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https://www.conservapedia.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Bodhi Conservapedia - User contributions [en] 2026-09-23T21:58:22Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.35.14 https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Dell&diff=1376419 Dell 2017-09-24T01:21:04Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Dell logo.png|right|75px]]<br /> '''Dell Inc.''' was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell at the [[University of Texas at Austin]]. To date, the company has sold more [[computer]] systems globally than any other computer company other than [[Apple Inc.|Apple]].{{fact}} Dell provided the computer equipment to make the film [[Delgo]]. <ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361500/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv</ref><br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Michael Dell]], the founder of this company.<br /> * [[Linux]]<br /> * [[IBM]], [[HP]], and [[Microsoft]] [[Windows]]<br /> * [[Apple Computer]]<br /> * '''[[Security]] [[Software]]''' to protect [[unalienable rights|unalienable]] [[Fifth Amendment]] - [[Fourth Amendment]] [[Right to Privacy]] and [[Second Amendment]] - [[First Amendment]] rights against [[unconstitutional]] [[Gun control]] - [[Internet censorship]], [[hackers]], and "[[5 U.S.C. § 3331|all enemies, foreign and domestic]]" of [[American values|American]] [[liberty]].<br /> * '''[[Open source|Open Source]] [[Free software]]''' not over-priced tracking by [[Microsoft]]-[[Apple]]-[[Google]]-[[Android]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://www.dell.com/ Official Website]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}} <br /> <br /> [[Category:Computers]]<br /> [[Category:Companies]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Pixar&diff=1376417 Pixar 2017-09-24T01:13:49Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Pixar Animation Studios''' is an animation studio headquartered in Emeryville, [[California]]. It was founded by [[Steve Jobs]], who also founded Apple Computer. Today, Pixar is now a subsidiary of the [[Walt Disney Company]].<br /> <br /> Pixar is very well known worldwide for its computer-animated films, which has earned them considerable critical acclaim. The company has beat out many other fine animation studios to win awards, such as corporate sibling Walt Disney Animation Studios (Princess and the Frog, Tangled) , Dreamworks Animation (Monsters Vs Aliens, Megamind) , Fathom Studios ([[Delgo]], and Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away).<br /> <br /> ==Filmography==<br /> *''[[Toy Story]]'' (1995)<br /> *''[[A Bug's Life]]'' (1998)<br /> *''[[Toy Story 2]]'' (1999)<br /> *''[[Monsters, Inc.]]'' (2001)<br /> *''[[Finding Nemo]]'' (2003)<br /> *''[[The Incredibles]]'' (2004)<br /> *''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]'' (2005)<br /> *''[[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]'' (2006)<br /> *''[[WALL-E]]'' (2008)<br /> *''[[Up]]'' (2009)<br /> *''[[Toy Story 3]]'' (2010)<br /> *''[[Cars 2]]'' (2011)<br /> *''[[Brave]]'' (2012)<br /> *''[[Monsters University]]'' (2013)<br /> *''[[Inside Out]]'' (2015)<br /> *''[[The Good Dinosaur]]'' (2015)<br /> *''[[Finding Dory]]'' (2016)<br /> *''[[Cars 3]]'' (2017)<br /> *''[[Coco]]'' (2017)<br /> [[Category:Animation Studios]]<br /> [[Category:Disney]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Satan&diff=1376416 Satan 2017-09-24T01:10:37Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:GustaveDoreParadiseLostSatanProfile.jpg|right|thumb|Gustave Doré's depiction of Satan from John Milton's Paradise Lost.]]<br /> <br /> '''Satan''' or the '''[[Devil]]''' is the embodiment of evil, and plays a major role in [[Christian]] theology and literature, as well as in many other religions. He is the tempter and spiritual enemy of mankind. He is the adversary of [[God]], although subordinate to him and able to act only by his sufferance, and is represented frequently as the leader or prince of all apostate angels and as ruler of [[hell]]. <br /> "Satan is the force that loves to find the guilt and weakness in people, to humiliate them with it, to convince them that, because they are not good, God cannot love them."<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/258360/iritei-stuff-satan-prosecutor-mike-potemra The Rite Stuff: Satan as Prosecutor] - Mike Potemra</ref> [[Leftist]] Saul Alinsky dedicated to Lucifer his book ''Rules for Radicals'', which inspired some [[liberal]] activists.<br /> <br /> ==Old Testament==<br /> Satan was once a member of the divine council of God referenced in the [[Old Testament]]. He is referenced 11 times in [[Job]] and 4 other times in the Old Testament. The [[New Testament]] mentions Satan 34 times in all, starting with the first book [[Matthew]] and ending with the last [[Revelation]]. In the Christian tradition he rebelled against God and is now the enemy of God and man alike. He is the father of lies and no good is found in him. He leads a host of fallen angels (or [[demon]]s) who know their days are numbered before they will be cast in the lake of fire and they seek to take as many humans as possible with them.<br /> <br /> == New Testament==<br /> In the [[New Testament]], Satan tries to tempt [[Jesus]] in the desert, and fails. Jesus warns extensively to beware of Satan as does [[Paul]].<br /> <br /> In Christian theology Satan's goal is to lead people away from the love of God, by tempting or tricking them. The only sources of supernatural power in the world are from either God (good) or Satan (evil). In the book of [[Genesis]], Satan takes the form of a snake and tempts Eve with fruit from a tree. This causes sin to come into the world. Kelly (2006) demonstrates how assumptions—such as the identification of the Eden serpent with Satan, probably first made by Justin Martyr in the second century—have hardened into fact.<br /> <br /> Satan, in the Book of Job, listens to God speak highly of Job and accuses Job to God before the host of angels that Job praises God only because he is blessed and would curse God if he was forced to suffer. God allows Satan to do what he will except to spare his life, and Satan causes Job to suffer immensely. (Job remained true to God through his hardships; Satan accused him further and punished him further, but could not get Job to break).<br /> ==Possession==<br /> [[Jesus]] makes references to demonic possession on multiple occasions that He then casts out. Some believe that Satan is able to possess and control living humans on Earth even today. Even more, some others believe that Satan actually has done this in the past as well. Specifically, Satan is said to have entered Judas during [[The Last Supper]] (John 13:27). The Catholic church believes that priests (and sometimes only bishops) are able to exorcise this possession through Jesus.<br /> <br /> ==Terms==<br /> The word ''Satan'' derives from the Hebrew "ha-satan", meaning the "accuser", "tempter", "persecutor", "calumniator", or "adversary". He "was a liar and a murderer from the beginning." (John 8:44) Synonyms include '''Lucifer, demon, Mephistopholes, Mephisto, Beelzebub, the Evil One, the Tempter,''' and '''The Prince of Darkness.''' Only "devil" is used as an epithet for a profoundly evil person. <br /> <br /> The adjectives include "devilish," "demonic", and "diabolic". Those who worship Satan are called [[satanism|Satanists]], Satan-worshippers, or demonists.<br /> === Lucifer ===<br /> '''Lucifer''' is a name literally meaning "Son of the Morning" (or "Light-Bearer"), and is mentioned in the Bible only in the [[book of Isaiah]] (Isaiah 14:12). Though in Christian tradition Lucifer is equated with Satan, the immediate context of the passage is Isaiah's prophecy against the king of Babylon, and the name "Lucifer" was not present at all in the original manuscripts (in the Latin Vulgate, the phrase "Son of the Morning" was transliterated as a proper name).<br /> <br /> Whomever Lucifer may be, the Isaiah makes strong prophecy against him, condemning him for 5 pronouncements:<br /> <br /> * I will ascend into [[heaven]]<br /> * I will exalt my throne above the stars of God<br /> * I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north<br /> * I will ascend above the heights of the clouds<br /> * I will be like the most High<br /> <br /> Those who take this passage to be a reference to Satan believe that it gives more history of what caused his downfall, that he was created by God as one of His most powerful angels (possibly a [[Seraphim|Seraph]]), but that he fell from grace after he in his pride rebelled against his Creator. Some, however, believe that there is no grounding to interpret the passage as a history of Satan, citing that the passage uses highly figurative and poetic language that was meant as a prophecy against Babylon and nothing more.<br /> <br /> [[Image:Paradise Lost 12.jpg|right|thumb|''The fall of Lucifer'' by Gustave Doré.]]<br /> <br /> == Jewish Views ==<br /> In the Jewish tradition, Satan is an angel who faithfully serves God as a prosecuting attorney &#8212; one who accuses men of wickedness and impiety. At the direction of God, Satan may be permitted to test these accusations, such as in Job. In this view, Satan's goal is not to lead men away from their faithfulness to God, but merely to reveal the true depths of their devotion, although in [[I Chronicles]] 21:1 Satan provoked [[David]] to take a [[census]] of the people of Israel against the will of God and 70,000 men are slain because of it. [[II Samuel]] 24:1 supports the view of Satan as God's prosecuting attorney by reporting that it was the Lord Who moved David to take the census; the two passages can easily [[Scripture interprets Scripture|be reconciled]] if Satan acted as God's agent.<br /> <br /> ==Jehovah's Witnesses==<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that Satan was at one time an [[Angel]] who lived among the many millions of Angels that existed before the [[world]] was created. They believe that at some point He developed the desire to be worshiped by [[Humans]] and other Angels and so set himself in Opposition to worship of [[Jehovah]], his [[God]] and Father. This they believe occurred in the Garden of Eden, and not prior to the Earths creation. [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that Satan used a serpent as his mouth piece, the same way a vantriloquist uses a dummy, to bring the first [[Human]] couple under his control.<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that God has allowed Satan to rule mankind for several resons such as:<br /> <br /> *Satan has challenged God's Right to rule his creations, not his power.... <br /> <br /> *Satan accuses God of bribeing Humans for their loyalty with protection and blessings.... <br /> <br /> *Satan has accused Humans of being loyal to God out of selfish reasons.... <br /> <br /> *Satan claims that he can rule mankind better than God.... <br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach also that [[God]] decided that time, rather than a display of force, is needed to settle these issues. This, they believe, has giving Satan thousands of years to prove that Mankind is better off without God, that He (Satan) can rule Mankind successfully, and that the Humans that Do serve God do so only out of selfish reasons.<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that Satan does not live in any kind of [[Hell]] or world of the dead, but on the [[Earth]] as it's current ruler, along with as many as a third of the Angels of [[Heaven]]. They teach that Satan had lived in Heaven up until 1914, when Jesus and his Angels cast him out of Heaven, bringing woe to the Earth. this is their reasoning on Why the world has experienced two World wars, increasing lawlessness, an increase in disease and pollution, and the overall conditions on earth today.<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that Satan delegates authority to each Demon as he see's fit, and over what he see's fit, sometimes including whole Nations and kingdoms. They believe that Satan and his demons are in every way the enemy of God, rather than working alongside him. They teach that Satan will continue to rule the world until [[Armageddon]], when Jesus Christ and his heavenly Angels come to earth and bind him, eventually killing him, freeing the world of all opposition towards True worship.<br /> <br /> ==Defenses==<br /> The three classic defenses against Satan are:<br /> <br /> * mockery, which Satan cannot withstand due to his pride<br /> * sunlight or exposure, from which Satan hides<br /> * the [[Holy Spirit]], meaning "The Advocate" (i.e., defense lawyer), or the ''Armor of God''.<ref>Ephesians 6:1-17</ref><br /> <br /> Note that Satan lacks self-restraint, which often leads him to failure. In addition, Satan delights in [[deceit]], even to the point of causing his downfall.<br /> <br /> ==Dante and Milton==<br /> The classic literary depictions of Satan appear in Dante's Italian poem, "Inferno," and in [[John Milton]]'s English poem, "Paradise Lost." These are considered the two greatest poems in Italian and English literature.<br /> <br /> In western art and popular culture the devil is used to represent evil influences or motivations. There are many references to the devil from [[Delgo]]'s Sedessa.<br /> <br /> ==Similarity to Prometheus==<br /> Some writers have pointed out that a few popular depictions of Satan are similar to that of Prometheus. <ref>Werblowsky, Raphael Jehudah Zwi. Lucifer and Prometheus: A Study of Milton's Satan. Routledge, reprinted 1999 and 2001; originally published 1952.<br /> </ref><br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Devil]]<br /> * [[satanic deception]]<br /> * [[Salem Witch Trials]]<br /> * [[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]<br /> <br /> ==Further reading==<br /> * Caldwell, William. "The Doctrine of Satan: I. In the Old Testament," ''The Biblical World,'' Vol. 41, No. 1 (Jan., 1913), pp.&nbsp;29–33 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3142352 in JSTOR]<br /> * Caldwell, William. "The Doctrine of Satan: II. Satan in Extra-Biblical Apocalyptical Literature," ''The Biblical World,'' Vol. 41, No. 2 (Feb., 1913), pp.&nbsp;98–102 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3142425 in JSTOR]<br /> * Caldwell, William. "The Doctrine of Satan: III. In the New Testament," ''The Biblical World,'' Vol. 41, No. 3 (Mar., 1913), pp.&nbsp;167–172 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3142755 in JSTOR]<br /> * Empson, William. ''Milton's God'' (1966)<br /> * Jacobs, Joseph, and Ludwig Blau. "Satan," ''The Jewish Encyclopedia'' (1906) [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=270&letter=S&search=Satan#ixzz0UQlw0zPS online] pp 68–71<br /> * Kelly, Henry Ansgar. ''Satan: A Biography.'' (2006). 360 pp. [http://books.google.com/books?id=gPIpQg0lRbMC&pg=PA12&dq=intitle:satan+inauthor:kelly&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3#v=onepage&q=&f=false excerpt and text search] ISBN 0-521-60402-8, a study of the Bible and Western literature<br /> * Kent, William. "Devil." ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'' (1908) Vol. 4. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04764a.htm online older article]<br /> * Osborne, B. A. E. "Peter: Stumbling-Block and Satan," ''Novum Testamentum,'' Vol. 15, Fasc. 3 (Jul., 1973), pp.&nbsp;187–190 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1560340 in JSTOR] on "Get thee behind me, Satan!"<br /> * Rebhorn Wayne A. "The Humanist Tradition and Milton's Satan: The Conservative as Revolutionary," ''Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900,'' Vol. 13, No. 1, The English Renaissance (Winter, 1973), pp.&nbsp;81–93 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/449871 in JSTOR]<br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''The Devil: Perceptions of Evil from Antiquity to Primitive Christianity'' (1987) [http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Perceptions-Antiquity-Christianity-Paperbacks/dp/0801494095/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''Satan: The Early Christian Tradition'' (1987) [http://www.amazon.com/Satan-Christian-Jeffrey-Burton-Russell/dp/0801494133/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''Lucifer: The Devil in the Middle Ages'' (1986) [http://www.amazon.com/Lucifer-Devil-Middle-Cornell-Paperbacks/dp/080149429X/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World'' (1990) [http://www.amazon.com/Mephistopheles-Modern-Jeffrey-Burton-Russell/dp/0801497183/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''The Prince of Darkness: Radical Evil and the Power of Good in History'' (1992) [http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Darkness-Radical-Power-History/dp/0801480566/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255995689&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Schaff, D. S. "Devil" in ''New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge'' (1911), [[Mainline]] Protestant; vol 3 pp 414–417 [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc03.d.iii.html online]<br /> * Scott, Miriam Van. ''The Encyclopedia of Hell'' (1999) [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Hell-Miriam-Van-Scott/dp/0312244428/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b excerpt and text search] comparative religions; also popular culture<br /> * Wray, T. J. and Gregory Mobley. ''The Birth of Satan: Tracing the Devil's Biblical Roots'' (2005) [http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Satan-Tracing-Devils-Biblical/dp/1403969337/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> == External links ==<br /> <br /> *[http://www.1timothy4-13.com/files/teach/accuser.html The accuser of the brethren - commentary on Revelation 12:7-12] - Dr. J.B. Buffington<br /> [[Category:Abrahamic Religions]]<br /> {{DivineComedy}}</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Lawsuit&diff=1376415 Lawsuit 2017-09-24T01:07:49Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Lawsuit.jpg|300px|right]]<br /> A '''lawsuit''' is an action or proceeding in a [[Civil]] [[Court]]. This term is used for a suit or action between two private parties in a court of [[law]]. <br /> <br /> Specifically, a '''lawsuit''' is a legal action started by a [[plaintiff]] against a [[defendant]] based on a [[complaint]] that the defendant failed to perform a legal [[duty]] which resulted in harm to the plaintiff. For example, the creators of [[Delgo]], Fathom Studios, were considering action against Fox for their movie Avatar.<br /> <br /> ==Famous Lawsuits==<br /> Brown v Board of Education, Roe v Wade, Anascape v Nintendo, <br /> <br /> <br /> == See also ==<br /> <br /> *[[Lawyer]]<br /> *[[Advocate]]<br /> *[[Counsel]]<br /> *[[Settlement]]<br /> <br /> == External links ==<br /> <br /> *[http://www.answers.com/topic/lawsuit Lawsuit] at Answers.com<br /> [[Category:Law]] <br /> [[Category:Legal Terms]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Bob_Marley&diff=1376414 Bob Marley 2017-09-24T01:05:44Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Artist (Music)<br /> |picture =<br /> |picture2 =<br /> |country =Jamaica<br /> |style =Reggae<br /> |style2 =<br /> |style3 =<br /> |style4 =<br /> |style5 =<br /> |year =1966-1980<br /> |website =<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley''' (February 6, 1945 - May 11, 1981) was a successful [[reggae]] artist from Nine Miles, St. Ann, Middlesex [[Jamaica]]. He is known for his message of "One Love" and is often credited with spreading Jamaican music around the world. Among his most popular songs are "One Love", "[[No Woman, No Cry]]", "Exodus", "Jammin" and "I Shot the Sheriff". [[Delgo]] paid homage to him through the character [[Elder Marley]].<br /> .<br /> [[Category:Musicians|Marley, Bob]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Cartoon_Network&diff=1376411 Cartoon Network 2017-09-24T00:56:30Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Cartoon Network''' is a cable television network, specializing in [[animation]], launched in 1989 by [[Turner Entertainment Company]]. It is now a subsidiary of [[Time Warner]]. The network shows its own original animated shows along with syndicated shows. From 2010-2014 they held cable rights to the failed fantasy film [[Delgo]].<br /> ==Extenal links==<br /> *[http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/ Official website]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Cable TV Networks]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Bill_Clinton&diff=1376402 Bill Clinton 2017-09-24T00:19:24Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Officeholder<br /> |name=William Jefferson Clinton<br /> |image=William Clinton by Knox.jpg<br /> |party=Democratic<br /> |spouse=[[Hillary Rodham Clinton]]<br /> |religion=[[Baptist]]<br /> |offices=<br /> {{Officeholder/president<br /> |country=the United States<br /> |number=42nd<br /> |terms=January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001<br /> |vp=[[Al Gore]]<br /> |preceded=[[George H. W. Bush]]<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[George W. Bush]]<br /> }}<br /> {{Officeholder/governor<br /> |number=40th and 42nd<br /> |state=Arkansas<br /> |terms=January 9, 1979 – January 19, 1981; January 11, 1983 – December 12, 1992<br /> |preceded=[[Joe Purcell]] (first term)<br/>[[Frank D. White]] (second term)<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Frank D. White]] (first term)<br/>[[Jim Guy Tucker]] (second term)<br /> }}<br /> {{Officeholder/attorneygeneral<br /> |jurisdiction=Arkansas<br /> |number=50th<br /> |governor=[[David Pryor]]<br /> |deputy=n<br /> |terms=January 3, 1977 – January 9, 1979<br /> |preceded=[[Jim Guy Tucker]]<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Steve Clark]]<br /> }}<br /> }}<br /> '''William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton''' (born '''William Jefferson Blythe III''', August 19, 1946), was the 42th president of the United States and the second to be [[impeach]]ed. He is married to [[Hillary Rodham Clinton]] who is the first woman candidate for president a major party ticket who was defeated.<br /> <br /> The corrupt Clinton political machine dominated [[Arkansas]] and the national [[Democratic Party]] for four decades. Both Clintons were deeply involved in the defunct [[Bank of Credit and Commerce International]] scandal. The [[Clinton Foundation]] now serves as a slush fund for all sorts of nefarious activities globally.<br /> <br /> Bill Clinton was elected twice with [[Plurality|pluralities]] in 1992 and 1996, he previously served as governor of Arkansas. His administration was characterized by rampant corruption<ref>http://www.digitalbookocean.info/etext/13228-the_clintons_war_on_women.pdf</ref><ref>http://articles.latimes.com/1998/nov/14/news/mn-42627</ref> abuse, sexual harassment and blackmail.<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/14/hillary-clinton-haunted-by-efforts-to-destroy-bill/?page=all</ref><ref>http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/01/flashback-hillary-clinton-threatened-bills-accusers-in-1998/</ref><ref>https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.radio.talk/HNpmtd3ZcCc</ref><ref>http://www.wnd.com/2000/09/1669/</ref><ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-05-01/why-larry-flynt-is-endorsing-hillary-clinton</ref> The post-[[Cold War]] era reduced defense spending, lower [[interest rate]]s, and created a flood of ready cash which led to stock and real estate bubbles and more scandal. <br /> <br /> Clinton was [[impeach]]ed by the [[United States House of Representatives]] for [[obstruction of justice]] and [[perjury]] related to his sexual misconduct in office and abuse of women prior to taking office. The Senate failed to convict along party lines. Clinton was found in contempt by a federal judge for lying and barred from ever practicing law again. <br /> <br /> Clinton and his wife Hillary - the "American Evita" - promised "two for the price of one" and are credited with debasing modern American political discourse through the [[politics of demonization]].<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillary-clinton-american-evita/ Hillary Clinton: 'American Evita'], Tatiana Morales, CBS, July 8, 2004. Evita was wife of Argentine [[fascist]] dictator Juan Peron.</ref> He served out his term despite legislative defeats, repeated scandal and being impeached.<ref>Whittington (1997)</ref> <br /> <br /> After leaving the White House, he became a high-paid speaker in [[liberal]] circles. Clinton is the first former president to be hired by foreign governments. Like other Southern Governors in the tradition of [[George Wallace]], when Clinton was term limited-out his wife ran in his place.<ref>[http://nypost.com/2007/12/27/the-two-fer-problem/ THE ‘TWO-FER’ PROBLEM], By Dick Morris, ''New York Post'', December 27, 2007.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Clinton Foundation==<br /> The Clinton Foundation was established in 1997 as the '''William J. Clinton Foundation'''<ref>http://www.openendowment.org/organization/view?id=31-1580204</ref> under the Federal Tax ID number '''[https://www.google.com/search?q=31-1580204&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-831-1580204 31-1580204]''' for the purposes of building and maintaining the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. In the following years' budget request President Clinton proposed substantial increases for several defense contactors.<ref>http://www.armeniandiaspora.com/showthread.php?34349-Hastert-Helicopters-Textron-Turkey-Cash</ref> After the library was built the defense contractors made contributions to the same Federal Tax I.D. number.<br /> <br /> == The man and the myth ==<br /> Clinton was born in Hope,<ref>[[Mike Huckabee]] was born in Hope in 1955, but did not know Clinton.</ref> Arkansas, a month after his father William Jefferson Blythe II, a salesman, was killed in an auto accident. He was raised by his maternal grandparents until age 4, when his mother Virginia Kelly (1923-1994), a nurse, married Roger Clinton (1909-1967), a car dealer. Roger was an alcoholic and violent; the marriage was tempestuous, including a divorce and a remarriage in 1962. A life-long Southern Baptist, Clinton graduated from the Hot Springs public high school in 1964. He attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C., where he became active in Democratic politics. <br /> ===Oxford and the CIA===<br /> Contrary to decades old myth, Bill Clinton did not receive a [[Rhodes Scholar]] degree. Clinton was booted out of the Oxford program for the [[rape]] of 19 year old Eileen Wellstone, his first known [[sexual assault]] victim.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/jun/24/20040624-121742-7463r/?page=allSee The missing Clinton women], By - The Washington Times - Thursday, June 24, 2004.</ref><ref>[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/19/480010/- The Bill Clinton Albatross], DailyKos, Mar 19, 2008. dailykos.com/story</ref><ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/paul-sheehan/undone-by-ghost-of-trysts-past/2008/03/02/1204402265736.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 Undone by ghost of trysts past], Paul Sheehan, ''Sydney Morning Herald'', March 3, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://nation.foxnews.com/2015/12/29/millennials-guide-bill-clintons-20-sex-scandals A Millennial's Guide to Bill Clinton's 20+ Sex Scandals], ''FOX News'', 29 December 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/latest-anti-clinton-book-promises-be-most-fantastic-yet Latest anti-Clinton book promises to be most ‘fantastic’ yet], By Alex Seitz-Wald, [[MSNBC]], 09/03/15.</ref> As a result of being tossed out Clinton lost his deferment and was drafted.<ref>Clinton entered Oxford in October of 1968. He was drafted in May of 1969. At first he enrolled in an [[ROTC]] program in Arkansas but failed to show up. In September of 1969 he wrote to the ROTC Commander saying "last summer, when I was as low as I have ever been," referring to being booted out of the Rhodes Scholarship program for rape, being drafted, and risking the loss of his "political viability."</ref> Through his Arkansas political patrons, namely Sen. J. William Fulbright, he was able to evade Vietnam and serve the two years active duty he owed his country in the [[CIA]] as a snitch spying on European anti-Vietnam war movements and their alleged links to Moscow. He reported to [[Cord Meyer]] in [[London]].<ref>http://www.umsl.edu/~thomaskp/mormey.htm</ref><ref><br /> http://web.archive.org/web/20031217035145/http://www.stewwebb.com/CIA%20Clinton%20Named%20as%20Long%20Time%20Spook.html</ref><ref>http://coverthistory.blogspot.com/2008/02/was-bill-clinton-cia-asset-last-night-i.html</ref> Clinton's Oxford roomate Strobe Talbot, who was fluent in [[Russian]], likewise was recruited to work for the CIA at this same time and translated [[Nikita Khruschev]]'s memoirs which had been smuggled out of the Soviet Union and published in the West by CIA.<ref>http://www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/jones-project</ref><br /> <br /> Clinton's status as a CIA "Company man" and operative was reactivated in the 1980s as governor of Arkansas when he was called upon to host the [[Mena airport|Mena, Arkansas]] base of operationcs for [[Iran-Contra]]. His CIA contacts and relationships ultimately served to further his personal career and ambitions.<br /> <br /> ===Women's rights===<br /> Throughout Bill Clinton's life he has exhibited a particularly nasty and disdainful attitude toward women and minorities.<br /> ====Slandering assault victims====<br /> In [[George Stephanopoulos]]'s memoirs of the Clinton 'War Room', a war waged by the Clinton machine and surrogates against fellow citizens with as much vitriol and [[hate]] as against any foreign oppressor...<br /> {{Quotebox|..."We have to destroy her story," Mrs. Clinton said of one of the first women to come forward during her husband's first presidential campaign, Connie Hamzy, in 1991.}}<br /> In January 2016, ''Esquire'' magazine reported on a gathering in the fashionable Upper East Side apartment of the chief executive of [[HBO]]. Several conflicted past and present Clinton surrogates discussed how...<br /> {{Quotebox|...the Clintons and their allies discredited women who said they had had sexual encounters with, or been [[sexual assault|sexually assaulted]] by former [[President Bill Clinton]]. <br><br /> The conversation, relayed by several people with knowledge of the discussion who would speak about it only anonymously, captures the deeper debate unfolding among [[liberal]]-leaning women about how to reconcile Mrs. Clinton's leadership on women's issues with her past involvement in her husband's efforts to fend off accusations of sexual misconduct.<ref>[http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a41327/new-york-times-clinton-rumors/ The New York Times Is Obsessed with 2 Things. You Already Know What They Are.], By Charles P. Pierce, ''Esquire'', Jan 20, 2016.</ref>}}<br /> The conundrum these conflicted Clinton surrogates face is how to explain their own past participation in sliming and vilifying women who came forward with accusations against the President of the United States with a history of untoward, and even violent, sexual misconduct to a generation of Millennials unfamiliar with the brazen history of the pair:<br /> {{Quotebox|Even some [[Democrat]]s who participated in the effort to discredit the women acknowledge privately that today, when Mrs. Clinton and other women have pleaded with the authorities on college campuses and in workplaces to take any allegation of sexual assault and sexual harassment seriously, such a campaign to attack the women's [[character]] would be unacceptable.}}<br /> But such a public campaign of abuse and ridicule of the victim ''was'' acceptable under the Clintons, by Clinton media and [[Hollywood]] surrogates. And virtually all historical and inside eyewitness accounts, dating back to Arkansas and the White House years, point to Hillary Clinton as the source who made it a mission.<br /> <br /> ====Intimidation and blackmail====<br /> {{Cquote|When Hillary hired this fleet of detectives to go around examining all of the woman who had been identified with Clinton. Not for the purpose of divorcing Clinton. Not for the purpose of getting him to stop, but for the purpose of developing blackmail material on these women to cow them into silence that had a [[Nixon]]ian quality that I hold against her and I continue to.|20px|20px|[[Dick Morris]]<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/video/2014/10/31/dick-morris-i-left-when-hillary-hired-secret-police-to-go-after-woman-victimized-by-bill/ Dick Morris: I Left When Hillary Hired Secret Police to Go After Woman Victimized by Bill], by [[Breitbart.com]], 31 Oct 2014.</ref>}}<br /> One of the more abhorrent aspects of Hillary Clinton's personality is a well documented pattern by multiple Clinton confidants and advisors of intimidation and blackmail toward female victims of Mr. Bill Clinton's sexual misconduct. Mrs. Clinton is accredited with introducing the [[sexist]] [[pejorative]], 'bimbo', into the American political [[lexicon]] to disparage victims of sexual assault by the rich and powerful.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WiQRBN8igE Hillary Clinton calls Bill Clinton's sexual assault victims "Bimbo Eruptions"] youtube.com</ref> The politicalinsider.com identified the problem,<br /> {{Quotebox|One of the most incredible things about Hillary Clinton running for President is that there is an extraordinary long list of scandals that younger voters have never heard of. Just trying to keep up with the multiple decades of corruption and criminal activity of Bill and Hillary Clinton which happened long before the recent email scandal is overwhelming.<ref>[http://www.thepoliticalinsider.com/a-woman-who-was-sexually-assaulted-by-bill-clinton-drops-a-bomb-on-hillary-whoa/ A Woman Who Was Sexually Assaulted by Bill Clinton Drops a BOMB on Hillary], thepoliticalinsider.com</ref>}}<br /> The ''New York Times'' noted before the 2016 [[primary election]] season began that the ''’90s Scandals Threaten to Erode Hillary Clinton’s Strength With Women'', and Hillary Clinton certainly was not, by any account, a victim, or a victim of her husband's faithlessness.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/21/us/politics/90s-scandals-threaten-to-erode-hillary-clintons-strength-with-women.html ’90s Scandals Threaten to Erode Hillary Clinton’s Strength With Women], By AMY CHOZICK, ''New York Times'', JAN. 20, 2016.</ref><br /> In the recent book, ''The Clinton's War on Women'', the authors cite a [[Sociology|sociological]] phenomena known as [[elite deviance]] in a society where the elites no longer believe the rules apply to them and their behavior is justified and facilitated by a cadre of [[sycophant]]s, [[apologist]]s, supporters, and surrogates collectively known as the Clinton smear machine.<ref>http://www.lifezette.com/polizette/the-hillary-clinton-smear-machine/</ref><ref>''[http://greatbookcorner.com/data/thepopularbook.site/T/the-clintons-war-on-women-roger-stone--93pfuGF9wiHCc6-8BX16-8ZvB6-8AVI6d.pdf The Clinton's War on Women]'', pp. 16-17 pdf.</ref><br /> <br /> To locate, stalk, harass, and intimidate the women, Betsy Wright was put in charge of the operation. According to [[Carl Bernstein]], "Betsy's operation became known as 'The Defense Department', and Wright was sometimes known as the 'secretary of defense'"<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=KG8oDvWH3ZYC&pg=PT612&dq=Carl+Bernstein+betsey+wright+defense+department+clinton&hl=en&sa=X&ei=x4RWU4edAcLjsATguYHYAQ&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Carl%20Bernstein%20betsey%20wright%20defense%20department%20clinton&f=false A Woman in Charge], Carl Bernstein, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Jun 5, 2007</ref> For this Jack Palladino, Terry Lenzner, Ivan Duda, Jerry Parks,<ref>http://bonedjello.com/Articles/The%20Murder%20of%20Jerry%20Parks.html</ref> Anthony Pellicano, and others were employed.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2005/07/31278/ The real story behind the Clinton body count], ''[[WorldNetDaily]]'', 07/13/2005. Review of Richard Poe’s, ''Hillary’s Secret War.'' wnd.com</ref><ref>[http://alamo-girl.com/02742.htm PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES], SECTION: SECRET POLICE, Revised 8/10/00. http://alamo-girl.com</ref><ref>[http://www.mega.nu/ampp/foster.html Reports Tie Clinton Sexcapades to Foster's Death]. mega.nu</ref> <br /> <br /> To silence the women, all sorts of threats and intimidation were common, such as murdering the family pet on the doorstep or blatant threats against the lives of their children.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=1v5e4lZiS08C&pg=PA214&lpg=PA214&dq=pellicano%2Bhillary&source=bl&ots=2QSRhFU8QY&sig=zFCzv6MqE1JDMGwraPnD1XL3TB8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiyuqCkgYDNAhVLz2MKHdJwA9AQ6AEI3AEwIg#v=onepage&q=pellicano%2Bhillary&f=false Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton], Kathleen Willey, WND Books, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2007/11/44416/ PI 'admits' Hillary paid him to harass Willey], WND, 11/07/2007.</ref> [[Pornographer]] impresario [[Larry Flynt]] was called to boot a $1,000,000 reward to anybody to come forward with sexual innuendo, whether true or not, to attack Clinton's enemies with.<ref>[http://observer.com/2000/08/its-poker-night-with-larry-flynt-porn-king-discourses-on-sex-gore/ It’s Poker Night With Larry Flynt! Porn King Discourses on Sex, Gore], By Andrew Goldman, ''New York Observer'', 08/28/00</ref><br /> <br /> Hillary's obsession with sexual blackmail wasn't limited to compromising and silencing disgruntled mistresses or women Bill Clinton assaulted, it became a ready tool against political opponents as well. To politicsl opponents and the women, Clinton surrogates routinely use the material, truth not being a factor, dug up by Hillary's investigator's to slime anyone publicly who wouldn't fall into line. A recent lawsuit filed just days after it became evident Trump was considering using the case of Joe Epstein in the election is intended to neutralize criticism.<ref>https://youtu.be/EPlDvVwER7A</ref> And the surrogates relish their jobs. Indeed, many Clinton supporters believe this is the essence of [[politics]] — slander, defamation, and demonization of living human beings — not formulation or discussion of public policy.<br /> <br /> In what perhaps may or may not be a [[Freud]]ian slip Hillary Clinton titled her last book, ''Hard Choices''.<br /> <br /> ====Rape allegations====<br /> =====as Arkansas Attorney General=====<br /> The general pattern of the Clinton's being above the law is illustrated the Juanita Broadderick case from 1978.<br /> <br /> Rumors circulated about Broaddrick's allegations for many years, but she refused to speak to the media. In an interview with ''Dateline NBC,'' that aired after the impeachment trial, Broaddrick claimed she had indeed been [[rape]]d by then Arkansas [[Attorney General]] Bill Clinton.<ref name="NBCinterview">''Dateline NBC'': February 24, 1999. ''The Washington Post'' [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/broaddrick022599.htm published a story about the interview] on February 25, 1999.</ref> The abuse put Broadderick in a quandry: who could she turn for help in a case against the state's highest ranking [[law enforcement]] official?<br /> <br /> Broaddrick first met Clinton when he made a visit to her nursing home during his first gubernatorial bid. Broaddrick offered to volunteer for the campaign, and Clinton invited her to stop by the campaign office in Little Rock.<ref name=NYT>''New York Times'': [http://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/24/us/on-tortuous-route-sexual-assault-accusation-against-clinton-resurfaces.html On Tortuous Route, Sexual Assault Accusation Against Clinton Resurfaces]. February 24, 1999.</ref> She contacted the office a few weeks later when she was in Little Rock for a nursing home conference. Clinton said he would not be in the office that day and suggested they meet at her hotel’s coffee shop instead. Upon his arrival, however, he allegedly requested that they instead have coffee in her room to avoid a crowd of reporters in the lobby. Broaddrick agreed.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> <br /> Broaddrick says the two spoke briefly in her room, then Clinton suddenly kissed her.<ref name="NBCinterview" /> Broaddrick pushed Clinton away and told him she was married and not interested, but he persisted. As recounted in the NBC interview:<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> {{quotebox|"Then he tries to kiss me again. And the second time he tries to kiss me he starts biting my lip … He starts to bite on my top lip and I tried to pull away from him. And then he forces me down on the bed. And I just was very frightened, and I tried to get away from him and I told him ‘No,’ that I didn’t want this to happen but he wouldn’t listen to me. … It was a real panicky, panicky situation. I was even to the point where I was getting very noisy, you know, yelling to ‘Please stop.’ And that’s when he pressed down on my right shoulder and he would bite my lip. … When everything was over with, he got up and straightened himself, and I was crying at the moment and he walks to the door, and calmly puts on his sunglasses. And before he goes out the door he says ‘You better get some ice on that.’ And he turned and went out the door.” }}<br /> When asked if there was any way Clinton could have thought it was consensual, Broaddrick said “No, not with what I told him and with how I tried to push him away. It was not consensual.”<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> <br /> Broaddrick shared the hotel room with her friend and employee Norma Rodgers. Rodgers attended a conference seminar that morning, and says she returned to their room to find Broaddrick on the bed “in a state of shock,” her pantyhose torn in the crotch and her lip swollen as though she had been hit.<ref name="NYT" /> Rogers says Broaddrick told her Clinton had "forced himself on her."<ref name="NYT" /> Rogers helped Broaddrick ice her lip, and then the women left Little Rock. Rogers said that Broaddrick was very upset on the way home and blamed herself for letting Clinton in the room.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> <br /> Broaddrick says she did not tell her then-husband about the incident.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><ref name=Slate>[http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/1999/03/is_juanita_broaddrick_telling_the_truth.html "Is Juanita Broaddrick Telling the Truth?"]. ''Slate'' (magazine)''. March 3, 1999.</ref><br /> <br /> At the time, she was having an affair with her eventual second husband, David Broaddrick. He remembers her injured lip, and she told him that Clinton had raped her.<ref name="NBCinterview" /> Three other friends confirmed that Broaddrick had told them about the incident at the time: Susan Lewis, Louis Ma, and Jean Darden, Norma Rogers’ sister.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> <br /> Broaddrick recalled incident occured in the spring of 1978 and that she had stayed in the Camelot Hotel. Records show Broaddrick attended a nursing home meeting at the Camelot Hotel in Little Rock on April 25, 1978.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><ref name="Slate" /> The Clinton White House would not respond to requests for Clinton's official schedule for the date,<ref name=WashingtonPost-Feb25-1999 /> but news reports suggest that he was in Little Rock that day, with no official commitments in the morning.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> <br /> Three weeks later Broaddrick attended an event where the Clintons would be in attendance at the home of a local dentist.<ref name="NBCinterview" /> Broaddrick said she was “in denial,” and felt guilty, thinking that she had given Clinton the wrong idea by letting him into her room.<ref name="NBCinterview" /> When she arrived she says, her friend who had picked the Clintons up from the airport told her that Hillary Clinton had asked if she would be at the event.<ref name=FOXinterview>''FOX News'': Interview with Sean Hannity. June 10, 2003. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KZ8ICvutc0 Excerpt] available via YouTube.</ref> Broaddrick says Clinton did not speak to her at the event, but his wife Hillary approached her, took her hand, and said 'I just want you to know how much Bill and I appreciate what you do for him.”<ref name="FOXinterview" /> When Broaddrick moved her hand away, she says, Mrs. Clinton held on to her and said, "Do you understand? Everything that you do."<ref name="FOXinterview" /> Broaddrick says she felt [[nausea]]ted and left the gathering. Broaddrick says she interpreted the incident as Mrs. Clinton thanking her for keeping quiet.<ref name="FOXinterview" /><br /> <br /> In 1984, Broaddrick's nursing facility was adjudged the best in the state, which brought a congratulatory official letter from the governor. On the bottom was a handwritten note from Clinton, saying, "I admire you very much."<ref name=WSJ>''Wall Street Journal'': [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB919379691540145000.html Juanita Broaddrick Meets the Press]. February 19, 1999.</ref> Broaddrick said that in 1991, Clinton called her out of a state nursing standards meeting to try to apologize. In response to his apologies, as she told ''[[The Washington Post]]'', "I told him to go to hell, and I walked off".<ref name=WashingtonPost-Feb25-1999>Kurtz, Howard (February 25, 1999). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/broaddrick022599.htm "Clinton Accuser's Story Aired"]. ''[[Washington Post]]''. p. A15.</ref> Darden also attended the meeting, and said she saw Broaddrick talking to Clinton in the hallway.<ref name="NBCinterview" /><br /> <br /> Lisa Myers if NBC, who conducted the ''Dateline'' interview, added she had no reason to doubt the veracity of Broadderick's accusations.<br /> <br /> =====as Rhodes Scholar=====<br /> An instance of media coverup, or failing to ask the right questions while promoting the Clintons and their careers is illustrated in Clinton's time at Oxford University.<br /> <br /> The earliest known incident of a reported rape is from 1969 while at Oxford in England on the <br /> [[Rhodes Scholar]]ship program. As is common knowledge, women's rights, [[prosecution]] of offenders, and protection for rape victims in 1969 were not what they are today. <br /> <br /> The prestigous Rhodes Scholarship is an elite program intended to cement Anglo-American relations and train tomorrows world leaders. Clinton was recommended for the program in 1968 by his Georgetown Professor Carol Quigley and his political mentor, the notorious [[segregation]]ist Senator J. William Fulbright. It's a two year program. Clinton recieved a draft deferment from conscription into the US Army during the Vietnam war for his enrollment in the program. It has been stated that 99% of all Rhodes Scholars graduate, the only cause of failing to graduate being death. Dropping out, or being thrown out, is/was virtuslly unheard of.<br /> <br /> Eileen Wellstone is an English woman who came forward saying Clinton raped her in 1969 after she had met him at a pub near the University. A retired State Department employee confirmed that he spoke with the family. The employee said he believed the story of Miss Wellstone.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20070516192906/http:/chblue.com/Feb1999/022599/clintonwomen022599.htm</ref><br /> <br /> "There was no doubt in my mind that this young woman had suffered severe emotional trauma, But we were under tremendous pressure to avoid the embarrassment of having a Rhodes Scholar charged with rape." The State Department official who investigated the incident said Clinton's interests appeared to be drinking, drugs and sex, not studies. "I came away from the incident with the clear impression that this was a young man who was there to party, not study."<ref>http://albertpeia.com/oxfordassault.htm</ref><br /> <br /> The victim's family declined to pursue the case; Wellstone re-confirmed the incident in 1999, but asked to be left alone.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/jun/24/20040624-121742-7463r/?page=all |title=The missing Clinton women|author=The Washington Times | publisher= Washington Times |date= June 24, 2004}}</ref><br /> <br /> In his book, ''Unlimited Access'', former FBI agent [[Gary Aldrich]] reported that Clinton left Oxford University for a "European Tour" in 1969 and was told by University officials that he was no longer welcome there. Aldrich said Clinton's academic record at Oxford was lackluster.<br /> <br /> Having been thrown out of Oxford, Clinton lost his draft deferment. Clinton entered Oxford in October 1968, according to David Maraniss, and recieved a draft induction in late July 1969. Yet the focus of news reporting in the [[United States presidential election, 1992|1992 presidential election]] was on championing Clinton as a 'Rhodes Scholar' while never asking how it was possible for a Rhodes Scholar with a draft deferment to recieve a draft notice. The issue focused on his failure to report for induction rather than the fact that he ''was not'' a Rhodes Scholar, that he had been thrown out of Oxford, or the reason for being thrown out.<br /> <br /> =====Other assaults=====<br /> Most cited by name in this section of assault victims are of women who have spoken about the crimes they've suffered, although some have been intimidated into silence after going public. Others remain fearful to come forward. <br /> <br /> In 1972, a twenty-two-year-old woman told Yale University’s campus police that she was sexually assaulted by Bill Clinton, and although no charges were filed, a retired policeman confirmed the incident to ''Capitol Hill Blue''. The woman herself was also tracked down and confirmed it, though she elected to stay anonymous.<br /> <br /> In 1974 a female student at the University of Arkansas complained that then law school instructor Bill Clinton tried to prevent her from leaving his office during a conference, groping her and forcing his hand inside her blouse. Although she complained to her faculty advisor, who confronted Clinton, the complaint again failed to go anywhere. The student left the school shortly after the incident, and more recently confirmed the incident. Several former students also confirmed the incident in confidential interviews and also said there were other reports of Clinton attempting to force himself on female students.<br /> <br /> Arkansas state troopers assigned to protect Clinton have knowledge of at least seven other complaints from women who said Clinton forced himself on them sexually or attempted to do so.<ref>[http://www.shwiggie.com/articles/clintons.html Living with the Clintons, Bill's Arkansas bodyguards tell the story the press missed], By David Brock, 1993</ref><br /> <br /> A Little Rock legal secretary named Carolyn Moffet claimed that in 1979, she met the governor at a political fundraiser and shortly afterward received an invitation to meet him in a hotel room. She was escorted there by a state trooper. When she arrived he was sitting on a couch wearing an undershirt and nothing else, and angrily assaulted her. She was able to escspe before being raped. Moffet received threatening phone calls. “He said that people who crossed the governor usually regretted it and that if I knew what was good for me I’d forget that it ever happened...I haven’t forgotten it. You don’t forget crude men like that.”<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2014/12/15/why-hillary-is-not-inevitable-bills-sordid-past/</ref><br /> <br /> Elizabeth Ward Gracen, a former Miss Arkansas who won the Miss America crown in 1982 told friends she was forced by Clinton to have sex with him shortly after she won her state crown.<ref>http://www.villagevoice.com/news/the-trashing-of-clintons-women-6422690</ref> Clinton media surrogates publicly hype and boast of Clinton's manliness and ''machismo'' for his sexual conquest if Miss America.<br /> <br /> An Arkansas state employee named Paula Corbin filed a sexual harassment case against Clinton after she said the governor exposed himself and demanded sex in a Little Rock hotel room. President Clinton finally settled the case with Paula Corbin in 1998 with an $850,000 cash payment.<ref><br /> http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/11/18/jones/</ref><br /> <br /> Sandra Allen James, a former Washington, DC, political fundraiser said Clinton invited her to his hotel room when he was in Washington in 1991, pinned her against the wall and stuck his hand up her dress. She says she screamed loud enough for the Arkansas state trooper stationed outside the hotel suite to bang on the door and ask if everything was alright. Then, she said, Clinton released her and she fled the room. When she reported the incident to her boss, he advised her to keep her mouth shut if she wanted to keep working. ‘’My husband and children deserve better than that..I wasn’t raped, but I was trapped in a hotel room for a brief moment by a boorish man...I got away. He tried calling me several times after that, but I didn’t take his phone calls. Then he stopped. I guess he moved on.” She said she learned other women had similar stories during Clinton’s 1992 presidential run. She has since married and left Washington and retreated from public view.<ref>http://m.digitaljournal.com/article/255828</ref><br /> <br /> Christy Zercher, a flight attendant on Clinton’s campaign plane in 1992, reported that he exposed himself to her, groped her, and made explicit sexual remarks. A video filmed on board the plane by [[ABC News]] showed an obviously drunken Clinton with his hand on intimate parts of another young flight attendant. Zercher said later in an interview that White House attorney Bruce Lindsey tried to pressure her into not going public about the assault.<ref>http://redalertpolitics.com/2015/12/29/millennials-guide-bill-clintons-20-sex-scandals/</ref><br /> <br /> Kathleen Willey was a volunteer at the White House when Clinton grabbed her, fondled her, and pressed her hand against himself during an Oval Office meeting in November, 1993. Willey, who told her story in a [[60 Minutes]] interview, became a target of a White House–directed smear campaign after she went public.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Target-Caught-Crosshairs-Hillary-Clinton/dp/0974670162 Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton], Kathleen Willey, World Ahead Publishing, Nov 6, 2007 ISBN-13: 978-0974670164 ISBN-10: 0974670162 </ref><br /> <br /> The other encounters were confirmed with more than 30 interviews with retired Arkansas state employees, former state troopers and former Yale and University of Arkansas students. Like others, they refused to go public because of fears of retaliation from the Clinton White House and smesr machine.<br /> <br /> Peter Baker in ''The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton'', which the ''Washington Post'' describes as the definitive account of the impeachment saga, reported that in the files of the independent prosecutor lawyers had collected the names of 21 different women. Baker noted<br /> {{Quotebox|“One woman was alleged to have been asked by Clinton to give him oral sex in a car while he was the state attorney general (a claim she denied). A former Arkansas state employee said that during a presentation, then-Governor Clinton walked behind her and rubbed his pelvis up against her repeatedly. A woman identified as a third cousin of Clinton’s supposedly told her drug counselor during treatment in Arkansas that she was abused by Clinton when she was baby-sitting at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock.”<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/The-Breach-Inside-Impeachment-William/dp/1476730075 The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton], Peter Backer, December 4, 2012, p. 138</ref>}}<br /> <br /> On November 21, 2014, columnist Joan Vennochi of the ''a [[Boston Globe]]'' wrote, “Rape allegations hurt Bill Cosby but sail past Bill Clinton.” <br /> <br /> “Power—who has it, who doesn’t, and how it can for years insulate the holder of it—is the common thread between Cosby, Clinton, and their accusers,” Vennochi wrote. Clinton apologists, surrogates, sycophants, and spin-meisters srgur their public policies are more important than his private failings.<br /> <br /> “Meanwhile, the Clinton spin machine did its best to portray his accusers as ‘nuts or sluts,’ ...against women who dare to hold men accountable for their actions,” Vennochi wrote.<ref>https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/11/21/rape-allegations-hurt-bill-cosby-but-sail-past-bill-clinton/YTIsUoXS2uxrW1mW2JSuRM/story.html</ref><br /> <br /> ====Joe Epstein, convicted registered pedophile and co-founder of the Clinton Foundation====<br /> According to billionaire Joe Epstein, he helped found the Clinton Foundation.<ref name="foxnews.com">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/07/06/billionaire-sex-offender-epstein-once-claimed-co-founded-clinton-foundation.html</ref> Epstein also founded his own Epstein Foundation.<br /> <br /> When the Clinton's left the White House in 2001, Bill spent more time with his cohort and business associate commonly known in the media as 'the billionaire pervert'. His friend is involved in a child sex trafficking ring. He is a registered sex offender for sex crimes involving children.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2011/02/28/jeffrey-epstein-sex-offender-yes-billionaire-no/#669f83922136</ref><br /> <br /> Clinton's [[pedophile]] friend and associate, Jeffrey 'Joe' Epstein, is a donor to the Clinton Foundation.<ref name="foxnews.com"/> He began making donations shortly after his arrest on child sex charges. Epstein recieved a relatively light sentence in view of the charges against him. Epstein has settled lawsuits with 33 of his child victims. Other suits are still pending.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2584309/Bill-Clinton-identified-lawsuit-against-former-friend-pedophile-Jeffrey-Epstein-regular-orgies-Caribbean-compound-former-president-visited-multiple-times.html#ixzz3NysnRS27</ref> Epstein is said to have provided minor girls for Prince Andrew. When the Palm Beach Florida police seized Epstein's contact book,<ref>http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/bill-clinton/bill-clinton-and-jeffrey-epstein-9086711</ref> 21 different phone numbers and email addresses for Clinton machine operatives were discovered, including the personal cell number for Bill Clinton, and numbers for Bill's flunky Doug Band and Hillary's flunky Cheryl Mills.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2015/03/27/cheryl-mills-the-woman-who-knew-too-much/</ref><br /> <br /> Epstein owns property in Manhattan, Palm Beach and the Virgin Islands where the child molestation acts are said to have taken place.<ref>http://nypost.com/2011/02/25/billionaire-jeffrey-epstein-im-a-sex-offender-not-a-predator/</ref> Seized flight logs in the investigation reveal Clinton flew on Epstein's private plane 18 times.<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2016/05/18/morning_joe_panel_clintons_connection_to_billionaire_pedophile_jeffrey_epstein_will_blow_up_campaign.html</ref> It has been established some of these flights were to Epstein's Virgin Islsnds retreat.<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2015/07/judge-unseals-more-details-in-jeffrey-epstein-underage-sex-lawsuit-210065</ref> A woman who victims name as procurring underage girls is s donor to the Hiilary Clinton Presidential campaign and attended Chelsea Clinton's wedding in 2010.<ref>http://snn.bz/clinton-4ss/</ref><br /> <br /> In 2007 former Whitewater prosecutor [[Ken Starr]], whom critics accuse of whitewashing the Vince Foster investigation,<ref>http://www.prorev.com/knowl2a.htm</ref> defended Epstein from a second conviction of having sex with a 14 year old minor.<ref name="justice-integrity.org">http://www.justice-integrity.org/faq/791-ken-starr-explains-his-help-for-billionaire-pervert-jeffrey-epstein</ref> Starr was forced out of his position as president of Baylor University in May 2016 for mishandling another sex scandal.<br /> <br /> ===Racism===<br /> :''See also [[Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign]]''<br /> Hillary Clinton is known for her cynical manipulation of Black voters and pandering to "white working class, hard-working white" nativist sentiment.<ref>https://youtu.be/vjoMcqMTMfw</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/ijhL3-5sr18</ref> Reminiscent of her famous "bring them to heel" speech, while discussing police shootings Hillary said, "We have got to rein in what is absolutely inexplicable" without bothering to explain what is inexplicable.<br /> <br /> Hillary's racism runs deep. The night Bill Clinton lost his bid for a Congressional seat in 1974 and disappointing their immediate personel ambitions, Hillary blamed the loss on campaign manager Paul Fray. "She called me everything but a white man," Fray explained to the [[BBC]].<ref>https://youtu.be/_VonG4TyTWw</ref> Tensions escalated. Then she called him a "F***ing [[Jew]] bastard." The Cinton's of course deny it but five separate surving witnesses corroborate each other in detail.<ref>http://dailycaller.com/2016/07/05/three-eyewitnesses-allege-hillary-called-aide-a-fking-jew-bastard/</ref><ref name="Did Hillary commit a hate crime">[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3827/is_200007/ai_n8910772 Did Hillary commit a hate crime?], Human Events, July 28, 2000.</ref> The incident was first reported in a book published by Harper Collins in 2000 entitled, ''State of a Union: Inside the Complex Marriage of Bill and Hillary Clinton''.<ref name="Did Hillary commit a hate crime"/><ref>http://www.amazon.com/State-Union-Complex-Marriage-Hillary/dp/0060193921</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/US_election_race/Story/0,,344475,00.html Hillary faces voters' wrath for alleged ethnic slur], Michael Ellison, London Guardian, July 18, 2000.</ref><ref>[http://www.sobran.com/columns/1999-2001/000718.shtml Hillary’s Manners], Joseph Sobran, July 18, 2000.</ref><ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=15015 I agree with Clinton!], Joseph Farah, WorldNetDaily, July 20, 2000.</ref><br /> <br /> The Clintons call [[Jesse Jackson]] that "Goddamn n****r" behind his back.<ref>http://polidics.com/news/hillary-clintons-jew-bastard.html</ref><ref>http://rapmusic.com/threads/hillary-clinton-hates-blacks-and-jews-caught-by-the-secret-service-and-endorsers.1074368/</ref><ref name="emptysuit.wordpress.com">https://emptysuit.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/the-clintons-jews-and-niggers-warning-graphic-language/</ref><ref>http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/racial-slurs-are-unsettling-if-used-by-celebrity-chefs-or-top-democrats/</ref> Jackson refused to release his delegates in 1984 to [[Gary Hart]], Clinton's old boss from the [[McGovern]] campaign of 1972. Jackson, the first African-American to win states in a major party primary, questioned the disparity between his vote total and delegate count, but even Hart sided with the DNC's rigging the primary rules.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/20/us/disparity-between-jackson-s-vote-and-delegate-count-vexes-party.html?pagewanted=all DISPARITY BETWEEN JACKSON'S VOTE AND DELEGATE COUNT VEXES PARTY], By DAVID E. ROSENBAUM, ''New York Times'', May 20, 1984.</ref> In 1988 Jackson selected Ron Brown as his chief negotiator at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.<ref>https://socialistworker.org/2016/07/25/how-democrats-got-over-the-rainbow<</ref> Brown went on to serve as DNC Chairman and Commerce Secretary until he died in a plane crash.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Ron-Browns-Body-Presidency-Hillarys/dp/0785262377</ref><br /> <br /> The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) was a racist organization formed by remnants of the McGovern and Hart campaigns - less the Rainbow Coalition.<ref>http://www.blackcommentator.com/46/46_cover.html</ref><ref>https://ofamerica.wordpress.com/tag/democratic-leadership-council/</ref> By 1992 it had taken over the DNC. Democratic strategists sought to distance themselves from the civil rights movement and begin pushing the "centrist" candidacy of Bill Clinton.<ref>[http://www.salon.com/2016/01/31/the_clintons_sordid_race_game_no_one_will_say_it_but_the_clintons_rise_was_premised_on_repudiating_black_voters/ The Clintons’ sordid race game: No one will say it, but the Clintons’ rise was premised on repudiating black voters], Corey Robin, ''Salon'', Jan 31, 2016</ref><br /> <br /> That fact that 30 year old allegations of sexual asssult and improprieties are hurled at [[Bill Cosby]] with a devastating effect on his life and career while Bill Clinton is held up as a paragon of manhood and public service by the media and judicial system is a testament of the bigotry and racism of the mainstream media and their supporters. Rumors persist that the Clinton's have effectively blackmailed Barack Obama to drop thd email investigation and for his active support in the 2016 presidential campaign.<ref>http://wallstreetonparade.com/2016/07/media-gets-facts-wrong-on-loretta-lynchbill-clinton-tarmac-meeting/</ref><br /> <br /> ====Violations of African American voting rights====<br /> In Arkansas, the Clinton administration was sued several times by blacks and [[Hispanic]]s for violations of the 1965 [[Voting Rights Act]] and lost every case. 10 years into their grip on Arkansas the [[United States Supreme Court]] ruled<br /> {{Quotebox|violations of the [[Fourteenth amendment|fourteenth]] or [[fifteenth amendment]] justifying equitable relief have occurred in Arkansas.<br /> <br /> In May 1990, the district court turned to those claims, holding that "the State of Arkansas has committed a number of constitutional violations of the voting rights of black citizens." In particular, the court determined that the "State has systematically and deliberately enacted new majority-vote requirements for municipal offices, in an effort to frustrate black political success in elections traditionally requiring only a plurality to win." In 1990...Devotion to majority rule for local offices lay dormant as long as the [[plurality]] system produced white office-holders. But whenever black candidates used this system successfully -- and victory by a plurality has been virtually their only chance of success in at-large elections in majority-white cities – the response was swift and certain. Laws were passed in an attempt to close off this avenue of black political victory...<br /> <br /> This series of laws represents a systematic and deliberate attempt to reduce black political opportunity. Such an attempt is plainly unconstitutional. It replaces a system in which blacks could and did succeed, with one in which they almost certainly cannot. The inference of [[bigotry|racial motivation]] is inescapable.<ref>Findings of the Supreme Court of the United States in [http://www.usdoj.gov/osg/briefs/1990/sg900402.txt Clinton vs Jeffers] No. 90-394 (1990) on appeal 730 F. Supp. 196, 198-201 (ED Ark. 1989) (three-judge court), aff'd, No. 89-2008 (Jan. 7, 1991).</ref><ref>http://commonsensewonder.blogspot.com/2016/09/bill-clintons-comment-about-trumps-make.html</ref>}}<br /> <br /> In more than one thousand legislative elections, the Arkansas delta region sent not one black to the legislature. In 1988 the federal district court forced a change to the system in Crittenden County that watered down the presence of a large number of black voters.<br /> <br /> The case began when blacks in Crittenden County filed a voting rights lawsuit attacking the county's ''at-large'' system for electing two members to the Arkansas House. The suit contended that the system deprived black voters of a chance to elect a black to the state assembly.<br /> <br /> The evidence at trial was indeed overwhelming that the Voting Rights Act had been violated. Plaintiffs offered plenty of proof of monolithic voting along racial lines, intimidation of black voters and candidates, other official acts that made voting harder for blacks. A panel of 3 judges ordered Gov. Clinton, the Attorney General, and Secretary of State to redraw the boundaries to give maximum strength to black voters.<br /> <br /> Local press reports in Arkansas from the late 1980s paint an ugly picture of the [[Clinton administration]]'s attempts to intimidate black voters.<ref>http://www.siliconinvestor.com/readreplies.aspx?subjectid=28880&msgid=18476315</ref> In her 1998 memoir ''Lift Every Voice'', former [[U.S Justice Department]] Civil Rights Division nominee Lani Guinier revealed that Clinton's record on [[race]] in Arkansas was so bad she was forced to take legal action. "As a staff lawyer for the [[NAACP]] Legal Defense and Education Fund [LDF], I had sued Gov. Clinton over Arkansas's deputy voter registration statute." A deputy voter registrar is someone authorized to register voters. <br /> <br /> Guinier wrote, "In the late 1980s, in a particularly tense meeting in southeastern Arkansas - a section of the Mississippi Delta region where antebellum social relations are still in many respects the order of the day," Dayna Cunningham, a civil rights lawyer, "were one of a handful of black people there to discuss remedies for a highly contentious LDF voting rights suit. The meeting turned sour when one of the local whites demanded to know why, in his view, the whites were always made to pay for others' problems. Other whites in the group began to echo his charge...Bill Clinton, the lead defendant in the case, took to the podium to respond. In a tone of resignation, Clinton said, 'We have to pay because we lost,'" the inference being the loss of the [[Civil War]] as well as the Clintons loss in the Supreme Court.<br /> <br /> "Clinton had irresponsibly pandered to the backwards feeling of the white constituency," said Cunningham.<br /> <br /> No good deed goes unpunished of course, so Guinier was not without her own problems for having unfortunately crossed paths with the Clintons, beginning at Yale. Three years after the ruckus in Arksnsas President Clinton nominated her as Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights. But the Clinton surrogates were lying in wait for her. A media smear campaign not only distorted her views, but in many cases presented them as the exact opposite. The ''New York Times'', which ordinarily presents the Clintons as the wonders of an age, ran an op-ed highly critical of Clinton's appointment, alleging Guinier was in favor of “[[segregation|segregating]] black voters in black-majority districts.” The ''Washington Post'', again no friend of conservatives, twisted Guiniers advocacy of proportional representation into a vision of “a society in which a minority can impose its will on the majority.”<br /> <br /> Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting says of the ambush and firestorm that surrounded Guinier's nomination:<br /> {{Quotebox|there was also an ideological agenda at work: promoting Clinton’s media-celebrated shift “back to the center.” ... To make her a proper sacrificial offering, however, the establishment media had to reinvent Guinier — transforming a sophisticated advocate of racial reconciliation and participatory democracy into a sinister, [[race baiting|race-baiting]] enemy of the American Way.<ref>http://fair.org/extra/lani-guinier/</ref>}}<br /> <br /> The Democrats held both Houses of Congress and the presidency. Guinier's nomination, if the Clintons were serious about it should have been easy. She had been Hillary snd Bill's classmate at Yale. It was classic ''Clintonism'': destroying the life of a friend and who was an advocate of racial reconciliation, painting the American people as racist, and promoting themselves. [[George Will]], it has been said, was too stupid and too lazy to actually read her writtings. As [[Mike Klonsky]] noted, when the liberal lions of the Democratically controlled Senate, such as [[Ted Kennedy]] and even [[Carole Moseley Braun]] stepped away, now the Clintons could turn a message of reconciliation into repudiation in front of the whole nation.<br /> <br /> What's a little misunderstanding among friends? Guinier said she felt betrayed by Clinton, whom she considered a friend since their days together at Yale Law School, and was angered when he called her "anti-democratic," - the person who protected voting rights of African-Americans despite Clinton's fight against it - in a nationally televised address announcing he was scuttling her nomination.<ref>https://www.c-span.org/video/?42098-1/assistant-attorney-general-nomination</ref><br /> <br /> ====Rep. Ben McGee====<br /> In 1988 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Clinton wrongfully tried to overturn the election of a black state representative, Mr. Ben McGee, and replace him with a white Democrat Clinton handpicked. The case grew out of the suit against Clinton to win voting rights for the people of Crittenden County.<br /> <br /> ====Robert 'Say' MacIntosh====<br /> Robert 'Say' MacIntosh is a civil rights activist who the ''Arkansas Democrat'' newspaper named Arkansan of the Year in the late 1970s for his charitable work with children in Little Rock's housing projects.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20080926012344/http://www.cals.lib.ar.us/butlercenter/manuscripts/collection/mss97-43.html</ref> MacIntosh unsuccesfully ran for public office under Arkansas's racial gerrymanderring and minority voter suppression laws of the Clinton era, including as Lieutant Governor in 1980. He considered challenging Bill Clinton in the 1986 Democratic gubernatorial primary, but backed out when another African-American candidate, former anti-poverty agency head W. Dean Goldsby, filed on the last day.<br /> [[File:Arkansas State Flag.gif|right|thumb|The Arkansas State Flag. The top star above Arkansas represents the slave holding Confederacy, an Act signed into law by Clinton.]]<br /> A tree was ceremoniously planted on the Arkansas capitol grounds in the Clinton years on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to honor Dr. King. McIntosh showed up the next day and chopped it down in front of the press, and commented, "No black man was invited to be present for the tree planting. I'm cutting it down till blacks are invited to be part of the political process in Little Rock." Wikipedia says "few debate that he has been a major part of local color in Arkansas."<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_"Say"_McIntosh</ref><br /> <br /> MacIntosh publicized allegations Bill Clinton fathered an out of wedlock child named Danney Williams.<ref>https://twitter.com/danney_williams?s=09</ref> When Bill Clinton was in Little Rock, McIntosh would distribute leaflets within a five block area to raise money for the child's upbringing. He had frequent face-to-face confrontations with Gov. Clinton over child support. Clinton privately referred to MacIntosh with aides using the "n" word.<ref name="emptysuit.wordpress.com"/><br /> <br /> The story resurfaced during the 2008 primaties, only this time the denials weren't so strong and adopted a more forgiving attitude.<ref>http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2008/01/17/sex-lies-and-major-headlines</ref><ref>http://epubbookonline.com/b/3035/roger-stone/the-clintons-war-on-women/27</ref> Many blacks and Obama supporters were put off by the mainstresm media spin and questioned the untimely death of Ron Brown.<ref>http://wc.blackplanet.com/news/article_comments.html?news_item_id=46467</ref><ref>http://aapoliticalpundit.blogspot.com/2007/12/blacks-clintons-presidency-and-ron.html</ref> Even the ''Washington Post'' noticed the racial undercurrent in Hillary Clinton's campaign.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/22/AR2007122201762.html</ref> <br /> <br /> ====Death of Ron Brown====<br /> The death of Ron Brown remains a contoversial subject among African-Americans.<ref>https://youtu.be/BMXnPYGDgVc</ref> Ron Brown was the first black [[Secretary of Commerce]] who died in the crash of Air Force Two. The crash occurred one week before Brown was slated to give testimony in the Clinton campaign finance scandal, among other scandals.<ref>https://youtu.be/HR-WkSEzaho</ref><br /> <br /> ====Confederate Flag Day====<br /> The Arkansas Legislature's Act 116 of 1987 designated the star above the word "Arkansas" on the state flag as a commemoration of the Confederacy, signed into law by Gov. Clinton, as well as annual proclamations for Confederate Flag Day.<br /> <br /> In April 1985 Clinton signed Act 985 into law, making the birthdates of Martin Luther King Jr. and [[Robert E. Lee]], General of the Confederate army, state holidays on the same day. The coded message sent to white constituents could not have be clearer.<br /> <br /> ====Black lives don't matter====<br /> On the eve of the [[New Hampshire]] primary in 1992, Bill Clinton took off from the campaign trail to sign the death warrant and oversee the execution of a retarded black man, Ricky Ray Rector. Recktor, who had been lobotomized, was mentally incompetent and unable to understand the charges against him.<br /> <ref>[https://skepticalbrotha.wordpress.com/tag/christopher-hitchens/ Christopher Hitchens], Skeptical Brotha. Retrieved 23 June 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.blackstarnews.com/us-politics/elections/bill-clinton-hopped-up-on-whack-ricky-ray-rector-part-2.html Bill Clinton "Hopped Up On Whack" -- Ricky Ray Rector Part 2], Colin Benjamin, Black Star News, April 13, 2016</ref> "It was like executing a child," the prison chaplain said. Hillary, the master strategist of the Clinton's rise, fearing the Willie Horton syndrome which torpedoed [[Michael Dukakis]] in 1988 and the 'monkey business' which destroyed [[Gary Hart]] as well, still defended the execution in 2016.<ref>[https://theintercept.com/2016/03/17/hillary-clintons-indefensible-stance-on-the-death-penalty/ Hillary Clinton’s Indefensible Stance on the Death Penalty], Liliana Segura, ''The Intercept'', Mar. 17 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.salon.com/2016/01/31/the_clintons_sordid_race_game_no_one_will_say_it_but_the_clintons_rise_was_premised_on_repudiating_black_voters/ Jan 31, 2016 04:00 AM MDT The Clintons’ sordid race game: No one will say it, but the Clintons’ rise was premised on repudiating black voters], Corey Robin, ''Salon'', Jan. 31, 2016</ref><br /> <br /> Hillary was at his side when Bill Clinton raised mandatory sentencing guidelines which disproportionately sent Blacks to prison, giving the United States the highest mass incarceration rate in the world.<ref>[https://newrepublic.com/article/129433/clintons-war-drugs-black-lives-didnt-matter The Clintons’ War on Drugs: When Black Lives Didn’t Matter], By Donna Murch, ''The New Republic'', February 9, 2016</ref> The Clinton's championed the “three strikes you're out” law, passed a crime bill that created dozens of new federal capital crimes, mandated life sentences for some three-time offenders, and authorized more than $16 billion for more state prisons. By the time the Clinton's left office in 2001, the United States had the highest rate of incarceration in the world. [[Human Rights Watch]] reported that in seven states, African Americans constituted 80 to 90 percent of all drug offenders even though they were no more likely than whites to use or sell illegal drugs. Prison admissions for drug offenses reached a level in 2000 for African Americans more than 26 times the level they had been under [[Ronald Reagan]].<ref>[https://www.thenation.com/article/hillary-clinton-does-not-deserve-black-peoples-votes/ Why Hillary Clinton Doesn’t Deserve the Black Vote], Michelle Alexander, ''The Nation'', February 10, 2016</ref><br /> <br /> In late 2015, while several American cities smoldered in riots over police shootings, Hillary Clinton had several prison industry lobbyists working as fundraisers on her campaign. The fundraiser-lobbyists worked for the Corrections Corporation of America and Geo Group, which also run most of the [[immigrant]] detention centers.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/h-a-goodman/while-missouri-students-battle-racism-prison-lobbyists-funded-hillary-clintons-campaign_b_8553370.html While Missouri Students Battle Racism, Prison Lobbyists Funded Hillary Clinton’s Campaign], H.A. Goodman, ''Huffington Post'', Nov 13, 2015</ref><br /> <br /> ====Racial profiling of Hispanics====<br /> The Clintons99 instituted [[racial profiling]] of [[Latino]]s as drug dealers in 1988. Specifically, the troopers were authorized to stop and search cars driven by Hispanics, especially those with Texas license plates. Again, the Clinton's Criminal Apprehension Program was challenged in federal court and ruled unconstitutional. But the program went on anyway with further destruction of civil liberties when the Clinton's authorized state troopers to stop and search any car regardless of race.<ref>https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-56765970.html</ref><br /> <br /> Roberto Garcia de Posada, executive director of the Hispanic Business Roundtable, cited the fact that Clinton was "a strong supporter of racial profiling against Hispanics," and thst they do not have "the moral authority to lead a national campaign on this issue." The Clintons need to "apologize to all those Hispanics who suffered this 'morally indefensible' practice".<br /> <br /> ====Naked racism====<br /> A Black Lives Matter activist confront Hillary Clinton in 2016 about the Clinton's history of [[racism]].<ref>[http://fair.org/home/why-did-it-take-an-activist-to-bring-superpredators-into-the-campaign/ Why Did It Take an Activist to Bring ‘Superpredators’ Into the Campaign?], By Jim Naureckas, FAIR, 27 Feb 2016</ref> In January 2016 ''[[Salon]]'' published an article on the dirty little secret among the liberal intelligentsia no one wants to talk about: the Clinton's rise and success has been based on stoking racial fears. Stan Greenberg conducted the focus groups that dictated the Clinton's daily buzzwords and talking points to provide the fodder and fuel the Clinton's lived and died on. Greenberg's work produced results claiming the Democratic party was too identified with [[Jesse Jackson]] and minorities to speak for 'average Americans' and it needed to appeal to white working class swing voters.<ref>[http://prospect.org/article/crisis-working-majority-0 From Crisis to Working Majority], Stan Greenberg, ''The American Prospect'' 2, no. 7 (September 1991). Republished 24 May 2005</ref> <br /> <br /> Perhaps nothing reveals the cold, cruel, calculated and hateful divisiveness in the heart of the woman than her comment to Sam Donaldson on ABC's ''Prime Time Live'' that Gennifer Flowers was the daughter of Willie Horton. Intended as a throwaway line, with all the facts in now - that it was a lie and she knew it was a lie - we see the cynical manipulation of people, particularly those in the civil rights and women's movements, and her incipient predations.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=1j6Xy5FnBzkC&pg=PA268&lpg=PA268&dq=gennifer+flowers+is+the+daughter+of+willie+horton&source=bl&ots=LIylbGcmHA&sig=35GnRjdcZx32qV_stExpcJV0PFw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjPgdST5s3NAhUIKGMKHfDfCOgQ6AEIODAE#v=onepage&q=gennifer%20flowers%20is%20the%20daughter%20of%20willie%20horton&f=false The Rhetoric of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton: Crisis Management Discourse], Colleen E. Kelley, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001, pp. 268-269</ref><br /> <br /> In 1992 for the first time in nearly half a century the party platform made no mention of redressing racial injustice. Through triangulation and a policy of 'get tuff on crime', the Clinton's sought to repudiate and distance themselves from the Democratic party's commitment to the struggles of [[African-American]]s. The Clinton's formulated a crime bill purportedly to 'put 100,000 new cops on the street'. Hillary became one of the chief spokespersons referring to black teens as dogs.<br /> {{Cquote|They are not just gangs of kids anymore. They are often the kinds of kids that are called ‘super-predators.’ No conscience, no empathy. We can talk about why they ended up that way but first we have to bring them to heel.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bernie-sanders-slams-clintons-racist-1996-super-predators-comment/ Bernie Sanders slams Clinton's "racist" 1996 super predators comment], By Reena Flores, CBS News, April 14, 2016</ref><ref>[http://fair.org/extra/superscapegoating/ Superscapegoating], Teen 'superpredators' hype set stage for draconian legislation, By Robin Templeton, FAIR, 1 Jan 1998</ref>}}<br /> In the 2008 presidential primaries, the Clinton's were back at it: fostering racial fear and paranoia,<ref>[http://www.alternet.org/story/80258/america's_new_racial_reality%3A_white_minority_status America's New Racial Reality: White Minority Status], While Obama raises the bar for racial understanding, the Democratic Leadership Council leverages white voter fear. By Roberto Lovato / New America Media, March 21, 2008</ref> which by now seemed to be the regular program of the Democratic Leadership Council.<ref>[http://www.blackcommentator.com/46/46_cover.html Muzzling The African-American Agenda With Black Help], Bruce A. Dixon, ''The Black Commentator''. www.blackcommentator.com</ref> They tried to marginalize Obama as the black candidate with comparisons to Jesse Jackson<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/26/bill-clinton-obama-is-jus_n_83406.html Bill Clinton: Obama Is Just Like Jesse Jackson], ''Huffington Post'', 03/28/2008</ref> emphasizing Hillary's 'wide appeal': "Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again", Hillary told ''USA Today''.<ref>[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-07-clintoninterview_N.htm Clinton makes case for wide appeal], By Kathy Kiely and Jill Lawrence, USA TODAY, 5/8/2008</ref> She mocked and ridiculed Obama's fitness to lead on his no first strike nuclear pledge saying, "I don't believe that any president should make any blanket statements with respect to the use or nonuse of nuclear weapons," whereas two months earlier she promised to nuke Iran. She stayed in the race even after it became apparent she lost, according to her, only because Obama might be assassinated.<br /> <br /> As heir to the [[New Deal]] tradition and key to the New England donor base, Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]]'s blessing on the candidate for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination was vital. The Clinton's also were seeking bona fides among liberals and the [[civil rights]] movement. Clinton said of Obama, "that boy would have been carrying our bags and getting us coffee a few years ago".<ref name="urbanintellectuals.com">[http://urbanintellectuals.com/2015/07/17/did-you-know-bill-clinton-made-racist-comments-about-barack-obama-when-he-first-ran-for-president/ Did You Know Bill Clinton Made Racist Comments About Barack Obama When He First Ran For President], F. Taylor, Urban Intellectuals, July 17, 2015.</ref> Kennedy was offended by Clinton's racism and refused to give Hillary the endorsement.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/apr/28/hillaryclinton.usa Hillary has cynically turned to the one argument she has left: race], Gary Younge, ''Guardian'' UK, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.alternet.org/story/80258/america's_new_racial_reality%3A_white_minority_status America's New Racial Reality: White Minority Status], While Obama raises the bar for racial understanding, the Democratic Leadership Council leverages white voter fear. By Roberto Lovato / New America Media, March 21, 2008.</ref><br /> <br /> == Arkansas and the DLC ==<br /> ===More violent behavior===<br /> After returning to Arkansas as a law professor at the university, Clinton was elected state Attorney General in 1976. In 1978, he was elected Governor of Arkansas, becoming the youngest governor in the country at age 32 . Though defeated in 1980, Clinton won back the governorship in 1982 and held it until becoming President in 1992. Several eyewitnesses attest to Bill Clinton's use of physical [[violence]] when he [[assault]]ed campaign adviser [[Dick Morris]] inside the Governor's Mansion during the 1990 campaign. Clinton was angry that polls showed his primary opponent gaining on him. Clinton threw Morris to the floor and cocked his fist back, Mrs. Clinton intervened and yelled for him to get control of himself. She later tried to reassure Morris saying, "He only does that to people he loves.".<ref>''First in His Class'', David Maraniss, 1995, p. 455.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Troopergate and Arkansas scandals===<br /> Clinton was involved in several scandals while Governor of Arkansas. He converted governmental resources for personal use by having Arkansas state policemen arrange and stand guard during his extramarital rendezvous with women.<ref>Thomas C. Reeves, ''[https://www.questia.com/magazine/1G1-14988880/why-troopergate-matters-to-voters Why Troopergate matters to voters]'', ''Insight on the News,'' April 4, 1994.</ref> The tales told by Arkansas State Troopers of Bill Clinton's attitude and approach toward women in his domain of Arkansas<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/books/first/i/isikoff-clinton.html</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=eGoIPkQl820C&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq=women%2Barkansas%2Bcome+hither&source=bl&ots=L9YB2qxhMe&sig=Xf-IvHZFWQWf-35ddxfJ4vQeb6o&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIw7D-xIzNAhUFxGMKHceRBAYQ6AEISzAI#v=onepage&q=women%2Barkansas%2Bcome%20hither&f=false Democrats do the Dumbest things]</ref> evoke images of the same attitude and approach Uday Hussein was known for in his stalking of women and girls in Iraq.<ref>http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,454453,00.html</ref><ref>https://www.quora.com/How-bad-was-Uday-Hussein</ref><br /> <br /> His close personal business partnerships with Susan and [[James McDougal]] in a failed Savings and Loan business venture led to investigation of the [[Whitewater]] affair and the death of [[Vince Foster]]. Several of the people involved with the sale of land prior to the Clinton presidency were indicted, but prosecutors never charged either Clintons with a crime.<br /> <br /> Foster's last weekend had been spent in the company of [[Webster Hubbell]], his wife and another couple, White House counsel Michael Cardozo and his wife. Hubbell joined the group in [[Maryland]] after leaving the meeting that informed William Sessions of his dismissal as [[FBI]] director. After returning from a [[Hawaii]]an vacation, Bill Clinton spent that weekend in [[Arkansas]] dining with David Edwards, a former Stephens Inc. employee and conduit for $23 million from the king of [[Saudi Arabia]] for the Middle Eastern studies program at the [[University of Arkansas]]. Clinton had one last twenty minute conversation with Foster the Monday night before his death.<ref>"The Foster Death," Washington Post, January 14, 1994</ref> Oddly, one of Foster's last phone conversations on the morning of his death was with Brantley Buck, the Rose Law Firm partner assigned to investigate Webster Hubbell and Park-On-Meter (POM),<ref>Isikoff, Michael, "Conspiracy Theorists Find Foster Case Hard To Resist," Washington Post, March 13, 1994.</ref> an Arkansas firm the Clinton machine attempted to use to muscle in on as the [[CIA]]'s choice as a domestic arms manufacturer with untraceable serial numbers for the [[Nicaragua]]n [[Contras]]. The firm was owned by Webster Hubbell's father-in-law, Seth Ward. The CIA already had its own manufacturer, Iver Johnson Arms of [[New Jersey]], and was planning to relocate it to Arkansas, closer to the Mena airport. The sloppiness, [[cronyism]], lack of security, and presumptiveness of Bill Clinton's Arkansas political machine jeapordized the [[Iran-Contra]] operation.<br /> <br /> ===Democratic Leadership Council===<br /> The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) formed in early 1985 to formulate a moderate Democratic agenda. With Al From as executive director and Georgia Senator Sam Nunn as chairman, DLC comprised mostly Southern Democratic congressmen. They sought to rebuild the party's image after a series of defeats by Reagan and Bush. They wanted to assure voters that the moderate-conservative wing of the party was alive and well, and that [[progressive]] policy initiatives may be marketable to mainstream America. After the Democrats 1988 defeat, From asked Clinton in March 1990 to become the first DLC Chair from outside Washington. He and Clinton recruited state and local officials from around the country for the DLC, trying out talking points for [[New spending#New vs old spending authority|new spending authority]] initiatives developed by an affiliated think tank, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI). Proposals that found their way into Clinton's 1992 platform included:<br /> * Apprenticeship programs for non-college-bound skilled workers <br /> * A program of national service for college students (with student loan forgiveness)<br /> * A ROTC-style program to train new police officers in colleges<br /> * An enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor <br /> * Government-subsidized individual savings accounts for Social Security.<br /> <br /> The two DLC manifestos and Clinton's 1991 "New Covenant" speech accounted for more than 60% of the spending promises in the 1992 Democratic platform.<ref>Borrelli, 432-35</ref> Clinton campaigned as a "New Democrat," with an appeal to southerners and moderates that included demands for welfare reform and support for the death penalty.<br /> <br /> ==1992 Presidential election==<br /> :''Main article:'' [[United States presidential election, 1992]]<br /> After the surge of support for the war policy of President [[George H.W. Bush]] pushed his popularity to the 90% level, most prominent Democrats decided to wait out the 1992 election. Clinton's main rival, Sen. Paul Tsongas of Massachusetts, called Clinton "pander bear" who "will say anything, do anything to get votes."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/07/us/the-1992-campaign-democrats-saying-clinton-is-cynical-tsongas-goes-on-the-attack.html THE 1992 CAMPAIGN: Democrats; Saying Clinton Is Cynical, Tsongas Goes on the Attack,] By RICHARD L. BERKE, ''[[The New York Times]]'', March 07, 1992.</ref> Appalled by both candidates support of the pending [[NAFTA]] agreement, billionaire [[Ross Perot]] entered the race, ran on a balanced budget and anti-free trade, and briefly led the polls. Both Bush and Perot proved poor campaigners, as Clinton and his running mate [[Al Gore]] made promises tailored by focus groups and opinion polls. Republicans tried to use the character issue, questioning his failure to the draft board as required by law and stories of his illegal drug use in college days. [[Cheryl Mills]] ran the "bimbo unit" aimed at targetting and harassing Clinton's sexual assault vicitms to intimidate them into silence. Bush however was handicapped by a bad economy, and was wounded badly among moderates and conservatives for breaking a promise to not raise taxes. Clinton hammered away at the economy--"It's the economy, stupid!" explained his campaign manager. Clinton and Gore ran as "[[New Democrat]]s", promising to cut middle class taxes, increase [[direct spending]], end welfare cash payments "as we know it", and support capital punishment. Clinton won a [[plurality]] over Bush 43% to 37%, with 19% for Perot.<br /> <br /> Clinton thus entered Washington with a Democratic Congress and a vague agenda. As the first President born after [[World War II]], Clinton represented the "baby-boom" generation.<br /> <br /> ==1993-1997, First Term U.S. Presidency==<br /> <center>{{Cquote|People should not be able to raise questions and erode people's moral authority in this country.|20px|20px|Bill Clinton, Press Conference, March 24, 1994 <ref>William J. Clinton, [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=49863 The President's News Conference, March 24, 1994]</ref>}}</center><br /> :''Main article:'' [[Clinton administration‎‎]] <br /> Clinton was hailed by liberals and the media for his intellect. Alan Greenspan, who served six presidents in a long career said of Clinton after their first meeting, "for sheer intelligence, Bill Clinton was on a par with [[Richard Nixon]]."<ref>Alan Greenspan, ''The Age of Turbulence'', Penguin Press, 2007, p. 144.</ref><br /> ===Death of Vince Foster===<br /> Five monthes into Clinton's first term the body of White House Counsel [[Vince Foster]] was found shot to death one day after Bill Clinton took the unprecedented step of firing the head of the [[FBI]]. Under the law, the FBI should have been the lead agency investigating the death of a high ranking Executive Branch official. Foster was the highest-ranking Executive Branch official killed since John F Kennedy. It was led by the relatively inexperienced US Park Service in the Department of the Interior.<br /> <br /> ''Forbes'' magazine Senior Editor James Norman uncovered evidence that Foster had a Swiss bank account and was under investigation by the US government for [[espionage]] at the time of his death.<ref>[http://www.fbicover-up.com/jim-norman.html WRRK radio interview] December 7, 1995</ref><ref>[http://www.fbicover-up.com/ewExternalFiles/James%20Norman%20Media%20Bypass.pdf Media ByPass article] October, 1995</ref> An FBI interview report by agent Russell Bransford and a handwritten note from the Office of Independent Counsel found at the National Archives refer to Vince Foster's Swiss bank account.<ref>[http://www.fbicover-up.com/ewExternalFiles/VWF%20Swiss%20Account.pdf FBI Agent Bransford interview report] April 21, 1994 and Independent Counsel notes November 13, 1995</ref> Norman wrote to the White House press office to inquire about these allegations.<ref>https://ia600203.us.archive.org/7/items/VinceFoster-NSA-Banking-Transactions-Spying/Allegations%20Regarding%20Vince%20Foster%2C%20the%20NSA%2C%20and%20Banking%20Transactions%20Spying/01%20Jim%20Norman%20sends%20a%20memo%20to%20the%20White%20House%2c%20which%20leaks%20it%20to%20a%20Starr%20assistant.txt</ref> White House chief of staff Abner Mikva leaked a copy of Norman's inquiry to Mark Tuohey, deputy Independent Counsel investigating Foster's death.<ref>[https://ia600203.us.archive.org/7/items/VinceFoster-NSA-Banking-Transactions-Spying/Allegations%20Regarding%20Vince%20Foster%2C%20the%20NSA%2C%20and%20Banking%20Transactions%20Spying/26%20Abner%20Mikva%20resigns.%20Did%20Foster%20have%20knowledge%20of%20too%20many%20felonies%3f.txt Abner Mikva resigns. Did Foster have knowledge of too many felonies?] by Orlin Grabbe</ref> Both Mikva and Touhey resigned because of the apparent collusion in an independent investigation.<ref>[http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1995-09-21/news/9509210485_1_house-counsel-mikva-bernard-nussbaum] Mikva resigned to "spend more time with his family." Contemporaneous news reports say nothing about resigning to accept a federal judgeship.</ref> Tuohey, who has been accused by US Attorney Miguel Rodriguez on the staff of the Independent Counsel of sabotaging the investigation,<ref>https://youtu.be/V34XC56LFFY</ref> then went to work representing the Rose Law Firm - the firm Vince Foster, Hillary Clinton, and Webster Hubbell all we're employed to represent clients of the Independent Counsel's Whitewater investigation.<ref><br /> http://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/09/us/courier-at-little-rock-firm-recalls-shredding-after-the-inquiry-began.html</ref><ref>http://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/06/magazine/ken-starr-would-not-be-denied.html</ref> <br /> <br /> Chief Counsel to the Watergate Committee, Sam Dash, the new 'independent' counsel's 'ethics' advisor, ruled there was no conflict of interest in Tuohey's working for the Rose Law Firm. Hillary Clinton previously served on the Congressional [[Watergate]] Committee as well.<ref>https://partners.nytimes.com/library/politics/021198starr-dash.html</ref><br /> <br /> Independent Counsel [[Ken Starr]] later defended Clinton's friend and co-founder of the [[Clinton Foundation]],<ref name="foxnews.com"/> registered [[pedophile]] Joe Epstein, from a second [[felony]] conviction in a child rape case.<ref name="justice-integrity.org"/><br /> <br /> ===Community Reinvestment Act and the mortgage crisis===<br /> :''Main article:'' [[Community Reinvestment Act]]<br /> One of President Clinton's early acts was an overhaul of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). In 1995 the implementing regulations were strengthened by focusing government regulators' attention on a financial institutions' performance in doling out credit within specified communities. Clinton's changes to the CRA<ref>{{cite web<br /> |title=Clinton Administration Further Liberalizes the Community Reinvestment Act <br /> |url=http://clinton6.nara.gov/1993/12/1993-12-08-briefing-by-bentsen-and-rubin.text.html<br /> |publisher=[[The White House]] }}</ref> substantially increased the amount of home loans to unqualified low-income borrowers and, for the first time, allowed the securitization of CRA-regulated loans containing subprime mortgages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Congress Tries To Fix What It Broke<br /> |url=http://news.investors.com/091708-490605-congress-tries-to-fix-what-it-broke.htm<br /> |date=2008-09-17<br /> |publisher=''[[Investor's Business Daily]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ride out Wall Street's hurricane - The real reasons we're in this mess – and how to clean it up<br /> |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0917/p09s01-coop.html<br /> |first=Mark |last=Skousen<br /> |date=2008-09-17|publisher=''[[Christian Science Monitor]]''<br /> }}</ref><ref>{{cite web<br /> |title=FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS CORP., BEAR, STEARNS & CO. PRICE SECURITIES OFFERING BACKED BY AFFORDABLE MORTGAGES <br /> |url=http://www.wachovia.com/inside/page/textonly/0,,134_307%5E306,00.html<br /> |publisher=First Union Corporation (wachovia)}}</ref><br /> <br /> Howard Husock wrote:<ref>[http://www.city-journal.org/html/10_1_the_trillion_dollar.html The Trillion-Dollar Bank Shakedown That Bodes Ill for Cities], Howard Husock, ''City Journal'', Winter 2000</ref> "The Clinton administration has turned the Community Reinvestment Act into ...a vast extortion scheme against the nation's banks. Under its provisions, U.S. banks have committed nearly $1 trillion ... the evaluation process allowed advocacy groups a chance to express their views on individual banks" to receive a favourable CRA rating. These community groups worked out individual agreements and commitments from the Fannie Mae-backed lenders. A radical group called ACORN Housing "has a $760 million commitment from the Bank of New York; the Boston-based Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America has a $3-billion agreement with the Bank of America; a coalition of groups headed by New Jersey Citizen Action has a five-year, $13-billion agreement with First Union Corporation," among a host of others.<br /> <br /> Clinton told Jim Lehrer in an interview on the PBS Newshour,<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTZIB6Sika4 Bill Clinton,] [[PBS]] Newshour, January 21, 1998. [[YouTube]]</ref> January 21, 1998,<br /> {{Cquote|The Community Reinvestment Act was set up to say to the bank regulators: Look, you guys go in and look at these banks and tell them, you got to take some of your money<ref>(sic) a bank does not invest its own money, it lends out depositors money under the [[prudent man rule]]; President Clinton obviously was in error in this gross misstatement or distortion of fundamental facts regarding the responsibilities of people entrusted to make judgments in handling other peoples money.</ref> and invest it in inner cities and neighborhoods, and with people who otherwise would not get it so they have a chance to build homes, to build businesses, to create jobs, to build neighborhoods. In the 20-year history of the Community Investment Act, 85 percent-plus the money loaned out under it to poor inner city neighborhoods has been loaned in the five years since I've been President.}}<br /> <br /> The threat of civil action caused many mortgage lenders to make what otherwise would be considered risky loans. For example, the lead attorney for [[ACORN]] Housing, [[Barack Hussein Obama]], sued Citibank in 1995 to force them into making [[Subprime loan|subprime mortgage]]s to unqualified minority borrowers. Obama alleged that, although his clients had been denied mortgages "because of delinquent credit obligations and adverse credit," they were really victims of institutional racism. The suit was brought about by the Community Reinvestment Act, so called "affirmative action mortgage lending." The plaintiffs won $60,000, Obama and two other attorneys were paid $950,000 <ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/03/community-reinvestment-act-mortgages-housing-opinions-contributors-peter-schweizer.html A Poisonous Cocktail: Expanding the Community Reinvestment Act], Peter Schweizer, ''[[Forbes]]'', 10.05.09. ''Selma S. Buycks-Roberson v. Citibank'',</ref><br /> <br /> ===Too big fail bailouts===<br /> [[Image:ClintonPresident.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Bill Clinton's Presidential cabinet]]<br /> Clinton refered to the Mexican [[bailout]] in his memoirs as, "one of the biggest crisis of my first term", and quotes Tom Friedman of the ''[[The New York Times]]'' saying it was the "least popular, least understood, most important foreign policy decision of the Clinton presidency."<ref>''My Life'', Bill Clinton, Knopf, 2004, pp. 641-645.</ref> It was the brainchild of Treasury Secretary Bob Rubin and chief economic adviser [[Larry Summers]] who later served President Barack Obama in the same position. Clinton claims it took him 10 minutes to decide on the $20 billion bailout. Polls showed 79% of the American people opposed it, with little support in Congress.<br /> <br /> Critics cite the modern bailout culture of the [[Recession of 2008]] as originating with Clinton's Mexican bailout. It was allegedly designed to help Mexico using $20 billion from the U.S. Treasury Department's [[Exchange Stabilization Fund]] by [[Executive Order]]. Congress did not authorize it. And it was done, not for the Mexican banks sake, but for the big [[Wall Street]] banks, Citibank, Bankers Trust, and others that were over-exposed to risk for bad loans they made in Mexico. PBS's [[Bill Moyers]] calls it "[[Crony capitalism]]", "and so the idea got started that Washington would be there with a prop, with a bailout, with a helping hand." <ref>[http://billmoyers.com/episode/crony-capitalism/ Crony Capitalism,] Moyers and Company, PBS, January 20, 2012.</ref><br /> <br /> === Expanded use of sub-prime mortgages ===<br /> Bill Clinton addressed a letter to HUD Secretary [[Henry Cisneros]] on November 3, 1994. In it he instructed Cisneros to <br /> {{Cquote|dramatically increase homeownership in our nation over the next six years. I request that you report back to me within six months, with a concrete strategy involving the private and public sectors, and all levels of government, that builds on the base of the more than 1.5 million additional families who have been able to buy their own homes...to ensure that families currently underrepresented among homeowners - particularly minority families, young families, and [[low-income]] families - can partake of the American Dream."<ref>[http://economy.typepad.com/the_economy/2011/10/rate-watch-795-the-national-homeownership-strategy-october-7-2011by-dick-lepre-dickleprerpm-mtgcom-wwwloanminecom.html The National Homeownership Strategy,] Dick LePre, October 7, 2011. See also [http://www.globalurban.org/housing_us.htm globalurban.org]</ref>}}<br /> On June 5, 1995, Clinton and Cisneros<ref>Cisneros, along with DNC Chairman Christopher Dodd and cabinet Secretary Donna Shalala, was implicated in the Countrywide Mortgage lending scandal for receiving special favors and treatment while in office.</ref> unveiled one hundred things the Clinton administration planned to do to "increase home ownership to two-thirds of the population"<ref>''My Life'', Bill Clinton, Knopf, 2004, p. 658; [http://confoundedinterest.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/nhsdream2.pdf The National Homeownership Strategy,] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, May 1995.</ref> in the United States.<br /> <br /> Clinton's plan spoke approvingly of a "no-down payment 100 Percent Mortgage Financing Program" used by one of the "Strategy partners".<ref>National Homeownership Strategy, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, May 1995, pp. 4-7.</ref> Where down payments could not be eliminated, the plan called for use of "a second, unsecured, interest-free loan to cover the down payment and other costs."<ref>National Homeownership Strategy, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, May 1995, pp. 4-14, 4-17.</ref> The administration praised Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for their efforts to promote lending flexibility: "In recent years many mortgagees have increased underwriting flexibility. This increased flexibility is due, at least in part to … [[liberal]]ized affordable housing underwriting criteria established by secondary market investors such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."<ref>National Homeownership Strategy, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, May 1995,pp. 4-13</ref> To illustrate the desirable flexibility the Strategy cited a program that "allows for nontraditional employment histories, employment histories with gaps, short-term employment, and frequent job changes."<ref>National Homeownership Strategy, US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, May 1995, pp. 4-14.</ref><br /> <br /> === Budget and tax increases ===<br /> Clinton's first priority while coming into office was a $60 billion [[stimulus]] package largely viewed as a payoff to big city mayors for Get-Out-The-Vote efforts. He also sent Congress a proposal to reduce the deficit in eleven years. However, the country's real problem was that about half of government spending goes to [[nondiscretionary entitlement]] programs such as [[social security]] and [[medicare]]. Refusing to control domestic spending, he increased taxes on ordinary consumers for gasoline, heating oil, and natural gas, breaking his campaign pledge not to raise taxes.<ref>Clinton repeatedly mocked incumbent President George H.W. Bush on the campaign trail for breaking his pledge to "read my lips, no new taxes."</ref> On Aug. 10, 1993, the largest tax increase in history was signed into law, raising taxes by almost $280 billion over five years.<ref>J.D. Foster, Ph.D. [http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2008/03/tax-cuts-not-the-clinton-tax-hike-produced-the-1990s-boom#_ftn1 Tax Cuts, Not the Clinton Tax Hike, Produced the 1990s Boom], ''[[Heritage Foundation]]'', March 4, 2008.</ref> Instead of middle-class tax relief, President Clinton chose to include in his $241 billion tax plan higher federal gasoline taxes, tax hikes on Social Security recipients, and steep income tax hikes on small business owners.<ref>''The President's Forgotten Middle Class,'' Joint Economic Committee, Majority Staff, 3/22/96.</ref> Conservatives blocked some proposals, such a new $71 billion [[BTU energy tax]] that would have cost the typical family nearly $500 per year.<br /> <br /> ===Tax increases on those least able to afford it===<br /> In 1993 President Clinton sought to increase taxes on [[Social Security]] benefits of the elderly and disabled.<ref>[http://www.uscare.com/sceact.html Senior Citizens' Equity Act]</ref> The final version of the bill passed by the [[Democrat]]ically controlled Congress increased taxes on beneficiaries from the first 50% to 85%<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20040408115747/www.ssa.gov/OACT/HOP/hopi.htm HISTORY OF THE PROVISIONS OF OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS, AND DISABILITY INSURANCE]</ref> of benefits (or "annuity payments" as they were originally called). [[Vice President]] [[Al Gore]] cast the deciding tie-breaker vote in the Senate to make the tax increase law. The Clinton-Gore tax increase on Social Security benefits imposed a 70% [[income tax]] rate on a retired couple making as little as $22,000 per year.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=vLg4iJR0J9kC&pg=PA16593&lpg=PA16593&dq=Vice+President+Gore+cast+the+tie-breaking+vote%2Bsocial+security&source=bl&ots=-ImIDX6fHa&sig=ttWVUNAIVsLQoEg1ZhCntHB_02Y&hl=en&ei=dobVTMr9HoOglAe0iuX9CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBYQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Vice%20President%20Gore%20cast%20the%20tie-breaking%20vote%2Bsocial%20security&f=false Congressional Record, Comments by Rep. Christopher Cox,] July 27, 2000.</ref><br /> <br /> ===DNC Fundraising scandals===<br /> In 1994 Clinton invited his longtime golfing buddy, Sen. [[Christopher Dodd]], to serve as chairman of the [[Democratic National Committee]] (DNC) and its chief fundraiser. Dodd also occupied the position of ranking Democrat, and later chairman of the Senate Banking Committee tasked with oversight of the nation's banks and financial institutions. Dodd left the DNC in 1997, after accusations that he mishandled charges that a top DNC fundraiser had collected millions in illegal donations.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120410185006/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/christopher-j-dodd/gIQAmFfM9O_topic.html Christopher J. Dodd,] ''[[The Washington Post]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Dirty tricks and blackmail===<br /> FBI special agent Gary Aldrich reported, James Carville and former Clinton adviser, now [[ABC News]] anchor [[George Stephanopoulos]] confirmed, after the [[Gingrich Revolution]] of 1994 the Clinton administration ran a dirt-digging operation out of the Office of the White House Chief of Staff. "They hired upwards of 36 lawyers to staff the operation to handle 40 different cases," Aldrich, on White House duty at the time, said. "Once it became known that they had such an operation, then the blackmail itself took place." Carville and Stephanopoulos stated publicly there would be a "scorched-earth policy", and that everyone who had "skeletons in their closet" would be exposed.<ref>http://www.salon.com/1998/08/05/news_94/</ref><ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/article/418513/stephanopouloss-long-long-record-loyal-service-clintons-john-fund</ref> Hard on the heels of these threats news that "a reporter" was about to break a story confirming the White House's use of investigators to dig up dirt on critics and investigators. The 28 year old son of Brit Hume of Fox News, Sandy Hume, was found dead in his home from an "apparent" suicide.<ref>http://stateofthenation2012.com/?p=45030</ref> The Clinton attack machine concocted a narrative Sandy Hume took his life because he was a gay alcoholic.<ref>http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2012/02/22/why-has-it-taken-14-years-to-debunk-the-baseless-sandy-hume-rumor/</ref> [[CNN]] reported on private divorce papers of [[Newt Gingrich]] were indeed removed from what was alleged sealed storage at the Carroll County, Georgia courthouse, "when he (Gingrich) became the center of attention." The documents were later made public by [[CNN]].<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/26/politics/gingrich-divorce-file/index.html Newly recovered court files cast doubt on Gingrich version of first divorce], [[CNN]]</ref><br /> <br /> In 1995 President Clinton and Congressional Republicans fought a bitter battle over the new federal [[budget]]. Clinton vetoed the Republican's efforts to move toward a balanced budget, claiming that it cut social programs. Speaker Gingrich believed that Clinton would back down and approve the budget. If not, the entire government would shut down because of lack of funds. Clinton allowed just that, and by doing so gained political capital by successfully blaming that shut down on Republicans. Clinton always opposed a balanced budget until it was reality.<ref>[http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/no-bill-clinton-didnt-balance-budget No, Bill Clinton Didn’t Balance the Budget,] By Stephen Moore, October 8, 1998. [[Cato Institute]].</ref><br /> <br /> ===Immigration===<br /> In February 1996 HUD Secretary [[Henry Cisneros]] forwarded a memo to Bill Clinton. The memo, from the California Active Citizenship Campaign (ACC), complained of a backlog of alien applications for naturalization in Los Angeles. It contained the words: "INS inaction [on the backlog] will deny 300,000 Latinos the right to vote in the 1996 presidential elections [sic] in California." <br /> <br /> Documents show that Clinton asked Doug Farbrother of the National Performance Review (NPR) staff to look into removing barriers to citizenship not only in Los Angeles but also in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Miami — major cities in four swing states. The INS concentrated on aliens in key states — California, Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Texas — that hold a combined 181 electoral votes, just 89 short of the total needed to win the election. In a memo to the President, Farbrother noted Commissioner Meissner’s concern that expediting the backlog might look politically motivated and suggested two options. Farbrother stated that "we can reduce — but not eliminate -- the risk of controversy over our motives by appointing one of our proven NPR reinventors as Deputy INS Commissioner . . . As part of the official INS management team, our reinventor would have more direct influence and the INS staff would be less likely to go public with complaints than they would over the interference of an outsider." The memo observed that "reinventors" should be put in many other agencies, as well, to replace leaders who "don’t ‘get it.’"<br /> <br /> The White House wanted any applicant for citizenship to be naturalized in time to register for the November election, so the pressure on the INS was constant. On March 21 Elaine Kamarck in the Vice President’s office sent an e-mail to Farbrother saying: "THE PRESIDENT IS SICK OF THIS AND WANTS ACTION. IF NOTHING MOVES TODAY WE’LL HAVE TO TAKE SOME PRETTY DRASTIC MEASURES." Farbrother responded, "I favor drastic measures." If he couldn’t get what he wanted from the INS, he wrote, he would "call for heavy artillery."<br /> <br /> Federal regulations require that, for an alien to obtain citizenship, his application for naturalization (citizenship) must be accompanied by a complete set of the alien’s fingerprints. The fingerprint cards are then sent to the FBI to determine if the applicant has a criminal or arrest record. The law provides that an application may be denied if the alien has a serious criminal record or if he falsely denies ever having been arrested, even if he was never convicted.<br /> <br /> In the INS district offices, the alien applicant for naturalization cannot be scheduled for a personal interview until at least 60 days after the application is submitted. This delay is specifically intended to allow sufficient time for an FBI fingerprint check. If the check reveals an arrest record identification, the arrest report is inserted in the alien’s file prior to the interview. An arrest record does not automatically result in a denial of citizenship, but it alerts an examiner to spend additional time questioning the applicant and to request that he furnish further information.<br /> <br /> If there is no criminal arrest record in the file prior to the interview, the examiner will assume that none exists. For that reason, the INS has always considered the FBI fingerprint check to be the only practical way of preventing violent felons, dope peddlers, and the like from obtaining citizenship. Any breakdown in the collecting, checking, and reporting of the fingerprints can cause a breakdown of the entire process.<br /> <br /> Congressional investigators discovered that FBI arrest records that were being sent to INS offices simply were not being inserted into the aliens’ files. As a result, aliens with criminal records were being granted citizenship.<br /> <br /> ===Anti-gay measures ===<br /> :''Main article'' : [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell]]<br /> Shortly after being inauguarated, Clinton signed an executive order establishing the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" rule. Congress later passed legislation that was veru similar. In 2010, the law was found [[unconstitutional]] in federal court after a suit brought by [[Log Cabin Republicans]], a homosexual rights and advocacy organization.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39089475/ns/us_news-life/ Judge: Military's gay ban is unconstitutional], [[MSNBC]]</ref><br /> <br /> === Nepotism and Hillary's first bid for national power ===<br /> :''Main article:'' [[Clinton health care plan of 1993]]<br /> After ignoring the controversial issue on the campaign stump, one of his first acts in 1993 was a call for an immense overhaul of the nation's medical care system. The Clintons proposed a plan using regional insurance purchasing agencies along with tax subsidies and transfer payments to implement universal coverage. He and his advisers believed the plan would be acceptable to employers and larger insurance companies, but the plan was opposed by popular sentiment and a well-financed campaign. The pla put immense burdens on small business employers, which feared they could not afford it. The insurance industry, doctor organizations, and medical professionals also opposed it. Republicans argued that it was too costly and imposed too great a burden on government. Congressional Democrats were divided on the issue. Faced with public opposition and a two year national debate, the Clinton plan failed without the Democratic Congress even going on record to a vote.<br /> <br /> Skocpol (1996) suggests the major mistake may have been in emphasizing the cost-reducing aspect of the plan, not realizing that Americans were willing to pay for a government program that would provide generous benefits to them. The fear that Clinton's proposals would lead to the sort of health care rationing prevalent in Canada and other countries further troubled the voters. Starr (1997) notes that Clinton sought to achieve liberal ends of universal coverage through the conservative means of managed competition among private health plans, with a backup cap on the rate of growth in average insurance premiums. This approach had a political as well as policy rationale. It was meant to be the basis of an alliance that could include conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans and thereby achieve the majorities necessary for congressional passage. But what we saw as compromise, they did not—especially as the very locus of the political center shifted to the right during the debate. Health care reform that seemed "inevitable" to many serious observers at the start became unthinkable by the end. Polls showed strong initial support, but he never secured passage in either house of Congress and Republican victory in the 1994 elections doomed his plans.<br /> <br /> == 1994 Midterm elections ==<br /> {{See also|Republican Revolution (1994)}}<br /> Clinton's popularity had slipped by 1994 and the GOP, under [[Newt Gingrich]] launched a national midterm campaign based on a Republican "[[Contract with America]]". The centerpiece of the proposals was a [[balanced budget]], along with lower taxes, welfare reform, tougher anti-crime laws, term limits for Congress, and revised rules in Congress. Clinton responded by calling it "extreme".<ref>Prior to the 9/11 attacks, [[mainstream media]] outlets routinely used the terms "extremist" and "terrorist" interchangeably, and they were only too willing to oblige demonizing Republicans and Republican ideas as "extremist".</ref><br /> <br /> In the elections of 1994, the Democrats lost 54 seats in the House of Representatives, and 8 seats in the Senate (followed by two defections after the election), giving the Republicans a majority in both houses of Congress for the first time since 1954. The Republicans also had a net gain of 12 governors' seats in that election. <br /> <br /> Analysts have suggested many causes for the drastic change in political sentiment in the country between 1992 and 1994; among the causes suggested were voter disgust at Congressional scandals mainly implicating Democrats, voter distrust of Clinton after the presentation and defeat of the Clinton health care reform proposal—dubbed "Hillarycare"; the nationalization of the election by Gingrich's "Contract with America", and more skilled framing of issues by the Republicans in 1994.<br /> <br /> In their first 100 days, the House passed most items of the Contract with America. Eventually, seven of ten items became law, with the term limits failing. Some GOP members voluntarily adhered to the term limit pledge.<br /> <br /> ==1996 Presidential election==<br /> :''Main article:'' [[United States presidential election, 1996]]<br /> [[File:ECON1994.jpg|thumb|390px]]<br /> After the Republicans took control of Congress by the time of the 1996 reelection campaign the economy had improved. [[Unemployment]] and inflation was low, American wages increased, crime rates fell, and the number of people on welfare declined. The [[Republican Party]] nominated Senate Majority Leader [[Robert Dole]]. Ross Perot ran again, this time on the Reform Party, but his day was past. Clinton again won only a plurality with 49% of the popular vote. His personal victory had limited coattails, with Republicans retaining a clear majority in the Senate and a narrow majority in the House. It also marked the first time since 1926 and 1928 that the Republican Party carried the House in two consecutive elections.<ref>http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/17342942.html?dids=17342942:17342942&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+11%2C+1996&author=Don+Fedr&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=A+night+to+cheer+for+conservatives&pqatl=google</ref><br /> <br /> Clinton successfully hijacked the Reagan Recovery. By the mid-1990s, the "trickle down" of the 1980s turned into a flood of prosperity.<br /> <br /> ===Chinagate and illegal fundraising===<br /> {{main|Chinagate fundraising scandal}}<br /> <br /> Agents of China sought to give contributions to the [[Democratic National Committee]] (DNC) before the [[United States presidential election, 1996|1996 presidential campaign]] in violation of US law barring non-American citizens from donating money to American politicians and political parties.<ref>Woodward, Bob and Duffy, Brian, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/campfin/stories/china1.htm "Chinese Embassy Role In Contributions Probed"], ''Washington Post'', February 13, 1997.</ref><br /> <br /> ==1997-2001, Second Term U.S. Presidency==<br /> With the [[Cold War]] over, government borrowing and interest rates were much lower, and after the [[Republicans]] won control of Congress the budget was not only balanced but a surplus was produced for the first time in memory. The reasons include reduction in defense spending after the Cold War (from 5% of GDP to 3%), a revenue burst from the [[dot-com bubble]] (the short-lived overexpansion of high tech), restraints on spending imposed by [[Newt Gingrich]] and the GOP Congress, and the fruition of Reagan era tax cuts for business research and development in the consumer electronics (computer and cell phone) industry.<br /> <br /> === Sexual misconduct in office and prior ===<br /> Shortly after taking office in 1993, Clinton had been sued by a woman alleging sexual harassment during his tenure as Governor of Arkansas. Clinton had studiously avoided being called to testify in the civil case during his first term by gaining postponements. Upon re-election, a federal judge ordered the accuser could finally exercise her rights and have her day in court, and the case should proceed.<br /> <br /> In testimony under oath, Clinton committed perjury. A special prosecutor, looking into a host of [[corruption]] allegations dating back to Arkansas, was instructed to pursue the matter. <br /> <br /> Clinton made history by becoming the first U.S. president to testify in front of a grand jury in an investigation of his own possibly [[criminal]] conduct. In an address to the nation, he admitted to having misled the public and a Federal Court over keys elements of testimony. <br /> <br /> Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House for perjury. His case was argued by [[Cheryl Mills]] at trial in the Senate for two counts: "perjury" and "obstruction of justice".<ref>The House turned down two other counts: "abuse of power" as well as another count of "perjury" in connection with the Paula Jones case.</ref> Although a majority of 55 Senators voted to convict, 45 voting against gained his acquittal, a two thirds majority necessary to remove him from office. <br /> <br /> David Gergen, former White House Communications Director for both Presidents Reagan and Clinton, summarized the hurt of the President's misconduct:<br /> {{Cquote|The deep and searing violation took place when he not only lied to the country, but co-opted his friends and lied to them....when you have gone over the line, you won't bring others into it...You don't foul the nest."<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/quinn110298.htm In Washington, That Letdown Feeling], By Sally Quinn, ''[[The Washington Post]]'', November 2, 1998, Page E01</ref>}}<br /> <br /> Clinton lost his law license because he had committed ethical violations for lying in federal court. It was during this scandal that Clinton famously stated: "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/21/newsid_2525000/2525339.stm On This Day September 21st 1998: Clinton's Grand Jury testimony released], [[BBC]]</ref><br /> <br /> ===Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act and the Crash of 2008===<br /> President Clinton signed into law the Financial Modernization Act of 1999 in November of the same year. The Act repealed parts of the [[Great Depression|Depression era]] Glass-Steagall Act. In signing President Clinton remarked, "It is true that the Glass-Steagall law is no longer appropriate for the economy in which we live."<ref>[http://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/ls241.aspx STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON AT THE SIGNING OF THE FINANCIAL MODERNIZATION BILL,] 11/12/1999, [[U.S. Department of the Treasury]] Press Center.</ref> The Glass-Steagall Act strictly regulated Bank Holding Companies (BHCs) and the types of assets banks could hold as part of their capitalization. The formal repeal allowed for large banks, such as Goldman Sachs, to form newly created [[Financial Holding Companies]] (FHCs) and merge with insurers and other financial institutions with potentially riskier liabilities. By 2008, the result of the repeal of Glass-Steagall was "too big to fail" behemoths like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. The repeal of Glass-Steagall is considered one of the larger contributing factors to the [[Financial crisis of 2008]].<ref>[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economic-intelligence/2012/08/27/repeal-of-glass-steagall-caused-the-financial-crisis Repeal of Glass-Steagall Caused the Financial Crisis,] By James Rickards, USNews, August 27, 2012.</ref><br /> <br /> The repeal of Glass-Steagall also was recognition of other changes that had taken place, such as the [[Federal Reserve]]s' revision of Regulation Y in 1997, making it easier for Bank Holding Companies with a satisfactory [[Community Reinvestment Act]] (CRA) rating to receive quicker approval for new acquisitions and engage in other activities. University of Texas-Dallas economist Stan Liebowitz noted, “Banks that got poor reviews were punished; some saw their merger plans frustrated; others faced direct legal challenges from the [[Justice Department]].<ref>''[http://www.economist.com/node/10837333 The Proposition's rebuttal] [[The Economist]]'' Mar. 20, 2008.</ref> [[Alice Rivlin]], Clinton's Budget Director whom he later appointed to the Federal Reserve, said it would make the banking system "operate better as a result."<ref>[http://www.frbsf.org/publications/community/investments/cra97-3/regy.html Regulation Y Revised - Changes to the Federal Reserve Application Process,] Community Investments, Volume 9; No. 3; Summer 1997, By Mike Johnson, Applications Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.</ref><br /> <br /> When Citibank sought federal approval for a merger with Travelers Group, it was only OK'd by the Clinton administration after it promised to provide $115 billion for Community Reinvestment Act "anti-redling" loans. Promises made by other financial institutions added up to $600 billion between 1993 and 1998, according to a 2000 Treasury Department report.<ref>[http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/090412-624522-obama-launched-subprime-crisis-with-lawsuit.htm?p=2 Subprime Bubble] ''Investors Business Daily'', 09/04/2012.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Sale of Fannie Mae derivatives and subprime mortgages===<br /> [[Fannie Mae#Franklin Raines era|Franklin Raines]], Vice Chairman of Fannie Mae, was appointed by Clinton as Director of the the [[Office of Management and Budget]] (OMB) in 1996; in 1999, he returned to Fannie Mae as CEO. One of his first acts was to lower Fannie Mae's underwriting guidelines and begin purchasing subprime mortgages implementing Clinton's National Homeownership Strategy under the Community Reinvestment Act.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/30/business/fannie-mae-eases-credit-to-aid-mortgage-lending.html Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending,] Steven A. Holmes, ''[[The New York Times]]'', September 30, 1999.</ref> Raines was named (along with Bill Clinton) by ''[[Time magazine]]'' on it's list of ''25 People to Blame for the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]]''.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1877351_1877350_1877335,00.html The good intentions, bad managers and greed : behind the meltdown, Blameworthy : Frank Raines], ''[[Time magazine]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> Clinton hired [[Peter Orszag]] as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy in 1997; as concern grew over Raines management of Fannie Mae, Raines hired Orszag to reassure investor's fears about the safety of Fannie Mae's purchase of subprime mortgages. Orszag made the fantastic claim that Fannie Mae's risk of [[insolvency]] was 1 in 500,000, and more likely 1 in 3 million. After Fannie Mae really did collapse, Barack Obama then made Orzsag his Budget Director.<br /> <br /> When Raines took the appointment at Fannie Mae, Clinton replaced his services with [[Jack Lew]], who worked in the Clinton White House throughout all eight years. Upon leaving the White House Lew secured a job at Citibank as Chief Operations Officer on Robert Rubins recommendation. Lew received $1 million in salary and a $950,000 bonus - after it failed and was bailed out in 2009.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/11/jack-lew-rubin-citigroup_n_2458142.html Jack Lew's Robert Rubin Connection Is A Bad Sign For Financial Reform,] Mark Gongloff, ''[[Huffington Post]]'', 01/11/2013.</ref> From there Barack Obama re-hired him as Budget Director to replace Orszag, promoted him to Chief of Staff, and later Secretary of the Treasury.<ref>Lew was point man on Obama's [[Budget sequester#2013 Obama sequester|budget sequester]] where he misled the press and public on the origins and nature of the deal.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Global warming and the Enron scandal===<br /> :''Main article:'' [[Enron scandal]]<br /> In July 1997, Enron CEO Ken Lay met with President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore in the [[Oval Office]]. Enron had begun a pattern of [[soft money]] donations to Democrats and the Clinton White House years earlier. Clinton, Lay, and Gore discussed approval of the [[Kyoto protocol]]s on carbon emissions.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2002/jan/16/20020116-034901-2826r/#ixzz2OnPBZwzl Enron gave cash to Democrats, sought pact help,] ''[[The Washington Times]]'', January 16, 2002.</ref> Clinton asked Lay for his views "in advance of a climate treaty to be negotiated at an international conference." Clinton agreed to support Lay's proposal for a carbon emissions trading exchange<ref>As did Barack Obama. [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/25/obama-years-ago-helped-fund-carbon-program-pushing-congress/ Obama Years Ago Helped Fund Carbon Program He Is Now Pushing Through Congress,] By Ed Barnes, March 25, 2009. [[FoxNews]]</ref> which Enron hoped to profit from hugely, while American consumers would pay steep price increases for electricity and natural gas. Enron also asked for and received from Clinton's Export-Import Bank a $300 million loan to build a power plant in India; four days later Enron donated $100,000 to the Clinton-Gore campaign.<br /> <br /> The Republican Senate rejected the Kyoto treaty by a 95-to-0 vote on August 15, 1997.<br /> <br /> ===Bigger bailouts for friends and cronies===<br /> :''Main article'': [[Long-Term Capital Management]]<br /> Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM) was a hedge fund headed for bankruptcy in 1998 when a [[bailout]] arranged at the highest levels of the [[Clinton Administration]] saved it and its partners from ruin. Two years later it shut down. <br /> <br /> [[Robert Rubin]], whom Bill Clinton appointed Secretary of the Treasury in 1993, previously worked at [[Goldman Sachs]] for 26 years. Goldman was a major investor in LTCM, as were many top executives at other leading investment banks and foreign banks. LTCM was a hedge fund that exploited emerging capital markets in foreign nations without any regard for the havoc that its speculations caused there.<ref>The Hong Kong government blamed hedge funds like LTCM for disrupting its capital markets.</ref> LTCM controlled contracts involving $160 billion at its peak, and it placed large short-term bets on securities issued by foreign governments.<br /> <br /> When the bailout was arranged, LTCM's personal investors received $405 million at the taxpayers expense, which was $155 million more than another private offer, plus a guarantee that an additional $3.65 billion would remain in LTCM for three years. This sweetheart deal enabled the discredited management to remain in place indefinitely and recoup hundreds of millions of dollars. Details of the deal were kept secret.<br /> <br /> Rubin resigned from the administration in 1999 to head up another one of the nation's largest banks, [[Citigroup]]. Under Rubin's leadership Citigroup got $45 billion of [[TARP]] bailout funds, $301 billion of loan guarantees, and an additional $13.4 billion subsidy under the government’s "too-big-to-fail" policy. After driving Citigroup into financial collapse, Rubin was paid $115 million to leave the company.<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/03/01/jack_lew_and_citigroup_how_the_corrupt_rich_get_richer_with_cronyism_117227.html#ixzz2P5cIL0Vf Jack Lew and Citigroup: How the Corrupt Rich Get Richer with Cronyism,] By Daniel Mitchell, March 1, 2013. [[Real Clear Politics]]</ref><br /> <br /> ===Cronies take over Freddie Mac===<br /> President Clinton brought [[Rahm Emanuel]] into the White House in 1993 as part of his original staff, first serving as Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, and then Senior Adviser to the President for Policy and Strategy. 1998 Clinton appointed Emanuel to the Board of the [[government-sponsored enterprise]] [[Freddie Mac]].<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122610420534009957.html Emanuel Pick Underscores Balancing Act Ahead in Reshaping Financial Industry], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref><ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6201900&page=1 Emanuel Was Director Of Freddie Mac During Scandal], [[ABC News]], November 7, 2008.</ref> While on the board during the Clinton administration, Freddie Mac misreported its net income by 30.5 percent, and again in 2001 by 23.9 percent and in 2002 by 42.9 percent, defrauding investors according to the SEC. Freddie Mac's failure is regarded as one of the precipitating events of the [[Financial Crisis of 2008#2008 crises|Financial Crisis of 2008]]. <br /> <br /> Emanuel later is reported to have sold up to $250,000 of Freddie Mac stock in an insider trading deal only days before the stock dropped by 10 percent — and weeks before it was publicly revealed that the entity was under criminal investigation for inflating earnings.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/book-rahm-emanuel-dumped-tons-of-freddie-mac-stock-days-before-it-collapsed-2011-11#ixzz2MnesKpxI Book: Rahm Emanuel Dumped Tons Of Freddie Mac Stock Days Before It Collapsed]</ref> In 2009 Emanuel became President Obama's Chief of Staff.<br /> <br /> === Foreign Policy ===<br /> Critics of Clinton argued that he lacked a knowledge of [[world]] affairs. In his 1992 speech at the Democrat National Convention, he devoted one minute to foreign policy issues in an oration that lasted an hour.<ref>The Presidents by David Maraniss, Pg. 626</ref> Clinton entered office after the U.S. won the [[Cold War]], and the U.S. was the only superpower. There were no major foreign crisis during his presidency. His foreign policy was based on five principles: 1) strong alliances with Europe and Asia, 2) positive relations with former adversaries, 3) a global perspective on local conflicts, 4) the adaptation of national security priorities to incorporate technological advances, and 5) effective economic integration.<ref>Samuel R. Berger, "A Foreign Policy for the Global Age," ''Foreign Affairs'' 2000 79(6): 22-39. 0015-7120</ref> <br /> <br /> Butfoy (2006) argues that in the 1990s the "revolution in military affairs" (RMA), which produced "smart" weapons like cruise missiles, came of age. This apparently transformed how America viewed the relationship between force and international relations. It looked as though technology was framing foreign policy. In particular, smart weapons enabled Clinton to combine risk minimization with an expanded security agenda. However, we should be wary of ascribing technological determinism to the conflicts of the 1990s dominated by Washington's flexing of its strategic superiority, such as its bombing of Belgrade. As shown by comparison with US strategy after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Washington's stance in the 1990s was shaped by linkages between technology and specific political circumstances. As these circumstances changed, so did the RMA's place in US efforts to shape world order.<br /> <br /> ===Gives North Korea the nuclear bomb===<br /> The first Clinton administgration essentially paid North Korea to build its nuclear weapon provided it would not interfere with Bill Clinton's efforts to win re-election.<ref>https://youtu.be/GE0lCc_FfJs</ref> The Clinton's effectively submitted to blackmail from North Korea.<ref>https://youtu.be/6TcbU5jAavw</ref><br /> <br /> From 1985 to 1992, North Korea "bought time" for its nuclear weapons program by entering into a series of agreements under which it promised to "de-weaponize" its reactors and halt further production of [[plutonium]]. The Clinton administraion forged a deal with [[Kim Il-sung]] during Clinton's first term known as the Agreed Framework signed on 21 October 1994 that North Korea would supposedly halt its nuclear program.<ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aankorea.htm The North Korean Nuclear Situation]</ref><br /> <br /> In addition to the oil supplied under the 1994 Agreed Framework, North Korea depended on the United States and other countries for free, unconditional food aid while making no committment reform of its [[Stalin]]ist agricultural system.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/crs/91-141.htm North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program, Updated December 12, 1996]</ref><br /> <br /> Once Clinton won re-election however, North Korea had violated most of the terms of the non-proliferation agreements and withdrew from the rest. By 2000 the money the Clonton administration paid to North Korea amounted to over $61 million. After the Clinton's left office in 2001, and [[Bush administration]] no longer paying the blackmail money in the form of food aid and humanitarian assistanc, North Korea tested it's [[nuclear bomb]] it had built with aid paid by the Clinton administration.<br /> <br /> === Al-Qaeda and terrorism ===<br /> The Arab terrorist group [[al-Qaeda]] conducted a World Trade Center bombing in 1993, simultaneous bombings of the US embassies in [[Kenya]] and [[Tanzania]] in 1998, and the attack on the [[USS Cole]] in 2000. Clinton bombed al-Qaeda bases in Afghanistan in response, but meanwhile 19 terrorists were plotting an even more ghastly attack on America which took place on September 11, 2001, eight months after Clinton left office.<br /> <br /> Former National Security Adviser [[Sandy Berger]] was convicted of theft the National Archives for removing damaging evidence of the Clinton White House negligence in dealing with the threat from [[Osama bin Laden]] and [[Al Qaeda]] prior to the [[9/11 attacks]].<br /> <br /> ===Human Rights===<br /> Supporters of human rights faulted Clinton’s ideological transition from [[Wilsonianism|Wilsonian idealism]] to [[Realist|realism]], especially regarding China and Bosnia. They gave high marks for his efforts at pushing peace negotiations in Haiti and the Middle East, the use of economic sanctions against North Korea, India, and Pakistan, and his efforts to get a chemical weapons convention. However, they give low marks in terms of human rights for inaction on the genocide in Rwanda and the Russian repression of secessionist Chechnya.<br /> <br /> ===Sale of pardons===<br /> ====Clinton Foundation contributors====<br /> Marc Rich, who likewise was implicated in the [[BCCI]] scandal,<ref>http://fas.org/irp/congress/1992_rpt/bcci/24appendic.htm</ref> and his wife Penny, contributed $450,000 to Bill Clinton's campaigns and were granted last minute pardons for vtiolating U.S. tax laws. Former President Jimmy Carter publicly called it "disgraceful".<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/carter-rich-pardon-disgraceful/</ref> Eric Holder, who later served as Barack Obama's Attorney General, arranged the pardons.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/16/holder.confirmation/ Former FBI director: Holder was 'used' in Rich pardon], CNN</ref><br /> <br /> ====Henry Cisneros====<br /> Henry Cisneros who initially oversaw the expanded sub-prime mortgage scheme, in 1995 was indicted on 18 counts of [[conspiracy]], false statements and obstruction of justice. He was pardoned by Bill Clinton in January 2001.<br /> <br /> ====Weather Underground====<br /> [[Weather Underground]] [[terrorists]] [[Linda Evans]] and Susan Rosenberg also received pardons.<ref>[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YmM1OGM4OGRiNTI5NTIzOTFkMDAwMTJiNGFlYWFiZGI= ''Confirming Fears''], Editorial, [[National Review Online]], November 19, 2008.</ref><br /> <br /> ====FALN terrorists====<br /> On August 11, 1999, President Clinton offered clemency to members of the [[Armed Forces of National Liberation]] (FALN) [[terrorist]] group.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070703053819/http://rpc.senate.gov/_files/92199CoddlingTerrorists.pdf U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee] testimony available at http://www.senate.gov/~judiciary/wl91599.htm, ''The Tampa Tribune'', S.J.Res. 33 (passed 95-2).</ref> On January 24, 1975 the FALN bombed Fraunces Tavern in Manhattan killing four people. Over a six-year period, the group claimed responsibility for more than 100 bombings that took six lives and injured some 130 people.<ref>[http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/puertorico/sep4.htm Clinton Pardons Terror], ''[[New York Post]]'', August 13, 1999. retrieve from http://www.latinamericanstudies.org September 14, 2007.</ref> Deputy Attorney General [[Eric Holder]] was credited with with an "unconscionable" effort to circumvent the standard pardon process, not consulting with the [[U.S. Department of Justice]]'s pardon attorney and keeping deliberations hidden from the district U.S. attorney and investigative agencies.<br /> <br /> == Post-Presidency ==<br /> Clinton has spent much of time since leaving office fundraising for his wife's efforts to rehabilitate his reputation. The Clinton Foundation raised $3 billion dollars to donate to Democratic state parties and Superdelegates for her 2016 presidential bid.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/clinton-money/ 41 Years. $3 Billion. Inside the Clinton Donor Network], By Matea Gold, Tom Hamburger and Anu Narayanswamy, ''Washington Post'', 19 November 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/01/how-hillary-clinton-bought-the-loyalty-of-33-state-democratic-parties/ How Hillary Clinton Bought the Loyalty of 33 State Democratic Parties], by MARGOT KIDDER, April 1, 2016, counterpunch.org .</ref> He also grabbed a few headlines working for charitable causes such as support and fund-raising for the victims of AIDS and the Asian tsunami. In the case of the Indian Ocean tsunami, he teamed with former president [[George H.W. Bush]] to raise money for relief efforts.<br /> <br /> Bill Clinton's wife, [[Hillary Rodham Clinton|Hillary Clinton]], was elected Senator to New York in 2000. She was reelected in 2006. Despite winning the [[popular]] vote in primaries for the [[2008 Presidential Election#Declared Democratic Party Candidates|Democratic presidential nomination in 2008]] Barack Obama outbid her in donations to [[Superdelegates]].<ref>[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article24479611.html Obama leads Clinton in giving money to superdelegates], Rob Hotakainen - McClatchy Newspapers, March 28, 2008.</ref><br /> <br /> Clinton has been criticized by both liberals and conservatives for his actions in his wife's presidential campaign. ''Time'' called him "his wife's attack dog".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080130021221/http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/media/storage/paper856/news/2008/01/28/OpEd/Editorial.On.The.Campaign.Trail.Bill.Clinton.Should.Keep.His.Mouth.Shut-3171498.shtml On the campaign trail, Bill Clinton should keep his mouth shut]</ref> Although he had signed up most black leaders to support Hillary, the great majority of Black voters went for Obama. Clinton was accused of racism by implying that many voters chose [[Obama]] for reasons of race, rather than policy, saying that he succeeding in some regions for the same reason [[Jesse Jackson]] did. Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]] refused to support the Clintons after Bill Clinton's [[racist]] remarks.<ref name="urbanintellectuals.com"/><br /> <br /> After Obama refused to give Hillary the Vice Presidential nomination, both Clintons fell into line and campaigned for Obama. Obama easily defeated Senator [[John McCain]], and named Hillary Secretary of State. <br /> <br /> While Hillary Clinton stumbled on the [[United States presidential election, 2016|campaign trail for president in 2016]], Clinton surrogates and apologists breathlessly awaited the release of Bill, her "not-so-secret weapon";<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hillary-clinton-unleash-secret-weapon-bill-clinton-january/story?id=35870901 Hillary Clinton to Unleash Her 'Not So Secret Weapon'], By MATTHEW CLAIBORNE, ABC News , Dec 20, 2015.</ref> as Bill's performance on the trail faltered rumors abounded that Mr. Clinton was suffering from the early stages of [[syphilis|syphlitic]] [[dementia]].<ref>[https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110710183312AAgzIbp Yahoo Answer: Does Anyone Know How advanced is Bill Clinton's syphilis?], answers.yahoo.com</ref><ref><br /> http://web.archive.org/web/20160819030209/http://christiantimesnewspaper.com/dc-call-girl-tells-all-in-new-book-bill-clinton-gave-me-aids</ref><br /> <br /> ==Laureate International Universities==<br /> Between 2010 and 2014 while Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State, Bill Clinton made $16.5 million for his role as honorary chancellor of Laureate Education, a for-profit college company.<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-07-31/hillary-and-bill-clinton-paid-43-million-in-federal-taxes</ref> The [[State Department]] funneled $55 million in grants during Hillary Clinton’s tenure to groups associated with Laureate’s founder. The International Youth Federation, an organization connected to Laureate chairman Douglas Becker, received USAID funding.<ref>http://www.iyfnet.org/people/douglas-l-becker</ref> Becker is a major donor to the Clintons and the [[Clinton Foundation]].<ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/laureate-a-for-profit-education-firm-finds-international-success-with-a-clintons-help/2014/01/16/13f8adde-7ca6-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html</ref><ref>https://jonathanturley.org/2016/06/08/the-clintons-university-problem-laureate-education-lawsuits-present-problem-for-clintons/</ref><br /> <br /> In her first year as Secretary of State, Hillary is quoted as directly asking that Laureate be included in a high-profile policy dinner — just months before the lucrative contract was given to Bill Clinton. Hillary Clinton later references “Laureate Universities, started by Doug Becker who Bill likes a lot".<ref>http://www.rawstory.com/2016/03/hillarys-emails-reveal-lucrative-ties-to-for-profit-colleges/</ref><br /> <br /> ==Works==<br /> * ''Between Hope and History'', 1996<br /> * ''My Life'', 2004<br /> * ''Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World'', 2007<br /> * ''Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy'', 2011<br /> <br /> ==Legacy==<br /> Of the $1.6 million Clinton earned in salary<ref>[http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/wjclinton.html William Jefferson Clinton]</ref> as President for 8 years, Clinton agreed to pay $850,000,<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/jones111498.htm Clinton Settles Paula Jones Lawsuit for $850,000], [[Washington Post]]</ref> or more than 53% in a legal settlement with [[Paula Jones]] to satisfy claims for damages to her reputation.<br /> <br /> Every President since [[William Howard Taft]] in 1910 has served as Honorary President of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] during his term in office. In 2000 it was reported the Boy Scouts national office revoked the title afforded to Bill Clinton after thousands of complaints. Numerous Eagle Scouts returned their certificates of achievement bearing Clinton's signature and requested a replacement without it.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2000/08/474/ Eagle Scouts drop Clinton signature], ''[[WND]], August 24, 2000.</ref><br /> <br /> As with all modern Presidents, members of the Clinton Administration and Clinton's supporters were solicited to fund the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. This includes a Presidential Library operated by the [[National Archives and Records Administration]], and is the third Presidential Library to comply with the [[Presidential Records Act of 1978]].<ref name="Chicago Tribune 1">{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7189763_ITM|title=Clinton tries to shape his legacy with presidential library|date=November 18, 2004|last=Zeleny|first=Jeff|publisher=Tribune Company|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|accessdate=October 24, 2016}}</ref> Clinton has also been criticized for the library's lack of coverage regarding various scandals during his presidency, including the Whitewater scandal. The museum's main exhibit designer has said that "this is the way the president wanted to see his legacy defined."<ref name="Chicago Tribune 1"/> The center contains a museum, the offices of the [[Clinton Foundation]], and the [[University of Arkansas]] Clinton School of Public Service. A museum store is located at the edge of the park in a shopping district.<br /> <br /> Fund-raising for the center was led by [[Terry McAuliffe]], a friend of Clinton's who later served as Governor of [[Virginia]]. On January 20, 2001, his last day in office, Clinton pardoned former financier Marc Rich, a fugitive who had been charged with multiple counts of racketeering, wire fraud, income tax evasion, and illegal oil trading. Rich's wife, Denise Eisenberg Rich, was reported to have made three donations totaling nearly $1,000,000 to Clinton's presidential library fund, as well as multiple other contributions to the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's senate campaign. It was later found that she only made three payments totaling $450,000 to the fundraiser. The Senate Judiciary Committee investigated the pardon and issued subpoenas for Denise Rich's bank records because she refused to testify before the House Government Reform Committee, asserting her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.<br /> <br /> Although Clinton had decided to locate the library in Little Rock, Hillary Clinton later decided to run for the Senate from New York State and the couple established legal residency in New York and purchased a home in Chappaqua, New York, in September 1999. After leaving the White House, <br /> Bill Clinton established an office in Harlem, New York instead of Little Rock.<br /> <br /> The boom in technology allowed Fathom Studios to start work on the independent animated film [[Delgo]].<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Elite deviance]]<br /> *[[Clinton Foundation conflicts of interest]]<br /> *[[Clinton body count]]<br /> *[[Honorarium]]<br /> *[[Motor Voter]]<br /> <br /> ==Bibliography==<br /> <br /> ===Basic reading===<br /> * Berman, William C. ''From the Center to the Edge: The Politics and Policies of the Clinton Presidency'' (2001) 160pp, useful summary and interpretation <br /> * Campbell, Colin, and Bert A. Rockman, eds. ''The Clinton Legacy'' 348 pp [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=58143940 online edition]<br /> * Clinton, Bill. ''My Life''. (2004). ISBN 0-375-41457-6. [http://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Bill-Clinton/dp/140003003X/ref=sr_1_8/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464316&sr=8-8 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Felsenthal, Carol. ''Clinton in Exile: A President Out of the White House‎'' (2008) 386 pages<br /> * Gillon, Steve. '' The pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the rivalry that defined a generation‎'' (2008) 342 pages, by a leading historian; [http://books.google.com/books?id=d-U2IzI2r5YC&pg=PA78&dq=intitle:clinton&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search] <br /> * Hamilton, Nigel. ''Bill Clinton: Mastering the Presidency'' (2007) covers 1993-96, 766pp [http://books.google.com/books?id=Ky8fzAmUIvAC&pg=PA203&dq=intitle:clinton&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Harris, John F. ''The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House'' (2005) ISBN 0-375-50847-3, the best coverage of the presidency [http://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Bill-Clinton-White-House/dp/0375760849/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464409&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Hyland, William G. ''Clinton's World: Remaking American Foreign Policy'' (1999) ISBN 0-275-96396-9 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=14147621 online edition]<br /> * Klein, Joe. ''The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton'' (2003) by leading journalist [http://www.time.com/time/columnist/klein/article/0,9565,490843,00.html online excerpt and search]; [http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Misunderstood-Presidency-Bill-Clinton/dp/0767914120/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464449&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Levy, Peter. ''Encyclopedia of the Clinton Presidency'' (2002), 400pp; 230 well-balanced articles<br /> * Maraniss, David, ''First in His Class: A Biography of Bill Clinton'' (1996) ISBN 0-684-81890-6. Biography to 1991. [http://www.amazon.com/First-His-Class-Biography-Clinton/dp/0684818906/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464484&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Posner, Richard A. ''An Affair of State: The Investigation, Impeachment, and Trial of President Clinton'' (1999) ISBN 0-674-00080-3 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=77420690 online edition]<br /> * Schantz, Harvey L. ''Politics in an Era of Divided Government: Elections and Governance in the Second Clinton Administration'' (2001) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=102246366 online edition]<br /> * Schier, Steven E. ''The Postmodern Presidency: Bill Clinton's Legacy in U.S. Politics'' (2000) [http://www.amazon.com/Postmodern-Presidency-Clintons-Politics-Political/dp/082294135X/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464518&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> ===Biographical and Presidential===<br /> * Barber, Benjamin. '' The Truth of Power: Intellectual Affairs in the Clinton White House‎'' (2008) 336 pages [http://books.google.com/books?id=zwywJroh6PoC&pg=PA11&dq=intitle:clinton&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search] <br /> * Berman, William C. ''From the Center to the Edge: The Politics and Policies of the Clinton Presidency'' (2001) 160pp, useful summary and interpretation <br /> * Campbell, Colin, and Bert A. Rockman, eds. ''The Clinton Legacy'' 348 pp [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=58143940 online edition]<br /> * Congressional Quarterly. ''Congress and the Nation 1993-1997: A Review of Government and Politics: 103rd and 104th Congresses'' (1998); ''Congress and the Nation 1997-2001: A Review of Government and Politics: 105th and 106th Congresses'' (2002). Highly detailed nonpartisan coverage (1200 pp each) of all political issues, including presidency<br /> * Gillon, Steve. '' The pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the rivalry that defined a generation‎'' (2008) 342 pages, by a leading historian; [http://books.google.com/books?id=d-U2IzI2r5YC&pg=PA78&dq=intitle:clinton&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Hamilton, Nigel. ''Bill Clinton: Mastering the Presidency'' (2007) covers 1993-96, 766pp [http://books.google.com/books?id=Ky8fzAmUIvAC&pg=PA203&dq=intitle:clinton&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2007&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]* Harris, John F. ''The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House'' (2005) ISBN 0-375-50847-3, the best coverage of the presidency [http://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Bill-Clinton-White-House/dp/0375760849/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464409&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Klein, Joe. ''The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton'' (2003) by leading journalist [http://www.time.com/time/columnist/klein/article/0,9565,490843,00.html online excerpt and search]; [http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Misunderstood-Presidency-Bill-Clinton/dp/0767914120/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464449&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Levy, Peter. ''Encyclopedia of the Clinton Presidency'' (2002), 400pp; 230 well-balanced articles<br /> * Schantz, Harvey L. ''Politics in an Era of Divided Government: Elections and Governance in the Second Clinton Administration'' (2001) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=102246366 online edition]<br /> * Schier, Steven E. ''The Postmodern Presidency: Bill Clinton's Legacy in U.S. Politics'' (2000) [http://www.amazon.com/Postmodern-Presidency-Clintons-Politics-Political/dp/082294135X/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464518&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> ===Clinton to 1992===<br /> * Abbott, Philip. "A 'Long and Winding Road': Bill Clinton and the 1960s," Rhetoric & Public Affairs 9.1 (2006) 1-20 in Project Muse<br /> * Borrelli, Stephen A. "Finding the Third Way: Bill Clinton, the DLC, and the Democratic Platform of 1992," ''Journal of Policy History'' Vol. 13#4 (2001), pp.&nbsp;429–462 in Project Muse<br /> * Goldman, Peter L. et al, ''Quest for the Presidency, 1992'' (1994) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=11169230 online edition]<br /> * Maraniss, David, ''First in His Class: A Biography of Bill Clinton'' (1996) ISBN 0-684-81890-6. Biography to 1991. [http://www.amazon.com/First-His-Class-Biography-Clinton/dp/0684818906/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464484&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> ===Foreign Policy===<br /> * Butfoy, Andrew. "The Rise and Fall of Missile Diplomacy? President Clinton and the 'Revolution in Military Affairs' in Retrospect." ''Australian Journal of Politics and History'' 2006 52(1): 98-114. Issn: 0004-9522 Fulltext: in Ebsco [http://www.questia.com/read/5014679475 online complete editon]<br /> * Cohen, Warren I. ''America's Failing Empire: U.S. Foreign Relations since the Cold War.'' 2005. 204 pp. <br /> * Davis; John. "The Evolution of American Grand Strategy and the War on Terrorism: Clinton and Bush Perspectives" ''White House Studies'', Vol. 3, 2003<br /> * Hendrickson, Ryan C. ''The Clinton Wars: The Constitution, Congress, and War Powers'' (2002)<br /> * Hyland, William G. ''Clinton's World: Remaking American Foreign Policy'' (1999) ISBN 0-275-96396-9 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=14147621 online edition]<br /> * Jewett, Aubrey W. and Marc D. Turetzky. "Stability and Change in President Clinton's Foreign Policy Beliefs, 1993-96" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 28, 1998 [http://www.questia.com/read/5001392338 online edition]<br /> * Livingston, C. Don, Kenneth A. Wink; "The Passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in the U.S. House of Representatives: Presidential Leadership or Presidential Luck?" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 27, 1997 [http://www.questia.com/read/5000429192 online edition]<br /> * Maclean, George A. ''Clinton's Foreign Policy in Russia: From Deterrence and Isolation to Democratization and Engagement'' (2006) [http://www.amazon.com/Clintons-Foreign-Policy-Russia-Democratization/dp/0754649016/ref=sr_1_5/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464518&sr=8-5 excerpt and text search] <br /> <br /> ===Domestic Policy===<br /> * Edwards; George C. "Bill Clinton and His Crisis of Governance" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly,'' Vol. 28, 1998 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5001393468 in Questia]<br /> * Fisher; Patrick. "Clinton's Greatest Legislative Achievement? the Success of the 1993 Budget Reconciliation Bill" ''White House Studies'', Vol. 1, 2001 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5002437663 in Questia]<br /> * Greenspan, Alan. ''The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World'' (2007), memoir by head of Federal Reserve [http://www.amazon.com/Age-Turbulence-Adventures-New-World/dp/0143114166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260097183&sr=1-1xcerpt and text search] <br /> * Harris, John F. ''The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House''. (2005) covers the major policy issues [http://www.amazon.com/Survivor-Bill-Clinton-White-House/dp/0375760849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260097075&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Lanoue, David J. and Craig F. Emmert; "Voting in the Glare of the Spotlight: Representatives' Votes on the Impeachment of President Clinton" ''Polity'', Vol. 32, 1999<br /> * Needham, Catherine. "Brand Leaders: Clinton, Blair and the Limitations of the Permanent Campaign." ''Political Studies'' 2005 53(2): 343-361. Issn: 0032-3217 Fulltext: in Ebsco <br /> * Nie; Martin A. "'It's the Environment, Stupid!': Clinton and the Environment" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 27, 1997 [http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5001516576 online edition]<br /> * Patterson, James T. ''Restless Giant: The United States from Watergate to Bush vs. Gore'' (2005) [http://www.amazon.com/Restless-Giant-United-Watergate-History/dp/019512216X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195117012&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Poveda; Tony G. "Clinton, Crime, and the Justice Department" ''Social Justice'', Vol. 21, 1994 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5000301618 online edition]<br /> * Renshon; Stanley A. ''The Clinton Presidency: Campaigning, Governing, and the Psychology of Leadership'' Westview Press, 1995<br /> * Schantz, Harvey L. ''Politics in an Era of Divided Government: Elections and Governance in the Second Clinton Administration'' (2001) ISBN 0-8153-3583-0<br /> * Stiglitz, Joseph E. ''The Roaring Nineties: A New History of the World's Most Prosperous Decade'' (2004) economic history; [http://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Nineties-History-Worlds-Prosperous/dp/0393326187/ref=sr_1_6/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464518&sr=8-6 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Wattenberg; Martin P. "The Democrats' Decline in the House during the Clinton Presidency: An Analysis of Partisan Swings" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 29, 1999 [http://www.questia.com/read/5001303783 online edition]<br /> <br /> ===Polls, campaign, images, character, scandals===<br /> * Blaney, Joseph R. and William L. Benoit. ''The Clinton Scandals and the Politics of Image Restoration,'' (2001) [http://www.amazon.com/Scandals-Politics-Restoration-Political-Communication/dp/0275971066/ref=sr_1_4/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194471793&sr=8-4 excerpt and text search] [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=101159621 online edition]<br /> * Borrelli, Stephen A. "Finding the Third Way: Bill Clinton, the DLC, and the Democratic Platform of 1992," ''Journal of Policy History'' Vol. 13, #4 (2001), pp.&nbsp;429–462 in [[Project Muse]]<br /> * Cohen; Jeffrey E. "The Polls: Change and Stability in Public Assessments of Personal Traits, Bill Clinton, 1993-99" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 31, 2001<br /> * Cronin, Thomas E. and Michael A. Genovese; "President Clinton and Character Questions" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' Vol. 28, 1998<br /> * Denton Jr. Robert E. ''The 1992 Presidential Campaign: A Communication Perspective,'' (1994) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=104563698 online edition]<br /> * Denton Jr. Robert E. ''The 1996 Presidential Campaign: A Communication Perspective,'' (1998) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=26288597 online edition]<br /> * Denton Jr. Robert E. and Rachel L. Holloway, eds. ''The Clinton Presidency: Images, Issues, and Communication Strategies, 1996 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=24374540 online edition]<br /> * Denton Jr. Robert E. and Rachel L. Holloway, eds. ''Images, Scandal, and Communication Strategies of the Clinton Presidency'' (2003) [http://www.amazon.com/Scandal-Communication-Strategies-Presidency-Presidential/dp/0275971767/ref=sr_1_4/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464518&sr=8-4 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Glad; Betty. "Evaluating Presidential Character" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 28, 1998 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5001393536 online edition]<br /> * Maurer; Paul J. "Media Feeding Frenzies: Press Behavior during Two Clinton Scandals" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly,'' Vol. 29, 1999 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&se=gglsc&d=5001239881 online edition]<br /> * O'Connor; Brendon. "Policies, Principles, and Polls: Bill Clinton's Third Way Welfare Politics 1992-1996" ''The Australian Journal of Politics and History'', Vol. 48, 2002<br /> * Posner, Richard A. ''An Affair of State: The Investigation, Impeachment, and Trial of President Clinton'' (1999) ISBN 0-674-00080-3 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=77420690 online edition]<br /> * Renshon, Stanley A. "The Polls: The Public's Response to the Clinton Scandals, Part 1: Inconsistent Theories, Contradictory Evidence" ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'', Vol. 32, 2002 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000773179 online edition]<br /> * Renshon; Stanley A. '' The Clinton Presidency: Campaigning, Governing, and the Psychology of Leadership'' (1995) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=9961027 online edition]<br /> * Starr, Kenneth. ''The Starr Report: The Findings of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr on President Clinton and the Lewinsky Affair'' (1998) ISBN 1-891620-24-X<br /> * Whittington, Keith E. "The Rhetorical Presidency, Presidential Authority and President Clinton," ''Perspectives on Political Science,'' Vol. 26, 1997 <br /> * Waldman, Michael. ''POTUS Speaks: Finding the Words That Defined the Clinton Presidency'' (2000) ISBN 0-7432-0020-9<br /> * Wattier; Mark J. "The Clinton Factor: The Effects of Clinton's Personal Image in 2000 Presidential Primaries and in the General Election" ''White House Studies'', Vol. 4, 2004<br /> * Weisberg, Herbert F., and Janet M. Box-Steffensmeier. ''Reelection 1996: How Americans Voted,'' 1999 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=62235822 online edition]<br /> <br /> ===Health reform===<br /> * Blendon, R. J., M. Brodie, and J. Benson. "What Happened to Americans' Support of the Clinton Plan?" ''Health Affairs'' 1995. 14(2):7-23. [http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/14/2/7?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&author1=brodie&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=10&resourcetype=HWCIT online edition], analysis of poll data<br /> * Fox, Daniel M. "A Lost Cause: Bill Clinton's Campaign for National Health Insurance, and: The Road to Nowhere: The Genesis of President Clinton's Plan for Health Security," ''Bulletin of the History of Medicine'' vol. 73, # 2, Summer 1999, pp.&nbsp;367–369 in [[Project Muse]]<br /> * Laham, Nicholas, ''A Lost Cause: Bill Clinton's Campaign for National Health Insurance'' (1996) [http://www.questia.com/library/book/a-lost-cause-bill-clintons-campaign-for-national-health-insurance-by-nicholas-laham.jsp online edition]<br /> * Rushefsky, Mark E. and Kant Patel. ''Politics, Power & Policy Making: The Case of Health Care Reform in the 1990s'' (1998) [http://www.amazon.com/Politics-Power-Policy-Making-Health/dp/1563249561/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260096806&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Skocpol, Theda. ''Boomerang: Clinton's Health Security Effort and the Turn Against Government in U.S. Politics,'' (1996) [http://www.amazon.com/Boomerang-Health-Reform-Against-Government/dp/039331572X/ref=sr_1_2/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194472221&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> ==Primary sources==<br /> * [http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/ Council of Economic Advisors, ''Economic Report of the President'' (annual 1947- )], complete series online; important analysis of current trends and policies, plus statistical tables<br /> *Clinton, William jfeerson. ''Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton: from Hope to Harlem‎'' ed. by Janis F. Kearney (2006) 402 pages; [http://books.google.com/books?id=EVdrKWADFnsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intitle:clinton&lr=&as_drrb_is=b&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=2006&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Starr, Kenneth. ''The Starr Report: The Findings of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr on President Clinton and the Lewinsky Affair'' (1998) ISBN 1-891620-24-X [http://books.google.com/books?id=NxWTTbiij0wC&dq=inauthor:Starr+inauthor:Kenneth&num=30&as_brr=0 excerpt and text search]<br /> ===Memoirs===<br /> * Clinton, Bill. ''My Life''. (2004). ISBN 0-375-41457-6. [http://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Bill-Clinton/dp/140003003X/ref=sr_1_8/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194464316&sr=8-8 excerpt and text search]<br /> * [[Sidney Blumenthal|Blumenthal, Sidney]]. ''The Clinton Wars''. (2003). ISBN 0-374-12502-3 [http://www.amazon.com/Clinton-Wars-Sidney-Blumenthal/dp/0374125023/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194472136&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Greenspan, Alan. ''The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World'' (2007), memoir by head of Federal Reserve<br /> * Stephanopoulos, George. ''All Too Human: A Political Education'' (1998) ISBN 0-316-92919-0 [http://www.amazon.com/All-too-Human-George-Stephanopoulos/dp/0316930164/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194472067&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{USPresidents}}<br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Clinton, Bill}}<br /> [[Category:Presidents of the United States]]<br /> [[Category:Clinton Administration]]<br /> [[Category:Bill Clinton]]<br /> [[Category:Hillary Clinton]]<br /> [[Category:Arkansas Governors]]<br /> [[Category:Democratic Governors]]<br /> [[Category:Corruption]]<br /> [[Category:Liberals]]<br /> [[Category:Reagan Era]]<br /> [[Category:Democratic Party]]<br /> [[Category:Former Governors]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:1990s]]<br /> [[Category:Former Heads of Government]]<br /> [[Category:Former Heads of State]]<br /> [[Category:Best Selling Authors]]<br /> [[Category:Globalists]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=George_W._Bush&diff=1376400 George W. Bush 2017-09-24T00:12:50Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Officeholder<br /> |name=George Walker Bush<br /> |image=George_w_bush.jpeg<br /> |party=Republican<br /> |spouse=Laura Bush<br /> |religion=[[United Methodist]]<br /> |offices=<br /> {{Officeholder/president<br /> |country=the United States<br /> |number=43rd<br /> |terms=January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009<br /> |vp=[[Dick Cheney]]<br /> |preceded=[[Bill Clinton]]<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Barack Obama]]<br /> }}<br /> {{Officeholder/governor<br /> |number=46th<br /> |state=Texas<br /> |terms=January 17, 1995 – December 21, 2000<br /> |preceded=[[Ann Richards]]<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Rick Perry]]<br /> }}<br /> }}<br /> '''George Walker Bush''' (born New Haven, [[Connecticut]] 1946) was the Governor of [[Texas]] (1995-2000) and served as the 43rd [[President of the United States of America]] from 2001 to 2009. Campaigning on a theme of "compassionate conservatism" and promising "to restore honor and dignity" to the office of President after the Clinton years,<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507E3DC153FF931A2575BC0A9669C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: THE TEXAS GOVERNOR; Bush Calls on Gore to Denounce Clinton Affair,] By Frank Bruni, [[The New York Times]]'', August 12, 2000.</ref> he won the office by a narrow margin in the decisive State of [[Florida]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2000|2000 Presidential election]]. Legal challenges to the certified vote count went all the way to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] when liberal Democratic contender [[Al Gore]] contested the outcome for weeks until the Supreme Court case [[Bush v. Gore]].<br /> <br /> In the [[United States presidential election, 2004|2004 Presidential election]] Bush won re-election, helped in part by a 300,000 vote victory (5%) in the State of Florida, where the outcome had been so close in 2000.<ref>[http://election.dos.state.fl.us/elections/resultsarchive/SummaryRpt.asp?ElectionDate=11/2/2004&Race=PRE&DATAMODE= Florida Election Records], ''[[Florida Dept. of State]]''</ref> [[Leftist]] Democratic candidate [[John Kerry]] conceded defeat the day after the election.<br /> <br /> Bush's presidency was defined by [[foreign policy]] because of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks]], which eventually resulted in the attacks onto the countries of [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]. Bush named two conservatives to the Supreme Court. He reformed K12 education with a major new program, [[No Child Left Behind]], and pushed a series of major tax cuts through Congress. Conservatives cheered. All this happened in his first term, aiding his easy reelection. His performance in dealing with [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005 were widely ridiculed, though some Republicans argued that local Democrats did an even worse job.<br /> <br /> As the [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] smashed into the banking system and the nation plunged into the [[Recession of 2008]], Bush responded by proposing a massive aid program of $700 billion to banks, and loan guarantees amounting to the trillions of dollars. Conservatives were dismayed as he proposed a traditional [[Keynesian]] [[stimulus]] which Democrats lauded. Above all, he made one of the most dramatic federal interventions in American history by his aid to the financial system. Bruce Bartlett, a Republican economist, says, "Bush clearly is not a Reaganite or "small 'c' conservative."<br /> <br /> Conservatives and [[libertarian]]s have criticized Bush for greatly increased domestic spending, creating a new entitlement program for prescription drugs, failing to veto a single bill, and expanding both the size and scope of government. The man made extremely difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Unlike any president before him, he was subjected to an all out attack by the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. Bush's last year in office was a combination of Democrat [[Alinsky]] tactics and abandonment by his own Republican party. Lobbyists and Congress contributed greatly to the collapsing financial markets. Mistakes, questionable interests, Federal Reserve lack of transparency, Liberal Media, Unions, Homeland Security and you understand why the Bush team was to falter, they were in over their heads. Bush is a man with convictions that didn't cower from protecting America and putting America first.<ref>See www.honorfreedom.com</ref> George would engineer two government rebate checks, giving back to the people. Average unemployment over eight-years of the [[Bush Administration]] was 5.3%.<ref>[http://scottstanzel.com/2010/06/04/unemployment-rate-during-president-bush/ Scottstanzel.com, Unemployment During President George W. Bush’s Two Terms]</ref> and he can be credited for having the most [[pro-life]] policies of any president.<br /> <br /> ==Early life==<br /> [[Image:Bushfamily.JPG|left|thumb|275px|George W. Bush and his family in 1981]] George W. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, [[Connecticut]], and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas.<ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/georgewbush Biography], [[White House]]</ref> He joined [[Delta Kappa Epsilon]] [[fraternity]] at Yale. He earned a BA in history from [[Yale University]] and attended [[Harvard]] Business School as well. He later served in the [[Air National Guard|Texas Air National Guard]] as an F-102 Delta Dagger pilot. Bush grew up around politics, as his father [[George H. W. Bush]] had been a member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], American Ambassador to the [[United Nations]], Director of the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) and [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] of the United States under President [[Ronald Reagan]]. In 1988, George W. Bush worked for his father's successful presidential campaign. Afterward Bush purchased the Texas Rangers [[baseball]] franchise.