Amazed that there are no comments about Obama's pronunciations

[smplgrl]

Just curious if the same people who went "nuclear" over Palin's pronunciation of the word are as agitated by Obama's pronunciation of "Pakistan", "Taliban" and "Iran"...I'm sure there are more but those popped out at me. And if anyone can offer an explanation as to why he pronounces these words so differently than everyone else I hear speak them.

[Chreamps]

If Obama were still fairly new to us, I'm sure it would have been noticed more; but we've had what, 2 years exposure to him. So, we've probably gotten used to it by now.

[ashtina]

how does he say them?

[Hollie]

Okay, how does he (mis)pronounce them? I guess I didn't notice--haha!

ETA: Oh good--I'm not the only one:) Whew!

[smplgrl]

Yep that's it...he pronounces the words a) he was taught that way by someone else that spoke them that way or b) trying to appeal to those nations, c) nothing else comes to me...but if someone knows why he says them this way, please chime in.

Either way it worries me, because I think it is a subtle deliberate pronunciation.

He hyper-inflects: Paaah-keestahn, the Tahl-EE-Bahn. I think he is trying to pronounce it the way Pakistanis pronounce their country. Which is weird; I mean he does say "Paris" and not "Paree."

[Hollie]

Well, I find that kind of pronunciation a bit akward for American English, but my mom does that too, so I guess I'm just used to it. I've always considered it a bit on the uppity side, but that's just my opinion. It could be regional, or depend on your educational background.

I do kind of feel like it is different than the whole nuclear debate though. The "alternate" pronunciation of nuclear actually adds in a sound that is not there. These pronunciations you are talking about are alternate pronunciations of vowel sounds.

[mrsmegmcclure]

Obama attended predominately Muslim schools for four or five years while he lived in Indonesia with his mother and stepfather. The NYT did a story http://select.nytimes.com/2007/03/06/opinion/06kristof.html?_r=4&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
about him which states he recited the the Muslim call to prayer with a first rate accent so it would seem he speaks at least some Arabic.

[kamahrt]

Yep that's it...he pronounces the words a) he was taught that way by someone else that spoke them that way or b) trying to appeal to those nations, c) nothing else comes to me...but if someone knows why he says them this way, please chime in.

Either way it worries me, because I think it is a subtle deliberate pronunciation.

I just listened on Youtube. Both the way he pronounces Pakistan and Iran are accepted in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iran
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pakistan

I actually learned to say Iran the way he pronounces it and it is the way this dictionary audio pronounces it. I have heard plenty of people pronounce Pakistan that way including my international relations teacher in college. Maybe not the most common, but correct and not so unusual. I certainly wouldn't read anything into it.

:)

[tsaria]

I don't think there's anything wrong with pronouncing the name of a country the way the inhabitants of that country pronounce it. Now, if one were doing it in a way that implied it was just out of ignorance (a la King of the Hill), then I might find it funny =)

[Trina]

Either way it worries me, because I think it is a subtle deliberate pronunciation.

Huh? :headscratch I really don't think so. My take on it was that this is how he has always pronounced it, and with so many posters above me confirming, they are actually accepted pronunciations of the words.

[ccubed]

Did not watch - - have never noticed anyway.

I may be wrong, but I am thinking what you are hearing is more akin to British pronunciation. DH and I always used to get a kick out of Tony Blair's pronunciation of some of the words you referenced - - of course Blair's accent made the unusual pronunciations much more pronounced.

I have foreign friends who are English teachers and they teach predominantly British words and pronunciations to their students - - especially if they have never spent time in America or amongst American speakers.

Obama's pronunciations are likely related to the portion of his education abroad where the "queen's English" was likely predominant.

[Inkspots]

Yup, I have found that living overseas, it's the Americans that pronouce a lot of places "wrong." Most of the world uses the Queen's English in their pronounciation of English. (Totally off topic, but I often wonder if my kids will grow up pronouncing English differently from our family in America since they primarily watch the English Asian channels here.)

