San Francisco Comical: “Obama-themed” holiday tree-lighting celebration

By Michelle Malkin  •  December 4, 2008 05:41 PM


(Photo credit: Zoe Stagg)

This afternoon, Zoe Stagg at the SFChronicle alerted me to a blog post by editor-at-large Phil Bronstein noting that San Francisco is holding an “Obama-themed” holiday tree-lighting celebration tonight at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park.

Here’s the info in case you are in the area:

Thursday December 4, 2008 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park
501 Stanyan Street
San Francisco, California 94117

Bronstein expected me to be outraged about it. But I was more amused than anything else. His reference for the Obama-themed lighting ceremony was this blog post at SF Citizen, which includes a photo of the children’s train at McLaren Lodge sporting the phrase “EL CHOPE” and the slogan “YES, WE CAN!” Another photo shows that the Pikachu cartoon character in the train’s window has been replaced by city workers with a photo of Obama on top of the “EL CHOPE” lettering:

If you guffawed like I did when you saw the image, then you know that it was the satire masters at The People’s Cube who came up with the original, mocking CHOPE poster.

I asked Zoe Stagg to check whether the photos on the SF Citizen blog were real or Photoshopped. She headed down to McLaren Park with her camera and discovered that, indeed, the Obama-worshiping park officials were using the satirical CHOPE slogan and image to honor Dear Leader:

The self-self-parody of it all is making my snort muscles sore.

Where’s the separation of cult and state when you need it?

Posted in: Barack Obama

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Comments

  1. #1
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:43 pm, sonofdy said:

    All hail the great lord OBAMA (PBUH)

  2. #2
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:47 pm, FilmLadd said:

    El Chope? Is that a new kind of food at Taco Bell? Comes in a big package with all sorts of promise and nothing inside?

  3. #3
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:48 pm, Dexter Alarius said:

    I’d salute but it’s too cold to be dropping trou.

  4. #4
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:48 pm, Misscheryl said:

    El Chope = empty taco

  5. #5
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:51 pm, Salt said:

    No, radical leftists don’t see Obama as a messiah figure. How could you possibly say that? It’s not like they use a day of celebration for the birth of a messiah and replace his image with Pres-elect Oba…
    /sarc

    Oh, wait. They did.

    Leave it to San Francisco.

  6. #6
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    El Chope - the little engine that couldn’t.

  7. #7
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:53 pm, Dimsdale said:

    Chope: like chump + dope?

  8. #8
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:56 pm, MtsEdge said:

    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:53 pm, Dimsdale said:
    Chope: like chump + dope?

    Heh. Only we’re the chumps. :lol:

  9. #9
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:57 pm, purplepeep said:

    Dimsdale said:
    Chope: like chump + dope?

    LOL - that’s what popped into my mind, too.

    El Grande Dopey Chompo.
    Yes, he is.

  10. #10
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:57 pm, Drained Brain said:

    Songs for the occasion…

    Obama Night (sung to O Holy Night)

    Obama Night
    The gays for once aren’t rioting
    It is the night praising Dear Leader’s Worth…

    Obama Tree (sung to O Tannenbaum)

    Obama Tree Obama Tree
    How lovely are your speeches
    You read them off so very well
    As long as hope and change still sell
    Obama Tree, Obama Tree,
    How lovely are your speeches!

  11. #11
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:58 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Pelosi never had a train…

  12. #12
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:58 pm, Salt said:

    I’m still puzzled over the “El” before Chope… anyone know why they would do that other than to try and make it sound Spanish?

  13. #13
    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:59 pm, Defector01 said:

    Obama

    Religion liberals can believe in

  14. #14
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm, JohnS said:

    I would rather celebrate El Chalupa day than a day for Obama! As I often say: “thank God I live in Oakland!” At least 70% of blacks voted “Yes” on Prop 8. We will be marching on Sacramento if, and when, they overturn our vote again to make marriage between a man and a woman (which is the definition of marriage by the way).

  15. #15
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm, letget said:

    I only adore One at Christmas and it sure isn’t bho.
    L

  16. #16
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    ugly color combination and what the hell does El Chope mean…. when the population learns “Slainte”, I’ll care.

  17. #17
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    Heh. Only we’re the chumps.

    And the Obama worshippers are the dopes.

  18. #18
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:16 pm, MtsEdge said:

    And the Obama worshippers are the dopes.

    Yep.

