January 23, 2012 · 11:46 pm

LETTERS FROM HOME: POLITICAL E-MAILS

LETTERS FROM HOME: Political E-Mails

Louise Annarino,

January 23, 2012

Political e-mails, I call them “letters from home”, from friends and family tend to fall into one of several categories:

  1. Ad hominem attacks on President Obama using “facts” proven untrue: e.g. refuses to show his birth certificate, apologist for America as evildoer, spending country into ruin, raised taxes etc.
  2. References to an un-cited article published by well-known news source as basis for  “facts” proven untrue.
  3. Religious pieces with art depicting Christ on the cross, candles with moving flames across the flag and cross; citing scripture etc. before attacking Obama for stopping Americans from praying, reading scripture or forcing them to pay for abortions.
  4. Letters from unknown  or anonymous (they would be destroyed if they disclosed their identity)persons, veterans, military personnel, or secret agents describing some horrendous anti-American act/ statement by President Obama which Politifact and other neutral fact checkers indicate are lies.
  5. Racist rants.

The one thing each of these has in common is that they intertwine reality with lies, their source cannot be found, there is no factual basis for the allegations contained within, they claim liberal-elitist media is keeping the story under wraps…AND…we are warned that if we do not forward this information something terrible will happen.

I used to go line-by-line refuting each allegation with facts which were properly cited to original source material, and hit “reply all” asking each person to forward my response to others whom they had sent the e-mail. I received 3 types of response:

  1. a personal attack on my character, intelligence and morality ( I am being prayed for all over America!);
  2. personal threats to maim or kill me;
  3. warnings to never send such Obama garbage to them again (of course they persist in continuing to send me attack Obama e-mails);
  4. no response at all.

Now, I just hit “delete”. Because such emails are not a true effort to communicate. The people who send them are not inherently stupid, nor deranged. They are not un-educated, nor unread. They are not mean, nor uncaring. They simply hate having an African-American president more they than hate sounding stupid. Yes, they also hate having a Democratic president. But what frightens them most is that the era of  heterosexual,white male dominance is over. They sense the game can’t be rigged in their favor much longer. African-Americans, Latinos, East Asians, West Africans and other new immigrant groups are gaining demographic majority far faster than anticipated. Women and the LGBT community are gaining professional and economic clout at an increasing pace. President and Michelle Obama are a daily “in-your-face” reminder that the power of privileged white men is on shaky ground. They need to dominate our political bodies: legislative, executive and judicial to maintain their presumed superiority. President Obama’s success are an affront to their control. They do not fear he is failing the country; they fear his success. What else can they do but lie … to themselves, to one another, and to us – their family and friends? And, when we do not buy the lie, they attack us personally.  I cannot lie to myself or to them, merely to hold the sense of family and friendship. I welcome the wonders a diverse leadership of this country can bring. As a woman, I resent their insistence I must accept their white, male dominance as a sacred reality. I am saddened by this loss of communion. I had enjoyed communicating with them. I no longer do. Is this how the Civil War became possible?

Even right-wing, Tea Party, Christian fundamentalist Michele Bachman is an unacceptable threat to the male dominance espoused by  today’s political conservatives: “Rival presidential candidate Rick Santorum’s Iowa coalitions director, Jamie Johnson, sent out an email saying that children’s lives would be harmed if the nation had a female president. He wrote it in June, but it surfaced on the campaign trail in the fall.

“The question then comes, ‘Is it God’s highest desire, that is, his biblically expressed will, … to have a woman rule the institutions of the family, the church, and the state?’ ” Johnson’s email said.”

– DesMoines Register ,January 12, 2012 , Jennifer Jacobs;

Candidate Santorum offered no response; and Johnson, in an NBC interview stated his position is rooted in “classical Christian doctrine.”

That explains why so many people are praying for me! Please comment explaining how you handle such e-mails.

