
That amazing smile!
bp2.blogger.com
Losing himself in the crowd.
caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com
Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest and what we often take for granted, yet they are likely to make the biggest impact on others and their life quality. On his current successful trip abroad, Barack Obama is exhibiting those two aspects in abundance, which would have raised his stature tremendously among everyone at home, especially the doubters. One only has to look at how he was received by everyone, from world leaders to ordinary members of the military, to see how those elements were appreciated and admired.
The first reason is his obvious people skills. The man is like a sponge in dealing with people, mopping up their adulation and respect then reflecting it back upon them in triplicate to make them feel valued, wanted and inspired by his presence. He easily mirors others and loses himself in their presence which many aloof and detached leaders cannot do. He is not afraid of sending himself up either and people love that.
In essence, Senator Obama is an indisputable people person. He knows how to motivate others, to encourage and inspire them, and they can sense it a mile. Not everyone has the knack of confidently putting others at ease, welcoming them in a sincere manner, relating to them on their level and in their terms, sharing their joys and pain with understanding, being empathetic to their perspectives, generating so much excitement from them and eliciting such admiration and adulation. That is a rare gift indeed, and Barack Obama certainly possesses a lot of it, which should come in handy in calming jittery leaders and dealing with international crises.
The second and simplest reason is his SMILE. What an all embracing smile it is, ready to warm the hearts of everyone and he uses it generously and unstintingly. To be smiled at by Barack Obama, knowing that it is well meant and just for you, must be quite a feeling of being valued and appreciated. A smile speaks across borders, across barriers, across languages and cultures. One does not need words with any broad smile. It has a language all of its own. A great smile has the power to draw, to immerse, to calm, to reassure and to uplift anyone within its reach, and Barack Obama is blessed with one. More important, he knows how to flash it to his advantage too. Barack would have simply cheered a lot of people on his journey with his smile and genuine care for others. More than anything they might remember about his trip when it is all over, they will remember his warmth and smile on days when they might not have much to be happy about, and be thankful they experienced it.
No wonder the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, was so impressed with, and enamoured, of the Senator. When asked at a news conference what she thought of him, regarding his role as a future president, she said, "I would say that he is well-equipped -- physically, mentally and politically."
An awful lot of women - and men - across the world would certainly agree with her!
Right on, dear lady. Right on! :o)
On an almost daily basis, people compliment me on my smile. Perhaps I should run as a write-in candidate. I have no political experience, true, but I can sure flash some teeth!
Rigbee-
If you call me "sweetie", sure I'll write you in....
Ms C you do have a nice smile, but you have to be born in the US to run for prez. If it's any consolation, I can't run either on that count, and my smile isn't half as nice as yours!
For any disagreements I have with Obama, he looks Golden!
It will be good to get such eye candy on the news every night.
Can't stand his policies (mostly) - love his looks - agh, what a quandry...
You and me too, Rigbee. I should deinitely run because my smile certainly qualifies me, even above you. :o)
Not to be to forward.....you do have a great smile
replytoj001
what are you saying, we should vote for McCain. WRONG, WRONG.
Hey, I know a lot of movie stars who have great people skills and a great smile. Does that mean they should be president?
Heck, Bush has a great smile and great people skills. That's one of the reasons he beat Kerry. Does that mean he should be president? I know what your answer is.
Tom Cruise for President !
We will get into outer space real fast....
Exactly. Tom Cruise would scare the heck out of me as president, but he has good people skills and a better smile than Obama.
President Bush was governor of Texas. He had no experience in foreign relations whatsoever. And we can't even debate failure in diplomacy in dealing with allies (and enemies) abroad.
Pittsburgh2, this has nothing to do with Obama's smile.
Ms CYPRAH, that was an example. Fine. But do you really think that all a president needs is a smile and people skills? Washington had horrible people skills (he hated his privates when he was general) and didn't smile at all. Lincoln was very unliked (he was a hick) and looked downright ugly.
If this isn't the silliest article I've yet read on Newsvine it's certainly one of the top five contenders. Emblematic of the inanity of the times and I'm afraid Ms. C's off my read list for the time being.
"Washington had horrible people skills (he hated his privates when he was general) and didn't smile at all."
Andrew... I would say that anyone who hates his privates (nudge, nudge.. wink, wink) is in serious need of emotional therapy.