<br /> <br /> ==Governor of Texas==<br /> Bush declared his candidacy for Governor of Texas in 1994. He defeated incumbent [[Democrat]] Governor [[Ann Richards]] 53.5 percent to 45.9 percent. Bush advocated and signed the two largest tax cuts to date in Texas history, totaling over $3 billion.<ref>[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/tslac/40078/tsl-40078.html An Introduction to Governor George W. Bush Records Located at the George W. Bush Presidential Library]</ref> He supported and signed legislation emphasizing local control of [[school]]s, higher standards, and a revised curriculum. Bush was easily reelected Governor in 1998.<br /> <br /> ==2000 Presidential Campaign==<br /> {{Main|United States presidential election, 2000}}<br /> <br /> The Republican nominee for the 2000 Presidential nomination came down to Texas Governor George W. Bush and [[Arizona]] Senator [[John McCain]], a maverick Republican and ex-POW. Most social conservatives endorsed Bush. Despite early primary wins in [[New Hampshire]] and [[Michigan]] for McCain, Bush eventually won after sweeping 9 out of the 13 states on Super Tuesday. McCain withdrew in March after a bitter primary fight. Bush then chose former U.S. Defense Secretary [[Richard Cheney]] as his running mate. Vice President [[Al Gore]] was the Democratic nominee. Consumer Advocate [[Ralph Nader]], a strong supporter of [[environment]]al protection and critic of large corporations entered the race in the [[United States Green Party|green party]]. <br /> <br /> In a historically close race, Gore edged out Bush in the popular vote 48.4 percent to 47.9 percent. However, Bush won the majority of electoral votes, 271 to 266, because of Bush's victory in Florida, winning its 25 electoral votes that both candidates desperately needed. The race in Florida was so close that state law required a recount of the ballots. There were, however, thousands of thrown out ballots that were discredited because the counting machines could not discern them. After the machine recounts still showed Bush ahead, Gore asked for a hand recount of ballots in counties that favored Democrats. On November 26, Florida officials certified that Bush won the state of Florida by 537 votes. Gore conceded December 13.<br /> <br /> ==2004 Reelection Campaign==<br /> {{Main|United States presidential election, 2004}}<br /> <br /> In President Bush's reelection campaign in 2004, [[national security]], the invasion of Iraq and social issues dominated the campaign. The Democrat nominee was [[Massachusetts]] Senator [[John Kerry]]. Bush won the popular vote, 51% to 48%. With 120 million Americans voting (15 million more than in 2000) Bush received more votes than any other presidential candidate in history. Among the swing states, Kerry took [[Pennsylvania]], [[New Hampshire]], [[Michigan]], [[Minnesota]], [[Wisconsin]] and [[Oregon]], while Bush took [[Ohio]], [[Florida]], [[Missouri]], [[Iowa]], [[Colorado]], [[New Mexico]], and [[Nevada]].<ref>[http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html Election Results 2008], [[The New York Times]]</ref> <br /> <br /> Republicans also picked up seats in both chambers of [[Congress]].<br /> <br /> ==Presidency (2001-2009)==<br /> <br /> In foreign and security areas, his terms included the 9-11 terrorist attack, the passage of the PATRIOT Act, the invasion of Afghanistan (2001–present) and Iraq (2003-present), the expansion of NATO to the Russian border, financial aid to fight disease (especially AIDS) in Africa, and improved relations with India. The Iraq war was the focus of intense partisan debate. <br /> <br /> The 2002 midterm election saw a GOP gain of seats in the House of Representatives and governorships, However the 2006 elections showed sharp GOP losses across the board, and loss of control of the House for the first time since its capture in 1994. He played a minor role in the 2008 election, which the GOP lost.<br /> <br /> In domestic legislation he partnered with Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]] to pass the No Child Left Behind education act, and tried—but failed—to pass immigration reform. Early on he secured large-scale tax cuts, which helped the economic recovery in 2002. The boom (and later collapse) in real estate boosted the economy then pulled it down. Liberals criticized his handling of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina relief, and the dismissals of U.S. Attorneys for political reasons. His proposed "Vision for Space Exploration" went nowhere, and he failed to make headway in Social Security reform. Conservatives hailed his appointments of conservatives to the Supreme Court at the time<br /> <br /> ===Administration and Cabinet===<br /> <br /> {| class="wikitable"<br /> |-<br /> ! Office<br /> ! Name<br /> ! Term<br /> |-<br /> | [[President]]<br /> | George W. Bush<br /> | 2001-2009<br /> |-<br /> | [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]]<br /> | [[Richard Cheney]]<br /> | 2001-2009<br /> |-<br /> | [[Secretary of State]]<br /> | [[Colin Powell]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Condoleezza Rice]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | [[Secretary of Treasury]]<br /> | [[Paul O'Neill]]<br /> | 2001-2002<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[John W. Snow]]<br /> | 2003-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Henry Paulson]]<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | [[Secretary of Defense]]<br /> | [[Donald Rumsfeld]]<br /> | 2001-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Robert Gates]]<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | [[Attorney General]]<br /> | [[John Ashcroft]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Alberto Gonzales]]<br /> | 2005-2007<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Michael Mukasey]]<br /> | 2007-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of the Interior<br /> | [[Gale Norton]]<br /> | 2001-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Dirk Kempthorne]]<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Agriculture<br /> | [[Ann Veneman]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Mike Johanns]]<br /> | 2005-2007<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Ed Schafer]]<br /> | 2008-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Commerce<br /> | [[Donald Evans]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Carlos Gutierrez]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Labor<br /> | [[Elaine Chao]]<br /> | 2001-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Health and Human Services<br /> | [[Tommy Thompson]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Michael Leavitt]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Education<br /> | [[Rod Paige]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Margaret Spellings]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Housing and Urban Development<br /> | [[Mel Martinez]]<br /> | 2001-2003<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Alphonso Jackson]]<br /> | 2003-2008<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Steve Preston]]<br /> | 2008-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Transportation<br /> | [[Norman Mineta]]<br /> | 2001-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Mary Peters]]<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Energy<br /> | [[Spencer Abraham]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Samuel Bodman]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Veterans Affairs<br /> | [[Anthony Principi]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Jim Nicholson]]<br /> | 2005-2007<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[James Peake]]<br /> | 2007-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Secretary of Homeland Security<br /> | [[Tom Ridge]]<br /> | 2003-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Michael Chertoff]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Chief of Staff<br /> | [[Andrew Card]]<br /> | 2001-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Joshua Bolten]]<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency<br /> | [[Christine Todd Whitman]]<br /> | 2001-2003<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Michael Leavitt]]<br /> | 2003-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Stephen Johnson]]<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Director of the Office of Management and Budget<br /> | [[Mitch Daniels]]<br /> | 2001-2003<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | Joshua Bolten<br /> | 2003-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Rob Portman]]<br /> | 2006-2007<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Jim Nussle]]<br /> | 2007-2009<br /> |-<br /> | Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy<br /> | [[John Walters]]<br /> | 2001-2009<br /> |-<br /> | United States Trade Representative<br /> | [[Robert Zoellick]]<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | Rob Portman<br /> | 2005-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | Susan Schwab<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | [[CIA]] Director<br /> | [[George Tenet]]<br /> | 2001-2004<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[John E. McLaughlin]]<br /> | 2004<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Porter J. Goss]]<br /> | 2004-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Michael Hayden]]<br /> | 2006-2009<br /> |-<br /> | FBI Director<br /> | [[Louis Freeh]]<br /> | 2001<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Thomas J. Pickard]]<br /> | 2001<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Robert S. Mueller]]<br /> | 2001-2009<br /> |-<br /> | National Security Advisor<br /> | Condoleezza Rice<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | Stephen Hadley<br /> | 2005-2009<br /> |-<br /> | White House Counsel<br /> | Alberto R. Gonzales<br /> | 2001-2005<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Harriet Miers]]<br /> | 2005-2007<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Fred Fielding]]<br /> | 2007-2009<br /> |-<br /> | White House Press Secretary<br /> | [[Ari Fleischer]]<br /> | 2001-2003<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Scott McClellan]]<br /> | 2003-2006<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Tony Snow]]<br /> | 2006-2007<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> | [[Dana Perino]]<br /> | 2007-2009<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ===Response to the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks===<br /> The September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks resulted in George W. Bush becoming a self-described war time President. On that morning President Bush had traveled to Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, [[Florida]] to promote his [[education]]al agenda; when 19 Islamic terrorists connected with [[Al-Qaeda]] hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two of them crashed into the [[World Trade Center]] in [[New York City]], the third in [[The Pentagon]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] and the fourth in Somerset County, [[Pennsylvania]], after passengers of the flight successfully stopped the hijackers from hitting Washington D.C., possibly the [[White House]] or [[Capital]]. As a result, over 3,000 Americans were killed, and over 6,000 injured, the largest terrorist attack in American history. After [[White House]] Chief of Staff [[Andrew Card]] had whispered in the President's ear that the United States was under attack, President Bush addressed the public in the Booker school's media center, saying a brief four paragraph statement that "Terrorism against our nation will not stand. This will not stand." Which was a formation that President George H. W. Bush used in August 1990 after [[Iraq]] invaded [[Kuwait]]. President Bush would later say that "This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. . . . I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people." <br /> <br /> [[Image:20010912-4-1.jpg|left|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vice President [[Dick Cheney]] and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hugh Shelton, talk with the press about the previous day's terrorist attacks during a cabinet meeting Sept. 12, 2001. White House photo by Tina Hager.]] Although the attacks may have been an attempt from Al-Qaeda to divide the United States, they were unsuccessful. Across the nation, Americans had donated blood and raised money for reconstruction in New York City. Within weeks, Americans had raised over one billion dollars.<ref>The American Vision from National Geographic, pg. 1033</ref> On September 14 President Bush declared a national emergency. [[CIA]] Director [[George Tenent]] and the FBI identified the attacks from Al-Qaeda and [[Osama Bin Laden]] in [[Afghanistan]]. As [[Secretary of State]] [[Colin Powell]] begin to build an international coalition with over 90 countries to support the United States global [[War on Terrorism]], [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]] began to redeploy troops and aircraft's to the [[Middle East]]. On September 24, President Bush issued an executive order freezing all funding of financial assets to individuals and groups suspected of terrorism, and over 80 other nations soon followed. Bush then established the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal agencies working to prevent terrorism. The President appointed [[Pennsylvania]] [[Governor]] [[Tom Ridge]] to the office. In October President Bush signed into law the U.S. [[Patriot Act]], which allowed authorities to obtain a signal nationwide search warrant that could be used anywhere on suspected terrorists. It also made it easier to wiretap terrorists and track their [[email]]. The mastermind of the 9/11 attacks—[[Khalid Sheikh Mohammed]] has been captured.<br /> <br /> On October 5, a new [[anthrax]] scare from terrorists began. Anthrax—a deadly bacteria—had been sent in the mail to news organizations in New York City and Washington, D.C. and [[United States Senate|Senate]] Majority Leader [[Tom Daschle]]'s office. The FBI investigated the anthrax attacks, although no suspects were identified.<br /> <br /> ===War in Afghanistan===<br /> *''Main Article: [[Afghanistan War]] <br /> Afghanistan housed and protected al-Qaeda as it planned the 9-11 attacks. It then refused to turn over al-Qaeda leaders. With UN and NATO approval, Bush went to war to overthrow the Taliban. On October 7, 2001, he ordered bombing of al-Qaeda's camps and the [[Taliban]]'s military forces in Afghanistan. "We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail, freedom will prevail", President Bush explained. The attack quickly shattered the [[Taliban]]'s defenses, and by early December the Taliban regime had collapsed. The United States, its allies and the UN then helped Afghanistan create a new government under [[Hamid Karzai]]. By March 2002, the Taliban and al-Qaeda were beginning to regroup again in the mountain's of the [[Pakistan]] border. President Bush responded by launching Operation Anaconda, where Al-Qaeda troops were defeated. Al-Qaeda was largely destroyed, but the Taliban rebuilt using secure sanctuaries in Pakistan from which it launched terror attacks inside Afghanistan (and inside Pakistan as well).<ref>Fred Barnes, ''Rebel-in-Chief: Inside the Bold and Controversial Presidency of George W. Bush'' (2006); Seth Jones, ''In the Graveyard of Empires: America's War in Afghanistan'' (2009)</ref> <br /> <br /> As a candidate in 2008 Obama criticized Bush for neglecting Afghanistan, and tripled the number of American troops from 31,000 when Bush left office to over 100,000 in early 2010<br /> <br /> ===2002 Mid-Term Elections===<br /> <br /> Democrats wanted the focus of the 2002 mid term elections to be on the [[economy]], which was growing slowly after the September 11th terrorist attacks. However, because Congress voted to authorized military force in Iraq in mid-October, national security was the top issue. Republicans increased their majority in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] and took back control of the [[United States Senate]]. <br /> <br /> ===2002-2003 build up of the War in Iraq===<br /> In his famous January 2002 State of the Union speech, President Bush declared an "Axis of Evil" made up of [[Iraq]], [[Iran]], and [[North Korea]], countries that posed a grave threat to the world and were suspected of supporting terrorism. Considering it a more dangerous and urgent threat then North Korea, President Bush began putting pressure on Iraq throughout 2002 for a regime [[change]]. Iraq's dictator [[Saddam Hussein]] had used chemical weapons against Iran and the Kurds, an ethnic minority in Iraq. Considering that Iraq may had been building Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD's) and was a threat to the United States and its allies, On September 12, 2002 President Bush tried to gain U.N. support for a U.S. led invasion of Iraq and asked for a resolution that Iraq gave up its Weapons of Mass Destruction. While the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution that demanded Saddam Hussein declare all of its WMD's, stop supporting terrorism and oppressing his people, Congress authorized the use of military force against Iraq. The United States, [[Great Britain]] and about 30 other countries began to prepare for war.<br /> <br /> ===Aftermath of the Invasion===<br /> [[Image:20031127_dsc2048-515h.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush meets with troops and serves Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bob Hope Dining Facility, Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, Thursday, November 27, 2003. White House photo by Tina Hager.]] On March 23, 2003, U.S. led coalition forces began an attack on Iraq. Most of the Iraqi army dissolved and coalition forces quickly took control of the country. However, sectarian violence worsened through [[bomb]]ings and sniper attacks. On Thanksgiving 2003 President Bush and U.S. [[National Security Adviser]] [[Condoleezza Rice]] visited troops in Iraq to boost moral. Saddam Hussein was captured in December 2003 while little evidence had shown that he had obtained Weapons of Mass Destruction.<br /> <br /> On January 30, 2005 Iraq had it's first general election since the liberation. They voted for a 275-member Iraqi National Assembly which later drafted a constitution. In December Iraq elected a permanent 275-member Council of Representatives. There were low levels of violence during the voting. In a show down with Congressional Democrats after taking control of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] and [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] in the 2006 Congressional Midterm elections, Democrats retreated on their pledge to end the [[Iraq War]] early and bring the troops home. Democrats had threatened to withhold funding for the troops unless a date certain for withdrawal was set. After the final vote, 280-142 in the House and 80-14 in the Senate, the anti-War movement was defeated. The deal cut with Democratic leaders in exchange for their acquiescing to fund the troops calls for the President to sign legislation raising the [[minimum wage]].<ref>[http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070525-122215-4854r.htm Congress OKs war bill sans time-line,] By S.A. Miller, [[The Washington Times]]'', May 25, 2007.</ref> One commentator remarked, "Despite all the talk of standing up to George W. Bush, despite all the bravado about taking control of Congress, despite the so-called mandate to change direction, Democrats caved....They claim that the majority of Americans are with them on the Iraq issue, but...President Bush, at the weakest moment of his presidency, still bested his Democratic rivals." <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071010192457/http://www.newmediajournal.us/staff/phyrillas/05292007.htm Democrats Show True Colors], Tony Phyrillas, ''New Media journal'', May 29, 2007</ref><br /> <br /> ===2007 Troop Surge===<br /> <br /> [[Image:20061228-1_p122706pm-0144-515h.jpg‎|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush meets with National Security team, from left to right, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, at Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. White House photo by Paul Morse]]<br /> On January 23, 2007 President Bush ordered an additional 30,000 troops to Iraq. <br /> <br /> <blockquote>In order to make progress toward this goal, the Iraqi government must stop the sectarian violence in its capital. But the Iraqis are not yet ready to do this on their own. So we're deploying reinforcements of more than 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Iraq. The vast majority will go to Baghdad, where they will help Iraqi forces to clear and secure neighborhoods, and serve as advisers embedded in Iraqi Army units. With Iraqis in the lead, our forces will help secure the city by chasing down the terrorists, insurgents, and the roaming death squads. And in Anbar Province, where al Qaeda terrorists have gathered and local forces have begun showing a willingness to fight them, we're sending an additional 4,000 United States Marines, with orders to find the terrorists and clear them out.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/23/sotu.bush.transcript/index.html?iref=newssearch Bush: State of union is strong], [[CNN]]</ref></blockquote><br /> <br /> The surge was opposed by a majority of the United States Congress. However, it has resulted in significantly reduced sectarian violence. According to U.S. Central Command [[General]] [[David Petraeus]], violence in Iraq by December 2008 was at a 5-year low.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4B86G720081209 Iraq violence at 5-1/2 year low, Petraeus says], [[Reuters]]</ref><br /> <br /> ===Humanitarian aid===<br /> President Bush has worked to stop the spread of the [[HIV/AIDS]] epidemic in [[Africa]]. In the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) $15 billion over five years (2003–2008) was spent on fighting global HIV/AIDS and improving treatment. <br /> <br /> ===Economy===<br /> <br /> Upon gaining office in 2001, Bush signed into law a $1.35 trillion cut in taxes over 10 years. The plan included the objectives of doubling the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reducing the tax penalty on [[marriage|married couples]] and fully repealing the [[Estate tax|tax on estates]]. A [[United States Senate]] Finance Committee Report estimated that with all the planned reductions fully phased in, the average family of four making $50,000 would save $1,825 per year.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/06/07/bush.taxes/ $1.35 trillion tax cut becomes law], [[CNN]], 21 June 2001</ref><br /> <br /> [[Image:20080919-2_p091908jb-0025-1-515h.jpg‎|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush stands with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, left, SEC Chairman Chris Cox, right, and Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson as he delivers a statement on the economy Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, in the Rose Garden. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian]] Since the tax cuts, IRS revenues increased from $1.78 trillion in 2003 to $2.56 trillion in 2007 with a 46.3% increase of individual income tax receipts. Surging $785 billion since the 2003 investment tax cuts, it is the largest four-year revenue increase in U.S. history<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119189497675953035.html?mod=googlenews_wsj The Shrinking Deficit], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref><br /> <br /> During this same time period, spending mandated by Congress has also increased by more than 29% in inflation-adjusted dollars, representing an 11.4% increase in federal spending as a percentage of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]]. This spending has doubled the federal debt, increasing it from 58% to 66% of GDP. Defense spending increased 61%, and non-defense by 23% during the eight years since 2000. The largest non-defense spending increase has been for federally-funded medical expenses, at 54 percent.<ref>[http://www.aier.org/research/commentaries/750-big-government-under-the-bush-administration Big Government Under The Bush Administration], AIER, 16 November 2008</ref> In total, Bush has increased government expenditures by the largest percentage of any president since Lyndon Johnson.<ref>[http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article944806.ece Some think Bush was too liberal], Wes Allison, Tampa Bay Times December 21, 2008 quoting Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University and author of a new paper, "Anatomy of a Divorce: Conservatives versus George W. Bush."</ref> <br /> <br /> Bush presided over a period of unreal economic growth that reflected a bubble that burst in 2008. The [[housing bubble]] allowed people to cash in the rising value of houses; low interest rates that led to massive borrowing. Money flowed into the U.S. from around the world. The stock market that hit a record high in 2007, then plunged relentlessly downward, losing $8 trillion in value in 2008. Unemployment hit an all-time low in March 2007, but started rapidly increasing after January 2008. Bush signed into law a minimum wage increase, one of the platforms for the Democrats in the 2006 Congressional elections, after the House and Senate included Bush's request of provisions for small-business tax breaks.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/20/AR2006122001784.html Bush Supports Democrats' Minimum Wage Hike Plan], [[Washington Post]]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/10/AR2007011001666.html House Passes Increase in Minimum Wage to $7.25], [[Washington Post]]</ref> Tax policies have been favorable to reducing the [[Capital Gains Tax]], with a subsequent surge in investment.<br /> <br /> See [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] and [[Recession of 2008]],<br /> <br /> The [[socialist]] [[Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007]] was signed by Bush into law on April 25, 2009 as a rider to the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007, despite conservative opposition.<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/opposing_minimum_wage_hike_is_1.html Opposing Minimum Wage Hike Is Bad Politics], [[American Thinker]]</ref> This measure hurt businesses and decreased America's competitiveness in the global marketplace. A new tax credit put thousands of dollars in the hands of Americans. This had no effect on the earnings of the 2008 independent animated film [[Delgo]].<br /> <br /> ===Supreme Court Appointments===<br /> [[Image:Bush Oval Office 3.jpg|thumb|200px|right|President George W. Bush at the Oval office. South-facing windows.]]<br /> After the death of Chief Justice [[William Rehnquist]], President Bush nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge [[John Roberts]] to fill the vacancy. He was confirmed on September 29, 2005 by a 78-22 vote. To replace the retiring Associate Justice [[Sandra Day O'Connor]] Bush nominated Judge [[Samuel Alito]], after his original nomination of Chief White House Council [[Harriet Miers]] was withdrawn because of widespread opposition due to lack of experience. After an unsuccessful filibuster attempt from [[United States Senate|Senate]] [[liberal]]s, Alito was confirmed on a 58-42 vote and was sworn in on January 31, 2006.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5181091 Alito Confirmed as Newest Supreme Court Justice], [[NPR]]</ref><br /> <br /> ===Involvement in the 2008 Presidential election===<br /> In March 2008, Bush endorsed his one-time rival [[John McCain]] as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. However, due to the President's declining popularity in polls, McCain distanced himself from Mr. Bush on the campaign trail. Bush had the lowest approval rating (30%) of any president at their time of leaving office since the end of World War II, except Nixon.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-presapp0605-31.html Presidential Approval Ratings History], [[Wall Street Journal]]</ref> At the same time, Democratic candidate [[Barack Obama]] tried to portray a McCain presidency as four more years of George W. Bush. The President spoke by videolink at the 2008 [[Republican National Convention]], while his wife Laura appeared on stage with McCain's wife [[Cindy McCain|Cindy]].<br /> [[Image:George Laura Bush2008.jpg|thumb|left|300px|President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush pose for their last official holiday portrait, Dec. 7, 2008, in the Blue Room of the White House.]]<br /> <br /> ==Post-presidency==<br /> John McCain lost the election to Senator Obama, and President Bush met with the new president-elect to discuss the presidential transition between his administration and Obama's, which he promised would be efficient and without problems. George W. Bush's term ended at noon on January 20, 2009, at which point President-elect Obama was inaugurated. In an interview with ABC's [[Charles Gibson]] in December 2008, Bush said his retirement plans included moving back to his home state of Texas and writing a book. He later released his memoir "Decision Points." He also wants to build an institute at the Southern Methodist University to serve as a non-partisan public policy forum, to debate issues and run volunteer projects from.<br /> <br /> ===Decision Points===<br /> ''Decision Points'' is a memoir written by Bush and was released on November 9, 2010. Bush also went on a national tour after releasing his book. After two months, the book sold very well, surpassing two million copies sold.<br /> <br /> The book is 481 pages long and is broken into 14 chapters, with the first two being about Bush before his presidency, covering events such as when he quit drinking alcohol and was governor of [[Texas]]. The remaining twelve are about events during his presidency, such as the War on Terror, the September 11, 2001 attacks, and Hurricane Katrina.<br /> <br /> ===Opposition to Donald Trump===<br /> Bush supported his brother, [[Jeb Bush|Jeb]] for the Republican nomination in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]]. Businessman [[Donald Trump]] strongly criticized both Bushes in the primaries, primarily Jeb. Trump won the Republican nomination, but Bush did not vote for Trump or [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref>Lee, Kurtis (November 8, 2016). [http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-election-day-2016-1478647604-htmlstory.html Former President George W. Bush Didn't Vote for Donald Trump]. ''Los Angeles Times''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> == Family ==<br /> George W. Bush is the son of [[George H. W. Bush]], who served as vice-president from 1981 to 1989 and as president from 1989 to 1993, and [[Barbara Bush]]. President Bush is married to [[Laura Bush|Laura Welch Bush]], a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. John Ellis "Jeb" Bush, Neil Bush and Marvin Bush are his brothers. Dorothy Bush Koch is his only surviving sister, as Pauline Robinson Bush died at age four of [[leukemia]].<br /> <br /> ==Faith==<br /> <br /> George W. Bush is a member of the [[United Methodist Church]], and most people feel that George W. Bush's faith is sincere and profound. ''The Faith of George W. Bush'', a non-political book by author Stephen Strang, made the [[New York Times]] best-sellers list.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080205042903/http://www.christianlifemissions.org/ministries/georgewbush.htm The Faith of George W. Bush]</ref> <br /> When asked where he would be without the influence of family friend [[Billy Graham]], George W. Bush said "I wouldn't be president." "It was just a conversation," said the younger Bush about a talk with Graham in the mid-'80s that changed his life. During the pivotal conversation Bush recalled saying, "'You know, Billy, I'm longing for something.' And I know that he sent me a Bible I still have. All I can tell you is that as a result of being inspired by Billy Graham, I started reading the Bible and shortly after, I quit drinking." <ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=3456729 Leaders, Faith and a Friendship], [[ABC News]]</ref> Bush's faith led him to veto a bill which would have provided for [[federal funding]] of immoral embryonic stem cell research.<br /> <br /> In an interview with ABC's "Nightline" on 12/8/08, the president also said he probably is not a literalist when reading the Bible although an individual can learn a great deal from it, including the New Testament teaching that [[God]] sent his only son.<br /> <br /> During his presidential career, George W Bush often consulted God when making important decisions. For example, Nabil Shaath, who was Palestinian foreign minister at the time, reported that President Bush said that God told him 'George go and fight these terrorists in Afghanistan' and 'George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq'.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/oct/07/iraq.usa George Bush: 'God told me to end the tyranny in Iraq' ], [[London Guardian]]</ref><br /> Asked about creation and evolution, Bush said: "I think you can have both. I think evolution can -- you're getting me way out of my lane here. I'm just a simple president. But it's, I think that God created the earth, created the world; I think the creation of the world is so mysterious it requires something as large as an almighty and I don't think it's incompatible with the scientific proof that there is evolution."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=6418908 Excerpts: Cynthia McFadden Interviews President George W. Bush], [[ABC News]]</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/09/bush-says-creation-incompatible-evolution/ Bush Says Creation 'Not Incompatible' With Evolution], [[Fox News]]</ref><ref>[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/12/10/president-bush-asked-if-bible-is-literally-true-probably-not.aspx President Bush Asked if Bible is Literally True: "Probably Not"], [[CBN]]</ref> <br /> He added:<br /> {{cquote|<big><big>'''''I happen to believe that evolution doesn't fully explain the mystery of life.'''''</big>}}<br /> <br /> [[File:Evergreen-chapel-tree-of-knowledge.jpg|thumb|left|Evergreen Chapel at Camp David]]<br /> While President, Bush worshiped regularly at the Evergreen Chapel at Camp David.<br /> <br /> ==Polls==<br /> When Bush entered office, his popularity rating was near 50%. However, after the [[September 11]] attacks, his popularity rose significantly, reaching an all-time high of 90%.<ref>[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-07-09-bush-poll_N.htm Poll: Bush approval drops to low of 29%], [[USA Today]]</ref> Since, then, though, it declined as some of his policies have become unpopular (largely due to the media's persistently negative—and [[liberal bias|biased]]—reporting on the [[Iraq War]] and misrepresentation of his policies).<ref>[http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm Historical Bush Approval Ratings from University of Minnesota]</ref> In 2007, Bush had an approval rating of only 24%.<ref name=elevenpercent>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/10/17/us-usa-politics-poll-idUSN1624620720071017 Voters unhappy with Bush and Congress], [[Reuters]], October 17, 2007</ref> The same poll gave the Democratic controlled Congress an approval rating of only 11%.<ref name=elevenpercent /><br /> <br /> After leaving office, Bush's approval ratings increased again, reaching 45% by 2017.<ref>Bedard, Paul (September 11, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/bush-is-back-nears-911-popularity-in-huge-poll-swing/article/2634015 Bush is back, nears 9/11 popularity in huge poll swing]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 11, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> == Farewell Speech ==<br /> *''Delivered January 15, 2009 at the White House. His audience in the East Room included family, friends, Cabinet and some selected Americans President Bush had met in his eight years in office.''<br /> <br /> '''<small>Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence – a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey we have traveled together and the future of our Nation.'''<br /> <br /> [[Image:BushSpeech.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|President George W. Bush reaches into the audience to shake hands with invited guests and staff members following his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009 in the East Room of the White House, where President Bush thanked the American people for their support and trust. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian]] '''Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole Nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.''' <br /> <br /> '''Tonight I am filled with gratitude – to Vice President Cheney and members of the Administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for ....'''<br /> <br /> '''...the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years. ''' <br /> <br /> '''This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house – September 11, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock.''' <br /> <br /> '''I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son’s police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.''' <br /> <br /> '''As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.'''<br /> <br /> '''Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the [[intelligence community]], and the FBI have been transformed. Our Nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists’ movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them.''' <br /> <br /> '''Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.'''<br /> <br /> '''There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe – law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.''' <br /> <br /> '''Our Nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.'''<br /> <br /> '''The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.''' <br /> <br /> '''This is the belief that gave birth to our Nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism.''' <br /> <br /> '''So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We are standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.''' <br /> <br /> '''For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes.''' <br /> <br /> '''The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America’s air, water, and lands are measurably cleaner. And the Federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.''' <br /> <br /> '''When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America’s free enterprise system.'''<br /> <br /> '''Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.'''<br /> <br /> '''The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.''' <br /> <br /> '''While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.''' <br /> <br /> '''At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.'''<br /> <br /> '''As we address these challenges – and others we cannot foresee tonight – America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere.''' <br /> <br /> '''Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.'''<br /> <br /> '''President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.''' <br /> <br /> '''I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a Nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a Nation where citizens show calm in times of danger and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America’s character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.''' <br /> <br /> '''We see America’s character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We see it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.''' <br /> <br /> '''We see America’s character in Bill Krissoff, a surgeon from California. His son Nathan, a Marine, gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old – 18 years above the age limit.''' <br /> <br /> '''But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America’s wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.'''<br /> <br /> '''In citizens like these, we see the best of our country – resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great Nation will never tire … never falter … and never fail.'''<br /> <br /> '''It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this Nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: citizen of the United States of America.''' <br /> <br /> '''And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country."'''</small><br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> * "Everywhere that freedom stirs, let tyrants fear."<br /> <br /> ==Publications==<br /> * [http://www.amazon.com/Decision-Points-George-W-Bush/dp/0307590615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279195424&sr=8-1 Decision Points by George W. Bush], released November 9, 2010. ISBN 0307590615<br /> <br /> ==Further reading==<br /> ;Academic<br /> * Abramson, Paul R., John H. Aldrich, and David W. Rohde. ''Change and Continuity in the 2004 and 2006 Elections'' (2007), 324pp [http://www.amazon.com/Change-Continuity-2004-2006-Elections/dp/0872894150/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001659&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Allard, Scott W. "The Changing Face of Welfare During the Bush Administration." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 304-332. Issn: 0048-5950 <br /> * Barone, Michael. ''The Almanac of American Politics'' (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010), highly detailed coverage of electoral politics and Congress.<br /> * Berggren, D. Jason, and Nicol C. Rae. "Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush: Faith, Foreign Policy, and an Evangelical Presidential Style." ''Presidential Studies Quarterly.'' 36#4 2006. pp 606+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5018322436 online edition]<br /> * Campbell, Colin, Bert A. Rockman, and Andrew Rudalevige, eds.. ''The George W. Bush Legacy'' Congressional Quarterly Press, 2007, 352pp; 14 essays by scholars [http://www.amazon.com/George-W-Bush-Legacy/dp/0872893464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001536&sr=1-1 excerpts and online search from Amazon.com]<br /> * Congressional Quarterly. ''CQ Almanac Plus'' highly detailed annual compilation of events in Congress, White House, Supreme Court, summarizing the weekly "Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report". (annual, 2002-2009) <br /> * Conlan, Tim and John Dinan. "Federalism, the Bush Administration, and the Transformation of American Conservatism." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 279-303. Issn: 0048-5950 <br /> * Corrado, Anthony, E. J. Dionne Jr., Kathleen A. Frankovic. ''The Election of 2000: Reports and Interpretations'' (2001) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=99208680 online edition]<br /> * Daynes, Byron W. and Glen Sussman. "Comparing the Environmental Policies of Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush." ''White House Studies'' 2007 7(2): 163-179. Issn: 1535-4738 <br /> * Desch, Michael C. "Bush and the Generals." ''Foreign Affairs'' 2007 86(3): 97-108. Issn: 0015-7120 Fulltext: [[Ebsco]]<br /> * Eckersley, Robyn. "Ambushed: the Kyoto Protocol, the Bush Administration's Climate Policy and the Erosion of Legitimacy." ''International Politics'' 2007 44(2-3): 306-324. Issn: 1384-5748 <br /> * Edwards III, George C. and Philip John Davies, eds. ''New Challenges for the American Presidency'' New York: Pearson Longman, 2004. 245 pp. articles from ''Presidential Studies Quarterly''<br /> * Edwards III, George C. and Desmond King, eds. ''The Polarized Presidency of George W. Bush'' (2007), 478pp; essays by scholars; [http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0199217971/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-4827826-5463040#reader-link excerpt and online search from Amazon.com]<br /> * Fortier, John C. and Norman J. Ornstein, eds. ''Second-term Blues: How George W. Bush Has Governed'' (2007), 146pp [http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0815728840/ref=sib_dp_pt/103-4827826-5463040#reader-link excerpt and online search from Amazon.com]<br /> * Greenstein, Fred I. ed. ''The George W. Bush Presidency: An Early Assessment'' Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003<br /> * Greenstein, Fred I. “The Contemporary Presidency: The Changing Leadership of George W. Bush A Pre- and Post-9/11 Comparison” in ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' v 32#2 2002 pp 387+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000773171 online edition]<br /> * Gregg II, Gary L. and Mark J. Rozell, eds. ''Considering the Bush Presidency'' Oxford University Press, 2004. 210 pp. British perspectives<br /> * Hendrickson, Ryan C., and Kristina Spohr Readman, "From the Baltic to the Black Sea: Bush's NATO Enlargement." ''White House Studies.'' (2004) 4#3 pp: 319+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008838303 online edition]<br /> * Hilliard, Bryan, Tom Lansford, and Robert P Watson, eds. ''George W. Bush: Evaluating the President at Midterm'' SUNY Press 2004<br /> * Jacobson, Gary C. “The Bush Presidency and the American Electorate” ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' v 33 #4 2003 pp 701+. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002052614 online edition]<br /> * Jacobson, Gary C. "Referendum: the 2006 Midterm Congressional Elections." ''Political Science Quarterly'' 2007 122(1): 1-24. Issn: 0032-3195 Fulltext: [[Ebsco]]<br /> * Milkis, Sidney M. and Jesse H.Rhodes. "George W. Bush, the Party System, and American Federalism." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 478-503. Issn: 0048-5950 <br /> * Moens, Alexander ''The Foreign Policy of George W. Bush: Values, Strategy, and Loyalty.'' Ashgate, 2004. 227 pp. <br /> * Rabe, Barry. "Environmental Policy and the Bush Era: the Collision Between the Administrative Presidency and State Experimentation." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 413-431. Issn: 0048-5950 <br /> * Sabato, Larry J. ed. ''The Sixth Year Itch: The Rise and Fall of the George W. Bush Presidency'' (2007), experts on the 2006 elections in major states<br /> * Strozeski, Josh, et al. "From Benign Neglect to Strategic Interest: the Role of Africa in the Foreign Policies of Bush 41 and 43." ''White House Studies'' 2007 7(1): 35-51. Issn: 1535-4738 <br /> * Wekkin, Gary D. "George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush: Puzzling Presidencies, or the Puzzle of the Presidency?" ''White House Studies'' 2007 7(2): 113-124. Issn: 1535-4738 <br /> * Wong, Kenneth and Gail Sunderman. "Education Accountability as a Presidential Priority: No Child Left Behind and the Bush Presidency." ''Publius'' 2007 37(3): 333-350. Issn: 0048-5950 <br /> <br /> ;Pro-Bush<br /> * Barnes, Fred. ''Rebel-in-Chief: How George W. Bush Is Redefining the Conservative Movement and Transforming America'' (2006)<br /> * Draper, Robert. ''Inside the Bush White House: The Presidency of George W. Bush'' (2007)<br /> * Hughes, Karen. ''George W. Bush: Portrait of a Leader,'' (2005) <br /> * Gerson, Michael J. ''Heroic Conservatism: Why Republicans Need to Embrace America's Ideals (And Why They Deserve to Fail If They Don't)'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Heroic-Conservatism-Republicans-Embrace-Americas/dp/006134950X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001391&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * [[Bob Woodward|Woodward, Bob]]. ''Plan of Attack'' (2003) on Iraq war [http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Attack-Bob-Woodward/dp/074325547X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206001508&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> ;Anti-Bush<br /> * Bartlett, Bruce. ''Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy'' (2006), conservative attack by former aide<br /> * Ferguson, Michaele L. and Lori Jo Marso. ''W Stands for Women: How the George W. Bush Presidency Shaped a New Politics of Gender'' (2007)<br /> * Greenspan, Alan. ''The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World,'' (2007), memoir by powerful chairman of the Federal Reserve<br /> * Moore, James. and Wayne Slater. ''Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential.'' 2003. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=107370497 online edition]<br /> * Suskind, Ron. ''The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O’Neill'' (2004), complaints of ex Treasury Secretary [http://www.amazon.com/Price-Loyalty-George-Education-ONeill/dp/0743255461/ref=sr_1_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188802463&sr=1-1 excerpts and online search from Amazon.com]<br /> <br /> ;Bush aides<br /> * Stephen F. Hayes. ''Cheney: The Untold Story of America's Most Powerful and Controversial Vice President'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Cheney-Americas-Powerful-Controversial-President/dp/0060723467/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-4827826-5463040?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188802328&sr=1-1 excerpts and online search]<br /> * Mabry, Marcus. ''Twice as Good: Condoleezza Rice and Her Path to Power'' (2007) <br /> ; Primary sources<br /> * [http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/ Council of Economic Advisors, ''Economic Report of the President'' (annual 1947- )], complete series online; important analysis of current trends and policies, plus statistical tables<br /> * George W. Bush. ''George W. Bush on God and Country: The President Speaks Out About Faith, Principle, and Patriotism'' (2004)<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> <br /> *[[Previous Breaking News/George W. Bush|Articles about '''George W. Bush''' from previous "Breaking News"]]<br /> *[[Bush Derangement Syndrome]]<br /> *[[Bush Doctrine]]<br /> *[[Bush-hater]]<br /> *[[Bushism]]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Presidents of the United States]]<br /> [[Category:Texas Governors]]<br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Bush, George W.}}<br /> [[Category:Reagan Era]]<br /> [[Category:Neoconservative]]<br /> [[Category:Iraq War]]<br /> [[Category:Terrorism]]<br /> [[Category:United States Veterans]]<br /> [[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]<br /> [[Category:Former Governors]]<br /> [[Category:Best Selling Authors]]<br /> {{USPresidents}}<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://www.bushcenter.com/ The George W. Bush Presidential Center]<br /> * [http://warrioropen.com/ Warrior Open, Dallas, Texas, on October 10 and 11, 2011]<br /> * [http://www.facebook.com/georgewbush George W. Bush on Facebook]<br /> * [http://www.facebook.com/clintonbushhaitifund?v=wall Clinton Bush Haiti Fund]<br /> * [http://www.honorfreedom.com HonorFreedom.com - a nationwide effort to correct the historical record about President Bush and the Bush foreign policy doctrine]<br /> * [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/346562/george-w-bush-reconsidered George W. Bush Reconsidered on National Review Online]<br /> <br /> [[Category:2004 Presidential Candidates]]<br /> [[Category:Republicans]]<br /> [[Category:2000s]]<br /> [[Category:Patriots]]<br /> [[Category:Former Heads of State]]<br /> [[Category:Former Heads of Government]]<br /> [[Category:Pro Second Amendment]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Barack_Hussein_Obama&diff=1376398 Barack Hussein Obama 2017-09-24T00:09:08Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Officeholder<br /> |name=Barack Hussein Obama<br /> |image=President Barack Obama.jpg<br /> |party=[[Democratic Party]]<br /> |spouse=[[Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama]]; may have had a prior marriage.<ref>Corsi, Jerome R. (July 19, 2012). [http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/was-barack-obama-married-in-college/ "Was Barack Obama married in college?"]. WorldNetDaily website. See [[WND]]</ref><br /> |religion=Islamic heritage, said to have converted to Protestantism (the liberal [[United Church of Christ]]<br /> |offices={{Officeholder/president<br /> |country=the United States<br /> |number=44th<br /> |terms=January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017<br /> |vp=[[Joe Biden]]<br /> |preceded=[[George W. Bush]]<br /> |former=n<br /> |succeeded=[[Donald Trump]]<br /> }}<br /> {{Officeholder/senator<br /> |state=Illinois<br /> |terms=January 3, 2005 – November 16, 2008<br /> |preceded=Peter Fitzgerald<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Roland Burris]]<br /> }}<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''Barack Hussein Obama II''' (reportedly born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961) was the 44th President of the [[United States]]. Elected to serve as America first "post-racial" president, race relations largely deteriorated under President Obama's leadership.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/politics/obama-race-relations-poll/</ref> During the years of his administration a hard veil of censorship fell on the [[mainstream media]] and any discussion by critics were typically smeared as racist.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Smear-Shady-Political-Operatives-Control/dp/0062468162</ref> The US Intelligence Community was used to spy on, harass, and intimidate reporters and political opponents.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120925054433/http://wikileaks.org:80/gifiles/docs/1210665_obama-leak-investigations-internal-use-only-pls-do-not.html</ref><br /> <br /> Obama was educated at [[Harvard Law School]]. In a paper he wrote as a student, he dismissed the American dream as "unfounded optimism" while noting that [[Donald Trump]] is the true idol of the American working class.<ref>Obama wrote: “[Americans have] a continuing normative commitment to the ideals of individual freedom and mobility, values that extend far beyond the issue of race in the American mind. The depth of this commitment may be summarily dismissed as the unfounded optimism of the average American—I may not be Donald Trump now, but just you wait; if I don’t make it, my children will.” ([http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2017/05/everything-wrong-with-obama-in-two-sentences-with-a-twist.php Everything Wrong with Obama in Two Sentences-with a Twist]").</ref><br /> <br /> Obama is [[pro-abortion]]. In fact, he was the most pro-abortion president to date.<ref>[http://www.sba-list.org/suzy-b-blog/obama-most-pro-abortion-president-ever "Obama: The most pro-abortion president ever"] (July 12, 2011). The Susan B. Anthony List website/The Suzy B Blog.</ref> Obama dedicated himself to promoting abortion—rather than reduce them as he promised. Just to name a few of the administrative actions by which he has done this would include expanding abortions through [[Obamacare]], appointing many pro-abortion judges and officials, moving to strip medical professionals of rights of conscience, and forcing taxpayers to support the pro-abortion movement around the globe.<br /> <br /> Despite framing himself as an advocate for the poor, speaking about against supposed income inequality, and supporting socialistic policies, Obama is a [[limousine liberal]], as his actions after his presidency testify.<br /> <br /> ==Biography==<br /> ===Birth===<br /> {{TOC right}}<br /> :''Main article : [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]]''<br /> Obama claims to have been born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961 to Stanley Ann Dunham and [[Barack Obama Sr.]]—who had married just six months prior.<ref name=msnbc>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ "Obama becomes rising star among Democrats: Transcript of 'The Candidates: Barack Obama'"] (February 20, 2008). MSNBC. Retrieved from NBC News website/MSNBC TV documentaries. See [[MSNBC]].</ref> Some contend that this story is a complete fabrication. After many leading conservatives—including the leadership of this site and [[Donald Trump]]—called for Obama to release his birth certificate, he produced a document that he claimed was his birth certificate on April 27, 2011. Sheriff [[Joe Arpaio]] of Maricopa County in Arizona conducted an investigation of Obama's eligibility and questioned whether the alleged "birth certificate" was a fake; however, no charges were filed. [[Obama]] was reportedly assigned a social security number whose first three digits was assigned at that time to applications coming from zip codes in Connecticut.<ref>Beginning in 1972, all [[Social Security]] numbers were issued from a central office in Baltimore, Maryland. [http://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/geocard.html "The SSN numbering scheme"] (March 2001 or bef.) Social Security: Official Social Security website/History/Social Security Numbers.</ref><br /> <br /> As an interesting side note, the Hawaii official (Loretta Fuddy, State Health Department Director) who verified Barack Obama’s birth certificate died in a plane crash.<ref>[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20131211_Small_aircraft_crashes_off_Kalaupapa.html?id=235500801 "State Health Director killed in plane crash, 8 others survive"] (December 11, 2013). Honolulu Star-Advertiser website/News/Breaking.</ref> Besides Fuddy, Health Department Deputy Director Keith Yamamoto was also on board. The plane's engine had failed right after take off and crashed about a half-mile off Molokai's north shore on Dec 11, 2013 at about 4:00&nbsp;p.m. Interestingly enough, Health Director Loretta Fuddy was the only death of the nine people on board; she died of "cardiac arrhythmia".<br /> <br /> Claims that Obama was born in [[Kenya]] can be traced back to sources close to Obama. In 1991, Obama's literary agent, Acton & Dystel, published a promotional booklet that stated that Obama was born in Kenya.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Pollak, Joel B. (May 17, 2012). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/The-Vetting-Barack-Obama-Literary-Agent-1991-Born-in-Kenya-Raised-Indonesia-Hawaii "The vetting—exclusive—Obama's literary agent in 1991 booklet: 'Born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii'"]. Breitbart website/Big government. See [[Breitbart.com]].<br /> *Newby, John (May 17, 2012). [http://www.examiner.com/article/publisher-s-1991-booklet-says-barack-obama-was-born-kenya "Publisher's 1991 booklet says Barack Obama 'was born in Kenya'"]. Examiner.com website/News/Politics/Republican.</ref> The claim that Obama was born in Kenya remained on the agent's web site until 2007.<ref>Shapiro, Ben (May 17, 2012). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/Obama-pamphlet-in-use-2007 "Obama's lit agency used 'born in Kenya' bio until 2007"]. Breitbart website/Big government. See [[Breitbart.com]].</ref> Internet archives confirm this information.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070403190001/http://www.dystel.com/clientlist.html "Client list"]. Dystel and Goderic Literary Management website. Retrieved from April 3, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> In addition to the information from literary agents, Michelle Obama stated in a speech that Kenya is Obama's "homeland".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLzJz2A2N1c "Michelle Obama: Kenya is Barack Obama's homeland!"] (Michelle Obama speaking at the 2008 LGBT Democratic Convention delegate luncheon hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign: "The world as it should be", August 26, 2008) (April 7, 2010). YouTube video, 0:30, posted by Rubystars0000. See [[Human Rights Campaign]].</ref><br /> <br /> Barack Obama Sr. was not a [[Natural born citizen|citizen of the United States]]. At the time of Obama's birth, Kenya was a British colony, meaning that not only was Obama Sr. a British subject, but he passed that status on to his son. When Kenya gained independence, Obama and his father both ceased to be British subjects and became Kenyan citizens. Barack Obama was a dual citizen of the United States and Kenya until his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired in 1984, as he had failed to renounce US nationality and swear loyalty to Kenya. Even if he had been born with US citizenship through his mother, it has been argued that as he was born with dual nationality, he is not a natural-born citizen of the United States and thus constitutionally ineligible to become President. Despite this, when courts considered such arguments, they found that Obama is a natural-born citizen.<ref>See [http://www.scribd.com/doc/88910250/Purpura-Moran-Initial-Decision-of-ALJ-Masin Initial Decision by Jeff S. Masin] in ''Purpura and Moran v. Obama'' at 7 ("Thus, accepting for the point of this issue that Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii, he is a “natural born Citizen” regardless of the status of his father."), Tisdale v. Obama (E.D.Va 2012) Order at 2 ("It is well settled that those born in the United States are considered natural born citizens." (citing ''United States v. Wong Kim Ark'', 169 U.S. 649)), ''aff'd per curiam'' by 4th Cir., ''Ankeny v. Governor of the State of Indiana'', 916 N.E.2d 678, 685 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) ("With regard to President Barack Obama, the Plaintiffs posit that because his father was a citizen of the United Kingdom, President Obama is constitutionally ineligible to assume the Office of the President....we hold that the Plaintiffs' arguments fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted")</ref><br /> <br /> ===Early life===<br /> Obama's birth parents divorced in 1963 when his mother discovered Barack Obama Sr. was already married to a woman living in Kenya.<ref>Birrell, Ian (August 12, 2011). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2024819/Barack-Obamas-father-Bigamist-drunk-wife-beater.html "Barack Obama's father: Bigamist, drunk and wife-beater, [review of&#93; ''The Other Barack'' by Sally H. Jacobs (Pubic Affairs £20)"]. MailOnline/U.K./Books [U.K.] This is one of the first misleading statements about Barack Obama when he was introduced to America as Keynote Speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Advance publicity billed him as the "son of Kenyan economist" when infact Obama Sr. was forced out of the graduate program at Harvard because of his bigamy. He returned to Kenya. Obama at the age 9 once briefly met his father who served in the corrupt Kenyan socialist regime's Department of [[Economic Planning]]. Obama Sr. killed himself in a drunken car accident.</ref> When Obama was 2 years old his mother married Lolo Soetoro, an [[Indonesian]] geologist. At age 6 his mother and adoptive father took him to Jakarta, Indonesia for 4 years while his mother pursued a Ph.D. in Anthropology requiring fieldwork there.<ref name="db mother">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-03/a-singular-woman-by-janny-scott-review-by-stacy-schiff/#|publisher=The Daily Beast website|date=May 3, 2011|title="Dreams of his mother": Review of ''A Singular Woman'' by Janny Scott|author=Stacy Schiff}} See [[The Daily Beast]].</ref> His mother then abandoned him in Hawaii with his grandparents (Stanley and Madelyn Dunham, who had moved to Hawaii in 1959) <ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See CNN</ref> so she could return to Indonesia after her divorce. Obama's grandfather arranged for his friend, the noted Communist writer [[Frank Marshall Davis]], to serve as a mentor and role model for an impressionable African-American youth.<br /> <br /> Other siblings of Obama's include his half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and 7 other children born to his father by 4 different women.<ref name=raisingobama>Purdum, Todd (March 2008). [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 "Raising Obama"]. ''Vanity Fair''.</ref> For much of his early life, prior to his transfer to [[Columbia University]], he went by his nickname, "Barry." In the summer of 1988, before attending [[Harvard Law School]] (he'd just been accepted), he visited Kogelo, Kenya, to learn more about his father's family. When his mother died in 1995, he and his sister Maya scattered her ashes over Hawaii's south shore.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> Obama attended [[Jeremiah Wright|Reverend Jeremiah Wright]]'s Trinity United Church from 1984-1988 during his time as a [[community organizer]] (''See [[Barack Obama#1984-1988.2C Community Organizer|1985-1988, Community Organizer]] section''). Obama credits Wright with his alleged conversion to Christianity, and had both his daughters, Sasha and Malia, baptized there.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ===Education===<br /> At age 6, Obama attended schools in Indonesia, the first a Catholic School while he was in Kindergarten, and later a public school. The school had mostly Muslim students (since most Indonesians are Muslim). In ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams from My Father]]'', Obama writes, "In the Muslim school, the teacher wrote to my mother that I had made faces during [[Koran]]ic studies."<ref>Obama, Barack (1995). ''Dreams from My Father'' (New York: Times Books), p. 14. Quoted at [http://www.ontheissues.org/Archive/Dreams_From_My_Father_Principles_+_Values.htm "Dreams from my father: On principles & values"]. OnTheIssues website. See [[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|''Dreams from my Father'']]</ref> ''Insight'' magazine first reported [[Hillary Clinton]]'s organization had "questions about Obama’s Muslim background: ''Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a [[Madrassa]] as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage?"''<ref>Schlussel, Debbie (January 19, 2007). [http://www.debbieschlussel.com/2899/hillary-clinton-agrees-with-schlussel-obama-suspicious-deceptive-on-muslim-background/ "Hillary Clinton agrees with Schlussel: Obama suspicious, deceptive on Muslim background"]. Debbie Schlussel website. See [[Debbie Schlussel]].</ref> <br /> <br /> In 1971, at age 10, Barack Obama moved to Hawaii, and his grandparents helped him gain entrance to the prestigious Punahou Academy in Honolulu where he began substance abuse and illegal drugs.<ref>Johnson, Luke (May 25, 2012). [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/obama-pot-smoking-details_n_1545904.html "Obama pot-smoking details revealed in David Maraniss book"]. The Huffington Post website. See [[Huffington Post]].</ref> He was accepted through a scholarship for disadvantaged minorities while he was in 5th grade.<ref name=revealed /> At this elite high school with 1,200 students he was just 1 of 3 black students. Obama failed to make the starting lineup of the school's state champion basketball team his senior year. He wrote a poem for the school's literary magazine, ''Ka Wai Ola''.<ref name=raisingobama /><br /> <br /> In 1979, he began a 2-year stint at Occidental College college in Los Angeles,<ref name=msnbc /> and then transferred to Columbia University in New York, which he graduated from in 1983.<ref name=pragmatic>Scott, Janny (July 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See ''[[New York Times]]''.</ref> During this time he published an anti-military tirade embracing Soviet General Secretary [[Leonid Brezhnev]]'s <ref>Obama supported [[Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] General Secretary Brezhnev's foreign policy over both Presidents [[Jimmy Carter]] and Ronald Reagan's decision to deploy the MX Missile in Europe.<br /> * See Pond, Elizabeth (November 24, 1981). [http://www.csmonitor.com/1981/1124/112439.html "Brezhnev offers Schmidt moratorium on nuclear missiles"]. ''Christian Science Monitor''. See also ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]''.<br /> * See also Obama, Barack (March 10, 1983). [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nytint/docs/obama-s-1983-college-magazine-article/original.pdf "Breaking the war mentality"]. Columbia [University] ''Sundial''. Retrieved from archive at ''The New York Times'' website. See also ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> proposal for a nuclear freeze in the campus newspaper and allegedly spoke at an Anti-Apartheid rally,<ref name=revealed /> although several prominent student leaders said they did not remember him there. Professor Michael L. Baron was impressed by Obama and wrote him a recommendation for Harvard Law School.<ref name=differs>Scott, Janny. (October 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "Obama's account of New York years often differs from what others say"]. ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> From 1983 to 1988, Obama took time off from his education to work as a financial analyst and later a community organizer in Chicago. In the winter of 1988 Barack Obama decided to attend Harvard Law School, and left Chicago for Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his 2nd year a power struggle broke out among the dominant white liberals over control of the ''[[Harvard]] Law Review''. Obama was elected its first black president as a compromise candidate largely with help of conservatives following a "marathon voting session" in which he finally won on the 19th ballot.<ref name=raisingobama /> This led to national attention and numerous job offers, which Obama passed up, at age 30, to pursue his political career in Chicago.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ "Obama becomes rising star among Democrats: Transcript of 'The Candidates: Barack Obama'"] (February 20, 2008). MSNBC. Retrieved from NBC News website/MSNBC TV documentaries. See MSNBC.<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See [[CNN]]</ref><br /> <br /> When Obama was attending Harvard Law School, he dreamed of him or his children becoming like [[Donald Trump]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/obama-once-dreamed-being-trump-manuscript-shows.html Obama once dreamed of being Trump, manuscript shows]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Personal life===<br /> According to ''Rising Star'' by David J. Garrow, in 1986 Obama tried hard to convince Sheila Miyoshii Jager, someone of Dutch and Japanese ancestry, to marry him.<ref name="MarryBefore"/> She refused his request to marry him due to her age. By 1987, Obama had his sights on becoming U.S. President.<ref name="MarryBefore">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/book-barack-obama-asked-woman-to-marry-him-before-meeting-michelle.html Book: Barack Obama asked woman to marry him before meeting Michelle]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Image:Michelle Obama.jpg|frame|right|Michelle (Robinson) Obama, Barack Obama's life partner.]]<br /> Barack Obama met his spouse Michelle Robinson, while he was an intern and she was on staff at Sidley Austin LLP, a very large corporate law firm.<ref name=msnbc /> Despite company policy prohibiting relations between staff and interns, the two became involved. The two continued a long-distance relationship while he finished law school, and on October 18, 1992,<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/obama-anniversary-20-years-married_n_1935840.html "Obama anniversary: Barack & Michelle celebrate 20 years of marriage (photos)"] (October 3, 2012). Huffington Post website. Huffington Post says it was October 3, 1992. See [[Huffington Post]].</ref> were joined in a domestic union officiated by Reverend [[Jeremiah Wright]] at Trinity United Church,<ref>http://hillbuzz.org/time-to-tell-everyone-you-know-about-jeremiah-wrights-down-low-club-barackobama-presobama-26407</ref> a church which has supported gay marriage since the 1970s.<ref name=revealed /> Michelle has not practiced law since 1994 when she failed to renew her law license, allegedly to start a family. Malia, the couple's oldest daughter, was born in 1999, and Natasha (often called Sasha) in 2001.<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===Early employment===<br /> ====1983-1984, financial analyst and writer====<br /> In 1984 Obama worked as a writer and financial analyst for Business International Corporation to help pay off some of his student loans. Business International Corporation was a small newsletter-publishing and research firm which aided multinational companies in understanding overseas markets. Obama served as a writer/researcher for a company reference service, Financing Foreign Operations, and wrote for their newsletter, ''Business International Money Report''. His supervisor was Cathy Lazere.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Scott, Janny (October 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "Obama's account of New York years often differs from what others say"]. ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.<br /> *Henig, Jess (June 21, 2008). [http://www.factcheck.org/2008/06/obama-polishes-his-resume-2/ "Obama polishes his resume"]. FactCheck.org website.<br /> *[http://web.archive.org/web/20091003011550/http://www.analyzethis.net/2005/07/09/barack-obama-embellishes-his-resume/ "Barack Obama embellishes his resume"] (July 9, 2005). Analyze This website. Retrieved from October 3, 2009 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> ====1984-1988, community organizer====<br /> In 1984, Obama was hired by the New York Public Interest Research Group, a non-profit organization promoting environmental, consumer, and government reforms. He also was paid just under $10,000 annually as a full-time organizer for Harlem's City College to mobilize student volunteers.<ref name=differs /> <br /> <br /> From 1985-88, Obama worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago <ref>The Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC)</ref> funded with a $25,000 grant by [[Bill Ayers]]' Woods Fund. ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported he was paid $1,000 a year, with $2,000 extra for a car<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See [[CNN]].<br /> *Scott, Janny (September 9, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all "In 2000, a streetwise veteran schooled a bold young Obama]." ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> however stories vary wildly. Jerry Kellman, who hired him, says it was "$10,000 a year and a $2,000 car allowance". Obama himself gave different numbers; his memoir says $10,000 (as well as the car), in his Wesleyan speech he gave it as "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car", and when he announced his candidacy for president, it was "a group of churches had offered me a job as a community organizer for $13,000 a year". <br /> <br /> Ryan Lizza at ''[[The New Republic]]'' reported that "Jean Rudd of the Woods Fund...had provided Kellman with his original $25,000 to hire Obama". Ari Berman reported in ''[[The Nation]]'' that the "[Woods Fund] gave a $25,000 grant to the Developing Communities Project, which hired Obama". CBS Channel 2 in Chicago ran a story with a document showing that Obama's proposed salary in 1987 was $25,000, a number that the Obama campaign confirmed while insisting at the same time his original salary was $13,000.<ref>Beckwith (April 23, 2008 or bef.). [http://theobamafile.com/obamaworks.htm "Community organizing"]. The Obama File website/Politics.</ref> Many of the organizers that Obama worked with in Chicago were experienced in the methods of [[Saul Alinsky]], and taught Obama many of the methods found in his book ''[[Rules for Radicals]]''.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2012/03/14/how%20saul%20alinsky%20taught%20barack%20obama%20everything%20he%20knows%20about%20civic%20upheaval/ How Saul Alinsky Taught Barack Obama Everything He Knows About Civic Upheaval]</ref><br /> <br /> During this time Obama joined Reverend Wright's Trinity United Church because in the words of Suzanne Malveaux of ''[[CNN]]'', "It was the church to join if you wanted to be one of Chicago's black movers and shakers." At the time, community organizing involved close affiliation with churches, which was how Obama met Wright. Obama abandoned the fight against asbestos contamination in the Altgeld Gardens housing project to pursue personal interests and a career by enrollment at Harvard Law School in the winter of 1988.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ====1988-1996, law practice====<br /> In 1988 Obama gained work as a Summer Associate at one of the most prestigious corporate law firms in the world, Sidley Austin LLP,<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lattman, Peter (May 11, 2007). [http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ "When Barack met Michelle"]. Wall Street Journal website/Business/Law Blog/Lawyers and Law Firms. See ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts.</ref> whose partners included [[Newton Minow]], thanks to the recommendation of Minow's daughter Martha, a professor at Harvard Law School. It was at the Sidley Austin firm that Obama would meet Michelle Robinson, his future domestic partner.<ref name=raisingobama /> From 1993-96 he practiced civil rights law including suing Citibank to force them into making [[Subprime loan|subprime mortgage]]s to minority borrowers.<ref>Schweizer, Peter (October 5, 2009). [http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/03/community-reinvestment-act-mortgages-housing-opinions-contributors-peter-schweizer.html "A poisonous cocktail: Expanding the Community Reinvestment Act"]. ''Forbes'' website. See [[Forbes]]. In ''Selma S. Buycks-Roberson v. Citibank'', lead attorney Obama alleged that although his clients had been denied mortgages "because of delinquent credit obligations and adverse credit," they were really victims of institutional racism. The suit was brought about by the Community Reinvestment Act, so called affirmative action mortgage lending. The plaintiffs won $60,000, and the court awarded Sidley Austin $950,000 for the work of Obama and two other attorneys.</ref> After graduating from Harvard he was hired by Miner, Barnhill, & Galland, a small politically-connected law firm.<ref>Lattman, Peter (May 11, 2007). [http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ "When Barack met Michelle"]. Wall Street Journal website/Business/Law Blog/Lawyers and Law Firms. See ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref> It was at Miner, Barnhill, & Galland that he would meet influential real estate developer [[Tony Rezko]].<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ====1991-1992, Project Vote====<br /> In 1991 Obama was recruited by Sandy Newman to head the Chicago chapter of Project Vote!,<ref name=revealed /> and in 1992 was the Executive Director, overseeing a voter registration drive which registered 125,000 black voters and was credited with defeating popular incumbent Democrat Senator Alan Dixon in the primary and electing [[Carol Moseley-Braun]] as a reprisal for Dixon's support for Supreme Court Justice [[Clarence Thomas]].<ref name=PurdumandScott>Multiple references:<br /> *Purdum, Todd (March 2008). [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 "Raising Obama"]. ''Vanity Fair''.<br /> *Scott, Janny (July 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See ''[[New York Times]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ====1995, Nation of Islam====<br /> According to the ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', prior to the information being scrubbed from its website in mid-April 2008 during the Democratic Presidential Primaries, Obama was one of three prominent organizers of black supremacist group the [[Nation of Islam]]'s [[Million Man March]] on Washington, D.C.<ref>Hoft, Jim (April 2, 2008). [http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2008/04/wright-obama-helped-organize-march-with-louis-farrakhan/ "Wright & Obama helped organize march with Louis Farrakhan"]. Gateway Pundit website. See [[Gateway Pundit]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====1992-2004, lecturer at University of Chicago====<br /> Obama taught part-time at the [[University of Chicago]] Law School<ref name=raisingobama /> from 1992-2004. Though Obama erroneously describes himself as a "constitutional law professor",<ref>Whiteman, Timothy (April 5, 2013). [http://www.examiner.com/article/obama-complains-of-being-constrained-by-a-system-founding-father-put-place "Obama complains of being 'constrained by a system' Founding Fathers put in place"]. Examiner.com/News/Politics/Republican.</ref> he was actually only a senior lecturer and the class he taught the most times was called "Current Issues in Racism and the Law".<ref>Holt, Mytheos (September 20, 2012). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/09/20/obamas-favorite-course-to-teach-at-the-university-of-chicago-revealed/ "Obama’s favorite course to teach at the University of Chicago revealed"]. The Blaze/Stories/Media. See [[The Blaze]].</ref> He was a Lecturer from 1992–96, teaching 3 courses per year<cite>, and a senior lecturer from 1996-2004. After Obama was criticized for lying about his job title, the University of Chicago released a statement stating that senior lecturers are considered Law School faculty and regarded as professors but not full-time or tenured. Obama was invited to join the faculty in a full-time, tenured track position several times during this period but declined each time.<ref>[http://www.law.uchicago.edu/media "Media inquiries: Statement regarding Barack Obama"] (March 2008 or bef.). University of Chicago Law School website. See [[University of Chicago]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====1995, author====<br /> In 1995 Obama published ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams From My Father]]'' about his life and family background.<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===Personal awards===<br /> ====2009 Nobel Peace Prize====<br /> On October 9, 2009 Barack H. Obama became the third sitting U.S. President<ref name=wilsons>Wilson, Scott (October 10, 2009). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100900914.html "President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize"]. ''Washington Post'' website. See [[Washington Post]].</ref> to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "''for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples''".<ref>[http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/press.html "The Nobel Prize for 2009: Press release"] (October 9, 2009). Nobel Prize website [Oslo, Norway]/Nobel Prizes/Peace/Laureates/2009. Accessed May 13, 2012.</ref> Obama stated that he was "surprised and deeply humbled" to receive the unexpected award,<ref>CNN (October 9, 2009). [http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.peace.prize/index.html?eref=ib_us "Obama: Nobel Peace Prize is 'Call to Action'"]. CNN website/World/Europe.</ref> and also said, "To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize—men and women who have inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace".<ref name=wilsons /> The award was widely criticized given Obama's then lack of accomplishments.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Chazan, Guy and MacDonald, Alistair (October 11, 2009) [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125509603349176083.html "Nobel Committee's decision courts controversy"]. ''The Wall Street Journal'' website/World.<br /> *Associated Press (October 9, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/09/obamas-peace-prize-draws-criticism-liberals/ "Obama's Peace Prize draws criticism, even from some liberals"]. Fox News website/Politics. See [[Associated Press]].</ref><br /> <br /> ==1996-2003, Illinois State Senate==<br /> ===1996 election===<br /> {{main article|Radical roots of Barack Hussein Obama}}<br /> In 1995 a cadre of like minded individuals gathered for a fundraising event in the early career of Barack Obama hosted by [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]] [[William Ayers|William "Bill" Ayers]]. Besides Obama, those in attendance were Ayers wife [[Bernardine Dohrn]],<ref>Geyer, Georgie Anne and Beech, Keyes (October 1970). "Cuba: School for U.S. Radicals [five part series]". ''Chicago Daily News''/''Chicago Sun-Times''. Excerpted in<br /> [http://vault.fbi.gov/Weather%20Underground%20(Weathermen) ''Foreign Influence: Weather Underground Organization (WUO)''] (August 20, 1976), pp. 113-115. FBI. Retrieved from "Weather Underground (Weathermen)" webpage PDF rendering, part 3 of 6, pp. 5-7 at FBI website/FBI Records: The Vault. Located by The Real Barack Obama blog. See ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''.</ref> and Carl Davidson, veterans of [[guerrilla warfare]] training in [[Cuba]] just prior to the 1968 Democrat National Convention riots. Ayers and Dohrn have taken credit for, and never denied, bombing the [[U.S. Capitol]], the [[Pentagon]] and the [[State Department]]. <br /> <br /> Ayers and Dohrn used their celebrity status among [[leftist]]s to launch Obama's career. Ayers, Dohrn and [[Jeff Jones]]<ref>Klein, Aaron (August 13, 2009). [http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 "Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder"]. WorldNetDaily website. "[[Van Jones]]...served on board of..." "activist group where ex-Weatherman serves as top director"'. See [[WorldNetDaily]].</ref> are authors of ''[[Bill Ayers#Prairie Fire Organizing Committee and Maoist thought|Prairie Fire: The Politics of Revolutionary Anti-imperialism]]'', the title taken from [[Quotations from Chairman Mao|''The Sayings of Mao Zedong'']].<ref>[http://archive.org/details/QuotationsFromChairmanMaoTse-tung/ ''Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung''] (1966), 2nd ed. Retrieved from Internet Archive.</ref> The book declares "we are [[communist]] men and women."<ref>Klehr, Harvey (1988). ''Far Left of Center: The American Radical Left Today'' (New Brunswick: Transaction Books), p. 109.</ref> Ayers later jokingly, publicly admitted to ghostwriting Obama's book, ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams From My Father]]''<ref>Cashill, Jack (March 28, 2011). [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/03/ayers_affirms_he_wrote_dreams.html "Ayers affirms he wrote ''Dreams from my Father''"]. American Thinker website/Blog. See [[American Thinker]].</ref> and Obama was to appoint several openly avowed Maoists to prominent White House and Executive Branch positions.<ref>Fund, John (October 21, 2009). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704597704574487431322664964.html "From Mao to Obama"]. ''Wall Street Journal'' website.</ref><br /> <br /> ====A Charter of Negative Liberties====<br /> In a 2001 interview on WBEZ FM Chicago Public Radio, Senator Obama said some critically disparaging things about the [[United States Constitution]]. He said:<br /> <br /> <blockquote>If you look at the victories and failures of the civil rights movement and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at the lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it I’d be okay.<br /><br /><br /> But the Supreme Court never ventured into the issues of redistribution of wealth and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society. And to that extent as radical as people tried to characterize the Warren court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution, at least as it’s been interpreted, and the Warren court interpreted it in the same way that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. It says what the states can’t do to you, it says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf. And that hasn’t shifted. One of the I think tragedies of the civil rights movement was because the civil rights movement became so court focused, I think that there was a tendency to lose track of the political and community organizing and activities on the ground that are able to put together the actual coalitions of power through which you bring about redistributed change and in some ways we still suffer from that.<ref>[https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2008/11/03/barack-obamas-poor-understanding-of-the-constitution Barack Obama's Poor Understanding of the Constitution]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jr9mLB3yKs Obama Constitution Negative Liberties.flv]</ref><ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2008/10/79225/ Obama rips U.S. Constitution]</ref></blockquote><br /> <br /> ====Backstabbing fellow Democrats====<br /> Barack Obama ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996. He was initially supported by incumbent [[Alice Palmer]], who declared she would run for the U.S. Congress. However, when her bid for Congress failed on November 28, 1995, she tried to run for her old seat in the March 1996 election. Her supporters asked Obama to step aside, although whether this was with her permission remains uncertain.<ref name=pragmatic /> Not only did Obama not step down, he gathered a team of high-priced lawyers, including fellow Harvard Law School graduate Thomas Johnson, to challenge his opponent's petition signatures on technicalities after the filing deadline had passed. Such tactics are legal and frequently used in Chicago; in 2006 they eliminated 67 of the 245 aldermanic candidates;<ref name=bareknuckle>Jackson, David and Long, Ray (April 4, 2007). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-04-04/news/0704030881_1_petitions-voter-rights-candidates "Barack Obama: Showing his bare knuckles"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> yet nevertheless led to the term "hardball" by ''The New York Times''<ref name=pragmatic /> and "cutthroat" by David Mendel as reported by both CNN<ref name=revealed /> and MSNBC.<ref name=msnbc /> The ''Chicago Tribune'' declared Obama had mastered "the bare-knuckle arts of Chicago electoral politics", noting "The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it."<ref name=bareknuckle /> As one of Obama's four opponents, eliminated through his ballot challenges, would put it: {{cquote|"Why say you're for a new tomorrow, then do old-style Chicago politics to remove legitimate candidates? He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?"<br /> —Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (April 3, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130123154440/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story "Obama knows his way around a ballot"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. Retrieved from January 23, 2013 archive at Internet Archive.</ref>}} Mark Ewell, another candidate, filed 1,286 signatures, and Obama's challenges left him 86 short of the minimum requirement (757).<ref name=spivak>Spivak, Todd (February 28, 2008). [http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ "Barack Obama and me"]. ''Houston Press'' website.</ref> Ewell filed a federal lawsuit contesting the election board's decision but Tom Johnson intervened, and Ewell's case was dismissed just a few days later. Ewell and other Obama opponents were using early 1995 polling sheets to verify signatures of registered voters, but city authorities had just purged 15,871 unqualified people from the 13th district list, and Obama's challenges used the more recent, updated list. Askia was left 69 signatures short of the requirement. If names were printed instead of signed in cursive, they were declared invalid. If they were good but the person registering the signatures wasn't a registered voter (e.g. underage) they were invalid.<ref name=hardball>Griffin, Drew & Johnston, Kathleen (May 29, 2008). [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/29/obamas.first.campaign/ "Obama played hardball in first Chicago campaign"]. CNN website. Article text begins: "When the Democratic National Committee meets Saturday on the thorny issue of seating the Florida and Michigan delegations..."</ref> Palmer had according to Obama campaign consult Ronald Davis, used two children to help gather her petition signatures. To this day Palmer denies the challenges were valid, and maintains she could have overcome the objections with more time and resources.<ref name=bareknuckle /> Thanks to his lawyers, Obama would win the election without a single other candidate on the ballot.<br /> <br /> ===2000 election===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[Illinois 1st congressional district election, 2000]]''<br /> In 2000, Obama lost his only political election when he chose to run against experienced incumbent and former [[Black Panther]] Bobby L. Rush for the U.S. Congress in a 65% black district. Rush's name recognition began at 90%, Obama's at 11%. Michelle Obama opposed taking on an such an iconic figure dear to the community and threatened divorce.<ref>Bates, Daniel (May 16, 2012). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2145035/Michelle-Obama-prepared-divorce-papers-separate-Barack-leaving-suicidal.html "New book claims Michelle Obama prepared divorce papers to separate from Barack—leaving him so depressed friends feared he'd kill himself"]. ''Daily Mail'' website. See ''[[Daily Mail]]''.</ref> Establishment Democrats considered Obama "a white man in blackface".<ref>Gilmore, Jim (reporter, producer). (October 9, 2012). [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/choice-2012/transcript-29/ "Transcript of 'Barack Obama' in Kirk, Michael and Wiser, Mike (producers) '''Frontline'': The Choice 2012'"]. PBS website/WGBH/Frontline/film/The Choice 2012.</ref> Rush said of Obama, "He went to Harvard and became an educated fool," adding, "We’re not impressed with these folks with these eastern elite degrees."<ref>Ballasy, Nicholas (March 28, 2012). [http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/28/bobby-rush-in-2000-obamas-a-harvard-educated-fool-who-thinks-he-knows-all-about-the-civil-rights-protests/ "Bobby Rush in 2000: Obama a Harvard ‘educated fool’ who ‘thinks he knows all about’ the ‘civil rights protests’"]. Daily Caller website. See [[Daily Caller]].</ref> Todd Spivak would give voice to this impression of Obama, noting that<br /> {{cquote|"My view of Obama then wasn't all that different from the image he projects now....One thing I can say is, I never heard him launch into the preacher-man voice he now employs during speeches. He sounded vanilla, and activists in his mostly black district often chided him for it."<ref name=spivak />}}<br /> Rush would go on to win the Primary with 61.02% of the vote; Obama received 30.36%.<ref>Scott, Janny (September 9, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all "In 2000, a streetwise veteran schooled a bold young Obama]." ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> The loss led to Obama considering dropping out of politics altogether, particularly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, since his name sounds similar to "Osama bin Laden".<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===State Senate voting record===<br /> Obama entered the Illinois Senate promising change to a corrupt system. He mixed often radical votes with more pragmatic agreements. Possibly one of his most radical votes was against requiring medical care for aborted children who survive [[abortion|the procedure]] - in fact the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council ascribed him a 100% rating for his consistently pro-choice votes.<ref name="cbs illinois">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml|title=Obama record may be gold mine for critics|publisher=CBS News website|last=Clark|first=Amy|date=January 17, 2007}} See [[CBS News]].</ref> He was criticized for using the statehouse as a stepping stone for a more illustrious career: Steven J. Rauschenberger, a [[Republican]], said prior to Obama's election as president: “He is a very bright but very ambitious person who has always had his eyes on the prize, and it wasn’t Springfield. If he deserves to be president, it is not because he was a great legislator.”<ref name="nyt illinois">{{cite web|publisher=''The New York Times'' website|title=In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd|last=Scott|first=Janny|date=July 30, 2007|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html}}.</ref><br /> <br /> The statehouse was majority Republican, so the Senator was sometimes forced to compromise. He formed allegiances across party lines to pass [[campaign finance]] reform that banned most gifts by lobbyists, prohibited spending campaign money for legislators’ personal use and required electronic filing of campaign disclosure reports.<ref name="nyt illinois"/> Obama also helped pass a so-called “driving-while-black bill”, which required the police to collect data on the race of drivers they stopped as a way to monitor [[racial profiling]].<ref name="nyt illinois"/><br /> <br /> Obama established himself as a chief spokesperson in opposition to the [[War on Terror]] during an October 2002 rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago<ref>The rally was organized by Chicagoans Against War in Iraq (CAWI) later renamed Chicagoans Against War and Injustice. See Davidson, Carl (November 2, 2006). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100811115415/http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?page_id=2 "About CAWI"]. Chicagoans Against War and Injustice website. Retrieved from August 11, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> [[community organizing|organized]] by veteran [[Mao]]ist and webmaster of [[Progressives for Obama]],<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/carldavidson Carl Davidson] (2010 or bef.) LinkedIn [Profile page/Experience/Webmaster]. Retrieved March 13, 2010 and February 13, 2016.</ref> [[Carl Davidson]].<br /> <br /> ===2003 Emil Jones deal===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''<br /> When Illinois' U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald announced he would be retiring in April 2003, Obama jumped at the opportunity, declaring that he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref name=msnbc /> To boost his chances Obama approached the newly crowned president of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, whom Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>Associated Press (March 31, 2008). [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamas-political-godfather-in-illinois/ "Obama's political 'godfather' in Illinois"]. CBS News website. See [[Associated Press]], CBS News.</ref> the conversation went as follows:<br /> {{cquote|"After I was elected president, in 2003, he came to see me, a couple months later. And he said to me, he said, ‘You’re the senate president now, and with that, you have a lot of pow-er.’ And I told Barack, ‘You think I got a lot of pow-er now?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you got a lot of pow-er.’ And I said, ‘What kind of pow-er do I have?’ He said, ‘You have the pow-er to make a United States sen-a-tor!’ I said to Barack, I said, ‘That sounds good!’ I said, ‘I haven’t even thought of that.’ I said, ‘Do you have someone in mind you think I could make?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah. Me.’"<ref name=PurdumandScott/>}}<br /> Because of the deal, Obama's entire Illinois Senate legislative record was, as longtime Obama reporter Todd Spivak put it, built in a single year. During his 7th and final year in the Illinois Senate, Obama sponsored an incredible 26 bills into law, including many he now points to when criticized as inexperienced<ref name=spivak />—as CNN's Suzanne Malveaux observed, "With help from on high, Obama got his name on hundreds of bills that he pushed through."<ref name=revealed /> Jones not only had Obama craft legislation addressing daily tragedies to raise his political profile,<ref name=godfather /> he also appointed Obama head of almost all high-profile legislation in the Illinois Senate, angering other state legislators with more seniority who'd spent years supporting the bills.<ref name=spivak /> Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon, the original sponsor of the famous racial profiling bill requiring videotaped confessions in police interrogations, complained bitterly about Jones' decision.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html "Transcript of 'Barack Obama Revealed'"]. CNN website/Transcripts.<br /> *Spivak, Todd (March 25, 2004). [http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html "In the black"]. ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Jones' influence had a major impact on Obama's chances in the 2004 elections, preventing major political players from backing Obama's opponents. To quote Emil Jones,{{cquote|"He knew if he had me in the run for the Senate, it would put a block on the current mayor. The current mayor and the father of the controller, which was Dan Hynes, they were roommates in Springfield when the mayor was a state senator, so they had a relationship. Another big financial backer for the governor was Blair Hull. Barack knew if he had me it would checkmate the governor, ’cause the governor couldn’t come out and go with Blair Hull, ’cause the governor needs me. Same with the mayor. So he had analyzed and figured all of that out. He knew I could help him with labor support. And I could put a checkmate on some of the local politicians that didn’t know him, but they couldn’t really go against me."<br /> —Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}<br /> <br /> ==2004-2008, U.S. Senate==<br /> :''See also: [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama#U.S. Senate .282004-2008.29|Barack Obama:U.S. Senate (2004-2008)]], [[United States Senate election in Illinois, 2004]]''<br /> [[Image:obama.jpg|thumb|left|Senator Barack Obama]]<br /> <br /> ===2004 Primary election===<br /> Despite initially trailing in the polls to frontrunner [[Blair Hull]],<ref>Spivak, Todd (March 25, 2004). [http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html "In the black"]. ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Obama greatly benefited from what the ''Chicago Tribune'' called "the most inglorious campaign implosion in Illinois political history"<ref name=mendell>Mendell, David (March 17, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-03-17/news/0403170332_1_blair-hull-gery-chico-blacks-and-liberal-whites "Obama routs Democratic foes"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> when pressure from journalists and opposing candidates, just weeks before the election, forced the unsealing of Hull's messy divorce files.<ref name=blairhull>Voegeli, William (March 19, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070826095930/http://www.claremont.org/publications/pubid.339/pub_detail.asp "The rise and fall of Blair Hull"]. The Claremont Institute website. Retrieved from August 26, 2007 archive at Internet Archive. See [[Claremont Institute]].</ref> The files revealed Hull's ex-wife's accusations of verbal and physical abuse.<ref name=spivak /> Hull would afterwards criticize the media, stating, "As for the press, I will never read the newspaper the same way again."<ref name=mendell /> Obama would go on to win the Primary with 53% of the vote.<ref name=blairhull /> Obama's unexpected victory led to him being termed a "rising star" by the media.<ref>Howlett, Debbie (March 18, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/2004-03-18-obama-usat_x.htm Dems "See a rising star in Illinois Senate Candidate"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/Nation/Campaign 2004. See ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2004 General election, Jack Ryan===<br /> Once again Obama found himself trailing to popular front runner [[Jack Ryan]], and once again a candidate's campaign imploded thanks to media intervention. In an unprecedented move, the ''Chicago Tribune'' and local TV station WLS sued to force the unsealing of Ryan's divorce files, despite opposition from both Ryan and his wife, Jeri Ryan, who in the files accused Jack Ryan of trying to coerce her to perform sex acts in public. Though Ryan advisors told him he could still win if using a negative attack on Obama, Ryan refused to engage in what he considered dirty politics.<ref name=abandon>Associated Press (June 26, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/state/2004-06-25-ryan_x.htm "Jack Ryan abandons Senate bid"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/State/Campaign 2004. See [[Associated Press]].</ref> Ryan then dropped out of the race (per request by the Illinois GOP<ref name=idealist>Sangwan, Rahul (October 1, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20060924232703/http://www.dartmouthindependent.com/archives/2004/10/jack_ryan_81_th.html "Jack Ryan '81: The conservative idealist"]. ''Dartmouth Independent'' website. Retrieved from September 24, 2006 archive at Internet Archive.</ref>), following which the Illinois GOP scrambled to find a replacement, leaving Obama uncontested for weeks to campaign and build up public support. On top of all this, Obama was selected to give the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention (July 27<ref>Obama, Barack (June 26, 2004). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html "Transcript: Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama [Keynote address at 2004 Democratic National Convention&#93;"]. Transcribed by FDCH E-Media. ''Washington Post'' website. See ''[[Washington Post]]''.</ref>), catapulting him into the national spotlight, and leading to further media publicity terming him a "rising star".<ref>Page, Susan and Despeignes, Peronet (July 28, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-28-obama-speech_x.htm "Rising star brings Democrats to their feet"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/Nation/President/Campaign 2004. See ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2004 General election, Alan Keyes===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''<br /> After a number of candidates including former [[Chicago Bears]] coach Mike Ditka declined to run,<ref>CNN (August 9, 2004). [http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/08/senate.illinois.keyes/ "Keyes challenges Obama for Illinois Senate seat"]. CNN website/Politics/America Votes 2004. See [[CNN]].</ref> the Illinois GOP finally settled on fiery [[Alan Keyes]], a former Ambassador to the Economic and Social Counsel of the United Nations,<ref name=spivak /> with less than 3 months left before the November 2004 election.<ref name=msnbc /> His sudden entrance into the state for the election was initially attacked in the press as "carpetbagging".<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *"[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-08-06/news/0408060313_1_mr-keyes-judy-baar-topinka-alan-keyes "The GOP's rent-a-senator"] (August 6, 2004). ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. <br /> *[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50885-2004Aug8.html "Mr. Keyes the carpetbagger"] (August 9, 2004). ''Washington Post'', p. A14. Retrieved from ''Washington Post'' website. See ''[[Washington Post]]''.<br /> *Pearson, Rick (September 5, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party "Keyes, state GOP gearing up blame campaign"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.</ref> Keyes repeatedly claimed his primary motivation for entering a race he had seemingly no chance of winning was his disgust at Obama's votes on the popular [[Born Alive]] bills.<ref>Keyes, Alan (August 18, 2004). [http://www.mail-archive.com/newsandviews@chuckmuth.com/msg00699.html "How YOU can help Alan Keyes for Senate!"] Message from Keyes2004 Inc. to multiple internet mailing lists. Retrieved from archive of newsandviews internet mailing list at The Mail Archive website.</ref> Keyes, from his first day of arriving in Illinois (August 9, 2004),<ref name=assails>Associated Press (August 9, 2004). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5654128/ "Keyes assails Obama's abortion views"]. NBC News website/Politics.</ref> accused Obama of having voted against bills mandating medical care for newborn children, and supporting "infanticide" (the term twice used in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act<ref>United States Congress (October 21, 2003). [http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/108/s3/text/enr "S. 3 (108th): "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003"], sec. 2, subsec. 14, paras. G and O. Govtrack.us website/Congress/Bills/108th Congress/Senate bill 3/Text.</ref>) where hospitals left newborn infants to die like garbage.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.) [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=341 "Alan Keyes on the Tavis Smiley Show"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview by Tavis Smiley. ''Tavis Smiley Show'' (New York City: National Public Radio, August 31, 2004). See [[NPR]].<br /> *Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.) [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=337 "Alan Keyes on CBS2 Chicago This Morning"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview with ''CBS This Morning'' show. ''CBS This Morning'' (Chicago: CBS 2, August 30, 2004).</ref> Obama in a debate on October 13, 2004, defended himself against Keyes' accusations of infanticide by claiming that Illinois law was already sufficient.<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-10-13/news/0410140004_1_alan-keyes-senate-race-first-of-three-debates "Debate or discussion?"] (October 13, 2004). ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.</ref><br /> <br /> However, Keyes' rhetoric, calling Obama's votes "the slaveholder's position"<ref name=assails /> and saying "Jesus Christ would not vote for Obama"<ref>Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.). [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=348 "Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show (AM1160 - WYLL)"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview by Scott Thomas. ''Scott Thomas Show'' (Chicago: WYLL, AM 1160, September 7, 2004).</ref> was widely ridiculed by the press. Keyes' unabashed criticism of homosexuality as "selfish hedonism" was also targeted.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Pearson, Rick (September 5, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party "Keyes, state GOP gearing up blame campaign"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.<br /> *Associated Press (September 2, 2004). [http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5897569/ns/politics/t/keyes-cheneys-gay-daughter-practicing-selfish-hedonism/#.VsR94_krKWg "Keyes: Cheney's gay daughter practicing selfish hedonism"]. NBC News website/Politics.<br /> *Pallasch, Abdon M. (September 2, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20040903052923/http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-keyes02.html "Keyes' gay slam roils GOP"]. ''Chicago Sun-Times'' website/News/Elections. Retrieved from September 3, 2004 archive at Internet Archive. See ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''. This article misquotes [[Liz Cheney]]; previous bulleted reference in this multiple reference gives full quote verified by CNN transcript.</ref> Obama would ultimately win the election, 70% to 27%.<ref>[http://cnn.hu/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html "America votes 2004: Election Results, U.S. Senate/Illinois"] (November 2, 2004). CNN Hungary website/Elections.</ref><br /> <br /> ===U.S. Senate voting record===<br /> Obama's incomplete term in the U.S. Senate was largely not noteworthy. In voting against raising the [[debt limit]] in 2006 Obama famously said, "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. ... I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit."<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *''Washington Post'' FACT CHECKER, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/annotating-obamas-2006-speech-against-boosting-the-debt-limit/2013/01/14/aa8cf8c4-5e9b-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_blog.html Annotating Obama’s 2006 speech against boosting the debt limit], Washington Post, Glenn Kessler, 01/15/2013.<br /> *Kaplan, Rebecca (April 11, 2011). [http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/obama-once-opposed-debt-ceiling-hike/237129/ "Obama once opposed debt ceiling hike"]. ''The Atlantic'' website/Politics.</ref> In 2008 as candidate for president Obama called George W. Bush's request to raise the debt limit "irresponsible" and "unpatriotic".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kuTG19Cu_Q "Obama says adding $4 trillion to debt is unpatriotic [July 3, 2008&#93;"] (August 23, 2011). YouTube video, 0:38, posted by maywhitley31.</ref><br /> <br /> The ''National Journal'' ranked him the most liberal senator in 2007.<ref name="ranked">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502163_162-3775451-502163.html|title="''National Journal'': Obama most liberal senator in 2007"|author=Montopoli, Brian|date=January 31, 2008|publisher=CBS News website}}. See [[CBS News]].</ref><br /> <br /> Obama frequently used the [[filibuster]] to obstruct the operations of government,<ref>O'Keefe, E. (2010, February 4). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020303801_pf.html Obama criticizes Senate Republicans for delaying confirmation votes]. ''Washington Post''.</ref> and voted against the [[minimum wage]] bill<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Gill, Kathy (May 26, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070905140628/http://uspolitics.about.com/od/legislatio1/a/HR2206.htm "HR 2206 - Emergency appropriations [110th Congress, House of Representives, signed into law May 25, 2007&#93;"], About.com website/News & Issues/U. S. Politics: Current Events/Legislation. Retrieved from September 5, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.<br /> *[http://more.gov.mtopgroup.com/2007/05/votes-hr-2206-iraq-supplemental.html Votes - H.R. 2206: Iraq Supplemental], May 28, 2007. Retrieved from Deeper Inside the Mountain, June 4, 2007.</ref> he introduced because it included a provision to pay active duty U.S. troops. He voted for the $700 billion TARP program to bailout the big banks after receiving more than $120,000 in contributions from [[Fannie Mae]], a government sponsored entity<ref>more than any other political candidate for office since 1989. [http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/09/update-fannie-mae-and-freddie.html Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Invest in Lawmakers], By Lindsay Renick Mayer, September 11, 2008. opensecrets.org</ref> taken into conservatorship for mismanaging its affairs and responsible for all the big banks' problems.<br /> <br /> According to Opensecrets.org, of the 671,269 contributions to Obama during his time in the Senate, [[Goldman Sachs]], JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley were among the top 20 biggest money donors to his campaigns.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cid=N00009638&cycle=2008 Top 20 Contributors, 2007-2008]<br /> *[http://www.votesmart.org/finance.php?can_id=9490 Barack Obama II's Campaign Finances]</ref> All four subsequently received approximately $70 billion in taxpayer assisted [[bailout]] money from the [[TARP]] program he voted for.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/10/14/business/14bailout.graphic2.html ''Beneficiary Banks'', ''The New York Times''. 2008-10-14.]</ref> UBS AG, a foreign bank and the 12th largest donor to Obama,<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Top 20 Contributors, 2007-2008]</ref> was fined $780 billion in February 2009 in a U.S. Federal Court on charges it helped thousands of Americans evade taxes.<ref>[http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20090219/FREE/902199983 ''UBS fined $780 million in tax evasion scandal,''] Investment News, February 19, 2009.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2008 Presidential election==<br /> {{main article|Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign}}<br /> Unlike Democrat contenders Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, Obama's hands were not "stained" with the Iraqi war resolution; a number of Democrats wanted to punish candidates for acting [[bi-partisan]] and called for his candidacy. His only career accomplishment til then had been the delivery of a speech at the 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]].<br /> <br /> Through heavy use of [[early voting]] by the Democrat political machine, Obama was elected president in 2008 in the midst of a severe economic meltdown and a foreign policy crisis. Obama outspent [[John McCain]] by hundreds of millions of dollars in 2008,<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contriball.php?cycle=2008 "Candidate comparison: Top contributors 2008 cycle"] (betw. September–November 2013). OpenSecrets.org website.</ref> and spending more than a billion dollars from special interests to snag reelection in 2012.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/candidate.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 "Barack Obama (D): Candidate summary, 2012 cycle/Source of funds"] (betw. March–June 2013). Opensecrets.org website. 34% Individual contributions, 67% large and corporate.<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/index.php "2012 presidential race/Overall spending"] (betw. August–September 2015). OpenSecrets.org website. This special interests count of over $1 billion may have decreased at least for a time since August–September 2015, where a grand total of individual contributions of less than $1 billion is reflected, but the grand total is presumably incomplete (shown, for example, by the uncounted University of California contributions revealed when comparing the subtotal from the time before August–September 2015 to the time afterwards, the subtotal thus ''increasing''), has every chance of remaining close to its precise revised estimated amount at the beginning of that time (of $964 million) and does not include Super PAC contributions, which is ''indirect'' spending.<br /> **([http://web.archive.org/web/20150304050735/http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 Link to version of this reference] on March 4, 2015 [whose pertinent subtotal which follows was the same back to the time indicated in the first bulleted reference] which shows $1,212,245 in contributions from the University of California. This is ''vs.'' $1,350,139 in contributions shown in the version indicated by the Internet Archive to have been published between August–September 2015 and shown in versions at least for a time thereafter [version retrieved on February 7, 2016 shows the same amount].)</ref><br /> <br /> Former [[Democrat]] Presidential candidate [[Joe Lieberman]] endorsed Obama's opponent [[John McCain]] in 2008 and declined to endorse Obama for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 presidential election]].<ref>Lillis, M. (2012, April 22). [http://thehill.com/video/campaign/222929-lieberman-declines-to-endorse-in-presidential-race Sen. Lieberman declines to endorse in presidential race]. ''The Hill''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Primary election===<br /> In 2007-08, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton competed for the Democrat nomination. Hillary Clinton cleverly resurrected the "Born Alive" controversy surrounding Obama that had lain largely dormant since 2004 (notwithstanding the continuing mentions by [[Jill Stanek]]), by accusing Obama of not being pro-choice for voting "Present" on a number of abortion-related bills<ref>Bettelheim, Adriel (2008, February 13). "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/feb/13/obamas-present-tension/ Obama's 'Present' Tension]." ''PolitiFact''.</ref>—including the Born Alive ones,<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Berman, Russell (2008, January 17). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/clinton-obama-should-vote-no-on-abortion-issue/69700/ Clinton: Obama Should Vote 'No' On Abortion Issue She Backed]." ''[[New York Sun]]''.<br /> *Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20obama.html?pagewanted=all It's Not Just 'Ayes' and 'Nays': Obama's Votes in Illinois Echo]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> and cowardly ducking the votes.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *''Politi-Fact''. "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/feb/13/hillary-clinton/yes-but-its-complicated/ Response to Hillary Clinton Comment for January 21st, 2008]." Truth-o-Meter.<br /> *Dorning, Mike (2007, December 20). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/criticism_of_obama_present_vot.html Clinton Camp Criticizes Obama 'Present' Votes]." The Swamp. ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> This led to criticism of Obama by two pro-choice organizations, Emily's List, and the [[National Organization for Women]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Dorning, Mike (2008, January 14). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/obama_campaign_mounts_defense.html The Swamp: Obama Campaign Defends His Abortion-Rights Record]." ''Chicago Tribune''.<br /> *Dorn, Michael (2008, February 6). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_voting_record_on_aborti_1.html Obama's Voting Record on Abortion]." ''Washington Post''.<br /> *Newton-Small, Jay (2008, January 14). "[http://swampland.time.com/2008/01/14/obama_campaign_defends_present/ Obama Campaign Defends 'Present' Abortion Votes]." ''[[Time Magazine]]''.</ref> However, Pam Sutherland, the long-time head of Illinois Planned Parenthood, came to Obama's aid, criticizing Clinton for making the attack, and stating repeatedly that Obama's present votes were part of a broader strategy used by Planned Parenthood to keep Illinois voters from knowing their state senators were voting against the controversial and popular bills.<ref>Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20cnd-obama.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin Obama's Vote in Illinois Was Often Just 'Present']." ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>Follmer, Max (2008, March 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/14/obama-emphasizes-prochoic_n_81460.html Obama Emphasizes Pro-Choice Voting Record as Clinton Questions 'Present' Votes]." ''[[Huffington Post]]''.</ref><br /> {{cquote|"He came to me and said: ‘My members are being attacked. We need to figure out a way to protect members and to protect women. A ‘present’ vote was hard to pigeonhole which is exactly what Obama wanted. What it did was give cover to moderate Democrats who wanted to vote with us but were afraid to do so" because of how their votes would be used against them electorally. A ‘present’ vote would protect them. Your senator voted ‘present.’ Most of the electorate is not going to know what that means."<br /> -Pam Sutherland, President/CEO of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, 1980-2012<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130414215754/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''[[ABC News]]''.</ref>}}As the contest in Iowa drew near and the former First Lady's inevitability was being usurped by a challenger, Hillary Clinton organizers began circulating rumors that Obama was secretly a Muslim.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/barackemail/ Obama Under the Clinton Microscope], By JEFF ZELENY, ''The New York Times'', December 10, 2007</ref><ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/06/clinton-volunteers-anti-obama-e-mail-causes-stir/ Clinton volunteer's sending of anti-Obama e-mail causes stir]. December 6, 2007. CNN</ref><ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=92143 Hillary Clinton Press Release - Sen. Obama Rewrites History], December 2, 2007, references Obama in the Muslim school in Indonesia in 3rd grade, quoting the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 3/15/07</ref><ref>[http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article1995587.ece Obama ‘was educated in madrassa’], Tim Reid and Tom Baldwin, ''[[The Times of London]]'', January 20, 2007.</ref> Clinton also made the claim repeatedly that while Obama was leading in Delegates she was winning the Popular Vote,<ref>Koffler, Daniel (2008, May 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-koffler/hillary-clinton-and-the-p_b_103913.html Hillary Clinton and the Popular Vote: Not Wrong, but Meaningless]." ''Huffington Post''.<br>Barone, Michael (2008, March 28). "[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/barone/2008/03/28/projection-clinton-wins-popular-vote-obama-wins-delegate-count Projection: Clinton Wins Popular Vote, Obama Wins Delegate Vote]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> though this was in part because Obama hadn't been registered in Michigan.<ref>Romano, Andrew (2008, August 2). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/blogs/stumper/2008/06/02/clinton-s-popular-vote-claim-close-but-not-quite.html Clinton's Popular Vote Claim? Close--But Not Quite*]." ''[[Newsweek]]''.</ref><ref>''[[RealClearPolitics]]''. "[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html 2008 Democratic Popular Vote]."</ref> Obama's advantage with super-delegates over Clinton was about 2-to-1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Superdelegate endorsements for Friday 6/6|work=Democratic Convention Watch|url=http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/06/superdelegate-endorsements-for-friday.html}}</ref> Obama was able to attract the support of [[liberals]] by pointing out that he had come out against the [[Iraq War]] "from the beginning" whereas Clinton had voted in favor of the war in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-31-democrats-debate_N.htm|title=Obama, Clinton stress differences on Iraq, issues|author=David Jackson|work=USA Today|language=English}}</ref> On June 7, 2008, Hillary Clinton withdrew from the Primaries, conceding the race and endorsing her opponent,<ref>''Associated Press''. "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24993082/ns/politics-decision_08/t/clinton-ends-historic-bid-endorses-obama/ Clinton Ends Historic Bid, Endorses Obama]." [[MSNBC]]</ref> when Obama passed the 2,118 Delegates required; winning 2,201 delegates to Clinton's 1,896.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#D Election Center 2008].</ref><br /> <br /> ===Born Alive record resurfaces===<br /> On June 30, 2008, Obama's voting record on the "Born Alive" bills came once more to the forefront when CNN gave voice to the growing controversy and revealed the defense Obama had been using since 2004-2008, that the Illinois bills he'd voted against were different from the federal bill, was false, since he'd brought up for a vote a bill word for word identical to the federal bill in the Health and Human Services Committee he chaired, and voted against it, defeating it.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZCXcTwZPY How He Really Voted on Abortion: Obama's Record Under Attack]." ''The Situation Room''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by [[Jill Stanek]].</ref><ref>''CNN''. "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0806/30/sitroom.02.html Transcripts: June 30, 2008]." The Situation Room.</ref> This led in August to a confrontation between Obama and the [[NRLC]].<ref>''[[National Right to Life Committee]]''. "[http://www.nrlc.org/news/2008/NRL08/ObamaCoverup.html Obama Cover-up Revealed on Born-Alive Abortion Survivor's Bill]." NRL News, Vol. 35, Issue 7-8, pg. 5.</ref> After Obama accused critics of 'lying'<ref>Brody, David (2008, August 16). "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq5M1Ksp_c McCain/Obama Forum]." ''CNN''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by [[Jill Stanek]].<br>David Brody (August 16, 2008). "[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/08/16/obama-gets-heated-on-born-alive-infant-protection-act.aspx Obama Gets Heated on Born Alive Infant Protection Act]." ''[[CBN]] News''. The Brody File.</ref> the NRLC challenged the assertion, and the Obama campaign conceded he "misspoke" and had voted against an identical bill to the "federal bill that everybody supported" but focused on Obama's new claim, that Illinois law was already sufficient to protect newborn children.<ref>Berman, Russell (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/obama-facing-attacks-from-all-sides-over-abortion/84059/ Obama Facing Attacks From All Sides Over Abortion Record]." ''[[New York Sun]]''.</ref> The NRLC promptly declared "Senator Barack Obama's four-year effort to cover up his full role in killing legislation to protect born-alive survivors of abortions continues to unravel."<ref>Johnson, Douglas (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/Obamacoveruponbornalive.htm Obama Cover-up on Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Continues to Unravel After Sen. Obama Says NRLC is 'Lying']." ''[[National Right to Life Committee]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Jeremiah Wright===<br /> [[File:Obamaatcampdavid.jpg|thumb|right|President Obama in Evergreen Chapel]]<br /> {{See also|Barack Obama and Liberation Theology}}<br /> One major dilemma that arose for Obama during his campaign was his connection to his preacher [[Jeremiah Wright]]. Obama and his wife (raised a Baptist) were members of the Trinity [[United Church of Christ]]<ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1776246/posts Trinity United Church of Christ Website (Barack Hussein Obama's Church)]</ref> in Chicago, a church that embraced [[black liberation theology]] and its emphasis on empowering so-called "oppressed groups" against "establishment forces". This denomination was the first in America to ordain gays as ministers.<ref>[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/31079.html Obama's church pushes controversial doctrines], March 20, 2008</ref> Church pastor Jeremiah Wright had been making inflammatory comments and posting his sermons online for sale. These include the statement "G-d damn America," and in describing the September 11th attacks, "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black [[South Africa]]ns, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 Obama's Pastor: G-d Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11], [[ABC News]]</ref> In addition, Rev. Wright blamed America saying "We supported Zionism shamelessly while ignoring the Palestinians and branding anybody who spoke out against it as being [[anti-Semitic]]."<br /> <br /> In April 2008, after 20 years in the church, candidate Obama made public statements poised to set him at odds with the man who conducted his wedding and baptized his children. With the negative publicity persisting, a month later Obama ended the friendship, left Wright's church, and blamed the media.<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/31/obama-resigns-church-membership-in-chicago/ Obama Drops Church Membership in Chicago], [[Fox News]] May 31, 2008</ref> Obama claimed “It’s not fair to the other members of the church who seek to worship in peace...", and distanced himself from Wright's sermons as "a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in the truth."<ref>USA Today, [http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080430/1a_offlede30_dom.art.htm ''Obama breaks with former pastor, Candidate cites rants on U.S. role in terror, AIDS''], by Kathy Kiely and David Jackson</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081211092533/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080430.htm ''Obama Says He Is Outraged By Wright's "Rants"'']</ref><br /> <br /> ===Result===<br /> Obama made an effort to portray John McCain as similar to George W. Bush, drawing attention to McCain's refusal to criticize the unpopular president. McCain was particularly criticized for saying of how many years we should be willing to stay in Iraq, "Make it a hundred."<ref>Dobbs, Michael (2008, April 2). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/mccains_100year_war.html FactChecker: McCain's '100-Year War']." ''Washington Post''.</ref>{{cquote|"John McCain went on television and said that there has been great progress economically over the last seven-and-a-half years. John McCain thinks our economy has made great progress under George W. Bush? How could somebody who has been traveling across this country, somebody who came to Erie, Pennsylvania, say we’ve made great progress?"<br /> -Barack Obama<ref>Zeleny, Jeff (2008, April 18). "[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/obama-criticizes-mccain-on-economic-stance/ Obama Criticizes McCain on Economic Stance]." ''The New York Times''.</ref>}} On August 22, Obama selected [[Joe Biden]] as his running mate for the vice presidency,<ref>''CNN'' (2008, August 23). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-08-23/politics/biden.democrat.vp.candidate_1_biden-john-mccain-barack-obama?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Introduces Biden as Running Mate]."</ref> which would be contrasted one week later with John McCain's selection of [[Sarah Palin]].<ref>Cooper, Michael & Bumiller, Elisabeth (2008, August 29). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/29palin.html?pagewanted=all Alaskan is McCain's Choice; First Woman on G.O.P. Ticket]. ''The New York Times''.</ref><br /> <br /> On November 2, 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election with 365 electoral votes to John McCain's 173.<ref>(2008, November 14). "[http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/explorer.html Electoral Explorer]." Election Results 2008. ''The New York Times''.</ref> Obama received 53% of the popular vote to John McCain's 46%.<ref>(2008, November 17). "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ President]." Election Center 2008. ''CNN''.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2009-2017: U.S. Presidency==<br /> {{main article|Obama administration}}<br /> The [[liberal claptrap]] that elected Obama seems silly today. It was claimed, for example, that Obama had millions of followers on Twitter, when allegedly some 70% of them were fake.<ref>Jackson, David (August 24, 2012). [http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/08/obama-has-millions-of-fake-twitter-followers/1#.UDfQVqA2et_ "Obama has millions of fake Twitter followers"]. USA Today website/The Oval blog. See [[USA Today]].</ref> And although the [[lamestream media]] promoted Obama as a great orator, in fact he relied almost entirely on teleprompters for his speeches and press conferences, and at one point even had teleprompters set up for him in a middle school classroom in order to speak to the media.<br /> <br /> [[File:Obama and George H. W. Bush.jpg|thumb|right|300px|President Barack Obama meets with former President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office, Feb. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).]]<br /> Five years into Obama's presidency the number of people holding jobs still was 3 million below the all-time high of 138 million<ref>The effectiveness of [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|Stimulus]] and deficits: [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112811 Job growth under President Obama's first term;] Source: [[United States Department of Labor]].</ref> workers - despite an increase of 10 million people in population over the same period of time.<ref>[https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112809 U.S. Population growth during Obama's first four years in office.] Source: [[U.S. Census Bureau]].</ref> Under Obama and Senate Democrats<ref>The Democrat-controlled Senate did not propose, vote on, or pass a budget for nearly five years. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/23/politics/senate-budget-bill/index.html Senate passes its first budget proposal in four years,] Ted Barrett and Alison Harding, CNN, March 23, 2013.</ref> budget management, the United States suffered its largest [[Federal budget deficit|deficit]]s<ref>Edwards, B. et. al. (2009, November 6). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/107xx/doc10708/11-06-mbr.htm Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2009]. ''[[Congressional Budget Office]]''.<br>Delisle, E.C. et. al. (2010, November 5). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/118xx/doc11873/NovemberMBR.pdf Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2010]. ''[[Congressional Budget Office]]''.</ref> in history and its credit-worthiness downgraded from [[Standard and Poor's]]. Obama assured Americans that unemployment would not rise above 8% if his [[economic stimulus]] program was adopted, however it rose and stagnated in the 8-10% range<ref>Di Leo, L & Lynch, S.N. (2010, August 20). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476104575439172480870774.html Jobless Claims Jump in New Sign Recovery is Sputtering]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><ref>[[United States Bureau of Labor Statistics]]. [http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=latest_numbers&series_id=LNS11300000&years_option=specific_years&include_graphs=true&to_month=1&from_month=2 Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject: Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey]. ''[[United States Department of Labor]]''. Data extracted on: July 19, 2010 (4:31:11 PM).</ref> for the entirety of his first term.<br /> <br /> Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen, writing in the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', noted, "Rather than being a unifier, Mr. Obama has divided America on the basis of race, class and partisanship." The commentators also note Obama's approach to governance has encouraged radical leftists to pursue a similar strategy on his behalf. Mary Frances Berry, former head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, acknowledged that the [[Obama administration]] has taken to polarizing America around the issue of race as a means of diverting attention from other issues, saying, "Having one's opponent [[race card|rebut charges of racism]] is far better than discussing [[Unemployment|joblessness]]."<ref>Berry, M.F. (2010, July 20). [http://www.politico.com/arena/perm/Mary_Frances_Berry_91E3D9D5-C40D-440C-9D48-1C50CBC60C87.html Energy Arena, Driving the Conversation: Contracting Out U.S. Security? And will Branding Tea Party Racist Work?] ''[[Politico]]''.</ref> Caddell and Schoen, who worked for President Carter and Clinton, respectively, further stated, "Mr. Obama has also cynically [[class warfare|divided the country on class lines]]. He has taken to playing the populist card time and time again. He bashes Wall Street and insurance companies whenever convenient to advance his programs, yet he has been eager to accept campaign contributions and negotiate with these very same banks and [[corporation]]s behind closed doors in order to advance his political agenda... President Obama's divisive approach to governance has weakened us as a people and paralyzed our political culture."<ref>Caddell, P.H. & Schoen, D.E. (2010, July 28). [http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703700904575391553798363586.html Our Divisive President]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Domestic policy===<br /> His economic [[stimulus]] package in response to the [[Crash of 2008]] took seven years to return [[unemployment]] to historically acceptable levels. Economic growth remained below 2.0% throughout his two terms as poverty and income inequality increased. <br /> ====Economic policy====<br /> [[File:Keynes.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Barack Obama]] advocates the use of discredited [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian economic concepts]]<ref>[http://centurean2.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/fabian-john-maynard-keynes-the-stealthy-enemy-of-human-freedom/ John Maynard Keynes the stealthy enemy of human freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-02-22/deathbed-of-keynesian-economics-will-be-in-u-k-matthew-lynn.html Deathbed of Keynesian Economics will be in the UK]</ref><ref>[http://www.iwf.org/inkwell/show/23102.html Will the G8 Repudiate the Philosophy of Living Beyond Our Means?]</ref><ref>[http://www.keynesatharvard.org/book/KeynesatHarvard-ch09.html KEYNES AT HARVARD Economic Deception as a Political Credo BY ZYGMUND DOBBS]</ref>]]<br /> <br /> {{see also|Obamunism|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}}<br /> Critics of the Obama administration have coined the word "[[Obamunism]]" to describe Barack Obama's [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" [[economic planning]] policies.<ref>[[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers. Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/daily-intel/2009/07/20/obamunism-inc|work=The Big Money|publisher=Washington Post.[[Newsweek]] Interactive Co. LLC|language=English|title=Obamunism, Inc.|author=David Sessions|date=July 20, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944|author=Jim Blasingame|title=Is the government creating a bailout bubble?}}</ref> Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]].<ref name="gerard">{{cite web|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching|title=Monetary Policy-Not Obama's Stimulus-Is What Needs Watching|author=Gerard Jackson|date=February 16, 2009|work=Seeking Alpha}}</ref><ref name="bam">{{cite web|work=[[New York Post]]|date=May 17, 2009|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm|title=BAM'S WISE WORDS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/|title=Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures|work=The Foundry|publisher=[[Heritage Foundation]]|author=Conn Carroll|date=March 24, 2009}}</ref> As seen in his own actions, Barack Obama instructed his advisors to find loopholes that would enable the president to act as a [[dictator]] by pushing through legislation and increases in spending without congressional authority.<ref>Naked Emperor News (2011, October 12). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/executive-dictatorship-obama-instructs-advisers-to-push-through-stimulus-projects-without-pesky-congressional-authorization/ Exclusive Dictatorship: Obama Instructs Advisors to Push Through Stimulus Projects Without Pesky 'Congressional Authorization']. ''[[The Blaze]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> Nevertheless, budgets passed under President Obama have included the smallest average annualized growth of federal spending (1.4%) since before President Reagan. Federal spending grew an average of 8.7% per year during Reagan's first term and an average of 8.1% per year during George W. Bush's second term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2012/05/24/who-is-the-smallest-government-spender-since-eisenhower-would-you-believe-its-barack-obama/|title=Who Is The Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower? Would You Believe It's Barack Obama?|publisher=[[Forbes]]|author=Rick Ungar|date=May 24, 2012}}</ref><br /> <br /> [[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>''OpenSecrets.org''. [http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Barack Obama: Top Contributors]. The Center for Responsive Politics.</ref> Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, and many argue that it was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous by encouraging more risk taking through letting banks off with a slap on the wrist. Others argue that bailing out the banks kept credit flowing and prevented a much deeper recession and a total collapse of the financial system. The government will recoup some though not all of its capital infusions over time. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources allocated using purely business considerations.<ref>Faccio, M. et. al. (2005, March 1). [http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905 Political Connections and Corporate Bailouts]. ''Social Science Research Network''.</ref> Proponents of [[free market]] capitalism said Bernanke should not have bailed out failing firms and instead should have allowed free market capitalism to quickly recover as it did in the depression of 1920 without government intervention (free market capitalists assert that government intervention drags out economic recessions and depressions).<ref>Woods, T.E. (2009, April 10). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czcUmnsprQI Why You've Never Heard of the Great Depression of 1920]. ''[[Ludwig von Mises Institute]]''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref> <br /> <br /> The Obama administration has been sharply criticized for [[Obama administration deficit spending|its massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|its reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[money supply]], although inflation under Bernanke has been below the historic mean.<ref name="gerard"/><ref name="bam"/><ref>Carroll, C. (2009, March 24). [http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/ Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures]. ''The Foundry''. [[Heritage Foundation|The Heritage Network]].</ref> Celente predicts that if a "second American Revolution" occurs in a peaceful and productive manner, it may include a [[Third Party System|third party movement]] of governance that will advocate a more [[free market]] [[capitalism]] approach to the American economy and a more strict interpretation of the [[United States Constitution|United States constitution]] as far as the authors' [[original intent]].<br /> <br /> During what the [[White House]] billed as [[Recovery Summer]], one half million workers per week continued losing their jobs. His signature legislative achievement, [[ObamaCare]],has been found to be [[unconstitutional]]<ref>Schoenberg, T. & Fisk, M.T. (2010, December 13). [http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-13/u-s-health-care-law-requirement-thrown-out-by-judge.html Obama's Health-Care Law Ruled Unconstitutional Over Insurance Requirement]. ''Bloomberg''.</ref> by several judges and constitutional by others, and is credited as a major cause of uncertainty, high [[unemployment]],<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33220 Obamacare: Unemployment You Can Believe In], [[Human Events]]</ref> lagging job creation,<ref>Foster, J.D. (2010, August 5). [http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/05/it%E2%80%99s-official-medicare%E2%80%99s-finances-shadowed-by-uncertainty/ It’s Official: Medicare’s Finances Shadowed by Uncertainty]. ''The Foundry''. [[Heritage Foundation|The Heritage Network]].</ref> and risk of a credit default crisis.<ref>Samuelson, R.J. (2010, March 29). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/28/AR2010032802353.html With health bill, Obama has sown the seeds of a budget crisis]. ''Washington Post''.</ref><ref>Cramer, J. (2010, March 19). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2010/03/19/mad-money-cramer-health-care-passage-will-topple-stock-market 'Mad Money' Cramer: Health Care Passage 'Will Topple the Stock Market']. ''[[Newsbusters]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> His 2012 Budget plan has been roundly criticized in the mainstream and liberal press as not a serious effort to deal with the nation's economic crisis.<ref>[http://www.republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ID=1551d6f5-2ac9-4b8d-97ab-74def354024e Newspapers Call Out White House: ‘What Would That Path Be, Mr. President?’]</ref><br /> <br /> [[Jeffrey Tucker]] wrote, "President Obama's economic policy has been catastrophic for liberty, enterprise, and the American dream—the very archetype of what not to do to end recession." <ref>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118186176/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=anncoulter-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118186176 Debacle: Obama's War on Jobs and Growth and What We Can Do Now to Regain Our Future]</ref><br /> <br /> =====Stimulus=====<br /> {{See also|Recovery Summer}}<br /> In early 2009, Obama lobbied Congress and the public to pass a sweeping Stimulus package<ref>(2009, January 3). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Obama Urges Congress to Pass Stimulus Plan]." ''Associated Press''.<br>Parsons, C. & Nicholas, P. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Barack Obama Sternly Urges Congress to Pass Economic Stimulus]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> known as ''The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009'' (H.R. 1).<ref>"[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1: Bill Text Versions: H.R. 1]." 111th Congress (2009-2010). ''[[Library of Congress]]''.<br>"[http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center]." ''[[IRS]]''.</ref> The report of the Congressional Budget Office mandated by law stated that the legislation would ultimately harm the economy.<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, February 4). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/04/cbo-obama-stimulus-harmful-over-long-haul/ CBO: Obama Stimulus Harmful Over Long Haul]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> Contrary to his promise of bipartisanship,<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, March 28). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/28/mccain-obama-breaks-campaign-promises-shuns-bipart/?page=all McCain: Obama Breaks Promise of Bipartisanship]." ''[[Washington Times]]''.</ref> the bill passed the House 244-188 on January 28, 2009 with 11 Democrats voting with the entire Republican caucus against,<ref>Calmes, J. (2009, January 28). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> and received just 3 Republican votes when passing the Senate 61-37.<ref>Herszenhorn, D.M. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/washington/11web-stim.html Senate Approves Stimulus Plan]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> One third of the massive $838 billion bill consisted of [[Backdoor spending authority#Backdoor tax expenditures|backdoor tax expenditures]]<ref>(2009, February 11). "Senate Passes $838 Billion Stimulus Bill." ''Associated Press''.</ref> and the rest direct [[new spending]] on "just about every pent-up Democratic proposal of the last 40 years."<ref>(2009, January 28). "[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310466514522309.html A 40-Year Wish List]." ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref> In responding to criticism of the broken bipartisanship promise at the time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously quipped, "We won the election. We wrote the bill."<ref>Kane, P. (2009, January 23). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203961.html Stimulus Plan Meets More GOP Resistance]." ''Washington Post''.</ref> On February 18, 2009, the Stimulus was signed into law by Obama.<ref>(2009, February 17). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29231790/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-stimulus-lets-americans-claim-destiny/ Obama: Stimulus Lets Americans Claim Destiny]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> In August 2009, Republicans and Democratic Senator David Obey drew attention to mistakes on the Recovery.gov site claiming millions of Stimulus jobs created that didn't exist. Obama responded by saying the errors just indicate his accounting is an "inexact science".<ref>(2009, November 18). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/18/obama-calls-stimulus-data-errors-issue-says-focus-job-growth/ Obama Calls Stimulus Data Errors 'Side Issue,' Says Focus Is on Job Growth]." ''[[Fox News]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> =====[[Sequestration]]=====<br /> According to [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning journalist [[Bob Woodward]] of the ''[[Washington Post]]'', Obama misled the American people in a Presidential debate only two weeks before the 2012 election when he said, "The sequester is not something that I’ve proposed,”<ref>[http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-22/opinions/37238840_1_jack-lew-treasury-secretary-rob-nabors Obama’s sequester deal-changer,] By Bob Woodward, ''Washington Post'', February 22, 2013.</ref> when in fact his chief budget negotiator and current Chief of Staff, [[Jack Lew]], made a call to Democrat [[Harry Reid]] at 2:30 pm on July 27, 2011 with the proposal after clearing it with Obama,<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2012/10/22/fact-check-woodward-wrote-that-obama-administration-proposed-sequester/ Fact-check: Woodward wrote that Obama administration proposed sequester]. [[The Daily Caller]]</ref> as fully documented in Woodward's book, ''The Price of Politics''. Federal Reserve Chairman [[Ben Bernanke]] warned of immediate jobloss of about 750,000 jobs - about the same level as under George W. Bush<ref>[http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109262 Monthly Jobloss under George W. Bush, Jan 2007 - Jan 2009]. See also [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109266 Initial Unemployment Claims] over the same period, annualized. Source: [[U.S. Department of Labor]], Bureau of Labor Statistics.</ref> - if Obama's budget and economic plans were allowed to take effect.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/26/news/economy/bernanke-burden-recovery/ Bernanke: Spending cuts add 'significant' burden to recovery,] By Annalyn Kurtz, CNN February 26, 2013.</ref><br /> <br /> Woodward, who's reporting on [[Watergate]] is credited with toppling the administration of [[Richard Nixon]], told Wolf Blitzer of CNN he was told by a senior White House official he'd regret talking about the President Obama's positions on the sequester.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/bob-woodward-obama-sequester-white-house-reporting-price-politics-2013-2 Bob Woodward: White House Threatened Me On Sequester,] businessinsider.com</ref><br /> <br /> =====Spreading poverty=====<br /> Following the 2011 debt ceiling standoff between Obama and House Republicans,<ref name=Swann-Aug>{{cite web|url=http://www.standardandpoors.com/servlet/BlobServer?blobheadername3=MDT-Type&blobcol=urldata&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobheadervalue2=inline%3B+filename%3DUS_Downgraded_AA%2B.pdf&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobheadername1=content-type&blobwhere=1243942957443&blobheadervalue3=UTF-8 |title=United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered to 'AA+' on Political Risks and Rising Debt Burden; Outlook Negative |publisher=[[Standard and Poor's]] |date=August 5, 2011 |accessdate=April 3, 2013}}</ref> the United States Government's credit rating was, for the first time in its history, downgraded from AAA to AA+, and [[poverty]]<ref>[http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/incpovhlth/2009/pov09fig04.pdf Figure 4: Number in Poverty and Poverty Rate: 1959-2009]. ''[[U.S. Census Bureau]]''. Current Population Survey, 1960 to 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplements.</ref> increased markedly. By and large his programs, said to combat the recession, unemployment, slow growth, and deficits, have failed<ref>"The vast majority (73%) of respondents reported the fiscal stimulus enacted in February 2009 has had no impact on employment to date. While 68% also believe a jobs bill, such as the one recently enacted into law, will have no impact on payrolls, 30% do believe it will boost payrolls moderately".<br>[http://www.nabe.com/press/ind1004.pdf Industry Survey], ''National Association for Business Economics'', April 2010, p. 2.</ref> leaving the country saddled with an $18 trillion [[national debt]] and climbing.<ref>During Obama's first two years in office, the rate of new U.S. federal debt added per year to its total tripled the rate of new debt accumulated by Bush to place the U.S. on a war footing, and during Obama's first six years in office, the total National Debt has nearly doubled ($7.5 trillion added). See [[National Debt]].</ref> One of his most well known tactics is blaming someone else, such as George W. Bush, for all his failures instead of taking responsibility. Also on the domestic front, Obama passed an expensive [[health care]] bill in 2010 with no national consensus or [[bipartisan]] support and 34 Democrats dissenting. Recently, the [[Congressional Budget Office]] wrote an open letter to [[John Boehner]], the Speaker of the House, outlining the effects of repealing [[Obamacare]] and explaining why net loss of over 100 billion dollars would occur from the repeal.<ref>[http://cbo.gov/publication/43471 Letter to the Honorable John Boehner providing an estimate for H.R. 6079, the Repeal of Obamacare Act], Congressional Budget Office</ref><br /> <br /> ====Job killer healthcare mandates====<br /> {{main article|Obamacare}}<br /> On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the unpopular Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The act originated in the Democrat-controlled House and was amended and passed the Senate just prior to Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]]'s death largely along party lines with a significant number of Democrats voting to oppose. In what was construed as a de facto rejection of the bill, [[Massachusetts]] voters elected a [[Republican]] candidate, [[Scott Brown]], who promised to vote against the bill if given the chance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html|work=Washington Post|author=Chris Cillizza|date=January 19, 2010|title=Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race|language=English}}</ref> After Obama made a promise to issue an [[executive order]] that would ultimately prohibit the use of taxpayer subsidies to pay for [[abortion]] services,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/22/nation/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22/3|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=English|title=House passes historic healthcare overhaul|date=March 22, 2010|author=Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook}}</ref> the Democratic [[House of Representatives]] would pass the bill as it left the Senate 219-212, with 34 Democrats and all other parties dissenting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-21/politics/health.care.main_1_health-care-entire-house-democratic-caucus-pre-existing-conditions?_s=PM:POLITICS|date=March 21, 2010|author=Alan Silverleib|work=CNN|language=English|title=House passes health care bill on 219-212 vote}}</ref><br /> <br /> Amongst other things, the act mandated that everyone purchase health care coverage or face punitive tax measures, and was upheld by the [[Supreme Court]].<br /> <br /> ====The revolving door====<br /> Obama criticized the "revolving door" of government and business.<ref>"We need to close the revolving door that lets lobbyists come into government freely, and lets them use their time in public service as a way to promote their own interests over the interests of the American people when they leave." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-welcoming-senior-staff-and-cabinet-secretaries-white-house REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN WELCOMING SENIOR STAFF AND CABINET SECRETARIES TO THE WHITE HOUSE,] January 21, 2009. [[White House]]</ref> After appointing [[Peter Orszag]] his first Budget Director to dole out the stimulus cash, Orszag resigned to become Citigroup's Vice Chairman of Global Banking. Citigroup was the recipient of $476 billion in [[bailout]] money - more than any other bank - after the disastrous [[Financial crisis of 2008]].<ref>[http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/03/citibank_received_more_bailout.html Citigroup Received More Bailout Money Than Any Other Bank,] By Nitasha Tiku, 3/16/11.</ref> Before the bailout, Orszag's expert opinion of the chances of a mortgage meltdown were 1 in 500,000.<ref>[http://www.pierrelemieux.org/stiglitzrisk.pdf Implications of the New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Risk-based Capital Standard,] by Joseph E. Stiglitz, Jonathan M. Orszag and Peter R. Orszag. Fannie Mae Papers, Volume 1, Issue 2, March 2002, Conclusion p.6.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Environment and energy====<br /> {{main article|Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster}}<br /> President Obama authorized offshore oil drilling in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0430/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-imperils-Obama-s-offshore-drilling-plan Gulf of Mexico oil spill imperils Obama's offshore drilling plan,] By Mark Clayton, ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]'', April 30, 2010.</ref> stating, "oil rigs today generally don’t cause spills"<ref>White House Press Release, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-a-discussion-jobs-and-economy-charlotte-north-carolina Remarks by the President in a Discussion on Jobs and the Economy in Charlotte, North Carolina,] Office of the Press Secretary, April 02, 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 3 May 2010.</ref> and was widely criticized for his mishandling of the "[[Gulf oil spill disaster|worst environmental disaster]] in US history."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/x-33986-Political-Spin-Examiner~y2010m4d29-Worst-environmental-disaster-in-US-history-Oil-slick-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-is-set-on-fire Worst environmental disaster in US history,] Maryann Tobin, ''Examiner'', April 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/the-oil-spill-is-obamas-fault/?src=twt&twt=NytimesKrugman Conscience of a Liberal: The Oil Spill Is Obama’s Fault,] Paul Krugman, ''The New York Times'', April 30, 2010.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Reverses the Progressive 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy====<br /> {{main article|Don't Ask Don't Tell}}<br /> Candidate Obama promised to repeal a policy that originated with President Clinton and passed by a Democrat-controlled Congress that prohibited inquiries into military personnel's [[sexual orientation]] while barring openly gay [[homosexuals]] from serving in the military. [[Liberals]] expressed anger when time passed and no effort to repeal the law was seen;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/21/obama-to-delay-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/|work=[[Washington Times]]|title=Obama to delay ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ repeal|language=English|author=Rowan Scarborough|date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> in fact, Obama's [[justice department]], as part of their duty to defend all laws passed by any administration, filed a brief arguing against the [[Supreme Court]] granting a [[writ of certiorari]] to a gay soldier challenging the law (the writ was not granted). In response, the soldier, James Pietrangelo II, a former Army infantryman and lawyer, said, “(Obama's) a coward, a bigot and a pathological liar. This is a guy who spent more time picking out his dog, Bo, and playing with him on the White House lawn than he has working for equality for gay people."<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Time Magazine]]|publisher=Time Inc.|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1903545,00.html?imw=Y|title=Dismay Over Obama's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Turnabout|author=Mark Thompson|date=Jun. 09, 2009}}</ref><br /> <br /> On December 15, 2010, a bill was introduced in the [[House of Representatives]] to repeal the law - it passed a day later by a vote of 250-175;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll638.xml|title=FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 638|work=Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref> it passed the Senate three days later 65-31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281|work=The U.S. Senate|title=U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 111th Congress - 2nd Session|language=English}}</ref> Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 on December 22.<ref name="g dadt">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell|work=[[The Guardian]]|language=English|title='Don't ask, don't tell' repealed as Obama signs landmark law|date=22 December 2010}}</ref> The [[Pentagon]] itself could not immediately implement the repeal and questioned whether it would hurt combat readiness.<ref name="g dadt"/><br /> <br /> ====Labor law and compensation to 9/11 first responders====<br /> Obama's first act of office was to sign the [[Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009)|Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act]] - effectively nullifying the [[Supreme Court]] case ''Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'', which ruled that Ledbetter had to have filed a pay [[discrimination]] suit within 180 days of the first time Ledbetter was paid less than her male peers;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/politics/30ledbetter-web.html|work=The New York Times|language=English|title=Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation|author=Sheryl Gay Stolberg|date=January 29, 2009}}</ref> the law made corporations subject to suit within 180 days of each time the employee was unfairly paid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20090213.html?=features|work=FindLaw|author=Joanna L. Grossman|date=Feb. 13, 2009|language=English|title=The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009}}</ref><br /> <br /> On January 2, 2011, Obama signed the James Zadroga [[9/11]] Healthcare and Compensation Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/02/obama-signs-zadroga-act-law/|publisher=New York Public Radio|title=Obama Signs Zadroga Act into Law|author=Fred Mogul|date=January 2, 2011|work=wNYC|language=English}}</ref> The act, which afforded 9/11 first responders who were sickened by the dust from the collapse of the [[World Trade Center]] health care and compensation, passed [[Congress]] after its sponsors agreed to scale down the pricing from 7.4 to 4.2 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/22/zadroga-911-bill-passes-senate/|publisher=New York Public Radio|work=wNYC|language=English|title=Congress Approves 9/11 Health Bill|date=December 22, 2010}}</ref><br /> <br /> === Obama administration and the restriction of religious freedom for Christians ===<br /> [[File:Schlafly phyllis.jpg|thumbnail|right|140px|[[Phyllis Schlafly]]'s book ''No Higher Power: Obama’s War on Religious Freedom'' documents Obama's attack on religious freedom.<ref>[http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/obamas-attack-on-religious-freedom-its-worse-than-you-think Obama’s Attack on Religious Freedom: It’s Worse Than You Think], ''Crises Magazine''</ref>]]<br /> When first running for office Obama angered religious conservatives with his comment about working-class voters in old industrial towns. Obama said, "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."<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/14/barackobama.uselections2008 Obama angers midwest voters with guns and religion remark], The Guardian</ref><br /> <br /> The Obama administration has been widely criticized for his policies which encroach on religious freedom in areas such as: health care, freedom to dissent on matters relating to the [[homosexual agenda]], religious freedom in the military and religious freedom in other spheres of American life.<ref><br /> *[http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/obamas-attack-on-religious-freedom-its-worse-than-you-think Obama’s Attack on Religious Freedom: It’s Worse Than You Think], ''Crises Magazine''<br /> *[http://dailysignal.com/2016/01/21/obamas-hypocrisy-on-religious-freedom/ Obama’s Hypocrisy on Religious Freedom]<br /> *[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/15/us-military-losing-christians-because-of-hostile-c/?page=all U.S. military ‘hostile’ to Christians under Obama; morale, retention devastated], ''Washington Times''<br /> *[http://www1.cbn.com/beltwaybuzz/archive/2015/10/08/senator-seeks-answers-from-obama-on-religious-freedom Obama and Religious Freedom], ''CBN News''<br /> </ref><br /> <br /> In addition, the Obama administration has been criticized for promoting religious freedom for [[Islam|Muslims]] and restricting religious freedom for Christians.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2015/10/29/the-obama-administration-religious-freedoms-fro-american-muslims-not-american-christians-n2072727 The Obama Administration: Religious Freedoms for American Muslims, Not American Christians], Townhall</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Obama administration met with an atheist group ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and American politics]]<br /> <br /> The Obama administration became the first administration to met with an [[Atheism|atheist]] group. It met with the Secular Coalition for America which is a coalition which represents the [[American Atheists]], the American [[Secular Humanism|Humanist]] Association, and the Military Association of Atheists and [[Freethought|Freethinkers]].<br /> <br /> According to the ''USA Today'', the group met with the White House officials to "discuss problems that they believe are fueled by religion."<ref name="content.usatoday.com">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2010/02/atheists-meet-with-white-house-officials/1#.VypYTzEn_7Y Atheists meet with White House officials], USA Today</ref> Among the issues the group discussed were the issues of "military proselytizing" by [[evangelicalism|evangelical]] Christian members of the military and faith-based initiatives<ref name="content.usatoday.com"/><br /> <br /> ===Obama Administration and illegal immigration===<br /> The Obama Administration was weak on [[illegal immigration]]. It established the [[Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]] program (DACA)<ref>Munro, Neil (July 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/21/daca-seven-facts-obamas-amnesty-decree/ DACA: Seven Facts About Obama’s Amnesty Decree]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 21, 2017.</ref><ref>Nolte, John (September 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2017/09/05/14-things-msm-wont-tell-daca/ 14 Things the MSM Won’t Tell You About DACA]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Klein, Aaron (September 3, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/03/obama-administration-usurped-constitution-bypassed-congress-grant-de-dacto-amnesty-dreamers/ How the Obama Administration Bypassed Congress to Grant De Facto Amnesty to Young Illegal Aliens]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> in 2012, which gave protection and work permits (jobs which could have gone to American citizens) to illegal immigrants to came to the U.S. as children. In his 2013 memoir, liberal Democrat U.S. Representative [[Luis Gutiérrez]], an ally of Obama on immigration issues, stated that Obama did not believe that DACA was legally possible until he enacted it.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (September 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/05/luis-gutierrez-daca-2013-obama-said-illegal/ Luis Gutiérrez on DACA in 2013: Obama Said It Was Illegal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref> The Obama Administration was able to give green cards to 45,000 of those DACA illegals.<ref>Munro, Neil (September 1, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/01/daca-backdoor-granted-green-cards-45000-illegals/ 45,000 Illegals Using DACA Backdoor to Get Green Cards]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 1, 2017.</ref> Additionally, it was reported the administration let 2.2 million deportable illegal immigrants, including 400,000 with criminal convictions, remain on the streets.<ref>Price, Bob (April 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/04/22/report-ice-failures-under-obama-administration-leave-more-than-2-2-million-supervised-aliens-on-streets/ REPORT: ICE Failures Under Obama Administration Leave More Than 2.2 Million ‘Supervised’ Aliens on Streets]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> He nearly doubled the number of illegal immigrant juveniles with the EB-4 visa, which gave them legal status.<ref>Binder, John (May 30, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/30/obama-nearly-doubled-number-juvenile-illegal-aliens-given-amnesty-says-expert/ Obama Nearly Doubled Number of Juvenile Illegal Aliens Given Amnesty, Says Expert]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref> The Administration "administratively closed" up to 200,000 deportation cases, meaning those illegal immigrants were free to go where they wanted in the U.S.<ref>Bedard, Paul (August 28, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/200000-deportation-cases-quietly-closed-under-obama/article/2632724 200,000 deportation cases quietly 'closed' under Obama]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 28, 2017.</ref> The Obama Administration issued 140,000 U visas, which are given to illegal immigrants who testify against criminals in court and allow them to eventually gain citizenship, massively expanding the program.<ref>Munro, Neil (June 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/27/u-vsa-becomes-backdoor-amnesty-for-200000-plus/ Obama Backdoor Amnesty Provided ‘U visas’ For 140,000 Illegal Aliens]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 28, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> In 2015, President Obama signed an executive order that would have expanded protections from deportation to a total of about 5 million illegal immigrants. This order was blocked by a federal judge,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/17/federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-obama-immigration-executive-action.html Federal judge temporarily blocks Obama's immigration executive action]. ''Fox News''. February 17, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> upheld by an appeals court,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/09/appeals-court-rules-against-obama-immigration-plan.html Appeals court rules against Obama immigration plan]. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> and a split 4–4 Supreme Court ruling upheld the appeals court ruling.<ref>de Vogue, Ariane; Kopan, Tal (June 23, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/23/politics/immigration-supreme-court/ Deadlocked Supreme Court deals big blow to Obama immigration plan]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Under President Obama, [[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] released 564 convicted sex offender illegal immigrants, in many cases because various countries refused to accept them back.<ref>Price, Bob (May 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/22/obamas-ice-released-nearly-600-sex-offenders-countries-refused-deportation/ Obama’s ICE Released Nearly 600 Sex Offenders after Countries Refused Deportation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref> In May 2017, a whistleblower revealed that the Obama Administration knowingly let illegal immigrant [[MS-13]] gang members into the country.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/whistleblower-dhs-knowingly-let-ms-13-gang-members/ Obama admin knew gang members were part of illegal immigrant surge: Whistleblower]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref><ref>Saavedra, Ryan (May 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/24/obama-let-admitted-ms-13-members-whistleblower-says/ Obama Let in Admitted MS-13 Members, Whistleblower Says]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After assuming office in 2017, the [[Trump Administration]] made [[Donald Trump achievements|a large change in its policies]] towards illegal immigration compared to the Obama Administration.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/17/sessions-immigration-policies-mark-big-change-from-obama-policies.html Sessions' immigration policies mark big change from Obama policies]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.</ref> Secretary of Homeland Security [[John Kelly]] of the Trump Administration strongly criticized the Obama Administration for its failures regarding illegal immigration and national security.<ref>Munro, Neil (April 18, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/18/dhs-kelly-sacred-duty-protect-america/ DHS Kelly Slams Obama’s Policies, Proclaims ‘Sacred Duty’ To Protect America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Mora, Edwin (April 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/04/21/dhs-chief-obama-nothing-truly-secure-border/ DHS Chief: Obama Did ‘Nothing’ to ‘Truly’ Secure Border]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Foreign policy===<br /> [[File:Obama and the media.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Ben Rhodes]] is the Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, and Deputy National Security Advisor to [[Susan Rice]]. Rhodes is also the brother of David Rhodes, President of CBS News.]]<br /> Unlike Presidents [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Franklin Roosevelt]], Barack Obama has shown scant concern about the revival of [[slavery]] which took place on his watch shortly after his "apology tour", intended to diminish U.S. influence in the world.<ref>[http://womensenews.org/story/international-policyunited-nations/150527/un-sex-violence-envoy-focusing-syria-iraq UN Sex Violence Envoy: Focusing on Syria, Iraq]</ref><ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/06/barack-obamas-top-10-apologies-how-the-president-has-humiliated-a-superpower Barack Obama's Top 10 Apologies: How the President Has Humiliated a Superpower], Heritage Foundation</ref> Obama, who was raised a Muslim<ref>[http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2007/01/was_obama_blood.html Was Obama bloodied by madrassa story?]</ref><ref>[http://www.danielpipes.org/11952/obama-muslim-childhood Obama's Muslim Childhood]</ref> and is not a descendent of slaves, criticized Christians and the Crusades as reports of thousands of women and girls being captured, sold, and raped flooded in.<ref>[http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/579393/ISIS-Michelle-Obama-prostitute-justifies-raping-slave-girls-Koran ISIS calls Michelle Obama a PROSTITUTE and justifies raping slave girls with the KORAN]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-speech-at-prayer-breakfast-called-offensive-to-christians/2015/02/05/6a15a240-ad50-11e4-ad71-7b9eba0f87d6_story.html Critics pounce after Obama talks Crusades, slavery at prayer breakfast], Washington Post</ref><br /> <br /> The number of jihadis worldwide has grown by a factor of 4 or 5 at least, since Obama took the reins of power as Commander-in-Chief.<ref>The number of Islamic extremists susceptible to jihadist recruitment during the George W. Bush administration worldwide was estimated at 12,000; the Islamic State alone by 2015 had estimates of a standing army of jihadis as high as 70,000 to 200,000.</ref> Remarkably, the ''[[New York Times]]'' was critical of Obama's incessant boasting about the killing of [[Osama bin Laden|bin Laden]].<ref>Baker, Peter and Shear, Michael D. (April 27, 2012). [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/us/politics/critics-pounce-on-obamas-trumpeting-of-bin-laden-death.html?_r=0 "Obama trumpets killing of Bin Laden, and critics pounce"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See [[The New York Times]].</ref> With the complete disengagement of American troops from [[Iraq]] and the assassination of [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[Islamic State]] arose and recruitment of global [[jihad]]is multiplied exponentially. <br /> <br /> Obama entered his second term mocking and ridiculing the idea that Russia was America's prime geo-strategic competitor; by the closing days of his presidency, Obama was in a panic fanning the flames of a Third Red Scare. Vladimar Putin and Russia had thoroughly embarrassed Barack Obama on the world stage as Obama withdrew America from its traditional role of global leadership and reputiated the idea of [[American exceptionalism]]. Respect for America degenerated in the world as issues such as transexual bathrooms occupied more of Obama's time and attention then the 12 million homeless refugees Obama had driven from their homes in his failed "[[Arab Spring]]" policy. Having been thoroughly rebuked politically with the election of Donald Trump, as a [[lameduck]] Obama attempted to coverup [[DNC]] scandals uncovered by [[Wikileaks]] by scapegoating Vladimar Putin and fostering an atmosphere of paranoia about Russia, the future, and a Trump presidency.<br /> <br /> ====Commander-in-chief====<br /> As Senator, Obama was highly critical of President Bush and promised change. As President, Obama has tripled down in Afghanistan, widened the war into Pakistan, multiplied drone attacks, bombed Yemen and Somalia, and started an undeclared NATO war in Libya. On presidential war powers, surveillance questions, Guantanamo, detention policy and habeas corpus, Obama has similarly stayed the course, or expanded Bush's precedents. In a speech on May 19, 2011 Obama fully embraced the [[Bush Doctrine]] of preventative war.<ref>Krauthammer, C. (April 19). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-news-in-obamas-speech/2011/05/19/AF4dFN7G_story.html The News in Obama's Speech]. ''Washington Post''.</ref><br /> From the Boston Globe:<br /> <blockquote><br /> 'The New America Foundation, which tracks the strikes, has listed 23 raids since the beginning of April, 2011, all but one in Pakistan’s tribal regions of North and South Waziristan. A June 20 attack was reported in Kurram, an area north of North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border.'<br /> </blockquote><br /> <blockquote><br /> 'The drone program has become increasingly controversial as the Obama administration has expanded its use beyond the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Lethal missiles have been launched from unmanned aircraft in at least five countries in addition to Pakistan: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and, most recently, Somalia. The military’s Joint Special Operations Command used a drone last June to attack what officials said were two senior members of the Al Shabab militant group on the Somali coast.' <ref>DeYoung, K. (2011, July 4). [http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/07/04/cia_halts_drone_launches_from_pakistan_base/ CIA Halts Drone Launches From Pakistan Base]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]''.</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> A commentator says:<br /> <blockquote><br /> 'Obama is commendable when he says he wants to avoid war. His policies, however, favor war by destabilizing the Middle East making it extremely hostile and favoring radical Islam over America’s ally, Israel, and American interests in the region... The president has chosen a very dangerous path for every American and one that promises great difficulty for Israel.' <ref>[http://www.thejerusalemconnection.us/blog/2012/03/14/obamas-words-disguise-his-israel-foreign-policy-actions.html Obama's words disguise his Israel foreign policy actions.]</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> By Obama's third year as Commander-in-Chief, over 1200 American troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan - significantly more than the number who died during President [[George W. Bush]]'s term of office. And growing numbers of civilian contractors also have fallen. In the first half of 2010, 250 contractors reportedly died in Iraq and Afghanistan - more than the 235 military personnel who fell during the same period.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/24/114662/what-price-war.html#ixzz1Nz07pg5O</ref><br /> <br /> ====National Defense====<br /> President Obama signed into U.S. law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), only after his administration successfully lobbied to remove language from the bill that would have protected American citizens from being detained indefinitely without trial.<ref>Aaron Dykes. [http://www.infowars.com/president-obamas-ndaa-signing-statement-i-have-the-power-to-detain-americans-but-i-wont/ Obama’s Signing Statement on NDAA: I have the power to detain Americans… but I won’t], Infowars.com, January 1, 2012.