With the candidates starting to make a name for themselves, starting to become household names, I've heard a lot of talk about a certain name. Barack Hussein Obama.
Let me draw out the obvious.
1.) Hussein: Obviously, that name triggers our minds to Saddam Hussein, a "bad guy."
2.) Obama: If we were playing charades, we would be pulling our ears, "Sounds like 'Osama.'" Referencing Osama bin Ladin, another "bad guy."
Ok, now, my point. SO WHAT?!?! Who gives a flying fart what his name is? He is neither of those two "evils." Saddam Hussein was charged for "crimes against humanity." Osama bin Ladin was the "ring leader of terrorism."
But, I don't understand why people associate those "evil" peoples' names with Barack Hussein Obama, presidential candidate. In years to come, are we going to be wary of all men named George? Will we shudder if a new neighbor has the last name Bush? No, we won't. It's a name. It's a word. It does not make the person.
A person is a person based on who they are, what they stand for, ideals, morals, upbringing, not on a name. We should be ashamed if we judge someone based on what their name reminds us of - especially if there is no viable connection between the two besides the name. When I read comments or hear clips drawing attention to names similar to Barack Hussein Obama's, I cringe. It reminds me of how many narrow-minded people there are even today.
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Comments: 18
I do get the point. I'm hoping you're not surprised that there are more than a few provencial thinkers out there . . . and that's not to mention those who would do this type of comparison with a political agenda in mind....you know.....the bumper sticker mentality crowd that some, particularly those on the right side of the political spectrum . . . seem to grasp.
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
And before y'all jump on me calling me names, this is a legitimate question.
I'm satisfied with the length and quality of experience the Obama brings to the campaign, in part because I live in Illinois and I've followed his career longer than some. The community organizing, civil rights legal work, and Illinois and US Senate service are all to the good on the side of dealing with the needs of ordinary Americans and to the issue of statecraft and diplomacy. He's revealed an ability to work across the aisle with Republicans and has taken the lead on veterans issues. He's one of several very strong candidates on the Democratic side. I wish the Republicans could come up with a decent slate--it would be a lot more fun if they did.
After being lied to and bamboozled and taken advantage of and led astray for the past 7 years, I am looking for someone that is honest and reflects the average American. I am looking for someone that doesn't have personal agendas like promoting oil companies, going down in the History books, etc. Obama might not have much experience on the executive side of government but he is everything I value in a human being and he works hard and tries to be fair and level-headed in everything he does. THAT is why I would vote for him.
i don't know if that is exactly what the book is about, but you should still read it. i can't remember the title, and since i'm an american, i'm too lazy to look it up.
Mixed reviews. Might be worth checking out.