Leave a comment

Filed under POLITICS

Tagged as , , , ,

January 22, 2012 · 3:34 pm

ENTHUSIASM GAP

Enthusiasm Gap

Louise Annarino

January 22, 2012

A pragmatist seeking to change direction finds a way, despite the obstacles put in his path.Rep. Boehner refusing to bring a vote to the floor, continual Republican filibusters in the House and Senate, Reps. Mitchell, Cantor et. al. affirming they will do everything possible to create a failed presidency, PACS distorting and lying about President Obama’s successes. The brick walls are numerous, tall and wide.

Republicans should do this.This is what the Republican Party must do to win elections. Their policies message do nothing to produce jobs, decrease the deficit over the long term, curb excesses and corruption among the moneyed class which controls banking, investment, insurance and health industries (these used to be considered services, not industries), or create a more secure world. Thus, they must attack Democratic incumbents. This is the game of politics. If you have no message, use ad hominem attacks and distort the opponent’s message. Of course they should do this. And Obama supporters should understand this; but, too many of us seem to fall for it.

We human beings are ego-driven. If someone does not pull the car in the driveway the right way, or adds sugar to their sauce, or snorts when they laugh instead of chuckling, we roll our eyes! At any gathering one will find secret glances stolen when someone in the group doesn’t measure up to scrutiny. Sometimes it is better to withhold judgement and simply support one another; not in blind acceptance, but in shared consideration of the difficulties of life, and our common humanity. Sometimes, subliminal racial bias distorts our sense of common humanity.

President Obama told us over and over “We are the change”; we, not just him. A lesser man would have crumbled under the racist onslaught he, Michelle and their children face ever day. I heard recently that Michelle gets more death threats than the president. Do those who feel less enthusiastic about this president have any idea what such attacks do to a person? Could you handle it so well as the Obama family handles it? Recall the racist images on signs at Tea Party rallies. Listen to the Republican debates as presidential contenders talk code, and define American values as those of a white racist past, rather than the enlightened American values the Democratic Party and President Obama stand for. Newt Gingrich won a primary with a high turnout from the old order of South Carolina. But most of America lives in a new day. If we can get people registered and to the polls; and, if the 2012 polls are run fairly, Democrats will see that the  majority of Americans support an enlightened America and President Obama.

When a pragmatist hits a brick wall (in today’s political environment this has become the norm) he climbs over it, digs under it, or goes around it. This takes more time, more effort, and can look foolish. But, in the long run, it works. Instead of catcalls from those disappointed he did not tear down the wall (and satisfy their egos) they could help him. Put out your hands to boost him over the wall. Pick up a shovel and dig under the wall. Or, chart a course he can use to circumvent the wall. And cheer him on as he struggles on our behalf. President Obama is a pragmatist. He is a man of vision who takes the long view. He is like us, hopes that getting to the goal can be done easily; and, when it cannot, changes his strategy. He never gives up. Neither should we.

Enthusiasm is overrated. Hard work, willingness to take the hard knocks and get back up, persistence, and willingness to appear foolish at times are underrated. When we put the two styles together we are invincible. We must, take the time to review President Obama’s many accomplishments during his first term. Has he made mistakes? Who hasn’t? Has he course-corrected when he did? Yes, he has. He does not make excuses, nor cover them up. He owns them and corrects them. That is a president I can be enthusiastic about!

 

1 Comment

Filed under POLITICS

Tagged as , , ,

January 22, 2012 · 1:47 am

XL PIPELINE by Louise Annarino, 1-21-2012

Ask yourselves a few questions:

1.Why not refine the tar sands of Canada in Canada and distribute by truck , IF the intent is to provide oil to The United States?

2.Why must the refinery be in Houston?

3. Could it be because it easier to ship oil overseas from Houston?

4.Don’t Canadians need construction and refinery jobs?

5. Why is Canada so eager to provide the US with such an opportunity ?

Find the answers and you will understand why this venture is suspect. It must be thoroughly reviewed. thank you, President Obama for saying “NO”.

