Questions about Barack Obama

I have a few questions about Obama's actions which have been in the news lately. Some of these actions confuse me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a light on these "issues."

1. Obama bows to a foreign leader.
How is this bad at all? Bowing is a sign of respect and even the country's newspaper said so. I don't understand why people are calling it a breach of conduct and what not. If anybody has an answer to this let me know.

2. Obama "fires" the head of GM.
Some call this a socialist act? If anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to "ask someone to step down" that would be greatly appreciated. To clarify, he didn't fire the man, he reccommended or asked him to resign.

3. Obama smokes cigarrettes.
Again, how is this bad at all? Besides the obvious health risks, this is a perfectly legal affectation which millions of Americans have. Why must we bash Obama for a dirty, yet perfectly normal habit.

4. Obama is a socialist.
Excuse me? I never heard him say he wants the government to have all the power. Did anyone else actually HEAR him say this?

Anyway these are just a few points of interest for me. If you have the answers post here. It seems like the media is bashing Obama way too much for every little thing.

I have a few questions about Obama's actions which have been in the news lately. Some of these actions confuse me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a light on these "issues."

1. Obama bows to a foreign leader.
How is this bad at all? Bowing is a sign of respect and even the country's newspaper said so. I don't understand why people are calling it a breach of conduct and what not. If anybody has an answer to this let me know.

2. Obama "fires" the head of GM.
Some call this a socialist act? If anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to "ask someone to step down" that would be greatly appreciated. To clarify, he didn't fire the man, he reccommended or asked him to resign.

3. Obama smokes cigarrettes.
Again, how is this bad at all? Besides the obvious health risks, this is a perfectly legal affectation which millions of Americans have. Why must we bash Obama for a dirty, yet perfectly normal habit.

4. Obama is a socialist.
Excuse me? I never heard him say he wants the government to have all the power. Did anyone else actually HEAR him say this?

Anyway these are just a few points of interest for me. If you have the answers post here. It seems like the media is bashing Obama way too much for every little thing.

nicknees93

It's because they don't have proper things to complain about like they did with Bush so they have to pick stupid little puerile things instead

At this point I don't have a problem with 1 - 3. 4 is just an endless debate about government.

1. What some would call a sign of respect, others would call a sign of submission.

2. Reeks of government interfering with private business. But hey, they (GM) are the ones begging for public funds, so I see nothing wrong with Obama's "request".

3. Nothing wrong with this.

4. He's the most (pick your favorite: progressive, liberal, whatever) President since Roosevelt, so people say he's socialist when compared to his predecessors.

[QUOTE="nicknees93"]

I have a few questions about Obama's actions which have been in the news lately. Some of these actions confuse me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a light on these "issues."

1. Obama bows to a foreign leader.
How is this bad at all? Bowing is a sign of respect and even the country's newspaper said so. I don't understand why people are calling it a breach of conduct and what not. If anybody has an answer to this let me know.

2. Obama "fires" the head of GM.
Some call this a socialist act? If anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to "ask someone to step down" that would be greatly appreciated. To clarify, he didn't fire the man, he reccommended or asked him to resign.

3. Obama smokes cigarrettes.
Again, how is this bad at all? Besides the obvious health risks, this is a perfectly legal affectation which millions of Americans have. Why must we bash Obama for a dirty, yet perfectly normal habit.

4. Obama is a socialist.
Excuse me? I never heard him say he wants the government to have all the power. Did anyone else actually HEAR him say this?

Anyway these are just a few points of interest for me. If you have the answers post here. It seems like the media is bashing Obama way too much for every little thing.

braindead_hero

It's because they don't have proper things to complain about like they did with Bush so they have to pick stupid little puerile things instead

what this guy said

although I have found a surprising number of people who find that first point of yours to actually hold water I dont but still.

Also I didn't know Obama did request the head of GM to step down. That is pretty cmforting to me actually

I have a few questions about Obama's actions which have been in the news lately. Some of these actions confuse me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a light on these "issues."

1. Obama bows to a foreign leader.
How is this bad at all? Bowing is a sign of respect and even the country's newspaper said so. I don't understand why people are calling it a breach of conduct and what not. If anybody has an answer to this let me know.

Show respect, but don't grovel. Bowing started as an exhibition of subordination, as bowing causes the head to lower, thus leaving the person bowing in a position of vulnerability.

2. Obama "fires" the head of GM.
Some call this a socialist act? If anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to "ask someone to step down" that would be greatly appreciated. To clarify, he didn't fire the man, he reccommended or asked him to resign.

Because it shouldn't be the government's business how private businesses are run. Of course, this isn't so anymore since the government, in it's infinite wisdom, gave private companies public money.

3. Obama smokes cigarrettes.
Again, how is this bad at all? Besides the obvious health risks, this is a perfectly legal affectation which millions of Americans have. Why must we bash Obama for a dirty, yet perfectly normal habit.

It is perceived as a vice.

4. Obama is a socialist.
Excuse me? I never heard him say he wants the government to have all the power. Did anyone else actually HEAR him say this?

He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.

Anyway these are just a few points of interest for me. If you have the answers post here. It seems like the media is bashing Obama way too much for every little thing.