[Gina.Maria]

I don't think there's anything wrong with pronouncing the name of a country the way the inhabitants of that country pronounce it. Now, if one were doing it in a way that implied it was just out of ignorance (a la King of the Hill), then I might find it funny =)

Okay. How about ya'll start pronouncing Germany "doytshlahnd"? Just kidding :lol

Yup, I have found that living overseas, it's the Americans that pronouce a lot of places "wrong." Most of the world uses the Queen's English in their pronounciation of English. (Totally off topic, but I often wonder if my kids will grow up pronouncing English differently from our family in America since they primarily watch the English Asian channels here.)

Yeah, he's using the pronunciations most common throughout the world and the same pronunciations I've always used (even though I spent nearly 40 years of my life in Arizona). I think 8 years of W. mispronouncing even English words has had a very bad effect on the American usage of English. Is the OP actually trying to suggest that his pronunciation should suggest some sinister association?

[Kater07]

Just curious if the same people who went "nuclear" over Palin's pronunciation of the word are as agitated by Obama's pronunciation of "Pakistan", "Taliban" and "Iran"...I'm sure there are more but those popped out at me. And if anyone can offer an explanation as to why he pronounces these words so differently than everyone else I hear speak them.

What's wrong with the way he says them. It's how I hear those words in my head and how they've been said in the books on tape that I've listened to. Does he say them wrong? I say To mah toe, you say Toe May Toe.

I LOOOOVE that he's got no real inflection. It's like he took that "proper English" class that some colleges used to offer for Telecom. students where you learned to be from anywhere by not having an accent. LOOOOVE IT!

[JCSimon]

Actually, I think the reason is much simpler than any of this....he grew up in Hawai'i. :) My kids, who grew up there also, use the same pronunciations.

Hawaiian is one of those languages that pronounce every letter in a word, and vowels have a European pronunciation (ah, eh ee, o, uw) rather than American. Even when not speaking Hawaiian, locals tend to use those pronunciations in all their words.

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

LOL- never noticed it. I[m around a lot of Europeans with accents so it's entirely possible Im desensitized to words pronounced with accents as opposed to those just mispronounced altogether.
I'm curious though, as to how he pronounced "Iran".
I'm 44 and I learned when I was in school to pronounce it like: "Ear-ron" as opposed ot the later pronunciation of "Eye-ran".

[mlpieters]

noticed it. irritates my ears...but then there are several quirky things about all four candidates so i just chalk it up to personal differences.

[erica922]

i am with Obama 100%

[Scorpiosue1102]

Tal - E - ban kind of bothers me. I admit it LOL, but I know when I start talking to my UK buddies I start picking up their way of saying things.

[AKSheridan]

I've always noticed his pronunciation, but to me it sounds more proper. I'm glad somebody clarified that that is how it is spoken in Hawaii. Who knew??

[NellieRose]

I work with a Pakistani woman who pronounces it like this....I guess it's like the Cubans that live in our area they pronounce "Cuba" as "koo-ba" where as most non-Cubans in this area say "cue-ba".

I have heard both Iraq & Iran pronounced differently.....

This just made me think about Deepak Chopra.....his name is pronounced with the "pock" where the *pak* is.

[Sulis]

Obama's pronunciations sound entirely normal and correct to my British ears.

[mama_pajama]

I think the OP is confusing mispronunciations with alternate pronunciations.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

I've always considered it a bit on the uppity side, but that's just my opinion.

OMGosh ... I cannot believe you just used the word uppity! Check here (http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/westmoreland-calls-obama-uppity-2008-09-04.html).

Sorry ... just had to post it! Totally in fun!

[Miss Chris]

OMGosh ... I cannot believe you just used the word uppity! Check here (http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/westmoreland-calls-obama-uppity-2008-09-04.html).

Sorry ... just had to post it! Totally in fun!
Love it Heather. My fave line from the article is :

“Sounds like Rep. Westmoreland should be careful throwing stones from his candidate's eight glass houses,” said Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor.

[tsaria]

Okay. How about ya'll start pronouncing Germany "doytshlahnd"? Just kidding :lol



You know, I've often wondered about this. It sounds like we should be calling people from Germany, Dutch, but the Dutch are really from Holland? Or was it the Netherlands? I don't understand how we made that leap? Surely the Dutch should be the people from Deutchland (sp?), right?

