So what's the deal with American conservatives lately?

[T. Slob]

A week or so ago a middle aged unemployed guy opens fire in a church. In a note left at the scene, he claims to have done so because of his hatred of "the liberal movement".

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=6291206

Then this morning I see on CNN that this guy in Miami gets arrested for threatening to assassinate Barack Obama.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/alleged-barack.html

(although for the sake of fairness he also threatened to assassinate president Bush, which I guess makes sense considering for months now "real" conservatives have been assuring us that president Bush is not a "real" conservative at all because he's not significantly decreased the size of the federal government and he's been a pretty bad president and no "real" conservative could ever be a bad president...)

So anyway, because so many posters here are ultra-conservative militant right wingers, I've got to ask: is Barack Obama's popularity and acclaim turning you all into homicidal maniacs? Next time I give to the Democratic Party should I also invest in a flack jacket? Is reading this very post causing your urge to kill to inch higher and higher?

Just askin'

[Pelican Six]

So anyway, because so many posters here are ultra-conservative militant right wingers, I've got to ask: is Barack Obama's popularity and acclaim turning you all into homicidal maniacs?


Well, T. Slob, that's a very interesting question with several possible answers, since I can't claim to speak for all ultra-conservative militant right-wingers.

But I'll try.

- Maybe it's not his "popularity and acclaim". Maybe it's our racism. Because I would hesitate to call a statistical tie with a RINO that nobody is excited about voting for "popularity" or "acclaim."

- Maybe we were all homicidal maniacs to begin with. After all, the Light Bringer recently said:


You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. So it’s not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.


So, according to your Messiah, we are already racist, xenophobic, mouth-breathing, Jebus-loving godbags who are heavily armed. Maybe he is the catalyst that is turning us all into homicidal maniacs.


Is reading this very post causing your urge to kill to inch higher and higher?


You overestimate your polemic abilities. Besides this post, which I'm sure will feed your ego, you only elicited a yawn and an eye roll. Sorry.

So don't think this has anything to do with you or Obama, because he had it coming anyway.

http://www.funnypictures.net.au/userimages/user1680_1168841043.jpg

[peychaud]

The heart of rabid conservatism is penis envy. Without exception, the self-proclaimed Reaganites were the biggest dweebs I knew in high school and college, the kind of guys who wear bow ties to football games and a coat-and-tie to TGIFs on the quad. The fact that Obama is light years more popular and charismatic than McCain--or for that matter any Republican on the contemporary political horizon--is apparently awakening some deep-seated, long-sublimated neuroses in some conservatives, like the time the hot chick laughed in his face when he tried to pick her up by saying she reminded him of "a young Phyllis Schlafly."

[T. Slob]

The heart of rabid conservatism is penis envy. Without exception, the self-proclaimed Reaganites were the biggest dweebs I knew in high school and college, the kind of guys who wear bow ties to football games and a coat-and-tie to TGIFs on the quad. The fact that Obama is light years more popular and charismatic than McCain--or for that matter any Republican on the contemporary political horizon--is apparently awakening some deep-seated, long-sublimated neuroses in some conservatives, like the time the hot chick laughed in his face when he tried to pick her up by saying she reminded him of "a young Phyllis Schlafly."

true or not, I laughed out loud about three times at this post.

[Suzy Wong]

Obama is light years more popular and charismatic than McCain--or for that matter any Republican on the contemporary political horizon--."

Hitler, Jim Jones, and Idi Amin were also "popular" and "charismatic" to many....

[Pelican Six]

Without exception, the self-proclaimed Reaganites were the biggest dweebs I knew in high school and college, the kind of guys who wear bow ties to football games and a coat-and-tie to TGIFs on the quad.


Were these the guys you were high-fiving, peychaud?

http://howard53545.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/churchill.jpg
http://rvforsaleguide.com/images/los-angeles-farmers-market-picture.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2046355395_7f11416b7d.jpg?v=0
http://uglydemocrats.com/democrats/United-States/Michael-Moore/michael-moore-2.jpg

You guys are the COOLEST!!!