You think the media is bashing Obama? Which media do you watch/read?nicknees93

Obama fans may try to justify everything you mentioned, but that doesn't make them non-issues. Except for the smoking thing, that is a non-issue to me at least(as long as he pays the same ridiculous tax everybody else does).

Edit: Your point 4 pretty much is countered by your point 2.

#1 some say he bowed some say he was coming down to match the kings height bowings a problem bacause it sends the message that "you have power over me" #2 if he asked him its much like telling him cuz when the president asks you to do something your usually do whats in his best interest #3 who really cares #4 with some of the stuff he has had passed the government is taking a bigger role actions speak louder than words

You pretty much answered your own questions there.chessmaster1989

#1 some say he bowed some say he was coming down to match the kings height bowings a problem bacause it sends the message that "you have power over me" #2 if he asked him its much like telling him cuz when the president asks you to do something your usually do whats in his best interest #3 who really cares #4 with some of the stuff he has had passed the government is taking a bigger role actions speak louder than words

awesomeray

you know I said Bush should have requested FEMA to let him take control and save people when Katrina hit and the response I got was "How much power does the president have over that sort of thing anyways?

Well, obviously I know the answers to the questions. I'm just wondering what other's thoughts are. It was more of a satirical thread (not sure if used that word correctly). I wanted to point out how funny some of the "issues" are.nicknees93

The way you phrased some of your answers leads me to greatly question your knowledge and understanding of the questions. To ask "if anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to..." demonstrates a grossly inadequate picture of the powers and privileges of the presidency. If you had remembered to put in a little "tit-for-tat" argument regarding GM and the bailout, you'd have been forgiven. But you didn't, and as such, painted yourself as a person who thinks the President has no limits.

He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.FragStains

[QUOTE="nicknees93"]Well, obviously I know the answers to the questions. I'm just wondering what other's thoughts are. It was more of a satirical thread (not sure if used that word correctly). I wanted to point out how funny some of the "issues" are.Oleg_Huzwog

The way you phrased some of your answers leads me to greatly question your knowledge and understanding of the questions. To ask "if anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to..." demonstrates a grossly inadequate picture of the powers and privileges of the presidency. If you had remembered to put in a little "tit-for-tat" argument regarding GM and the bailout, you'd have been forgiven. But you didn't, and as such, painted yourself as a person who thinks the President has no limits.

[QUOTE="nicknees93"]Well, obviously I know the answers to the questions. I'm just wondering what other's thoughts are. It was more of a satirical thread (not sure if used that word correctly). I wanted to point out how funny some of the "issues" are.Oleg_Huzwog

The way you phrased some of your answers leads me to greatly question your knowledge and understanding of the questions. To ask "if anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to..." demonstrates a grossly inadequate picture of the powers and privileges of the presidency. If you had remembered to put in a little "tit-for-tat" argument regarding GM and the bailout, you'd have been forgiven. But you didn't, and as such, painted yourself as a person who thinks the President has no limits.

[QUOTE="FragStains"]He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.Vandalvideo

I wouldn't say a graduated income tax is socialism, period. :|

[QUOTE="Vandalvideo"][QUOTE="FragStains"]He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.chessmaster1989

I wouldn't say a graduated income tax is socialism, period. :|

EDIT: I misread your post but I like what I said so I'm leaving it up

He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.FragStains

[QUOTE="FragStains"]

He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.-Sun_Tzu-

Curse you, Adam Smith! :x

:P

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"]

[QUOTE="FragStains"]

He's repeatedly stated that he wishes to spread the 'wealth' around. That phrase connotes socialistic tendencies.chessmaster1989

Curse you, Adam Smith! :x

:P

And thats a bad thing why?, Most of the EU is socialist and they seem pretty fine, in fact they're doing a lot better in the recession then the US or UK thanks to our love for free market capitalism

EDIT: I misread your post but I like what I said so I'm leaving it up

braindead_hero

France and Germany have higher unemployment rates than the UK.

I have a few questions about Obama's actions which have been in the news lately. Some of these actions confuse me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a light on these "issues."

nicknees93

1. There's always been a stigma among American toward Saudi Arabia because we tend to ignore the incredibly oppressive nature of their government and religious leaders in order to procure oil deals. Bowing to the Saudi King kind of has a symbolic effect, people see that and it can't help but wonder if the Saudis really have us by the privates. I don't think the gesture was that big of a deal though. 2. It is not within a government official's power to operate businesses. It is a socialist act because it is direct government intervention in the economy, for better or worse. 3. He doesn't smoke anymore. He quit before the campaign. 4. He is a socialistic in a way because he wants to expand the social welfare programs that already exist in this country. He favors equality over smaller government, which leads to that accusation.