[tsaria]

It's not Iran, it's Persia - meow!

Heeheehee

[FrenchRuby]

Here you go:

The English word Dutch is derived from the old Germanic word dietsch or diutch, which meant "of the nation" or "of the people". In modern German the word survived as Deutsch (German) and Deutschland (Germany). In modern Dutch the word isn't used anymore, but in English the word Dutch is still used for the language or people from the Netherlands.

The Dutch themselves speak of "Nederland". In English the country is usually referred to as 'the Netherlands."

Note that Holland and the Netherlands are not identical. Holland refers to a region of the Netherlands formed by two provinces: North Holland and South Holland. It is just a part (historically the most powerful part) of the Netherlands, much like England is just a part of the United Kingdom.

[snaggletooth75]

Of course noone is gonna call Obama on his word lingo :lol on here at DST if you even disagree with Obama or slam his speaking your considered racist LOL So I highly doubt anyone will go against the DST Obama gang.
But I never realized that Obama studied MUSLIM that closely. Thats a BIG issue with me.

Just curious if the same people who went "nuclear" over Palin's pronunciation of the word are as agitated by Obama's pronunciation of "Pakistan", "Taliban" and "Iran"...I'm sure there are more but those popped out at me. And if anyone can offer an explanation as to why he pronounces these words so differently than everyone else I hear speak them.

[FrenchRuby]

Do you mean studied Islam?

[Miss Chris]

Of course noone is gonna call Obama on his word lingo :lol on here at DST if you even disagree with Obama or slam his speaking your considered racist LOL So I highly doubt anyone will go against the DST Obama gang.
But I never realized that Obama studied MUSLIM that closely. Thats a BIG issue with me.


You're absolutley right. We want and need a president that has no experience with other religions and cultures. It is so much better to be narrow in scope. I hate it when my leaders are well-educated and diverse.

[Tiffikat]

Not everyone who is Muslim is bad. I think it's interesting that almost every remark about racism has been made by those stating that Obama supporters will cry racism. I've noticed some very nice conversations from supporters of both sides with the exception of a select few (on both sides) the rest have been extremely respectful. I think many people, McCain and Obama supporters have had no problem respectfully sharing their thoughts and opinions without any cries of racism.

I will say a lot of the generalizations I have read recently about Obama supporters on here bother me. Maybe I am missing it but I don't see anyone saying similar things about McCain supporters. I think we are all intelligent women with intelligent thoughts and opinions. Maybe not everyone feels that way though.

[snaggletooth75]

:lol I have a right to my opinion but its not an issue of studying it its an issue of it being his religion ( if it is) and how that will affect the way religion is in america. Will he make my kids study it LOL
If someone can tell me that he cant force that on people in america then it wont be an issue for me. Its scary.
Him being african american isnt an issue with me my kids are mixed race so I am really happy my kids can see him as an example but its the religion I cant get past:blush

Dont down me cause I have an opinion. You have no idea how and why I feel this way.



Do you mean studied Islam?

[snaggletooth75]

No need to be rude. This what i mean. Your nothing but a bully and dont ALLOW people to think for themselves. I HAVE A FREAKIN RIGHT TO BE SCARED OKAY!
If people are going to be nasty and not allow me to have an opinion I WILL not renew my membership here. I feel like im being bullied.
I dont have to like Obama just to be considered in the COOL CROWD!
Try your underhanded way of speaking with someone else

You're absolutley right. We want and need a president that has no experience with other religions and cultures. It is so much better to be narrow in scope. I hate it when my leaders are well-educated and diverse.

[Tiffikat]

Well you will be happy to know that Obama is a Christian then. His religion is not the Muslim religion.

Fact Check
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_obama.html

[Miss Chris]

:lol I have a right to my opinion but its not an issue of studying it its an issue of it being his religion ( if it is) and how that will affect the way religion is in america. Will he make my kids study it LOL
If someone can tell me that he cant force that on people in america then it wont be an issue for me. Its scary.
Him being african american isnt an issue with me my kids are mixed race so I am really happy my kids can see him as an example but its the religion I cant get past:blush

Dont down me cause I have an opinion. You have no idea how and why I feel this way.