[peychaud]

Hitler, Jim Jones, and Idi Amin were also "popular" and "charismatic" to many....

Now, now, Suzy, I don't think it's fair to suggest that all conservatives are homicidal cult leaders. I mean sure Hitler and Amin were xenophobic right wing nationalist dictators and Jones was a murderous, sexually depraved fascist cult leader, but look at the alternatives. One shudders at the thought of the atrocities of France in the 1980s...

[bam bam]

One of the most brilliant moves the left ever made was to paint Hitler as a right winger. Unfortunately that is utterly false. First, his great ally Mussolini was an icon of the American Left into the the late 1930s. Second, Hitler was a member of the National Socialist Party which primarily advocated for government control over most facets of German life. Third, Hitler was a byproduct of the cult of personailty which is quite similar to the fan fare over a certain Democratic Presidential candidate.

Regardless, I reject the idea that conservatives are dweebs. Most of the right wingers I know, enjoy life and have many varied interests. Liberals are the ones who are hyper critical of everything they don't like, which is pretty much everything but saving the earth and smoking pot.

[ToddMa]

It's all funny when misfit liberals try to judge who's cool.

Obama will have two years the screw up the country. He will render Democrats unelectable. In 2010, "true" conservative Republicans will regain control of the House and Senate and in 2012 Bobby Jindal will walk into the Whitehouse with an overwhelming majority in the House and Senate. Finally, the country will move in the right direction.

[T. Slob]

cult of personailty which is quite similar to the fan fare over a certain Democratic Presidential candidate.



A pretty hilarious criticism coming from someone who unironically calls Ronald Reagan Ronaldus Magnus.

Thanks for everyone who responded to this thread, btw. The general vibe I'm getting is that I probably won't get my car blown up if I put an obama sticker next to my Bush/Brees '08 sticker but I probably will hear a lot of whining frustrated foot-stomping.

[peychaud]

Liberals are the ones who are hyper critical of everything they don't like, which is pretty much everything but saving the earth and smoking pot.

And one of the most brilliant moves the right ever made was to paint liberals hyper critical of everything. Probably three quarters of all "blogs" are run by angry white men whose sole purpose is to rant, rave and whine about all things liberal. Just look at the posts on this humble board and tell me which group is doing more complaining. Even without Amarone's daily jeremiads, there's a lot more bile coming from the right these days than the left. Which I take to be a very encouraging sign.

[Suzy Wong]

You misunderstood me,

My point was, the people I mentioned were ALSO charismatic and were respected by their followers who were worked into a frenzy of hero worship and who chose to be blinded by their charm and seemingly unaware of the dark side that controlled and eventually destroyed them. I'm not saying McCain has the most enchanting and engaging personality.

AND at first ALL of the ones I mentioned were seen as great, fresh, and new leadership to their sheeple. The "chosen one"

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is......

Now, now, Suzy, I don't think it's fair to suggest that all conservatives are homicidal cult leaders. I mean sure Hitler and Amin were xenophobic right wing nationalist dictators and Jones was a murderous, sexually depraved fascist cult leader, but look at the alternatives. One shudders at the thought of the atrocities of France in the 1980s...

[Pelican Six]

Originally Posted by bam bam http://www.nolaeats.com/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.nolaeats.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4649#post4649)
cult of personailty which is quite similar to the fan fare over a certain Democratic Presidential candidate.

A pretty hilarious criticism coming from someone who unironically calls Ronald Reagan Ronaldus Magnus.


Yeah, Slob, no cult of personality here (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2008/08/07/one-nation-under-a-new-obama-salute.html):

[Pelican Six]

But I think this is what you really mean (http://ace.mu.nu/archives/270277.php):

[T. Slob]

Oh man, you say "Jebus," then you post that tired photoshop of the kitten with the gun pointed at it, and now a goatse.cx reference. It's like somebody set the internet meme wayback machine to 1996.

But beyond the pre-millenial internet jokes, you haven't done much of anything to distinguish the "personality cult" surrounding Barack Obama from the one surrounding "Ronaldus Magnus," of which your avatar clearly identifies you as a member.