</ref> After the legislation cleared Congress, the ACLU commented that if President Obama signed the bill it "will damage both his legacy and American’s reputation for upholding the rule of law," while executive director of the ''Human Rights Watch'' blasted the President for being ‘on the wrong side of history,’ noting that "Obama will go down in history as the president who enshrined indefinite detention without trial in US law."<ref>President Decides to Sign Ill-Conceived National Defense Authorization Act. [http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/12/14/us-refusal-veto-detainee-bill-historic-tragedy-rights US: Refusal to Veto Detainee Bill A Historic Tragedy for Rights], ''[[Human Rights Watch]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.aclu.org/national-security/white-house-backs-away-defense-bill-veto-threat White House Backs Away from Defense Bill Veto Threat], ''[[ACLU]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref> <br /> <br /> Section 1031 of the NDAA bill, which itself defines the entirety of the United States as a “battlefield,” allows American citizens to be snatched from the streets, carted off to a foreign detention camp and held indefinitely without trial. As reported by Infowars.com, the bill states that “any person who has committed a belligerent act” faces indefinite detention, but no trial or evidence has to be presented, the White House merely needs to make the accusation.<ref>Paul Joseph Watson. [http://www.infowars.com/obama-administration-demanded-power-to-indefinitely-detain-u-s-citizens/ Obama Administration Demanded Power To Indefinitely Detain U.S. Citizens], Infowars.com, December 12, 2011.</ref><ref>S.1867 [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c112:2:./temp/~c1122VN0Iv:e548990: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Engrossed in Senate &#91;Passed Senate&#93; - ES)], ''[[Library of Congress]]'' THOMAS, 112th Congress (2011-2011), Accessed January 25, 2012.</ref><ref>Text of S.1867 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s1867/text?version=es&nid=t0:es:281 Sec. 1031. Affirmation of authority of the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.], [[U.S. Congress]], ''OpenCongress.org'', (Accessed January 25, 2012).</ref><br /> <br /> ====Escalates Afghan occupation into a conflict====<br /> {{main article|Afghanistan War}}<br /> American deaths in [[Afghanistan]] more than doubled in Obama's first few years compared with the preceding eight years of George Bush <ref>Chesser, S.G. (2012, July 12). [http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R41084.pdf Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians - CRS Report for Congress]. Pg. 3. ''Congressional Research Service'''.</ref> as he increased troop strength for no discernible purpose and to "win" unstated objectives. Against his own Defense Secretary's advice, Obama [[Libyan uprising 2011|attacked Libya]] and forced regime change without Congressional authorization in violation of the post-Nixon era reform measure, the [[War Powers Act]]. <br /> <br /> After he took personal credit for killing [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[U.S. State Department]] warned of increased risk to the lives and safety of Americans.<ref>''KABC-TV/DT'' (2011, July 27). [http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8273909 Risk of anti-US violence up after Osama bin Laden's death]. On ''ABC7 News''.</ref> Bin Laden's successor, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]] confirmed the [[Benghazi Attack]] which took place on the anniversary of 9/11 and killed more Americans, was motivated by al-Qaeda's desire for revenge.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/libya-attack-jihadists/index.html Pro-al Qaeda group seen behind deadly Benghazi attack], By Nic Robertson, Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, CNN, September 13, 2012.</ref> Bin Laden's death, as Obama's advisers warned, freed up jihadis who swore an oath of allegiance to the 9/11 mastermind to swear allegiance to rival and competing factions. The competing factions advocated the immediate establishment of the Islamic State, rather than after the overthrow of the Saudi monarchy and retaking of Mecca. As was well known, bin Laden always held a controversial and minority position among jihadis on the strategy for global jihad by attacking the United States first. Bin Laden's killing, intended as an election year gimmick, brought Obama no improvement in approval ratings and spawned unprecedented growth in global terror and jihadi recruiting.<br /> <br /> Obama needlessly escalated troop strength<ref name="pbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/themes/strategy.html#ixzz1LhWNImZp|title=Obama's New Strategy (March '09)|author=George Packer, Seth Jones, David Kilcullen, Rory Stewart, Andrew Exum, Col. Andrew Bacevich (Ret.)|work=[[PBS]]|language=English}}</ref> and defense costs in Afghanistan from $43.5 billion in George Bush's last year to $113.7 billion for 2011.<ref>Congressional Research Service, quoted in Gregory Anthony, ''What price war?''</ref> Adviser to General [[Stanley McChrystal]] David Kilcullen wrote, "One of the big strategic shifts is the use of language now which talks about Pakistan and Afghanistan as the same theater. Now we talked about Af-Pak long before the Obama administration came about, but the public use of that term, and the description of it as the Afghanistan-Pakistan campaign, sends a new message to people about how the administration is going to think about Afghanistan and Pakistan."<ref name="pbs"/><br /> <br /> ====2011 Libyan uprising====<br /> [[File:Mass beheading of Christians in Libya.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Libya was an ally of the US against the jihadis until Obama armed the jihadis to overthrew the government. One of their first acts was the mass beheading of Christians.]]<br /> {{main article|Libyan uprising 2011}}<br /> In February 2011, the political unrest that spread through the Arab world showed up as protests in Libya. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, leader of Libya for 41 years, responded to the violence<ref>[http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28376.htm There Was No Libyan Peaceful Protest, Just Murderous Gangs and Nic Robertson]</ref> with legitimate steps.<ref name="nyt libya">{{cite web|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/libya/index.html|work=The New York Times|publisher=The New York Times Inc.|language=English|title=Libya — Protests and Revolt (2011)}}</ref> The [[United Nations Security Council]] voted to impose [[sanctions]], and later passed a resolution to protect civilians. Obama, without approval from Congress and over the objections of his own National Security staff,<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gates-libyan-no-fly-zone-means-attacking-libya/ Gates: Libyan no-fly zone means attacking Libya], CBS News</ref> directed American forces to take out Libya's air defense system.<ref name="nyt libya"/> Secretary of Defence [[Robert Gates]], National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, and [[White House]] counterterrorism chief [[John O. Brennan]] all opposed the action. Obama later said, "if we waited one more day Benghazi, a city nearly the size of Charlotte, could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world."<ref>{{cite web|author=Barack Obama|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134935452/obamas-speech-on-libya-a-responsibility-to-act|title=Obama's Speech On Libya: 'A Responsibility To Act'|date=March 28, 2011|publisher=National Public Radio ([[NPR]])|language=English}}</ref> [[Alan J. Kuperman]], in an editorial for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'', suggested this statement was false, writing, "intervention did not prevent genocide, because no such bloodbath was in the offing. To the contrary, by emboldening rebellion, US interference has prolonged Libya’s civil war and the resultant suffering of innocents."<ref name="kuperman">{{cite web|author=Alan J. Kuperman|work=The Boston Globe|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-14/bostonglobe/29418371_1_rebel-stronghold-civilians-rebel-positions|title=False pretense for war in Libya?|date=April 14, 2011}}</ref> Kuperman, a professor of public affairs at the [[University of Texas]] who authored a book called ''The Limits of Humanitarian Intervention'', further stated that the rebels had tricked the world into thinking a bloodbath was at hand and that Obama had lied to the American people in order to act on this theory.<ref name="kuperman"/><br /> <blockquote><br /> Gaddafi [never] threaten[ed] civilian massacre in Benghazi, as Obama alleged. The “no mercy’’ warning, of March 17, targeted rebels only, as reported by ''The New York Times'', which noted that Libya’s leader promised amnesty for those “who throw their weapons away.’’ Gaddafi even offered the rebels an escape route and open border to Egypt, to avoid a fight “to the bitter end.’’ <ref>[http://politicalcartel.org/2011/04/17/libya-and-the-obama-doctrine/ Libya and the “Obama Doctrine”.]</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> Gaddafi wrote to Obama and told him he bore no ill will. "We have been hurt more morally than physically because of what had happened against us in both deeds and words by you," he wrote. "Despite all this you will always remain our son whatever happened. We still pray that you continue to be president of the USA. We endeavour and hope that you will gain victory in the new election campaign."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/gaddafi-obama-nato-libya?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 Gaddafi begs Obama to halt 'unjust war' ], [[The Guardian ]]</ref><br /> <br /> =====Aid to terrorists=====<br /> A March 29, 2011 article in the ''[[Washington Post]]'' included these paragraphs:<br /> {{Cquote|"It’s almost a certitude that at least part” of the Libyan opposition includes members of al-Qaeda, said Bruce Riedel, a former senior CIA analyst and adviser to President Obama. Riedel said that anti-Gaddafi elements in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi have had “very close associations with al-Qaeda” dating back years....I would hope that we now have a good sense of the opposition in Libya and can say that this is 2 percent, not 20 percent,” Riedel said. “If we don’t, then we are running the risk of helping to bring to power a regime that could be very dangerous.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/libyan-opposition-includes-a-small-number-of-al-qaeda-fighters-us-officials-say/2011/03/29/AFRlXWyB_story.html Libyan opposition includes a small number of al-Qaeda fighters, U.S. officials say], Washington Post</ref>}}<br /> <br /> This set off a fierce debate in the [[Obama administration]] over the wisdom of arming terrorists.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/world/africa/30diplo.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss Washington in Fierce Debate on Arming Libyan Rebels], The New York Times</ref> It is now known sometime prior to March 31, 2011,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/africa/31intel.html?_r=2&hp C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels], The New York Times</ref> at the urging of Hillary Clinton<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19policy.html?_r=3&hp& Obama Takes Hard Line With Libya After Shift by Clinton], The New York Times</ref> and over the objections of his National Security Council, Obama signed a Presidential Finding authorizing support for the rebel jihadis.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-libya-usa-order-idUSTRE72T6H220110330 Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret help for Libya rebels], [[Reuters]]</ref><br /> <br /> By October 2011, [[Libyan rebel fighting group]]s with support from [[NATO]] overtook the capital and toppled the government. Gaddafi was captured and brutally and sadistically murdered.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPzeLLL9V-c Leading from behind - a critique of Obama foreign policy]</ref> The jihadis were immediately recognized by the U.S. and the U.N. as the new legitimate government. Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, announced [[Sharia]] will be the source for all legislation and all laws conflicting with Sharia are null and void.<ref name="Sharia">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8861608/Libya-Al-Qaeda-flag-flown-above-Benghazi-courthouse.html Libya: Al Qaeda flag flown above Benghazi courthouse] - [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref> Abdel Rahim al-Kib, the country's interim prime minister, echoed Jalil's words days later.<ref>[http://www.presstv.ir/detail/207953.html New Libyan PM backs Islamic sharia law]</ref> The al Qaeda flag was flown above the Benghazi courthouse, and reports surfaced that the Libyan jihadis had imposed Sharia law in some parts of the country even earlier.<ref name="Sharia" /> By February 17, 2013, four foreign nationals were arrested for distributing Christian literature, a charge that could carry the death penalty.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/17/libya-arrests-suspected-foreign-missionaries Libya arrests foreign 'missionaries' Four foreign nationals accused of distributing Christian literature] a charge that could carry the death penalty, Chris Stephen [[The Guardian]], Sunday 17 February 2013.</ref><br /> <br /> =====Terrorist attack on American soil=====<br /> :{{main|Benghazi Attack}}<br /> With several U.S. embassies besieged on the anniversary of the [[September 11 attacks]], White House Press Secretary [[Jay Carney]] declared there was no reason to believe the attack on the sovereign territory of the United States consulate in Benghazi, less than two months before the [[2012 Presidential election]] which killed Americans, was a terrorist attack.<br /> {{Cquote|The unrest that we’ve seen around the region has been in reaction to a video that Muslims, many Muslims, find offensive.}}<br /> This became the official White House line. Between laughs with [[Jon Stewart]] on [[Comedy Central]], Obama said the death of Americans was "not optimal".<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/10/18/Obama-Benghazi-murders-not-optimal Interview with Jon Stewart of the ''Daily Show''], Breitbart.com</ref> When pressed by reporters, who pointed out evidence that the violence in Benghazi was a terrorist attack, Press Secretary Carney argued “the unrest around the region has been in response to this video.”<br /> <br /> Leading suspected jihadis in the murders and terrorist attack were the local Benghazi branch of Ansar al-Shariah, known to have ties to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023114113/http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2012/10/19/when-an-obama-adviser-called-benghazi-an-al-qaeda-hotbed/?cxntfid=blogs_political_insider_jim_galloway When an Obama adviser called Benghazi an al-Qaeda hotbed]</ref> A commander of the terrorist group boasted jovially about the attack over drinks with reporters for the ''New York Times'' in Benghazi.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/world/africa/election-year-stakes-overshadow-nuances-of-benghazi-investigation.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world Election-Year Stakes Overshadow Nuances of Libya Investigation], The New York Times</ref><ref>[http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/10/frappe-libya-attack/ Frappe-Sipping Libyan Militant Laughs at U.S. Manhunt for Benghazi Killers], [[Wired (magazine)]]</ref><br /> <br /> =====[[Al Qaeda in the Maghreb]]=====<br /> Two more Americans were killed, along with 35 others, after being taken hostage by rebel jihadists in Mali shortly after the Libyan upheaval.<ref>[http://world.time.com/2013/01/21/algeria-37-foreigner-hostages-killed-in-attack/ Algeria: 37 Foreigner Hostages Killed in Attack], Associated Press, Jan. 21, 2013. ''[[Time Magazine]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the wake of the Benghazi murders under her stewardship, that weapons and fighters equipped by the Obama administration made their way to [[Mali]] and [[Algeria]]:<br /> {{cquote|There is no doubt that the Algerian terrorists had weapons from Libya. There is no doubt that the Malian remnants of AQIM [Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] have weapons from Libya.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-says-militants-used-weapons-libya-algeria-attack-154222664.html Clinton says militants used weapons from Libya in Algeria attack] [[Reuters]], Jan 23, 2013.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ====Syria and Obama's "red line"====<br /> In 2012, during the [[Syrian Civil War]], President Obama stated that if the Syrian dictator, President [[Bashar al-Assad]] used [[chemical weapon]]s against Syrians, that would be unacceptable and cross a red line. However, after it was confirmed that Assad did use weapons against his people, Obama did practically nothing. He went to Congress to authorize a military strike, but this request was rejected (he had the ability to order a military strike without Congress's approval). Later, the Obama Administration (particularly [[Susan Rice]])<ref name="RiceTakesHeat">Chakraborty, Barnini (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/07/susan-rice-obama-colleagues-take-heat-for-past-claims-on-syria-chemical-weapons-purge.html Susan Rice, Obama colleagues take heat for past claims on Syria chemical weapons purge]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> and the mainstream media<ref>Nash, Charlie (April 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/04/07/politifact-pulls-2014-mostly-true-rating-of-john-kerrys-claim-of-eliminating-syrian-chemical-weapons/ PolitiFact Pulls 2014 ‘Mostly True’ Rating of John Kerry’s Claim of Eliminating Syrian Chemical Weapons]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> claimed they had worked with Syria to remove its chemical weapons. In April 2017, Syria again used chemical weapons against its people, proving their claim wrong.<ref name="RiceTakesHeat"/> The new president, [[Donald Trump]], unlike Obama, quickly ordered a large airstrike against a Syrian airbase.<ref>Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/us-missiles-target-syria-airfield-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack.html US missiles target Syria airfield in response to chemical weapons attack]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Mexico====<br /> [[File:Eric Holder.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Eric Holder]] resigned as Attorney General in light of Fast & Furious<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/10/fast_and_furious_in_a_rotten_nutshell.html#ixzz27iRBCN28 Fast and Furious in a Rotten Nutshell], Ronald Kolb, ''[[American Thinker]]'', October 7, 2011,</ref> and other scandals.]]<br /> :''Main article:'' '''[[Operation Fast and Furious]]'''<br /> :{| class="wikitable"<br /> |-<br /> ! Year !! Mexican drug related gun murders skyrocket <br>during Obama's Fast and Furious campaign<ref>http://www.telesurtv.net/english/multimedia/Timeline-Mexicos-Failed-War-on-Drugs-Deaths-and-Disappearances-20150324-0033.html</ref><br /> |-<br /> | 2006 || 62 <br /> |-<br /> | 2007 || 2,837<br /> |-<br /> | 2008 || 6,844<br /> |-<br /> | 2009 || 11,753 <br /> |-<br /> | 2010 || 19,546<br /> |-<br /> | 2011 || 24,068<br /> |-<br /> | 2012 || 18,061 (by October 31, 2012)<br /> |-<br /> | 2013 || 23,640 killed in 2013 (through to March 2014)<br /> |}<br /> Before Obama's Fast and Furious operation was exposed, the number of dead victims in drug cartel violence has been estimated as high as 160,000 deaths.<br /> <br /> The ''Washington Post'' reported that White House officials stopped a requirement for gun dealers to report bulk sales of high-powered semiautomatic rifles commonly used by illegal drug cartels. [[Justice Department]] officials had asked for White House approval to require thousands of gun dealers along the border to report the purchases to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives. ATF investigators expected to get leads on suspected arms traffickers. Senior law enforcement sources said the proposal from the ATF was held up by then White House chief of staff [[Rahm Emanuel]].<ref>Horwitz, S. & Grimaldi, J.V. (2010, December 17). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/17/AR2010121706598.html White House Delayed Rule Meant to Stop Gun Flow to Mexico]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Gun dealers had been required for decades to report the sales of multiple handguns to the ATF.<br /> <br /> ====Cuba====<br /> During his presidency, Obama instituted a major détente with the oppressive Communist dictatorship of [[Cuba]], despite its failed leftist governance and human rights violations.<ref>[http://www.wsj.com/articles/obamas-cuban-detente-1418862551 Obama’s Cuban Detente]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. December 17, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>Spetalnick, Matt; Gardner, Timothy (December 13, 2016). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cuba-whitehouse-idUSKBN1422U6 Obama to press Trump to preserve Cuba detente: White House]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> In August 2015, the U.S. and Cuba reopened each other's embassies.<ref>Frumin, Aliyah (July 1, 2015). [http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/obama-announces-historic-deal-cuba Obama announces historic deal with Cuba]. ''MSNBC''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/08/14/kerry-in-havana-for-reopening-us-embassy-tough-negotiations-ahead.html Kerry marks opening of US Embassy in Havana, critics rip 'diplomacy for show']. ''Fox News''. August 14, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> In September 2016, Obama nominated the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in 55 years.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/27/obama-nominates-first-us-ambassador-to-cuba-in-more-than-45-years.html Obama nominates first US ambassador to Cuba in more than 55 years]. ''Fox News''. September 27, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.</ref> Obama did everything in his power to normalize relations with the failed dictatorship, but the U.S. embargo against Cuba remained in place due to opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress.<ref>Spetalnick, Matt; Marsh, Sarah (October 14, 2016). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa-idUSKBN12E1H3 Obama eases restrictions on Cuba, lifts limits on rum and cigars]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite Obama's support for mass immigration and amnesty for those who immigrated illegally, he ended the "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allowed Cuban refugees to legally stay in the U.S.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/12/obama-reportedly-to-scrap-wet-foot-dry-foot-policy-for-cuban-refugees.html Obama announces end to 'wet foot, dry foot' policy for Cuban refugees]. ''Fox News''. January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Guantanamo Bay====<br /> {{main article|Guantanamo Bay}}<br /> One of Obama's campaign promises was that he would close the American detention center at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - detainees would be flown to other countries while the ones awaiting trial would enter the American court system. Two days after taking office he signed an order directing the military to do so.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/04/25/obama_guantanamo_rhetoric|work=Salon|title=The Obama/Gitmo timeline|author=Natasha Lennard|language=English}}</ref> But, in November 2009 Obama admitted that his self-imposed deadline of January 2010 would be missed, and in March 2011 the president went back on his campaign promise, signing an executive order to create a formal system of indefinite detention for the prisoners.<ref name="salon"/><br /> <br /> Obama ultimately failed to close Guantanamo Bay, although he continually attempted to reduce the number of detained terrorists held at the base, even in the last days of his presidency.<ref>Saxena, V. (January 6, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/obama-to-release-18-hardened-gitmo-terrorists-before-leaving-office/ Obama To Release 18 Hardened Gitmo Terrorists Before Leaving Office]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>Ryan, Missy; Tate, Julie (December 28, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/with-final-detainee-transfer-obamas-guantanamo-policy-takes-its-last-breath/2016/12/28/dfdf8cb2-cd0f-11e6-a747-d03044780a02_story.html?utm_term=.62bebcb1f672 With final detainee transfer, Obama’s Guantanamo policy takes its last breath]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Russia====<br /> Obama criticized president of [[Russia]], [[Vladimir Putin]] for carrying out a referendum for the seizure of [[Crimea]] to Russia.<ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-calls-rethinking-crimea-vote Obama calls for a 'rethinking' on Crimea vote]. [[Cybercast News Service]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====Anti-Israel policies====<br /> Obama has had very poor relations with the conservative [[Israel]]I Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]. During the very tight and closely-watched 2015 elections, the Obama Administration attempted to influence the election—in order to elect a leftist government in the nation and defeat Netanyahu—by financing a liberal Israeli political organization.<ref>Klein, Aaron (July 13, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/07/13/israeli-lawmakers-fume-obama-administration-intervention-defeat-netanyahu/ Israeli Lawmakers Fume Over Obama Administration ‘Intervention’ to Defeat Netanyahu]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Netanyahu decisively won the election, despite opposition from left-wing world leaders such as Obama.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ Netanyahu scores crushing victory in Israeli elections]. ''The Times of Israel''. March 18, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> On December 23, 2016, Obama broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true anti-Israel stance.<ref name="StrikeAgain"/><ref name="FedUpDrastic"/> On December 28, 2016, just a few weeks before the [[Trump Administration]] was to take office and a few days after the anti-[[Israel]] resolution was adopted, Kerry gave a major 72-minute<ref>Hanchett, Ian (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/nbcs-neely-kerry-speech-firing-a-flare-across-israel-he-wanted-to-give-it-for-some-time-but-wh-blocked-it/ NBC’s Neely: Kerry Speech ‘Firing a Flare’ ‘Across Israel’ He Wanted To Give It ‘For Some Time’ But WH Blocked It]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> speech viciously attacking Israel and paying worthless lip-service to American "support" for the nation.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/12/28/kerry-on-israel-peace-un-resolution/ Kerry Attacks Israeli Government, Defends UN Resolution]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] responded harshly but appropriately to the Administration's blatant betrayal.<ref>Key, Pam (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/netanyahu-i-must-express-my-deep-disappointment-with-john-kerry-israelis-do-not-need-to-be-lectured/ Netanyahu: ‘I Must Express My Deep Disappointment’ With Kerry — ‘Israelis Do Not Need To Be Lectured’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite these actions, the U.S. House passed a motion on January 5, 2017 condemning Obama's allowing of the UN resolution.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/05/house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-condemn-un-resolution-on-israel-settlements.html House overwhelmingly votes to condemn UN resolution on Israel settlements]. ''Fox News''. January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Cortellessa, Eric (January 6, 2017). [http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-passes-repudiation-of-un-security-council-resolution-on-israel/ US House passes motion repudiating UN resolution on Israel]. ''The Times of Israel''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Republican President-elect [[Donald Trump]] voiced strong support for Israel during this time.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 23, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/23/trump-hints-defunding-un-anti-israel-vote/ Trump on UN Anti-Israel Vote: ‘Things Will Be Different After Jan. 20’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 29, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/29/trump-im-very-very-strong-on-israel/ Trump: ‘I’m Very, Very Strong on Israel’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Soon before leaving office, Obama bypassed Congress and gave the [[State of Palestine]] $221 million.<ref name="221MLastHours">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/24/us-quietly-sent-221m-to-palestinians-in-obamas-last-hours.html US quietly sent $221M to Palestinians in Obama's last hours]. ''Fox News''. January 24, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Opposition to U.S. sovereignty====<br /> Preferring international cooperation and equality (despite the U.S.'s obviously superior geopolitical position) to American sovereignty and independence, Obama intentionally reduced American power and strength during his presidency. One of his actions as president was to give up the nation's control of [[Domain name|internet domain name system]] and transfer control over to an international organization in 2016.<ref>Solomon, Howard (October 3, 2016). [http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/new-era-in-internet-governance-starts-as-us-cedes-control-of-domain-name-system/386903 New era in Internet governance starts as US cedes control of domain name system]. ''IT World Canada''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref><ref>Lieberman, Eric (September 24, 2016). [http://dailycaller.com/2016/09/24/obama-admin-wants-to-surrender-us-control-over-internet-to-global-bureaucracy/ Obama Admin Wants To Surrender US Control Over Internet To Global Bureaucracy]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Congressional relations===<br /> Obama has maintained tense relations with Congress throughout his term as President. Each of his budgets have been voted down, and many of his judicial appointments have not come to a vote. When Supreme Court Justice [[Antonin Scalia]] died on February 13, 2016, Obama made a point of addressing the nation to say that he would nominate a replacement, which drew criticism and rebuke from Republican Senators and Presidential candidates. Obama executive action in areas such as immigration policy have drawn extensive criticism as infringing upon Congressional legislative powers.<br /> <br /> ===Pardons and commutations===<br /> According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, President Obama issued 1,928 grants of clemency, with 1,716 being commutations, more than any other U.S. president.<ref>Bedard, Paul (September 5, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-broke-the-record-for-commuting-jail-sentences-1716/article/2633400 Obama broke the record for commuting jail sentences, 1,716]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2016 Presidential election===<br /> By custom, President Obama stayed neutral during the primaries, eventhough his close friend and Vice President [[Joe Biden]] was seriously considering a Presidential campaign.<br /> <br /> Once Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination, Obama campaigned for her and also attended fundraisers. Obama publicly criticized the Republican candidate, [[Donald Trump]] who had previously spent years claiming that Obama was not born in the United States.<br /> <br /> On March 4, 2017, after becoming President, Trump tweeted:<br /> <blockquote>How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!<ref>https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump</ref></blockquote><br /> and<br /> <blockquote>Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!</blockquote><br /> <br /> Members of the mainstream media called this wiretapping claim an "astonishing and reckless accusation".<ref name=wiretap>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trump-experiment-may-come-to-an-early-tipping-point/2017/03/05/87d38b3a-0055-11e7-99b4-9e613afeb09f_story.html?utm_term=.edb071c61986|title=The Trump Experiment may come to an early tipping point|first=EJ|last=Dionne Jr.|work=Washington Post|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 5, 2017}}</ref> Obama and his director of national intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. as well as the head of the FBI have denied that this happened.<ref name=wiretap/> In turn, Trump has called for a Congressional investigation of the alleged wiretapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/05/statement-press-secretary|title=Statement from the Press Secretary|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref><br /> <br /> ===Last days and transition===<br /> In a stunning repudiation of Obama's policies, Republican businessman [[Donald Trump]] was elected over Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]]. In a frantic attempt to leave some sort of legacy, Obama issued a very large amount of far-Left executive orders and regulations which revealed his true political views if any doubt remained.<ref name="ActionsSpree">Lucas, Fred (December 26, 2016). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/26/spree-obama-actions-revives-gop-concerns-over-midnight-regs-agenda.html?refresh=true Spree of Obama actions revives GOP concerns over ‘midnight’ regs, agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> These orders included blocking large areas of the [[Arctic Ocean|Arctic]] and [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] oceans from oil and gas drilling, effectively barring the U.S. from real [[Energy Independence|energy independence]]; breaking the record of pardons and commutations in a single day for criminals (many of them were sentenced for drug-related crimes), showing his soft stance on crime and drugs; ending the defunct NSEERS program to register male immigrants from North Korea and [[Islam]]ic countries (the necessary, beneficial, and useful program was suspended by the Obama Administration in 2011<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/22/obama-ditches-registry-focused-on-immigrant-men-from-muslim-countries.html Obama ditches registry focused on immigrant men from Muslim countries]. ''Fox News''. December 22, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2017.</ref>); attempting to transfer even more terrorists out of [[Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp|Guantanamo Bay]]; allowing an anti-[[Israel]] resolution pass in the [[United Nations]]; enacting a record amount of unnecessary, useless, and job-killing regulations; and even more.<ref name="ActionsSpree"/> Obama added 120,000 illegal immigrants to the DACA program in the last three months of his presidency.<ref>Binder, John (May 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/16/obama-stamped-120k-dreamers-trump-takeover/ Obama Stamped 120K DREAMers Before Trump Takeover]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref> Obama made these actions knowing that Trump, who had almost completely opposite political views on these issues, was going to enter the [[White House]] in such short a time.<br /> <br /> Although all of Obama's actions were worrisome, his actions in regards to Israel were particularly noteworthy. He broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true stance concerning Israel.<ref name="StrikeAgain">[https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-fears-obama-will-strike/ Israel fears Obama will strike again]. ''World Israel News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><ref name="FedUpDrastic">Berkowitz, Adam Eliyahu (December 26, 2016). [https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/80855/fed-up-with-obamas-trickery-netanyahu-takes-drastic-actions/#VbVlRMtkx4zLRc3f.97 Fed Up With United States Trickery, Netanyahu Takes Drastic Actions]. ''Breaking Israel News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> Soon before leaving office, Obama bypassed Congress and gave the [[State of Palestine]] $221 million.<ref name="221MLastHours"/><br /> <br /> Obama continued to believe that he could have successfully "won" a third term as president had he been able to run.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/26/obama-could-have-won-third-term.html?refresh=true Obama: I could have won third term]. ''Fox News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> Regardless of the factuality of that claim, Democrats lost 1,042 seats—including U.S. House, Senate, state governorship, and state legislative seats—during his eight years in office.<ref name="1,000Seats">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/27/democrats-lost-over-1000-seats-under-obama.html?refresh=true Democrats lost over 1,000 seats under Obama]. ''Fox News''. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.</ref> Obama also believed that "the Democratic Party has stayed pretty grounded in fact and reality" despite its negative policies that suggest otherwise.<ref>Lawler, David (December 26, 2016). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/26/barack-obama-says-democrats-will-not-disintegrate-like-labour/ Barack Obama says Democrats will not 'disintegrate' like Labour under Jeremy Corbyn]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama made Trump's transition much harder and rockier than it could have been by his leftist executive orders, decisions, and comments during the transition period.<ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/28/donald-trump-responds-to-president-obamas-many-inflammatory-statements/ Donald Trump Responds to President Obama’s ‘Many Inflammatory’ Statements]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Scott, Eugine (December 28, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/politics/trump-obama-statements-not-smooth-transition/ Trump: 'NOT' a smooth transition after Obama 'roadblocks']. ''CNN''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service from [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Ash Carter]], an Obama appointee in the same administration.<ref>Huston, Warner Todd (January 4, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/04/president-obama-awards-himself-distinguished-public-service-medal/ President Obama Awards Himself Distinguished Public Service Medal]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref> Although the award was created in 1947, the only other presidents to have received the medal (all during their tenure) are [[Bill Clinton]], a left-wing Democrat, and [[George W. Bush]], who holds [[RINO]] positions on certain issues.<br /> <br /> In an interview, Obama claimed that "we are probably the first administration in modern history that hasn't had a major scandal in the White House,"<ref>[http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/01/13/president-obama-60-minutes-no-white-house-scandals-during-my-administration Obama: I'm the 1st Modern President Without a Major Scandal]. ''Fox News Insider''. January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 16 2017.</ref> and Obama's Chief of Staff [[Denis McDonough]] claimed likewise,<ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (January 15, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/314396-obama-chief-of-staff-most-proud-we-are-scandal-free Chief of staff: Obama administration 'historically free of scandal']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref> despite the strong and massive evidence to the contrary.<ref>Dickens, Geoffrey (January 16, 2017). [https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/geoffrey-dickens/2017/01/16/ The Seven Most Undercovered Obama Scandals]. ''[[NewsBusters]]''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref><ref>Hemingway, Mark (January 9, 2017). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-obama-era-had-scandals-aplenty/article/2006197 The Obama Era Had Scandals Aplenty]. ''[[Weekly Standard]]''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Massive increase in regulations in 2016====<br /> In addition to his other actions in 2016, Obama massively increased the number of federal regulations during his last days in office.<ref>Harper, Jennifer (May 30, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/30/inside-the-beltway-obamas-unprecedented-surge-of-r/ Inside the Beltway: Obama’s unprecedented ‘surge’ of regulations]. '' The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Lawler, Joseph (May 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/new-rules-surged-in-obamas-last-year-to-3853-most-pages-in-federal-register-ever/article/2624503 New rules surged in Obama's last year to 3,853, most pages in Federal Register ever]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref> More regulations were finalized in every year since 2005, and they cost the economy $2 trillion.<ref>Sherfinski, David (May 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/31/obamas-regulations-in-2016-to-drain-economy-by-2-t/ Obama’s regulations in 2016 to drain economy by $2 trillion]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2012 Presidential campaign==<br /> :''Main article: [[Presidential Election 2012]]''<br /> During his campaigns Obama said that he intended to "[[Redistribution of wealth|spread the wealth around]]" and was portrayed as saying that entrepreneurs and employers deserve no credit for building their businesses.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Zuckerman, Mortimer B. (July 16, 2010). [http://www.usnews.com/opinion/mzuckerman/articles/2010/07/16/obamas-anti-business-policies-are-our-economic-katrina "Obama's anti-business policies are our economic Katrina"]. ''U.S. News and World Report'' website.<br /> *Barnes, Fred (July 22, 2009). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/619dvjlm.asp "An anti-business president"]. ''The Weekly Standard''. Vol. 14, No. 38. Retrieved at the The Weekly Standard website. See [[The Weekly Standard]].<br /> *Shedlock, Mike (August 20, 2010). [http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-businesses-are-not-hiring-why.html "Small businesses are not hiring—Why should they?"] Blogspot website/Mish's global economic trend analysis.<br /> *Wright, C. Edmund (February 12, 2012). [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/dear_mr_president_why_we_are_n.html "Dear Mr. President: Why we are not hiring"]. American Thinker website. See [[American Thinker]].</ref> On March 1, 2013 Obama issued [[Executive Order|executive orders]] to implement his [[Budget sequester|sequester]] of budget cuts which<ref>Bedard, Paul (February 27, 2013). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/dnc-boosts-obama-job-cut-threat-of-750000-to-2-million/article/2522664?custom_click=rss "Sequester hype: DNC adds 1.25 million job cuts to Obama's 750,000"]. ''Washington Examiner'' website. Article located by Weasel Zippers website.</ref> has been widely criticized for destroying jobs in what was an anemic and fragile recovery.<ref>Foys, Bob (February 26, 2013). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-26/news/chi-20130226-foys_briefs_1_sequester-president-obama-press-secretary-jay-carney "President Obama's sequester"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See [[Chicago Tribune]].</ref><br /> <br /> Warren L. Dean Jr., an adjunct professor of law at [[Georgetown University]] Law Center, wrote:<br /> *{{obama income inequality}}<br /> <br /> According to a [[NBC News]] poll, from August 2014, Obama's approval rating was a dismal 40%,<ref>Murray, Mark (August 5, 2014). [http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/poll-americans-dissatisfied-economy "Poll: Obama’s approval rating hits all-time low"]. MSNBC website. See [[MSNBC]]</ref> showing that six in ten Americans disapproved of his [[liberal]] policies. Given that liberals frequently engage in [[Liberal lies|deceit]], the actual approval ratings could be much lower. When Obama left office, the same pollsters who prognosticated a blowout win for Hillary Clinton maintained Obama's approval rating was above 50%.<br /> ===2011: Birth certificate controversies===<br /> : ''Main article: [[Barack Obama Controversies#Birth Certificate]]''<br /> On April 27, 2011,<ref>CNN Political Unit (2011, April 27). "[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate/ White House Releases Obama Birth Certificate]." ''CNN''.</ref> a long-running controversy surrounding Obama's birth was largely put to rest<ref>Winter, J. (2011, April 29). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/29/expert-says-obamas-birth-certificate-legit/ Expert: No Doubt Obama's Birth Certificate is Legit]." ''[[Fox News]]''.<br>Tuchman, G. (2011, April 25). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-25/politics/birthers.obama.hawaii_1_birther-controversy-obama-opinion-research-corporation?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Birther Claims Have No Merit]." ''CNN''.<br>(2011, April 27). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42779923/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-releases-detailed-us-birth-certificate/ Obama Releases Detailed U.S. Birth Certificate]." ''MSNBC''.</ref> when Obama had his long-form birth certificate posted at WhiteHouse.gov.<ref>"[http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/birth-certificate-long-form.pdf Certificate of Live Birth]." State of Hawaii. Retrieved from ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> [[Donald Trump]], who had been critical of Obama for allowing the divisiveness to linger was then leading Republicans in polls for the upcoming GOP primary<ref>James, F. (2011, April 15). "[http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/04/15/135446314/poll-donald-trump-birther-darling-leads-gop-field-at-26 Donald Trump, Birther In Chief? Poll Has Him Leading GOP Field with 26 Percent]." ''NPR''.</ref> and has been credited with bringing final resolution to the issue. The birth certificates of Michelle Robinson, which would disclosure her birth-sex, and the two children which would clarify their birth parentage however, remain undisclosed.<br /> <br /> The following is a synopsis of previous events leading up to the release:<br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton top advisor [[Sidney Blumenthal]], and his son, Max Blumenthal, were the origin of the rumors in 2008 that Barack Hussein Obama was a Muslim in order to stir up fear among white Democrats and women, intended for Hillary's benefit.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-great-islamophobic-crusade/ The Great Islamophobic Crusade], CBSNEWS, December 19, 2010. cbsnews.com</ref> McClatchy Washington Bureau Chief James Asher relayed, "Mr. Blumenthal and I met together in my office and he strongly urged me to investigate the exact place of President Obama’s birth, which he suggested was in Kenya."<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article102354777.html</ref> Snope's has identified a claim that a 1991 promotional booklet by Barack Obama's then-literary agency, Acton & Dystel, touted Obama as "born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii" as being true.<ref>http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/booklet.asp</ref><br /> <br /> [[Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign]] team then began spreading [[Islamophobic]] rumors that Obama was a [[Muslim]] schooled in a ''madrassa'' as a child in Indonesia.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/sep/05/bill-clinton-barack-obama-bromance-long-slow-making Bill Clinton and Barack Obama: an alliance long and slow in the making], Gary Younge, ''Guardian'' UK.</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080506093354/http://www.stop-obama.org/?page_id=23 Who is BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA?] Mission Statement, stop-obama.org</ref> A group registered as People United Means Action (PUMA) was made up of Hillary Clinton supporters who not only opposed Barack Obama's nomination but also sought to delegitimitize his presidency.<ref>https://youtu.be/bifsEkjTAc8</ref> PUMA members charged that the media directed [[sexism]] and [[misogyny]] at Clinton during the 2008 primary campaign and expressed anger at [[Democratic Party]] leaders' failure to speak out or otherwise respond appropriately. <br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton had received a majority of votes in the 2008 Democratic primaries and PUMA felt the [[Superdelegate]]s robbed Hillary of the nomination.<br /> <br /> ===2011: Retribution killings===<br /> Obama transformed the Bush administration War on Terror from a preventative measure against terrorism to a cry for vengeance, mob bloodlust, and retribution killings which spawned a fresh, new, and larger cycle of violence. <br /> <br /> On May 1, 2011, Obama misled the public when he announced <ref>Obama, B. (2011, May 2). "[http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead Osama Bin Laden Dead]." ''White House''.</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1SLhNoUNY Nobel Prize Winner with a kill list].</ref> that Osama bin Laden was "killed in a firefight" after a U.S. special operations group infiltrated a compound in [[Abbottabad raid|Abottobad]], Pakistan.<ref>Baker, P., Cooper, H., & Mazzetti, M. (2011, May 1). "[Bin Laden is Dead, Obama Says]." ''The New York Times''.<br>"[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Osama_Bin_Laden/ Target Bin Laden: The Death of Public Enemy #1]." ''ABC News''.<br>''[[NPR]]''. "[http://www.npr.org/series/135908383/osama-bin-laden-dead Special Series: Osama Bin Laden Killed]."</ref> Attacks, murders, and kidnappings of Americans have since escalated as reprisals for bin Laden's death. [[Al Qaeda]], once broken and on the run, operates openly as the jihad has now become global. Relations with Pakistan, a longtime ally throughout the Cold War and War on Terror, became strained. The government of Pakistan denied White House claims it allowed Americans to kill Muslims on its territory.<ref>''Associated Press'' (2011, May 10). "[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/10/pakistani-president-claims-bin-laden-deal/ Former Pakistani President Claims There Was Never Bin Laden Deal With U.S.]." Retrieved from ''Fox News''.</ref> For all his duplicity and criticism of the War on Terror, Obama experienced only a temporary blip in approval ratings.<ref>Dao, J. & Sussman, D. (2011, May 4). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/us/politics/05poll.html For Obama, Big Rise in Poll Numbers After Bin Laden Raid]." ''New York Times''.<br>''Pew Research Center'' (2011, May 2). "[http://www.people-press.org/2011/05/03/public-relieved-by-bin-ladens-death-obamas-job-approval-rises/ Public 'Relieved' by Bin Laden's Death, Obama's Job Approval Rises]."<br>Jones, J.M. (2011, May 5). "[http://www.gallup.com/poll/147437/obama-approval-rallies-six-points-bin-laden-death.aspx Obama Job Approval Rallies Six Points to 52% After Bin Laden Death]." ''Gallup''.</ref><ref>''[[CBS News]]/Associated Press'' (2012, May 1). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57424622/1-year-after-osama-bin-laden-killed-still-no-answers-from-pakistan/ 1 Year After Osama bin Laden Killed, Still No Answers from Pakistan]."</ref> <br /> <br /> An NBC investigation revealed Obama was informed of bin Laden's whereabouts one full year before he attempted to use it as an election year issue. NBC further reported that there was no "firefight" at all, contradicting what the president told the nation.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3077864/NBC-investigatin-says-bama-DID-edit-role-Pakistan-killing-Bin-Laden-change-facts-credit.html NBC investigation claims Obama knew where bin Laden was ONE YEAR before 2011 raid and backs Seymour Hersh's claim Pakistan intelligence hid al-Qaeda chief], [[Daily Mail ]]</ref> As early as the day after bin Laden was executed, it was learned bin Laden was not armed in the alleged "firefight" that Obama claimed took place.<br /> <br /> ===2012: defends Mohammad===<br /> After the [[Benghazi terrorist attack]] which his administration knowingly and fraudulently blamed on the creator of an irreverent YouTube video critical of the founder of Islam, Obama made a speech at the UN in which he said, {{Cquote|The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.<ref>https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/25/remarks-president-un-general-assembly</ref>}}<br /> Four Americans died in the terrorist action intended to commemorate the [[9/11 attack]]s. The attack occurred on the US Consulate at Benghazi, part of the territory of the United States. Administration officials did nothing to repel the attack in progress while huddling to discuss the domestic political ramifications for the upcoming presidential election, less than two months away. The creator of the video was jailed on bogus charges unrelated to the video. In 2015, a series of terrorist attacks in France, Denmark and the United States claimed the lives of at least 15 people with dozens injured, including security and police officers, motivated by Muslim extremists defending what, in their view were, unflattering depictions of the founder of Islam, [[Mohammad]].<br /> <br /> === 2012: voting irregularities===<br /> According to Stanley Kurtz - author of ''Radical-in-Chief: Barack Obama and the Untold Story of American Socialism'' (2010) Obama in 1995 sought and obtained the endorsement of a left-wing third party, the [[New Party]] in his quest to be elected to the Illinois State Senate.<ref>Kurtz, S. (2012, June 7). [http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/302031/obamas-third-party-history-stanley-kurtz Obama's Third-Party History]. ''[[National Review Online]]''.</ref> Obama's "Fight the Smears" campaign has denied this, as has [[Politico]]'s Ben Smith.<ref name=pollack>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Obama-Caught-Lying-Again-He-WAS-Member-of-New-Party-Says-Kurtz Obama Caught Lying Again: He WAS Member of 'New Party', Says Kurtz]. ''Breitbart.com''<br>Smith, B. (2008, October 25). [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/The_dread_New_Party.html The Dread New Party]. ''[[Politico]]''.</ref> Others who claim he was affiliated with the New Party/ACORN include [[The Blaze]]'s Billy Hallowell,<ref>Hallowell, B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-new-documents-show-obama-was-a-member-of-the-far-left-new-party/ News Docs Reportedly Show Obama Was a Member of the Far-Left 'New Party']. ''The Blaze''.</ref> [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]]'s Joel Pollack, [[Human Events]]' Erick Erickson,<ref>Erickson, E. (2008, June 10). [http://www.humanevents.com/2008/06/10/obama-and-the-new-party/ Obama and the New Party]. ''[[Human Events]]''.</ref> Newsbusters' P.J. Gladnick,<ref>Gladnick, P.J. (2008, October 12). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/10/08/will-msm-report-obama-membership-socialist-new-party#ixzz21JfE3z1z Will MSM Report on Obama Membership in Socialist New Party?] ''[[Newsbusters]]''.</ref> Rick Moran at AmericanThinker.com,<ref>Rick Moran. [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/obamas_alliance_with_marxists.html Obama's Alliance with Marxists], ''American Thinker'', June 03, 2008.</ref> and various writers at [[Discover the Networks]] (which include Kurtz and Erickson).<ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=7434 NEW PARTY (NP)], ''[[Discover the Networks]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> Kurtz in 2012 has claimed to find minutes of the New Party Chicago chapter that say, "''Barack Obama, candidate for State Senate in the 13th Legislative District, gave a statement to the membership and answered questions. He signed the New Party 'Candidate Contract' and requested an endorsement from the New Party. He also joined the New Party.''"<ref name=pollack /> Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod responded to Kurtz with silence and when asked if that meant "yes or no", Axelrod stated, "You can take that as I have no idea what you are talking about."<ref>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Exclusive-Axelrod-Plays-Dumb-on-Obama-and-Socialist-New-Party Exclusive: Axelrod Plays Dumb on Obama and Socialist New Party]. ''[[Breitbart.com]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2012: Attacks on employers and service providers===<br /> {{main|You didn't build that}}<br /> On July 13, 2012, at a campaign event in [[Virginia]], Obama gave a speech that immediately stirred up controversy. Speaking about the government's role in the success of private business, he said:<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-roanoke-virginia Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event in Roanoke, Virginia], White House</ref><br /> {{cquote|If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business - you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.}} The [[Romney]] campaign has used "If you’ve got a business—you didn’t build that" in ads to show America that Obama believes it is government that creates business rather than hard-working individuals. The Obama campaign has alternatively stated that the sentenced was poorly worded since he was not giving a scripted speech and that when Obama said "that" he was referring to roads and bridges. Obama points to a later portion of his speech in which he said, "The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together," to support his claim.<br /> <br /> ===Results===<br /> On November 6, 2012 Barack Obama won reelection with 332 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 206.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/map/ 2012 Presidential Election], Politico</ref> Obama received 51% of the popular vote (65,899,660 votes) to Romney's 47% (60,932,152 votes).<ref>[http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2012/2012presgeresults.pdf Official 2012 Presidential General Election Results], [[Federal Election Commission]]</ref><br /> <br /> ==Post-presidency==<br /> Obama made an ungraceful departure from office claiming on October 18, 2016 Donald Trump's complaints of lies spread about Trump were corrosive to American democracy and an invented conspiracy theory.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/18/politics/obama-trumps-rigged-election-claim-whining-before-the-games-even-over/</ref> Less than two months later after Trump had won, Obama claimed he himself had been derelict in his duty and had fallen asleep at the switch allowing Russian hackers to steal the election for Donald Trump.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/us/politics/russia-hack-election-trump-obama.html</ref><br /> <br /> Despite Obama's opposition to Trump's plan to build a wall along the U.S.-[[Mexico]] border in order to secure it, it was reported in early 2017 that he was building a wall around his new mansion, obviously in order to keep unwanted people out.<ref>[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-building-a-wall-around-his-new-dc-house/article/2611130 Obama building a wall around his new DC house]. ''Washington Examiner''. January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After the end of his presidency, Obama spent much of his time vacationing in exclusive and elite locations around the world.<ref>Bennett, Kate (March 17, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/17/politics/where-in-the-world-is-barack-obama/ Barack Obama is probably lying on a beach in a deserted paradise right now]. ''CNN''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> He spent much time with left-wing celebrities, such as spending [[Good Friday]] 2017 on a $300 million yacht with celebrities such as [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Tom Hanks]], and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref>Hudson, Jerome (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/04/17/barack-michelle-obama-join-oprah-springsteen-hanks-on-david-geffens-yacht/ Good Friday: Obamas Join Winfrey, Springsteen, Hanks on David Geffen’s Yacht]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> In addition, Obama accepted a $400,000 speech backed by Wall Street,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/obama-spokesman-defends-reported-400000-wall-street-backed-speech.html Obama spokesman defends reported $400,000 Wall Street-backed speech]. ''Fox News''. April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> something that stunned even many liberals.<ref>Wallace, Christopher (April 27, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/obamas-400g-wall-street-speech-leaves-liberal-base-stunned.html Obama's $400G Wall Street speech leaves liberal base stunned]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> Despite the criticism over the speech, Obama gave another $400,000 speech shortly afterward.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/28/obama-reportedly-pulls-in-another-400g-for-speech.html Obama reportedly pulls in another $400G for speech]. ''Fox News''. April 28, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2017.</ref> [[Bernie Sanders]] described Obama's speaking fees as "unfortunate."<ref>[http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/28/unfortunate-bernie-sanders-criticizes-obama-for-accepting-400k-for-wall-street-speech/ ‘Unfortunate’: Bernie Sanders criticizes Obama for accepting $400K for Wall Street speech], [[The Blaze]]</ref> In May 2017, Obama traveled to Italy to give a speech on [[global warming|climate change]], but used pollution-heavy transportation to get to his destination.<ref>Zanotti, Emily (May 21, 2017). [https://heatst.com/politics/obama-speaks-on-global-warming-then-spews-co2-with-private-jet-13-car-motorcade/ Obama Speaks on Global Warming, Then Spews CO2 With Private Jet, 13-Car Motorcade]. ''Heat Street''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref> On June 6, 2017, Obama gave a $400,000 speech to the Chamber of Commerce in [[Montreal]] in which one of the topics he spoke about was "warning against income inequality and the concentration of wealth."<ref>Starr, Penny (June 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/07/obama-warns-income-inequality-delivering-7700-minute-speech/ Obama Warns Against Income Inequality While Delivering $7,700-a-Minute Speech]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> After leaving office, Obama bought a house in D.C. for $8.1 million.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/31/obamas-purchase-d-c-house-for-8-1-million-new-report-says.html Obamas purchase D.C. house for $8.1 million, new report says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref><ref>Bennett, Kate (June 2, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/31/politics/obama-house-kalorama/index.html Obamas purchase their DC rental house for millions]. ''CNN''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> In August and September 2017, Obama made a combined $1.2 million from three Wall Street speeches.<ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (September 18, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/351138-obama-making-big-money-speeches-to-wall-street-firms-report Obama making big-money speeches to Wall Street firms: report]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Yilek, Caitlin (September 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-making-400000-speeches-to-wall-street-firms-report/article/2634736 Obama making $400,000 speeches to Wall Street firms: Report]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Kight, Stef W. (September 18, 2017). [https://www.axios.com/trump-wants-a-july-4th-military-parade-2486828811.html Obama to make $1.2 million from 3 Wall Street speeches]. ''Axios''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/19/obama-cashes-in-on-wall-street-appearances-report-says.html Obama cashes in on Wall Street appearances, report says]. ''Fox News''. September 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Several of Obama's failures as U.S. president were revealed shortly after he left office, as it was found that [[Syria]] continued to possess chemical weapons after Obama stated they were gone, that the Obama Administration misrepresented the release of some Iranian prisoners, and that the Obama Administration had unmasked Trump Transition officials (See: [[Barack Obama Controversies]] and [[Obamagate timeline]]).<ref>Shepherd, Todd (April 29, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obamas-first-100-days-as-ex-president/article/2621662 Obama's first 100 days as ex-president]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 1, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After leaving office, Obama started his own foundation, the Obama Foundation, and set to work on building his presidential center and library.<ref>Berger, Judson (May 3, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/clinton-obama-return-to-public-eye-with-new-ventures.html Clinton, Obama return to public eye with new ventures]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> It was reported in May 2017 that the Justice Department under Obama likely discriminated against veterans – in violation of federal law requiring the government to give preference to veterans in job hiring – by attempting to influence them to withdraw their applications.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (May 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/obama-doj-refused-hire-veterans-jobs-investigation/ Obama’s Justice Department refused to hire military veterans for jobs]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 19, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama did not give any mention of [[Independence Day]] on his Facebook or Twitter on that day in 2017 while he was visiting [[Seoul]].<ref>Huston, Warner Todd (July 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/05/july-4th-no-mention-independence-day-barack-obamas-twitter-facebook/ On July 4th: No Mention of Independence Day on Barack Obama’s Twitter or Facebook]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 5, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama's 2018 budget request, which was over $1.1 million, made him the most expensive U.S. president in the country's history.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Rodriguez, Katherine (September 2, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/02/obama-is-the-most-expensive-ex-president-for-american-taxpayers/ Obama Is the Most Expensive Ex-President for American Taxpayers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Dinan, Stephen (August 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/31/obama-will-top-bush-most-costly-ex-president/ Obama will top Bush as most costly ex-president]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Caralle, Katelyn (September 1, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/politics/obama-most-costly-former-president-2018/ Obama Poised to Be Most Costly Former President in 2018]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Bohon, Dave (September 2, 2016). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/26826-obama-most-expensive-ex-president-ever Obama Most Expensive Ex-President Ever]. ''The New American''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Legacy==<br /> In September 2016, a [[Parasite|parasitic]] worm, the [[Baracktrema obamai]], was named after Obama.<ref>Kaplan, Sarah (September 9, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/09/09/scientists-like-barack-obama-so-much-that-they-named-a-parasite-after-him/ Scientists like Barack Obama so much that they named a parasite after him]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved September 9, 2016.</ref> As of December 2016, at least 15 schools in the United States have been named after Obama.<br /> <br /> During Obama's 8 years in office, Democrats lost over 1,000 seats in the federal and state governments.<ref name="1,000Seats"/><br /> <br /> [[Dinesh D'Souza]] wrote, "Obama's legacy is to double the national debt & dramatically reduce US influence in the world."<ref>https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza/status/760447860638789632</ref><br /> <br /> Upon assuming office, President [[Donald Trump]] wiped out much of Obama's last-minute regulatory actions through [[Congressional Review]].<ref>Korte, Gregory (March 27, 2017). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/27/trump-signs-four-bills-roll-back-obama-era-regulations/99690456/ Trump signs four bills to roll back Obama-era regulations]. ''USA Today''. Retrieved March 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Pollak, Joel B. (April 15, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/15/trump-congressional-review-act-legislative-milestone/ Trump’s Use of the Congressional Review Act Is a Legislative Milestone]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 15, 2017.</ref> Trump also adopted a stronger foreign policy.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/ex-obama-officials-say-hesitation-to-use-force-in-syria-elsewhere-emboldened-adversaries.html Ex-Obama officials say hesitation to use force in Syria, elsewhere, emboldened adversaries]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref><ref>Collinson, Stephen (April 14, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/14/politics/donald-trump-military-afghanistan/index.html Trump carves out tough commander-in-chief posture]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Illinois]], a very liberal state, enacted a law making August 4 "Barack Obama Day."<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Huston, Warner Todd (August 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/08/07/illinois-makes-obama-birthday-state-holiday/ Deep Blue Illinois Makes Obama’s Birthday a State Holiday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 8, 2017.<br /> *Carter, Brandon (August 6, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/345523-illinois-makes-barack-obama-day-a-state-holiday Illinois makes 'Barack Obama Day' a state holiday]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.<br /> *Siciliano, John (August 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/barack-obama-day-is-official-holiday-in-illinois/article/2630769 'Barack Obama Day' is official holiday in Illinois]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.<br /> *[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/07/illinois-governor-signs-law-to-honor-barack-obamas-birthday.html Illinois governor signs law to honor Barack Obama's birthday]. ''Fox News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved August 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Many commentators have noticed similarities between Mr. Obama and Breaking Bad's [[Walter White]], including the New York Times <ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/fashion/barack-obama-bryan-cranston-table-for-three.html?mcubz=0</ref>, Politico<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2013/12/obama-is-hooked-on-breaking-bad-180326</ref>, and USA Today<ref>https://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2013/12/30/obama-television-shows-breaking-bad-house-of-cards-homeland/4247651/</ref>.<br /> A few animation experts have lamented the failure of [[Delgo]] as a symptom of the Obama economy. <ref>https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=12&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiynKW8w7zWAhWj3YMKHYSEDi8QFghVMAs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cartoonbrew.com%2Fcgi%2Fdelgo-has-one-of-worst-openings-in-history-of-cinema-9867.html&usg=AFQjCNHaT1nazVjRGqj7lnHpStKdYnzdKw</ref><br /> <br /> ==Controversies==<br /> :''Main article: [[Barack Obama Controversies]]''<br /> Several major controversies have dogged Obama throughout his political career and have received major media coverage and prominence.<br /> <br /> ==Obamaisms==<br /> Obama's bizarre gaffes, or [[Obamaisms]], were frequent and embarrassing, but typically unreported by the [[liberal media]]. Some examples are: spelling respect as R-S-P-E-C-T when he was attempting to sing that line from [[Aretha Franklin]]'s famous song, spelling Ohio as O-I-H-O, and saying that we built the Intercontinental Railroad instead of the Transcontinental Railroad, saying "How's it going, Sunshine" when he was in the city of Sunrise, Florida.<ref>Kurtzman, Daniel (March 6, 2014 or aft.) [http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/barackobama/a/obama-isms.htm "Obamaisms: Dumb quotes and gaffes by Barack Obama"]. About.com webiste/About entertainment/Political humor/Funny political jokes/Political gaffes.</ref> Many hardworking American businessmen took offense to a 2012 campaign speech about the economy where, referring to infrastructure improvements, he said "[[You didn't build that]]." Obama offended [[Poland]] by referring to the [[Nazi]] death camps there as "Polish death camps." Later Obama apologized.<ref>Sink, Justin (June 1, 2012). [http://thehill.com/blogs/global-affairs/europe/230419-obama-letter-says-he-regrets-polish-death-camp-gaffe "Obama apologizes in writing for 'Polish death camp' verbal gaffe"]. The Hill website/Policy/International.</ref> Gaffes are inevitable for people with a high profile, but several of Obama's were very revealing ("you didn't build that"), and they show how the [[mainstream media]] tends to emphasize the gaffes of conservatives as opposed to liberals.<br /> <br /> == Quotes ==<br /> *"I continue to believe that [[Donald Trump]] will not be president." (stated when asked by a reporter a month prior to Election Day)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4iZSW_76TE Democrats and Media Agreed: There Was No Way Donald Trump Could Be Elected], Video</ref><br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Obamagate timeline]]<br /> *[[Obamagate timeline 2009-2015]]<br /> *[[Political positions of Barack Obama]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama and uncharitableness]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama and abortion]]<br /> *[[Ukrainian crisis]]<br /> *[[Essay:Born Outside the U.S.A.!]] <br /> *[[Essay: The Special Interests Candidate]]<br /> *[[Lobbyists ties to the Obama administration]] <br /> *[[Obama doublespeak]] <br /> *[[Obama inauguration]] <br /> *[[Religion of Barack Hussein Obama]] <br /> *[[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage]]''<br /> *[[The Honorable James David Manning]] <br /> *[[Essay:The Obama Manifesto]]<br /> *[[Obama syndrome]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama's past dog meat eating and 2012 election campaign]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama's "Last chance at dinner" fundraising letter]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama is the antichrist speculation]]<br /> *[[Essay: Does Barack Hussein Obama care if America defaults on credit?]]<br /> *[[Essay:The lie that we are safer under Obama]]<br /> *[[Essay: Foes Want Obama to Fail, A Republican Perspective]]<br /> *[[Essay:Impeach Obama]]<br /> *[[Benghazigate timeline]]<br /> *[[Obama's second term agenda]]<br /> *[[ObamaRail]]<br /> *[[Obama sequester]]<br /> *[[Obama (disambiguation)]]<br /> *[[Essay: President's speech after the defeat of two tyrants]]<br /> * [[Unconstitutional]] [[Executive amnesty]] via Obama [[Executive Order]]s<br /> * [[Universal health care]] for [[Illegal immigration|illegal aliens]] via [[ObamaCare]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000167 Profile] on the ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress''<br /> *[http://barackobamadoubletalk.com/ Barack Obama Doubletalk]<br /> *[http://hotair.com/archives/2013/07/03/national-journal-obama-facing-crisis-over-incompetence/ National Journal: Obama facing crisis over incompetence]<br /> *[http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6130/ The New Cult of Personality]<br /> *[http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/23/che-obama-and-the-revolutionary-agenda/ Che, Obama, and the Revolutionary Agenda]<br /> *[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/americas-first-muslim-president/ GAFFNEY: America's first Muslim president?] Washington Times<br /> *[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-l-esposito/barack-obama-and-islam_b_212519.html Barack Obama and Islam.] by [[John L. Esposito]].<br /> *[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931 Democrat: Obama's grandma confirms Kenyan birth.]<br /> *[http://www.ontheissues.org/barack_obama.htm Barack Obama on the issues.]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{USPresidents}}<br /> {{2008 presidential candidates}}<br /> {{2012 presidential candidates}}<br /> [[Category:Barack Hussein Obama]]<br /> [[Category:Obama Presidency]]<br /> [[Category:Obama Administration]]<br /> [[Category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]<br /> [[Category:Abortion Advocates]]<br /> [[Category:Socialists]]<br /> [[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]<br /> [[Category:Chicago]]<br /> [[Category:Liberals]]<br /> [[Category:Globalists]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Authors]]<br /> [[Category:Best Selling Authors]]<br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Obama, Barack Hussein}}</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=School&diff=1376393 School 2017-09-24T00:02:23Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>A '''school''' is an educational institution. Schools can be either publicly- or privately-owned, funded by public or private sources or a combination of both, and may have a secular or a religious mandate. <br /> <br /> As of 1995 in the [[United States of America]], 89% of children attend taxpayer-funded [[atheistic]] schools that censor [[classroom prayer]].<ref>http://www.eagleforum.org/psr/1995/psroct95.html</ref> But the "percentage of white children enrolled in America's [[public schools]] -- 60 percent in 2001-2002 -- is 7 percentage points less than a decade before, according to the National Center for Education Statistics."<ref>Kevin Drew, "Today's battle in classrooms: Resegregation," CNN.com (May 15, 2004).</ref> Public school teachers decide against sending their own children to public schools in higher percentages than the general population.<ref>"An analysis of 2000 Census data by the Fordham Institute showed that 21.5% of public school teachers nationwide choose private schooling for their children vs. 17.5% for other families." "Class Warfare," Investor's Business Daily A16 (July 7, 2005).</ref> "Of the eight million youngsters in grades K-12 who come from families with annual incomes of $100,000 or more, 80 percent (6.4 million) attend public schools and 20 percent (1.6 million) attend private schools."<ref>[http://www.capenet.org/facts.html Council for American Private Education]</ref> $489.4 billion in taxpayer dollars,<ref>http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372</ref> or about $10,000 per student,<ref>Using numbers referenced elsewhere in this article, $489.4 billion dollars divided by 49.6 million public school students = $9867 per student.</ref> will be spent on [[American]] elementary and secondary [[public schools]] for the 2007-2008 school year, and that figure may not include costly pensions. In comparison, the average non-sectarian private school costs $10,992 per year.<ref>[http://www.capenet.org/facts.html Council for American Private Education]</ref><br /> <br /> An increasingly popular alternative to school is [[homeschooling]].<ref>[http://nces.ed.gov/nhes/homeschool/ 1.1 Million Home-schooled Students in the United States in 2003], Nation Institute for Education Statistics</ref><br /> <br /> == Types of schools ==<br /> <br /> Terms used to describe schools vary from place to place. Some of the following descriptions overlap with each other.<br /> <br /> === State school ===<br /> <br /> A '''state school''' is one that is owned and funded by the state.<br /> <br /> In the United States, government-controlled schools are supported by taxpayers, often in the form of a school tax on property. Prior to the 20th century, school attendance was only part-time, consuming only about half or less of the year.<br /> <br /> In some states of [[Australia]], although the [[curriculum]] is [[secular]], religious education by volunteers associated with the Council for Christian Education is permitted. This takes place in class time, but parents can choose that their children not attend this class.<br /> <br /> In [[Norway]] there are virtually no schools other than government schools.<ref>[http://www.rhpeo.org/ijhp-articles/1998/15/1.htm Case Studies On Health Promotion Initiatives From The Nordic Countries]</ref><br /> <br /> === Private school ===<br /> <br /> A '''private school''' is one that is owned by some body other than the state. Private schools are generally funded by fees levied on the parents of the students, which usually means that the parents are paying twice, once in direct fees, and once in taxes for state schools.<br /> <br /> In Australia, the Federal government provides some funding to private schools, although the parents of the students provide most of the income of the school.<br /> <br /> Some private schools aspire to very high standards, some specialize in certain modes and topics of instruction (such as a military school), and yet others provide a place for children who need curricula not available in the state systems. <br /> <br /> === Public school ===<br /> <br /> In America, a '''public school''' is a ''state school''. In some [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, a '''public school''' is a church-run (i.e. run by a church denomination) school that is open to the general public. In the [[United Kingdom]] a public school is a private school (as opposed to a 'state school', funded by the government through Local Education Authorities and free of charge to pupils) whose head teacher is a member of the Headmasters' Conference.<br /> <br /> In America, the curriculum in [[public schools]] is dictated by state governments and increasingly by the federal government under the "[[No Child Left Behind]]" legislation. [[Federal court]]s generally prohibit any type of [[prayer]] led by school officials, and even forbid the display and teaching of the [[Ten Commandments]].<br /> <br /> In America, there are an estimated 49.6 million students enrolled in 97,000 public [[Elementary school|elementary]] and secondary schools.<ref>U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Public school enrollment in prekindergarten through grade 12, by grade level and region, with projections: Various years, fall 1965–2016 [http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2007/section1/table.asp?tableID=663]</ref><ref>U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Number of operating public elementary and secondary schools, by school type, charter, magnet, Title I and Title I school wide status, and state or jurisdiction: School year 2005–06 [http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2007/pesschools06/tables/table_2.asp]</ref> In addition, 6.1 million students are enrolled in about 28,000 private schools, and 1.1 million are homeschooled.<ref>U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Enrollment in educational institutions, by level and control of institution: Selected years, 1869–70 through fall 2015 [http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d06/tables/dt06_003.asp?referrer=list]</ref><ref>U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Number of educational institutions, by level and control of institution: Selected years, 1980–81 through 2004–05 [http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d06/tables/dt06_005.asp?referrer=list]</ref> <br /> <br /> Compulsory 5-days a week, nearly 8-hours a day attendance at public school only began nationwide in the [[United States]] during the 20th century. Compulsory schooling laws were not universal throughout the [[United States]] until 1917, and even then the school year was often less than a half year.<ref>http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/kellmeyer/050428</ref> There have been few, if any, long-term studies on the effects of the modern approach of full-time attendance at school from age 6 and younger to age 21 and older.<br /> <br /> <br /> === Faith school ===<br /> <br /> A '''faith school''' in the [[United Kingdom]] is partially controlled by religious groups and have a predominance of pupils from that religious group. The government funds or partially funds faith schools.<br /> <br /> === Parent-controlled schools ===<br /> <br /> '''Parent-controlled schools''' (in Australia) are private schools usually owned by churches, but with control being in the hands of a parent-appointed board.<br /> <br /> === Church schools ===<br /> <br /> '''Church schools''' (in Australia) are the older denominationally-owned and run public schools which generally provide a secular education.<br /> <br /> === Christian schools, Muslim schools, etc. ===<br /> <br /> What are known as ''Faith schools'' in the United Kingdom are known as '''Christian schools''', '''Catholic schools''', or similar in Australia and the United States.<br /> <br /> === Sunday schools ===<br /> <br /> ''[[Sunday School]]'' is the term used for Christian religious & Bible classes that most commonly take place on Sundays. <br /> <br /> == Alternatives ==<br /> <br /> For most parents, [[homeschooling]] is the primary alternative education to schools. Increasing numbers of parents choose homeschooling due to a declining quality and [[Public school culture|culture]] in traditional schools and the perceived hostility of established schools to religion and morality.<ref>Mankins, Dave, [http://park.org/Guests/Educate/HTALK/faq.htm Home Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)]</ref><br /> <br /> ==Cultural Depictions==<br /> In [[Delgo]], the titular hero is trained by the wise sage Elder Marley on the way of the stones after the slaying of his parents.<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Homeschooling]]<br /> *[[Parental rights]] (focusing on the rights of parents to control the education, upbringing and disclipline of their children)<br /> *[[Essay:Advantages of Large Classes]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Schools]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=WALL-E&diff=1376378 WALL-E 2017-09-23T21:37:34Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{infobox Film<br /> |director=Andrew Stanton<br /> |writer=Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon<br /> |music=Thomas Newman<br /> |released=June 27, 2008<br /> |runtime=98 min.<br /> |website=http://adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/wall-e/<br /> |imdb_id=0910970<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''WALL-E''' is a 2008 [[Disney]]/[[Pixar]] film about a [[robot]], WALL-E, who is assigned to clean up [[Earth]] after mankind abandons it.<br /> ==Release==<br /> WALL-E was released in theaters June 27, 2008. It was released on [[DVD]] and [[Blu-Ray]] on November 18, 2008.<br /> ==Reception==<br /> Reviews of WALL-E were overwhelmingly positive, garnering it a 96% "Fresh" rating at RottenTomatoes.<ref name="rt">[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wall_e/?name_order=asc WALL-E] at RottenTomatoes</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] called the film "an enthralling animated film, a visual wonderment and a decent science-fiction story."<ref name="ebert">[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/REVIEWS/963071290/1023 WALL-E Review] by Roger Ebert</ref><br /> <br /> The film received 6 Academy Award nominations, tying [[Beauty and the Beast]] for the most nominations for an animated film.<ref>http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/1/22/wall-e-earns-6-oscar-nominations.html</ref> It won the award for Best Animated Feature, beating out [[Kung Fu Panda]], [[Bolt]], and [[Delgo]].<br /> <br /> ==Synopsis==<br /> WALL-E is a movie featuring a garbage clean-up robot, named WALL-E: Waste Allocation Load Lifter - Earth Class, who is left behind alone on a desolate version of the planet [[Earth]] in the year 2815. Unlike all his fellow units (of the same name), WALL-E manages to survive alone for 700 years, mainly due to spare parts and his occasional companion, a cockroach.<br /> <br /> One day, WALL-E, through his rummaging, finds something in a boot filled with dirt and a [[plant]]! Never having seen a [[plant]] before, he stuffs it in with his other collections. The next day, by coincidence, an unmanned spaceship arrives on the planetary surface, bringing a new [[robot]], E.V.E: Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator.<br /> <br /> WALL-E, seeing her for the first time is elated and in love; a full montage ensues as he tries, to no success, to impress E.V.E. However, he finally gets the courage to introduce himself, and during a sand (or junk) storm, takes her for cover inside his hangar. There, he shows her many novelties he has found—a Rubik's cube and [[light]] bulb for two—and tries to dance with her to the music from [[Hello, Dolly!]].<br /> <br /> However, after a while, he decides to show her the plant. Having found what she was looking for, she shuts down, disconnecting the power in WALL-E's hangar. Over the next few days, he tries, unsuccessfully, to wake her up, usually getting electrocuted in the process.<br /> <br /> Unexpectedly, the ship for E.V.E returns, snatching her before WALL-E eyes. As such, WALL-E decides to follow her on the [[space]]ship, eventually taking him out of Earth's orbit and even the Solar System. As they get closer to their destination, WALL-E sees a giant space-ship, the Axiom!<br /> <br /> Humans, under the lead of the mega-corporation Buy N' Large, had polluted the planet in 2115 to such an extent that they had to evacuate the doomed [[Earth]], leaving many WALL-E units active to "clean" up as they waited on a 5-year voyage. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to any (except AUTO), the ship was never meant to return; a 5-year voyage had become a "sep-too-uh-sen-tennieul" (as the Captain put it) 700-year voyage!<br /> <br /> Arriving on board, EVE is taken from the ship and placed in a containment hold to be cleaned by the ship's own OCD cleaner, M-O: Microbe Obliterator. To its chagrin, WALL-E, being extremely dirty over 700 years, leaves mud-tracks on board the ship, leaving him to follow and clean. After being inspected and shown to have a green signal (the signal for a [[plant]]), E.V.E is taken on board by monorail to the Captain (played by [[Jeff Garlin]]), with WALL-E following. Mistakenly, WALL-E's exploits wake up two humans: John (played by John Ratzenberger) and Mary (played by Kathy Najimy, voice of Peggy on [[King of the Hill]]).<br /> <br /> Captain McCrea, stemming from a long line of captains, is shown to be very obese, to the extent that he cannot walk without aid, like all other humans on board. This is explained to be due to a lack of exercise (even though they have machines for it) and microgravity, causing quite severe [[bone loss]]. His duties are mainly for show; the ship's [[auto pilot]], AUTO controls the ship, with an ulterior motive...<br /> {{spoiler}}<br /> EVE is brought up to the captain's quarters with an unwitting WALL-E; the captain, seeing the [[green]] signal for the first sign is unsure what to do. AUTO shows him innocently the manual on how to activate it. He does so, but to his dismay, it turns up negative. EVE, as detected, was not carrying a plant.<br /> <br /> Per AUTO's suggestions, EVE is sent to be fixed in the Recovery Ward, a ward of broken robots like a self-opening umbrella and a hyperactive masseuse. WALL-E follows unflinchingly, until he senses EVE is in trouble—he sees her head and arm being removed (both are removable). He breaks in and frees all the robots with the plasma cannon built into EVE's arm.<br /> <br /> EVE, unaware of WALL-E's innocent intentions, forces him to follow her to a pod capsule leading back to Earth, while he refuses to do so. However, as she tries to coax him, they hear AUTO's Assistant, GO-4 heading close, bringing the plant in a tractor beam! AUTO had stolen the plant, for yet unknown purposes.<br /> <br /> In love, WALL-E goes to rescue the plant, but is trapped inside as the pod is sent into space, and then explodes. However, to EVE's relief, WALL-E had utilized the fire extinguisher and propelled himself through space, in a waltz with E.V.E.<br /> <br /> WALL-E and EVE sojourn back into the ship stealthily, and EVE leaves WALL-E to bring the plant to Captain McCrea, much to his dismay. He, bored and sad, follows her, going up the garbage shoot.<br /> <br /> To clear her name, EVE presents to Captain McCrea the plant, in the boot. However, AUTO, under the directive A114 (a Pixar pun) takes the plant from her and throws it down the garbage shoot. Instead of hitting the bottom, it makes a thud; out comes the head of WALL-E, holding the plant! Unwilling to give it to AUTO, he hides it in his chest cavity; unscrupulously, AUTO electrocutes WALL-E, frying his circuit board, sending him to be crushed down by the WALL-A units.<br /> <br /> Both WALL-E and EVE wake up in the garbage center of the ship, packed into a cube destined to be sent into interstellar orbit. EVE manages to break free from the cube with WALL-E, and the door is stopped from closing by M-O, who quickly befriends WALL-E (despite cleaning him first) and EVE. Together, EVE, WALL-E, M-O and the plant are brought up to the ship's bridge again.<br /> <br /> To activate the Holodeck that would make an automatic hyperjump to Earth, WALL-E and EVE bring the plant to the LIDO deck of the ship, to the infuriation of AUTO. He sends all the warning bots to stop them, but they are aided by the broken robots from earlier, who destroy the security robots and clear their path.<br /> <br /> Captain McCrea, in an act of bravery, manages to turn on the button that raises the Holodeck, but is restrainted by AUTO, who locks him in. However, Captain McCrea after a scuffle with AUTO, takes his first steps, and turns the autopilot off manually.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, WALL-E, unable to hold the Holodeck open any longer, is crushed under its weight, to the horror of all on board. Luckily, EVE and M-O find the plant and put it on the deck, with the Captain taking the ship back to Earth.<br /> <br /> ==Environmentalism==<br /> A few critics objected to the over-wrought environmentalist message in WALL-E, which suggests that consumerism could one day render Earth uninhabitable.<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Survivalist fiction]]: [[Dystopia]]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <references /><br /> <br /> [[Category:Animated Movies]]<br /> [[Category:Science Fiction]]<br /> [[Category:Science Fiction Movies]]<br /> [[Category:Movies]]<br /> [[Category:Fiction]]<br /> [[Category:Survivalist Fiction]]<br /> [[Category:Dystopian Fiction]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Marijuana&diff=1376367 Marijuana 2017-09-23T21:17:23Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]]<br /> '''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as "weed" or "pot" or "dope" or "reefer") is the name given to the flowering buds of the ''Cannabis'' genus of plant, divided into the species ''Sativa, Indica'' and ''Ruderalis'', prepared for human consumption. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is [[tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound which imitates natural cannabinoids produced in the human body. Because THC is considered harmful, marijuana is generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in a some liberal jurisdictions when prescribed as by a physician.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world, and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.</ref> In some ''extremely'' liberal jurisdictions, you can even buy it in a vending machine.<ref>E.g. [[Seattle]]</ref> The crime rate in Denver has skyrocketed by 44% since marijuana was legalized in that state.<br /> <br /> In the past two decades, the number of brain tumors has increased by up to 40% in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among men between ages of 20 and 40<ref>http://www.healthandenvironment.org/brain_cancer/peer_reviewed</ref> — the same demographic that is most likely to have smoked pot. However, conclusions based on a review of published biomedical research find that cannabinoid compounds unique to cannabis actually exhibit promising anticancer properties, reducing both tumor size and cancer pain.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nikan|first=Marjan|last2=Nabavi|first2=Seyed Mohammad|last3=Manayi|first3=Azadeh|date=2016-02-01|title=Ligands for cannabinoid receptors, promising anticancer agents|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26764235|journal=Life Sciences|volume=146|pages=124–130|doi=10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.053|issn=1879-0631|pmid=26764235}}</ref><br /> <br /> The [[liberal media]] typically downplay or completely ignore the role of marijuana in [[Young mass murderers|mass killings]], horrific accidents, and other types of harm to innocent people victimized by users of the drug. For example, authorities conceal from the public how much marijuana was in the system of "College Weed Dealer" [[Young Mass Murderers|Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]] when he went on his killing rampage.<ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/can-marijuana-fuel-jihad|title=Can Marijuana Fuel Jihad?|last=Kincaid|first=Cliff|date=|newspaper=Canada Free Press|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|language=en|via=}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, which has often featured musicians who abuse drugs, put Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its July 13, 2013 cover. The magazine's article described him as "a dedicated pot smoker" and local dealer who "always had big Tupperware containers of weed in his fridge." <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/jahars-world-20130717|title=Jahar: The Making of a Monster|last=Reitman|first=Janet|date=July 17, 2013|newspaper=Rolling Stone|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|via=}}</ref><br /> <br /> The effects of THC can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some researchers claim that cannabis has "medicinal" benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]); but many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that "medicinal" marijuana has been used to treat.<br /> <br /> ==Adverse effects==<br /> [[File:Brain abnormalities of marijuana user.jpg|thumbnail|Areas of the brain negatively effected by THC]]<br /> Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco, and some research suggests that when smoked, it shares the same risk of lung cancer<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm Science Daily 6/9/2009]</ref>  If smoked, marijuana also leads to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure resulting is a slight increase in the risk for heart related problems including heart attack.<ref>[http://www.askmen.com/sports/health/20_mens_health.html AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana]</ref> Chronic smokers often suffer from mild withdrawal symptoms, however marijuana is not believed to be physically addictive.<ref>[http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201012/is-marijuana-addictive Psychology Today: Is Marijuana Addictive?]</ref> Marijuana can impair judgment, motor skills, and balance.<ref>[http://www.acde.org/common/Marijana.htm]</ref> Prenatal exposure to marijuana has also been linked to impaired learning and developmental disability in children.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v31/n10/full/1301068a.html Neuropsycopharmacology: High-Potency Marijuana Impairs Executive Function and Inhibitory Motor Control]</ref> If marijuana is consumed heavily and on a daily basis by children around the age of 12 for a period of years, even liberal scientists have been forced to conclude that humans have a 1/4th random chance of developing psychosis, based on a random genetic trait.<ref>[http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/cannabis-psychosis-link] The Cannabis-Psychosis Link</ref><br /> <br /> ==Medical benefits==<br /> Advocates of marijuana claim that the active ingredient in marijuana, [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], has been shown to produce some short-term psychological and medicinal "benefits", which are probably more than offset by the medical harm. For example, Harvard University conducted a study on the effect of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on certain lung cancers, claiming that THC might help reduce a lung cancer tumor size by as much as half.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm Science Daily 4/7/2007]</ref> In addition to a significant reduction in tumor size, there was a reduction in lesions on the lungs by 60%, and a reduction in protein markers associated with the progression of cancer.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm Science Daily 4/17/2007]</ref><br /> <br /> Marijuana is used to relieve symptoms experienced by patients afflicted with [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]].<ref>[http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/18/4/264.short American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine]</ref><br /> <br /> Marijuana is an [[antispasmodic]] and [[anticonvulsant]] is used in the treatment of seizures.<ref>[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9586&page=106 National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity]</ref> Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis,<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780090304/abstract Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs]</ref> depression,<ref name="interestingfacts.org">[http://www.interestingfacts.org/fact/facts-about-marijuana Interesting Facts: Facts about marijuana]</ref> and glaucoma. However the effect of marijuana on intraocular pressure (IOC) is not as effective as those offered by other drugs on the market.<ref>[http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/marij.asp National Eye Institue: Glaucoma and Marijuana use]</ref> <br /> <br /> There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from [[liberal]]  advocates of marijuana, more accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug.<br /> <br /> Despite state legality, physicians are reluctant to prescribe medicinal marijuana fearing it may jeopardize their DEA license to prescribe controlled substances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/810356|title=Medical Marijuana: The Imperative of Educating Physicians|last=Schatman|first=Michael|date=September 6, 2013|website=Medscape|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> Medicinal marijuana is used by physicians as a last-resort in states where it is legal or semi-legal (under state law), but also misused by people who simply want to get high. Medicinal marijuana, however well-intentioned and beneficial, will also lead to abuses in that system.<br /> <br /> ==Marinol==<br /> ''Marinol'' (a brand formulation of dronabinol)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugscience.org/Archive/bcr3/n3_Marinol.html|title=The Bulletin of Cannabis Reform|website=www.drugscience.org|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref> is a schedule III controlled substance, approved for relief of nausea and vomiting in persons undergoing cancer chemotherapy and to improve appetite in persons with AIDS. It is dispensed in gelatin capsules containing synthetic Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol dissolved in sesame oil. Liberals advocating "medicinal" marijuana do their best to ignore this drug. A 1998 survey of physicians, addiction specialists and police demonstrated no evidence or concern about the abuse, dependence or diversion of Marinol.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Calhoun|first=S. R.|last2=Galloway|first2=G. P.|last3=Smith|first3=D. E.|date=1998-04-01|title=Abuse potential of dronabinol (Marinol)|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=9692381|journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs|volume=30|issue=2|pages=187–196|doi=10.1080/02791072.1998.10399689|issn=0279-1072|pmid=9692381}}</ref> About this time, the DEA moved the drug from schedule II to the less restrictive schedule III.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/1998/fr1105.htm|title=Proposed Rules - 1998 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Synthetic Dronabinol (Martinol®; (-)-Δ9-(trans)-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Sesame oil and Encapsulated in Soft Gelatin Capsules) From Schedule II to Schedule III.|website=www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref><br /> <br /> ==Interesting Facts==<br /> *[[Carl Sagan]] used recreational marijuana to help "open his mind".<ref>[http://boingboing.net/2009/10/07/carl-sagan-spaced-ou.html Boing Boing: Carl Sagan Spaced Out]</ref><br /> *Cannabis was first cultivated in China around 4000 B.C.<ref name="interestingfacts.org"/><br /> *U.S. [[Declaration of Independence]] was not written on hemp paper, despite popular belief by liberals.<ref>[http://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q145.html Constitutional FAQ Answer #145 - U.S. Constitution Online]</ref><br /> *[[George Washington]] grew marijuana.<ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man]</ref><br /> *An average human will pass out after consuming 1/14 of the LD-50 of weed, which is why no overdoses have ever been reported. Driving while high, however, is extremely dangerous.<ref>[https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving]</ref><br /> *[[Barack Hussein Obama|Barack Obama]] has admitted to use of marijuana. Former President [[Bill Clinton]] has also admitted to smoking marijuana, but claims that he "did not inhale". Former President [[George W. Bush]] privately admitted to smoking marijuana, but stated he wouldn't state it publicly "'Cause I don't want some little kid doing what I tried."<br /> * Many users claim that THC helps them enjoy music more profoundly. Many cult fans of the films [[Alice in Wonderland]] and [[Delgo]] have similar beliefs.<br /> <br /> ==Legal Status==<br /> Marijuana is a [[Schedule I]] [[Controlled Substance]] in the United States of America, meaning that it is illegal under federal law of the United States, and considered to have no redeemable medical value. According to the FBI, in 2012, there were 658,000 arrests for marijuana possession compared with 256,000 for cocaine, heroin and their derivatives.<ref name=nyt>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html?_r=0|title=Repeal Prohibition, Again|work=New York Times|date=July 26, 2014|accessdate=July 27, 2014}}</ref> In several countries, particularly in [[Western Europe]], it is has been decriminalized. However, in many other countries, particularly those in the Middle East and Asia, possession of even small amounts of cannabis can be punishable by death. In 2012, the states of [[Washington]] and [[Colorado]] adopted voter referenda to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. At the same time, [[Oregon]] voters rejected a similar proposition. Federal officials said that they would contest state laws that would legalize marijuana.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/08/us-usa-marijuana-votes-idUSBRE8A705E20121108|title=Marijuana legalization victories could be short-lived|first=Alex|last=Dobuzinskis|date=Nov 7, 2012|accessdate=November 8, 2012}}</ref><br /> <br /> The [[Netherlands]] decriminalized the use of marijuana in 1976. As a result, marijuana use among the 18-25 age group doubled, however, despite its availability, marijuana use in the Netherlands is lower than the European average. The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime. This has since levelled out, leaving the Netherlands with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.<br /> <br /> Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref> On July 26, 2014, the ''New York Times'' published an editorial calling for removing federal controls over marijuana for people 21 and older, leaving the question to individual states.<ref name=nyt/><br /> <br /> Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[Ron Paul]], [[William F. Buckley]], and [[Larry Elder]], have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. [[Gary Johnson]], a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of [[New Mexico]].<br /> <br /> Legalization on a Federal level is virtually impossible, since the United States was a major leader in the international treaty known as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<ref>[url=https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf]</ref> of 1970. Said treaty is defined by the Constitution as carrying equal weight to an Amendment to the Constitution; therefore, the only way marijuana could ever be legal on a Federal level is if we withdrew from a treaty of our own creation as a prerequisite to legalization.<br /> <br /> ==Fictional Potrayals==<br /> Many famous fictional characters use or are suspected to have used this substance including [[the Dude]] and [[Walter White]].<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> [[Category:Drugs]]<br /> [[Category:Illegal Substances]]<br /> [[Category:Illegal Drugs]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Marijuana&diff=1376366 Marijuana 2017-09-23T21:15:09Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]]<br /> '''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as "weed" or "pot" or "dope" or "reefer") is the name given to the flowering buds of the ''Cannabis'' genus of plant, divided into the species ''Sativa, Indica'' and ''Ruderalis'', prepared for human consumption. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is [[tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound which imitates natural cannabinoids produced in the human body. Because THC is considered harmful, marijuana is generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in a some liberal jurisdictions when prescribed as by a physician.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world, and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.</ref> In some ''extremely'' liberal jurisdictions, you can even buy it in a vending machine.<ref>E.g. [[Seattle]]</ref> The crime rate in Denver has skyrocketed by 44% since marijuana was legalized in that state.<br /> <br /> In the past two decades, the number of brain tumors has increased by up to 40% in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among men between ages of 20 and 40<ref>http://www.healthandenvironment.org/brain_cancer/peer_reviewed</ref> — the same demographic that is most likely to have smoked pot. However, conclusions based on a review of published biomedical research find that cannabinoid compounds unique to cannabis actually exhibit promising anticancer properties, reducing both tumor size and cancer pain.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nikan|first=Marjan|last2=Nabavi|first2=Seyed Mohammad|last3=Manayi|first3=Azadeh|date=2016-02-01|title=Ligands for cannabinoid receptors, promising anticancer agents|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26764235|journal=Life Sciences|volume=146|pages=124–130|doi=10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.053|issn=1879-0631|pmid=26764235}}</ref><br /> <br /> The [[liberal media]] typically downplay or completely ignore the role of marijuana in [[Young mass murderers|mass killings]], horrific accidents, and other types of harm to innocent people victimized by users of the drug. For example, authorities conceal from the public how much marijuana was in the system of "College Weed Dealer" [[Young Mass Murderers|Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]] when he went on his killing rampage.<ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/can-marijuana-fuel-jihad|title=Can Marijuana Fuel Jihad?|last=Kincaid|first=Cliff|date=|newspaper=Canada Free Press|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|language=en|via=}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, which has often featured musicians who abuse drugs, put Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its July 13, 2013 cover. The magazine's article described him as "a dedicated pot smoker" and local dealer who "always had big Tupperware containers of weed in his fridge." <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/jahars-world-20130717|title=Jahar: The Making of a Monster|last=Reitman|first=Janet|date=July 17, 2013|newspaper=Rolling Stone|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|via=}}</ref><br /> <br /> The effects of THC can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some researchers claim that cannabis has "medicinal" benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]); but many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that "medicinal" marijuana has been used to treat.<br /> <br /> ==Adverse effects==<br /> [[File:Brain abnormalities of marijuana user.jpg|thumbnail|Areas of the brain negatively effected by THC]]<br /> Marijuana contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco, and some research suggests that when smoked, it shares the same risk of lung cancer<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615095940.htm Science Daily 6/9/2009]</ref>  If smoked, marijuana also leads to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure resulting is a slight increase in the risk for heart related problems including heart attack.<ref>[http://www.askmen.com/sports/health/20_mens_health.html AskMen: Benefits of Marijuana]</ref> Chronic smokers often suffer from mild withdrawal symptoms, however marijuana is not believed to be physically addictive.<ref>[http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201012/is-marijuana-addictive Psychology Today: Is Marijuana Addictive?]</ref> Marijuana can impair judgment, motor skills, and balance.<ref>[http://www.acde.org/common/Marijana.htm]</ref> Prenatal exposure to marijuana has also been linked to impaired learning and developmental disability in children.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/npp/journal/v31/n10/full/1301068a.html Neuropsycopharmacology: High-Potency Marijuana Impairs Executive Function and Inhibitory Motor Control]</ref> If marijuana is consumed heavily and on a daily basis by children around the age of 12 for a period of years, even liberal scientists have been forced to conclude that humans have a 1/4th random chance of developing psychosis, based on a random genetic trait.<ref>[http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/schizophrenia/cannabis-psychosis-link] The Cannabis-Psychosis Link</ref><br /> <br /> ==Medical benefits==<br /> Advocates of marijuana claim that the active ingredient in marijuana, [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], has been shown to produce some short-term psychological and medicinal "benefits", which are probably more than offset by the medical harm. For example, Harvard University conducted a study on the effect of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on certain lung cancers, claiming that THC might help reduce a lung cancer tumor size by as much as half.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm Science Daily 4/7/2007]</ref> In addition to a significant reduction in tumor size, there was a reduction in lesions on the lungs by 60%, and a reduction in protein markers associated with the progression of cancer.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417193338.htm Science Daily 4/17/2007]</ref><br /> <br /> Marijuana is used to relieve symptoms experienced by patients afflicted with [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis|ALS]].<ref>[http://ajh.sagepub.com/content/18/4/264.short American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine]</ref><br /> <br /> Marijuana is an [[antispasmodic]] and [[anticonvulsant]] is used in the treatment of seizures.<ref>[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9586&page=106 National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity]</ref> Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis,<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780090304/abstract Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs]</ref> depression,<ref name="interestingfacts.org">[http://www.interestingfacts.org/fact/facts-about-marijuana Interesting Facts: Facts about marijuana]</ref> and glaucoma. However the effect of marijuana on intraocular pressure (IOC) is not as effective as those offered by other drugs on the market.<ref>[http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/marij.asp National Eye Institue: Glaucoma and Marijuana use]</ref> <br /> <br /> There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from [[liberal]]  advocates of marijuana, more accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug.<br /> <br /> Despite state legality, physicians are reluctant to prescribe medicinal marijuana fearing it may jeopardize their DEA license to prescribe controlled substances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/810356|title=Medical Marijuana: The Imperative of Educating Physicians|last=Schatman|first=Michael|date=September 6, 2013|website=Medscape|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> Medicinal marijuana is used by physicians as a last-resort in states where it is legal or semi-legal (under state law), but also misused by people who simply want to get high. Medicinal marijuana, however well-intentioned and beneficial, will also lead to abuses in that system.<br /> <br /> ==Marinol==<br /> ''Marinol'' (a brand formulation of dronabinol)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugscience.org/Archive/bcr3/n3_Marinol.html|title=The Bulletin of Cannabis Reform|website=www.drugscience.org|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref> is a schedule III controlled substance, approved for relief of nausea and vomiting in persons undergoing cancer chemotherapy and to improve appetite in persons with AIDS. It is dispensed in gelatin capsules containing synthetic Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol dissolved in sesame oil. Liberals advocating "medicinal" marijuana do their best to ignore this drug. A 1998 survey of physicians, addiction specialists and police demonstrated no evidence or concern about the abuse, dependence or diversion of Marinol.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Calhoun|first=S. R.|last2=Galloway|first2=G. P.|last3=Smith|first3=D. E.|date=1998-04-01|title=Abuse potential of dronabinol (Marinol)|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=9692381|journal=Journal of Psychoactive Drugs|volume=30|issue=2|pages=187–196|doi=10.1080/02791072.1998.10399689|issn=0279-1072|pmid=9692381}}</ref> About this time, the DEA moved the drug from schedule II to the less restrictive schedule III.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/1998/fr1105.htm|title=Proposed Rules - 1998 - Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of Synthetic Dronabinol (Martinol®; (-)-Δ9-(trans)-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Sesame oil and Encapsulated in Soft Gelatin Capsules) From Schedule II to Schedule III.|website=www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-17}}</ref><br /> <br /> ==Interesting Facts==<br /> *[[Carl Sagan]] used recreational marijuana to help "open his mind".<ref>[http://boingboing.net/2009/10/07/carl-sagan-spaced-ou.html Boing Boing: Carl Sagan Spaced Out]</ref><br /> *Cannabis was first cultivated in China around 4000 B.C.<ref name="interestingfacts.org"/><br /> *U.S. [[Declaration of Independence]] was not written on hemp paper, despite popular belief by liberals.<ref>[http://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q145.html Constitutional FAQ Answer #145 - U.S. Constitution Online]</ref><br /> *[[George Washington]] grew marijuana.<ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man]</ref><br /> *An average human will pass out after consuming 1/14 of the LD-50 of weed, which is why no overdoses have ever been reported. Driving while high, however, is extremely dangerous.<ref>[https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving]</ref><br /> *[[Barack Hussein Obama|Barack Obama]] has admitted to use of marijuana. Former President [[Bill Clinton]] has also admitted to smoking marijuana, but claims that he "did not inhale". Former President [[George W. Bush]] privately admitted to smoking marijuana, but stated he wouldn't state it publicly "'Cause I don't want some little kid doing what I tried."<br /> <br /> ==Legal Status==<br /> Marijuana is a [[Schedule I]] [[Controlled Substance]] in the United States of America, meaning that it is illegal under federal law of the United States, and considered to have no redeemable medical value. According to the FBI, in 2012, there were 658,000 arrests for marijuana possession compared with 256,000 for cocaine, heroin and their derivatives.<ref name=nyt>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html?_r=0|title=Repeal Prohibition, Again|work=New York Times|date=July 26, 2014|accessdate=July 27, 2014}}</ref> In several countries, particularly in [[Western Europe]], it is has been decriminalized. However, in many other countries, particularly those in the Middle East and Asia, possession of even small amounts of cannabis can be punishable by death. In 2012, the states of [[Washington]] and [[Colorado]] adopted voter referenda to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. At the same time, [[Oregon]] voters rejected a similar proposition. Federal officials said that they would contest state laws that would legalize marijuana.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/08/us-usa-marijuana-votes-idUSBRE8A705E20121108|title=Marijuana legalization victories could be short-lived|first=Alex|last=Dobuzinskis|date=Nov 7, 2012|accessdate=November 8, 2012}}</ref><br /> <br /> The [[Netherlands]] decriminalized the use of marijuana in 1976. As a result, marijuana use among the 18-25 age group doubled, however, despite its availability, marijuana use in the Netherlands is lower than the European average. The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime. This has since levelled out, leaving the Netherlands with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.<br /> <br /> Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref> On July 26, 2014, the ''New York Times'' published an editorial calling for removing federal controls over marijuana for people 21 and older, leaving the question to individual states.<ref name=nyt/><br /> <br /> Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[Ron Paul]], [[William F. Buckley]], and [[Larry Elder]], have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. [[Gary Johnson]], a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of [[New Mexico]].<br /> <br /> Legalization on a Federal level is virtually impossible, since the United States was a major leader in the international treaty known as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<ref>[url=https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf]</ref> of 1970. Said treaty is defined by the Constitution as carrying equal weight to an Amendment to the Constitution; therefore, the only way marijuana could ever be legal on a Federal level is if we withdrew from a treaty of our own creation as a prerequisite to legalization.<br /> <br /> ==Fictional Potrayals==<br /> Many famous fictional characters use or are suspected to have used this substance including [[the Dude]] and [[Walter White]].<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> [[Category:Drugs]]<br /> [[Category:Illegal Substances]]<br /> [[Category:Illegal Drugs]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=James_Bond&diff=1376356 James Bond 2017-09-23T20:55:03Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''James Bond''' (or '''007''') is a fictional [[British]] [[MI6]] secret agent created by writer [[Ian Fleming]]. Beginning in 1952, Fleming wrote 12 James Bond [[novel]]s and numerous short stories until his death in 1964. Subsequent James Bond novels have been written by many writers, including [[Kingsley Amis]].<br /> <br /> James Bond is best known from the feature-length movies. [[Dr. No (film, 1962)|"Dr. No" (1962)]] was the first of the James Bond film series produced by EON Productions, and an adaptation of Ian Fleming's sixth James Bond novel. James Bond films have always been somewhat epic in scope featuring exotic locations, fast cars, beautiful women and elaborate stunts. Although Bond has faced many adversaries, during the [[Cold War]] many of his opponents were from [[Soviet Russia]]. The most recent Bond film was ''[[Spectre]]'' (2015).<br /> <br /> The current James Bond is [[Daniel Craig]], who has taken the role back towards the more rugged character that Connery and Dalton brought to the screen, as opposed to the portrayal by [[Pierce Brosnan]].<br /> <br /> Homeschooling families should be aware that although Mr. Bond is a public servant who frequently saves the world, he not in any way a bastion of family values. Also, he frequently gets in situations that may influence the impressionable, such as driving cars into the water and trapping a man in a spa device.<br /> <br /> ==Movies==<br /> *''[[Dr. No (film, 1962)|Dr. No]]'' (1962)<br /> *''[[From Russia with Love (film, 1963)|From Russia With Love]]'' (1963)<br /> *''[[Goldfinger (film, 1964)|Goldfinger]]'' (1964)<br /> *''[[Thunderball (film, 1965)|Thunderball]]'' (1965)<br /> *''[[You Only Live Twice (film, 1967)|You Only Live Twice]]'' (1967)<br /> *''[[On Her Majesty's Secret Service (film, 1969)|On Her Majesty's Secret Service]]'' (1969)<br /> *''[[Diamonds Are Forever (film, 1971)|Diamonds Are Forever]]'' (1971)<br /> *''[[Live and Let Die (film, 1973)|Live And Let Die]]'' (1973)<br /> *''[[The Man with the Golden Gun (film, 1974)|The Man With The Golden Gun]]'' (1974)<br /> *''[[The Spy Who Loved Me (film, 1977)|The Spy Who Loved Me]]'' (1977)<br /> *''[[Moonraker (film, 1979)|Moonraker]]'' (1979)<br /> *''[[For Your Eyes Only (film, 1981)|For Your Eyes Only]]'' (1981)<br /> *''[[Octopussy (film, 1983)|Octopussy]]'' (1983)<br /> *''[[A View to a Kill|A View To Kill]]'' (1985)<br /> *''[[The Living Daylights (film, 1987)|The Living Daylights]]'' (1987)<br /> *''[[License To Kill]]'' (1989)<br /> *''[[GoldenEye]]'' (1995)<br /> *''[[Tomorrow Never Dies]]'' (1997)<br /> *''[[The World is Not Enough|The World Is Not Enough]]'' (1999)<br /> *''[[Die Another Day]]'' (2002)<br /> *''[[Casino Royale]]'' (2006)<br /> *''[[Quantum of Solace (film, 2008)|Quantum of Solace]]'' (2008)<br /> *''[[Skyfall]]'' (2012)<br /> *''[[Spectre]]'' (2015)<br /> *''[[Shatterhand]]'' (2019) <ref>http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/new-james-bond-movie-shatterhand-10895860</ref><br /> <br /> ==Actors==<br /> As of 2017, James Bond has been played by six different actors<br /> <br /> *Sean Connery (1962-1967, 1971, 1983)<br /> *George Lazenby (1969)<br /> *Roger Moore (1973-1985)<br /> *Timothy Dalton (1987-1989)<br /> *Pierce Brosnan (1995-2002)<br /> *Daniel Craig (2006–Present)<br /> <br /> Roger Moore has played the role the longest, with a total of seven appearances. George Lazenby has the least, appearing in only one film.<br /> == References ==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> [[Category:Fictional Characters]]<br /> [[Category:James Bond Movies]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=James_Bond&diff=1376355 James Bond 2017-09-23T20:52:48Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''James Bond''' (or '''007''') is a fictional [[British]] [[MI6]] secret agent created by writer [[Ian Fleming]]. Beginning in 1952, Fleming wrote 12 James Bond [[novel]]s and numerous short stories until his death in 1964. Subsequent James Bond novels have been written by many writers, including [[Kingsley Amis]].<br /> <br /> James Bond is best known from the feature-length movies. [[Dr. No (film, 1962)|"Dr. No" (1962)]] was the first of the James Bond film series produced by EON Productions, and an adaptation of Ian Fleming's sixth James Bond novel. James Bond films have always been somewhat epic in scope featuring exotic locations, fast cars, beautiful women and elaborate stunts. Although Bond has faced many adversaries, during the [[Cold War]] many of his opponents were from [[Soviet Russia]]. The most recent Bond film was ''[[Spectre]]'' (2015).<br /> <br /> The current James Bond is [[Daniel Craig]], who has taken the role back towards the more rugged character that Connery and Dalton brought to the screen, as opposed to the portrayal by [[Pierce Brosnan]].<br /> <br /> Homeschooling families should be aware that although Mr. Bond is a public servant who frequently saves the world, he not in any way a bastion of family values. Also, he frequently gets in situations that may influence the impressionable, such as driving cars into the water and trapping a man in a spa device.<br /> <br /> ==Movies==<br /> *''[[Dr. No (film, 1962)|Dr. No]]'' (1962)<br /> *''[[From Russia with Love (film, 1963)|From Russia With Love]]'' (1963)<br /> *''[[Goldfinger (film, 1964)|Goldfinger]]'' (1964)<br /> *''[[Thunderball (film, 1965)|Thunderball]]'' (1965)<br /> *''[[You Only Live Twice (film, 1967)|You Only Live Twice]]'' (1967)<br /> *''[[On Her Majesty's Secret Service (film, 1969)|On Her Majesty's Secret Service]]'' (1969)<br /> *''[[Diamonds Are Forever (film, 1971)|Diamonds Are Forever]]'' (1971)<br /> *''[[Live and Let Die (film, 1973)|Live And Let Die]]'' (1973)<br /> *''[[The Man with the Golden Gun (film, 1974)|The Man With The Golden Gun]]'' (1974)<br /> *''[[The Spy Who Loved Me (film, 1977)|The Spy Who Loved Me]]'' (1977)<br /> *''[[Moonraker (film, 1979)|Moonraker]]'' (1979)<br /> *''[[For Your Eyes Only (film, 1981)|For Your Eyes Only]]'' (1981)<br /> *''[[Octopussy (film, 1983)|Octopussy]]'' (1983)<br /> *''[[A View to a Kill|A View To Kill]]'' (1985)<br /> *''[[The Living Daylights (film, 1987)|The Living Daylights]]'' (1987)<br /> *''License To Kill'' (1989)<br /> *''[[GoldenEye]]'' (1995)<br /> *''[[Tomorrow Never Dies]]'' (1997)<br /> *''[[The World is Not Enough|The World Is Not Enough]]'' (1999)<br /> *''[[Die Another Day]]'' (2002)<br /> *''[[Casino Royale]]'' (2006)<br /> *''[[Quantum of Solace (film, 2008)|Quantum of Solace]]'' (2008)<br /> *''[[Skyfall]]'' (2012)<br /> *''[[Spectre]]'' (2015)<br /> *''Shatterhand'' (2019) <ref>http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/new-james-bond-movie-shatterhand-10895860</ref><br /> <br /> ==Actors==<br /> As of 2017, James Bond has been played by six different actors<br /> <br /> *Sean Connery (1962-1967, 1971, 1983)<br /> *George Lazenby (1969)<br /> *Roger Moore (1973-1985)<br /> *Timothy Dalton (1987-1989)<br /> *Pierce Brosnan (1995-2002)<br /> *Daniel Craig (2006–Present)<br /> <br /> Roger Moore has played the role the longest, with a total of seven appearances. George Lazenby has the least, appearing in only one film.<br /> == References ==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> [[Category:Fictional Characters]]<br /> [[Category:James Bond Movies]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Pixar&diff=1376354 Pixar 2017-09-23T20:49:48Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Pixar Animation Studios''' is an animation studio headquartered in Emeryville, [[California]]. It was founded by [[Steve Jobs]], who also founded Apple Computer. Today, Pixar is now a subsidiary of the [[Walt Disney Company]].<br /> <br /> Pixar is very well known worldwide for its computer-animated films, which has earned them considerable critical acclaim.<br /> <br /> ==Filmography==<br /> *''[[Toy Story]]'' (1995)<br /> *''[[A Bug's Life]]'' (1998)<br /> *''[[Toy Story 2]]'' (1999)<br /> *''[[Monsters, Inc.]]'' (2001)<br /> *''[[Finding Nemo]]'' (2003)<br /> *''[[The Incredibles]]'' (2004)<br /> *''[[Cars (film)|Cars]]'' (2005)<br /> *''[[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]'' (2006)<br /> *''[[WALL-E]]'' (2008)<br /> *''[[Up]]'' (2009)<br /> *''[[Toy Story 3]]'' (2010)<br /> *''[[Cars 2]]'' (2011)<br /> *''[[Brave]]'' (2012)<br /> *''[[Monsters University]]'' (2013)<br /> *''[[Inside Out]]'' (2015)<br /> *''[[The Good Dinosaur]]'' (2015)<br /> *''[[Finding Dory]]'' (2016)<br /> *''[[Cars 3]]'' (2017)<br /> *''[[Coco]]'' (2017)<br /> [[Category:Animation Studios]]<br /> [[Category:Disney]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Video_games&diff=1376352 Video games 2017-09-23T20:46:33Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Stephen-Fry.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|The [[Atheism|atheist]] [[Stephen Fry]] said, "I do enjoy [[Video games|video gaming]]... In the early days of games, I would spend hours. I mean literally. I would find it would be 4AM, and I would say: 'God, I have be at work at 6.'"<ref>[http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xeuj29_stephen-fry-talks-gaming_news Stephen Fry talks gaming]</ref> See also: [[Irreligion, video game usage and obesity]] and [[Atheism and obesity]] ]]<br /> ''See [[young mass murderers]] for their link to video games''.<br /> <br>''See [[Video game#Overcoming addition to video games|overcoming addiction to video games]] below''.<br /> <br /> A '''video game''' is any electronic game, typically addictive and violent, which is played on a computer or console. As some wake up to how harmful violent video games are, the video game industry declined in 2012,<ref>http://www.nbc12.com/story/20289219/us-video-game-sales-drop-11-pct-in-november</ref> though it remains much bigger than Hollywood. Video games are likely the single biggest cause of bright young men dropping out of college. While video games were originally designed for children and adolescent males, video games have become too popular with adult males, many of whom will often neglect family and work to spend a copious number of hours playing video games including online games as World of Warcraft in a video game addiction. [[Liberal denial]] discourages people from recognizing the problem.<br /> <br /> Video games have been accused of being linked to [[Young Mass Murderers|murders by young people]] and other [[violence]], stress-induced health problems (including unexpected heart attacks),<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/world/europe/russian-teenager-dies-after-playing-online-computer-game-defence-of-the-ancients-for-22-days-in-a-row/story-fnh81p7g-1227512824314 Teenager dies from a video game addiction]</ref> [[atheism]], [[obesity]],<ref>[http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/ Childhood Obesity] Department of Health and Human Services, retrieved Sept 18th 2011</ref> and [[sexual immorality]]. Several prominent murderers in recent years were inspired by video games.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-316491/Teenager-gets-life-Manhunt-murder.html</ref> [[Young mass murderer]] [[Adam Lanza]] was "immersed in a perverse video game world" and "killed himself to prevent law enforcement from taking his 'points.'" He plotted his rampage far in advance and "learned the principles of ... the tactical reload" from his [[video games]].<br /> Video games has also been used as "murder simulators" by American army, in order to desensitize young man, into triggering the gun better, and with less doubt, thus killing enemies more efficiently.<br /> <ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/lupica-lanza-plotted-massacre-years-article-1.1291408#ixzz2NuWeFMNO]</ref><br /> <br /> After a murderous rampage by another video game user in Norway:<ref>http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/871121-norway-stores-pull-violent-video-games-including-call-of-duty-after-massacre#ixzz1erUdaLo5</ref><br /> {{cquote|A number of Norway stores have pulled violent video games from sale - including several Call of Duty games and World of Warcraft - in the wake of the massacre carried out by Anders Behring Breivik on July 22.}}<br /> Unbeknownst to many, the video game industry is partly subsidized by taxpayers, even in the [[conservative]] Texas. In 2015, a spat broke out between the video game and film industries about the millions they would receive from government.<ref>http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/drama-between-film-video-game-groups-dooms-funding/</ref><br /> <br /> On the other hand, video games have also been suspected of giving otherwise liberal people some virtual conservative viewpoints.<ref>http://kotaku.com/5764327/5764327/are-video-games-turning-liberals-into-virtual-conservatives</ref><br /> <br /> == Video game usage and excess weight ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Video game usage and excess weight]] and [[Obesity]]<br /> <br /> Due to the sedentary lifestyle of many who abuse video games or play them for extremely long amounts of time, there is an absence of exercise - meaning [[addiction]] to video games can cause an increase in weight to unhealthy proportions.<br /> <br /> [[File:Childhood obesity.JPG|thumbnail|200px|right|The state of Utah was acclaimed with the lowest percentage of children overweight, and was found to have the second lowest proportion of children spending 2 or more hours on TV/Video game play. <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> The District of Columbia, found to have the highest percentage of overweight children, also had the highest percentage nationwide of children spending an incredible 4 hours plus in front of a screen.<ref>[http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/component/content/article/1-nof-in-the-media/338-tvvideo-games-and-child-obesity.html TV Video Games and obesity]</ref>]]<br /> The National Obesity Forum indicates:<br /> {{cquote|The figures highlighted by the "F as in Fat" annual report [Trust for America's Health 2007 Annual Report] were retrieved from the Data Resource Center on Child and Adolescent Health website. The analysis of these figures reveals a strong positive correlation between hours spent on TV/Video game play and the percentage of children classed as overweight per state. The state of Utah was acclaimed with the lowest percentage of children overweight, and was found to have the second lowest proportion of children spending 2 or more hours on TV/Video game play. The District of Columbia, found to have the highest percentage of overweight children, also had the highest percentage nationwide of children spending an incredible 4 hours plus in front of a screen.<ref>[http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/component/content/article/1-nof-in-the-media/338-tvvideo-games-and-child-obesity.html TV Video Games and obesity]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ''Slate'' reported in 2012:<br /> {{cquote|The American Academy of Pediatrics tells parents that children’s total entertainment media time should not exceed two hours daily. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, average kids watch at least twice that much television. They also spend more than an hour per day online and another hour on video games. These activities, collectively called “screen time,” are widely blamed for the tripling of obesity rates in children since the 1980s.<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/04/are_video_games_making_kids_fat_screen_time_and_childhood_obesity_.html Are TV and Video Games Making Kids Fat?]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> The University of Texas at Austin declares:<br /> {{cquote|A study by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin suggests that watching television is not associated with children’s weight, but playing electronic games may be—especially for girls.<br /> <br /> “Children with higher weight status spent moderate amounts of time playing electronic games, while children with lower weight status spent either a little or a lot of time playing electronic games,” said Dr. Elizabeth A. Vandewater, who led the study published in the February issue of the Journal of Adolescence.<br /> <br /> Although the greater weight/video game link was found in this study with girls, she noted that future studies may reveal similar findings for boys. Either way, the findings could be significant considering how many American children play electronic games.<ref>[http://news.utexas.edu/2004/03/23/nr_video_games Video games rather than TV may be linked to childhood obesity], University of Texas at Austin news</ref>}}<br /> <br /> The ''Pittsburg Gazette'' reports: "A 2010 study from the Eastern Ontario Research Institute found video games to blame, chiefly because children, boys especially, tend to eat more when they're playing them."<ref>[http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2012/11/12/TV-video-games-linked-to-obesity/stories/201211120171 TV, video games linked to obesity], Pittsburg Gazette</ref><br /> <br /> === Irreligion, video game usage and obesity ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Irreligion, video game usage and obesity]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]<br /> <br /> ''Relevant Magazine'' reported about the journal article in ''The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion'' entitled ''No Other Gods Before Mario?: Game Preferences Among [[Atheism|Atheistic]] and Religious Individuals'':<br /> {{Cquote|[http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10508619.2011.638606 A new study] of 228 college students found that while just about everyone prefers video games to regular board games (duh), those who claim no religion vastly prefer video games compared to the religious peers. It's a small study, but the director, Chris Burris, has an interesting hypothesis about why [[Atheism|atheists]] prefer video games. Burris believes that atheists tend to be less good at "generating emotionally evocative internal simulations of experience." Simply put, he believes that religious people tend to be more imaginative, and are able to craft their own sense of play around simple games, while non-religious people tend to prefer the concrete rules afforded by video games.<ref>[http://www.relevantmagazine.com/slices/why-do-atheists-video-games-more-religious-people-do Why Do Atheists Like Video Games More Than Religious People Do?], ''Relevant Magazine''</ref>}}<br /> <br /> As far as the relationship between irreligion and obesity, please examine the articles below:<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and obesity]]<br /> <br /> *[[Millennials, irreligion and obesity]]<br /> <br /> *[[Generation X, irreligion and obesity]]<br /> <br /> *[[Baby boom generation, irreligion and obesity]]<br /> <br /> === Exergaming ===<br /> <br /> As far as "exergaming" (Video games which prompt the users to engage in physical activity), ''Slate'' reports:<br /> {{cquote|After three months, “there was no evidence that children receiving the active video games were more active in general or at any time,” the authors wrote. (The year before, a similar study in New Zealand had shown only minor improvement with active games; kids weighed just a pound less after six months of "exergaming".)<ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/04/are_video_games_making_kids_fat_screen_time_and_childhood_obesity_.html Are TV and Video Games Making Kids Fat?]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> == Overcoming addition to video games ==<br /> <br /> As with any addiction, video game usage can be hard to overcome as soon as one is drawn into it. Fortunately, [[faith]]-based efforts to overcome addiction can be effective and rewarding, and churches exist in part to help people overcome harmful vices in the world.<br /> <br /> [[Catholicism]] recommends that people give up something they like on Fridays, and throughout all of [[Lent]]. For some, it is easy to end a bad habit altogether once one is successful in giving it up at least one day a week, or throughout the 40 days of Lent.<br /> <br /> The [[Bible]] can be extraordinarily helpful and inspiring. Replacing video game usage with readings from [[Psalms]] and [[Proverbs]] can turn a vice into an enormous boost to one's life. One approach is to read the Proverbs chapter having the same number as the day of the month (e.g., on February 17 read Proverbs 17), and read five chapters in Psalms that that also correspond to the day of the month (e.g., read Psalms 81-85) on February 17 (17 times 5 is 85). Passages from the [[New Testament]] where [[Jesus]] mentions [[Hell]] can also be tremendously beneficial in combating vice.<br /> <br /> == Nature of video games ==<br /> <br /> The games vary greatly in type and complexity, but all games are alike in that they translate player input (from a controller, mouse, keyboard or motion sensor) into onscreen actions. Games are usually stored on some sort of digital media - ROM cartridge, [[CD]], [[DVD]], or even cassette tape for early computer games - though older or more inexpensive games may have dedicated chips which are pre-programmed to play certain games only. In recent years, game developers have moved to digital distribution, allowing anyone with a credit card or [[Paypal]] account to purchase games online. On PCs, this is often done through Valve corporation's Steam service, or Electronic Arts' Origin service, while the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have their own digital distribution services.<br /> <br /> Home consoles are classified by ''generation'' to indicate their relative power and date of release. The current major consoles (XBox360, PS3, Wii) are considered ''seventh generation''. Handheld consoles are not generally put into generations due to their more irregular release schedules.<br /> <br /> Video games have also been shown to help people to become more attuned to their surroundings and increase coordination, and in the future may be used to treat people with visual problems and to train soldiers.<ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/05/0528_030528_videogames.html</ref><br /> <br /> == Various genres ==<br /> <br /> Video games in the course of their existence have grown from the simple arcade style games, and have become more detailed and separated from one another. Genres can now include [[first person shooters]], [[racing]], [[Simulation game|simulation]], [[role-playing]], [[sports]], [[action]], [[strategy]], [[masssively multiplayer online]], [[puzzle]] and many others. Even then, games can combine genres, such as ''Mass Effect'' (Role Playing and Third Person Shooting), or not fit nicely into any genre, like ''The Mystery of the Druids''. The most popular genres tend to be shooters, action, and roleplaying games. Many video games are based on movies, such as Star Wars. However, many movies, even animated ones such as [[Brave]] and [[Delgo]], have not received adaptions. Several pen and paper rolepkaying games have been adapted into video games,such as Dungeons and Dragons, Vampire: the Masquerade and [[Paranoia (Game)]].<br /> <br /> == Popularity & Controversy ==<br /> <br /> Games have risen in popularity over the years, as is shown in the rise of video games sales from the 1980s until today. This has brought with it a various amount of controversy as the video game industry continues to grow with its original player base.<br /> <br /> Video games are addictive activities targeted at teenagers, sometimes with tragic results.<ref>Some claim that 2/3rds of videogamers are over 18 years old, but far more people are over that age and a much higher percentage of minors are videogamers.[http://www.pan-o-matic.com/blog/?p=45 Only a third of videogamers are under 18]</ref> Certain genres of games are becoming increasingly violent and offensive, attracting the attention of legislators in many states to protect the exploitation of children by them. Games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' are very violent, sexually explicit, and feature [[criminal]] behavior. These games are rated "M 17+" for "Mature," but courts have stricken down laws preventing retailers from selling them to children, under an interpretation that the First Amendment protects offensive video games even for children.<ref>http://gamepolitics.livejournal.com/148962.html</ref> After a ''Conservapedian'' filed an [[amicus brief]] with the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] to consider this issue, it surprised [[liberal]]s by granting ''[[certiorari]]''.<br /> <br /> However, in 2011, the Supreme Court denied a ban on the sale of violent video games in California, claiming they were protected as they "qualify for First Amendment Protection" and pointing out that there has historically been no shortage of violent imagery in children's fairytales, classical literature, and comics. Writing for the majority, Justice Scalia pointed out that "disgust is not a valid basis for restricting expression", and continued that any effects of violent video games on children "are both small and indistinguishable from effects produced by other media".<ref>[http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/08-1448.pdf BROWN, GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL. v. ENTERTAINMENT MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION ET AL.]</ref><br /> <br /> It has also been suggested that it is the role of parents to regulate what their children play, and that laws restricting video game vendors are an effort to replace parents' decisions with the government's decisions.<ref>http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/45083/</ref><ref>http://www.gameculture.com/2010/11/10/editorial-parental-responsibility-and-today039s-media</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-ed-games28-2009feb28,0,1556900.story</ref><br /> <br /> ===Violence===<br /> <br /> Most of the controversy comes from the rising trend toward violence in video games, as pioneered by ''[[Doom (video game series)|Doom]]'', ''[[Quake]]'', and the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series. <br /> <br /> Some people point out that violent video games cause violent behavior in some children. The effects of violent video games on the developing psyche of children and adolescents vary greatly and of course have much to do with the mental stability of the subject in question.<br /> Serious crimes have often been associated with video games. For example, a 14-year-old brutally murdered a video arcade employee one morning and his cousin stands trial for murdering the store manager when he entered the store shortly thereafter.<ref>http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1212467732102240.xml&coll=1</ref><br /> In the [[United States|USA]], all retail games carry ratings from the [[ESRB]], a video game ratings organization.<br /> <br /> Some claim that kids who don't play video games at all seem to show more violent tendencies. Of course, as expected, those who played violent video games for large amounts of time also showed violent tendencies, however the study claims that this is a "risk marker", not an actual cause.<ref>http://wii.qj.net/New-research-reveals-kids-who-don-t-play-videogames-at-all-are-more-at-risk-of-violent-tendencies/pg/49/aid/118505 New research reveals kids who don't play video games at all are more at risk of violent tendencies</ref> <br /> <br /> Multiple studies have shown a correlation between violent video games and levels of real life violence, caused by playing some of the aforementioned video games.<ref>http://www.apa.org/science/psa/sb-anderson.html</ref><br /> <br /> ===Sexuality===<br /> <br /> Although nudity is not prominent in [[western]] video games, there are various products containing sexually-suggestive material. One reason for the relative lack of explicitly sexual material in western games may be the refusal of retailers including [[Wal-Mart]]<ref>http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=440903</ref> (the leading distributor of video games in the United States) and [[Toys R Us]]<ref>[http://www.toysrusinc.com/safety/practices/ See Toys "R" Us's video games policy]</ref> (the world's largest toy themed retailer) to sell games carrying an "Adults-Only" rating. One notable target of controversy is the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series after a third-party mod was released that allowed the player to engage in a mini-game containing explicit sexual material. Mods are, as "third-party" would imply, fan-made and are not the responsibility of the game's developer. Other sources of this criticism relate to the game ''[[Tomb Raider]]'' as it was one of the first games where a female character (the protagonist) is depicted and advertised as a sex symbol.<ref>Ashley, Robert. "The Secret History of Videogame Sex." Official Playstation Magazine Feb. 2006: 96-99.</ref><br /> <br /> == Video Games & Society ==<br /> <br /> As video games become more popular, their impact on society becomes ever more present. A prime example of this is the massive ad campaigns for the [[Halo (game)|Halo]] series, as well as [[Grand Theft Auto]]. Advertising, merchandising, and even social pressures have changed in the ever-growing influence of video gaming.<br /> <br /> Due to their popularity, various corporations have begun placing advertisements for their products within the context of the game. [[Second Life]], an Internet-based virtual world, has attempted to blur the lines between real-world and virtual world, and companies such as Adidas, Reebok, and Dell have set up virtual stores selling real-world products within the game. [[Reuters]] also operates a news bureau reporting news in the game.<br /> <br /> == Education in Video Games ==<br /> <br /> It is unlikely that there is any educational value in video game usage, compared with better activities that could be pursued.<br /> <br /> But Firaxis Games, a noteworthy video game development company, has been creating a video game series called ''Civilization'' for nearly a decade.<ref>http://www.firaxis.com/company/</ref> Civilization is a simulation game that allows the player to lead a nation from ancient times to modern day. It features a dynamic military system, politics, trading, and historical content. It has been recognized for its unintentional educational properties.<ref>http://www.firaxis.com/community/teacher.php</ref><br /> <br /> Microsoft Flight Simulator is another example of a video game that may have some slight educational value.<ref>http://www.microsoft.com/Products/Games/FSInsider/product/Pages/InfoEducators.aspx</ref><br /> <br /> == Faith in Video Games ==<br /> <br /> [[Faith]] in Video Gaming has, as a rule, either led to the creation of new and dynamic antagonists, or video games that are mediocre, such as ''Spiritual Warfare'' and ''Bible Adventure'' for the Nintendo, or ''The Bible Game'' for various systems. ''Bible Adventure'' in particular is infamous for its poor design and playability.<br /> <br /> The Bible, or other such religious texts, tell a story spanning many different viewpoints. Turning these ideas into a video game, however, most often leads to games that tend to bore most video game audiences.<br /> <br /> Religion has, however, taken a prominent place amongst the various heroes and villains in video games. The ''Breath of Fire'' series and the ''Shin Megami Tensei'' games, in particular, use a god as a main antagonist in many of its incarnations. Other games to use religion in some way include the ''Final Fantasy'' series, ''[[Left Behind: Eternal Forces]]'', ''Black and White'', ''Heaven and Hell'', ''Xenogears'', ''Okami'', and the ''Tales'' series, particularly ''Tales of Symphonia''. Unfortunately, many (not all) of the aforementioned games (And nearly any Role Playing game from East Asia) present religion (or it's respective church and followers) as evil, fake, or having ulterior and nefarious motives. <br /> <br /> Games may include a fictional religion as part of the setting if the use of a real religion may invite undesirable controversy.<br /> <br /> Video game reviewers have sometimes unjustly attacked and reviewed games where real-world religion plays a notable role. One of the most prominent examples of this is the game ''[[Left Behind: Eternal Forces]]''.<ref>http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/left_behind</ref><br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Young mass murderers]]<br /> *[[Video game controversy]]<br /> *[[Jack Thompson]]<br /> *[[Video game industry]]<br /> *[[Addiction]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://www.whattheyplay.com/ What They Play - the parent's guide to video games]<br /> *[http://www.leftbehindgames.com/index.php Left Behind Games - a Christian, family friendly video game company]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <br /> <References/><br /> <br /> [[Category:Entertainment]]<br /> [[Category:Video Games]]<br /> [[Category:Computers]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Mainstream_media&diff=1376350 Mainstream media 2017-09-23T20:43:08Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:N.jpg|350px|right]]<br /> :'''''For a more in-depth analysis of the leftist bias ingrained in the mainstream media, see [[Media bias]] and [[Liberal bias]]'''''<br /> The '''mainstream media''' ('''MSM'''), at times referred to as the '''lamestream media''' for satirical purposes, are print and broadcast news organizations that report on news events. The mainstream media dates back to the start of the nation where politicians and printers would prepare "broadside" news sheets. The format of the media has evolved to include multi-page newspapers printed on high-speed offset presses, radio, television and online websites. Traditionally, media has been supported by a combination of subscriptions, newsstand sales and advertising. These revenues pay the cost of distribution as well as the journalist who write the content. <br /> <br /> Because news gathering is expensive, over time the mainstream media has found ways to share content and to distribute the cost of journalism over a wider set of customers. Radio and television stations formed networks to share content. Print media formed organizations like United Press International and the Associated Press to share coverage and photos. Some newspapers share printing operations, and other media organizations such as Copley and Gannett have purchased a large number of newspapers resulting in shared administrative costs. Although media started with a large number of competing news outlets operated locally, over time, media ownership and control has become more centralized in large organizations. The increasingly [[liberal]] media organs censor the dissemination of honest news and repeatedly apply liberal [[double standard]]s. <br /> <br /> The common denominator of the "mainstream media" is their [[censorship|censoring]] or downplaying stories that would lead viewers to [[conservative]] conclusions, and their use of [[photo bias]], [[placement bias]] and other forms of deception to mislead viewers into drawing incorrect [[liberal]] conclusions. The term '''mainstream media''' usually refers to how the majority of commercial-based or taxpayer-funded news reporting and commentary consist of [[liberal media|liberal bias]], while falsely pretending to be objective providers of information. In addition to promoting forms of censorship, the mainstream media has increasingly promoted or condoned the violence of the [[Antifa]] and other left-wingers.<ref>Nolte, John (September 1, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/09/01/as-its-influence-wanes-increasingly-militant-msm-promotes-violence-and-censorship/ As Its Influence Wanes, Increasingly Militant MSM Promotes Violence and Censorship]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> {{cquote|''They [the media] are not becoming irrelevant, but they are getting to the point where they are worse than irrelevant,” and “They’re the scourge of the American people.''|||[[Andrew Breitbart]]<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/75274 Tea Party Must Stand Up to Liberal Smear Tactics, Conservative Activist Says, CNSNews, September 14, 2010]</ref>}} <br /> <br /> {{cquote|''The Greens and ‘progressives’ more or less own the mainstream media.''|||[[Frank Davis]]<ref>[https://cfrankdavis.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/political-correctness-was-invented-in-nazi-germany/ Political Correctness Was Invented In Nazi Germany]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> {{cquote|''The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!''|||[[Donald Trump]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/832708293516632065 Donald Trump official Twitter page]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> Examples include:<br /> <br /> *Without any evidence of church attendance or Bible-reading by the [[Anders Behring Breivik|defendant]] accused of murdering 92 people in Norway, the headline of the leading Australian newspaper declared, "Norway suspect 'fundamentalist Christian.'"<ref>[http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/norway-suspect-fundamentalist-christian-20110724-1huqg.html Norway suspect 'fundamentalist Christian']</ref> The headline appears to be based in part on a [[Facebook]] page that was likely not even authentic.<br /> <br /> It is clear that the mainstream media is extremely biased towards the left-wing, and this was the case since at least the 1960s, with a strong leftist monopoly on the news which promotes false conclusions.<ref name="NationalReview">Hanson, Victor Davis (December 22, 2016). [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/443263/ The Trump Nail in the Media Coffin]. ''National Review''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> The [[2016 U.S. presidential election|2016 election]] of Republican businessman [[Donald Trump]] prominently displayed the blatant leftist bias of the media.<ref name="NationalReview"/><ref>Brown, Michael (October 19, 2016). [http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2016/10/19/the-undeniable-glaring-bias-of-the-mainstream-media-n2234678 The Undeniable, Glaring Bias of the Mainstream Media]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Riddell, Kelly (November 8, 2016). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/nov/8/mainstream-media-maligned-10-examples-blatant-bias/ Mainstream Media Maligned: 10 Examples of Blatant Bias]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Goodwin, Michael (November 14, 2016). [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/11/14/trumps-victory-is-about-change-and-our-biased-mainstream-media-must-change-too.html Trump's victory is about change. And our biased mainstream media must change, too]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Trump found a way to get his message out to the public without needing to go through the lens of the leftist media, and some liberals suggested ways in how to force Trump to have to deal with the corrupt media.<ref>[https://www.rt.com/usa/372026-donald-trump-twitter-cnn/ MSM shouldn’t cover Trump's tweets, forcing him to rely on media to communicate – CNN anchor]. ''RT''. December 28, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> == Fairness Doctrine ==<br /> In 1987, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] voted 4-0 to revoke the [[Fairness Doctrine]]. The Fairness Doctrine mandated that if any opinion considered "controversial" were ever discussed on the public airwaves, the station over which that opinion aired was required to give [[Censorship|equal time]] to any person wishing to reply. However, the FCC never set a standard about ''interpretations'' of current events that might be disputable, or even examined that issue.<br /> <br /> With the revocation of the Fairness Doctrine, [[radio]] and [[television]] stations were now permitted to air any opinion or interpretation of the news, no matter how "controversial," without regard to the giving of "equal time."<br /> <br /> On August 1, 1988, a new radio commentator named [[Rush Limbaugh]] began [[broadcast]]ing in national [[syndication]].<br /> <br /> == List of mainstream media organs ==<br /> [[File:MSMbyTEA.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Protest sign expressing [[Tea Party Movement]]'s attitude toward MSM]]<br /> Mainstream media outlets are based in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/1/liberal-media-distort-the-gun-debate-loaded-langua/ Liberal media distort the gun debate; loaded language misleads the public] - [[Emily Miller]], ''[[Washington Times]]''</ref><br /> Significant mainstream media outlets include:<br /> <br /> '''Newspapers'''<br /> * ''[[The New York Times]]''<br /> * ''[[The Washington Post]]''<br /> * ''[[The Boston Globe]]''<br /> * ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]''<br /> * ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''<br /> * ''The [[Los Angeles Times]]''<br /> * ''[[The San Francisco Chronicle]]''<br /> * ''[[USA Today]]''<br /> * ''The Rolling Stones'' (magazine)<br /> * ''The [[Wall Street Journal]]''<ref>The inclusion of ''The Wall Street Journal'' might strike some media observers as strange, until one remembers that, though its editorial board is [[conservative]] on most issues (except for immigration), its [[city room]] is definitely [[liberal]] in orientation and coverage of the news.</ref><br /> * All major, standard-newspaper-format dailies that have existed since before the Fairness Doctrine repeal.<br /> <br /> '''News Syndication Agencies'''<br /> * [[Associated Press (AP)|Associated Press]]<br /> * [[UPI|United Press International]]<br /> * [[Reuters]]<br /> <br /> '''Television'''<br /> * [[CBS]]<br /> * [[NBC]]<br /> * [[ABC]]<br /> * [[National Public Radio]]<br /> * [[PBS|Public Broadcasting Service]]<br /> * The [[CNN|Cable News Network]]<br /> * [[Fox News]] (see below).<br /> *[[Al-Jazeera]]<br /> <br /> Some media consumers do not consider [[Fox News Channel|Fox News]] to be part of the "mainstream media" as Fox News frequently presents viewpoints that do not fall in line with other mainstream outlets. For example, in 2007, the [[Democratic Party|Democratic]] [[2008 Presidential Election#Declared Democratic Party Candidates|presidential candidates]] declared that they would not appear in debates hosted by Fox News, but they did appear on other MSM news outlets. <br /> <br /> However, ratings indicate that because of its massive popularity, Fox News could be considered to be part of the mainstream media by definition. According to ratings organization [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]]:<br /> :* Fox News has the 10 most viewed cable TV news shows (as of Dec 2009).<br /> :* Fox News mean prime-time viewing figures are triple that of [[MSNBC]], and double that of CNN, and exceed the total ratings of CNN, MSNBC and [[CNBC]] combined.<br /> :* "In 2006, more than half the people watching cable news were watching Fox News" <ref>Authors unknown. "[http://www.stateofthenewsmedia.org/2007/narrative_cabletv_audience.asp?cat=2&media=6 The State of the News Media 2007]." ''Project for Excellence in Journalism,'' 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref><br /> [[File:Leftist News.gif | right]]<br /> ===CNN===<br /> In 2006 CNN.com ran an article by columnist R. Emmett Tyrell Jr. entitled "Tyrell: Goodbye MSM... and good riddance!" <ref>[[R. Emmett Tyrell|Tyrell, R. Emmet]]. "[http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/03/02/tyrrell.msm/index.html?iref=newssearch Goodbye MSM... and good riddance!]" Creators' Syndicate, 2006. Retrieved August 2, 2007, from [http://www.cnn.com CNN].</ref> Examining the relationship between the [[alternative media|alternative press]] and the MSM, Tyrell writes:<br /> <br /> <blockquote> So we hear this week that President George W. Bush is taking delight in the spread of the "alternative press" (read conservatives on the Internet, in talk radio, in print, and at Fox) and the gentle detumescence of "mainstream media" (read liberal media, or more precisely, Democratic media). Well I join him in his satisfaction. </blockquote><br /> <br /> ==Internet Sites==<br /> *[[TV Tropes]]<br /> *[[Reddit]]<br /> *[[IGN]]<br /> *[[Gamespot]]<br /> *[[Extra Credits]]<br /> *[[Gaming Age]]<br /> <br /> =='Alternative Media'==<br /> Differing opinions also exist over the definition of a similar term - '''Alternative Media'''. Although some consider, for example, [[Rush Limbaugh]]'s launch to be the birth of 'alternative media', so too do the Left consider publications like [[The Nation]] to be 'alternative media.'<ref>Albert, Michael. "[http://www.zmag.org/whatmakesalti.htm Alternative Media: What Makes Alternative Media Alternative?]" ''[http://www.zmag.org/ Z]'' Magazine. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref> In fact, many would view the [[Village Voice]] group to be the most widely published 'alternative media' outlet in the United States.<br /> <br /> By whatever definition, most media watchers would classify as "alternative media" any media organ that is primarily hosted on the [[Internet]] rather than printed and delivered or mailed to subscribers. The alternative media ''is not'' exclusively conservative. It includes [[liberal]] organs as well. Some writers on these organs have suggested that the mainstream media has a ''conservative'' bias—by which they actually mean that mainstream-media organs are not as revolutionary, or as radical, in their thinking as are the writers themselves.<ref>[[Peter Dreier|Dreier, Peter]]. "[http://alternet.org/workplace/58108/ For a Brief Moment, The Media Rediscover Poverty]." [http://alternet.org AlterNet.org], July 26, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref><ref>[[Rory O'Connor|O'Connor, Rory]]. "[http://alternet.org/mediaculture/55915/ The Future of Citizen Journalism]. [http://alternet.org AlterNet.org], July 3, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref><ref>[[Sheldon Rampton|Rampton, Sheldon]]. "[http://alternet.org/story/54339/ Has the Internet Changed the Propaganda Model?]" [http://alternet.org AlterNet.org], June 22, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref><br /> <br /> At least one MSM organ, [[CBS]] News, attempted in 2006<ref>Pogue, David. "[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/09/sunday/main1786520.shtml?source=search_story Brave New Blogging World: David Pogue Ventures Into The Blogosphere]." [http://www.cbsnews.com/ CBSNews.com], July 9, 2006. Retrieved August 2, 2007.</ref> to describe what a particular alternative-media segment (i.e., [[blog]]s) thinks of the MSM:<br /> {{Cquote|They don't believe that you are unbiased, objective, fair a lot of times. And so what they want is they want to read a lot of different sources themselves. because they don't trust the mainstream media..that would be [you].}}<br /> <br /> It is worth noting that liberal blog activity on the internet declined after the election of [[Barack Hussein Obama]],<ref>http://bloggasm.com/blog-traffic-for-liberal-blogs-down-58-in-three-months-following-election-conservative-blogs-down-36</ref> and continued to decline after his reelection. This shows that the distaste for bias in the liberal MSM is spreading to the alternative media.<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Liberal media]]<br /> *[[Advocacy journalism]]<br /> *[[Journalistic malpractice]]<br /> *[[Deaths directly attributed to the liberal media]]<br /> *[[Alternative media]]<br /> *[[Biased journalists of the Obama administration]]<br /> *[[Left-wing smear machine]]<br /> *[[Government by Journalism]]<br /> *[[Media hypocrisy]]<br /> *[[Mainstream media and Donald Trump]]<br /> <br /> == External links ==<br /> *[http://www.mediaresearch.org/biasbasics/biasbasics1.asp Media Bias Basics.]<br /> *[http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/Media-Bias-Is-Real-Finds-UCLA-6664.aspx Media Bias Is Real-Finds UCLA Political Scientist.]<br /> *[http://www.mrc.org/biasalert/archive.aspx Bias Alert.]<br /> *[http://www.nowfoundation.org/issues/communications/tv/mediacontrol.html Who Controls the Media?]<br /> *[http://www.freepress.net/ownership/chart/main Ownership Chart: The Big Six.]<br /> *[http://www.mathaba.net/news/?x=626979 Media Lies on Libya Ongoing.]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{Liberalism}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Media]]<br /> [[Category:Political Terms]]<br /> [[Category:Newspapers]]<br /> [[Category:United States Newspapers]]<br /> [[Category:Broadcasters]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Organizations]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Homework_(music)&diff=1376348 Homework (music) 2017-09-23T20:36:22Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Homework''' is the debut studio album by [[Daft Punk]], which was released on January 20, 1997 by Virgin, with acknowledgement to Soma. The songs on the album were all considered for prior release as singles (Da Funk was released earlier). <ref>http://www.allmusic.com/artist/daft-punk-mn0000667669/biography</ref> The album helped popularize French house music, as well as house music and electronic music in general. It was a critical and commercial success, selling two million copies in two years. Some fans believe this is the band's best album. Many homeschoolers listen to this album during non lecture segments of their education.<br /> <br /> ==Track Listing==<br /> 1. Daftendirect 2. WDPK 83.7 FM 3. Revolution 909 4. Da Funk 5. Phoenix 6. Fresh 7. Around The World 8. Rollin and Scratchin 9. Teachers 10. High Fidelity 11. Rock N Roll 12.<br /> Oh Yeah 13. Burnin 14. Indo Silver Club 15. Alive 16. Funk Ad<br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Musical Works]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Trilogy&diff=1376346 Trilogy 2017-09-23T20:22:13Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>A '''trilogy''' is a set of three [[books]] or [[movies]] that together, tell one long story.<br /> <br /> A '''trilogy''' may also be a set of works that explore a common thematic element, though each work may stand as a separate work as well.<br /> <br /> == See also==<br /> *[[Agamemnon Trilogy]]<br /> *[[Oedipus Trilogy]]<br /> *[[Prometheus Trilogy]]<br /> *[[Toy Story]]<br /> * [[Trio]]<br /> * [[Triplet]]<br /> * [[Trinity]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Literature]]<br /> [[Category:Movies]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Computer&diff=1376344 Computer 2017-09-23T20:18:38Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>A '''computer''' is a machine that is designed to perform a wide variety of information-processing tasks, depending on the program it has stored in its memory. It processes (computers) everything as mathematical problems, although many non-mathematical functions can be ultimately performed. Computers manipulate all data in the form of numbers, and encode all numbers in either [[binary|binary code]], which is base 2, or in the case of quantum computers, ternary code which is base 3. Binary means that there can only be a 1 or a 0 in any data. This makes it possible to process data electronically, since one voltage can be used to represent a zero and another voltage for a one. Ternary systems are far more complicated, and still in development. The average personal or server computer uses binary.<br /> ==History==<br /> [[Image:Babbage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Contemporary (1800's) illustration of what Charles Babbage's Difference Engine might have looked like.]]<br /> <br /> [[File:Babbage Difference Engine.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The modern (1991) construction of the "difference engine 2" in the British Science Museum.]]<br /> <br /> Prior to the advent of computing machines, the definition for ''computer'' was a human being who performed complex mathematical calculations. This was accomplished with the aid of a manual counting device, such as an [[abacus]] or a [[slide rule]], and was mainly performed by traders and early bankers to keep a reliable record of funds.<br /> <br /> Charles Babbage, a [[British]] scientist who lived in the 19th century, has been credited as the designer of the first digital computer, the Difference Engine, a machine set to do calculations reliably up to six decimal places. It was entirely mechanical. However, the Engine was never constructed, being deemed as "had derived no emolument whatsoever from the government" by a member of parliament. He also designed an even more sophisticated "Analytical Engine", that would actually have been a programmable computer in the modern sense; it, too was mechanical. Though it was never built, [[Ada Lovelace|Augusta Ada]] wrote some programs for it (to compute Bernoulli polynomials), making her the world's first computer programmer. A small version of the Difference Engine, was built after his death by his son.<ref>http://ei.cs.vt.edu/~history/Babbage.html</ref><br /> <br /> Babbage later designed a simpler and even more clever "Difference Engine Number 2", which was also not completed in his lifetime. But in 1991, the bicentennial of Babbage's birth, this computer was built in the British Science Museum, from Babbage's original plans. It operates flawlessly, though a few billion times slower than modern electronic computers. It is operated by turning a crank.<br /> [[File:SSEM Replica.jpg|thumb|left|The Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine is considered the world's first stored-program computer, 1948.]]<br /> The first computer comparable to the modern day computer, an electronic calculation machine, was the [[ENIAC]]. Built as an artillery support machine, it was unveiled in early 1946.<ref>http://ftp.arl.army.mil/~mike/comphist/</ref><br /> {{clear}}<br /> <br /> ==Classifications==<br /> ===Personal===<br /> Personal computers are ones designed for use by a single user at any given time. These are the common desktop and laptop computers most people use today. Tablet computers could also be included in this general category. Some businesses will include person computers in a client-server network. In this system, the personal computers are used to connect with a main server computer (or in some cases, a server cluster).<ref name="WorldBook01">The World Book Encyclopedia. 2001 ed. Vol. 4. Chicago: World Book, 2001. Print. Pages 908-94</ref><br /> ===Mainframe===<br /> [[File:NASAComputerRoom-1962.gif|250px|thumbnail|NASA's Mainfram computer (1962)]]<br /> Mainframes were the first kind of commercially used digital computers, and always used to be the fastest option. They had the ability to process much more information at a faster rate than any other kind.<ref name="WorldBook01"/> However, with the rapid advancement of technology in recent years, these have fallen behind. They consume an enormous amount of space, and use much more electricity than modern computers. In many cases, they have since been replaced with the client-server architecture.<ref>"mainframe." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Britannica Academic. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 31 May. 2016. <http://0-academic.eb.com.www.consuls.org/EBchecked/topic/358715/mainframe>.</ref> However, mainframes (mainly the IBM System Z) are still used by a number of companies. Although outdated, they are still powerful, durable, and reliable systems. Some have been in fault-tolerant operation for at least forty years.<ref name="interview with DavidB4">Personal interview of an anonymous individual with [[User:DavidB4]]</ref><br /><br /> Most mainframes, including the IBM System Z, use the COBOL language (short for COmmon Business-Oriented Language). This is a very easy to understand programming language. For example, a line of this code is, <code>MULTIPLY HOURLY-RATE BY TOTAL-HOURS GIVING TOTAL-PAY</code>.<ref>https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110121224151AAaIkmF</ref> Although not used exclusively by mainframes, this is one of the main ways it is used. In 2009, 70-75% of the world's business transactions and 90% of global financial transactions were processed by COBOL.<ref>https://cis.hfcc.edu/faq/cobol</ref> In 2016, it was estimated that at least 60% of business systems still used it, much of which was running on mainframes.<ref name="interview with DavidB4"/> Although now an outdated technology, mainframes are still a vital part of many systems.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2009/apr/09/cobol-internet-programming</ref><ref>http://www.mainframes.com/COBOL.html</ref><br /> <br /> ===Client-server===<br /> [[File:CERN Server room 03.jpg|250px|thumbnail|A Client-Server Room]]<br /> A client-server is a powerful computer which offers information or services to remote personal computers and workstations. In many cases, client-server computers host websites, send and receive [[e-mail]] messages, store information, and handle all other basic services offered on the Internet. Others perform less publicly accessible functions such as crawling websites and running any number of advances calculations. Client-servers are also used by some companies to store records which are usually only available on their intranet (local network). For example, hospitals will often keep patient records on a secure client-server.<ref>"client-server architecture." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Britannica Academic. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 31 May. 2016. <http://0-academic.eb.com.www.consuls.org/EBchecked/topic/1366374/client-server-architecture>.</ref><br /><br /> Client-servers can also be clustered so that although they appear to be one server, a sometimes large quantity of servers are actually running. When multiple server computers are used, the storage, processing, and client capabilities of the whole increase dramatically. This fact has led the creation of many "server farms," which house little other than but thousands of servers.<br /> <br /> ===Supercomputer===<br /> Supercomputers are the most powerful computers available, which have replaced mainframe computers. These computers, which generally fill large rooms like mainframes, are generally used by government agencies and large corporations. Since these computers are so expensive, they are reserved for important and complicated computations such as nuclear simulations and weather modeling.<ref name="Britannica">"Computer." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Britannica Academic. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016. <http://0-academic.eb.com.www.consuls.org/EBchecked/topic/130429/computer>.</ref> Quantum computers are also often considered supercomputers, due to their extensive capabilities (and size).<br /> <br /> ===Dedicated===<br /> [[File:Playstation-SCPH-30000 vertical.jpg|150px|thumbnail|Dedicated [[PlayStation 2]] Computer]]<br /> Dedicated computers are, as the name suggests, dedicated to a specific function. These can be almost anything from [[Video game]] consoles to a child's handheld toy. These are generally limited in functionality, since they are designed for their single task only.<ref name="WorldBook01"/><br /> <br /> ===Embedded===<br /> Embedded computers are controllers built into the device they control. These are found in digital wrist watches, [[car]]s, landline telephones, some [[Printer (computing)|printers]] (with embedded print servers), and more.<ref name="WorldBook01"/><br /> <br /> ==Thin vs. fat clients==<br /> "Fat clients" are client devices which can process data themselves, without requiring a remote server or mainframe. Personal computers, for example, are fat clients, since they process data on their own. "Thin clients" are user terminals which do little or no data processing themselves. These are much less common than they have been in the recent past. In older systems, client terminals were little more than links to a mainframe. The user would enter a command and set of data in the terminal, and it would be passed on the mainframe. The mainframe would then store, retrieve, or process the data as needed, and return anything needed to the terminal.