First of all he is Christian. Second of all, as you should know our constitution has language about the seperation of church and state. No leader of ours can force their religion on the people of America. Unless of of course it is the far right leadership forcing their religion into my womb and who I may or may not choose to marry

[snaggletooth75]

THANK YOU!!! Thats all I wanted.
This is a very scary issue for me and I feel like im being bullied by the Obama clan. I dont think Im gonna pay to renew my membership. I feel that as long as Obama people can say how they feel ON ANYTHING, when someone who doesnt see it gets made to feel like dogshit.
I have a right to feel this way as anyone else has the right to be afraid that Palin isnt expierenced enough.

Well you will be happy to know that Obama is a Christian then. His religion is not the Muslim religion.

Fact Check
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_obama.html

[Miss Chris]

No need to be rude. This what i mean. Your nothing but a bully and dont ALLOW people to think for themselves. I HAVE A FREAKIN RIGHT TO BE SCARED OKAY!
If people are going to be nasty and not allow me to have an opinion I WILL not renew my membership here. I feel like im being bullied.
I dont have to like Obama just to be considered in the COOL CROWD!
Try your underhanded way of speaking with someone else

I also have a right to be scared and I am just as scared about McCain as you seem to be of Obama. I am just really tired of arguments (on both sides mind you) that have absolutley no factual backing. I would encourage you to actually research Barack Obama as I have McCain so that you can come form a place of knowledge not fear.

[snaggletooth75]

I can FEEL how I want. Stop being a freaking bully. Thats how you made me feel BULLIED. I dont want it OR need it.
I can question anything I want without out being stoned by the masses

I also have a right to be scared and I am just as scared about McCain as you seem to be of Obama. I am just really tired of arguments (on both sides mind you) that have absolutley no factual backing. I would encourage you to actually research Barack Obama as I have McCain so that you can come form a place of knowledge not fear.

[mrsmegmcclure]

Really, can you point me to this hypothetical separation of church and state in our Constitution? I believe it states you cannot establish a state religion i.e. the President can't say okay everyone you have to be Baptists. Now back to the separation of church and state this statement was written in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html and is not written in our Constitution anywhere!
First of all he is Christian. Second of all, as you should know our constitution has language about the seperation of church and state. No leader of ours can force their religion on the people of America. Unless of of course it is the far right leadership forcing their religion into my womb and who I may or may not choose to marry

[snaggletooth75]

Thanks for the article tiff. Im reading it now

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

Here you go:

The English word Dutch is derived from the old Germanic word dietsch or diutch, which meant "of the nation" or "of the people". In modern German the word survived as Deutsch (German) and Deutschland (Germany). In modern Dutch the word isn't used anymore, but in English the word Dutch is still used for the language or people from the Netherlands.

The Dutch themselves speak of "Nederland". In English the country is usually referred to as 'the Netherlands."

Note that Holland and the Netherlands are not identical. Holland refers to a region of the Netherlands formed by two provinces: North Holland and South Holland. It is just a part (historically the most powerful part) of the Netherlands, much like England is just a part of the United Kingdom.

Thanks for explaining all of that Ruby- I was curious about the Germany- Duetschland thing~

[Tiffikat]

I really don't think that anyone is trying to bully you. Honestly I think emotions are just running very high for a lot of people. I hope that you will continue your membership here. Politics get people in a ruckus but like I said I really don't think anyone is trying to bully you everyone is just excited/scared/nevous/anxious, probably similarly to how you feel.

Also it sounds like overall you may have a more sensitive personality (I know I also do). I've found I have to stop most of the time before I reply to a post and consider whether or not someone is really trying to attack me or if I am reading too much into it (I'm good at that). Then I try to see what the best way to respond is for me. Sometimes I've found the best response is no response because I don't want to come off like I am attacking someone in return. Other times I just read and then edit my own responses a few times to make sure that what I am saying is at the least respectful in response, take the higher road you know?

I should say though that I am also an Obama supporter. Regardless though I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and opinions and we can just agree to disagree.

