Mitt Romney's ability to read a balance sheet doesn't qualify him for presidency
I’m a news junkie. I read newspapers and magazines, listen to NPR and watch news programs on television, so I’ve been reading and hearing a lot of talking points during this political campaign.
One thing I’ve found interesting is Mitt Romney’s statement that he knows how to run a business, and therefore, he is better equipped to deal with our economic problems than is President Obama. The president, according to Gov. Romney, has only worked as a community organizer and a lawmaker.
A couple of things occurred to me about that statement. First, running a business is not the same thing as running a government. I know how to manage a household budget, but that doesn’t make me an economist, any more than Mr. Romney’s ability to read a balance sheet qualifies him to handle the duties of the presidency.
He would need to do more than guarantee dividends to his investors. For example, he doesn’t seem to understand funding for education. He has mentioned that as president, he would see to it that all parents would be able to send their children to schools of choice. That is the job of the state, not the federal government. Of course, this misunderstanding may not be his fault, since his newest education advisor is the one who couldn’t seem to get “No Child Left Behind” off the ground.
The one good idea Gov. Romney had about health care is something he’s attempting to disavow. (“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”) He also goes along with a favorite Republican idea of slashing funds for Meals on Wheels and transport and respite care for the handicapped. Mr. Romney does agree, however, that those who make the most money should get ever more tax breaks, leaving the rest of us to pick up the tab for all of this. I don’t mind paying my fair share, but shouldn’t America’s billionaires chip in? Before anyone mentions that they are the ones who create the jobs, I would suggest noticing how many of them close businesses here in order to open them in other countries, where people work for 65 cents an hour.
Before you make up your minds about who to vote for this fall, become a news junkie. Do your homework. You may disagree with me entirely, which is your right, but don’t leave the decision-making up to those in both parties who dream up those 20-second sound bites. Read. Listen. Think.
Donna Angle
Ypsilanti
Comments
Top Cat
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
80,000 new jobs added in June. 85,000 new people on disability. Welcome to Obama's America!
Atticus F.
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
Romney is what the right refers to as an "anchor baby".
Ron Granger
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
When is Willard going to release his tax returns? What is he hiding? Where is he hiding his tax shelters off shore? His Father released 12 years of returns.
ESprout
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Really? "Gold" copy of birth certificate? Because the long form, official copy wasn't good enough? College transcripts? When did that become a requirement? You're being facetious, right? The world peace part gave it away. Any reasonable person knows that as long as religion is taken seriously around the world, there will never be world peace. But seriously, I sincerely hope you're not a birther. Your comments are too well written to come from the mind of a birther.
Arborcomment
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
In the spirit of compromise, let's put together a deal. Romney releases his tax returns for every year he's filed. Obama releases the "gold" copy of his birth certificate, his college transcripts and who assisted in paying his college education. Now, on to world peace.
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
This is the best you can do? All those left wing media outlets can't drum up anything better than this? This bothers you, but Obamas record doesn't? Killing American jobs (keystone pipeline) doesn't bother you? More and more corporation are sheltering their money overseas to keep Obama's greedy hands off it. I don't blame them one bit.
bobslowson
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
Yeah...no kidding. Just what exactly is he hiding. I certainly don't trust him!
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:29 a.m.
Correction - are working hard.
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:27 a.m.
I forgot to add; far left liberal media is working hard on the Obama re-election campaign. ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, the New Yuck Times, Washington Compost, Associated Press, etc. FOX news is the only one out there that even questions Obama and his administration. The rest of the outlets give him a COMPLETE PASS. Further proof that voting Obama out will be very difficult.
