How bad — how ugly, how far over the line of decency — is it to invoke Barack Obama’s middle name in attacking him?
It’s so ugly and so far over the line that not even Alan Keyes in his most overwrought, spittle-flecked moments did it during his 2004 Senate run against Obama in Illinois.
Did you call me Phillip, motherf*cker? What’s your middle name, asshole? I dare you to tell me.ÂÂ
 What are you looking at? What are all your f*cking middle names?
The Over-the-Line Man
I am a writer for the paper
I reflect the main stream
Searching through the feeds for an outrage-stoking meme.
I can see beneath their statements
Thuggish neo-conny slime
And the Over-the-Line Man
Is drawing the line
I know I need a small vacation
From the anger in my brain
I guess I’ll prolly have a breakdown
If someone says “Hussein”
He is hopey and he’s changey
In this hopeless, stagnant time
And the Over-the-Line Man
Thinks that it’s a crime
He is hopey and he’s changey
In this hopeless, stagnant time
But this middle-name calling’s
Way over the line!
Way over the line!
John McCain’s is “Sidney.” You tell me that’s not a low blow.
Carin Ahmadinejad O’Brien.
What?
Francis. Call me Francis, and I’ll kill ya’
It’s no less fair game really than Romney’s Mormonism was. Baracky’s middle name is every bit as insightful into how he would govern as Mitt’s underwear choices. Even more really, cause how Baracky H. was so very protective of Saddam H. is really a central issue in the race.
Eh.
My first name is generally a male name. I always thought the kids that tried to taunt me using my name were desperately uncreative. I pitied them.
How bad  how ugly, how far over the line of decency  is it to invoke Barack Obama’s middle name in attacking him?
Democrats. How can they maintain this level of comedy for the next eight months.
PS David
PPS Philip, huh? Heh.
“william”, you bitch. use that, I dare you.
No wonder the killbots didn’t want you.
Moonbat: You know, that Obama really speaks to me. He offers this country hope in a time when partisan divide really threatens to rip us all apart. He is the true agent of change for the future.
Wingnut: His middle name is Hussein.
Moonbat: Screw that shit, I’m voting McCain!
The danger should be obvious. Don’t listen to wingnuts.
Barack Hussein Obama would be all about exploiting his middle name if it didn’t suck so hard. He’s very opportunistic like that. And it’s not like you have to stop right now and think what dubya means cause this is the first time you heard that.
Plus, this whole thing reminds me of:
Rick: All right. if we can’t duck this thing, we’re gonna have to neutralize it. What we need is a picture of me pinning a medal on a black man. The firefighter – the one that saved the camp or something – Northridge… what’s his name?
Bruce: He’s Iraqi.
Rick: He’s Iraqi? He looks black.
Bruce: He’s dark-skinned, sir, but he’s Iraqi, his name’s Saddam Hassif.
Rick: His name’s Saddam? Oh, that’s great, Bruce. Yeah, I’m gonna pin a medal on an Iraqi named Saddam. Give yourself a raise, won’t you?
—
I don’t want Paul Haggis to feel vindicated.
This is like what Ric said in the other thread. Pretend to be so upset about this non-issue, and ignore the actual criticism that are level at Obama.
I mean, honestly. If anyone were really influenced by the man’s middle name they shouldn’t be voting.
Also, if the person has ever owned, or worn, a Che shirt because it was cool, but meaningless -they shouldn’t be voting.
Odd scene from an Oscar party I attended on Sunday (don’t ask): Jon Stewart busted his Barry O middle name gag. Four people at the party turned to each other and agreed on which one would check the Barry O campaign website in a few minutes on an iPhone to “see if there would be an immediate response”, calling the Stewart joke “manipulative of the American people”.
Something really creepy is going on here.
Baracky Hussein Osama is just wanting special name rules for hisself cause he thinks he’s special like that. I think we should pass a new law where all candidates have to put their full name on all campaign materials and at the end of their commercials. This way everyone would be equal. Surely Baracky isn’t against equality?
While the sitting President of the United States is often subjected to the poisonous slur of being referred to as “Dubya” as a way to undermine his intelligence and suggest that his judgment is untrustworthy, no one in the media or political circles has ever made the suggestion that this type of contemptible personal attack be repudiated.
Also try getting Paul Haggis to NOT feel vindicated. He’s very self-vindicatey.
The middle name on my birth certificate is “Michael,” but I always preferred “Big Damn Kick-Ass-and-Take-Names Archangel Michael.”
