Jesus missing from Obama speech

[bytor2112]

Amidst all of the American flags and presidential seals, there was something missing when President Barack Obama gave an economic speech at Georgetown University this week -- Jesus......read more here..

[prospectmom]

My point of view is that was so disrespectful of the President to do that.... Him being at a Cathlioc College you would expect to see symbolysm everywhere....

[Elphaba]

Amidst all of the American flags and presidential seals, there was something missing when President Barack Obama gave an economic speech at Georgetown University this week -- Jesus......read more here..

If they hadn't covered the prominent symbol, Obama would be criticized for giving preference to Catholics.

Here is what amazes me: they have to know this is going to hit the press, and that it is going to make a fuss, and even anger people, even though it was meant well. In fact, most people will just read the headline you've posted, and assume Obama is anti-Jesus.

What's the solution? In this case, if it was possible, you find a different place for the speech. However, that may not have been possible.

The other solution? Read the bloody story so you know what really happened!

Elphaba

[prospectmom]

Elph I did read the entire story... I just think when you are somewhere... you respect where your at not change it for a better political spin... now the reporters are putting their own negative spin on it so it didn't really help trying to avoid issues.... Not dising the Prez just sometimes think they overthink and get it twice as bad...

[bytor2112]

If they hadn't covered the prominent symbol, Obama would be criticized for giving preference to Catholics.

Here is what amazes me: they have to know this is going to hit the press, and that it is going to make a fuss, and even anger people, even though it was meant well. In fact, most people will just read the headline you've posted, and assume Obama is anti-Jesus.

What's the solution? In this case, if it was possible, you find a different place for the speech. However, that may not have been possible.

The other solution? Read the bloody story so you know what really happened!

Elphaba

Hey Elph.......what flavor is that kool-aid:D Must be mighty tasty!!

[Just_A_Guy]

I'd have an easier time getting worked up about this if I could see how you get "Jesus" from "IHS".

But, heck. If they'd left it in, us right-wing loonies would be accusing the White House of subliminally reinforcing the Obama-as-Messiah meme. So . . . whatever.

[LittleWyvern]

I think somebody was reading the first amendment a bit to hyperactively. I doubt there's any malice in this, though.

[DigitalShadow]

When trying to bring people of diverse religious backgrounds together, speaking in front of strong religious symbolism is not a good idea and this was probably the best move for him. Anyone offended by this more than likely already has a strong dislike for Obama and is just looking for things to point and gasp in shock at anyway.

[DigitalShadow]

I'd have an easier time getting worked up about this if I could see how you get "Jesus" from "IHS".

From what I saw in other sites covering the news: IHS is the transliterated first three letters of Jesus' name — IHΣOYΣ.

[Soul_Searcher]

Enough Obama-hatred already! Just be grateful he is even talking at a religious institution. Our ex-PM Tony Blair was once asked by a chat show host if he BELIEVED in God. He said he did. The chat show host then asked him if he prayed to ask what decisions to make. He REFUSED to answer. The reason being...He was ridiculed for weeks in the papers for believing in God ATALL. Our leaders cannot be religious. At least Obama has more freedom in that sense. Give him a break. Whatever he does, SOMEONE will complain!!!

[FunkyTown]

Enough Obama-hatred already! Just be grateful he is even talking at a religious institution. Our ex-PM Tony Blair was once asked by a chat show host if he BELIEVED in God. He said he did. The chat show host then asked him if he prayed to ask what decisions to make. He REFUSED to answer. The reason being...He was ridiculed for weeks in the papers for believing in God ATALL. Our leaders cannot be religious. At least Obama has more freedom in that sense. Give him a break. Whatever he does, SOMEONE will complain!!!

I swear, Soul, that every time I see these silly anti-Obama postings, I start humming this song:

I'm starting to think every Republican in the US is like these two. I wish people would just stick to the issues at hand: "I don't like that Obama is spending too much. This is why." is fine. "Obama once said something that could be translated by someone who hates him in to something bad." is not.

EDIT: Dunlap and co. are actually pretty awesome. They're moderate Republicans who play up the stereotypes and then actually give better, more independent editorials than you see on most Right wing stations. I highly recommend Red State Update for all your Republican needs.

[Elphaba]

Hey Elph.......what flavor is that kool-aid:D Must be mighty tasty!!

It's called "Flirtini."

And yes, it is quite tasty, especially when you toss away the kool-aid, then combine pineapple, vodka and champagne.

It also helps me step back, take a look at ring-wing whackos, and smile.

I have heard Kool-aid is coming out with a real "Flirtini" flavor. Then we can all imbibe, sans the vodka and champagne of course.

Elph

Edited April 17, 2009 by Elphaba

[Elphaba]

Elph I did read the entire story... I just think when you are somewhere... you respect where your at not change it for a better political spin... now the reporters are putting their own negative spin on it so it didn't really help trying to avoid issues.... Not dising the Prez just sometimes think they overthink and get it twice as bad...

I agree. I still think it was stupid to do it, because of course the press is going to pick up on it.

What I meant by read the story is basically get the facts. Don't read the headline and just assume Obama is anti-Jesus.

Elph

[Elphaba]

I swear, Soul, that every time I see these silly anti-Obama postings, I start humming this song:

That was hilarious.

Elph

[FunkyTown]

That was hilarious.

Elph

Dunlap and Jackie Broulx are my favourite right wing media pundits. Unlike Colbert, who's a Centrist, Dunlap and Jackie are honest dyed-in-the-wool conservatives who still understand why people oppose them. They also have a gentle humor about the whole thing that only pretends to be bombastic. Highly recommended if you want to understand the ultra-right wing without all the baggage that goes with it, simply because these two recognize that a lot of crazies are ultra-right wing, just like a lot of crazies are ultra-left wing and a bunch of centrists are utterly apathetic while politics destroys their nation.