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
It's gonna be tough to vote Obama out. He's bought off a massive block of voters - unions, hispanics, anyone on soc security disability or food stamps, (There's been a dramatic increase in social welfare under Obama) government workers, environmentalists, universities and all their indoctrinated students, the class envy crowd. So many millions of Americans have come to rely on the government, instead of their own potential. People are brainwashed into thinking government is the answer, that government is smarter than the individual that starts a business that becomes a corporation. It's social engineering on a massive scale, and it never works. Just look at Europe. People are rioting because the government is out of money. When you inflate government to this degree, raise taxes, increase regulations- Obamacare being the latest power grab here in America- it squashes the spirit of the private citizens that start businesses and create jobs. It's government run amok. Remember, government creates nothing - they simply spend and waste taxpayer money. 236 years old. Still free. Still the country everyone wants to come to. For now. 16 trillion going on 20 in debt. Obama's answer? Higher taxes and a massive inflation of the federal government. Tax and spend. Social justice, social welfare. Demonize the job creators because they make too much money. Apologize to the world for our success. Say no to American jobs with the Keystone pipeline (payoff to his EPA buddies). On and on and on. Yet half of America doesn't care about all that. Just double down and watch the country fall apart.
ESprout
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:18 p.m.
I'm going to guess you weren't quite this critical of the Bush years as you are of the past four years (or likely the first five minutes of Obama's presidency.) I can bring up the blatant lie about WMDs and the blank check for war and his very close ties to Halliburton and so on and so forth - all self serving initiatives. Is Obama perfect? No, of course not. He's a politician. And yes, Solyndra was a bust (though their loan was 530-ish million, not billions.) But it was a risk with good intentions. It happens. Anyway, you missed my point. When I said "we" I was referring to people like you and I who disagree in principle. If we can get the people to stop bickering and fighting and propagating misinformation to fuel their agenda (coming from both sides) and stop pointing fingers and placing blame, maybe we can start to have constructive conversations that propose real solutions. Politicians are swayed by the promise of payoffs. Normal citizens are not. Now, if you don't believe working together is the solution, that's fine. But please stay out of the way of those who would like to try. I am a bit confused by your second comment though. When did I ever say fair share? Not sure where that came from. And if the pipeline had 10 years to be approved, 6 of those years were during the last administration. Why no criticism there? That's what I mean about being fair. One more thing - I'm not a "lib". I'm a person with an opinion. And I'm not sorry if that offends you.
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
ES Sprout - "Fair" "Fair share." There you go again. Is it fair to favor the EPA (unchecked govt power run amok) over AMERICAN JOBS. This is what I mean by big govt, big regulations, from the highest post on down. Why should it take 10 years to approve a pipeline project? It shouldn't. But Obama sure was fast to approve those billions for the solar companies that all went bust. Let's be fair here... should we taxpayers be doubling down on these pointless green energy subsidies? Is it fair for the Obama administration to waste our money on loser projects like Solyndra?
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
"working together"... is that what Obama does with his executive fast & furious privilege? The he is bullying Arizona? Is that working together? Working together is NOT the way to do this. There's a right and a wrong for this country. Obama has us on the wrong course, period. How about cutting government spending and balancing the budget? Has Obama "worked together" on that one? Not one budget in 4 years from him. I'm going to soon stop going to Ann Arbor.com for good. The editorials and comments just make me nuts. All this nonsense about compromise. Compromise what? Compromise the constitution, our laws? And the liberals will always be liberals because it's the club they're in that gives them their identity, makes them feel good. Right or wrong doesn't matter. It's not even worth trying to get a point across to you libs.
ESprout
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Let's be fair about the Keystone pipeline. The deadline to pass the initiative was far to fast approaching to properly access the totality of the job. This was done on purpose by the Republicans. They knew full well Obama wouldn't pass it by the deadline and they needed a talking point for the upcoming election. There were revisions that needed to be made to the project that would take time to plan out. The project isn't dead and Obama does support it. As for saying no to jobs, the ACA would create a need for jobs, but Republicans are vowing to fight it. How much sense does that make? And Bush was in office for 8 years and the country didn't fall apart. We're still here. Struggling, maybe, but still here. How about we all work together to make things better, instead of pointing fingers and placing blame and invoking fear and propagating nonsense?
Joe Hood
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.
You can balance a household budget, you should be the one running for Congress! At this point, the bar has been set so low, that practically anyone could do the job with any qualifications. I wish Romney wouldn't run on that premise.
Trouble
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
Like what you got? Vote OB. Don't... vote Romney. Simple, very simple.
harry
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
I am very confused by your comment. If you could elaborate we may be able to discuss.