Leave a comment

Filed under POLITICS

Tagged as , , ,

January 21, 2012 · 3:25 pm

FALSE PREMISES AND BULLIES

FALSE PREMISES and BULLIES

Louise Annarino

January 21, 2012

Begin with a false premise and one must reach a false conclusion. That is logic; not partisan thinking. Below is a list of false premises currently being used unchallenged:

  1. People prefer unemployment benefits over wages.
  2. People prefer being unemployed over wage earning.
  3. People prefer using food stamps and food pantries to over paying cash for groceries.
  4. People enjoy being “on the dole”.
  5. People on public benefits are lazy.
  6. African-Americans prefer #1-5 more than white Americans.
  7. Latinos prefer  #1-5 more than white Americans.
  8. Immigrants prefer #1-5 more that white Americans.
  9. Poor white Americans prefer #1-5 more than wealthy white Americans.
  10. Wealth earned from investments is of higher quality and more productive than wealth earned from labor.
  11. Those using English as a second language are dumber, and less educated, than those speaking English as a native language.
  12. Women are selfish; and, cannot make decisions regarding the health and well-being of others entrusted to their care.
  13. Women are stupid and cannot know their own minds, nor trust their own decisions.
  14. Emergency workers and first responders, and teachers have an easy life and are overpaid.

15.A White president is always better than an African-american president, who is doomed to failure        (one way or another,wink-wink)

16.Going green means losing jobs.

17.Going green means higher costs.

18.Going green means a lower standard of living.

19.There are companies willing to hire and then train workers in the new technology

they employ.

20.Obamacare means higher health care costs and poorer outcomes for patients.

These are the latent premises, hidden within suggested policy positions, and talked about in the code of ethnocentrism, sexism and racism. They are not factually based, but attitude based. They seem difficult to challenge as a result; since, we Americans like to pretend every man is entitled to his opinion.  However, If one examines the facts underlying each assumption, it becomes clear the assumptions are simply biased. How can we challenge this bias? Isn’t everyone entitled to their own prejudices? No, not if such biased assumptions affect the good of the country, and the safety and security of its citizens. We who have siblings have each heard in our childhood “keep your hands to yourself!” We were allowed to have hands, and use them as we liked so long as we did not use them to disturb the peace of the family, nor hurt another member of the family. The same boundaries of behavior apply here. One is entitled to an opinion so long as it does not harm a fellow citizen, nor threaten the safety and survival of our country. Keep that opinion to yourself, or we will challenge it. It is our right as fellow citizens. Reporters who challenge candidates on their biases, false premises, hypocrisies and outright lies are speaking for all of us. they must be bold, direct and persistent. They must not allow themselves to be bullied .

How do we challenge the many false premises? By showing the facts which underly, or more appropriately underlie, them.  The attacks, we must realize, are not just against President Obama, but against anyone who supports him: workers, women, people of color, immigrants, the poor and the middle class, even the wealthy Warren Buffet. The labels are flying: socialist (applied to capitalist money-makers), job-stealers (applied to immigrants, paperless or not), murderers (applied to women who want control over their sexuality and health care); and, most dangerous given our past history, dangerous buffoon (applied to President Obama and his supporters). This is not new. The only way a bully can succeed is by discouraging those who would rush to assist the prime victim of their bullying. At the South Carolina debate, for example, attack the reporter who asks the challenging question.

The reason it seems new to us, is because we have turned away for centuries from the issue of slavery. We turn our heads and thoughts away from the issue of racism. we hate ourselves for what we have allowed, telling ourselves we are not to be blamed  because we did not do it ourselves. We reluctantly acknowledge the bully on the playground hurt a few kids, but we did not hurt them. No, but did we stop them? Or were we afraid to try, thus drawing the bully’s attention to ourselves? We are, after all, simply human. No one likes to get hurt.