"Tom Cruise would scare the heck out of me as president, but he has good people skills..."
I think that Matt Lauer and Brooke Shields would tend to disagree.
Ms CYPRAH, you're still dodging my question.
"Hey, I know a lot of movie stars who have great people skills and a great smile."
Yeah... I seem to recall this guy... Ronnie Something... B-Lister on a good day... but had a good smile and was very personable.
Revered by many... although I don't really understand why.
Hey, I know a lot of movie stars who have great people skills and a great smile. Does that mean they should be president?
Anybody can be president, Andrew,if they really wish to be, because all he does is make the decisions. Getting on with people is part of making the right decisions.
I didn't say can. I said should.
"Heck, Bush has a great smile and great people skills."
Andrew... his smile is awkward when used to punctuate a speech, as if he isn't sure if he truly understands what he just read. When unscripted (which is all too rare), his smile is more that of a frat boy who threw a cherry bomb down the toilet.
People skills? How can you tell? With someone else pulling the strings, that is hard to measure.
SnotRag, whatever. That's besides the point and you know it.
Andrew... you made the claim... I'm just responding to that.
Does a POTUS need more? Absolutely. Ms. Cyprah's article is a bit of fluff, yes. I don't disagree with that. Based on the tone of her other articles, it is not unexpected.
I don't have a problem with her article... and agree with her points. These attributes are only a small part of the qualities of good leadership. Remember the survey about America's choice for the candidate to sit down and have a beer? Also not a good reason to elect... on that merit exclusively.
yes lets not forget them great bush people skills
here is bush with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel oooooo that didn't go over too well did it/
and remember him askign the leader of brazil if he had any black people?
or how about making the stupid joke about us beign the worlds biggest pollutors.
lol bush with people skills.. lolol
and funny you onservatvies really lay it on when someone like hamas says they would prefer obama..but when it's allies we are just being stupid for mentioning the support.
always a one way street with yous guys.
Ms CYPRAH...
And, besides... I think Obama WOULD be the kind of president that would sit down and have a beer. Probably a nice, hearty microbrew.
What really matters is... at the end of the day... you and I will be among the majority on Election Day.
Me too Ms Cyprah if I could vote. And I don't care what anyone says. Barak Obama has a beautiful smile. And as Snotrag says. I reckon Obama would knock back a beer or 2.
Sorry but these are poor reasons to think he is qualified to be POTUS.
Although I agree with people skills being a good skill it by no means qualifies one for the office. Some of the most horrendous people in history had the ability to inspire and motivate others.
His smile? Come on lets forget about this type of fluffand focus on real issues and qualifications.
The Title of Ms. Cyprah's article denotes 2 reasons. It was intended as the human side of the candidate.
The Title of Ms. Cyprah's article denotes 2 reasons. It was intended as the human side of the candidate.
She called them "Essential reasons" that he would make a "fantastic president".
I still contend they are neither essential nor portend a fantastic president
Ms C, you are correct, there are studies as I'm sure you know, that show good-looking people are percieved to be more intelligent, likeable, and honest, than their less-fortunte homely brethren.
Gee Ms. Cyprah, I am beginning to think that you just may be an Obama supporter. Now that I have had my fun with you, I agree he does have a beguiling smile and his people skills do seem to be quite impressive, but I feel neither asset is what attracts people to him. I believe it is his ability to instill a sense of hope in people that will eventually carry the day for him. As silly as it may seem the people of this country (many will probably not say it out loud, especially cynics such as myself) are looking for an inspirational political leader to lead us from the cesspool we are presently (other than the 1%) swimming in. People are just tired of the lies, corruption, war mongering and politics of fear and buffoonery. As I have stated earlier he may not be Jefferson, Roosevelt or J.F.K., but right now he is the best chance we have at turning ourselves around. You will most likely generate some heat off of this post, but not from me.
Although he learned his leadership skills on the streets, instead of OCS, what he has is the youthful vigour and charisma that has not been beaten out of him by time and circumstances.
It literally pains me to watch my old friend Sen. McCain move and gather his thoughts. Though my injuries were garnered in a less dramatic way, I identify with the pain in his every move. When he stumbles in his real-time cognitive processes, I know what it is about; my friends and family know that sometimes it is a good deed to ask me if fill-in-the-blank was what I meant to say.