ESprout
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Comments from the more conservative readers are very similar to all of the Fox News talking points over the last 5 years. On another note, according to a recent study, Fox News viewers were found to be less informed than those who utilize other news outlets AND those who don't watch the news at all. Why does this not surprise me?
Arborcomment
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
Thanks ES, you were posting while I was with PJ. I agree with the need to more closely examine reporting. You will note in my post to PJ, Fox first gained dominance against only CNN, and while dilution does help explain market share now, it does not explain the overtaking of CNN. Debate is the key to learning and we have reached different conclusions, using the same method - bracket left -bracket right - investigate the in between - and decide.
Arborcomment
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Thanks PJ, again an excellent summary. I'd agree on Fox's core demographics and perhaps because it is the only leading network with conservative leanings; could account for the dominant market share (concentration of "base" and "other" = number 1). Except - market share leadership was achieved by Fox when they surpassed CNN. MSNBC and others were not in the game yet. So, something caught on with the majority of American viewers. Right-of-Center majority and a dissatisfaction with the media and the term "liberal bias" a factor? Understanding market forces, it is not naive, it exists, study after study has shown it. I've personally experienced it at the roots in several universities (including Michigan). During recruiting events and career fairs, I once had the brilliant idea that journalists would make good intelligence officers - after all, grooming sources, getting information, and writing the story is the core of both professions right? Well, let's just say the reaction I got was tepid at best. And while my time with prospective candidates was limited, the more negative reactions generally came from the most liberal.
ESprout
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
Your question about ratings is easy. Fox News is the only network that caters to the right (relatively large audience and only one network = high ratings.) The left have CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, etc (relatively large audience and a number of networks to choose from = smaller ratings) Also, people who want to be informed, not just of facts and credible information, but those who also seek out the viewpoints of their opposition (to understand where they are getting their information) will also tune into the the latest rants by Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Hannity (presumably the same thing you are doing Arborcomment when you watch MSNBC) would certainly boost the ratings for Fox News. I assume there are fewer people on the right who care to listen to the "nonsensical drivel of the left handed media." Here's the problem - just because one network has high ratings does not automatically mean they are the more credible source, much to the chagrin of Mr. O'Reilly, who repeatedly notes the rating superiority of his network. Bravo has high ratings for their Real Housewives series, but those shows are nothing but mindless babble that will make your brain melt into a pile of goo rendering you worse than anything Fox News puts out (marginally - LOL!) And while I don't think the masses are stupid, I do think that they are lazy. Maybe not even lazy, but just unwilling to get to the brass tacks. And I certainly don't think I know better than anyone. I make it a point to be well informed as best I can utilizing what is available from either perspective. I suspect you do the same thing, the only difference is that we end up with different conclusions based on our own personal viewpoints. The key to any healthy debate is to stick to facts and misinformation be nipped in the bud before it begins to propagate to the fringe and then spread through email chain letters from mother-in-laws. (I still love you, Mom!)
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
Fox viewers tend to be older, less educated, ethnically white, and male when compared with other cable news viewers. If you look at typical news items on the channel, there is a reliable use of "closed" stories, which feature the statement of a problem or situation which is "resolved" by blaming a person, group, or institution. MSNBC is very similar in approach. Because the stories are short, and producers are aware of their audience, everything is oversimplified. Typically this distorts the truth of the matter, but it lends punch and emotional impact which helps build and secure an audience. NPR, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and various other new operations are more reliant on complex open-ended stories with more information. However like all news organizations they have a internal culture, and they cater to what they see are their audience preferences and biases. So using any of these as your sole source is risky. Phrases such as "lamestream media" or "liberal bias" are naive and beside the point. All journalists, and their editors operate on a business model where an audience is generated and held by providing information or features that server the viewers/readers. If they can't manage to do this, they end up collecting unemployment checks. Good, professional journalists are through, check their facts, and let the chips fall where they may. But overall in the profession salaries have declined, competition for available positions has grown, and the turmoil of technology-induced changes to the news delivery business has further added to the uncertainty.
