Saturday’s Washington Post is topped by a photo of Barack and Michelle Obama with Pope Benedict, but the image might be misleading, if you think there’s an actual story on the Vatican visit in the Post. Instead, the visit is buried in the last two paragraphs in an article praising Obama’s personal and racial charisma in Italy. Post reporter Michael Fletcher found great import in the color of the president’s skin and his father’s history:
White House aides said that during the discussions on hunger this week, Obama personalized the appeal for more aid, pointing out to other world leaders in the room that he still has relatives in Kenya who live in villages mired in poverty.
"You could have heard a pin drop," said a U.S. official who briefed reporters about the meeting.
Obama said after the summit that he had talked about his father's journey from Kenya to the United States in search of better educational opportunities. At that time, he said, the per-capita incomes in Kenya and South Korea were comparable. South Korea has since become highly industrialized and prosperous, he said; Kenya and many other developing nations still struggle.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓"The question I asked at the meeting was, 'Why is that?' " Obama said. "The point I was making is: My father traveled to the United States a mere 50 years ago, and yet now I have family members who live in villages -- they themselves are not going hungry -- but live in villages where hunger is real. And so this is something that I understand in very personal terms."
The Post's smoochy account didn't explain how Obama's Aunt Zeituni, an illegal immigrant from Africa, lives in Boston public housing. Isn't that Obama inaction "in very personal terms"? How many of his own book-royalty millions has he pledged to feed his relatives in Africa?
Fletcher’s story never answered Obama’s question of why Kenya has struggled. It seemed merely designed to showcase Obama’s charisma. The headline of the story was "G-8 Countries Pledge Food Aid for the Poor," that G-8 countries pledged to raise $20 billion for food aid for the world’s poorest countries. (It’s not clear if this is a big headline or press-release blather, since the figure was "up from a $15 billion pledge that Obama secured in the spring during a meeting with world leaders.") Fletcher helpfully cited the White House claims that rising food costs have left "as many as 100 million people at risk of abject poverty."
Obama’s Vatican visit was disposed of in paragraphs 19 and 20, in 67 words. They weren’t about the Pope's latest encyclical or Obama’s liberal stands on abortion and embryo-destroying stem cell research, but about Ted Kennedy:
At the summit's conclusion, Obama went to Vatican City, where he, first lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
Afterward, Obama gave the pope a letter from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and asked the pontiff to pray for him, White House national security aide Denis McDonough said. Kennedy, a Catholic, was diagnosed a year ago with terminal brain cancer.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
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Oh, and by the way, he
July 11, 2009 - 07:31 ET by motherbeltOh, and by the way, he stopped by to see the Pope, too.
What, no snide remarks interjected about how the conservative Pope continues to rule as a hardliner, ignoring calls for married (and women) priests?
How many of his own book-royalty millions has he pledged to feed his relatives in Africa?
That's not his responsibility, Tim.
Charity is not personal to liberals (except for personal stories, that is). It's the responsibility of the state to make sure everyone gives, collectively, you know.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Check that box off, yawn
July 11, 2009 - 07:31 ET by Tim GrahamMaybe this reflects Obama's own view of the visit with the Pope. "Yada, yada, yada -- next event on the schedule."
It's funny to see how the liberal Catholics now aren't complaining about "God's Rottweiler" after the new encyclical. Now they're claiming he's one of them.
Yes, they do love the
July 11, 2009 - 07:37 ET by motherbeltYes, they do love the "let's give collectively...give me your money" don't they!
Don't know if you saw this, but The Anchoress has a whole different take on that than the libs:
Benedict wants us to know that the world is changing, but the truth
never changes; [ ]... that economic models rooted in human “truths” (and not Divine
Truth) will only deepen what is difficult, exploitative, stagnant and
false; that governments too-easily pay lip-service to “humanity,” while
forgetting the human beings therein; that policies built on lies can
never be true, and what is not true, cannot have charity…or love.
(emphasis added)
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Yeah, the pope
July 11, 2009 - 11:57 ET by StarAZThe pope gave him a copy of the encyclical on stem cell research--and the president "quipped,"This is about what we talked about." This is embarrassing.
