"Birther Delusions". YEP!
Editorial | Birther delusions
The most depressing aspect to President Obama releasing his long-form birth certificate on Wednesday isn't that the nation's first president of color, and one with an unusual name, was compelled to publicly provide “papers” that his predecessors were not pressured to produce, although that is almost unbearably sad.
Nor was it that the release could be read as giving credence to conspiracy theories that had long been debunked by facts and observable evidence. Nor was it that the surprise move was construed by some as caving to the crazies and bullies who have mouthpieces and megaphones that never sleep.
No, the most depressing aspect of President Obama's taking the exceptional step of providing his birth certificate, and speaking to the White House press corps (and, let it be said, his fellow Americans) about this “puzzling” controversy, is that all the proof of his citizenship still won't be enough for some people.
No, they will still pick at the document (birther queen Orly Taitz already is saying the paper should have read “Negro” instead of “African”) or they will move on to another “secret” kept by the President — say, his grades as a school boy — that also serve to undermine his achievement, and the nation's in electing him.
To some, he is both too much and not enough, and they will not rest while he is president.
That contingent of America will always exist, but there is a special disgust reserved for those who would exploit, for political mischief or gain, the delusions of the seriously disaffected. With a wink and a smile, or couched language, or leather-lunged bellowing, they have shown themselves to be crass opportunists who know the President is a citizen but have put a premium on their own ambitions, the country be damned.
Chief among them lately is Donald Trump, he of the towers, the wives and the architectural coif. He has flogged his patented form of grotesque hucksterism to rising numbers in Republican presidential polls, which says more about the Republican field than it does Mr. Trump's suitability as a candidate or office-holder. Naturally, he took credit for the President's move, practically likening the accomplishment to the ninth wonder of the world.
In his remarks upon releasing his birth certificate, President Obama mentioned the “sideshows and carnival barkers” that were distracting policy makers, the news media and the voters from the staggering set of problems facing the country. “We do not have time for this silliness,” he said.
No, we don't. This surreal ride into fantasyland ought to be over, once and for all, but that's probably too much to hope for.
An African proverb says the dogs bark but the caravan moves on. The nation needs to join that caravan and leave the yappers behind. The birthers have had their day, and it's done.
The most depressing aspect to President Obama releasing his long-form birth certificate on Wednesday isn't that the nation's first president of color, and one with an unusual name, was compelled to publicly provide “papers” that his predecessors were not pressured to produce, although that is almost unbearably sad.
Nor was it that the release could be read as giving credence to conspiracy theories that had long been debunked by facts and observable evidence. Nor was it that the surprise move was construed by some as caving to the crazies and bullies who have mouthpieces and megaphones that never sleep.
No, the most depressing aspect of President Obama's taking the exceptional step of providing his birth certificate, and speaking to the White House press corps (and, let it be said, his fellow Americans) about this “puzzling” controversy, is that all the proof of his citizenship still won't be enough for some people.
No, they will still pick at the document (birther queen Orly Taitz already is saying the paper should have read “Negro” instead of “African”) or they will move on to another “secret” kept by the President — say, his grades as a school boy — that also serve to undermine his achievement, and the nation's in electing him.
To some, he is both too much and not enough, and they will not rest while he is president.
That contingent of America will always exist, but there is a special disgust reserved for those who would exploit, for political mischief or gain, the delusions of the seriously disaffected. With a wink and a smile, or couched language, or leather-lunged bellowing, they have shown themselves to be crass opportunists who know the President is a citizen but have put a premium on their own ambitions, the country be damned.
Chief among them lately is Donald Trump, he of the towers, the wives and the architectural coif. He has flogged his patented form of grotesque hucksterism to rising numbers in Republican presidential polls, which says more about the Republican field than it does Mr. Trump's suitability as a candidate or office-holder. Naturally, he took credit for the President's move, practically likening the accomplishment to the ninth wonder of the world.
In his remarks upon releasing his birth certificate, President Obama mentioned the “sideshows and carnival barkers” that were distracting policy makers, the news media and the voters from the staggering set of problems facing the country. “We do not have time for this silliness,” he said.
No, we don't. This surreal ride into fantasyland ought to be over, once and for all, but that's probably too much to hope for.
An African proverb says the dogs bark but the caravan moves on. The nation needs to join that caravan and leave the yappers behind. The birthers have had their day, and it's done.
Labels: News reporting
posted by KYJurisDoctor at 9:49 AM
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