Arborcomment
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
PJ, an excellent summary and thumbs up. With some pondering: 1) given the decline of print media and consolidation in most markets to one and only one newspaper (if any at all) the public goes to other sources. 2) would this lead to the "yellow journalism" of Fox and MSNBC and why? I ask this because you wrote: "they want stories that echo their views and feelings about politics and current events". I notice you leave out the word "thoughts" and use "views and feelings". Tell me the difference. Since Fox cleans up in the ratings over CNN, MSNBC, and Current, does that mean that the wizard Murdoch (really Roger Ailes) is just better at packaging or has more correctly surmised that the majority of the American public is right-of-center and if so, how did it get there (or did it ever leave)? 3) with the changing times, we need better terminology. Describing Fox' as "Yellow Journalism" is over a hundred years old, and rooted in jingoism. MSNBC, doing the same thing as liberal propoganda (another old term) likewise. 4) turning to our savior NPR is also troublesome as senior executives have been castigated when caught via videotape demeaning conservatives. I suppose in these times we are in, all I can suggest is that when an issue breaks, a little channel surfing is a good thing - followed by our new friend the Internet for research, and completed (if needed) by a similar search when print catches up.
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:42 a.m.
The study referred to here wasn't conducted by a media rival. It was designed and executed by a group of pollsters and analysts at Farleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey. The most notable result was that Fox viewers scored lower on general information questions than those who didn't watch cable news at all. The simple truth is that most Fox viewers aren't looking for information, they want stories that echo their views and feelings about politics and current events. Mr. Murdoch understands this, and being essentially an entertainer he supplies product that satisfies his audience. It's a formula he perfected in the British tabloid press and it's made him a very rich man. There's nothing new about this, it's called yellow journalism, and it's been around for a long time. It's also worth pointing out that the study also revealed that cable news in general, regardless of political bias, scored only slightly better than those who watched no news at all. Not surprisingly NPR listeners scored the best among those who used radio or TV for their news source. The highest scores overall were found from those who used print media (paper or web) for their information resource. Anyone who trusts the pre-packaged, heavily edited, and sensationally spiced "infotainment" that gushes out of your TV is just kidding themselves if they claim to know what's really happening in the world. Whatever the topic, health care, jobs, international relations, we owe it to ourselves and our credibility to investigate further, listen to those have different views, and use a wide range of sources to view a question from different perspectives. If all this sounds like too much trouble, fine, but you are shooting from the hip, and your accuracy will suffer accordingly.
Arborcomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
Sprout, as I know this was gleefully reported by Rachel Maddow close to six months ago on MSNBC (How? Because I watch both networks), I'm well aware that the "study" was picked up and reported by many outlets. What's interesting is that when you look at the ratings, what gives? Why don't you take a look at the ratings and get back to us on why more people watch Fox? Be sure to include that the masses are stupid and you know better.
ESprout
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Actually, Fox News is accurate and not to be mistaken with Fox 2 News, our local news outlet. And if you actually watch American Dad, it is a major spoof of conservatism in this country. Anyhow, Ed and Rachel rebut conservative talking points, not echo them. And this "gem" was learned on a number of news outlets, researched and found to be legitimate information, unlike much of the information echoed by those who only rely on Fox News for their info.
harry
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Dont say Fox. I never heard the Simpsons or American Dad have any of these talking point. You can say Hannity or Bill Orielly. Its the same with the Ed show or Rachel Maddox. Same talking points just a different opinion.
Arborcomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
And you learned this jem from MSNBC...
harry
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
"A couple of things occurred to me about that statement. First, running a business is not the same thing as running a government." This is where the article ends. Republicans believe it should run more like a business, democrats dont. What a waste of time reading this article. We all know the difference between democrats and republicans. We dont need a lecture from Donna.
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
I love watching the lefty's get upset when we talk about their chosen one.....very comical indeed.
ESprout
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
Much the same way conservatives went up in arms when liberals criticized their chosen one...Bush.
