted due to my experience in Vietnam…. but I smell death and I don’t like it.

  87. #451034
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:39 pm, vickisoup said:

    Obama has never seen those videos of extremely young Palestinian children reciting their hatred for the Jews.
    There is no question that those who hate us were indoctrinated at a very early age to hate us.
    Kind of like Michelle & Barack’s kids sitting in Jeremiah Wright’s church their whole lives.

  88. #451053
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm, Regulus said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:36 pm,

    MNUSMCDavid said:

    I understand one thing and one thing only….Mohammedans attacked us and killed ……. I don’t care if I don’t “understand” them….. I don’t really give a rat’s patoot if we as a country are liked. But we WILL be respected, and yes, if necessary…feared in this world that is like it has never been before.

    I’m reminded of the following passage from the movie, “The Wind and the Lion”:

    Theodore Roosevelt: The American grizzly is a symbol of the American character: strength, intelligence, ferocity. Maybe a little blind and reckless at times… but courageous beyond all doubt. And one other trait that goes with all previous.

    Reporter: And that, Mr. President?

    Theodore Roosevelt: Loneliness. The American grizzly lives out his life alone. Indomitable, unconquered – but always alone. He has no real allies, only enemies, but none of them as great as he.

    Reporter: And you feel this might be an American trait?

    Theodore Roosevelt: Certainly. The world will never love us. They respect us – they might even grow to fear us. But they will never love us, for we have too much audacity! And, we’re a bit blind and reckless at times too.

    Reporter: Are you perhaps referring to the situation in Morocco and the Panama Canal.

    Theodore Roosevelt: If you say so… The American grizzly embodies the spirit of America. He should be our symbol! Not that ridiculous eagle – he’s nothing more than a dandified vulture.

    Teddy, where are you when we need you?

  89. #451060
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:53 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    Regulus
    Yep…

  90. #451063
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:54 pm, docflash said:

    ” Educating the ignorant Kumbaya candidate”

    I know a lot of fine guys and gals that have educated plenty of Jihads,the right way.

  91. #451067
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm, guitarplayer said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm, Regulus said:

    Teddy, where are you when we need you?

    What about Patton?

  92. #451068
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:56 pm, Joy said:

    On September 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am, 30 pcs of silver said:
    Lest we forget that The One also said: “I will stand with the Muslims should the winds shift in an ugly direction.”

    Actual passage from book as RedPill stated:

    Actual quote from “The Audacity of Hope” [pg. 261]:

    Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.

    We, as conservatives should check our facts and not misquote. His own quote is damning enough, it does not need to be misquoted in order to enhance a point.

  93. #451069
    On September 11th, 2008 at 12:56 pm, Gorebot said:

    The Left is congenitally incapable of understanding that no matter how *nice* we try to be, there will always be wars.

    There will always be somebody with whom it is simply impossible to deal.

    Given this, it always best to be on the side with the most aircraft carriers (answerable to an elected civilian leadership, of course).

    Libs do not get this.

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