So, my initials are KBDKATNAMM.
Middle names? You mean like Delano, David, Fitzgerald, Baines, Milhous, Earl, or Jefferson?
No F.D.R. or J.F.K. with this one. Just plain old B.O.
Two can play at that game . . . DAVID.
From yesterday’s NYT …
After struggling for months to dent Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy, the campaign of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is now unleashing what one Clinton aide called a “kitchen sink†fusillade against Mr. Obama …
What . . . are you daring me? WILLIAM!!!11!
Yeah. That kitchen sink crack was pretty sexist, don’t you think?
My middle name is Tonto. I fear that fact will keep me from ever being elected POTUS. Plus it might be racist.
You never hear Hillary Diane Caligulita Rodham Clinton complain about this.
I have no middle name. I’m jealous.
Sounds like a few people here are going to get asked to “step off” the Straight Talk Express.
McCain apologized for two reasons, firstly that Cunningham might have been trying to imply something demeaning by stuttering out Barack’s middle name and, secondly, that to mock a guy’s name isn’t exactly the depthless campaign message McCain wants projected when his name is attached to it. When was the last time anyone here seriously goofed on somebody’s middle name – in freaking junior high, that’s when. That ill-dressed imp can breath heavy into his microphone on AM radio and light up the Ron Paul wingers all day and night for all I care, but fu*k if it’s not embarassing to have to watch that clown rep the Republican party nominee. ThAT Cunningham fag does an autistically bad Zell Miller impression is the way I see it.
His wife says he’s “stinky,” so yeah.
And that’s what I want in a President: someone whose wife shit-talks him in front of crowds.
Those guys are never frustrated fools.
Like he’s totally not ready to use his Husseinyness as an excuse to help splain why he was totally rejected next November, or as an emblem of a mandate for his touchy-feely dictator-loving foreign policy if he wins. You can damn well bet his Hussein is gonna be all hanging out when he visits Syria to suck Baathist cock over there.
the Straight Talk Express.
Clearly this is a code word for McCain’s desire to oppress Gay Americans. Better repudiate it quick. Breeder.
What are all your f*cking middle names?
I’ll never tell.
I feel like the principal just came up behind me kind of.
TheKnife.
If you were familiar with the work of that Tribune blog’s author, you’d already know that his middle name is “Douchebag.”
Bwahahaha, Scott.
Or should I call you . . . S.O. Teric?
Oh. You’re right. Eric Douchebag links to Juan Cole…
I think he’s totally for serious.
happyfeet – You are killing me.
John Kerry would never try to capitalize on his middle name.
FRANCIS : The name’s Francis Sawyer, but everybody calls me Psycho. Any of you guys call me Francis, and I’ll kill you. You just made the list, buddy. Also, I don’t like no one touching my stuff. So just keep your meat-hooks off. If I catch any of you guys in my stuff, I’ll kill you. And I don’t like nobody touching me. Any of you homos touch me, and I’ll kill you.
SGT HULKA : Lighten up, Francis.
Comment by happyfeet
Like he’s totally not ready to use his Husseinyness as an excuse to help splain why he was totally rejected next November, or as an emblem of a mandate for his touchy-feely dictator-loving foreign policy if he wins. You can damn well bet his Hussein is gonna be all hanging out when he visits Syria to suck Baathist cock over there.
I might not use the exact same language that you have chosen here, but I do agree with the sentiment.
Additionally, what’s with all this hand-ringing. One of Obama’s main campaign messages is that he is the vehicle of the sort of change that can bring together left and right (domestically) and East and West abroad. Not having much in the way of a political record to trumpet in support of these claims -other than a notably unflattering photo-, the campaign has pointed to nothing other than his own fucking name as a way to cement his bona fides of being a multicultural, mixed race progressive politician, and the media reinforces this message daily.
To this point I agree, his name is a great symbol of his multicultural hippy dippy progressive ideas and using it in full only magnifies the exact same message that Obama himself and his campaign are promoting.
I disagree with those who claim that these references are used to cast doubt on his patriotism, I think it sends a clear message that this guy is a full-blooded American Socialist.
It’s only manipulative when it doesn’t fit their agenda. Then it’s okay.
Of course, many of us think it was probably just a joke. I have no idea if it was a good one.