But I'm not asking to be Commander-in-Chief of a military that can destroy entire nations. I understand my angers and rage and know that I'm no longer fit to command and therefore keep my finger off the trigger; as should he in my humble opinion.
I understand the frustration of watching our Nation being less than it could be; at least what we dreamed it might be. But like me his children were raised with sense of duty and responsibility and we should trust them to make the appropriate decisions.
He is, like all of us of a certain age, now in a prime position to Advise and Consent. Those of us not able to understand that will have our final years cluttered with the frustration of unrealized dreams -- when in fact the finest expression of those dreams are our children and Grand children.
I concur with your sentiments for McCain. This is not the same man of 2000 but the shell of what his own party has left of him. As for the dreams of our children and grandchildren, I feel that Obama is the best selection which allow them to be fulfilled.
Nice comment, we will all get there one day.
Paladin USA
I agree -- Sen. McCain in our house in 2000 was someone we had always felt good about. Of course we respected his service like every other American. However, this time around I hardly recognize him.
While Obama has the obvious "glitz". I agree it isn't enough. So, that's why I have made an effort to read and listen to everything I can get my hands on regarding his outline for not talk but plan for action and his economic plan as well as his international and health care plans. The info is available if one who is truly interested. I'll say what I have said over and over to naysayers about experience. Just as experience is not always a guarantee neither is inexperience a guarantee of failure.
I feel that Sen. McCain is still too closely tied to Bush which is unfortunate.
For that reason, I just can't cast my vote for him. I must go with Obama and give him a chance to do the things he wants to do. In addition, I feel confident in my support for Obama in repairing our credibility and status in the world. If he can smoothe out all the tension internationally including the middle east, coupled with a good economic plan, that wiould be asignificant step for our country. I, too, thank you for you post. (Sorry for the length!)
@ Luther 28
At this stage of our lives -- those who have been badly damaged -- it compounds daily often.
One of my daughters, several weeks before she comes for a visit, begins a video mail to prepare her for the sometimes dramatic changes since her last visit (every 6 months or less) since the day she didn't recognize me at the airport.
President Reagan's age was less a factor because he had never had his body and mind severely damaged -- one thing to be shot down or wounded on a sound stage; quite another at 500 knots or 7.62 caliber.
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is relinquish the torch. Some view it as a struggle for relevancy. I've been fortunate to be surrounded by young people and see daily the results of our relevancy and am quite comfortable that they are for the most part well suited to carry us forward.
@ Pittsburgh2
Back at you, thank you.
@ Ms Cyprah
Keep that smile and sense of humor; You'll never know how refreshing and warm it is to an old recluse in a world were only vulgarity seems rewarded.
Well, I suppose now you do.
Gag me with a spoon.
happily
1. Obama is not a Republican
2. He is educated, and he did not buy his college degrees like McCain (he was fifth lowest in his graduating class and got into Annapolis because his father and grandfather were Admirals in the US Navy) and Bush.
he did not buy his college degrees like McCain
This is a gross mischaracterization.
For instance, the class of 2011 at the US Naval Academy had 12,003 applications for 1,202 slots. Those selected included 8.3% who were student body presidents or vice presidents. 11.6% were class presidents or vice presidents. 62% were members of the National Honor Society. 15.5% attended boys or girls state or nation, 84.2% were varsity sports letter winners. 88.4% were were participants in dramatics, public speaking and/or debating.
The quality of the classes at the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, and the US Air Force Academy are quite high when compared with most institutions of higher learning.
Mr. McCain may have received preferential treatment in receiving an appointment to the US Naval Academy due to his father's flag rank, but if he did not earn acceptable grades and performed acceptably otherwise, he would not have graduated even low in his class.
Those who graduate are then obligated to national service, this is hardly buying his degree.
Is this news seed a joke? I mean really, how can you call those hyped elements Presidential material?
So what you're saying is that good looks make a president? OK, so would Brittany Spears make a good president???
Like all drug addled folks she left her looks and charm in the sewer she chose to crawl into.
JFK was elected largely on his appearance; it surely wasn't his high moral character.
Paladin, JFK was one of our most popular presidents. But he had more than just good looks.
What I'm trying to say is this: in the scheme of things, good looks aren't what you should be looking for in a president. That's a bonus, not a requirement.
Agreed, Andrew.
However, during the first televised debate, carried on radio at the time, JFK was tallied the winner by those who watched; while RMN won amongst those who listened on radio. You should be able to find several of the many studies done at the time. Maybe a Poli-sci major could chime in as they are still being studied.