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
See how easy it works? Lefty liberals are so predictable......funny
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
Anything is better than what we have now
bobslowson
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
I love voting down ignorant righties who think Romney is their all knowing savior
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
This just in and hot off the presses: Obama's 'American story' faces fresh scrutiny
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
We will not have this discussion after November.....BHO will be an ex
bobslowson
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
This hot off the press....Romney's father was born in MEXICO...a vote for Romney is like voting for an illegal alien? sound stupid? it is, just like the notion that Obama was born in Africa...
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
Let us give BHO the credit he deserves.......He makes Jimmy Carter look good.
Bcar
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
...and Obamas ability to read a teleprompter and write a book doesn't qualify him for presidency either...
David Paris
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
Let me guess, you voted for George W Bush, President Gaff?
Jed Merrill
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:11 a.m.
Barack Obama's inability to read a balance sheet, let alone balance one, completely disqualifies him. But then, we just found out the President has been using a dead person's social security number since the 1970's. See the lawsuit just filed in Ohio... If he wasn't President, he'd be going to jail right now, alongside Eric Holder.
bobslowson
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
That is an outright false accusation. The President of the United States is NOT using a dead man's social security number...It's a shame so many people want to believe these "viral" emails...keep drinkin that kool aid if it makes you feel better.... http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-02-18/story/fact-check-obamas-ssn-not-same-dead-man
DonBee
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 3:48 a.m.
The reality is that no one is qualified for the job. Being president is something that so different from what people expect that they cannot be ready in advance. If the option was on the ballot my vote would be "None of the above, run a new election with new candidates in 60 days". But I don't have the choice. Both major parties have done the public and the country a disservice with the candidates they have put forward.
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:51 a.m.
Rmoney thinks that God lives on a planet called Kolob http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolob
harry
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
Latter Day Saints (commonly referred to as Mormons) consider Kolob to be a metaphor (Its always helpful to read the article before commenting) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolob
Homeland Conspiracy
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
Ok then Rmoney thinks that God lives on a STAR called Kolob
Jed Merrill
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:13 a.m.
Kolob is the Egyptian name for a star closest to where God dwells. It is not a planet.
Michigan Man
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
One has a law and business degree from Harvard the other only has a law degree from Harvard. Easy choice for millions of Americans. Two degrees from Harvard beats one degree from Harvard.
David Paris
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:15 a.m.
Wrong 'em Boyo! No president has ever been elected because of what classes he took in college. You need to change your username... PLEASE!
babmay11
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
Whoopee. We've already had a president who had the MBA from Harvard and was a businessman. George Bush - what a disaster that was. We're still reeling from the lack of responsibility in ALL areas and the corporate tax giveaways. Turned a surplus into a deficit faster than thought possible.
bobslowson
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
And...having a degree does not make someone smart. Ask Sarah Palin.
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
And he will lose this fall.....no doubt about it
Michigan Man
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.
Sparty - Obama was one of the weaker State of Illinois elected ever - and there have been some bad ones - Obama rarely made it to the sessions - much less voted - he voted present which is a dodge. He was busy in Chicago handing out crap on the street corner in his community organizer role. His US Senate record also sucks the big one. Just hope he does not move back to Chicago this fall when he loses. He would fit in well with the Ann Arbor crowd and I am sure a few Ann Arborites would like to play acolyte for him if he moved to town.
Sparty
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:19 a.m.
One was a State and then US Senator.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
It seems to me that President Obama has great experience that has prepared him to be President, and it is something that Mitt Romney only dreams of, that is, President Obama has had almost four years as CEO of an enormous business: the government of the United States. It seems to me that a term as President gives you a far better background to be President than serving as the liberal governor of a state and a business boss.
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:53 p.m.
Just proves that some people never learn....he is gone.
Arborcomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
And as he said so himself, if he can't fix it in three years - he should be a one term President. Time to call in the claim.
Peter
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
So does anybody have a non-racist reason to believe in the birther conspiracies? Aside from schizophrenia, of course...
bedrog
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
pickford...the same nonsensical post repeated over and over just compounds its bogus-ocity
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.
Obama's 'American story' faces fresh scrutiny
Sparty
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
Wasn't Romney born in Mexico ?