And what is all this, “Bringing us together,” crap? Do we want to be brought together? Do we need to be brought together? I don’t think so. I have nothing in common with someone on the far left, beyond the fact that we’re most likely both humans and that we breath and eat and poop and sleep. I have spent enough time with lefties to know that while most of them are fine people they cannot resist at some point during a gathering acting like tools and bringing out their politics for all to show what great people they are. And I find that annoying at least and insufferable when it goes on for too long.
They believe that the state should take care of you and protect you from personal harm, though it is a proven fact that it cannot do either thing well. I believe that my life and my personal defense are my problem, and not only am I the one who has to deal with it, I should be allowed to be the one to deal with it. The state is there to protect the country, not to protect me.
There is no middle ground in these philosophies, beyond live and let live, and the left cannot do that because the left requires state intrusion in my life and restriction of my right to protect myself. The very idea that we can all “come together” with bunnies and kittens and peace, love, and understanding is a total crock of shit and it’s time we moved away from the very notion of it. Also, if we cannot even unite behind the country during a time of war any more, it’s ridiculous to think it’s possible at all.
Now somewhere in the corrupt wards of Southside Chicago
There lived a young boy named Baracky Hussein
And one day a Rethug said sumpin bout his campaign
Called young Baracky by his name, Baracky didn’t like that
He said I’m gonna get that boy
Oh, man. I’ve got one of those four-name, ten-syllable, old-timey inbred cornpone Southern names. And you think that sucker hasn’t dogged me all my life?
And do you think it doesn’t say anything real about me, just because I didn’t choose it myself?
We love happyfeet.
it’s like when I found out my grandfather’s name was really Bobby Wayne R____. sounds so hick for a man with a doctorate.
Middle name: Arlo.
But it doesn’t bother me much; it’s also my Dad’s middle name, and he prefers it over his given name, so I’ve always had an example of how it could be worse.
Jimmy Webb better not hear about this.
You ain’t kiddin’, Karl. If we start talking about his middle name, he is liable to write a story about turning little boys upside down and putting their penis in his mouth. Out of love. Or tradition.
Let’s see: Franklin DELANO Roosevelt (FDR), John FITZGERALD Kennedy (JFK), Lyndon BAINES Johnson (LBJ), George Herbert Walker Bush (GWHB, John QUINCY Adams, just to name a few.
Sheesh!
feets!
im an obamotaku!
i made it up. altho otaku translates literally as fanboy, the nihongho are so awful sexist sometimes.
It’s no less fair game really than Romney’s Mormonism was.
zactly.
but just as it wud have been stupid to get caught making an issue of that, it is stupid to get caught doing it with Hussein.
thats why Rove said dont.
mccain did the smart thing.
O is clever and opportunistic and exploitive.
so far every weapon used against him turns magically against the wielder.
u guyz have to be smarter.
u need to be subversive.
The Arab-African/American is ashamed of his father and his father’s Arab heritage? So, we shouldn’t bring it up? Phooey! His name is Barack HUSSEIN Obama, live with it.
i made it up. altho otaku translates literally as fanboy, the nihongho are so awful sexist sometimes.
It’s no less fair game really than Romney’s Mormonism was.
zactly.
but just as it wud have been stupid to get caught making an issue of that, it is stupid to get caught doing it with Hussein.
thats why Rove said dont.
mccain did the smart thing.
O is clever and opportunistic and exploitive.
Agree!
ps. nihon-go = japanese language
nihon-jin = japanese person/people
I feel like the principal just came up behind me kind of.
No, My Son, that was not me. (But I was with you there on the beach.)
More seriously:
The Arab-African/American is ashamed of his father and his father’s Arab heritage?
I don’t think this has ever been the issue. The point is that it fans the flames of ignorant bigotry. The photo-montage at the second link is priceless, but if that’s not enough, how about this? Need me to continue? You might say that there’s no harm in turning his middle name into a point of contention, but the pro-Israeli wing of the conservative movement disagrees. I could forward you the email I’ve received fifteen times already from various, distant family members, if you’d like, but it makes the same point.
Ah yes, the dangers of ignorant bigotry…
As opposed to say, informed bigotry.
http://ace.mu.nu/archives/256477.php
Which is so much more acceptable.
oh maybee is right, jin…gaijin, ghostu-jin, nihong-jin.
im watching ju-on right now, actually, with the tape over the subtitles.
but…feets clever mocks of O work for u guyz here, they resonate…but wat could work for the electorate?
i cant really think of anything that will work.
Well, that was relevant.