The king makers and public image industry burst forth as if from Zeus's forehead.
I think, not being one to put words in annothers mouth, what Ms Cyprah is bringing to the table is a fun and delightful outside view -- a British Lady -- if I'm not mistaken; and the headline -- as in all good headlines -- captured the attention of many folks and has engendered a fun, yet telling, discussion.
Her views are certainly no less nor more problemmatic than a great many contributors from this German immigrant, soldier, coal miner, old fart's opinion.
One of the reason I came to the Vine was to help keep my faculties as honed as possible. And like a blade edge it takes several types of stone too accomplish the mission.
Machiavelli, your opinion of her article makes you a war monger apparently.
Cyprah, don't you think that's going a bit far?
I agree with you %100 Machiavelli.
Ms CYPRAH, popularity = being a good president?
I think Cyprah is trying to bait people with all of this gushing that she's doing over Obama.
He's not that good and she is quite transparent.
I think this is more of a school girl crush than any real concrete reason to vote for him.
It's kinda sad that she's mistaken infatuation with qualification.
Not for me. And mine is anything but a "crush."
I'm voting for him. So is my husband. When we got married, we had a mixed marriage--he was republican and I was a democrat. lol
...."real concrete reason to vote" and "mistaken infatuation with qualification"?
Is that kinda like all those down home-y folks electing the Village Idiot because he was the one they imagined could "set down and have a beer" with them? The last 2 election cycles indicate that competency, intelligence and statesmanship obviously weren't high on the list of why people cast their votes.
The Good American1. Obama is not a Republican
2. He is educated, and he did not buy his college degrees like McCain (he was fifth lowest in his graduating class and got into Annapolis because his father and grandfather were Admirals in the US Navy) and Bush.
Come on man
1. Obama is a muslim name
2. no military experience
3. no forgein experience
4. looks like plastic or from the wax museum
5. lies way too much
Barack Obama in 2003, talking to the AFL/CIO:
"I happen to be a proponent of single-payer universal healthcare coverage. That's what I'd like to see."
In January, 2008, Obama claimed in a nationally televised debate:
"I never said that we should try to go ahead and get single-payer."
On July 28th, the day after his speech at the Democratic convention catapulted him into the national spotlight, Barack Obama told a group of reporters in Boston that the United States had an "absolute obligation" to remain in Iraq long enough to make it a success.
"The failure of the Iraqi state would be a disaster," he said at a lunch sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor, according to an audiotape of the session. "It would dishonor the 900-plus men and women who have already died. . . . It would be a betrayal of the promise that we made to the Iraqi people, and it would be hugely destabilizing from a national security perspective."
In late winter, 2008, on the campaign trail, Obama says he wants to bring the troops home yesterday -- you decide -- was he lying then or is he lying now?
should I go on?
If you want to get into all the mis-spoken statements, we could be here all day.
One of the more significant for me was When the Iraqis and the Iraqi government say it is time for us to leave we will. ( Ummmmm.....they did ask. ???)
McCain has a list a mile long, Bush, too, basically they all do.
But if you're more interested in Obama/McCain issues. Then I can provide the website --specifically on your question of health care.
Look Ms CYPRAH asked me to provide statements that Obama lied so I did. I am not saying anything about Bush or McCain because I know they ar Morons. It seems like just abouteveryone on here is jumping on the Obama bandwaggon and as far as I'm concerned I wouldn't let him manage a 7-11.
Ms CYPRAH, thank you for your vote of confidence in me, but I think you have to be able to stretch the truth or ignore americans to run for president. I can rest at night knowing Geniuses like you vote everyday in america thank you for spreading your DNA we will surely be blessed by one of your mutations.
airborne:
I wasn't trying to insult you, I was trying to keep the blog at a respectful level is all. And as a side note, "it seems like just about everyoe on here is jumping on the Obama bandwagon"
I know how that feels. I feel the same way when I'm supporting my candidate. Its all in your perspectives and personal opinions.
I made no insults towad you I just replyed to Ms CYPRAH.