OBAMA SCAMS POPE 2X
July 12, 2009 - 16:38 ET by reelman46OBAMA SCAMS THE POPE (2X)
Pope Stresses Dignity of Life in Obama Meeting
7.10.09 By: Edward Pentin
…..Pope Benedict XVI firmly underscored the importance of upholding
the dignity of all human life when he met President Barack Obama on
Friday.
And he may have gotten an unexpected concession from Obama, who told
the Pope of his commitment “to reduce the number of abortions and of
his attention and respect for the positions of the Catholic Church,”
said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, the papal spokesman.
Obama said recently that he intends to introduce a “robust
conscience clause” to protect Catholic doctors and others from having
to act against their faith, but it remains to be seen just how far it
will go…….
CRAWFISH NOTE: The modern liberal is nothing but gall. Obama is a 100% rated lefty by Planned Parenthood, et al.
He has a record unbeatable as an unrestricted abortion supporter. He is
a secular role model also…can’t even “find a Church” in six months.
Guess that is also “historic”.
If anyone has a memory, Klinton invented the “commitment to reduce
abortions” scam phrase. Then Obama “goes the scam distance for PR” by
adding he “intends” to add a “robust conscience clause” to protect
people of faith in health care decisions. He did not promise a thing
and he won’t do a thing. Others, of course, will get the blame for not
keeping his word (again). Wanna bet on Obama keeping these “intentions”
via action?
What is that old saying, “Ignore what is said, watch what is done”? I hope the Pope washed his hands twice after the meeting.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
Did the Pope just meet God?
July 11, 2009 - 07:34 ET by ThisnThat"You could have heard a pin drop," said a U.S. official
Is this what it's come down to -- U.S. officials now have to make statements like that? The official needs to be fired because it's obvious that his usefullness is limited to being Obama's lapdog and suckup.
And I can just imagine all of the "news" journalists gathered around, enchanted and unquestioning, thinking "this is good stuff -- the Pope just met God".
___________________________________
An optimist thinks that the glass is 1/2 full; a pessimist 1/2 empty; a realist thinks the glass is twice a big as it needs to be
It takes a Kenyan Village Idiot
July 11, 2009 - 07:50 ET by Jack BauerBecause, you know-nothing cretin, Kenya embraced the sort of quasi-Marxist, tribal socialist clap-trap that leads to poverty.
While South Korea chose the free-market, democratic, dynamic capitalist system. Got that you illiterate Marxist?
Try giving them some of your millions as you live high off the public tit.
He could just insert an
July 11, 2009 - 11:18 ET by pbanks7He could just insert an earmark. An executive order would be far too "transparent." Brother's keeper indeed.
MSM - shaping all the perceptions you need to believe, then confirming it with a poll.
Try giving them some of your
July 11, 2009 - 11:24 ET by CamelopardalisTry giving them some of your millions as you live high off the public tit.
I'm going to come to Obama's defense here. My parents came here in the '70s from Nigeria, and like Obama, I was born here in the US but also have family in Africa. Some of them live in the cities, but many live in villages. I'm going to assume that the conditions of Obama's relatives in the villages are like my own.
By our standards, they are poor. But my relatives in the villages always have enough to eat, live in well-built houses, and are able to attend school through high school without assistance from anyone. They are poor by our standards because, depending on the village, they may or may not have running water (they may get water from a well), and have just enough food and clothes.
And if Obama's relatives are like my own, they will only ask for money when they need it, and will not accept charitable handouts (in fact, many prefer to borrow money from us). Most of the time, my parents send them money so that the kids can pay for college tuition. The amount of money my father sends home a year amounts to a couple thousand dollars and pays for the college tuition of well over a dozen college students. They suffer a little bit, but for the most part, they are happy. Like Obama's relatives, they don't need his millions to be content. What they need more than anything is a government that works.
Camelopardalis, could your
July 11, 2009 - 18:20 ET by kangarooCamelopardalis, could your name be any longer, just kidding. Well if your lot are are going to say no to twenty bucks here and there, how about saying yes to drilling for clean water that, helps everyone in the village and all over your country? Just sayin
Good one.