The point is that some people think>/i> it fans the flames of ignorant bigotry, whereas most people don’t give two shits what the dude’s middle name is.
Gack.
What I mean by that is, I’m an uneducated redneck living in the heart of Jesusland, and I don’t give two shits what his middle name is, so why would anyone else?
What I mean by that is, I’m an uneducated redneck living in the heart of Jesusland, and I don’t give two shits what his middle name is, so why would anyone else?
I don’t know, but for some reason people keep feeling compelled to use it every chance they get.
If you can tell me why they do that, then maybe we can figure the rest out together.
Scott, my point is: What is your point?
Bigotry is bigotry, there is no qualification that could lend it any credence.
And what was the point of this;
Are we to assume that the ‘pro-Israeli wing’ (whatever the hell you think that may be) is now your chosen authority on such matters? Or do you think they (whover the hell you think they may be) somehow matter to us?
If’n it was me, Maybee, I’d be doing it just to laugh when they crank up the ol’ outrage machine. But I’m perverse like that sometimes.
What I mean by that is, I’m an uneducated redneck living in the heart of Jesusland, and I don’t give two shits what his middle name is, so why would anyone else?
Jim, it’s not a question of why anyone else would, but a fact that some other people do.
What is your point?
That there’s a reason the use of his middle name is problematic: it’s a dog-whistle anti-Muslim fanatics think the rest of us can’t hear and don’t respond to? What should we do when we hear it? Say “That’s just bigots being bigots” and be done with it?
Are we to assume that the ‘pro-Israeli wing’ (whatever the hell you think that may be) is now your chosen authority on such matters?
Yes, the pro-Israeli wing of the conservative movement is the authority on what the pro-Israeli wing of the conservative movement thinks. Do you really want a primer on American Jewry and the Israel lobby? Because I could be pedantic and provide one, if you’d like. Or you could click on the links I’ve already provided — or better yet, this one — and click on any of the five thousand organizations listed in the sidebar. You’ll end up in pretty much the same place: Jews who have nothing to fear but FUCKING HELL IT’S AN A-RAB!
Or do you think they (whover the hell you think they may be) somehow matter to us?
I’m not saying they matter to you, I’m saying it’s obvious who the target audience of this particular two-step is. (McCain flubbed his steps, but that’s his fault, not his partner’s.)
My full name is Pen Dick Durbin Before He Dicks You guins.
Wacky Baracky is complaining because people are using his middle name in a derisive manner?
I wonder what Dubya thinks about that…
And I’m saying that’s just your own form of bigotry in action.
“If’n it was me, Maybee, I’d be doing it just to laugh when they crank up the ol’ outrage machine. But I’m perverse like that sometimes.”
That pretty much sums it up for me. Some show outrage at every turn; inducing it makes me smile.
Well, if the Torah demanded that every Jew, everywhere, were required to slaughter Muslims and Hindus anywhere they are to be found, then perhaps your sarcasm might actually have a point.
Unfortunately, when every Arab nation in the Middle East has either declared war against Israel, or has funded and supplied suicide missions against Israel, the Jews might not just be considered irrationally paranoid for worrying.
So what does your “International JOOO Conspiracy” say about the leader of Hezbollah’s quote: “We do not fight you so that you will give us things. We fight you so that you will die.”?
Nope, no reason to worry there; just some pale-skinned worrywarts trying to manufacture a nonexistent threat so as to steal oil from wherever it is you think they are supposed to be stealing the oil from this week…
(Are you ALWAYS this stupid, or just when you post here?)
So one day he walked into town,
Booked himself a room in the local saloon.
Ba racky Racoon, checked into his room,
Only to find Toe knee Rezko.
Raccoon.
I blame ‘feets.
And I’m saying that’s just your own form of bigotry in action.
Bigotry against … stupid people? Ignorant people? Racists?
Well, if the Torah demanded that every Jew, everywhere, were required to slaughter Muslims and Hindus anywhere they are to be found, then perhaps your sarcasm might actually have a point.
Have you read the Torah? My God told my people to do that plenty of times. To wit:
That’s but one example. I could go on.
Unfortunately, when every Arab nation in the Middle East has either declared war against Israel, or has funded and supplied suicide missions against Israel, the Jews might not just be considered irrationally paranoid for worrying.
Yes, sometimes even the paranoid have something to be paranoid about … but there’s a difference between “paranoia” and “Hussein Obama: Manchurian Candidate.” I’ve gotten mailers reminding me that all Muslims want to finish what Hitler started, and they’re from Hillel. I’m just saying, sometimes irrational paranoia is, you know, irrational; and as such, shouldn’t be pandered to in primaries or general elections.