I do appreciate the contribution to my thread though, great try!

[Pelican Six]

But beyond the pre-millenial internet jokes, you haven't done much of anything to distinguish the "personality cult" surrounding Barack Obama from the one surrounding "Ronaldus Magnus," of which your avatar clearly identifies you as a member.

Thanks for conceding my point!

Have a special day!!! :)

[T. Slob]

Thanks for conceding my point!

Have a special day!!! :)
And thanks for completely missing mine!

Let me put it for you in simple terms that perhaps you will understand:
If you consider the supporters of Barack Obama members of a personality cult then you must also consider the rabid Ronald Reagan fan club members of a personality cult as well. You'll similarly have to indict every soccer mom with a "W" bumper sticker on her Suburban as members of the Bush personality cult, because none of the above individuals are doing anything more than what Obama's supporters are doing.

Or, to put my argument into the 90s internet jargon you so adore: I just PWNED you, N00b.

[bam bam]

I wasn't even going to dignify your post with a response but since you seem to think you have some groundbreaking insight with your comparison between Reagan and Obama, I'll address it briefly.

Ronald Reagan is a historical and transformational figure of some import. He is one of the three most important people of the 20th century (ending communism and liberating 1/2 of Europe and all) and one of the four or five best Presidents in the history of this country. Barak Obama has the substance of a Pepsi commercial. His ego is larger than his resume and what is turning a majority of thinking people off in this country is the reverential tone the media has taken with him.

Thus, my devotion to Reagan goes beyond some cult of personality or even some dubious political allegiance. I have the same fondness for him that I have for George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford and Albert Einstein. The bizarre infatuation with Obama by the media and the left compares favorably to a hysterical teen girl at a Hannah Montana concert.

[Schuarta]

A little respect please. Use the man's full name when speaking of him.

Barack Hussein Obama II

Be proud of it, he is!

[T. Slob]

I hate to break it to you, but your adoration for Reagan is no different than the adoration any personality cultist has for their "dear leader" of choice. Of course you believe Reagan is one of the three most important people of the 20th century, you're hopelessly devoted to him because he clearly represents something to you, just as Obama represents something to those who support him.

The fact that you call him Ronaldus Magnus and post messageboard topics about Dear Leader's brilliant sense of humor as evidenced by fart jokes he may or may not have actually made with Queen Elizabeth goes far beyond the typical respect one might have for a successful civic leader.

While I suppose you could make an argument that your being a card-carrying member of the cult of Ronnie is somehow justified by some of his impressive actions, I simply can't see any way that your constant swooning over an ex-president is anything different than the leader worship we've seen in Russia, Turkey, or China.

[T. Slob]

A little respect please. Use the man's full name when speaking of him.

Barack Hussein Obama II

Be proud of it, he is!

Whoa Whoa Whoa... YOU MEAN TO SAY HIS MIDDLE NAME IS HUSSEIN?! :eek:

[bam bam]

I hate to break it to you, but your adoration for Reagan is no different than the adoration any personality cultist has for their "dear leader" of choice. Of course you believe Reagan is one of the three most important people of the 20th century, you're hopelessly devoted to him because he clearly represents something to you, just as Obama represents something to those who support him.

The fact that you call him Ronaldus Magnus and post messageboard topics about Dear Leader's brilliant sense of humor as evidenced by fart jokes he may or may not have actually made with Queen Elizabeth goes far beyond the typical respect one might have for a successful civic leader.

While I suppose you could make an argument that your being a card-carrying member of the cult of Ronnie is somehow justified by some of his impressive actions, I simply can't see any way that your constant swooning over an ex-president is anything different than the leader worship we've seen in Russia, Turkey, or China.


It is abundantly clear that your time in academia as well as your support of Obama has warped your mind. Calling Ronald Reagan a "successful civic leader" is like calling a Michael Jordan a good basketball player. T

As you suggest, I can list numerous substantive accomplishments of Ronald Reagan that warrant my admiration. Regardless of your conclusory statement to the contrarym that is not the cult of personality.