July 11, 2009 - 18:26 ET by Dan Diego"and like Obama, I was born here in the US"
Camel , Are you confused as to which Hospital You were born in?
July 11, 2009 - 18:50 ET by upcountrywaterOppps wrong one, 0bama .
As soon as WND posted questions about the letter – including a story investigating conflicting news reports stating he was born at more than one Honolulu hospital – within hours a number of information
sites, such as United Press International and the hoax-busting
Snopes.com, swapped their long-published location of Obama's birth from Honolulu's Queen's Medical Center to Kapi'olani.
Reagan VS Liberalism
Birthplace Flip-Flop
July 11, 2009 - 19:33 ET by slickwillie2001Hiarious links poster. I wonder if Snopes will do a debunking of their earlier debunk. To be a really good liar, one has to have a very good memory. Police are trained to take apart the stories of those that they question because under pressure one's memory can fail.
After November of 2012, I wonder if the Bamster will tell us his real place of birth and citizenship just to rub our noses in it. I'm sure that on his way out his contempt for the American people will become obvious, just as it is now with the old media.
Send in the troops, save a population
July 11, 2009 - 09:52 ET by CobraMan"The question I asked at the meeting was, 'Why is that?"
I wonder if Obama really understands why? Here's a hint for you, Obama. We've had 30 thousand or so troops stationed in South Korea for several decades now, just like we have had troops stationed in several European (and Asian) countries for decades. In every case where a significant US troop presence remains in a country for an extended period, that country has experienced prosperity and progress. In places like Kenya, where we have no significant troop presence, we find despair and disillusionment. Think this is just a coincidence? I don't.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
July 11, 2009 - 10:09 ET by east tennessee johnWell Senior Obama,a socialist economist,ideas apparently didn't work any better than the son's are working now. How come, millionaire BO doesn't provide any "stimulus" for his relatives? Like most libs, until scrutinized, they just don't give to charity.
Not mentioned was Obama's
July 11, 2009 - 10:08 ET by Dan DiegoNot mentioned was Obama's pitch:
"For less than 3 million dollars a day, less than we spend on GM's bailout, you can help a African village. Please, won't you help? Call 1-800-TAX-MONEY now, operators are standing by."
A Pin Drop?
July 11, 2009 - 11:01 ET by slickwillie2001"You could have heard a pin drop" because everyone in the room was thinking, 'oh my God, he is going to admit that he was born in Kenya'. Those less optimistic were listening for at least some clues.
Cliche
July 11, 2009 - 11:54 ET by StarAZWho ever dropped a bunch of pins--how did this become so overdone?
From:
July 11, 2009 - 11:32 ET by Jack BauerFrom: dkdh_obama@nigeria.af
Dearest Sires
Excuses for writing directly to your dearest persons.
My name is Derek Kenyatta Odinga Hopichangi Obama the first. Recently I have becomed into the possession of vast welth thanks to my half brother. Perhaps you have heard of Barack Hussein Obama? He was recently elected in a 52.7% landslide vote to transform his country into a Kenyan-type socialist paradise by hook and by crook.
As a dutiful half-broher, dear leader Barack has let it be known to me that he has secretly "bailed me out" of my mud hut living on $1 a week, via funds ear marked so generouly by House Speak Doctor, Her excellency Nancy Pelosi of the tight face.
I now have $42 million in "tarp" funds secretly deposited in a Swiss bank account in Nigeria.
As you will understand most gracious sirs, I not unable to access these funds given the sensitive nature of my name Obama. I propose to you a most satisfactory arrangement and offer a bail out reward of $6 millions for services rendered.
Simply send me your bank account details for which I will deposit all these monies into your account, for whcih you may keep $6 millions, before transferring the rest into my special new account of the First Bank of Lagos.
Thanksing you kind sire in all your endeavorments.
OMO, Jack
July 11, 2009 - 11:41 ET by BlondeThat post needed a beverage alert.
An honest swindle from an Obama....how refreshing.
I hope he fails, too.
thanx blonde! I was
July 11, 2009 - 12:06 ET by Jack Bauerthanx blonde!