But that’s just me, and as you point out, I’m stupid.
You know, the more I dwell on this, the more I agree with LioDude from upthread. Something very behind the scenes is going on here.
Reading through a related thread on another blog (can’t find the link, still searching) I see people talking about the Jon Stewart joke, asking rhetorical questions “who is this Jon Stewart you speak of” or “when did Jon Leibowitz change his name.”
Jon Stewart, friend of the neo-cons for nigh on so many years is now offiially part of the vast Jooo conspiracy. All for capitalizing on the inconvenient middle name of a guy who could be on his way to the single most powerful political position on the planet.
And then along comes a fellow traveller to explain it all to us.
Strange days indeed.
Tony checked out. And he left it no doubt.
Cuz’ he’s on his way…
down to Stateville,
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
More like Marion.
I think he means bigotry in assuming that some large proportion of dumbasses like me care what Obama’s middle name is, S.O.(fortunately it’s not Caric). My argument is that, much like myself, 99.8% of the population of the U.S. doesn’t care one way or another.
So it’s unlikely to be an effective tactic if it’s the ploy you think it is, and therefore no big deal. And that’s why it’s fun to listen to the clanking and grinding of the outrage machine. Someone says his middle name is Hussein, it’s true, BFD.
Our state motto: “Big House USA.”
We had to add a Fed to house our Homegrowns.
Zorn, too.
Twatwaffle.
It’s about as clever as pulling on someone’s pigtails.
You know it’s going to annoy the rest of the class, but you keep doing it because you like making one little girl sqawk.
I see no point to this Hussein business, other than to amuse yourself and annoy 95% of the rest of us. Nobody likes the pony tail puller.
Okay you guys, quit dissin’ my dad — just because he’s a Room-Temperature-American seeking the presidency and his first name was Marion and his middle name was Arlo and he preferred to be called “Mac,” that’s no reason for any of you to ever say either “Marion” or “Arlo” ever again until after the election. In fact, you’d better not.
McCain-Feingold says so.
That’s the thing, though. It doesn’t take clever to get the outrage machine clanking. Just something innocuous and true. Let the whining and squalling commence.
Reminds me of my old friend in Alabama, Muhammad Jedediah Mustafa. His parents, conventional southern WASPS, were just looking for something different back in the ’50s.
Thing is, Jed wanted to be called by his middle name. Go figure.
To invoke some recent PW wisdom, does the Obamacamp opposition to middle name assignation mean that they are anti-semiotic?
That’s the thing, though. It doesn’t take clever to get the outrage machine clanking. Just something innocuous and true. Let the whining and squalling commence.
Oh, I realize nothing about it is clever.
just because he’s a Room-Temperature-American
I understand they have quite a constituency up in the Chicago area…
I see no point to this Hussein business, other than to amuse yourself and annoy 95% of the rest of us.
It is a reminder to me that the people we are at war with, whom supposedly Barrack is planning to win over to our side with his mad negotiating skills, mostly view him as an apostate and a dead man walking. But Allah forbid anyone point that out.
@ #80
MB,
Respectfully.
I agree it’s tedious, but Jeff keeps harping about words and phrases. Whose other middle names are off-limits?
Oh, and thanks for the back-up on “san/chan.”
He’s even been talkin’ ’bout soil farmin’.
Injunction Junction what’s your function?
Preventing folks saying what they’re really thinking.
The prairie baby’s talkin’ to me !!!
Runnin’ back to Saskatoon. Guess Who.
Injunction Junction what’s your function?
Your Honor,
In light of the respect shown our CINC over the past eight years, and in light of certain popular leftist references to President Bush…
…
I need a list.
middle name? Oh, that MacArthur dude had the same thing.
I go by ‘JD’ in meatspace because of that.
and, John ‘Sid Vicious’ McCain. Wish I’d known that when I was ‘chopping away at him…
Really, people. How many words are off-limits?
Narrative?
WFB RIP
And the Author thing.
Jim:
So it’s unlikely to be an effective tactic if it’s the ploy you think it is, and therefore no big deal.
As a Jew married to a woman from rural Mississippi, I can tell you, with certainty, that the ploy has been effective, as “!?!SECRET MUSLIM!?!” emails are forwarded with equal frequency from Brooklyn and Natchez.
