Ruben Navarrette: What Obama's candidacy says about the U.S.

Mr. Obama does not view himself as an American, he only sees himself as a Black-American. That leaves the rest of us in the bleachers. He is pre-occupied with disarming America, is a closet Muslim, hates whites and is liberal beyond Hillary. America is ready for Condoleezza Rice as VIce President or maybe President, but not Obama. There is no history or trust in a black liberal candidate. Watch Obama's big lead at the beginning of the campaign dwindle into a loss. Mark my words. Mr. Navarrette can put away his cheerleading outfit.

ADWeber wrote:

Mr. Obama does not view himself as an American, he only sees himself as a Black-American.....

A few points:

1. First of all, your saying so doesn't make it true. It's merely your assumption.

2. How do Topix readers know that YOU don't see YOURSELF as an American - but only as a White-American?? Or a Mexican-American if that's your heritage? Or a whatever-American....?

3. Don't point the finger at others to accuse them of that which lurks within your own heart.

Harrisson wrote:

<quoted text>
A few points:
1. First of all, your saying so doesn't make it true. It's merely your assumption.
2. How do Topix readers know that YOU don't see YOURSELF as an American - but only as a White-American?? Or a Mexican-American if that's your heritage? Or a whatever-American....?
3. Don't point the finger at others to accuse them of that which lurks within your own heart.

Barack Obama can relate to this. He said much the same thing on NBC's "Today" show recently, suggesting that it is going to take time for some voters to get used to the idea of an African-American named Barack Obama running for president of the United States.

1 - I think that makes the point.

So, how can someone that sees himself as a hyphenated American, unite America?

Doesn't sound like he's getting off to a good start.

Dino wrote:

<quoted text>
Barack Obama can relate to this. He said much the same thing on NBC's "Today" show recently, suggesting that it is going to take time for some voters to get used to the idea of an African-American named Barack Obama running for president of the United States.
1 - I think that makes the point.
So, how can someone that sees himself as a hyphenated American, unite America?...

Since almost all Americans see themselves as hyphenated Americans of some kind (but will just lie about it in public to make a point), I think most voters will accept Sen. Obama as a peer.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard (or read about) a Caucasian American casually refer to himself/herself as an Italian, or Irish, or what-have-you.

The myth you're pushing, which is that blacks have an attitude problem by calling themselves 'African-Americans,' is just a load of horsesh!t. We weren't born yesterday, Dino, and we can see right through you.

Why not be a little more honest with yourself?

You didn't answer the question.

If you're going to identify yourself as a hyphenated-American, how can you expect to unite America?

Why can't you be honest about this?

I would have the same question for anyone that identifies themselves this way.(Mexican-American, German-American, etc.)

I identify myself as an "American".

Caucasian? By the way, where exactly is Caucasia?

Dino wrote:

You didn't answer the question.
If you're going to identify yourself as a hyphenated-American, how can you expect to unite America?

Through good leadership - which has NOTHING to do with what ethnic designation you give yourself. NOTHING!

Dino wrote:

...Why can't you be honest about this?

I would have the same question for anyone that identifies themselves this way.(Mexican-American, German-American, etc.)

I identify myself as an "American".

Of course, you are being disengenuous - OR you are admitting to being a complete ignoramus. Every American who has a heritage that is non-American Indian, also has an ancestry outside of the USA.

To say "I am an American" means nothing when talking to children or grandchildren who ask things like "Papa where did Grandpa come from? And where did his Dad come from??" etc. Inquisitive, bright children will pin you down pretty quickly, will they not?

In other words, most knowledgable people (who are not adopted/orphaned) have a grasp of heritage and ancestry or simply race. And it forms part of their identity even if they try to pretend that it doesn't.

Which is why your claim about "I identify myself as an American" is *most likely* a bunch of malarkey, ie. public posturing.

To say "I am an American" means nothing when talking to children or grandchildren who ask things like "Papa where did Grandpa come from? And where did his Dad come from??" etc. Inquisitive, bright children will pin you down pretty quickly, will they not?

When my grandchildren ask about that, I will tell them. I know my heritage. But, it isnt' how I identify myself.

Good leadership? Finally an answer.

Obama does not portray what one would expect as President of the USA. Repeatedly ignores the American Flag. Has never defined what he means by the word CHANGE. Change what? Have every American ignore the meaning of our flag, the same flag that three of the men in my family died to defend?
Obama is not American enough to be my choice for president of the USA.
God Bless America & our BRAVE troops.

Dino wrote:

...When my grandchildren ask about that, I will tell them. I know my heritage. But, it isnt' how I identify myself....

In the USA, people typically make a choice about how to identify themselves. Many times the ethnic version may never arise, simply because people are not specifically questioned about it.

But that doesn't mean there is NO IDENTITY. It just means that you *choose not to talk about it,* that's all. And I fail to see any sort of civic virtue or nobility of character in that decision. It's like voting - some people choose to reveal the party they'll vote for; others keep it a closely-guarded secret for whatever reason.

Now, I live in a part of the country where it's common to see whimsical license-plate frames that say things like "Caution! German-American Driver!" or the frame might simply display the Swedish flag on one end and the American flag on the other and have some little Swedish motto printed...

I mention all this to show that there are many white Americans in my neck of the woods who are conscious of their "hyphenation," their ethnic heritage, quite open about it, and make no apologies for it -- and many of them will be voting for Obama.

That's perfectly fine with me and I think it should be with most Americans.

Dino wrote:

Good leadership? Finally an answer.

Yes - how about that!!