Peter
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
Well, I should rephrase, it does not say he was born in Kenya in any truthful bio.
Peter
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
It does not say that he was born in Kenya in his bio.
G. Orwell
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
How is it racist? He says in his own bio he was born in Kenya. Is it racist to quote his own bio? Please don't play the racist card when you cannot defend Obama.
G. Orwell
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
Obama is not a U.S. citizen but that did not stop him from becoming president. For those that believe birthers are conspiracy theorists, Obama ADMITS, in his own bio, that he was born in Kenya. His bio was revised more than six time and his claim that he was born in Kenya remained in each of the revisions. Quote, "Barack Obama, the first African-American of the Harvard Law Review, was born in Kenya raised in Indonesia and Hawaii." Look it up. Even Michele Obama claims Kenya is Obama's homeland. http://consciouslifenews.com/smoking-gun-evidence-obama-born-kenya/1128674/ Romney = Obama so it does not matter who is elected. Obamacare is Romneycare.
Enso
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
As for the 'left wing media...' Sorry they were standing up for facts while the right wing media, i.e., most of television and ALL of radio, were running with what any Journalism 101 student would find holes in.
Enso
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/booklet.asp
Enso
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
@ JD About the birther nonsense, I'd recommend this article about clearing it up... Even Andrew Breitbart, the person who's website your link leads to, claims this is in no way evidence that Obama was born in Kenya. Try Again.
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:47 a.m.
And G. Orwell, it DOES matter who gets elected. It matters enormously. This is a bailout statement that a lot of people use for some reason. Romney and Obama are 2 fundamentally different people.
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:45 a.m.
This is true. It's in the forward to his 1991 bio. It was also posted on his literary agent's (Dystel & Goderich) website until 2007. http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/Obama-pamphlet-in-use-2007 Don't words mean things? And of course, the left wing media came to his defense when Drudge broke the story.
Enso
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
Also from 'consciouslifenews.com:' All we have to do is change the way we think about ourselves. That way, the Illuminati will go away and humanity will again be in charge of the world. http://consciouslifenews.com/david-icke-change-change-world/1130890/ Orwell is rolling in his grave....
Jake C
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.
" Obama ADMITS, in his own bio, that he was born in Kenya." False. Source, please?
ordmad
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.
G Orwell: please find an argument thats based on facts. Please.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
If one of your parents is an American citizen, you are born an American citizen, even if you are born on another planet.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
I have no love for "Romneycare", but there is a significant difference between what Massachusetts chooses to do and what the Federal government is allowed to do. States retain the right to make their own decisions as did Massachusetts, but the Federal government, contrary to the opinion of the Chief Justice, does not have the right to tell you what you MUST buy. Whether a penalty or a tax is involved this attempt by the Feds to obtain control of your behavior is wrong. Romney does NOT equal Obama.
jcj
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
"Read. Listen. Think." If the voters do that this time around we will have a president! Not a community organizer and fundraiser.
Sparty
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
What about a STATE and US Senator ?
Stephen Landes
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
Let's see. We have two people running for president. Guy number 1 can read a balance sheet, has experience taking corporate basket cases and salvaging them while saving lots (not all of course) the jobs involved, and has executive experience in state government. Guy number 2 has no prior executive experience and has been learning on the In, has racked up Five Trillion dollars in debt in three and a half years, has an unemployment rate higher than we were told it would EVER get and is only as low as it is because the number of people seeking work is shrinking, has a declining work force, where the average annual hourly wage has increase $0.10 per hour each year he has been in office, and who has no plan to get the Federal budget part of our economy under control. If you were hiring someone to manage YOUR retirement and medical care plans and you're of the "progressive" persuasion I suppose your answer is, "Gee, Guy number 2 tried really hard and deserves a second chance." Are you kidding me? I recommend voting for change we can survive with.
stunhsif
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:47 a.m.