<br /><br /> The newer client-server architecture has largely done away with this thin clients, but some networks still use this sort of system. Sometimes, there is no operating system or local storage at all on a client "computer." Everything done is downloaded from and uploaded to a central server. Most people now use "fat clients," which only occasionally need to communicate with a server. <br /><br /> Cloud computing has to some degree started bringing back thin clients, however. Since "Software as a Service" and other cloud-based solutions are becoming more popular, thick clients (personal computers) and to some degree being made into thinner clients again.<br /> <br /> ==Binary and ternary==<br /> Binary has always been used by computers and is somewhat familiar to most. However, some of the newest supercomputers now use ternary systems. <br /> <br /> ===Binary===<br /> Since the beginning of the digital computer, and even before this (when computers were mechanical), computers have always used "ones" and "zeros" for every calculation and operation. <br /> *The processor and circuitry operate using electrical pulses. A pulse is a "one" while a pause (no additional energy sent) is a "zero." <br /> *The [[Random-access memory|RAM]] switches are held in one position ("one") or released to the other ("zero")<br /> *Magnetic disks are magnetized to positive or negative, which represent "zero" and "one"<br /> *Optical disks have their foil melted by laser to show "zero" vs. "one"<br /> *Flash memory has microscopic toggle switches which are set to "one" or "zero"<br /> Every part of a binary computer uses theses "ones" and "zeros" for everything.<br /> <br /> ===Ternary (trinary)===<br /> A new and evolving kind of computer breaks the "rules" of computer design entirely. Using properties of [[quantum mechanics]], these computers make use of alternate states of matter which can only exist very near [[absolute zero]]. Using these, a [[quantum computer]] can not only use ones and zeros, but also a sort of "both one and zero." Ternary processors must be kept incredibly cold, however. Due to this requiement, as well as many other technical issues, ternary computers are not commercially available. For now, these remain restricted to laboratories where space and liquid nitrogen are plentiful. However, it is believed that they may <br /> eventually replace binary computers.<ref>"quantum computer." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Britannica Academic. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2016. Web. 31 May. 2016. <http://0-academic.eb.com.www.consuls.org/EBchecked/topic/746092/quantum-computer>.</ref><br /> <br /> ==3D Graphics==<br /> Computers can be used for engineering and medical imaging. They can also be used to create animation, such as [[Toy Story]] and [[Delgo]].<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Ada Lovelace]]<br /> *[[Brain-computer interface]]<br /> *[[Linux]]<br /> *[[IBM]]-[[HP]]-[[Dell]] and [[Microsoft]] [[Windows]]<br /> *[[Apple Computer]]<br /> *[[Apple Computer|Apple]] [[iOS]] for [[iPhone]]-[[iPod]]-[[iPad]]<br /> *[[Acorn computers]]<br /> *[[ZX Spectrum]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://www.dai.ed.ac.uk/homes/cam/fcomp.shtml Who Made the First Computer?]<br /> *[http://www.cs.iastate.edu/jva/jva-obit.html John V. Atanasoff Dies at Age 91 Invented First Electronic Computer.] Washington Post Obituary.<br /> *http://www.msu.edu/course/lbs/126/lectures/history.html<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}} <br /> <br /> [[Category:Computers]]<br /> [[Category:British Inventions]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Fantasy&diff=1376343 Fantasy 2017-09-23T20:16:14Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>A '''fantasy''' is a plot in a story or [[movie]] that not plausible. Often, fantasy involves magic and other mystical elements.<br /> <br /> Fantasy is also a specific genre of [[book]]s and [[movie]]s characterized by swordplay, magic, and sometimes completely new worlds.<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Wishful thinking]]<br /> * [[Pollyanna]]<br /> *[[Zelda]]<br /> *[[Delgo]]<br /> *[[Game of Thrones]]<br /> *[[Narnia]]<br /> *[[The Lord of the Rings]]<br /> *[[Harry Potter]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Fantasy| ]]<br /> [[Category:Terms]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Art&diff=1376341 Art 2017-09-23T20:13:08Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:Clausell Study.jpg|right|Joaquin Clausell Study]]<br /> '''Art''' is a term used to describe objects or ideas that are creative in origin or design. It is typically defined as the conscious production or arrangement of sounds, colors, forms, movements, or other elements in a manner that affects the sense of [[beauty]], specifically the production of the beautiful in a graphic or plastic medium.<ref>American Heritage Dictionary</ref><br /> <br /> ''[[The arts]]'' is a term broader than "''art''", which usually means the visual arts (fine art and decorative art). ''The arts'' encompasses visual arts, performing arts ([[Music]] and [[dance]]), language arts ([[Literature]]) and culinary arts. The major general surveys on topics in the fine arts are [[painting]], [[sculpture]], drawing, [[photography]] and [[architecture]]. <br /> <br /> ==Liberalism and art==<br /> [[Image:Cultrev.jpg|right|thumb|300px|A Cultural Revolution poster.]]<br /> [[Liberals]] use art to express their [[political]] views, hoping to gain extra protection for their political speech by claiming that it is not really political but merely "artistic expression". This has been used to defend [[hate speech]] in the case of an art exhibit in the 1980s which invited [[museum]] goers to step on an American Flag and then record their opinions in a journal.<br /> <br /> <br /> In 2008, visual artist [[Shepard Fairey]] utilized [[Socialist]] and [[Communist]] propaganda poster aesthetics to create the infamous [[Barack Obama]] "HOPE" campaign poster. Fairey's work has long employed visual elements directly referencing [[fascist]] imagery, styling and color palettes. His representation of Obama bore striking resemblance to socialist realism and recalled posters used to promote [[Mao]], [[Stalin]] and [[Lenin]]. This iconographic image became synonymous with Obama's presidential campaign, despite claims by the [[Associated Press]] that Fairey had illegally stolen the original image from their photo archives. In a September 2008 article on [[San Francisco]]-based news website SF Gate, Fairey admitted freely that he employed propaganda techniques, saying, "The illustration does have roots in propaganda art... I also want it to seem like a patriotic image, but not be seen as too countercultural... It needed just enough mainstream ingredients to transcend."<ref>http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-09-18/entertainment/17159255_1_shepard-fairey-poster-street-artist</ref><br /> <br /> {{Clear}}<br /> <br /> == See also ==<br /> [[Image:Adriaen van Ostade El pintor en su estudio.jpg|thumb|280px|Adriaen van Ostade, The painter in his studio (Self portrait).]]<br /> ''The secret of art is love.'' — Emile Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929), French sculptor, studied with Rodin<ref>WordSpingle.com</ref><br /> <br /> *[[Art movements]]<br /> *[[Art history]]<br /> *[[Painting Schools]]<br /> *[[Painting Galleries]]<br /> *[[Aesthetics]]<br /> *[[Bible Art Gallery]]<br /> *[[Masterpiece]]<br /> *[[Atheist art]]<br /> *[[Delgo]]<br /> <br /> == External links ==<br /> <br /> *[http://www.artsusa.org/public_awareness/ National Arts Education]<br /> *[http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/life_and_culture/the_arts.html The Arts] U. S. Life, Culture and History.<br /> *[http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/academic-art.html Academic Art] Artcyclopedia.<br /> *[http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/art/search Best Graduate Schools - Fine Arts] Ranked in 2008.<br /> *[http://www.kevinalfredstrom.com/art/main.php Art Gallery.] Kevin Alfred Strom. <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CATHERINE GODDARD CHIPPENDALE BUREAU TABLE.jpg|thumb|left|The masterfully designed and crafted table, known as the Catherine Goddard Chippendale Block-and-Shell Carved and Figured Mahogany Bureau Table, is attributed to the Newport, Rhode Island cabinetmaker John Goddard (1724-1785).]]<br /> [[File:Canaletto London Seen through an Arch of Westminster Bridge.JPG|thumb|center|[[Antonio Canaletto]], London Seen through an Arch of Westminster Bridge, 1746-7.]]<br /> <br /> {{Clear}}<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> {{Virtues}}<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Art]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Motion_picture&diff=1376340 Motion picture 2017-09-23T20:12:25Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>A '''motion picture''' is any work of [[art]] that depicts an object or objects in motion and actually creates the illusion of motion. The classical method of creating this illusion is by the showing of a sequence of photographs or drawings, each showing the putative moving object(s) in a slightly different place than the one previous, at such a speed that the viewer is not conscious of anyone showing him a set of pictures in sequence and can actually believe that he is watching things move, just as he would if he were in the presence of an actual moving object in nature.<br /> <br /> == History of Motion Pictures as a Medium ==<br /> === Invention of the Mechanical Technique ===<br /> [[Image:LouisLePrinceFirstFilmEver.JPG|right|thumb|A frame of '''Roundhay Garden Scene''' by the French inventor Louis Le Prince, is the world's first film; it was shot in 1888 in Roundhay, England.]]<br /> Motion pictures (often called "film" or "films" for short) began in 1867 with the invention of the ''zoopraxiscope'' (from the [[Greece|Greek]] ''zoô'' I am living, ''praxis'' what one does, and ''scopoô'' I am watching) by William Lincoln.<ref name=mpgen>[http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmotionpictures.htm The History of the Motion Picture] by About.com</ref> This device used the rapid-sequence-of-photographs technique. Of far more practical value was [[Thomas Edison]]'s ''kinetoscope''<ref name=Kinetoscope>[http://inventors.about.com/od/kstartinventions/a/Kinetoscope.htm The Kinetoscope] by About.com</ref> (literally, "I watch things move"), which took a rapid sequence of photographs on a single very long roll of film and projected them just as rapidly for a single viewer. Edison would go on to perfect a device called the Vitascope<ref name=Vitascope>[http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bledisonvitascope.htm The Vitascope] by About.com</ref> that allowed the exhibition of such a picture to a group of persons.<br /> <br /> Because he did not secure [[patent]] protection for his work in Europe, various European imitators were able to reverse-engineer Edison's device, and eventually, Louis Lumiere<ref name=mpgen/> would build the first ''cinematograph,'' a self-contained device that could shoot a sequence, develop the film, and then project it. Thereafter, ''cinematography'' became the standard term for the actual shooting of a motion picture.<br /> <br /> === Silent to Sound ===<br /> The first motion pictures were silent and gave rise to a new form of [[theater]] much given to histrionics, [[hyperbole]], and [[melodrama]] to make up for the lack of audible dialog. Eventually, however, Edison invented ''sound track'' that would reliably produce moving pictures and sound, including spoken words, in perfect synchrony. From then on, motion picture as [[theater]] once again shared with the traditional stage the conventions that have governed theater almost since its inception. In the early days of sound film, there were still many silent films produced (sound was an expensive process). So to distinguish, people commonly referred to sound movies as '''talkies''' if spoken, the first of which being ''The Jazz Singer'', or '''soundies''' if a music and dance movie (the precursor to the [[music video]]).<br /> <br /> === Black-and-white to Color ===<br /> Initially, all motion pictures were monochromatic or "black-and-white." A small number of motion pictures were initially made with a two-strip color process. This was expensive, and the colors were not true-to-life by any standard. After the invention of sound came the further invention of a three-strip color process that, for the first time, produced realistic colors. The first live action film released in this process was the 1934 short film ''La Cucaracha'' followed by the first feature-length film, ''Becky Sharp'' in 1935 Monochromatic filming remained popular, primarily because color filming was still too expensive to be routine, but also because monochromatic filming required its own conventions in set-dressing and costuming. A director of a monochromatic film sought to use colors that would project best as ''shades of gray'', and thus would often choose the sort of colors for sets and costumes that a totally color-blind person might choose without the proper education and training in color coordination.<br /> <br /> As color filming became less expensive, and as viewers demanded color in the films that they patronized, color filming became an almost universal rule. Directors and producers did, on occasion, film in black-and-white in order to achieve a particular effect, typically to suggest another film of its genre made in the era when color was still a novelty. Producers and directors almost never make such decisions today.<br /> <br /> ==== The Colorization Controversy ====<br /> In 1970, [[Wilson Markle]] invented a technique called ''colorization''<ref name=colorization>[http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/C/htmlC/colorization/colorization.htm Colorization] at the On-line Museum of Broadcast Communications</ref> that attempted to reconstruct the colors that supposedly existed in a scene filmed in black-and-white. The first use of the technique was to add color to the black-and-white footage taken in the many missions of [[Project Apollo]]. In 1983, Markle formed a corporation to apply the technique to adding color back to existing black-and-white motion-picture and [[television]] productions.<br /> <br /> The technique involved using a [[computer]] program to substitute a color for every shade of gray in the film. This would have been an obvious and logical solution to adding color to a scene photographed in space because the [[astronaut]]s could describe realistically the colors they saw. However, because the colors chosen in black-and-white motion-picture and television productions were ''not'' realistic colors, the technique produced results of decidedly low quality. It was also expensive, often costing $3,000 US per minute of footage.<br /> <br /> Worse yet, the original actors and directors of monochromatic films expressed outrage, and many of these professionals sought in vain to ask the [[United States]] Congress to ''forbid'' the colorization of their projects as a violation of their intellectual-property interests in their "image" or initial "vision" for their respective projects.<br /> <br /> Ultimately, the law that finally banned colorization was not any statute, but the law of supply and demand. Viewers rejected colorized titles as unrealistic and deserving of the very criticism that a famous actress and Congressional witness once gave them, that they "looked like a cheap watercolor." The most outspoken advocate of colorization, who had in fact bought the rights to the vast film libraries of three different motion-picture studios, quietly stopped issuing colorized titles in 1995.<br /> <br /> === Current State ===<br /> The motion-picture medium is now more than a hundred years old. Today, many of the original films have deteriorated to total non-viewability. The celluloid of which most film is made was never intended as a long-term storage medium. This has led to two major developments:<br /> <br /> # The ''restoration'' of many especially well-loved films, often necessitating a frame-by-frame rebuilding of the entire project, typically by electronic means.<br /> # The decision to develop a means and an infrastructure to record a film as a set of ''digital signals'', store these signals on magnetic or preferably optical recording media, and transmit them to exhibitors through a dedicated communications channel on demand.<br /> <br /> == Uses of Motion Pictures ==<br /> Motion pictures have typically found the following uses:<br /> <br /> # As an aid in education, by recording for later projection certain laboratory demonstrations, animals in their natural habitats, and other scenes that a teacher would be unable to stage convincingly, inexpensively, or safely in a classroom. Instructors have also recorded their own lectures for later playback by absent students.<br /> # As a means of disseminating current events. These "newsreels" were highly popular, especially during the [[Second World War]], before the widespread popularity of [[television]] made them obsolete.<br /> # As a tool of [[propaganda]].<br /> # As a form of [[theater]].<br /> <br /> The last use is by far the most popular and the most famous use of motion pictures—and today, motion pictures are the most popular form of theater today, with television running a close second. Here, "theater" is defined broadly as any public spectacle involving persons pretending to be other persons they are not, and acting out a story that might or might not be true. In this sense, motion pictures are one of what are now three different media of theater. Interestingly, Avatar and [[Delgo]], the most and least successful movies, have similar plots.<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> [[Category:Culture]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Harry_Potter&diff=1376308 Harry Potter 2017-09-23T17:41:15Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:67486ruy.jpg|right|thumb|British edition of '''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone'''.]]<br /> The '''''Harry Potter''''' books are a hugely popular<ref>The author has sold 350 million books and counting, been translated into 65 languages and had her work made into highly successful movies. [http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=3811481&page=1 ABC News]</ref> series of seven fantasy novels by [[J.K. Rowling]] about three children at a British boarding school for 'witchcraft and wizardry': Harry, Ron and Hermione. The children grow from age 11 to 17 in the books, giving them appeal to a broad range of readers including children and teenagers, but also appealing to adults. Since their release, interest and acceptance of withcraft has increased, particularly among the goth subculture, and many rides and attractions centered around the books are causing children to accept and admire witchcraft and magic.<br /> <br /> ==Harry Potter==<br /> '''Harry Potter''' is the [[protagonist]] and the plot of each book focuses on Harry's adolescence and fight against the [[antagonist]] wizard Lord Voldemort. The books combine elements of whimsy reminiscent of ''[[Alice in Wonderland]]'', the strange adult immaturity of ''[[Through the Looking Glass]]'', and the implacable good vs. evil fight of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<br /> <br /> When Harry was a mere baby, his parents were murdered by the evil [[Voldemort]]. Harry didn't know that his parents were [[wizard (fiction)|wizard]]s until his 11th birthday; it came as a giant surprise. [[Hagrid]] took him to [[Diagon Alley]] for robes, books and wand; then on to [[Hogwarts]], a boarding school for wizards and witches. He had many adventures there learning [[magic]] and using it to fight the forces of the [[Voldemort|wizard]] who killed his [[parent]]s when he was an [[infant]]. Lord Voldemort seeks to become immortal by any means. Voldemort also leads forces of "Death Eaters" who follow Voldemort's ideology of a "pure-blood" (wizard who was born to wizard parents) society and persecute Muggles, non-magical folk. Along the way, Harry learns about life and [[death]] and grapples with questions of [[morality]] and [[friendship]]. <br /> <br /> The seven books in the series have been fabulously successful, selling 300 million copies, and ''[[Forbes]]'' estimates that they have made Rowling the first billion-dollar author in history.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/maserati/billionaires2004/cx_jw_0226rowlingbill04.html J. K. Rowling And The Billion-Dollar Empire].</ref> All of them have been made into movies, with the last book being split into two separate films.<br /> <br /> The ''Harry Potter'' series of books are sizable volumes. The 870 pages of ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', even though printed in large type, contain 255,000 words&mdash;about twice as long as ''A Tale of Two Cities''. The "Lexile" measure of reading level puts the series between 880L and 950L,<ref>For comparison: ''Charlotte's Web'' 680L, ''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' 890L, ''Moby Dick'' 1200L</ref> comparable to sixth-grade texts<ref>[http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=fa&tabindex=4&tabid=22 The Lexile framework for reading].</ref><br /> <br /> == Popularizing the Occult and Mockery of Christianity ==<br /> <br /> {{spoiler}}<br /> Many conservative Christians have attacked the books. Most mainline Protestant and Catholic leaders have taken a more favorable position. For example, the official organization of American Catholic bishops (the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) has rated each film "A-II", --that is, suitable for adults and adolescents and was not found to be morally offensive.The episcopal conference even named the film adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" one of the ten best family films of 2004.<br /> <br /> However conservative critics have charged that the books have the potential of driving children away from Christian knowledge of good and evil toward the occult more than anything else in western society: "a generation of children is becoming desensitized to the occult. But with Hollywood's help, Harry Potter will likely surpass all these influences, potentially reaping some grave spiritual consequences"<ref>http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/harrypotter.html</ref> Hollywood never filmed any of the books, every Harry Potter movie is British and very family-friendly without references to any alleged occultism. <br /> <br /> Witchcraft is expressly forbidden by the Old Testament. <br /> <br /> Some Fundamentalists have praised the moral values of the books. For example, Scott Moore, philosophy professor at Baylor University, has found some remarkable Christian symbolism in the Potter series. <br /> <br /> James L. Evans, pastor of Crosscreek Baptist Church, concludes, "Instead of condemning Harry, maybe we should learn courage from him to name as evil what apparently we are afraid to speak."<ref>Jim Evans, [http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=2737 "Harry Potter As Teacher Of Christian Values" ''EthicsDaily.com'' June 24, 2003]</ref><br /> <br /> Conservative Christians say the ''Harry Potter'' series is written in a way that embeds fantasy and wizardry into a real world setting. This could potentially lead to some children exploring witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism. Indeed, the Pagan Federation in Britain has received a flood of inquiries from young ''Harry Potter'' fans.<ref>About.com: Agnosticism/Atheism - [http://atheism.about.com/od/harrypotter/i/witchcraft_2.htm Does Harry Potter Promote Wicca or Witchcraft? Is Harry Potter a Pagan Book?] (page 2)</ref><br /> <br /> The children's fantasy genre and slick storytelling style may make the danger more severe, say conservatives: "This is a true representation of witchcraft, and the black arts, and black magic. And yet we have people that say this is merely fantasy and harmless reading for our children. Actually, what makes this more dangerous is that it is couched in fantasy language, and children's literature, and made to be humorous, and beautifully written and extremely provocative reading. And it just opens up children to want to have the next one. This is what is so harmful."<ref>http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/harrypotter.html</ref><br /> <br /> ==Criticisms==<br /> <br /> The ''Harry Potter'' series is written in a way that embeds fantasy and wizardry into a real world setting. This could potentially lead to some children potentially exploring witchcraft, Wicca, and paganism. Indeed, the Pagan Federation in Britain has received a flood of inquiries from young ''Harry Potter'' fans.<ref>About.com: Agnosticism/Atheism - [http://atheism.about.com/od/harrypotter/i/witchcraft_2.htm Does Harry Potter Promote Wicca or Witchcraft? Is Harry Potter a Pagan Book?] (page 2)</ref><br /> <br /> Some expect children's literature to present characters that are role models and teach simple truths that will help children grow and know the difference between right and wrong. However, the world of ''Harry Potter'' is one in which adult authority figures are complex, imperfect, and occasionally ludicrous. Some teachers in the series are boring, or outright incompetent, while others are supportive and protective (like [[Dumbledore]] and [[Lupin]]). In the first book Harry disobeys the teachers and is successful and later praised, a questionable message for younger minds.<br /> <br /> The books also present witches and wizards as being both normal people and abundant. This deceit causes children to likewise accept magic and witchcraft as normal, and they identify with the children in the books, again furthering their acceptance and witchcraft.<br /> <br /> ==Notable Ban Attempts==<br /> <br /> On the week of April 10, 2006, Georgia mother of four Laura Mallory filed an appeal with the Gwinnett Board of Education in an attempt to remove the ''Harry Potter'' series from Gwinnett schools. Ms. Mallory (who has only read excerpts of the books) stated on the appeal form that she wished the books removed due to their "evil themes, witchcraft, demonic activity, murder, evil blood sacrifice, spells and teaching children all of this."<ref>[http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=32&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=14074&change_well_id=2]</ref> The local board of education denied the request, as they felt the banning of ''Harry Potter'' would necessitate the banning of all books with reference to witches, including plays like ''[[Macbeth]]'' and even stories like [[Cinderella]].<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15127464/ Georgia mom seeks ban on Harry Potter]</ref> Ms. Mallory has since appealed the ruling twice to no avail.<ref>[http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5022462&nav=8fap]</ref><ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16204853/from/]</ref><ref>[http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/education/stories/011807dnentpotterprotest.a89cec.html]</ref><br /> <br /> Similar concerns have been voiced by Christian cartoonist [[Jack Chick]], pastor and author [[Dave Hunt]], the British group [[Christian Voice]] and various others. None of these has resulted in any form of legal action.<br /> <br /> ==Series titles==<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone]]'' (original title as published in England and all other English-speaking countries other than the USA: ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'')<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''<br /> *''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''<br /> <br /> Also, three companion books have been made to go along with the series: ''The Tale of the Beedle the Bard'', ''Quidditch Through the Ages'', and ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them''. ''Quidditch Through the Ages'' and ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'' are both written under pen names, but all three are written by J.K. Rowling.<ref>http://www.jkrowling.org</ref> All books have been filmed. The spin-off ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'' is being filmed as a trilogy. The first movie shall come in November 2016 into the cinemas.<br /> <br /> The books have also been adapted into music, first done by the pioneers [[Harry and the Potters]].<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Harry Potter Witchcraft Repackaged]]<br /> <br /> ==Further reading==<br /> * Brown, Nancy Carpentier. ''The Mystery of Harry Potter: A Catholic Family Guide'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Harry-Potter-Catholic-Family/dp/1592763987/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254259810&sr=1-4 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Cherrett, Lisa. "Harry Potter and the Bible" (2003) [http://www.harrypotterforseekers.com/articles/hpandthebible.php online version]<br /> * Cockrell, Amanda. "Harry Potter and the Witch Hunters: a Social Context for the Attacks on 'Harry Potter'", ''Journal of American Culture'' 2006 29(1): 24-30, in [[EBSCO]]<br /> * Colbert, David. ''The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter'' (2nd ed. 2008) [http://www.amazon.com/Magical-Worlds-Harry-Potter-revised/dp/0425223183/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263210737&sr=1-20 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Granger, John. ''Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader'' (2007) [http://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Harry-Potter-Serious-Reader/dp/0972322124/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263211376&sr=1-27 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Granger, John. ''Looking for God in Harry Potter'' (2006) [http://www.amazon.com/How-Harry-Cast-His-Spell/dp/1414321880/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254259810&sr=1-3 excerpt and text search, 2nd edition under ''How Harry Cast His Spell'']<br /> * Heilman, Elizabeth E., ed. ''Critical Perspectives on Harry Potter'' (2nd. ed. 2008) [http://www.amazon.com/Critical-Perspectives-Potter-Elizabeth-Heilman/dp/0415964849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263211512&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Neal, Connie W. ''The Gospel According to Harry Potter: The Spiritual Journey of the World's Greatest Seeker'' (2008) [http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Harry-Potter-Spiritual/dp/0664231233/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263211376&sr=1-33 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Thomas, James W. ''Repotting Harry Potter: A Professor's Book-by-Book Guide for the Serious Re-Reader'' (2009)<br /> * Whited, Lana A., ed. ''The Ivory Tower And Harry Potter: Perspectives On A Literary Phenomenon'' (2002) [http://www.amazon.com/Ivory-Tower-Harry-Potter-Perspectives/dp/0826215491/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> [[Category:Harry Potter Universe]]<br /> [[Category:Novels]]<br /> [[Category:Ghost Stories]]<br /> [[Category:Books]]<br /> [[Category:Science Fiction Movies]]<br /> [[Category:Fantasy]]<br /> [[Category:Fiction]]<br /> [[Category:Movies]]<br /> [[Category:Novels]]<br /> [[Category:Science Fiction]]<br /> [[Category:Witchcraft]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Fiction]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Homework_(music)&diff=1376300 Homework (music) 2017-09-23T17:15:43Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Homework''' is the debut studio album by [[Daft Punk]], which was released on January 20, 1997 by Virgin, with acknowledgement to Soma. The songs on the album were all considered for prior release as singles (Da Funk was released earlier). <ref>http://www.allmusic.com/artist/daft-punk-mn0000667669/biography</ref> The album helped popularize French house music, as well as house music and electronic music in general. It was a critical and commercial success, selling two million copies in two years. Some fans believe this is the band's best album. Many homeschoolers listen to this album during non lecture segments of their education.<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Musical Works]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Donald_Trump&diff=1376258 Donald Trump 2017-09-23T16:09:15Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Officeholder<br /> |name=Donald John Trump<br /> |image=Donald Trump official photo.jpg<br /> |party=[[Republican]] (1987–1999, 2009–2011, 2012–present)<br/> formerly [[Democrat]] (until 1987, 2001–2009), [[Reform Party|Reform]] (1999–2001), and [[Independent voter|Independent]] (2011–2012)<br /> |spouse=Ivana Trump<br/> Marla Maples<br/>[[Melania Trump]]<br /> |religion=[[Presbyterian Church (USA)|Presbyterian]]<br /> |offices={{Officeholder/president<br /> |country=the United States<br /> |number=45th<br /> |terms=January 20, 2017-Present<br /> |vp=[[Mike Pence]]<br /> |preceded=[[Barack Obama]]<br /> |former=n<br /> }}<br /> }}<br /> :''For his achievements as U.S. President, see [[Donald Trump achievements]].''<br /> '''Donald John Trump''' (b. [[Queens]], [[New York]], on June 14, 1946), nicknamed "'''The Donald'''", is a successful businessman, entrepreneur, outspoken politician, and [[television]] personality. He is the legitimately-elected and fully-qualified 45th President of the United States as a result of winning the [[2016 presidential election]] as the [[Republican]] nominee. <br /> <br /> ==Financial worth & education==<br /> Trump has engaged in many financial pursuits and estimated that his net worth was $10 billion, as of July 2015.<ref>LoGiurato, Brett (July 25, 2015). [http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-net-worth-2015-7 "We finally know a lot more about Donald Trump's 'massive' net worth"]. Business Insider website.</ref> ''Forbes'', however, estimates his net worth is $3.7 billion as of March 2017.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/profile/donald-trump/ "The world's most powerful people: #2 Donald Trump"]. (March 6, 2017). Forbes.com website.</ref> He graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1964 and first attended college at [[Fordham University]] for two years before transferring to the more competitive [[University of Pennsylvania]] and completing his undergraduate studies at its Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. <br /> <br /> Early media profiles of Trump claim he graduated "first in his class" from Wharton.<ref>Whitman, Alden (January 28, 1973). [http://www.nytimes.com/1973/01/28/archives/a-builder-looks-backand-moves-forward-builder-looks-back-but-moves.html "A builder looks back—and moves forward".] ''New York Times''. Retrieved from ''New York Times'' website.</ref> The evidence suggests otherwise and yet Trump has never sought to correct or clarify this potentially significant error.<ref>Geist, William E. (April 8, 1984). [http://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/08/magazine/the-expanding-empire-of-donald-trump.html "The expanding empire of Donald Trump".] ''New York Times Magazine''. Retrieved from ''New York Times'' website.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Candidacy==<br /> On June 16, 2015, he declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the [[2016 presidential election]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/06/16/trump-announces-white-house-bid-joins-crowded-gop-field/ "Trump announces White House bid, joins crowded GOP field"] (June 16, 2015). Fox News website/Politics. The front-runner in a record-breaking field of 17 [[Republican]] candidates, Trump announced that he did not anticipate "throwing punches" against his rivals in the first GOP debate.<br /> *Chiacu, Donna and Torbati, Yeganeh (August 2, 2015). [http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/02/us-usa-election-debate-idUSKCN0Q70NI20150802 "Trump says won't be 'throwing punches' in U.S. Republican debate"]. Reuters/Politics. But at the debate the [[Fox News Channel]]—particularly its [[feminist]] non-journalist [[Megyn Kelly]]—ambushed Trump with out-of-context quotations designed to smear him as somehow being anti-women. This ignited a national controversy that lasted for days, and Trump called upon Kelly to apologize, which she refused to do.</ref> Unlike most other U.S presidential candidates, Trump sharply criticizes the media and talks about issues that no elected official dares touch. For example, Trump stands up against [[feminists]], unlike most politicians. In another example, in 2011 Trump persistently doubted whether [[Barack Obama]] had been born in the [[United States]], which caused Obama's approval ratings to drop below 40% until Obama finally caved in to Trump and produced what Obama claimed was his birth certificate. Trump then scoffed at Obama's conduct.<br /> <br /> '''''In February 2011, Trump announced that he is [[pro-life]], and at the final presidential debate on Oct. 19, 2016, Trump gave the strongest endorsement of the pro-life position of any presidential nominee in history'''''.<br /> <br /> Trump's central campaign theme has been to oppose [[illegal immigration]] and [[free trade]], and nominated Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] as [[Attorney General]] to enforce standing legislation on the issue. As reported by [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]], "Sen. Sessions, Chairman of the Senate’s Immigration Subcommittee, is widely regarded as the gold standard on immigration. Sessions has also become the intellectual thought leader in the Republican Party on appealing to the blue collar voters who have been abandoned by their political leaders." <ref>Hahn, Julia (August 14, 2015). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/08/14/game-change-trump-consults-with-sen-jeff-sessions-on-immigration-strategy/ "Game change: Trump consults with Sen Jeff Sessions on immigration strategy"]. Breitbart website/Big government.</ref> In the later campaign Trump focused more on [[ISIS]] and terrorism.<br /> <br /> At the final presidential debate between [[Hillary Clinton]] and Trump on October 19, 2016, Clinton chastised Trump for running a newspaper advertisement in 1987 critical of the [[Reagan Administration]]. But Trump persuasively explained that he has always disagreed with Reagan's support of free trade, as many other [[conservatives]] disagree with Reagan on this issue.<br /> <br /> ==Religious beliefs==<br /> {{Main|Donald Trump's religious views}}<br /> Donald Trump attended the First [[Presbyterian]] Church in Jamaica, [[Queens]]. He told the [[Christian Broadcasting Network]] that he still considers himself a [[Presbyterian]] and attends services for all major holidays and Sundays, and that "The [[Bible]] is certainly THE book." He receives Bibles from fans in the mail, and he either stores them or gives them away to others.<ref>Haberman, Maggie (April 11, 2011). [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/52942.html "Donald Trump talks about religion"]. Politico website.</ref><br /> <br /> In July 2015, Trump stated in an interview that "Why do I have to repent or ask for forgiveness, if I am not making mistakes?"<ref>Nothstine, Ray (July 23, 2015). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/trump-why-do-i-have-to-repent-or-ask-for-forgiveness-if-i-am-not-making-mistakes-video-141856/ Trump: 'Why Do I Have to Repent or Ask for Forgiveness If I Am Not Making Mistakes?' (Video)]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.</ref> He also stated that "I think if I do something wrong, I think, I just try and make it right. I don't bring God into that picture. I don't."<ref>Scott, Eugene (July 18, 2015). [http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/18/politics/trump-has-never-sought-forgiveness/ Trump believes in God, but hasn't sought forgiveness]. ''CNN''. Retrieved December 4, 2016.</ref> January 2016, Trump stated that "I have a great relationship with God," but that "I don’t like to have to ask for forgiveness."<ref>Key, Pam (January 17, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/01/17/trump-i-dont-like-to-have-to-ask-for-forgiveness-from-god/ Trump: ‘I Don’t Like to Have to Ask for Forgiveness’ from God]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.</ref> When confronted by [[Cal Thomas]] in an interview in mid 2016 about his not asking God for forgiveness, Trump stated that he would ask God for forgiveness.<ref>Chumley, Cheryl (August 6, 2016). [http://www.wnd.com/2016/06/trump-answers-question-who-do-you-say-jesus-is/ Trump answers question: 'Who do you say Jesus is?] ''WorldNetDaily''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.</ref> In October 2016, [[Ben Carson]] stated that Trump did ask forgiveness from God with [[James Robison]].<ref>Showalter, Brandon (October 10, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/ben-carson-donald-trump-asked-god-for-forgiveness-prayed-with-james-robison-170650/ Ben Carson: Donald Trump Asked God for Forgiveness, Prayed With James Robison]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved March 13, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> According to exit polling in the 2016 election, Trump won 81 percent of evangelical Christians compared to 16 percent for Clinton, a record high and even more than [[George W. Bush]] won in 2004, showing strong support for Trump from evangelical Christians.<ref name="townhall.com">O'Brien, Cortney (November 12, 2016). [http://townhall.com/tipsheet/cortneyobrien/2016/11/12/white-evangelical-voters-showed-up-this-time-n2243931 Evangelical Voters Showed Up Big Time For Trump]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.</ref><ref name="wsj.com">Lovett, Ian (November 9, 2016). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/evangelicals-back-donald-trump-in-record-numbers-despite-earlier-doubts-1478689372 Evangelicals Back Donald Trump in Record Numbers, Despite Earlier Doubts]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Career==<br /> [[File:Trump business.jpg|right]]<br /> Donald Trump began his career at [[Trump Organization]]. In his college years, he helped revitalize one of his father's failing real estate ventures. Trump began opening hotels and casinos, which provided him with the cash flow to engage in other ventures. He owns the world-famous [[Trump Tower]] and is the founder of the publicly traded Trump Hotel Casinos & Resorts. Trump also owns the Trump brand, which sells a variety of items, such as bottled water, steak, and even mortgages. Trump has authored a number of books and weathered changing business fortunes, but despite the challenges that he has encountered, he has continued to be a successful businessman and entrepreneur.<br /> <br /> Trump [[Donald Trump presidential campaign, 2000|ran unsuccessfully]] for the nomination of the [[Reform Party]] in 2000. Trump considered [[presidential election 2012|running for President in 2012]] as a [[Republican]]. He, among others, questioned the citizenship of [[Barack Obama]], citing his failure to produce his birth certificate. After Obama produced his birth certificate, Trump and the other [[birther]]s continue to doubt its authenticity. Obama's approval ratings were around 40% during the peak of the controversy. Trump later exited the race, and gave the customary endorsement to [[Mitt Romney]] as the other [[Republican]] contenders did.<br /> <br /> ==Major properties==<br /> <br /> *Trump World Tower: 845 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY. <br /> <br /> *Trump Tower: 725 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10022 Personal Residence<br /> <br /> *Bank of America Center (San Francisco)<br /> <br /> *The Trump Building at 40 Wall Street<br /> <br /> *Trump Park Avenue<br /> <br /> *AXA Financial Center, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY <br /> <br /> *Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago<br /> <br /> *Trump International Hotel & Casino Las Vegas<br /> <br /> *Mar-A-Lago Palm Beach <br /> <br /> *Four golf courses in the U.S.<br /> <br /> ==Media==<br /> [[File:Donald Trump star.JPG|thumbnail|left|Hollywood Walk of Fame]]<br /> In 2003 Trump began as the host and executive producer of the reality [[television]] show ''The Apprentice'' and ''The Celebrity Apprentice'', where contestants compete for a position in Trump's organization. On this show, Trump popularized his catchphrase "You're fired!"<br /> <br /> Trump used to own the un-Christian Miss Universe Pageant, which objectified the female body and promoted lust and infidelity. Controversy arose when one of the winners, Tara Conner, was caught breaking pageant rules by drinking and other activities. Trump gave her a second chance after personally speaking with her and allowed her to retain her crown as she attended rehabilitation. For several weeks after this, [[Rosie O'Donnell]] berated Trump for his decision on ''The View''. A bitter media war ensued with the two exchanging insults.<br /> <br /> Trump has made many guest appearances, usually as himself, on many TV shows and in several movies.<br /> <br /> Childish [[liberals]] are vandalizing Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame three times a day. A person asked about the vandalism said Trump has it coming.<ref>Press Association (April 8, 2016). [http://www.onenewspage.com/video/20160408/4211707/Donald-Trump-Hollywood-Walk-of-Fame-Star.htm "Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star vandalised three times a day"]. One News Page website article and video [0:37]. 0:15 advertising wall required to view.</ref><br /> <br /> Many have noticed that [[Delgo]] contains many similarities to the real estate bubble popping, which Mr. Trump weathered with great investments and strong ethical values. <ref>https://film.avclub.com/floppiest-flop-case-file-126-delgo-1798215808</ref><br /> <br /> ==Political positions==<br /> <br /> ====Social Issues====<br /> [[File:Donald-Trump-Rosa-Parks.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Donald Trump received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations in 1986 for improving the lives of African-American urban youths. From left to right: [[Anita Bryant]], [[Mohammad Ali]], [[Rosa Parks]], and Donald Trump.]]<br /> At the 2011 [[CPAC]] conference, Trump announced he is [[pro-life]].<ref>Rahn, Will (February 10, 2011). [http://dailycaller.com/2011/02/10/trump-at-cpac-points-to-white-house-run/ "Trump at CPAC points to White House run"]. The Daily Caller website.</ref> Trump would not fund Planned Parenthood and the government should not give funds to any organizations that perform abortions<ref>Carroll, Lauren (May 1, 2016) [http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/may/01/ted-cruz/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-planned-parenthood/ "Do Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton agree on Planned Parenthood funding?"] Politifact website.</ref> However, he supports abortion in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child.<ref>Ertelt, Steven (February 1, 2016). [http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/01/mike-huckabee-defends-donald-trumps-abortion-conversion-he-is-pro-life-now/ "Mike Huckabee defends Donald Trump’s abortion conversion: 'He is pro-life now'"] LifeNews.com.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump says that the legalization of [[same-sex "marriage"]] doesn't matter because it's "settled law" now,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20120831060550/http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_We/#Item3 "Republican platform: We believe in America"] (bef. August 31, 2012). GOP.com website. Archived at Internet Archive on August 31, 2012.</ref> even though five liberal members of the Supreme Court illegally made ''[[Obergefell v. Hodges]]'' into "law" via [[judicial activism]] based on their personal feelings about the issue. Trump believes that homosexual couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples,<ref>Guo, Jeff (August 10, 2016). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/08/10/how-donald-trump-is-slowly-teaching-republicans-to-embrace-gay-rights/ "Donald Trump is teaching the GOP a different way to embrace gay rights".] ''Washington Post'' website.</ref> Despite what the Left claims, Donald Trump has voiced open support the LGBTQ community, and was the first Republican President to do so.{{cn}} He has stated that he will do everything he can do to protect the LGBTQ community, from Islamic extremists.<br /> <br /> Trump says that a business should be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner’s religious beliefs?<ref name="christiantoday.com">Hicap, Jonah (June 2, 2015). [http://www.christiantoday.com/article/donald.trump.vows.to.be.the.greatest.representative.of.christians.if.he.wins.white.house/55023.htm "Donald Trump: 'I will be the greatest representative of Christians if I win the White House'"]. Christian Today website.</ref> Trump would not require health insurance providers to offer free birth control.<ref>Associated Press (February 11, 2012). [http://web.archive.org/web/20151128095810/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2012-02-11/obama-birth-control-cpac/53046728/1 "GOP conservatives unite against birth control coverage"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Washington. Retrieved from November 28, 2015 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump doesn't think that universities should provide “trigger warnings” and “safe spaces” for students.<ref>Hashmi, Siraj (November 10, 2016). [http://redalertpolitics.com/2016/11/10/safe-spaces-handed-election-donald-trump/ "Safe Spaces handed the election to Donald Trump"]. Red Alert Politics website.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump believes that marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape?<ref>Diamond, Jeremy (July 28, 2015). [http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/28/politics/donald-trump-adviser-michael-cohen-rape/ "Trump distances himself from top aide's rape comment"]. CNN website/Politics.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would not add "Gender Identity" to anti-discrimination laws.<ref>http://www.advocate.com/politics/2016/5/24/donald-trump-claims-accommodating-transgender-people-too-expensive</ref><br /> <br /> Trump wouldn't support a [[separation of church and state]] by removing references to God on money, federal buildings, and national monuments.<ref name="christiantoday.com"/><br /> <br /> Trump says that after a psychological examination to show they fully understand this choice, terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via [[assisted suicide]].<ref>http://wingspanonline.net/?p=2398</ref><br /> <br /> Trump supports the [[death penalty]].<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/01/nyregion/angered-by-attack-trump-urges-return-of-the-death-penalty.html</ref><br /> <br /> Trump thinks that the military should allow women to serve as long as they can pass the same physical tests as men.<ref>http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/donald-trump-women-combat-tricky/2015/12/06/id/704736/</ref> (Compare [[gender norming]].)<br /> <br /> Trump says that board members of a business should be the most qualified regardless of gender.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3269718/Trump-gives-young-feminist-brush-equal-pay-abortion-going-make-good-job-happen-pro-life.html</ref><br /> <br /> Trump does not believe that the government can show a confederate flag on public property.<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-tees-off-on-the-confederate-flag/</ref><br /> <br /> Trump believes that women should be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFVCZhFsNR8</ref><br /> <br /> ====Healthcare Issues====<br /> Trump does not support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and would open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and reduce costs.<ref name="donaldjtrump.com">https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform</ref><ref name=Educ>Breitbart.tv (February 9, 2011). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2011/02/09/pro-life-donald-trump-would-eliminate-dept-of-education-impose-25-tax-on-china-imports-if-president/ "Pro-life Donald Trump would eliminate Dept of Education, impose 25% tax on China imports if president"]. Breitbart.com.</ref> However, he has also said, "I like the mandate."<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2016/02/19/trump-on-obamacare-i-like-the-mandate-video/ "Trump On Obamacare: ‘I Like The Mandate’"]</ref><br /> <br /> Trump thinks that the government should regulate the prices of life-saving drugs.<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/trump-backs-<br /> medicare-negotiating-drug-prices-218215</ref><br /> <br /> Trump supports the legalization of marijuana for medical use.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/transcript/2015/06/18/exclusive-donald-trump-on-what-made-him-run-for-president-on-hannity/</ref><br /> <br /> ''Donald Trump has not yet answered if he supports the privatization of veteran's healthcare.''<br /> <br /> Trump believes that the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid).<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-09-15/trump-calls-for-expanded-medicaid-birth-control-without-doctor</ref><br /> <br /> ====Controversy with Barack Obama====<br /> [[File:Donald Trump Speaking in Fountain Hills.jpg|thumb|Trump speaking in Fountain Hills, Arizona in March 2016.]]<br /> Trump has also questioned Barack Obama's constitutional eligibility to be President, in light of the ongoing questions surrounding his birth certificate.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=280533 "Trump: Obama spending millions to hide his past"] (March 28, 2011). WorldNetDaily website.</ref> Trump questioned whether the Obama Administration was successful in negotiating with foreign countries. Trump declared during the 2016 election that he no longer would question Obama's eligibility.<br /> <br /> ====Economic Issues====<br /> <br /> Trump’s economic plan is designed to make the country more competitive by implementing policies that apply to all companies: cutting taxes, including the corporate tax rate, repealing and rolling back stifling regulations, including the biggest of them all, Obamacare and those clobbering the energy sector, renegotiating trade deals such as NAFTA, and killing off the nascent Trans-Pacific Partnership.<ref>Crowley, Monica (December 7, 2016). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/7/donald-trump-and-the-art-of-getting-it-done/ Donald Trump and the art of getting it done]. ''The Washingon Times''. Retrieved December 10, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would not require employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job as there are too many other variables such as education, experience, and tenure that determine a fair salary.<br /> <br /> ''Trump has not answered whether welfare recipients be tested for drugs.''<br /> <br /> Trump said he would require businesses be required to provide paid leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child or sick family member.<br /> <br /> Trump would raise the federal minimum wage.<br /> <br /> Trump believes there should be more restrictions on current welfare benefits.<br /> <br /> Trump would instate a 35% tariff on all imports from China even though he used Chinese steel to build all of his Trump Towers.<ref>http://www.newsweek.com/how-donald-trump-ditched-us-steel-workers-china-505717</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would also lower the corporate tax rate.<ref>https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/an-america-first-economic-plan-winning-the-global-competition</ref><br /> <br /> Trump says that the U.S. shouldn't continue to participate in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).<ref>http://money.cnn.com/2016/09/16/news/economy/donald-trump-nafta-mexico-china-tariff/</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would cut public spending in order to reduce the public debt.<ref>http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/donald-trump-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/</ref><br /> <br /> Trump believes that the government is currently over-regulating private businesses and that it shouldn't require businesses to pay salaried employees, making up to $46k/year, time-and-a-half for overtime hours.<ref>http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-shift/2016/08/trump-v-overtime-rule-215883</ref><br /> <br /> Trump thinks that the government should prevent “mega mergers” of corporations that could potentially control a large percentage of market share within its industry.<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-10-22/trump-would-block-proposed-at-t-time-warner-merger-if-elected</ref><br /> <br /> Trump said that labor unions, in theory help the economy but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited.<ref>http://projects.newsday.com/opinion/newsday-editorial-board-interviews-donald-trump/#nypd</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would increase the tax on profits from the sale of stocks, bonds, and real estate.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4I5QUGRf-Q&feature=youtu.be</ref><br /> <br /> Trump believes economic stimulus will aid the country during times of recession.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/03/us/politics/trump-clinton-infrastructure.html?_r=0</ref><br /> <br /> Trump thinks the Federal Reserve Bank should be audited by Congress.<ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-election-trump-fed-idUSL1N12Y1ZG20151103</ref><br /> <br /> Trump doesn't support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as this will incentivize companies to move U.S. jobs overseas.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/07/us/politics/transcript-of-the-republican-presidential-debate-in-new-hampshire.html</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would eliminate the estate tax.<ref>http://thehill.com/policy/finance/290825-clinton-to-criticize-trumps-plan-to-repeal-the-estate-tax</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would end all government subsidies and let the free market run its course.<ref>http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/17cfa1a0-0b9e-11e5-a06e-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3e0UlsdmX</ref><br /> <br /> ''Trump has not answered if pension payments be increased for retired government workers.''<br /> <br /> Trump favors an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes even though sales tax would not provide a steady stream of income.<ref>http://www.taxjusticeblog.org/archive/2015/06/donald_trumps_regressive_and_r.php#.VYr8_hNViko</ref><br /> <br /> Trump supports pension plans for federal, state, and local government workers be transitioned into privately managed accounts.<ref name="donaldjtrump.com"/><br /> <br /> Trump said that the U.S. government should not bailout Puerto Rico.<ref>http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=c89b639c-07de-4a0f-a634-dda08e3de95a</ref><br /> <br /> Trump believes citizens should not be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts as too many wealthy citizens are abusing loopholes in offshore banking laws to evade taxes.<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-puts-his-money-in-companies-that-stash-cash-abroad/</ref><br /> <br /> Trump would not apply an in-state sales tax apply to online purchases of in-state buyers from out-of-state sellers.<ref>http://bigstory.ap.org/article/ce65fe3f0bbd43c19cf17c5c8da8d958/trump-amazons-bezos-uses-washington-post-avoid-taxes</ref><br /> <br /> Trump thinks that the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency.<ref>https://www.cryptocoinsnews.com/trump-presidency-boost-bitcoin-price/</ref><br /> <br /> ====Department of Education====<br /> At the 2011 [[CPAC]] conference, he stated that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education.<ref name=Educ/><br /> <br /> ====Foreign policy====<br /> <br /> Donald Trump is a [[nationalism|nationalist]] who promised to "put America first".<ref>[http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/06/07/trump-touts-new-infrastructure-plan-cincinnati-states-america-first-message 'It's Time Finally to Put America First': Trump Touts New Infrastructure Plan]</ref> See: [[Donald Trump and nationalism]]<br /> <br /> In July 2015 Trump explained he wants to improve relationships with [[Russia]]n president [[Vladimir Putin]].<ref>Johnson, Simon (July 31, 2015). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/11775145/Donald-Trump-Id-get-on-very-well-with-Putin-if-I-were-president.html "Donald Trump: I'd get on 'very well' with Putin if I were president"]. The Telegraph [U.K.] website.</ref> In an interview with [[ABC]] he said that Putin won't make a military move into [[Ukraine]]. Furthermore, Trump argued in a tweet that the conflict over [[Crimea]] was the fault of the Obama administration.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/31/politics/donald-trump-russia-ukraine-crimea-putin/ Trump says Putin is 'not going to go into Ukraine,' despite Crimea]</ref> Trump later accused Russia of taking [[Crimea]] by force and asked whether Obama was too soft on Russia.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/donald-trump-russia-latest-tweet-accuse-crimea-obama-too-soft-distance-campaign-team-white-house-a7581511.html Donald Trump accuses Russia of taking Crimea by force in attempt to distance himself from campaign allegations]</ref><br /> <br /> Trump says the [[Iran]] deal is bad, but as president, he would enforce it anyway.<br /> <br /> After his election as U.S. president, [[Israel]]i prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] called Trump "a true friend of the State of Israel."<ref>[http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/netanyahu-trump-israel-true-friend-231094?lo=ap_c4 Netanyahu calls Trump 'a true friend' of Israel]. ''Politico''. November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.</ref> On February 2, 2017, however, Trump stated that building new settlements in the [[West Bank]] "may not be helpful" to achieving peace in the [[Middle East]], and he appeared to shift his formerly strong stance on moving the U.S. embassy to [[Jerusalem]] as he had previously stated.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/03/trump-to-israel-settlements-may-not-help-achieve-peace-in-middle-east.html Trump to Israel: Settlements ‘may not help’ achieve peace in the Middle East]. ''Fox News''. February 3, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump had stated that [[NATO]] was obsolete, but in April 2017, he changed his position, stating that it was "no longer obsolete."<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/news/the-latest-trump-says-nato-no-longer-obsolete/ The Latest: Trump says NATO ‘no longer obsolete’]. ''Breitbart News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><ref>Hagen, Lisa (April 21, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/328558-trump-nato-is-no-longer-obsolete Trump: NATO is ‘no longer obsolete’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Global warming====<br /> Trump does not believe in the [[Climate Change]] hysteria, once stating the "Nobel committee should take the Nobel Prize back from [[Al Gore]]."<br /> <br /> ====Second Amendment rights====<br /> Trump is strongly pro-[[Second Amendment]] and against [[leftist]] [[gun control]] and gun free zones. As president, Trump has promised to re-arm military personnel on all American military bases as well as [[ROTC]] recruitment centers, which were disarmed by the [[Clinton Administration]] policy.<ref name=Educ/> Trump was strongly endorsed by the [[National Rifle Association]] in one of its earliest endorsements in an election campaign.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/05/20/nra-to-endorse-trump.html# Trump wins NRA endorsement, blasts Clinton on gun stance at forum]. ''Fox News''. May 20, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Homosexual agenda====<br /> For all practical purposes, Trump seems to be on the side of the [[homosexual agenda]]. He supports the creation of new law by the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], as in a new right to [[homosexual marriage]], and declares it the "law of the land" even though Congress passed no such law.<br /> <br /> Trump has attended multiple [[same-sex marriage]] ceremonies, but has also said in the past that he opposes same-sex marriage. Trump's views are not yet known on other aspects of the [[homosexual agenda]], such as whether Trump would ban [[conversion therapy]] for minors as [[Chris Christie]] did. The [[Fox News Channel]] debate in August avoided these issues, but future debates will probably require Trump to declare his position.<br /> <br /> ====Immigration====<br /> See the discussion in the introduction above. This is Trump's main campaign issue.<br /> <br /> A central part of his immigration plan is to build a giant wall on the border with Mexico. Trump estimates it will cost $8 billion, approximately 35 to 40 feet high and stretch 2000 miles.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/02/09/donald-trump-the-wall-is-probably-8-billion Trump Border Wall]</ref> During the campaign, Trump promised that Mexico will pay for the wall, but after taking office, he clarified that payment could be in the form of a tax on Mexican imports or other revenues measures after the Mexican government showed opposition towards Trump's plan.<br /> <br /> Trump has also proposed to temporarily ban [[Muslims]] from entering the United States, until "our leaders figure out what the hell is going on," in order to protect Americans from the threats posed by [[Islamic]] [[refugee]]s (and those pretending to be<ref>[http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/isis-fighters-infiltrating-syrian-refugees-uk-is-warned/article/2572051 ISIS fighters infiltrating Syrian refugees, UK is warned]</ref>) entering the country.<ref>[http://www.donaldjtrump.com/media/donald-trump-insists-muslim-ban-is-about-safety-not-religion Donald Trump Insists Muslim Ban Is About Safety, Not Religion]</ref><br /> <br /> Efforts have been made by hostile journalists to paint Trump as advocating a [[Muslim registry]], but what he actually proposed was a [[database for Syrian refugees]].<br /> <br /> ====Political contributions====<br /> He has been criticized for his substantial contributions to [[Democrat]] lawmakers; the majority of those lawmakers are located in the states he resides in: New York and Florida. The amount he has donated since 2008 is $25,000, which is insignificant considering his wealth.<ref>Allin, Olivia (April 30, 2011). [http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Donald-Trump-calls-nations-leaders-stupid-people-and-blood-sucking-politicians/8104644 "OTRC: Donald Trump calls nation's leaders 'stupid people' and 'blood-sucking politicians'"]. OnTheRedCarpet [news]. Retrieved from ABC7 [KABC Television, Los Angeles] website.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump is not known to be beholden to any big-money donors.<br /> <br /> ====Tariffs====<br /> [[File:Donald Trump RNC July 2016.jpg|thumb|Trump accepting the GOP nomination in Cleveland on June 21, 2016.]]<br /> At the 2011 [[CPAC]] conference, he stated that he supports a 25% tariff on Chinese goods.<ref name=Educ/> The number floated around in 2016 is a 45% tariff. Trump was speaking in regards to China and the [[World Trade Organization]],<ref>[http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-finance-ministerlou-jiwei-takes-aim-at-donald-trumps-trade-policies-1460892988 Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei Takes Aim at Donald Trump’s Trade Policies, WallStreetJournal, April 17, 2016]</ref><br /> <br /> {{cquote|In a statement from his campaign, Mr. Trump charged that [[China]] was “in total violation of WTO regulations” and that the U.S. “has incompetently allowed them to get away with this” and has failed to impose “equal or greater taxes and tariffs” on China. If he is elected president, Mr. Trump said, China “will learn to deal fairly and justly or we will not deal at all” with Beijing.}}<br /> <br /> ====Vaccines====<br /> Trump believes that [[vaccines]] cause [[autism]]<ref>Ferris, Sarah (September 16, 2015). [http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/253980-trump-links-vaccines-to-autism-epidemic "Trump links vaccines to autism 'epidemic'"]. The Hill website/Policy/Healthcare.</ref> and has argued against requiring that so many vaccines be given to infants.<br /> <br /> ==== Eminent domain====<br /> Trump believes that the government has the right to take private property upon paying just compensation for both infrastructure and to promote economic development.<br /> <br /> ==== Supreme Court====<br /> Trump opposed filling the Supreme Court seat held by [[Antonin Scalia]] before the next President takes office. When asked who he might select to the Supreme Court, he said that his sister, a sitting federal court judge, would make a great Supreme Court justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/423196/trump-praises-his-sister-pro-abortion-extremist-judge-ramesh-ponnuru|title=Trump Praises His Sister, a Pro-Abortion Extremist Judge|date=Aug 27, 2015|accessdate=February 21, 2016}}</ref><br /> <br /> ==Hillary Clinton==<br /> Trump had pledged, if elected president, to appoint a special prosecutor to further investigate [[Hillary Clinton]]'s use of a private email server whilst Secretary of State, but Hillary took her crushing defeat so hard that Trump charitably softened his stance after winning.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/politics/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-investigation.html Donald Trump Drops Threat of New Hillary Clinton Investigation] New York Times - Nov. 22, 2016</ref> A few of Trump supporters, such as [[Ann Coulter]] and [[Breitbart]], expressed disappointment but Trump rose in overall public approval.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/ann-coulter-slams-trump-clinton/2016/11/22/id/760220/ Ann Coulter Slams Trump's Decision on Clinton] Newsmax.com - Nov. 22, 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/radio/2016/11/23/peter-schweizer-letting-hillary-off-hook-definition-rigged-system/ Peter Schweizer: Letting Hillary off the Hook Is ‘Definition of a Rigged System’] Breitbart.com - Nov. 23, 2016</ref><br /> <br /> ==2016 presidential election==<br /> [[File:Donald Trump (29273256122) Phoenix.jpg|thumb|250px|Donald Trump on August 31, 2016.]]<br /> {{Main|2016 U.S. presidential election}}<br /> ===Path to the Nomination===<br /> In the 2015 [[Value Voters Debate|Value Voters]] poll, Trump performed poorly, coming in fifth, indicating many [[Christian]] [[conservatives]] had not yet warmed up to him.<ref>Flores, Reena (September 26, 2015). [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-conservative-poll-donald-trump-could-not-win/ "The conservative poll Donald Trump could not win"]. CBSNews website.</ref> Trump is a big supporter of [[gambling]], which most Christians, other religious groups, and [[conservatives]] oppose. But by 2016 Trump was winning more support from [[evangelical]]s than any other Republican candidate.<br /> <br /> Trump won the Republican primary, receiving more votes than any other Republican primary candidate in history.<ref>Hoft, Joe (June 7, 2016). [http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/06/trump-trumps-wins-historic-race-record-fashion/ HISTORY! Trump Shatters Republican Primary Vote Record by 1.4 Million Votes]. ''The Gateway Pundit''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ===General election===<br /> Trump faced former liberal Democrat Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] in the general election. Trump's campaign was vastly outspent, outraised, and out-staffed by Clinton's.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/10/more-with-less-trumps-lean-machine-beats-clintons-big-bank-account.html More With Less: Trump's lean machine beats Clinton's big bank account]. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.</ref> The [[mainstream media]] was extremely biased against and unfair towards Trump.<ref>Kurtz, Howard (November 11, 2016). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/11/media-remain-hostile-to-donald-trump-even-as-some-pundits-admit-blew-it.html Media remain hostile to Donald Trump even as some pundits admit they blew it]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 11, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.billoreilly.com/b/Media-Bias-to-the-Extreme/39285014073786148.html Media Bias to the Extreme]. ''BillOReilly.com''. November 11, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.</ref> According to a study, 91% of the media coverage concerning Trump was negative and 96% of campaign contributions from the media went to Clinton.<ref>Bedard, Paul (March 19, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/anti-trump-media-91-coverage-negative-96-of-donations-to-hillary/article/2617828 http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/anti-trump-media-91-coverage-negative-96-of-donations-to-hillary/article/2617828]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> It was widely expected that Clinton would easily win the election, and the elite pollsters and "political insiders" all predicted a massive Clinton victory.<ref>Vogel, Kenneth P. & Isenstadt, Alex (November 9, 2016). [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/how-did-everyone-get-2016-wrong-presidential-election-231036 How did everyone get it so wrong?]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref><ref>Catanese, David (October 24, 2016). [http://www.usnews.com/news/the-run-2016/articles/2016-10-24/republicans-last-hope-the-polls-are-wrong Republicans’ Last Hope: The Polls Are Wrong]. ''U.S. News & World Report''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref> At least once, when a poll was released that actually showed Trump leading, Clinton's campaign dismissed it as "bad polling".<ref>Nelson, Louis (November 1, 2016). [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/clinton-campaign-bad-poll-abc-washington-post-230591 Clinton camp on new survey showing Trump ahead: It’s ‘bad polling’]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref> Instead, Trump won the election in a massive, historical upset, winning even states such as [[Pennsylvania]], [[Michigan]], and [[Wisconsin]], which a Republican had not won for 20–30 years.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/11/08/first-polls-close-in-2016-race-trump-projected-to-win-ind-ky-clinton-wins-vt.html Trump wins presidency, defeats Clinton in historic election upset]. ''Fox News''. November 8, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref><ref>Blake, Aaron (November 9, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/08/donald-trumps-path-to-victory-is-suddenly-looking-much-much-wider/ Donald Trump just blew up the electoral map]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref> The predictions were off the mark dramatically. The actual polls themselves were broadly correct showing Clinton leading over Trump by about 2%.<ref>[http://www.redstate.com/jaycaruso/2017/07/16/latest-job-approval-poll-president-trump-awful]</ref> However Trump 'flipped' key districts and states smashing Clinton's so-called 'Blue firewall'.<ref>Flint, Joe & Alpert, Lukas I. (November 9, 2016). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/bad-polling-in-hand-media-misses-mark-badly-with-election-predictions-1478710860 How the Media’s Election Predictions Badly Missed the Mark]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref> Trump's election victory was described by ''[[Politico]]'' as "the most stunning upset in American history."<ref>Goldmacher, Shane & Schreckinger, Ben (November 9, 2016). [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/election-results-2016-clinton-trump-231070?lo=ap_c1 Trump pulls off biggest upset in U.S. history]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> While the GOP increased its vote share across the entire nation, Trump made the largest gains in the rural [[Midwest]] and [[Rust Belt]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/11/08/us/elections/how-trump-pushed-the-election-map-to-the-right.html How Trump Reshaped the Election Map]. ''The New York Times''. November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2016.</ref> Although Clinton won the popular vote 65,515,369 (48.05%) to 62,853,327 (46.09%), according to unofficial results, the large vote totals came from states which have resisted voter identification reforms.<ref>[http://www.inquisitr.com/3719036/3-million-illegal-immigrants-voted-gregg-phillips-votestand-donald-trump-final-popular-vote-count-2016-predictions/ 3 Million Illegal Immigrants Voted, Claims Gregg Phillips Of VoteStand: Donald Trump’s Final Popular Vote Count Alleged To Be Better Than 2016 Predictions], Patrick Frye, ''The Inquisitr'', November 15, 2016</ref> Trump won the [[electoral college]] vote, 306 to 232, with the incomplete vote count reported.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/election/results|title=Election Results|accessdate=Nov. 12, 2016}}</ref> Trump won more votes in the general election than any Republican candidate in U.S. history, and he won the largest number of electoral votes since [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref>Hoft, Jim (November 22, 2016). [http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/11/trump-breaks-record-votes-republican-candidate-history/ Trump Breaks Record for Most Votes by Republican Candidate in History]. ''The Gateway Pundit''. Retrieved November 22, 2016.</ref> In addition, Trump won 2,623 counties—the largest number for both a Republican or Democrat since [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1984—while the Democrats won only 489, something even the liberal [[PolitiFact]] admitted to be true.<ref>Jacobson, Louis (December 4, 2016). [http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/dec/04/mike-pence/mike-pence-says-donald-trump-won-most-counties-rep/ Mike Pence says Donald Trump won most counties by a Republican since Ronald Reagan]. ''PolitiFact''. Retrieved December 4, 2016.</ref> Geographically speaking, Trump accordingly won 85 percent of the nation<ref>Wallace, Tim (November 16, 2016). [http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/11/16/us/politics/the-two-americas-of-2016.html?_r=0 The Two Americas of 2016]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved December 5, 2016.</ref> and 61 percent of the states (including Maine's 2nd district). With the historic flip of Elliott County, Kentucky, every rural, white-majority Southern county voted for the Republican nominee for the first time in history.<ref>Simon, Jeff (December 9, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/09/politics/elliott-county-kentucky-democratic-streak-broken-by-donald-trump/index.html How Trump ended Democrats' 144-year winning streak in one county]. ''CNN''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> According to exit polling, Trump won 81 percent of evangelical Christians compared to 16 percent for Clinton, a record high and even more than [[George W. Bush]] won in 2004,<ref name="townhall.com"/><ref name="wsj.com"/> even though some have disputed the accuracy of such exit polling methods.<ref>Showalter, Brandon (November 16, 2016). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/81-percent-evangelicals-vote-trump-eric-teetsel-joe-carter-171542/ Did 81 Percent of Evangelicals Really Vote for Trump? Not So Fast, Some Say]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved December 8, 2016.</ref> This is largely due to Trump's conservative policies that align well with the Bible, including opposition to abortion.<br /> <br /> While liberal, establishmentarian world leaders made generally nuanced statements in response to Trump's election upset, conservative, right-wing leaders, including the leaders of insurgent parties in European nations, reacted positively to Trump's election.<ref>Ashkenas, Jeremy; Aisch, Gregor (December 5, 2016). [http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/12/05/world/europe/populism-in-age-of-trump.html?_r=0 European Populism in the Age of Donald Trump]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved December 5, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> In addition to Trump's defeat of Clinton, the Republican Party kept control of the House and Senate, outperforming expectations.<ref>Bresnahan, John (November 9, 2016). [http://www.politico.eu/article/republicans-on-cusp-of-keeping-the-senate/ Republicans hold the Senate in a stunner]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref><ref>Hughes, Siobhan (November 9, 2016). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/republicans-are-confident-about-retaining-control-of-the-house-1478634160 Democrats Gain Seats in House, But GOP Retains Majority]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> The Republican Party performed well—much better than expected—in state races, winning trifectas in [[Kentucky]], [[Iowa]], [[Missouri]], and [[New Hampshire]], and Democrats only had six trifectas and total control in five states, a record low.<ref>Greenblatt, Alan (November 9, 2016). [http://www.governing.com/topics/elections/gov-republicans-add-dominance-state-legislatures.html Republicans Add to Their Dominance of State Legislatures]. ''Governing''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref><ref>Siegel, Josh (November 9, 2016). [http://dailysignal.com/2016/11/09/republicans-maintain-strong-control-of-state-capitols-what-that-means/ Republicans Maintain Strong Control of State Capitols. Here’s What That Means.] ''The Daily Signal''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> The GOP won 25 trifectas, the largest since 1952.<ref>Lieb, David A. (December 29, 2016). [https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chicago-tribune/20161229/281822873464433 GOP-Controlled States Aim to Reshape Laws]. ''Chicago Tribune'' (from the Associated Press). Retrieved December 30, 2016.</ref> The GOP now controlled the highest amount of governorships since 1922,<ref>Lieb, David A. (November 9, 2016). [http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2016-11-09/republicans-expand-control-of-governorships-legislatures Republicans governorships rise to highest mark since 1922]. ''U.S. News & World Report''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> and it controlled the most state legislative chambers in history.<ref>Bosman, Julie & Davey, Monica (November 11, 2016). [http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/us/republicans-expand-control-in-a-deeply-divided-nation.html Republicans Expand Control in a Deeply Divided Nation]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved November 14, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite expectations that Trump's election victory would cause the markets to plunge, the [[Dow Jones Industrial Average]] actually performed very strongly, closing at the highest level it had ever reached in history after the second day.<ref name="MarketRally">La Monica, Paul R. (November 10, 2016). [http://money.cnn.com/2016/11/10/investing/markets-stocks-donald-trump-rally/index.html The 'yuge' Donald Trump market rally continues]. ''CNN Money''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref> It is rare for the stock market to rise immediately after a U.S. presidential election regardless of the winner.<ref name="MarketRally"/> The stock market had its best week in five years due to optimism of a Trump presidency.<ref>Craig, Victoria (November 11, 2016). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2016/11/11/trump-optimism-propels-dow-to-best-week-in-five-years.html Trump Optimism Propels Dow to Best Week in Five Years]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved November 12, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> After the election, childish [[leftists]] and [[anarchists]], who could not accept the results of the election, strongly protested Trump's victory and committed outrageous and extreme acts of vandalism and violence,<ref name="Protests">Chiaramonte, Perry (November 10, 2016). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/11/10/trump-protests-intensify-as-doubts-swirl-about-spontaneity.html Trump protests intensify, as doubts swirl about spontaneity]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 11, 2016.</ref> even brutally attacking and beating at least one alleged Trump supporter.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/11/10/video-emerges-group-beating-chicago-man-while-yelling-dont-vote-trump.html Video emerges of mob beating Chicago man while yelling 'don't vote Trump']. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2016.</ref> Many of these protests were likely organized and coordinated, as many protestors were bused in by Coach buses.<ref name="Protests"/> This occurred on the heels of Hillary Clinton, the Clinton campaign, and major mainstream media condemning in the harshest terms Trump and his supporters' complaints of a "rigged election," and failure to accept the results would damage democracy. Clinton, President Obama, and the media highlighted the protests and failed to condemn the leftist violence and protests as detrimental to democracy.<br /> <br /> ==President of the United States==<br /> {{See also|Donald Trump achievements}}<br /> ===Transition===<br /> The day after being elected president, Trump released a solidly conservative agenda for his first 100 days in office, even though ending the [[abortion|legalized murder of the unborn]] was not on the agenda.<ref>Kelly, Amita & Sprunt, Barbara (November 9, 2016). [http://www.npr.org/2016/11/09/501451368/here-is-what-donald-trump-wants-to-do-in-his-first-100-days Here Is What Donald Trump Wants To Do In His First 100 Days]. ''NPR''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> On November 30, 2016, before Trump had finalized all his cabinet appointments, it was still described by Politico as "a conservative dream team that has Republicans cheering and liberals in despair" due to the many strong conservatives Trump had appointed, in contrast to moderates like [[George W. Bush]].<ref>Restuccia, Andrew; Cook, Nancy; Woellert, Lorraine (November 30, 2016). [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/11/trump-conservative-dream-team-231972 Trump's conservative dream team]. ''Politico''. Retrieved November 30, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/11/30/politico-donald-trump-cabinet-conservative-dream-team/ Politico: Donald Trump’s Cabinet a ‘Conservative Dream Team’]. ''Breitbart News''. November 30, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.</ref> Accordingly, ''[[Newsweek]]'' called Trump's incomplete cabinet the most conservative cabinet in U.S. history.<ref>Cooper, Matthew (December 9, 2016). [http://www.newsweek.com/trump-cabinet-picks-nominees-conservative-530477 Donald Trump Is Building the Most Conservative Presidential Cabinet In U.S. History]. ''Newsweek''. Retrieved December 10, 2016.</ref> ''[[The Washington Times]]'' noted how Trump was defying Washington establishment norms in his cabinet picks.<ref>Hurt, Charles (December 6, 2016). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/6/donald-trumps-cabinet-picks-define-business-as-not/ Trump defines business as not-usual for D.C.] ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved December 10, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' stated that "it’s nearly impossible to identify a clear ideological bent" in Trump's appointments.<ref>Seib, Gerald (December 5, 2016). [http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-shuffles-the-ideological-deck-1480955194 Donald Trump Shuffles the Ideological Deck]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 5, 2016.</ref> However, this can be easily explained by the fact that Trump has used some of his cabinet nominations to unite the GOP by appealing to most of its factions, even though Trump's appointments are still very conservative.<br /> <br /> During the transition period, the Obama Administration engaged in surveillance and information-gathering of Trump, in order to investigate any alleged ties to Russia. This was confirmed by GOP U.S. Representative [[Devin Nunes]] on March 22, 2017,<ref>Derespina, Cody (March 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/23/trump-basks-in-nunes-surveillance-news-so-that-means-im-right.html Trump basks in Nunes surveillance news: 'So that means I'm right']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 23, 2017.</ref> and by Evelyn Farkas, the deputy assistant secretary of defense under Obama, on March 29, 2017.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/29/former-obama-official-discloses-rush-to-get-intelligence-on-trump-team.html Former Obama official discloses rush to get intelligence on Trump team]. ''Fox News''. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.</ref><ref>Poor, Jeff (March 29, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/03/29/fmr-obama-official-reveals-pre-inauguration-effort-to-gather-intel-on-incoming-trump-team/ Fmr Obama Official Reveals Pre-Inauguration Effort to Gather Intel on Incoming Trump Team]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 30, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Inauguration===<br /> [[File:Donald Trumpswearing in.jpg|thumb|200px|Trump being sworn in, January 20, 2017.]]<br /> Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2017, giving one of the strongest inauguration addresses in American history.<ref>Boyle, Matthew (January 20, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/20/america-first-president-donald-trump-brings-the-rain-in-inauguration-address/ ‘America First’: President Donald Trump Brings the Rain in Inauguration Address]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref><ref>McCaskill, Nolan D. (January 20, 2017). [http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/key-points-of-trumps-inaugural-speech-233900 Key moments from Trump's inauguration speech]. ''Politico''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref><ref>Scott, Patrick; Midgley, Robert (January 20, 2017). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/donald-trump-just-delivered-american-inauguration-speech-ever/ Donald Trump just delivered the most 'American' inauguration speech ever]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref> His first bill signed as president was to allow retired general and Defense Secretary nominee [[James Mattis]] to be confirmed.<ref>Kopan, Tal (January 20, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/donald-trump-first-law-actions/ President Donald Trump signs first bill into law]. ''CNN''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref> That same day, Trump instituted a national day of patriotism,<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-measures-idUSKBN1542IH Trump takes first actions on Cabinet, declares day of patriotism: spokesman]. ''Reuters''. January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref> and a few days later Trump officially designated his inauguration day the '''''National Day of Patriotic Devotion'''''.<ref>[https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/24/2017-01798/national-day-of-patriotic-devotion National Day of Patriotic Devotion -- Proclamation 9570 of January 20, 2017]. ''Federal Register''. January 24, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref><ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (January 23, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315735-trump-declares-inauguration-day-national-day-of-patriotic-devotion http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/315735-trump-declares-inauguration-day-national-day-of-patriotic-devotion]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite the fact that leftists knew for two months that Trump would be inaugurated president, hateful, anti-American, and immature leftists engaged in violent protests and did major acts of vandalism and even injuring the police who were sent in.<ref>Vargas, Theresa; Hartz, Taylor; Hermann, Peter (January 20, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/protesters-bring-shouts-skirmishes-and-shutdowns-to-inauguration-celebration/2017/01/20/00ea4c72-df11-11e6-acdf-14da832ae861_story.html?utm_term=.c4443fa64f5a Inauguration protesters vandalize, set fires, try to disrupt Trump’s oath, as police arrest 200]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref><ref name="LimoFire">Lawler, David (January 20, 2017). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/20/anti-donald-trump-activists-try-block-access-inauguration/ Donald Trump protests: Limo 'set on fire' and 217 arrested as police use tear gas on black-clad activists]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref> At least 217 protesters were arrested.<ref name="LimoFire"/><ref>Weber, Joseph (January 20, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/20/trump-supporters-protesters-rally-before-sunrise-on-inauguration-day.html Hundreds of protesters arrested in Inauguration Day clashes]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 31, 2017.</ref><ref>Noble, Andrea; McDermott, Ryan M. (January 20, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/20/donald-trump-inauguration-protests-begin-turn-viol/ D.C. police report 217 arrested during Inauguration Day riots]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 31, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite having no power to block Trump's cabinet nominees and having no reason to delay the process,<ref>Pergram, Chad (January 20, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/20/senate-battle-erupts-over-dem-delay-confirming-trump-nominees.html Senate battle erupts over Dem 'delay' confirming Trump nominees]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref> liberal Senate Democrats delayed confirmation of Trump's nominees, so that only two were confirmed on Trump's first day in office.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (January 22, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/22/trumps-cabinet-picks-delayed-by-democrats-only-two/? Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks delayed by Democrats, only two confirmed]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref> This was a large difference from other recent presidents,<ref>Phillips, Amber (January 21, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/20/donald-trump-will-start-his-presidency-with-the-smallest-confirmed-cabinet-in-decades/?utm_term=.9d7692169687 Donald Trump is starting his presidency with the smallest confirmed Cabinet in decades]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved Janaury 23, 2017.</ref> who, with the exception of [[George H. W. Bush]], had much larger numbers confirmed in the first week.<ref>Bluey, Robert (January 22, 2017). [http://dailysignal.com/2017/01/22/trumps-nominees-face-unprecedented-democrat-obstructionism/ Trump’s Nominees Face ‘Unprecedented’ Democrat Obstructionism]. ''The Daily Signal''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Tenure===<br /> Due to his promotion and support of conservative, America First policies, President Trump faced large opposition from the Left, including from within the government bureaucracy.<ref>Singman, Brooke (January 1, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/trump-faces-bureaucratic-battle-in-implementing-agenda.html Trump faces bureaucratic battle in implementing agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.</ref><ref>Kurtz, Howard (February 3, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/03/empire-strikes-back-why-trumps-private-talks-with-foreign-leaders-were-leaked.html The empire strikes back: Why Trump's private talks with foreign leaders were leaked]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 3, 2017.</ref> (The fact that members of the Deep State have grown visibly scared of reports stating such confirms this view;<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/03/22/politico-obama-admin-bureaucrats-panicked-by-breitbart-spotlight-dont-question-our-loyalty/ POLITICO: Obama Admin Bureaucrats ‘Panicked’ by Breitbart Spotlight: Don’t Question Our Loyalty!] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 22, 2017.</ref> in May 2017, it was reported that 60% of [[National Security Council]] employees were Obama-Administration holdovers<ref>Wong, Kristina (May 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/17/trump-under-siege-more-than-60-percent-of-nsc-employees-placed-by-obama/ Trump Under Siege: More than 60 Percent of NSC Employees Placed by Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 18, 2017.</ref>) Additionally, Senate Democrats continued to unduly delay Trump's cabinet nominees at historic and unprecedented proportions—by February 8, 2017, only [[George Washington]] had fewer cabinet nominees confirmed by this length of time into his presidency.<ref>Singman, Brooke (February 8, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/08/trump-facing-historic-delays-in-confirmation-push.html Trump facing historic delays in confirmation push]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 8, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> On January 23, 2017, Trump signed an order which withdrew the United States from the globalist [[Trans-Pacific Partnership]].<ref>Chakraborty, Barnini (January 23, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/23/trump-signs-executive-order-withdrawing-us-from-tpp-trade-deal.html Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from TPP trade deal]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref> That same day, Trump signed an order reinstating the [[Mexico City Policy]], which defunded International Planned Parenthood and other organizations that promote foreign abortions.<ref>LaBarbera, Peter (January 23, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-trump-signs-order-defunding-international-planned-parenthood-forei BREAKING: Trump signs order defunding International Planned Parenthood, foreign abortions]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref><ref>Hellman, Jessie (January 23, 2017). [http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/abortion/315652-trump-signs-executive-order-reinstating-global-gag-rule-on Trump reinstates ban on US funds promoting abortion overseas]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 23, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump was very busy and productive in his first week and showed he was serious about his campaign promises, undoing Obama's illegitimate legacy and instituting conservative executive orders.<ref>Davenport, David (January 27, 2017). [http://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddavenport/2017/01/27/how-trump-managed-to-undo-obamas-legacy-in-one-week/#3ae6bcba5bbf How Trump Managed To Undo Obama's Legacy In One Week]. ''Forbes''. Retrieved January 27, 2017.</ref><ref>Said-Moorhouse, Lauren (January 26, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/26/politics/executive-orders-presidents-actions-presidential-memoranda/ What's Trump done so far? His productive first week and how it stacks up to previous presidents]. ''CNN''. Retrieved January 27, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/28/president-trumps-first-week-action President Trump's First Week of Action]. ''whitehouse.gov''. January 28, 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.</ref> This caused the [[stock market]] to increase, and the [[Dow Jones]] passed 20,000 points for the first time in history.<ref>Imbert, Fred (January 25, 2017). [http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/25/us-markets.html Dow closes above 20,000 for first time as Trump orders send stocks flying]. ''CNBC''. Retrieved January 25, 2017.</ref><ref>Craig, Victoria (January 25, 2017). [http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2017/01/25/dow-races-past-20k-in-reinvigorated-trump-rally.html Dow Races Past 20K in Reinvigorated Trump Rally]. ''Fox Business''. Retrieved January 25, 2017.</ref> On March 1, 2017, the day after Trump made his first address to a joint-session of Congress, the stock market rose dramatically again, with the Dow Jones passing the 21,000 mark for the first time in history.<ref>Witkowski, Wallace; Mahmudova, Anora (March 1, 2017). [http://www.marketwatch.com/story/wall-street-stocks-set-to-resume-rally-on-fed-rate-hike-hopes-trump-relief-2017-03-01 Dow closes above 21,000 as stocks soar after Trump speech]. ''MarketWatch''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref><ref>Holcomb, John (March 1, 2017). [https://townhall.com/tipsheet/justinholcomb/2017/03/01/stock-market-booms-past-21000-for-the-first-time-in-history-n2292388 The Trump Bump: Stock Market Hits 21,000 for the First Time in History]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref><ref>DeSoto, Randy (March 1, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/stock-market-hits-new-high-follow-trumps-speech-to-congress/ Stock Market Hits New High Following Trump’s Speech To Congress]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved March 1, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> As evidence of this intense [[mainstream media]] opposition to President Trump, a study published close to the 100th-day mark of Trump's presidency showed that 89% of media coverage regarding Trump was negative.<ref><br /> * Harper, Jennifer (April 19, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/19/donald-trump-media-coverage-is-89-percent-negative/ As first 100 days in office approaches, media coverage of Trump is 89% negative: Study]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 20, 2017.<br /> * Noyes, Rich; Ciandella, Mike (April 19, 2017). [http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/rich-noyes/2017/04/18/honeymoon-hell-liberal-media-vs-president-trump Honeymoon from Hell: The Liberal Media vs. President Trump]. ''NewsBusters -- Media Research Center''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Trump was on track to become the most mocked president on late-night comedy TV in at least 25 years.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/05/04/study-trump-track-mocked-president-late-night-25-years/ Study: Trump On Track to Be Most Mocked President on Late-Night TV in 25 Years]. ''Breitbart News''. May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> On April 26, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security, acting under an executive order established by President Trump, established the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE), created to help support victims of illegal immigrant crime, and it established the DHS-Victim Information and Notification Exchange, which was created to help those victims track the custody status of the illegal criminals.<ref><br /> * Singman, Brooke (April 26, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/26/dhs-announces-office-for-victims-illegal-immigrant-crime.html DHS announces office for victims of illegal immigrant crime]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 26, 2017.<br /> * McHugh, Katie (April 26, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/26/dhs-kelly-voice-victims-illegal-alien-criminals/ DHS Kelly Creates VOICE For Many Victims of Illegal Alien Criminals]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 26, 2017.<br /> * McHugh, Katie (April 25, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/25/dhs-unveil-voice-office-victims-illegal-alien-crime/ DHS to Unveil VOICE Office for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 26, 2017.</ref> However, leftists took to pranking the phone line created, showing disrespect to the victims of illegal immigration.<ref>Singman, Brooke (April 27, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/ice-rips-pranksters-jamming-hotline-to-report-space-aliens.html ICE rips pranksters jamming hotline to report space aliens]. '' Fox News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Canadian Prime Minister [[Justin Trudeau]] described President Trump as being very authentic – the way he acts in public is like how he does in private.<ref>Yilek, Caitlin (August 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-trump-is-surprisingly-authentic/article/2633107 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Trump is surprisingly 'authentic']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 31, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Temporary immigration and refugee suspensions====<br /> Trump received criticism from liberals and [[establishment]] Republicans<ref>McHugh, Katie (January 31, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/31/establishment-republicans-bash-trumps-executive-order-on-immigration-refugee-resettlement/ Establishment Republicans Bash Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration, Refugee Resettlement]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> when he signed an executive order temporarily banning immigration from certain high-risk Islamic countries as well as refugee entry. Despite this criticism, 49 percent of the American public supported the decision compared to 41 percent opposed, according to the "mainstream" Reuters,<ref>Kahn, Chris (January 31, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-immigration-poll-exclusive-idUSKBN15F2MG Exclusive: Only a third of Americans think Trump's travel ban will make them more safe]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> and 57% percent of likely American voters supported the ban according to Rasmussen.<ref>[http://m.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/january_2017/most_support_temporary_ban_on_newcomers_from_terrorist_havens Most Support Temporary Ban on Newcomers from Terrorist Havens].'' January 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.</ref> Additionally, while the leftist [[establishment]] European leaders opposed the ban, a strong majority—55% average—of Europeans support the ban, according to a poll in 10 [[European Union]] nations.<ref>Shaw, Adam (February 9, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/02/09/majority-europeans-in-favor-trump-style-muslim-ban-poll-shows.html Majority of Europeans in favor of a Trump-style Muslim ban, poll shows]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Jamieson, Alastair (February 8, 2017). [http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/europes-border-crisis/majority-leading-eu-nations-support-trump-style-travel-ban-poll-n718271 Majority in Leading EU Nations Support Trump-Style Travel Ban: Poll]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved February 9, 2017.</ref> On March 6, 2017, Trump signed a second executive order concerning the temporary suspension of refugees and others from certain high-risk countries after the first one was blocked by the courts. The second order made some clarifications and minor improvements over the first, such as exempting green card holders from the ban and excluding [[Iraq]] from it as it had developed an acceptable vetting process.<ref>Munro, Neil (March 6, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/03/06/trump-new-refugees-executive-pushes-back-judges/ Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Travel from Six Terror-Tied Countries]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Chakraborty, Barnini (March 6, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/06/trump-signs-new-immigration-order-narrows-scope-travel-ban.html Trump signs new immigration order, narrows scope of travel ban]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Trump showed he would not tolerate incompetent leftist administration officials when he fired acting [[United States Department of Justice|Attorney General]] Sally Yates (a left-wing Obama holdover) when she refused to defend his refugee and immigration ban executive order.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/30/acting-ag-tells-justice-department-staff-not-to-defend-trumps-refugee-order.html Trump fires acting AG after Justice Department staff told not to defend refugee order]. ''Fox News''. January 30, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/30/statement-appointment-dana-boente-acting-attorney-general Statement on the Appointment of Dana Boente as Acting Attorney General]. ''whitehouse.gov''. January 30, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> Trump emulated [[Ronald Reagan]]'s firing of the striking PATCO workers in 1981 by doing so,<ref>Boyle, Matthew (January 30, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/30/trumps-patco-moment-emanating-reagan-president-takes-control-federal-government-protect-country-citizens/ Trump’s PATCO Moment: Emanating Reagan, the President Takes Control of Federal Government to ‘Protect the Country and Its Citizens’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> contrary to the [[mainstream media]] spin.<ref>Kurtz, Howard (February 1, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/02/01/trumps-firing-defiant-obama-holdover-why-hes-no-richard-nixon.html Trump's firing of a defiant Obama holdover: Why he's no Richard Nixon]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.</ref> That same night, Trump replaced the acting director of [[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] (another Obama holdover) with a more competent official who had a reputation for enforcing immigration laws.<ref>Chamberlain, Samuel (January 31, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/trump-names-thomas-homan-acting-director-ice-replacing-obama-holdover.html Trump names Thomas Homan acting director of ICE, replacing Obama holdover]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref><ref>Berman, Mark; Zapotosky, Matt (January 30, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/01/30/trump-appoints-new-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-director-noted-for-his-work-deporting-illegal-immigrants/?utm_term=.addf12ae690a Trump appoints new Immigration and Customs Enforcement director noted for his work deporting illegal immigrants]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Reducing regulations and government====<br /> :''For more information, see [[Donald Trump achievements: Deregulation and government size]]''<br /> In the first six weeks of Trump's presidency, over 90 regulations were repealed, whether through executive orders, Acts of Congress, or other means.<ref>Farand, Chloe (March 6, 2017). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-federal-state-regulations-month-oval-office-white-house-us-president-deregulate-a7614031.html Donald Trump disassembles 90 federal state regulations in just over a month in White House]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved March 7, 2017.</ref><ref>[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3480299-10-Examples-Industries-Push-Followed-by-Trump.html#document/p60/a341284 Trump-Era Trend: Industries Protest. Regulations Rolled Back. A Dozen Examples]. ''The New York Times'' (through ''DocumentCloud''). Retrieved March 7, 2017.</ref> Trump also signed numerous executive actions promoting a smaller government.<br /> <br /> ====Supreme Court====<br /> {{See also|Donald Trump achievements: The courts|Trump Supreme Court}}<br /> On January 31, 2017, Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]].<ref>Klukowski, Ken (January 31, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/31/trump-nominates-judge-neil-gorsuch-supreme-court/ Trump Nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref><ref>Hurley, Lawrence; Holland, Steve (January 31, 2017). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-trump-idUSKBN15F1OW Trump picks conservative judge Gorsuch for U.S. Supreme Court]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> The nomination was well received by many conservatives.<ref>Chamberlain, Steve (January 31, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/31/reaction-to-trumps-supreme-court-pick-split-along-partisan-lines.html Conservatives hail Trump's Supreme Court pick]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref><ref>Ertelt, Steven (January 31, 2017). [http://www.lifenews.com/2017/01/31/president-donald-trump-nominates-pro-life-friendly-judge-neil-gorsuch-to-the-supreme-court/ President Donald Trump Nominates Pro-Life-Friendly Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court]. ''LifeNews.com''. Retrieved January 31, 2017.</ref> Others, most notably [[Andrew Schlafly]], disagreed with the nomination due to concerns about Gorsuch's position on abortion.<ref>Dannenfelser, Marjorie (January 31, 2017). [http://townhall.com/columnists/marjoriedannenfelser/2017/01/31/the-truth-about-trumps-prolife-scotus-list-n2279232 The Truth about Trump’s Pro-life SCOTUS List]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved February 1, 2017.</ref><ref>http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Template:Mainpageright&diff=1302133&oldid=1301962</ref><br /> <br /> ====Public trust====<br /> According to a poll conducted by [[Emerson College]] on February 5–6, 2017, more Americans trust the Trump Administration than the media.<ref>McHugh, Katie (February 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/02/09/poll-voters-trust-trump-administration-media/ Poll: Voters Trust Trump Administration More Than Media]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved February 9, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Economic progress====<br /> {{See also|Donald Trump achievements: Economic policy and labor}}<br /> In May 2017, the unemployment rate fell from 4.4% from 4.3%, the lowest since May 2001, as the number of unemployed persons was little changed at 6.9 million and the labor force participation rate fell to 62.7 percent.<ref>[https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate United States Unemployment Rate]. ''tradingeconomics.com''. Retrieved June 14, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> According to a Rasmussen survey, consumer confidence is the second-highest it’s been in the index’s history. The market cap of the U.S. stock market has risen more than $3 trillion since Mr. Trump was elected. Small-business confidence has surged to a 12-year high.<br /> <br /> ==Books==<br /> *''Trump: The Art of the Deal'' with Tony Schwartz (1987)<br /> *''Trump: Surviving at the Top'' with Charles Leerhsen (1990)<br /> *''Trump: The Art of the Comeback'' with Kate Bohner (1997)<br /> *''The America We Deserve'' with Dave Shiflett (2000)<br /> *''Trump: How to Get Rich'' with Meredith McIver (2004)<br /> *''Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know about Success, Real Estate and Life'' with Meredith McIver (2005)<br /> *''Why We Want You to Be Rich: Two Men, One Message'' with Meredith McIver and Robert T. Kiyosaki (2006)<br /> *''Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life'' with Bill Zanker (2007)<br /> *''Trump: Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success'' with Meredith McIver (2008)<br /> *''Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education in Business and Life'' with Meredith McIver (2009)<br /> *''Midas Touch: Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich—and Why Most Don't'' with Robert T. Kiyosaki (2011)<br /> *''Time to Get Tough: Making America #1 Again'' (2011)<br /> *''Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again'' (2015)<br /> <br /> ==Quotes==<br /> ===Quotes as U.S. President===<br /> ====Inaugural address====<br /> *"....today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people."<ref name="InaugTransc">[http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/full-text-donald-trump-inauguration-speech-transcript-233907 Full text: 2017 Donald Trump inauguration speech transcript]. ''Politico''. January 20, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2017.</ref><br /> *"We assembled here today our issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power, from this day forward: a new vision will govern our land, from this day forward, it's going to be only America first. America first."<ref name="InaugTransc"/><br /> *"[We will] unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth."<ref name="InaugTransc"/><br /> *"When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice."<ref name="InaugTransc"/><br /> <br /> ====Other====<br /> *"In America we don’t worship government, we worship God."<ref>Miller, S.A. (May 13, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/13/donald-trump-tells-liberty-university-graduates-we/ Trump at Liberty University: ‘We don’t worship government, we worship God’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 13, 2017.</ref><ref>Moons, Michelle (May 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/13/president-donald-trumps-1st-commencement-speech-america-dont-worship-government-worship-god/ President Donald Trump’s First Commencement Speech: ‘In America We Don’t Worship Government, We Worship God’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 13, 2017.</ref><br /> *"I didn’t get elected to serve the Washington media—I got elected to serve the forgotten men and women and that’s exactly what I’m doing."<ref>Spiering, Charlie (May 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/17/donald-trump-vows-to-fight-on-no-politician-in-history-has-been-treated-worse-or-more-unfairly/ Donald Trump: ‘I Didn’t Get Elected to Serve the Washington Media’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 17, 2017.</ref><ref>Singman, Brooke (May 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/17/trump-takes-on-media-during-coast-guard-commencement-speech.html Trump takes on media during Coast Guard commencement speech]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 17, 2017.</ref><br /> * "The problem in Venezuela is not that socialism has been poorly implemented, but that socialism has been faithfully implemented."<br /> <br /> ===Quotes from the 2016 campaign for President===<br /> [[File:Donald Trump and Mike Pence RNC July 2016.jpg|thumb|Trump and his running-mate, [[Mike Pence]], at the 2016 Republican National Convention.]]<br /> Trump's tactics of naming and shaming candidates has been proven very effective. He called Jeb Bush 'low-energy Jeb' and it stuck. Then came Marco Rubio as 'Little Marco.' Next came 'Lyin' Ted' for Ted Cruz. For the Democrats, he calls Hillary Clinton 'Crooked Hillary'. He doesn't give Bernie Sanders the same treatment though he has referred to him as a Communist.<br /> <br /> *“We will no longer surrender this country or its people to the false song of [[globalism]].”<br /> *"I think we have a president who, as a president, is totally incompetent, and he doesn’t know what he’s doing. I think he has no idea what he’s doing. And our country is going to [[hell]]."<ref>http://time.com/4210983/republican-debate-barack-obama-incompetent/</ref><br /> *"I will be the greatest jobs president that [[God]] ever created."<br /> *"I’m using my own money. I’m not using the lobbyists. I’m not using donors. I don’t care. I’m really rich."<br /> *"Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people."<br /> *"Nobody would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump. Nobody. Within our military, I will find the General Patton, or I will find General MacArthur, I will find the right guy."<br /> *"I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will have [[Mexico]] pay for that wall."<br /> *"I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct."<ref>http://video.foxnews.com/v/4406746003001/watch-a-replay-of-fox-news-prime-time-presidential-debate/?#sp=show-clips</ref><ref>https://www.google.com/search?q=a+big+problem+with+our+country+is+too+politically+incorrect&oq=a+big+problem+with+our+country+is+too+politically+incorrect&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i64l3.8295j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8</ref><br /> *"Becoming the nominee of the party of [[Abraham Lincoln]] has been the greatest honor of my life.<ref>http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/294401-trump-claims-party-of-lincoln-mantle-in-speech-at-black</ref><br /> <br /> ====General election debate quotes====<br /> *"Because you would be in jail." (Trump in response to Clinton saying that it would be a good thing that he "is not in charge of the law in our country")<ref name="2ndTranscript">[http://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/2016-presidential-debate-transcript-229519 Full transcript: Second 2016 presidential debate]. ''Politico''. October 10, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2016.</ref><br /> *"Now she’s blaming the lie on the late great Abraham Lincoln. ...Honest Abe never lied. That’s the good thing. That's the big difference between Abraham Lincoln and you." (Trump in response to Clinton's excuse for having "'a public and private position on certain issues.'")<ref name="2ndTranscript"/><br /> *"Hillary has experience, but it’s bad experience."<ref>Goodenough, Patrick (September 27, 2016). [http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/ Trump: 'Hillary Has Experience, But It's Bad Experience']. ''cnsnews.com''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Quotes from Twitter===<br /> [[File:Screenshot 2015-09-28-12-11-31-1.png|right|300px|Thumb|Tweet from Billionaire Carl Icahn]]<br /> <br /> {{Cquote|<br>'''Somebody said I’m the Ernest Hemingway of 140 characters.'''}} <br /> <br /> * "An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @BarackObama's birth certificate is a fraud."<ref>Trump, Donald J. (August 6, 2012, 1:23 pm). [http://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/232572505238433794 "An 'extremely credible source' has called my office and told me that @BarackObama's birth certificate is a fraud."] Tweet by @realDonaldTrump.</ref><br /> * "It’s amazing how people can talk about me but I’m not allowed to talk about them."<ref>Trump, Donald J. (November 13, 2012, 12:23pm). [http://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/268449146711703553 "It’s amazing how people can talk about me but I’m not allowed to talk about them."] Tweet by @realDonaldTrump.</ref><br /> * "This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bull**** has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in ice."<ref>Trump, Donald J. (January 1, 2014, 4:39pm). [http://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/418542137899491328 "This very expensive GLOBAL WARMING bull**** has got to stop. Our planet is freezing, record low temps,and our GW scientists are stuck in ice."] Tweet by @realDonaldTrump.</ref><br /> <br /> ====2015====<br /> * "So many 'politically correct' fools in our country. We have to all get back to work and stop wasting time and energy on nonsense!" (August 8, 2015)<br /> * "Notice that illegal immigrants will be given ObamaCare and free college tuition but nothing has been mentioned about our VETERANS #DemDebate" (October 13, 2015)<br /> * "They laughed at me when I said to bomb the ISIS controlled oil fields. Now they are not laughing and doing what I said." (November 13, 2015)<br /> * "President Obama said 'ISIL continues to shrink' in an interview just hours before the horrible attack in Paris. He is just so bad! CHANGE." (November 14, 2015)<br /> * "Refugees from Syria are now pouring into our great country. Who knows who they are - some could be ISIS. Is our president insane?" (November 17, 2015)<br /> * "Eight Syrians were just caught on the southern border trying to get into the U.S. ISIS maybe? I told you so. WE NEED A BIG & BEAUTIFUL WALL!" (November 19, 2015)<br /> <br /> ====2016====<br /> * "Hillary said that guns don't keep you safe. If she really believes that she should demand that her heavily armed bodyguards quickly disarm!" (January 3, 2016)<br /> * "I wonder if President Obama would have attended the funeral of Justice Scalia if it were held in a Mosque? Very sad that he did not go!" (February 20, 2016)<br /> * "The organized group of people, many of them thugs, who shut down our First Amendment rights in Chicago, have totally energized America!" (March 12, 2016)<br /> * "Why is it that the horrendous protesters, who scream, curse punch, shut down roads/doors during my RALLIES, are never blamed by media? SAD!" (March 20, 2016)<br /> * "Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! U.S. must be vigilant and smart!" (March 22, 2016)<br /> * "For the 1st time in American history, America’s 16,500 border patrol agents have issue[d] a presidential primary endorsement—me! Thank you." (April 1, 2016)<br /> ====2017====<br /> *"The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!"<ref>Greenwood, Mark (February 17, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/320168-trump-the-media-is-the-enemy-of-the-american-people Trump tweets: The media is the 'enemy of the American people']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 27, 2017.</ref><br /> * "Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!" (March 31, 2017)<br /> * "That's right, we need a TRAVEL BAN for certain DANGEROUS countries, not some politically correct term that won't help us protect our people!" (June 5, 2017, while the Dept. of Justice was arguing in court that his Executive Order was not a "travel ban")<br /> * "Fake News is at an all time high. Where is their apology to me for all of the incorrect stories???" (June 13, 2017)<br /> <br /> ===Other quotes===<br /> * "[T]he country is going to hell."<ref>Cassidy, Chris (March 19, 2015). [http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/us_politics/2015/03/country_is_going_to_hell_claims_donald_trump "'Country is going to hell,' claims Donald Trump"]. BostonHerald.com website.</ref><br /> * "We have no leader in this country.”<ref>Reisner, Hiram (April 22, 2011). [http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/donaldtrump-karlrove-gop-birther/2011/04/22/id/393742 "Trump: I'd just take Libyan oil"]. NewsMax website.</ref><br /> * "Our leaders are stupid, they are stupid people."<ref>Pierce, Tony (April 29, 2011). [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/04/donald-trump-in-vegas-our-leaders-are-stupid-they-are-stupid-people.html "Donald Trump in Vegas: 'Our leaders are stupid; they are stupid people'"]. Los Angeles Times website/Top of the Ticket blog.</ref><br /> * "I can tell you I am [the 2012 Obama campaign's] worst nightmare."<ref>Mooney, Alexander (April 11, 2011). [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/11/trump-says-he-is-obama-campaigns-worst-nightmare/comment-page-6/ "Trump says he is Obama campaign's worst nightmare"]. Cable News Network website/politicalticker blog.</ref><br /> * "Obama has no solutions."<ref>Coz, Steve (August 19, 2012). [http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/trump-gibbs-fox-obama/2012/08/19/id/449050/ "Trump fires back at Obama campaign smear"]. Newsmax website/Newsfront.</ref><br /> *"Everything in life is luck."<ref name="Telegraph">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/12107003/Donald-Trump-faces-questions-over-Two-Corinthians.html</ref><br /> *"[Barack Obama] is probably the least transparent president in the history of the country."<ref name="Telegraph"/><br /> *"Not teaching your kids about money is like not caring whether they eat."<ref name="Telegraph"/><br /> <br /> == Liberal denialism and Donald Trump ==<br /> <br /> :''See also:'' [[Liberal denialism and Donald Trump]] and [[Liberal denial]]<br /> <br /> Post the 2016 U.S. Presidential election many liberals were in denial that Donald Trump was going to be president of the United States. Before the election, many liberal media outlets took the line that Donald Trump could not win the [[Republican]] primary and could not win the presidential election.<ref><br /> *[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/09/the-wrongest-media-predictions-about-donald-trump/?utm_term=.febb2623a89f The wrongest media predictions about Donald Trump The wrongest media predictions about Donald Trump], ''Washington Post'', 2016</ref><br /> <br /> === Political scientists, denialism and Donald Trump ===<br /> <br /> {{See also|Atheism and science}}<br /> <br /> Few, if any, [[Political science|political scientists]] predicted early on that Donald Trump would win the Republican primary and then would subsequently be elected president of the United States. Furthermore, most pollsters indicated that Trump would lose the election. <br /> <br /> 27 percent of American political scientists believe in the existence of God while 76 percent of American doctors said they believe in God.<ref><br /> *[http://www.livescience.com/379-scientists-belief-god-varies-starkly-discipline.html Scientists belief in God varies starkly by discipline], Livescience.com<br /> *[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8318894/ns/health-health_care/t/survey-most-doctors-believe-god-afterlife/ Most doctors believe in God], NBC News</ref> Most American [[atheism|atheists]] lean to the left politically (see: [[Atheism and politics]]). Compared to [[medical science]], which has many effective medicines and surgical procedures, the social science of political science is often unreliable.<br /> <br /> ===Trump and the mainstream media===<br /> {{See also|Mainstream media and Donald Trump}}<br /> The leftist [[mainstream media]] despises Trump and fails to report objectively when covering him.<br /> <br /> === Angry secular leftists and Donald Trump ===<br /> <br /> :''See also:'' [[Donald Trump and American atheists]] and [[Secular leftists and psychogenic illness]]<br /> <br /> American [[secular left]]ists were extremely angry and upset in the aftermath of Donald Trump's election victory (see: [[Donald Trump and American atheists]]). <br /> <br /> In certain cases, it became debilitating (see:: [[Secular leftists and psychogenic illness]]). The website Marketwatch reported concerning the aftermath of the 2016 presidential race: ''Trump’s win is causing a surge in demand for mental health services''<ref>[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/trumps-win-is-causing-a-surge-in-demand-for-mental-health-services-2016-11-10 Trump’s win is causing a surge in demand for mental health services], Marketwatch 2016</ref><br /> <br /> The ''Religion News Service'' reported:<br /> {{Cquote|For the last decade, [[Atheism|atheists]], [[secular humanism|humanists]] and others [[secular]]ists have worked hard to organize a “secular vote” that would counter the political clout of the [[religious right]].<br /> <br /> President-elect Donald J. Trump’s victory dealt that movement a body blow when he garnered 81 percent of the white [[Evangelical Christians|evangelical]] vote and 60 percent of the white [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] vote. [[Mormonism|Mormons]], too, voted overwhelmingly for Trump...<br /> <br /> [Trump's] platform was seen as anti-secular in many atheist and humanist circles. He said he would appoint religiously conservative Supreme Court justices, ban [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrants, favor [[Christianity]] and repeal the [[Johnson Amendment]], which prohibits certain tax-exempt organizations from endorsing political candidates — issues antithetical to organized atheism and [[humanism]].<ref>[http://religionnews.com/2016/11/09/dealt-a-body-blow-atheists-and-humanists-regroup/ Dealt a body blow, atheists and humanists regroup] by Kimberly Winston, ''Religion News Service'', November 9, 2016</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Donald Trump's religious views]]<br /> * [[Trump Administration]]<br /> * [[Essay:Donald Trump One Two Body Blow]]<br /> * [[The Chalkening]]<br /> * [[Trump University]]<br /> * [[Kathryn Steinle]]<br /> * [[Sarah Root]]<br /> * [[Alveda King]]<br /> * [[Trump effect]]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://www.greatagain.gov Presidential transition website GreatAgain.gov]<br /> * [http://www.trump.com Official website]<br /> * [http://www.LyingCrookedHillary.com LyingCrookedHillary.com]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw8c2Cq-vpg The Untruth About Donald Trump] by [[Stefan Molyneux]], Published on Jan 18, 2016<br /> * [http://www.untruthaboutdonaldtrump.com UntruthAboutDonaldTrump.com]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yyoauXmzjg Do Emotions Trump Facts?] [[Thomas Sowell]] on Donald Trump - Rebutted! by Stefan Molyneux<br /> * [http://shouldtrumprun.com/ Should Donald Run? Polling]<br /> * [http://gop12.thehill.com/2011/04/trump-explains-conversion-on-abortion.html Trump explains his pro-life conversion]<br /> * [https://www.donaldjtrump.com Donald Trump 2016 campaign website]<br /> * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZq3iCn2y74 Inside of Trump's Boeing 757]<br /> * 100 groups have signed [http://www.pseagles.com/Coalition_letter_Supreme_Court this coalition letter] re: Trump's [[Trump Supreme Court|nomination to the Supreme Court]].<br /> {{USPresidents}}<br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Trump, Donald}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Donald Trump]]<br /> [[Category:Celebrities]] <br /> [[Category:Business People]]<br /> [[Category:American Authors]]<br /> [[Category:2016 Presidential Candidates]]<br /> [[Category:Best Selling Authors]]<br /> [[Category:Conservatives]]<br /> [[Category:Pro Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:Republicans]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Conservatism]]<br /> [[Category:Billionaires]]<br /> [[Category:United States Presidential Election, 2016]]<br /> [[Category:2016 presidential election]]<br /> [[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Animation&diff=1376121 Animation 2017-09-23T00:44:16Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Animation''' is the technique of [[film]]ing a sequence of drawings or positions of models to create an [[illusion]] of movement. The technique goes at least as far back as 19th century Europe, and was perfected in the USA by [[Walt Disney]]. Adding sound to animation greatly increased the market for animation. Disney's "[[Steamboat Willie]]" is a classic example, followed by his "[[Silly Symphonies]]". Not to be outdone, [[Warner Brothers]] created their [[Looney Tunes]] and [[Merrie Melodies]]. <br /> <br /> The world's most famous animated cartoon character is Disney's [[Mickey Mouse]]. [[Chuck Jones]]'s [[Bugs Bunny]] is an American favorite. [[Delgo]], who was introduced in the film of the same name, is a relatively obscure character due to the commercial failure of the film.<br /> <br /> == Animation and culture ==<br /> <br /> Most American animation is geared toward children. Japanese animation, on the other hand, in addition to having animation which caters to children, also has animations which address serious topics like war or politics.<ref>http://www.animation.com</ref> [[Fathom Studios]] was a rare American studio that attempted to avert this with their film [[Delgo]].<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Art]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Halloween&diff=1376118 Halloween 2017-09-23T00:35:06Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Hallow's Eve''', or '''Halloween''', is a tradition originating in [[Ireland]] and celebrated on the evening of October 31, before All Hallows Day (or [[All Saints Day]]). Halloween continues to be related to the harvest and represents a participative ritualization not only of the timeless fears of uncertainty and death but also of the modern fears of transition from rural to urban life. Many pastors are concerned over the anti-American, anti-Christian, and anti-family nature of the holiday.<br /> [[Image:Halloween.gif|right|300px]]<br /> ==Customs==<br /> [[File:Pumpkin carved.jpg|thumb|250px|Carved pumpkin.]]<br /> In the [[United States]], Halloween is marked by the activity of trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treat traditionally involves the children dressing in costumes, and going to various locations, generally houses, requesting candy at each.<br /> <br /> Colors orange and black are traditionally associated with Halloween as well as costumes of witches, ghosts, famous monsters, skeletons, and devils; also seasonal foods like caramel apples, pumpkins, pumpkin pie, caramel corn, and candies. Black when used as a color commonly represents death, and orange is used to represent the harvest.<br /> <br /> ==Origins==<br /> Its origins are traced to the ancient Celts who celebrated the harvest and the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new; the day itself was the first of the Celtic calendar. The Celts believed that it was a time when the spirits of the dead roamed; gifts of food were required to protect the living. Christianity incorporated the Celtic tradition and renamed it 'All Saints' Day,' a day of respect for the dead. Hence the name "all-hallow's-eve" became "halloween", over time.<br /> <br /> ==History==<br /> [[File:Halloween.jpg|200px|left]]<br /> From a pagan holiday traceable to the ancient Celts, the event became known as All Saints Day during the 8th century. Waning belief in ghosts, goblins, and witches toward the end of the 18th century further transformed All Saints' Day into a ripsnorting holiday in Ireland and especially in Scotland. [[Irish Catholics]] in America in the late 19th century introduced the event as a copy of Irish traditional folklore. They substituted pumpkins for turnips and secular costumes for those of saints by the mid-19th century. By the 1920s community efforts tried to sanitize the carnival spirit and reduce vandalism. Trick-or-treating became common around 1940, further transformed Halloween into a rite of consumerism and moving the age profile to younger children. <br /> ===World War II===<br /> Halloween flourished as an inexpensive fall festival that did not involve travel. Cities made it into "Conservation Day" and Halloween parties were enlisted in the war effort. Civic parties were held with patriotic admission prices, such as 150 pounds of salvaged paper. Towns turned Halloween parades into celebrations of civic volunteering, featuring Red Cross Units, Air Raid Wardens, and Auxiliary Police Units, all in costume. The climax of the parade was typically a War Bond Auction with prizes donated by local merchants and sold for war bond pledges.<ref>Hybertsen (1993), p. 152</ref> <br /> ===Recent===<br /> Starting in the 1960s trick-or-treating declined in some places and was closely monitored elsewhere because of (false) rumors of poisoned treats; "The Razor Blade in the Apple" was a made-up urban legend that truly frightened parents.,<ref>Joel Best and Gerald T. Horiuchi, "The Razor Blade in the Apple: the Social Construction of Urban Legends," ''Social Problems'' 1985 32(5): 488-499</ref> and in the 1990s the holiday has increasingly drawn upon the cult-horror genre for its inspiration. Halloween in America by the late 20th century was a big moneymaker for candy makers and costumers.<br /> <br /> ==Hell houses==<br /> Pellegrini (2007) and Fletcher (2007) examine the rising phenomenon of hell houses, evangelical alternatives to haunted houses, in reaction to the perceived occult and pagan nature of Halloween. Religious feelings are communicated by the medium of theater presented in these hell houses. Evangelicals such as Rev. [[Pat Robertson]] have decried the celebration of Halloween as 'performing Satanic rituals' since the 1970s, but they decided to present alternative educational devices for children. Beginning with [[Jerry Falwell]]'s ScareMare in 1972, an increasing number of evangelical churches have turned to performances in order to missionize younger generations. In the 2001 documentary 'Hell House' that such evangelical tools became well known. The theater of the houses also offers an opportunity for the church members to face their fears rather than avoid them, and it offers participants the 'fun' of being evil without engaging in pagan rituals.<ref>Ann Pellegrini, "'Signaling Through the Flames': Hell House Performance and Structures of Religious Feeling," ''American Quarterly'' 2007 59(3): 911-935; John Fletcher, "Tasteless as Hell: Community Performance, Distinction, and Countertaste in Hell House, ''Theatre Survey'' 2007 48(2): 313-330.</ref> <br /> ==Mexico==<br /> [[File:Posada Lagartijo.jpeg|thumb|100px|Lagartijo (Dandy) by José Guadalupe Posada.]] <br /> Although Halloween symbols have long been a part of the Mexican culture, particularly in the northern states of Mexico, since the 1990s these symbols have been denounced by intellectuals and religious leaders as elements of Yankee imperialism. Mexico's counterpart to Halloween, the Day of the Dead, has its roots in the Spanish colonial period, when Spain brought the [[Catholic]] holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day to the New World. Nevertheless, the celebration of the Day of the Dead from 31 October to 2 November has come to symbolize national unity to many Mexicans. Even though the Day of the Dead has always had materialistic elements such as the sugar paste '(afteniqué)' figures, traditionally given to children, cultural nationalists have upheld the Mexican Day of the Dead religious rituals as a contrast to the economic and materialist motives behind American Halloween traditions. These cultural nationalists insist that Halloween activities, which have entered across Mexico's northern border, profane the sacredness of the Day of the Dead.<ref>Stanley Brandes, "The Day of the Dead, Halloween, and the Quest for Mexican National Identity," ''Journal of American Folklore'' 1998 111(442): 359-380, [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=96430235 in QUESTIA]</ref><br /> <br /> ==Further reading==<br /> <br /> * Hybertsen, Karen Sue. "'The Return of Chaos': The Uses and Interpretations of Halloween in the United States from the [[Victorian era]] to the Present", ''Dissertation Abstracts International'' PhD dissertation Drew University 1993 54(6): 2185-A. DA9331586, 286p. <br /> * Rogers, Nicholas. ''Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night'' (2003) [http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Pagan-Ritual-Party-Night/dp/0195168968/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257043763&sr=1-3 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Santino, Jack. "Halloween in America: Contemporary Customs and Peformances," ''Western Folklore'' 1983 42(1): 1-20, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1499461 in JSTOR]<br /> * Santino, Jack, ed. ''Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life,'' (U. of Tennessee Press, 1993). 280 pp. academic study<br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://www.godestiny.org/hell_house/HH_kit.cfm The Hell House Outreach Kit], from an [[Assemblies of God]] church near Denver<br /> ====References====<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:Halloween skull.jpg]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Holidays]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Satan&diff=1376091 Satan 2017-09-22T23:56:53Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:GustaveDoreParadiseLostSatanProfile.jpg|right|thumb|Gustave Doré's depiction of Satan from John Milton's Paradise Lost.]]<br /> <br /> '''Satan''' or the '''[[Devil]]''' is the embodiment of evil, and plays a major role in [[Christian]] theology and literature, as well as in many other religions. He is the tempter and spiritual enemy of mankind. He is the adversary of [[God]], although subordinate to him and able to act only by his sufferance, and is represented frequently as the leader or prince of all apostate angels and as ruler of [[hell]]. <br /> "Satan is the force that loves to find the guilt and weakness in people, to humiliate them with it, to convince them that, because they are not good, God cannot love them."<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/258360/iritei-stuff-satan-prosecutor-mike-potemra The Rite Stuff: Satan as Prosecutor] - Mike Potemra</ref> [[Leftist]] Saul Alinsky dedicated to Lucifer his book ''Rules for Radicals'', which inspired some [[liberal]] activists.<br /> <br /> ==Old Testament==<br /> Satan was once a member of the divine council of God referenced in the [[Old Testament]]. He is referenced 11 times in [[Job]] and 4 other times in the Old Testament. The [[New Testament]] mentions Satan 34 times in all, starting with the first book [[Matthew]] and ending with the last [[Revelation]]. In the Christian tradition he rebelled against God and is now the enemy of God and man alike. He is the father of lies and no good is found in him. He leads a host of fallen angels (or [[demon]]s) who know their days are numbered before they will be cast in the lake of fire and they seek to take as many humans as possible with them.<br /> <br /> == New Testament==<br /> In the [[New Testament]], Satan tries to tempt [[Jesus]] in the desert, and fails. Jesus warns extensively to beware of Satan as does [[Paul]].<br /> <br /> In Christian theology Satan's goal is to lead people away from the love of God, by tempting or tricking them. The only sources of supernatural power in the world are from either God (good) or Satan (evil). In the book of [[Genesis]], Satan takes the form of a snake and tempts Eve with fruit from a tree. This causes sin to come into the world. Kelly (2006) demonstrates how assumptions—such as the identification of the Eden serpent with Satan, probably first made by Justin Martyr in the second century—have hardened into fact.<br /> <br /> Satan, in the Book of Job, listens to God speak highly of Job and accuses Job to God before the host of angels that Job praises God only because he is blessed and would curse God if he was forced to suffer. God allows Satan to do what he will except to spare his life, and Satan causes Job to suffer immensely. (Job remained true to God through his hardships; Satan accused him further and punished him further, but could not get Job to break).<br /> ==Possession==<br /> [[Jesus]] makes references to demonic possession on multiple occasions that He then casts out. Some believe that Satan is able to possess and control living humans on Earth even today. Even more, some others believe that Satan actually has done this in the past as well. Specifically, Satan is said to have entered Judas during [[The Last Supper]] (John 13:27). The Catholic church believes that priests (and sometimes only bishops) are able to exorcise this possession through Jesus.<br /> <br /> ==Terms==<br /> The word ''Satan'' derives from the Hebrew "ha-satan", meaning the "accuser", "tempter", "persecutor", "calumniator", or "adversary". He "was a liar and a murderer from the beginning." (John 8:44) Synonyms include '''Lucifer, demon, Mephistopholes, Mephisto, Beelzebub, the Evil One, the Tempter,''' and '''The Prince of Darkness.''' Only "devil" is used as an epithet for a profoundly evil person. <br /> <br /> The adjectives include "devilish," "demonic", and "diabolic". Those who worship Satan are called [[satanism|Satanists]], Satan-worshippers, or demonists.<br /> === Lucifer ===<br /> '''Lucifer''' is a name literally meaning "Son of the Morning" (or "Light-Bearer"), and is mentioned in the Bible only in the [[book of Isaiah]] (Isaiah 14:12). Though in Christian tradition Lucifer is equated with Satan, the immediate context of the passage is Isaiah's prophecy against the king of Babylon, and the name "Lucifer" was not present at all in the original manuscripts (in the Latin Vulgate, the phrase "Son of the Morning" was transliterated as a proper name).<br /> <br /> Whomever Lucifer may be, the Isaiah makes strong prophecy against him, condemning him for 5 pronouncements:<br /> <br /> * I will ascend into [[heaven]]<br /> * I will exalt my throne above the stars of God<br /> * I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north<br /> * I will ascend above the heights of the clouds<br /> * I will be like the most High<br /> <br /> Those who take this passage to be a reference to Satan believe that it gives more history of what caused his downfall, that he was created by God as one of His most powerful angels (possibly a [[Seraphim|Seraph]]), but that he fell from grace after he in his pride rebelled against his Creator. Some, however, believe that there is no grounding to interpret the passage as a history of Satan, citing that the passage uses highly figurative and poetic language that was meant as a prophecy against Babylon and nothing more.<br /> <br /> [[Image:Paradise Lost 12.jpg|right|thumb|''The fall of Lucifer'' by Gustave Doré.]]<br /> <br /> == Jewish Views ==<br /> In the Jewish tradition, Satan is an angel who faithfully serves God as a prosecuting attorney &#8212; one who accuses men of wickedness and impiety. At the direction of God, Satan may be permitted to test these accusations, such as in Job. In this view, Satan's goal is not to lead men away from their faithfulness to God, but merely to reveal the true depths of their devotion, although in [[I Chronicles]] 21:1 Satan provoked [[David]] to take a [[census]] of the people of Israel against the will of God and 70,000 men are slain because of it. [[II Samuel]] 24:1 supports the view of Satan as God's prosecuting attorney by reporting that it was the Lord Who moved David to take the census; the two passages can easily [[Scripture interprets Scripture|be reconciled]] if Satan acted as God's agent.<br /> <br /> ==Jehovah's Witnesses==<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that Satan was at one time an [[Angel]] who lived among the many millions of Angels that existed before the [[world]] was created. They believe that at some point He developed the desire to be worshiped by [[Humans]] and other Angels and so set himself in Opposition to worship of [[Jehovah]], his [[God]] and Father. This they believe occurred in the Garden of Eden, and not prior to the Earths creation. [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that Satan used a serpent as his mouth piece, the same way a vantriloquist uses a dummy, to bring the first [[Human]] couple under his control.<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that God has allowed Satan to rule mankind for several resons such as:<br /> <br /> *Satan has challenged God's Right to rule his creations, not his power.... <br /> <br /> *Satan accuses God of bribeing Humans for their loyalty with protection and blessings.... <br /> <br /> *Satan has accused Humans of being loyal to God out of selfish reasons.... <br /> <br /> *Satan claims that he can rule mankind better than God.... <br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach also that [[God]] decided that time, rather than a display of force, is needed to settle these issues. This, they believe, has giving Satan thousands of years to prove that Mankind is better off without God, that He (Satan) can rule Mankind successfully, and that the Humans that Do serve God do so only out of selfish reasons.<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] teach that Satan does not live in any kind of [[Hell]] or world of the dead, but on the [[Earth]] as it's current ruler, along with as many as a third of the Angels of [[Heaven]]. They teach that Satan had lived in Heaven up until 1914, when Jesus and his Angels cast him out of Heaven, bringing woe to the Earth. this is their reasoning on Why the world has experienced two World wars, increasing lawlessness, an increase in disease and pollution, and the overall conditions on earth today.<br /> <br /> [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] believe that Satan delegates authority to each Demon as he see's fit, and over what he see's fit, sometimes including whole Nations and kingdoms. They believe that Satan and his demons are in every way the enemy of God, rather than working alongside him. They teach that Satan will continue to rule the world until [[Armageddon]], when Jesus Christ and his heavenly Angels come to earth and bind him, eventually killing him, freeing the world of all opposition towards True worship.<br /> <br /> ==Defenses==<br /> The three classic defenses against Satan are:<br /> <br /> * mockery, which Satan cannot withstand due to his pride<br /> * sunlight or exposure, from which Satan hides<br /> * the [[Holy Spirit]], meaning "The Advocate" (i.e., defense lawyer), or the ''Armor of God''.<ref>Ephesians 6:1-17</ref><br /> <br /> Note that Satan lacks self-restraint, which often leads him to failure. In addition, Satan delights in [[deceit]], even to the point of causing his downfall.<br /> <br /> ==Dante and Milton==<br /> The classic literary depictions of Satan appear in Dante's Italian poem, "Inferno," and in [[John Milton]]'s English poem, "Paradise Lost." These are considered the two greatest poems in Italian and English literature.<br /> <br /> In western art and popular culture the devil is used to represent evil influences or motivations.<br /> <br /> ==Similarity to Prometheus==<br /> Some writers have pointed out that a few popular depictions of Satan are similar to that of Prometheus. <ref>Werblowsky, Raphael Jehudah Zwi. Lucifer and Prometheus: A Study of Milton's Satan. Routledge, reprinted 1999 and 2001; originally published 1952.<br /> </ref><br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Devil]]<br /> * [[satanic deception]]<br /> * [[Salem Witch Trials]]<br /> * [[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)]]<br /> <br /> ==Further reading==<br /> * Caldwell, William. "The Doctrine of Satan: I. In the Old Testament," ''The Biblical World,'' Vol. 41, No. 1 (Jan., 1913), pp.&nbsp;29–33 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3142352 in JSTOR]<br /> * Caldwell, William. "The Doctrine of Satan: II. Satan in Extra-Biblical Apocalyptical Literature," ''The Biblical World,'' Vol. 41, No. 2 (Feb., 1913), pp.&nbsp;98–102 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3142425 in JSTOR]<br /> * Caldwell, William. "The Doctrine of Satan: III. In the New Testament," ''The Biblical World,'' Vol. 41, No. 3 (Mar., 1913), pp.&nbsp;167–172 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/3142755 in JSTOR]<br /> * Empson, William. ''Milton's God'' (1966)<br /> * Jacobs, Joseph, and Ludwig Blau. "Satan," ''The Jewish Encyclopedia'' (1906) [http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=270&letter=S&search=Satan#ixzz0UQlw0zPS online] pp 68–71<br /> * Kelly, Henry Ansgar. ''Satan: A Biography.'' (2006). 360 pp. [http://books.google.com/books?id=gPIpQg0lRbMC&pg=PA12&dq=intitle:satan+inauthor:kelly&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=3#v=onepage&q=&f=false excerpt and text search] ISBN 0-521-60402-8, a study of the Bible and Western literature<br /> * Kent, William. "Devil." ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'' (1908) Vol. 4. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04764a.htm online older article]<br /> * Osborne, B. A. E. "Peter: Stumbling-Block and Satan," ''Novum Testamentum,'' Vol. 15, Fasc. 3 (Jul., 1973), pp.&nbsp;187–190 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1560340 in JSTOR] on "Get thee behind me, Satan!"<br /> * Rebhorn Wayne A. "The Humanist Tradition and Milton's Satan: The Conservative as Revolutionary," ''Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900,'' Vol. 13, No. 1, The English Renaissance (Winter, 1973), pp.&nbsp;81–93 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/449871 in JSTOR]<br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''The Devil: Perceptions of Evil from Antiquity to Primitive Christianity'' (1987) [http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Perceptions-Antiquity-Christianity-Paperbacks/dp/0801494095/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''Satan: The Early Christian Tradition'' (1987) [http://www.amazon.com/Satan-Christian-Jeffrey-Burton-Russell/dp/0801494133/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''Lucifer: The Devil in the Middle Ages'' (1986) [http://www.amazon.com/Lucifer-Devil-Middle-Cornell-Paperbacks/dp/080149429X/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World'' (1990) [http://www.amazon.com/Mephistopheles-Modern-Jeffrey-Burton-Russell/dp/0801497183/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c excerpt and text search] <br /> * Russell, Jeffrey Burton. ''The Prince of Darkness: Radical Evil and the Power of Good in History'' (1992) [http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Darkness-Radical-Power-History/dp/0801480566/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255995689&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]<br /> * Schaff, D. S. "Devil" in ''New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge'' (1911), [[Mainline]] Protestant; vol 3 pp 414–417 [http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/encyc03.d.iii.html online]<br /> * Scott, Miriam Van. ''The Encyclopedia of Hell'' (1999) [http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Hell-Miriam-Van-Scott/dp/0312244428/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b excerpt and text search] comparative religions; also popular culture<br /> * Wray, T. J. and Gregory Mobley. ''The Birth of Satan: Tracing the Devil's Biblical Roots'' (2005) [http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Satan-Tracing-Devils-Biblical/dp/1403969337/ref=pd_sim_b_1 excerpt and text search]<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> == External links ==<br /> <br /> *[http://www.1timothy4-13.com/files/teach/accuser.html The accuser of the brethren - commentary on Revelation 12:7-12] - Dr. J.B. Buffington<br /> [[Category:Abrahamic Religions]]<br /> {{DivineComedy}}</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Barack_Hussein_Obama&diff=1376089 Barack Hussein Obama 2017-09-22T23:48:09Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Officeholder<br /> |name=Barack Hussein Obama<br /> |image=President Barack Obama.jpg<br /> |party=[[Democratic Party]]<br /> |spouse=[[Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama]]; may have had a prior marriage.<ref>Corsi, Jerome R. (July 19, 2012). [http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/was-barack-obama-married-in-college/ "Was Barack Obama married in college?"]. WorldNetDaily website. See [[WND]]</ref><br /> |religion=Islamic heritage, said to have converted to Protestantism (the liberal [[United Church of Christ]]<br /> |offices={{Officeholder/president<br /> |country=the United States<br /> |number=44th<br /> |terms=January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017<br /> |vp=[[Joe Biden]]<br /> |preceded=[[George W. Bush]]<br /> |former=n<br /> |succeeded=[[Donald Trump]]<br /> }}<br /> {{Officeholder/senator<br /> |state=Illinois<br /> |terms=January 3, 2005 – November 16, 2008<br /> |preceded=Peter Fitzgerald<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Roland Burris]]<br /> }}<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''Barack Hussein Obama II''' (reportedly born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961) was the 44th President of the [[United States]]. Elected to serve as America first "post-racial" president, race relations largely deteriorated under President Obama's leadership.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/politics/obama-race-relations-poll/</ref> During the years of his administration a hard veil of censorship fell on the [[mainstream media]] and any discussion by critics were typically smeared as racist.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Smear-Shady-Political-Operatives-Control/dp/0062468162</ref> The US Intelligence Community was used to spy on, harass, and intimidate reporters and political opponents.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120925054433/http://wikileaks.org:80/gifiles/docs/1210665_obama-leak-investigations-internal-use-only-pls-do-not.html</ref><br /> <br /> Obama was educated at [[Harvard Law School]]. In a paper he wrote as a student, he dismissed the American dream as "unfounded optimism" while noting that [[Donald Trump]] is the true idol of the American working class.<ref>Obama wrote: “[Americans have] a continuing normative commitment to the ideals of individual freedom and mobility, values that extend far beyond the issue of race in the American mind. The depth of this commitment may be summarily dismissed as the unfounded optimism of the average American—I may not be Donald Trump now, but just you wait; if I don’t make it, my children will.” ([http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2017/05/everything-wrong-with-obama-in-two-sentences-with-a-twist.php Everything Wrong with Obama in Two Sentences-with a Twist]").</ref><br /> <br /> Obama is [[pro-abortion]]. In fact, he was the most pro-abortion president to date.<ref>[http://www.sba-list.org/suzy-b-blog/obama-most-pro-abortion-president-ever "Obama: The most pro-abortion president ever"] (July 12, 2011). The Susan B. Anthony List website/The Suzy B Blog.</ref> Obama dedicated himself to promoting abortion—rather than reduce them as he promised. Just to name a few of the administrative actions by which he has done this would include expanding abortions through [[Obamacare]], appointing many pro-abortion judges and officials, moving to strip medical professionals of rights of conscience, and forcing taxpayers to support the pro-abortion movement around the globe.<br /> <br /> Despite framing himself as an advocate for the poor, speaking about against supposed income inequality, and supporting socialistic policies, Obama is a [[limousine liberal]], as his actions after his presidency testify.<br /> <br /> ==Biography==<br /> ===Birth===<br /> {{TOC right}}<br /> :''Main article : [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]]''<br /> Obama claims to have been born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961 to Stanley Ann Dunham and [[Barack Obama Sr.]]—who had married just six months prior.<ref name=msnbc>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ "Obama becomes rising star among Democrats: Transcript of 'The Candidates: Barack Obama'"] (February 20, 2008). MSNBC. Retrieved from NBC News website/MSNBC TV documentaries. See [[MSNBC]].</ref> Some contend that this story is a complete fabrication. After many leading conservatives—including the leadership of this site and [[Donald Trump]]—called for Obama to release his birth certificate, he produced a document that he claimed was his birth certificate on April 27, 2011. Sheriff [[Joe Arpaio]] of Maricopa County in Arizona conducted an investigation of Obama's eligibility and questioned whether the alleged "birth certificate" was a fake; however, no charges were filed. [[Obama]] was reportedly assigned a social security number whose first three digits was assigned at that time to applications coming from zip codes in Connecticut.<ref>Beginning in 1972, all [[Social Security]] numbers were issued from a central office in Baltimore, Maryland. [http://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/geocard.html "The SSN numbering scheme"] (March 2001 or bef.) Social Security: Official Social Security website/History/Social Security Numbers.</ref><br /> <br /> As an interesting side note, the Hawaii official (Loretta Fuddy, State Health Department Director) who verified Barack Obama’s birth certificate died in a plane crash.<ref>[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20131211_Small_aircraft_crashes_off_Kalaupapa.html?id=235500801 "State Health Director killed in plane crash, 8 others survive"] (December 11, 2013). Honolulu Star-Advertiser website/News/Breaking.</ref> Besides Fuddy, Health Department Deputy Director Keith Yamamoto was also on board. The plane's engine had failed right after take off and crashed about a half-mile off Molokai's north shore on Dec 11, 2013 at about 4:00&nbsp;p.m. Interestingly enough, Health Director Loretta Fuddy was the only death of the nine people on board; she died of "cardiac arrhythmia".<br /> <br /> Claims that Obama was born in [[Kenya]] can be traced back to sources close to Obama. In 1991, Obama's literary agent, Acton & Dystel, published a promotional booklet that stated that Obama was born in Kenya.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Pollak, Joel B. (May 17, 2012). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/The-Vetting-Barack-Obama-Literary-Agent-1991-Born-in-Kenya-Raised-Indonesia-Hawaii "The vetting—exclusive—Obama's literary agent in 1991 booklet: 'Born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii'"]. Breitbart website/Big government. See [[Breitbart.com]].<br /> *Newby, John (May 17, 2012). [http://www.examiner.com/article/publisher-s-1991-booklet-says-barack-obama-was-born-kenya "Publisher's 1991 booklet says Barack Obama 'was born in Kenya'"]. Examiner.com website/News/Politics/Republican.</ref> The claim that Obama was born in Kenya remained on the agent's web site until 2007.<ref>Shapiro, Ben (May 17, 2012). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/Obama-pamphlet-in-use-2007 "Obama's lit agency used 'born in Kenya' bio until 2007"]. Breitbart website/Big government. See [[Breitbart.com]].</ref> Internet archives confirm this information.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070403190001/http://www.dystel.com/clientlist.html "Client list"]. Dystel and Goderic Literary Management website. Retrieved from April 3, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> In addition to the information from literary agents, Michelle Obama stated in a speech that Kenya is Obama's "homeland".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLzJz2A2N1c "Michelle Obama: Kenya is Barack Obama's homeland!"] (Michelle Obama speaking at the 2008 LGBT Democratic Convention delegate luncheon hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign: "The world as it should be", August 26, 2008) (April 7, 2010). YouTube video, 0:30, posted by Rubystars0000. See [[Human Rights Campaign]].</ref><br /> <br /> Barack Obama Sr. was not a [[Natural born citizen|citizen of the United States]]. At the time of Obama's birth, Kenya was a British colony, meaning that not only was Obama Sr. a British subject, but he passed that status on to his son. When Kenya gained independence, Obama and his father both ceased to be British subjects and became Kenyan citizens. Barack Obama was a dual citizen of the United States and Kenya until his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired in 1984, as he had failed to renounce US nationality and swear loyalty to Kenya. Even if he had been born with US citizenship through his mother, it has been argued that as he was born with dual nationality, he is not a natural-born citizen of the United States and thus constitutionally ineligible to become President. Despite this, when courts considered such arguments, they found that Obama is a natural-born citizen.<ref>See [http://www.scribd.com/doc/88910250/Purpura-Moran-Initial-Decision-of-ALJ-Masin Initial Decision by Jeff S. Masin] in ''Purpura and Moran v. Obama'' at 7 ("Thus, accepting for the point of this issue that Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii, he is a “natural born Citizen” regardless of the status of his father."), Tisdale v. Obama (E.D.Va 2012) Order at 2 ("It is well settled that those born in the United States are considered natural born citizens." (citing ''United States v. Wong Kim Ark'', 169 U.S. 649)), ''aff'd per curiam'' by 4th Cir., ''Ankeny v. Governor of the State of Indiana'', 916 N.E.2d 678, 685 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) ("With regard to President Barack Obama, the Plaintiffs posit that because his father was a citizen of the United Kingdom, President Obama is constitutionally ineligible to assume the Office of the President....we hold that the Plaintiffs' arguments fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted")</ref><br /> <br /> ===Early life===<br /> Obama's birth parents divorced in 1963 when his mother discovered Barack Obama Sr. was already married to a woman living in Kenya.<ref>Birrell, Ian (August 12, 2011). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2024819/Barack-Obamas-father-Bigamist-drunk-wife-beater.html "Barack Obama's father: Bigamist, drunk and wife-beater, [review of&#93; ''The Other Barack'' by Sally H. Jacobs (Pubic Affairs £20)"]. MailOnline/U.K./Books [U.K.] This is one of the first misleading statements about Barack Obama when he was introduced to America as Keynote Speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Advance publicity billed him as the "son of Kenyan economist" when infact Obama Sr. was forced out of the graduate program at Harvard because of his bigamy. He returned to Kenya. Obama at the age 9 once briefly met his father who served in the corrupt Kenyan socialist regime's Department of [[Economic Planning]]. Obama Sr. killed himself in a drunken car accident.</ref> When Obama was 2 years old his mother married Lolo Soetoro, an [[Indonesian]] geologist. At age 6 his mother and adoptive father took him to Jakarta, Indonesia for 4 years while his mother pursued a Ph.D. in Anthropology requiring fieldwork there.<ref name="db mother">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-03/a-singular-woman-by-janny-scott-review-by-stacy-schiff/#|publisher=The Daily Beast website|date=May 3, 2011|title="Dreams of his mother": Review of ''A Singular Woman'' by Janny Scott|author=Stacy Schiff}} See [[The Daily Beast]].</ref> His mother then abandoned him in Hawaii with his grandparents (Stanley and Madelyn Dunham, who had moved to Hawaii in 1959) <ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See CNN</ref> so she could return to Indonesia after her divorce. Obama's grandfather arranged for his friend, the noted Communist writer [[Frank Marshall Davis]], to serve as a mentor and role model for an impressionable African-American youth.<br /> <br /> Other siblings of Obama's include his half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and 7 other children born to his father by 4 different women.<ref name=raisingobama>Purdum, Todd (March 2008). [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 "Raising Obama"]. ''Vanity Fair''.</ref> For much of his early life, prior to his transfer to [[Columbia University]], he went by his nickname, "Barry." In the summer of 1988, before attending [[Harvard Law School]] (he'd just been accepted), he visited Kogelo, Kenya, to learn more about his father's family. When his mother died in 1995, he and his sister Maya scattered her ashes over Hawaii's south shore.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> Obama attended [[Jeremiah Wright|Reverend Jeremiah Wright]]'s Trinity United Church from 1984-1988 during his time as a [[community organizer]] (''See [[Barack Obama#1984-1988.2C Community Organizer|1985-1988, Community Organizer]] section''). Obama credits Wright with his alleged conversion to Christianity, and had both his daughters, Sasha and Malia, baptized there.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ===Education===<br /> At age 6, Obama attended schools in Indonesia, the first a Catholic School while he was in Kindergarten, and later a public school. The school had mostly Muslim students (since most Indonesians are Muslim). In ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams from My Father]]'', Obama writes, "In the Muslim school, the teacher wrote to my mother that I had made faces during [[Koran]]ic studies."<ref>Obama, Barack (1995). ''Dreams from My Father'' (New York: Times Books), p. 14. Quoted at [http://www.ontheissues.org/Archive/Dreams_From_My_Father_Principles_+_Values.htm "Dreams from my father: On principles & values"]. OnTheIssues website. See [[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|''Dreams from my Father'']]</ref> ''Insight'' magazine first reported [[Hillary Clinton]]'s organization had "questions about Obama’s Muslim background: ''Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a [[Madrassa]] as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage?"''<ref>Schlussel, Debbie (January 19, 2007). [http://www.debbieschlussel.com/2899/hillary-clinton-agrees-with-schlussel-obama-suspicious-deceptive-on-muslim-background/ "Hillary Clinton agrees with Schlussel: Obama suspicious, deceptive on Muslim background"]. Debbie Schlussel website. See [[Debbie Schlussel]].</ref> <br /> <br /> In 1971, at age 10, Barack Obama moved to Hawaii, and his grandparents helped him gain entrance to the prestigious Punahou Academy in Honolulu where he began substance abuse and illegal drugs.<ref>Johnson, Luke (May 25, 2012). [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/obama-pot-smoking-details_n_1545904.html "Obama pot-smoking details revealed in David Maraniss book"]. The Huffington Post website. See [[Huffington Post]].</ref> He was accepted through a scholarship for disadvantaged minorities while he was in 5th grade.<ref name=revealed /> At this elite high school with 1,200 students he was just 1 of 3 black students. Obama failed to make the starting lineup of the school's state champion basketball team his senior year. He wrote a poem for the school's literary magazine, ''Ka Wai Ola''.<ref name=raisingobama /><br /> <br /> In 1979, he began a 2-year stint at Occidental College college in Los Angeles,<ref name=msnbc /> and then transferred to Columbia University in New York, which he graduated from in 1983.<ref name=pragmatic>Scott, Janny (July 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See ''[[New York Times]]''.</ref> During this time he published an anti-military tirade embracing Soviet General Secretary [[Leonid Brezhnev]]'s <ref>Obama supported [[Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] General Secretary Brezhnev's foreign policy over both Presidents [[Jimmy Carter]] and Ronald Reagan's decision to deploy the MX Missile in Europe.<br /> * See Pond, Elizabeth (November 24, 1981). [http://www.csmonitor.com/1981/1124/112439.html "Brezhnev offers Schmidt moratorium on nuclear missiles"]. ''Christian Science Monitor''. See also ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]''.<br /> * See also Obama, Barack (March 10, 1983). [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nytint/docs/obama-s-1983-college-magazine-article/original.pdf "Breaking the war mentality"]. Columbia [University] ''Sundial''. Retrieved from archive at ''The New York Times'' website. See also ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> proposal for a nuclear freeze in the campus newspaper and allegedly spoke at an Anti-Apartheid rally,<ref name=revealed /> although several prominent student leaders said they did not remember him there. Professor Michael L. Baron was impressed by Obama and wrote him a recommendation for Harvard Law School.<ref name=differs>Scott, Janny. (October 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "Obama's account of New York years often differs from what others say"]. ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> From 1983 to 1988, Obama took time off from his education to work as a financial analyst and later a community organizer in Chicago. In the winter of 1988 Barack Obama decided to attend Harvard Law School, and left Chicago for Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his 2nd year a power struggle broke out among the dominant white liberals over control of the ''[[Harvard]] Law Review''. Obama was elected its first black president as a compromise candidate largely with help of conservatives following a "marathon voting session" in which he finally won on the 19th ballot.<ref name=raisingobama /> This led to national attention and numerous job offers, which Obama passed up, at age 30, to pursue his political career in Chicago.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ "Obama becomes rising star among Democrats: Transcript of 'The Candidates: Barack Obama'"] (February 20, 2008). MSNBC. Retrieved from NBC News website/MSNBC TV documentaries. See MSNBC.<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See [[CNN]]</ref><br /> <br /> When Obama was attending Harvard Law School, he dreamed of him or his children becoming like [[Donald Trump]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/obama-once-dreamed-being-trump-manuscript-shows.html Obama once dreamed of being Trump, manuscript shows]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Personal life===<br /> According to ''Rising Star'' by David J. Garrow, in 1986 Obama tried hard to convince Sheila Miyoshii Jager, someone of Dutch and Japanese ancestry, to marry him.<ref name="MarryBefore"/> She refused his request to marry him due to her age. By 1987, Obama had his sights on becoming U.S. President.<ref name="MarryBefore">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/book-barack-obama-asked-woman-to-marry-him-before-meeting-michelle.html Book: Barack Obama asked woman to marry him before meeting Michelle]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Image:Michelle Obama.jpg|frame|right|Michelle (Robinson) Obama, Barack Obama's life partner.]]<br /> Barack Obama met his spouse Michelle Robinson, while he was an intern and she was on staff at Sidley Austin LLP, a very large corporate law firm.<ref name=msnbc /> Despite company policy prohibiting relations between staff and interns, the two became involved. The two continued a long-distance relationship while he finished law school, and on October 18, 1992,<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/obama-anniversary-20-years-married_n_1935840.html "Obama anniversary: Barack & Michelle celebrate 20 years of marriage (photos)"] (October 3, 2012). Huffington Post website. Huffington Post says it was October 3, 1992. See [[Huffington Post]].</ref> were joined in a domestic union officiated by Reverend [[Jeremiah Wright]] at Trinity United Church,<ref>http://hillbuzz.org/time-to-tell-everyone-you-know-about-jeremiah-wrights-down-low-club-barackobama-presobama-26407</ref> a church which has supported gay marriage since the 1970s.<ref name=revealed /> Michelle has not practiced law since 1994 when she failed to renew her law license, allegedly to start a family. Malia, the couple's oldest daughter, was born in 1999, and Natasha (often called Sasha) in 2001.<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===Early employment===<br /> ====1983-1984, financial analyst and writer====<br /> In 1984 Obama worked as a writer and financial analyst for Business International Corporation to help pay off some of his student loans. Business International Corporation was a small newsletter-publishing and research firm which aided multinational companies in understanding overseas markets. Obama served as a writer/researcher for a company reference service, Financing Foreign Operations, and wrote for their newsletter, ''Business International Money Report''. His supervisor was Cathy Lazere.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Scott, Janny (October 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "Obama's account of New York years often differs from what others say"]. ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.<br /> *Henig, Jess (June 21, 2008). [http://www.factcheck.org/2008/06/obama-polishes-his-resume-2/ "Obama polishes his resume"]. FactCheck.org website.<br /> *[http://web.archive.org/web/20091003011550/http://www.analyzethis.net/2005/07/09/barack-obama-embellishes-his-resume/ "Barack Obama embellishes his resume"] (July 9, 2005). Analyze This website. Retrieved from October 3, 2009 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> ====1984-1988, community organizer====<br /> In 1984, Obama was hired by the New York Public Interest Research Group, a non-profit organization promoting environmental, consumer, and government reforms. He also was paid just under $10,000 annually as a full-time organizer for Harlem's City College to mobilize student volunteers.<ref name=differs /> <br /> <br /> From 1985-88, Obama worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago <ref>The Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC)</ref> funded with a $25,000 grant by [[Bill Ayers]]' Woods Fund. ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported he was paid $1,000 a year, with $2,000 extra for a car<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See [[CNN]].<br /> *Scott, Janny (September 9, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all "In 2000, a streetwise veteran schooled a bold young Obama]." ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> however stories vary wildly. Jerry Kellman, who hired him, says it was "$10,000 a year and a $2,000 car allowance". Obama himself gave different numbers; his memoir says $10,000 (as well as the car), in his Wesleyan speech he gave it as "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car", and when he announced his candidacy for president, it was "a group of churches had offered me a job as a community organizer for $13,000 a year". <br /> <br /> Ryan Lizza at ''[[The New Republic]]'' reported that "Jean Rudd of the Woods Fund...had provided Kellman with his original $25,000 to hire Obama". Ari Berman reported in ''[[The Nation]]'' that the "[Woods Fund] gave a $25,000 grant to the Developing Communities Project, which hired Obama". CBS Channel 2 in Chicago ran a story with a document showing that Obama's proposed salary in 1987 was $25,000, a number that the Obama campaign confirmed while insisting at the same time his original salary was $13,000.<ref>Beckwith (April 23, 2008 or bef.). [http://theobamafile.com/obamaworks.htm "Community organizing"]. The Obama File website/Politics.</ref> Many of the organizers that Obama worked with in Chicago were experienced in the methods of [[Saul Alinsky]], and taught Obama many of the methods found in his book ''[[Rules for Radicals]]''.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2012/03/14/how%20saul%20alinsky%20taught%20barack%20obama%20everything%20he%20knows%20about%20civic%20upheaval/ How Saul Alinsky Taught Barack Obama Everything He Knows About Civic Upheaval]</ref><br /> <br /> During this time Obama joined Reverend Wright's Trinity United Church because in the words of Suzanne Malveaux of ''[[CNN]]'', "It was the church to join if you wanted to be one of Chicago's black movers and shakers." At the time, community organizing involved close affiliation with churches, which was how Obama met Wright. Obama abandoned the fight against asbestos contamination in the Altgeld Gardens housing project to pursue personal interests and a career by enrollment at Harvard Law School in the winter of 1988.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ====1988-1996, law practice====<br /> In 1988 Obama gained work as a Summer Associate at one of the most prestigious corporate law firms in the world, Sidley Austin LLP,<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lattman, Peter (May 11, 2007). [http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ "When Barack met Michelle"]. Wall Street Journal website/Business/Law Blog/Lawyers and Law Firms. See ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts.</ref> whose partners included [[Newton Minow]], thanks to the recommendation of Minow's daughter Martha, a professor at Harvard Law School. It was at the Sidley Austin firm that Obama would meet Michelle Robinson, his future domestic partner.<ref name=raisingobama /> From 1993-96 he practiced civil rights law including suing Citibank to force them into making [[Subprime loan|subprime mortgage]]s to minority borrowers.<ref>Schweizer, Peter (October 5, 2009). [http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/03/community-reinvestment-act-mortgages-housing-opinions-contributors-peter-schweizer.html "A poisonous cocktail: Expanding the Community Reinvestment Act"]. ''Forbes'' website. See [[Forbes]]. In ''Selma S. Buycks-Roberson v. Citibank'', lead attorney Obama alleged that although his clients had been denied mortgages "because of delinquent credit obligations and adverse credit," they were really victims of institutional racism. The suit was brought about by the Community Reinvestment Act, so called affirmative action mortgage lending. The plaintiffs won $60,000, and the court awarded Sidley Austin $950,000 for the work of Obama and two other attorneys.</ref> After graduating from Harvard he was hired by Miner, Barnhill, & Galland, a small politically-connected law firm.<ref>Lattman, Peter (May 11, 2007). [http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ "When Barack met Michelle"]. Wall Street Journal website/Business/Law Blog/Lawyers and Law Firms. See ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref> It was at Miner, Barnhill, & Galland that he would meet influential real estate developer [[Tony Rezko]].<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ====1991-1992, Project Vote====<br /> In 1991 Obama was recruited by Sandy Newman to head the Chicago chapter of Project Vote!,<ref name=revealed /> and in 1992 was the Executive Director, overseeing a voter registration drive which registered 125,000 black voters and was credited with defeating popular incumbent Democrat Senator Alan Dixon in the primary and electing [[Carol Moseley-Braun]] as a reprisal for Dixon's support for Supreme Court Justice [[Clarence Thomas]].