We have an African-American president supported by rich and poor, Black and white, workers and investors, insurance companies and bankers, health care workers, the middle class, independents, Democrats and Republicans. So, what is a bully to do when it seems everyone on the playground is moving beyond his control? Make everyone afraid to support President Obama. Tell them he has failed them. Don’t let him succeed in any way. Impede every program and policy he attempts to enact. And, while you try to destroy him, make an example of his supporters. Attack labor unions, public and private workers, women, immigrants, the middle class, the rich and the poor…anyone who supported the president and his efforts to turn America purple. A bully prefers a red and blue America where he can pit one side against the other.

The Tea Party Republicans are correct that a bully candidacy is the best way to beat President Obama. It is not an enthusiasm gap that could sink the Obama-Biden campaign; it is fear. If we allow the bullies to control the playground of the campaign and go unchallenged, we assist the bully’s spread of fear; fear of our Black president, fear of one another. For all our bluster we are a sorrowfully fearful lot. Is that why we think we all need to be armed and dangerous? Is that why we seem to admire bullies in our literature and cinema? Is that why we accept the dominance of bullies in our boardrooms? We are so afraid. So, if you want to win an election, make people afraid..very afraid. Lies work when we are afraid to challenge the liars. It is much easier to simply believe the lie.

I am not afraid. Hold hands, Obama supporters. Together, we can challenge any bully.President Obama is not the only candidate who can secure our country’s future. There are Independents, Democrats and Republicans in every race from school board on up the line who have much to offer. But, Republican candidates are not free to act with bullies dominating the political scene. We must join hands with everyone willing to challenge the bullies. Unfortunately, The Republican Party is now controlled by the bullies.

Leave a comment

Filed under POLITICS

Tagged as , , ,

January 20, 2012 · 10:47 pm

NOT ENVIOUS; JUST HUNGRY

Louise Annarino
January 20, 2012

“Let them eat cake !” Marie Antoinette purportedly responded when told of bread riots in the streets of Paris; failing to heed the warning that her 1% lifestyle would not sit well with the 99% who were hungry, jobless and hopeless. Americans are hungry, jobless and homeless; but, thanks to the safety net of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and food stamps they are not quite so hopeless nor desperate as those who overthrew the French monarchy. Everyone should be grateful we have a “food stamp president” !

Politicians used to understand that the social contract between the rich and poor was an essential cog in the economic engine of the country; and, the very thing which would allow citizens to amass wealth, without the threat of harm to the nation or themselves. Republicans and Democrats alike passed into law programs to create and protect a strong middle class. It was understood and agreed upon that the American dream was not built on envy, but on the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

The latest crop of Republican presidential candidates seem to have forgotten this. The top 1% of investment earners (one cannot honestly call them wage earners) would have 99% of us wage earners believe that reminding them of this social contract is un-American, anti-capitalist, and irreligious.

Now, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich and Republican congressional leaders undermine the Golden Rule, claiming, as men who are right with God, that anyone who oppose their economic and social order policies, must be wrong;and,not only are they wrong but they are evil, which carries the weight of immorality. Asking that the Golden Rule be applied to economic policy does not make the 99ers immoral, unpatriotic socialists, un-American, nor envious.

Years ago, before labor laws, civil rights laws, and a system of public education for all children created a middle class the working class had to be satisfied with crumbs from the table. Labor unions, enforceable civil rights, and public education created a place at the table for workers. But now, Governors like Kasich, Walker et al tell us we are envious when we ask for a menu, question why no food is being served to us, or ask how they arranged to have nearly all the food piled on their plates as it disappeared from our own. They say we are envious. No, we are hungry.

Leave a comment

Filed under POLITICS

Tagged as , ,

Aside

Regional OFA Of…

Regional OFA Office is open now — the Obama/Biden office is open at 1973 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., in the Beechcroft Center. Vice President Biden was there Thursday for the opening, and told the group Ohio is one of the states he has been asked to make a top priority. He promised he’ll be here at least 25 times. If you have not yet met Regional Field Organizer, Ashley Allison, do stop by to meet her.  Northwest Franklin County Field Organizer, Riley Wells is also now on board, and eager to meet those interested in re-electing president Obama. Although ours is the first regional office to be opened, there will be others opening soon in other communities, including satellite offices within Franklin County.