I was just reading the article and thought haven't we heard all this before? Many times, like one of those Nigerian solitation email scams.
And isn't that Obama from back to front, one giant obvious scam after another, and with your money?
Sure... the guy who can't even estimate the unemployment rate after his and Geithner's idiocy is gonna help Africa AND stop the tide coming in -- I mean stop "Climate Change." In fact, King Canute had more chance of success tha Obama as the tide DOES ebb and go out as much as it rises.
Laugh of the day Jack. Great
July 11, 2009 - 12:09 ET by eaglewingz08Laugh of the day Jack. Great post. Too close to the truth though.
OK Jack, that was effing
July 11, 2009 - 15:08 ET by SickofLibsOK Jack, that was effing brilliant!
Jack
July 11, 2009 - 18:53 ET by kangarooBloody brilliant mate, you know, your are probably closer to the truth than you know. cheers
That's okay, 'cause once Obama's "plan" has been put into place
July 11, 2009 - 13:28 ET by R D Helm...when Kenyans come to Amerika, they are going to feel right at home.
-Dave
"Obama's health care 'reform' plan is to blow up the building in order to fix a leak in the roof." - Herman Cain
Friggin' Kenya...so sick of
July 11, 2009 - 14:56 ET by RR GOPFriggin' Kenya...so sick of hearing about GD Kenya...and Africa in general.
Anyone remember about how the Rusk family (English) were macheted to death by black Kenyans including their six year old little boy back in the '60s? Guess it worked...it seemed to have hastened the resolve of the ball-less wonders in London to let Kenya have her independence.
Africa is like downtown Detroit or Watts...only way bigger. Read some of these blogs and comments from Africans about how it really sucks there. A huge cesspool of disease, racism and violence.
Just like over here the root of all of their problems is the White Man. Just like over here the U.N. and Libtard ideologies are going to fix everything.
Couldn't wait to kick the whites out of Rhodesia and South Africa-couldn't wait for black rule to take place slowly and sensibly. South Africa...don't hear much about that Land of Milk and Honey anymore do we?...has a big problem in trying to keep the World Cup next year from being disrupted by its huge criminal element.
But there again, it could be like that over here. We should take nothing for granted.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
What I want to know is, why
July 11, 2009 - 18:39 ET by kangarooWhat I want to know is, why the hell Baz keeps talking about his old man as if the sun shines out of his ass, Hello he knocked your mom up, split, left her to raise you on her own, thats what you made us think. Now your dad is the best thing since sliced bread, you can't have it both ways ass wipe, and while we are at it christian or muslim, wholey crap what am I batman.
Credentials
July 11, 2009 - 18:52 ET by Dan Diego"knocked your mom up, split, left her to raise you on her own,"
I'm one of you, street cred for the commie organizer.
Dan Diego,
July 11, 2009 - 19:08 ET by kangarooDan Diego, thanks for that
You're welcome. The sad
July 11, 2009 - 19:20 ET by Dan DiegoYou're welcome. The sad thing is they only read the cover but never open the book.
Under The Bus
July 11, 2009 - 19:38 ET by Irene FlickActually, that's knocked her up, then they left you to be raised by your white trash grandma, whom you threw under the bus two days before the election, because she knew the truth of where you were born.
Sorry
July 11, 2009 - 19:40 ET by Irene FlickI mean, "typical white grandma."
Obama vist to Africa
July 11, 2009 - 21:14 ET by HogTideRebelCatsSome Where In Kenya A Village Is Missing Its Idiot. ObamASS, go back to Kenya so they can get their Idiot back. The biggest benefit is that America will then have one less Idiot.
This picture of Obama is
July 12, 2009 - 00:22 ET by NL207This picture of Obama is not how the European politicians see him. His charisma extends only to the under-30 set in Europe. the leadership there including much of the press think he is an arrogant, pretentious buffoon.
This crap about him dazzling Euroope with his charisma is a myth perpetuated by his followers here to cover up what a colossal failure the Obama foreign policy is proving to be over there. Anyone who can read the German or French newspapers will get this very quickly.