Excellent post Stephen, you have upset the Kool-Aid drinkers big time ! ABO
David Paris
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
Mr Landis, your reply to Kathryn is that of a blind man. If the President were as bad as you think he is at handling his position, then your opinion of the Republican lead House would similarly have to be Off-The-Charts-Negative, but I'll bet that you hold The Speaker, and Rep Cantor in nothing but the highest esteem, don't you! The President has handled The Party of "NO" as well as anyone could have. The current Republicans have been a Catastrophic Failure, and thus, have absolutely No Credibility. Oh, and that ditch you've mentioned, that belongs to George W Bush, and the trouble that Pres Obama has had in getting us out of the ditch is absolutely the fault of the group of Republicans that are bound and determined to prevent a second Obama term. Republicans=No-Credibility!
Arborcomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
Yes Sparty, he did. State Senator: seemed to vote "present" a lot. US Senator: elected when the Republican was bounced via a real messy divorce case and "replaced" by Alan Keyes. Then proceeded to run for President for two years. Incredible experience...
Sparty
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:15 a.m.
Didn't guy #2 have State and US Senate positions beforehand?
Stephen Landes
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
Kathryn -- and you don't think Obama is pandering to every interest group he can find to help hold his "coalition of the dependent" together? He has shown absolutely no ability to handle the presidency -- none -- unless you think driving America into the ditch is what he was trying to do.
kathryn
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
First, the "business" is not the same as "economy" and expertise in one is not the same as an understanding of the other. Also, being president of one of the most powerful countries and largest economies in the world is not the same as managing a hedge fund: International relations, military planning, and diplomacy are also important. And I believe that government should not be in the business of supporting particular religions. I once thought that Mitt Romney might be a competent president, but now I do not support him. His willingness to pander to religious conservatives in order to gain votes is very disturbing. His "new" positions do not align with mine, and I do not want anyone who supports such positions in charge of the executive branch.
bedrog
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Forget reading a 'balance sheet'...romney clearly can't even read his own history as a moderate governor, having been willingly self lobotomized by the pandering desire for teaparty "cred".... while he's better than the primary republican freakshow crowd, that's really not setting a very high bar. Obama is head and shoulders better , although of course not filling the ridiculous messianic mantle some projected on him. The economy is better than before he took office...and his t.r. -like "talk softly but carry a big drone" is a suitable alternative to the "shock and awe and mission accomplished" ( not!!) bombast of his predecessor. 4 more years.
Enso
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
Maybe we NEED a foreigner to run this country. The old white men that we've had thus far are who got us into this mess.
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
Obama's 'American story' faces fresh scrutiny
bobslowson
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
Romney's father was born in MEXICO so yeah....Obama you got my vote!!!
ordmad
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
So was Obama. Get over the birther thing already. George W. put us in this hole and increased the deficit more than any president (including the current one) since/including Reagan. There might be arguments for Romney, but saying Obama has put the economy in the sewer is simply wrong.
Pickforddick
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
He is American, he was born here in America.
Sparty
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
Isn't Romney Mexican?
Pickforddick
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
The left seems to think the only qualification needed is "Community Organizer" a failed one at that.
David Paris
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
No, the Left does not think that, but I understand how you have come to that conclusion, since most of the so-called "conservative right"(s) "knowledge" is not based on fact, scientific, or otherwise. .
Pickforddick
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
Have you ever looked at his record? I didn't think so
Sparty
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.
How about State Senatot and US Senator, or don't those minor elected positions count anymore?
Jay Sperry
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
The ability to read a balance sheet may not be a qualification of the presidency, but Obama's inability to read one will disqualify him.
Arborcomment
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Careful Enso, if we "trust" you and follow your comment to a logical conclusion: "a trained ape can read a balance sheet" and Obama doesn't/can't, then... You don't want to go there.
Enso
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Trust me, an ape can read a balance sheet. The amount of money you have says nothing about your intelligence.
ordmad
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
The Fox "news" crowd needs to find a better source for its facts.
Enso
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Is really surprising that Fox News hired Erin Andrews? Most of the women on that network are young and blonde. It makes sense: all the old white guys watching it need something to look at while they're absorbing the propaganda. When a pretty, young woman speaks, men listen, no matter how erroneous the 'facts.'