[FrenchRuby]

There is a difference between people disputing your point of view because they feel you are either misunderstanding the facts or do not know them, and people bullying you.

When it comes to politics, and in particular voting, it makes no sense at all to adopt any kind of position on any topic without researching it at least to some degree. I am sure you would be concerned about, for example, a Presidential candidate who appeared to know nothing about a topic on which they espoused strong views, just as I would be concerned if nobody called him/her on their display of ignorance. To me that's all people are showing concern about. If you don't know the background to the topic how can you hold a rational view on it?

In short, there is a difference between ignorance and stupidity, and nobody was calling you stupid, as far as I can see. Ignorance, fortunately, is easily remedied. If the voters don't know what they are voting for or about, what hope is there for any democracy?

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

Really, can you point me to this hypothetical separation of church and state in our Constitution? I believe it states you cannot establish a state religion i.e. the President can't say okay everyone you have to be Baptists. Now back to the separation of church and state this statement was written in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists http://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/9806/danpre.html and is not written in our Constitution anywhere!

Sure thing- here you go:

http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/summer97/secular.html

[snaggletooth75]

No its bullying. Simple as that. As long as Im against Obama on here I will be bullied.

[Tiffikat]

I'm sorry you feel that way.

[snaggletooth75]

Ill just look for another scrapping forum that doesnt make me feel that way.

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

:lol I have a right to my opinion but its not an issue of studying it its an issue of it being his religion ( if it is) and how that will affect the way religion is in america. Will he make my kids study it LOL
If someone can tell me that he cant force that on people in america then it wont be an issue for me. Its scary.
Him being african american isnt an issue with me my kids are mixed race so I am really happy my kids can see him as an example but its the religion I cant get past:blush

Dont down me cause I have an opinion. You have no idea how and why I feel this way.

You know, I can understand your fears. And that's another reason that NO religion should be used as part of the framework /basis for laws and practices in this country. It sets bad precedent.

[snaggletooth75]

I respect that you feel that way nor am i gonna try and bully you into thinking another way. You have every right to be afraid of whatever you want just AS I DO.
I would also hope that one would respect my feelings on the subject also.

I also have a right to be scared and I am just as scared about McCain as you seem to be of Obama. I am just really tired of arguments (on both sides mind you) that have absolutley no factual backing. I would encourage you to actually research Barack Obama as I have McCain so that you can come form a place of knowledge not fear.

[snaggletooth75]

I would be just as afraid if it was MCCAIN that studied it.
But the article Tiff sent helped relieve some of that fear so I thank her for that.

You know, I can understand your fears. And that's another reason that NO religion should be used as part of the framework /basis for laws and practices in this country. It sets bad precedent.

[Tiffikat]

Fact Check is a great site for checking out any propaganda or anything else that you wonder about either candidate. They are unbiased and though the site can be difficult to navigate I usually good "fact check" + whatever subject I am looking up an it should be on the first page.

[Microferk ~ Miki Ferkul]

I would be just as afraid if it was MCCAIN that studied it.
But the article Tiff sent helped relieve some of that fear so I thank her for that.

Right- I didn't think otherwise of you. I was just saying if we let one religion start inserting its beliefs/language/traditions into our government, what's to stop the next one that becomes stronger? I just think it's better to keep em all out :giggle

[Gina.Maria]

To be quite frank, Snaggletooth, there's a very simple solution. Ignore the political discussions if you feel singled out. Shannon very judiciously decided to put these discussions in their own section so that those offended or distracted by them could ignore them and carry on with scrapbooking. Personally, I think you read into it more than was intended and flew off the handle much too easily. Chris was being perfectly respectful - not at all a bully. We all have very strong opinions here and many of us are very well-read, especially about our candidate. The fact is, if you have questions about Barack Obama that remain unanswered, we're happy to help you find those answers. It's certainly preferable to the lies, half-truths and rumors being spread by McCain and his supporters.

[LindsaysMom]

Well, I am not a big fan of Obama, I actually cannot stand him BUT I think he speaks very well. I love how he speaks nearly accent free. If I close my eyes and listen to him, I cannot place him anywhere on the map, something I actually like. I don't take any offense by him pronouncing certain words differently than most, especially if he's the one using the correct pronunciation. I don’t think there is any sublime message to his way of pronouncing words.