<ref name=PurdumandScott>Multiple references:<br /> *Purdum, Todd (March 2008). [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 "Raising Obama"]. ''Vanity Fair''.<br /> *Scott, Janny (July 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See ''[[New York Times]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ====1995, Nation of Islam====<br /> According to the ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', prior to the information being scrubbed from its website in mid-April 2008 during the Democratic Presidential Primaries, Obama was one of three prominent organizers of black supremacist group the [[Nation of Islam]]'s [[Million Man March]] on Washington, D.C.<ref>Hoft, Jim (April 2, 2008). [http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2008/04/wright-obama-helped-organize-march-with-louis-farrakhan/ "Wright & Obama helped organize march with Louis Farrakhan"]. Gateway Pundit website. See [[Gateway Pundit]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====1992-2004, lecturer at University of Chicago====<br /> Obama taught part-time at the [[University of Chicago]] Law School<ref name=raisingobama /> from 1992-2004. Though Obama erroneously describes himself as a "constitutional law professor",<ref>Whiteman, Timothy (April 5, 2013). [http://www.examiner.com/article/obama-complains-of-being-constrained-by-a-system-founding-father-put-place "Obama complains of being 'constrained by a system' Founding Fathers put in place"]. Examiner.com/News/Politics/Republican.</ref> he was actually only a senior lecturer and the class he taught the most times was called "Current Issues in Racism and the Law".<ref>Holt, Mytheos (September 20, 2012). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/09/20/obamas-favorite-course-to-teach-at-the-university-of-chicago-revealed/ "Obama’s favorite course to teach at the University of Chicago revealed"]. The Blaze/Stories/Media. See [[The Blaze]].</ref> He was a Lecturer from 1992–96, teaching 3 courses per year<cite>, and a senior lecturer from 1996-2004. After Obama was criticized for lying about his job title, the University of Chicago released a statement stating that senior lecturers are considered Law School faculty and regarded as professors but not full-time or tenured. Obama was invited to join the faculty in a full-time, tenured track position several times during this period but declined each time.<ref>[http://www.law.uchicago.edu/media "Media inquiries: Statement regarding Barack Obama"] (March 2008 or bef.). University of Chicago Law School website. See [[University of Chicago]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====1995, author====<br /> In 1995 Obama published ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams From My Father]]'' about his life and family background.<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===Personal awards===<br /> ====2009 Nobel Peace Prize====<br /> On October 9, 2009 Barack H. Obama became the third sitting U.S. President<ref name=wilsons>Wilson, Scott (October 10, 2009). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100900914.html "President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize"]. ''Washington Post'' website. See [[Washington Post]].</ref> to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "''for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples''".<ref>[http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/press.html "The Nobel Prize for 2009: Press release"] (October 9, 2009). Nobel Prize website [Oslo, Norway]/Nobel Prizes/Peace/Laureates/2009. Accessed May 13, 2012.</ref> Obama stated that he was "surprised and deeply humbled" to receive the unexpected award,<ref>CNN (October 9, 2009). [http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.peace.prize/index.html?eref=ib_us "Obama: Nobel Peace Prize is 'Call to Action'"]. CNN website/World/Europe.</ref> and also said, "To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize—men and women who have inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace".<ref name=wilsons /> The award was widely criticized given Obama's then lack of accomplishments.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Chazan, Guy and MacDonald, Alistair (October 11, 2009) [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125509603349176083.html "Nobel Committee's decision courts controversy"]. ''The Wall Street Journal'' website/World.<br /> *Associated Press (October 9, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/09/obamas-peace-prize-draws-criticism-liberals/ "Obama's Peace Prize draws criticism, even from some liberals"]. Fox News website/Politics. See [[Associated Press]].</ref><br /> <br /> ==1996-2003, Illinois State Senate==<br /> ===1996 election===<br /> {{main article|Radical roots of Barack Hussein Obama}}<br /> In 1995 a cadre of like minded individuals gathered for a fundraising event in the early career of Barack Obama hosted by [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]] [[William Ayers|William "Bill" Ayers]]. Besides Obama, those in attendance were Ayers wife [[Bernardine Dohrn]],<ref>Geyer, Georgie Anne and Beech, Keyes (October 1970). "Cuba: School for U.S. Radicals [five part series]". ''Chicago Daily News''/''Chicago Sun-Times''. Excerpted in<br /> [http://vault.fbi.gov/Weather%20Underground%20(Weathermen) ''Foreign Influence: Weather Underground Organization (WUO)''] (August 20, 1976), pp. 113-115. FBI. Retrieved from "Weather Underground (Weathermen)" webpage PDF rendering, part 3 of 6, pp. 5-7 at FBI website/FBI Records: The Vault. Located by The Real Barack Obama blog. See ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''.</ref> and Carl Davidson, veterans of [[guerrilla warfare]] training in [[Cuba]] just prior to the 1968 Democrat National Convention riots. Ayers and Dohrn have taken credit for, and never denied, bombing the [[U.S. Capitol]], the [[Pentagon]] and the [[State Department]]. <br /> <br /> Ayers and Dohrn used their celebrity status among [[leftist]]s to launch Obama's career. Ayers, Dohrn and [[Jeff Jones]]<ref>Klein, Aaron (August 13, 2009). [http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 "Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder"]. WorldNetDaily website. "[[Van Jones]]...served on board of..." "activist group where ex-Weatherman serves as top director"'. See [[WorldNetDaily]].</ref> are authors of ''[[Bill Ayers#Prairie Fire Organizing Committee and Maoist thought|Prairie Fire: The Politics of Revolutionary Anti-imperialism]]'', the title taken from [[Quotations from Chairman Mao|''The Sayings of Mao Zedong'']].<ref>[http://archive.org/details/QuotationsFromChairmanMaoTse-tung/ ''Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung''] (1966), 2nd ed. Retrieved from Internet Archive.</ref> The book declares "we are [[communist]] men and women."<ref>Klehr, Harvey (1988). ''Far Left of Center: The American Radical Left Today'' (New Brunswick: Transaction Books), p. 109.</ref> Ayers later jokingly, publicly admitted to ghostwriting Obama's book, ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams From My Father]]''<ref>Cashill, Jack (March 28, 2011). [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/03/ayers_affirms_he_wrote_dreams.html "Ayers affirms he wrote ''Dreams from my Father''"]. American Thinker website/Blog. See [[American Thinker]].</ref> and Obama was to appoint several openly avowed Maoists to prominent White House and Executive Branch positions.<ref>Fund, John (October 21, 2009). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704597704574487431322664964.html "From Mao to Obama"]. ''Wall Street Journal'' website.</ref><br /> <br /> ====A Charter of Negative Liberties====<br /> In a 2001 interview on WBEZ FM Chicago Public Radio, Senator Obama said some critically disparaging things about the [[United States Constitution]]. He said:<br /> <br /> <blockquote>If you look at the victories and failures of the civil rights movement and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at the lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it I’d be okay.<br /><br /><br /> But the Supreme Court never ventured into the issues of redistribution of wealth and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society. And to that extent as radical as people tried to characterize the Warren court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution, at least as it’s been interpreted, and the Warren court interpreted it in the same way that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. It says what the states can’t do to you, it says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf. And that hasn’t shifted. One of the I think tragedies of the civil rights movement was because the civil rights movement became so court focused, I think that there was a tendency to lose track of the political and community organizing and activities on the ground that are able to put together the actual coalitions of power through which you bring about redistributed change and in some ways we still suffer from that.<ref>[https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2008/11/03/barack-obamas-poor-understanding-of-the-constitution Barack Obama's Poor Understanding of the Constitution]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jr9mLB3yKs Obama Constitution Negative Liberties.flv]</ref><ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2008/10/79225/ Obama rips U.S. Constitution]</ref></blockquote><br /> <br /> ====Backstabbing fellow Democrats====<br /> Barack Obama ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996. He was initially supported by incumbent [[Alice Palmer]], who declared she would run for the U.S. Congress. However, when her bid for Congress failed on November 28, 1995, she tried to run for her old seat in the March 1996 election. Her supporters asked Obama to step aside, although whether this was with her permission remains uncertain.<ref name=pragmatic /> Not only did Obama not step down, he gathered a team of high-priced lawyers, including fellow Harvard Law School graduate Thomas Johnson, to challenge his opponent's petition signatures on technicalities after the filing deadline had passed. Such tactics are legal and frequently used in Chicago; in 2006 they eliminated 67 of the 245 aldermanic candidates;<ref name=bareknuckle>Jackson, David and Long, Ray (April 4, 2007). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-04-04/news/0704030881_1_petitions-voter-rights-candidates "Barack Obama: Showing his bare knuckles"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> yet nevertheless led to the term "hardball" by ''The New York Times''<ref name=pragmatic /> and "cutthroat" by David Mendel as reported by both CNN<ref name=revealed /> and MSNBC.<ref name=msnbc /> The ''Chicago Tribune'' declared Obama had mastered "the bare-knuckle arts of Chicago electoral politics", noting "The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it."<ref name=bareknuckle /> As one of Obama's four opponents, eliminated through his ballot challenges, would put it: {{cquote|"Why say you're for a new tomorrow, then do old-style Chicago politics to remove legitimate candidates? He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?"<br /> —Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (April 3, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130123154440/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story "Obama knows his way around a ballot"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. Retrieved from January 23, 2013 archive at Internet Archive.</ref>}} Mark Ewell, another candidate, filed 1,286 signatures, and Obama's challenges left him 86 short of the minimum requirement (757).<ref name=spivak>Spivak, Todd (February 28, 2008). [http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ "Barack Obama and me"]. ''Houston Press'' website.</ref> Ewell filed a federal lawsuit contesting the election board's decision but Tom Johnson intervened, and Ewell's case was dismissed just a few days later. Ewell and other Obama opponents were using early 1995 polling sheets to verify signatures of registered voters, but city authorities had just purged 15,871 unqualified people from the 13th district list, and Obama's challenges used the more recent, updated list. Askia was left 69 signatures short of the requirement. If names were printed instead of signed in cursive, they were declared invalid. If they were good but the person registering the signatures wasn't a registered voter (e.g. underage) they were invalid.<ref name=hardball>Griffin, Drew & Johnston, Kathleen (May 29, 2008). [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/29/obamas.first.campaign/ "Obama played hardball in first Chicago campaign"]. CNN website. Article text begins: "When the Democratic National Committee meets Saturday on the thorny issue of seating the Florida and Michigan delegations..."</ref> Palmer had according to Obama campaign consult Ronald Davis, used two children to help gather her petition signatures. To this day Palmer denies the challenges were valid, and maintains she could have overcome the objections with more time and resources.<ref name=bareknuckle /> Thanks to his lawyers, Obama would win the election without a single other candidate on the ballot.<br /> <br /> ===2000 election===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[Illinois 1st congressional district election, 2000]]''<br /> In 2000, Obama lost his only political election when he chose to run against experienced incumbent and former [[Black Panther]] Bobby L. Rush for the U.S. Congress in a 65% black district. Rush's name recognition began at 90%, Obama's at 11%. Michelle Obama opposed taking on an such an iconic figure dear to the community and threatened divorce.<ref>Bates, Daniel (May 16, 2012). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2145035/Michelle-Obama-prepared-divorce-papers-separate-Barack-leaving-suicidal.html "New book claims Michelle Obama prepared divorce papers to separate from Barack—leaving him so depressed friends feared he'd kill himself"]. ''Daily Mail'' website. See ''[[Daily Mail]]''.</ref> Establishment Democrats considered Obama "a white man in blackface".<ref>Gilmore, Jim (reporter, producer). (October 9, 2012). [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/choice-2012/transcript-29/ "Transcript of 'Barack Obama' in Kirk, Michael and Wiser, Mike (producers) '''Frontline'': The Choice 2012'"]. PBS website/WGBH/Frontline/film/The Choice 2012.</ref> Rush said of Obama, "He went to Harvard and became an educated fool," adding, "We’re not impressed with these folks with these eastern elite degrees."<ref>Ballasy, Nicholas (March 28, 2012). [http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/28/bobby-rush-in-2000-obamas-a-harvard-educated-fool-who-thinks-he-knows-all-about-the-civil-rights-protests/ "Bobby Rush in 2000: Obama a Harvard ‘educated fool’ who ‘thinks he knows all about’ the ‘civil rights protests’"]. Daily Caller website. See [[Daily Caller]].</ref> Todd Spivak would give voice to this impression of Obama, noting that<br /> {{cquote|"My view of Obama then wasn't all that different from the image he projects now....One thing I can say is, I never heard him launch into the preacher-man voice he now employs during speeches. He sounded vanilla, and activists in his mostly black district often chided him for it."<ref name=spivak />}}<br /> Rush would go on to win the Primary with 61.02% of the vote; Obama received 30.36%.<ref>Scott, Janny (September 9, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all "In 2000, a streetwise veteran schooled a bold young Obama]." ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> The loss led to Obama considering dropping out of politics altogether, particularly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, since his name sounds similar to "Osama bin Laden".<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===State Senate voting record===<br /> Obama entered the Illinois Senate promising change to a corrupt system. He mixed often radical votes with more pragmatic agreements. Possibly one of his most radical votes was against requiring medical care for aborted children who survive [[abortion|the procedure]] - in fact the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council ascribed him a 100% rating for his consistently pro-choice votes.<ref name="cbs illinois">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml|title=Obama record may be gold mine for critics|publisher=CBS News website|last=Clark|first=Amy|date=January 17, 2007}} See [[CBS News]].</ref> He was criticized for using the statehouse as a stepping stone for a more illustrious career: Steven J. Rauschenberger, a [[Republican]], said prior to Obama's election as president: “He is a very bright but very ambitious person who has always had his eyes on the prize, and it wasn’t Springfield. If he deserves to be president, it is not because he was a great legislator.”<ref name="nyt illinois">{{cite web|publisher=''The New York Times'' website|title=In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd|last=Scott|first=Janny|date=July 30, 2007|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html}}.</ref><br /> <br /> The statehouse was majority Republican, so the Senator was sometimes forced to compromise. He formed allegiances across party lines to pass [[campaign finance]] reform that banned most gifts by lobbyists, prohibited spending campaign money for legislators’ personal use and required electronic filing of campaign disclosure reports.<ref name="nyt illinois"/> Obama also helped pass a so-called “driving-while-black bill”, which required the police to collect data on the race of drivers they stopped as a way to monitor [[racial profiling]].<ref name="nyt illinois"/><br /> <br /> Obama established himself as a chief spokesperson in opposition to the [[War on Terror]] during an October 2002 rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago<ref>The rally was organized by Chicagoans Against War in Iraq (CAWI) later renamed Chicagoans Against War and Injustice. See Davidson, Carl (November 2, 2006). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100811115415/http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?page_id=2 "About CAWI"]. Chicagoans Against War and Injustice website. Retrieved from August 11, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> [[community organizing|organized]] by veteran [[Mao]]ist and webmaster of [[Progressives for Obama]],<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/carldavidson Carl Davidson] (2010 or bef.) LinkedIn [Profile page/Experience/Webmaster]. Retrieved March 13, 2010 and February 13, 2016.</ref> [[Carl Davidson]].<br /> <br /> ===2003 Emil Jones deal===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''<br /> When Illinois' U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald announced he would be retiring in April 2003, Obama jumped at the opportunity, declaring that he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref name=msnbc /> To boost his chances Obama approached the newly crowned president of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, whom Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>Associated Press (March 31, 2008). [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamas-political-godfather-in-illinois/ "Obama's political 'godfather' in Illinois"]. CBS News website. See [[Associated Press]], CBS News.</ref> the conversation went as follows:<br /> {{cquote|"After I was elected president, in 2003, he came to see me, a couple months later. And he said to me, he said, ‘You’re the senate president now, and with that, you have a lot of pow-er.’ And I told Barack, ‘You think I got a lot of pow-er now?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you got a lot of pow-er.’ And I said, ‘What kind of pow-er do I have?’ He said, ‘You have the pow-er to make a United States sen-a-tor!’ I said to Barack, I said, ‘That sounds good!’ I said, ‘I haven’t even thought of that.’ I said, ‘Do you have someone in mind you think I could make?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah. Me.’"<ref name=PurdumandScott/>}}<br /> Because of the deal, Obama's entire Illinois Senate legislative record was, as longtime Obama reporter Todd Spivak put it, built in a single year. During his 7th and final year in the Illinois Senate, Obama sponsored an incredible 26 bills into law, including many he now points to when criticized as inexperienced<ref name=spivak />—as CNN's Suzanne Malveaux observed, "With help from on high, Obama got his name on hundreds of bills that he pushed through."<ref name=revealed /> Jones not only had Obama craft legislation addressing daily tragedies to raise his political profile,<ref name=godfather /> he also appointed Obama head of almost all high-profile legislation in the Illinois Senate, angering other state legislators with more seniority who'd spent years supporting the bills.<ref name=spivak /> Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon, the original sponsor of the famous racial profiling bill requiring videotaped confessions in police interrogations, complained bitterly about Jones' decision.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html "Transcript of 'Barack Obama Revealed'"]. CNN website/Transcripts.<br /> *Spivak, Todd (March 25, 2004). [http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html "In the black"]. ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Jones' influence had a major impact on Obama's chances in the 2004 elections, preventing major political players from backing Obama's opponents. To quote Emil Jones,{{cquote|"He knew if he had me in the run for the Senate, it would put a block on the current mayor. The current mayor and the father of the controller, which was Dan Hynes, they were roommates in Springfield when the mayor was a state senator, so they had a relationship. Another big financial backer for the governor was Blair Hull. Barack knew if he had me it would checkmate the governor, ’cause the governor couldn’t come out and go with Blair Hull, ’cause the governor needs me. Same with the mayor. So he had analyzed and figured all of that out. He knew I could help him with labor support. And I could put a checkmate on some of the local politicians that didn’t know him, but they couldn’t really go against me."<br /> —Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}<br /> <br /> ==2004-2008, U.S. Senate==<br /> :''See also: [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama#U.S. Senate .282004-2008.29|Barack Obama:U.S. Senate (2004-2008)]], [[United States Senate election in Illinois, 2004]]''<br /> [[Image:obama.jpg|thumb|left|Senator Barack Obama]]<br /> <br /> ===2004 Primary election===<br /> Despite initially trailing in the polls to frontrunner [[Blair Hull]],<ref>Spivak, Todd (March 25, 2004). [http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html "In the black"]. ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Obama greatly benefited from what the ''Chicago Tribune'' called "the most inglorious campaign implosion in Illinois political history"<ref name=mendell>Mendell, David (March 17, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-03-17/news/0403170332_1_blair-hull-gery-chico-blacks-and-liberal-whites "Obama routs Democratic foes"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> when pressure from journalists and opposing candidates, just weeks before the election, forced the unsealing of Hull's messy divorce files.<ref name=blairhull>Voegeli, William (March 19, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070826095930/http://www.claremont.org/publications/pubid.339/pub_detail.asp "The rise and fall of Blair Hull"]. The Claremont Institute website. Retrieved from August 26, 2007 archive at Internet Archive. See [[Claremont Institute]].</ref> The files revealed Hull's ex-wife's accusations of verbal and physical abuse.<ref name=spivak /> Hull would afterwards criticize the media, stating, "As for the press, I will never read the newspaper the same way again."<ref name=mendell /> Obama would go on to win the Primary with 53% of the vote.<ref name=blairhull /> Obama's unexpected victory led to him being termed a "rising star" by the media.<ref>Howlett, Debbie (March 18, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/2004-03-18-obama-usat_x.htm Dems "See a rising star in Illinois Senate Candidate"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/Nation/Campaign 2004. See ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2004 General election, Jack Ryan===<br /> Once again Obama found himself trailing to popular front runner [[Jack Ryan]], and once again a candidate's campaign imploded thanks to media intervention. In an unprecedented move, the ''Chicago Tribune'' and local TV station WLS sued to force the unsealing of Ryan's divorce files, despite opposition from both Ryan and his wife, Jeri Ryan, who in the files accused Jack Ryan of trying to coerce her to perform sex acts in public. Though Ryan advisors told him he could still win if using a negative attack on Obama, Ryan refused to engage in what he considered dirty politics.<ref name=abandon>Associated Press (June 26, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/state/2004-06-25-ryan_x.htm "Jack Ryan abandons Senate bid"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/State/Campaign 2004. See [[Associated Press]].</ref> Ryan then dropped out of the race (per request by the Illinois GOP<ref name=idealist>Sangwan, Rahul (October 1, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20060924232703/http://www.dartmouthindependent.com/archives/2004/10/jack_ryan_81_th.html "Jack Ryan '81: The conservative idealist"]. ''Dartmouth Independent'' website. Retrieved from September 24, 2006 archive at Internet Archive.</ref>), following which the Illinois GOP scrambled to find a replacement, leaving Obama uncontested for weeks to campaign and build up public support. On top of all this, Obama was selected to give the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention (July 27<ref>Obama, Barack (June 26, 2004). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html "Transcript: Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama [Keynote address at 2004 Democratic National Convention&#93;"]. Transcribed by FDCH E-Media. ''Washington Post'' website. See ''[[Washington Post]]''.</ref>), catapulting him into the national spotlight, and leading to further media publicity terming him a "rising star".<ref>Page, Susan and Despeignes, Peronet (July 28, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-28-obama-speech_x.htm "Rising star brings Democrats to their feet"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/Nation/President/Campaign 2004. See ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2004 General election, Alan Keyes===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''<br /> After a number of candidates including former [[Chicago Bears]] coach Mike Ditka declined to run,<ref>CNN (August 9, 2004). [http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/08/senate.illinois.keyes/ "Keyes challenges Obama for Illinois Senate seat"]. CNN website/Politics/America Votes 2004. See [[CNN]].</ref> the Illinois GOP finally settled on fiery [[Alan Keyes]], a former Ambassador to the Economic and Social Counsel of the United Nations,<ref name=spivak /> with less than 3 months left before the November 2004 election.<ref name=msnbc /> His sudden entrance into the state for the election was initially attacked in the press as "carpetbagging".<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *"[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-08-06/news/0408060313_1_mr-keyes-judy-baar-topinka-alan-keyes "The GOP's rent-a-senator"] (August 6, 2004). ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. <br /> *[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50885-2004Aug8.html "Mr. Keyes the carpetbagger"] (August 9, 2004). ''Washington Post'', p. A14. Retrieved from ''Washington Post'' website. See ''[[Washington Post]]''.<br /> *Pearson, Rick (September 5, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party "Keyes, state GOP gearing up blame campaign"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.</ref> Keyes repeatedly claimed his primary motivation for entering a race he had seemingly no chance of winning was his disgust at Obama's votes on the popular [[Born Alive]] bills.<ref>Keyes, Alan (August 18, 2004). [http://www.mail-archive.com/newsandviews@chuckmuth.com/msg00699.html "How YOU can help Alan Keyes for Senate!"] Message from Keyes2004 Inc. to multiple internet mailing lists. Retrieved from archive of newsandviews internet mailing list at The Mail Archive website.</ref> Keyes, from his first day of arriving in Illinois (August 9, 2004),<ref name=assails>Associated Press (August 9, 2004). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5654128/ "Keyes assails Obama's abortion views"]. NBC News website/Politics.</ref> accused Obama of having voted against bills mandating medical care for newborn children, and supporting "infanticide" (the term twice used in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act<ref>United States Congress (October 21, 2003). [http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/108/s3/text/enr "S. 3 (108th): "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003"], sec. 2, subsec. 14, paras. G and O. Govtrack.us website/Congress/Bills/108th Congress/Senate bill 3/Text.</ref>) where hospitals left newborn infants to die like garbage.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.) [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=341 "Alan Keyes on the Tavis Smiley Show"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview by Tavis Smiley. ''Tavis Smiley Show'' (New York City: National Public Radio, August 31, 2004). See [[NPR]].<br /> *Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.) [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=337 "Alan Keyes on CBS2 Chicago This Morning"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview with ''CBS This Morning'' show. ''CBS This Morning'' (Chicago: CBS 2, August 30, 2004).</ref> Obama in a debate on October 13, 2004, defended himself against Keyes' accusations of infanticide by claiming that Illinois law was already sufficient.<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-10-13/news/0410140004_1_alan-keyes-senate-race-first-of-three-debates "Debate or discussion?"] (October 13, 2004). ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.</ref><br /> <br /> However, Keyes' rhetoric, calling Obama's votes "the slaveholder's position"<ref name=assails /> and saying "Jesus Christ would not vote for Obama"<ref>Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.). [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=348 "Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show (AM1160 - WYLL)"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview by Scott Thomas. ''Scott Thomas Show'' (Chicago: WYLL, AM 1160, September 7, 2004).</ref> was widely ridiculed by the press. Keyes' unabashed criticism of homosexuality as "selfish hedonism" was also targeted.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Pearson, Rick (September 5, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party "Keyes, state GOP gearing up blame campaign"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.<br /> *Associated Press (September 2, 2004). [http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5897569/ns/politics/t/keyes-cheneys-gay-daughter-practicing-selfish-hedonism/#.VsR94_krKWg "Keyes: Cheney's gay daughter practicing selfish hedonism"]. NBC News website/Politics.<br /> *Pallasch, Abdon M. (September 2, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20040903052923/http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-keyes02.html "Keyes' gay slam roils GOP"]. ''Chicago Sun-Times'' website/News/Elections. Retrieved from September 3, 2004 archive at Internet Archive. See ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''. This article misquotes [[Liz Cheney]]; previous bulleted reference in this multiple reference gives full quote verified by CNN transcript.</ref> Obama would ultimately win the election, 70% to 27%.<ref>[http://cnn.hu/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html "America votes 2004: Election Results, U.S. Senate/Illinois"] (November 2, 2004). CNN Hungary website/Elections.</ref><br /> <br /> ===U.S. Senate voting record===<br /> Obama's incomplete term in the U.S. Senate was largely not noteworthy. In voting against raising the [[debt limit]] in 2006 Obama famously said, "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. ... I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit."<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *''Washington Post'' FACT CHECKER, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/annotating-obamas-2006-speech-against-boosting-the-debt-limit/2013/01/14/aa8cf8c4-5e9b-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_blog.html Annotating Obama’s 2006 speech against boosting the debt limit], Washington Post, Glenn Kessler, 01/15/2013.<br /> *Kaplan, Rebecca (April 11, 2011). [http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/obama-once-opposed-debt-ceiling-hike/237129/ "Obama once opposed debt ceiling hike"]. ''The Atlantic'' website/Politics.</ref> In 2008 as candidate for president Obama called George W. Bush's request to raise the debt limit "irresponsible" and "unpatriotic".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kuTG19Cu_Q "Obama says adding $4 trillion to debt is unpatriotic [July 3, 2008&#93;"] (August 23, 2011). YouTube video, 0:38, posted by maywhitley31.</ref><br /> <br /> The ''National Journal'' ranked him the most liberal senator in 2007.<ref name="ranked">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502163_162-3775451-502163.html|title="''National Journal'': Obama most liberal senator in 2007"|author=Montopoli, Brian|date=January 31, 2008|publisher=CBS News website}}. See [[CBS News]].</ref><br /> <br /> Obama frequently used the [[filibuster]] to obstruct the operations of government,<ref>O'Keefe, E. (2010, February 4). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020303801_pf.html Obama criticizes Senate Republicans for delaying confirmation votes]. ''Washington Post''.</ref> and voted against the [[minimum wage]] bill<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Gill, Kathy (May 26, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070905140628/http://uspolitics.about.com/od/legislatio1/a/HR2206.htm "HR 2206 - Emergency appropriations [110th Congress, House of Representives, signed into law May 25, 2007&#93;"], About.com website/News & Issues/U. S. Politics: Current Events/Legislation. Retrieved from September 5, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.<br /> *[http://more.gov.mtopgroup.com/2007/05/votes-hr-2206-iraq-supplemental.html Votes - H.R. 2206: Iraq Supplemental], May 28, 2007. Retrieved from Deeper Inside the Mountain, June 4, 2007.</ref> he introduced because it included a provision to pay active duty U.S. troops. He voted for the $700 billion TARP program to bailout the big banks after receiving more than $120,000 in contributions from [[Fannie Mae]], a government sponsored entity<ref>more than any other political candidate for office since 1989. [http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/09/update-fannie-mae-and-freddie.html Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Invest in Lawmakers], By Lindsay Renick Mayer, September 11, 2008. opensecrets.org</ref> taken into conservatorship for mismanaging its affairs and responsible for all the big banks' problems.<br /> <br /> According to Opensecrets.org, of the 671,269 contributions to Obama during his time in the Senate, [[Goldman Sachs]], JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley were among the top 20 biggest money donors to his campaigns.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cid=N00009638&cycle=2008 Top 20 Contributors, 2007-2008]<br /> *[http://www.votesmart.org/finance.php?can_id=9490 Barack Obama II's Campaign Finances]</ref> All four subsequently received approximately $70 billion in taxpayer assisted [[bailout]] money from the [[TARP]] program he voted for.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/10/14/business/14bailout.graphic2.html ''Beneficiary Banks'', ''The New York Times''. 2008-10-14.]</ref> UBS AG, a foreign bank and the 12th largest donor to Obama,<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Top 20 Contributors, 2007-2008]</ref> was fined $780 billion in February 2009 in a U.S. Federal Court on charges it helped thousands of Americans evade taxes.<ref>[http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20090219/FREE/902199983 ''UBS fined $780 million in tax evasion scandal,''] Investment News, February 19, 2009.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2008 Presidential election==<br /> {{main article|Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign}}<br /> Unlike Democrat contenders Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, Obama's hands were not "stained" with the Iraqi war resolution; a number of Democrats wanted to punish candidates for acting [[bi-partisan]] and called for his candidacy. His only career accomplishment til then had been the delivery of a speech at the 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]].<br /> <br /> Through heavy use of [[early voting]] by the Democrat political machine, Obama was elected president in 2008 in the midst of a severe economic meltdown and a foreign policy crisis. Obama outspent [[John McCain]] by hundreds of millions of dollars in 2008,<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contriball.php?cycle=2008 "Candidate comparison: Top contributors 2008 cycle"] (betw. September–November 2013). OpenSecrets.org website.</ref> and spending more than a billion dollars from special interests to snag reelection in 2012.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/candidate.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 "Barack Obama (D): Candidate summary, 2012 cycle/Source of funds"] (betw. March–June 2013). Opensecrets.org website. 34% Individual contributions, 67% large and corporate.<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/index.php "2012 presidential race/Overall spending"] (betw. August–September 2015). OpenSecrets.org website. This special interests count of over $1 billion may have decreased at least for a time since August–September 2015, where a grand total of individual contributions of less than $1 billion is reflected, but the grand total is presumably incomplete (shown, for example, by the uncounted University of California contributions revealed when comparing the subtotal from the time before August–September 2015 to the time afterwards, the subtotal thus ''increasing''), has every chance of remaining close to its precise revised estimated amount at the beginning of that time (of $964 million) and does not include Super PAC contributions, which is ''indirect'' spending.<br /> **([http://web.archive.org/web/20150304050735/http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 Link to version of this reference] on March 4, 2015 [whose pertinent subtotal which follows was the same back to the time indicated in the first bulleted reference] which shows $1,212,245 in contributions from the University of California. This is ''vs.'' $1,350,139 in contributions shown in the version indicated by the Internet Archive to have been published between August–September 2015 and shown in versions at least for a time thereafter [version retrieved on February 7, 2016 shows the same amount].)</ref><br /> <br /> Former [[Democrat]] Presidential candidate [[Joe Lieberman]] endorsed Obama's opponent [[John McCain]] in 2008 and declined to endorse Obama for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 presidential election]].<ref>Lillis, M. (2012, April 22). [http://thehill.com/video/campaign/222929-lieberman-declines-to-endorse-in-presidential-race Sen. Lieberman declines to endorse in presidential race]. ''The Hill''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Primary election===<br /> In 2007-08, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton competed for the Democrat nomination. Hillary Clinton cleverly resurrected the "Born Alive" controversy surrounding Obama that had lain largely dormant since 2004 (notwithstanding the continuing mentions by [[Jill Stanek]]), by accusing Obama of not being pro-choice for voting "Present" on a number of abortion-related bills<ref>Bettelheim, Adriel (2008, February 13). "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/feb/13/obamas-present-tension/ Obama's 'Present' Tension]." ''PolitiFact''.</ref>—including the Born Alive ones,<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Berman, Russell (2008, January 17). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/clinton-obama-should-vote-no-on-abortion-issue/69700/ Clinton: Obama Should Vote 'No' On Abortion Issue She Backed]." ''[[New York Sun]]''.<br /> *Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20obama.html?pagewanted=all It's Not Just 'Ayes' and 'Nays': Obama's Votes in Illinois Echo]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> and cowardly ducking the votes.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *''Politi-Fact''. "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/feb/13/hillary-clinton/yes-but-its-complicated/ Response to Hillary Clinton Comment for January 21st, 2008]." Truth-o-Meter.<br /> *Dorning, Mike (2007, December 20). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/criticism_of_obama_present_vot.html Clinton Camp Criticizes Obama 'Present' Votes]." The Swamp. ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> This led to criticism of Obama by two pro-choice organizations, Emily's List, and the [[National Organization for Women]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Dorning, Mike (2008, January 14). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/obama_campaign_mounts_defense.html The Swamp: Obama Campaign Defends His Abortion-Rights Record]." ''Chicago Tribune''.<br /> *Dorn, Michael (2008, February 6). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_voting_record_on_aborti_1.html Obama's Voting Record on Abortion]." ''Washington Post''.<br /> *Newton-Small, Jay (2008, January 14). "[http://swampland.time.com/2008/01/14/obama_campaign_defends_present/ Obama Campaign Defends 'Present' Abortion Votes]." ''[[Time Magazine]]''.</ref> However, Pam Sutherland, the long-time head of Illinois Planned Parenthood, came to Obama's aid, criticizing Clinton for making the attack, and stating repeatedly that Obama's present votes were part of a broader strategy used by Planned Parenthood to keep Illinois voters from knowing their state senators were voting against the controversial and popular bills.<ref>Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20cnd-obama.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin Obama's Vote in Illinois Was Often Just 'Present']." ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>Follmer, Max (2008, March 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/14/obama-emphasizes-prochoic_n_81460.html Obama Emphasizes Pro-Choice Voting Record as Clinton Questions 'Present' Votes]." ''[[Huffington Post]]''.</ref><br /> {{cquote|"He came to me and said: ‘My members are being attacked. We need to figure out a way to protect members and to protect women. A ‘present’ vote was hard to pigeonhole which is exactly what Obama wanted. What it did was give cover to moderate Democrats who wanted to vote with us but were afraid to do so" because of how their votes would be used against them electorally. A ‘present’ vote would protect them. Your senator voted ‘present.’ Most of the electorate is not going to know what that means."<br /> -Pam Sutherland, President/CEO of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, 1980-2012<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130414215754/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''[[ABC News]]''.</ref>}}As the contest in Iowa drew near and the former First Lady's inevitability was being usurped by a challenger, Hillary Clinton organizers began circulating rumors that Obama was secretly a Muslim.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/barackemail/ Obama Under the Clinton Microscope], By JEFF ZELENY, ''The New York Times'', December 10, 2007</ref><ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/06/clinton-volunteers-anti-obama-e-mail-causes-stir/ Clinton volunteer's sending of anti-Obama e-mail causes stir]. December 6, 2007. CNN</ref><ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=92143 Hillary Clinton Press Release - Sen. Obama Rewrites History], December 2, 2007, references Obama in the Muslim school in Indonesia in 3rd grade, quoting the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 3/15/07</ref><ref>[http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article1995587.ece Obama ‘was educated in madrassa’], Tim Reid and Tom Baldwin, ''[[The Times of London]]'', January 20, 2007.</ref> Clinton also made the claim repeatedly that while Obama was leading in Delegates she was winning the Popular Vote,<ref>Koffler, Daniel (2008, May 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-koffler/hillary-clinton-and-the-p_b_103913.html Hillary Clinton and the Popular Vote: Not Wrong, but Meaningless]." ''Huffington Post''.<br>Barone, Michael (2008, March 28). "[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/barone/2008/03/28/projection-clinton-wins-popular-vote-obama-wins-delegate-count Projection: Clinton Wins Popular Vote, Obama Wins Delegate Vote]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> though this was in part because Obama hadn't been registered in Michigan.<ref>Romano, Andrew (2008, August 2). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/blogs/stumper/2008/06/02/clinton-s-popular-vote-claim-close-but-not-quite.html Clinton's Popular Vote Claim? Close--But Not Quite*]." ''[[Newsweek]]''.</ref><ref>''[[RealClearPolitics]]''. "[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html 2008 Democratic Popular Vote]."</ref> Obama's advantage with super-delegates over Clinton was about 2-to-1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Superdelegate endorsements for Friday 6/6|work=Democratic Convention Watch|url=http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/06/superdelegate-endorsements-for-friday.html}}</ref> Obama was able to attract the support of [[liberals]] by pointing out that he had come out against the [[Iraq War]] "from the beginning" whereas Clinton had voted in favor of the war in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-31-democrats-debate_N.htm|title=Obama, Clinton stress differences on Iraq, issues|author=David Jackson|work=USA Today|language=English}}</ref> On June 7, 2008, Hillary Clinton withdrew from the Primaries, conceding the race and endorsing her opponent,<ref>''Associated Press''. "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24993082/ns/politics-decision_08/t/clinton-ends-historic-bid-endorses-obama/ Clinton Ends Historic Bid, Endorses Obama]." [[MSNBC]]</ref> when Obama passed the 2,118 Delegates required; winning 2,201 delegates to Clinton's 1,896.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#D Election Center 2008].</ref><br /> <br /> ===Born Alive record resurfaces===<br /> On June 30, 2008, Obama's voting record on the "Born Alive" bills came once more to the forefront when CNN gave voice to the growing controversy and revealed the defense Obama had been using since 2004-2008, that the Illinois bills he'd voted against were different from the federal bill, was false, since he'd brought up for a vote a bill word for word identical to the federal bill in the Health and Human Services Committee he chaired, and voted against it, defeating it.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZCXcTwZPY How He Really Voted on Abortion: Obama's Record Under Attack]." ''The Situation Room''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by [[Jill Stanek]].</ref><ref>''CNN''. "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0806/30/sitroom.02.html Transcripts: June 30, 2008]." The Situation Room.</ref> This led in August to a confrontation between Obama and the [[NRLC]].<ref>''[[National Right to Life Committee]]''. "[http://www.nrlc.org/news/2008/NRL08/ObamaCoverup.html Obama Cover-up Revealed on Born-Alive Abortion Survivor's Bill]." NRL News, Vol. 35, Issue 7-8, pg. 5.</ref> After Obama accused critics of 'lying'<ref>Brody, David (2008, August 16). "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq5M1Ksp_c McCain/Obama Forum]." ''CNN''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by [[Jill Stanek]].<br>David Brody (August 16, 2008). "[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/08/16/obama-gets-heated-on-born-alive-infant-protection-act.aspx Obama Gets Heated on Born Alive Infant Protection Act]." ''[[CBN]] News''. The Brody File.</ref> the NRLC challenged the assertion, and the Obama campaign conceded he "misspoke" and had voted against an identical bill to the "federal bill that everybody supported" but focused on Obama's new claim, that Illinois law was already sufficient to protect newborn children.<ref>Berman, Russell (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/obama-facing-attacks-from-all-sides-over-abortion/84059/ Obama Facing Attacks From All Sides Over Abortion Record]." ''[[New York Sun]]''.</ref> The NRLC promptly declared "Senator Barack Obama's four-year effort to cover up his full role in killing legislation to protect born-alive survivors of abortions continues to unravel."<ref>Johnson, Douglas (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/Obamacoveruponbornalive.htm Obama Cover-up on Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Continues to Unravel After Sen. Obama Says NRLC is 'Lying']." ''[[National Right to Life Committee]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Jeremiah Wright===<br /> [[File:Obamaatcampdavid.jpg|thumb|right|President Obama in Evergreen Chapel]]<br /> {{See also|Barack Obama and Liberation Theology}}<br /> One major dilemma that arose for Obama during his campaign was his connection to his preacher [[Jeremiah Wright]]. Obama and his wife (raised a Baptist) were members of the Trinity [[United Church of Christ]]<ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1776246/posts Trinity United Church of Christ Website (Barack Hussein Obama's Church)]</ref> in Chicago, a church that embraced [[black liberation theology]] and its emphasis on empowering so-called "oppressed groups" against "establishment forces". This denomination was the first in America to ordain gays as ministers.<ref>[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/31079.html Obama's church pushes controversial doctrines], March 20, 2008</ref> Church pastor Jeremiah Wright had been making inflammatory comments and posting his sermons online for sale. These include the statement "G-d damn America," and in describing the September 11th attacks, "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black [[South Africa]]ns, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 Obama's Pastor: G-d Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11], [[ABC News]]</ref> In addition, Rev. Wright blamed America saying "We supported Zionism shamelessly while ignoring the Palestinians and branding anybody who spoke out against it as being [[anti-Semitic]]."<br /> <br /> In April 2008, after 20 years in the church, candidate Obama made public statements poised to set him at odds with the man who conducted his wedding and baptized his children. With the negative publicity persisting, a month later Obama ended the friendship, left Wright's church, and blamed the media.<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/31/obama-resigns-church-membership-in-chicago/ Obama Drops Church Membership in Chicago], [[Fox News]] May 31, 2008</ref> Obama claimed “It’s not fair to the other members of the church who seek to worship in peace...", and distanced himself from Wright's sermons as "a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in the truth."<ref>USA Today, [http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080430/1a_offlede30_dom.art.htm ''Obama breaks with former pastor, Candidate cites rants on U.S. role in terror, AIDS''], by Kathy Kiely and David Jackson</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081211092533/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080430.htm ''Obama Says He Is Outraged By Wright's "Rants"'']</ref><br /> <br /> ===Result===<br /> Obama made an effort to portray John McCain as similar to George W. Bush, drawing attention to McCain's refusal to criticize the unpopular president. McCain was particularly criticized for saying of how many years we should be willing to stay in Iraq, "Make it a hundred."<ref>Dobbs, Michael (2008, April 2). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/mccains_100year_war.html FactChecker: McCain's '100-Year War']." ''Washington Post''.</ref>{{cquote|"John McCain went on television and said that there has been great progress economically over the last seven-and-a-half years. John McCain thinks our economy has made great progress under George W. Bush? How could somebody who has been traveling across this country, somebody who came to Erie, Pennsylvania, say we’ve made great progress?"<br /> -Barack Obama<ref>Zeleny, Jeff (2008, April 18). "[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/obama-criticizes-mccain-on-economic-stance/ Obama Criticizes McCain on Economic Stance]." ''The New York Times''.</ref>}} On August 22, Obama selected [[Joe Biden]] as his running mate for the vice presidency,<ref>''CNN'' (2008, August 23). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-08-23/politics/biden.democrat.vp.candidate_1_biden-john-mccain-barack-obama?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Introduces Biden as Running Mate]."</ref> which would be contrasted one week later with John McCain's selection of [[Sarah Palin]].<ref>Cooper, Michael & Bumiller, Elisabeth (2008, August 29). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/29palin.html?pagewanted=all Alaskan is McCain's Choice; First Woman on G.O.P. Ticket]. ''The New York Times''.</ref><br /> <br /> On November 2, 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election with 365 electoral votes to John McCain's 173.<ref>(2008, November 14). "[http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/explorer.html Electoral Explorer]." Election Results 2008. ''The New York Times''.</ref> Obama received 53% of the popular vote to John McCain's 46%.<ref>(2008, November 17). "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ President]." Election Center 2008. ''CNN''.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2009-2017: U.S. Presidency==<br /> {{main article|Obama administration}}<br /> The [[liberal claptrap]] that elected Obama seems silly today. It was claimed, for example, that Obama had millions of followers on Twitter, when allegedly some 70% of them were fake.<ref>Jackson, David (August 24, 2012). [http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/08/obama-has-millions-of-fake-twitter-followers/1#.UDfQVqA2et_ "Obama has millions of fake Twitter followers"]. USA Today website/The Oval blog. See [[USA Today]].</ref> And although the [[lamestream media]] promoted Obama as a great orator, in fact he relied almost entirely on teleprompters for his speeches and press conferences, and at one point even had teleprompters set up for him in a middle school classroom in order to speak to the media.<br /> <br /> [[File:Obama and George H. W. Bush.jpg|thumb|right|300px|President Barack Obama meets with former President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office, Feb. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).]]<br /> Five years into Obama's presidency the number of people holding jobs still was 3 million below the all-time high of 138 million<ref>The effectiveness of [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|Stimulus]] and deficits: [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112811 Job growth under President Obama's first term;] Source: [[United States Department of Labor]].</ref> workers - despite an increase of 10 million people in population over the same period of time.<ref>[https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112809 U.S. Population growth during Obama's first four years in office.] Source: [[U.S. Census Bureau]].</ref> Under Obama and Senate Democrats<ref>The Democrat-controlled Senate did not propose, vote on, or pass a budget for nearly five years. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/23/politics/senate-budget-bill/index.html Senate passes its first budget proposal in four years,] Ted Barrett and Alison Harding, CNN, March 23, 2013.</ref> budget management, the United States suffered its largest [[Federal budget deficit|deficit]]s<ref>Edwards, B. et. al. (2009, November 6). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/107xx/doc10708/11-06-mbr.htm Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2009]. ''[[Congressional Budget Office]]''.<br>Delisle, E.C. et. al. (2010, November 5). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/118xx/doc11873/NovemberMBR.pdf Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2010]. ''[[Congressional Budget Office]]''.</ref> in history and its credit-worthiness downgraded from [[Standard and Poor's]]. Obama assured Americans that unemployment would not rise above 8% if his [[economic stimulus]] program was adopted, however it rose and stagnated in the 8-10% range<ref>Di Leo, L & Lynch, S.N. (2010, August 20). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476104575439172480870774.html Jobless Claims Jump in New Sign Recovery is Sputtering]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><ref>[[United States Bureau of Labor Statistics]]. [http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=latest_numbers&series_id=LNS11300000&years_option=specific_years&include_graphs=true&to_month=1&from_month=2 Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject: Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey]. ''[[United States Department of Labor]]''. Data extracted on: July 19, 2010 (4:31:11 PM).</ref> for the entirety of his first term.<br /> <br /> Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen, writing in the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', noted, "Rather than being a unifier, Mr. Obama has divided America on the basis of race, class and partisanship." The commentators also note Obama's approach to governance has encouraged radical leftists to pursue a similar strategy on his behalf. Mary Frances Berry, former head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, acknowledged that the [[Obama administration]] has taken to polarizing America around the issue of race as a means of diverting attention from other issues, saying, "Having one's opponent [[race card|rebut charges of racism]] is far better than discussing [[Unemployment|joblessness]]."<ref>Berry, M.F. (2010, July 20). [http://www.politico.com/arena/perm/Mary_Frances_Berry_91E3D9D5-C40D-440C-9D48-1C50CBC60C87.html Energy Arena, Driving the Conversation: Contracting Out U.S. Security? And will Branding Tea Party Racist Work?] ''[[Politico]]''.</ref> Caddell and Schoen, who worked for President Carter and Clinton, respectively, further stated, "Mr. Obama has also cynically [[class warfare|divided the country on class lines]]. He has taken to playing the populist card time and time again. He bashes Wall Street and insurance companies whenever convenient to advance his programs, yet he has been eager to accept campaign contributions and negotiate with these very same banks and [[corporation]]s behind closed doors in order to advance his political agenda... President Obama's divisive approach to governance has weakened us as a people and paralyzed our political culture."<ref>Caddell, P.H. & Schoen, D.E. (2010, July 28). [http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703700904575391553798363586.html Our Divisive President]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Domestic policy===<br /> His economic [[stimulus]] package in response to the [[Crash of 2008]] took seven years to return [[unemployment]] to historically acceptable levels. Economic growth remained below 2.0% throughout his two terms as poverty and income inequality increased. <br /> ====Economic policy====<br /> [[File:Keynes.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Barack Obama]] advocates the use of discredited [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian economic concepts]]<ref>[http://centurean2.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/fabian-john-maynard-keynes-the-stealthy-enemy-of-human-freedom/ John Maynard Keynes the stealthy enemy of human freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-02-22/deathbed-of-keynesian-economics-will-be-in-u-k-matthew-lynn.html Deathbed of Keynesian Economics will be in the UK]</ref><ref>[http://www.iwf.org/inkwell/show/23102.html Will the G8 Repudiate the Philosophy of Living Beyond Our Means?]</ref><ref>[http://www.keynesatharvard.org/book/KeynesatHarvard-ch09.html KEYNES AT HARVARD Economic Deception as a Political Credo BY ZYGMUND DOBBS]</ref>]]<br /> <br /> {{see also|Obamunism|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}}<br /> Critics of the Obama administration have coined the word "[[Obamunism]]" to describe Barack Obama's [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" [[economic planning]] policies.<ref>[[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers. Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/daily-intel/2009/07/20/obamunism-inc|work=The Big Money|publisher=Washington Post.[[Newsweek]] Interactive Co. LLC|language=English|title=Obamunism, Inc.|author=David Sessions|date=July 20, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944|author=Jim Blasingame|title=Is the government creating a bailout bubble?}}</ref> Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]].<ref name="gerard">{{cite web|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching|title=Monetary Policy-Not Obama's Stimulus-Is What Needs Watching|author=Gerard Jackson|date=February 16, 2009|work=Seeking Alpha}}</ref><ref name="bam">{{cite web|work=[[New York Post]]|date=May 17, 2009|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm|title=BAM'S WISE WORDS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/|title=Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures|work=The Foundry|publisher=[[Heritage Foundation]]|author=Conn Carroll|date=March 24, 2009}}</ref> As seen in his own actions, Barack Obama instructed his advisors to find loopholes that would enable the president to act as a [[dictator]] by pushing through legislation and increases in spending without congressional authority.<ref>Naked Emperor News (2011, October 12). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/executive-dictatorship-obama-instructs-advisers-to-push-through-stimulus-projects-without-pesky-congressional-authorization/ Exclusive Dictatorship: Obama Instructs Advisors to Push Through Stimulus Projects Without Pesky 'Congressional Authorization']. ''[[The Blaze]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> Nevertheless, budgets passed under President Obama have included the smallest average annualized growth of federal spending (1.4%) since before President Reagan. Federal spending grew an average of 8.7% per year during Reagan's first term and an average of 8.1% per year during George W. Bush's second term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2012/05/24/who-is-the-smallest-government-spender-since-eisenhower-would-you-believe-its-barack-obama/|title=Who Is The Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower? Would You Believe It's Barack Obama?|publisher=[[Forbes]]|author=Rick Ungar|date=May 24, 2012}}</ref><br /> <br /> [[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>''OpenSecrets.org''. [http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Barack Obama: Top Contributors]. The Center for Responsive Politics.</ref> Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, and many argue that it was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous by encouraging more risk taking through letting banks off with a slap on the wrist. Others argue that bailing out the banks kept credit flowing and prevented a much deeper recession and a total collapse of the financial system. The government will recoup some though not all of its capital infusions over time. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources allocated using purely business considerations.<ref>Faccio, M. et. al. (2005, March 1). [http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905 Political Connections and Corporate Bailouts]. ''Social Science Research Network''.</ref> Proponents of [[free market]] capitalism said Bernanke should not have bailed out failing firms and instead should have allowed free market capitalism to quickly recover as it did in the depression of 1920 without government intervention (free market capitalists assert that government intervention drags out economic recessions and depressions).<ref>Woods, T.E. (2009, April 10). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czcUmnsprQI Why You've Never Heard of the Great Depression of 1920]. ''[[Ludwig von Mises Institute]]''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref> <br /> <br /> The Obama administration has been sharply criticized for [[Obama administration deficit spending|its massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|its reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[money supply]], although inflation under Bernanke has been below the historic mean.<ref name="gerard"/><ref name="bam"/><ref>Carroll, C. (2009, March 24). [http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/ Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures]. ''The Foundry''. [[Heritage Foundation|The Heritage Network]].</ref> Celente predicts that if a "second American Revolution" occurs in a peaceful and productive manner, it may include a [[Third Party System|third party movement]] of governance that will advocate a more [[free market]] [[capitalism]] approach to the American economy and a more strict interpretation of the [[United States Constitution|United States constitution]] as far as the authors' [[original intent]].<br /> <br /> During what the [[White House]] billed as [[Recovery Summer]], one half million workers per week continued losing their jobs. His signature legislative achievement, [[ObamaCare]],has been found to be [[unconstitutional]]<ref>Schoenberg, T. & Fisk, M.T. (2010, December 13). [http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-13/u-s-health-care-law-requirement-thrown-out-by-judge.html Obama's Health-Care Law Ruled Unconstitutional Over Insurance Requirement]. ''Bloomberg''.</ref> by several judges and constitutional by others, and is credited as a major cause of uncertainty, high [[unemployment]],<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33220 Obamacare: Unemployment You Can Believe In], [[Human Events]]</ref> lagging job creation,<ref>Foster, J.D. (2010, August 5). [http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/05/it%E2%80%99s-official-medicare%E2%80%99s-finances-shadowed-by-uncertainty/ It’s Official: Medicare’s Finances Shadowed by Uncertainty]. ''The Foundry''. [[Heritage Foundation|The Heritage Network]].</ref> and risk of a credit default crisis.<ref>Samuelson, R.J. (2010, March 29). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/28/AR2010032802353.html With health bill, Obama has sown the seeds of a budget crisis]. ''Washington Post''.</ref><ref>Cramer, J. (2010, March 19). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2010/03/19/mad-money-cramer-health-care-passage-will-topple-stock-market 'Mad Money' Cramer: Health Care Passage 'Will Topple the Stock Market']. ''[[Newsbusters]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> His 2012 Budget plan has been roundly criticized in the mainstream and liberal press as not a serious effort to deal with the nation's economic crisis.<ref>[http://www.republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ID=1551d6f5-2ac9-4b8d-97ab-74def354024e Newspapers Call Out White House: ‘What Would That Path Be, Mr. President?’]</ref><br /> <br /> [[Jeffrey Tucker]] wrote, "President Obama's economic policy has been catastrophic for liberty, enterprise, and the American dream—the very archetype of what not to do to end recession." <ref>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118186176/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=anncoulter-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118186176 Debacle: Obama's War on Jobs and Growth and What We Can Do Now to Regain Our Future]</ref><br /> <br /> =====Stimulus=====<br /> {{See also|Recovery Summer}}<br /> In early 2009, Obama lobbied Congress and the public to pass a sweeping Stimulus package<ref>(2009, January 3). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Obama Urges Congress to Pass Stimulus Plan]." ''Associated Press''.<br>Parsons, C. & Nicholas, P. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Barack Obama Sternly Urges Congress to Pass Economic Stimulus]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> known as ''The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009'' (H.R. 1).<ref>"[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1: Bill Text Versions: H.R. 1]." 111th Congress (2009-2010). ''[[Library of Congress]]''.<br>"[http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center]." ''[[IRS]]''.</ref> The report of the Congressional Budget Office mandated by law stated that the legislation would ultimately harm the economy.<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, February 4). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/04/cbo-obama-stimulus-harmful-over-long-haul/ CBO: Obama Stimulus Harmful Over Long Haul]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> Contrary to his promise of bipartisanship,<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, March 28). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/28/mccain-obama-breaks-campaign-promises-shuns-bipart/?page=all McCain: Obama Breaks Promise of Bipartisanship]." ''[[Washington Times]]''.</ref> the bill passed the House 244-188 on January 28, 2009 with 11 Democrats voting with the entire Republican caucus against,<ref>Calmes, J. (2009, January 28). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> and received just 3 Republican votes when passing the Senate 61-37.<ref>Herszenhorn, D.M. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/washington/11web-stim.html Senate Approves Stimulus Plan]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> One third of the massive $838 billion bill consisted of [[Backdoor spending authority#Backdoor tax expenditures|backdoor tax expenditures]]<ref>(2009, February 11). "Senate Passes $838 Billion Stimulus Bill." ''Associated Press''.</ref> and the rest direct [[new spending]] on "just about every pent-up Democratic proposal of the last 40 years."<ref>(2009, January 28). "[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310466514522309.html A 40-Year Wish List]." ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref> In responding to criticism of the broken bipartisanship promise at the time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously quipped, "We won the election. We wrote the bill."<ref>Kane, P. (2009, January 23). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203961.html Stimulus Plan Meets More GOP Resistance]." ''Washington Post''.</ref> On February 18, 2009, the Stimulus was signed into law by Obama.<ref>(2009, February 17). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29231790/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-stimulus-lets-americans-claim-destiny/ Obama: Stimulus Lets Americans Claim Destiny]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> In August 2009, Republicans and Democratic Senator David Obey drew attention to mistakes on the Recovery.gov site claiming millions of Stimulus jobs created that didn't exist. Obama responded by saying the errors just indicate his accounting is an "inexact science".<ref>(2009, November 18). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/18/obama-calls-stimulus-data-errors-issue-says-focus-job-growth/ Obama Calls Stimulus Data Errors 'Side Issue,' Says Focus Is on Job Growth]." ''[[Fox News]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> =====[[Sequestration]]=====<br /> According to [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning journalist [[Bob Woodward]] of the ''[[Washington Post]]'', Obama misled the American people in a Presidential debate only two weeks before the 2012 election when he said, "The sequester is not something that I’ve proposed,”<ref>[http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-22/opinions/37238840_1_jack-lew-treasury-secretary-rob-nabors Obama’s sequester deal-changer,] By Bob Woodward, ''Washington Post'', February 22, 2013.</ref> when in fact his chief budget negotiator and current Chief of Staff, [[Jack Lew]], made a call to Democrat [[Harry Reid]] at 2:30 pm on July 27, 2011 with the proposal after clearing it with Obama,<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2012/10/22/fact-check-woodward-wrote-that-obama-administration-proposed-sequester/ Fact-check: Woodward wrote that Obama administration proposed sequester]. [[The Daily Caller]]</ref> as fully documented in Woodward's book, ''The Price of Politics''. Federal Reserve Chairman [[Ben Bernanke]] warned of immediate jobloss of about 750,000 jobs - about the same level as under George W. Bush<ref>[http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109262 Monthly Jobloss under George W. Bush, Jan 2007 - Jan 2009]. See also [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109266 Initial Unemployment Claims] over the same period, annualized. Source: [[U.S. Department of Labor]], Bureau of Labor Statistics.</ref> - if Obama's budget and economic plans were allowed to take effect.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/26/news/economy/bernanke-burden-recovery/ Bernanke: Spending cuts add 'significant' burden to recovery,] By Annalyn Kurtz, CNN February 26, 2013.</ref><br /> <br /> Woodward, who's reporting on [[Watergate]] is credited with toppling the administration of [[Richard Nixon]], told Wolf Blitzer of CNN he was told by a senior White House official he'd regret talking about the President Obama's positions on the sequester.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/bob-woodward-obama-sequester-white-house-reporting-price-politics-2013-2 Bob Woodward: White House Threatened Me On Sequester,] businessinsider.com</ref><br /> <br /> =====Spreading poverty=====<br /> Following the 2011 debt ceiling standoff between Obama and House Republicans,<ref name=Swann-Aug>{{cite web|url=http://www.standardandpoors.com/servlet/BlobServer?blobheadername3=MDT-Type&blobcol=urldata&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobheadervalue2=inline%3B+filename%3DUS_Downgraded_AA%2B.pdf&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobheadername1=content-type&blobwhere=1243942957443&blobheadervalue3=UTF-8 |title=United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered to 'AA+' on Political Risks and Rising Debt Burden; Outlook Negative |publisher=[[Standard and Poor's]] |date=August 5, 2011 |accessdate=April 3, 2013}}</ref> the United States Government's credit rating was, for the first time in its history, downgraded from AAA to AA+, and [[poverty]]<ref>[http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/incpovhlth/2009/pov09fig04.pdf Figure 4: Number in Poverty and Poverty Rate: 1959-2009]. ''[[U.S. Census Bureau]]''. Current Population Survey, 1960 to 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplements.</ref> increased markedly. By and large his programs, said to combat the recession, unemployment, slow growth, and deficits, have failed<ref>"The vast majority (73%) of respondents reported the fiscal stimulus enacted in February 2009 has had no impact on employment to date. While 68% also believe a jobs bill, such as the one recently enacted into law, will have no impact on payrolls, 30% do believe it will boost payrolls moderately".<br>[http://www.nabe.com/press/ind1004.pdf Industry Survey], ''National Association for Business Economics'', April 2010, p. 2.</ref> leaving the country saddled with an $18 trillion [[national debt]] and climbing.<ref>During Obama's first two years in office, the rate of new U.S. federal debt added per year to its total tripled the rate of new debt accumulated by Bush to place the U.S. on a war footing, and during Obama's first six years in office, the total National Debt has nearly doubled ($7.5 trillion added). See [[National Debt]].</ref> One of his most well known tactics is blaming someone else, such as George W. Bush, for all his failures instead of taking responsibility. Also on the domestic front, Obama passed an expensive [[health care]] bill in 2010 with no national consensus or [[bipartisan]] support and 34 Democrats dissenting. Recently, the [[Congressional Budget Office]] wrote an open letter to [[John Boehner]], the Speaker of the House, outlining the effects of repealing [[Obamacare]] and explaining why net loss of over 100 billion dollars would occur from the repeal.<ref>[http://cbo.gov/publication/43471 Letter to the Honorable John Boehner providing an estimate for H.R. 6079, the Repeal of Obamacare Act], Congressional Budget Office</ref><br /> <br /> ====Job killer healthcare mandates====<br /> {{main article|Obamacare}}<br /> On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the unpopular Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The act originated in the Democrat-controlled House and was amended and passed the Senate just prior to Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]]'s death largely along party lines with a significant number of Democrats voting to oppose. In what was construed as a de facto rejection of the bill, [[Massachusetts]] voters elected a [[Republican]] candidate, [[Scott Brown]], who promised to vote against the bill if given the chance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html|work=Washington Post|author=Chris Cillizza|date=January 19, 2010|title=Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race|language=English}}</ref> After Obama made a promise to issue an [[executive order]] that would ultimately prohibit the use of taxpayer subsidies to pay for [[abortion]] services,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/22/nation/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22/3|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=English|title=House passes historic healthcare overhaul|date=March 22, 2010|author=Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook}}</ref> the Democratic [[House of Representatives]] would pass the bill as it left the Senate 219-212, with 34 Democrats and all other parties dissenting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-21/politics/health.care.main_1_health-care-entire-house-democratic-caucus-pre-existing-conditions?_s=PM:POLITICS|date=March 21, 2010|author=Alan Silverleib|work=CNN|language=English|title=House passes health care bill on 219-212 vote}}</ref><br /> <br /> Amongst other things, the act mandated that everyone purchase health care coverage or face punitive tax measures, and was upheld by the [[Supreme Court]].<br /> <br /> ====The revolving door====<br /> Obama criticized the "revolving door" of government and business.<ref>"We need to close the revolving door that lets lobbyists come into government freely, and lets them use their time in public service as a way to promote their own interests over the interests of the American people when they leave." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-welcoming-senior-staff-and-cabinet-secretaries-white-house REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN WELCOMING SENIOR STAFF AND CABINET SECRETARIES TO THE WHITE HOUSE,] January 21, 2009. [[White House]]</ref> After appointing [[Peter Orszag]] his first Budget Director to dole out the stimulus cash, Orszag resigned to become Citigroup's Vice Chairman of Global Banking. Citigroup was the recipient of $476 billion in [[bailout]] money - more than any other bank - after the disastrous [[Financial crisis of 2008]].<ref>[http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/03/citibank_received_more_bailout.html Citigroup Received More Bailout Money Than Any Other Bank,] By Nitasha Tiku, 3/16/11.</ref> Before the bailout, Orszag's expert opinion of the chances of a mortgage meltdown were 1 in 500,000.<ref>[http://www.pierrelemieux.org/stiglitzrisk.pdf Implications of the New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Risk-based Capital Standard,] by Joseph E. Stiglitz, Jonathan M. Orszag and Peter R. Orszag. Fannie Mae Papers, Volume 1, Issue 2, March 2002, Conclusion p.6.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Environment and energy====<br /> {{main article|Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster}}<br /> President Obama authorized offshore oil drilling in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0430/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-imperils-Obama-s-offshore-drilling-plan Gulf of Mexico oil spill imperils Obama's offshore drilling plan,] By Mark Clayton, ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]'', April 30, 2010.</ref> stating, "oil rigs today generally don’t cause spills"<ref>White House Press Release, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-a-discussion-jobs-and-economy-charlotte-north-carolina Remarks by the President in a Discussion on Jobs and the Economy in Charlotte, North Carolina,] Office of the Press Secretary, April 02, 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 3 May 2010.</ref> and was widely criticized for his mishandling of the "[[Gulf oil spill disaster|worst environmental disaster]] in US history."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/x-33986-Political-Spin-Examiner~y2010m4d29-Worst-environmental-disaster-in-US-history-Oil-slick-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-is-set-on-fire Worst environmental disaster in US history,] Maryann Tobin, ''Examiner'', April 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/the-oil-spill-is-obamas-fault/?src=twt&twt=NytimesKrugman Conscience of a Liberal: The Oil Spill Is Obama’s Fault,] Paul Krugman, ''The New York Times'', April 30, 2010.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Reverses the Progressive 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy====<br /> {{main article|Don't Ask Don't Tell}}<br /> Candidate Obama promised to repeal a policy that originated with President Clinton and passed by a Democrat-controlled Congress that prohibited inquiries into military personnel's [[sexual orientation]] while barring openly gay [[homosexuals]] from serving in the military. [[Liberals]] expressed anger when time passed and no effort to repeal the law was seen;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/21/obama-to-delay-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/|work=[[Washington Times]]|title=Obama to delay ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ repeal|language=English|author=Rowan Scarborough|date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> in fact, Obama's [[justice department]], as part of their duty to defend all laws passed by any administration, filed a brief arguing against the [[Supreme Court]] granting a [[writ of certiorari]] to a gay soldier challenging the law (the writ was not granted). In response, the soldier, James Pietrangelo II, a former Army infantryman and lawyer, said, “(Obama's) a coward, a bigot and a pathological liar. This is a guy who spent more time picking out his dog, Bo, and playing with him on the White House lawn than he has working for equality for gay people."<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Time Magazine]]|publisher=Time Inc.|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1903545,00.html?imw=Y|title=Dismay Over Obama's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Turnabout|author=Mark Thompson|date=Jun. 09, 2009}}</ref><br /> <br /> On December 15, 2010, a bill was introduced in the [[House of Representatives]] to repeal the law - it passed a day later by a vote of 250-175;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll638.xml|title=FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 638|work=Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref> it passed the Senate three days later 65-31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281|work=The U.S. Senate|title=U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 111th Congress - 2nd Session|language=English}}</ref> Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 on December 22.<ref name="g dadt">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell|work=[[The Guardian]]|language=English|title='Don't ask, don't tell' repealed as Obama signs landmark law|date=22 December 2010}}</ref> The [[Pentagon]] itself could not immediately implement the repeal and questioned whether it would hurt combat readiness.<ref name="g dadt"/><br /> <br /> ====Labor law and compensation to 9/11 first responders====<br /> Obama's first act of office was to sign the [[Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009)|Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act]] - effectively nullifying the [[Supreme Court]] case ''Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'', which ruled that Ledbetter had to have filed a pay [[discrimination]] suit within 180 days of the first time Ledbetter was paid less than her male peers;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/politics/30ledbetter-web.html|work=The New York Times|language=English|title=Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation|author=Sheryl Gay Stolberg|date=January 29, 2009}}</ref> the law made corporations subject to suit within 180 days of each time the employee was unfairly paid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20090213.html?=features|work=FindLaw|author=Joanna L. Grossman|date=Feb. 13, 2009|language=English|title=The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009}}</ref><br /> <br /> On January 2, 2011, Obama signed the James Zadroga [[9/11]] Healthcare and Compensation Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/02/obama-signs-zadroga-act-law/|publisher=New York Public Radio|title=Obama Signs Zadroga Act into Law|author=Fred Mogul|date=January 2, 2011|work=wNYC|language=English}}</ref> The act, which afforded 9/11 first responders who were sickened by the dust from the collapse of the [[World Trade Center]] health care and compensation, passed [[Congress]] after its sponsors agreed to scale down the pricing from 7.4 to 4.2 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/22/zadroga-911-bill-passes-senate/|publisher=New York Public Radio|work=wNYC|language=English|title=Congress Approves 9/11 Health Bill|date=December 22, 2010}}</ref><br /> <br /> === Obama administration and the restriction of religious freedom for Christians ===<br /> [[File:Schlafly phyllis.jpg|thumbnail|right|140px|[[Phyllis Schlafly]]'s book ''No Higher Power: Obama’s War on Religious Freedom'' documents Obama's attack on religious freedom.<ref>[http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/obamas-attack-on-religious-freedom-its-worse-than-you-think Obama’s Attack on Religious Freedom: It’s Worse Than You Think], ''Crises Magazine''</ref>]]<br /> When first running for office Obama angered religious conservatives with his comment about working-class voters in old industrial towns. Obama said, "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."<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/14/barackobama.uselections2008 Obama angers midwest voters with guns and religion remark], The Guardian</ref><br /> <br /> The Obama administration has been widely criticized for his policies which encroach on religious freedom in areas such as: health care, freedom to dissent on matters relating to the [[homosexual agenda]], religious freedom in the military and religious freedom in other spheres of American life.<ref><br /> *[http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/obamas-attack-on-religious-freedom-its-worse-than-you-think Obama’s Attack on Religious Freedom: It’s Worse Than You Think], ''Crises Magazine''<br /> *[http://dailysignal.com/2016/01/21/obamas-hypocrisy-on-religious-freedom/ Obama’s Hypocrisy on Religious Freedom]<br /> *[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/15/us-military-losing-christians-because-of-hostile-c/?page=all U.S. military ‘hostile’ to Christians under Obama; morale, retention devastated], ''Washington Times''<br /> *[http://www1.cbn.com/beltwaybuzz/archive/2015/10/08/senator-seeks-answers-from-obama-on-religious-freedom Obama and Religious Freedom], ''CBN News''<br /> </ref><br /> <br /> In addition, the Obama administration has been criticized for promoting religious freedom for [[Islam|Muslims]] and restricting religious freedom for Christians.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2015/10/29/the-obama-administration-religious-freedoms-fro-american-muslims-not-american-christians-n2072727 The Obama Administration: Religious Freedoms for American Muslims, Not American Christians], Townhall</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Obama administration met with an atheist group ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and American politics]]<br /> <br /> The Obama administration became the first administration to met with an [[Atheism|atheist]] group. It met with the Secular Coalition for America which is a coalition which represents the [[American Atheists]], the American [[Secular Humanism|Humanist]] Association, and the Military Association of Atheists and [[Freethought|Freethinkers]].<br /> <br /> According to the ''USA Today'', the group met with the White House officials to "discuss problems that they believe are fueled by religion."<ref name="content.usatoday.com">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2010/02/atheists-meet-with-white-house-officials/1#.VypYTzEn_7Y Atheists meet with White House officials], USA Today</ref> Among the issues the group discussed were the issues of "military proselytizing" by [[evangelicalism|evangelical]] Christian members of the military and faith-based initiatives<ref name="content.usatoday.com"/><br /> <br /> ===Obama Administration and illegal immigration===<br /> The Obama Administration was weak on [[illegal immigration]]. It established the [[Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]] program (DACA)<ref>Munro, Neil (July 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/21/daca-seven-facts-obamas-amnesty-decree/ DACA: Seven Facts About Obama’s Amnesty Decree]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 21, 2017.</ref><ref>Nolte, John (September 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2017/09/05/14-things-msm-wont-tell-daca/ 14 Things the MSM Won’t Tell You About DACA]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Klein, Aaron (September 3, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/03/obama-administration-usurped-constitution-bypassed-congress-grant-de-dacto-amnesty-dreamers/ How the Obama Administration Bypassed Congress to Grant De Facto Amnesty to Young Illegal Aliens]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> in 2012, which gave protection and work permits (jobs which could have gone to American citizens) to illegal immigrants to came to the U.S. as children. In his 2013 memoir, liberal Democrat U.S. Representative [[Luis Gutiérrez]], an ally of Obama on immigration issues, stated that Obama did not believe that DACA was legally possible until he enacted it.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (September 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/05/luis-gutierrez-daca-2013-obama-said-illegal/ Luis Gutiérrez on DACA in 2013: Obama Said It Was Illegal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref> The Obama Administration was able to give green cards to 45,000 of those DACA illegals.<ref>Munro, Neil (September 1, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/01/daca-backdoor-granted-green-cards-45000-illegals/ 45,000 Illegals Using DACA Backdoor to Get Green Cards]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 1, 2017.</ref> Additionally, it was reported the administration let 2.2 million deportable illegal immigrants, including 400,000 with criminal convictions, remain on the streets.<ref>Price, Bob (April 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/04/22/report-ice-failures-under-obama-administration-leave-more-than-2-2-million-supervised-aliens-on-streets/ REPORT: ICE Failures Under Obama Administration Leave More Than 2.2 Million ‘Supervised’ Aliens on Streets]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> He nearly doubled the number of illegal immigrant juveniles with the EB-4 visa, which gave them legal status.<ref>Binder, John (May 30, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/30/obama-nearly-doubled-number-juvenile-illegal-aliens-given-amnesty-says-expert/ Obama Nearly Doubled Number of Juvenile Illegal Aliens Given Amnesty, Says Expert]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref> The Administration "administratively closed" up to 200,000 deportation cases, meaning those illegal immigrants were free to go where they wanted in the U.S.<ref>Bedard, Paul (August 28, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/200000-deportation-cases-quietly-closed-under-obama/article/2632724 200,000 deportation cases quietly 'closed' under Obama]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 28, 2017.</ref> The Obama Administration issued 140,000 U visas, which are given to illegal immigrants who testify against criminals in court and allow them to eventually gain citizenship, massively expanding the program.<ref>Munro, Neil (June 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/27/u-vsa-becomes-backdoor-amnesty-for-200000-plus/ Obama Backdoor Amnesty Provided ‘U visas’ For 140,000 Illegal Aliens]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 28, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> In 2015, President Obama signed an executive order that would have expanded protections from deportation to a total of about 5 million illegal immigrants. This order was blocked by a federal judge,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/17/federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-obama-immigration-executive-action.html Federal judge temporarily blocks Obama's immigration executive action]. ''Fox News''. February 17, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> upheld by an appeals court,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/09/appeals-court-rules-against-obama-immigration-plan.html Appeals court rules against Obama immigration plan]. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> and a split 4–4 Supreme Court ruling upheld the appeals court ruling.<ref>de Vogue, Ariane; Kopan, Tal (June 23, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/23/politics/immigration-supreme-court/ Deadlocked Supreme Court deals big blow to Obama immigration plan]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Under President Obama, [[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] released 564 convicted sex offender illegal immigrants, in many cases because various countries refused to accept them back.<ref>Price, Bob (May 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/22/obamas-ice-released-nearly-600-sex-offenders-countries-refused-deportation/ Obama’s ICE Released Nearly 600 Sex Offenders after Countries Refused Deportation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref> In May 2017, a whistleblower revealed that the Obama Administration knowingly let illegal immigrant [[MS-13]] gang members into the country.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/whistleblower-dhs-knowingly-let-ms-13-gang-members/ Obama admin knew gang members were part of illegal immigrant surge: Whistleblower]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref><ref>Saavedra, Ryan (May 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/24/obama-let-admitted-ms-13-members-whistleblower-says/ Obama Let in Admitted MS-13 Members, Whistleblower Says]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After assuming office in 2017, the [[Trump Administration]] made [[Donald Trump achievements|a large change in its policies]] towards illegal immigration compared to the Obama Administration.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/17/sessions-immigration-policies-mark-big-change-from-obama-policies.html Sessions' immigration policies mark big change from Obama policies]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.</ref> Secretary of Homeland Security [[John Kelly]] of the Trump Administration strongly criticized the Obama Administration for its failures regarding illegal immigration and national security.<ref>Munro, Neil (April 18, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/18/dhs-kelly-sacred-duty-protect-america/ DHS Kelly Slams Obama’s Policies, Proclaims ‘Sacred Duty’ To Protect America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Mora, Edwin (April 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/04/21/dhs-chief-obama-nothing-truly-secure-border/ DHS Chief: Obama Did ‘Nothing’ to ‘Truly’ Secure Border]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Foreign policy===<br /> [[File:Obama and the media.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Ben Rhodes]] is the Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, and Deputy National Security Advisor to [[Susan Rice]]. Rhodes is also the brother of David Rhodes, President of CBS News.]]<br /> Unlike Presidents [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Franklin Roosevelt]], Barack Obama has shown scant concern about the revival of [[slavery]] which took place on his watch shortly after his "apology tour", intended to diminish U.S. influence in the world.<ref>[http://womensenews.org/story/international-policyunited-nations/150527/un-sex-violence-envoy-focusing-syria-iraq UN Sex Violence Envoy: Focusing on Syria, Iraq]</ref><ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/06/barack-obamas-top-10-apologies-how-the-president-has-humiliated-a-superpower Barack Obama's Top 10 Apologies: How the President Has Humiliated a Superpower], Heritage Foundation</ref> Obama, who was raised a Muslim<ref>[http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2007/01/was_obama_blood.html Was Obama bloodied by madrassa story?]</ref><ref>[http://www.danielpipes.org/11952/obama-muslim-childhood Obama's Muslim Childhood]</ref> and is not a descendent of slaves, criticized Christians and the Crusades as reports of thousands of women and girls being captured, sold, and raped flooded in.<ref>[http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/579393/ISIS-Michelle-Obama-prostitute-justifies-raping-slave-girls-Koran ISIS calls Michelle Obama a PROSTITUTE and justifies raping slave girls with the KORAN]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-speech-at-prayer-breakfast-called-offensive-to-christians/2015/02/05/6a15a240-ad50-11e4-ad71-7b9eba0f87d6_story.html Critics pounce after Obama talks Crusades, slavery at prayer breakfast], Washington Post</ref><br /> <br /> The number of jihadis worldwide has grown by a factor of 4 or 5 at least, since Obama took the reins of power as Commander-in-Chief.<ref>The number of Islamic extremists susceptible to jihadist recruitment during the George W. Bush administration worldwide was estimated at 12,000; the Islamic State alone by 2015 had estimates of a standing army of jihadis as high as 70,000 to 200,000.</ref> Remarkably, the ''[[New York Times]]'' was critical of Obama's incessant boasting about the killing of [[Osama bin Laden|bin Laden]].<ref>Baker, Peter and Shear, Michael D. (April 27, 2012). [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/us/politics/critics-pounce-on-obamas-trumpeting-of-bin-laden-death.html?_r=0 "Obama trumpets killing of Bin Laden, and critics pounce"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See [[The New York Times]].</ref> With the complete disengagement of American troops from [[Iraq]] and the assassination of [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[Islamic State]] arose and recruitment of global [[jihad]]is multiplied exponentially. <br /> <br /> Obama entered his second term mocking and ridiculing the idea that Russia was America's prime geo-strategic competitor; by the closing days of his presidency, Obama was in a panic fanning the flames of a Third Red Scare. Vladimar Putin and Russia had thoroughly embarrassed Barack Obama on the world stage as Obama withdrew America from its traditional role of global leadership and reputiated the idea of [[American exceptionalism]]. Respect for America degenerated in the world as issues such as transexual bathrooms occupied more of Obama's time and attention then the 12 million homeless refugees Obama had driven from their homes in his failed "[[Arab Spring]]" policy. Having been thoroughly rebuked politically with the election of Donald Trump, as a [[lameduck]] Obama attempted to coverup [[DNC]] scandals uncovered by [[Wikileaks]] by scapegoating Vladimar Putin and fostering an atmosphere of paranoia about Russia, the future, and a Trump presidency.<br /> <br /> ====Commander-in-chief====<br /> As Senator, Obama was highly critical of President Bush and promised change. As President, Obama has tripled down in Afghanistan, widened the war into Pakistan, multiplied drone attacks, bombed Yemen and Somalia, and started an undeclared NATO war in Libya. On presidential war powers, surveillance questions, Guantanamo, detention policy and habeas corpus, Obama has similarly stayed the course, or expanded Bush's precedents. In a speech on May 19, 2011 Obama fully embraced the [[Bush Doctrine]] of preventative war.<ref>Krauthammer, C. (April 19). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-news-in-obamas-speech/2011/05/19/AF4dFN7G_story.html The News in Obama's Speech]. ''Washington Post''.</ref><br /> From the Boston Globe:<br /> <blockquote><br /> 'The New America Foundation, which tracks the strikes, has listed 23 raids since the beginning of April, 2011, all but one in Pakistan’s tribal regions of North and South Waziristan. A June 20 attack was reported in Kurram, an area north of North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border.'<br /> </blockquote><br /> <blockquote><br /> 'The drone program has become increasingly controversial as the Obama administration has expanded its use beyond the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Lethal missiles have been launched from unmanned aircraft in at least five countries in addition to Pakistan: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and, most recently, Somalia. The military’s Joint Special Operations Command used a drone last June to attack what officials said were two senior members of the Al Shabab militant group on the Somali coast.' <ref>DeYoung, K. (2011, July 4). [http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/07/04/cia_halts_drone_launches_from_pakistan_base/ CIA Halts Drone Launches From Pakistan Base]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]''.</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> A commentator says:<br /> <blockquote><br /> 'Obama is commendable when he says he wants to avoid war. His policies, however, favor war by destabilizing the Middle East making it extremely hostile and favoring radical Islam over America’s ally, Israel, and American interests in the region... The president has chosen a very dangerous path for every American and one that promises great difficulty for Israel.' <ref>[http://www.thejerusalemconnection.us/blog/2012/03/14/obamas-words-disguise-his-israel-foreign-policy-actions.html Obama's words disguise his Israel foreign policy actions.]</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> By Obama's third year as Commander-in-Chief, over 1200 American troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan - significantly more than the number who died during President [[George W. Bush]]'s term of office. And growing numbers of civilian contractors also have fallen. In the first half of 2010, 250 contractors reportedly died in Iraq and Afghanistan - more than the 235 military personnel who fell during the same period.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/24/114662/what-price-war.html#ixzz1Nz07pg5O</ref><br /> <br /> ====National Defense====<br /> President Obama signed into U.S. law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), only after his administration successfully lobbied to remove language from the bill that would have protected American citizens from being detained indefinitely without trial.<ref>Aaron Dykes. [http://www.infowars.com/president-obamas-ndaa-signing-statement-i-have-the-power-to-detain-americans-but-i-wont/ Obama’s Signing Statement on NDAA: I have the power to detain Americans… but I won’t], Infowars.com, January 1, 2012.</ref> After the legislation cleared Congress, the ACLU commented that if President Obama signed the bill it "will damage both his legacy and American’s reputation for upholding the rule of law," while executive director of the ''Human Rights Watch'' blasted the President for being ‘on the wrong side of history,’ noting that "Obama will go down in history as the president who enshrined indefinite detention without trial in US law."<ref>President Decides to Sign Ill-Conceived National Defense Authorization Act. [http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/12/14/us-refusal-veto-detainee-bill-historic-tragedy-rights US: Refusal to Veto Detainee Bill A Historic Tragedy for Rights], ''[[Human Rights Watch]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.aclu.org/national-security/white-house-backs-away-defense-bill-veto-threat White House Backs Away from Defense Bill Veto Threat], ''[[ACLU]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref> <br /> <br /> Section 1031 of the NDAA bill, which itself defines the entirety of the United States as a “battlefield,” allows American citizens to be snatched from the streets, carted off to a foreign detention camp and held indefinitely without trial. As reported by Infowars.com, the bill states that “any person who has committed a belligerent act” faces indefinite detention, but no trial or evidence has to be presented, the White House merely needs to make the accusation.<ref>Paul Joseph Watson. [http://www.infowars.com/obama-administration-demanded-power-to-indefinitely-detain-u-s-citizens/ Obama Administration Demanded Power To Indefinitely Detain U.S. Citizens], Infowars.com, December 12, 2011.</ref><ref>S.1867 [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c112:2:./temp/~c1122VN0Iv:e548990: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Engrossed in Senate &#91;Passed Senate&#93; - ES)], ''[[Library of Congress]]'' THOMAS, 112th Congress (2011-2011), Accessed January 25, 2012.</ref><ref>Text of S.1867 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s1867/text?version=es&nid=t0:es:281 Sec. 1031. Affirmation of authority of the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.], [[U.S. Congress]], ''OpenCongress.org'', (Accessed January 25, 2012).</ref><br /> <br /> ====Escalates Afghan occupation into a conflict====<br /> {{main article|Afghanistan War}}<br /> American deaths in [[Afghanistan]] more than doubled in Obama's first few years compared with the preceding eight years of George Bush <ref>Chesser, S.G. (2012, July 12). [http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R41084.pdf Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians - CRS Report for Congress]. Pg. 3. ''Congressional Research Service'''.</ref> as he increased troop strength for no discernible purpose and to "win" unstated objectives. Against his own Defense Secretary's advice, Obama [[Libyan uprising 2011|attacked Libya]] and forced regime change without Congressional authorization in violation of the post-Nixon era reform measure, the [[War Powers Act]]. <br /> <br /> After he took personal credit for killing [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[U.S. State Department]] warned of increased risk to the lives and safety of Americans.<ref>''KABC-TV/DT'' (2011, July 27). [http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8273909 Risk of anti-US violence up after Osama bin Laden's death]. On ''ABC7 News''.</ref> Bin Laden's successor, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]] confirmed the [[Benghazi Attack]] which took place on the anniversary of 9/11 and killed more Americans, was motivated by al-Qaeda's desire for revenge.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/libya-attack-jihadists/index.html Pro-al Qaeda group seen behind deadly Benghazi attack], By Nic Robertson, Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, CNN, September 13, 2012.</ref> Bin Laden's death, as Obama's advisers warned, freed up jihadis who swore an oath of allegiance to the 9/11 mastermind to swear allegiance to rival and competing factions. The competing factions advocated the immediate establishment of the Islamic State, rather than after the overthrow of the Saudi monarchy and retaking of Mecca. As was well known, bin Laden always held a controversial and minority position among jihadis on the strategy for global jihad by attacking the United States first. Bin Laden's killing, intended as an election year gimmick, brought Obama no improvement in approval ratings and spawned unprecedented growth in global terror and jihadi recruiting.<br /> <br /> Obama needlessly escalated troop strength<ref name="pbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/themes/strategy.html#ixzz1LhWNImZp|title=Obama's New Strategy (March '09)|author=George Packer, Seth Jones, David Kilcullen, Rory Stewart, Andrew Exum, Col. Andrew Bacevich (Ret.)|work=[[PBS]]|language=English}}</ref> and defense costs in Afghanistan from $43.5 billion in George Bush's last year to $113.7 billion for 2011.<ref>Congressional Research Service, quoted in Gregory Anthony, ''What price war?''</ref> Adviser to General [[Stanley McChrystal]] David Kilcullen wrote, "One of the big strategic shifts is the use of language now which talks about Pakistan and Afghanistan as the same theater. Now we talked about Af-Pak long before the Obama administration came about, but the public use of that term, and the description of it as the Afghanistan-Pakistan campaign, sends a new message to people about how the administration is going to think about Afghanistan and Pakistan."<ref name="pbs"/><br /> <br /> ====2011 Libyan uprising====<br /> [[File:Mass beheading of Christians in Libya.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Libya was an ally of the US against the jihadis until Obama armed the jihadis to overthrew the government. One of their first acts was the mass beheading of Christians.]]<br /> {{main article|Libyan uprising 2011}}<br /> In February 2011, the political unrest that spread through the Arab world showed up as protests in Libya. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, leader of Libya for 41 years, responded to the violence<ref>[http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28376.htm There Was No Libyan Peaceful Protest, Just Murderous Gangs and Nic Robertson]</ref> with legitimate steps.<ref name="nyt libya">{{cite web|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/libya/index.html|work=The New York Times|publisher=The New York Times Inc.|language=English|title=Libya — Protests and Revolt (2011)}}</ref> The [[United Nations Security Council]] voted to impose [[sanctions]], and later passed a resolution to protect civilians. Obama, without approval from Congress and over the objections of his own National Security staff,<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gates-libyan-no-fly-zone-means-attacking-libya/ Gates: Libyan no-fly zone means attacking Libya], CBS News</ref> directed American forces to take out Libya's air defense system.<ref name="nyt libya"/> Secretary of Defence [[Robert Gates]], National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, and [[White House]] counterterrorism chief [[John O. Brennan]] all opposed the action. Obama later said, "if we waited one more day Benghazi, a city nearly the size of Charlotte, could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world."<ref>{{cite web|author=Barack Obama|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134935452/obamas-speech-on-libya-a-responsibility-to-act|title=Obama's Speech On Libya: 'A Responsibility To Act'|date=March 28, 2011|publisher=National Public Radio ([[NPR]])|language=English}}</ref> [[Alan J. Kuperman]], in an editorial for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'', suggested this statement was false, writing, "intervention did not prevent genocide, because no such bloodbath was in the offing. To the contrary, by emboldening rebellion, US interference has prolonged Libya’s civil war and the resultant suffering of innocents."<ref name="kuperman">{{cite web|author=Alan J. Kuperman|work=The Boston Globe|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-14/bostonglobe/29418371_1_rebel-stronghold-civilians-rebel-positions|title=False pretense for war in Libya?|date=April 14, 2011}}</ref> Kuperman, a professor of public affairs at the [[University of Texas]] who authored a book called ''The Limits of Humanitarian Intervention'', further stated that the rebels had tricked the world into thinking a bloodbath was at hand and that Obama had lied to the American people in order to act on this theory.<ref name="kuperman"/><br /> <blockquote><br /> Gaddafi [never] threaten[ed] civilian massacre in Benghazi, as Obama alleged. The “no mercy’’ warning, of March 17, targeted rebels only, as reported by ''The New York Times'', which noted that Libya’s leader promised amnesty for those “who throw their weapons away.’’ Gaddafi even offered the rebels an escape route and open border to Egypt, to avoid a fight “to the bitter end.’’ <ref>[http://politicalcartel.org/2011/04/17/libya-and-the-obama-doctrine/ Libya and the “Obama Doctrine”.]</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> Gaddafi wrote to Obama and told him he bore no ill will. "We have been hurt more morally than physically because of what had happened against us in both deeds and words by you," he wrote. "Despite all this you will always remain our son whatever happened. We still pray that you continue to be president of the USA. We endeavour and hope that you will gain victory in the new election campaign."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/gaddafi-obama-nato-libya?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 Gaddafi begs Obama to halt 'unjust war' ], [[The Guardian ]]</ref><br /> <br /> =====Aid to terrorists=====<br /> A March 29, 2011 article in the ''[[Washington Post]]'' included these paragraphs:<br /> {{Cquote|"It’s almost a certitude that at least part” of the Libyan opposition includes members of al-Qaeda, said Bruce Riedel, a former senior CIA analyst and adviser to President Obama. Riedel said that anti-Gaddafi elements in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi have had “very close associations with al-Qaeda” dating back years....I would hope that we now have a good sense of the opposition in Libya and can say that this is 2 percent, not 20 percent,” Riedel said. “If we don’t, then we are running the risk of helping to bring to power a regime that could be very dangerous.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/libyan-opposition-includes-a-small-number-of-al-qaeda-fighters-us-officials-say/2011/03/29/AFRlXWyB_story.html Libyan opposition includes a small number of al-Qaeda fighters, U.S. officials say], Washington Post</ref>}}<br /> <br /> This set off a fierce debate in the [[Obama administration]] over the wisdom of arming terrorists.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/world/africa/30diplo.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss Washington in Fierce Debate on Arming Libyan Rebels], The New York Times</ref> It is now known sometime prior to March 31, 2011,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/africa/31intel.html?_r=2&hp C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels], The New York Times</ref> at the urging of Hillary Clinton<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19policy.html?_r=3&hp& Obama Takes Hard Line With Libya After Shift by Clinton], The New York Times</ref> and over the objections of his National Security Council, Obama signed a Presidential Finding authorizing support for the rebel jihadis.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-libya-usa-order-idUSTRE72T6H220110330 Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret help for Libya rebels], [[Reuters]]</ref><br /> <br /> By October 2011, [[Libyan rebel fighting group]]s with support from [[NATO]] overtook the capital and toppled the government. Gaddafi was captured and brutally and sadistically murdered.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPzeLLL9V-c Leading from behind - a critique of Obama foreign policy]</ref> The jihadis were immediately recognized by the U.S. and the U.N. as the new legitimate government. Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, announced [[Sharia]] will be the source for all legislation and all laws conflicting with Sharia are null and void.<ref name="Sharia">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8861608/Libya-Al-Qaeda-flag-flown-above-Benghazi-courthouse.html Libya: Al Qaeda flag flown above Benghazi courthouse] - [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref> Abdel Rahim al-Kib, the country's interim prime minister, echoed Jalil's words days later.<ref>[http://www.presstv.ir/detail/207953.html New Libyan PM backs Islamic sharia law]</ref> The al Qaeda flag was flown above the Benghazi courthouse, and reports surfaced that the Libyan jihadis had imposed Sharia law in some parts of the country even earlier.<ref name="Sharia" /> By February 17, 2013, four foreign nationals were arrested for distributing Christian literature, a charge that could carry the death penalty.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/17/libya-arrests-suspected-foreign-missionaries Libya arrests foreign 'missionaries' Four foreign nationals accused of distributing Christian literature] a charge that could carry the death penalty, Chris Stephen [[The Guardian]], Sunday 17 February 2013.</ref><br /> <br /> =====Terrorist attack on American soil=====<br /> :{{main|Benghazi Attack}}<br /> With several U.S. embassies besieged on the anniversary of the [[September 11 attacks]], White House Press Secretary [[Jay Carney]] declared there was no reason to believe the attack on the sovereign territory of the United States consulate in Benghazi, less than two months before the [[2012 Presidential election]] which killed Americans, was a terrorist attack.<br /> {{Cquote|The unrest that we’ve seen around the region has been in reaction to a video that Muslims, many Muslims, find offensive.}}<br /> This became the official White House line. Between laughs with [[Jon Stewart]] on [[Comedy Central]], Obama said the death of Americans was "not optimal".<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/10/18/Obama-Benghazi-murders-not-optimal Interview with Jon Stewart of the ''Daily Show''], Breitbart.com</ref> When pressed by reporters, who pointed out evidence that the violence in Benghazi was a terrorist attack, Press Secretary Carney argued “the unrest around the region has been in response to this video.”<br /> <br /> Leading suspected jihadis in the murders and terrorist attack were the local Benghazi branch of Ansar al-Shariah, known to have ties to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023114113/http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2012/10/19/when-an-obama-adviser-called-benghazi-an-al-qaeda-hotbed/?cxntfid=blogs_political_insider_jim_galloway When an Obama adviser called Benghazi an al-Qaeda hotbed]</ref> A commander of the terrorist group boasted jovially about the attack over drinks with reporters for the ''New York Times'' in Benghazi.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/world/africa/election-year-stakes-overshadow-nuances-of-benghazi-investigation.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world Election-Year Stakes Overshadow Nuances of Libya Investigation], The New York Times</ref><ref>[http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/10/frappe-libya-attack/ Frappe-Sipping Libyan Militant Laughs at U.S. Manhunt for Benghazi Killers], [[Wired (magazine)]]</ref><br /> <br /> =====[[Al Qaeda in the Maghreb]]=====<br /> Two more Americans were killed, along with 35 others, after being taken hostage by rebel jihadists in Mali shortly after the Libyan upheaval.<ref>[http://world.time.com/2013/01/21/algeria-37-foreigner-hostages-killed-in-attack/ Algeria: 37 Foreigner Hostages Killed in Attack], Associated Press, Jan. 21, 2013. ''[[Time Magazine]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the wake of the Benghazi murders under her stewardship, that weapons and fighters equipped by the Obama administration made their way to [[Mali]] and [[Algeria]]:<br /> {{cquote|There is no doubt that the Algerian terrorists had weapons from Libya. There is no doubt that the Malian remnants of AQIM [Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] have weapons from Libya.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-says-militants-used-weapons-libya-algeria-attack-154222664.html Clinton says militants used weapons from Libya in Algeria attack] [[Reuters]], Jan 23, 2013.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ====Syria and Obama's "red line"====<br /> In 2012, during the [[Syrian Civil War]], President Obama stated that if the Syrian dictator, President [[Bashar al-Assad]] used [[chemical weapon]]s against Syrians, that would be unacceptable and cross a red line. However, after it was confirmed that Assad did use weapons against his people, Obama did practically nothing. He went to Congress to authorize a military strike, but this request was rejected (he had the ability to order a military strike without Congress's approval). Later, the Obama Administration (particularly [[Susan Rice]])<ref name="RiceTakesHeat">Chakraborty, Barnini (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/07/susan-rice-obama-colleagues-take-heat-for-past-claims-on-syria-chemical-weapons-purge.html Susan Rice, Obama colleagues take heat for past claims on Syria chemical weapons purge]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> and the mainstream media<ref>Nash, Charlie (April 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/04/07/politifact-pulls-2014-mostly-true-rating-of-john-kerrys-claim-of-eliminating-syrian-chemical-weapons/ PolitiFact Pulls 2014 ‘Mostly True’ Rating of John Kerry’s Claim of Eliminating Syrian Chemical Weapons]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> claimed they had worked with Syria to remove its chemical weapons. In April 2017, Syria again used chemical weapons against its people, proving their claim wrong.<ref name="RiceTakesHeat"/> The new president, [[Donald Trump]], unlike Obama, quickly ordered a large airstrike against a Syrian airbase.<ref>Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/us-missiles-target-syria-airfield-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack.html US missiles target Syria airfield in response to chemical weapons attack]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Mexico====<br /> [[File:Eric Holder.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Eric Holder]] resigned as Attorney General in light of Fast & Furious<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/10/fast_and_furious_in_a_rotten_nutshell.html#ixzz27iRBCN28 Fast and Furious in a Rotten Nutshell], Ronald Kolb, ''[[American Thinker]]'', October 7, 2011,</ref> and other scandals.]]<br /> :''Main article:'' '''[[Operation Fast and Furious]]'''<br /> :{| class="wikitable"<br /> |-<br /> ! Year !! Mexican drug related gun murders skyrocket <br>during Obama's Fast and Furious campaign<ref>http://www.telesurtv.net/english/multimedia/Timeline-Mexicos-Failed-War-on-Drugs-Deaths-and-Disappearances-20150324-0033.html</ref><br /> |-<br /> | 2006 || 62 <br /> |-<br /> | 2007 || 2,837<br /> |-<br /> | 2008 || 6,844<br /> |-<br /> | 2009 || 11,753 <br /> |-<br /> | 2010 || 19,546<br /> |-<br /> | 2011 || 24,068<br /> |-<br /> | 2012 || 18,061 (by October 31, 2012)<br /> |-<br /> | 2013 || 23,640 killed in 2013 (through to March 2014)<br /> |}<br /> Before Obama's Fast and Furious operation was exposed, the number of dead victims in drug cartel violence has been estimated as high as 160,000 deaths.<br /> <br /> The ''Washington Post'' reported that White House officials stopped a requirement for gun dealers to report bulk sales of high-powered semiautomatic rifles commonly used by illegal drug cartels. [[Justice Department]] officials had asked for White House approval to require thousands of gun dealers along the border to report the purchases to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives. ATF investigators expected to get leads on suspected arms traffickers. Senior law enforcement sources said the proposal from the ATF was held up by then White House chief of staff [[Rahm Emanuel]].<ref>Horwitz, S. & Grimaldi, J.V. (2010, December 17). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/17/AR2010121706598.html White House Delayed Rule Meant to Stop Gun Flow to Mexico]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Gun dealers had been required for decades to report the sales of multiple handguns to the ATF.<br /> <br /> ====Cuba====<br /> During his presidency, Obama instituted a major détente with the oppressive Communist dictatorship of [[Cuba]], despite its failed leftist governance and human rights violations.<ref>[http://www.wsj.com/articles/obamas-cuban-detente-1418862551 Obama’s Cuban Detente]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. December 17, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>Spetalnick, Matt; Gardner, Timothy (December 13, 2016). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cuba-whitehouse-idUSKBN1422U6 Obama to press Trump to preserve Cuba detente: White House]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> In August 2015, the U.S. and Cuba reopened each other's embassies.<ref>Frumin, Aliyah (July 1, 2015). [http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/obama-announces-historic-deal-cuba Obama announces historic deal with Cuba]. ''MSNBC''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/08/14/kerry-in-havana-for-reopening-us-embassy-tough-negotiations-ahead.html Kerry marks opening of US Embassy in Havana, critics rip 'diplomacy for show']. ''Fox News''. August 14, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> In September 2016, Obama nominated the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in 55 years.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/27/obama-nominates-first-us-ambassador-to-cuba-in-more-than-45-years.html Obama nominates first US ambassador to Cuba in more than 55 years]. ''Fox News''. September 27, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.</ref> Obama did everything in his power to normalize relations with the failed dictatorship, but the U.S. embargo against Cuba remained in place due to opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress.<ref>Spetalnick, Matt; Marsh, Sarah (October 14, 2016). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa-idUSKBN12E1H3 Obama eases restrictions on Cuba, lifts limits on rum and cigars]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite Obama's support for mass immigration and amnesty for those who immigrated illegally, he ended the "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allowed Cuban refugees to legally stay in the U.S.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/12/obama-reportedly-to-scrap-wet-foot-dry-foot-policy-for-cuban-refugees.html Obama announces end to 'wet foot, dry foot' policy for Cuban refugees]. ''Fox News''. January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Guantanamo Bay====<br /> {{main article|Guantanamo Bay}}<br /> One of Obama's campaign promises was that he would close the American detention center at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - detainees would be flown to other countries while the ones awaiting trial would enter the American court system. Two days after taking office he signed an order directing the military to do so.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/04/25/obama_guantanamo_rhetoric|work=Salon|title=The Obama/Gitmo timeline|author=Natasha Lennard|language=English}}</ref> But, in November 2009 Obama admitted that his self-imposed deadline of January 2010 would be missed, and in March 2011 the president went back on his campaign promise, signing an executive order to create a formal system of indefinite detention for the prisoners.<ref name="salon"/><br /> <br /> Obama ultimately failed to close Guantanamo Bay, although he continually attempted to reduce the number of detained terrorists held at the base, even in the last days of his presidency.<ref>Saxena, V. (January 6, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/obama-to-release-18-hardened-gitmo-terrorists-before-leaving-office/ Obama To Release 18 Hardened Gitmo Terrorists Before Leaving Office]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>Ryan, Missy; Tate, Julie (December 28, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/with-final-detainee-transfer-obamas-guantanamo-policy-takes-its-last-breath/2016/12/28/dfdf8cb2-cd0f-11e6-a747-d03044780a02_story.html?utm_term=.62bebcb1f672 With final detainee transfer, Obama’s Guantanamo policy takes its last breath]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Russia====<br /> Obama criticized president of [[Russia]], [[Vladimir Putin]] for carrying out a referendum for the seizure of [[Crimea]] to Russia.<ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-calls-rethinking-crimea-vote Obama calls for a 'rethinking' on Crimea vote]. [[Cybercast News Service]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====Anti-Israel policies====<br /> Obama has had very poor relations with the conservative [[Israel]]I Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]. During the very tight and closely-watched 2015 elections, the Obama Administration attempted to influence the election—in order to elect a leftist government in the nation and defeat Netanyahu—by financing a liberal Israeli political organization.<ref>Klein, Aaron (July 13, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/07/13/israeli-lawmakers-fume-obama-administration-intervention-defeat-netanyahu/ Israeli Lawmakers Fume Over Obama Administration ‘Intervention’ to Defeat Netanyahu]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Netanyahu decisively won the election, despite opposition from left-wing world leaders such as Obama.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ Netanyahu scores crushing victory in Israeli elections]. ''The Times of Israel''. March 18, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> On December 23, 2016, Obama broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true anti-Israel stance.<ref name="StrikeAgain"/><ref name="FedUpDrastic"/> On December 28, 2016, just a few weeks before the [[Trump Administration]] was to take office and a few days after the anti-[[Israel]] resolution was adopted, Kerry gave a major 72-minute<ref>Hanchett, Ian (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/nbcs-neely-kerry-speech-firing-a-flare-across-israel-he-wanted-to-give-it-for-some-time-but-wh-blocked-it/ NBC’s Neely: Kerry Speech ‘Firing a Flare’ ‘Across Israel’ He Wanted To Give It ‘For Some Time’ But WH Blocked It]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> speech viciously attacking Israel and paying worthless lip-service to American "support" for the nation.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/12/28/kerry-on-israel-peace-un-resolution/ Kerry Attacks Israeli Government, Defends UN Resolution]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] responded harshly but appropriately to the Administration's blatant betrayal.<ref>Key, Pam (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/netanyahu-i-must-express-my-deep-disappointment-with-john-kerry-israelis-do-not-need-to-be-lectured/ Netanyahu: ‘I Must Express My Deep Disappointment’ With Kerry — ‘Israelis Do Not Need To Be Lectured’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite these actions, the U.S. House passed a motion on January 5, 2017 condemning Obama's allowing of the UN resolution.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/05/house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-condemn-un-resolution-on-israel-settlements.html House overwhelmingly votes to condemn UN resolution on Israel settlements]. ''Fox News''. January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Cortellessa, Eric (January 6, 2017). [http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-passes-repudiation-of-un-security-council-resolution-on-israel/ US House passes motion repudiating UN resolution on Israel]. ''The Times of Israel''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Republican President-elect [[Donald Trump]] voiced strong support for Israel during this time.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 23, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/23/trump-hints-defunding-un-anti-israel-vote/ Trump on UN Anti-Israel Vote: ‘Things Will Be Different After Jan. 20’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 29, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/29/trump-im-very-very-strong-on-israel/ Trump: ‘I’m Very, Very Strong on Israel’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Soon before leaving office, Obama bypassed Congress and gave the [[State of Palestine]] $221 million.<ref name="221MLastHours">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/24/us-quietly-sent-221m-to-palestinians-in-obamas-last-hours.html US quietly sent $221M to Palestinians in Obama's last hours]. ''Fox News''. January 24, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Opposition to U.S. sovereignty====<br /> Preferring international cooperation and equality (despite the U.S.'s obviously superior geopolitical position) to American sovereignty and independence, Obama intentionally reduced American power and strength during his presidency. One of his actions as president was to give up the nation's control of [[Domain name|internet domain name system]] and transfer control over to an international organization in 2016.<ref>Solomon, Howard (October 3, 2016). [http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/new-era-in-internet-governance-starts-as-us-cedes-control-of-domain-name-system/386903 New era in Internet governance starts as US cedes control of domain name system]. ''IT World Canada''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref><ref>Lieberman, Eric (September 24, 2016). [http://dailycaller.com/2016/09/24/obama-admin-wants-to-surrender-us-control-over-internet-to-global-bureaucracy/ Obama Admin Wants To Surrender US Control Over Internet To Global Bureaucracy]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Congressional relations===<br /> Obama has maintained tense relations with Congress throughout his term as President. Each of his budgets have been voted down, and many of his judicial appointments have not come to a vote. When Supreme Court Justice [[Antonin Scalia]] died on February 13, 2016, Obama made a point of addressing the nation to say that he would nominate a replacement, which drew criticism and rebuke from Republican Senators and Presidential candidates. Obama executive action in areas such as immigration policy have drawn extensive criticism as infringing upon Congressional legislative powers.<br /> <br /> ===Pardons and commutations===<br /> According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, President Obama issued 1,928 grants of clemency, with 1,716 being commutations, more than any other U.S. president.<ref>Bedard, Paul (September 5, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-broke-the-record-for-commuting-jail-sentences-1716/article/2633400 Obama broke the record for commuting jail sentences, 1,716]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2016 Presidential election===<br /> By custom, President Obama stayed neutral during the primaries, eventhough his close friend and Vice President [[Joe Biden]] was seriously considering a Presidential campaign.<br /> <br /> Once Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination, Obama campaigned for her and also attended fundraisers. Obama publicly criticized the Republican candidate, [[Donald Trump]] who had previously spent years claiming that Obama was not born in the United States.<br /> <br /> On March 4, 2017, after becoming President, Trump tweeted:<br /> <blockquote>How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!<ref>https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump</ref></blockquote><br /> and<br /> <blockquote>Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!</blockquote><br /> <br /> Members of the mainstream media called this wiretapping claim an "astonishing and reckless accusation".<ref name=wiretap>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trump-experiment-may-come-to-an-early-tipping-point/2017/03/05/87d38b3a-0055-11e7-99b4-9e613afeb09f_story.html?utm_term=.edb071c61986|title=The Trump Experiment may come to an early tipping point|first=EJ|last=Dionne Jr.|work=Washington Post|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 5, 2017}}</ref> Obama and his director of national intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. as well as the head of the FBI have denied that this happened.<ref name=wiretap/> In turn, Trump has called for a Congressional investigation of the alleged wiretapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/05/statement-press-secretary|title=Statement from the Press Secretary|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref><br /> <br /> ===Last days and transition===<br /> In a stunning repudiation of Obama's policies, Republican businessman [[Donald Trump]] was elected over Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]]. In a frantic attempt to leave some sort of legacy, Obama issued a very large amount of far-Left executive orders and regulations which revealed his true political views if any doubt remained.<ref name="ActionsSpree">Lucas, Fred (December 26, 2016). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/26/spree-obama-actions-revives-gop-concerns-over-midnight-regs-agenda.html?refresh=true Spree of Obama actions revives GOP concerns over ‘midnight’ regs, agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> These orders included blocking large areas of the [[Arctic Ocean|Arctic]] and [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] oceans from oil and gas drilling, effectively barring the U.S. from real [[Energy Independence|energy independence]]; breaking the record of pardons and commutations in a single day for criminals (many of them were sentenced for drug-related crimes), showing his soft stance on crime and drugs; ending the defunct NSEERS program to register male immigrants from North Korea and [[Islam]]ic countries (the necessary, beneficial, and useful program was suspended by the Obama Administration in 2011<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/22/obama-ditches-registry-focused-on-immigrant-men-from-muslim-countries.html Obama ditches registry focused on immigrant men from Muslim countries]. ''Fox News''. December 22, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2017.</ref>); attempting to transfer even more terrorists out of [[Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp|Guantanamo Bay]]; allowing an anti-[[Israel]] resolution pass in the [[United Nations]]; enacting a record amount of unnecessary, useless, and job-killing regulations; and even more.<ref name="ActionsSpree"/> Obama added 120,000 illegal immigrants to the DACA program in the last three months of his presidency.<ref>Binder, John (May 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/16/obama-stamped-120k-dreamers-trump-takeover/ Obama Stamped 120K DREAMers Before Trump Takeover]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref> Obama made these actions knowing that Trump, who had almost completely opposite political views on these issues, was going to enter the [[White House]] in such short a time.<br /> <br /> Although all of Obama's actions were worrisome, his actions in regards to Israel were particularly noteworthy. He broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true stance concerning Israel.<ref name="StrikeAgain">[https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-fears-obama-will-strike/ Israel fears Obama will strike again]. ''World Israel News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><ref name="FedUpDrastic">Berkowitz, Adam Eliyahu (December 26, 2016). [https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/80855/fed-up-with-obamas-trickery-netanyahu-takes-drastic-actions/#VbVlRMtkx4zLRc3f.97 Fed Up With United States Trickery, Netanyahu Takes Drastic Actions]. ''Breaking Israel News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> Soon before leaving office, Obama bypassed Congress and gave the [[State of Palestine]] $221 million.<ref name="221MLastHours"/><br /> <br /> Obama continued to believe that he could have successfully "won" a third term as president had he been able to run.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/26/obama-could-have-won-third-term.html?refresh=true Obama: I could have won third term]. ''Fox News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> Regardless of the factuality of that claim, Democrats lost 1,042 seats—including U.S. House, Senate, state governorship, and state legislative seats—during his eight years in office.<ref name="1,000Seats">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/27/democrats-lost-over-1000-seats-under-obama.html?refresh=true Democrats lost over 1,000 seats under Obama]. ''Fox News''. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.</ref> Obama also believed that "the Democratic Party has stayed pretty grounded in fact and reality" despite its negative policies that suggest otherwise.<ref>Lawler, David (December 26, 2016). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/26/barack-obama-says-democrats-will-not-disintegrate-like-labour/ Barack Obama says Democrats will not 'disintegrate' like Labour under Jeremy Corbyn]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama made Trump's transition much harder and rockier than it could have been by his leftist executive orders, decisions, and comments during the transition period.<ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/28/donald-trump-responds-to-president-obamas-many-inflammatory-statements/ Donald Trump Responds to President Obama’s ‘Many Inflammatory’ Statements]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Scott, Eugine (December 28, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/politics/trump-obama-statements-not-smooth-transition/ Trump: 'NOT' a smooth transition after Obama 'roadblocks']. ''CNN''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service from [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Ash Carter]], an Obama appointee in the same administration.<ref>Huston, Warner Todd (January 4, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/04/president-obama-awards-himself-distinguished-public-service-medal/ President Obama Awards Himself Distinguished Public Service Medal]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref> Although the award was created in 1947, the only other presidents to have received the medal (all during their tenure) are [[Bill Clinton]], a left-wing Democrat, and [[George W. Bush]], who holds [[RINO]] positions on certain issues.<br /> <br /> In an interview, Obama claimed that "we are probably the first administration in modern history that hasn't had a major scandal in the White House,"<ref>[http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/01/13/president-obama-60-minutes-no-white-house-scandals-during-my-administration Obama: I'm the 1st Modern President Without a Major Scandal]. ''Fox News Insider''. January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 16 2017.</ref> and Obama's Chief of Staff [[Denis McDonough]] claimed likewise,<ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (January 15, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/314396-obama-chief-of-staff-most-proud-we-are-scandal-free Chief of staff: Obama administration 'historically free of scandal']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref> despite the strong and massive evidence to the contrary.<ref>Dickens, Geoffrey (January 16, 2017). [https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/geoffrey-dickens/2017/01/16/ The Seven Most Undercovered Obama Scandals]. ''[[NewsBusters]]''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref><ref>Hemingway, Mark (January 9, 2017). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-obama-era-had-scandals-aplenty/article/2006197 The Obama Era Had Scandals Aplenty]. ''[[Weekly Standard]]''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Massive increase in regulations in 2016====<br /> In addition to his other actions in 2016, Obama massively increased the number of federal regulations during his last days in office.<ref>Harper, Jennifer (May 30, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/30/inside-the-beltway-obamas-unprecedented-surge-of-r/ Inside the Beltway: Obama’s unprecedented ‘surge’ of regulations]. '' The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Lawler, Joseph (May 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/new-rules-surged-in-obamas-last-year-to-3853-most-pages-in-federal-register-ever/article/2624503 New rules surged in Obama's last year to 3,853, most pages in Federal Register ever]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref> More regulations were finalized in every year since 2005, and they cost the economy $2 trillion.<ref>Sherfinski, David (May 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/31/obamas-regulations-in-2016-to-drain-economy-by-2-t/ Obama’s regulations in 2016 to drain economy by $2 trillion]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2012 Presidential campaign==<br /> :''Main article: [[Presidential Election 2012]]''<br /> During his campaigns Obama said that he intended to "[[Redistribution of wealth|spread the wealth around]]" and was portrayed as saying that entrepreneurs and employers deserve no credit for building their businesses.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Zuckerman, Mortimer B. (July 16, 2010). [http://www.usnews.com/opinion/mzuckerman/articles/2010/07/16/obamas-anti-business-policies-are-our-economic-katrina "Obama's anti-business policies are our economic Katrina"]. ''U.S. News and World Report'' website.<br /> *Barnes, Fred (July 22, 2009). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/619dvjlm.asp "An anti-business president"]. ''The Weekly Standard''. Vol. 14, No. 38. Retrieved at the The Weekly Standard website. See [[The Weekly Standard]].<br /> *Shedlock, Mike (August 20, 2010). [http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-businesses-are-not-hiring-why.html "Small businesses are not hiring—Why should they?"] Blogspot website/Mish's global economic trend analysis.<br /> *Wright, C. Edmund (February 12, 2012). [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/dear_mr_president_why_we_are_n.html "Dear Mr. President: Why we are not hiring"]. American Thinker website. See [[American Thinker]].</ref> On March 1, 2013 Obama issued [[Executive Order|executive orders]] to implement his [[Budget sequester|sequester]] of budget cuts which<ref>Bedard, Paul (February 27, 2013). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/dnc-boosts-obama-job-cut-threat-of-750000-to-2-million/article/2522664?custom_click=rss "Sequester hype: DNC adds 1.25 million job cuts to Obama's 750,000"]. ''Washington Examiner'' website. Article located by Weasel Zippers website.</ref> has been widely criticized for destroying jobs in what was an anemic and fragile recovery.<ref>Foys, Bob (February 26, 2013). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-26/news/chi-20130226-foys_briefs_1_sequester-president-obama-press-secretary-jay-carney "President Obama's sequester"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See [[Chicago Tribune]].</ref><br /> <br /> Warren L. Dean Jr., an adjunct professor of law at [[Georgetown University]] Law Center, wrote:<br /> *{{obama income inequality}}<br /> <br /> According to a [[NBC News]] poll, from August 2014, Obama's approval rating was a dismal 40%,<ref>Murray, Mark (August 5, 2014). [http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/poll-americans-dissatisfied-economy "Poll: Obama’s approval rating hits all-time low"]. MSNBC website. See [[MSNBC]]</ref> showing that six in ten Americans disapproved of his [[liberal]] policies. Given that liberals frequently engage in [[Liberal lies|deceit]], the actual approval ratings could be much lower. When Obama left office, the same pollsters who prognosticated a blowout win for Hillary Clinton maintained Obama's approval rating was above 50%.<br /> ===2011: Birth certificate controversies===<br /> : ''Main article: [[Barack Obama Controversies#Birth Certificate]]''<br /> On April 27, 2011,<ref>CNN Political Unit (2011, April 27). "[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate/ White House Releases Obama Birth Certificate]." ''CNN''.</ref> a long-running controversy surrounding Obama's birth was largely put to rest<ref>Winter, J. (2011, April 29). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/29/expert-says-obamas-birth-certificate-legit/ Expert: No Doubt Obama's Birth Certificate is Legit]." ''[[Fox News]]''.<br>Tuchman, G. (2011, April 25). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-25/politics/birthers.obama.hawaii_1_birther-controversy-obama-opinion-research-corporation?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Birther Claims Have No Merit]." ''CNN''.<br>(2011, April 27). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42779923/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-releases-detailed-us-birth-certificate/ Obama Releases Detailed U.S. Birth Certificate]." ''MSNBC''.</ref> when Obama had his long-form birth certificate posted at WhiteHouse.gov.<ref>"[http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/birth-certificate-long-form.pdf Certificate of Live Birth]." State of Hawaii. Retrieved from ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> [[Donald Trump]], who had been critical of Obama for allowing the divisiveness to linger was then leading Republicans in polls for the upcoming GOP primary<ref>James, F. (2011, April 15). "[http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/04/15/135446314/poll-donald-trump-birther-darling-leads-gop-field-at-26 Donald Trump, Birther In Chief? Poll Has Him Leading GOP Field with 26 Percent]." ''NPR''.</ref> and has been credited with bringing final resolution to the issue. The birth certificates of Michelle Robinson, which would disclosure her birth-sex, and the two children which would clarify their birth parentage however, remain undisclosed.<br /> <br /> The following is a synopsis of previous events leading up to the release:<br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton top advisor [[Sidney Blumenthal]], and his son, Max Blumenthal, were the origin of the rumors in 2008 that Barack Hussein Obama was a Muslim in order to stir up fear among white Democrats and women, intended for Hillary's benefit.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-great-islamophobic-crusade/ The Great Islamophobic Crusade], CBSNEWS, December 19, 2010. cbsnews.com</ref> McClatchy Washington Bureau Chief James Asher relayed, "Mr. Blumenthal and I met together in my office and he strongly urged me to investigate the exact place of President Obama’s birth, which he suggested was in Kenya."<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article102354777.html</ref> Snope's has identified a claim that a 1991 promotional booklet by Barack Obama's then-literary agency, Acton & Dystel, touted Obama as "born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii" as being true.<ref>http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/booklet.asp</ref><br /> <br /> [[Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign]] team then began spreading [[Islamophobic]] rumors that Obama was a [[Muslim]] schooled in a ''madrassa'' as a child in Indonesia.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/sep/05/bill-clinton-barack-obama-bromance-long-slow-making Bill Clinton and Barack Obama: an alliance long and slow in the making], Gary Younge, ''Guardian'' UK.</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080506093354/http://www.stop-obama.org/?page_id=23 Who is BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA?] Mission Statement, stop-obama.org</ref> A group registered as People United Means Action (PUMA) was made up of Hillary Clinton supporters who not only opposed Barack Obama's nomination but also sought to delegitimitize his presidency.<ref>https://youtu.be/bifsEkjTAc8</ref> PUMA members charged that the media directed [[sexism]] and [[misogyny]] at Clinton during the 2008 primary campaign and expressed anger at [[Democratic Party]] leaders' failure to speak out or otherwise respond appropriately. <br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton had received a majority of votes in the 2008 Democratic primaries and PUMA felt the [[Superdelegate]]s robbed Hillary of the nomination.<br /> <br /> ===2011: Retribution killings===<br /> Obama transformed the Bush administration War on Terror from a preventative measure against terrorism to a cry for vengeance, mob bloodlust, and retribution killings which spawned a fresh, new, and larger cycle of violence. <br /> <br /> On May 1, 2011, Obama misled the public when he announced <ref>Obama, B. (2011, May 2). "[http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead Osama Bin Laden Dead]." ''White House''.</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1SLhNoUNY Nobel Prize Winner with a kill list].</ref> that Osama bin Laden was "killed in a firefight" after a U.S. special operations group infiltrated a compound in [[Abbottabad raid|Abottobad]], Pakistan.<ref>Baker, P., Cooper, H., & Mazzetti, M. (2011, May 1). "[Bin Laden is Dead, Obama Says]." ''The New York Times''.<br>"[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Osama_Bin_Laden/ Target Bin Laden: The Death of Public Enemy #1]." ''ABC News''.<br>''[[NPR]]''. "[http://www.npr.org/series/135908383/osama-bin-laden-dead Special Series: Osama Bin Laden Killed]."</ref> Attacks, murders, and kidnappings of Americans have since escalated as reprisals for bin Laden's death. [[Al Qaeda]], once broken and on the run, operates openly as the jihad has now become global. Relations with Pakistan, a longtime ally throughout the Cold War and War on Terror, became strained. The government of Pakistan denied White House claims it allowed Americans to kill Muslims on its territory.<ref>''Associated Press'' (2011, May 10). "[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/10/pakistani-president-claims-bin-laden-deal/ Former Pakistani President Claims There Was Never Bin Laden Deal With U.S.]." Retrieved from ''Fox News''.</ref> For all his duplicity and criticism of the War on Terror, Obama experienced only a temporary blip in approval ratings.<ref>Dao, J. & Sussman, D. (2011, May 4). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/us/politics/05poll.html For Obama, Big Rise in Poll Numbers After Bin Laden Raid]." ''New York Times''.<br>''Pew Research Center'' (2011, May 2). "[http://www.people-press.org/2011/05/03/public-relieved-by-bin-ladens-death-obamas-job-approval-rises/ Public 'Relieved' by Bin Laden's Death, Obama's Job Approval Rises]."<br>Jones, J.M. (2011, May 5). "[http://www.gallup.com/poll/147437/obama-approval-rallies-six-points-bin-laden-death.aspx Obama Job Approval Rallies Six Points to 52% After Bin Laden Death]." ''Gallup''.</ref><ref>''[[CBS News]]/Associated Press'' (2012, May 1). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57424622/1-year-after-osama-bin-laden-killed-still-no-answers-from-pakistan/ 1 Year After Osama bin Laden Killed, Still No Answers from Pakistan]."</ref> <br /> <br /> An NBC investigation revealed Obama was informed of bin Laden's whereabouts one full year before he attempted to use it as an election year issue. NBC further reported that there was no "firefight" at all, contradicting what the president told the nation.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3077864/NBC-investigatin-says-bama-DID-edit-role-Pakistan-killing-Bin-Laden-change-facts-credit.html NBC investigation claims Obama knew where bin Laden was ONE YEAR before 2011 raid and backs Seymour Hersh's claim Pakistan intelligence hid al-Qaeda chief], [[Daily Mail ]]</ref> As early as the day after bin Laden was executed, it was learned bin Laden was not armed in the alleged "firefight" that Obama claimed took place.<br /> <br /> ===2012: defends Mohammad===<br /> After the [[Benghazi terrorist attack]] which his administration knowingly and fraudulently blamed on the creator of an irreverent YouTube video critical of the founder of Islam, Obama made a speech at the UN in which he said, {{Cquote|The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.<ref>https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/25/remarks-president-un-general-assembly</ref>}}<br /> Four Americans died in the terrorist action intended to commemorate the [[9/11 attack]]s. The attack occurred on the US Consulate at Benghazi, part of the territory of the United States. Administration officials did nothing to repel the attack in progress while huddling to discuss the domestic political ramifications for the upcoming presidential election, less than two months away. The creator of the video was jailed on bogus charges unrelated to the video. In 2015, a series of terrorist attacks in France, Denmark and the United States claimed the lives of at least 15 people with dozens injured, including security and police officers, motivated by Muslim extremists defending what, in their view were, unflattering depictions of the founder of Islam, [[Mohammad]].<br /> <br /> === 2012: voting irregularities===<br /> According to Stanley Kurtz - author of ''Radical-in-Chief: Barack Obama and the Untold Story of American Socialism'' (2010) Obama in 1995 sought and obtained the endorsement of a left-wing third party, the [[New Party]] in his quest to be elected to the Illinois State Senate.<ref>Kurtz, S. (2012, June 7). [http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/302031/obamas-third-party-history-stanley-kurtz Obama's Third-Party History]. ''[[National Review Online]]''.</ref> Obama's "Fight the Smears" campaign has denied this, as has [[Politico]]'s Ben Smith.<ref name=pollack>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Obama-Caught-Lying-Again-He-WAS-Member-of-New-Party-Says-Kurtz Obama Caught Lying Again: He WAS Member of 'New Party', Says Kurtz]. ''Breitbart.com''<br>Smith, B. (2008, October 25). [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/The_dread_New_Party.html The Dread New Party]. ''[[Politico]]''.</ref> Others who claim he was affiliated with the New Party/ACORN include [[The Blaze]]'s Billy Hallowell,<ref>Hallowell, B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-new-documents-show-obama-was-a-member-of-the-far-left-new-party/ News Docs Reportedly Show Obama Was a Member of the Far-Left 'New Party']. ''The Blaze''.</ref> [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]]'s Joel Pollack, [[Human Events]]' Erick Erickson,<ref>Erickson, E. (2008, June 10). [http://www.humanevents.com/2008/06/10/obama-and-the-new-party/ Obama and the New Party]. ''[[Human Events]]''.</ref> Newsbusters' P.J. Gladnick,<ref>Gladnick, P.J. (2008, October 12). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/10/08/will-msm-report-obama-membership-socialist-new-party#ixzz21JfE3z1z Will MSM Report on Obama Membership in Socialist New Party?] ''[[Newsbusters]]''.</ref> Rick Moran at AmericanThinker.com,<ref>Rick Moran. [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/obamas_alliance_with_marxists.html Obama's Alliance with Marxists], ''American Thinker'', June 03, 2008.</ref> and various writers at [[Discover the Networks]] (which include Kurtz and Erickson).<ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=7434 NEW PARTY (NP)], ''[[Discover the Networks]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> Kurtz in 2012 has claimed to find minutes of the New Party Chicago chapter that say, "''Barack Obama, candidate for State Senate in the 13th Legislative District, gave a statement to the membership and answered questions. He signed the New Party 'Candidate Contract' and requested an endorsement from the New Party. He also joined the New Party.''"<ref name=pollack /> Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod responded to Kurtz with silence and when asked if that meant "yes or no", Axelrod stated, "You can take that as I have no idea what you are talking about."<ref>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Exclusive-Axelrod-Plays-Dumb-on-Obama-and-Socialist-New-Party Exclusive: Axelrod Plays Dumb on Obama and Socialist New Party]. ''[[Breitbart.com]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2012: Attacks on employers and service providers===<br /> {{main|You didn't build that}}<br /> On July 13, 2012, at a campaign event in [[Virginia]], Obama gave a speech that immediately stirred up controversy. Speaking about the government's role in the success of private business, he said:<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-roanoke-virginia Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event in Roanoke, Virginia], White House</ref><br /> {{cquote|If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business - you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.}} The [[Romney]] campaign has used "If you’ve got a business—you didn’t build that" in ads to show America that Obama believes it is government that creates business rather than hard-working individuals. The Obama campaign has alternatively stated that the sentenced was poorly worded since he was not giving a scripted speech and that when Obama said "that" he was referring to roads and bridges. Obama points to a later portion of his speech in which he said, "The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together," to support his claim.<br /> <br /> ===Results===<br /> On November 6, 2012 Barack Obama won reelection with 332 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 206.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/map/ 2012 Presidential Election], Politico</ref> Obama received 51% of the popular vote (65,899,660 votes) to Romney's 47% (60,932,152 votes).<ref>[http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2012/2012presgeresults.pdf Official 2012 Presidential General Election Results], [[Federal Election Commission]]</ref><br /> <br /> ==Post-presidency==<br /> Obama made an ungraceful departure from office claiming on October 18, 2016 Donald Trump's complaints of lies spread about Trump were corrosive to American democracy and an invented conspiracy theory.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/18/politics/obama-trumps-rigged-election-claim-whining-before-the-games-even-over/</ref> Less than two months later after Trump had won, Obama claimed he himself had been derelict in his duty and had fallen asleep at the switch allowing Russian hackers to steal the election for Donald Trump.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/us/politics/russia-hack-election-trump-obama.html</ref><br /> <br /> Despite Obama's opposition to Trump's plan to build a wall along the U.S.-[[Mexico]] border in order to secure it, it was reported in early 2017 that he was building a wall around his new mansion, obviously in order to keep unwanted people out.<ref>[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-building-a-wall-around-his-new-dc-house/article/2611130 Obama building a wall around his new DC house]. ''Washington Examiner''. January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After the end of his presidency, Obama spent much of his time vacationing in exclusive and elite locations around the world.<ref>Bennett, Kate (March 17, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/17/politics/where-in-the-world-is-barack-obama/ Barack Obama is probably lying on a beach in a deserted paradise right now]. ''CNN''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> He spent much time with left-wing celebrities, such as spending [[Good Friday]] 2017 on a $300 million yacht with celebrities such as [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Tom Hanks]], and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref>Hudson, Jerome (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/04/17/barack-michelle-obama-join-oprah-springsteen-hanks-on-david-geffens-yacht/ Good Friday: Obamas Join Winfrey, Springsteen, Hanks on David Geffen’s Yacht]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> In addition, Obama accepted a $400,000 speech backed by Wall Street,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/obama-spokesman-defends-reported-400000-wall-street-backed-speech.html Obama spokesman defends reported $400,000 Wall Street-backed speech]. ''Fox News''. April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> something that stunned even many liberals.<ref>Wallace, Christopher (April 27, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/obamas-400g-wall-street-speech-leaves-liberal-base-stunned.html Obama's $400G Wall Street speech leaves liberal base stunned]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> Despite the criticism over the speech, Obama gave another $400,000 speech shortly afterward.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/28/obama-reportedly-pulls-in-another-400g-for-speech.html Obama reportedly pulls in another $400G for speech]. ''Fox News''. April 28, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2017.</ref> [[Bernie Sanders]] described Obama's speaking fees as "unfortunate."<ref>[http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/28/unfortunate-bernie-sanders-criticizes-obama-for-accepting-400k-for-wall-street-speech/ ‘Unfortunate’: Bernie Sanders criticizes Obama for accepting $400K for Wall Street speech], [[The Blaze]]</ref> In May 2017, Obama traveled to Italy to give a speech on [[global warming|climate change]], but used pollution-heavy transportation to get to his destination.<ref>Zanotti, Emily (May 21, 2017). [https://heatst.com/politics/obama-speaks-on-global-warming-then-spews-co2-with-private-jet-13-car-motorcade/ Obama Speaks on Global Warming, Then Spews CO2 With Private Jet, 13-Car Motorcade]. ''Heat Street''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref> On June 6, 2017, Obama gave a $400,000 speech to the Chamber of Commerce in [[Montreal]] in which one of the topics he spoke about was "warning against income inequality and the concentration of wealth."<ref>Starr, Penny (June 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/07/obama-warns-income-inequality-delivering-7700-minute-speech/ Obama Warns Against Income Inequality While Delivering $7,700-a-Minute Speech]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> After leaving office, Obama bought a house in D.C. for $8.1 million.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/31/obamas-purchase-d-c-house-for-8-1-million-new-report-says.html Obamas purchase D.C. house for $8.1 million, new report says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref><ref>Bennett, Kate (June 2, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/31/politics/obama-house-kalorama/index.html Obamas purchase their DC rental house for millions]. ''CNN''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> In August and September 2017, Obama made a combined $1.2 million from three Wall Street speeches.<ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (September 18, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/351138-obama-making-big-money-speeches-to-wall-street-firms-report Obama making big-money speeches to Wall Street firms: report]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Yilek, Caitlin (September 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-making-400000-speeches-to-wall-street-firms-report/article/2634736 Obama making $400,000 speeches to Wall Street firms: Report]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Kight, Stef W. (September 18, 2017). [https://www.axios.com/trump-wants-a-july-4th-military-parade-2486828811.html Obama to make $1.2 million from 3 Wall Street speeches]. ''Axios''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/19/obama-cashes-in-on-wall-street-appearances-report-says.html Obama cashes in on Wall Street appearances, report says]. ''Fox News''. September 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Several of Obama's failures as U.S. president were revealed shortly after he left office, as it was found that [[Syria]] continued to possess chemical weapons after Obama stated they were gone, that the Obama Administration misrepresented the release of some Iranian prisoners, and that the Obama Administration had unmasked Trump Transition officials (See: [[Barack Obama Controversies]] and [[Obamagate timeline]]).<ref>Shepherd, Todd (April 29, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obamas-first-100-days-as-ex-president/article/2621662 Obama's first 100 days as ex-president]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 1, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After leaving office, Obama started his own foundation, the Obama Foundation, and set to work on building his presidential center and library.<ref>Berger, Judson (May 3, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/clinton-obama-return-to-public-eye-with-new-ventures.html Clinton, Obama return to public eye with new ventures]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> It was reported in May 2017 that the Justice Department under Obama likely discriminated against veterans – in violation of federal law requiring the government to give preference to veterans in job hiring – by attempting to influence them to withdraw their applications.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (May 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/obama-doj-refused-hire-veterans-jobs-investigation/ Obama’s Justice Department refused to hire military veterans for jobs]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 19, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama did not give any mention of [[Independence Day]] on his Facebook or Twitter on that day in 2017 while he was visiting [[Seoul]].<ref>Huston, Warner Todd (July 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/05/july-4th-no-mention-independence-day-barack-obamas-twitter-facebook/ On July 4th: No Mention of Independence Day on Barack Obama’s Twitter or Facebook]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 5, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama's 2018 budget request, which was over $1.1 million, made him the most expensive U.S. president in the country's history.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Rodriguez, Katherine (September 2, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/02/obama-is-the-most-expensive-ex-president-for-american-taxpayers/ Obama Is the Most Expensive Ex-President for American Taxpayers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Dinan, Stephen (August 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/31/obama-will-top-bush-most-costly-ex-president/ Obama will top Bush as most costly ex-president]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Caralle, Katelyn (September 1, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/politics/obama-most-costly-former-president-2018/ Obama Poised to Be Most Costly Former President in 2018]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Bohon, Dave (September 2, 2016). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/26826-obama-most-expensive-ex-president-ever Obama Most Expensive Ex-President Ever]. ''The New American''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Legacy==<br /> In September 2016, a [[Parasite|parasitic]] worm, the [[Baracktrema obamai]], was named after Obama.<ref>Kaplan, Sarah (September 9, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/09/09/scientists-like-barack-obama-so-much-that-they-named-a-parasite-after-him/ Scientists like Barack Obama so much that they named a parasite after him]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved September 9, 2016.</ref> As of December 2016, at least 15 schools in the United States have been named after Obama.<br /> <br /> During Obama's 8 years in office, Democrats lost over 1,000 seats in the federal and state governments.<ref name="1,000Seats"/><br /> <br /> [[Dinesh D'Souza]] wrote, "Obama's legacy is to double the national debt & dramatically reduce US influence in the world."<ref>https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza/status/760447860638789632</ref><br /> <br /> Upon assuming office, President [[Donald Trump]] wiped out much of Obama's last-minute regulatory actions through [[Congressional Review]].<ref>Korte, Gregory (March 27, 2017). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/27/trump-signs-four-bills-roll-back-obama-era-regulations/99690456/ Trump signs four bills to roll back Obama-era regulations]. ''USA Today''. Retrieved March 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Pollak, Joel B. (April 15, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/15/trump-congressional-review-act-legislative-milestone/ Trump’s Use of the Congressional Review Act Is a Legislative Milestone]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 15, 2017.</ref> Trump also adopted a stronger foreign policy.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/ex-obama-officials-say-hesitation-to-use-force-in-syria-elsewhere-emboldened-adversaries.html Ex-Obama officials say hesitation to use force in Syria, elsewhere, emboldened adversaries]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref><ref>Collinson, Stephen (April 14, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/14/politics/donald-trump-military-afghanistan/index.html Trump carves out tough commander-in-chief posture]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Illinois]], a very liberal state, enacted a law making August 4 "Barack Obama Day."<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Huston, Warner Todd (August 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/08/07/illinois-makes-obama-birthday-state-holiday/ Deep Blue Illinois Makes Obama’s Birthday a State Holiday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 8, 2017.<br /> *Carter, Brandon (August 6, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/345523-illinois-makes-barack-obama-day-a-state-holiday Illinois makes 'Barack Obama Day' a state holiday]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.<br /> *Siciliano, John (August 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/barack-obama-day-is-official-holiday-in-illinois/article/2630769 'Barack Obama Day' is official holiday in Illinois]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.<br /> *[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/07/illinois-governor-signs-law-to-honor-barack-obamas-birthday.html Illinois governor signs law to honor Barack Obama's birthday]. ''Fox News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved August 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Many commentators have noticed similarities between Mr. Obama and Breaking Bad's [[Walter White]], including the New York Times <ref>https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/08/fashion/barack-obama-bryan-cranston-table-for-three.html?mcubz=0</ref>, Politico<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2013/12/obama-is-hooked-on-breaking-bad-180326</ref>, and USA Today<ref>https://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2013/12/30/obama-television-shows-breaking-bad-house-of-cards-homeland/4247651/</ref>.<br /> <br /> ==Controversies==<br /> :''Main article: [[Barack Obama Controversies]]''<br /> Several major controversies have dogged Obama throughout his political career and have received major media coverage and prominence.<br /> <br /> ==Obamaisms==<br /> Obama's bizarre gaffes, or [[Obamaisms]], were frequent and embarrassing, but typically unreported by the [[liberal media]]. Some examples are: spelling respect as R-S-P-E-C-T when he was attempting to sing that line from [[Aretha Franklin]]'s famous song, spelling Ohio as O-I-H-O, and saying that we built the Intercontinental Railroad instead of the Transcontinental Railroad, saying "How's it going, Sunshine" when he was in the city of Sunrise, Florida.<ref>Kurtzman, Daniel (March 6, 2014 or aft.) [http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/barackobama/a/obama-isms.htm "Obamaisms: Dumb quotes and gaffes by Barack Obama"]. About.com webiste/About entertainment/Political humor/Funny political jokes/Political gaffes.</ref> Many hardworking American businessmen took offense to a 2012 campaign speech about the economy where, referring to infrastructure improvements, he said "[[You didn't build that]]." Obama offended [[Poland]] by referring to the [[Nazi]] death camps there as "Polish death camps." Later Obama apologized.<ref>Sink, Justin (June 1, 2012). [http://thehill.com/blogs/global-affairs/europe/230419-obama-letter-says-he-regrets-polish-death-camp-gaffe "Obama apologizes in writing for 'Polish death camp' verbal gaffe"]. The Hill website/Policy/International.</ref> Gaffes are inevitable for people with a high profile, but several of Obama's were very revealing ("you didn't build that"), and they show how the [[mainstream media]] tends to emphasize the gaffes of conservatives as opposed to liberals.<br /> <br /> == Quotes ==<br /> *"I continue to believe that [[Donald Trump]] will not be president." (stated when asked by a reporter a month prior to Election Day)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4iZSW_76TE Democrats and Media Agreed: There Was No Way Donald Trump Could Be Elected], Video</ref><br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Obamagate timeline]]<br /> *[[Obamagate timeline 2009-2015]]<br /> *[[Political positions of Barack Obama]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama and uncharitableness]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama and abortion]]<br /> *[[Ukrainian crisis]]<br /> *[[Essay:Born Outside the U.S.A.!]] <br /> *[[Essay: The Special Interests Candidate]]<br /> *[[Lobbyists ties to the Obama administration]] <br /> *[[Obama doublespeak]] <br /> *[[Obama inauguration]] <br /> *[[Religion of Barack Hussein Obama]] <br /> *[[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage]]''<br /> *[[The Honorable James David Manning]] <br /> *[[Essay:The Obama Manifesto]]<br /> *[[Obama syndrome]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama's past dog meat eating and 2012 election campaign]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama's "Last chance at dinner" fundraising letter]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama is the antichrist speculation]]<br /> *[[Essay: Does Barack Hussein Obama care if America defaults on credit?]]<br /> *[[Essay:The lie that we are safer under Obama]]<br /> *[[Essay: Foes Want Obama to Fail, A Republican Perspective]]<br /> *[[Essay:Impeach Obama]]<br /> *[[Benghazigate timeline]]<br /> *[[Obama's second term agenda]]<br /> *[[ObamaRail]]<br /> *[[Obama sequester]]<br /> *[[Obama (disambiguation)]]<br /> *[[Essay: President's speech after the defeat of two tyrants]]<br /> * [[Unconstitutional]] [[Executive amnesty]] via Obama [[Executive Order]]s<br /> * [[Universal health care]] for [[Illegal immigration|illegal aliens]] via [[ObamaCare]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000167 Profile] on the ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress''<br /> *[http://barackobamadoubletalk.com/ Barack Obama Doubletalk]<br /> *[http://hotair.com/archives/2013/07/03/national-journal-obama-facing-crisis-over-incompetence/ National Journal: Obama facing crisis over incompetence]<br /> *[http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6130/ The New Cult of Personality]<br /> *[http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/23/che-obama-and-the-revolutionary-agenda/ Che, Obama, and the Revolutionary Agenda]<br /> *[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/americas-first-muslim-president/ GAFFNEY: America's first Muslim president?] Washington Times<br /> *[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-l-esposito/barack-obama-and-islam_b_212519.html Barack Obama and Islam.] by [[John L. Esposito]].<br /> *[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931 Democrat: Obama's grandma confirms Kenyan birth.]<br /> *[http://www.ontheissues.org/barack_obama.htm Barack Obama on the issues.]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{USPresidents}}<br /> {{2008 presidential candidates}}<br /> {{2012 presidential candidates}}<br /> [[Category:Barack Hussein Obama]]<br /> [[Category:Obama Presidency]]<br /> [[Category:Obama Administration]]<br /> [[Category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]<br /> [[Category:Abortion Advocates]]<br /> [[Category:Socialists]]<br /> [[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]<br /> [[Category:Chicago]]<br /> [[Category:Liberals]]<br /> [[Category:Globalists]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Authors]]<br /> [[Category:Best Selling Authors]]<br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Obama, Barack Hussein}}</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Homework_(music)&diff=1376067 Homework (music) 2017-09-22T22:37:06Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Homework''' is the debut studio album by [[Daft Punk]], which was released on January 20, 1997 by Virgin, with acknowledgement to Soma. The songs on the album were all considered for prior release as singles (Da Funk was released earlier). <ref>http://www.allmusic.com/artist/daft-punk-mn0000667669/biography</ref> The album helped popularize French house music, as well as house music and electronic music in general. It was a critical and commercial success, selling two million copies in two years. Some fans believe this is the band's best album.<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Musical Works]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Kentucky_Fried_Chicken&diff=1376056 Kentucky Fried Chicken 2017-09-22T22:26:28Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Kentucky Fried Chicken''' is a fast food restaurant by [[Yum! Brands]]. In 1930 the first KFC restaurant was founded by [[Harland D. Sanders]] in a gas station in [[Corbin]], [[Kentucky]]. Originally, the restaurant chain sold bone in chicken and sides. However, over time the chain expanded to include items such as chicken wraps, sandwiches, and bowls—a mixture of chicken and traditional sides such as gravy and mashed potatoes. Recently, KFC announced it was moving away from bone in chicken and towards boneless chicken in an effort to appeal to "younger" consumers.