[QUOTE="braindead_hero"][QUOTE="Vandalvideo"] Actually, the Euroe has lost far more relative value than the dollar. If anything, the value of the dolllar has been going up. The Euro was 1.66 USD, now its 1.21 something.Vandalvideo

But that is only looking at Currency valuation, GDP growth within Europe is much higher than America and the combined GDP of the EU is higher than America

source

Well the simple solution to all your questions is. Chuck Norris.b3yondstupidity

It is pretty entertaining that people still go on about Obama being a socialist.. I love it too when I heard people if he got elected they would move to Europe or Canada etc etc.. It shows how ignorant people are, when compared to those nations we are extremely conservative.. Even what Obama is doing right now which is considered amazingly socialistic, isn't what so ever.. We are merely nearing the balance the other western nations have become, and they certainly arn't socialist.. This is not suggesting that its the right path to go, just people need to get some actual perspective.sSubZerOo

The EU economy is in much worse shape than the U.S. Yes, there may not be as much human suffering in the EU, but because the EU government is so decentralized they haven't been able to implement the necessary strategies for a recovery. The U.S. has been able to accomplish much more vis a vis an economy recovery and because of that the U.S. is in much better shape (although it isn't exactly in the best shape either).-Sun_Tzu-

[QUOTE="-Sun_Tzu-"]The EU economy is in much worse shape than the U.S. Yes, there may not be as much human suffering in the EU, but because the EU government is so decentralized they haven't been able to implement the necessary strategies for a recovery. The U.S. has been able to accomplish much more vis a vis an economy recovery and because of that the U.S. is in much better shape (although it isn't exactly in the best shape either).FirstDiscovery

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]It is pretty entertaining that people still go on about Obama being a socialist.. I love it too when I heard people if he got elected they would move to Europe or Canada etc etc.. It shows how ignorant people are, when compared to those nations we are extremely conservative.. Even what Obama is doing right now which is considered amazingly socialistic, isn't what so ever.. We are merely nearing the balance the other western nations have become, and they certainly arn't socialist.. This is not suggesting that its the right path to go, just people need to get some actual perspective.FirstDiscovery

Because tearing down the opposition is just what partisans do.

Personally, I find all the Obama bashing hilarious since cons cried so much about the GWB bashing. It's funny to watch the cons become the "Party of Complainers" they railed so hard against from 2000-2006 :)

He is teh suck :P

Because tearing down the opposition is just what partisans do.

Personally, I find all the Obama bashing hilarious since cons cried so much about the GWB bashing. It's funny to watch the cons become the "Party of Complainers" they railed so hard against from 2000-2006 :)

LosDaddie

So your admitting that there is little difference between the 2 parties. I agree.

[QUOTE="nicknees93"]Well, obviously I know the answers to the questions. I'm just wondering what other's thoughts are. It was more of a satirical thread (not sure if used that word correctly). I wanted to point out how funny some of the "issues" are.Oleg_Huzwog

The way you phrased some of your answers leads me to greatly question your knowledge and understanding of the questions. To ask "if anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to..." demonstrates a grossly inadequate picture of the powers and privileges of the presidency. If you had remembered to put in a little "tit-for-tat" argument regarding GM and the bailout, you'd have been forgiven. But you didn't, and as such, painted yourself as a person who thinks the President has no limits.

[QUOTE="LosDaddie"]

Because tearing down the opposition is just what partisans do.

Personally, I find all the Obama bashing hilarious since cons cried so much about the GWB bashing. It's funny to watch the cons become the "Party of Complainers" they railed so hard against from 2000-2006 :)

DaBrainz

So your admitting that there is little difference between the 2 parties. I agree.

In this regard, yes I am.

Like I said in my first line: Tearing down the opposition is just what partisans do.

Most of the EU is socialist and they seem pretty fine

braindead_hero

I have a few questions about Obama's actions which have been in the news lately. Some of these actions confuse me and I'm wondering if anyone can shed a light on these "issues."

1. Obama bows to a foreign leader.
How is this bad at all? Bowing is a sign of respect and even the country's newspaper said so. I don't understand why people are calling it a breach of conduct and what not. If anybody has an answer to this let me know.

2. Obama "fires" the head of GM.
Some call this a socialist act? If anybody can explain to me why the most powerful man in the country isn't allowed to "ask someone to step down" that would be greatly appreciated. To clarify, he didn't fire the man, he reccommended or asked him to resign.

3. Obama smokes cigarrettes.
Again, how is this bad at all? Besides the obvious health risks, this is a perfectly legal affectation which millions of Americans have. Why must we bash Obama for a dirty, yet perfectly normal habit.

4. Obama is a socialist.
Excuse me? I never heard him say he wants the government to have all the power. Did anyone else actually HEAR him say this?

Anyway these are just a few points of interest for me. If you have the answers post here. It seems like the media is bashing Obama way too much for every little thing.

nicknees93

1. to that particular foreign community, bowing is a sign of submission, meaning you serve them.

3. he could be setting a bad example here...

4. there are plenty of news reports were he hints at wanting the government in control of everything. so yeah

1. Obama bows to a foreign leader.
How is this bad at all? Bowing is a sign of respect and even the country's newspaper said so. I don't understand why people are calling it a breach of conduct and what not. If anybody has an answer to this let me know.

nicknees93

Well, I think the issue with this is that the American president isn't supposed to bow to anybody.

I don't think America's in the position to tick off any more foreign nations, so I don't have an issue with the bowing.