[snaggletooth75]

BUT Shannon also wants everyone to feel like they are ABLE to voice their own opionions as freely as others WITHOUT being bullied.
I think Shannon would want everyone to feel like they can say what they feel WITHOUT feeling like they are being bullied.


To be quite frank, Snaggletooth, there's a very simple solution. Ignore the political discussions if you feel singled out. Shannon very judiciously decided to put these discussions in their own section so that those offended or distracted by them could ignore them and carry on with scrapbooking. Personally, I think you read into it more than was intended and flew off the handle much too easily. Chris was being perfectly respectful - not at all a bully. We all have very strong opinions here and many of us are very well-read, especially about our candidate. The fact is, if you have questions about Barack Obama that remain unanswered, we're happy to help you find those answers. It's certainly preferable to the lies, half-truths and rumors being spread by McCain and his supporters.

[Miss Chris]

To be quite frank, Snaggletooth, there's a very simple solution. Ignore the political discussions if you feel singled out. Shannon very judiciously decided to put these discussions in their own section so that those offended or distracted by them could ignore them and carry on with scrapbooking. Personally, I think you read into it more than was intended and flew off the handle much too easily. Chris was being perfectly respectful - not at all a bully. We all have very strong opinions here and many of us are very well-read, especially about our candidate. The fact is, if you have questions about Barack Obama that remain unanswered, we're happy to help you find those answers. It's certainly preferable to the lies, half-truths and rumors being spread by McCain and his supporters.

Thank you Gina, it was never my intention to bully anyone and in my heart I did not feel that I had, but I am also open to the thought that I am not expressing myself in the way that I think I am. Have a tendency to sarcasm in real life too! I appreciate that you saw it the way I intended it.

[tsaria]

Well, I don't have a huge stake here, so please think of me as an outsider if it makes you feel better, but...

Your posts in this thread have been the most inflammatory posts I have seen in the Politics section so far. Very angry posts, and the attempt to intimidate people by threatening to leave was a very nice touch.

[Gina.Maria]

BUT Shannon also wants everyone to feel like they are ABLE to voice their own opionions as freely as others WITHOUT being bullied.
I think Shannon would want everyone to feel like they can say what they feel WITHOUT feeling like they are being bullied.

And that flows both ways. By crying "Bully" you seem to be trying to shut down another's freedom of expression. Please, go back and re-read the posts in question. I think you'll find that you mistook a remark as offensive. We've all done our best to remain civil and, thus far, we've managed to keep our relationships intact despite the differences in our opinions. While we argue and bicker, we all respect that, at the core, we're all passionate about our country and want what's best for it.

[Scorpiosue1102]

Some info on Barack and him being Muslim.

1. Barack Obama's grandfather was a Muslim. His father was too, but then before Barck was born became an atheist/agnostic.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

2. Barack Obama did have to study the Muslim religion while in Indonesia, as a child, because Indonesia has the largest Muslim population. Good info below.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/id.html
and his book Audacity of Hope


3. At age 10 Barack Obama went to live with his mother's parents in Hawaii. His mother did not return to Hawaii until after he graduated from high school.

4. Those grandparents were from Methodist and Baptist origins. Yet, no one mentions those facts at all.

5. He was married at Trinity United Church of Christ and worshipped there.


Part of the problem is that many Americans are fearful of Muslims because of the terror attacks on 9/11. The problem is that they were Radical Muslims and they interpret the Koran very different than most Muslims. I worked with a couple of people that practiced the Muslim faith. Honestly, I was curious about it (this was pre-9/11) and didn't know much about it. I learned that it is a peaceful religion just as most religions are. Yes, there are radical Muslims, but there are radical Christians too.

[snaggletooth75]

Trust me there are times when Mccain has spoke that i wanted to smack him on the head and say WTF are you thinking so im not one of those supporters who thinks hes perfect cause he isnt. Noone is.