Michigan Man
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
I am a proud member of the Fox News crowd and really excited that Erin Andrews dropped ESPN and enter the Fox tent. With Erin on board, I could care less about facts.
JD
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
What qualifies the community organizer?
JD
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.
He voted present 95 percent of the time. Sparty the mascot is more qualified. Wait till he's re-elected. Watch the gloves come off then. You think the ObamaCare tax was big? You ain'seen nothin' yet. Kwame got re-elected. Were those Detroiters smart voters? Same thing is happening here. America is doubling down on a guy that's destroying America as we know it.
Sparty
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 2:12 a.m.
Elected State and US Senator positions.
Mick52
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
During the '08 election, I had the same sort of opinion of Senator Obama. Unqualified junior senator. Opponents of Romney point to his business background and seem to ignore that he was a governor. Also some criticism of his HC plan in MA, but that is exactly how HC should be handled, at the state level. If a state likes what they have, fine. One difference between running a business and running a government is in business waste means loss. But in govt waste is ho hummed since every year you get a new pot of money. Perhaps govt should adopt some key business practices.
Arborcomment
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
Meanwhile, today's Washington Post reports: "that dozens of federal programs to help Americans with disabilities find jobs are "fragmented and overlapping". With $4 billion a year allocated by the NINE federal agencies to employment programs, the government does little to measure whether the efforts are putting people to work, how long they stay employed, and whether they are satisfied with their jobs - according to the 91 page Government Accountibility Office Report." GAO auditors identified 45 federal programs spending $4.1 billion on employment support for "at least" 1.5 million people in fiscal 2010. Now, whom do you think has a better chance and track record of cleaning this up?
Arborcomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
My, my, at least four thumbs down on a GAO report highlighting the "efficiency" of this administration. Disheartening no doubt. But not to worry, ONE politician has promised to fix this problem - he'll get right on it: Barrack Obama, State of the Union speech, January 2011. Of note, funds cited above are in ADDITION to SS disability payments, the GAO report on that program should also be interesting (for a train wreck).
Jay Thomas
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
A liberal listens to NPR... what a shock! Barack Obama has never had a regular job in his life until he was in his thirties (supported by mother and grandmother the whole time). Apart from himself he had no accomplishments to point to prior to running for President. He wasn't even a professor (as has been claimed) only an instructor and must have slept through constitutional law to be doing the things he's done as President. His greatest piece of legislation during the time he was a U.S. Senator (for a couple years there) was changing the community reinvestment act to make it easier for people without stable incomes (or an income at all... no doc loans) to get a mortgage... which led to the housing crisis and downturn in the economy. As a state Senator he deliberately avoided taking a stand on issues and voted "present" whenever possible so his opponents wouldn't have anything to criticize him for in later campaigns. A community needs its failed organizer back. Take him PLEASE.
Arborcomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:07 p.m.
Sparty, per THOMAS, Obama sponsored 137 bills, two became law. He co-sponsored 689. If you have a heartbeat and are a US Senator (the former is debatable) you can "co-sponsor" anything.
Sparty
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
Here are the facts: According to reports by both The New York Times and the Associated Press, Obama voted "present" 129 times as a state senator. The AP reported that Obama said the votes represented a small portion — a little more than 3 percent — of the "roughly 4,000" votes he cast as a member of the state Senate. The Illinois state Legislature allows members to vote "present" rather than "yes" or "no." The Times reported in December that "present" votes provide a way for lawmakers to voice opposition to an issue. Such votes can also help them avoid the political fall-out of voting "no". US Senator Obama sponsored or co-sponsored 570 bills in the 109th and 110th Congress, sponsored or co-sponsored 15 bills that have become LAW since he joined the Senate in 2005, and also introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted by the Senate. A very impressive record. And, of course as a Constitutional Law Scholar, he did teach Law - is that not a real job either? My oh my. At least he did recognize ObamaCare was Constitutional years ago and could have saved all that money and fuss just to have it confirmed, right? LoL.
Jake C
Wed, Jul 4, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
A lot of people who pursue higher education don't hold a "regular job" until their 30's. They're called doctors.