Airborne, I sense we are in a parallel universe. Do not be alarmed, you have in fact put forth an excellent argument supported by facts, just don't drink the little bottle of cool aid with the label that says "Drink Me" like the others did. You see what happened to them.
being a supporter of any candidate doesn't an you 'drank the koolaid" it means you like him more than the other guy.. which for me is way easy.
and quit repeating emailed garbage before you snopes it.
airborne:
So, what if Obama is a Muslim name? I'm sure there was someone during WW2 in power that had a German(ic) descendant name, should we blame them for Hitler?
Is military experience a requirement for running for POTUS? No. So why bother with it? Shooting a gun, or any other military based activity does not make you qualified, even if you were a general, it does not make you anymore qualified than the next guy.
He may have no foreign experience, but it would seem to me that he has more progress, so to speak, in 6 months with no experience, than Bush has being in the office for 7.
4th comment is just ridiculous.
And, 5th has already been covered.
Ms. Cyprah: BTW, Just listened to speech. Even Fox News said positive things re its content. I have no doubt that Obama is Presidential material. I, weeks ago, looked up pertinent plans and where it stands on the issues.. Personally, I think he'll do just fine. As I said in my other post, experience is not always a guarantee (as we have seen w/past presidents), and little or no experience is not always a guarantee of failure.
I suspect that anyone who continues to say that they don't know him or his plans, let's be honest, they're not going to research anything. They really don't want to know. They've already made up their minds. I did go back a few years re McCain. He used to really be pretty strong against some of Bush's policies, but he's leaning too much toward him now. Have you deduced the same??? Am I missing something?
Obama should have finally gone to Iraq. That's agreed. And all of the middle east countries. Good that he finally stepped up to the plate on those issues.
But Germany and France? Now? He's not Prez yet. (Thank goodness) There's a time and a place for this but an around the world tour isn't called for just yet.
He needs to get relevant. Besides, the French and Germans aren't voting for our president. We are. What's going on in the Middle East is pertinent to today. All else needs to be put on the back burner as we have other issues in our own country, gas prices, food prices, housing problems, etc.
He's like a 20 year old reveling in his "rock star image." That's great if you're a rock star. He wants to be prez. Grow up Obama!! Or do you really have another agenda that doesn't put America first?
Why is McCain allowed to go to elsewhere besides the middle east? I don't understand this. It's always "He's not the president, that arrogant jerk, what is he doing over there?" What about McCain? I read all over the place that the media is biased towards McCain, but why does no one complain when McCain does the exact same thing? Because Obama can draw a crowd. Because people feel along with him, people who support him don't feel like they have to look past the words to understand what he's saying.
an excellent article. very well written.
Just a quick note: neither Washington or Lincoln had great people skills (they both had horrible ones) or a great smile (both barely smiled). They are the two most popular and famous presidents today.
Would you take a president with good looks and good people skills over a president who does the right thing (like Washington and Lincoln)?
Popularity (and lack thereof) doesn't last. Heck, Lincoln was one of the most unpopular presidents for his time. You should have seen some Democratic-Republican papers write scathing editorials attacking Washington.
Ms. Cyprah: I would like not just someone who looked and sounded good and would not do the right thing or be a good leader. Thats why I am voting for Barack Obama.
He has it all in my opinion.
Pittsburgh2, while I disagree about the "having it all", that's what I'm talking about. We shouldn't even be discussing his smile or people skills. We should be discussing universal health care, education, Iraq, and the economy.
Also Ms CYPRAH, you call these traits "essential". They are obviously NOT essential to being fantastic, because Washington and Lincoln were fantastic and didn't have either.
Obama would make such a cute president, no foriegn diplomat could possibly say no to anything that came out of his mouth. His smile and warmth will go a long way with Ahmadinejad and Kim Jong Il, they are suckers for that kind of thing. Iran would drop it's nuclear weapon program, everyone in Iraq would lay down their arms, the Palestinians would embrace the Jews and Lebanon will stop bombing Israel!
If Obama is president the whole world will sing and rejoice. The angels will smile upon us and life will be all sugar plums and fairies. Dang, that makes me want to hug someone, does anyone else want a big hug in here or is it just me?
rotflmao
Ms CYPRAH, you say that being people-savvy is essential to being a fantastic president. I stated above that Washington and Lincoln were not people savvy. Are they fantastic presidents or not? It's a yes or no question.
Yeah, it's not like freeing slaves was anything fantastic or anything.
Yeah, it's not like freeing slaves was anything fantastic or anything.