B Moe:
It is a reminder to me that the people we are at war with, whom supposedly Barrack is planning to win over to our side with his mad negotiating skills, mostly view him as an apostate and a dead man walking. But Allah forbid anyone point that out.
Absolutely, but only before the first comma … and it scares the shit out of people, despite all the baggage people assume’s attendant not actually existing.
Dan:
Injunction Junction what’s your function?
Preventing folks saying what they’re really thinking.
Sadly, I think people like Bill Cunningham are saying exactly what they’re thinking, which means them and their audience are paranoid beyond all reason. (They’re still upset Mr. 9/11 didn’t win Florida … which is a damn relevant point, given the appeal of this particular rhetoric to elderly Jews.)
He was born to a Muslim father, Scott. In their eyes he is an apostate, it doesn’t matter what he thinks. Or you or I, for that matter. Personally, it is a point in his favor to me, electing him would be a nice Fuck You to the jihadists. I don’t see how reminding people his diplomacy is going to be handicapped in some places is dirty pool, unfortunately no one is doing that.
MayBee, this kinda is the Barack Hussein Obama thread. Just saying. But in the context of this thread at least I just think that no one should surrender the Baracky Hussein space cause I think it says really a lot concisely that no no no, Baracky is not unitey. He may be many other things but when you hear someone call him Baracky Hussein, you know we are talking about someone a tad on the divisive side.
You know what else? I will tell you. When you hear Barack Hussein, on some level I think you know that mum and dad weren’t raising no President. No way no how.
Is there any chance . . . any chance at all, Scott . . . that that “red meat” was meant to be over the top?
Well, his dad got bent and drove into a tree . . . so he prolly wasn’t very devout.
It’s like how my friend Buffy says they musta took one look at me and just knew she ain’t gonna be no doctor.
Is there any chance . . . any chance at all, Scott . . . that that “red meat†was meant to be over the top?
Not a one.
Because?
NG, who is a Hillary girl, she said today that she couldn’t vote for a Muslim and did you see him in those freaky Taliban clothes? Scott’s definitely right about that part.
It’s like how my friend Buffy says they musta took one look at me and just knew she ain’t gonna be no doctor.
TRUE STORY: My oncologist was named Buffy, and her name instilled confidence.
Because?
Because I said so. Now, finish your peas or it’s straight to bed with you.
Okay. So Hillary Girls are right out.
I opined that that Cincinnati dude was an asswipe, and I’m pretty sure he is.
But the idea that “Hussein” is an actual dogwhistle to conservatives is pretty insulting.
I’m sure there are jackasses who think so.
I’m pretty sure that they’re about as prevalent as Muzzie-hating American Jews.
Barack on the issue of Palestine, though . . .
Well, I’d be pretty damned careful.
Oh. Maybe my Buffy’s just rationalizing.
MayBee, this kinda is the Barack Hussein Obama thread. Just saying.
Oh, I’m sorry. Did I wander into the wrong locker room?
But the idea that “Hussein†is an actual dogwhistle to conservatives is pretty insulting.
I’m not trying to be insulting, Dan. I’m saying that I’ve received emails to that effect, and that they seem part of a concerted effort to remind Jews and my in-laws that Obama’s a Manchurian candidate.
Oh. Maybe my Buffy’s just rationalizing.
Well, she’s not The Chosen One anymore.
But the idea that “Hussein†is an actual dogwhistle to conservatives is pretty insulting.
Aparently the mere possibility that it is is also a dog whistle, just for another sort. And unsurprisingly they are the only sort capabable of detecting both.
I’m not trying to be insulting, Dan. I’m saying that I’ve received emails to that effect
You don’t really want to say it’s a dog whistle to *conservatives*, do you SEK? That is insulting.
Oh, now, you. I’m just saying I felt a little criticized. I did. I really did and I don’t think outside this thread I’ve been getting my Hussein on a whole lot. Not really. That’s mostly what I mean. Barack mostly I’ve just called Baracky cause he’s such a precocious little tyke. And I’ve been supernice to McCain for like days and days.
Well, now that the name thing has gone viral, you know, it’ll be mandated that we just call him messiah. Soon to be followed by HIM who has no name.
(Ask Jeff, the last time I used anti-semiotic was like two years ago.)
Oh, I got one of that kind of thing from some joker yesterday. I publicly denounced him. I think most of ‘us’ would. It’s spam.