  19. #19
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:25 pm, CleanGuy said:

    And he shall reign for ever and ever…

  20. #20
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pm, MtsEdge said:

    And he shall reign for ever and ever…

    I’m sure it will seem like it. :shock:

  21. #21
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:29 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    chope (French): tankard/mug

    chope (Portugese): beer

    chope (Singapore [Malay?]): to reserve a seat, usually by placing a packet of tissue paper on it

    chope (Spanish): …

    chope (English): LOL

    Blame the Internet for possible inaccuracies of the first three translations, not me.

  22. #22
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:30 pm, rambler said:

    Is it time to canonize him yet?

  23. #23
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:31 pm, tonyr951 said:

    Is El Chope related to El Guapo?

  24. #24
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:32 pm, Hangfire said:

    Barack Obama, uber alles………”

  25. #25
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:39 pm, Hangfire said:

    Hmmmmmm…..Actually, Chope is dangerously close to:

    Chupar.(sp.) To Suck.

  26. #26
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:40 pm, Hangfire said:

    EL CHUPAR!

  27. #27
    On December 4th, 2008 at 6:52 pm, Kevin K. said:

    Our hostess wrote:

    Where’s the separation of cult and state when you need it?

    Ah, you are equating the Cult of Obama with Christianity. Nothing so common (extra sarcasm here!) from the professional Democrats–so long as the cult is around one of them, it’s beyond the reach of the Constitution–kind of on the level of Napoleon Bonaparte not letting the Pope crown him but, instead crowning himself emperor.

  28. #28
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:13 pm, Wellsy said:

    Man the beatification of this guy just will not stop. Are any of you aware that Antigua wants to name a mountain after this guy? It’s absolutely insane!

    The CHOPE thing is absolutely hilarious, however. :D

  29. #29
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:16 pm, Tennessee Dave said:

    Another song:
    Obama Wonderland (sung to, well you guessed it)
    Obama bells ring,
    are ya listening
    in the lane
    liberals are glistening
    it’s a moonbat night
    we’re all high tonight
    walking in Obama wonderland

    In the meadow we can build a politically correct being made out of frozen precipitation…..

    Enough, that makes my head hurt.

  30. #30
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:20 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    Are any of you aware that Antigua wants to name a mountain after this guy

    Hrmph! Is that all? Why, I’d expect some country would want to rename itself after him. Then hit him up for some more foreign aid. Though, Dear Leader would probably expect to be paid in perpetuity for the use of his name.

  31. #31
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:29 pm, MtsEdge said:

    I’d expect some country would want to rename itself after him. Then hit him up for some more foreign aid.

    Except that didn’t work too well for the Obama school in Kenya.

    Of course, when he’s spending OUR money, I’m sure he’ll be generous.

  32. #32
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:31 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    when he’s spending OUR money, I’m sure he’ll be generous.

    Isn’t every Democrat and not too few Republicans?

  33. #33
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:36 pm, tpitman said:

    On December 4th, 2008 at 5:58 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Pelosi never had a train…

    She probably had to pull one to get her job . . .

  34. #34
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:37 pm, MtsEdge said:

    Isn’t every Democrat and not too few Republicans?

    Yes, true for the pols. Among real people, the average conservative, statistically speaking, is more generous with their OWN money…

  35. #35
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:52 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    Chofe = to drive

    Chope = punch (noun)

    If he’s driving, he too busy looking left to see the danger lurking ahead.

  36. #36
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:53 pm, MtsEdge said:

    Yes, true for the pols. Among real people, the average conservative, statistically speaking, is more generous with their OWN money…

    more generous than the average lib (despite an average slightly smaller household income).

  37. #37
    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm, PKAmmoTroop said:

    *Waiting for Chope flavored Kool-Aid*

  38. #38
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:04 pm, HeatherRadish said:

    I kind of like El Chope. It really does sound like something that happens after you go to Taco Bell.

  39. #39
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:07 pm, cicerokid said:

    Reminds of of the Grateful Dead:
    “Driving that train,
    high on cocaine.
    Chopey Jones you better,
    Watch your speed.

    Troubles ahead, troubles behind.
    And you know that notion,
    just crossed my mind!

  40. #40
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:16 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Great - I like it. Can we run him out of town on a rail?