Yeah, it's not like there were other issues going on there as well, like whether or not the South was going to continue to control the economic direction of the country, or the whole issues of states rights, or numerous other socio-political issues of the day. The abolishment movement benefited greatly and it made for a good cause to rally the North on. (I'm not saying it's a bad thing)
But, if we're going to be playing these games, lets at least put them in perspective.
Cyprah,
To be honest with you I don't really like either candidate. I want to like Obama, I really do, I like to see a good reaction out of other countries when he visits there. It's good for America but only superficially and that's kind of my point.
If Obama is our next president I will hope and pray that he is a great president and that all the hope and positivity he has engendered during his campaign is realized during his term.
I think that allot of Americans are so desperate for a really great leader right now, I know I am. I just feel deeply concerned about people voting based on his looks and his charisma. I'm not cynical, I'm concerned. This election is probably the most important election in decades and it just irked me that your article was so superficial on such an important issue.
Cyprah, I just read your post to Andrew above:
"They may be fantastic presidents according to historical interpretation, but unless you were in their time to assess how they governed and the people reacted to them in real time, you cannot say with any guarantee that they were truly 'fantastic', Andrew. "
For crying out loud, we have much more proof of the fantastic jobs they did than we do of do of the hypothetical job Obama might do should he win but that doesn't stop you from believing him to be great presidential material. They were great presidents who served this country well.
I think you are copping out when you say we can't know because we are not in that time so we really don't know for sure. We know Cyprah, we know.
Incredulous
You can't expect everyone to have your kind of gravitas. This is the age of American Idol, Dance with the Stars, and Project Runway. 75 % of people know the name of the Three Stooges but can't tell you the three branches of government.
Unfortunately, American is a materialistic, consumerist society--one in which you are labeled a "downer" if you're in the least bit unhappy with the state of things. One in which you are denounced as a "crazy from the fringes" if you immerse yourself in the facts of government and politics...
MsCyprah is a perfect example of what we are up against.
Until society changes, we will have elections based on smiles, charisma, and various other unimportant aspects of their personality.
No it wasn't, Andrew. Not using others as slaves in the first place would have been even more fantastic!
Duh, it would have been more fantastic. But are you saying that ending evil is not fantastic, either?
Lincoln didn't start slavery.
Lincoln did not start slavery nor did the Europeans. They bought the slaves from the tribes in Africa that wanted to get rid of rivals. It was a good way to remove entire tribes from contention without having to kill them.
Wow! Thanks for that piece of information Dr. Know. That was something I sure DIDN'T know. Mmm, sounds like what's happening Afghanistan. I read a piece where The Northern Allience (sorry for my mis-spelling too lazy to find the dictionary) were selling the opposition to America for a $1000 a head. And most of these people weren't taliban or Al-Qeida. They were simple peasants. A sad state of affairs. Do you have a link at all Dr. Know? I'd like to read up on what you wrote about slavery.
Not to mention that slavery was going on way before America was even born.
You're right Andrew. Since the beginning of time. A bit like the oldest profession in the world.
I'm not sure what you're trying to insinuate, but my point is that Lincoln (and Americans) did not start slavery. Don't try and blame them for that deed.
You've got me confused with someone else. I'm not blaming Lincoln. Never have never would. Infact I learnt in my history lesson at school he was behind the FREEDOM of slavery. What I was pointing out to you is slavery is as old as time itself.
Sorry, I thought you were trying to be sarcastic. Also, I didn't mean to insinuate that you were the one who thought that Lincoln started slavery. I'm referring to this comment:
Ending evil would be fantastic, if the people who 'ended' it didn't start it in the first place!
Gotcha Andrew. And no I wasn't being sarcastic. You can tell when I'm being sarcastic. I usually add a hehehe at the end.
If you read carefully in the Old Testament, it gives guidelines for the proper treatment of slaves.
I have never had an advocate for the complete divine inspiration explain this bit of the Bible.
Dr. Know. Me either. But I don't think anyone should be kept as slaves. Even if they have food, water and a bed. They essentially have lost their freedom no matter the case and that to me is THE MOST IMPORTANT of all.
By the way, the "slaves" in the Bible were, as I see it, more of indentured servants.
Ex 21:1-4:
"If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him. If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself."
Do you think trying to justify it by pointing out the type of slaves they were make it any more acceptable, Andrew?
They point was, they weren't slaves.