Look, man, I’m RC. I’ve got no love for this Hagee fucker. I’ve got no love for Farrakhan. I’ve got no love for O’s weirdo pastor.
There are people whom I don’t like who occasionally come here an laud me for positions that happen to be congruent with theirs. I don’t make a big deal of rejecting them. I mean, I defended something Larry the Legend said the other day, because I happened to agree with it.
You should see the weird-ass stuff Townhall sends to me.
Also, Barack is not just a politician he’s a real live celebrity. If Britney’s middle name was Husseina, that would be different. Similar, but different. Barack be hanging in the tmz now, alls I’m saying.
Danger is my middle name.
(I can’t believe nobody else trotted that one out yet.)
Also, I really don’t think I can have closure on this without Jeff’s take.
The more I think about SEK’s arguments the more amazed I am than a guy named Abraham ever got elected POTUS.
You don’t really want to say it’s a dog whistle to *conservatives*, do you SEK? That is insulting.
Not intended to be. It’s not a liberal dog-whistle, certainly; and it is blown by conservative commentators for the benefit of their conservative listeners. Obviously, I’m not talking about all conservatives, but it is, generically speaking, a conservative dog-whistle. That’s why it’s being heard by the folks at Townhall, dues-paying members of AIPAC, and my in-laws. All those groups are conservative. Again, not slandering by association, not in the least, just pointing out who the intended audience for this whistling is.
Oh, now, you. I’m just saying I felt a little criticized. I did. I really did and I don’t think outside this thread I’ve been getting my Hussein on a whole lot.
I’m sorry to be a scold, happs.
When you mismatch a comment to a thread, is that called postally challenged?
Anyway, I may have missed the distinctions. I hope, Scott, that we don’t lump you in with the Gleenses.
The more I think about SEK’s arguments the more amazed I am than a guy named Abraham ever got elected POTUS.
That’s because you’re not familiar enough with the C19th. If you really want me to get pedantic, I could talk about my period. Needless to say, “Abraham” is par for the course for frontier names in the aftermath of The Great Awakening.
No jokes about Scott’s period, please. Sorry.
No, SEK. Hispanics are all about the meme, a lot anyway. I asked one. It’s not just a Jewish or Republican thing. Hillary people a lot have their ears cocked like that. Shhh. It’s cause of their demographics.
I hope, Scott, that we don’t lump you in with the Gleenses.
Well, that’s up to you now, isn’t it? Let’s see … what has BushChimpOnanStalinHitler done for me lately? Where to begin …
No jokes about Scott’s period, please. Sorry.
God damned ivory tower …
No, mostly the Townhall stuff is why I should invest in plutonium futures.
I’m going to call him “H-word.” Just like I’m calling his Republican opponent “Sidney.”
All good, MayBee. Sometimes I need an outlet is all. I’m a little repressed in real life. No, really.
Thanks Scott, I wasn’t aware that Old Testament names were ever all the rage in rural America…
For a bright guy you sure excell at missing the point.
See? Exactly. We could disagree about almost everything political, and still get on, because you know how to play.
Geez. All my Christian friends are named Hebrew names. All my Jewish friends are named stuff like Brian and Jason and Todd.
Not intended to be. It’s not a liberal dog-whistle, certainly; and it is blown by conservative commentators for the benefit of their conservative listeners. Obviously, I’m not talking about all conservatives, but it is, generically speaking, a conservative dog-whistle. That’s why it’s being heard by the folks at Townhall, dues-paying members of AIPAC, and my in-laws. All those groups are conservative. Again, not slandering by association, not in the least, just pointing out who the intended audience for this whistling is.
Why is it not a liberal dog-whistle? Surely you know that Bob Kerrey was an early adopter of the name Barack Hussein Obama. Surely you aren’t going to pretend that only conservatives are prejudiced, or wary of muslims.
You aren’t slandering by association, you are being willfully blind to the flaws of those who share your liberalness.
He sees some of this shit and overgeneralizes, just as one of “us” saying most of “them” are Gleenish does. That’s all, I think.
McGehee!
Maybe it’ll end up just the H & S Show.
BTW, any of you who think that Scott’s intellectually dishonest haven’t been paying much attention. He’s even defended me when I’ve been an asshole, on the simple basis that it’s my right.
Liberals were all about pointing out Mitt’s real name. And Huckabee. I’ve heard some people just shorten that to Hick. It’s just so sad.
Erm . . . hf . . . I coulda sworn . . .