You can contact Riley at rwells@ofaoh.com

You can contact Ashley at ashleyrallison@gmail.com

Leave a comment

January 18, 2012 · 3:07 am
January 17, 2012 · 5:56 pm

Help Robinson win Ohio House 21st. District Seat

Please Join Us for a Special Event! With David Robinson, Democratic Candidate for Ohio’s 21st House District.
TO KICK OFF OUR GRASSROOTS EFFORTS!!!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21ST 2012
12:00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
At the home of
RACHAEL DOROTHY
179 KENBROOK DRIVE
WORTHINGTON, OH 43085

Please join us for remarks from the candidate, volunteer activities, and a the celebration of our grassroots kickoff!

Volunteer Activites: (your choice)
Canvass with David
Lit Drop
Phone Bank
Prepare Mailings

Wrap-up/celebration to follow!

Light refreshments will be served!

PLEASE RSVP TO: CLAIRE POLLARD
CLAIRE@ROBINSONFOROHIO.COM
For more information on the candidate, please visit: http://www.robinsonforohio.com

Leave a comment

Filed under POLITICS

Aside

Regional OFA Of…

Regional OFA Office is open now — the Obama/Biden office is open at 1973 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., in the Beechcroft Center. Vice President Biden was there Thursday for the opening, and told the group Ohio is one of the states he has been asked to make a top priority. He promised he’ll be here at least 25 times. If you have not yet met our Regional Field Organizer, Ashley Allison, do stop by to meet her.  Although ours is the first regional office to be opened, there will be others opening soon in other communities.

Leave a comment

January 17, 2012 · 5:39 pm
Aside

Would you like …

Would you like to suggest ideas for the 2012 Democratic National Convention? On Thursday, September 6th. President Obama will make his acceptance speech at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte N.C. How can we involve more Americans in the Convention. Go to this link to share your ideas:      www.demconvention.com/share-ideas.asp.

Leave a comment

January 17, 2012 · 4:40 pm
January 17, 2012 · 7:31 am

"Fired Up And Ready To Go" in 2012

Ohioans are weary after months of collecting petition signatures to place referendums on the 2012 ballot to protect collective bargaining and worker rights, safeguard voter registration and election process, and provide a reasonable redistricting plan. These efforts followed many months struggling to pass the federal Stimulus Act and Affordable Care Act. Since Senator Obama was sworn in as President we have been appalled at the racism, lies and personal attacks upon President and Mrs. Obama. As Senator Mitchell (R/Ky) told us, the role of the Republican Congress has been to create a failed presidency. Despite facing incredible challenges to our economic survival, and a world reputation in tatters after the Bush-Cheney administration, President Obama continues to lift the nation’s burdens. Thus, despite our weariness, we know we must continue to support President Obama.

We do this by supporting his policies openly and vocally on social media sites, at the water cooler, and within our neighborhoods. Hopefully, the Democratic losses of 2010 will be corrected in 2012. We must not only re-elect President Obama; but, we must also elect Congresspersons and Senators in sufficient numbers to stop the Republican filibuster strategy. We must elect to statewide office those who welcome President Obama’s policies. Finally, we must support local officials who will further the implementation of those policies.

President Obama was clear throughout his presidential campaign that “We are the change”. He cannot succeed without us. The tasks ahead seem overwhelming when we are already so worn out from the fight to protect the 99% from the 1%. The only way we will be able to manage will be to raise an army of volunteers. Let us start now to recruit others. Over the next few weeks I shall post information on how to get involved in the Worthington area, and suggest formal and informal ways to make a difference in the 2012 campaign. The “more-the-merrier” has never been more true for exhausted political “junkies” who are still “fired up and ready to go”….again.

by Louise Annarino, 1-17-2012

Leave a comment

Filed under POLITICS