That was also in reference to #16.29. I noticed you failed to reply to #16.20 or #16.23, also by me.
We could debate all day on that topic, but I still see you still haven't replied to 16.20 or 16.23.
The history of treatment of indentured servants in the US is far worse than the treatment of the slaves. The Master of an IS did not have the motivation of good upkeep, after all the servant was leaving service 'soon'. In addition, they charged the IS for EVERYTHING, prolonging the period of service as much as possible.
Indentured servants in the US != indentured servants in the Bible.
But we're digressing. Ms CYPRAH still hasn't answered 16.20 or 16.23.
But you were questioning the validity:
Ending evil would be fantastic, if the people who 'ended' it didn't start it in the first place! That is like wanting gratitude and praise for the evil they perpetrated by themselves, Andrew.
Like I said, Lincoln did not start slavery. But you implied that because Lincoln started slavery, he shouldn't be considered fabulous for freeing slaves.
You keep on skipping around. I say that a good-looking guy isn't required to be a fantastic president, citing Lincoln. You argue that Lincoln wasn't such a fantastic guy ("No it wasn't, Andrew"). I argue that it was, because he ended an evil. You argue that it wasn't, because the people who ended it (therefore including Lincoln) were the ones who started it (they weren't, as Dr Know pointed out. Heck, Africans even had slaves!). Now, you say that it could have been any president. Granted... but it would happened earlier because of Lincoln, thanks to his Emancipation Act. If it wasn't for Lincoln, a Southerner could have taken office, thereby extending slavery for years more. And that's why Lincoln was a fantastic president, which is therefore why you don't need a smile to be a fantastic president.
Another argument for Lincoln: he managed to hold the Union together in the face of an immensely unpopular war (even more unpopular than Iraq, believe it or not).
a P.S.
When bloggers start taking parts out of speeches where its a he said this before, now he's saying this, all it really succeeds in doing is getting back and forth posts and more often than not it leads to tension and bickering. Just doesn't serve a way to talk about substantive issues. That's just the way I look at it.
You just didn't like hearing the truth, that's the way I look I look at it.
For the record I think Obama's smile is hardly a substantive issue. It bugs me when people join in the discussion and then when it gets a little heated or they are perhaps left with nothing to say, they want to pull the old self righteous "you are just bickering" card. Maybe you should take your ball and go home Pittsburgh2.
Thats absolutely not why I said that. I don't mind heated. I prefer respectful debate.
Personal attacks are in bad taste no matter who says them.
You just don't like hearing the truth...
No problem hearing the truth.
When it is. Furthermore, your truth isn't mine.
Maybe you should take your ball and go home ---thats a great idea. ya old Grouch!
LOL!!! I have never been called an old grouch in my whole life! Sweet! You make me feel like Oscar in the trash can, I honestly didnt know that I was coming off that way.
Well I'm still sticking by my statements but you have my respect and I will try not to be so grouchy.
P.S. I am not old.
Reason #3 is David Axelrod, who has been essential to Obama throughout his career. He now does strategy and will most likely be critical for governing. Happy talk and a big smile will not matter as much after the election, assuming he wins -- which I do not.
Obama is smart and savvy. Washington is a tough town and he will need all the smarts and savvy he can muster. Obama is nimble and a very fast learner. He can pivot quickly and has great stamina.
Watch the Rustbelt states (MN, OH, PA, MI), the Bradley Effect (FL especially), and very nasty surprises of late September. This ain't over.
Appreciate your good sense and spunk, Ms CYPRAH. I have done too much political organizing to take anything for granted. Always run scared and never become complacent. Be vigilant. Pay close attention.
I also don't like the map. The Rustbelt is vulnerable: MI, OH, PA, even Minnesota has drawn very close. And Florida is doubtful. Given the mess we are in, Obama should arguably be up big time. Good news is that McCain has never led, but he is so lackluster. (Loved your photograph on another seed.)
This ain't over. Keep at it, Ms CYPRAH. Keep the faith!
A much more important attribute: which candidate has the best 'poker face'?
With McCain... opponents get exactly what they see. Quick temper... hair-trigger, even... apparently willing to use force first... the old "Kill 'em all, we'll sort 'em out later" type.
With Obama... you ask yourself, "What cards is he holding, really?"
I would think that our adversaries would be anxious to get into a pi$$ing match with McCain... but would tend to think twice before crossing Obama.