  41. #41
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:18 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    On December 4th, 2008 at 7:16 pm, Tennessee Dave said:
    Another song:
    Obama Wonderland (sung to, well you guessed it)
    Obama bells ring,
    are ya listening
    in the lane
    liberals are glistening
    it’s a moonbat night
    we’re all high tonight
    walking in Obama wonderland

    In the meadow we can build a politically correct being made out of frozen precipitation…..

    Enough, that makes my head hurt.

    Mine too. Lack of O2 to the brain from laughing so hard gave me a headache! :lol:

  42. #42
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:25 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Those first three numbers on that train are off by two digits. ie:666.

    Choo Choo Charlie says “Love my Good n Plenty!”

  43. #43
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, rowsdower said:

    “Hrmph! Is that all? Why, I’d expect some country would want to rename itself after him.”

    Why stop at a country? Let’s just re -name the entire planet after him.
    No, wait– how about the entire solar system? No, No– the galaxy!!

  44. #44
    On December 4th, 2008 at 8:54 pm, Wellsy said:

    OK, can’t resist:

    “Deck the Halls with Marx and Stalin
    O-ba-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma
    The cult of ‘O’ is quite apallin’
    O-ba-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma
    Sing this song for our Dear Leader
    O-ba-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma
    Wait till you see what’s planned for Easter
    O-ba-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma!”

    And finally:

    “On the First Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me …
    Nothing, I was in too high of a tax bracket.”

  45. #45
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:28 pm, rlwo2008 said:

    Anyone without his hubris would tell these people to knock it off.

  46. #46
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:36 pm, jsr said:

    I think it sounds more cutesy with the diminutive; El Chopito

  47. #47
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:44 pm, BayStateRepublican said:

    El Chopito Poquito

  48. #48
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:48 pm, jangar said:

    They need another earthquake to wake them up. Sorry.

  49. #49
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pm, jangar said:

    I mean really…what has SF given us?

    Rice-A-Roni
    Nancy Pelosi
    Ultra Liberalism
    Al-Gayda

    and now…Obama Holiday tree???

  50. #50
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:55 pm, teachem2 said:

    Too hilarious!

    Chope = change + hope?

    That sounds like something silly my kids would come up with just to make themselves laugh.

  51. #51
    On December 4th, 2008 at 9:57 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    4447… shouldn’t that read 666?

    *I’ll be good… Toby*

  52. #52
    On December 4th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, CleanGuy said:

    El Chupacabra…

  53. #53
    On December 5th, 2008 at 12:40 am, faraway said:

    I don’t care who you are, that there “separation of cult and state” was funny.

    OT: Michelle, I can always depend on you to be a real conservative. Many thanks.

  54. #54
    On December 5th, 2008 at 6:28 am, ArmywifeArmymom said:

    I have the perfect ornament for the occasion!

    I love the Carols in this thread. Keep ‘em coming!

  55. #55
    On December 5th, 2008 at 7:02 am, mike.musculus said:

    O come let us adore whadda wh0re abhore Him…

    there, fixed it.

    BTW:
    I realized the other day why he’s he’s worked so hard to hide his past…
    After all, with a man as effeminent[sp?] as Mr.Ears,
    I’m sure he’s pulled er…, uhmm… ridden many a train.
    ;) !

  56. #56
    On December 5th, 2008 at 8:17 am, pianoman said:

    You folks could give Capitol Steps and Weird Al a run for their money! Keep it up!

  57. #57
    On December 5th, 2008 at 8:17 am, tre said:

    I think it would be more appropriate to have BO’s celebration on April 1.

  58. #58
    On December 5th, 2008 at 10:37 am, max said:

    Where’s the separation of cult and state when you need it?

    yet another awesomely succinct MMism!

  59. #59
    On December 5th, 2008 at 10:38 am, max said:

    On December 5th, 2008 at 7:02 am, mike.musculus said:
    O come let us adore whadda wh0re abhore Him…

    HA HHAAAAAA BWAAAHHA …. nice lol

  60. #60
    On December 5th, 2008 at 4:37 pm, RetFireman said:

    Chode is spelled with a “D”, not a “P”.

  61. #61
    On December 5th, 2008 at 4:45 pm, RetFireman said:

    O Little Town of Smut and Sin
    How blatant are your lies
    Beyond the pale you spread your filth
    So much it makes a grown man cry.
    And in thy dark streets shineth
    Through all that Urban Blight
    The dread and fears of the Obama years
    Is what we all must fight.

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