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2013/04/kfc-rolls-out-boneless-but-will-keep-drumsticks/</ref> The company has strived to provide healthy food as an inexpensive price. <ref>https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/08/10/fast-food-restaurants-pledged-offer-healthier-options-kids-how-have-they-done/553030001/</ref><br /> == History ==<br /> Sanders founded KFC by selling his own food in a gas station where he worked. Eventually, he was successful enough to quit the gas station and open his own restaurant. Beginning in 1952 he sold his formula to other restaurants. After 12 years, 600 locations sold chicken cooked according to his formula. Mr. Sanders gave up control of his company in 1964 when he sold his shares to an investor group for 2 million dollars. Sanders died in 1980.<ref>http://colonelsanders.com/history_colonelSanders.asp</ref> Colonel Sanders was a [[Christian]].<br /> <br /> == See also ==<br /> *[[Kentucky Fried Chicken Corp. v. Diversified Packaging Corp.]]<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> [[Category:Companies]]<br /> [[Category:Restaurants]]<br /> [[Category:Fast Foods]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Barack_Hussein_Obama&diff=1375979 Barack Hussein Obama 2017-09-22T18:19:06Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>{{Officeholder<br /> |name=Barack Hussein Obama<br /> |image=President Barack Obama.jpg<br /> |party=[[Democratic Party]]<br /> |spouse=[[Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama]]; may have had a prior marriage.<ref>Corsi, Jerome R. (July 19, 2012). [http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/was-barack-obama-married-in-college/ "Was Barack Obama married in college?"]. WorldNetDaily website. See [[WND]]</ref><br /> |religion=Islamic heritage, said to have converted to Protestantism (the liberal [[United Church of Christ]]<br /> |offices={{Officeholder/president<br /> |country=the United States<br /> |number=44th<br /> |terms=January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017<br /> |vp=[[Joe Biden]]<br /> |preceded=[[George W. Bush]]<br /> |former=n<br /> |succeeded=[[Donald Trump]]<br /> }}<br /> {{Officeholder/senator<br /> |state=Illinois<br /> |terms=January 3, 2005 – November 16, 2008<br /> |preceded=Peter Fitzgerald<br /> |former=y<br /> |succeeded=[[Roland Burris]]<br /> }}<br /> }}<br /> <br /> '''Barack Hussein Obama II''' (reportedly born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961) was the 44th President of the [[United States]]. Elected to serve as America first "post-racial" president, race relations largely deteriorated under President Obama's leadership.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/05/politics/obama-race-relations-poll/</ref> During the years of his administration a hard veil of censorship fell on the [[mainstream media]] and any discussion by critics were typically smeared as racist.<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Smear-Shady-Political-Operatives-Control/dp/0062468162</ref> The US Intelligence Community was used to spy on, harass, and intimidate reporters and political opponents.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120925054433/http://wikileaks.org:80/gifiles/docs/1210665_obama-leak-investigations-internal-use-only-pls-do-not.html</ref> Some have compared him to [[Walter White]].<br /> <br /> Obama was educated at [[Harvard Law School]]. In a paper he wrote as a student, he dismissed the American dream as "unfounded optimism" while noting that [[Donald Trump]] is the true idol of the American working class.<ref>Obama wrote: “[Americans have] a continuing normative commitment to the ideals of individual freedom and mobility, values that extend far beyond the issue of race in the American mind. The depth of this commitment may be summarily dismissed as the unfounded optimism of the average American—I may not be Donald Trump now, but just you wait; if I don’t make it, my children will.” ([http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2017/05/everything-wrong-with-obama-in-two-sentences-with-a-twist.php Everything Wrong with Obama in Two Sentences-with a Twist]").</ref><br /> <br /> Obama is [[pro-abortion]]. In fact, he was the most pro-abortion president to date.<ref>[http://www.sba-list.org/suzy-b-blog/obama-most-pro-abortion-president-ever "Obama: The most pro-abortion president ever"] (July 12, 2011). The Susan B. Anthony List website/The Suzy B Blog.</ref> Obama dedicated himself to promoting abortion—rather than reduce them as he promised. Just to name a few of the administrative actions by which he has done this would include expanding abortions through [[Obamacare]], appointing many pro-abortion judges and officials, moving to strip medical professionals of rights of conscience, and forcing taxpayers to support the pro-abortion movement around the globe.<br /> <br /> Despite framing himself as an advocate for the poor, speaking about against supposed income inequality, and supporting socialistic policies, Obama is a [[limousine liberal]], as his actions after his presidency testify.<br /> <br /> ==Biography==<br /> ===Birth===<br /> {{TOC right}}<br /> :''Main article : [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]]''<br /> Obama claims to have been born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961 to Stanley Ann Dunham and [[Barack Obama Sr.]]—who had married just six months prior.<ref name=msnbc>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ "Obama becomes rising star among Democrats: Transcript of 'The Candidates: Barack Obama'"] (February 20, 2008). MSNBC. Retrieved from NBC News website/MSNBC TV documentaries. See [[MSNBC]].</ref> Some contend that this story is a complete fabrication. After many leading conservatives—including the leadership of this site and [[Donald Trump]]—called for Obama to release his birth certificate, he produced a document that he claimed was his birth certificate on April 27, 2011. Sheriff [[Joe Arpaio]] of Maricopa County in Arizona conducted an investigation of Obama's eligibility and questioned whether the alleged "birth certificate" was a fake; however, no charges were filed. [[Obama]] was reportedly assigned a social security number whose first three digits was assigned at that time to applications coming from zip codes in Connecticut.<ref>Beginning in 1972, all [[Social Security]] numbers were issued from a central office in Baltimore, Maryland. [http://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/geocard.html "The SSN numbering scheme"] (March 2001 or bef.) Social Security: Official Social Security website/History/Social Security Numbers.</ref><br /> <br /> As an interesting side note, the Hawaii official (Loretta Fuddy, State Health Department Director) who verified Barack Obama’s birth certificate died in a plane crash.<ref>[http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20131211_Small_aircraft_crashes_off_Kalaupapa.html?id=235500801 "State Health Director killed in plane crash, 8 others survive"] (December 11, 2013). Honolulu Star-Advertiser website/News/Breaking.</ref> Besides Fuddy, Health Department Deputy Director Keith Yamamoto was also on board. The plane's engine had failed right after take off and crashed about a half-mile off Molokai's north shore on Dec 11, 2013 at about 4:00&nbsp;p.m. Interestingly enough, Health Director Loretta Fuddy was the only death of the nine people on board; she died of "cardiac arrhythmia".<br /> <br /> Claims that Obama was born in [[Kenya]] can be traced back to sources close to Obama. In 1991, Obama's literary agent, Acton & Dystel, published a promotional booklet that stated that Obama was born in Kenya.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Pollak, Joel B. (May 17, 2012). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/The-Vetting-Barack-Obama-Literary-Agent-1991-Born-in-Kenya-Raised-Indonesia-Hawaii "The vetting—exclusive—Obama's literary agent in 1991 booklet: 'Born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii'"]. Breitbart website/Big government. See [[Breitbart.com]].<br /> *Newby, John (May 17, 2012). [http://www.examiner.com/article/publisher-s-1991-booklet-says-barack-obama-was-born-kenya "Publisher's 1991 booklet says Barack Obama 'was born in Kenya'"]. Examiner.com website/News/Politics/Republican.</ref> The claim that Obama was born in Kenya remained on the agent's web site until 2007.<ref>Shapiro, Ben (May 17, 2012). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/Obama-pamphlet-in-use-2007 "Obama's lit agency used 'born in Kenya' bio until 2007"]. Breitbart website/Big government. See [[Breitbart.com]].</ref> Internet archives confirm this information.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070403190001/http://www.dystel.com/clientlist.html "Client list"]. Dystel and Goderic Literary Management website. Retrieved from April 3, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> In addition to the information from literary agents, Michelle Obama stated in a speech that Kenya is Obama's "homeland".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLzJz2A2N1c "Michelle Obama: Kenya is Barack Obama's homeland!"] (Michelle Obama speaking at the 2008 LGBT Democratic Convention delegate luncheon hosted by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign: "The world as it should be", August 26, 2008) (April 7, 2010). YouTube video, 0:30, posted by Rubystars0000. See [[Human Rights Campaign]].</ref><br /> <br /> Barack Obama Sr. was not a [[Natural born citizen|citizen of the United States]]. At the time of Obama's birth, Kenya was a British colony, meaning that not only was Obama Sr. a British subject, but he passed that status on to his son. When Kenya gained independence, Obama and his father both ceased to be British subjects and became Kenyan citizens. Barack Obama was a dual citizen of the United States and Kenya until his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired in 1984, as he had failed to renounce US nationality and swear loyalty to Kenya. Even if he had been born with US citizenship through his mother, it has been argued that as he was born with dual nationality, he is not a natural-born citizen of the United States and thus constitutionally ineligible to become President. Despite this, when courts considered such arguments, they found that Obama is a natural-born citizen.<ref>See [http://www.scribd.com/doc/88910250/Purpura-Moran-Initial-Decision-of-ALJ-Masin Initial Decision by Jeff S. Masin] in ''Purpura and Moran v. Obama'' at 7 ("Thus, accepting for the point of this issue that Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii, he is a “natural born Citizen” regardless of the status of his father."), Tisdale v. Obama (E.D.Va 2012) Order at 2 ("It is well settled that those born in the United States are considered natural born citizens." (citing ''United States v. Wong Kim Ark'', 169 U.S. 649)), ''aff'd per curiam'' by 4th Cir., ''Ankeny v. Governor of the State of Indiana'', 916 N.E.2d 678, 685 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) ("With regard to President Barack Obama, the Plaintiffs posit that because his father was a citizen of the United Kingdom, President Obama is constitutionally ineligible to assume the Office of the President....we hold that the Plaintiffs' arguments fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted")</ref><br /> <br /> ===Early life===<br /> Obama's birth parents divorced in 1963 when his mother discovered Barack Obama Sr. was already married to a woman living in Kenya.<ref>Birrell, Ian (August 12, 2011). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2024819/Barack-Obamas-father-Bigamist-drunk-wife-beater.html "Barack Obama's father: Bigamist, drunk and wife-beater, [review of&#93; ''The Other Barack'' by Sally H. Jacobs (Pubic Affairs £20)"]. MailOnline/U.K./Books [U.K.] This is one of the first misleading statements about Barack Obama when he was introduced to America as Keynote Speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Advance publicity billed him as the "son of Kenyan economist" when infact Obama Sr. was forced out of the graduate program at Harvard because of his bigamy. He returned to Kenya. Obama at the age 9 once briefly met his father who served in the corrupt Kenyan socialist regime's Department of [[Economic Planning]]. Obama Sr. killed himself in a drunken car accident.</ref> When Obama was 2 years old his mother married Lolo Soetoro, an [[Indonesian]] geologist. At age 6 his mother and adoptive father took him to Jakarta, Indonesia for 4 years while his mother pursued a Ph.D. in Anthropology requiring fieldwork there.<ref name="db mother">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-03/a-singular-woman-by-janny-scott-review-by-stacy-schiff/#|publisher=The Daily Beast website|date=May 3, 2011|title="Dreams of his mother": Review of ''A Singular Woman'' by Janny Scott|author=Stacy Schiff}} See [[The Daily Beast]].</ref> His mother then abandoned him in Hawaii with his grandparents (Stanley and Madelyn Dunham, who had moved to Hawaii in 1959) <ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See CNN</ref> so she could return to Indonesia after her divorce. Obama's grandfather arranged for his friend, the noted Communist writer [[Frank Marshall Davis]], to serve as a mentor and role model for an impressionable African-American youth.<br /> <br /> Other siblings of Obama's include his half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and 7 other children born to his father by 4 different women.<ref name=raisingobama>Purdum, Todd (March 2008). [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 "Raising Obama"]. ''Vanity Fair''.</ref> For much of his early life, prior to his transfer to [[Columbia University]], he went by his nickname, "Barry." In the summer of 1988, before attending [[Harvard Law School]] (he'd just been accepted), he visited Kogelo, Kenya, to learn more about his father's family. When his mother died in 1995, he and his sister Maya scattered her ashes over Hawaii's south shore.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> Obama attended [[Jeremiah Wright|Reverend Jeremiah Wright]]'s Trinity United Church from 1984-1988 during his time as a [[community organizer]] (''See [[Barack Obama#1984-1988.2C Community Organizer|1985-1988, Community Organizer]] section''). Obama credits Wright with his alleged conversion to Christianity, and had both his daughters, Sasha and Malia, baptized there.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ===Education===<br /> At age 6, Obama attended schools in Indonesia, the first a Catholic School while he was in Kindergarten, and later a public school. The school had mostly Muslim students (since most Indonesians are Muslim). In ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams from My Father]]'', Obama writes, "In the Muslim school, the teacher wrote to my mother that I had made faces during [[Koran]]ic studies."<ref>Obama, Barack (1995). ''Dreams from My Father'' (New York: Times Books), p. 14. Quoted at [http://www.ontheissues.org/Archive/Dreams_From_My_Father_Principles_+_Values.htm "Dreams from my father: On principles & values"]. OnTheIssues website. See [[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|''Dreams from my Father'']]</ref> ''Insight'' magazine first reported [[Hillary Clinton]]'s organization had "questions about Obama’s Muslim background: ''Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a [[Madrassa]] as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage?"''<ref>Schlussel, Debbie (January 19, 2007). [http://www.debbieschlussel.com/2899/hillary-clinton-agrees-with-schlussel-obama-suspicious-deceptive-on-muslim-background/ "Hillary Clinton agrees with Schlussel: Obama suspicious, deceptive on Muslim background"]. Debbie Schlussel website. See [[Debbie Schlussel]].</ref> <br /> <br /> In 1971, at age 10, Barack Obama moved to Hawaii, and his grandparents helped him gain entrance to the prestigious Punahou Academy in Honolulu where he began substance abuse and illegal drugs.<ref>Johnson, Luke (May 25, 2012). [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/obama-pot-smoking-details_n_1545904.html "Obama pot-smoking details revealed in David Maraniss book"]. The Huffington Post website. See [[Huffington Post]].</ref> He was accepted through a scholarship for disadvantaged minorities while he was in 5th grade.<ref name=revealed /> At this elite high school with 1,200 students he was just 1 of 3 black students. Obama failed to make the starting lineup of the school's state champion basketball team his senior year. He wrote a poem for the school's literary magazine, ''Ka Wai Ola''.<ref name=raisingobama /><br /> <br /> In 1979, he began a 2-year stint at Occidental College college in Los Angeles,<ref name=msnbc /> and then transferred to Columbia University in New York, which he graduated from in 1983.<ref name=pragmatic>Scott, Janny (July 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See ''[[New York Times]]''.</ref> During this time he published an anti-military tirade embracing Soviet General Secretary [[Leonid Brezhnev]]'s <ref>Obama supported [[Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] General Secretary Brezhnev's foreign policy over both Presidents [[Jimmy Carter]] and Ronald Reagan's decision to deploy the MX Missile in Europe.<br /> * See Pond, Elizabeth (November 24, 1981). [http://www.csmonitor.com/1981/1124/112439.html "Brezhnev offers Schmidt moratorium on nuclear missiles"]. ''Christian Science Monitor''. See also ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]''.<br /> * See also Obama, Barack (March 10, 1983). [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nytint/docs/obama-s-1983-college-magazine-article/original.pdf "Breaking the war mentality"]. Columbia [University] ''Sundial''. Retrieved from archive at ''The New York Times'' website. See also ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> proposal for a nuclear freeze in the campus newspaper and allegedly spoke at an Anti-Apartheid rally,<ref name=revealed /> although several prominent student leaders said they did not remember him there. Professor Michael L. Baron was impressed by Obama and wrote him a recommendation for Harvard Law School.<ref name=differs>Scott, Janny. (October 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "Obama's account of New York years often differs from what others say"]. ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> From 1983 to 1988, Obama took time off from his education to work as a financial analyst and later a community organizer in Chicago. In the winter of 1988 Barack Obama decided to attend Harvard Law School, and left Chicago for Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his 2nd year a power struggle broke out among the dominant white liberals over control of the ''[[Harvard]] Law Review''. Obama was elected its first black president as a compromise candidate largely with help of conservatives following a "marathon voting session" in which he finally won on the 19th ballot.<ref name=raisingobama /> This led to national attention and numerous job offers, which Obama passed up, at age 30, to pursue his political career in Chicago.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ "Obama becomes rising star among Democrats: Transcript of 'The Candidates: Barack Obama'"] (February 20, 2008). MSNBC. Retrieved from NBC News website/MSNBC TV documentaries. See MSNBC.<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See [[CNN]]</ref><br /> <br /> When Obama was attending Harvard Law School, he dreamed of him or his children becoming like [[Donald Trump]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/obama-once-dreamed-being-trump-manuscript-shows.html Obama once dreamed of being Trump, manuscript shows]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Personal life===<br /> According to ''Rising Star'' by David J. Garrow, in 1986 Obama tried hard to convince Sheila Miyoshii Jager, someone of Dutch and Japanese ancestry, to marry him.<ref name="MarryBefore"/> She refused his request to marry him due to her age. By 1987, Obama had his sights on becoming U.S. President.<ref name="MarryBefore">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/book-barack-obama-asked-woman-to-marry-him-before-meeting-michelle.html Book: Barack Obama asked woman to marry him before meeting Michelle]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Image:Michelle Obama.jpg|frame|right|Michelle (Robinson) Obama, Barack Obama's life partner.]]<br /> Barack Obama met his spouse Michelle Robinson, while he was an intern and she was on staff at Sidley Austin LLP, a very large corporate law firm.<ref name=msnbc /> Despite company policy prohibiting relations between staff and interns, the two became involved. The two continued a long-distance relationship while he finished law school, and on October 18, 1992,<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/obama-anniversary-20-years-married_n_1935840.html "Obama anniversary: Barack & Michelle celebrate 20 years of marriage (photos)"] (October 3, 2012). Huffington Post website. Huffington Post says it was October 3, 1992. See [[Huffington Post]].</ref> were joined in a domestic union officiated by Reverend [[Jeremiah Wright]] at Trinity United Church,<ref>http://hillbuzz.org/time-to-tell-everyone-you-know-about-jeremiah-wrights-down-low-club-barackobama-presobama-26407</ref> a church which has supported gay marriage since the 1970s.<ref name=revealed /> Michelle has not practiced law since 1994 when she failed to renew her law license, allegedly to start a family. Malia, the couple's oldest daughter, was born in 1999, and Natasha (often called Sasha) in 2001.<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===Early employment===<br /> ====1983-1984, financial analyst and writer====<br /> In 1984 Obama worked as a writer and financial analyst for Business International Corporation to help pay off some of his student loans. Business International Corporation was a small newsletter-publishing and research firm which aided multinational companies in understanding overseas markets. Obama served as a writer/researcher for a company reference service, Financing Foreign Operations, and wrote for their newsletter, ''Business International Money Report''. His supervisor was Cathy Lazere.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Scott, Janny (October 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "Obama's account of New York years often differs from what others say"]. ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.<br /> *Henig, Jess (June 21, 2008). [http://www.factcheck.org/2008/06/obama-polishes-his-resume-2/ "Obama polishes his resume"]. FactCheck.org website.<br /> *[http://web.archive.org/web/20091003011550/http://www.analyzethis.net/2005/07/09/barack-obama-embellishes-his-resume/ "Barack Obama embellishes his resume"] (July 9, 2005). Analyze This website. Retrieved from October 3, 2009 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> ====1984-1988, community organizer====<br /> In 1984, Obama was hired by the New York Public Interest Research Group, a non-profit organization promoting environmental, consumer, and government reforms. He also was paid just under $10,000 annually as a full-time organizer for Harlem's City College to mobilize student volunteers.<ref name=differs /> <br /> <br /> From 1985-88, Obama worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago <ref>The Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC)</ref> funded with a $25,000 grant by [[Bill Ayers]]' Woods Fund. ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported he was paid $1,000 a year, with $2,000 extra for a car<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts. See [[CNN]].<br /> *Scott, Janny (September 9, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all "In 2000, a streetwise veteran schooled a bold young Obama]." ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> however stories vary wildly. Jerry Kellman, who hired him, says it was "$10,000 a year and a $2,000 car allowance". Obama himself gave different numbers; his memoir says $10,000 (as well as the car), in his Wesleyan speech he gave it as "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car", and when he announced his candidacy for president, it was "a group of churches had offered me a job as a community organizer for $13,000 a year". <br /> <br /> Ryan Lizza at ''[[The New Republic]]'' reported that "Jean Rudd of the Woods Fund...had provided Kellman with his original $25,000 to hire Obama". Ari Berman reported in ''[[The Nation]]'' that the "[Woods Fund] gave a $25,000 grant to the Developing Communities Project, which hired Obama". CBS Channel 2 in Chicago ran a story with a document showing that Obama's proposed salary in 1987 was $25,000, a number that the Obama campaign confirmed while insisting at the same time his original salary was $13,000.<ref>Beckwith (April 23, 2008 or bef.). [http://theobamafile.com/obamaworks.htm "Community organizing"]. The Obama File website/Politics.</ref> Many of the organizers that Obama worked with in Chicago were experienced in the methods of [[Saul Alinsky]], and taught Obama many of the methods found in his book ''[[Rules for Radicals]]''.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2012/03/14/how%20saul%20alinsky%20taught%20barack%20obama%20everything%20he%20knows%20about%20civic%20upheaval/ How Saul Alinsky Taught Barack Obama Everything He Knows About Civic Upheaval]</ref><br /> <br /> During this time Obama joined Reverend Wright's Trinity United Church because in the words of Suzanne Malveaux of ''[[CNN]]'', "It was the church to join if you wanted to be one of Chicago's black movers and shakers." At the time, community organizing involved close affiliation with churches, which was how Obama met Wright. Obama abandoned the fight against asbestos contamination in the Altgeld Gardens housing project to pursue personal interests and a career by enrollment at Harvard Law School in the winter of 1988.<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ====1988-1996, law practice====<br /> In 1988 Obama gained work as a Summer Associate at one of the most prestigious corporate law firms in the world, Sidley Austin LLP,<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lattman, Peter (May 11, 2007). [http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ "When Barack met Michelle"]. Wall Street Journal website/Business/Law Blog/Lawyers and Law Firms. See ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Transcript of "Barack Obama Revealed"]. CNN website/Transcripts.</ref> whose partners included [[Newton Minow]], thanks to the recommendation of Minow's daughter Martha, a professor at Harvard Law School. It was at the Sidley Austin firm that Obama would meet Michelle Robinson, his future domestic partner.<ref name=raisingobama /> From 1993-96 he practiced civil rights law including suing Citibank to force them into making [[Subprime loan|subprime mortgage]]s to minority borrowers.<ref>Schweizer, Peter (October 5, 2009). [http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/03/community-reinvestment-act-mortgages-housing-opinions-contributors-peter-schweizer.html "A poisonous cocktail: Expanding the Community Reinvestment Act"]. ''Forbes'' website. See [[Forbes]]. In ''Selma S. Buycks-Roberson v. Citibank'', lead attorney Obama alleged that although his clients had been denied mortgages "because of delinquent credit obligations and adverse credit," they were really victims of institutional racism. The suit was brought about by the Community Reinvestment Act, so called affirmative action mortgage lending. The plaintiffs won $60,000, and the court awarded Sidley Austin $950,000 for the work of Obama and two other attorneys.</ref> After graduating from Harvard he was hired by Miner, Barnhill, & Galland, a small politically-connected law firm.<ref>Lattman, Peter (May 11, 2007). [http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ "When Barack met Michelle"]. Wall Street Journal website/Business/Law Blog/Lawyers and Law Firms. See ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref> It was at Miner, Barnhill, & Galland that he would meet influential real estate developer [[Tony Rezko]].<ref name=revealed /><br /> <br /> ====1991-1992, Project Vote====<br /> In 1991 Obama was recruited by Sandy Newman to head the Chicago chapter of Project Vote!,<ref name=revealed /> and in 1992 was the Executive Director, overseeing a voter registration drive which registered 125,000 black voters and was credited with defeating popular incumbent Democrat Senator Alan Dixon in the primary and electing [[Carol Moseley-Braun]] as a reprisal for Dixon's support for Supreme Court Justice [[Clarence Thomas]].<ref name=PurdumandScott>Multiple references:<br /> *Purdum, Todd (March 2008). [http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 "Raising Obama"]. ''Vanity Fair''.<br /> *Scott, Janny (July 30, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all "In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See ''[[New York Times]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ====1995, Nation of Islam====<br /> According to the ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', prior to the information being scrubbed from its website in mid-April 2008 during the Democratic Presidential Primaries, Obama was one of three prominent organizers of black supremacist group the [[Nation of Islam]]'s [[Million Man March]] on Washington, D.C.<ref>Hoft, Jim (April 2, 2008). [http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2008/04/wright-obama-helped-organize-march-with-louis-farrakhan/ "Wright & Obama helped organize march with Louis Farrakhan"]. Gateway Pundit website. See [[Gateway Pundit]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====1992-2004, lecturer at University of Chicago====<br /> Obama taught part-time at the [[University of Chicago]] Law School<ref name=raisingobama /> from 1992-2004. Though Obama erroneously describes himself as a "constitutional law professor",<ref>Whiteman, Timothy (April 5, 2013). [http://www.examiner.com/article/obama-complains-of-being-constrained-by-a-system-founding-father-put-place "Obama complains of being 'constrained by a system' Founding Fathers put in place"]. Examiner.com/News/Politics/Republican.</ref> he was actually only a senior lecturer and the class he taught the most times was called "Current Issues in Racism and the Law".<ref>Holt, Mytheos (September 20, 2012). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/09/20/obamas-favorite-course-to-teach-at-the-university-of-chicago-revealed/ "Obama’s favorite course to teach at the University of Chicago revealed"]. The Blaze/Stories/Media. See [[The Blaze]].</ref> He was a Lecturer from 1992–96, teaching 3 courses per year<cite>, and a senior lecturer from 1996-2004. After Obama was criticized for lying about his job title, the University of Chicago released a statement stating that senior lecturers are considered Law School faculty and regarded as professors but not full-time or tenured. Obama was invited to join the faculty in a full-time, tenured track position several times during this period but declined each time.<ref>[http://www.law.uchicago.edu/media "Media inquiries: Statement regarding Barack Obama"] (March 2008 or bef.). University of Chicago Law School website. See [[University of Chicago]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====1995, author====<br /> In 1995 Obama published ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams From My Father]]'' about his life and family background.<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===Personal awards===<br /> ====2009 Nobel Peace Prize====<br /> On October 9, 2009 Barack H. Obama became the third sitting U.S. President<ref name=wilsons>Wilson, Scott (October 10, 2009). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100900914.html "President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize"]. ''Washington Post'' website. See [[Washington Post]].</ref> to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "''for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples''".<ref>[http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/press.html "The Nobel Prize for 2009: Press release"] (October 9, 2009). Nobel Prize website [Oslo, Norway]/Nobel Prizes/Peace/Laureates/2009. Accessed May 13, 2012.</ref> Obama stated that he was "surprised and deeply humbled" to receive the unexpected award,<ref>CNN (October 9, 2009). [http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.peace.prize/index.html?eref=ib_us "Obama: Nobel Peace Prize is 'Call to Action'"]. CNN website/World/Europe.</ref> and also said, "To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize—men and women who have inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace".<ref name=wilsons /> The award was widely criticized given Obama's then lack of accomplishments.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Chazan, Guy and MacDonald, Alistair (October 11, 2009) [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125509603349176083.html "Nobel Committee's decision courts controversy"]. ''The Wall Street Journal'' website/World.<br /> *Associated Press (October 9, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/09/obamas-peace-prize-draws-criticism-liberals/ "Obama's Peace Prize draws criticism, even from some liberals"]. Fox News website/Politics. See [[Associated Press]].</ref><br /> <br /> ==1996-2003, Illinois State Senate==<br /> ===1996 election===<br /> {{main article|Radical roots of Barack Hussein Obama}}<br /> In 1995 a cadre of like minded individuals gathered for a fundraising event in the early career of Barack Obama hosted by [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]] [[William Ayers|William "Bill" Ayers]]. Besides Obama, those in attendance were Ayers wife [[Bernardine Dohrn]],<ref>Geyer, Georgie Anne and Beech, Keyes (October 1970). "Cuba: School for U.S. Radicals [five part series]". ''Chicago Daily News''/''Chicago Sun-Times''. Excerpted in<br /> [http://vault.fbi.gov/Weather%20Underground%20(Weathermen) ''Foreign Influence: Weather Underground Organization (WUO)''] (August 20, 1976), pp. 113-115. FBI. Retrieved from "Weather Underground (Weathermen)" webpage PDF rendering, part 3 of 6, pp. 5-7 at FBI website/FBI Records: The Vault. Located by The Real Barack Obama blog. See ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''.</ref> and Carl Davidson, veterans of [[guerrilla warfare]] training in [[Cuba]] just prior to the 1968 Democrat National Convention riots. Ayers and Dohrn have taken credit for, and never denied, bombing the [[U.S. Capitol]], the [[Pentagon]] and the [[State Department]]. <br /> <br /> Ayers and Dohrn used their celebrity status among [[leftist]]s to launch Obama's career. Ayers, Dohrn and [[Jeff Jones]]<ref>Klein, Aaron (August 13, 2009). [http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 "Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder"]. WorldNetDaily website. "[[Van Jones]]...served on board of..." "activist group where ex-Weatherman serves as top director"'. See [[WorldNetDaily]].</ref> are authors of ''[[Bill Ayers#Prairie Fire Organizing Committee and Maoist thought|Prairie Fire: The Politics of Revolutionary Anti-imperialism]]'', the title taken from [[Quotations from Chairman Mao|''The Sayings of Mao Zedong'']].<ref>[http://archive.org/details/QuotationsFromChairmanMaoTse-tung/ ''Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung''] (1966), 2nd ed. Retrieved from Internet Archive.</ref> The book declares "we are [[communist]] men and women."<ref>Klehr, Harvey (1988). ''Far Left of Center: The American Radical Left Today'' (New Brunswick: Transaction Books), p. 109.</ref> Ayers later jokingly, publicly admitted to ghostwriting Obama's book, ''[[Dreams From My Father (autobiography)|Dreams From My Father]]''<ref>Cashill, Jack (March 28, 2011). [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/03/ayers_affirms_he_wrote_dreams.html "Ayers affirms he wrote ''Dreams from my Father''"]. American Thinker website/Blog. See [[American Thinker]].</ref> and Obama was to appoint several openly avowed Maoists to prominent White House and Executive Branch positions.<ref>Fund, John (October 21, 2009). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704597704574487431322664964.html "From Mao to Obama"]. ''Wall Street Journal'' website.</ref><br /> <br /> ====A Charter of Negative Liberties====<br /> In a 2001 interview on WBEZ FM Chicago Public Radio, Senator Obama said some critically disparaging things about the [[United States Constitution]]. He said:<br /> <br /> <blockquote>If you look at the victories and failures of the civil rights movement and its litigation strategy in the court, I think where it succeeded was to vest formal rights in previously dispossessed peoples. So that I would now have the right to vote, I would now be able to sit at the lunch counter and order and as long as I could pay for it I’d be okay.<br /><br /><br /> But the Supreme Court never ventured into the issues of redistribution of wealth and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society. And to that extent as radical as people tried to characterize the Warren court, it wasn’t that radical. It didn’t break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution, at least as it’s been interpreted, and the Warren court interpreted it in the same way that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. It says what the states can’t do to you, it says what the federal government can’t do to you, but it doesn’t say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf. And that hasn’t shifted. One of the I think tragedies of the civil rights movement was because the civil rights movement became so court focused, I think that there was a tendency to lose track of the political and community organizing and activities on the ground that are able to put together the actual coalitions of power through which you bring about redistributed change and in some ways we still suffer from that.<ref>[https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2008/11/03/barack-obamas-poor-understanding-of-the-constitution Barack Obama's Poor Understanding of the Constitution]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jr9mLB3yKs Obama Constitution Negative Liberties.flv]</ref><ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2008/10/79225/ Obama rips U.S. Constitution]</ref></blockquote><br /> <br /> ====Backstabbing fellow Democrats====<br /> Barack Obama ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996. He was initially supported by incumbent [[Alice Palmer]], who declared she would run for the U.S. Congress. However, when her bid for Congress failed on November 28, 1995, she tried to run for her old seat in the March 1996 election. Her supporters asked Obama to step aside, although whether this was with her permission remains uncertain.<ref name=pragmatic /> Not only did Obama not step down, he gathered a team of high-priced lawyers, including fellow Harvard Law School graduate Thomas Johnson, to challenge his opponent's petition signatures on technicalities after the filing deadline had passed. Such tactics are legal and frequently used in Chicago; in 2006 they eliminated 67 of the 245 aldermanic candidates;<ref name=bareknuckle>Jackson, David and Long, Ray (April 4, 2007). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-04-04/news/0704030881_1_petitions-voter-rights-candidates "Barack Obama: Showing his bare knuckles"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> yet nevertheless led to the term "hardball" by ''The New York Times''<ref name=pragmatic /> and "cutthroat" by David Mendel as reported by both CNN<ref name=revealed /> and MSNBC.<ref name=msnbc /> The ''Chicago Tribune'' declared Obama had mastered "the bare-knuckle arts of Chicago electoral politics", noting "The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it."<ref name=bareknuckle /> As one of Obama's four opponents, eliminated through his ballot challenges, would put it: {{cquote|"Why say you're for a new tomorrow, then do old-style Chicago politics to remove legitimate candidates? He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?"<br /> —Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (April 3, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130123154440/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story "Obama knows his way around a ballot"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. Retrieved from January 23, 2013 archive at Internet Archive.</ref>}} Mark Ewell, another candidate, filed 1,286 signatures, and Obama's challenges left him 86 short of the minimum requirement (757).<ref name=spivak>Spivak, Todd (February 28, 2008). [http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ "Barack Obama and me"]. ''Houston Press'' website.</ref> Ewell filed a federal lawsuit contesting the election board's decision but Tom Johnson intervened, and Ewell's case was dismissed just a few days later. Ewell and other Obama opponents were using early 1995 polling sheets to verify signatures of registered voters, but city authorities had just purged 15,871 unqualified people from the 13th district list, and Obama's challenges used the more recent, updated list. Askia was left 69 signatures short of the requirement. If names were printed instead of signed in cursive, they were declared invalid. If they were good but the person registering the signatures wasn't a registered voter (e.g. underage) they were invalid.<ref name=hardball>Griffin, Drew & Johnston, Kathleen (May 29, 2008). [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/29/obamas.first.campaign/ "Obama played hardball in first Chicago campaign"]. CNN website. Article text begins: "When the Democratic National Committee meets Saturday on the thorny issue of seating the Florida and Michigan delegations..."</ref> Palmer had according to Obama campaign consult Ronald Davis, used two children to help gather her petition signatures. To this day Palmer denies the challenges were valid, and maintains she could have overcome the objections with more time and resources.<ref name=bareknuckle /> Thanks to his lawyers, Obama would win the election without a single other candidate on the ballot.<br /> <br /> ===2000 election===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[Illinois 1st congressional district election, 2000]]''<br /> In 2000, Obama lost his only political election when he chose to run against experienced incumbent and former [[Black Panther]] Bobby L. Rush for the U.S. Congress in a 65% black district. Rush's name recognition began at 90%, Obama's at 11%. Michelle Obama opposed taking on an such an iconic figure dear to the community and threatened divorce.<ref>Bates, Daniel (May 16, 2012). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2145035/Michelle-Obama-prepared-divorce-papers-separate-Barack-leaving-suicidal.html "New book claims Michelle Obama prepared divorce papers to separate from Barack—leaving him so depressed friends feared he'd kill himself"]. ''Daily Mail'' website. See ''[[Daily Mail]]''.</ref> Establishment Democrats considered Obama "a white man in blackface".<ref>Gilmore, Jim (reporter, producer). (October 9, 2012). [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/choice-2012/transcript-29/ "Transcript of 'Barack Obama' in Kirk, Michael and Wiser, Mike (producers) '''Frontline'': The Choice 2012'"]. PBS website/WGBH/Frontline/film/The Choice 2012.</ref> Rush said of Obama, "He went to Harvard and became an educated fool," adding, "We’re not impressed with these folks with these eastern elite degrees."<ref>Ballasy, Nicholas (March 28, 2012). [http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/28/bobby-rush-in-2000-obamas-a-harvard-educated-fool-who-thinks-he-knows-all-about-the-civil-rights-protests/ "Bobby Rush in 2000: Obama a Harvard ‘educated fool’ who ‘thinks he knows all about’ the ‘civil rights protests’"]. Daily Caller website. See [[Daily Caller]].</ref> Todd Spivak would give voice to this impression of Obama, noting that<br /> {{cquote|"My view of Obama then wasn't all that different from the image he projects now....One thing I can say is, I never heard him launch into the preacher-man voice he now employs during speeches. He sounded vanilla, and activists in his mostly black district often chided him for it."<ref name=spivak />}}<br /> Rush would go on to win the Primary with 61.02% of the vote; Obama received 30.36%.<ref>Scott, Janny (September 9, 2007). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all "In 2000, a streetwise veteran schooled a bold young Obama]." ''The New York Times''. See ''[[The New York Times]]''.</ref> The loss led to Obama considering dropping out of politics altogether, particularly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, since his name sounds similar to "Osama bin Laden".<ref name=msnbc /><br /> <br /> ===State Senate voting record===<br /> Obama entered the Illinois Senate promising change to a corrupt system. He mixed often radical votes with more pragmatic agreements. Possibly one of his most radical votes was against requiring medical care for aborted children who survive [[abortion|the procedure]] - in fact the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council ascribed him a 100% rating for his consistently pro-choice votes.<ref name="cbs illinois">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml|title=Obama record may be gold mine for critics|publisher=CBS News website|last=Clark|first=Amy|date=January 17, 2007}} See [[CBS News]].</ref> He was criticized for using the statehouse as a stepping stone for a more illustrious career: Steven J. Rauschenberger, a [[Republican]], said prior to Obama's election as president: “He is a very bright but very ambitious person who has always had his eyes on the prize, and it wasn’t Springfield. If he deserves to be president, it is not because he was a great legislator.”<ref name="nyt illinois">{{cite web|publisher=''The New York Times'' website|title=In Illinois, Obama proved pragmatic and shrewd|last=Scott|first=Janny|date=July 30, 2007|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html}}.</ref><br /> <br /> The statehouse was majority Republican, so the Senator was sometimes forced to compromise. He formed allegiances across party lines to pass [[campaign finance]] reform that banned most gifts by lobbyists, prohibited spending campaign money for legislators’ personal use and required electronic filing of campaign disclosure reports.<ref name="nyt illinois"/> Obama also helped pass a so-called “driving-while-black bill”, which required the police to collect data on the race of drivers they stopped as a way to monitor [[racial profiling]].<ref name="nyt illinois"/><br /> <br /> Obama established himself as a chief spokesperson in opposition to the [[War on Terror]] during an October 2002 rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago<ref>The rally was organized by Chicagoans Against War in Iraq (CAWI) later renamed Chicagoans Against War and Injustice. See Davidson, Carl (November 2, 2006). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100811115415/http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?page_id=2 "About CAWI"]. Chicagoans Against War and Injustice website. Retrieved from August 11, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> [[community organizing|organized]] by veteran [[Mao]]ist and webmaster of [[Progressives for Obama]],<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/carldavidson Carl Davidson] (2010 or bef.) LinkedIn [Profile page/Experience/Webmaster]. Retrieved March 13, 2010 and February 13, 2016.</ref> [[Carl Davidson]].<br /> <br /> ===2003 Emil Jones deal===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''<br /> When Illinois' U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald announced he would be retiring in April 2003, Obama jumped at the opportunity, declaring that he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref name=msnbc /> To boost his chances Obama approached the newly crowned president of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, whom Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>Associated Press (March 31, 2008). [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obamas-political-godfather-in-illinois/ "Obama's political 'godfather' in Illinois"]. CBS News website. See [[Associated Press]], CBS News.</ref> the conversation went as follows:<br /> {{cquote|"After I was elected president, in 2003, he came to see me, a couple months later. And he said to me, he said, ‘You’re the senate president now, and with that, you have a lot of pow-er.’ And I told Barack, ‘You think I got a lot of pow-er now?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you got a lot of pow-er.’ And I said, ‘What kind of pow-er do I have?’ He said, ‘You have the pow-er to make a United States sen-a-tor!’ I said to Barack, I said, ‘That sounds good!’ I said, ‘I haven’t even thought of that.’ I said, ‘Do you have someone in mind you think I could make?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah. Me.’"<ref name=PurdumandScott/>}}<br /> Because of the deal, Obama's entire Illinois Senate legislative record was, as longtime Obama reporter Todd Spivak put it, built in a single year. During his 7th and final year in the Illinois Senate, Obama sponsored an incredible 26 bills into law, including many he now points to when criticized as inexperienced<ref name=spivak />—as CNN's Suzanne Malveaux observed, "With help from on high, Obama got his name on hundreds of bills that he pushed through."<ref name=revealed /> Jones not only had Obama craft legislation addressing daily tragedies to raise his political profile,<ref name=godfather /> he also appointed Obama head of almost all high-profile legislation in the Illinois Senate, angering other state legislators with more seniority who'd spent years supporting the bills.<ref name=spivak /> Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon, the original sponsor of the famous racial profiling bill requiring videotaped confessions in police interrogations, complained bitterly about Jones' decision.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Malveaux, Suzanne (August 20, 2008). [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html "Transcript of 'Barack Obama Revealed'"]. CNN website/Transcripts.<br /> *Spivak, Todd (March 25, 2004). [http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html "In the black"]. ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Jones' influence had a major impact on Obama's chances in the 2004 elections, preventing major political players from backing Obama's opponents. To quote Emil Jones,{{cquote|"He knew if he had me in the run for the Senate, it would put a block on the current mayor. The current mayor and the father of the controller, which was Dan Hynes, they were roommates in Springfield when the mayor was a state senator, so they had a relationship. Another big financial backer for the governor was Blair Hull. Barack knew if he had me it would checkmate the governor, ’cause the governor couldn’t come out and go with Blair Hull, ’cause the governor needs me. Same with the mayor. So he had analyzed and figured all of that out. He knew I could help him with labor support. And I could put a checkmate on some of the local politicians that didn’t know him, but they couldn’t really go against me."<br /> —Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}<br /> <br /> ==2004-2008, U.S. Senate==<br /> :''See also: [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama#U.S. Senate .282004-2008.29|Barack Obama:U.S. Senate (2004-2008)]], [[United States Senate election in Illinois, 2004]]''<br /> [[Image:obama.jpg|thumb|left|Senator Barack Obama]]<br /> <br /> ===2004 Primary election===<br /> Despite initially trailing in the polls to frontrunner [[Blair Hull]],<ref>Spivak, Todd (March 25, 2004). [http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html "In the black"]. ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Obama greatly benefited from what the ''Chicago Tribune'' called "the most inglorious campaign implosion in Illinois political history"<ref name=mendell>Mendell, David (March 17, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-03-17/news/0403170332_1_blair-hull-gery-chico-blacks-and-liberal-whites "Obama routs Democratic foes"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.</ref> when pressure from journalists and opposing candidates, just weeks before the election, forced the unsealing of Hull's messy divorce files.<ref name=blairhull>Voegeli, William (March 19, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070826095930/http://www.claremont.org/publications/pubid.339/pub_detail.asp "The rise and fall of Blair Hull"]. The Claremont Institute website. Retrieved from August 26, 2007 archive at Internet Archive. See [[Claremont Institute]].</ref> The files revealed Hull's ex-wife's accusations of verbal and physical abuse.<ref name=spivak /> Hull would afterwards criticize the media, stating, "As for the press, I will never read the newspaper the same way again."<ref name=mendell /> Obama would go on to win the Primary with 53% of the vote.<ref name=blairhull /> Obama's unexpected victory led to him being termed a "rising star" by the media.<ref>Howlett, Debbie (March 18, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/2004-03-18-obama-usat_x.htm Dems "See a rising star in Illinois Senate Candidate"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/Nation/Campaign 2004. See ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2004 General election, Jack Ryan===<br /> Once again Obama found himself trailing to popular front runner [[Jack Ryan]], and once again a candidate's campaign imploded thanks to media intervention. In an unprecedented move, the ''Chicago Tribune'' and local TV station WLS sued to force the unsealing of Ryan's divorce files, despite opposition from both Ryan and his wife, Jeri Ryan, who in the files accused Jack Ryan of trying to coerce her to perform sex acts in public. Though Ryan advisors told him he could still win if using a negative attack on Obama, Ryan refused to engage in what he considered dirty politics.<ref name=abandon>Associated Press (June 26, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/state/2004-06-25-ryan_x.htm "Jack Ryan abandons Senate bid"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/State/Campaign 2004. See [[Associated Press]].</ref> Ryan then dropped out of the race (per request by the Illinois GOP<ref name=idealist>Sangwan, Rahul (October 1, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20060924232703/http://www.dartmouthindependent.com/archives/2004/10/jack_ryan_81_th.html "Jack Ryan '81: The conservative idealist"]. ''Dartmouth Independent'' website. Retrieved from September 24, 2006 archive at Internet Archive.</ref>), following which the Illinois GOP scrambled to find a replacement, leaving Obama uncontested for weeks to campaign and build up public support. On top of all this, Obama was selected to give the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention (July 27<ref>Obama, Barack (June 26, 2004). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html "Transcript: Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama [Keynote address at 2004 Democratic National Convention&#93;"]. Transcribed by FDCH E-Media. ''Washington Post'' website. See ''[[Washington Post]]''.</ref>), catapulting him into the national spotlight, and leading to further media publicity terming him a "rising star".<ref>Page, Susan and Despeignes, Peronet (July 28, 2004). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-28-obama-speech_x.htm "Rising star brings Democrats to their feet"]. ''USA Today'' website/News/Politics-Elections/Nation/President/Campaign 2004. See ''[[USA Today]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2004 General election, Alan Keyes===<br /> : ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''<br /> After a number of candidates including former [[Chicago Bears]] coach Mike Ditka declined to run,<ref>CNN (August 9, 2004). [http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/08/senate.illinois.keyes/ "Keyes challenges Obama for Illinois Senate seat"]. CNN website/Politics/America Votes 2004. See [[CNN]].</ref> the Illinois GOP finally settled on fiery [[Alan Keyes]], a former Ambassador to the Economic and Social Counsel of the United Nations,<ref name=spivak /> with less than 3 months left before the November 2004 election.<ref name=msnbc /> His sudden entrance into the state for the election was initially attacked in the press as "carpetbagging".<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *"[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-08-06/news/0408060313_1_mr-keyes-judy-baar-topinka-alan-keyes "The GOP's rent-a-senator"] (August 6, 2004). ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. <br /> *[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50885-2004Aug8.html "Mr. Keyes the carpetbagger"] (August 9, 2004). ''Washington Post'', p. A14. Retrieved from ''Washington Post'' website. See ''[[Washington Post]]''.<br /> *Pearson, Rick (September 5, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party "Keyes, state GOP gearing up blame campaign"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.</ref> Keyes repeatedly claimed his primary motivation for entering a race he had seemingly no chance of winning was his disgust at Obama's votes on the popular [[Born Alive]] bills.<ref>Keyes, Alan (August 18, 2004). [http://www.mail-archive.com/newsandviews@chuckmuth.com/msg00699.html "How YOU can help Alan Keyes for Senate!"] Message from Keyes2004 Inc. to multiple internet mailing lists. Retrieved from archive of newsandviews internet mailing list at The Mail Archive website.</ref> Keyes, from his first day of arriving in Illinois (August 9, 2004),<ref name=assails>Associated Press (August 9, 2004). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5654128/ "Keyes assails Obama's abortion views"]. NBC News website/Politics.</ref> accused Obama of having voted against bills mandating medical care for newborn children, and supporting "infanticide" (the term twice used in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act<ref>United States Congress (October 21, 2003). [http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/108/s3/text/enr "S. 3 (108th): "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003"], sec. 2, subsec. 14, paras. G and O. Govtrack.us website/Congress/Bills/108th Congress/Senate bill 3/Text.</ref>) where hospitals left newborn infants to die like garbage.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.) [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=341 "Alan Keyes on the Tavis Smiley Show"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview by Tavis Smiley. ''Tavis Smiley Show'' (New York City: National Public Radio, August 31, 2004). See [[NPR]].<br /> *Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.) [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=337 "Alan Keyes on CBS2 Chicago This Morning"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview with ''CBS This Morning'' show. ''CBS This Morning'' (Chicago: CBS 2, August 30, 2004).</ref> Obama in a debate on October 13, 2004, defended himself against Keyes' accusations of infanticide by claiming that Illinois law was already sufficient.<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-10-13/news/0410140004_1_alan-keyes-senate-race-first-of-three-debates "Debate or discussion?"] (October 13, 2004). ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.</ref><br /> <br /> However, Keyes' rhetoric, calling Obama's votes "the slaveholder's position"<ref name=assails /> and saying "Jesus Christ would not vote for Obama"<ref>Keyes, Alan (June 2008 or bef.). [http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=348 "Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show (AM1160 - WYLL)"]. Alan Keyes Archives website. Transcript of interview by Scott Thomas. ''Scott Thomas Show'' (Chicago: WYLL, AM 1160, September 7, 2004).</ref> was widely ridiculed by the press. Keyes' unabashed criticism of homosexuality as "selfish hedonism" was also targeted.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Pearson, Rick (September 5, 2004). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party "Keyes, state GOP gearing up blame campaign"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website/News.<br /> *Associated Press (September 2, 2004). [http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5897569/ns/politics/t/keyes-cheneys-gay-daughter-practicing-selfish-hedonism/#.VsR94_krKWg "Keyes: Cheney's gay daughter practicing selfish hedonism"]. NBC News website/Politics.<br /> *Pallasch, Abdon M. (September 2, 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20040903052923/http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-keyes02.html "Keyes' gay slam roils GOP"]. ''Chicago Sun-Times'' website/News/Elections. Retrieved from September 3, 2004 archive at Internet Archive. See ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''. This article misquotes [[Liz Cheney]]; previous bulleted reference in this multiple reference gives full quote verified by CNN transcript.</ref> Obama would ultimately win the election, 70% to 27%.<ref>[http://cnn.hu/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html "America votes 2004: Election Results, U.S. Senate/Illinois"] (November 2, 2004). CNN Hungary website/Elections.</ref><br /> <br /> ===U.S. Senate voting record===<br /> Obama's incomplete term in the U.S. Senate was largely not noteworthy. In voting against raising the [[debt limit]] in 2006 Obama famously said, "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. ... I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit."<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *''Washington Post'' FACT CHECKER, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/annotating-obamas-2006-speech-against-boosting-the-debt-limit/2013/01/14/aa8cf8c4-5e9b-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_blog.html Annotating Obama’s 2006 speech against boosting the debt limit], Washington Post, Glenn Kessler, 01/15/2013.<br /> *Kaplan, Rebecca (April 11, 2011). [http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/obama-once-opposed-debt-ceiling-hike/237129/ "Obama once opposed debt ceiling hike"]. ''The Atlantic'' website/Politics.</ref> In 2008 as candidate for president Obama called George W. Bush's request to raise the debt limit "irresponsible" and "unpatriotic".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kuTG19Cu_Q "Obama says adding $4 trillion to debt is unpatriotic [July 3, 2008&#93;"] (August 23, 2011). YouTube video, 0:38, posted by maywhitley31.</ref><br /> <br /> The ''National Journal'' ranked him the most liberal senator in 2007.<ref name="ranked">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502163_162-3775451-502163.html|title="''National Journal'': Obama most liberal senator in 2007"|author=Montopoli, Brian|date=January 31, 2008|publisher=CBS News website}}. See [[CBS News]].</ref><br /> <br /> Obama frequently used the [[filibuster]] to obstruct the operations of government,<ref>O'Keefe, E. (2010, February 4). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020303801_pf.html Obama criticizes Senate Republicans for delaying confirmation votes]. ''Washington Post''.</ref> and voted against the [[minimum wage]] bill<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Gill, Kathy (May 26, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070905140628/http://uspolitics.about.com/od/legislatio1/a/HR2206.htm "HR 2206 - Emergency appropriations [110th Congress, House of Representives, signed into law May 25, 2007&#93;"], About.com website/News & Issues/U. S. Politics: Current Events/Legislation. Retrieved from September 5, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.<br /> *[http://more.gov.mtopgroup.com/2007/05/votes-hr-2206-iraq-supplemental.html Votes - H.R. 2206: Iraq Supplemental], May 28, 2007. Retrieved from Deeper Inside the Mountain, June 4, 2007.</ref> he introduced because it included a provision to pay active duty U.S. troops. He voted for the $700 billion TARP program to bailout the big banks after receiving more than $120,000 in contributions from [[Fannie Mae]], a government sponsored entity<ref>more than any other political candidate for office since 1989. [http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/09/update-fannie-mae-and-freddie.html Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Invest in Lawmakers], By Lindsay Renick Mayer, September 11, 2008. opensecrets.org</ref> taken into conservatorship for mismanaging its affairs and responsible for all the big banks' problems.<br /> <br /> According to Opensecrets.org, of the 671,269 contributions to Obama during his time in the Senate, [[Goldman Sachs]], JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley were among the top 20 biggest money donors to his campaigns.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cid=N00009638&cycle=2008 Top 20 Contributors, 2007-2008]<br /> *[http://www.votesmart.org/finance.php?can_id=9490 Barack Obama II's Campaign Finances]</ref> All four subsequently received approximately $70 billion in taxpayer assisted [[bailout]] money from the [[TARP]] program he voted for.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/10/14/business/14bailout.graphic2.html ''Beneficiary Banks'', ''The New York Times''. 2008-10-14.]</ref> UBS AG, a foreign bank and the 12th largest donor to Obama,<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Top 20 Contributors, 2007-2008]</ref> was fined $780 billion in February 2009 in a U.S. Federal Court on charges it helped thousands of Americans evade taxes.<ref>[http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20090219/FREE/902199983 ''UBS fined $780 million in tax evasion scandal,''] Investment News, February 19, 2009.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2008 Presidential election==<br /> {{main article|Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign}}<br /> Unlike Democrat contenders Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, Obama's hands were not "stained" with the Iraqi war resolution; a number of Democrats wanted to punish candidates for acting [[bi-partisan]] and called for his candidacy. His only career accomplishment til then had been the delivery of a speech at the 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]].<br /> <br /> Through heavy use of [[early voting]] by the Democrat political machine, Obama was elected president in 2008 in the midst of a severe economic meltdown and a foreign policy crisis. Obama outspent [[John McCain]] by hundreds of millions of dollars in 2008,<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contriball.php?cycle=2008 "Candidate comparison: Top contributors 2008 cycle"] (betw. September–November 2013). OpenSecrets.org website.</ref> and spending more than a billion dollars from special interests to snag reelection in 2012.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/candidate.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 "Barack Obama (D): Candidate summary, 2012 cycle/Source of funds"] (betw. March–June 2013). Opensecrets.org website. 34% Individual contributions, 67% large and corporate.<br /> *[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/index.php "2012 presidential race/Overall spending"] (betw. August–September 2015). OpenSecrets.org website. This special interests count of over $1 billion may have decreased at least for a time since August–September 2015, where a grand total of individual contributions of less than $1 billion is reflected, but the grand total is presumably incomplete (shown, for example, by the uncounted University of California contributions revealed when comparing the subtotal from the time before August–September 2015 to the time afterwards, the subtotal thus ''increasing''), has every chance of remaining close to its precise revised estimated amount at the beginning of that time (of $964 million) and does not include Super PAC contributions, which is ''indirect'' spending.<br /> **([http://web.archive.org/web/20150304050735/http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 Link to version of this reference] on March 4, 2015 [whose pertinent subtotal which follows was the same back to the time indicated in the first bulleted reference] which shows $1,212,245 in contributions from the University of California. This is ''vs.'' $1,350,139 in contributions shown in the version indicated by the Internet Archive to have been published between August–September 2015 and shown in versions at least for a time thereafter [version retrieved on February 7, 2016 shows the same amount].)</ref><br /> <br /> Former [[Democrat]] Presidential candidate [[Joe Lieberman]] endorsed Obama's opponent [[John McCain]] in 2008 and declined to endorse Obama for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 presidential election]].<ref>Lillis, M. (2012, April 22). [http://thehill.com/video/campaign/222929-lieberman-declines-to-endorse-in-presidential-race Sen. Lieberman declines to endorse in presidential race]. ''The Hill''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Primary election===<br /> In 2007-08, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton competed for the Democrat nomination. Hillary Clinton cleverly resurrected the "Born Alive" controversy surrounding Obama that had lain largely dormant since 2004 (notwithstanding the continuing mentions by [[Jill Stanek]]), by accusing Obama of not being pro-choice for voting "Present" on a number of abortion-related bills<ref>Bettelheim, Adriel (2008, February 13). "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/feb/13/obamas-present-tension/ Obama's 'Present' Tension]." ''PolitiFact''.</ref>—including the Born Alive ones,<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Berman, Russell (2008, January 17). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/clinton-obama-should-vote-no-on-abortion-issue/69700/ Clinton: Obama Should Vote 'No' On Abortion Issue She Backed]." ''[[New York Sun]]''.<br /> *Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20obama.html?pagewanted=all It's Not Just 'Ayes' and 'Nays': Obama's Votes in Illinois Echo]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> and cowardly ducking the votes.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *''Politi-Fact''. "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/feb/13/hillary-clinton/yes-but-its-complicated/ Response to Hillary Clinton Comment for January 21st, 2008]." Truth-o-Meter.<br /> *Dorning, Mike (2007, December 20). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/criticism_of_obama_present_vot.html Clinton Camp Criticizes Obama 'Present' Votes]." The Swamp. ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> This led to criticism of Obama by two pro-choice organizations, Emily's List, and the [[National Organization for Women]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Dorning, Mike (2008, January 14). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/obama_campaign_mounts_defense.html The Swamp: Obama Campaign Defends His Abortion-Rights Record]." ''Chicago Tribune''.<br /> *Dorn, Michael (2008, February 6). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_voting_record_on_aborti_1.html Obama's Voting Record on Abortion]." ''Washington Post''.<br /> *Newton-Small, Jay (2008, January 14). "[http://swampland.time.com/2008/01/14/obama_campaign_defends_present/ Obama Campaign Defends 'Present' Abortion Votes]." ''[[Time Magazine]]''.</ref> However, Pam Sutherland, the long-time head of Illinois Planned Parenthood, came to Obama's aid, criticizing Clinton for making the attack, and stating repeatedly that Obama's present votes were part of a broader strategy used by Planned Parenthood to keep Illinois voters from knowing their state senators were voting against the controversial and popular bills.<ref>Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20cnd-obama.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin Obama's Vote in Illinois Was Often Just 'Present']." ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>Follmer, Max (2008, March 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/14/obama-emphasizes-prochoic_n_81460.html Obama Emphasizes Pro-Choice Voting Record as Clinton Questions 'Present' Votes]." ''[[Huffington Post]]''.</ref><br /> {{cquote|"He came to me and said: ‘My members are being attacked. We need to figure out a way to protect members and to protect women. A ‘present’ vote was hard to pigeonhole which is exactly what Obama wanted. What it did was give cover to moderate Democrats who wanted to vote with us but were afraid to do so" because of how their votes would be used against them electorally. A ‘present’ vote would protect them. Your senator voted ‘present.’ Most of the electorate is not going to know what that means."<br /> -Pam Sutherland, President/CEO of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, 1980-2012<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130414215754/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''[[ABC News]]''.</ref>}}As the contest in Iowa drew near and the former First Lady's inevitability was being usurped by a challenger, Hillary Clinton organizers began circulating rumors that Obama was secretly a Muslim.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/barackemail/ Obama Under the Clinton Microscope], By JEFF ZELENY, ''The New York Times'', December 10, 2007</ref><ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/06/clinton-volunteers-anti-obama-e-mail-causes-stir/ Clinton volunteer's sending of anti-Obama e-mail causes stir]. December 6, 2007. CNN</ref><ref>[http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=92143 Hillary Clinton Press Release - Sen. Obama Rewrites History], December 2, 2007, references Obama in the Muslim school in Indonesia in 3rd grade, quoting the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 3/15/07</ref><ref>[http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article1995587.ece Obama ‘was educated in madrassa’], Tim Reid and Tom Baldwin, ''[[The Times of London]]'', January 20, 2007.</ref> Clinton also made the claim repeatedly that while Obama was leading in Delegates she was winning the Popular Vote,<ref>Koffler, Daniel (2008, May 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-koffler/hillary-clinton-and-the-p_b_103913.html Hillary Clinton and the Popular Vote: Not Wrong, but Meaningless]." ''Huffington Post''.<br>Barone, Michael (2008, March 28). "[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/barone/2008/03/28/projection-clinton-wins-popular-vote-obama-wins-delegate-count Projection: Clinton Wins Popular Vote, Obama Wins Delegate Vote]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> though this was in part because Obama hadn't been registered in Michigan.<ref>Romano, Andrew (2008, August 2). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/blogs/stumper/2008/06/02/clinton-s-popular-vote-claim-close-but-not-quite.html Clinton's Popular Vote Claim? Close--But Not Quite*]." ''[[Newsweek]]''.</ref><ref>''[[RealClearPolitics]]''. "[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html 2008 Democratic Popular Vote]."</ref> Obama's advantage with super-delegates over Clinton was about 2-to-1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Superdelegate endorsements for Friday 6/6|work=Democratic Convention Watch|url=http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/06/superdelegate-endorsements-for-friday.html}}</ref> Obama was able to attract the support of [[liberals]] by pointing out that he had come out against the [[Iraq War]] "from the beginning" whereas Clinton had voted in favor of the war in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-31-democrats-debate_N.htm|title=Obama, Clinton stress differences on Iraq, issues|author=David Jackson|work=USA Today|language=English}}</ref> On June 7, 2008, Hillary Clinton withdrew from the Primaries, conceding the race and endorsing her opponent,<ref>''Associated Press''. "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24993082/ns/politics-decision_08/t/clinton-ends-historic-bid-endorses-obama/ Clinton Ends Historic Bid, Endorses Obama]." [[MSNBC]]</ref> when Obama passed the 2,118 Delegates required; winning 2,201 delegates to Clinton's 1,896.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#D Election Center 2008].</ref><br /> <br /> ===Born Alive record resurfaces===<br /> On June 30, 2008, Obama's voting record on the "Born Alive" bills came once more to the forefront when CNN gave voice to the growing controversy and revealed the defense Obama had been using since 2004-2008, that the Illinois bills he'd voted against were different from the federal bill, was false, since he'd brought up for a vote a bill word for word identical to the federal bill in the Health and Human Services Committee he chaired, and voted against it, defeating it.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZCXcTwZPY How He Really Voted on Abortion: Obama's Record Under Attack]." ''The Situation Room''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by [[Jill Stanek]].</ref><ref>''CNN''. "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0806/30/sitroom.02.html Transcripts: June 30, 2008]." The Situation Room.</ref> This led in August to a confrontation between Obama and the [[NRLC]].<ref>''[[National Right to Life Committee]]''. "[http://www.nrlc.org/news/2008/NRL08/ObamaCoverup.html Obama Cover-up Revealed on Born-Alive Abortion Survivor's Bill]." NRL News, Vol. 35, Issue 7-8, pg. 5.</ref> After Obama accused critics of 'lying'<ref>Brody, David (2008, August 16). "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq5M1Ksp_c McCain/Obama Forum]." ''CNN''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by [[Jill Stanek]].<br>David Brody (August 16, 2008). "[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/08/16/obama-gets-heated-on-born-alive-infant-protection-act.aspx Obama Gets Heated on Born Alive Infant Protection Act]." ''[[CBN]] News''. The Brody File.</ref> the NRLC challenged the assertion, and the Obama campaign conceded he "misspoke" and had voted against an identical bill to the "federal bill that everybody supported" but focused on Obama's new claim, that Illinois law was already sufficient to protect newborn children.<ref>Berman, Russell (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/obama-facing-attacks-from-all-sides-over-abortion/84059/ Obama Facing Attacks From All Sides Over Abortion Record]." ''[[New York Sun]]''.</ref> The NRLC promptly declared "Senator Barack Obama's four-year effort to cover up his full role in killing legislation to protect born-alive survivors of abortions continues to unravel."<ref>Johnson, Douglas (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/Obamacoveruponbornalive.htm Obama Cover-up on Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Continues to Unravel After Sen. Obama Says NRLC is 'Lying']." ''[[National Right to Life Committee]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Jeremiah Wright===<br /> [[File:Obamaatcampdavid.jpg|thumb|right|President Obama in Evergreen Chapel]]<br /> {{See also|Barack Obama and Liberation Theology}}<br /> One major dilemma that arose for Obama during his campaign was his connection to his preacher [[Jeremiah Wright]]. Obama and his wife (raised a Baptist) were members of the Trinity [[United Church of Christ]]<ref>[http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1776246/posts Trinity United Church of Christ Website (Barack Hussein Obama's Church)]</ref> in Chicago, a church that embraced [[black liberation theology]] and its emphasis on empowering so-called "oppressed groups" against "establishment forces". This denomination was the first in America to ordain gays as ministers.<ref>[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/31079.html Obama's church pushes controversial doctrines], March 20, 2008</ref> Church pastor Jeremiah Wright had been making inflammatory comments and posting his sermons online for sale. These include the statement "G-d damn America," and in describing the September 11th attacks, "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black [[South Africa]]ns, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 Obama's Pastor: G-d Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11], [[ABC News]]</ref> In addition, Rev. Wright blamed America saying "We supported Zionism shamelessly while ignoring the Palestinians and branding anybody who spoke out against it as being [[anti-Semitic]]."<br /> <br /> In April 2008, after 20 years in the church, candidate Obama made public statements poised to set him at odds with the man who conducted his wedding and baptized his children. With the negative publicity persisting, a month later Obama ended the friendship, left Wright's church, and blamed the media.<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/31/obama-resigns-church-membership-in-chicago/ Obama Drops Church Membership in Chicago], [[Fox News]] May 31, 2008</ref> Obama claimed “It’s not fair to the other members of the church who seek to worship in peace...", and distanced himself from Wright's sermons as "a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in the truth."<ref>USA Today, [http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080430/1a_offlede30_dom.art.htm ''Obama breaks with former pastor, Candidate cites rants on U.S. role in terror, AIDS''], by Kathy Kiely and David Jackson</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081211092533/http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080430.htm ''Obama Says He Is Outraged By Wright's "Rants"'']</ref><br /> <br /> ===Result===<br /> Obama made an effort to portray John McCain as similar to George W. Bush, drawing attention to McCain's refusal to criticize the unpopular president. McCain was particularly criticized for saying of how many years we should be willing to stay in Iraq, "Make it a hundred."<ref>Dobbs, Michael (2008, April 2). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/mccains_100year_war.html FactChecker: McCain's '100-Year War']." ''Washington Post''.</ref>{{cquote|"John McCain went on television and said that there has been great progress economically over the last seven-and-a-half years. John McCain thinks our economy has made great progress under George W. Bush? How could somebody who has been traveling across this country, somebody who came to Erie, Pennsylvania, say we’ve made great progress?"<br /> -Barack Obama<ref>Zeleny, Jeff (2008, April 18). "[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/obama-criticizes-mccain-on-economic-stance/ Obama Criticizes McCain on Economic Stance]." ''The New York Times''.</ref>}} On August 22, Obama selected [[Joe Biden]] as his running mate for the vice presidency,<ref>''CNN'' (2008, August 23). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-08-23/politics/biden.democrat.vp.candidate_1_biden-john-mccain-barack-obama?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Introduces Biden as Running Mate]."</ref> which would be contrasted one week later with John McCain's selection of [[Sarah Palin]].<ref>Cooper, Michael & Bumiller, Elisabeth (2008, August 29). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/29palin.html?pagewanted=all Alaskan is McCain's Choice; First Woman on G.O.P. Ticket]. ''The New York Times''.</ref><br /> <br /> On November 2, 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election with 365 electoral votes to John McCain's 173.<ref>(2008, November 14). "[http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/explorer.html Electoral Explorer]." Election Results 2008. ''The New York Times''.</ref> Obama received 53% of the popular vote to John McCain's 46%.<ref>(2008, November 17). "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ President]." Election Center 2008. ''CNN''.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2009-2017: U.S. Presidency==<br /> {{main article|Obama administration}}<br /> The [[liberal claptrap]] that elected Obama seems silly today. It was claimed, for example, that Obama had millions of followers on Twitter, when allegedly some 70% of them were fake.<ref>Jackson, David (August 24, 2012). [http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/08/obama-has-millions-of-fake-twitter-followers/1#.UDfQVqA2et_ "Obama has millions of fake Twitter followers"]. USA Today website/The Oval blog. See [[USA Today]].</ref> And although the [[lamestream media]] promoted Obama as a great orator, in fact he relied almost entirely on teleprompters for his speeches and press conferences, and at one point even had teleprompters set up for him in a middle school classroom in order to speak to the media.<br /> <br /> [[File:Obama and George H. W. Bush.jpg|thumb|right|300px|President Barack Obama meets with former President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office, Feb. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).]]<br /> Five years into Obama's presidency the number of people holding jobs still was 3 million below the all-time high of 138 million<ref>The effectiveness of [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|Stimulus]] and deficits: [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112811 Job growth under President Obama's first term;] Source: [[United States Department of Labor]].</ref> workers - despite an increase of 10 million people in population over the same period of time.<ref>[https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112809 U.S. Population growth during Obama's first four years in office.] Source: [[U.S. Census Bureau]].</ref> Under Obama and Senate Democrats<ref>The Democrat-controlled Senate did not propose, vote on, or pass a budget for nearly five years. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/23/politics/senate-budget-bill/index.html Senate passes its first budget proposal in four years,] Ted Barrett and Alison Harding, CNN, March 23, 2013.</ref> budget management, the United States suffered its largest [[Federal budget deficit|deficit]]s<ref>Edwards, B. et. al. (2009, November 6). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/107xx/doc10708/11-06-mbr.htm Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2009]. ''[[Congressional Budget Office]]''.<br>Delisle, E.C. et. al. (2010, November 5). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/118xx/doc11873/NovemberMBR.pdf Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2010]. ''[[Congressional Budget Office]]''.</ref> in history and its credit-worthiness downgraded from [[Standard and Poor's]]. Obama assured Americans that unemployment would not rise above 8% if his [[economic stimulus]] program was adopted, however it rose and stagnated in the 8-10% range<ref>Di Leo, L & Lynch, S.N. (2010, August 20). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476104575439172480870774.html Jobless Claims Jump in New Sign Recovery is Sputtering]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><ref>[[United States Bureau of Labor Statistics]]. [http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=latest_numbers&series_id=LNS11300000&years_option=specific_years&include_graphs=true&to_month=1&from_month=2 Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject: Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey]. ''[[United States Department of Labor]]''. Data extracted on: July 19, 2010 (4:31:11 PM).</ref> for the entirety of his first term.<br /> <br /> Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen, writing in the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', noted, "Rather than being a unifier, Mr. Obama has divided America on the basis of race, class and partisanship." The commentators also note Obama's approach to governance has encouraged radical leftists to pursue a similar strategy on his behalf. Mary Frances Berry, former head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, acknowledged that the [[Obama administration]] has taken to polarizing America around the issue of race as a means of diverting attention from other issues, saying, "Having one's opponent [[race card|rebut charges of racism]] is far better than discussing [[Unemployment|joblessness]]."<ref>Berry, M.F. (2010, July 20). [http://www.politico.com/arena/perm/Mary_Frances_Berry_91E3D9D5-C40D-440C-9D48-1C50CBC60C87.html Energy Arena, Driving the Conversation: Contracting Out U.S. Security? And will Branding Tea Party Racist Work?] ''[[Politico]]''.</ref> Caddell and Schoen, who worked for President Carter and Clinton, respectively, further stated, "Mr. Obama has also cynically [[class warfare|divided the country on class lines]]. He has taken to playing the populist card time and time again. He bashes Wall Street and insurance companies whenever convenient to advance his programs, yet he has been eager to accept campaign contributions and negotiate with these very same banks and [[corporation]]s behind closed doors in order to advance his political agenda... President Obama's divisive approach to governance has weakened us as a people and paralyzed our political culture."<ref>Caddell, P.H. & Schoen, D.E. (2010, July 28). [http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703700904575391553798363586.html Our Divisive President]. ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Domestic policy===<br /> His economic [[stimulus]] package in response to the [[Crash of 2008]] took seven years to return [[unemployment]] to historically acceptable levels. Economic growth remained below 2.0% throughout his two terms as poverty and income inequality increased. <br /> ====Economic policy====<br /> [[File:Keynes.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Barack Obama]] advocates the use of discredited [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian economic concepts]]<ref>[http://centurean2.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/fabian-john-maynard-keynes-the-stealthy-enemy-of-human-freedom/ John Maynard Keynes the stealthy enemy of human freedom]</ref><ref>[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-02-22/deathbed-of-keynesian-economics-will-be-in-u-k-matthew-lynn.html Deathbed of Keynesian Economics will be in the UK]</ref><ref>[http://www.iwf.org/inkwell/show/23102.html Will the G8 Repudiate the Philosophy of Living Beyond Our Means?]</ref><ref>[http://www.keynesatharvard.org/book/KeynesatHarvard-ch09.html KEYNES AT HARVARD Economic Deception as a Political Credo BY ZYGMUND DOBBS]</ref>]]<br /> <br /> {{see also|Obamunism|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}}<br /> Critics of the Obama administration have coined the word "[[Obamunism]]" to describe Barack Obama's [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" [[economic planning]] policies.<ref>[[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers. Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/daily-intel/2009/07/20/obamunism-inc|work=The Big Money|publisher=Washington Post.[[Newsweek]] Interactive Co. LLC|language=English|title=Obamunism, Inc.|author=David Sessions|date=July 20, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944|author=Jim Blasingame|title=Is the government creating a bailout bubble?}}</ref> Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]].<ref name="gerard">{{cite web|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching|title=Monetary Policy-Not Obama's Stimulus-Is What Needs Watching|author=Gerard Jackson|date=February 16, 2009|work=Seeking Alpha}}</ref><ref name="bam">{{cite web|work=[[New York Post]]|date=May 17, 2009|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm|title=BAM'S WISE WORDS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/|title=Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures|work=The Foundry|publisher=[[Heritage Foundation]]|author=Conn Carroll|date=March 24, 2009}}</ref> As seen in his own actions, Barack Obama instructed his advisors to find loopholes that would enable the president to act as a [[dictator]] by pushing through legislation and increases in spending without congressional authority.<ref>Naked Emperor News (2011, October 12). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/executive-dictatorship-obama-instructs-advisers-to-push-through-stimulus-projects-without-pesky-congressional-authorization/ Exclusive Dictatorship: Obama Instructs Advisors to Push Through Stimulus Projects Without Pesky 'Congressional Authorization']. ''[[The Blaze]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> Nevertheless, budgets passed under President Obama have included the smallest average annualized growth of federal spending (1.4%) since before President Reagan. Federal spending grew an average of 8.7% per year during Reagan's first term and an average of 8.1% per year during George W. Bush's second term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2012/05/24/who-is-the-smallest-government-spender-since-eisenhower-would-you-believe-its-barack-obama/|title=Who Is The Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower? Would You Believe It's Barack Obama?|publisher=[[Forbes]]|author=Rick Ungar|date=May 24, 2012}}</ref><br /> <br /> [[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>''OpenSecrets.org''. [http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Barack Obama: Top Contributors]. The Center for Responsive Politics.</ref> Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, and many argue that it was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous by encouraging more risk taking through letting banks off with a slap on the wrist. Others argue that bailing out the banks kept credit flowing and prevented a much deeper recession and a total collapse of the financial system. The government will recoup some though not all of its capital infusions over time. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources allocated using purely business considerations.<ref>Faccio, M. et. al. (2005, March 1). [http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905 Political Connections and Corporate Bailouts]. ''Social Science Research Network''.</ref> Proponents of [[free market]] capitalism said Bernanke should not have bailed out failing firms and instead should have allowed free market capitalism to quickly recover as it did in the depression of 1920 without government intervention (free market capitalists assert that government intervention drags out economic recessions and depressions).<ref>Woods, T.E. (2009, April 10). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czcUmnsprQI Why You've Never Heard of the Great Depression of 1920]. ''[[Ludwig von Mises Institute]]''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref> <br /> <br /> The Obama administration has been sharply criticized for [[Obama administration deficit spending|its massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|its reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[money supply]], although inflation under Bernanke has been below the historic mean.<ref name="gerard"/><ref name="bam"/><ref>Carroll, C. (2009, March 24). [http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/ Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures]. ''The Foundry''. [[Heritage Foundation|The Heritage Network]].</ref> Celente predicts that if a "second American Revolution" occurs in a peaceful and productive manner, it may include a [[Third Party System|third party movement]] of governance that will advocate a more [[free market]] [[capitalism]] approach to the American economy and a more strict interpretation of the [[United States Constitution|United States constitution]] as far as the authors' [[original intent]].<br /> <br /> During what the [[White House]] billed as [[Recovery Summer]], one half million workers per week continued losing their jobs. His signature legislative achievement, [[ObamaCare]],has been found to be [[unconstitutional]]<ref>Schoenberg, T. & Fisk, M.T. (2010, December 13). [http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-13/u-s-health-care-law-requirement-thrown-out-by-judge.html Obama's Health-Care Law Ruled Unconstitutional Over Insurance Requirement]. ''Bloomberg''.</ref> by several judges and constitutional by others, and is credited as a major cause of uncertainty, high [[unemployment]],<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33220 Obamacare: Unemployment You Can Believe In], [[Human Events]]</ref> lagging job creation,<ref>Foster, J.D. (2010, August 5). [http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/05/it%E2%80%99s-official-medicare%E2%80%99s-finances-shadowed-by-uncertainty/ It’s Official: Medicare’s Finances Shadowed by Uncertainty]. ''The Foundry''. [[Heritage Foundation|The Heritage Network]].</ref> and risk of a credit default crisis.<ref>Samuelson, R.J. (2010, March 29). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/28/AR2010032802353.html With health bill, Obama has sown the seeds of a budget crisis]. ''Washington Post''.</ref><ref>Cramer, J. (2010, March 19). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2010/03/19/mad-money-cramer-health-care-passage-will-topple-stock-market 'Mad Money' Cramer: Health Care Passage 'Will Topple the Stock Market']. ''[[Newsbusters]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> His 2012 Budget plan has been roundly criticized in the mainstream and liberal press as not a serious effort to deal with the nation's economic crisis.<ref>[http://www.republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/blog?ID=1551d6f5-2ac9-4b8d-97ab-74def354024e Newspapers Call Out White House: ‘What Would That Path Be, Mr. President?’]</ref><br /> <br /> [[Jeffrey Tucker]] wrote, "President Obama's economic policy has been catastrophic for liberty, enterprise, and the American dream—the very archetype of what not to do to end recession." <ref>[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118186176/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=anncoulter-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118186176 Debacle: Obama's War on Jobs and Growth and What We Can Do Now to Regain Our Future]</ref><br /> <br /> =====Stimulus=====<br /> {{See also|Recovery Summer}}<br /> In early 2009, Obama lobbied Congress and the public to pass a sweeping Stimulus package<ref>(2009, January 3). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Obama Urges Congress to Pass Stimulus Plan]." ''Associated Press''.<br>Parsons, C. & Nicholas, P. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Barack Obama Sternly Urges Congress to Pass Economic Stimulus]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> known as ''The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009'' (H.R. 1).<ref>"[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1: Bill Text Versions: H.R. 1]." 111th Congress (2009-2010). ''[[Library of Congress]]''.<br>"[http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center]." ''[[IRS]]''.</ref> The report of the Congressional Budget Office mandated by law stated that the legislation would ultimately harm the economy.<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, February 4). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/04/cbo-obama-stimulus-harmful-over-long-haul/ CBO: Obama Stimulus Harmful Over Long Haul]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> Contrary to his promise of bipartisanship,<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, March 28). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/28/mccain-obama-breaks-campaign-promises-shuns-bipart/?page=all McCain: Obama Breaks Promise of Bipartisanship]." ''[[Washington Times]]''.</ref> the bill passed the House 244-188 on January 28, 2009 with 11 Democrats voting with the entire Republican caucus against,<ref>Calmes, J. (2009, January 28). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> and received just 3 Republican votes when passing the Senate 61-37.<ref>Herszenhorn, D.M. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/washington/11web-stim.html Senate Approves Stimulus Plan]." ''The New York Times''.</ref> One third of the massive $838 billion bill consisted of [[Backdoor spending authority#Backdoor tax expenditures|backdoor tax expenditures]]<ref>(2009, February 11). "Senate Passes $838 Billion Stimulus Bill." ''Associated Press''.</ref> and the rest direct [[new spending]] on "just about every pent-up Democratic proposal of the last 40 years."<ref>(2009, January 28). "[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310466514522309.html A 40-Year Wish List]." ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref> In responding to criticism of the broken bipartisanship promise at the time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously quipped, "We won the election. We wrote the bill."<ref>Kane, P. (2009, January 23). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203961.html Stimulus Plan Meets More GOP Resistance]." ''Washington Post''.</ref> On February 18, 2009, the Stimulus was signed into law by Obama.<ref>(2009, February 17). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29231790/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-stimulus-lets-americans-claim-destiny/ Obama: Stimulus Lets Americans Claim Destiny]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> In August 2009, Republicans and Democratic Senator David Obey drew attention to mistakes on the Recovery.gov site claiming millions of Stimulus jobs created that didn't exist. Obama responded by saying the errors just indicate his accounting is an "inexact science".<ref>(2009, November 18). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/18/obama-calls-stimulus-data-errors-issue-says-focus-job-growth/ Obama Calls Stimulus Data Errors 'Side Issue,' Says Focus Is on Job Growth]." ''[[Fox News]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> =====[[Sequestration]]=====<br /> According to [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning journalist [[Bob Woodward]] of the ''[[Washington Post]]'', Obama misled the American people in a Presidential debate only two weeks before the 2012 election when he said, "The sequester is not something that I’ve proposed,”<ref>[http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-22/opinions/37238840_1_jack-lew-treasury-secretary-rob-nabors Obama’s sequester deal-changer,] By Bob Woodward, ''Washington Post'', February 22, 2013.</ref> when in fact his chief budget negotiator and current Chief of Staff, [[Jack Lew]], made a call to Democrat [[Harry Reid]] at 2:30 pm on July 27, 2011 with the proposal after clearing it with Obama,<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2012/10/22/fact-check-woodward-wrote-that-obama-administration-proposed-sequester/ Fact-check: Woodward wrote that Obama administration proposed sequester]. [[The Daily Caller]]</ref> as fully documented in Woodward's book, ''The Price of Politics''. Federal Reserve Chairman [[Ben Bernanke]] warned of immediate jobloss of about 750,000 jobs - about the same level as under George W. Bush<ref>[http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109262 Monthly Jobloss under George W. Bush, Jan 2007 - Jan 2009]. See also [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109266 Initial Unemployment Claims] over the same period, annualized. Source: [[U.S. Department of Labor]], Bureau of Labor Statistics.</ref> - if Obama's budget and economic plans were allowed to take effect.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/26/news/economy/bernanke-burden-recovery/ Bernanke: Spending cuts add 'significant' burden to recovery,] By Annalyn Kurtz, CNN February 26, 2013.</ref><br /> <br /> Woodward, who's reporting on [[Watergate]] is credited with toppling the administration of [[Richard Nixon]], told Wolf Blitzer of CNN he was told by a senior White House official he'd regret talking about the President Obama's positions on the sequester.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/bob-woodward-obama-sequester-white-house-reporting-price-politics-2013-2 Bob Woodward: White House Threatened Me On Sequester,] businessinsider.com</ref><br /> <br /> =====Spreading poverty=====<br /> Following the 2011 debt ceiling standoff between Obama and House Republicans,<ref name=Swann-Aug>{{cite web|url=http://www.standardandpoors.com/servlet/BlobServer?blobheadername3=MDT-Type&blobcol=urldata&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobheadervalue2=inline%3B+filename%3DUS_Downgraded_AA%2B.pdf&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobheadername1=content-type&blobwhere=1243942957443&blobheadervalue3=UTF-8 |title=United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered to 'AA+' on Political Risks and Rising Debt Burden; Outlook Negative |publisher=[[Standard and Poor's]] |date=August 5, 2011 |accessdate=April 3, 2013}}</ref> the United States Government's credit rating was, for the first time in its history, downgraded from AAA to AA+, and [[poverty]]<ref>[http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/incpovhlth/2009/pov09fig04.pdf Figure 4: Number in Poverty and Poverty Rate: 1959-2009]. ''[[U.S. Census Bureau]]''. Current Population Survey, 1960 to 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplements.</ref> increased markedly. By and large his programs, said to combat the recession, unemployment, slow growth, and deficits, have failed<ref>"The vast majority (73%) of respondents reported the fiscal stimulus enacted in February 2009 has had no impact on employment to date. While 68% also believe a jobs bill, such as the one recently enacted into law, will have no impact on payrolls, 30% do believe it will boost payrolls moderately".<br>[http://www.nabe.com/press/ind1004.pdf Industry Survey], ''National Association for Business Economics'', April 2010, p. 2.</ref> leaving the country saddled with an $18 trillion [[national debt]] and climbing.<ref>During Obama's first two years in office, the rate of new U.S. federal debt added per year to its total tripled the rate of new debt accumulated by Bush to place the U.S. on a war footing, and during Obama's first six years in office, the total National Debt has nearly doubled ($7.5 trillion added). See [[National Debt]].</ref> One of his most well known tactics is blaming someone else, such as George W. Bush, for all his failures instead of taking responsibility. Also on the domestic front, Obama passed an expensive [[health care]] bill in 2010 with no national consensus or [[bipartisan]] support and 34 Democrats dissenting. Recently, the [[Congressional Budget Office]] wrote an open letter to [[John Boehner]], the Speaker of the House, outlining the effects of repealing [[Obamacare]] and explaining why net loss of over 100 billion dollars would occur from the repeal.<ref>[http://cbo.gov/publication/43471 Letter to the Honorable John Boehner providing an estimate for H.R. 6079, the Repeal of Obamacare Act], Congressional Budget Office</ref><br /> <br /> ====Job killer healthcare mandates====<br /> {{main article|Obamacare}}<br /> On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the unpopular Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The act originated in the Democrat-controlled House and was amended and passed the Senate just prior to Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]]'s death largely along party lines with a significant number of Democrats voting to oppose. In what was construed as a de facto rejection of the bill, [[Massachusetts]] voters elected a [[Republican]] candidate, [[Scott Brown]], who promised to vote against the bill if given the chance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html|work=Washington Post|author=Chris Cillizza|date=January 19, 2010|title=Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race|language=English}}</ref> After Obama made a promise to issue an [[executive order]] that would ultimately prohibit the use of taxpayer subsidies to pay for [[abortion]] services,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/22/nation/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22/3|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=English|title=House passes historic healthcare overhaul|date=March 22, 2010|author=Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook}}</ref> the Democratic [[House of Representatives]] would pass the bill as it left the Senate 219-212, with 34 Democrats and all other parties dissenting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-21/politics/health.care.main_1_health-care-entire-house-democratic-caucus-pre-existing-conditions?_s=PM:POLITICS|date=March 21, 2010|author=Alan Silverleib|work=CNN|language=English|title=House passes health care bill on 219-212 vote}}</ref><br /> <br /> Amongst other things, the act mandated that everyone purchase health care coverage or face punitive tax measures, and was upheld by the [[Supreme Court]].<br /> <br /> ====The revolving door====<br /> Obama criticized the "revolving door" of government and business.<ref>"We need to close the revolving door that lets lobbyists come into government freely, and lets them use their time in public service as a way to promote their own interests over the interests of the American people when they leave." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-welcoming-senior-staff-and-cabinet-secretaries-white-house REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN WELCOMING SENIOR STAFF AND CABINET SECRETARIES TO THE WHITE HOUSE,] January 21, 2009. [[White House]]</ref> After appointing [[Peter Orszag]] his first Budget Director to dole out the stimulus cash, Orszag resigned to become Citigroup's Vice Chairman of Global Banking. Citigroup was the recipient of $476 billion in [[bailout]] money - more than any other bank - after the disastrous [[Financial crisis of 2008]].<ref>[http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/03/citibank_received_more_bailout.html Citigroup Received More Bailout Money Than Any Other Bank,] By Nitasha Tiku, 3/16/11.</ref> Before the bailout, Orszag's expert opinion of the chances of a mortgage meltdown were 1 in 500,000.<ref>[http://www.pierrelemieux.org/stiglitzrisk.pdf Implications of the New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Risk-based Capital Standard,] by Joseph E. Stiglitz, Jonathan M. Orszag and Peter R. Orszag. Fannie Mae Papers, Volume 1, Issue 2, March 2002, Conclusion p.6.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Environment and energy====<br /> {{main article|Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster}}<br /> President Obama authorized offshore oil drilling in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0430/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-imperils-Obama-s-offshore-drilling-plan Gulf of Mexico oil spill imperils Obama's offshore drilling plan,] By Mark Clayton, ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]'', April 30, 2010.</ref> stating, "oil rigs today generally don’t cause spills"<ref>White House Press Release, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-a-discussion-jobs-and-economy-charlotte-north-carolina Remarks by the President in a Discussion on Jobs and the Economy in Charlotte, North Carolina,] Office of the Press Secretary, April 02, 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 3 May 2010.</ref> and was widely criticized for his mishandling of the "[[Gulf oil spill disaster|worst environmental disaster]] in US history."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/x-33986-Political-Spin-Examiner~y2010m4d29-Worst-environmental-disaster-in-US-history-Oil-slick-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-is-set-on-fire Worst environmental disaster in US history,] Maryann Tobin, ''Examiner'', April 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/the-oil-spill-is-obamas-fault/?src=twt&twt=NytimesKrugman Conscience of a Liberal: The Oil Spill Is Obama’s Fault,] Paul Krugman, ''The New York Times'', April 30, 2010.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Reverses the Progressive 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy====<br /> {{main article|Don't Ask Don't Tell}}<br /> Candidate Obama promised to repeal a policy that originated with President Clinton and passed by a Democrat-controlled Congress that prohibited inquiries into military personnel's [[sexual orientation]] while barring openly gay [[homosexuals]] from serving in the military. [[Liberals]] expressed anger when time passed and no effort to repeal the law was seen;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/21/obama-to-delay-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/|work=[[Washington Times]]|title=Obama to delay ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ repeal|language=English|author=Rowan Scarborough|date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> in fact, Obama's [[justice department]], as part of their duty to defend all laws passed by any administration, filed a brief arguing against the [[Supreme Court]] granting a [[writ of certiorari]] to a gay soldier challenging the law (the writ was not granted). In response, the soldier, James Pietrangelo II, a former Army infantryman and lawyer, said, “(Obama's) a coward, a bigot and a pathological liar. This is a guy who spent more time picking out his dog, Bo, and playing with him on the White House lawn than he has working for equality for gay people."<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Time Magazine]]|publisher=Time Inc.|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1903545,00.html?imw=Y|title=Dismay Over Obama's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Turnabout|author=Mark Thompson|date=Jun. 09, 2009}}</ref><br /> <br /> On December 15, 2010, a bill was introduced in the [[House of Representatives]] to repeal the law - it passed a day later by a vote of 250-175;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll638.xml|title=FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 638|work=Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref> it passed the Senate three days later 65-31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281|work=The U.S. Senate|title=U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 111th Congress - 2nd Session|language=English}}</ref> Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 on December 22.<ref name="g dadt">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell|work=[[The Guardian]]|language=English|title='Don't ask, don't tell' repealed as Obama signs landmark law|date=22 December 2010}}</ref> The [[Pentagon]] itself could not immediately implement the repeal and questioned whether it would hurt combat readiness.<ref name="g dadt"/><br /> <br /> ====Labor law and compensation to 9/11 first responders====<br /> Obama's first act of office was to sign the [[Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009)|Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act]] - effectively nullifying the [[Supreme Court]] case ''Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'', which ruled that Ledbetter had to have filed a pay [[discrimination]] suit within 180 days of the first time Ledbetter was paid less than her male peers;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/politics/30ledbetter-web.html|work=The New York Times|language=English|title=Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation|author=Sheryl Gay Stolberg|date=January 29, 2009}}</ref> the law made corporations subject to suit within 180 days of each time the employee was unfairly paid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20090213.html?=features|work=FindLaw|author=Joanna L. Grossman|date=Feb. 13, 2009|language=English|title=The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009}}</ref><br /> <br /> On January 2, 2011, Obama signed the James Zadroga [[9/11]] Healthcare and Compensation Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/02/obama-signs-zadroga-act-law/|publisher=New York Public Radio|title=Obama Signs Zadroga Act into Law|author=Fred Mogul|date=January 2, 2011|work=wNYC|language=English}}</ref> The act, which afforded 9/11 first responders who were sickened by the dust from the collapse of the [[World Trade Center]] health care and compensation, passed [[Congress]] after its sponsors agreed to scale down the pricing from 7.4 to 4.2 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/22/zadroga-911-bill-passes-senate/|publisher=New York Public Radio|work=wNYC|language=English|title=Congress Approves 9/11 Health Bill|date=December 22, 2010}}</ref><br /> <br /> === Obama administration and the restriction of religious freedom for Christians ===<br /> [[File:Schlafly phyllis.jpg|thumbnail|right|140px|[[Phyllis Schlafly]]'s book ''No Higher Power: Obama’s War on Religious Freedom'' documents Obama's attack on religious freedom.<ref>[http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/obamas-attack-on-religious-freedom-its-worse-than-you-think Obama’s Attack on Religious Freedom: It’s Worse Than You Think], ''Crises Magazine''</ref>]]<br /> When first running for office Obama angered religious conservatives with his comment about working-class voters in old industrial towns. Obama said, "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."<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/14/barackobama.uselections2008 Obama angers midwest voters with guns and religion remark], The Guardian</ref><br /> <br /> The Obama administration has been widely criticized for his policies which encroach on religious freedom in areas such as: health care, freedom to dissent on matters relating to the [[homosexual agenda]], religious freedom in the military and religious freedom in other spheres of American life.<ref><br /> *[http://www.crisismagazine.com/2012/obamas-attack-on-religious-freedom-its-worse-than-you-think Obama’s Attack on Religious Freedom: It’s Worse Than You Think], ''Crises Magazine''<br /> *[http://dailysignal.com/2016/01/21/obamas-hypocrisy-on-religious-freedom/ Obama’s Hypocrisy on Religious Freedom]<br /> *[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/15/us-military-losing-christians-because-of-hostile-c/?page=all U.S. military ‘hostile’ to Christians under Obama; morale, retention devastated], ''Washington Times''<br /> *[http://www1.cbn.com/beltwaybuzz/archive/2015/10/08/senator-seeks-answers-from-obama-on-religious-freedom Obama and Religious Freedom], ''CBN News''<br /> </ref><br /> <br /> In addition, the Obama administration has been criticized for promoting religious freedom for [[Islam|Muslims]] and restricting religious freedom for Christians.<ref>[http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2015/10/29/the-obama-administration-religious-freedoms-fro-american-muslims-not-american-christians-n2072727 The Obama Administration: Religious Freedoms for American Muslims, Not American Christians], Townhall</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Obama administration met with an atheist group ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and American politics]]<br /> <br /> The Obama administration became the first administration to met with an [[Atheism|atheist]] group. It met with the Secular Coalition for America which is a coalition which represents the [[American Atheists]], the American [[Secular Humanism|Humanist]] Association, and the Military Association of Atheists and [[Freethought|Freethinkers]].<br /> <br /> According to the ''USA Today'', the group met with the White House officials to "discuss problems that they believe are fueled by religion."<ref name="content.usatoday.com">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2010/02/atheists-meet-with-white-house-officials/1#.VypYTzEn_7Y Atheists meet with White House officials], USA Today</ref> Among the issues the group discussed were the issues of "military proselytizing" by [[evangelicalism|evangelical]] Christian members of the military and faith-based initiatives<ref name="content.usatoday.com"/><br /> <br /> ===Obama Administration and illegal immigration===<br /> The Obama Administration was weak on [[illegal immigration]]. It established the [[Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals]] program (DACA)<ref>Munro, Neil (July 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/21/daca-seven-facts-obamas-amnesty-decree/ DACA: Seven Facts About Obama’s Amnesty Decree]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 21, 2017.</ref><ref>Nolte, John (September 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2017/09/05/14-things-msm-wont-tell-daca/ 14 Things the MSM Won’t Tell You About DACA]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Klein, Aaron (September 3, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/03/obama-administration-usurped-constitution-bypassed-congress-grant-de-dacto-amnesty-dreamers/ How the Obama Administration Bypassed Congress to Grant De Facto Amnesty to Young Illegal Aliens]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 3, 2017.</ref> in 2012, which gave protection and work permits (jobs which could have gone to American citizens) to illegal immigrants to came to the U.S. as children. In his 2013 memoir, liberal Democrat U.S. Representative [[Luis Gutiérrez]], an ally of Obama on immigration issues, stated that Obama did not believe that DACA was legally possible until he enacted it.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (September 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/05/luis-gutierrez-daca-2013-obama-said-illegal/ Luis Gutiérrez on DACA in 2013: Obama Said It Was Illegal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref> The Obama Administration was able to give green cards to 45,000 of those DACA illegals.<ref>Munro, Neil (September 1, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/01/daca-backdoor-granted-green-cards-45000-illegals/ 45,000 Illegals Using DACA Backdoor to Get Green Cards]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 1, 2017.</ref> Additionally, it was reported the administration let 2.2 million deportable illegal immigrants, including 400,000 with criminal convictions, remain on the streets.<ref>Price, Bob (April 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/04/22/report-ice-failures-under-obama-administration-leave-more-than-2-2-million-supervised-aliens-on-streets/ REPORT: ICE Failures Under Obama Administration Leave More Than 2.2 Million ‘Supervised’ Aliens on Streets]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> He nearly doubled the number of illegal immigrant juveniles with the EB-4 visa, which gave them legal status.<ref>Binder, John (May 30, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/30/obama-nearly-doubled-number-juvenile-illegal-aliens-given-amnesty-says-expert/ Obama Nearly Doubled Number of Juvenile Illegal Aliens Given Amnesty, Says Expert]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref> The Administration "administratively closed" up to 200,000 deportation cases, meaning those illegal immigrants were free to go where they wanted in the U.S.<ref>Bedard, Paul (August 28, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/200000-deportation-cases-quietly-closed-under-obama/article/2632724 200,000 deportation cases quietly 'closed' under Obama]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 28, 2017.</ref> The Obama Administration issued 140,000 U visas, which are given to illegal immigrants who testify against criminals in court and allow them to eventually gain citizenship, massively expanding the program.<ref>Munro, Neil (June 27, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/27/u-vsa-becomes-backdoor-amnesty-for-200000-plus/ Obama Backdoor Amnesty Provided ‘U visas’ For 140,000 Illegal Aliens]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 28, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> In 2015, President Obama signed an executive order that would have expanded protections from deportation to a total of about 5 million illegal immigrants. This order was blocked by a federal judge,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/17/federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-obama-immigration-executive-action.html Federal judge temporarily blocks Obama's immigration executive action]. ''Fox News''. February 17, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> upheld by an appeals court,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/09/appeals-court-rules-against-obama-immigration-plan.html Appeals court rules against Obama immigration plan]. ''Fox News''. November 10, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref> and a split 4–4 Supreme Court ruling upheld the appeals court ruling.<ref>de Vogue, Ariane; Kopan, Tal (June 23, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/23/politics/immigration-supreme-court/ Deadlocked Supreme Court deals big blow to Obama immigration plan]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 22, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Under President Obama, [[Immigration and Customs Enforcement]] released 564 convicted sex offender illegal immigrants, in many cases because various countries refused to accept them back.<ref>Price, Bob (May 22, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/22/obamas-ice-released-nearly-600-sex-offenders-countries-refused-deportation/ Obama’s ICE Released Nearly 600 Sex Offenders after Countries Refused Deportation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref> In May 2017, a whistleblower revealed that the Obama Administration knowingly let illegal immigrant [[MS-13]] gang members into the country.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/whistleblower-dhs-knowingly-let-ms-13-gang-members/ Obama admin knew gang members were part of illegal immigrant surge: Whistleblower]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref><ref>Saavedra, Ryan (May 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/24/obama-let-admitted-ms-13-members-whistleblower-says/ Obama Let in Admitted MS-13 Members, Whistleblower Says]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 25, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After assuming office in 2017, the [[Trump Administration]] made [[Donald Trump achievements|a large change in its policies]] towards illegal immigration compared to the Obama Administration.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 17, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/17/sessions-immigration-policies-mark-big-change-from-obama-policies.html Sessions' immigration policies mark big change from Obama policies]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.</ref> Secretary of Homeland Security [[John Kelly]] of the Trump Administration strongly criticized the Obama Administration for its failures regarding illegal immigration and national security.<ref>Munro, Neil (April 18, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/18/dhs-kelly-sacred-duty-protect-america/ DHS Kelly Slams Obama’s Policies, Proclaims ‘Sacred Duty’ To Protect America]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Mora, Edwin (April 21, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/04/21/dhs-chief-obama-nothing-truly-secure-border/ DHS Chief: Obama Did ‘Nothing’ to ‘Truly’ Secure Border]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 21, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Foreign policy===<br /> [[File:Obama and the media.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Ben Rhodes]] is the Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, and Deputy National Security Advisor to [[Susan Rice]]. Rhodes is also the brother of David Rhodes, President of CBS News.]]<br /> Unlike Presidents [[Abraham Lincoln]] and [[Franklin Roosevelt]], Barack Obama has shown scant concern about the revival of [[slavery]] which took place on his watch shortly after his "apology tour", intended to diminish U.S. influence in the world.<ref>[http://womensenews.org/story/international-policyunited-nations/150527/un-sex-violence-envoy-focusing-syria-iraq UN Sex Violence Envoy: Focusing on Syria, Iraq]</ref><ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/06/barack-obamas-top-10-apologies-how-the-president-has-humiliated-a-superpower Barack Obama's Top 10 Apologies: How the President Has Humiliated a Superpower], Heritage Foundation</ref> Obama, who was raised a Muslim<ref>[http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2007/01/was_obama_blood.html Was Obama bloodied by madrassa story?]</ref><ref>[http://www.danielpipes.org/11952/obama-muslim-childhood Obama's Muslim Childhood]</ref> and is not a descendent of slaves, criticized Christians and the Crusades as reports of thousands of women and girls being captured, sold, and raped flooded in.<ref>[http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/579393/ISIS-Michelle-Obama-prostitute-justifies-raping-slave-girls-Koran ISIS calls Michelle Obama a PROSTITUTE and justifies raping slave girls with the KORAN]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-speech-at-prayer-breakfast-called-offensive-to-christians/2015/02/05/6a15a240-ad50-11e4-ad71-7b9eba0f87d6_story.html Critics pounce after Obama talks Crusades, slavery at prayer breakfast], Washington Post</ref><br /> <br /> The number of jihadis worldwide has grown by a factor of 4 or 5 at least, since Obama took the reins of power as Commander-in-Chief.<ref>The number of Islamic extremists susceptible to jihadist recruitment during the George W. Bush administration worldwide was estimated at 12,000; the Islamic State alone by 2015 had estimates of a standing army of jihadis as high as 70,000 to 200,000.</ref> Remarkably, the ''[[New York Times]]'' was critical of Obama's incessant boasting about the killing of [[Osama bin Laden|bin Laden]].<ref>Baker, Peter and Shear, Michael D. (April 27, 2012). [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/us/politics/critics-pounce-on-obamas-trumpeting-of-bin-laden-death.html?_r=0 "Obama trumpets killing of Bin Laden, and critics pounce"]. ''The New York Times'' website. See [[The New York Times]].</ref> With the complete disengagement of American troops from [[Iraq]] and the assassination of [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[Islamic State]] arose and recruitment of global [[jihad]]is multiplied exponentially. <br /> <br /> Obama entered his second term mocking and ridiculing the idea that Russia was America's prime geo-strategic competitor; by the closing days of his presidency, Obama was in a panic fanning the flames of a Third Red Scare. Vladimar Putin and Russia had thoroughly embarrassed Barack Obama on the world stage as Obama withdrew America from its traditional role of global leadership and reputiated the idea of [[American exceptionalism]]. Respect for America degenerated in the world as issues such as transexual bathrooms occupied more of Obama's time and attention then the 12 million homeless refugees Obama had driven from their homes in his failed "[[Arab Spring]]" policy. Having been thoroughly rebuked politically with the election of Donald Trump, as a [[lameduck]] Obama attempted to coverup [[DNC]] scandals uncovered by [[Wikileaks]] by scapegoating Vladimar Putin and fostering an atmosphere of paranoia about Russia, the future, and a Trump presidency.<br /> <br /> ====Commander-in-chief====<br /> As Senator, Obama was highly critical of President Bush and promised change. As President, Obama has tripled down in Afghanistan, widened the war into Pakistan, multiplied drone attacks, bombed Yemen and Somalia, and started an undeclared NATO war in Libya. On presidential war powers, surveillance questions, Guantanamo, detention policy and habeas corpus, Obama has similarly stayed the course, or expanded Bush's precedents. In a speech on May 19, 2011 Obama fully embraced the [[Bush Doctrine]] of preventative war.<ref>Krauthammer, C. (April 19). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-news-in-obamas-speech/2011/05/19/AF4dFN7G_story.html The News in Obama's Speech]. ''Washington Post''.</ref><br /> From the Boston Globe:<br /> <blockquote><br /> 'The New America Foundation, which tracks the strikes, has listed 23 raids since the beginning of April, 2011, all but one in Pakistan’s tribal regions of North and South Waziristan. A June 20 attack was reported in Kurram, an area north of North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border.'<br /> </blockquote><br /> <blockquote><br /> 'The drone program has become increasingly controversial as the Obama administration has expanded its use beyond the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Lethal missiles have been launched from unmanned aircraft in at least five countries in addition to Pakistan: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and, most recently, Somalia. The military’s Joint Special Operations Command used a drone last June to attack what officials said were two senior members of the Al Shabab militant group on the Somali coast.' <ref>DeYoung, K. (2011, July 4). [http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/07/04/cia_halts_drone_launches_from_pakistan_base/ CIA Halts Drone Launches From Pakistan Base]. ''[[The Boston Globe]]''.</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> A commentator says:<br /> <blockquote><br /> 'Obama is commendable when he says he wants to avoid war. His policies, however, favor war by destabilizing the Middle East making it extremely hostile and favoring radical Islam over America’s ally, Israel, and American interests in the region... The president has chosen a very dangerous path for every American and one that promises great difficulty for Israel.' <ref>[http://www.thejerusalemconnection.us/blog/2012/03/14/obamas-words-disguise-his-israel-foreign-policy-actions.html Obama's words disguise his Israel foreign policy actions.]</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> By Obama's third year as Commander-in-Chief, over 1200 American troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan - significantly more than the number who died during President [[George W. Bush]]'s term of office. And growing numbers of civilian contractors also have fallen. In the first half of 2010, 250 contractors reportedly died in Iraq and Afghanistan - more than the 235 military personnel who fell during the same period.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/24/114662/what-price-war.html#ixzz1Nz07pg5O</ref><br /> <br /> ====National Defense====<br /> President Obama signed into U.S. law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), only after his administration successfully lobbied to remove language from the bill that would have protected American citizens from being detained indefinitely without trial.<ref>Aaron Dykes. [http://www.infowars.com/president-obamas-ndaa-signing-statement-i-have-the-power-to-detain-americans-but-i-wont/ Obama’s Signing Statement on NDAA: I have the power to detain Americans… but I won’t], Infowars.com, January 1, 2012.</ref> After the legislation cleared Congress, the ACLU commented that if President Obama signed the bill it "will damage both his legacy and American’s reputation for upholding the rule of law," while executive director of the ''Human Rights Watch'' blasted the President for being ‘on the wrong side of history,’ noting that "Obama will go down in history as the president who enshrined indefinite detention without trial in US law."<ref>President Decides to Sign Ill-Conceived National Defense Authorization Act. [http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/12/14/us-refusal-veto-detainee-bill-historic-tragedy-rights US: Refusal to Veto Detainee Bill A Historic Tragedy for Rights], ''[[Human Rights Watch]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.aclu.org/national-security/white-house-backs-away-defense-bill-veto-threat White House Backs Away from Defense Bill Veto Threat], ''[[ACLU]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref> <br /> <br /> Section 1031 of the NDAA bill, which itself defines the entirety of the United States as a “battlefield,” allows American citizens to be snatched from the streets, carted off to a foreign detention camp and held indefinitely without trial. As reported by Infowars.com, the bill states that “any person who has committed a belligerent act” faces indefinite detention, but no trial or evidence has to be presented, the White House merely needs to make the accusation.<ref>Paul Joseph Watson. [http://www.infowars.com/obama-administration-demanded-power-to-indefinitely-detain-u-s-citizens/ Obama Administration Demanded Power To Indefinitely Detain U.S. Citizens], Infowars.com, December 12, 2011.</ref><ref>S.1867 [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c112:2:./temp/~c1122VN0Iv:e548990: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Engrossed in Senate &#91;Passed Senate&#93; - ES)], ''[[Library of Congress]]'' THOMAS, 112th Congress (2011-2011), Accessed January 25, 2012.</ref><ref>Text of S.1867 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s1867/text?version=es&nid=t0:es:281 Sec. 1031. Affirmation of authority of the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.], [[U.S. Congress]], ''OpenCongress.org'', (Accessed January 25, 2012).</ref><br /> <br /> ====Escalates Afghan occupation into a conflict====<br /> {{main article|Afghanistan War}}<br /> American deaths in [[Afghanistan]] more than doubled in Obama's first few years compared with the preceding eight years of George Bush <ref>Chesser, S.G. (2012, July 12). [http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R41084.pdf Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians - CRS Report for Congress]. Pg. 3. ''Congressional Research Service'''.</ref> as he increased troop strength for no discernible purpose and to "win" unstated objectives. Against his own Defense Secretary's advice, Obama [[Libyan uprising 2011|attacked Libya]] and forced regime change without Congressional authorization in violation of the post-Nixon era reform measure, the [[War Powers Act]]. <br /> <br /> After he took personal credit for killing [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[U.S. State Department]] warned of increased risk to the lives and safety of Americans.<ref>''KABC-TV/DT'' (2011, July 27). [http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8273909 Risk of anti-US violence up after Osama bin Laden's death]. On ''ABC7 News''.</ref> Bin Laden's successor, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]] confirmed the [[Benghazi Attack]] which took place on the anniversary of 9/11 and killed more Americans, was motivated by al-Qaeda's desire for revenge.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/libya-attack-jihadists/index.html Pro-al Qaeda group seen behind deadly Benghazi attack], By Nic Robertson, Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, CNN, September 13, 2012.</ref> Bin Laden's death, as Obama's advisers warned, freed up jihadis who swore an oath of allegiance to the 9/11 mastermind to swear allegiance to rival and competing factions. The competing factions advocated the immediate establishment of the Islamic State, rather than after the overthrow of the Saudi monarchy and retaking of Mecca. As was well known, bin Laden always held a controversial and minority position among jihadis on the strategy for global jihad by attacking the United States first. Bin Laden's killing, intended as an election year gimmick, brought Obama no improvement in approval ratings and spawned unprecedented growth in global terror and jihadi recruiting.<br /> <br /> Obama needlessly escalated troop strength<ref name="pbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/themes/strategy.html#ixzz1LhWNImZp|title=Obama's New Strategy (March '09)|author=George Packer, Seth Jones, David Kilcullen, Rory Stewart, Andrew Exum, Col. Andrew Bacevich (Ret.)|work=[[PBS]]|language=English}}</ref> and defense costs in Afghanistan from $43.5 billion in George Bush's last year to $113.7 billion for 2011.<ref>Congressional Research Service, quoted in Gregory Anthony, ''What price war?''</ref> Adviser to General [[Stanley McChrystal]] David Kilcullen wrote, "One of the big strategic shifts is the use of language now which talks about Pakistan and Afghanistan as the same theater. Now we talked about Af-Pak long before the Obama administration came about, but the public use of that term, and the description of it as the Afghanistan-Pakistan campaign, sends a new message to people about how the administration is going to think about Afghanistan and Pakistan."<ref name="pbs"/><br /> <br /> ====2011 Libyan uprising====<br /> [[File:Mass beheading of Christians in Libya.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Libya was an ally of the US against the jihadis until Obama armed the jihadis to overthrew the government. One of their first acts was the mass beheading of Christians.]]<br /> {{main article|Libyan uprising 2011}}<br /> In February 2011, the political unrest that spread through the Arab world showed up as protests in Libya. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, leader of Libya for 41 years, responded to the violence<ref>[http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28376.htm There Was No Libyan Peaceful Protest, Just Murderous Gangs and Nic Robertson]</ref> with legitimate steps.<ref name="nyt libya">{{cite web|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/libya/index.html|work=The New York Times|publisher=The New York Times Inc.|language=English|title=Libya — Protests and Revolt (2011)}}</ref> The [[United Nations Security Council]] voted to impose [[sanctions]], and later passed a resolution to protect civilians. Obama, without approval from Congress and over the objections of his own National Security staff,<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gates-libyan-no-fly-zone-means-attacking-libya/ Gates: Libyan no-fly zone means attacking Libya], CBS News</ref> directed American forces to take out Libya's air defense system.<ref name="nyt libya"/> Secretary of Defence [[Robert Gates]], National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, and [[White House]] counterterrorism chief [[John O. Brennan]] all opposed the action. Obama later said, "if we waited one more day Benghazi, a city nearly the size of Charlotte, could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world."<ref>{{cite web|author=Barack Obama|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134935452/obamas-speech-on-libya-a-responsibility-to-act|title=Obama's Speech On Libya: 'A Responsibility To Act'|date=March 28, 2011|publisher=National Public Radio ([[NPR]])|language=English}}</ref> [[Alan J. Kuperman]], in an editorial for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'', suggested this statement was false, writing, "intervention did not prevent genocide, because no such bloodbath was in the offing. To the contrary, by emboldening rebellion, US interference has prolonged Libya’s civil war and the resultant suffering of innocents."<ref name="kuperman">{{cite web|author=Alan J. Kuperman|work=The Boston Globe|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-14/bostonglobe/29418371_1_rebel-stronghold-civilians-rebel-positions|title=False pretense for war in Libya?|date=April 14, 2011}}</ref> Kuperman, a professor of public affairs at the [[University of Texas]] who authored a book called ''The Limits of Humanitarian Intervention'', further stated that the rebels had tricked the world into thinking a bloodbath was at hand and that Obama had lied to the American people in order to act on this theory.<ref name="kuperman"/><br /> <blockquote><br /> Gaddafi [never] threaten[ed] civilian massacre in Benghazi, as Obama alleged. The “no mercy’’ warning, of March 17, targeted rebels only, as reported by ''The New York Times'', which noted that Libya’s leader promised amnesty for those “who throw their weapons away.’’ Gaddafi even offered the rebels an escape route and open border to Egypt, to avoid a fight “to the bitter end.’’ <ref>[http://politicalcartel.org/2011/04/17/libya-and-the-obama-doctrine/ Libya and the “Obama Doctrine”.]</ref><br /> </blockquote><br /> Gaddafi wrote to Obama and told him he bore no ill will. "We have been hurt more morally than physically because of what had happened against us in both deeds and words by you," he wrote. "Despite all this you will always remain our son whatever happened. We still pray that you continue to be president of the USA. We endeavour and hope that you will gain victory in the new election campaign."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/gaddafi-obama-nato-libya?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 Gaddafi begs Obama to halt 'unjust war' ], [[The Guardian ]]</ref><br /> <br /> =====Aid to terrorists=====<br /> A March 29, 2011 article in the ''[[Washington Post]]'' included these paragraphs:<br /> {{Cquote|"It’s almost a certitude that at least part” of the Libyan opposition includes members of al-Qaeda, said Bruce Riedel, a former senior CIA analyst and adviser to President Obama. Riedel said that anti-Gaddafi elements in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi have had “very close associations with al-Qaeda” dating back years....I would hope that we now have a good sense of the opposition in Libya and can say that this is 2 percent, not 20 percent,” Riedel said. “If we don’t, then we are running the risk of helping to bring to power a regime that could be very dangerous.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/libyan-opposition-includes-a-small-number-of-al-qaeda-fighters-us-officials-say/2011/03/29/AFRlXWyB_story.html Libyan opposition includes a small number of al-Qaeda fighters, U.S. officials say], Washington Post</ref>}}<br /> <br /> This set off a fierce debate in the [[Obama administration]] over the wisdom of arming terrorists.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/world/africa/30diplo.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss Washington in Fierce Debate on Arming Libyan Rebels], The New York Times</ref> It is now known sometime prior to March 31, 2011,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/africa/31intel.html?_r=2&hp C.I.A. Agents in Libya Aid Airstrikes and Meet Rebels], The New York Times</ref> at the urging of Hillary Clinton<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19policy.html?_r=3&hp& Obama Takes Hard Line With Libya After Shift by Clinton], The New York Times</ref> and over the objections of his National Security Council, Obama signed a Presidential Finding authorizing support for the rebel jihadis.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-libya-usa-order-idUSTRE72T6H220110330 Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret help for Libya rebels], [[Reuters]]</ref><br /> <br /> By October 2011, [[Libyan rebel fighting group]]s with support from [[NATO]] overtook the capital and toppled the government. Gaddafi was captured and brutally and sadistically murdered.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPzeLLL9V-c Leading from behind - a critique of Obama foreign policy]</ref> The jihadis were immediately recognized by the U.S. and the U.N. as the new legitimate government. Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, announced [[Sharia]] will be the source for all legislation and all laws conflicting with Sharia are null and void.<ref name="Sharia">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8861608/Libya-Al-Qaeda-flag-flown-above-Benghazi-courthouse.html Libya: Al Qaeda flag flown above Benghazi courthouse] - [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref> Abdel Rahim al-Kib, the country's interim prime minister, echoed Jalil's words days later.<ref>[http://www.presstv.ir/detail/207953.html New Libyan PM backs Islamic sharia law]</ref> The al Qaeda flag was flown above the Benghazi courthouse, and reports surfaced that the Libyan jihadis had imposed Sharia law in some parts of the country even earlier.<ref name="Sharia" /> By February 17, 2013, four foreign nationals were arrested for distributing Christian literature, a charge that could carry the death penalty.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/17/libya-arrests-suspected-foreign-missionaries Libya arrests foreign 'missionaries' Four foreign nationals accused of distributing Christian literature] a charge that could carry the death penalty, Chris Stephen [[The Guardian]], Sunday 17 February 2013.</ref><br /> <br /> =====Terrorist attack on American soil=====<br /> :{{main|Benghazi Attack}}<br /> With several U.S. embassies besieged on the anniversary of the [[September 11 attacks]], White House Press Secretary [[Jay Carney]] declared there was no reason to believe the attack on the sovereign territory of the United States consulate in Benghazi, less than two months before the [[2012 Presidential election]] which killed Americans, was a terrorist attack.<br /> {{Cquote|The unrest that we’ve seen around the region has been in reaction to a video that Muslims, many Muslims, find offensive.}}<br /> This became the official White House line. Between laughs with [[Jon Stewart]] on [[Comedy Central]], Obama said the death of Americans was "not optimal".<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/10/18/Obama-Benghazi-murders-not-optimal Interview with Jon Stewart of the ''Daily Show''], Breitbart.com</ref> When pressed by reporters, who pointed out evidence that the violence in Benghazi was a terrorist attack, Press Secretary Carney argued “the unrest around the region has been in response to this video.”<br /> <br /> Leading suspected jihadis in the murders and terrorist attack were the local Benghazi branch of Ansar al-Shariah, known to have ties to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023114113/http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2012/10/19/when-an-obama-adviser-called-benghazi-an-al-qaeda-hotbed/?cxntfid=blogs_political_insider_jim_galloway When an Obama adviser called Benghazi an al-Qaeda hotbed]</ref> A commander of the terrorist group boasted jovially about the attack over drinks with reporters for the ''New York Times'' in Benghazi.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/world/africa/election-year-stakes-overshadow-nuances-of-benghazi-investigation.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world Election-Year Stakes Overshadow Nuances of Libya Investigation], The New York Times</ref><ref>[http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/10/frappe-libya-attack/ Frappe-Sipping Libyan Militant Laughs at U.S. Manhunt for Benghazi Killers], [[Wired (magazine)]]</ref><br /> <br /> =====[[Al Qaeda in the Maghreb]]=====<br /> Two more Americans were killed, along with 35 others, after being taken hostage by rebel jihadists in Mali shortly after the Libyan upheaval.<ref>[http://world.time.com/2013/01/21/algeria-37-foreigner-hostages-killed-in-attack/ Algeria: 37 Foreigner Hostages Killed in Attack], Associated Press, Jan. 21, 2013. ''[[Time Magazine]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the wake of the Benghazi murders under her stewardship, that weapons and fighters equipped by the Obama administration made their way to [[Mali]] and [[Algeria]]:<br /> {{cquote|There is no doubt that the Algerian terrorists had weapons from Libya. There is no doubt that the Malian remnants of AQIM [Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] have weapons from Libya.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-says-militants-used-weapons-libya-algeria-attack-154222664.html Clinton says militants used weapons from Libya in Algeria attack] [[Reuters]], Jan 23, 2013.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ====Syria and Obama's "red line"====<br /> In 2012, during the [[Syrian Civil War]], President Obama stated that if the Syrian dictator, President [[Bashar al-Assad]] used [[chemical weapon]]s against Syrians, that would be unacceptable and cross a red line. However, after it was confirmed that Assad did use weapons against his people, Obama did practically nothing. He went to Congress to authorize a military strike, but this request was rejected (he had the ability to order a military strike without Congress's approval). Later, the Obama Administration (particularly [[Susan Rice]])<ref name="RiceTakesHeat">Chakraborty, Barnini (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/07/susan-rice-obama-colleagues-take-heat-for-past-claims-on-syria-chemical-weapons-purge.html Susan Rice, Obama colleagues take heat for past claims on Syria chemical weapons purge]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> and the mainstream media<ref>Nash, Charlie (April 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/04/07/politifact-pulls-2014-mostly-true-rating-of-john-kerrys-claim-of-eliminating-syrian-chemical-weapons/ PolitiFact Pulls 2014 ‘Mostly True’ Rating of John Kerry’s Claim of Eliminating Syrian Chemical Weapons]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref> claimed they had worked with Syria to remove its chemical weapons. In April 2017, Syria again used chemical weapons against its people, proving their claim wrong.<ref name="RiceTakesHeat"/> The new president, [[Donald Trump]], unlike Obama, quickly ordered a large airstrike against a Syrian airbase.<ref>Griffin, Jennifer; Tomlinson, Lucas (April 7, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/07/us-missiles-target-syria-airfield-in-response-to-chemical-weapons-attack.html US missiles target Syria airfield in response to chemical weapons attack]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Mexico====<br /> [[File:Eric Holder.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Eric Holder]] resigned as Attorney General in light of Fast & Furious<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/10/fast_and_furious_in_a_rotten_nutshell.html#ixzz27iRBCN28 Fast and Furious in a Rotten Nutshell], Ronald Kolb, ''[[American Thinker]]'', October 7, 2011,</ref> and other scandals.]]<br /> :''Main article:'' '''[[Operation Fast and Furious]]'''<br /> :{| class="wikitable"<br /> |-<br /> ! Year !! Mexican drug related gun murders skyrocket <br>during Obama's Fast and Furious campaign<ref>http://www.telesurtv.net/english/multimedia/Timeline-Mexicos-Failed-War-on-Drugs-Deaths-and-Disappearances-20150324-0033.html</ref><br /> |-<br /> | 2006 || 62 <br /> |-<br /> | 2007 || 2,837<br /> |-<br /> | 2008 || 6,844<br /> |-<br /> | 2009 || 11,753 <br /> |-<br /> | 2010 || 19,546<br /> |-<br /> | 2011 || 24,068<br /> |-<br /> | 2012 || 18,061 (by October 31, 2012)<br /> |-<br /> | 2013 || 23,640 killed in 2013 (through to March 2014)<br /> |}<br /> Before Obama's Fast and Furious operation was exposed, the number of dead victims in drug cartel violence has been estimated as high as 160,000 deaths.<br /> <br /> The ''Washington Post'' reported that White House officials stopped a requirement for gun dealers to report bulk sales of high-powered semiautomatic rifles commonly used by illegal drug cartels. [[Justice Department]] officials had asked for White House approval to require thousands of gun dealers along the border to report the purchases to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives. ATF investigators expected to get leads on suspected arms traffickers. Senior law enforcement sources said the proposal from the ATF was held up by then White House chief of staff [[Rahm Emanuel]].<ref>Horwitz, S. & Grimaldi, J.V. (2010, December 17). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/17/AR2010121706598.html White House Delayed Rule Meant to Stop Gun Flow to Mexico]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Gun dealers had been required for decades to report the sales of multiple handguns to the ATF.<br /> <br /> ====Cuba====<br /> During his presidency, Obama instituted a major détente with the oppressive Communist dictatorship of [[Cuba]], despite its failed leftist governance and human rights violations.<ref>[http://www.wsj.com/articles/obamas-cuban-detente-1418862551 Obama’s Cuban Detente]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. December 17, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>Spetalnick, Matt; Gardner, Timothy (December 13, 2016). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cuba-whitehouse-idUSKBN1422U6 Obama to press Trump to preserve Cuba detente: White House]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> In August 2015, the U.S. and Cuba reopened each other's embassies.<ref>Frumin, Aliyah (July 1, 2015). [http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/obama-announces-historic-deal-cuba Obama announces historic deal with Cuba]. ''MSNBC''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/08/14/kerry-in-havana-for-reopening-us-embassy-tough-negotiations-ahead.html Kerry marks opening of US Embassy in Havana, critics rip 'diplomacy for show']. ''Fox News''. August 14, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref> In September 2016, Obama nominated the first U.S. Ambassador to Cuba in 55 years.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/09/27/obama-nominates-first-us-ambassador-to-cuba-in-more-than-45-years.html Obama nominates first US ambassador to Cuba in more than 55 years]. ''Fox News''. September 27, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.</ref> Obama did everything in his power to normalize relations with the failed dictatorship, but the U.S. embargo against Cuba remained in place due to opposition from the Republican-controlled Congress.<ref>Spetalnick, Matt; Marsh, Sarah (October 14, 2016). [http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa-idUSKBN12E1H3 Obama eases restrictions on Cuba, lifts limits on rum and cigars]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite Obama's support for mass immigration and amnesty for those who immigrated illegally, he ended the "wet foot, dry foot" policy that allowed Cuban refugees to legally stay in the U.S.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/12/obama-reportedly-to-scrap-wet-foot-dry-foot-policy-for-cuban-refugees.html Obama announces end to 'wet foot, dry foot' policy for Cuban refugees]. ''Fox News''. January 12, 2017. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Guantanamo Bay====<br /> {{main article|Guantanamo Bay}}<br /> One of Obama's campaign promises was that he would close the American detention center at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - detainees would be flown to other countries while the ones awaiting trial would enter the American court system. Two days after taking office he signed an order directing the military to do so.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/04/25/obama_guantanamo_rhetoric|work=Salon|title=The Obama/Gitmo timeline|author=Natasha Lennard|language=English}}</ref> But, in November 2009 Obama admitted that his self-imposed deadline of January 2010 would be missed, and in March 2011 the president went back on his campaign promise, signing an executive order to create a formal system of indefinite detention for the prisoners.<ref name="salon"/><br /> <br /> Obama ultimately failed to close Guantanamo Bay, although he continually attempted to reduce the number of detained terrorists held at the base, even in the last days of his presidency.<ref>Saxena, V. (January 6, 2017). [http://www.westernjournalism.com/obama-to-release-18-hardened-gitmo-terrorists-before-leaving-office/ Obama To Release 18 Hardened Gitmo Terrorists Before Leaving Office]. ''Western Journalism''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><ref>Ryan, Missy; Tate, Julie (December 28, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/with-final-detainee-transfer-obamas-guantanamo-policy-takes-its-last-breath/2016/12/28/dfdf8cb2-cd0f-11e6-a747-d03044780a02_story.html?utm_term=.62bebcb1f672 With final detainee transfer, Obama’s Guantanamo policy takes its last breath]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved January 15, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Russia====<br /> Obama criticized president of [[Russia]], [[Vladimir Putin]] for carrying out a referendum for the seizure of [[Crimea]] to Russia.<ref>[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-calls-rethinking-crimea-vote Obama calls for a 'rethinking' on Crimea vote]. [[Cybercast News Service]]</ref><br /> <br /> ====Anti-Israel policies====<br /> Obama has had very poor relations with the conservative [[Israel]]I Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]. During the very tight and closely-watched 2015 elections, the Obama Administration attempted to influence the election—in order to elect a leftist government in the nation and defeat Netanyahu—by financing a liberal Israeli political organization.<ref>Klein, Aaron (July 13, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/07/13/israeli-lawmakers-fume-obama-administration-intervention-defeat-netanyahu/ Israeli Lawmakers Fume Over Obama Administration ‘Intervention’ to Defeat Netanyahu]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Netanyahu decisively won the election, despite opposition from left-wing world leaders such as Obama.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ Netanyahu scores crushing victory in Israeli elections]. ''The Times of Israel''. March 18, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> On December 23, 2016, Obama broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true anti-Israel stance.<ref name="StrikeAgain"/><ref name="FedUpDrastic"/> On December 28, 2016, just a few weeks before the [[Trump Administration]] was to take office and a few days after the anti-[[Israel]] resolution was adopted, Kerry gave a major 72-minute<ref>Hanchett, Ian (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/nbcs-neely-kerry-speech-firing-a-flare-across-israel-he-wanted-to-give-it-for-some-time-but-wh-blocked-it/ NBC’s Neely: Kerry Speech ‘Firing a Flare’ ‘Across Israel’ He Wanted To Give It ‘For Some Time’ But WH Blocked It]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> speech viciously attacking Israel and paying worthless lip-service to American "support" for the nation.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/12/28/kerry-on-israel-peace-un-resolution/ Kerry Attacks Israeli Government, Defends UN Resolution]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] responded harshly but appropriately to the Administration's blatant betrayal.<ref>Key, Pam (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/12/28/netanyahu-i-must-express-my-deep-disappointment-with-john-kerry-israelis-do-not-need-to-be-lectured/ Netanyahu: ‘I Must Express My Deep Disappointment’ With Kerry — ‘Israelis Do Not Need To Be Lectured’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Despite these actions, the U.S. House passed a motion on January 5, 2017 condemning Obama's allowing of the UN resolution.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/05/house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-condemn-un-resolution-on-israel-settlements.html House overwhelmingly votes to condemn UN resolution on Israel settlements]. ''Fox News''. January 5, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Cortellessa, Eric (January 6, 2017). [http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-passes-repudiation-of-un-security-council-resolution-on-israel/ US House passes motion repudiating UN resolution on Israel]. ''The Times of Israel''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref> Additionally, Republican President-elect [[Donald Trump]] voiced strong support for Israel during this time.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (December 23, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/23/trump-hints-defunding-un-anti-israel-vote/ Trump on UN Anti-Israel Vote: ‘Things Will Be Different After Jan. 20’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 29, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/29/trump-im-very-very-strong-on-israel/ Trump: ‘I’m Very, Very Strong on Israel’]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Soon before leaving office, Obama bypassed Congress and gave the [[State of Palestine]] $221 million.<ref name="221MLastHours">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/24/us-quietly-sent-221m-to-palestinians-in-obamas-last-hours.html US quietly sent $221M to Palestinians in Obama's last hours]. ''Fox News''. January 24, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Opposition to U.S. sovereignty====<br /> Preferring international cooperation and equality (despite the U.S.'s obviously superior geopolitical position) to American sovereignty and independence, Obama intentionally reduced American power and strength during his presidency. One of his actions as president was to give up the nation's control of [[Domain name|internet domain name system]] and transfer control over to an international organization in 2016.<ref>Solomon, Howard (October 3, 2016). [http://www.itworldcanada.com/article/new-era-in-internet-governance-starts-as-us-cedes-control-of-domain-name-system/386903 New era in Internet governance starts as US cedes control of domain name system]. ''IT World Canada''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref><ref>Lieberman, Eric (September 24, 2016). [http://dailycaller.com/2016/09/24/obama-admin-wants-to-surrender-us-control-over-internet-to-global-bureaucracy/ Obama Admin Wants To Surrender US Control Over Internet To Global Bureaucracy]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Congressional relations===<br /> Obama has maintained tense relations with Congress throughout his term as President. Each of his budgets have been voted down, and many of his judicial appointments have not come to a vote. When Supreme Court Justice [[Antonin Scalia]] died on February 13, 2016, Obama made a point of addressing the nation to say that he would nominate a replacement, which drew criticism and rebuke from Republican Senators and Presidential candidates. Obama executive action in areas such as immigration policy have drawn extensive criticism as infringing upon Congressional legislative powers.<br /> <br /> ===Pardons and commutations===<br /> According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, President Obama issued 1,928 grants of clemency, with 1,716 being commutations, more than any other U.S. president.<ref>Bedard, Paul (September 5, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-broke-the-record-for-commuting-jail-sentences-1716/article/2633400 Obama broke the record for commuting jail sentences, 1,716]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 6, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2016 Presidential election===<br /> By custom, President Obama stayed neutral during the primaries, eventhough his close friend and Vice President [[Joe Biden]] was seriously considering a Presidential campaign.<br /> <br /> Once Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nomination, Obama campaigned for her and also attended fundraisers. Obama publicly criticized the Republican candidate, [[Donald Trump]] who had previously spent years claiming that Obama was not born in the United States.<br /> <br /> On March 4, 2017, after becoming President, Trump tweeted:<br /> <blockquote>How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!<ref>https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump</ref></blockquote><br /> and<br /> <blockquote>Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!</blockquote><br /> <br /> Members of the mainstream media called this wiretapping claim an "astonishing and reckless accusation".<ref name=wiretap>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-trump-experiment-may-come-to-an-early-tipping-point/2017/03/05/87d38b3a-0055-11e7-99b4-9e613afeb09f_story.html?utm_term=.edb071c61986|title=The Trump Experiment may come to an early tipping point|first=EJ|last=Dionne Jr.|work=Washington Post|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 5, 2017}}</ref> Obama and his director of national intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. as well as the head of the FBI have denied that this happened.<ref name=wiretap/> In turn, Trump has called for a Congressional investigation of the alleged wiretapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/05/statement-press-secretary|title=Statement from the Press Secretary|date=March 5, 2017|accessdate=March 7, 2017}}</ref><br /> <br /> ===Last days and transition===<br /> In a stunning repudiation of Obama's policies, Republican businessman [[Donald Trump]] was elected over Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]]. In a frantic attempt to leave some sort of legacy, Obama issued a very large amount of far-Left executive orders and regulations which revealed his true political views if any doubt remained.<ref name="ActionsSpree">Lucas, Fred (December 26, 2016). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/26/spree-obama-actions-revives-gop-concerns-over-midnight-regs-agenda.html?refresh=true Spree of Obama actions revives GOP concerns over ‘midnight’ regs, agenda]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> These orders included blocking large areas of the [[Arctic Ocean|Arctic]] and [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] oceans from oil and gas drilling, effectively barring the U.S. from real [[Energy Independence|energy independence]]; breaking the record of pardons and commutations in a single day for criminals (many of them were sentenced for drug-related crimes), showing his soft stance on crime and drugs; ending the defunct NSEERS program to register male immigrants from North Korea and [[Islam]]ic countries (the necessary, beneficial, and useful program was suspended by the Obama Administration in 2011<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/22/obama-ditches-registry-focused-on-immigrant-men-from-muslim-countries.html Obama ditches registry focused on immigrant men from Muslim countries]. ''Fox News''. December 22, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2017.</ref>); attempting to transfer even more terrorists out of [[Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp|Guantanamo Bay]]; allowing an anti-[[Israel]] resolution pass in the [[United Nations]]; enacting a record amount of unnecessary, useless, and job-killing regulations; and even more.<ref name="ActionsSpree"/> Obama added 120,000 illegal immigrants to the DACA program in the last three months of his presidency.<ref>Binder, John (May 16, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/16/obama-stamped-120k-dreamers-trump-takeover/ Obama Stamped 120K DREAMers Before Trump Takeover]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2017.</ref> Obama made these actions knowing that Trump, who had almost completely opposite political views on these issues, was going to enter the [[White House]] in such short a time.<br /> <br /> Although all of Obama's actions were worrisome, his actions in regards to Israel were particularly noteworthy. He broke over 35 years of American policy by abstaining from a UN vote and allowing a blatantly anti-Israel resolution to pass, showing his true stance concerning Israel.<ref name="StrikeAgain">[https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-fears-obama-will-strike/ Israel fears Obama will strike again]. ''World Israel News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><ref name="FedUpDrastic">Berkowitz, Adam Eliyahu (December 26, 2016). [https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/80855/fed-up-with-obamas-trickery-netanyahu-takes-drastic-actions/#VbVlRMtkx4zLRc3f.97 Fed Up With United States Trickery, Netanyahu Takes Drastic Actions]. ''Breaking Israel News''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> Soon before leaving office, Obama bypassed Congress and gave the [[State of Palestine]] $221 million.<ref name="221MLastHours"/><br /> <br /> Obama continued to believe that he could have successfully "won" a third term as president had he been able to run.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/26/obama-could-have-won-third-term.html?refresh=true Obama: I could have won third term]. ''Fox News''. December 26, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref> Regardless of the factuality of that claim, Democrats lost 1,042 seats—including U.S. House, Senate, state governorship, and state legislative seats—during his eight years in office.<ref name="1,000Seats">[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/27/democrats-lost-over-1000-seats-under-obama.html?refresh=true Democrats lost over 1,000 seats under Obama]. ''Fox News''. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2016.</ref> Obama also believed that "the Democratic Party has stayed pretty grounded in fact and reality" despite its negative policies that suggest otherwise.<ref>Lawler, David (December 26, 2016). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/26/barack-obama-says-democrats-will-not-disintegrate-like-labour/ Barack Obama says Democrats will not 'disintegrate' like Labour under Jeremy Corbyn]. ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved December 26, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama made Trump's transition much harder and rockier than it could have been by his leftist executive orders, decisions, and comments during the transition period.<ref>Swoyer, Alex (December 28, 2016). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/12/28/donald-trump-responds-to-president-obamas-many-inflammatory-statements/ Donald Trump Responds to President Obama’s ‘Many Inflammatory’ Statements]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><ref>Scott, Eugine (December 28, 2016). [http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/politics/trump-obama-statements-not-smooth-transition/ Trump: 'NOT' a smooth transition after Obama 'roadblocks']. ''CNN''. Retrieved December 28, 2016.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama received the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service from [[Secretary of Defense]] [[Ash Carter]], an Obama appointee in the same administration.<ref>Huston, Warner Todd (January 4, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/01/04/president-obama-awards-himself-distinguished-public-service-medal/ President Obama Awards Himself Distinguished Public Service Medal]. ''Breitbart''. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref> Although the award was created in 1947, the only other presidents to have received the medal (all during their tenure) are [[Bill Clinton]], a left-wing Democrat, and [[George W. Bush]], who holds [[RINO]] positions on certain issues.<br /> <br /> In an interview, Obama claimed that "we are probably the first administration in modern history that hasn't had a major scandal in the White House,"<ref>[http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/01/13/president-obama-60-minutes-no-white-house-scandals-during-my-administration Obama: I'm the 1st Modern President Without a Major Scandal]. ''Fox News Insider''. January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 16 2017.</ref> and Obama's Chief of Staff [[Denis McDonough]] claimed likewise,<ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (January 15, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/314396-obama-chief-of-staff-most-proud-we-are-scandal-free Chief of staff: Obama administration 'historically free of scandal']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref> despite the strong and massive evidence to the contrary.<ref>Dickens, Geoffrey (January 16, 2017). [https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/geoffrey-dickens/2017/01/16/ The Seven Most Undercovered Obama Scandals]. ''[[NewsBusters]]''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref><ref>Hemingway, Mark (January 9, 2017). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-obama-era-had-scandals-aplenty/article/2006197 The Obama Era Had Scandals Aplenty]. ''[[Weekly Standard]]''. Retrieved January 16, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ====Massive increase in regulations in 2016====<br /> In addition to his other actions in 2016, Obama massively increased the number of federal regulations during his last days in office.<ref>Harper, Jennifer (May 30, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/30/inside-the-beltway-obamas-unprecedented-surge-of-r/ Inside the Beltway: Obama’s unprecedented ‘surge’ of regulations]. '' The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Lawler, Joseph (May 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/new-rules-surged-in-obamas-last-year-to-3853-most-pages-in-federal-register-ever/article/2624503 New rules surged in Obama's last year to 3,853, most pages in Federal Register ever]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref> More regulations were finalized in every year since 2005, and they cost the economy $2 trillion.<ref>Sherfinski, David (May 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/31/obamas-regulations-in-2016-to-drain-economy-by-2-t/ Obama’s regulations in 2016 to drain economy by $2 trillion]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==2012 Presidential campaign==<br /> :''Main article: [[Presidential Election 2012]]''<br /> During his campaigns Obama said that he intended to "[[Redistribution of wealth|spread the wealth around]]" and was portrayed as saying that entrepreneurs and employers deserve no credit for building their businesses.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Zuckerman, Mortimer B. (July 16, 2010). [http://www.usnews.com/opinion/mzuckerman/articles/2010/07/16/obamas-anti-business-policies-are-our-economic-katrina "Obama's anti-business policies are our economic Katrina"]. ''U.S. News and World Report'' website.<br /> *Barnes, Fred (July 22, 2009). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/619dvjlm.asp "An anti-business president"]. ''The Weekly Standard''. Vol. 14, No. 38. Retrieved at the The Weekly Standard website. See [[The Weekly Standard]].<br /> *Shedlock, Mike (August 20, 2010). [http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-businesses-are-not-hiring-why.html "Small businesses are not hiring—Why should they?"] Blogspot website/Mish's global economic trend analysis.<br /> *Wright, C. Edmund (February 12, 2012). [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/dear_mr_president_why_we_are_n.html "Dear Mr. President: Why we are not hiring"]. American Thinker website. See [[American Thinker]].</ref> On March 1, 2013 Obama issued [[Executive Order|executive orders]] to implement his [[Budget sequester|sequester]] of budget cuts which<ref>Bedard, Paul (February 27, 2013). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/dnc-boosts-obama-job-cut-threat-of-750000-to-2-million/article/2522664?custom_click=rss "Sequester hype: DNC adds 1.25 million job cuts to Obama's 750,000"]. ''Washington Examiner'' website. Article located by Weasel Zippers website.</ref> has been widely criticized for destroying jobs in what was an anemic and fragile recovery.<ref>Foys, Bob (February 26, 2013). [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-26/news/chi-20130226-foys_briefs_1_sequester-president-obama-press-secretary-jay-carney "President Obama's sequester"]. ''Chicago Tribune'' website. See [[Chicago Tribune]].</ref><br /> <br /> Warren L. Dean Jr., an adjunct professor of law at [[Georgetown University]] Law Center, wrote:<br /> *{{obama income inequality}}<br /> <br /> According to a [[NBC News]] poll, from August 2014, Obama's approval rating was a dismal 40%,<ref>Murray, Mark (August 5, 2014). [http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/poll-americans-dissatisfied-economy "Poll: Obama’s approval rating hits all-time low"]. MSNBC website. See [[MSNBC]]</ref> showing that six in ten Americans disapproved of his [[liberal]] policies. Given that liberals frequently engage in [[Liberal lies|deceit]], the actual approval ratings could be much lower. When Obama left office, the same pollsters who prognosticated a blowout win for Hillary Clinton maintained Obama's approval rating was above 50%.<br /> ===2011: Birth certificate controversies===<br /> : ''Main article: [[Barack Obama Controversies#Birth Certificate]]''<br /> On April 27, 2011,<ref>CNN Political Unit (2011, April 27). "[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate/ White House Releases Obama Birth Certificate]." ''CNN''.</ref> a long-running controversy surrounding Obama's birth was largely put to rest<ref>Winter, J. (2011, April 29). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/29/expert-says-obamas-birth-certificate-legit/ Expert: No Doubt Obama's Birth Certificate is Legit]." ''[[Fox News]]''.<br>Tuchman, G. (2011, April 25). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-25/politics/birthers.obama.hawaii_1_birther-controversy-obama-opinion-research-corporation?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Birther Claims Have No Merit]." ''CNN''.<br>(2011, April 27). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42779923/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-releases-detailed-us-birth-certificate/ Obama Releases Detailed U.S. Birth Certificate]." ''MSNBC''.</ref> when Obama had his long-form birth certificate posted at WhiteHouse.gov.<ref>"[http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/birth-certificate-long-form.pdf Certificate of Live Birth]." State of Hawaii. Retrieved from ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> [[Donald Trump]], who had been critical of Obama for allowing the divisiveness to linger was then leading Republicans in polls for the upcoming GOP primary<ref>James, F. (2011, April 15). "[http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/04/15/135446314/poll-donald-trump-birther-darling-leads-gop-field-at-26 Donald Trump, Birther In Chief? Poll Has Him Leading GOP Field with 26 Percent]." ''NPR''.</ref> and has been credited with bringing final resolution to the issue. The birth certificates of Michelle Robinson, which would disclosure her birth-sex, and the two children which would clarify their birth parentage however, remain undisclosed.<br /> <br /> The following is a synopsis of previous events leading up to the release:<br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton top advisor [[Sidney Blumenthal]], and his son, Max Blumenthal, were the origin of the rumors in 2008 that Barack Hussein Obama was a Muslim in order to stir up fear among white Democrats and women, intended for Hillary's benefit.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-great-islamophobic-crusade/ The Great Islamophobic Crusade], CBSNEWS, December 19, 2010. cbsnews.com</ref> McClatchy Washington Bureau Chief James Asher relayed, "Mr. Blumenthal and I met together in my office and he strongly urged me to investigate the exact place of President Obama’s birth, which he suggested was in Kenya."<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article102354777.html</ref> Snope's has identified a claim that a 1991 promotional booklet by Barack Obama's then-literary agency, Acton & Dystel, touted Obama as "born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii" as being true.<ref>http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/booklet.asp</ref><br /> <br /> [[Hillary Clinton 2008 presidential campaign|Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign]] team then began spreading [[Islamophobic]] rumors that Obama was a [[Muslim]] schooled in a ''madrassa'' as a child in Indonesia.<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/sep/05/bill-clinton-barack-obama-bromance-long-slow-making Bill Clinton and Barack Obama: an alliance long and slow in the making], Gary Younge, ''Guardian'' UK.</ref><ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080506093354/http://www.stop-obama.org/?page_id=23 Who is BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA?] Mission Statement, stop-obama.org</ref> A group registered as People United Means Action (PUMA) was made up of Hillary Clinton supporters who not only opposed Barack Obama's nomination but also sought to delegitimitize his presidency.<ref>https://youtu.be/bifsEkjTAc8</ref> PUMA members charged that the media directed [[sexism]] and [[misogyny]] at Clinton during the 2008 primary campaign and expressed anger at [[Democratic Party]] leaders' failure to speak out or otherwise respond appropriately. <br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton had received a majority of votes in the 2008 Democratic primaries and PUMA felt the [[Superdelegate]]s robbed Hillary of the nomination.<br /> <br /> ===2011: Retribution killings===<br /> Obama transformed the Bush administration War on Terror from a preventative measure against terrorism to a cry for vengeance, mob bloodlust, and retribution killings which spawned a fresh, new, and larger cycle of violence. <br /> <br /> On May 1, 2011, Obama misled the public when he announced <ref>Obama, B. (2011, May 2). "[http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead Osama Bin Laden Dead]." ''White House''.</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1SLhNoUNY Nobel Prize Winner with a kill list].</ref> that Osama bin Laden was "killed in a firefight" after a U.S. special operations group infiltrated a compound in [[Abbottabad raid|Abottobad]], Pakistan.<ref>Baker, P., Cooper, H., & Mazzetti, M. (2011, May 1). "[Bin Laden is Dead, Obama Says]." ''The New York Times''.<br>"[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Osama_Bin_Laden/ Target Bin Laden: The Death of Public Enemy #1]." ''ABC News''.<br>''[[NPR]]''. "[http://www.npr.org/series/135908383/osama-bin-laden-dead Special Series: Osama Bin Laden Killed]."