Harrisson wrote:

<quoted text>
Through good leadership - which has NOTHING to do with what ethnic designation you give yourself. NOTHING!
<quoted text>
Of course, you are being disengenuous - OR you are admitting to being a complete ignoramus. Every American who has a heritage that is non-American Indian, also has an ancestry outside of the USA.
To say "I am an American" means nothing when talking to children or grandchildren who ask things like "Papa where did Grandpa come from? And where did his Dad come from??" etc. Inquisitive, bright children will pin you down pretty quickly, will they not?
In other words, most knowledgable people (who are not adopted/orphaned) have a grasp of heritage and ancestry or simply race. And it forms part of their identity even if they try to pretend that it doesn't.
Which is why your claim about "I identify myself as an American" is *most likely* a bunch of malarkey, ie. public posturing.

Does that mean I'm an American only since I'm adopted?

wiseoldfox wrote:

Obama does not portray what one would expect as President of the USA. Repeatedly ignores the American Flag. Has never defined what he means by the word CHANGE. Change what? Have every American ignore the meaning of our flag, the same flag that three of the men in my family died to defend?

Obama is not American enough to be my choice for president of the USA.

God Bless America & our BRAVE troops.

LOL! This is so juvenile and petty. P-E-T-T-Y.

I have an in-law who was a combat veteran from World War II, European theater. Has a Purple Heart and a Pistol Marksmanship Badge and perhaps other honors I don't know about.

NOWHERE on the man's vehicle or property or person did I see the Stars 'N Stripes displayed. No bumper sticker, no flagpole on the porch, no lapel pin, no nothing. Nowhere!

What did I think? That not everybody needs to showboat, that's all. Some let their deeds speak for themselves; others need to strut and parade about. We are all different.

I salute your family's sacrifice for our Republic.

Indyeast wrote:

<quoted text>
Does that mean I'm an American only since I'm adopted?

Well....

I reckon it depends on what you know of your birth parents, and whether or not you want to claim it, doesn't it??

In some parts of the country, they do open use the hyphenated version. I've been in many parts that don't. I know that north of Seattle, there is a large part of the population that is of Dutch or German heritage.

In California, the bulk the use is in identifying an ethnic group. No, not always. But, in general, its an ethic group or minority group.

I don't know that there is any civic virtue or nobility of character by not using or using it. I just don't see the point. Just my opinion.

In many cases that I've seen when a person does use it, it leads to an automatic prejudging of that person. Good or bad. This seems to be true in all groups, though not necessarily with all people.

Look at the comments here in Topix, as soon as a news article states "Mexican-American", the "Illegal Alien" thing comes up. African-American, the "Thug" and "Gangster" thing comes up.(Never seen anyone identified as an "Irish-American" in the news) But, typically, you'll see anyone white quickly called a "Redneck".

I do not think that anyone of the 3 (Obama, Clinton or McCain) is the best this land has to offer for leadership. There has to be better out there. It seems as though any career politician has one thing in mind. It ain't you and it ain't me. Just themselves.

Harrisson wrote:

<quoted text>
LOL! This is so juvenile and petty. P-E-T-T-Y.
I have an in-law who was a combat veteran from World War II, European theater. Has a Purple Heart and a Pistol Marksmanship Badge and perhaps other honors I don't know about.
NOWHERE on the man's vehicle or property or person did I see the Stars 'N Stripes displayed. No bumper sticker, no flagpole on the porch, no lapel pin, no nothing. Nowhere!
What did I think? That not everybody needs to showboat, that's all. Some let their deeds speak for themselves; others need to strut and parade about. We are all different.
I salute your family's sacrifice for our Republic.

I have to agree, I served a total of 8 years in the Navy, I do not display a flag, wear a flag pin or any of the other trinkets that Obama is being belittled for. Its a preference thing and has nothing to do with ability.

Dino wrote:

<quoted text>
I have to agree, I served a total of 8 years in the Navy, I do not display a flag, wear a flag pin or any of the other trinkets that Obama is being belittled for. Its a preference thing and has nothing to do with ability.

Thanks, Dino. I appreciate that. Not often I hear those words in a Topix thread. ;o)

From a fellow vet.(USAF)

Ability, Perhaps, still has to be proven, he is from Illinois & has major connections with the Chicago Mayor, that sort of politics speaks for itself...not well either..machine all the way. You scratch my back & I will scratch yours attitude prevails in Chicago as well as Springfield, IL.

Is that what we want in the White House.
Also, the American Flag is not a trinket, just check out the grave sites on Memorial Day...

TRINKETS on display..NOT.

Thank You from a fellow Vet.

Harrison...Reply to your ancestors military awards...MY deceased husband was a WW2 B25 PILOT, in the European Theater,KIA, My deceased Brother served in the Pacific also KIA, on IWO. We have a memorial cabinet with the medals they both earned, and we do fly the flag in their honor every day.
Lost s neprhew in Viet Nam. Have a grandson currently in the military.A grand nephew in the Marines.
So my point is, if the military keeps us all safe here in the USA, we need a president with the same values that military families have.
I am an American, proud to be one & will always honor the flag that so many Americans gave their lives , limbs & mental health to defend as well as keep us safe. Remember Pearl Harbor, Hitler , Tojo, Mussolini,Korea, Viet Nam
& never forget the flag raising on IWO..

IT is very difficult for me to agree with those who feel our flag has trinket value !!

ADWeber wrote:

Mr. Obama does not view himself as an American, he only sees himself as a Black-American. That leaves the rest of us in the bleachers. He is pre-occupied with disarming America, is a closet Muslim, hates whites and is liberal beyond Hillary. America is ready for Condoleezza Rice as VIce President or maybe President, but not Obama. There is no history or trust in a black liberal candidate. Watch Obama's big lead at the beginning of the campaign dwindle into a loss. Mark my words. Mr. Navarrette can put away his cheerleading outfit.

I totally diagree. How can he hate whites if his mother is white?