McCain is Rambo.
Obama is Dirty Harry.
"I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?"
A fun analogy!
However, if memory serves, Harry had just laid waste to an entire neighborhood and the perp's attention was fairly well focused on that cavernous hole surrounded by steel.
Loved that series of shows.
PaladinUSA...
The point being... with Dirty Harry, the perp wasn't sure... but had to respect the power. Yeah, he had a 50-50 chance... but was he willing to take that risk.
In the same manner, will our potential adversaries be willing to challenge President Obama? I think they would be more inclined to capitulate. Under a McCain administration, my feeling is the same foe would shoot first... and see what kind of response he gets.
Agreed.
I suspect that after watching 2 Nations rendered to rubble, only the suicidal would fancy the risk. Sadly, there are enough of them here at home and abroad who would see that as a path to salvation and a cleansing of the earth in everyone Else's demise.
Additionally, only the foolish would think that a person doesn't change when entering the Oval Office and taking on the weight of the world.
It would be a grave mistake for those who count themselves our enemies to mistake Sen. Obama's demeanor as a go past go or a get out of jail card.
My biggest concern about Sen. Obama is that some sad, pathetic individual not on anyone's radar will complete the JFK & RK association so many are making.
And folks are still discounting the Clintons and the damage they can do if they act out their narcissistic tendencies in Denver.
As Sen. Obama stated in his delivery today: we are at a point of change. I agree, but have lived long enough to know just how dangerous transition can be.
in gainning coalitions weather for wars , or humanitarian missions it helps if your not a baffooon.
The second and simplest reason is his SMILE.
We're picking the President based on smile now?
OK, let's elect Tom Cruise.
You can have a guy who's wrong but looks good and a guy who's right and looks bad. What about a murderer with a good smile? Is he automatically a good guy?
Experience is not a guarantee of success;
just as inexperience is not a guarantee of failure
SURE AS heck nothing else we've tried has worked! '
Why not? Makes a change, doesn't it? And it could turn out to be a more accurate indicator than anything else! :o)
A smile could be an accurate indicator of how good someone will be as Presient? Please tell me how a "good" smile would make someone a good President.
We are just coming off picking a President twice who has done much to shred the Constitution, and you want to pick the next President based on his/her smile? That is just your opinion, but someone's smile is way down on my list of qualifications along with race, gender, age{as long as over 35), and other things that have absolutely no bearing on how well someone will be as President.
Why not? Makes a change, doesn't it? And it could turn out to be a more accurate indicator than anything else! :o)
This sounds like something Oprah in her feel good moments, would say.
It's a bit nauseating.
And worrisome.
Come on Jen, you're being a downner turn that frown upside down!
He can turn the world on with his smile, he can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile...wait a minute I think that's the Mary Tyler Moore show theme song...
lol
i'll bring the flag and you can supply the confetti...
bull @!$%#
we would have to bow to your wisdom on that, sanaa fahim!™
Now that is a classic Ms CYPRAH, can I get the first T-Shirt, Size Large please ? :-)
The second and simplest reason is his SMILE. What an all embracing smile it is, ready to warm the hearts of everyone and he uses it generously and unstintingly. To be smiled at by Barack Obama, knowing that it is well meant and just for you, must be quite a feeling of being valued and appreciated. A smile speaks across borders, across barriers, across languages and cultures.
Wow, great, wonderful......what a warm feeling I have.....smile, smile
If only Obama could have flashed that O' so wonderrful smile on all the conflicts in the world, and then we all would be so much the better!!!!!!
Perhaps if Obama goes into prisons and smiles at the convicts, they will be filled with rapture and good feelings, giving up there life of crime......
O' wait....maybe the smile could be used in the Senate and make everyone get along so much the better......
Wait. O' please wait......could the smile be used in the border area??????? Perhaps the smile could stop the border (drug) wars.
If only everyone could be valued and made to feel valued with just a smile.....ummmmmm feels good!!
Wow, a smile meant for me.....just me....I know how that could affect a conflict.
If a smile speaks accross borders then what, if anything could America, have to worry about????/
replytoj001
Miss Cyprah: Are you there? Thought you'd appreciate my 17.3?
This kind of talk only serves to cheapen political discussion.
I agree... he brings a refreshing use of wise thought out professional comments.
A very intelligent man, keeps both feet on the ground. A most likable fellow too!!
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