</ref> Attacks, murders, and kidnappings of Americans have since escalated as reprisals for bin Laden's death. [[Al Qaeda]], once broken and on the run, operates openly as the jihad has now become global. Relations with Pakistan, a longtime ally throughout the Cold War and War on Terror, became strained. The government of Pakistan denied White House claims it allowed Americans to kill Muslims on its territory.<ref>''Associated Press'' (2011, May 10). "[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/10/pakistani-president-claims-bin-laden-deal/ Former Pakistani President Claims There Was Never Bin Laden Deal With U.S.]." Retrieved from ''Fox News''.</ref> For all his duplicity and criticism of the War on Terror, Obama experienced only a temporary blip in approval ratings.<ref>Dao, J. & Sussman, D. (2011, May 4). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/us/politics/05poll.html For Obama, Big Rise in Poll Numbers After Bin Laden Raid]." ''New York Times''.<br>''Pew Research Center'' (2011, May 2). "[http://www.people-press.org/2011/05/03/public-relieved-by-bin-ladens-death-obamas-job-approval-rises/ Public 'Relieved' by Bin Laden's Death, Obama's Job Approval Rises]."<br>Jones, J.M. (2011, May 5). "[http://www.gallup.com/poll/147437/obama-approval-rallies-six-points-bin-laden-death.aspx Obama Job Approval Rallies Six Points to 52% After Bin Laden Death]." ''Gallup''.</ref><ref>''[[CBS News]]/Associated Press'' (2012, May 1). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57424622/1-year-after-osama-bin-laden-killed-still-no-answers-from-pakistan/ 1 Year After Osama bin Laden Killed, Still No Answers from Pakistan]."</ref> <br /> <br /> An NBC investigation revealed Obama was informed of bin Laden's whereabouts one full year before he attempted to use it as an election year issue. NBC further reported that there was no "firefight" at all, contradicting what the president told the nation.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3077864/NBC-investigatin-says-bama-DID-edit-role-Pakistan-killing-Bin-Laden-change-facts-credit.html NBC investigation claims Obama knew where bin Laden was ONE YEAR before 2011 raid and backs Seymour Hersh's claim Pakistan intelligence hid al-Qaeda chief], [[Daily Mail ]]</ref> As early as the day after bin Laden was executed, it was learned bin Laden was not armed in the alleged "firefight" that Obama claimed took place.<br /> <br /> ===2012: defends Mohammad===<br /> After the [[Benghazi terrorist attack]] which his administration knowingly and fraudulently blamed on the creator of an irreverent YouTube video critical of the founder of Islam, Obama made a speech at the UN in which he said, {{Cquote|The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.<ref>https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/25/remarks-president-un-general-assembly</ref>}}<br /> Four Americans died in the terrorist action intended to commemorate the [[9/11 attack]]s. The attack occurred on the US Consulate at Benghazi, part of the territory of the United States. Administration officials did nothing to repel the attack in progress while huddling to discuss the domestic political ramifications for the upcoming presidential election, less than two months away. The creator of the video was jailed on bogus charges unrelated to the video. In 2015, a series of terrorist attacks in France, Denmark and the United States claimed the lives of at least 15 people with dozens injured, including security and police officers, motivated by Muslim extremists defending what, in their view were, unflattering depictions of the founder of Islam, [[Mohammad]].<br /> <br /> === 2012: voting irregularities===<br /> According to Stanley Kurtz - author of ''Radical-in-Chief: Barack Obama and the Untold Story of American Socialism'' (2010) Obama in 1995 sought and obtained the endorsement of a left-wing third party, the [[New Party]] in his quest to be elected to the Illinois State Senate.<ref>Kurtz, S. (2012, June 7). [http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/302031/obamas-third-party-history-stanley-kurtz Obama's Third-Party History]. ''[[National Review Online]]''.</ref> Obama's "Fight the Smears" campaign has denied this, as has [[Politico]]'s Ben Smith.<ref name=pollack>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Obama-Caught-Lying-Again-He-WAS-Member-of-New-Party-Says-Kurtz Obama Caught Lying Again: He WAS Member of 'New Party', Says Kurtz]. ''Breitbart.com''<br>Smith, B. (2008, October 25). [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/The_dread_New_Party.html The Dread New Party]. ''[[Politico]]''.</ref> Others who claim he was affiliated with the New Party/ACORN include [[The Blaze]]'s Billy Hallowell,<ref>Hallowell, B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-new-documents-show-obama-was-a-member-of-the-far-left-new-party/ News Docs Reportedly Show Obama Was a Member of the Far-Left 'New Party']. ''The Blaze''.</ref> [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]]'s Joel Pollack, [[Human Events]]' Erick Erickson,<ref>Erickson, E. (2008, June 10). [http://www.humanevents.com/2008/06/10/obama-and-the-new-party/ Obama and the New Party]. ''[[Human Events]]''.</ref> Newsbusters' P.J. Gladnick,<ref>Gladnick, P.J. (2008, October 12). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/10/08/will-msm-report-obama-membership-socialist-new-party#ixzz21JfE3z1z Will MSM Report on Obama Membership in Socialist New Party?] ''[[Newsbusters]]''.</ref> Rick Moran at AmericanThinker.com,<ref>Rick Moran. [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/obamas_alliance_with_marxists.html Obama's Alliance with Marxists], ''American Thinker'', June 03, 2008.</ref> and various writers at [[Discover the Networks]] (which include Kurtz and Erickson).<ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=7434 NEW PARTY (NP)], ''[[Discover the Networks]]''.</ref> <br /> <br /> Kurtz in 2012 has claimed to find minutes of the New Party Chicago chapter that say, "''Barack Obama, candidate for State Senate in the 13th Legislative District, gave a statement to the membership and answered questions. He signed the New Party 'Candidate Contract' and requested an endorsement from the New Party. He also joined the New Party.''"<ref name=pollack /> Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod responded to Kurtz with silence and when asked if that meant "yes or no", Axelrod stated, "You can take that as I have no idea what you are talking about."<ref>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Exclusive-Axelrod-Plays-Dumb-on-Obama-and-Socialist-New-Party Exclusive: Axelrod Plays Dumb on Obama and Socialist New Party]. ''[[Breitbart.com]]''.</ref><br /> <br /> ===2012: Attacks on employers and service providers===<br /> {{main|You didn't build that}}<br /> On July 13, 2012, at a campaign event in [[Virginia]], Obama gave a speech that immediately stirred up controversy. Speaking about the government's role in the success of private business, he said:<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-roanoke-virginia Remarks by the President at a Campaign Event in Roanoke, Virginia], White House</ref><br /> {{cquote|If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business - you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.}} The [[Romney]] campaign has used "If you’ve got a business—you didn’t build that" in ads to show America that Obama believes it is government that creates business rather than hard-working individuals. The Obama campaign has alternatively stated that the sentenced was poorly worded since he was not giving a scripted speech and that when Obama said "that" he was referring to roads and bridges. Obama points to a later portion of his speech in which he said, "The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together," to support his claim.<br /> <br /> ===Results===<br /> On November 6, 2012 Barack Obama won reelection with 332 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 206.<ref>[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/map/ 2012 Presidential Election], Politico</ref> Obama received 51% of the popular vote (65,899,660 votes) to Romney's 47% (60,932,152 votes).<ref>[http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2012/2012presgeresults.pdf Official 2012 Presidential General Election Results], [[Federal Election Commission]]</ref><br /> <br /> ==Post-presidency==<br /> Obama made an ungraceful departure from office claiming on October 18, 2016 Donald Trump's complaints of lies spread about Trump were corrosive to American democracy and an invented conspiracy theory.<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/18/politics/obama-trumps-rigged-election-claim-whining-before-the-games-even-over/</ref> Less than two months later after Trump had won, Obama claimed he himself had been derelict in his duty and had fallen asleep at the switch allowing Russian hackers to steal the election for Donald Trump.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/us/politics/russia-hack-election-trump-obama.html</ref><br /> <br /> Despite Obama's opposition to Trump's plan to build a wall along the U.S.-[[Mexico]] border in order to secure it, it was reported in early 2017 that he was building a wall around his new mansion, obviously in order to keep unwanted people out.<ref>[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-building-a-wall-around-his-new-dc-house/article/2611130 Obama building a wall around his new DC house]. ''Washington Examiner''. January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After the end of his presidency, Obama spent much of his time vacationing in exclusive and elite locations around the world.<ref>Bennett, Kate (March 17, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/17/politics/where-in-the-world-is-barack-obama/ Barack Obama is probably lying on a beach in a deserted paradise right now]. ''CNN''. Retrieved March 18, 2017.</ref> He spent much time with left-wing celebrities, such as spending [[Good Friday]] 2017 on a $300 million yacht with celebrities such as [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Tom Hanks]], and [[Oprah Winfrey]].<ref>Hudson, Jerome (April 17, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2017/04/17/barack-michelle-obama-join-oprah-springsteen-hanks-on-david-geffens-yacht/ Good Friday: Obamas Join Winfrey, Springsteen, Hanks on David Geffen’s Yacht]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> In addition, Obama accepted a $400,000 speech backed by Wall Street,<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/obama-spokesman-defends-reported-400000-wall-street-backed-speech.html Obama spokesman defends reported $400,000 Wall Street-backed speech]. ''Fox News''. April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> something that stunned even many liberals.<ref>Wallace, Christopher (April 27, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/27/obamas-400g-wall-street-speech-leaves-liberal-base-stunned.html Obama's $400G Wall Street speech leaves liberal base stunned]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 27, 2017.</ref> Despite the criticism over the speech, Obama gave another $400,000 speech shortly afterward.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/28/obama-reportedly-pulls-in-another-400g-for-speech.html Obama reportedly pulls in another $400G for speech]. ''Fox News''. April 28, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2017.</ref> [[Bernie Sanders]] described Obama's speaking fees as "unfortunate."<ref>[http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/28/unfortunate-bernie-sanders-criticizes-obama-for-accepting-400k-for-wall-street-speech/ ‘Unfortunate’: Bernie Sanders criticizes Obama for accepting $400K for Wall Street speech], [[The Blaze]]</ref> In May 2017, Obama traveled to Italy to give a speech on [[global warming|climate change]], but used pollution-heavy transportation to get to his destination.<ref>Zanotti, Emily (May 21, 2017). [https://heatst.com/politics/obama-speaks-on-global-warming-then-spews-co2-with-private-jet-13-car-motorcade/ Obama Speaks on Global Warming, Then Spews CO2 With Private Jet, 13-Car Motorcade]. ''Heat Street''. Retrieved May 22, 2017.</ref> On June 6, 2017, Obama gave a $400,000 speech to the Chamber of Commerce in [[Montreal]] in which one of the topics he spoke about was "warning against income inequality and the concentration of wealth."<ref>Starr, Penny (June 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/06/07/obama-warns-income-inequality-delivering-7700-minute-speech/ Obama Warns Against Income Inequality While Delivering $7,700-a-Minute Speech]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> After leaving office, Obama bought a house in D.C. for $8.1 million.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/31/obamas-purchase-d-c-house-for-8-1-million-new-report-says.html Obamas purchase D.C. house for $8.1 million, new report says]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref><ref>Bennett, Kate (June 2, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/31/politics/obama-house-kalorama/index.html Obamas purchase their DC rental house for millions]. ''CNN''. Retrieved June 7, 2017.</ref> In August and September 2017, Obama made a combined $1.2 million from three Wall Street speeches.<ref>Shelbourne, Mallory (September 18, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/351138-obama-making-big-money-speeches-to-wall-street-firms-report Obama making big-money speeches to Wall Street firms: report]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Yilek, Caitlin (September 18, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obama-making-400000-speeches-to-wall-street-firms-report/article/2634736 Obama making $400,000 speeches to Wall Street firms: Report]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>Kight, Stef W. (September 18, 2017). [https://www.axios.com/trump-wants-a-july-4th-military-parade-2486828811.html Obama to make $1.2 million from 3 Wall Street speeches]. ''Axios''. Retrieved September 18, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/19/obama-cashes-in-on-wall-street-appearances-report-says.html Obama cashes in on Wall Street appearances, report says]. ''Fox News''. September 19, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Several of Obama's failures as U.S. president were revealed shortly after he left office, as it was found that [[Syria]] continued to possess chemical weapons after Obama stated they were gone, that the Obama Administration misrepresented the release of some Iranian prisoners, and that the Obama Administration had unmasked Trump Transition officials (See: [[Barack Obama Controversies]] and [[Obamagate timeline]]).<ref>Shepherd, Todd (April 29, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/obamas-first-100-days-as-ex-president/article/2621662 Obama's first 100 days as ex-president]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 1, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> After leaving office, Obama started his own foundation, the Obama Foundation, and set to work on building his presidential center and library.<ref>Berger, Judson (May 3, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/05/03/clinton-obama-return-to-public-eye-with-new-ventures.html Clinton, Obama return to public eye with new ventures]. ''Fox News''. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> It was reported in May 2017 that the Justice Department under Obama likely discriminated against veterans – in violation of federal law requiring the government to give preference to veterans in job hiring – by attempting to influence them to withdraw their applications.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (May 17, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/17/obama-doj-refused-hire-veterans-jobs-investigation/ Obama’s Justice Department refused to hire military veterans for jobs]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 19, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama did not give any mention of [[Independence Day]] on his Facebook or Twitter on that day in 2017 while he was visiting [[Seoul]].<ref>Huston, Warner Todd (July 5, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/07/05/july-4th-no-mention-independence-day-barack-obamas-twitter-facebook/ On July 4th: No Mention of Independence Day on Barack Obama’s Twitter or Facebook]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 5, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> Obama's 2018 budget request, which was over $1.1 million, made him the most expensive U.S. president in the country's history.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Rodriguez, Katherine (September 2, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/02/obama-is-the-most-expensive-ex-president-for-american-taxpayers/ Obama Is the Most Expensive Ex-President for American Taxpayers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Dinan, Stephen (August 31, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/31/obama-will-top-bush-most-costly-ex-president/ Obama will top Bush as most costly ex-president]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Caralle, Katelyn (September 1, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/politics/obama-most-costly-former-president-2018/ Obama Poised to Be Most Costly Former President in 2018]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.<br /> *Bohon, Dave (September 2, 2016). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/26826-obama-most-expensive-ex-president-ever Obama Most Expensive Ex-President Ever]. ''The New American''. Retrieved September 2, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Legacy==<br /> In September 2016, a [[Parasite|parasitic]] worm, the [[Baracktrema obamai]], was named after Obama.<ref>Kaplan, Sarah (September 9, 2016). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/09/09/scientists-like-barack-obama-so-much-that-they-named-a-parasite-after-him/ Scientists like Barack Obama so much that they named a parasite after him]. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved September 9, 2016.</ref> As of December 2016, at least 15 schools in the United States have been named after Obama.<br /> <br /> During Obama's 8 years in office, Democrats lost over 1,000 seats in the federal and state governments.<ref name="1,000Seats"/><br /> <br /> [[Dinesh D'Souza]] wrote, "Obama's legacy is to double the national debt & dramatically reduce US influence in the world."<ref>https://twitter.com/dineshdsouza/status/760447860638789632</ref><br /> <br /> Upon assuming office, President [[Donald Trump]] wiped out much of Obama's last-minute regulatory actions through [[Congressional Review]].<ref>Korte, Gregory (March 27, 2017). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/03/27/trump-signs-four-bills-roll-back-obama-era-regulations/99690456/ Trump signs four bills to roll back Obama-era regulations]. ''USA Today''. Retrieved March 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Pollak, Joel B. (April 15, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/04/15/trump-congressional-review-act-legislative-milestone/ Trump’s Use of the Congressional Review Act Is a Legislative Milestone]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 15, 2017.</ref> Trump also adopted a stronger foreign policy.<ref>Llorente, Elizabeth (April 14, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/04/14/ex-obama-officials-say-hesitation-to-use-force-in-syria-elsewhere-emboldened-adversaries.html Ex-Obama officials say hesitation to use force in Syria, elsewhere, emboldened adversaries]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref><ref>Collinson, Stephen (April 14, 2017). [http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/14/politics/donald-trump-military-afghanistan/index.html Trump carves out tough commander-in-chief posture]. ''CNN''. Retrieved April 14, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Illinois]], a very liberal state, enacted a law making August 4 "Barack Obama Day."<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Huston, Warner Todd (August 7, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/08/07/illinois-makes-obama-birthday-state-holiday/ Deep Blue Illinois Makes Obama’s Birthday a State Holiday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 8, 2017.<br /> *Carter, Brandon (August 6, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/345523-illinois-makes-barack-obama-day-a-state-holiday Illinois makes 'Barack Obama Day' a state holiday]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.<br /> *Siciliano, John (August 6, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/barack-obama-day-is-official-holiday-in-illinois/article/2630769 'Barack Obama Day' is official holiday in Illinois]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 6, 2017.<br /> *[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/08/07/illinois-governor-signs-law-to-honor-barack-obamas-birthday.html Illinois governor signs law to honor Barack Obama's birthday]. ''Fox News'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved August 7, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Controversies==<br /> :''Main article: [[Barack Obama Controversies]]''<br /> Several major controversies have dogged Obama throughout his political career and have received major media coverage and prominence.<br /> <br /> ==Obamaisms==<br /> Obama's bizarre gaffes, or [[Obamaisms]], were frequent and embarrassing, but typically unreported by the [[liberal media]]. Some examples are: spelling respect as R-S-P-E-C-T when he was attempting to sing that line from [[Aretha Franklin]]'s famous song, spelling Ohio as O-I-H-O, and saying that we built the Intercontinental Railroad instead of the Transcontinental Railroad, saying "How's it going, Sunshine" when he was in the city of Sunrise, Florida.<ref>Kurtzman, Daniel (March 6, 2014 or aft.) [http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/barackobama/a/obama-isms.htm "Obamaisms: Dumb quotes and gaffes by Barack Obama"]. About.com webiste/About entertainment/Political humor/Funny political jokes/Political gaffes.</ref> Many hardworking American businessmen took offense to a 2012 campaign speech about the economy where, referring to infrastructure improvements, he said "[[You didn't build that]]." Obama offended [[Poland]] by referring to the [[Nazi]] death camps there as "Polish death camps." Later Obama apologized.<ref>Sink, Justin (June 1, 2012). [http://thehill.com/blogs/global-affairs/europe/230419-obama-letter-says-he-regrets-polish-death-camp-gaffe "Obama apologizes in writing for 'Polish death camp' verbal gaffe"]. The Hill website/Policy/International.</ref> Gaffes are inevitable for people with a high profile, but several of Obama's were very revealing ("you didn't build that"), and they show how the [[mainstream media]] tends to emphasize the gaffes of conservatives as opposed to liberals.<br /> <br /> == Quotes ==<br /> *"I continue to believe that [[Donald Trump]] will not be president." (stated when asked by a reporter a month prior to Election Day)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4iZSW_76TE Democrats and Media Agreed: There Was No Way Donald Trump Could Be Elected], Video</ref><br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> *[[Obamagate timeline]]<br /> *[[Obamagate timeline 2009-2015]]<br /> *[[Political positions of Barack Obama]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama and uncharitableness]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama and abortion]]<br /> *[[Ukrainian crisis]]<br /> *[[Essay:Born Outside the U.S.A.!]] <br /> *[[Essay: The Special Interests Candidate]]<br /> *[[Lobbyists ties to the Obama administration]] <br /> *[[Obama doublespeak]] <br /> *[[Obama inauguration]] <br /> *[[Religion of Barack Hussein Obama]] <br /> *[[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage]]''<br /> *[[The Honorable James David Manning]] <br /> *[[Essay:The Obama Manifesto]]<br /> *[[Obama syndrome]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama's past dog meat eating and 2012 election campaign]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama's "Last chance at dinner" fundraising letter]]<br /> *[[Barack Obama is the antichrist speculation]]<br /> *[[Essay: Does Barack Hussein Obama care if America defaults on credit?]]<br /> *[[Essay:The lie that we are safer under Obama]]<br /> *[[Essay: Foes Want Obama to Fail, A Republican Perspective]]<br /> *[[Essay:Impeach Obama]]<br /> *[[Benghazigate timeline]]<br /> *[[Obama's second term agenda]]<br /> *[[ObamaRail]]<br /> *[[Obama sequester]]<br /> *[[Obama (disambiguation)]]<br /> *[[Essay: President's speech after the defeat of two tyrants]]<br /> * [[Unconstitutional]] [[Executive amnesty]] via Obama [[Executive Order]]s<br /> * [[Universal health care]] for [[Illegal immigration|illegal aliens]] via [[ObamaCare]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000167 Profile] on the ''Biographical Directory of the United States Congress''<br /> *[http://barackobamadoubletalk.com/ Barack Obama Doubletalk]<br /> *[http://hotair.com/archives/2013/07/03/national-journal-obama-facing-crisis-over-incompetence/ National Journal: Obama facing crisis over incompetence]<br /> *[http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6130/ The New Cult of Personality]<br /> *[http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/23/che-obama-and-the-revolutionary-agenda/ Che, Obama, and the Revolutionary Agenda]<br /> *[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/americas-first-muslim-president/ GAFFNEY: America's first Muslim president?] Washington Times<br /> *[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-l-esposito/barack-obama-and-islam_b_212519.html Barack Obama and Islam.] by [[John L. Esposito]].<br /> *[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931 Democrat: Obama's grandma confirms Kenyan birth.]<br /> *[http://www.ontheissues.org/barack_obama.htm Barack Obama on the issues.]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{USPresidents}}<br /> {{2008 presidential candidates}}<br /> {{2012 presidential candidates}}<br /> [[Category:Barack Hussein Obama]]<br /> [[Category:Obama Presidency]]<br /> [[Category:Obama Administration]]<br /> [[Category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]<br /> [[Category:Abortion Advocates]]<br /> [[Category:Socialists]]<br /> [[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]<br /> [[Category:Chicago]]<br /> [[Category:Liberals]]<br /> [[Category:Globalists]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Authors]]<br /> [[Category:Best Selling Authors]]<br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Obama, Barack Hussein}}</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=20th_Century_Studios&diff=1375974 20th Century Studios 2017-09-22T18:00:46Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''20th Century Fox''' is a major [[United States of America|US]] film corporation which was owned from 1985 to 2013 by the original [[News Corporation]], then since 2013 by its successor [[21st Century Fox]]. The company was formed in 1935 by the merger of Twentieth Century Pictures (founded 1933) and the Fox Film Corporation (founded 1915).<br /> <br /> In 2009, it released [[Delgo]] on DVD and BluRay. In 2012, it as well as four other major Hollywood studios, including [[The Walt Disney Company]] and [[DreamWorks Animation]], was placed under investigation by the [[SEC]] for allegedly making illegal payments to Chinese officials for filming rights.<ref>http://freebeacon.com/national-security/dreamworks-nightmare/</ref><ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/us-sec-movies-idUSBRE83N15V20120424</ref><br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{Reflist}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Cinema]]<br /> [[Category:Movie Studios]]<br /> [[Category:Hollywood]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Organizations]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:Jewish History]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]<br /> [[Category:Los Angeles]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Atheism&diff=1375972 Atheism 2017-09-22T17:54:14Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Atheism.jpg|thumb|alt=atheism|right|205px|[[Portrait]] of [[Paul-Henri Thiry]], Baron d'Holbach (1723 - 1789) was an early advocate of atheism in [[Europe]]. ]]<br /> '''Atheism''', as defined by the ''[[Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy]]'', the ''[[Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy]]'', and other [[philosophy]] reference works, is the denial of the existence of [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Smart, J. J. C. (August 8, 2011). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism "Atheism and agnosticism"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). <br /> *Merriam-Webster dictionary: Atheism - a disbelief in the existence of deity; the doctrine that there is no deity. Origin of atheism: Middle French athéisme, from athée atheist, from Greek atheos godless, from a- + theos god [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism]<br /> *Atheism: a + theos, denying god, (Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology-1966).<br /> *Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph.D. (23 June 2007). [http://creation.com/atheism-is-more-rational "Atheism is more rational?"]. See [[Creation Ministries International]], [[Jonathan Sarfati]].<br /> *Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"].<br /> *[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/definition-of-atheism Definition of atheism] by [[William Lane Craig]]<br /> *[http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html Putting the Atheist on the Defensive] by Kenneth R. Samples, Christian Research Institute Journal, Fall 1991, and Winter 1992, page 7.<br /> </ref> [[Paul Edwards (philosopher)|Paul Edwards]], who was a prominent atheist and editor of the ''[[Encyclopedia of Philosophy]]'', defined an atheist as "a person who maintains that there is no God."<ref name="CRI">[http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html Putting the Atheist on the Defensive] by Kenneth R. Samples, Christian Research Institute Journal, Fall 1991, and Winter 1992, page 7.</ref><br /> <br /> Beginning in the latter portion of the 20th century and continuing beyond, many [[agnosticism|agnostics]]/atheists have argued that the [[definition of atheism]] should be defined as a lack of belief in God or gods.<ref name="CRI"/><ref name="Divine">Day, Donn R. (2007). [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"].</ref><ref>[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/definition-of-atheism Definition of atheism] by [[William Lane Craig]]</ref><ref>Britain is a less religious country than the United States and the online Oxford Dictionaries offers both the narrow/broad definitions of atheism (As noted in a previous footnote the Merriam-Webster dictionary, which is a traditional American dictionary, offers a more narrow definition of atheism similar to the definition that major encyclopedias of philosophy use). Oxford Dictionaries: Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.[http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/atheism]</ref> <br /> <br /> Atheism has been examined by many disciplines in terms [[Atheism statistics|of its effects]] on individuals and [[Atheism and culture|on societies]] and these effects will be covered shortly.<br /> <br /> As far as individuals adopting an [[Atheist worldview|atheistic worldview]], atheism has a number [[causes of atheism|of causal factors]] and these will be elaborated on below.<br /> <br /> ==Types of atheism==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Schools of atheist thought]] and [[Atheist factions]]<br /> [[File:Diagoras of melos.jpg|thumbnail|150px|right|[[Diagoras of Melos]] was an [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] atheist, poet and [[Sophism|Sophist]] of the 5th century BC.<br /> <br /> See: [[History of Atheism|History of atheism]] ]]<br /> The [[History of Atheism|history of atheism]] can be dated to as early as the 5th century B.C. [[Diagoras of Melos]] was a 5th century B.C. [[Greek]] atheist, poet and [[Sophism|Sophist]]. Since this time, there have been many [[schools of atheist thought]] that have developed. <br /> <br /> ===Atheism and why do atheists state they disbelieve?===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Weak Atheism|Weak atheism]] and [[Strong atheism]]<br /> <br /> Atheists claim there are two main reasons for their denial of the existence of God and/or disbelief in God: the conviction that there is positive evidence or argument that God does not exist ([[strong atheism]], which is also sometimes called positive atheism), and their claim that [[theism|theists]] bear the burden of proof to show that God exists, that they have failed to do so, and that belief is therefore unwarranted ([[Weak Atheism|weak atheism]]).<br /> <br /> As alluded to above, theists and others have posited a number of [[causes of atheism]] and this matter will be further addressed in this article.<br /> <br /> === Attempts to broaden the definition of atheism ===<br /> <br /> In 1876, [[Charles Bradlaugh]] proposed that atheism does not assert "there is no God," and by doing so he endeavored to dilute the traditional definition of atheism.<ref name="Divine"/><ref><br /> *Discussion on Atheism: Report of a Public Discussion Between the Rev. Brewin Grant, B.A., and C. Bradlaugh, Esq., Held in South Place Chapel, Finsbury, London, on Tuesday Evenings, Commencing June 22, and Ending July 27, 1875, on the Question, "Is Atheism Or is Christianity the True Secular Gospel, as Tending to the Improvement and Happiness of Mankind in this Life by Human Efforts and Material Means.". Brewin Grant Charles Bradlaugh, January 1, 1890, Anti-liberation Society, page 10-12 [https://books.google.com/books?id=Dwk3yV5MOaAC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=Charles+Bradlaugh+definition+of+atheism&source=bl&ots=JtjIlK7qaJ&sig=E0HjYgfEyKXdEA4zlLAd9m41cQU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CEgQ6AEwB2oVChMIrcijucWLyAIVCXA-Ch00NACw#v=onepage&q=Charles%20Bradlaugh%20definition%20of%20atheism&f=false]<br /> </ref> As noted above, in the latter portion of the 20th century, the proposition that the definition of atheism be defined as a mere lack of belief in God or gods began to be commonly advanced by agnostics/atheists.<ref name="Divine"/><ref><br /> *[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/definition-of-atheism Definition of atheism] by [[William Lane Craig]]</ref> It is now common for atheists/agnostics and theists to debate the meaning of the word atheism.<ref name="Divine"/><ref><br /> *[http://www.apatheticagnostic.com/articles/meds2/med40/med796.html The Atheism Vs. Agnosticism “Debate”] <br /> *[http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/atheism Oxford Dictionaries]. Oxford Dictionaries, due to their British influence (Atheism is more popular in Britain than in the United States and many other countries where English is spoken, see: [[Atheist Population|Atheist population]] and [[Secular Europe]] and [[Atheism statistics]]), now offers the definition of atheism to be "Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods." which is a departure from its historical meaning before a broader definition of atheism began to be more widely advocated in the latter portion of the 20th century (see: [http://www.thedivineconspiracy.org/athart3.htm "Atheism - etymology"])</ref> <br /> <br /> Critics of a broader definition of atheism to be a mere lack of belief often point out that such a definition is contrary to the traditional/historical meaning of the word and that such a definition makes atheism indistinguishable from agnosticism.<ref name="CRI"/><ref name="Divine"/><ref><br /> *[http://www.apatheticagnostic.com/articles/meds2/med40/med796.html The Atheism Vs. Agnosticism “Debate”]<br /> *[http://www.reasonablefaith.org/definition-of-atheism Definition of atheism] by [[William Lane Craig]]<br /> *[http://carm.org/cut-atheism Atheism] by Matt Slick<br /> </ref><br /> <br /> For more information, please see: <br /> <br /> *[[Definition of atheism]] <br /> <br /> *[[Definitions of Atheist and Agnostic|Definitions of atheist and agnostic]]<br /> <br /> === Some common types of atheism ===<br /> Below are a few common ways that atheism manifests itself:<br /> <br /> '''1.''' [[Militant atheism]], which continues to suppress and oppress religious believers today.<br /> <br /> Topics related to militant atheism:<br /> <br /> * [[Atheism and communism]] <br /> <br /> * [[Atheism and intolerance]]<br /> <br /> * [[New Atheism]]<br /> <br /> '''2.''' Philosophical atheism - Atheist philosophers assert that God does not exist. (See also: [[Naturalism (philosophy)|Naturalism]] and [[Materialism]])<br /> <br /> [[Secular humanism]] is a philosophy which holds that human beings are the most important figures, and that social problems are best solved without the involvement of religious doctrine.<br /> <br /> The philosophy of [[postmodernism]] is atheistic (see: [[Atheism and postmodernism]]).<br /> <br /> '''3.''' Atheistic [[Buddhism]] (some schools of Buddhism are theistic)<br /> <br /> '''4.''' [[Practical atheism]]: atheism of the life - that is, ''living'' as though God does not exist.<ref>Dr. [[Martin Luther King]] in his sermon ''Rediscovering Lost Values'' spoke of "practical atheism". King, Dr. Martin Luther (1954). [http://www.globatron.org/truth/rediscovering-lost-values-martin-luther-king-early-sermon "Rediscovering lost values"]</ref><br /> <br /> '''5.''' Other schools of atheist thought: [[Schools of atheist thought]]<br /> <br /> === Atheist factions ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheist factions]] and [[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]] and [[Atheist organizations]]<br /> [[File:Richard Dawkins Stockholm.JPG|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] was a central figure in the [[Elevatorgate]] controversy.]]<br /> In 2015, Dr. J. Gordon Melton said about the [[atheist movement]] (organized atheism) that atheism is not a movement which tends to create community, but in the last few years there has been some growth of organized atheism.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0i4kuN9XSc Baylor ISR- J. Gordon Melton - End of Religion? (May 5, 2015)]</ref> See also: [[Atheist factions]] and [[Atheist organizations]]<br /> <br /> Jacques Rousseau wrote in the ''Daily Maverick'': "[[Elevatorgate]]..has resulted in three weeks of infighting in the secular community. Some might observe that we indulge in these squabbles fairly frequently."<ref>Rousseau, Jacques (July 13, 2011). [http://dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2011-07-13-sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-can-rip-my-soul "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can rip my soul"]. Daily Maverick [South Africa].</ref> An ex-atheist wrote: "As an Atheist for 40 years, I noticed that there is not just a wide variety of [[Schools of atheist thought|Atheist positions]], but there exists an actual battle between certain [[Atheist factions]]."<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/internet-atheism-is-still-hostile.html "The atheist community and internet atheism is still a hostile wasteland"] (April 7, 2013). Question Evolution Campaign [blog].</ref> <br /> <br /> ==== Atheist infighting ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheist movement]] and [[Atheism and anger]] <br /> <br /> Blair Scott served on the [[American Atheists]] board of directors.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140701062412/http://atheists.org/about-us/board-of-directors "Board of directors"] (July 1, 2014). American Atheists</ref> Mr. Scott formerly served as a State Director for the [[American Atheists]] organization in the state of [[Alabama]]. On December 1, 2012, he quit his post as a director of outreach for the American Atheists due to infighting within the American [[atheist movement]].<ref name="Blair Scott">Scott, Blair (December 1, 2012). [http://news.atheists.org/2012/12/01/an-open-letter-from-blair-scott/ "An open letter from Blair Scott"]. American Atheists.</ref><br /> <br /> Mr. Blair wrote:<br /> {{cquote|I have spent the last week mulling over what I want to do at this point in the movement. I’m tired of the in-fighting: at every level. I am especially tired of allowing myself to get sucked into it and engaging in the very behavior that is irritating...me.<ref name="Blair Scott"/>}}<br /> <br /> The atheist Neil Carter wrote: <br /> {{Cquote|Friends of mine have noted lately how biting and critical the atheist community can be, not only toward outsiders, but even toward its own members. Has there ever been a subculture more prone to eating its own than this one? I really don’t know.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessindixie/2016/06/12/its-past-time-for-atheism-to-grow-up/ It’s Past Time for Atheism to Grow Up] by Neil Carter</ref>}}<br /> <br /> The atheist [[David Smalley]] said about the atheist movement: "We're eating our own... We’re disintegrating."<ref name="patheos.com">[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley</ref><br /> <br /> {{See also|Antitheism and antisocial behavior}}<br /> <br /> ==== Atheist infighting causing fundraising difficulties ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising]] and [[Atheism and charity]] <br /> <br /> In 2017, the atheist activist Lee Moore declared about [[American atheism|American atheist]] organizations:<br /> {{Cquote|If you look at the major atheist groups right now, like the national groups, the ones that are doing the real activist work... They are not bringing in the kind of donations they used to. Most of them are starved for cash. They're downsizing left and right. Because people aren't just giving like they used to. And I talked to a lot of the major donors out there and they said, "Well, we're kind of tired of seeing the atheist community just fight amongst itself and not really get anything done. We'd rather not give money if we don't think it's going to go somewhere."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvG6LKUbOdk Lee Moore and Steve Shives Talk About the Future of the Atheist Movement],<br /> - video quote comes 21 minutes and 13 seconds into the video</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ==== Eddie Tabash on atheist argumentativeness ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]]<br /> <br /> The [[American atheism|American atheist]] activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said in a speech to the Michigan Atheists State Convention, "Since we are a bit of a cantankerous, opinionated lot...".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ld9Rfw5HUs Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash - Part 2 of 4]</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Angry and bitter demeanor of militant atheists ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and anger]] and [[Atheism and forgiveness|Atheism and unforgiveness]]<br /> [[File:Angry atheist.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|An angry atheist speaking to a woman with a Bible in her hand. <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> The Christian philosopher James S. Spiegel says that the path from Christianity to atheism among several of his friends involved moral slippage such as resentment or unforgiveness.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-philosopher-explores-causes-of-atheism-44353/ Christian Philosopher Explores Causes of Atheism]</ref> See: [[Atheism and forgiveness|Atheism and unforgiveness]]]]<br /> On January 1, 2011, [[CNN]] reported:<br /> {{cquote|People unaffiliated with organized religion, atheists and agnostics also report anger toward God either in the past, or anger focused on a hypothetical image - that is, what they imagined God might be like - said lead study author Julie Exline, Case Western Reserve University psychologist.<br /> <br /> In studies on college students, atheists and agnostics reported more anger at God during their lifetimes than believers.<ref>Landau, Elizabeth (January 1, 2011). [http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/01/anger-at-god-common-even-among-atheists/ "Anger at God common, even among atheists"]. CNN/The Chart website.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> Various studies found that traumatic events in people's lives has a positive correlation with "emotional atheism".<ref>Carter, Joe (January 12, 2011). [http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2011/01/when-atheists-are-angry-at-god "When atheists are angry at God"]. First Things [The Institute on Religion and Public Life] website.</ref><br /> <br /> The atheist and [[lesbianism|lesbian]] [[Greta Christina]] told the journalist Chris Mooney on the Point of Inquiry podcast, "there isn't one emotion" that affects atheists "but anger is one of the emotions that many of us have ...[it] drives others to participate in the movement."<ref>Mooney, Chris (May 14, 2012). [http://www.pointofinquiry.org/greta_christina_why_are_you_atheists_so_angry/ "Greta Christina—Why are you atheists so angry?"] [interview of Greta Christina] Point of Inquiry website.</ref><br /> <br /> Social science research indicates that [[Antitheism|antitheists]] score the highest among atheists when it comes to personality traits such as [[narcissism]], dogmatism, and anger.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ "Science shows new atheists to be mean and closed-minded"] (July 18, 2013). Shadow to Light [blog].<br /> *Haidt, Jonathan (March 5, 2014). [https://evolution-institute.org/article/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10/ "Why Sam Harris is unlikely to change his mind"]</ref> Furthermore, they scored lowest when it comes to agreeableness and positive relations with others.<ref>[http://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/science-shows-new-atheists-to-be-mean-and-closed-minded/ "Science shows new atheists to be mean and closed-minded"] (July 18, 2013). Shadow to Light [blog].</ref> <br /> <br /> For additional information, please see: [[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]] and [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]] and [[Atheism and forgiveness|Atheism and unforgiveness]] and [[Atheism and bitterness]]<br /> <br /> == Atheism and its retention rate in individuals ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]] and [[Desecularization]] and [[Atheism and apathy]]<br /> [[File:Georgetown 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household in the United States remain atheists as adults.<ref name="retention rate">Nazworth, Nap (July 11, 2012). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-atheists-have-lowest-retention-rate-compared-to-religious-groups-78029/ "Study: atheists have lowest 'retention rate' compared to religious groups"]. christianpost.com.</ref> <br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]] ]]<br /> In 2012, a [[Georgetown University]] study was published indicating that only about 30 percent of those who grow up in an atheist household remain atheists as adults.<ref name="retention rate"/> <br /> <br /> A 2012 study by the General Social Survey of the social science research organization NORC at the University of Chicago found that belief in God rises with age, even in atheistic nations.<ref>Harms, William (April 18, 2012). [http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2012/04/18/belief-god-rises-age-even-atheist-nations "Belief in God rises with age, even in atheist nations".] UChicagoNews.</ref> The Pew Forum reports about [[American atheism|American atheists]]: "Among self-identified atheists and agnostics, the median age is 34, and roughly four-in-ten adults in these categories are between the ages of 18 and 29."<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/chapter-3-demographic-profiles-of-religious-groups/ Chapter 3: Demographic Profiles of Religious Groups], Pew Forum</ref> See also: [[Atheism and immaturity]]. <br /> <br /> In addition, in atheistic Communist China, [[Christianity]] is experiencing rapid growth (see: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]). Also, there was a collapse of atheism in the former [[Soviet Union]] (see: [[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]). <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> See also: <br /> <br /> *[[Desecularization]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist pessimism about the atheist movement]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and inspiration]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist indoctrination]]<br /> <br /> === Difficulty in participating in atheist community ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and loneliness]] and [[Atheism and apathy]] and [[Internet atheism]] and [[American atheists and church attendance]]<br /> <br /> According to an international study done by William Bainbridge, atheism is frequent among people whose interpersonal social obligations are weak and is also linked to lower fertility rates in advanced industrial nations (See also: [[Atheism and fertility rates]]).<ref>Bainbridge, William (2005). "[http://www.religjournal.com/pdf/ijrr01002.pdf Atheism]" (PDF). Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion. 1 (Article 2): 1–26.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and loneliness]] and [[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]<br /> <br /> In comparison to many religious groups, which have many meetings/conferences in numerous places in a given day or week which are convenient to attend, atheist meetings and [[atheist conferences]] are sparse. One of the causes of this situation is the apathy of many atheists (see: [[Atheism and apathy]]). <br /> <br /> In recent times, the number of people attending atheist conferences has grown smaller.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tippling/2017/07/13/10923/ Whoever I Don’t Like Is Ruining the Atheist Movement] by Jeremiah Traeger<br /> *[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dogmadebate/2017/06/reasonably-controversial-regressive-left-killing-atheist-movement/ Reasonably Controversial: How the Regressive Left Is Killing the Atheist Movement] by David Smalley<br /> *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luT2vQ3ctKU #ReasonRally Crash n burn. Thanks SJWs!] by [[Thunderf00t]]</ref> Atheist [[David Smalley]] wrote: "And we wonder why we’re [[Atheism and politics|losing elections]], [[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising#Atheist organizations and fundraising|losing funding]], and our conferences are getting smaller."<ref name="patheos.com"/> In 2017, the atheist activist Lee Moore said about atheist conferences, "Most conferences are gone now. They're either gone or in some kind of life support form."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvG6LKUbOdk Lee Moore and Steve Shives Talk About the Future of the Atheist Movement], video, quote comes at the 11 minute and 44 seconds point of the video</ref><br /> <br /> [[File:Jerry Coyne at The Amazing Meeting - 2013.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|[[Jerry Coyne]] speaking at a 2013 [[Atheist conferences|atheist meeting]] entitled The Amazing Meeting (TAM). TAM is an annual meeting. ]]<br /> Atheist Francois Tremblay wrote about the difficulty of motivating atheists to engage in activities related to atheism: "One last problem that undermines any propagation of atheism is inspiration. Let's be honest here, "there is no god!" is not a very motivating call for most people." (see also: [[Atheism and inspiration]]).<ref>[http://www.liberator.net/articles/TremblayFrancois/herdingcats.html Herding Cats: Why Atheism Will Lose] by Francois Tremblay</ref> The atheist [[Jerry Coyne]] said about atheist meetings/conferences, "But to me the speakers and talks have often seemed repetitive: the same crew of jet-set skeptics giving the same talks."<ref>[https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/are-there-too-many-atheist-meetings/ Are there too many atheist meetings?] by Jerry Coyne</ref> <br /> <br /> In an essay entitled ''How the [[Atheist movement|Atheist Movement]] Failed Me'', an [[atheism and women|atheist woman]] noted that participation in the atheist community is often expensive due to the cost of attending [[atheist conferences]] and even local atheist meetings in restaurants and bars challenged her modest budget.<ref>Amanda (August 10, 2012). [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/08/10/how-the-atheist-movement-failed-me-part-1-cost/ "How the atheist movement failed me–part 1: cost"]. Friendly Atheist blog.</ref> As a result of the challenges that atheists commonly have in terms of socializing in person, many atheists [[Internet atheism|turn to the internet]] in terms of communicating with other atheists.<ref>Norris, Chuck (May 21, 2007). [http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55789 "How to outlaw Christianity (steps 2 & 3)"]. WorldNetDaily. See: [[Chuck Norris]].</ref> Often internet communication between atheists turns turns contentious (see: [[Atheist factions]]).<br /> <br /> For more information, please see: [[Atheism and loneliness]]<br /> <br /> === Abandonment of atheism and communist regimes ===<br /> <br /> *[[Growth of Christianity in China]]<br /> <br /> *[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]<br /> <br /> *[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union#Growth of Protestantism in Russia|Growth of Protestantism/Evangelicalism in Russia]]<br /> <br /> ==Atheism and communism ==<br /> <br /> ''see also:'' [[Atheism and communism]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and economics]] and [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Atheist cults]] and [[Atheism and Karl Marx]] <br /> <br /> [[Image:Khvhkgfiy.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|[[Vladimir Lenin]]]]<br /> <br /> === Atheists Karl Marx, Vladmir Lenin and Zhou Enlai ===<br /> <br /> [[Karl Marx]] said "[Religion] is the opium of the people." Marx also stated: "[[Communism]] begins from the outset (Owen) with atheism; but atheism is at first far from being communism; indeed, that atheism is still mostly an abstraction."<ref>Mulligan, Martin (1959). [http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1844/manuscripts/comm.htm "Private property and communism"] translation of Marx, Karl (1932), ''Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844'' (Moscow: Progress Publishers).</ref><br /> <br /> [[Vladimir Lenin]] similarly wrote regarding atheism and communism: "A Marxist must be a [[materialism|materialist]], i.e., an enemy of religion, but a dialectical materialist, i.e., one who treats the struggle against religion not in an abstract way, not on the basis of remote, purely theoretical, never varying preaching, but in a concrete way, on the basis of the [[class struggle]] which is going on in practice and is educating the masses more and better than anything else could."<ref>Rothstein, Andrew and Issacs, Bernard (1973). [http://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1909/may/13.htm "The attitude of the worker's party to religion"] translation of Lenin, Vladimir (1909), ''Proletary'', No. 45, May 13 (26), ''Collected Works'', (Moscow: Progress Publishers) vol. 15, pp. 402-13.</ref><br /> <br /> In 1955, the [[China|Chinese]] communist leader Zhou Enlai declared, "We Communists are atheists".<ref>Noebel, David, The Battle for Truth, Harvest House, 2001.</ref> <br /> <br /> In 2014, the Communist Party of China reaffirmed that members of their party must be atheists.<ref><br /> *[http://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/asia/item/19567-china-s-communist-party-reaffirms-marxism-maoism-atheism China’s Communist Party Reaffirms Marxism, Maoism, Atheism], ''New American'', 2014<br /> *[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/02/china-communist-party-atheism-zhejiang-ban-religious-members-christianity_n_6599722.html China's Communist Party Bans Believers, Doubles Down On Atheism]</ref><br /> <br /> In 2016, the ''International Business Times'' reported:<br /> {{cquote|A senior Chinese advisor on religious affairs has said the country should promote atheism throughout society, in remarks that appear to reflect a deepening campaign to reinforce traditional Marxist values in China — and could add to concern about official attitudes among believers in the country’s five officially recognized religions.<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.com/senior-chinese-religious-advisor-calls-promotion-atheism-society-2363850 Senior Chinese Religious Advisor Calls For Promotion Of Atheism In Society], ''International Business Times''</ref>}}<br /> <br /> === Russian revolution caused the most notable spread of atheism ===<br /> <br /> According to the [[University of Cambridge]], historically, the "most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 [[Russian Revolution]], which brought the [[Marxism-Leninism|Marxist-Leninists]] to power."<ref name="Marxism-Leninism">{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20130728215151/http://www.investigatingatheism.info/marxism.html|title=Investigating atheism: Marxism|publisher = [[University of Cambridge]]|quote=The most notable spread of atheism was achieved through the success of the 1917 Russian Revolution, which brought the Marxist-Leninists to power. For the first time in history, atheism thus became the official ideology of a state.|year=2008|accessdate=July 17, 2014}}</ref> <br /> <br /> Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg, a Soviet physicist, wrote that the "[[Bolshevik]] communists were not merely atheists but, according to [[Lenin]]'s terminology, militant atheists."<ref name="Lenin & militant atheism">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=ufC9Ar8iuDcC&pg=PA161&dq=The+Bolshevik+communists+were+not+merely+atheists+but,+according+to+Lenin%27s+terminology,+militant+atheists.&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1oFUUdj6PIiK0QGvq4CAAw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=The%20Bolshevik%20communists%20were%20not%20merely%20atheists%20but%2C%20according%20to%20Lenin's%20terminology%2C%20militant%20atheists.&f=false|title =''On Superconductivity and Superfluidity: A Scientific Autobiography'' |author=Vitalij Lazarʹevič Ginzburg|publisher = Springer Science+Business Media|pages=161|year=2009|quote=The Bolshevik communists were not merely atheists but, according to Lenin's terminology, militant atheists.|accessdate = July 17, 2014}}</ref> However, prior to this, the [[Reign of Terror]] of the [[French Revolution]] established a state which was anti-[[Roman Catholicism]]/Christian in nature <ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Tallet, Frank and Atkin, Nicholas (1991). [http://books.google.com/books?id=aL4lsWdd-rAC&dq=&hl=en ''Religion, Society and Politics in France Since 1789''] (London: A & C Black), pp. 1-17. GoogleBooks archive.<br /> *Spielvogel, Jackson J. (2006). [http://books.google.com/books?id=ni4PSpOxb6MC&dq ''Western Civilization: Combined Volume''] (Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth), p. 549. GoogleBooks archive.<br /> *Latreille, A. (2002). "French Revolution", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'' (2nd ed., Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson/Gale), vol. 5, pp. 972–973. ISBN 0-7876-4004-2</ref> (anti-clerical [[deism]] and anti-religious atheism and played a significant role in the French Revolution<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Hunt, Lynn and Censer, Jack (2001). [http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/chap7c.html "War, Terror and Resistence", ch. 7, p. 3]. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: Exploring the French Revolution website. George Mason University website/Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media website. <br /> *O'Leary, Margaret R. (June 1, 2012). ''Forging Freedom: The Life of Cerf Berr of M Delsheim'' (iUniverse), pp. 1-2.</ref>), with the official ideology being the [[Cult of Reason]]; during this time thousands of believers were suppressed and executed by the [[guillotine]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=bf3m7IVAa9gC&pg=PA461&dq=France+atheism+guillotine++Christians+executed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=l4lUUaTRBufG0QGe0IHACA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=France%20atheism%20guillotine%20%20Christians%20executed&f=false|title =''Christianity: The eBook''|author=James Adair|publisher = JBE Online Books|year=2007|quote=Although the Civil Constitution called for religious liberty, which was extended to Jews as well as Christians, many revolutionaries pushed for the establishment of a new state religion, either the Cult of Reason (atheists) or the Cult of the Supreme Being (Deists). Changes to the calendar eliminated references to Christian holidays, and even the ancient seven-day week, and a list of officially recognized saints included such famous thinkers such as Socrates, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A period of political persecution, often with religious overtones, broke out, known as the Reign of Terror. Thousands of people were executed by the guillotine, including many of the original leaders of the French Revolution.|pages=461|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}<br /> *{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=9WkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA105&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Memoirs of the Reign of George III. to the Session of Parliament ending A.D. 1793'', Volume 5|page=105|author=William Belsham|publisher = G.G. & J. Robinson|year=1801|quote=In allusion to the monstrous transactions of this portentous period, it has been eloquently and energetically observed, 'that the reign of atheism in France was avowed the reign of terror. In the full madness of their career, in the highest climax of their horrors, they shut up the temples of God, abolished His worship, and proclaimed death to be an eternal sleep:—in the very centre of Christendom, Revelation underwent a total eclipse, while atheism, performing on a darkened theatre its strange and fearful tragedy, confounded the first elements of society, blended every age, rank, and sex, indiscriminate proscription and massacre, and convulsed all Europe to its centre, that the imperishable memorial of these events might teach the last generations of mankind to consider religion as the pillar of society, the parent of social order, and the safe-guard of nations.'<br>"It is wonderful that, amid the horrors of this dismal period, while 'the death dance of democratic revolution' was still in rapid movement, among the tears of affliction, and the cries of despair, 'the masque, the song, the theatric scene, the buffoon laughter, went on as regularly as in the gay hour of festive peace.'|pages=105–6|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}<br /> *{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=Tt5rqiCP1p8C&pg=PA57&dq=Reign+of+Terror+atheism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=HoRUUcD0NeXX0gGNo4HIDQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Reign%20of%20Terror%20atheism&f=false|title =''Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West''|author=William Kilpatrick|publisher = Ignatius Press|year=2012|quote=Actually, it's helpful to think in terms of two Enlightenments: the Enlightenment that cut itself off from God. The former led to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and the civil rights movement. The latter led to the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the suppression of church by state, and the godless philosophies of Marx and Nietzsche and their offspring—National Socialism and communism. More recently the abandonment of God has led to the regime of cultural relativism that regards rights as arbitrary constructions.<br>"It's this second Enlightenment tradition that Cardinal Ratzinger referred to when he wrote, 'The radical detachment of the Enlightenment philosophy from its roots ultimately leads it to dispense with man.' Actually this transition happened not 'ultimately' but almost immediately. The first instance occurred when Enlightenment worship of abstract 'reason' and 'liberty' degenerated quickly into the mass murders committed during the antireligious Reign of Terror in France. 'Liberty, what crimes are committed in your name', said Madam Rolande as she faced the statue of Liberty in the Place de la Revolution movements before her death at the guillotine. She was one of the early victims of a succession of secular systems based on rootless notions of 'liberty', 'equality', and 'reason'.<br>"As many historians have pointed out, the atheist regimes of modern times are guilty of far more crimes than any committed in the name of religion. Communist governments alone were guilty of more than one hundred million murders, most of them committed against their own people.|pages=57|accessdate = July 18, 2014}}</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheistic communism and mass murder ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Atheist atrocities]]<br /> [[File:Stalin-Lenin.jpg|right|202px|thumb|The militant atheistic regime of [[Joseph Stalin]] killed tens of millions of people. <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> Joseph Stalin is the figure on the right and [[Vladimir Lenin]] is the figure on the left, <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> See: [[Atheism and Mass Murder|Atheism and mass murder]] ]]<br /> It has been estimated that in less than the past 100 years, governments under the banner of communism have caused the death of somewhere between 40,472,000 and 259,432,000 human lives.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~hpcws/lelivrenoir.htm "''The Black Book of Communism''"]. Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences website: Cold War Studies. <br /> *Rummel, R. J. (November 1993). [http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM.ART.HTM "How many did communist regimes murder?"] University of Hawaii website; Freedom, Democracy, Peace; Power, Democide, and War<br /> *White, Matthew (February 2011). [http://necrometrics.com/20c5m.htm "Source list and detailed death tolls for the primary megadeaths of the twentieth century"]. Necrometrics<br /> *Radosh, Ronald (February 2000). [http://www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=2526 "''The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression''"]. First Things [journal] website.</ref> Dr. R. J. Rummel, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Hawaii, is the scholar who first coined the term democide (death by government). Dr. R. J. Rummel's mid estimate regarding the loss of life due to communism is that communism caused the death of approximately 110,286,000 people between 1917 and 1987.<ref>Rummel, R. J. (November 1993). [http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM.ART.HTM "How many did communist regimes murder?"] University of Hawaii website; Freedom, Democracy, Peace; Power, Democide, and War.</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]] has attempted to [[Richard Dawkins, atheist atrocities, and historical revisionism|engage in historical revisionism concerning atheist atrocities]] and Dawkins was shown to be in gross error. See also: [[Atheism and historical revisionism]]<br /> <br /> Christian apologist Gregory Koukl wrote relative to [[Atheism and Mass Murder|atheism and mass murder]] that "the assertion is that religion has caused most of the killing and bloodshed in the world.<br /> There are people who make accusations and assertions that are empirically false. This is one of them."<ref name="Koukl">Koukl, Gregory (February 20, 2013). [http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5527 "The real murderers: atheism or Christianity?"] Stand to Reason.</ref><br /> Koukl details the number of people killed in various events involving theism and compares them to the much higher tens of millions of people killed under regimes which advocated atheism.<ref name="Koukl" /> As noted earlier, Richard Dawkins has attempted to [[Richard Dawkins, atheist atrocities, and historical revisionism|engage in historical revisionism concerning atheist atrocities]] and Dawkins was shown to be in gross error.<br /> <br /> Koukl summarized by stating:<br /> {{cquote|It is true that it's possible that religion can produce evil, and generally when we look closer at the detail it produces evil because the individual people are actually living in a rejection of the tenets of Christianity and a rejection of the God that they are supposed to be following. So it can produce it, but the historical fact is that outright rejection of God and institutionalizing of atheism actually does produce evil on incredible levels. We're talking about tens of millions of people as a result of the rejection of God.<ref name="Koukl" />}}<br /> <br /> The [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] [[Vox Day|Theodore Beale]] notes concerning atheism and mass murder:<br /> {{cquote|Apparently it was just an amazing coincidence that every Communist of historical note publicly declared his atheism … .there have been twenty-eight countries in world history that can be confirmed to have been ruled by regimes with avowed atheists at the helm … These twenty-eight historical regimes have been ruled by eighty-nine atheists, of whom more than half have engaged in democidal acts of the sort committed by Stalin and [[Mao Zedong|Mao]] … <br /> <br /> The total body count for the ninety years between 1917 and 2007 is approximately 148 million dead at the bloody hands of fifty-two atheists, three times more than all the human beings killed by war, civil war, and individual crime in the entire twentieth century combined.<br /> <br /> The historical record of collective atheism is thus 182,716 times worse on an annual basis than Christianity’s worst and most infamous misdeed, the Spanish Inquisition. It is not only Stalin and Mao who were so murderously inclined, they were merely the worst of the whole [[Atheism and Hell|Hell]]-bound lot. For every Pol Pot whose infamous name is still spoken with horror today, there was a Mengistu, a Bierut, and a Choibalsan, godless men whose names are now forgotten everywhere but in the lands they once ruled with a red hand.<br /> <br /> Is a 58 percent chance that an atheist leader will murder a noticeable percentage of the population over which he rules sufficient evidence that atheism does, in fact, provide a systematic influence to do bad things? If that is not deemed to be conclusive, how about the fact that the average atheist crime against humanity is 18.3 million percent worse than the very worst depredation committed by Christians, even though atheists have had less than one-twentieth the number of opportunities with which to commit them. If one considers the statistically significant size of the historical atheist set and contrasts it with the fact that not one in a thousand religious leaders have committed similarly large-scale atrocities, it is impossible to conclude otherwise, even if we do not yet understand exactly why this should be the case. Once might be an accident, even twice could be coincidence, but fifty-two incidents in ninety years reeks of causation!<ref name="marry">Ammi, Ken (June 11, 2009). [http://creation.com/atheism "Atheism"]. Creation Ministries International.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> See also:<br /> <br /> *[[Militant atheism]]<br /> *[[Atheism and communism]]<br /> *[[Soviet Union and morality]]<br /> *[[Secular left]]<br /> *[[Atheism and politics]]<br /> <br /> === Communism and religious oppression ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Communism and religious persecution]] and [[Atheistic communism and torture]] and [[Atheism and forced labor]] and [[China and involuntary organ harvesting]]<br /> <br /> The atheism in communist regimes has been and continues to be militant atheism and various acts of repression including the razing of thousands of religious buildings and the killing, imprisoning, and oppression of religious leaders and believers.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Kent, Jo Ling (April 28, 2011). [http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/28/china.church.crackdown/index.html?hpt=T2 "Underground Christians fear China crackdown"]. CNN.com<br /> *Yakovlev, Alexander N. (2002). [http://books.google.com/books?visbn=0300103220&id=ChRk43tVxTwC&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&ots=ICIxg28Jud&dq=a+century+of+violence+in+soviet+russia+the+Russian+Orthodox+clergy&ie=ISO-8859-1&sig=C9k9Hr7Vn222WCHf_1iSJOHVsgo#v=onepage&q=&f=false ''A Century of Violence in Soviet Russia''] translated by Austin, Anthony (New Haven: Yale University Press), p. 165. <br /> *Braga, Fr. Roman (1996). [http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/frroman1.aspx "On compromise in the hierarchy during the Communist yoke"]. Orthodox Christian Information Center. <br /> *Clyne, Meghan (November 16, 2005). [http://www.nysun.com/article/23082?page_no=1 "Korean reds targeting Christians"]. The New York Sun<br /> *Siemon-Netto, Uwe (May 7, 2003). [http://northkoreanchristians.com/chinese-atrocities.html "North Korean and Chinese atrocities against Christians worsen"]. NewsMax. NorthKoreanChristians.com <br /> *[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35818 "China sends Bible owners to labor camp"] (November 26, 2003). WorldNetDaily. <br /> *[http://www.epm.org/resources/2003/Jun/12/chinese-police-proudly-record-their-torture-christ/ Chinese Police Proudly Record Their Torture of Christians], By Voice of the Marytrs|June 12, 2003</ref> <br /> <br /> ==== Religious persecution in the Soviet Union ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Soviet atheism]]<br /> <br /> The [[persecution of Christians in the USSR|persecution of Christians in the Soviet Union]] was the result of the violently atheist [[Soviet]] government. In the first five years after the [[October Revolution]], 28 bishops and 1,200 priests were murdered, many on the orders of [[Leon Trotsky]]. When [[Joseph Stalin]] came to power in 1927, he ordered his secret police, under [[Genrikh Yagoda]] to intensify persecution of Christians. In the next few years, 50,000 clergy were murdered, many were [[torture]]d, including [[crucifixion]]. "Russia turned red with the blood of martyrs", said Father Gleb Yakunin of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]].<ref>Ostling, Richard N. (December 4, 1989). [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,150718,00.html "Cross meets Kremlin: Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II"]. ''Time''. Time magazine website.</ref> According to Orthodox Church sources, as many as fifty million Orthodox believers may have died in the twentieth century, mainly from persecution by [[Communists]].<ref>Moore, Rev. Fr. Raphael (October 1999). [http://www.serfes.org/printerVersion2.asp?URL=/orthodox/memoryof.htm "In memory of the 50 million victims of the Orthodox Christian Holocaust"], Spiritual Nourishment for the Soul, Serfes, Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios, compiler.</ref><br /> [[File:China location.png|thumbnail|left|205px|With its large population, China has the largest population of atheists.<ref>[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf "The largest atheist/agnostic populations"]. Chris & Terri Chapman. Countries with the largest atheist populations.</ref> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> The religious landscape of China is quickly changing, however, due to the rapid growth of Christianity. See also: [[China and atheism]] and [[Global atheism]] ]]<br /> In addition, in the atheistic and communist Soviet Union, 44 anti-religious museums were opened and the largest was the 'The Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism' in [[Leningrad]]’s Kazan cathedral.<ref>Humphrey (December 16, 2008). [http://bedejournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-anti-christmas.html "Merry Anti-Christmas!"] Quodlibeta.</ref> Despite intense effort by the atheistic leaders of the Soviet Union, their efforts were not effective in converting the masses to atheism.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Humphrey (December 16, 2008). [http://bedejournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-anti-christmas.html "Merry Anti-Christmas!"] Quodlibeta. <br /> *Froese, Paul (March 2004). [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bpl/jssr/2004/00000043/00000001/art00003?crawler=true "Forced secularization in Soviet Russia: why an atheistic monopoly failed" [abstract&#93;]. ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', vol. 43, 1, pp. 35-50. Abstract: Ingentaconnect</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Religious persecution in Communist China ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[China and atheism]]<br /> <br /> [[China]] has the world's largest atheist population (see: [[China and atheism]]).<ref>[http://www.thechapmans.nl/news/Atheist.pdf Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics (Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref><ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], ''Washington Post'' By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey May 23, 2013</ref> China is a communist country. In 1999, the publication [[Christian Century]] reported that "China has persecuted religious believers by means of harassment, prolonged detention, and incarceration in prison or 'reform-through-labor' camps and police closure of places of worship." In 2003, owners of [[Bible]]s in China were sent to prison camps and 125 Chinese churches were closed.<ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35818 "China sends Bible owners to labor camp"] (November 26, 2003). ''WorldNetDaily''.</ref> China continues to practice religious oppression today.<ref>[http://www.epm.org/resources/2003/Jun/12/chinese-police-proudly-record-their-torture-christ/ Chinese Police Proudly Record Their Torture of Christians], By Voice of the Martyrs|June 12, 2003</ref> <br /> <br /> The efforts of China's atheist leaders in promoting atheism, however, is increasingly losing its effectiveness and the number of Christians in China is rapidly growing (see: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]). China's state sponsored atheism and atheistic indoctrination has been a failure and a 2007 religious survey in China indicated that only 15% of Chinese identified themselves as atheists.<ref>Briggs, David (January 23, 2011). [http://life.nationalpost.com/2011/01/23/huffington-post-chinas-state-sponsored-atheism-a-failure/ "Huffington Post: China’s state-sponsored atheism a failure" [excerpt&#93;]. National Post website.</ref><br /> <br /> Researchers estimate that tens of thousands of [[Falun Gong]] prisoners in communist China have been killed to supply a financially lucrative trade in human organs and cadavers, and that these human rights abuses may be ongoing concern.<ref>[http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/slaughter-mass-killings-organ-harvesting Review of: Ethan Gutmann, “''The Slaughter: Mass Killings, Organ Harvesting and China’s Secret Solution to Its Dissident Problem''”, (Prometheus Books, 2014).]</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Religious persecution in North Korea ====<br /> [[File:Martyred in the USSR Poster.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|The above photograph shows the Russian Nikolai Khmara, a new Baptist convert in the [[Soviet Union]], after his arrest by the [[KGB]]. He was tortured to death and his tongue cut out.<ref>[http://martyredintheussr.com/ Martyred in the USSR]</ref><ref>[http://www.anabaptists.org/books/russians/trs-1.html The Russians' Secret by Peter Hoover with Serguei V. Petrov, Speaking Without a Tongue, Chapter 1 (Pages 1-3)]</ref> ]]<br /> [[North Korea]] is a repressive communist state and is officially atheistic.<ref>Lee, Sunny (May 12, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130521065544/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/IE12Dg01.html "God forbid, religion in North Korea?"] Asia Times Online. Archived at Internet Archive on May 21, 2013.</ref> The North Korean government practices brutal repression and atrocities against North Korean Christians.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Clyne, Meghan (November 16, 2005). [http://www.nysun.com/article/23082?page_no=1 "Korean reds targeting Christians"]. The New York Sun. <br /> *Siemon-Netto, Uwe (May 7, 2003). [http://northkoreanchristians.com/chinese-atrocities.html "North Korean and Chinese atrocities against Christians worsen"]. NewsMax. NorthKoreanChristians.com</ref> Open Doors, an organization based in the United States, has put North Korea at the very top of its list of countries where Christians face significant persecution - for 12 years in a row.<ref>[http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-10-22/repressive-atheist-north-korea-has-surprising-relationship-christian-missionaries Repressive, atheist North Korea has a surprising relationship with Christian missionaries]</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheistic communism and torture ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheistic communism and torture]]<br /> <br /> === Atheistic communist regimes and forced labor ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and forced labor]] and [[Atheism and slavery]]<br /> <br /> In atheistic communist regimes forced labor has often played a significant role in their economies and this practice continues to this day (see: [[Atheism and forced labor]]).<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Caplan, Bryan (2010). [http://econfaculty.gmu.edu/bcaplan/museum/comfaq.htm "Museum of Communism FAQ version 1.3"]. George Mason University website/Department of Economics/Bryan Caplan/Museum of Communism.<br /> *[http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/06/13/north-korea-economic-system-built-forced-labor "North Korea: Economic system built on forced labor: New testimonies say even children must work or face detention camps"] (June 13, 2012). Human Rights Watch website. <br /> *Pattisson, Pete (November 7, 2014). [http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/nov/07/qatar-north-korean-forced-labour "Qatar’s ambitious future driven on by North Korean ‘forced labour’"]. ''The Guardian'' website/World/Global Development.<br /> *[http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/china.50/red.giant/prisons/wu.essay "Labor camps reinforce China's totalitarian rule"] (1999). Cnn.com<br /> *[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-01/07/c_132086402.htm "China to reform re-education through labor system"] (January 8, 2013). Xinhua.</ref><br /> <br /> == Atheism and politics ==<br /> <br /> [[File:Xi Jinping March 2017.jpg|thumbnail|right|180px|[[Xi Jinping]] is the President of the [[People's Republic of China]], current General Secretary of the [[Communist Party of China]], and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. <br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> The Communist Party of China requires that all their members be atheists and this is strictly enforced.<ref>[https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/asia/item/19567-china-s-communist-party-reaffirms-marxism-maoism-atheism China’s Communist Party Reaffirms Marxism, Maoism, Atheism], New American, 2014</ref>]]<br /> Historically, atheists have favored the [[leftism|left]] side of the political aisle (see: [[Atheism and politics]]). <br /> <br /> According to the Pew Forum, in the [[United States]]: "About two-thirds of atheists (69%) identify as [[Democrats]] (or lean in that direction), and a majority (56%) call themselves political [[liberal]]s (compared with just one-in-ten who say they are [[conservative]]s)."<ref>[http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/05/7-facts-about-atheists/ 7 facts about atheists], Pew Forum</ref> <br /> <br /> In some regions where the [[secular left]] has considerable influence, they [[Decline of the secular left|are losing]] an increasing amount of their power. For example, in [[secular Europe]] right-wing, nationalist parties are growing and in China conservative [[Protestantism]] is growing rapidly (see: [[Growth of Christianity in China]]).<ref>[http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160114/1033149776/europe-rise-of-right-wing-parties-eu-failure.html EU Failures Fuel Rise of Right-Wing Populist Parties in Europe]. Sputnik News, 2016</ref> <br /> <br /> For more information please see: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and politics]]<br /> <br /> *[[Secular left]]<br /> <br /> *[[Decline of the secular left]]<br /> <br /> *[[Western atheism, schisms and political polarization]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and historical revisionism]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and liberal Christianity alliances]]<br /> <br /> *[[Secular right]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist organizations]]<br /> <br /> == Atheism and history ==<br /> [[File: Voroshilov, Molotov, Stalin, with Nikolai Yezhov.jpg|right|225px]]<br /> [[File: The Commissar Vanishes 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|220px|Nikolai Yezhov walking with [[Joseph Stalin]] in the top photo taken in the mid 1930s. Subsequent to his execution in 1940, Yezhov was edited out of the photo by Soviet Union censors.<ref>From the book The Commissar Vanishes: The Falsification of Photographs and Art in Stalin's Russia by David King</ref> <br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and historical revisionism]] ]]<br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheists and historical illiteracy]] and [[History of Atheism|History of atheism]] and [[Atheist indoctrination]] and [[Atheism and historical revisionism]]<br /> <br /> The history of atheism: [[History of Atheism|History of atheism]]<br /> <br /> === Atheists and historical illiteracy ===<br /> <br /> A common complaint concerning many atheists is their lack of depth when it comes to knowledge of [[history]] and [[historiography]] - particularly in areas such as [[historicity of Jesus|historicity of Jesus Christ]] and [[Atheism and Mass Murder|atheist mass murders in history]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Day, Vox (March 10, 2014). [http://voxday.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-ignorance-of-cosmos.html "The ignorance of ''Cosmos''"]. Vox Populi blog. See [[Vox Day]].<br /> *Koukl, Gregory (February 20, 2013). [http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5527 "The real murderers: atheism or Christianity?"] Stand to Reason.</ref><br /> <br /> For more information, please see: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheists and historical illiteracy]]<br /> <br /> *[[Historicity of Jesus|Historicity of Jesus Christ]]<br /> <br /> === Atheists and historical revisionism ===<br /> <br /> Atheists commonly engage in [[historical revisionism]] in order to illegitimately distort the historical record (see: [[Atheism and historical revisionism]]).<br /> === Religion/irreligion and war ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Irreligion/religion and war]] and [[Atheism and world peace]]<br /> <br /> Louise Ridley (assistant news editor at the ''Huffington Post UK''), [[Vox Day]] and others point out that academic studies and other research consistently challenge the link between religion and war.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Ridley, Louise [assistant news editor, ''Huffington Post'', UK] (November 18, 2014). [http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/11/14/religions-war-cause-responsible-evidence_n_6156878.html "Does religion really cause war—and do atheists have something to answer for?"] The Huffington Post, United Kingdom. <br /> *Day, Vox (August 13, 2012). [http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/08/atheists-abandon-religion-causes-war.html "Atheists abandon 'religion causes war' argument"]. Vox Populi blog. <br /> *Schumacher, Robin (April 2012). [http://carm.org/religion-cause-war "The myth that religion is the #1 cause of war"]. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website. Edited by Matt Slick. See [[CARM]].<br /> *Price, Tom (2014). [http://www.bethinking.org/is-religion-harmful/religion-causes-wars "'Religion causes wars'"]. Bethinking.</ref><br /> <br /> === Darwinism and war ===<br /> <br /> There is historical evidence indicating that [[Darwinism]] was a causal factor for [[WWI]] and [[WWII]] (see: [[Irreligion/religion and war]] and [[World War I and Darwinism]]).<br /> <br /> == Atheism and economics ==<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and economics]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and sloth|Atheism and economic productivity]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and economic prosperity]]<br /> <br /> == Analysis of atheism and common objections to atheism ==<br /> <br /> === Commonly Cited Arguments Against Atheism and For Theism ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Arguments for theism and against atheism]]<br /> [[Image:Anselm.jpg|thumbnail|right|150px|[[Anselm of Canterbury]]'s version of the [[ontological argument]] appeared in his work ''Proslogium''.]]<br /> The majority of philosophers of religion, or those who have extensively studied the issue of the existence of God, are [[theism|theists]] (72 percent).<ref>[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheist-scientists/ Does it matter that many scientists are atheists?]</ref><br /> <br /> In relation to the debate between theism and atheism, theists often criticize atheism as being contrary to persuasive argument and have a number of arguments against atheism (See: [[Arguments for theism and against atheism]]). <br /> <br /> Within Christendom, the discipline of [[Christian apologetics]] has been developed. Christian apologetics is the defense of the [[Christianity|Christian]] faith through logic/evidence based arguments. The word [[apologetics]] comes from the Greek word apologia (from Greek ἀπολογία), which means "speaking in defense".<br /> <br /> [[Arguments for the existence of God]] include:<br /> <br /> * [[Teleological argument]]: The universe exhibits overwhelming evidence of deliberate, intelligent, purposeful design, which implies an [[intelligent design]]er. See also: [[Evolution|Arguments against evolution]] and [[Origin of life]] <br /> <br /> *[[Evidential apologetics]] is an approach in Christian apologetics which emphasizes the use of evidence to demonstrate that God exists and that there is compelling evidence to support Christianity and the Bible. In addition, there are various arguments that atheists or other unbelievers weigh evidence improperly (see: [[Atheism and evidence]]). <br /> <br /> *[[Moral Argument|Moral argument]]. [[Objective morality]] exists. Atheism lacks objective moral standards. Not possessing a coherent basis for [[morality]], atheists are fundamentally [[Moral relativism|incapable]] of having a coherent system of morality (See also: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheist population and immorality]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]) .<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Copan, Paul (2008). [http://www.paulcopan.com/articles/pdf/God-naturalism-morality.pdf "God, naturalism, and the foundations of morality"]. ''The Future of Atheism'', ed. Robert Stewart (Minneapolis: Fortress Press), pp. 141-161. PaulCopan.com <br /> *Williams, Peter S. (2011). [http://www.bethinking.org/morality/can-moral-objectivism-do-without-god "Can moral objectivism do without God?"]. Bethinking.org <br /> *Meister, Chad (2010). [http://www.equip.org/articles/atheists-and-the-quest-for-objective-morality/ "Atheists and the quest for objective morality"]. ''Christian Research Journal'', vol. 33, no. 2. Christian Research Institute website <br /> *Slick, Matt (2009). [http://carm.org/failure-of-atheism-to-account-for-morality "The failure of atheism to account for morality"]. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website.</ref> Atheism leads to moral and cultural decline (see: [[Atheism and culture]]). <br /> <br /> * [[Cosmological argument]]: Every event in our [[universe]] necessarily has a cause. However, it is impossible that there should be an unending chain of causes going back. Therefore, there necessarily must be a cause ''distinct'' from the universe as we know it which is capable of causing all things and is itself uncaused. Atheism denies that that [[First Cause|first cause]] is God. Christians point out that the question "Who created God" is an illogical question.<ref>[http://creation.com/who-created-god Who created God] by Don Batten</ref> See also: [[Atheism and the origin of the universe]]<br /> [[File:Autumn.jpg|200px|right|thumbnail|The [[argument from beauty]] is a commonly used argument for the existence of God. ]]<br /> * Historical arguments for the existence of God (subset of evidential apologetics). For example, arguments stemming from historical accounts such as Christian historical apologetics, [[Christian Legal Apologetics|Christian legal apologetics]] and archaeological evidence such as [[Bible Archaeology|Bible archaeology]]<br /> <br /> *[[Argument from beauty]]<br /> <br /> *[[Argument from religious experience]]<br /> <br /> * [[Bible prophecy]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and presuppositional apologetics]]<br /> <br /> See also: <br /> <br /> *[[Rebuttals to atheist arguments]]<br /> <br /> *[[Pascal's wager]]<br /> <br /> *[[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]<br /> <br /> === Biblical statements concerning atheism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Bible verses relating to atheism]]<br /> <br /> The writers of the [[Bible]] considered the existence of God to be self-evident and [[Moses]] simply wrote: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ([[Genesis]] 1:1).<ref>Harr, Ken and Lisle, Dr. Jason (August 9, 2007). [http://www.answersingenesis.org/is-god-real/is-there-really-god/ "Chapter 1: Is there really a God?"] ''The New Answers Book''. Answers in Genesis.</ref><br /> <br /> Accordingly, the psalmist [[David]] declared:<br /> <br /> "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." — [[Psalms]] 14:1 ([[King James Bible|KJV]])<br /> <br /> ==Atheism and debate==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism debates]]<br /> [[Image:Bahnsen.jpg‎|thumb|right|150px|Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as "the man atheists fear most" due to [[Michael Martin]]'s cancellation of their scheduled debate.<ref name="Bahsen at the Stein debate">[http://www.frame-poythress.org/frame_articles/Bahnsen.htm Bahsen at the Stein debate] by John Frame</ref><ref>[http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref>]]<br /> As far as [[atheism debates]], the majority of the public debates are [[Atheism vs. Christianity debates]] (although there have been a few [[Atheism vs. Islam debates]]). <br /> <br /> Beginning in the latter part of the 20th century, there were a number of notable instances of prominent atheists being reluctant to debate (see: [[Atheism and debate#Notable cases of prominent atheists being reluctant to debate|Notable cases of prominent atheists being reluctant to debate]]). <br /> <br /> On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of [[God]]''.<ref name="cowardice">Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011). [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"]. The Daily Telegraph website. Retrieved July 25, 2014. See ''[[Daily Telegraph]]''</ref> In ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at [[Oxford University]] was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]], "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref name="cowardice"/><br /> <br /> [[Greg Bahnsen]] became known as the "man atheists fear most".<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080102084144/http://mywebpages.comcast.net/webpages54/ap/biobahn.html "A brief biography of Greg Bahnsen"] (2003). Applied Presuppositionalism website. Retrieved from January 2, 2008 archive at Internet Archive on May 14, 2015.</ref><br /> This is because [[Harvard]]-educated [[Michael Martin]] was scheduled to debate Bahnsen but pulled out of the debate at the "eleventh hour".<br /> A [[Press Release Regarding Michael Martin Pulling Out of Martin-Bahnsen Debate|press release at the time]] said that Dr. Martin offered ruses on why he pulled out and didn't want the scheduled debate recorded but the real reason was that "...Michael Martin is afraid that he will be publicly humiliated just as his friend and fellow atheist, Dr. [[Gordon Stein]], was...".<br /> <br /> In 1990, Michael Martin indicated there was a general [[Atheism and apathy|absence of an atheistic response]] to contemporary work in the [[philosophy]] of religion and in jest he indicated that it was his "cross to bear" to respond to [[theism|theistic]] arguments.<ref>''Open Questions: Diverse Thinkers Discuss God, Religion, and Faith'' by Luís F. Rodrigues, page 201</ref> See also: [[Stagnation of atheist apologetics]]<br /> <br /> A majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the naturalistic [[evolution]]ary position since [[World War II]] have been atheists.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Batten, Don (December 1997). [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/737/ "A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists"]. ''Creation'', vol 20, no. 1, p. 32. Retrieved from Creation.com [Creation Ministries International] on May 15, 2015. Don Batten<br /> *Sarfati, Jonathan, Ph. D. (1999). [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/3830 "Chapter 1: Facts and bias"]. ''Refuting Evolution''. Retrieved from Creation.com [Creation Ministries International] on May 15, 2015. See [[Jonathan Sarfati]]</ref> After doing poorly in a series of debates in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, evolutionists are generally reluctant to debate (see: [[Creation vs. evolution debates]]).<br /> <br /> == Atheism and morality/ethics ==<br /> <br /> See also: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheist population and immorality]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]] and [[Religion and morality]]<br /> <br /> === Objective morality incompatible with atheism ===<br /> [[File:Copan at Tyndale.jpeg|thumbnail|right|180px|Dr. [[Paul Copan]] wrote: "...the existence of a personal God is crucial for a coherent understanding of [[objective morality]]."<ref>[http://www.bethinking.org/morality/can-moral-objectivism-do-without-god Can Moral Objectivism Do Without God?] by Peter S. Williams, Bethinking.org</ref>]]<br /> Under an atheist worldview, there is no logical basis for [[objective morality]] or ultimate meaning and purpose.<ref><br /> *[http://creation.com/atheism-no-objective-morality Atheism—no objective morality?], [[Creation Ministries International]]<br /> *[http://www.bethinking.org/morality/can-moral-objectivism-do-without-god Can Moral Objectivism Do Without God?] by Peter S. Williams at Bethinking.org<br /> *[http://www.equip.org/article/atheists-and-the-quest-for-objective-morality-2/ Atheists and the Quest for Objective Morality] by Chad Meister at Christian Research Institute<br /> *[http://www.faithdefenders.com/articles/atheism/atheism_absolutes_at.html Atheism and absolutes]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and moral relativism]] and [[Atheism and meaninglessness]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and moral relativism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and moral relativism]] and [[Atheism and morality]]<br /> <br /> Dr. Phil Fernandes states the following regarding atheism and [[moral relativism]]:<br /> {{cquote|[[Friedrich Nietzsche|Nietzsche]] preached that a group of "supermen" must arise with the courage to create their own values through their "will to power." Nietzsche rejected the "soft" values of Christianity (brotherly love, turning the other cheek, charity, compassion, etc.); he felt they hindered man's creativity and potential....<br /> <br /> Many other atheists agree with Nietzsche concerning moral relativism. British philosopher [[Bertrand Russell]] (1872-1970) once wrote, "Outside human desires there is no moral standard." [[A. J. Ayer]] believed that moral commands did not result from any objective standard above man. Instead, Ayer stated that moral commands merely express one's subjective feelings. When one says that murder is wrong, one is merely saying that he or she feels that murder is wrong. [[Jean-Paul Sartre]], a French [[existentialism|existentialist]], believed that there is no objective meaning to life. Therefore, according to Sartre, man must create his own values.<br /> <br /> There are many different ways that moral relativists attempt to determine what action should be taken. [[Hedonism]] is probably the most extreme. It declares that whatever brings the most pleasure is right. In other words, if it feels good, do it. If this position is true, then there is no basis from which to judge the actions of [[Adolph Hitler]] as being evil.<ref>Dr. Phil Fernandez, Web article: ''Refuting Moral relativism'', Institute for Bible Defense (Web article is no longer online. Pages 120-121 of the book ''God, Government, and the Road to Tyranny: A Christian View of Government and Morality'' By Phil Fernandes, Eric Purcell and Rorri Wiesinger relates the same thoughts of his former web article.[https://books.google.com/books?id=u6XBuAQAiYUC&pg=PA120&lpg=PA120&dq=Nietzsche+preached+that+a+group+of+%22supermen%22+must+arise+with+the+courage+to+create+their+own+values+through+their+%22will+to+power.%22+Nietzsche+rejected+the+%22soft%22+values+of+Christianity+(brotherly+love,+turning+the+other+cheek,+charity,+compassion,+etc.);+he+felt+they+hindered+man%27s+creativity+and+potential.&source=bl&ots=kwDnaTOHqd&sig=0ywArBSb87JFleWRXZRv6DG3ZVo&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjty8qqyIzWAhXHg1QKHe8UAVYQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=Nietzsche%20preached%20that%20a%20group%20of%20%22supermen%22%20must%20arise%20with%20the%20courage%20to%20create%20their%20own%20values%20through%20their%20%22will%20to%20power.%22%20Nietzsche%20rejected%20the%20%22soft%22%20values%20of%20Christianity%20(brotherly%20love%2C%20turning%20the%20other%20cheek%2C%20charity%2C%20compassion%2C%20etc.)%3B%20he%20felt%20they%20hindered%20man's%20creativity%20and%20potential.&f=false])</ref>}}<br /> <br /> === Atheism and various types of immorality ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and sexual immorality articles]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and violence articles]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and deception articles]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and unforgiveness articles]]<br /> <br /> * [[Atheist population and immorality|Atheism and various types of immorality]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and psychopathy ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and psychopathy]]<br /> <br /> [[Image:115523-004-FA619CA3.jpg|thumb|right|221px| The perverse and cruel atheist [[Marquis de Sade]] in prison, 18th century line engraving. See: [[Atheism and sadism]] ]]<br /> A [[psychopath]] is someone with an anti-social [[personality disorder]] characterized by [[violent]], [[perverted]] or immoral behavior often leading to [[criminal]]ity. Psychopaths have little or no concern for other people. Some psychopaths equate [[love]] with sexual arousal.<ref>{{cite book |title=Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us |author=Robert D. Hare |publisher=Guilford Press |place=New York and London |year=2011 |pages=52 |isbn=978-16062-35782 |url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=1606235788}}</ref><br /> <br /> A 2016 study relating to atheism and psychopathy published in ''Plus One'' indicates:<br /> {{Cquote|Similarly, a survey of 312 college students examining the relationship between Religious/Spiritual Well-Being (RSWB) and ‘dark triad’ personality traits found that “RSWB was confirmed to be negatively correlated with these negative aspects of personality, in particular with subclinical psychopathy.”<br /> <br /> ...moral concern is associated with a spiritual worldview.<ref>[http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0149989 Why Do You Believe in God? Relationships between Religious Belief, Analytic Thinking, Mentalizing and Moral Concern] by Anthony Ian Jack , Jared Parker Friedman, Richard Eleftherios Boyatzis, Scott Nolan Taylor, ''Plus One'', March 23, 2016</ref>}}<br /> <br /> According to the 2014 journal article ''Correlates of psychopathic personality traits in everyday life: results from a large community survey'' published in the journal ''Frontiers of Psychology'' lack of belief in [[God]] is positively associated with [[Psychopath|psychopathy]].<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106400/ Correlates of psychopathic personality traits in everyday life: results from a large community survey] by Scott O. Lilienfeld, Robert D. Latzman, Ashley L. Watts, Sarah F. Smith, and Kevin Dutton, ''Frontiers of Psychology'', 2014</ref><br /> <br /> === Barna Group studies: Atheism and morality ===<br /> <br /> '''Barna Group study on behavior of atheists vs. evangelical Christians:'''<br /> <br /> [[Richard Deem]] wrote:<br /> {{Cquote|A random sample of 1003 adults were surveyed in May, 2008 by The Barna Group for their participation in a number of negative behaviors within the previous week. The results showed that there were vast differences in the behaviors of evangelicals compared to agnostics/atheists.<br /> <br /> These results show that atheists/agnostics participate in morally questionable behaviors to a much greater degree than [[evangelicalism|evangelical Christians]] - an average of nearly five times the frequency!<ref>[http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/atheists_more_immoral.html Atheism Doesn't Lead to Immoral Behavior - Or Does It?] by Richard Deem</ref>}}<br /> <br /> '''Barna Group study related to atheist beliefs about behaviors:'''<br /> <br /> The [[Barna Group]] found that atheists and [[agnostics]] in America were more likely, than [[theist]]s in America, to look upon the following behaviors as morally acceptable: illegal drug use; excessive drinking; sexual relationships outside of marriage; [[abortion]]; cohabitating with someone of opposite sex outside of marriage; obscene language; gambling; [[pornography]] and obscene sexual behavior; and engaging in [[homosexuality]]/bisexuality.<ref>[https://www.barna.org/component/content/article/5-barna-update/45-barna-update-sp-657/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard#.VumtJuYvK1s Practical outcomes replace biblical principles as the moral standard], Barna Group</ref> <br /> <br /> Given the [[Homosexuality and health|many diseases]] associated with homosexuality, the [[Bible|biblical]] prohibition against homosexuality is quite arguably one of the many example where the Bible exhibited knowledge [http://creationwiki.org/Bible_scientific_foreknowledge that was ahead of its time]. See also: [[Atheism and sexual immorality]]<br /> <br /> === Study: U.S. public perception of atheist morality ===<br /> <br /> In 2014, a University of Kentucky study was published by Will M. Gervais, which was entitled "Everything is permitted? People intuitively judge immorality as representative of atheists", and the study indicated that "even atheist participants viewed immorality as significantly more representative of atheists than of other people."<ref>Gervais, Will M. (April 9, 2014). "Everything is permitted? People intuitively judge immorality as representative of atheists". ''PLOS ONE'', {{doi|10.1371/journal.pone.0092302}}.</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheism and uncharitableness ===<br /> :''See also: [[Atheism and charity]]'' and [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] and [[Atheism, uncharitableness and depression]]<br /> [[File:Beggar.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A child in [[Thailand]] where the nontheistic form of [[Buddhism]] called the Theravada school of Buddhism is prevalent. In 2010, the Pew Research Forum indicated that 93.2% of the people of Thailand were Buddhists.<ref name="pew2010">[http://www.pewforum.org/files/2012/12/globalReligion-tables.pdf Pew Research Center - Global Religious Landscape 2010 - religious composition by country].</ref> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> A comprehensive study by [[Harvard University]] professor Robert Putnam found that religious people are more charitable than their irreligious counterparts.<ref name="Burke Campbell">Multiple references:<br /> *Burke, Daniel, Religion News Service (May 13, 2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20130310113024/http://www.pewforum.org/Religion-News/Religious-people-make-better-citizens-study-says.aspx "Religious people make better citizens, study says"]. Pew Research Forum. Archived on March 10, 2013 by Internet Archive. <br /> *Campbell, David and Putnam, Robert (November 14, 2010). [http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-11-15-column15_ST_N.htm "Religious people are 'better neighbors'"]. USA Today website.</ref> See: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]] ]]<br /> <br /> Concerning the issue of [[Atheism and charity|atheism and uncharitableness]], the evidence indicates that [[per capita]] charitable giving by atheists and agnostics in America is significantly less than by theists, according to a study by the [[Barna Group]]:<br /> {{cquote|The typical no-faith American donated just $200 in 2006, which is more than seven times less than the amount contributed by the prototypical active-faith adult ($1500). Even when church-based giving is subtracted from the equation, active-faith adults donated twice as many dollars last year as did atheists and agnostics. In fact, while just 7% of active-faith adults failed to contribute any personal funds in 2006, that compares with 22% among the no-faith adults.<ref>[https://www.barna.org/barna-update/faith-spirituality/102-atheists-and-agnostics-take-aim-at-christians#.VwcO5jEn_7Y "Atheists and agnostics take aim at Christians"] (June 11, 2007). Barna Update.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> A comprehensive study by [[Harvard University]] professor Robert Putnam found that religious people are more charitable than their irreligious counterparts.<ref name ="Burke Campbell"/> <br /> <br /> See also: [[Atheism, social justice and hypocrisy]] <br /> <br /> ==== Church-state issues emphasis. Charity low priority ====<br /> <br /> See also: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]] and [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Atheism and love]]<br /> <br /> In June 2014, the African-American atheist woman [[Sikivu Hutchinson]] wrote in the ''Washington Post'' that atheist organizations generally focus on church-state separation and creationism issues and not the concerns the less affluent African American population faces.<ref name="Hutchinson">Hutchinson, Sikivu (June 16, 2014). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ "Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about"]. Washington Post website.</ref> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations do focus on helping poor African Americans.<ref name="Hutchinson"/><br /> <br /> ==== Atheist nonprofit scandals ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]] and ''[[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science#Embezzlement allegation|Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science - Embezzlement allegation]]''<br /> <br /> Two atheist nonprofit scandals which recently received some publicity were the organizations [[Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science]] and the We Are Atheism organization.<ref>[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]<br /> *[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010<br /> *[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/07/24/richard-dawkins-drops-his-lawsuit-against-former-employee/ Richard Dawkins Drops His Lawsuit Against Former Employee]<br /> *[http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/09/15/an-update-on-we-are-atheism/ An Update on We Are Atheism] by Hemant Mehta, September 15, 2015]</ref> <br /> <br /> In addition, David Gorski at Scienceblogs indicated that many atheist/skeptic organizations are poorly run from a financial standpoint.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/10/24/richard-dawkins-sues-josh-timonen/ Richard Dawkins sues Josh Timonen], Posted by David Gorski on October 24, 2010</ref><br /> <br /> For more information, please see: [[Atheist nonprofit scandals]]<br /> <br /> === Irreligion and domestic violence ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Irreligion and domestic violence]] and [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]]<br /> [[Image:Cycle.gif|thumbnail|205px|right|Research suggests that irreligiousity is a causal factor for domestic violence.<ref name="vaw">Ellison, C. G., Trinitapoli, J. A., et al. (November 2007). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17951587 "Race/ethnicity, religious involvement, and domestic violence"] [abstract with link to full article]. ''Violence Against Women'', doi: 10.1177/1077801207308259, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 1094-1112. Abstract from PubMed.gov</ref>]]<br /> The abstract for the 2007 article in the journal ''Violence Against Women'' entitled ''Race/Ethnicity, Religious Involvement, and Domestic Violence'' indicated:<br /> {{cquote|The authors explored the relationship between religious involvement and intimate partner violence by analyzing data from the first wave of the National Survey of Families and Households. They found that: (a) religious involvement is correlated with reduced levels of domestic violence; (b) levels of domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; (c) the effects of religious involvement on domestic violence vary by race/ethnicity; and (d) religious involvement, specifically church attendance, protects against domestic violence, and this protective effect is stronger for African American men and women and for Hispanic men, groups that, for a variety of reasons, experience elevated risk for this type of violence.<ref name="vaw"/>}} <br /> <br /> ===== Secular Europe and domestic violence =====<br /> <br /> See also: [[Secular Europe and domestic violence]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and pornography ===<br /> [[File:Larry Flynt Wheelchair.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|The [[pornography|pornographer]] [[Larry Flynt]] is an atheist.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Flynt writes, "I have left my religious conversion behind and settled into a comfortable state of atheism": see the epilogue of Flynt, Larry and Ross, Kenneth (June 1, 2008). ''An Unseemly Man: My Life as Pornographer, Pundit, and Social Outcast''. <br /> *"I am not saying he don't believe in God. I am just saying I don't believe in God. That puts me at odds with him." [http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9701/11/falwell.v.flynt/lkl.00.html "Larry Flynt and Jerry Falwell" [transcript&#93;] (January 10, 1996). Larry King Live. Transcript from CNN.com on October 3, 2014.</ref> See: [[Atheism and pornography]] ]<br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and pornography]] <br /> <br /> One of the causes of atheism is a [[hedonism|hedonistic]] lifestyle. See: [[Atheism and hedonism]]. <br /> <br /> The infamous [[pornography|pornographers]] [[Hugh Hefner]] and [[Larry Flynt]] are both atheists.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Gottesdiener, Laura (February 23, 2010). [http://www.salon.com/2013/02/23/10_celebs_you_didnt_know_were_atheists_partner/ "10 celebs you didn't know were atheists"]. Salon. <br /> *Flynt writes, "I have left my religious conversion behind and settled into a comfortable state of atheism": see the epilogue of Flynt, Larry and Ross, Kenneth (June 1, 2008). ''An Unseemly Man: My Life as Pornographer, Pundit, and Social Outcast''.<br /> *"I am not saying he don't believe in God. I am just saying I don't believe in God. That puts me at odds with him." [http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9701/11/falwell.v.flynt/lkl.00.html "Larry Flynt and Jerry Falwell" [transcript&#93;] (January 10, 1996). Larry King Live. Transcript from CNN.com</ref><br /> <br /> In 2003, ''Arena magazine'' magazine listed Flynt as #1 on the "50 Powerful People in Porn" list.<ref>[http://www.onenewspage.us/people/ms9j0/Larry-Flynt.htm "Larry Flynt"]. One News Page.</ref> Flynt is paralyzed from the waist down due to injuries sustained from a 1978 assassination attempt by the serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Flynt, Larry and Ross, Kenneth (June 1, 2008). ''An Unseemly Man: My Life as Pornographer, Pundit, and Social Outcast'', pp. 170–171.<br /> *[http://www.onenewspage.us/people/ms9j0/Larry-Flynt.htm "Larry Flynt"]. One News Page.</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Atheism and child pornography ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and child pornography]]<br /> <br /> In 2005 [[Denmark]] was ranked the third most atheistic country in the world and the website adherents.com reported that in 2005 43 - 80% of Danes are agnostics/atheists/non-believers in God.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_atheist.html Top 50 Countries With Highest Proportion of Atheists / Agnostics(Zuckerman, 2005)]</ref> <br /> <br /> The 2003 book entitled ''Overcoming Violence Against Women and Girls: The International Campaign to Eradicate a Worldwide Problem '' written by authors Rahel Nardos; Mary K. Radpour; William S. Hatcher and Michael L. Penn, declared: <br /> {{cquote|The largest source of commercial child pornography is Denmark. Denmark became the world's leading producer of child pornography when, in 1969, it removed all restrictions on the production and sale of any type of pornographic material. "The result," notes Tim Tate, "was a short-lived explosion in adult pornography, and the birth of commercial child pornography. ....by 1979 when Denmark finally banned the production and sale of child pornography it had already become such a financial success on the international market that it has proven to be nearly impossible to bring its spread under control.<ref>Nardos, Rahel, et. al. (2003). ''Overcoming Violence Against Women and Girls: The International Campaign to Eradicate a Worldwide Problem'', p. 59.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> Suzanne Ost, in her 2009 book ''Child Pornography and Sexual Grooming: Legal and Societal Responses'' published by Cambridge University Press, wrote about the child pornography created by Denmark/Holland during this period: "Taylor and Quayle note that the material produced during this period still constitutes the largest part of child pornography that is currently available, having been transferred into digital format and uploaded onto the internet."<ref>''Child Pornography and Sexual Grooming: Legal and Societal Responses'' by Suzanne Ost, Cambridge University Press, page 29, 2009</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheism, pedophilia and NAMBLA ===<br /> [[Image:Harry Hay.jpg|thumbnail|150px|Many consider atheist [[Harry Hay]] to be the founder of the American homosexual movement.]]<br /> ''see also:'' [[Atheism, pederasty and NAMBLA]] and [[Teenage homosexuality]] <br /> <br /> The [[North American Man-Boy Love Association]] (NAMBLA) was founded in December 1978 and is an activist homosexuality and [[pedophilia]]/pederasty coalition group.<br /> <br /> Some of the well known atheist advocates of the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) are:<br /> <br /> 1. The atheist and homosexual [[David Thorstad]] was a founding member of the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA).<ref>Abbott, Matt C. (August 22, 2010). [http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/abbott/100822 "The mind of a pederast"]. RenewAmerica.</ref> <br /> <br /> 2. '''[[Harry Hay]]''' (1912 - 2002) was an [[liberal]] advocate of [[statutory rape]] and the widely acknowledged founder and progenitor of the activist [[homosexual agenda]] in the [[United States]]. Hay joined the [[Communist Party of the United States]] (CPUSA) in 1934.<ref>Bronski, Michael (October 31, 2002). [http://bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/02511115.htm "The real Harry Hay"]. The Phoenix.com.</ref> Harry Hay was an atheist.<ref>Kincaid, Cliff, Accuracy in Media (January 7, 2010). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_politics0010_01_07.asp "Twisted: administration's 'safe schools czar' and the North American Man-Boy Love Association"]. WorldTribune.com.</ref> He was a vociferous advocate of man/boy love.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lord, Jeffrey (October 5, 2006). [http://spectator.org/articles/46366/when-nancy-met-harry "Special report: when Nancy met Harry"]. The American Spectator website. <br /> *Kincaid, Cliff, Accuracy in Media (January 7, 2010). [http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2010/ss_politics0010_01_07.asp "Twisted: administration's 'safe schools czar' and the North American Man-Boy Love Association"]. WorldTribune.com.</ref> In 1986, Hay marched in a [[homosexual|gay]] parade wearing a shirt emblazoned with the words "[[NAMBLA]] walks with me."<ref>Baldwin, Hon. Steve (2002). [http://www.mega.nu/ampp/baldwin_pedophilia_homosexuality.pdf "Child molestation and the homosexual movement"]. ''Regent University Law Review'', vol. 14, pp. 267-282. The Architecture of Modern Political Power</ref><br /> <br /> 3. The writer [[Samuel R. Delany]] is an atheist and a homosexual.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Delany, Samuel R. (2006). ''About Writing: Seven Essays, Four Letters, and Five Interviews'' (Middletown: Wesleyan), p. 36.<br /> *[http://www.enotes.com/topics/samuel-r-delany/critical-essays/delany-samuel-r-vol-141#critical-essays-delany-samuel-r-vol-141-introduction "Introduction"] (2001). ''Contemporary Literary Criticism'', ed. Hunter, Jeffrey W., vol. 141 (Gale Cengage). eNotes.com</ref> Delaney said he was a supporter of NAMBLA.<ref>Freedman, Carl (2009). ''Conversations with Samuel R. Delany'' (Jackson: Univ. Press of Mississippi), p. 143.</ref><br /> <br /> See also: [[Richard Dawkins on child molestation and so called "gentle pedophiles"]] and [[John Maynard Keynes and pederasty]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and slavery/forced labor ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and slavery]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and forced labor]]<br /> <br /> === Immorality of prominent atheists ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships]]<br /> [[File:JAMES RANDI.jpg|thumbnail|170px|left|[[James Randi]] ]]<br /> [[James Randi]] is a leader within the atheist community. Brian Thompson, former James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) Outreach Coordinator, wrote:<br /> {{cquote|But I no longer identify with this community of benevolent know-it-alls, because not all of them are the best folks in the world. In fact, a good percentage of the top ten worst humans I’ve ever met are prominent members of the skeptics’ club. They’re dishonest, mean-spirited, narcissistic, [[misogyny|misogynistic]]. Pick a personality flaw, and I can probably point you to someone who epitomizes it. And that person has probably had a speaking slot at a major skeptical conference.<br /> <br /> I grew particularly disgusted with the boys’ club attitude I saw among skeptical leaders and luminaries. The kind of attitude that’s dismissive of women, sexually predatory, and downright gross. When I first started going to skeptical conferences as a fresh-faced know-it-all, I started hearing things about people I once admired. Then I started seeing things myself. Then I got a job with the JREF, and the pattern continued.<ref>Myers, P. Z. (March 31, 2014). [http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/03/31/when-will-this-situation-improve/ "When will this situation improve?"] Pharyngula.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> See also:<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships]]<br /> <br /> *[[Richard Carrier, adultery, divorce and polyamory]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist conferences#Atheist events and inappropriate sexually related activities|Atheist conferences and inappropriate sexual activity]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and rape ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and rape]]<br /> <br /> *[[Mass rape during the occupation of Germany|Mass rape of German women by the Soviet army]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and abortion ===<br /> <br /> The ''Journal of Medical Ethics'' wrote this about the atheist and [[sadism|sadist]] [[Marquis de Sade]]:<br /> {{cquote|In 1795 the Marquis de Sade published his ''La Philosophie dans le boudoir'', in which he proposed the use of induced abortion for social reasons and as a means of [[population control]]. It is from this time that medical and social acceptance of abortion can be dated, although previously the subject had not been discussed in public in modern times. It is suggested that it was largely due to de Sade's writing that induced abortion received the impetus which resulted in its subsequent spread in western society.<ref>Farr, A. D. (1980). [http://jme.bmj.com/content/6/1/7.abstract "The Marquis de Sade and induced abortion"]. ''Journal of Medical Ethics'', 6, pp. 7-10. Journal of Medical Ethics website</ref>}} <br /> <br /> [[Population control]] is based on [[pseudoscience]] and ill founded [[economics|economic]] assumptions.<ref>Egnor, Michael (November 30, 2010). [http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html "P. Z. Myers on abortion"]. Evolution News and Views.</ref> ''[[CBS News]]'' reported: "According to a mail-in survey of nearly 4,000 British doctors, those who were atheist or agnostic were almost twice as willing to take actions designed to hasten the end of life."<ref>Katz, Neil (August 26, 2010). [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-atheist-doctors-twice-as-likely-to-pull-plug/ "Study: atheist doctors twice as likely to pull plug"]. CBSNews.com.</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheism and profanity ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and profanity]] and [[Atheism and culture]]<br /> <br /> Studies indicate that atheists engage in more [[profanity]] than Christians/theists and are more likely to believe that obscene language is acceptable to engage in.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[https://www.barna.org/component/content/article/5-barna-update/45-barna-update-sp-657/58-practical-outcomes-replace-biblical-principles-as-the-moral-standard#.VwcQ8jEn_7Y "Practical outcomes replace biblical principles as the moral standard"] (September 10, 2001). Barna Update. <br /> *Jay, Timothy and Janschewitz, Kristin (May/June 2012). [http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2012/may-june-12/the-science-of-swearing.html "The Science of Swearing"]. ''Observer'', vol. 25, no. 5. The Association for Psychological Science website.<br /> *Ritter, Ryan S., Preston, J. L. et al. (June 18, 2013). [http://spp.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/06/18/1948550613492345.full.pdf+html "Happy tweets: Christians are happier, more socially connected, and less analytical than atheists on Twitter" [abstract&#93;]. ''Social Psychological and Personality Science'', 1948550613492345. Abstract: Sage Journals Subscription required for full article.</ref> <br /> Use of profanity by individuals is negatively correlated with conscientiousness and agreeableness.<ref>Jay, Timothy and Janschewitz, Kristin (May/June 2012). [http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publications/observer/2012/may-june-12/the-science-of-swearing.html "The Science of Swearing"]. ''Observer'', vol. 25, no. 5. The Association for Psychological Science website</ref><br /> <br /> For more information, please see: [[Atheism and profanity]]<br /> <br /> === Irreligion and crime/prison population ===<br /> <br /> *[[Religion and crime reduction]]<br /> <br /> *[[Irreligious prison population]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and infanticide ===<br /> <br /> [[Infanticide]] is the practice of killing very young children. An infant has been medically defined as a child too young to speak.<ref>MedicineNet.com http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3966.</ref> <br /> <br /> Below is an article on atheism and infanticide: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and infanticide]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and bestiality ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and bestiality]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and other moral issues ===<br /> <br /> For more information please see: [[Atheism and morality]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and hypocrisy ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheist hypocrisy]]<br /> <br /> In order to attempt to justify their atheism, atheists often engage in [[Hypocrisy|hypocritical]] argumentation. In addition, atheists often engage in hypocritical behavior. Please see: [[Atheist hypocrisy]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and social justice ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and social justice]]<br /> <br /> === Earlier definitions of atheism ===<br /> <br /> Dictionaries point out that previous/archaic meanings of the word atheism are: ungodliness. wickedness, immorality<ref>[http://www.positiveatheism.org/mail/eml9779.htm Dictionary Says 'Atheism' Means 'Immorality'!?]</ref><ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism Definition of atheism - Merriam-Webster dictionary]</ref><br /> <br /> == Atheism and meaning ==<br /> <br /> === Why atheism is irrational ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and irrationality]] and [[Irreligion and superstition]] <br /> <br /> A common and legitimate criticism of the atheist worldview is that [[Atheism and irrationality|atheism is irrational]].<ref name="athdef"/> In short, atheism is a fundamentally incoherent worldview with a number of inconsistencies.<ref name="inconsist"/> For example, the atheistic worldview cannot account for the laws of [[logic]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lisle, Dr. Jason (October 10, 2007). [http://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/atheism/atheism-an-irrational-worldview/ "Atheism: An irrational worldview"]. AnswersinGenesis. <br /> *Slick, Matt (2010). [http://carm.org/christian-worldview-atheist-worldview-and-logic "The Christian worldview, the atheist worldview, and logic"]. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. <br /> *Petersen, Jason (2013). [http://answersforhope.org/portfolio_item/can-atheism-coherently-explain-the-laws-of-logic/ "Can atheism coherently explain the laws of logic?"] Answers for Hope. <br /> *Audio of a formal 1985 debate between Christian Greg Bahnsen and skeptic Gordon Stein at the University of California, Irvine on the question "Does God exist?" See Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]]<br /> **[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hSx2evTGM "Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein: The Great Debate (FULL)"] (May 19, 2011). YouTube video, 2:10:44, posted by Argin Gerigorian. <br /> **Andy (December 5, 2006). [http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2006/12/05/greg-bahnsen-vs-gordon-stein-the-great-debate/ "Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein mp3"]. The Domain for Truth.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and critical thinking]]<br /> <br /> The atheist worldview cannot explain the existence of [[consciousness]] either and the [[theism|theistic]] worldview can offer a reasonable explanation.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Piippo, John (March 20, 2012). [http://www.johnpiippo.com/2012/03/argument-from-consciousness-for.html "The argument from consciousness for the existence of God"]. John Piippo. <br /> *Piippo, John (April 14, 2014). [http://www.johnpiippo.com/2014/04/one-of-atheisms-irresolvable-problems.html "Consciousness: One of atheism's irresolvable problems"]. John Piippo.</ref> <br /> [[File:113320508 2b86fdb94a.jpg|thumb|201px|right|A common and legitimate criticism of the atheist worldview is that [[Atheism and irrationality|atheism is irrational]].<ref name="athdef">Multiple references:<br /> *Slick, Matt (2010). [http://carm.org/cut-atheism "Atheism"]. Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry. <br /> *Samples, Kenneth R. (Fall 1991 and Winter 1992). [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html "Putting the atheist on the defensive"]. ''Christian Research Institute Journal'', p. 7. Internet Christian Library<br /> *Gilson, Tom (March 21, 2012). [http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2012/03/21/atheists-dont-own-reason/10924 "Atheists don’t own reason"]. FaithStreet/On Faith. <br /> *McInerny, Professor Ralph (1985). [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth11.html "Why the burden of proof is on the atheist"]. ''Truth Journal'', vol. 1. LeadershipU <br /> *Platinga, Alvin (1991). [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/3truth02.html "Theism, atheism, and rationality"]. ''Truth Journal'', vol. 3. LeadershipU. See [[Alvin Plantinga]]. <br /> *Day, Vox (2008). [http://www.voxday.net/mart/TIA_free.pdf ''The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens''](Dallas TX: Benbella Books). ISBN 1933771364; ISBN 978-1933771366.</ref> In short, atheism is a fundamentally incoherent worldview with a number of inconsistencies.<ref name="inconsist">Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4K_WZpIkM4 "William Lane Craig on scientific naturalism"] (January 12, 2008). YouTube video, 9:55, posted by Drcraigvideos<br /> *[http://vimeo.com/102663614 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism worldview with J.P. Moreland, part 1"] (August 5, 2014). Vimeo video, 8:10, posted by Jefferson Drexler. <br /> *[http://vimeo.com/103277405 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism with J.P. Moreland, part 2"] (August 12, 2014). Vimeo video, 7:43, posted by Jefferson Drexler. <br /> *[http://vimeo.com/103865278 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism worldview with J.P. Moreland, part 3"] (August 19, 2014). Vimeo video, 7:21, posted by Jefferson Drexler. <br /> *[http://vimeo.com/105068126 "The Summit lecture series: Scientific naturalism worldview with J.P. Moreland, part 4"] (September 2, 2014). Vimeo video, 6:40, posted by Jefferson Drexler. <br /> *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6cTlDn4PiU "The incoherence of atheism - Ravi Zacharias"] (February 5, 2013). YouTube video, 51:59, posted by Christianity Reason and Science. <br /> *Cooper, Jordan (August 31, 2012). [http://justandsinner.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-incoherence-of-atheism.html "The incoherence of atheism"]. Just and Sinner blog. <br /> *Randy (November 12, 2012). [http://ephesians4-15.blogspot.com/2012/11/more-on-inconsistent-atheists.html "More on inconsistent atheists"]. Speak the Truth in Love. <br /> *Geisler, Norman and McCoy, Daniel J. (June 2014). ''The Atheist's Fatal Flaw: Exposing Conflicting Beliefs'' (Ada, MI: Baker Publishing Group). See [[Norman Geisler]]</ref>]]<br /> <br /> For more information, please see:<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and irrationality]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and logic]]<br /> <br /> *[[Irreligion and superstition]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and groupthink]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and epistemology]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and postmodernism]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and reason ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and reason]]<br /> <br /> If [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]] is true, then we ought not to trust our capacity for [[reason]] for the human [[brain]] would be a byproduct of blind/unintelligent natural forces.<br /> <ref name="C.S. Lewis' argument from reason">*[http://creationevolutiondesign.blogspot.com/2006/09/cs-lewis-argument-from-reason.html C.S. Lewis' argument from reason]<br /> *[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2013/11/cs_lewis_and_th079541.html C.S. Lewis and the Argument from Reason] by Jay W. Richards, November 25, 2013 <br /> *[http://www.acton.org/pub/religion-liberty/volume-6-number-6/cs-lewis-and-materialism C.S. Lewis and Materialism] by John G. West<br /> *[http://wmbriggs.com/blog/?p=8669 C.S. Lewis On The Validity of Reasoning]<br /> *[http://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2012/04/cs-lewis-on-rationality-and-materialism.html C.S. Lewis on Rationality and Materialism ]<br /> *[http://str.typepad.com/weblog/2008/08/naturalisms-hot.html Naturalism's Hot Water]</ref> Therefore, believing in naturalism is self-defeating.<br /> <br /> In short, atheism/naturalism and reason are incompatible.<ref name="C.S. Lewis' argument from reason"/><br /> <br /> === Logical fallacies that atheists commonly commit ===<br /> <br /> List of logical fallacies that atheists commonly commit: [[Atheism and logical fallacies]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and meaninglessness ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and meaninglessness]] and [[Nihilism]] and [[Absurdism]] and [[Existentialism]]<br /> <br /> Under an atheistic worldview, there is no objective meaning or purpose in life.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Anderson, James (July 16, 2013). [http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-life-have-meaning-without-god "Can life have meaning without God?"] The Gospel Coalition. "Atheism’s universe is meaningless and valueless". J.W. Wartick—"Always Have a Reason" [blog<br /> *Galloway, Katie (December 23, 2013). [http://www.bethinking.org/atheism/reclaiming-reason-from-atheism "Reclaiming reason from atheism".] Bethinking. ["Why atheism?"]<br /> *Sirrahc (April 19, 2012). [http://aviewfromtheright.com/2012/04/19/heat-death-and-atheist-inconsistency-or-isnt-it-ironic/ "Heat death and atheist inconsistency (or, isn’t it ironic?)"]. A View from the Right<br /> *Shramek, Dustin (2009). [http://www.oocities.org/athens/delphi/8449/atheism.html "Atheism and death: Why the atheist must face death with despair"]. Contend for the Faith [archive]. Archive<br /> *Brake, Aaron (2013). [http://pleaseconvinceme.com/2013/apathy-atheism-and-the-absurdity-of-life-without-god/ "Apathy, atheism, and the absurdity of life without God"]. Pleaseconvinceme. <br /> *Prayson, Daniel (December 16, 2010). [http://withalliamgod.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/the-meaningless-life-of-atheism/ "The meaningless life of atheism"]. With All I Am.</ref> Through [[Jesus Christ]], Christianity offers objective meaning and purpose to life.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Slick, Matt (2012). [http://carm.org/meaning-of-life "What does the Bible say about the meaning/purpose of life?"]. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website<br /> *[Under a Christian worldview] [http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_MeaningLife.htm "What is the purpose and meaning of life?"] (2009). Christian Bible Reference Site.</ref><br /> <br /> For more information, please see: [[Atheism and meaninglessness]]<br /> <br /> === Arrogance of atheism/atheists ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Atheism and narcissism]] and [[Atheism and deception]] <br /> <br /> One of the common and well-founded charges against atheists is their arrogance and presumptuousness.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Samples, Kenneth R. (Fall 1991 and Winter 1992). [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html "Putting the atheist on the defensive"]. ''Christian Research Institute Journal'', p. 7. Internet Christian Library <br /> *Copan, Paul (April 6, 2009). [http://www.equip.org/articles/the-presumptuousness-of-atheism/ "The presumptuousness of atheism"]. Christian Research Institute. <br /> *Cupp, S. E. (December 29, 2010). [http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/arrogance-atheists-batter-believers-religion-smug-certainty-article-1.469613 "The arrogance of the atheists: They batter believers in religion with smug certainty"]. ''New York Daily News''. See atheist commentator [[S.E. Cupp]]<br /> *O'Neill, Brendan (August 14, 2013). [http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/brendanoneill2/100230985/how-atheists-became-the-most-colossally-smug-and-annoying-people-on-the-planet/ "How atheists became the most colossally smug and annoying people on the planet"]. The Telegraph website/Brendan O'Neill [blog]. [atheist author] <br /> *Delzell, Dan (October 17, 2011). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/how-anger-fuels-atheistic-arrogance-58281/ "How anger fuels atheistic arrogance"]. Christian Post website. <br /> *[http://atheismexposed.tripod.com/atheist_arrogance.htm "Militant atheist arrogance and pride"] (2007). Militant Atheism Exposed.</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Why atheism is an arrogant ideology ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|Arguments against atheism]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]]<br /> [[File:Old Nietzsche, 1899.JPG|thumbnail|220px|right|[[Friedrich Nietzsche]] wrote: "But now God is dead. You superior men, this God was your greatest danger. Only since he is in the grave, have you risen again. Only now comes the great noontide; only now the superior man will be – Lord!".<ref>[http://atheismexposed.tripod.com/atheist_arrogance.htm Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, In Michael Curtis (Ed.) The Great Political Theories, Vol. 2 (New York: Avon Books, 1962, PP. 261-262). Cited in, Christopher, J.R., G.G, Wittet, Modern Western Civilization. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1991, Pages 232, 233]</ref> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> The picture of Nietzsche above was taken in 1899. Nietzsche died in 1900. See: [[Atheism and arrogance]] ]]<br /> Atheists [[Attempts to dilute the definition of atheism|lack proof and evidence]] that God does not exist and ignore the [[Christian apologetics websites|clear and abundant proof and evidence]] that He does exist. The philosopher [[Mortimer Adler]] pointed out that atheism asserts an unreasonable [[universal negative]] that is self-defeating.<ref name="defensive">Samples, Kenneth R. (Fall 1991 and Winter 1992). [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0131a.html "Putting the atheist on the defensive"]. ''Christian Research Institute Journal'', p. 7. Internet Christian Library</ref> <br /> <br /> Contrary to the mistaken notion of individuals who are inexperienced in [[logic]]/philosophy, there are plenty of cases where universal negatives [[Universal negative|can be proven]].<ref>Ferguson, Shawn (August 14, 2014). [http://blog.faithbeyondbelief.ca/2014/08/the-universal-negative-can-it-be-proven.html "The universal negative: Can it be proven?"] Faith Beyond Belief.</ref> However, atheists' universal negative claim that God does not exist is not a reasonable universal negative claim.<ref name="defensive"/><br /> <br /> Atheists have also given themselves pretentious monikers such as [[freethinker]], rationalist and "bright". See also: [[Brights Movement]] and [[Atheism and intelligence]]<br /> <br /> In addition, historically militant atheists have commonly endeavored to limit the religious freedom of others while imposing their errant, atheistic ideology on others. See also: [[Atheism and intolerance]]<br /> <br /> ==== Study: Arrogance of New Atheists ====<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and arrogance#Study relating the arrogance of New Atheists and the discovery of errors by the New Atheists|Study relating the arrogance of New Atheists]]<br /> <br /> === Atheists/agnostics and ultimate purpose ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and purpose]] and [[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]] and [[Atheism and beliefs]]<br /> <br /> One of the most popular arguments for God's existence is the [[teleological argument]]. Derived from the Greek word ''telos'', which refers to purpose or end, this argument hinges on the idea that the world gives evidence of being designed, and concludes that a divine designer must be posited to account for the orderly world we encounter.<br /> <br /> Academic research and historical data indicate that a significant portion of atheists/agnostics often see their lives and the world as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheism and purpose]]).<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Banerjee, Konika and Bloom, Paul (October 17, 2014). [http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/opinion/sunday/does-everything-happen-for-a-reason.html "Does everything happen for a reason?"] The New York Times website<br /> *Catchpoole, David (July 16, 2009 [GMT+10]). [http://creation.com/children-see-the-world-as-designed "Children see the world as designed"]. Creation.com. See [[Creation Ministries International]].<br /> *Atheist [[Jean-Paul Sartre]] made the candid confession: "As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for want of being able to think otherwise." Source: Turner, Dean (1991). [http://books.google.com/books?id=BGU7LZ2bQ4cC&pg=PA109&lpg=PA109&dq=As+for+me,+I+don%E2%80%99t+see+myself+as+so+much+dust+that+has+appeared+in+the+world+but+as+a+being+that+was+expected,+prefigured,+called+forth.+In+short,+as+a+being+that+could,+it+seems,+come+only+from+a+creator;+and+this+idea+of+a+creating+hand+that+created+me+refers+me+back+to+God.&source=bl&ots=die9xMUdsB&sig=3dAJOK34aBalYieFKcJLdGpwFjY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NXhqVMSmHMexyASUyYKIBw&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=As%20for%20me%2C%20I%20don%E2%80%99t%20see%20myself%20as%20so%20much%20dust%20that%20has%20appeared%20in%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20being%20that%20was%20expected%2C%20prefigured%2C%20called%20forth.%20In%20short%2C%20as%20a%20being%20that%20could%2C%20it%20seems%2C%20come%20only%20from%20a%20creator%3B%20and%20this%20idea%20of%20a%20creating%20hand%20that%20created%20me%20refers%20me%20back%20to%20God.&f=false ''Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility''] (Pasadena, California: Hope Publishing House), p. 109. GoogleBooks archive.<br /> *The ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' declares about the agnostic/[[weak atheism|weak atheist]] Charles Darwin: "In 1885, the Duke of Argyll recounted a conversation he had had with Charles Darwin the year before Darwin's death: 'In the course of that conversation I said to Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the Fertilization of [[Orchid]]s, and upon The [[Earthworm]]s, and various other observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in nature — I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that they were the effect and the expression of Mind. I shall never forget Mr. Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, "Well, that often comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times," and he shook his head vaguely, adding, "it seems to go away."' (Argyll 1885, 244)"<br /> **[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html "Notes to 'Teleological arguments for God's existence'"] [article revised removing reference in January 2015].<br /> **The Duke of Argyll (1885). [http://books.google.com/books?id=CskhAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22good+words%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=fs24VKGOMpDnsATg_4HYDQ&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22it%20seems%20to%20go%20away%22&f=false "What is science?"] ''Good Words'' [United Kingdom], vol. 26, p. 244. GoogleBooks archive<br /> </ref> <br /> <br /> See also:<br /> <br /> *[[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]<br /> <br /> == Atheism and religion and philosophy topics ==<br /> <br /> === Atheism is a religion ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheist cults]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]<br /> [[File:Sanderson Jones.jpg|thumbnail|right|200px|The [[British atheism|British atheist]] Sanderson Jones is a founder of the Sunday Assembly atheist church movement.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/06/atheist-church-split_n_4550456.html Atheist Church Split: Sunday Assembly And Godless Revival's 'Denominational Chasm'], Huffington Post, 2014</ref><br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism is a religion]] ]]<br /> <br /> [[Atheism is a religion]].<ref name="Atheismisareligion">[http://creation.com/atheism-a-religion Is Atheism a religion?] by Daniel Smartt, Published: 4 May 2010(GMT+10)</ref> And many of the leaders of the atheist movement, such as the evolutionist and [[New Atheism|new atheist]]/agnostic Richard Dawkins, argue for agnosticism/atheism with a religious fervor. <br /> <br /> In addition, although many atheists deny that atheism is a worldview, atheists commonly share a [[Atheism and beliefs|number of beliefs]] such as [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]], belief in evolution and [[Origin of life|abiogenesis]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Slick, Matt (October 2011). [http://carm.org/atheism-worldview "Is atheism a worldview?"] Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website. See [[CARM]]<br /> *Hearn, Brian F. (December 31, 2009). [http://www.apologetics.net/post/Atheism-a-worldview.aspx "Atheism a worldview?"] Apologetics.net.<br /> *Hearn, Brian F. (May 2, 2012). [http://www.apologetics.net/post/Atheism-is-a-worldview-%28II%29.aspx "Atheism is a worldview II"]. Apologetics.net. <br /> *Bannister, Andy (October 14, 2013). [http://www.rzim.eu/the-scandanavian-sceptic-or-why-atheism-is-a-belief-system "The Scandanavian sceptic (or why atheism is a belief system)"]. Ravi Zacharias International Ministries website. See [[Ravi Zacharias]]</ref> <br /> <br /> Roderick Ninian Smart, a Scottish writer and professor, defined a seven-part scheme of understanding both religious and secular worldviews<ref>Smart, Ninian (1996). [http://books.google.com/books?id=14j2UrLCi64C&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=ninian+smart+narrative&source=bl&ots=Hq3WwG_mVT&sig=j-8FpwSdqohURYodSdcl46erSJY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FgybT6zxIc-_gAe864X6Dg&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=ninian%20smart%20narrative&f=false ''Dimensions of the Sacred'' [preview&#93;] (Oakland, CA: University of California Press). Preview: GoogleBooks</ref> These can be understood as narrative, experiential, social, ethical, doctrinal, ritual and material.<br /> <br /> English Pastor Daniel Smartt defines atheism as a religion, using Ninian Smart's seven dimensions of worldview as a list of criteria. It is not necessary in Smartt's model for every one of these to be present in order for something to be a religion.<ref>Smartt, Daniel (November 6, 2008). [http://archive.is/L3cY5 "Atheism religion naturalism morally relative"]. Archive of SpiritualLiving360°.</ref> However, it can be argued that all seven are present in the case of atheism.<ref name="Atheismisareligion"/><br /> <ref>*Ammi, Ken (June 11, 2009). [http://creation.com/atheism "Atheism"]. Creation Ministries International.</ref><br /> <br /> In 2013, a trend of atheist services began and atheist services were reported in the ''[[New York Times]]'', ''[[The Blaze]]'' and other major news outlets.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Thier, Dave (June 23, 2013). [http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/24/us/in-the-bible-belt-offering-atheists-a-spiritual-home.html?_r=0 "In the Bible belt offering atheists a spiritual home"]. Nytimes.com<br /> *Hallowell, Billy (April 17, 2013). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/17/atheist-sunday-morning-worship-services-are-on-the-rise/ "Bizarre trend: atheist Sunday morning ‘worship’ services are on the rise (minus God, of course)"] TheBlaze. <br /> *Ortberg, Mallory (January 5, 2013). [http://gawker.com/5973377/londons-first-atheist-church-opens-tomorrow "London's first atheist church opens tomorrow".] Gawker.</ref><br /> <br /> See also: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism is a religion]] <br /> <br /> *[[Atheist indoctrination]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist cults]] <br /> <br /> === Atheist cults ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheist cults]]<br /> [[Image:2384975035_230a0eac30.jpg‎‎|thumb|right|170px|The [[Wall Street Journal]] reported: "A comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows ...that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to [[superstition]], tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in [[pseudoscience]] than evangelical Christians."<ref name="online.wsj.com">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html</ref>]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and spirituality ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and spirituality]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and evidence ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and evidence]]<br /> <br /> === Irreligion and superstition ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]]<br /> <br /> In September 2008, the [[Wall Street Journal]] reported:<br /> {{cquote|The reality is that the New Atheist campaign, by discouraging [[religion]], won't create a new group of intelligent, skeptical, enlightened beings. Far from it: It might actually encourage new levels of mass [[superstition]]. And that's not a conclusion to take on faith—it's what the empirical data tell us.<br /> <br /> "What Americans Really Believe," a comprehensive new study released by Baylor University yesterday, shows that [[Conservative Christianity|traditional Christian religion]] greatly decreases belief in everything from the efficacy of palm readers to the usefulness of [[astrology]]. It also shows that the irreligious and the members of more liberal Protestant denominations, far from being resistant to superstition, tend to be much more likely to believe in the paranormal and in [[pseudoscience]] than evangelical Christians...."<ref name="paranormal">Hemingway, Molly Ziegler (September 19, 2008). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html "Look who's irrational now"]. The Wall Street Journal website.</ref>}}<br /> [[File:Loc of United States.png|thumbnail|175px|right|According to Pew Forum, [[Evangelicalism|evangelical Protestant]] churches in America grew by 2 million from 2007 to 2014.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/why-conservative-churches-are-still-growing/ Why conservative churches are still growing]</ref> See: [[Atheism vs. Christianity]] ]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism vs. Abrahamic religions and religion ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism vs. Christianity]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism vs. religion]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism vs. Islam]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism vs. Judaism]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and miracles ===<br /> <br /> :''See main article: [[Atheism and Miracles]]'' <br /> <br /> In relation to [[Atheism and Miracles|atheism and miracles]], modern scholars are divided on the issue of whether or not [[David Hume]] was an atheist.<ref>Russell, Paul (February 11, 2013). [http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-religion/#10 "Hume on religion"]. ''The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' (Spring 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.). <br /> </ref> With that caveat in mind, Hume is well known for arguing that it is always more probable that the testimony of a miracle is false than that the miracle occurred.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lennox, John (2009). [http://www.bethinking.org/are-miracles-possible/the-question-of-miracles-the-contemporary-influence-of-hume "The question of miracles: the contemporary influence of Hume"]. BeThinking. <br /> *Craig, Dr. William Lane (1986). [http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html "The problem of miracles: a historical and philosophical perspective"]. ''Gospel Perspectives'', vol 6, ed. by David Wenham and Craig Blomberg (Sheffield, England: JSOT Press), pp. 9-40. LeadershipU</ref> Christian apologists [[William Lane Craig]], [[Norman Geisler]], [[C.S. Lewis]], [[JP Holding]], and others have shown the inadequacy and unreasonableness of Hume's position regarding miracles.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lennox, John (2009). [http://www.bethinking.org/are-miracles-possible/the-question-of-miracles-the-contemporary-influence-of-hume "The question of miracles: the contemporary influence of Hume"]. BeThinking. <br /> *Craig, Dr. William Lane (1986). [http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/docs/miracles.html "The problem of miracles: a historical and philosophical perspective"]. ''Gospel Perspectives'', vol 6, ed. by David Wenham and Craig Blomberg (Sheffield, England: JSOT Press), pp. 9-40. LeadershipU <br /> *Hoffman, Paul K. (Spring 1999). [http://www.galaxie.com/article/caj02-1-03?highlight=hoffmanA "A jurisprudential analysis of Hume’s ‘in principal’ argument against miracles" [excerpt&#93;]. ''Christian Apologetics Journal'', 2:1, p. 2. Galaxie Software. Subscription required for full article.<br /> *Geisler, Professor Norman (1985). [http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth19.html "Miracles and modern scientific thought"]. ''Truth Journal'', vol. 1. LeadershipU<br /> *Lewis, C. S. (1960). [http://books.google.com/books/about/Miracles.html?id=tH8di3qQDhEC ''Miracles''] (New York: HarperCollins). Abstract: Google Books<br /> *Holding, J. P. [http://www.tektonics.org/gk/hume01.html "David Hume: a critique"]. Tekton Apologetics. <br /> *Esposito, Lenny (2002). [http://www.comereason.org/phil_qstn/phi060.asp "Are miracles logically impossible?"] Come Reason Ministries.</ref><br /> <br /> The ''Christian Post'' reporter Stoyan Zaimov wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: where people pray for others with terminal illness. [[Gary Habermas|Habermas]] admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox-Christians praying for the sick."<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by Stoyan Zaimov,'' Christian Post'', October 14, 2013</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Atheists who believe in life after death ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and the supernatural]]<br /> <br /> A survey involving 15,738 individuals found that 32 percent of Americans who identified themselves as agnostics and atheists believe in an afterlife of some kind.<ref>[http://www.theskepticsguide.org/one-third-of-atheists-agnostics-believe-in-an-afterlife Survey: 32% of Atheists & Agnostics Believe in an Afterlife], Skepticsguide.com</ref><ref>[http://relationshipsinamerica.com/religion/do-people-still-believe-in-life-after-death Do people still believe in life after death?], Austin Institute for the Study of Family and Culture Study</ref><br /> <br /> == Atheism and science ==<br /> [[Image:Newton.jpg|alt=atheism quotes|right|thumbnail|200px|[[Isaac Newton]] wrote: "I have a fundamental belief in the [[Bible]] as the Word of [[God]], written by men who were inspired. I study the Bible daily. Opposition to godliness is [[atheism]] in profession and idolatry in practice. Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors." See also: [[Atheism Quotes|Atheism quotes]] ]]<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and science]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and the suppression of science ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and the suppression of science]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and the social sciences ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and the social sciences]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and the foundation of modern science ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Christianity and science]]<br /> <br /> The birth of modern [[science]] occurred in Christianized Europe.<ref>Bumbulis, Michael, Ph. D. (November 24, 1996). [http://www.ldolphin.org/bumbulis/#anchor5343749 "Christianity and the birth of science; The evidence; Clue #1. The founders/fathers of modern science were shaped by a culture that was predominantly Christian."] Lambert Dolphin's Library. Archived at Internet Archive on July 20, 2014.</ref><br /> <br /> [[Sociology|Sociologist]] [[Rodney Stark]] investigated the individuals who made the most significant scientific contributions between 1543 and 1680 A.D., the time of the [[Scientific Revolution]].<br /> In Stark's list of 52 top scientific contributors,<ref name="Origins">Williams, Alex (August 2004). [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1581/ "The biblical origins of science; a review of ''For The Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-hunts and the End of Slavery'' by Rodney Stark"], ''Journal of Creation'', vol. 18:2, pp. 49–52.</ref> only one ([[Edmund Halley]]) was a skeptic and another ([[Paracelsus]]) was a [[pantheism|pantheist]].<br /> The other 50 were Christians, 30 of whom could be characterized as being devout Christians.<ref name="Origins" /><br /> <br /> Sir [[Francis Bacon]], sometimes referred to as "the Father of Modern Science", wrote in his essay entitled ''Of Atheism'': "I had rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the [[Talmud]], and the [[Koran|Alcoran]], than that this universal frame is without a mind."<ref name="bacon">Bacon, Francis (1601). [http://www.authorama.com/essays-of-francis-bacon-17.html ''The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral, of Francis Ld. Verulam Viscount St. Albans''; "Of atheism"]. Authorama.</ref><br /> <br /> ===Atheism and questions of origins===<br /> <br /> :''See articles: [[Atheism and Evolution]]'' and [[Evolution as a secular origins myth]]<br /> [[Creationism|Creationist]] scientists state that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics|second law of thermodynamics]] argue against an eternal universe or a universe created by natural processes and argue for a universe created by [[God]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Hergenrather, John (2004). [http://www.creationencounter.com/space/lawsofscience.php "Evidences for God from space: can laws of science explain the origin of the universe?"] Creation Encounter. <br /> *Thompson, Bert (2003). [http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=12&article=310 "So long, eternal universe; 'Hello beginning, hello end!'"] Apologetics Press. <br /> *Brown, Dr. Walt (2008). [http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/AstroPhysicalSciences14.html "Chapter 2: astronomical and physical sciences", p. 53.] ''In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood'', 8th ed. The Center for Scientific Creation.</ref> See also: [[Atheism and the origin of the universe]]<br /> <br /> A majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the evolutionary position which employs [[methodological naturalism]] since [[World War II]] have had the worldview of atheism/agnosticism.<ref><br /> * Dr. Don Batten, [http://creation.com/a-whos-who-of-evolutionists A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32, December 1997.<br /> * [[Jonathan Sarfati]], Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creation.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]<br /> </ref> [[Creation science|Creation scientists]] assert that the theory of evolution is an inadequate explanation for the variety of life forms on earth.<ref>Morris, Henry M., PhD. (January 2001). [http://www.icr.org/home/resources/resources_tracts_scientificcaseagainstevolution/ "The scientific case against evolution"]. Institute for Creation Research.</ref> The theory of evolution [[Social effects of the theory of evolution|has had a number of negative social effects]]. <br /> <br /> In addition, the current naturalistic explanations for the [[origin of life]] are inadequate.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life] by Dr. Don Batten</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheism and scientific community ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and science]]<br /> <br /> *[[Scientists and belief in the existence of God]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and the origin of the universe|Atheist scientists and the origin of the universe]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheists and the National Academy of Sciences]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and scientific fraud and speculation ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and deception|Atheism and scientific fraud and speculation]]<br /> <br /> ==Atheism and mental and physical health==<br /> <br /> :''See also:'' [[Atheism and health]] and [[Atheism and alcoholism]] and [[Atheism and negative emotions/thoughts]]<br /> <br /> The is considerable amount of [[science|scientific]] evidence that suggest that theism is more conducive to mental and physical health than atheism and some of the more significant findings are given below <ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Mueller, Dr. Paul S. et al. (December 2001). [http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2962799-7/fulltext "Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice"]. ''Mayo Clinic Proceedings'' vol. 76:12, pp. 1225-1235. Mayo Clinic Proceedings website<br /> *[http://www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu/index.php/research/research-library "Research library"]. Duke University Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. <br /> *McCullough, Michael E. et al. (2000). [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/rel_mort_meta.pdf "Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review"]. ''Health Psychology''. vol. 19:3. pp. 211-222. University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology website<br /> *Casey, Professor Patricia (April 3, 2009). [http://www.ionainstitute.ie/the-benefits-of-religious-practise/ "The psycho-social benefits of religious practise" [executive summary&#93;]. Iona Institute for Religion and Society [Ireland] website. <br /> *McCullough, Michael E. and Willoughby, Brian L. B. (2009). [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications"]. ''Psychological Bulletin'', vol. 135: 1, pp. 69–93. University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology website<br /> *University of Colorado at Boulder (May 17, 1999). [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/05/990517064323.htm "Research shows religion plays a major role in health, longevity"]. ScienceDaily. <br /> *Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15569904 "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [abstract&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8. Abstract: National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med <br /> *University of Warwick (December 2003). [http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/2003/A/20037338.html "Psychology researcher [Dr. Stephen Joseph&#93; says spiritual meaning of Christmas brings more happiness than materialism"]. Scienceblog.<br /> </ref> For more information please see: [[Atheism and health]]<br /> <br /> === Mayo Clinic and other studies ===<br /> [[Image:Mayo-clinic-gondaoverview.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The prestigious [[Mayo Clinic]] found that <br /> religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better physical health and mental health outcomes.<ref name="Mueller">Mueller, Dr. Paul S. et al. (December 2001). [http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196%2811%2962799-7/fulltext "Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice"]. ''Mayo Clinic Proceedings'' vol. 76:12, pp. 1225-1235. Mayo Clinic Proceedings website</ref> See: [[Atheism and health]] ]]<br /> The prestigious [[Mayo Clinic]] reported the following on December 11, 2001:<br /> {{cquote|In an article also published in this issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Mayo Clinic researchers reviewed published studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and subject reviews that examined the association between religious involvement and spirituality and physical health, mental health, health-related quality of life and other health outcomes.<br /> <br /> The authors report a majority of the nearly 350 studies of physical health and 850 studies of mental health that have used religious and spiritual variables have found that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes.<ref name="Mueller"/>}} <br /> <br /> The [[Iona Institute]] reported:<br /> {{cquote|A meta-analysis of all studies, both published and unpublished, relating to religious involvement and longevity was carried out in 2000. Forty-two studies were included, involving some 126,000 subjects. Active religious involvement increased the chance of living longer by some 29%, and participation in public religious practices, such as church attendance, increased the chance of living longer by 43%.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Casey, Professor Patricia (April 3, 2009). [http://www.ionainstitute.ie/the-benefits-of-religious-practise/ "The psycho-social benefits of religious practise" [executive summary&#93;]. Iona Institute for Religion and Society [Ireland] website.<br /> *McCullough, Michael E. et al. (2000). [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/rel_mort_meta.pdf "Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review"]. ''Health Psychology''. vol. 19:3. pp. 211-222. University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology website</ref>}}<br /> <br /> ===Atheism and suicide===<br /> <br /> :''See also:'' [[Atheism and suicide]] and [[Atheism and depression]] and [[Hopelessness of atheism]] and [[Atheism, agnosticism and pessimism]]<br /> <br /> Although there are recent studies relating to [[Atheism and suicide|atheism being a causal factor for suicide for some individuals]], an early proponent of atheism being a causal factor for [[suicide]] was the Reverend Dr. [[Robert Stuart MacArthur]].<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004). [http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [summary&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8. Summary: Adherents.com. Website contains link to article at American Journal of Psychiatry website.<br /> *Dervic, Kanita, et al. (December 2004). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15569904 "Religious affiliation and suicide attempt" [abstract&#93;]. ''The American Journal of Psychiatry'', vol. 161:12, pp. 2303-8. Abstract: National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Pub Med <br /> *[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9507E2DC1131E033A25754C1A96F9C94659ED7CF "Atheism a cause of suicide; Dr. MacArthur preaches on the sin and cowardice of self-destruction"] (September 17, 1894). ''New York Times'', p. 2.</ref> In 1894, the [[NY Times|''New York Times'']] stated the following in relation to atheism and suicide:<br /> {{cquote|Dr. Martin urged that a great cause of suicide was atheism. It was, he said, a remarkable fact that where atheism prevailed most, there suicides were most numerous. In [[Paris]], a recent census showed one suicide to every 2,700 of the population. After the publication of Paine's "Age of Reason" suicides increased.<ref name="nytimes">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9507E2DC1131E033A25754C1A96F9C94659ED7CF "Atheism a cause of suicide; Dr. MacArthur preaches on the sin and cowardice of self-destruction"] (September 17, 1894). ''New York Times'', p. 2.</ref>}} <br /> [[Image:Desperation_man.jpg‎ |thumb|left|200px|Atheists have higher suicide rates. See: [[Atheism and suicide]] ]]<br /> <br /> The website Adherents.com reported the following in respect to atheism and suicide:<br /> {{cquote|Pitzer College sociologist Phil Zuckerman compiled country-by-country survey, polling and census numbers relating to atheism, agnosticism, disbelief in God and people who state they are non-religious or have no religious preference...In examining various indicators of societal health, Zuckerman concludes about suicide:<br /> <br /> "...According to the 2003 World Health Organization's report on international male suicides rates (which compared 100 countries), of the top ten nations with the highest male suicide rates, all but one (Sri Lanka) are strongly irreligious nations with high levels of atheism."<ref>http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html</ref>}}<br /> <br /> For more information please see: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and suicide]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and loneliness]]<br /> <br /> *[[Hopelessness of atheism]]<br /> <br /> [[File:Europe pol 2004.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|According to the [[World Health Organization]]'s (WHO) regional office in Europe, "The WHO European Region has the highest proportion in the world of total ill health and premature death due to alcohol.<ref name=whoalc>[http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/alcohol-use/data-and-statistics "Data and statistics"] (September 2014 or bef.). Health topics/Disease prevention/Alcohol use. World Health Organization (WHO)/Regional office for Europe</ref>]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and alcoholism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and alcoholism]]<br /> <br /> At least 100 studies suggests religion has a positive effect on preventing alcohol-related problems, researchers Christopher Ellison, Jennifer Barrett and Benjamin Moulton noted in an article in the ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'' on “Gender, Marital Status, and Alcohol Behavior: The Neglected Role of Religion.”<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-briggs/charlie-sheen-circus-and-_b_836934.html The Doubled-Edged Sword of Religion and Alcoholism]</ref><br /> <br /> Atheists and atheistic cultures often have significant problems with excess alcohol usage (For more information please see: [[Atheism and alcoholism]]). <br /> <br /> For example, as far as secular Europe, according to the [[World Health Organization]]'s (WHO) regional office in Europe, "The WHO European Region has the highest proportion in the world of total ill health and premature death due to alcohol.<ref name=whoalc/><br /> <br /> === Atheism and illegal drug use and drug addition ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and drug addiction]]<br /> <br /> Studies indicate that religious individuals are less likely to engage in illegal drug use than atheists/nonreligious.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/believers-consume-fewer-drugs-than-atheists-106266/ Believers Consume Fewer Drugs Than Atheists], ''Christian Post'', By Jim Denison, Christian Post Columnist, October 9, 2013|9:47 am</ref><ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131003093041.htm Believers consume fewer drugs than atheists], Science Daily, Date:October 3, 2013, Source: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Foerderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung]</ref><ref>Multiple references:<br /> *McCullough, Michael E. and Willoughby, Brian L. B. (January 2009). [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications"] ''Psychological Bulletin'', vol. 135, no. 1, pp. 69-93. Retrieved from University of Miami department of psychology website on September 10, 2014.<br /> *Alternate source of abstract: [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications" [abstract&#93;]. Retrieved from PubMed.gov on September 10, 2014.</ref><br /> <br /> According to ''Science Daily'': "Young [[Switzerland|Swiss]] men who say that they believe in [[God]] are less likely to smoke cigarettes or pot or take ecstasy pills than Swiss men of the same age group who describe themselves as atheists. Belief is a protective factor against addictive behaviour. This is the conclusion reached by a study funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.<ref>Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Foerderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung [Swiss National Science Foundation] (October 3, 2013). [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131003093041.htm "Believers consume fewer drugs than atheists"]. Science Daily website/Science News.</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheism and loneliness ===<br /> [[File:Depressed man.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Secular societies commonly have significant levels of loneliness. See: [[Atheism and loneliness]] ]]<br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and loneliness]]<br /> <br /> Loneliness has been linked to many physical and mental health problems.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Gammon, Katherine (March 2, 2012). [http://www.livescience.com/18800-loneliness-health-problems.html "Why loneliness can be deadly"]. Live Science website.<br /> *Booth, Robert (October 12, 2014). "Number of severely lonely men over 50 set to rise to 1m in 15 years", ''The Guardian''.</ref><br /> <br /> Compared to deeply religious cultures where an extended family and a sense of community often exists, secular countries [[Secular countries and loneliness|are often lonelier societies]]. In addition, numerous studies and other data indicate that atheists often have lower [[emotional intelligence]] and lower social skills (see: [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]] and [[Atheism and interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social skills]]).<br /> <br /> For more information, please see:<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and loneliness]]<br /> <br /> === Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism]] and [[Irreligion and unsportsmanlike conduct]] and [[Atheism and obesity]]<br /> [[File:Basketball.jpg|left|225px|thumbnail|Numerous studies report that athletes to be more religious than non-athletes.<ref>[http://www.thesportjournal.org/article/strength-religious-faith-athletes-and-nonathletes-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref>]]<br /> ''The [[Sport]]s Journal'' is a monthly refereed journal published by the United States Sports Academy. <br /> A journal article appeared in the Sports Journal entitled ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions''. The article was submitted by Nathan T. Bell, Scott R. Johnson, and Jeffrey C. Petersen from Ball State University.<ref name="thesportjournal.org">[http://thesportjournal.org/article/strength-of-religious-faith-of-athletes-and-nonathletes-at-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions/ ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref><br /> An excerpt from the abstract of the journal article ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'' declares:<br /> {{cquote|Numerous studies report athletes to be more religious than nonathletes (Fischer, 1997; Storch, Kolsky, Silvestri, & Storch, 2001; Storch et al., 2004). According to Storch, Kolsky, Silvestri, and Storch (2001), four reasons may explain why religion interacts with athletic performance.<ref name="thesportjournal.org">[http://thesportjournal.org/article/strength-of-religious-faith-of-athletes-and-nonathletes-at-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions/ ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref>}}<br /> <br /> {{See also|Atheism and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence}}<br /> <br /> == Atheism and intelligence ==<br /> [[File:Cerebellum.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Brain researchers have conducted a number of studies focusing on the differences between atheists and the religious. See: [[Atheism and the brain]] ]]<br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and intelligence]] and [[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences|Atheism and Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences]] and [[Causes of atheism]] <br /> <br /> Within various countries, standardized [[intelligence testing|intelligence test]] (IQ) scores related to the issue of atheists/agnostics vs. theists intelligence scores yield conflicting results.<ref><br /> *[http://www.doxa.ws/other/smarter.html "Who is smarter; are atheists smarter than Christians? An examination of studies"] (2007). Doxa: Christian Thought in the 21st Century. Retrieved on October 29, 2014.<br /> *[http://www.randalolson.com/2014/08/24/the-myth-of-the-smarter-atheist/ The myth of the smarter Atheist] by Randy Olson, Posted on August 24, 2014</ref> Part of the problem is that social scientists use variant definitions of atheism.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Briggs, Dr. William M. (2013). [http://www.strangenotions.com/atheists-higher-iqs/ "Do atheists really have higher IQs than believers?"] Strange Notions. Retrieved on October 29, 2014.<br /> *Wright, Bradley (January 26, 2012). [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/blackwhiteandgray/2012/01/how-many-americans-are-atheists-fewer-than-you-might-think/ "How many Americans are atheists? Fewer than you might think"]. Black, White and Gray. Retrieved on October 29, 2014.</ref> See also: [[Atheism, intelligence and the General Social Survey]]<br /> <br /> However, within individuals, families and societies irreligion/religion can have an effect on intelligence - especially over time (See: [[Atheism and intelligence]]). <br /> <br /> For more information, please see:<br /> <br /> *[[Intelligence trends in religious countries and secular countries]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and the theory of multiple intelligences]]<br /> <br /> === Study on emotional intelligence and religiosity ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]] and [[Atheism and social/interpersonal intelligence|Atheism and social intelligence]]<br /> <br /> A 2004 study by Ellen Paek examined the extent to which religious orientation/behavior and found significant positive correlations were found between level of religious commitment and an individual's perceived [[emotional intelligence]].<ref>''Journal of Organizational Behavior'', Paek, Ellen (2006). "[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886906000961 Religiosity and perceived emotional intelligence among Christians". Personality and Individual Differences] (International Society for the Study of Individual Differences) 41 (3): 479–490</ref> See also: [[Atheism and emotional/intrapersonal intelligence|Atheism and emotional intelligence]] <br /> <br /> According to the prominent brain researcher Antonio Damasio and other brain researchers, emotions play a critical role in high-level cognition and allow individuals to make better decisions.<ref><br /> *[http://intentionalworkplace.com/2012/03/15/how-emotion-shapes-decision-making/ How emotion affects decision making], The Intentional Workplace<br /> *[http://people.hss.caltech.edu/~steve/bechara.pdf The role of emotion in decision-making: Evidence from neurological patients with orbitofrontal damage], Antoine Becharam, Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA<br /> *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wup_K2WN0I When Emotions Make Better Decisions - Antonio Damasio] - short video<br /> *[https://news.usc.edu/29569/Antonio-and-Hanna-Damasio-Receive-Honorary-Degrees/ News item about Professor Antonio Damasio], University of Southern California<br /> </ref><br /> <br /> === Brain studies of atheists ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and the brain]] and [[Religiosity and larger frontal lobes]]<br /> <br /> Brain researchers have conducted a number of studies focusing on the differences between atheists and the religious (see: [[Atheism and the brain]] and [[Religiosity and larger frontal lobes]]).