In terms of serious politics on the ultra-conservative side, I'm a fan of Wilford Brimley as well. He has a way of explaining things that I like.

[Hemidakota]

Elph I did read the entire story... I just think when you are somewhere... you respect where your at not change it for a better political spin... now the reporters are putting their own negative spin on it so it didn't really help trying to avoid issues.... Not dising the Prez just sometimes think they overthink and get it twice as bad...

You are right...as I am standing in another person chapel, I do not ask that the cross be removed since I don't worship a DEAD CHRIST.

"The gold "IHS" monogram inscribed on a pediment in the hall was covered over by a piece of black-painted plywood, and remained covered over the next day, CNSNews.com reported.

The Washington Times' Belief Blog asked the university about the presidential request:

Julie Bataille from the university's press office e-mailed me that the White House had asked that all university signage and symbols behind the stage in Gaston Hall be covered."

Proof is in the e-mail request...

[Maxel]

In my mind, the only question is: is this regular policy, as is stated in the article?

"The White House wanted a simple backdrop of flags and pipe and drape for the speech, consistent with what they've done for other policy speeches,"

If it's policy that every university the President speaks at covers up all symbols on the stage's backdrop, then there's nothing wrong with this.

If this is only happening at religious universities, and other universities are allowed to have symbols displayed on the backdrop while the President speaks, then this is hypocritical and a bad sign.

It appears, however, that this is regular policy and some are blowing it out of proportion.

[Hemidakota]

Remembering former past presidents speeches held at major university, I didn't see it was a prevalent program over religious symbols being displayed in the background.

[Elphaba]

You are right...as I am standing in another person chapel, I do not ask that the cross be removed since I don't worship a DEAD CHRIST.

What is your point?

You just admitted you don't need them to remove their cross since it represents something you strongly don't believe in. That's not a lack of respect, which you accuse Obama of.

That's antipathy.

Elphaba

[Hemidakota]

In my observation, it is a disrespect to those reside there by covering it over. No difference for me to remove my image of Jesus the Christ from my wall with your advance noticed to me, if you were invited over to my house. Covering over any image just doesn't cut it Eph.

You need to stop defending this man poor accuses of actions. It reminds me of those who still to this day, try to defend past presidents mistakes.

[Elphaba]

In my observation, it is a disrespect to those reside there by covering it over. No difference for me to remove my image of Jesus the Christ from my wall with your advance noticed to me, if you were invited over to my house. Covering over any image just doesn't cut it Eph.

I never said it did.

I said your excuse as to why it wouldn't bother you was antipathy, not respect.

Antipathy 1. Strongly negative feeling, strong hostility or opposition toward something or somebody 2. object of loathing, somebody or something that causes anger, hostility, strong opposition or disgust.

I came to this conclusion after reading your words, emphasized in caps: "DEAD CHRIST."

Let's use your scenario. You invite me over and I see your picture of Jesus the Christ. I point to it, and say "Do you believe in this guy? Don't you know he's a fairy tale? I would never believe in the mythical JESUS CHRIST."

Would you feel your beliefs were respected if I did that. I would hope not; in fact, I would hope you would be outraged.

In other words, Hemi, your emphasis on "DEAD CHRIST" belies your disrespect of THEIR religious symbol, the cross, whether you would ask them to cover it or not.

Thus, you are in no position to judge anyone else's respect, or disrespect, of people's religious symbols.

You need to stop defending this man poor accuses of actions. It reminds me of those who still to this day, try to defend past presidents mistakes.

Have you ever parked an axe in a tree trunk? Have you ever heard the "thunk" sound it makes?

That's what I'm hearing right now.

Elphaba

Edited April 17, 2009 by Elphaba

[HEthePrimate]

Jesus is also missing from the United States Constitution...

Obama is the President of the U.S., not the President of the Church--I don't expect him to preach about Jesus.

HEP

[bytor2112]

Jesus is also missing from the United States Constitution...

Obama is the President of the U.S., not the President of the Church--I don't expect him to preach about Jesus.

HEP

So true....of course that has absolutely nothing to do with the article, but thanks for pointing out the obvious.

[Hemidakota]

I never said it did.

I said your excuse as to why it wouldn't bother you was antipathy, not respect.

Antipathy 1. Strongly negative feeling, strong hostility or opposition toward something or somebody 2. object of loathing, somebody or something that causes anger, hostility, strong opposition or disgust.

I came to this conclusion after reading your words, emphasized in caps: "DEAD CHRIST."

Let's use your scenario. You invite me over and I see your picture of Jesus the Christ. I point to it, and say "Do you believe in this guy? Don't you know he's a fairy tale? I would never believe in the mythical JESUS CHRIST."

Would you feel your beliefs were respected if I did that. I would hope not; in fact, I would hope you would be outraged.

In other words, Hemi, your emphasis on "DEAD CHRIST" belies your disrespect of THEIR religious symbol, the cross, whether you would ask them to cover it or not.

Thus, you are in no position to judge anyone else's respect, or disrespect, of people's religious symbols.

Have you ever parked an axe in a tree trunk? Have you ever heard the "thunk" sound it makes?

That's what I'm hearing right now.

Elphaba

You noticed, I did not reply to this nonsense posting...

[LittleWyvern]

You noticed, I did not reply to this nonsense posting...

Mmmm.... recursion.