Can a die hard Obama supporter list one thing of substance that warrants admiration? When asked to explain their vexing support for this man, it usually is some empty platitude such as "he brings people together" or some sh-t.

That is the essence of irrational devotion.

[Pelican Six]

Actually, this is the essence of irrational devotion:

Originally Posted by Blue Cross Sux http://www.nolaeats.com/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.nolaeats.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4556#post4556)
Independent for Obama.

I resolved early on to vote Democratic this election. After taking a hard look at the candidates, I went with Biden. After he fell out and it was between Hillary and Obama, I supported Hillary. Now that it's Obama v. McCain, I'm going with Obama.

The reason it took me so long to line up behind Obama has to do with the same reservations other people have about the man. His lack of experience, his thin resume, the fact that this guy is essentially an unknown commodity with no track record. Not exactly the ideal candidate to entrust with the most powerful job on the planet. And McCain's a guy I've kind of liked over the years.

Still, having said all that. . . Independent for Obama.


The rational mind tried to assert itself, and he was able to successfully drown out its cries for attention by chanting "Yes, We Can."

bam bam has it exactly right:

The bizarre infatuation with Obama by the media and the left compares favorably to a hysterical teen girl at a Hannah Montana concert.

You're not Obama supporters, because there's nothing of substance to support. You're fanboys.

[peychaud]

Ronald Reagan is a historical and transformational figure of some import. He is one of the three most important people of the 20th century (ending communism and liberating 1/2 of Europe and all) and one of the four or five best Presidents in the history of this country.


1. The end of communism had more to do with Gorbachev than Reagan.

2. Reagan's economic policy was largely a failure. Increased economic activity never made up for the loss in tax revenues. If you don't believe this, check out a graph of the national debt while Reagan was in office. Reagan essentially robbed Peter to pay Paul. The huge increase in national debt led to the recession that Bush the Elder inherited and which he had to address by raising taxes. Also, the gap between the rich and poor grew to unprecedented levels under Reagan. Supply side economics is great if you're rich, but not so great if you're working class.

[Hedgehog]

Bought a house during his admin. 15% interest ! :eek:

We suffered through both his terms.

He was an Actor and could deliver a speech. He increased Defense spending by 35 percent, military men love him.

I have never understood why the average paycheck family supported him.

We barely came out alive financially from his admin. :(

[Oyster]

Bought a house during his admin. 15% interest ! :eek:
:(

Only because he reduced it from that hayseed J.C.'s 21.99875% the year before.

Thank God that you signed the papers after that A-hole was out of office!

Tell me...did you like Billy Beer, or did you find it a bit too..hoppy?

[Pelican Six]

He increased Defense spending by 35 percent, military men love him.


What about military women? And, notwithstanding peychaud's attempt at historical revisionism, Reagan's defense spending led to the Soviet Union's collapse. Of course, if that's a bad thing to you, then never mind.


We barely came out alive financially from his admin. :(


I hope you figured out what you were doing wrong to "barely come out alive" from one of the longest sustained periods of economic growth in our nation's history. If you can lay your financial woes at the problems of ANY president, then you've identified your main problem - lack of personal accountability for your fortunes.

Some people see the future as something that's going to happen TO them.

Others see the future in terms of what they're going to DO.

Or to put it in terms that the pro-crime majority can understand, some people work for their living, and others vote for their living.

[Hedgehog]

"If you can lay your financial woes at the problems of ANY president, then you've identified your main problem - lack of personal accountability for your fortunes."

Now that is a funny line :D

[ToddMa]

"If you can lay your financial woes at the problems of ANY president, then you've identified your main problem - lack of personal accountability for your fortunes."

Now that is a funny line :D

It wouldn't be funny if it wasn't true!:laughup:

I've thrived under Democrat as well as Republican administrations. I started at the bottom under H.W., clawed my way up and started my own business under Clinton. Went broke during W's administration (not his fault) and rebounded to levels I never thought possible.

Everything that happened along the way had everything to do with me and nothing to do with the president.

What a Country!