To be quite frank, Snaggletooth, there's a very simple solution. Ignore the political discussions if you feel singled out. Shannon very judiciously decided to put these discussions in their own section so that those offended or distracted by them could ignore them and carry on with scrapbooking. Personally, I think you read into it more than was intended and flew off the handle much too easily. Chris was being perfectly respectful - not at all a bully. We all have very strong opinions here and many of us are very well-read, especially about our candidate. The fact is, if you have questions about Barack Obama that remain unanswered, we're happy to help you find those answers. It's certainly preferable to the lies, half-truths and rumors being spread by McCain and his supporters.

[caridura]

I think his pronunciation is actually the correct way to say it. It's the same way Gen. David Petraeus says Iran and Pakistan.

[FrenchRuby]

No its bullying. Simple as that. As long as Im against Obama on here I will be bullied.

Or to put it another way, as long as people disagree with you they are bullies.

Hmm. OK.

[4noisyboys]

No its bullying. Simple as that. As long as Im against Obama on here I will be bullied.

I really didn't want this thread revisted, because of this type of post, but I have to come and say something.

First off all, no one can be bullied unless they allow themselves to be bullied. I refuse to be a victim, so therefore I can not be bullied. I don't feel that it is one party trying to gang up on another here. There are very passionate people from both sides here, and what anyone wants to believe is completely up to them.

For example: My youngest son is only 17, but is a huge Obama supporter. Is he just spewing forth what he hears at home? Most likely, but he also researches a lot of it for himself and is very interested in government. He attends a Christian school though, is in a government class this year and is also taking World Religions. Do you think they are biased at this school and most of the students come from Republican homes? You betcha!! He has to hear it every day from his teachers and the students. (except for his gov't teacher...she is fabulous and we have no idea who she supports...although she is a strong constitutionalist). Does he come home crying foul? NO! He has his Obama/Biden sticker on his trumpet case, he has all of his buttons on his backpack showing his support (his favorite being "Christian Americans for Obama"), and he is willing to talk about and debate his position with anyone who will listen. He stands up for what he believes in, whether it is his political beliefs or his religious beliefs.

I firmly believe that Obama is a Christian, but I would not care if he were an atheist, as McCain himself might be (I'm not saying he is). I haven't heard one word out of his mouth that would tell me otherwise, except his story about the guard drawing the cross into the dirt with his foot...one Christian to another. We study other religions in my home...not practice them, or even consider changing our religion, but to strengthen what we believe, and also to help us to talk to others and to help us be more understanding to compassionate to others. My boss will say I'm the most inquisitive person she has ever met...not nosey....I just want to know things, so I will ask everyone questions about their faith. Not to have an argument, nor to try to sway them to my faith, but to better understand them. That is what I want here. To understand what makes people tick...why are you voting for this person and I'm not? What truth do you know that I haven't heard yet? What makes you feel so passionate about what you believe?

I hope that you can come to these threads and share your beliefs. Remember though, we are all passionate or we wouldn't be here!, This truly is a great country we live in that we are able to have freedom of speech.

[DirtyFeetDesigns (heb1976)]

No need to be rude. This what i mean. Your nothing but a bully and dont ALLOW people to think for themselves. I HAVE A FREAKIN RIGHT TO BE SCARED OKAY!
If people are going to be nasty and not allow me to have an opinion I WILL not renew my membership here. I feel like im being bullied.
I dont have to like Obama just to be considered in the COOL CROWD!
Try your underhanded way of speaking with someone else

WOW! I have to say that this is not the way things have been going. I have posted some pretty big things against Obama and no one has attacked me. They have defended him. It is one thing to feel strongly about something and it is one to be rude. I do think the post you quoted was a little snarky yes, but I do not think she was personally attacking you at all. And I am not an Obama or McCain supporter. I am voting for myself! :)

Look I am not a big poster here ... nor am I anywhere. I am always afraid that what I say will made me look dumb. My bad no one else's. And, goofy me decides to speak up and start chatting with the discussion being politics no less. LOL I am very happy with the way everyone has been handling themselves. We are joking along with giving an opinion.

No one can expect the other to agree. We just have to agree to disagree. Anyways ... that's just my 2 cents!