Well, I shouldn’t swear.
Liberals were all about pointing out Mitt’s real name.
What they liked to do was talk about his undergarments.
Willard wears magic panties.
That’s what they said. This is why I don’t go to other blogs.
“Needless to say, “Abraham†is par for the course for frontier names in the aftermath of The Great Awakening.”
I’m partial to “Josiah” myself.
Maybe if we use the word “signifier” Jeff will come out and play.
guinsPen – I grew up in Marion.
SO – What race is the name Hussein, and how is it racist to use it?
SEK – Maybe you could describe to us ways that we can criticize Barry Fucking O so that Joshua 4Micah Marshall and the rest of his ilk do not call us racists. Cuz so far, just abot anything said about him generates that response.
Why does use of Hussein make the perpetually outraged go crazy, but not using Obama? It does not sound any less Musliminal, and as Ted Kennedy routinely shows, is easily confused with Osama, an even more reviled figure than the Husseins.
Speaking of Dog Whistles, when is the left going to start repudiating all those pejorative usages of “Dubya”.
Fucking Hypocrites!
And for the record, the whole “dog whistle” phraseology on the topic of President Hussein was first started by Chris Matthews on MSNBC.
hf – I used anti-semiotic twice and he didn’t show.
Rumor has it, he’s finally out getting a new pet. Something resembling an o’possum – but a living fossil. Rare really.
Doesn’t dance.
My better half’s OB is Dr. Box. That inspires mucho confidence.
Mine’s was Dr. Flake. I sh*t you not.
Oh. But for real, it’s kind of just a weird thing how Zorn and Cole make such a big teachable moment out of this. If ever it is what it is applied, I think it’s here.
But for real what I think is getting glossed over I said earlier but I’ll say again that Barack is ensconced in pop culture cause he has gone and done ensconced himself in pop culture. Game over. nishi thinks that he can ride the current, I say he loses control the more his Barackyness metastasizes.
It’s like condemning Katrina jokes. Are we really so shocked and also that’s sick but I heard one that was kinda funny.
Haha. I heard that one, too.
I might even agree that it’s an issue that gets zero traction and it’s rhetorical form is poorly constructed to express the point, but to say that it’s a comment that demands embarrassment, repudiation, and distancing…. Give me a Hussein styled, Mother of All break!
McCain came face to face with everything that is wrong and uncomfortable about multiculturalism, and he flipped the chicken switch.
Racism, forever descending on the Right, somehow always landing on the Left.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8762.html
I’m sure Zorn and Cole will get right on this…
I’m watching “Li’l Bush” on Comedy Central. Hilarious. Can’t wait for “Tiny Stupid Obama.”
The man is running for the highest office on the planet, so the idea that his middle name of Hussein should somehow be off the table for any sort of discussion is insulting. If we aren’t trying to make all serious contenders for this particular crown cry for their mothers, then we are simply not trying hard enough.
On some level those on the left know this very well having been regular participants in it during the last few elections, so this is just another example of the tolerant left trying to silence critics. They regularly have no ideas, so this is the only thing they know how to do.
I’m sorry to see folks like SEK joining in, because he usually isn’t in the shut up (they explained) crowd.
Then again, as a Republican I am presumed guilty of bigotry, so everything I have written needs to be condemned as giving cover for (other) racists.
I thought American political absurdity had reached it’s zenith with “it depends on what the meaning of ‘is’ is”, but I was very wrong.
I can’t believe anyone would be so spineless as to accept the premise that calling a presidential candidate by his full given name is a bigoted, racist act. Remember Whoopi making her Bush joke? Remember Bushitler? Eight years of hearing Chimpy McHaliburton and now I’m being told we mustn’t call He Who’s Name Must Not Be Spoken by his fucking given name?!
We are so done. May as well anoint Hussein Obama Messiah now and be done with it.
There’s an artist named Guy Bigot. He’s French.
The French make a mean beret. I’m betting Guy wears one, at least sometimes.
Jeez, that sloppy circle painting on the right…4k-6k!
I really gotta start painting.
That middle piece ‘O crap…40k-50k!
Oh my. Is that a Bigot?
Guy Bigot? French? At least he’s happy. Oh, erm, it’s Guy Bigot.
Nevermind.
I don’t think Scott’s being intellectually dishonest, Dan, just that he’s wrong on this. I don’t think you can judge the average size of Americans’ cocks by the number of penis enlargement spams, which is basically what he’s doing.