<br /> <br /> == Atheism and women ==<br /> <br /> ''see also:'' [[Atheism and women]] and [[Atheism and rape]] and [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Prominent atheists whose wives believe in the existence of God]]<br /> <br /> [[File:2404429188 ea8f1fc48b.jpg|thumbnail|right|205px|Studies indicate that women tend to be more religious than men (See: [[Atheism and women]]). ]]<br /> <br /> === Recent studies ===<br /> <br /> === Atheist Alliance International analysis ===<br /> <br /> In 2016, Atheist Alliance International (AAI) conducted an annually recurring atheist census project and found: "At the time of writing, the Atheist Census Project recorded that on average worldwide 73.2% of respondents were male. The result is consistent with other research... As such, the focus of many scholarly papers has been on seeking to explain this persistent observation."<ref>[https://www.atheistalliance.org/about-aai/position-statements/1206-aai-position-statement-gender-balance.html AAI Position Statement - Gender Balance]</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Surveys by country ====<br /> <br /> In November 2010, ''Discover'' magazine published survey results published by the World Values Survey which showed significant differences between the percentage of men and women who are atheists for various countries with men outnumbering women within the [[Atheist Population|atheist population]].<ref>Khan, Razib (November 18, 2010). [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/sex-differences-in-global-atheism-part-n/ "Gene expression; "Sex differences in global atheism, part N"]. Discover magazine website.</ref><br /> <br /> ==== United States surveys ====<br /> <br /> In 2015, ''BloombergView'' reported concerning the [[United States]]: "According to a much-discussed 2012 report from the Pew Research Center on Religion and Public Life, ...women are 52 percent of the U.S. population but only 36 percent of atheists and agnostics.<ref name=agap>Carter, Stephen L. (March 27, 2015). [http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-27/the-atheism-gap "The atheism gap"]. BloombergView website.</ref><br /> <br /> A 2009 article in LiveScience.com entitled ''Women More Religious Than Men'' reported: "A new analysis of survey data finds women pray more often then men, are more likely to believe in God, and are more religious than men in a variety of other ways...The latest findings, released Friday, are no surprise, only confirming what other studies have found for decades.<ref name=Britt>Britt, Robert Roy (February 28, 2009). [http://www.livescience.com/7689-women-religious-men.html "Women more religious than men"]. Livescience.</ref> In 2007, the Pew Research Center found that American women were more religious than American men.<ref name=Britt/><br /> <br /> === Atheism and sexism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and sexism]]<br /> <br /> Most atheists are politically on the [[leftist|left]] (see: [[Atheism and politics]] and [[Secular left]]). Part of leftist ideology is [[feminism]]. However, there is a significant amount of [[misogyny]] among atheists (see: [[Atheism and women]]). <br /> <br /> For more information please see: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and sexism]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and rape]]<br /> <br /> *[[Sexual harassment at atheist conferences]]<br /> <br /> *[[Elevatorgate]]<br /> <br /> *[[Richard Dawkins and women]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships|Atheist leaders and immoral relationships]]<br /> <br /> === Atheist feminism ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheist feminism]]<br /> <br /> == Atheism and marriage/relationships ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Atheism and illegitimate births]] <br /> <br /> === Atheism and rates of marriage in the United States ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriageability]] and [[Atheism and women]]<br /> <br /> The Christian apologist Michael Caputo wrote: "Recently the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has published its mammoth study on Religion in America based on 35,000 interviews... According to the Pew Forum a whopping 37% of atheists never marry as opposed to 19% of the American population, 17% of Protestants and 17% of Catholics."<ref name="marry"/><br /> <br /> [[Vox Day]] declared that according to the 2001 American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) "more than half of all atheists and agnostics don’t get married."<ref name="marry"/><br /> <br /> For more information please see: [[Atheism and marriageability]]<br /> <br /> === Atheist marriages ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheist marriages]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and polyamory ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism, polyamory and other immoral relationships]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and divorce ===<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism and divorce]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and interfaith marriages ===<br /> <br /> * [[Atheism and interfaith marriages]]<br /> <br /> * [[Prominent atheists whose wives believe in the existence of God]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism and its inability to explain love ===<br /> <br /> See also: [[Atheism and love]] and [[Atheism and forgiveness]]<br /> <br /> From a [[Metaphysics|metaphysical]], moral and spiritual perspective, atheists have an inability to satisfactorily explain the existence of [[love]].<ref name="How do atheists define love">[http://www.strangenotions.com/atheists-love/ How do atheists define love?] by Dr. Taylor Marshall</ref><ref name="atheistforum.wordpress.com">[https://atheistforum.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/what-is-love-how-materialist-atheism-fails-to-have-a-satisfactory-answer/ What is love? how materialist atheism fails to have a satisfactory answer], July 9, 2014</ref>]<br /> From a moral, [[Metaphysics|metaphysical]] and spiritual perspective, atheists have an inability to satisfactorily explain the existence of [[love]].<ref name="How do atheists define love"/><ref name="atheistforum.wordpress.com"/><br /> <br /> === Atheism and sexuality ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and sexuality]] and [[Atheism and romance]] and [[Atheism and fertility rates]]<br /> <br /> Research shows that religious women (especially [[evangelicalism|evangelical]]/low-church [[Protestantism|Protestant]] women) are more sexually satisfied than irreligious women.<ref>The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States By Edward O. Laumann, John H. Gagnon, Robert T. Michael, Stuart Michaels, page 115</ref><ref>[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2008/11/25/the-christian-sexual-awakening.html Why Are Christians Having Better Sex Than the Rest of Us?] by Tucker Carlson, The Daily Beast, November 11, 25, 2008</ref><ref>[http://blog.getrelationshiphelp.com/2009/07/christian-women-have-more-sexual-fun.html Christian Women Have More Sexual Fun], Relationship Center in Springfield Missouri</ref><br /> <br /> A social science study also reports that Hispanic men are more sexually satisfied than other ethnic groups in the United States.<ref>The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States By Edward O. Laumann, John H. Gagnon, Robert T. Michael, Stuart Michaels, page 114</ref> <br /> Hispanics are known for their religiosity (See also: [[Western atheism and race]]).<br /> <br /> In addition, the atheist and agnostic populations have sub-replacement levels of fertility (see: [[Atheism and sexuality]] and [[Atheism and romance]]).<br /> <br /> == Atheism and race ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism, race and gender]]<br /> <br /> === Asian atheism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Asian atheism]]<br /> <br /> [[East Asia]], in particular what are often termed “Confucian societies.” It is likely therefore that the majority of the world’s atheists are actually East Asian."<ref>[http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/11/most-atheists-are-not-white/ Most atheists are not white & other non-fairy tales], Discover magazine</ref> <br /> <br /> The current [[Atheist Population|atheist population]] mostly resides in East [[Asia]] (particularly China) and in secular Europe/Australia among whites.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> See: [[Atheism and China]]<br /> <br /> As noted above, China is experiencing an explosive growth of Christianity (see: [[Growth of Christianity in China]] and [[East Asia and global desecularization]]).<br /> <br /> === Western atheism and race ===<br /> [[File:Sikivu Hutchinson.JPG|thumbnail|200px|right|Atheist Sikivu Hutchinson says that white atheists organizations generally focus on church/state separation and [[creationism]] issues and not on the concerns the less affluent African-American population faces.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">[http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/06/16/blacks-are-even-discriminated-against-by-atheists/ Atheism has a big race problem that no one’s talking about] by Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson, Washington Post June 16, 2014</ref> <br /> <br /> Hutchinson also mentioned that church organizations significantly help poor African-Americans.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> See also: [[Atheism and charity|Atheism and uncharitableness]] ]]<br /> ''See also:'' [[Western atheism and race]] and [[Black atheism]] and [[Atheism and diversity]]<br /> <br /> ==== Atheism and race: United States and Europe ====<br /> <br /> In 2015, ''BloombergView'' reported:<br /> {{cquote|According to a much-discussed 2012 report from the Pew Research Center on Religion and Public Life, only 3 percent of U.S. atheists and agnostics are black, 6 percent are Hispanic, and 4 percent are Asian. Some 82 percent are white. (The relevant figures for the population at large at the time of the survey were 66 percent white, 11 percent black, 15 percent Hispanic, 5 percent Asian.)<br /> <br /> ...Craig Keener, in his huge review of claims of miracles in a wide variety of cultures, concludes that routine rejection of the possibility of the [[supernatural]] represents an impulse that is [[Secular Europe|deeply Eurocentric]].<ref name=agap/>}}<br /> <br /> In the United States, blacks have the highest rate of religiosity.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/gallup-blacks-most-religious-group-us Gallup: Blacks Most Religious Group in U.S.]</ref> Among Hispanics, religion has traditionally played a significant role in daily activity.<ref>[http://www.diocesephoenix.org/old_site/fc/CatecheticalLeadership/ChurchDocs/UnderstandingtheHispanicCulture.pdf Understanding Hispanic culture]</ref><br /> <br /> In 2011, Beliefnetnews reported concerning the race and gender of American atheists:<br /> {{cquote|From the smallest local meetings to the largest conferences, the vast majority of speakers and attendees are almost always white men. Leading figures of the atheist movement — [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Daniel Dennett]] — are all white men.<br /> <br /> But making atheism more diverse is proving to be no easy task.<br /> <br /> Surveys suggest most atheists are white men. A recent survey of 4,000 members of the Freedom from Religion Foundation found that 95 percent were white, and men comprised a majority.<ref>http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2011/01/atheists-diversity-woes-have-n.php</ref>}}<br /> <br /> == Atheism and education ==<br /> <br /> *[[Religion and education]] <br /> <br /> *[[Atheist indoctrination|Atheistic indoctrination and education]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and academia]] <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and academic performance]]<br /> <br /> == Atheism and death ==<br /> <br /> [[File:Atheism and death.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|According to a study performed in the United States by researchers Wink and Scott, very religious people fear death the least.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm "Fear of death: Worst if you’re a little religious?"] (July 13, 2005). World Science.<br /> *Wink, P. L. and Scott, J. A. (July 2005). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 "Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study" [abstract&#93;]. ''The Journals of Gerontology, series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences'', vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 207-14. PubMed.gov</ref> See: [[Atheism and death]] ]]<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and death]] and [[Atheist funerals]] and [[Atheism and Hell]] <br /> <br /> ''Science Daily'' reported that ''Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God''.<ref name="Otago">University of Otago [New Zealand] (April 2, 2012). [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094322.htm "Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God"]. ScienceDaily.</ref> In a ''Psychology Today'' article, Dr. Nathan A. Heflick reported similar results in other studies.<ref name="Heflick">Heflick, Nathan A. (May 25, 2012). [http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-big-questions/201205/atheists-death-and-belief-in-god "Atheists, death and belief in God: The effects of death reminders on atheists' supernatural beliefs"]. Psychology Today website.</ref> Under stress, the brain's processing works in a way that prefers unconscious thinking.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Ruhr University Bochum (August 9, 2012). [http://aktuell.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/pm2012/pm00263.html.en "Learn to forecast the weather after stress"]. aktuell.ruhr-uni-bochum.de. <br /> *Gregoire, Carolyn (July 31, 2013). [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/31/learn-under-stress-brain_n_3678222.html "How the brain learns successfully, even under stress"]. The Huffington Post.</ref><br /> <br /> A United States study and a [[Taiwan]]ese study indicated that the irreligious fear death more than the very religious.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *[http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050628_deathfearfrm.htm "Fear of death: Worst if you’re a little religious?"] (July 13, 2005). World Science.<br /> *Wink, Paul. and Scott, Julia. (July 2005). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15980288 "Does religiousness buffer against the fear of death and dying in late adulthood? Findings from a longitudinal study"]. ''The Journals of Gerontology. Series B Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences'', vol. 60, no. 4, pp. 207-14. PubMed.gov.<br /> *Wen, Ya-hui. (December 2010). [http://www.hraljournal.com/Page/4%20Ya-Hui%20Wen.pdf "Religiosity and death anxiety"]. ''The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning'', vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 31-37. The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning website.</ref><br /> <br /> ==== Atheists and belief in life after death ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and life after death]] and [[Atheists and supernatural beliefs]]<br /> <br /> A significant percentage of atheists believe in life after death (see: [[Atheism and life after death]]).<ref>[http://www.theskepticsguide.org/one-third-of-atheists-agnostics-believe-in-an-afterlife Survey: 32% of Atheists & Agnostics Believe in an Afterlife]</ref><br /> <br /> For additional information, please see: <br /> <br /> * [[Atheism and cryonics]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and transhumanism]]<br /> <br /> ==== Atheism and Hell ====<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and Hell]]<br /> <br /> The journalist and [[ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] [[Peter Hitchens]], who is the brother of the late atheist [[Christopher Hitchens]], said upon seeing an art exhibit of [[Michelangelo]]'s painting ''The Last Judgment'' he came to the realization that he might be judged which startled him.<ref name="PH">[http://vimeo.com/10354237 "Peter Hitchens author interview—The rage against God"] [interview of Peter Hitchens] (March 22, 2010). Vimeo video, 8:38, posted by Gorilla Poet Productions.</ref> This started a train of thought within Peter Hitchens that eventually led him to become a [[Christian]].<ref name="PH"/><br /> <br /> == Claims about the conditionality and existence of atheism ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]] and [[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]<br /> <br /> Hannah More wrote: "[T]he mind, which knows not where to fly, flies to God. In agony, nature is no Atheist. The soul is drawn to God by a sort of natural impulse; not always, perhaps by an emotion of piety; but from a feeling conviction, that every other refuge is 'a refuge of lies'."<ref>More, Hannah (1815). [http://archive.org/details/anessayoncharac00moregoog ''An Essay on the Character and Practical Writings of St. Paul''], 5th ed., vol. 2 (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies), p. 234.</ref><br /> <br /> === There are no atheists in foxholes ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]] and [[Atheists doubting the validity of atheism]]<br /> [[File:Foxhole.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Reverend William T. Cummings is famous for declaring ''[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]''.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> * Taylor-Blake, Bonnie (September 24, 2006). [http://web.archive.org/web/20080617035633/http://listserv.linguistlist.org/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0609D&L=ads-l&P=15696 "'There are no atheists in [the&#93; foxholes'"]. Message posted to The American Dialect Society [Electronic] Mailing List, archived at ListServ 16.0. Archive at Internet Archive.<br /> *Osborn, Neale (December 15, 2012). [http://nealebooks.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/15/15931810-there-are-no-atheists-in-foxholes "There are no atheists in foxholes..."]. Newsvine website/Neal Osborn.</ref>]]<br /> Reverend William T. Cummings is famous for declaring "[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]."<ref>[http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,792459,00.html "Milestones [excerpt&#93;"] (October 15, 1945). ''Time''. magazine website</ref> Chaplain F. W. Lawson of the 302d Machine Gun Battalion, who was wounded twice in wartime, stated "I doubt if there is such a thing as an atheist. At least there isn't in a front line trench."<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9905EFD91239E13ABC4D51DFB7678383609EDE "Tells of religion in army. Chaplain Lawson says there are no atheists in front line"] (November 25, 1918). ''New York Times'', p. 13.</ref> On the other hand, the news organization NBC featured a story in which atheist veterans claimed that there are atheists in foxholes.<ref>Breen, Tom (April 2, 2011).[http://www.nbcnews.com/id/42391558/ns/us_news-military/t/army-group-coming-out-atheist-closet/#.UbgMndihjSg "Army group 'coming out of the atheist closet'"] from NBCNews.com</ref><br /> <br /> Research indicates that heavy combat has a positive correlation to the strength of the religious faith in soldiers during the battles and subsequent to the war if they indicated their experience was a negative experience (for more information please see: [[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]).<br /> <br /> Also, due to research showing that death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God, Dr. Nathan Heflick declared in a ''Psychology Today'' article, "But, at a less conscious (or pre-conscious) level, this research suggests that there might be less atheism in foxholes than atheists in foxholes report."<ref name="Heflick"/> Please see: [[Atheism and death]]<br /> <br /> === Denials that atheists exist ===<br /> <br /> * [[Denials that atheists exist]]<br /> <br /> == Global atheism in the 21st century ==<br /> <br /> === Global decline of atheism ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and diversity]] and [[Atheism and culture]]<br /> [[File: Blue Marble.jpg|200px|thumbnail|right|Atheism is in [[Global atheism|decline worldwide]], with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020.<ref name="cnsnews.com"/>]]<br /> Atheists as a percentage of the world's population have declined since 1970 and global atheism is expected to face long term decline.<ref><br /> *[http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-world-is-turning-more-religious-atheism-declining-100518/ Study: World is becoming more religious]<br /> *[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/05/globally-worldviews-of-atheism-and-non.html Globally the worldviews of atheism and non-religious (agnostic) are declining while global Christianity is exploding in adherents]<br /> *[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]<br /> *[http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/documents/StatusOfGlobalMission.pdf Gordon-Conwell Seminary - Status of Global Mission, 2014, in the Context of AD 1800–2025]</ref> <br /> <br /> On July 24, 2013, ''CNS News'' reported:<br /> {{cquote|Atheism is in decline worldwide, with the number of atheists falling from 4.5% of the world’s population in 1970 to 2.0% in 2010 and projected to drop to 1.8% by 2020, according to a new report by the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass."<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/global-study-atheists-decline-only-18-world-population-2020 Global Study: Atheists in Decline, Only 1.8% of World Population by 2020]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> According to the ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'', 2% of the world's population self-identifies as atheist and the average annual global change for atheism from 2000 to 2010 was −0.17%.<ref name="eb-2010">{{cite web|title=Religion: Year in Review 2010: Worldwide Adherents of All Religions|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1731588/Religion-Year-In-Review-2010/298437/Worldwide-Adherents-of-All-Religions|work=Encyclopædia Britannica Online|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.|accessdate=2013-11-21}}</ref> See: [[Global atheism statistics]]<br /> <br /> === Demoographics of atheism ===<br /> <br /> [[Demography]] is the study of human populations, and is a major specialty in the disciplines of sociology, economics, history, geography, statistics and epidemiology.<br /> <br /> *[[Demographics of atheism]]<br /> <br /> ==== Atheism and specific countries ====<br /> <br /> *[[China and atheism]]<br /> <br /> *[[French atheism]]<br /> <br /> *[[British atheism]]<br /> <br /> *[[American atheism]]<br /> <br /> === Atheism statistics ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism statistics]]<br /> <br /> *[[Christianity vs. atheism statistics]]<br /> <br /> === Atheist movement and leadership ===<br /> <br /> * [[Atheist movement]]<br /> <br /> * [[Atheism and leadership]]<br /> <br /> == Desecularization and its causes ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Desecularization]]<br /> <br /> [[Desecularization]] is the process by which [[religion]] reasserts its societal influence though religious values, institutions, sectors of society and symbols in reaction to previous and/or co-occurring [[secularization]] processes.<ref>''Religion and the State in Russia and China: Suppression, Survival and Revival'' by Christopher Marsh, 2011, page 11 (Christopher Marsh cites the definitions of desecularization given by Peter L. Berger and Vyacheslav Karpov)</ref><br /> <br /> === Atheism and sub-replacement levels of fertility ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and fertility rates]]<br /> [[File:Jacques Berlinerblau.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|In 2011, atheist [[Jacques Berlinerblau]] declared: "The Golden Age of [[Secularism]] has passed."<ref>Berlinerblau, Jacques (February 4, 2011). [http://chronicle.com/blogs/brainstorm/obama-at-the-national-prayer-breakfast-raging-christ-fest-secular-wake/31816 "Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast"]. The Chronicle of Higher Education/Brainstorm blog. Retrieved on May 29, 2015.</ref>]]<br /> Michael Blume, a researcher at the University of Jena in Germany, wrote about the sub-replacement level of fertility among [[Atheist Population|atheistic populations]]: "Most societies or communities that have espoused atheistic beliefs have not survived more than a century."<ref name="scilogs.eu">[http://www.scilogs.eu/en/blog/biology-of-religion/2011-01-06/atheists-a-dying-breed-as-nature-favours-faithful-sunday-times-jan-02-2011-jonathan-leake-full-draft-version Atheist: A dying breed as nature favours faithful]</ref> Blume also indicated concerning concerning his research on this matter: "What I found was the complete lack of a single case of a secular population, community or movement that would just manage to retain replacement level."<ref name="scilogs.eu"/> See also: [[Atheism and sexuality]]<br /> <br /> On December 23, 2012, Professor [[Eric Kaufmann]] who teaches at Birbeck College, University of London wrote:<br /> {{cquote|I argue that 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, the secular West and East Asia has very low fertility and a rapidly aging population... In the coming decades, the developed world's demand for workers to pay its pensions and work in its service sector will soar alongside the booming supply of young people in the third world. Ergo, we can expect significant immigration to the secular West which will import religious revival on the back of ethnic change. In addition, those with religious beliefs tend to have higher birth rates than the secular population, with fundamentalists having far larger families. The epicentre of these trends will be in immigration gateway cities like New York (a third white), Amsterdam (half Dutch), Los Angeles (28% white), and London, 45% white British.<br /> <ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/04/97-of-worlds-population-growth-is.html 97% of the world's population growth is taking place in the developing world, where 95% of people are religious], Tuesday, April 30, 2013</ref>}}<br /> <br /> At a conference Kaufmann said of religious demographic projections concerning the 21st century:<br /> {{cquote|Part of the reason I think [[demography]] is very important, at least if we are going to speak about the future, is that it is the most predictable of the [[social sciences]].<br /> <br /> ...if you look at a population and its age structure now. You can tell a lot about the future. ...So by looking at the relative age structure of different populations you can already say a lot about the future...<br /> <br /> ...Religious [[fundamentalism]] is going to be on the increase in the future and not just out there in the developing world..., but in the developed world as well.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vCDeKPRSo Eric Kaufmann - Religion, Demography and Politics in the 21st Century]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> === Secularism is exhausted and unconfident ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheist pessimism about the atheist movement]]<br /> <br /> [[Eric Kaufmann]], an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] professor whose academic research specialty is how demographic changes affect religion/irreligion and politics, wrote in 2010: <br /> {{cquote|Worldwide, the march of religion can probably only be reversed by a renewed, self-aware secularism. Today, it appears exhausted and lacking in confidence... Secularism's greatest triumphs owe less to science than to popular social movements like nationalism, [[socialism]] and 1960s anarchist-[[liberalism]]. Ironically, secularism's demographic deficit means that it will probably only succeed in the twenty-first century if it can create a secular form of 'religious' enthusiasm.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/uploadsepk/JQR%20Demography.pdf Shall the religious inherit the earth? - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> [[File:Edward Tabash 2013.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Eddie Tabash]] ]]<br /> The American atheist activist [[Eddie Tabash]] said at the 2010 Michigan Atheists State Convention:<br /> {{Cquote|In every generation there has been a promising beginning of a true vanguard movement that will finally achieve widespread public acceptance for nonbelief. Yet, in each generation there has been an ultimately disappointing failure to actually register the [[Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalistic alternative]] to supernatural claims in the public consciousness...<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iix6OjLH6aM Atheists Speak Up - Eddie Tabash]</ref>}}<br /> <br /> In recent years, a number of notable atheists have expressed pessimism about the future of the [[atheist movement]] (see: [[Atheist pessimism about the atheist movement]]).<br /> <br /> === Causes of desecularization ===<br /> <br /> *[[Causes of desecularization]]<br /> <br /> *[[Decline of the secular left]]<br /> <br /> === Zero secularization rates in France and Protestant Europe ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[British atheism]]<br /> <br /> In April 2010, Eric Kaufmann declared "the rate of secularisation has flattened to zero in most of [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Europe]] and [[France]]."<ref>[https://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/shall_the_religious_inherit_the_earth/ Shall the Religious Inherit the earth] by Eric Kaufmann</ref><br /> <br /> ''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:<br /> {{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}<br /> <br /> === Growth of evangelical Christianity in secular regions ===<br /> <br /> *[[Growth of Christianity in China|Growth of evangelical Christianity in China]]<br /> <br /> *[[East Asia and global desecularization]]<br /> <br /> *[[Growth of evangelical Christianity#Evangelical Christianity and the developed world|Growth of evangelical Christianity in the developed world]]<br /> <br /> *[[Collapse of atheism in the former Soviet Union]]<br /> <br /> *[[Growth of Protestantism in Russia]]<br /> <br /> === Future of desecularization via the continued global resurgence of religion ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Growth of global desecularization]] and [[Atheism vs. Christianity]]<br /> [[File:Birkbeck College, University of London.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|[[Eric Kaufmann]] using a wealth of demographic studies, argues that there will be a significant decline of global atheism in the 21st century which will impact the [[Western World]].<ref><br /> *[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]<br /> *[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]<br /> *[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]<br /> *[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref>]] <br /> Eric Kaufmann using a wealth of demographic studies, argues that there will be a significant decline of global atheism in the 21st century which will impact the [[Western World]].<ref><br /> *[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]<br /> *[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]<br /> *[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]</ref><ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref> In addition, Kaufmann argues that religious conservatism has a long term trend of rising and that their influence in the world will significantly increase.<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref> Kaufmann is author of the book ''Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?''.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books/about/Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth.html?id=nXVylycU2gQC Shall the religious inherit the earth by David Kaufmann]</ref><ref name="sneps.net">[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Early paper - Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref> In the [[Western World]] due to immigration and the higher birth rates of religious people, Kaufman writes: "Committed religious populations are growing in the West, and will reverse the march of secularism before 2050."<ref name="sneps.net"/> <br /> <br /> Kaufmann told a secular audience in Australia: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[http://fora.tv/2010/09/05/Eric_Kaufmann_Shall_the_Religious_Inherit_the_Earth Shall the religious inherit the earth]</ref> Furthermore, Kaufmann also argues that secularization may reverse itself significantly earlier than 2050 in the West due to religious immigration and a religious population which is increasingly resistant to secularization in Europe.<ref>*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/european-christian-immigration-will.html European immigration will pour Christian creationists into Europe]<br /> *[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-future-of-european-darwinism-and_16.html The future of European Darwinism and atheism is bleak]</ref><br /> <br /> In addition, in the latter portion of the 20th century and continuing into the 21st century, the atheist movement has had lower confidence/morale due to various historical events/trends (see: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]]).<br /> <br /> ==== Growth of desecularization in the 21st century ====<br /> <br /> See: [[Growth of global desecularization]]<br /> <br /> == Christian websites and other resources with a large focus on the topic of atheism ==<br /> [[File:TFT.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[True Freethinker]] is a Christian apologetics website run by Ken Ammi which offers many [[Rebuttals to atheist arguments|refutations of atheism]].]]<br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism vs. Christianity]] and [[Internet atheism]]<br /> <br /> Five of the more notable Christian apologetics websites/blogs which have a large focus on the topic of atheism are: the [[Shadow To Light blog]], the [[True Freethinker]] website, the [[Creation Ministries International and atheism|Creation Ministries International resources on atheism]] and the [[Fixed Point Foundation]] website.<br /> <br /> === Freedom from Atheism Foundation ===<br /> <br /> In 2012, the [[Freedom From Atheism Foundation]] (FFAF) was formed as an online interfaith civil rights group to provide support for victims of militant atheism, protect the rights of religious believers, and address the increasing amount of atheist intolerance around the world. The groups many admins are all anonymous due to the large amount of hate mail, threats, and stalking the site receives from militant atheists. <br /> <br /> As of July 2014 the group has [https://www.facebook.com/FFAF.International over 220,000 followers] and makes an average of 80 posts a week. Along with tens of thousands of religious supporters, the group also found support from atheist author and biologist PZ Myers.<ref>http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2014/05/09/i-support-the-freedom-from-atheism-foundation/</ref> A May 2014 article in the ''Christian Post'' titled "Freedom From Religion? How About Freedom From Atheism?" profiled the Freedom From Atheism Foundation in greater detail.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/freedom-from-religion-how-about-freedom-from-atheism-119389/</ref><br /> <br /> === Online videos related to atheism ===<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism videos]]<br /> *[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]<br /> <br /> The [[Militant atheism YouTube channel]] has a collection of videos on militant atheism.<br /> <br /> == Atheism and the media ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and the media]] and [[Atheism and public relations]] and [[Atheism news]]<br /> <br /> The Media Research Center released a study in 2008 reporting pro-atheism bias by major press outlets in the [[United States]].<ref name=mrc>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTxORumTarg "Smoking gun proof that there is an atheist media bias"] (July 17, 2008). YouTube video, 2:56, posted by Atheism Sucks!</ref> The study found that 80% of mainstream media coverage of atheism was positive and that 71% of Christian-themed stories had an atheist counterpoint or were written from an atheist perspective.<ref name=mrc/> The study is not surprising given the liberal bias [[Liberal bias|that commonly exists in the major media outlets]]. The animated movie [[Delgo]] may have atheist themes in addition to pagan ones.<br /> <br /> See also: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and the media#Post 2010 drop in volume of atheism news stories|Drop in news stories about atheism]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and the media#Post 2010 the percentage of negative news stories about atheism has increased|Negative news stories about atheism]]).<br /> <br /> == Causes of atheism ==<br /> <br /> :''See main article: [[Causes of atheism]]'' and [[Atheism and hedonism]] and [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]<br /> <br /> There are a number of psychological, societal, familial, economic and spiritual factors which cause atheism which have been proposed over the centuries. Please see: [[Causes of atheism]] and [[Atheism and hedonism]].<br /> <br /> ==Notable atheists who became ex-atheists ==<br /> <br /> ''See:'' [[Ex-atheists]]<br /> <br /> == Views on atheists ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Views on atheists]] and [[Distrust of atheists]] and [[Atheism and social outcasts]] and [[Atheism and public relations]] and [[Atheophobia]]<br /> [[File:Sam Harris-2010.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Sam Harris]] ]]<br /> <br /> Sociological research indicates that atheists are widely distrusted in both religious cultures and nonreligious cultures.<ref name="USATodayviewsonatheists">[http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2011-12-10/religion-atheism/51777612/1 Study: Atheists distrusted as much as rapists]</ref><ref name="CPviewsonatheists">[http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheists-widely-distrusted-even-among-themselves-culturally-ingrained-uk-study-finds-160480/ Atheists Widely Distrusted, Even Among Themselves, UK Study Finds], Christian Post, 2015</ref><ref name="Independentviewsonatheists">[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/anti-atheist-distrust-deeply-and-culturally-ingrained-study-finds-a6952276.html Anti-atheist distrust ‘deeply and culturally ingrained’, study finds], ''The Independent'', 2015</ref><ref>Edgell, Gerteis & Hartmann 2006</ref> <br /> <br /> According to a study published in the ''International Journal for The Psychology of Religion'': "anti-atheist prejudice is not confined either to dominantly religious countries or to religious individuals, but rather appears to be a robust judgment about atheists."<ref name="Independentviewsonatheists"/> The study found that many atheists do not trust other atheists as well.<ref name="Independentviewsonatheists"/><br /> <br /> === Other topics related to views on atheists ===<br /> <br /> * [[Persecution of atheists]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheophobia]] is a fear and/or hatred of atheism/atheists.<br /> <br /> == Atheism and culture: Art, architecture, music, poetry, dance and humor ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and culture]]<br /> <br /> Atheism has not produced any outstanding cultural achievements and it has had a negative effect on cultures (see: [[Atheism and culture]]). <br /> <br /> For additional information, please see:<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist art]] <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and architecture]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheist music]] <br /> <br /> * [[Atheist poetry]] <br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and dance]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and humor]]<br /> <br /> == Atheism and homosexuality ==<br /> <br /> See: <br /> <br /> *[[Atheist actions against homosexuals]]<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and homosexuality]]<br /> <br /> == Other well-known proponents of atheism ==<br /> <br /> ''See:'' [[Famous atheists]] and [[Famous agnostics]]<br /> [[Image:nietzsche2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|[[Friedrich Nietzsche]] ]]<br /> *[[Diagoras of Melos]]<br /> <br /> *[[Friedrich Nietzsche]]<br /> <br /> *[[A. J. Ayer]]<br /> <br /> *[[Ludwig Feuerbach]]<br /> <br /> *[[Friedrich Engels]]<br /> <br /> *[[Sigmund Freud]]<br /> <br /> *[[Albert Camus]]<br /> <br /> *[[Ayn Rand]]<br /> <br /> *[[Madalyn Murray O'Hair]]<br /> <br /> *[[Paul Kurtz]]<br /> <br /> *[[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]]<br /> <br /> === Well-known proponents of skepticism/atheism/agnosticism ===<br /> <br /> *[[David Hume]]<br /> <br /> *[[Bertrand Russell]]<br /> <br /> == Atheist organizations ==<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheist organizations]]<br /> <br /> ==Atheism quotes==<br /> <br /> ''See articles: [[Atheism Quotes]]''<br /> <br /> == Atheism news ==<br /> <br /> See: [[Atheism news]]<br /> <br /> == Recommended reading ==<br /> <br /> *[[Christian apologetics books on atheism]]<br /> <br /> == Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian ==<br /> <br /> * [[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]]<br /> <br /> *[http://creation.com/good-news Some good news]<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism articles]]<br /> *[[Atheism symbols]]<br /> *[[Essay: Atheism and evolution essays]]<br /> *[[Atheism and satanic deception]]<br /> *[[Second generation atheist]]<br /> *[[Conservapedia:Atheism Project|Conservapedia Atheism Project]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> <br /> ''see also:'' [[Atheism website resources]]<br /> <br /> '''General articles on atheism:'''<br /> <br /> * [http://creation.com/atheism Atheism] by [[Creation Ministries International]]<br /> *[http://www.wnd.com/2013/03/horrific-human-toll-of-militant-atheism-exposed/ Horrific Human Toll of 'Militant Atheism' Exposed: USSR's genocide against Christians largely ignored - World Net Daily]<br /> *[http://creation.com/atheism-agnosticism-and-humanism-godless-religions-questions-and-answers Atheism, agnosticism and humanism: godless religions] by [[Creation Ministries International]]<br /> *[https://www.bethinking.org/tag/atheism/page/all Atheism articles - Bethinking.org]<br /> *[http://www.truefreethinker.com/atheism True Free Thinker - atheism section]<br /> *[http://www.carm.org/atheism.htm Atheism] by [[Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry]]<br /> *[http://www.wnd.com/2017/04/former-atheists-case-for-christ-hits-big-screen/ Former Ateist's 'Case For Christ Hits Big Screen], 2017<br /> <br /> '''Prominent atheists:'''<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism and leadership]]<br /> *[http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2011/12/01/50-top-atheists-in-the-world-today/ 50 most prominent atheists in the world today]<br /> <br /> '''Other articles on atheism:'''<br /> <br /> *[[Atheism articles|Atheism articles on various topical areas - External websites]]<br /> *[[Conservapedia atheism articles]]<br /> <br /> {{Nb Atheism}}<br /> <br /> == Notes ==<br /> {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Atheism]]<br /> [[Category:Religion]]<br /> [[Category:Philosophy]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Essay:Greatest_Conservative_TV_Shows&diff=1375971 Essay:Greatest Conservative TV Shows 2017-09-22T17:44:02Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>==Live Action Programs==<br /> {| class="wikitable sortable"<br /> |-<br /> !Title<br /> !Original run<br /> !Network<br /> !TV rating<br /> !Description<br /> |-<br /> |''7th Heaven''<br /> |1996-2007<br /> |[[Warner Bros.|The WB / The CW]]<br /> |TV PG<br /> |The family of a Christian minister deals with moral and controversial themes, approached from a socially and politically conservative Protestant viewpoint. It is the longest-running family drama in U.S. television history, starring Stephen Collins as the minister.[http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1028153,00.html]<br /> |-<br /> |''21 Jump Street''<br /> |1987-1991<br /> |[[Fox Network|Fox]] <br /> |NR<br /> |Undercover cops do everything they can do stop young people (teenagers) from their lives being ruined (mostly via drug usage).<br /> |- <br /> |''[[24]]'' <br /> |2001-2010<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV 14<br /> |Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) protects America at all costs against all terrorists, whether Islamic, European, Communist Chinese, African, or even from within the U.S. government. The 2017 sequel series, ''24: Legacy'', stars Corey Hawkins as ex-Army Ranger Eric Carter, who battles Islamic terrorists planning attacks on American soil.<br /> |-<br /> |''24: Live Another Day''<br /> |2014<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV 14<br /> |Jack Bauer, after four years, returns and tries to thwart a multi-pronged terrorist attack within Great Britain, including the near-assassination of the President, which involves both Islamic terrorists and Chinese terrorists with some backing from the Russians.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The 700 Club]]''<br /> |1966–present <br /> |Christian Broadcasting Network, Freeform, first-run syndication<br /> |<br /> |This Christian-oriented news magazine program contains musical performances, testimonies from guests, ministry, Bible study and current news, events, lifestyle reports, and investigative reporting. Current hosts include [[Pat Robertson]] (the show's creator and original host), Gordon P. Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, and Wendy Griffith.<br /> |-<br /> |''Absolutely Fabulous''<br /> |1992-2012<br /> |BBC1 (UK)<br /> |<br /> |A hardworking teenager struggles to succeed in life despite having a feckless liberal mother and an absentee liberal father. This long running series is packed with strong anti-drug, anti-alcoholism, and anti-casual sex messages.<br /> |-<br /> |''Adam-12''<br /> |1968-1975<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV rating PG<br /> |This spinoff of the Jack Webb-produced series ''Dragnet'', also based on actual cases and more than one per episode, now focuses on LAPD street patrol officers Peter Malloy and James (Jim) Reed while demonstrating the same moral examples as ''Dragnet''. It was remade into a limited (Los Angeles and New York City) syndication show in 1989-1991 with unknown main players, new characters, and situations. None of the original series' three main players (Martin Milner, Kent McCord, William Boyett) ever fell victim to Hollywood Values because hey stayed married to their same wives, with nine children among them: Milner (who died in 2015 at age 83) had four, McCord had three, and Boyett (who died in 2004 at age 77) had two and became a grandfather twice over. The 1969 episode"Baby" is rumored to be based on Kent McCord's own real life wife's birth of one of their own children that year.<br /> |-<br /> |''Adam''<br /> |1983<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV NR<br /> |TV made film on the abduction and murder of [[John Walsh]]'s son Adam in 1981 and his crusade for missing and exploited children. Followed by a sequel, ''Adam: His Song Continues'' (1986).<br /> |-<br /> |''The Adams Chronicles''<br /> |1976<br /> |PBS<br /> |TV NR<br /> |A thirteen episode miniseries dedicated to founding father [[John Adams]] and his family, made in honor of the American Bicentennial.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet'' <br /> |1952-1966<br /> |ABC <br /> |<br /> |This long running comedy show epitomizes 1950s stable families and their values, featuring fictionalized versions of the real-life Nelson family (bandleader Ozzie Nelson, his wife Harriet, and their sons David and Ricky). The sitcom ran for 14 seasons and switched from its original black-and-white format to color in its final season in 1965. A sequel series, ''Ozzie's Girls'', in which David and Ricky are absent as two college girls move into the boys' old room as Ozzie and Harriet's boarders, aired in first-run syndication in 1973–74.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[American Idol]]''<br /> |2002-2016<br /> |[[Fox Network|Fox]] <br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This reality talent show allows the best amateur singers of the public to come to the fore musically, with the winner at the end of each season earning a recording deal. This reflects the core of the [[American Dream]]: anyone, regardless of his or her origins, can succeed and move upwards in society.<br /> |-<br /> |''America's Most Wanted''<br /> |1988-2011<br /> |Fox TV<br /> |TV NR/PG13<br /> |[[John Walsh]] hosts news documentary of well known suspects and fugitives, their crimes and captures. Was the real life father of above mentioned Adam Walsh and subject of above mentioned TV films named for him.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Andy Griffith Show''<br /> |1960–1968<br /> |[[CBS]]<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Andy Griffith stars as Andy Taylor, small-town sheriff and widowed father of young son Opie Taylor (played by Ron Howard), who keeps law and order in his hometown of Mayberry, North Carolina, assisted by his bumbling but well-meaning deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts). Andy and Opie's Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) lives at the Taylor house as a live-in housekeeper and mother/grandmother figure to Opie, and other friends and neighbors of Andy's include local barber Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear), gas station attendant/mechanic and occasional deputy Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) and his cousin Goober Pyle (George Lindsey), town drunk Otis Campbell (Hal Smith), county clerk Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson), school teacher (and later Andy's love interest) Helen Crump (Aneta Corsaut), Aunt Bee's best friend Clara Edwards (Hope Summers), Barney's girlfriend Thelma Lou (Betty Lynn), repair shop owner Emmett Clark (Paul Hartman) and local farmer Sam Jones (Ken Berry).<br /> <br /> The show focused on Andy's approach to [[law enforcement|enforcing the law]] in Mayberry as he uses common sense, mediation and conciliation to settle disputes among the townsfolk while taking on and defeating out-of-town criminals on occasion using practicality and understanding of each case (and, when necessary, a firearm), along with his home life as he raises Opie with Aunt Bee's help (showing the importance of [[family]]), and his social life as he hangs out with Floyd and other friends at Floyd's barber shop or takes out women he is dating (including Helen in later seasons) on picnics or for nights out for dinner and a movie or dancing. A spinoff series, ''Gomer Pyle, USMC'', centered around good-natured bumpkin Gomer and his time spent in the [[United States Marine Corps]], while ''Mayberry RFD'', a sequel series to ''The Andy Griffith Show'', focused on Sam Jones, his young son Mike (Buddy Foster) and many of Mayberry's citizens, with Andy and Helen finally getting married on that show's series premiere. A 1986 reunion movie, ''Return to Mayberry'', brought most of the show's surviving cast members back together as Andy returned to Mayberry to run for sheriff again in a campaign against his former deputy Barney.<br /> <br /> ''The Andy Griffith Show'' ran on CBS for eight seasons, with the first five seasons filmed in black-and-white before switching to color for the remaining seasons. It was a Top Ten performer throughout its run, finishing its final season as the number-one show on American television, and it continues to air in syndication to the present.<br /> |-<br /> |''Antiques Roadshow'' <br /> |1997-<br /> |[[PBS]]<br /> |<br /> |Shows the real value (financial and historical) of handcrafts and traditional, old-fashioned things and memorabilia. One of the rare conservative shows to air on the ultra-liberal PBS.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Apprentice'' <br /> |2004-2015, 2017<br /> |NBC<br /> |NR<br /> |In this reality competition series, contestants compete for a prestigious position in one of the divisions of [[Donald Trump]]'s business empire. Liberals stopped watching when they realized that Trump, who was apparently a liberal for much of the 2000s, was turning conservative. Conservative California governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] hosted the 2017 season.<br /> |-<br /> |''Band of Brothers''<br /> |2001<br /> |HBO<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |This World War II military drama deals with the exploits of E Company, 506th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. Similar to ''Saving Private Ryan'', the mini-series promotes the military and American values in a positive light as well as the Nazis in a negative light. <br /> |-<br /> |''Beakman's World''<br /> |1992-1998<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |An eccentric scientist named Beakman teaches children about science better than the [[Department of Education]] ever could, the [[free market]] at work.<br /> |-<br /> |''Bibleman''<br /> |1995-2010<br /> |Direct to video<br /> |<br /> |In this aptly-named series, Miles Peterson loses his money, power, and fame and is directionless until he becomes a superhero by harnessing the power of God. He then devotes himself to defending Christianity against evildoers who seek to suppress it and its followers and turn them to lives of atheism and evil.<br /> |-<br /> |''Black Saddle''<br /> |1959-1960 <br /> |ABC<br /> |<br /> |Peter Breck plays Clay Culhane, a gunfighter-turned-lawyer who seeks to help those in need of legal representation; co-starring Russell Johnson as Marshal Gib Scott.<br /> |-<br /> |''Blue Bloods''<br /> |2010-<br /> |[[CBS]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Conservative police officer show, that also promotes family. Stars conservative actor Tom Selleck as officer Frank Reagan (a possible name reference to Ronald Reagan). It also features Christian principles, with religion playing a fairly major role in several episodes, and each episode also ending with the Reagan family saying prayers before a meal (with such an overt depiction of Christian principles being rare on present-day TV).<br /> |- <br /> |''The Bob Newhart Show''<br /> |1972-1978<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Comedy great Bob Newhart plays psychiatrist Robert Hartley in this sitcom that highlights how insane people may become in a secular world.<br /> |- <br /> |''Bonanza'' <br /> |1959-1973<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |A Western promoting good neighborliness, family values, and the pursuit of just causes, with Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts and Michael Landon, joined in later seasons by David Canary, Mitch Vogel and Tim Matheson. ''Bonanza'' was the third-longest running Western series in television history with its fourteen-season run, behind ''Death Valley Days'' (at 18 seasons) and ''Gunsmoke'' (at 20 seasons).<br /> |-<br /> |''[[The Brady Bunch]]''<br /> |1969-1974<br /> |[[ABC]]<br /> |TV-G<br /> |This classic, wholesome pro-family sitcom centers on a healthily functional, although highly unlikely, suburban [[Los Angeles]] [[blended family]]: a widow ([[Florence Henderson]]) with three daughters and a widower ([[Robert Reed]]) with three sons.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Breaking bad]]''<br /> |2008-2013<br /> |AMC<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Features a high school chemistry teacher's attempt to provide for his family without the help of the government or charity. In the process, he encounters obstructive federal bureaucrats. <br /> |-<br /> |''[[Broken Arrow (TV series)|Broken Arrow]]''<br /> |1956-1958<br /> |[[ABC]]<br /> |TV NR/PG<br /> |A compassionate Indian agent, Tom Jeffords, played by John Lupton, forges a friendship with the [[Apache]] [[Indian]] Cochise, portrayed by Michael Ansara; set in [[Arizona]].<br /> |-<br /> |''CHiPS''<br /> |1977-1983<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV rating PG<br /> |Rick Rosner (California Highway Patrol member)-produced light motorcycle dramedy mix on mostly Los Angeles' freeways, beaches and streets, operating through L.A.'s CHP Central station.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[Chuck]]''<br /> |2007-2012 <br /> |NBC<br /> |PG<br /> |Chuck Bartowsky, a computer repair technician, accidentally downloads numerous top-secret government files into his brain and is recruited by the CIA, seeing as he can help them crack their toughest cases with his ability to rapidly shuffle through and find images in his head relevant to particular elements of a mission. The show emphasizes family values, honor, and a respect for America's people in uniform, with one character, the brutish but patriotic NSA agent John Casey, as an outspoken conservative and [[Ronald Reagan]] supporter. Furthermore, the series averts feminism as positive male and female role models are present: both Chuck's sister Ellie and her eventual husband Devon/"Captain Awesome" are equally competent physicians; and CIA agent Sarah Walker, who grows from being Chuck's cover girlfriend to being his real girlfriend and eventually his wife, wants to leave the dangerous world of espionage towards the end of the series with Chuck to start a nuclear family.<br /> |-<br /> |''Coming Home''<br /> |2011–2012<br /> |Lifetime<br /> |<br /> |American military veterans come home to their families in this heartwarming series.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Commish''<br /> |1991-1996<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV rating NR (PG?)<br /> |Former New York City PD detective Tony Scali (Michael Chiklis) moves upstate to a small town police department and uses creativity instead of much violence to fight crime in the fictitious city of Eastbridge, New York. He has the same amount of genuine concern (love) for his family as he does for his city and its police force.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Cosby Show'' <br /> |1984-1992 <br /> |NBC <br /> |TV-G<br /> |The world famous, long-running Bill Cosby sitcom promoting good family values.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Critic''<br /> |1994-1995<br /> |[[ABC]], [[Fox]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A comedy about a critic fed up with the terrible movies that are ruined by their [[Hollywood values]] (His catchphrase was "It stinks!"). It was released in an industry run by [[liberals]], and that may be why it was cancelled before its time.<br /> |-<br /> |''Dad's Army''<br /> |1968-1977<br /> |BBC1 (UK)<br /> |<br /> |Portrays the determination of ordinary British people to resist the might of Hitler's [[liberal]] Nazi forces. Emphasizes the importance of never ever cooperating with an invader, not even giving them your name.<br /> |- <br /> |''Daniel Boone''<br /> |1964-1970<br /> |NBC<br /> |G<br /> |As the title music sang, "he fought for America, to make all Americans free", with Fess Parker in the starring role.<br /> |-<br /> |''Death Valley Days''<br /> |1952-1970<br /> |Syndicated<br /> |NR/PG<br /> |Historically-based dramatic Western presentations hosted at different times by Stanley Andrews, [[Ronald Reagan]], Robert Taylor, and Dale Robertson. It ran at times under other titles, such as ''Trails West'', with Ray Milland. This was the second-longest running Western series in television history (behind only ''Gunsmoke''), with new episodes aired from 1952 to 1970, followed by reruns (with new narration added) until 1975.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Dick Van Dyke Show''<br /> |1961-1966<br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |Pro-marriage and pro-family, this series launched the career of Mary Tyler Moore.<br /> |-<br /> |''Dirty Jobs''<br /> |2005-2012<br /> |Discovery Channel<br /> |TV-14<br /> |Trade activist Mike Rowe isn't exactly liberals cup of tea.<br /> |-<br /> |''Dog the Bounty Hunter''<br /> |2004-2012<br /> |[[A & E]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A public prayer to [[Jesus]] launches each new bounty mission consisting of unlikely heroes enforcing law and order. [[Born Again Christian]] Duane "Dog" Chapman promotes American values as he hunts down criminals. After capturing wanted fugitives, Dog tells them that they need to give their life over to Christ.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Donna Reed Show'' <br /> |1958-1966<br /> |ABC <br /> |TV-G<br /> |A situation comedy of an upper-middle-class family in Hillsdale (state not given), with Donna Reed in the role of Donna Stone, wife of a pediatrician, played by Carl Betz. This family-centric sitcom is one of the first to be told from the perspective of the matriarch.<br /> |- <br /> |''Dragnet'' <br /> |1951–1959; 1967-1970<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Sgt. Joe Friday (Jack Webb) and his partners (Ben Romero, Ed Jacobs, and Frank Smith in the 1951 original, Joe Gannon in the 1967 revival) solving actual cases from the files of the Los Angeles Police Department (with people's names altered to protect the innocent involved in the cases inspiring each episode). The officers educate viewers in law enforcement jargon and the Rule of Law, all the while showing fine examples of moral conduct, honor of oneself and others, and sacrifice for the good of the public.<br /> |-<br /> |''Duck Dynasty''<br /> |2012-2017<br /> |A&E<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This reality series portrays the lives of the Robertson family, who famously turned duck calls into the magnificent business empire Duck Commander, stand by their strong Christian beliefs, and are active hunters. Liberals despise this series so much that they conducted two ploys to damage this wholesome show's reputation. First, in the series' early days, the liberal parent network A&E censored any use of the word "Jesus" in the prayers that close most episodes. Second, in December of 2013, the staunchly liberal magazine Gentleman's Quarterly (GQ) infamously tricked patriarch Phil Robertson, who founded the family business, into being open about his conservative, anti-homosexual values, which led to Phil (who is not uneducated, as he holds a master's degree in education) being suspended from appearing in further episodes for nine days. The magazine also accused Phil of being racist simply because he said he never saw the mistreatment of any African American person in his younger days during the Civil Rights era. Poor Phil wasn't saying that he wasn't unaware of the prevalent race issues the 1960s but that he grew up in an area where people lived and worked in harmony regardless of skin color, so he witnessed no acts of racism ''in person''.<br /> |-<br /> |''Emergency!'' <br /> |1972-1977, with TV movie specials, "The Final Rescues", periodically from Winter 1978-Summer 1979.<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Webb's second spin-off from ''Dragnet'' is a medical drama about Station 51 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, its paramedics and the activities of Rampart General Hospital and its staff. Starred Robert Fuller, Julie London and Bobby Troup as the Rampart medics, Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe as the Station 51 paramedics and Michael Norrell, Tim Donnelly, Marco Lopez and real-life fireman Mike Stoker as the Station 51 firefighters.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Equalizer''<br /> |1985-1989<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This spy drama follows Robert McCall ([[Edward Woodward]]) through [[New York City]] as he helps people in extreme situations against all odds of their success in overcoming these problems.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Everybody Loves Raymond]]'' <br /> |1996-2005<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Based on the stand-up comedy of Ray Romano, this classic sitcom stars Romano as sportswriter Raymond Barone, following his comical everyday life with his wacky but faithful family. It celebrates family values as the characters overcome obstacles in a comic fashion.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Exorcist''<br /> |2016-<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A TV adaptation of the conservative film of the same name.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Family Ties]]''<br /> |1982-1989<br /> |[[NBC]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |In this dramedy series, hardworking [[conservative]] children, e.g. Alex P. Keaton (played by Michael J. Fox in his breakout role), outsmart their [[liberal]], ex-[[hippie]], underachieving parents.<br /> |-<br /> |''Father Brown''<br /> |1974-1974<br /> |ITV<br /> |<br /> |This pro-Christian mystery series, based on the eponymous book by G.K. Chesterton, deals with a Catholic priest in Britain who solves crimes on his spare time.<br /> |-<br /> |''Father Brown''<br /> |2013-<br /> |BBC1<br />GPB4<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A more successful reboot of the 1974 series.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Faye Emerson's Wonderful Town]]''<br /> |1951-1952<br /> |[[CBS]]<br /> |<br /> |Once a daughter-in-law of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and a wife of Skitch Henderson, Faye Emerson presents the most memorable songs associated with various cities, mostly in the United States; in its day, this was one of the most expensive programs to present to the public.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Full House]]''<br /> |1987-1995<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Family sitcom where after losing his wife to a drunk driver, a younger father has his brother-in-law and best friend move in with him, to help raise his three young daughters. Despite this, the importance of having a male and female parent is still encouraged. Starting in Season Two, Becky Donaldson (Jesse's girlfriend and later wife) becomes a mother figure for the girls. Followed by a more liberal-leaning sequel, ''Fuller House'', which debuted on Netflix in 2016 and promotes more liberal values and politics (including the trashing of [[Donald Trump]] in the pilot episode) and shows them in a positive light, as well as looking very much like nearly every live-action [[Disney Channel]] show produced in recent years. Series star Candace Cameron Bure, who appears in both shows and was also a panelist on ABC talk show ''The View'' (acting as the conservative counterpoint to the show's heavily liberal panelists), is a born-again Christian and is socially conservative.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ghost Whisperer''<br /> |2005-2010<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Antique shop owner Melinda Gordon helps restless spirits cross over to Heaven. Some episodes have Melinda also opposing evil forces who seek to interfere with her work and drag those same spirits into Hell.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Glenn Beck Show''<br /> |<br /> |[[Fox News]]<br /> | <br /> |Public affairs program.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[The Goldbergs]]''<br /> |2013-<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A television producer narrates his life growing up in the 1980s in a reverent throwback to the pro-family sitcoms of the decade. Although the daughter seems to support Ronald Reagan's liberal rival [[Walter Mondale]] in one episode concerning the 1984 Presidential election, she still claims in the same episode "America is the greatest country", but politics is otherwise downplayed in the series, and the kids do learn over time conservative values such as hard work and getting along with their elders.<br /> |-<br /> |''Hand of God''<br /> |2014-2017<br /> |Amazon Originals<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Themes of overcoming corruption through faith in God. The main character believes he is the newly anointed [[Solomon]] following God-Given visions to take vengeance for his comatose son. Criticizes abortion, intimacy outside of marriage, drug usage, and supports family unity.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Hannity (TV show)|Hannity]]'' (formerly ''Hannity and Colmes'')<br /> |2009-<br /> |Fox News<br /> |<br /> |Sean Hannity's television public affairs program.<br /> |-<br /> |''Hardcastle & McCormick''<br /> |1983-1986<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Los Angeles County Superior Court's Milton C. Hardcastle (Brian Keith) goes after about 200 cases who walked away on technicalities with the help of a former race car driver-turned-reformed criminal, Mark McCormick (Daniel Hugh Kelly).<br /> |-<br /> |''Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II''<br /> |December 1, 2005<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Thomas Kretchmann played the late pontiff, from his nonviolent resistance to Nazism and Communism to his elevations as priest, archbishop, cardinal and his life as the titular pontiff. Includes his confrontation of El Salvador's archbishop [[Oscar Romero]] about Romero's leftist [[liberation theology]], just before Romero's tragic assassination.<br /> |- <br /> |''Hawaii-Five-O'' <br /> |1968-1980<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Even in what might be expected to be a lazy, hazy paradise, the law is still the law, with Jack Lord and James MacArthur. A reboot of the series was launched in 2010.<br /> |-<br /> |''Highway To Heaven''<br /> |1984-1989<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |[[Michael Landon]] comes back to Earth as an angel to help many people, aided by [[Victor French]], both from NBC's previous ''Little House on the Prairie''.<br /> |-<br /> |''Home Improvement''<br /> |1991-1999<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This pro-family sitcom stars conservative comedian Tim Allen as Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, the host of the hardware-themed variety show ''Tool Time''. Though the character is usually depicted as overconfident and accident-prone, he does try to maintain healthy relationships with his nuclear family.<br /> |-<br /> |''House of Cards''<br /> |2013–present<br /> |Netflix original series<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |This popular series exposes Democrats for what they really are—corrupt frauds and atheists, and conservative Christians are shown in positive light.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[JAG (TV series)|JAG]]''<br /> |1995-1996; 1997-2005<br /> |NBC; CBS<br /> |TV-PG / TV-14<br /> |Also emphasizes pro-military honor and respect. Title means Judge Advocate General, which deals with people charged with crimes committed while in the U.S. military. Does include some ungodly behavior, including adultery as the series progresses.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[John Adams]]'' (miniseries)<br /> |2008<br /> |[[HBO]]<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A biographical miniseries on the life of the Founding Father and second President of the United States, based on the best selling biography by [[David McCullough]]. It also features a condemnation towards the French Revolution, as Adams, in a conversation with Thomas Jefferson, chews him out for his giving vocal support for the Revolution despite the increasingly apparent horrors that were occurring, including Jefferson playing a role in the creation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[Justified]]'' <br /> |2010-<br /> |FX Network<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens, a 19th century-style tough cowboy lawman, enforces his own brand of justice when dealing with criminals of all kinds in the hill country of eastern Kentucky. His boss, the Chief Deputy US Marshal Art Mullen, is played by Nick Searcy, a noted conservative actor. The most recent season has frequent reflections on Christianity and being loved and saved by God.<br /> |-<br /> |''Karol: A Man Who Became Pope''<br /> |2005<br /> |Hallmark Channel<br /> |TV NR (PG for some violence and adult discussions)<br /> |[[Biopic]] of younger Karol Wojtyla, from World War II Resistance to his election as [[Pope John Paul II]]. Followed by a Canadian sequel, ''Karol: The Pope The Man'' (2006), which itself chronicled the events from his papal inauguration in 1978 to his death in 2005.<br /> |-<br /> |''La notte della Repubblica''<br /> |1989-1990<br /> |Rai 2<br /> |N/A<br /> |An Italian series showing how [[Communism]] ruined [[Italy]] from the late 60's to the early 80's. In English, the title means: "The Night of the Republic."<br /> |-<br /> |''Laramie''<br /> |1959-1963<br /> |NBC<br /> |NR<br /> |John Smith and Robert Fuller portray ranch partners Slim Sherman and Jess Harper; many episodes focus on their close friendship, which also extended off the set; Hoagy Carmichael appeared the first season as their housekeeper; Spring Byington filled that role in the last two seasons.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Last Man on Earth''<br /> |2015-Present<br /> |Fox<br /> |PG<br /> |Despite being created by liberal ''Saturday Night Live'' alumnus Will Forte, as well as its outbursts of bathroom humor, this post-apocalyptic sitcom seems to show conservative, pro-family and pro-friendship values consistently winning in the end. Forte portrays the initially unsympathetic title character, the loser everyman Phil Miller, who believes he is the only human survivor after a deadly virus killed most of the world's human and animal population about a year earlier. He scours North America for other signs of life and, upon failing to find anyone else, returns to his hometown of Tucson, Arizona, where he engages in all sorts of hedonism and nihilism until he nearly attempts suicide. Right before crashing his truck into a boulder, he discovers surviving woman Carol Pilbasian, who believes in traditional marriage and encourages Phil to become a more moral and honest person. As the series progresses, they are joined by more survivors, who are all consistently annoyed by Phil's selfish, nihilistic attitude and personality, thus inspiring Phil to give up his wasteful, adulterous, sinful habits and grow into a better man than he was before the outbreak of the virus. Each time Phil tries to deviate from traditional family values, as when he develops an interest in one of the other female survivors and either tries to woo her or prove himself more desirable than other men in the group, his schemes backfire, and his actions are punished. Thus, the series teaches that it is more admirable to be part of a traditional family than to have casual sexual relationships with multiple women. Lastly, the show may promote Christianity because being an apocalypse survivor has given Phil either new or renewed faith in God, who answers each of his prayers in one form or another.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Last Man Standing]]''<br /> |2011-2017<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This refreshing sitcom stars Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, a marketing director for a sporting goods store chain called Outdoor Man, who strives to keep his manhood (fishing, hunting, sports and camping), and promotes conservative values (including supporting the military), in opposition to his antagonistic liberal daughter Kristin (the oldest of three daughters Mike has with his wife Vanessa) and her equally-liberal husband Ryan, who often clashes with both Mike and Vanessa over political, cultural and philosophical issues. Unlike the similar and more vehement clashes between Archie Bunker and Mike Stivic in ''[[All in the Family]]'' where the latter comes out on top due to Archie's ignorance and lack of ability to make cohesive arguments, the often clueless and hypocritical Ryan loses arguments with the more well-versed and level-headed Mike. Meanwhile, Mike gets along very well with his youngest daughter Eve due to their similar political views and interests, as he does with Boyd, Kristin and Ryan's son and Mike's grandson (as expected, Kristin and Ryan are not impressed that Boyd has more in common with his grandfather than with them). Unfortunately, the liberal parent network [[ABC]] canceled the series due to its pro-Donald Trump humor, despite it having high ratings.<ref>http://www.dailywire.com/news/16317/despite-high-ratings-abc-cancels-trump-friendly-john-nolte?utm_source=dwemail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=051117-news&utm_campaign=position1</ref> This resulted in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker taking to Twitter to denounce ABC for the decision,<ref>https://twitter.com/ScottWalker/status/862697237817765888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailywire.com%2Fnews%2F16450%2Fabc-hit-boycott-canceling-last-man-standing-hank-berrien</ref> as well as a boycott against ABC and a petition demanding that ABC bring back ''Last Man Standing'', the latter getting over 10,000 signatures within the night the petition was first made.<ref>http://www.dailywire.com/news/16450/abc-hit-boycott-canceling-last-man-standing-hank-berrien?utm_source=dwemail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=051517-news&utm_campaign=position3</ref> When Country Music Television (CMT) picked up the series for syndication, rumors that it would continue the series started spreading.<br /> |-<br /> |''Lawman''<br /> |1958-1962<br /> | ABC<br /> |<br /> |Starring John Russell as Marshal Dan Troop, Peter Brown as deputy Johnny McKay, and Peggie Castle as Lily, this [[Warner Bros.]] series sought to maintain highest script quality so as not to be "just another Western."<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The Lawrence Welk Show]]''<br /> |1955-1982 <br /> |ABC; first-run syndication<br /> |TV-G<br /> |A family oriented variety show that appealed to Midwestern values. Cancelled by ABC in 1971 during the Rural Purge, the show quickly jumped to first-run syndication, where it would enjoy an 11-year run before ending in 1982.<br /> |- <br /> |''Lazytown''<br /> |2004-present<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |A pro-friendship, pro-family preschool show that encourages kids to get outside and have fun playing sports like normal kids used to do every day. The nihilistic villains are always defeated and no one ever listens to them. This show is notable for producing a popular internet meme known as the "We are Number One" song as part of a GoFundMe campaign to help actor Karl Stefansson recover from pancreatic [[cancer]] in 2016.<br /> |- <br /> |''Legends of the Hidden Temple''<br /> |1993-1995<br /> |Nickelodeon <br /> |TV-Y <br /> |A [[game show]] that uses a conservative elimination format (ensuring only the most meritorious players survive to play the final round) and is unyielding in difficulty. It refuses to succumb to [[liberal]] beliefs in archeology that keep historical sites and artifacts off limits, instead promoting the conservative ''Indiana Jones'' persona.<br /> |-<br /> |''Life Goes On'' <br /> |1989-1993<br /> |ABC <br /> |TV-G / TV-PG<br /> |This drama follows the experiences of a young man with Down Syndrome and recognizes the dignity of people with developmental disabilities and the joy and love they give to their families and others.<br /> |-<br /> |''Life is Worth Living'' <br /> |1952-1957<br /> |Dumont TV; ABC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Emmy Award-winning show dealing with moral issues hosted by Archbishop [[Fulton J. Sheen]]; from 10 to 30 million people watched the show weekly.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Little House on the Prairie]]''<br /> |1974-1983 <br /> |NBC <br /> |TV-G <br /> |A show that celebrates family values and the courage of the 1870s-1880s pioneers, starring Michael Landon and based on [[Laura Ingalls Wilder]]'s books.<br /> |-<br /> |''Lock n' Load with R. Lee Ermey''<br /> |2009<br /> |History<br /> |<br /> |Actor and former U.S. Marines drill instructor R. Lee Ermey discusses the development of and advances in American firearm technology, often lightheartedly poking fun at himself by humorously haranguing the viewer with drill instructor-type rants or eagerly wanting to try out subject weapons against various targets.<br /> |-<br /> |''Luke Cage''<br /> |2016-<br /> |Netflix <br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, Luke Cage meets all the qualifications needed to be a staunch American conservative, which has annoyed many liberals.<ref>http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/marvels-luke-cage-panned-having-conservative-viewpoint</ref><br /> |-<br /> |''[[Magnum P.I.|Magnum, P.I.]]''<br /> |1980-88<br /> |CBS<br /> |NR<br /> |This classic crime drama starring conservative actor Tom Selleck as a U.S. Navy veteran turned private investigator teaches its audiences how to live like conservatives with strong moral character and advocacy for the Second Constitutional Amendment.<br /> |-<br /> |''Mayberry RFD''<br /> |1968–1971<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Sequel to ''The Andy Griffith Show'', starring Ken Berry as widowed farmer Sam Jones (who was introduced in the previous series), who raises his young son Mike (Buddy Foster) in Mayberry while serving as head of the town council. Many characters from ''The Andy Griffith Show'', including Aunt Bee, Goober Pyle, Clara Edwards, Howard Sprague and Emmett Clark, also appear as regulars on this series. ''Mayberry RFD'' spent its first two seasons at #4 in the Nielsen ratings and was still popular when CBS abruptly cancelled it in 1971 as part of its infamous Rural Purge.<br /> |-<br /> |''McLeod's Daughters''<br /> |2001-2009<br /> |Nine Network (Australia)<br /> |<br /> |Australian drama about two estranged half-sisters who inherit their late father's farm and must work together to bring the property out of debt. Stresses the importance of family and hard work. The show also eschews modern [[feminism]], instead portraying the main characters as [[Gone with the Wind|Scarlett O'Hara]]-type heroines. Also clearly anti-[[gun control]].<br /> |-<br /> |''The Middle''<br /> |2009-<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Despite having a homosexual character (he's only a minor character though, and doesn't come out until later in the series), the show is clean cut pro-family sitcom, which has been lacking in the 21st century. As the kids grow up, they become more mature and learn the importance of taking on more responsibilities. Conservative actress Patricia Heaton stars as family matriarch Francis "Frankie" Heck, who also narrates the series.<br /> |- <br /> |''Mission: Impossible''<br /> |1966-1973; 1988-1990<br /> |CBS, ABC<br /> |TV-G / TV-PG<br /> |This action-packed spy series centered on agents of the fictional Impossible Mission Force (IMF) emphasizes teamwork, friendship, professionalism, and American ingenuity and exceptionalism, which can overcome any obstacle, with Steven Hill (in the first season), Peter Graves, Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Greg Morris, Peter Lupus, Leonard Nimoy, Lesley Ann Warren, Sam Elliott, and Lynda Day George. A two-season revival followed the original series on ABC in 1988. In 1996, the show was adapted into the first of a series of feature films starring Tom Cruise (which are only loosely based on the original series, having little in common beyond the name and a remixed version of the iconic TV theme with every film).<br /> |- <br /> |''[[NCIS]]'' <br /> |2003-<br /> |CBS <br /> |TV-14 <br /> |Show about U.S. Navy investigators, voted ''America's favorite program in 2011''; starring Mark Harmon and David McCallum. Does include some unneeded and un-Christian activity and language.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide''<br /> |2004–2007<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Middle schooler Ned Bigby creates a makeshift guide on how to survive and excel in school. Every student has the opportunity to succeed or fail, and their results are based on the decisions they make. Many morals are shown, chief among them friendship, hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. The series ran on Nickelodeon before they produced more liberal shows such as ''iCarly'' and ''Victorious''.<br /> |-<br /> |''On the Buses''<br /> |1969-1973<br /> |London Weekend Television/ITV (UK)<br /> |<br /> |This British sitcom makes fun of the inefficiency of public transport, which most [[liberals]] are obsessed with.<br /> |-<br /> |''Our Man Higgins''<br /> |1962-1963<br /> |ABC<br /> |G<br /> |Stanley Holloway plays an English butler for an American family in a situation comedy with a dose of "culture clash". Frank Maxwell and Audrey Totter played the parents, and [[Ricky Kelman]] was the son, Tommy MacRoberts.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Pacific''<br /> |2010<br /> |HBO<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |A World War II military drama that, similar to Saving Private Ryan, promoted the military and American values in a positive light as well as the Imperial Japanese forces in a negative light. <br /> |-<br /> |''Parking Wars''<br /> |2008-<br /> |A & E<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Demonstrates the offensiveness of overbearing government bureaucracy while maintaining a respect for law officers.<br /> |-<br /> |''Pawn Stars'' <br /> |2009-<br /> |History Channel/A & E<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Centered on the daily activity of a family-owned pawn shop full of compelling artifacts, it shows how two parties can **mutually and fairly benefit** from a negotiated free-market transaction, independent of any government "assistance".<br /> |-<br /> |''Pope John Paul II''<br /> |December 4 & 7, 2005 <br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |In this biopic miniseries, conservative actor [[Jon Voight]] portrays Pope [[John Paul II]], who was influential in Part 1's non-violent resistance to [[World War II]]'s Nazism and the subsequent [[Cold War]]'s [[Communists]], eventually defeating Communism in Part 2's end of Scene 16 (circa 1989). Part 1 covers his years as priest, professor, bishop and cardinal. Part 2 covers his 26-1/2 year pontificate from his election up to his death. [[Cary Elwes]] played younger Wojtyla in Part 1 from ages 19 to just before his pontifical election at 58, while Voight took over at the start of Part 2 in the title role.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Pretender''<br /> |1996-2000<br /> |[[NBC]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Pro-life and with a message of charity and self-sacrifice as personal responsibility.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Prisoner'' <br /> |1967-1968<br /> | [[ITV]]<br /> |TV-PG <br /> |Classic British TV show about a secret agent who is sent to a strange "village" in order to determine the reasons for his resignation. The Prisoner is a metaphor for the Individual against the Collective. The series ran for only seventeen episodes.<br /> |-<br /> |''Quincy, M.E.''<br /> |1976-1983<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Follows the now late Jack Klugman as Los Angeles County's Medical Examiner on suspicious cases (e.g. deaths) and medical mistakes that were previously thought to have been solved but later found to have had more about them than what was originally thought, but that these facts were often hidden by [[bureaucracy]]. Begun as a segment of the ''NBC Mystery Movie'', it proved popular enough to be spun off as a regular series.<br /> |- <br /> |''Rawhide''<br /> |1959-1965<br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |Pro-Western Culture led by none other then [[Clint Eastwood]] as Rowdy Yates, the ramrod of a cattle drive led by trail boss Gil Favor (played by Eric Fleming) in the post-Civil War American Southwest. Other prominent members of the drive included cook/medic G.W. Wishbone (played by Paul Brinegar), scout Pete Nolan (Sheb Wooley), drovers Jim Quince (Steve Raines) and Joe Scarlet (Rocky Shahan), wrangler Jesús "Hey Soos" Patines (Robert Cabal) and assistant cook Mushy Mushgrove III (James Murdock). During the cattle drive, the drovers often encountered people along the trail and get involved in solving problems they encountered, including dealing with parched plains, trouble with outlaws, anthrax affecting some of the cattle, predatory wolves or cougars, cattle rustlers and other situations. ''Rawhide'' was the sixth-longest running Western series in television history after ''Wagon Train'' (8 seasons), ''The Virginian'' (9 seasons), ''Bonanza'' (14 seasons), ''Death Valley Days'' (18 seasons) and ''Gunsmoke'' (20 seasons).<br /> |-<br /> |''The Rifleman''<br /> |1958-1963<br /> |ABC<br /> |NR/G<br /> |This Western emphasizes fair play and giving people a second chance, starring Chuck Connors, Johnny Crawford, and Paul Fix. [http://www.amctv.com/videos#type=all&filter=rb-video-browser-num_items%3D10%26module_id_base%3Drb-video-browser%26rb-video-browser-show%3D4182%26rb-video-browser-content_type%3D&page=1&post_id=71306 The Rifleman]<br /> |-<br /> |''Sabrina the Teenage Witch''<br /> |1996-2003<br /> |[[ABC]], The WB<br /> |TV-G<br /> |In this live-action sitcom adaptation of the Archie Comic, Sabrina Spellman may be a witch, but the show does not glorify witchcraft. Instead, it celebrates family and teaches such Christian morals as honesty and individualism. As the title young witch, played by conservative actress Melissa Joan Hart, gains control over her powers, she learns that a reward is only good and enjoyable if it is earned. Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick portray Sabrina's aunts, Hilda and Zelda Spellman, while Nick Bakay voices the warlock Salem Saberhagen, who was punished for trying to take over the world by being transformed into a talking house cat.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Six Million Dollar Man'' <br /> |1974-1978 <br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This series shows capitalism at its finest—technological advances improving life. Lee Majors plays Steven Austin, an astronaut who survives a near-fatal accident and is reconstructed as the world's first bionic man, using his mechanical arm, legs, and eye to fight evil.<br /> |-<br /> |''State Trooper''<br /> |1956-1959<br /> |Syndicated<br /> |NR<br /> |Rod Cameron adventure/drama anthology series, forgotten to most today, based on case files of the [[Nevada]] state troopers; law and justice always prevail. Many episodes have surprise endings and unusual titles.<br /> |- <br /> |''Storage Wars''<br /> |<br /> |A & E<br /> |<br /> |This reality series celebrates [[capitalism|capitalist]] and the [[free market]] enterprise system. It stresses the importance of [[conservative values|personal responsibility]] because the lockers being auctioned off belonged to people who decided not to pay their bills.<br /> |- <br /> |''Storm Chasers''<br /> |<br /> |The Weather Channel <br /> |<br /> |Scientists bravely go out into the field to observe destructive weather phenomena in pursuit of practical, scientific knowledge.<br /> |-<br /> |''Sugarfoot''<br /> |1957-1961<br /> |ABC<br /> |NR/PG<br /> |Will Hutchins plays young "do-gooder" Tom "Sugarfoot" Brewster, a novice lawyer who roams the Old West "on the side of law and order," according to the theme song of the [[Warner Bros.]] series; Sugarfoot eschews guns until pushed to the brink and even refuses alcohol and instead orders "sarsparialla with a dash of cherry" when he enters a saloon.<br /> |-<br /> |''S.W.A.T''<br /> |1975-1976<br /> |ABC<br /> |<br /> |Respectful to our men in uniform, promoting good American values. A reboot of the series is planned for 2017.<br /> |-<br /> |'''Til Death''<br /> |2006-2010<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Sitcom where are married couple still stay with each other even after all work that go along with being married.<br /> |- <br /> |''To Catch a Predator''<br /> |2004-2007<br /> |MSNBC<br /> |<br /> |Although airing on the uber-liberal channel [[MSNBC]], Chris Hansen brings online predators and pedophiles to justice<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Top Gear]]'' <br /> |2002-<br /> |[[BBC]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A British TV show about all types of cars. It is a fun show which celebrates individual freedom, capitalism, and private-sector innovation. It is also often politically incorrect and pokes fun at the belief in "global warming".<br /> |-<br /> |''Touched by an Angel'' <br /> |1994-2003 <br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |An angel in human form visits troubled people in crisis. It was highly ranked for four seasons and ran for nine seasons, starring Roma Downey, Della Reese, and John Dye, joined in the final two seasons by Valerie Bertinelli. <br /> |- <br /> |''Wagon Train'' <br /> |1957-1965<br /> |NBC/ABC <br /> |<br /> |This Western stars conservatives Ward Bond and John McIntire as trailmasters Seth Adams and Chris Hale, respectively, who experience the struggle of pioneers seeking a fresh start in the American West. Robert Horton and Robert Fuller costar.<br /> |- <br /> |''Walker, Texas Ranger''<br /> |1993-2001<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG / TV-14<br /> |Conservatives [[Chuck Norris]] and Noble Willingham portray modern day Texas Rangers.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The Waltons]]''<br /> |1972-1981<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |A Christian family overcomes hardship in rural America during the Depression and U.S. involvement in World War II, extending charity to strangers while honoring military service. The main cast consists of Richard Thomas, Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, Will Geer, and Ellen Corby. <br /> |- <br /> |''Wanted: Dead or Alive''<br /> |1958-1961 <br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |Steve McQueen pays a kind-hearted bounty hunter, Josh Randall, dedicated to the enforcement of the law in the old West. Numerous episodes have spiritual themes, and it is a spinoff of ''Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre''. A feature film based on the series premiered in 1987, starring Rutger Hauer as Nick Randall, an-ex-CIA agent turned bounty hunter and the descendant of Josh Randall.<br /> |- <br /> |''Who Do You Think You Are?''<br /> |<br /> |NBC<br /> |<br /> |Celebrities explore their ancestry in American history, learning how their ancestors played sitnificant roles in shaping the nation.<br /> |- <br /> |''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?''<br /> |1999-2002; 2002-present<br /> |ABC; first-run syndication<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Adapted from the British [[game show]] of the same name, this series unashamedly rewards people based on knowledge rather than based on who has the most obnoxious game show persona. The hour-long original ABC version in the U.S. ran from 1999 to 2002, followed by a half-hour version, which debuted in first-run syndication in 2002 and is still airing.<br /> |- <br /> |''Yes, Minister!''/''Yes, Prime Minister!''<br /> |<br /> |BBC <br /> |<br /> |Classic British sit-com about the political machinations of being a cabinet member in the British government, and then eventually as Prime Minister. A recurring theme is that of the struggle of politicians to make the desired changes despite the resistance of the bureaucracy.<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Animated Programs==<br /> {| class="wikitable sortable"<br /> |-<br /> !Title<br /> !Original run<br /> !Network<br /> !TV rating<br /> !Description<br /> |-<br /> |''The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius''<br /> | 1995 (semi-lost pilot), 1998-2006<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Intelligent young inventor Jimmy Neutron usually does what he believes is right. Similarly to Timmy Turner, he learns the consequences from his not-so-good actions. The show overall does a decent job at promoting family and friendship values.<br /> |-<br /> |''American Dragon: Jake Long''<br /> |2005-2007<br /> |Disney Channel<br /> |TV rating<br /> |Jake Long, a human boy who can change into a flying, fire-breathing dragon at will, is chosen to be the first American member of an international league of superheroes like him known as the "Dragons". Throughout the show, he learns to use his powers from his eccentric but wise and witty grandfather Luong Lao Shi, the official Chinese Dragon, and he becomes more responsible with his powers and how they affect his personal life. The biggest villain of the show (though he is not the main villain) is the wicked Dark Dragon, who seeks to unite magical creatures into wiping out the human race. <br /> |-<br /> |''Animated Stories from the New Testament''<br /> |1987-1995<br /> |N/A<br /> |N/A<br /> |The show's title is self-explanatory.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Batman''<br /> |2004-2008<br /> |Kids' WB<br /> |TY-Y7<br /> |The young Caped Crusader begins his fight for justice.<br /> |-<br /> |''Batman: The Animated Series''<br /> |1992-1995<br /> |Fox Kids<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Following in the success of Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film, comic book hero [[Batman]] fights for justice in the dark but quirky world of Gotham City and teaches young audiences fine examples of moral conduct, always putting brains before brawn unless otherwise absolutely necessary. In one particular episode, "It's Never Too Late", Batman helps drug dealer Arnold Stromwell realize the error of his ways. Arnold's brother, a priest, helps him see this as well. <br /> |- <br /> |''Batman Beyond''<br /> |1999-2001<br /> |Kids' WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Capitalistic superhero Bruce Wayne/Batman, now retired, passes the torch to a new protege, Terry McGinnis, to continue fighting for justice.<br /> |-<br /> |''Bob's Burgers''<br /> |2011-<br /> |Fox, Adult Swim<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A very well done adult cartoon! The Belcher family are wealthy and own a hamburger restaurant, promoting capitalism and family values. One episode in particular has Bob's wife deciding to take flying lessons to spice up her marriage, but the instructor is a notorious serial womanizer who lures wives away to commit infidelity, and not only does Bob go out to try and rescue her, but his wife when discovering this independently makes clear she has no intention of cheating on her husband. It is also somewhat anti-environmentalist.<br /> |-<br /> |''Chrono Crusade''<br /> |2003-2004 (Japan)<br /> |Fuji Television<br /> |TV-14<br /> |This tear-jerking anime based on the manga of the same name is pro-Christian, pro-family, and pro-second amendment,<br /> |-<br /> |''Danny Phantom''<br /> |2004-2007<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Through an inter-dimensional accident, teenager Danny Fenton gains ghostlike powers and uses them to fight evil ghosts as the superhero Danny Phantom. The series shows the consequences of using one's powers for personal gain and, of the three cartoons on this list created by Christian animator Butch Hartman, is the most critically acclaimed despite its short lifespan.<br /> |-<br /> |''El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera''<br /> |2007-2008<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Unlike most superhero cartoons, Manny Rivera usually debates using his powers for good or evil. But in the end he ends up doing them for good. Throughout the cartoon he also learns how to a responsible adult. The show is also pro-family as Manny's father is seen as a positive role model. One of the villains is also named Che (a nod to the terrorist murder [[Che Guevara]]). The episode "Clash of the Titan" also shows Manny's father ending his partnership with Titanium Titan because he states his family was more important than his partnership. And although Grandpapi (Manny Rivera's grandpa) is a "villain", he's more of a comic relief character rather than an actual bad guy; on top of that, he is still regarded as part of the family.<br /> |-<br /> |''Extreme Ghostbusters''<br /> |1997<br /> |Toon Disney<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Continuation of the ''Ghostbusters''. <br /> |-<br /> |''Dog of Flanders''<br /> |1975 (Japan)<br /> |Nippon Animation<br /> |<br /> |An anime TV series adaptation of the Christian book ''A Dog of Flanders'' by Ouida. The series is pro-Christianity.<br /> |-<br /> |''Drak Pack''<br /> |1980<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |This short lived cartoon stars three teens: Drak, Frankie, and Howler, who are the descendants of Universal monster villains Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolfman. However, unlike their fathers, the children seek [[Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation|penance]] for the error of their ancestors' ways and use their powers for good.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Fairly OddParents''<br /> |1998-<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |The main protagonist, Timmy Turner, commonly wishes for things from his quirky fairy godparents that aren't the best, but he almost always learns his lesson in the end. The series, created by Christian animator Butch Hartman, exposes the dangers of wishing for one's personal gain at the expense of others. Furthermore, it lightly pokes fun at the public school system: Denzel Crocker, a teacher and a regular antagonist, is completely insane and obsessed with both giving poor grades and trying to prove to the world that fairy godparents exist for his own personal gain.<br /> |-<br /> |''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero''<br /> |1983-1989<br /> |First-run syndication<br /> |<br /> |Do we really need to explain?<br /> |-<br /> |''Higglytown Heroes''<br /> |2004-2008<br /> |Playhouse Disney<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |Four young friends (who are Russian dolls) and their pet squirrel learn the importance of heroic people such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, etc. They also say in every episode that they inspire to be heroes just like those people if they "work real hard". One of the characters also has a dad in the military in one episode.<br /> |-<br /> |''Kikoriki'' (known in Russia as ''Smeshariki'')<br /> |2004-2012<br /> |CTC and Russia 1 (Russia)<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |Despite being a Russian cartoon, this is an example of a children's cartoon done much better than many in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Japan. Children can learn some valuable lessons and even some educational ones from watching this, and also contains content that adults will enjoy as well!<br /> |-<br /> |''Legion of Super-Heroes''<br /> |2006-2008<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Based on the overlooked DC comics team of the same name. A [[charity|private non-profit organization]] led by Superman helps those in need. One episode in particular "Lightning Storm" has a group of super "heroes" who taxes people for their service (big government) as opposed to helping people for the greater good.<br /> |-<br /> |''Liberty's Kids''<br /> |2002-2003<br /> |PBS<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Does the title not say it all? Three young reporters (consisting of an American colonist, a British expatriate, and their cuddly French sidekick) witness the era of the [[American Revolution]] and its aftermath through their innocent eyes and learn what America represents.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Little Mermaid (TV Series)''<br /> |1992-1994<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |A prequel TV series based on conservative animated Disney movie, very pro-family as well.<br /> |-<br /> |''My Patrasche''<br /> |1992-1993 (Japan)<br /> |Tokyo Movie Shinsha<br /> |<br /> |Another anime TV series adaptation of the Christian book ''A Dog of Flanders'' by Ouida. The series is pro-Christianity.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ozzy & Drix''<br /> |2002-2004<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Based off of the 2001 animated/live-action film ''Osmosis Jones'', this cartoon portrays human white blood cells positively as police officers who fight germs (anthropomorphized into hoodlums). Educational by nature, it teaches young audiences about human anatomy better than the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]] ever could.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Popeye|Popeye the Sailor]]''<br /> |1933-1957 (theatrical); 1960–1962 (TV)<br /> |First-run syndication<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Adapted from a well-known comic strip, Popeye is a one-eyed U.S. Navy sailor who protects his girlfriend, Olive Oyl, from the infamous philanderer Bluto (later called Brutus in the TV cartoons). He courageously stands up for innocents and defends them against [[bully|bullies]] [[bullying|who seek to impose their will solely through intimidation and brute force]]. The cartoon is also famous for promoting eating protein because Popeye eats spinach to gain superhuman strength and defeat villains.<br /> |-<br /> |''Private Snafu''<br /> |1943–46<br /> |Warner Bros. (produced for the [[United States War Department]])<br /> |N/A<br /> |These instructional cartoon shorts, ironic and humorous in tone, were produced between 1943 and 1945 during World War II. They instruct service personnel about security, proper sanitation habits, booby traps, and other military subjects, ultimately improving troop morale. One of the cartoons, ''[[Spies]]'', was later used as an exhibit at the CIA-made [[International Spy Museum]].<br /> |-<br /> |''Rambo: The Force of Freedom''<br /> |1986<br /> |N/A<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A cartoon adaptation from the conservative film series. <br /> |-<br /> |''The Real Ghostbusters''<br /> |1986-1992<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A cartoon version of the conservative film ''Ghostbusters''.<br /> |-<br /> |''Special Agent Oso''<br /> |2009-2012<br /> |Playhouse Disney<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |A children's cartoon in which an anthropomorphic bear (who is the title character) usually does what he believes is right and helps children with issues doing certain things.<br /> |-<br /> |''Spider-Man: The Animated Series''<br /> |1994-1998<br /> |Fox Kids<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |[[Spider-Man]] uses his superpowers to help those need (voluntary [[charity]]).<br /> |- <br /> |''Superman: The Animated Series''<br /> |1996-2000<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |American icon Superman fights for truth, justice, and the American way. The series is famous for adding more emotional complexity to the character, and one episode, "The Late Mr. Kent", presents the death penalty as acceptable.<br /> |- <br /> |''Teen Titans''<br /> |2003-2006<br /> |Cartoon Network<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A [[charity|private non-profit organization]] led by Robin and super powered teens use their powers for good.<br /> |-<br /> |''T.U.F.F. Puppy''<br /> |2010-2015<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |This cartoon by Christian animator Butch Hartman takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals mirroring the Cold War era from the late 1950s through the 1960s (Hartman calls the series "''Get Smart'' with a dog"). A dog and a cat work as secret agents for an organization based on the CIA called T.U.F.F., while the antagonist animals serve the evil, KGB-inspired organization D.O.O.M.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Veggie Tales]]''<br /> |1993–Present<br /> |Direct to video, NBC, Netflix<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |Anthropomorphic vegetables embark on adventures all based upon moral themes taught in Christianity, referencing God and Scripture throughout (excluding the NBC episodes, which were edited by the network to remove the religious messages).<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/09/22/talking-veggies-stir-controversy-at-nbc.html Talking Veggies Stir Controversy at NBC] at Fox News</ref><br /> |-<br /> |''The Wacky Adventures of Ronald McDonald''<br /> |1998-2003<br /> |N/A<br /> |NR<br /> |The capitalist fast-food company [[McDonalds]]' clown mascot Ronald McDonald embarks on colorful adventures with characters from various promotions starring alongside him in this series of direct-to-video short films.<br /> |-<br /> |''X-Men: Evolution''<br /> |2000-2003<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TY-Y7<br /> |Unlike the liberal movies, the cartoon follows what the comics were originally about (civil rights), as Charles Xavier leads his private school for mutants to help is students learn to use their superpowers for good. The show also states that government should say away from the social issue involving discrimination rather letting society accept them for what they are.<br /> |- <br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Debatable Whether Conservative==<br /> {| class="wikitable"<br /> |-<br /> !Title<br /> !Original run<br /> !Network<br /> !TV rating<br /> !Description<br /> |- <br /> |''24: Legacy''<br /> |2017<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV 14<br /> |Although the plotline does involve fighting and showing the evils of terrorism, it delves into several leftist plot points such as a gay couple in the CTU, a reference to the race card, and a dig against law enforcement. Overall, this politically correct reboot was cancelled after one season.<br /> |-<br /> |''Archer''<br /> |2009-2016 (FX)<br />2016-present (FFX)<br /> |FX/FFX<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |The TV series deals with a spy for the ISIS (no relation to the [[ISIS|real life terror group]] of the same name) fighting against KGB agents of what is implied to be the Soviet Union. Although, as implied by the main enemy force, the show has a condemnation against totalitarianism and Communism, the heroes also engage in some liberal values such as homosexuality and womanizing.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ash vs Evil Dead''<br /> |2015-<br /> |Starz<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Despite its unrealistic views on demons, it at least portrays them as evil. And while the title hero does smoke weed (only once), it does show the disastrous results and consequences of his actions. It also portrays gun ownership in a positive light. Show's creator Sam Raimi is also a Republican<ref>http://whatculture.com/offbeat/10-celebs-you-wouldnt-expect-to-be-republicans?page=4 ”</ref> <br /> <br /> |-<br /> |''Ben 10''<br /> |2005-2008<br /> |Cartoon Network<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Ben Tennyson finds a super powered watch called the Omnitrix which allows him to turn into different alien superheroes for a brief amount of time. Using this gift, he uses it to help those in need. But the later episodes later had his cousin Gwen using [[witchcraft]], however the show portrays them in a neutral manner as two villains named Hex and Charmcaster also use witchcraft for evil.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Beverly Hillbillies'' <br /> |1962-1971<br /> |CBS <br /> |<br /> |Although it depicts a conservative family from the South as silly, the show powerfully illustrates how material possessions do not define a person. Buddy Ebsen stars as Jed Clampett, patriarch of the hillbilly Clampett family, who became multi-millionaires after Jed struck oil on his land in the Ozark Mountains and moved with his family to Beverly Hills, California. However, the Clampetts never let their newly obtained wealth affect who they are as people, maintaining moral and simplistic lifestyles throughout the show's run. Irene Ryan stars as Jed's mother-in-law Daisy May "Granny" Moses; Donna Douglas plays his beautiful, tomboyish, and animal-loving daughter Elly May Clampett; Max Baer portrays the dimwitted yet good-natured Clampett cousin Jethro Bodine; Raymond Bailey plays unscrupulous banker Milburn Drysdale; and Nancy Kulp stars as Drysdale's secretary Jane Hathaway. Popular throughout its run, ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' fell victim in 1971 to CBS' Rural Purge but has remained popular in syndicated reruns ever since and led to the 1981 reunion TV movie ''Return of the Beverly Hillbillies'', a 1993 TV special titled ''The Legend of the Beverly Hillbillies'', and a feature film remake of the series that same year. The film starred Jim Varney as Jed, Erika Eleniak as Elly May, Cloris Leachman as Granny, Diedrich Bader as Jethro, Dabney Coleman as Mr. Drysdale, and Lily Tomlin as Miss Hathaway, with a cameo by Buddy Ebsen (in his final acting role) as his other famous TV character, [[Barnaby Jones]].<br /> |- <br /> |''Breaking Bad'' <br /> |2008–2013<br /> |American Movie Classics<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a previously law-abiding chemistry teacher, gets involved in drug dealing and destroys himself and his family. Though he appears to be the "hero" of the series, each immoral decision leads him further along the path of destruction, and the evildoers all suffer for their actions. An alternate ending to the series depicts Cranston in his role as Hal, the patriarch of the family on the sitcom ''Malcolm in the Middle'', waking up and realizing that the world of ''Breaking Bad'' was all a dream.<br /> |- <br /> |''Cops''<br /> |1989-<br /> |Fox; Spike<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The good guys protecting the public from criminals, yet arguably promotes police state and big government. Filmed on location in many exotic and mundane locales with actual law enforcement agencies, both here in the U.S. and abroad.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Friends]]''<br /> |1994-2004<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The sitcom about six young adults living in New York City. It often promotes alcoholism and sex outside marriage. But on a conservative note, the show condemns smoking and drug usage, and somewhat a condemnation of the homosexual agenda, as Ross’s life was negatively affected by his wife being gay. On top of that two of the characters; Ross and Monica are brother and sister, which could also give the show a pro-family aspect.<br /> |-<br /> |''Happy Tree Friends''<br /> |1999-<br /> |Mondo Media.com<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |A very bloody and gory animated flash cartoon featuring anthropomorphic animals. Despite its content, it shows the consequences and dangers of doing many of the things that lead to the deaths of the animals within the show in most of its episodes.<br /> |-<br /> |''Justice League''<br /> |2001-2006<br /> |Cartoon Network<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A [[charity|private non-profit organization]] lead by American icons [[Superman]], [[Batman]], [[Wonder Woman]] and other DC characters fight to help the helpless and fight for justice. The event where they were formed featured a condemnation towards anti-Second Amendment policies, as a senator advocates unilateral nuclear disarmament, the result of which led directly to an invasion from Mars by the Imperium (with said senator actually being an agent that took the place of the real senator during a brief incursion to Mars), with the only one who realized the problem posed by nuclear disarmament being a general. However, the later episodes did start being left leaning (probably being bullied by left-wing producers) as there is an episode that the villain Chronos plans to go back in time to undo the [[Big Bang theory]] and become a God. Another episode, "To Another Shore", claims that "[[global warming]]" may be real.<br /> |-<br /> |''Kim Possible''<br /> |2002-2007<br /> |Disney Channel<br /> |<br /> |Although it was feminist due to the titular character Kim Possible tending to save the world and her sidekick Ron Stoppable generally being comic relief, it also was pro-family values, as it was notably one of the few Disney Channel shows where the fathers of the main characters (Kim and Ron) were not depicted as bumbling, buffoonish, childish, or as a jerk, and in many cases the fathers actually helped significantly to save the day. For instance, Kim Possible's dad James Possible is a friendly yet brilliant rocket scientist, and believes in family bonds, and often pushes his children to follow family values and also honor family. In addition, there were several episodes where Ron played a significant role in saving the world. It is also notable as being one of the few Disney Channel shows to actually break the 65-episode cutoff rule on the network.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[King of the Hill]]''<br /> |1997-2010<br /> |Fox <br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Despite cartoonish nature, shows the struggle of a hardworking, traditional American family against "alternative" modern cultural movements and liberal [[political correctness]].<br /> |-<br /> |''The Larry Sanders Show'' <br /> |1992–1998<br /> |HBO<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |A dark comedy based around the background of a [[Hollywood]] talk show, showing a great deal of liberal and celebrity hypocrisy and mocking them for their behavior.<br /> |-<br /> |''Law & Order''<br /> |1990-2010<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-14<br /> |Police and court drama similar to ''[[Perry Mason]]'' in which the first halves of each episodes were the crimes, investigations and arrests of suspects and the second halves were the trials and aftermaths thereof. Although ultimately promoting law enforcement in a positive light, the series eventually started pushing more liberal themes, usually by pushing twists that have the ones most likely considered guilty being in fact innocent, while white-collar characters being depicted as the villains.<br /> |- <br /> |''MacGyver'' <br /> |1985-1992<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV PG<br /> |Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson), agent of the fictional Phoenix Foundation, uses Yankee ingenuity to solve various problems using everyday items and escape the clutches of his enemies, and he eschews violence until absolutely necessary. Although this element overall was conservative, the creator Vin Di Bona implied a few times that it was meant to promote an anti-gun agenda, which the anti-Communist site "Discover the Networks" uncovered: "MacGyver producer Vin Di Bona noted that anti-gun messages were a recurring theme in that program. When asked what he thought of conservative critics who claimed that Hollywood was overwhelmingly liberal, Di Bona responded: 'I think it’s probably accurate, and I’m happy about it.'"<ref>http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=1477</ref> A reboot of this series, with Lucas Till in the title role, debuted in 2016.<br /> |-<br /> |''Malcolm in the Middle''<br /> |2000-2006<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The sitcom celebrates family unity and often mocks liberal values, but it also shows a dysfunctional family (containing a dimwitted father, a harridan mother, a slacker oldest son, a bullying and dimwitted second-oldest son, and a socially awkward younger son, with the genius title character, the middle of five sons, as the only sane member) as funny.<br /> |-<br /> |''Married...with Children''<br /> |1987-1997<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The show mocks [[liberal values]], however it also portrays a dysfunctional family as funny. Also the [[Parents Television Council]] called it the crudest comedy on prime time television due to being peppered with lewd punch lines about sex, sexual stimulation, the homosexual lifestyle, and father Al Bundy's fondness for pornographic magazines and strip clubs.<br /> |-<br /> |''NCIS - Los Angeles''<br /> |2008-2017<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A spinoff of ''NCIS'' that, as suggested by the title, takes place in Los Angeles. Although like its parent show, it is pro-Military and deals with the same premise, it has a bit more of a liberal viewpoint to the show, and infamously had an episode during the fourth season that dealt with the team trying to investigate a political murder during an election despite it being outside their jurisdiction.<br /> |-<br /> |''NCIS - New Orleans''<br /> |2013-2017<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A spinoff of ''NCIS'' that, as suggested by the title, takes place in New Orleans. Although like its parent show, it is pro-Military and deals with the same premise, it has a bit more of a liberal viewpoint to the show (although not to the extent of ''NCIS - Los Angeles'').<br /> |-<br /> |''The Office'' <br /> |2005-2013<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Mockery of liberal ideology and [[political correctness]] in an office setting, without a liberal [[laugh track]]. The main character repeatedly encounters contradictions and absurdities as he tries to conform to liberal expectations. The show was most popular when its humor was conservative, and has declined in quality and popularity as its conservative humor has been diluted. Its later seasons were notably more liberal and offensive towards religion. Steve Carell played the main character for six years and was denied an Emmy Award by liberals every time despite being by far the funniest actor on television.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The O'Reilly Factor]]'' <br /> | <br /> |Fox News <br /> |<br /> |[[Bill O'Reilly]] is like "Archie Bunker": cranky, critical, and wants government to push people around and lock 'em up. O'Reilly rarely espouses true [[conservative]] values, and was extremely vicious towards [[pro-life]] Cardinal Bernard Law. O'Reilly alienates millions of young people.<br /> |-<br /> |''Pokémon''<br /> |1997-<br /> |TVTokyo (1997-present; Japan only); UPN-69 (1998-1999); Kids WB (1999-2007); Cartoon Network (2007-2016); Disney XD (2016-present)<br /> |<br /> |An anime adapted from a series of hugely popular trading cards and video games. The first few seasons showcased several conservative messages, including the strife to succeed even when the odds are considered insurmountable, as well as showing parental neglect and abandonment in a negative light in regards to the characters Brock and Misty, and to a certain extent one of the main villains Jessie. In addition, in the first season at least, there were also a few Christian references from Brock and Misty, and to some extent James. Pro-family values are present due to Misty becoming a mother to Togepi, and Brock also intending to aid his family when his parents weren't around due to the latter abandoning their children (or, in the case of the dub, the father abandoning them and the mother dying), only joining Ash after his father, Flint, returned and encouraged Brock to pursue his dreams. Was also anti-[[Hollywood Values]] as well, as the episode "Go West Young Meowth" showcases the more depraved nature of Hollywood, including at least one bickering couple, and does not treat it in a positive light, nor does Meowth's sweetheart, Meowzie, an epitome of Hollywood values, come across in a flattering light, with it also being heavily implied that this was the reason Meowth turned to villainy. One episode of DP also has an implicit condemnation of the homosexual agenda due to Brock calling Pikachu and Piplup (both of whom are confirmed male in an earlier episode) having an attraction to each other "unnatural." However, during later seasons, the conservative elements are pushed to the side and seem to promote more liberal agendas, including having the various female characters starting with May (most of whom are ten years old and thus still children) essentially act as sexual fanservice according to then-director Masamitsu Hidaka, as well as later on the story's refusal to allow Ash to win a league despite it being necessary to have him become a Pokémon Master (with the most infamous example of this being the Ash vs. Alain fight in the final round of the Kalos League, which had Ash losing against Alain despite the series, including the actual Japanese episode title for the battle in question, all but strongly implying the exact opposite), and eventually by Sun and Moon outright ignoring said goal altogether, thus resulting in a more nihilistic view of Ash's goal. In addition, a running gag since Hoenn and to some extent Johto has Brock constantly chasing women and trying to ask them out, depicting him as a womanizer in a more comedic light. Moreover, the concept of friendships that was strongly emphasized in prior seasons eventually got phased out due to them essentially dropping characters after each season with barely a reference to them.<br /> |-<br /> |''Police Woman''<br /> |1974-1978<br /> |NBC<br /> |<br /> |While some may say it was made to popularize the feminist movement, it still does treat law enforcement with respect. Also, the episode "Flowers of Evil" did seem to anger liberals as it had a trio of lesbians who run a retirement home who rob and murder the elderly residents (an action that could never be shown on TV in the current age of political correctness).<br /> |- <br /> |''Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!''<br /> |1969-1970, 1978<br /> |CBS; ABC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Although it does teach kids conjugated thinking skills, most of the villains are businessmen which some could argue is an anti-capitalism statement. In addition, the theme song was meant to subtly promote a pro-drug message.<br /> |-<br /> |''Scorpion''<br /> |2013-<br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |A show involving four geniuses who try to use their gifts to prevent global catastrophes as well as figure out how to live among normal society in their spare time that's loosely based on the life of Walter O'Brien. It promotes the concept of using one's innate skills for good, as well as improving oneself, with one episode in the series also mocking professor values as well as the current university system. The first season also has some negative views on government encroachment due to Walter being reluctant to allow Scorpion to be used by Homeland due to them using stuff against his intention. Also has some pro-family values, due to Paige, one of the members of Scorpion, trying to be a good mother for her genius son, and Walter doing whatever he can to save his terminally-ill sister during the first couple of seasons, as well as Sylvester, another member of Scorpion, proceeding to legally marry (albeit in a civil rather than religious manner) his sister to stop Walter from unnecessarily keeping her alive against his sister's wishes, and Toby and Happy also making every effort to welcome their baby into the world due to believing the latter to be pregnant. In addition, some of the main villains have also been Communists and various terrorist groups. On the other hand, it also has at times engaged in some more liberal themes such as environmentalism as well as some denouncement of Capitalism in later seasons.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[The Simpsons]]''<br /> |1987-1988 (The Tracey Ullman Show); 1989-present<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-14<br /> |Many businessmen are made out to be dumb, Republicans have at times been depicted as evil, and family values aren't necessarily put in the best light. However, it still mocks liberal values as well as political correctness (including even showing the Democrats, via Springfield mayor and [[JFK]] wannabe Joe Quimby, as the corrupt and incompetent politicians they really are, although that being said, the character Lisa Simpson has occasionally been used as a soundboard for the more liberal views of the show), and although Bart Simpson causes a lot of trouble, he is painted out to be a "punk" rather than a "cool dude". This show is also known for being not as bad as the wretched ''Family Guy''. The show was originally a series of short skits on ''The Tracey Ullman Show''.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Smallville]]''<br /> |2001-2011<br /> |The WB; The CW<br /> |TV-PG / TV-14<br /> |Some conservative themes are present in the show and some liberal themes are present. Biblical undertones are present such as main character appearing as a Christ-like figure.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]''<br /> |1996-present<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y / TV-Y7<br /> |One of the most influential cartoons of the 21st century, centered on an energetic, anthropomorphic sea sponge (who more nearly resembles a kitchen sponge) and a diverse cast of his underwater friends, is decidedly one of the most politically ambiguous. <br /> On the one hand, the series suggests that capitalists are inherently malign or simply obsessed with money, as the main character’s crustacean employer, the fast food restaurateur Mr. Krabs, is inclined to put money before others’ interests, sometimes at the expense of others’ well-being. In addition, SpongeBob and his dimwitted seastar best friend Patrick Star have a habit of annoying Squidward Tentacles, a grouchy octopus who lives between them, and tend to not face comeuppance for their childish actions (though there are exceptions), which may teach that being annoying is “acceptable” adult behavior. Specific episodes have controversial overtones, too. For instance, “Rock-a-Bye Bivalve” is infamous for depicting SpongeBob and his dimwitted seastar best friend Patrick Star raising a baby scallop like a homosexual couple. Moreover, one of the series’ worst-received episodes, “One Coarse Meal,” tries to make bullying look humorous because it centers on Mr. Krabs driving his microscopic arch business rival Plankton to suicide by appealing to the copepod’s secret fear of whales, a fear not present in any other episode. Worst of all, there is a theory that each of the seven main characters is modeled after one of the Seven Deadly Sins: <br /> Mr. Krabs is avarice for his love of money.<br /> Plankton is envy because he desires after that which Mr. Krabs has: a successful restaurant and the secret formula for Krabs’ signature sandwich, the Krabby Patty.<br /> Squidward is wrath due to his irritability.<br /> Sandy Cheeks the diving suit-clad squirrel is pride as she is immensely proud of her native Texas.<br /> Patrick is sloth since he is often seen dormant.<br /> Gary, SpongeBob’s pet sea snail, is gluttony because his character has little to do other than eat.<br /> SpongeBob is a strange variant on lust: though the character is said to be asexual, he seems to have “lust for life” because, depending on the writer(s), he can be too fixated on his job (or even on Squidward) at times.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, most episodes where SpongeBob works in his regular job as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab restaurant teach young audiences to take pride in hard work and persistence as SpongeBob strives to make the most out of his rather ordinary vocation. Most episodes where Plankton appears draw a clear distinction between good and evil, showing the errors of stealing and conducting business through illegitimate means as Plankton’s schemes to outcompete Mr. Krabs, the more competent businessman, or steal his Krabby Patty recipe backfire. Lastly, depending on the writer(s), Krabs can serve as a surrogate father-figure to SpongeBob, teaching him to stay out of danger and not to act so impulsively as he usually does. In addition, one episode advocates against gun control and showing the fallacy against the premise,<ref>http://rightwingnews.com/meme/spongebob-destroys-liberal-thoughts-big-government-gun-control-meme/</ref> and another episode promotes self-sufficiency and mocks the welfare state.<ref>http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2013/11/04/spongebob-mocks-welfare-state/</ref><br /> |-<br /> |''Squirrel and Hedgehog''<br /> |1977 (North Korea)<br /> |YouTube (Outside North Korea)<br /> |NR<br /> |The cartoon was created by the North Koreans as unsubtle propaganda for their Communist ideology, and in particular promoting the Kim Dynasty, and also showcases a significant amount of bloodshed by the heroes. That being said, however, its style in trying to propagate Communist values also unintentionally ends up promoting American and Western values due to the main villains, several wolves and other carnivorous creatures, being depicted as extremely competent and imposing and wielding high-tech weaponry, as well as the "heroes", despite being shown as herbivorous animals, being shown as particularly violent, as well as being more effeminate and crying a lot of the time thus unintentionally exposing the real horrors of communist ideology as well, with several of the viewers when it aired outside North Korea nearly forty years afterwards liking the villains more than the heroes and specifically citing how the villains were depicted as extremely competent as a reason.<br /> |-<br /> |''Supergirl'' (first season only)<br /> |2015–2016<br /> |CBS (first season)<br /> |<br /> |The show had some liberal elements, such as promoting the feminist agenda to some extent, and also having a degree of forced multiculturalism (eg, turning Jimmy Olsen into a black man when he was originally a red-headed Caucasian in the comics). However, it also has some conservative elements to the show, namely pro-family messages, as well as the character Cat Grant in one episode expressing some regret for the fact that, when she got pregnant out of wedlock, she chose her career over her child (it should be noted that this would have been against the feminist agenda, since adherents to feminism generally reject any indication that a woman can't be satisfied by anything besides a career, especially being satisfied with having children and/or holding any remorse for giving up their child in favor of their careers.). In addition, environmentalism is depicted in a more negative manner due to the main villains, surviving Kryptonian prisoners at Fort Rozz, being sentenced there due to engaging in environmental terrorism in an attempt to save Krypton, and Kara Zor-El's uncle, Non, being an unrepentant mass murderer. The two-part season finale also dealt with the main villains' plan, Myriad, which involved mass mind-control which likewise had those affected by it making statements that eerily paralleled the statements made by liberal ideology.<ref>https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/culture/karen-townsend/2016/04/12/supergirl-shows-liberal-fantasy-where-mind-control-answer</ref> Note that this only applies with the first season of ''Supergirl'', as starting with the second season upon its move to the CW, it went hard-left in its political and social views (see its entry in [[Essay:Worst Liberal TV Shows#The worst liberal television shows|Worst Liberal TV Shows]] for more information).<br /> |-<br /> |''The Twilight Zone'' <br /> |1959-1964 (original run)<br /> |CBS <br /> |<br /> |A recurring theme is that the selfish and the self-centered eventually lose what they sought to gain; hosted by Rod Serling. Examples of [[conservative]] episodes include: <br /> *"The Prime Mover" (episode 57, March 24, 1961)<ref>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/exploring-the-twilight-zone-57-the-prime-mover.php</ref> <br /> *"The Mirror" (episode 71, October 20, 1961), a scathing criticism of Communism and the [[Fidel Castro]] regime in Cuba; starred a pre-''Columbo'' Peter Falk as Ramos Clemente, a Latin American Communist revolutionary-turned-dictator based on Castro. <br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> <br /> ==See also == <br /> *[[Essay:Greatest Conservative Movies]] <br /> *[[Essay:Greatest Conservative Songs]] <br /> *[[Essay:Worst Liberal TV Shows]]<br /> <br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Greatest Conservative TV Shows}}<br /> [[Category:Television]]<br /> [[Category:Conservatism]] <br /> [[Category:Greatest Conservative TV Shows]]<br /> [[Category:Entertainment]]<br /> [[Category:Media]]<br /> [[Category:Conservative Media]]<br /> [[Category:Essays]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Essay:Greatest_Conservative_TV_Shows&diff=1375970 Essay:Greatest Conservative TV Shows 2017-09-22T17:42:09Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>==Live Action Programs==<br /> {| class="wikitable sortable"<br /> |-<br /> !Title<br /> !Original run<br /> !Network<br /> !TV rating<br /> !Description<br /> |-<br /> |''7th Heaven''<br /> |1996-2007<br /> |[[Warner Bros.|The WB / The CW]]<br /> |TV PG<br /> |The family of a Christian minister deals with moral and controversial themes, approached from a socially and politically conservative Protestant viewpoint. It is the longest-running family drama in U.S. television history, starring Stephen Collins as the minister.[http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1028153,00.html]<br /> |-<br /> |''21 Jump Street''<br /> |1987-1991<br /> |[[Fox Network|Fox]] <br /> |NR<br /> |Undercover cops do everything they can do stop young people (teenagers) from their lives being ruined (mostly via drug usage).<br /> |- <br /> |''[[24]]'' <br /> |2001-2010<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV 14<br /> |Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) protects America at all costs against all terrorists, whether Islamic, European, Communist Chinese, African, or even from within the U.S. government. The 2017 sequel series, ''24: Legacy'', stars Corey Hawkins as ex-Army Ranger Eric Carter, who battles Islamic terrorists planning attacks on American soil.<br /> |-<br /> |''24: Live Another Day''<br /> |2014<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV 14<br /> |Jack Bauer, after four years, returns and tries to thwart a multi-pronged terrorist attack within Great Britain, including the near-assassination of the President, which involves both Islamic terrorists and Chinese terrorists with some backing from the Russians.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The 700 Club]]''<br /> |1966–present <br /> |Christian Broadcasting Network, Freeform, first-run syndication<br /> |<br /> |This Christian-oriented news magazine program contains musical performances, testimonies from guests, ministry, Bible study and current news, events, lifestyle reports, and investigative reporting. Current hosts include [[Pat Robertson]] (the show's creator and original host), Gordon P. Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, and Wendy Griffith.<br /> |-<br /> |''Absolutely Fabulous''<br /> |1992-2012<br /> |BBC1 (UK)<br /> |<br /> |A hardworking teenager struggles to succeed in life despite having a feckless liberal mother and an absentee liberal father. This long running series is packed with strong anti-drug, anti-alcoholism, and anti-casual sex messages.<br /> |-<br /> |''Adam-12''<br /> |1968-1975<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV rating PG<br /> |This spinoff of the Jack Webb-produced series ''Dragnet'', also based on actual cases and more than one per episode, now focuses on LAPD street patrol officers Peter Malloy and James (Jim) Reed while demonstrating the same moral examples as ''Dragnet''. It was remade into a limited (Los Angeles and New York City) syndication show in 1989-1991 with unknown main players, new characters, and situations. None of the original series' three main players (Martin Milner, Kent McCord, William Boyett) ever fell victim to Hollywood Values because hey stayed married to their same wives, with nine children among them: Milner (who died in 2015 at age 83) had four, McCord had three, and Boyett (who died in 2004 at age 77) had two and became a grandfather twice over. The 1969 episode"Baby" is rumored to be based on Kent McCord's own real life wife's birth of one of their own children that year.<br /> |-<br /> |''Adam''<br /> |1983<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV NR<br /> |TV made film on the abduction and murder of [[John Walsh]]'s son Adam in 1981 and his crusade for missing and exploited children. Followed by a sequel, ''Adam: His Song Continues'' (1986).<br /> |-<br /> |''The Adams Chronicles''<br /> |1976<br /> |PBS<br /> |TV NR<br /> |A thirteen episode miniseries dedicated to founding father [[John Adams]] and his family, made in honor of the American Bicentennial.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet'' <br /> |1952-1966<br /> |ABC <br /> |<br /> |This long running comedy show epitomizes 1950s stable families and their values, featuring fictionalized versions of the real-life Nelson family (bandleader Ozzie Nelson, his wife Harriet, and their sons David and Ricky). The sitcom ran for 14 seasons and switched from its original black-and-white format to color in its final season in 1965. A sequel series, ''Ozzie's Girls'', in which David and Ricky are absent as two college girls move into the boys' old room as Ozzie and Harriet's boarders, aired in first-run syndication in 1973–74.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[American Idol]]''<br /> |2002-2016<br /> |[[Fox Network|Fox]] <br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This reality talent show allows the best amateur singers of the public to come to the fore musically, with the winner at the end of each season earning a recording deal. This reflects the core of the [[American Dream]]: anyone, regardless of his or her origins, can succeed and move upwards in society.<br /> |-<br /> |''America's Most Wanted''<br /> |1988-2011<br /> |Fox TV<br /> |TV NR/PG13<br /> |[[John Walsh]] hosts news documentary of well known suspects and fugitives, their crimes and captures. Was the real life father of above mentioned Adam Walsh and subject of above mentioned TV films named for him.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Andy Griffith Show''<br /> |1960–1968<br /> |[[CBS]]<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Andy Griffith stars as Andy Taylor, small-town sheriff and widowed father of young son Opie Taylor (played by Ron Howard), who keeps law and order in his hometown of Mayberry, North Carolina, assisted by his bumbling but well-meaning deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts). Andy and Opie's Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) lives at the Taylor house as a live-in housekeeper and mother/grandmother figure to Opie, and other friends and neighbors of Andy's include local barber Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear), gas station attendant/mechanic and occasional deputy Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) and his cousin Goober Pyle (George Lindsey), town drunk Otis Campbell (Hal Smith), county clerk Howard Sprague (Jack Dodson), school teacher (and later Andy's love interest) Helen Crump (Aneta Corsaut), Aunt Bee's best friend Clara Edwards (Hope Summers), Barney's girlfriend Thelma Lou (Betty Lynn), repair shop owner Emmett Clark (Paul Hartman) and local farmer Sam Jones (Ken Berry).<br /> <br /> The show focused on Andy's approach to [[law enforcement|enforcing the law]] in Mayberry as he uses common sense, mediation and conciliation to settle disputes among the townsfolk while taking on and defeating out-of-town criminals on occasion using practicality and understanding of each case (and, when necessary, a firearm), along with his home life as he raises Opie with Aunt Bee's help (showing the importance of [[family]]), and his social life as he hangs out with Floyd and other friends at Floyd's barber shop or takes out women he is dating (including Helen in later seasons) on picnics or for nights out for dinner and a movie or dancing. A spinoff series, ''Gomer Pyle, USMC'', centered around good-natured bumpkin Gomer and his time spent in the [[United States Marine Corps]], while ''Mayberry RFD'', a sequel series to ''The Andy Griffith Show'', focused on Sam Jones, his young son Mike (Buddy Foster) and many of Mayberry's citizens, with Andy and Helen finally getting married on that show's series premiere. A 1986 reunion movie, ''Return to Mayberry'', brought most of the show's surviving cast members back together as Andy returned to Mayberry to run for sheriff again in a campaign against his former deputy Barney.<br /> <br /> ''The Andy Griffith Show'' ran on CBS for eight seasons, with the first five seasons filmed in black-and-white before switching to color for the remaining seasons. It was a Top Ten performer throughout its run, finishing its final season as the number-one show on American television, and it continues to air in syndication to the present.<br /> |-<br /> |''Antiques Roadshow'' <br /> |1997-<br /> |[[PBS]]<br /> |<br /> |Shows the real value (financial and historical) of handcrafts and traditional, old-fashioned things and memorabilia. One of the rare conservative shows to air on the ultra-liberal PBS.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Apprentice'' <br /> |2004-2015, 2017<br /> |NBC<br /> |NR<br /> |In this reality competition series, contestants compete for a prestigious position in one of the divisions of [[Donald Trump]]'s business empire. Liberals stopped watching when they realized that Trump, who was apparently a liberal for much of the 2000s, was turning conservative. Conservative California governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] hosted the 2017 season.<br /> |-<br /> |''Band of Brothers''<br /> |2001<br /> |HBO<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |This World War II military drama deals with the exploits of E Company, 506th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. Similar to ''Saving Private Ryan'', the mini-series promotes the military and American values in a positive light as well as the Nazis in a negative light. <br /> |-<br /> |''Beakman's World''<br /> |1992-1998<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |An eccentric scientist named Beakman teaches children about science better than the [[Department of Education]] ever could, the [[free market]] at work.<br /> |-<br /> |''Bibleman''<br /> |1995-2010<br /> |Direct to video<br /> |<br /> |In this aptly-named series, Miles Peterson loses his money, power, and fame and is directionless until he becomes a superhero by harnessing the power of God. He then devotes himself to defending Christianity against evildoers who seek to suppress it and its followers and turn them to lives of atheism and evil.<br /> |-<br /> |''Black Saddle''<br /> |1959-1960 <br /> |ABC<br /> |<br /> |Peter Breck plays Clay Culhane, a gunfighter-turned-lawyer who seeks to help those in need of legal representation; co-starring Russell Johnson as Marshal Gib Scott.<br /> |-<br /> |''Blue Bloods''<br /> |2010-<br /> |[[CBS]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Conservative police officer show, that also promotes family. Stars conservative actor Tom Selleck as officer Frank Reagan (a possible name reference to Ronald Reagan). It also features Christian principles, with religion playing a fairly major role in several episodes, and each episode also ending with the Reagan family saying prayers before a meal (with such an overt depiction of Christian principles being rare on present-day TV).<br /> |- <br /> |''The Bob Newhart Show''<br /> |1972-1978<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Comedy great Bob Newhart plays psychiatrist Robert Hartley in this sitcom that highlights how insane people may become in a secular world.<br /> |- <br /> |''Bonanza'' <br /> |1959-1973<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |A Western promoting good neighborliness, family values, and the pursuit of just causes, with Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts and Michael Landon, joined in later seasons by David Canary, Mitch Vogel and Tim Matheson. ''Bonanza'' was the third-longest running Western series in television history with its fourteen-season run, behind ''Death Valley Days'' (at 18 seasons) and ''Gunsmoke'' (at 20 seasons).<br /> |-<br /> |''[[The Brady Bunch]]''<br /> |1969-1974<br /> |[[ABC]]<br /> |TV-G<br /> |This classic, wholesome pro-family sitcom centers on a healthily functional, although highly unlikely, suburban [[Los Angeles]] [[blended family]]: a widow ([[Florence Henderson]]) with three daughters and a widower ([[Robert Reed]]) with three sons.<br /> |-<br /> ''[[Breaking bad]]''<br /> |2008-2013<br /> |AMC<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Features a high school chemistry teacher's attempt to provide for his family without the help of the government or charity. In the process, he encounters obstructive federal bureaucrats. <br /> |-<br /> |''[[Broken Arrow (TV series)|Broken Arrow]]''<br /> |1956-1958<br /> |[[ABC]]<br /> |TV NR/PG<br /> |A compassionate Indian agent, Tom Jeffords, played by John Lupton, forges a friendship with the [[Apache]] [[Indian]] Cochise, portrayed by Michael Ansara; set in [[Arizona]].<br /> |-<br /> |''CHiPS''<br /> |1977-1983<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV rating PG<br /> |Rick Rosner (California Highway Patrol member)-produced light motorcycle dramedy mix on mostly Los Angeles' freeways, beaches and streets, operating through L.A.'s CHP Central station.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[Chuck]]''<br /> |2007-2012 <br /> |NBC<br /> |PG<br /> |Chuck Bartowsky, a computer repair technician, accidentally downloads numerous top-secret government files into his brain and is recruited by the CIA, seeing as he can help them crack their toughest cases with his ability to rapidly shuffle through and find images in his head relevant to particular elements of a mission. The show emphasizes family values, honor, and a respect for America's people in uniform, with one character, the brutish but patriotic NSA agent John Casey, as an outspoken conservative and [[Ronald Reagan]] supporter. Furthermore, the series averts feminism as positive male and female role models are present: both Chuck's sister Ellie and her eventual husband Devon/"Captain Awesome" are equally competent physicians; and CIA agent Sarah Walker, who grows from being Chuck's cover girlfriend to being his real girlfriend and eventually his wife, wants to leave the dangerous world of espionage towards the end of the series with Chuck to start a nuclear family.<br /> |-<br /> |''Coming Home''<br /> |2011–2012<br /> |Lifetime<br /> |<br /> |American military veterans come home to their families in this heartwarming series.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Commish''<br /> |1991-1996<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV rating NR (PG?)<br /> |Former New York City PD detective Tony Scali (Michael Chiklis) moves upstate to a small town police department and uses creativity instead of much violence to fight crime in the fictitious city of Eastbridge, New York. He has the same amount of genuine concern (love) for his family as he does for his city and its police force.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Cosby Show'' <br /> |1984-1992 <br /> |NBC <br /> |TV-G<br /> |The world famous, long-running Bill Cosby sitcom promoting good family values.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Critic''<br /> |1994-1995<br /> |[[ABC]], [[Fox]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A comedy about a critic fed up with the terrible movies that are ruined by their [[Hollywood values]] (His catchphrase was "It stinks!"). It was released in an industry run by [[liberals]], and that may be why it was cancelled before its time.<br /> |-<br /> |''Dad's Army''<br /> |1968-1977<br /> |BBC1 (UK)<br /> |<br /> |Portrays the determination of ordinary British people to resist the might of Hitler's [[liberal]] Nazi forces. Emphasizes the importance of never ever cooperating with an invader, not even giving them your name.<br /> |- <br /> |''Daniel Boone''<br /> |1964-1970<br /> |NBC<br /> |G<br /> |As the title music sang, "he fought for America, to make all Americans free", with Fess Parker in the starring role.<br /> |-<br /> |''Death Valley Days''<br /> |1952-1970<br /> |Syndicated<br /> |NR/PG<br /> |Historically-based dramatic Western presentations hosted at different times by Stanley Andrews, [[Ronald Reagan]], Robert Taylor, and Dale Robertson. It ran at times under other titles, such as ''Trails West'', with Ray Milland. This was the second-longest running Western series in television history (behind only ''Gunsmoke''), with new episodes aired from 1952 to 1970, followed by reruns (with new narration added) until 1975.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Dick Van Dyke Show''<br /> |1961-1966<br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |Pro-marriage and pro-family, this series launched the career of Mary Tyler Moore.<br /> |-<br /> |''Dirty Jobs''<br /> |2005-2012<br /> |Discovery Channel<br /> |TV-14<br /> |Trade activist Mike Rowe isn't exactly liberals cup of tea.<br /> |-<br /> |''Dog the Bounty Hunter''<br /> |2004-2012<br /> |[[A & E]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A public prayer to [[Jesus]] launches each new bounty mission consisting of unlikely heroes enforcing law and order. [[Born Again Christian]] Duane "Dog" Chapman promotes American values as he hunts down criminals. After capturing wanted fugitives, Dog tells them that they need to give their life over to Christ.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Donna Reed Show'' <br /> |1958-1966<br /> |ABC <br /> |TV-G<br /> |A situation comedy of an upper-middle-class family in Hillsdale (state not given), with Donna Reed in the role of Donna Stone, wife of a pediatrician, played by Carl Betz. This family-centric sitcom is one of the first to be told from the perspective of the matriarch.<br /> |- <br /> |''Dragnet'' <br /> |1951–1959; 1967-1970<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Sgt. Joe Friday (Jack Webb) and his partners (Ben Romero, Ed Jacobs, and Frank Smith in the 1951 original, Joe Gannon in the 1967 revival) solving actual cases from the files of the Los Angeles Police Department (with people's names altered to protect the innocent involved in the cases inspiring each episode). The officers educate viewers in law enforcement jargon and the Rule of Law, all the while showing fine examples of moral conduct, honor of oneself and others, and sacrifice for the good of the public.<br /> |-<br /> |''Duck Dynasty''<br /> |2012-2017<br /> |A&E<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This reality series portrays the lives of the Robertson family, who famously turned duck calls into the magnificent business empire Duck Commander, stand by their strong Christian beliefs, and are active hunters. Liberals despise this series so much that they conducted two ploys to damage this wholesome show's reputation. First, in the series' early days, the liberal parent network A&E censored any use of the word "Jesus" in the prayers that close most episodes. Second, in December of 2013, the staunchly liberal magazine Gentleman's Quarterly (GQ) infamously tricked patriarch Phil Robertson, who founded the family business, into being open about his conservative, anti-homosexual values, which led to Phil (who is not uneducated, as he holds a master's degree in education) being suspended from appearing in further episodes for nine days. The magazine also accused Phil of being racist simply because he said he never saw the mistreatment of any African American person in his younger days during the Civil Rights era. Poor Phil wasn't saying that he wasn't unaware of the prevalent race issues the 1960s but that he grew up in an area where people lived and worked in harmony regardless of skin color, so he witnessed no acts of racism ''in person''.<br /> |-<br /> |''Emergency!'' <br /> |1972-1977, with TV movie specials, "The Final Rescues", periodically from Winter 1978-Summer 1979.<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Webb's second spin-off from ''Dragnet'' is a medical drama about Station 51 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, its paramedics and the activities of Rampart General Hospital and its staff. Starred Robert Fuller, Julie London and Bobby Troup as the Rampart medics, Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe as the Station 51 paramedics and Michael Norrell, Tim Donnelly, Marco Lopez and real-life fireman Mike Stoker as the Station 51 firefighters.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Equalizer''<br /> |1985-1989<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This spy drama follows Robert McCall ([[Edward Woodward]]) through [[New York City]] as he helps people in extreme situations against all odds of their success in overcoming these problems.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Everybody Loves Raymond]]'' <br /> |1996-2005<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Based on the stand-up comedy of Ray Romano, this classic sitcom stars Romano as sportswriter Raymond Barone, following his comical everyday life with his wacky but faithful family. It celebrates family values as the characters overcome obstacles in a comic fashion.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Exorcist''<br /> |2016-<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A TV adaptation of the conservative film of the same name.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Family Ties]]''<br /> |1982-1989<br /> |[[NBC]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |In this dramedy series, hardworking [[conservative]] children, e.g. Alex P. Keaton (played by Michael J. Fox in his breakout role), outsmart their [[liberal]], ex-[[hippie]], underachieving parents.<br /> |-<br /> |''Father Brown''<br /> |1974-1974<br /> |ITV<br /> |<br /> |This pro-Christian mystery series, based on the eponymous book by G.K. Chesterton, deals with a Catholic priest in Britain who solves crimes on his spare time.<br /> |-<br /> |''Father Brown''<br /> |2013-<br /> |BBC1<br />GPB4<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A more successful reboot of the 1974 series.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Faye Emerson's Wonderful Town]]''<br /> |1951-1952<br /> |[[CBS]]<br /> |<br /> |Once a daughter-in-law of [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and a wife of Skitch Henderson, Faye Emerson presents the most memorable songs associated with various cities, mostly in the United States; in its day, this was one of the most expensive programs to present to the public.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Full House]]''<br /> |1987-1995<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Family sitcom where after losing his wife to a drunk driver, a younger father has his brother-in-law and best friend move in with him, to help raise his three young daughters. Despite this, the importance of having a male and female parent is still encouraged. Starting in Season Two, Becky Donaldson (Jesse's girlfriend and later wife) becomes a mother figure for the girls. Followed by a more liberal-leaning sequel, ''Fuller House'', which debuted on Netflix in 2016 and promotes more liberal values and politics (including the trashing of [[Donald Trump]] in the pilot episode) and shows them in a positive light, as well as looking very much like nearly every live-action [[Disney Channel]] show produced in recent years. Series star Candace Cameron Bure, who appears in both shows and was also a panelist on ABC talk show ''The View'' (acting as the conservative counterpoint to the show's heavily liberal panelists), is a born-again Christian and is socially conservative.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ghost Whisperer''<br /> |2005-2010<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Antique shop owner Melinda Gordon helps restless spirits cross over to Heaven. Some episodes have Melinda also opposing evil forces who seek to interfere with her work and drag those same spirits into Hell.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Glenn Beck Show''<br /> |<br /> |[[Fox News]]<br /> | <br /> |Public affairs program.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[The Goldbergs]]''<br /> |2013-<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A television producer narrates his life growing up in the 1980s in a reverent throwback to the pro-family sitcoms of the decade. Although the daughter seems to support Ronald Reagan's liberal rival [[Walter Mondale]] in one episode concerning the 1984 Presidential election, she still claims in the same episode "America is the greatest country", but politics is otherwise downplayed in the series, and the kids do learn over time conservative values such as hard work and getting along with their elders.<br /> |-<br /> |''Hand of God''<br /> |2014-2017<br /> |Amazon Originals<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Themes of overcoming corruption through faith in God. The main character believes he is the newly anointed [[Solomon]] following God-Given visions to take vengeance for his comatose son. Criticizes abortion, intimacy outside of marriage, drug usage, and supports family unity.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Hannity (TV show)|Hannity]]'' (formerly ''Hannity and Colmes'')<br /> |2009-<br /> |Fox News<br /> |<br /> |Sean Hannity's television public affairs program.<br /> |-<br /> |''Hardcastle & McCormick''<br /> |1983-1986<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Los Angeles County Superior Court's Milton C. Hardcastle (Brian Keith) goes after about 200 cases who walked away on technicalities with the help of a former race car driver-turned-reformed criminal, Mark McCormick (Daniel Hugh Kelly).<br /> |-<br /> |''Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II''<br /> |December 1, 2005<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Thomas Kretchmann played the late pontiff, from his nonviolent resistance to Nazism and Communism to his elevations as priest, archbishop, cardinal and his life as the titular pontiff. Includes his confrontation of El Salvador's archbishop [[Oscar Romero]] about Romero's leftist [[liberation theology]], just before Romero's tragic assassination.<br /> |- <br /> |''Hawaii-Five-O'' <br /> |1968-1980<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Even in what might be expected to be a lazy, hazy paradise, the law is still the law, with Jack Lord and James MacArthur. A reboot of the series was launched in 2010.<br /> |-<br /> |''Highway To Heaven''<br /> |1984-1989<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |[[Michael Landon]] comes back to Earth as an angel to help many people, aided by [[Victor French]], both from NBC's previous ''Little House on the Prairie''.<br /> |-<br /> |''Home Improvement''<br /> |1991-1999<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This pro-family sitcom stars conservative comedian Tim Allen as Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, the host of the hardware-themed variety show ''Tool Time''. Though the character is usually depicted as overconfident and accident-prone, he does try to maintain healthy relationships with his nuclear family.<br /> |-<br /> |''House of Cards''<br /> |2013–present<br /> |Netflix original series<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |This popular series exposes Democrats for what they really are—corrupt frauds and atheists, and conservative Christians are shown in positive light.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[JAG (TV series)|JAG]]''<br /> |1995-1996; 1997-2005<br /> |NBC; CBS<br /> |TV-PG / TV-14<br /> |Also emphasizes pro-military honor and respect. Title means Judge Advocate General, which deals with people charged with crimes committed while in the U.S. military. Does include some ungodly behavior, including adultery as the series progresses.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[John Adams]]'' (miniseries)<br /> |2008<br /> |[[HBO]]<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A biographical miniseries on the life of the Founding Father and second President of the United States, based on the best selling biography by [[David McCullough]]. It also features a condemnation towards the French Revolution, as Adams, in a conversation with Thomas Jefferson, chews him out for his giving vocal support for the Revolution despite the increasingly apparent horrors that were occurring, including Jefferson playing a role in the creation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[Justified]]'' <br /> |2010-<br /> |FX Network<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens, a 19th century-style tough cowboy lawman, enforces his own brand of justice when dealing with criminals of all kinds in the hill country of eastern Kentucky. His boss, the Chief Deputy US Marshal Art Mullen, is played by Nick Searcy, a noted conservative actor. The most recent season has frequent reflections on Christianity and being loved and saved by God.<br /> |-<br /> |''Karol: A Man Who Became Pope''<br /> |2005<br /> |Hallmark Channel<br /> |TV NR (PG for some violence and adult discussions)<br /> |[[Biopic]] of younger Karol Wojtyla, from World War II Resistance to his election as [[Pope John Paul II]]. Followed by a Canadian sequel, ''Karol: The Pope The Man'' (2006), which itself chronicled the events from his papal inauguration in 1978 to his death in 2005.<br /> |-<br /> |''La notte della Repubblica''<br /> |1989-1990<br /> |Rai 2<br /> |N/A<br /> |An Italian series showing how [[Communism]] ruined [[Italy]] from the late 60's to the early 80's. In English, the title means: "The Night of the Republic."<br /> |-<br /> |''Laramie''<br /> |1959-1963<br /> |NBC<br /> |NR<br /> |John Smith and Robert Fuller portray ranch partners Slim Sherman and Jess Harper; many episodes focus on their close friendship, which also extended off the set; Hoagy Carmichael appeared the first season as their housekeeper; Spring Byington filled that role in the last two seasons.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Last Man on Earth''<br /> |2015-Present<br /> |Fox<br /> |PG<br /> |Despite being created by liberal ''Saturday Night Live'' alumnus Will Forte, as well as its outbursts of bathroom humor, this post-apocalyptic sitcom seems to show conservative, pro-family and pro-friendship values consistently winning in the end. Forte portrays the initially unsympathetic title character, the loser everyman Phil Miller, who believes he is the only human survivor after a deadly virus killed most of the world's human and animal population about a year earlier. He scours North America for other signs of life and, upon failing to find anyone else, returns to his hometown of Tucson, Arizona, where he engages in all sorts of hedonism and nihilism until he nearly attempts suicide. Right before crashing his truck into a boulder, he discovers surviving woman Carol Pilbasian, who believes in traditional marriage and encourages Phil to become a more moral and honest person. As the series progresses, they are joined by more survivors, who are all consistently annoyed by Phil's selfish, nihilistic attitude and personality, thus inspiring Phil to give up his wasteful, adulterous, sinful habits and grow into a better man than he was before the outbreak of the virus. Each time Phil tries to deviate from traditional family values, as when he develops an interest in one of the other female survivors and either tries to woo her or prove himself more desirable than other men in the group, his schemes backfire, and his actions are punished. Thus, the series teaches that it is more admirable to be part of a traditional family than to have casual sexual relationships with multiple women. Lastly, the show may promote Christianity because being an apocalypse survivor has given Phil either new or renewed faith in God, who answers each of his prayers in one form or another.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Last Man Standing]]''<br /> |2011-2017<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This refreshing sitcom stars Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, a marketing director for a sporting goods store chain called Outdoor Man, who strives to keep his manhood (fishing, hunting, sports and camping), and promotes conservative values (including supporting the military), in opposition to his antagonistic liberal daughter Kristin (the oldest of three daughters Mike has with his wife Vanessa) and her equally-liberal husband Ryan, who often clashes with both Mike and Vanessa over political, cultural and philosophical issues. Unlike the similar and more vehement clashes between Archie Bunker and Mike Stivic in ''[[All in the Family]]'' where the latter comes out on top due to Archie's ignorance and lack of ability to make cohesive arguments, the often clueless and hypocritical Ryan loses arguments with the more well-versed and level-headed Mike. Meanwhile, Mike gets along very well with his youngest daughter Eve due to their similar political views and interests, as he does with Boyd, Kristin and Ryan's son and Mike's grandson (as expected, Kristin and Ryan are not impressed that Boyd has more in common with his grandfather than with them). Unfortunately, the liberal parent network [[ABC]] canceled the series due to its pro-Donald Trump humor, despite it having high ratings.<ref>http://www.dailywire.com/news/16317/despite-high-ratings-abc-cancels-trump-friendly-john-nolte?utm_source=dwemail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=051117-news&utm_campaign=position1</ref> This resulted in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker taking to Twitter to denounce ABC for the decision,<ref>https://twitter.com/ScottWalker/status/862697237817765888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailywire.com%2Fnews%2F16450%2Fabc-hit-boycott-canceling-last-man-standing-hank-berrien</ref> as well as a boycott against ABC and a petition demanding that ABC bring back ''Last Man Standing'', the latter getting over 10,000 signatures within the night the petition was first made.<ref>http://www.dailywire.com/news/16450/abc-hit-boycott-canceling-last-man-standing-hank-berrien?utm_source=dwemail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=051517-news&utm_campaign=position3</ref> When Country Music Television (CMT) picked up the series for syndication, rumors that it would continue the series started spreading.<br /> |-<br /> |''Lawman''<br /> |1958-1962<br /> | ABC<br /> |<br /> |Starring John Russell as Marshal Dan Troop, Peter Brown as deputy Johnny McKay, and Peggie Castle as Lily, this [[Warner Bros.]] series sought to maintain highest script quality so as not to be "just another Western."<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The Lawrence Welk Show]]''<br /> |1955-1982 <br /> |ABC; first-run syndication<br /> |TV-G<br /> |A family oriented variety show that appealed to Midwestern values. Cancelled by ABC in 1971 during the Rural Purge, the show quickly jumped to first-run syndication, where it would enjoy an 11-year run before ending in 1982.<br /> |- <br /> |''Lazytown''<br /> |2004-present<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |A pro-friendship, pro-family preschool show that encourages kids to get outside and have fun playing sports like normal kids used to do every day. The nihilistic villains are always defeated and no one ever listens to them. This show is notable for producing a popular internet meme known as the "We are Number One" song as part of a GoFundMe campaign to help actor Karl Stefansson recover from pancreatic [[cancer]] in 2016.<br /> |- <br /> |''Legends of the Hidden Temple''<br /> |1993-1995<br /> |Nickelodeon <br /> |TV-Y <br /> |A [[game show]] that uses a conservative elimination format (ensuring only the most meritorious players survive to play the final round) and is unyielding in difficulty. It refuses to succumb to [[liberal]] beliefs in archeology that keep historical sites and artifacts off limits, instead promoting the conservative ''Indiana Jones'' persona.<br /> |-<br /> |''Life Goes On'' <br /> |1989-1993<br /> |ABC <br /> |TV-G / TV-PG<br /> |This drama follows the experiences of a young man with Down Syndrome and recognizes the dignity of people with developmental disabilities and the joy and love they give to their families and others.<br /> |-<br /> |''Life is Worth Living'' <br /> |1952-1957<br /> |Dumont TV; ABC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Emmy Award-winning show dealing with moral issues hosted by Archbishop [[Fulton J. Sheen]]; from 10 to 30 million people watched the show weekly.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Little House on the Prairie]]''<br /> |1974-1983 <br /> |NBC <br /> |TV-G <br /> |A show that celebrates family values and the courage of the 1870s-1880s pioneers, starring Michael Landon and based on [[Laura Ingalls Wilder]]'s books.<br /> |-<br /> |''Lock n' Load with R. Lee Ermey''<br /> |2009<br /> |History<br /> |<br /> |Actor and former U.S. Marines drill instructor R. Lee Ermey discusses the development of and advances in American firearm technology, often lightheartedly poking fun at himself by humorously haranguing the viewer with drill instructor-type rants or eagerly wanting to try out subject weapons against various targets.<br /> |-<br /> |''Luke Cage''<br /> |2016-<br /> |Netflix <br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, Luke Cage meets all the qualifications needed to be a staunch American conservative, which has annoyed many liberals.<ref>http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/marvels-luke-cage-panned-having-conservative-viewpoint</ref><br /> |-<br /> |''[[Magnum P.I.|Magnum, P.I.]]''<br /> |1980-88<br /> |CBS<br /> |NR<br /> |This classic crime drama starring conservative actor Tom Selleck as a U.S. Navy veteran turned private investigator teaches its audiences how to live like conservatives with strong moral character and advocacy for the Second Constitutional Amendment.<br /> |-<br /> |''Mayberry RFD''<br /> |1968–1971<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Sequel to ''The Andy Griffith Show'', starring Ken Berry as widowed farmer Sam Jones (who was introduced in the previous series), who raises his young son Mike (Buddy Foster) in Mayberry while serving as head of the town council. Many characters from ''The Andy Griffith Show'', including Aunt Bee, Goober Pyle, Clara Edwards, Howard Sprague and Emmett Clark, also appear as regulars on this series. ''Mayberry RFD'' spent its first two seasons at #4 in the Nielsen ratings and was still popular when CBS abruptly cancelled it in 1971 as part of its infamous Rural Purge.<br /> |-<br /> |''McLeod's Daughters''<br /> |2001-2009<br /> |Nine Network (Australia)<br /> |<br /> |Australian drama about two estranged half-sisters who inherit their late father's farm and must work together to bring the property out of debt. Stresses the importance of family and hard work. The show also eschews modern [[feminism]], instead portraying the main characters as [[Gone with the Wind|Scarlett O'Hara]]-type heroines. Also clearly anti-[[gun control]].<br /> |-<br /> |''The Middle''<br /> |2009-<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Despite having a homosexual character (he's only a minor character though, and doesn't come out until later in the series), the show is clean cut pro-family sitcom, which has been lacking in the 21st century. As the kids grow up, they become more mature and learn the importance of taking on more responsibilities. Conservative actress Patricia Heaton stars as family matriarch Francis "Frankie" Heck, who also narrates the series.<br /> |- <br /> |''Mission: Impossible''<br /> |1966-1973; 1988-1990<br /> |CBS, ABC<br /> |TV-G / TV-PG<br /> |This action-packed spy series centered on agents of the fictional Impossible Mission Force (IMF) emphasizes teamwork, friendship, professionalism, and American ingenuity and exceptionalism, which can overcome any obstacle, with Steven Hill (in the first season), Peter Graves, Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Greg Morris, Peter Lupus, Leonard Nimoy, Lesley Ann Warren, Sam Elliott, and Lynda Day George. A two-season revival followed the original series on ABC in 1988. In 1996, the show was adapted into the first of a series of feature films starring Tom Cruise (which are only loosely based on the original series, having little in common beyond the name and a remixed version of the iconic TV theme with every film).<br /> |- <br /> |''[[NCIS]]'' <br /> |2003-<br /> |CBS <br /> |TV-14 <br /> |Show about U.S. Navy investigators, voted ''America's favorite program in 2011''; starring Mark Harmon and David McCallum. Does include some unneeded and un-Christian activity and language.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide''<br /> |2004–2007<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Middle schooler Ned Bigby creates a makeshift guide on how to survive and excel in school. Every student has the opportunity to succeed or fail, and their results are based on the decisions they make. Many morals are shown, chief among them friendship, hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. The series ran on Nickelodeon before they produced more liberal shows such as ''iCarly'' and ''Victorious''.<br /> |-<br /> |''On the Buses''<br /> |1969-1973<br /> |London Weekend Television/ITV (UK)<br /> |<br /> |This British sitcom makes fun of the inefficiency of public transport, which most [[liberals]] are obsessed with.<br /> |-<br /> |''Our Man Higgins''<br /> |1962-1963<br /> |ABC<br /> |G<br /> |Stanley Holloway plays an English butler for an American family in a situation comedy with a dose of "culture clash". Frank Maxwell and Audrey Totter played the parents, and [[Ricky Kelman]] was the son, Tommy MacRoberts.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Pacific''<br /> |2010<br /> |HBO<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |A World War II military drama that, similar to Saving Private Ryan, promoted the military and American values in a positive light as well as the Imperial Japanese forces in a negative light. <br /> |-<br /> |''Parking Wars''<br /> |2008-<br /> |A & E<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Demonstrates the offensiveness of overbearing government bureaucracy while maintaining a respect for law officers.<br /> |-<br /> |''Pawn Stars'' <br /> |2009-<br /> |History Channel/A & E<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Centered on the daily activity of a family-owned pawn shop full of compelling artifacts, it shows how two parties can **mutually and fairly benefit** from a negotiated free-market transaction, independent of any government "assistance".<br /> |-<br /> |''Pope John Paul II''<br /> |December 4 & 7, 2005 <br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |In this biopic miniseries, conservative actor [[Jon Voight]] portrays Pope [[John Paul II]], who was influential in Part 1's non-violent resistance to [[World War II]]'s Nazism and the subsequent [[Cold War]]'s [[Communists]], eventually defeating Communism in Part 2's end of Scene 16 (circa 1989). Part 1 covers his years as priest, professor, bishop and cardinal. Part 2 covers his 26-1/2 year pontificate from his election up to his death. [[Cary Elwes]] played younger Wojtyla in Part 1 from ages 19 to just before his pontifical election at 58, while Voight took over at the start of Part 2 in the title role.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Pretender''<br /> |1996-2000<br /> |[[NBC]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Pro-life and with a message of charity and self-sacrifice as personal responsibility.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Prisoner'' <br /> |1967-1968<br /> | [[ITV]]<br /> |TV-PG <br /> |Classic British TV show about a secret agent who is sent to a strange "village" in order to determine the reasons for his resignation. The Prisoner is a metaphor for the Individual against the Collective. The series ran for only seventeen episodes.<br /> |-<br /> |''Quincy, M.E.''<br /> |1976-1983<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Follows the now late Jack Klugman as Los Angeles County's Medical Examiner on suspicious cases (e.g. deaths) and medical mistakes that were previously thought to have been solved but later found to have had more about them than what was originally thought, but that these facts were often hidden by [[bureaucracy]]. Begun as a segment of the ''NBC Mystery Movie'', it proved popular enough to be spun off as a regular series.<br /> |- <br /> |''Rawhide''<br /> |1959-1965<br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |Pro-Western Culture led by none other then [[Clint Eastwood]] as Rowdy Yates, the ramrod of a cattle drive led by trail boss Gil Favor (played by Eric Fleming) in the post-Civil War American Southwest. Other prominent members of the drive included cook/medic G.W. Wishbone (played by Paul Brinegar), scout Pete Nolan (Sheb Wooley), drovers Jim Quince (Steve Raines) and Joe Scarlet (Rocky Shahan), wrangler Jesús "Hey Soos" Patines (Robert Cabal) and assistant cook Mushy Mushgrove III (James Murdock). During the cattle drive, the drovers often encountered people along the trail and get involved in solving problems they encountered, including dealing with parched plains, trouble with outlaws, anthrax affecting some of the cattle, predatory wolves or cougars, cattle rustlers and other situations. ''Rawhide'' was the sixth-longest running Western series in television history after ''Wagon Train'' (8 seasons), ''The Virginian'' (9 seasons), ''Bonanza'' (14 seasons), ''Death Valley Days'' (18 seasons) and ''Gunsmoke'' (20 seasons).<br /> |-<br /> |''The Rifleman''<br /> |1958-1963<br /> |ABC<br /> |NR/G<br /> |This Western emphasizes fair play and giving people a second chance, starring Chuck Connors, Johnny Crawford, and Paul Fix. [http://www.amctv.com/videos#type=all&filter=rb-video-browser-num_items%3D10%26module_id_base%3Drb-video-browser%26rb-video-browser-show%3D4182%26rb-video-browser-content_type%3D&page=1&post_id=71306 The Rifleman]<br /> |-<br /> |''Sabrina the Teenage Witch''<br /> |1996-2003<br /> |[[ABC]], The WB<br /> |TV-G<br /> |In this live-action sitcom adaptation of the Archie Comic, Sabrina Spellman may be a witch, but the show does not glorify witchcraft. Instead, it celebrates family and teaches such Christian morals as honesty and individualism. As the title young witch, played by conservative actress Melissa Joan Hart, gains control over her powers, she learns that a reward is only good and enjoyable if it is earned. Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick portray Sabrina's aunts, Hilda and Zelda Spellman, while Nick Bakay voices the warlock Salem Saberhagen, who was punished for trying to take over the world by being transformed into a talking house cat.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Six Million Dollar Man'' <br /> |1974-1978 <br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |This series shows capitalism at its finest—technological advances improving life. Lee Majors plays Steven Austin, an astronaut who survives a near-fatal accident and is reconstructed as the world's first bionic man, using his mechanical arm, legs, and eye to fight evil.<br /> |-<br /> |''State Trooper''<br /> |1956-1959<br /> |Syndicated<br /> |NR<br /> |Rod Cameron adventure/drama anthology series, forgotten to most today, based on case files of the [[Nevada]] state troopers; law and justice always prevail. Many episodes have surprise endings and unusual titles.<br /> |- <br /> |''Storage Wars''<br /> |<br /> |A & E<br /> |<br /> |This reality series celebrates [[capitalism|capitalist]] and the [[free market]] enterprise system. It stresses the importance of [[conservative values|personal responsibility]] because the lockers being auctioned off belonged to people who decided not to pay their bills.<br /> |- <br /> |''Storm Chasers''<br /> |<br /> |The Weather Channel <br /> |<br /> |Scientists bravely go out into the field to observe destructive weather phenomena in pursuit of practical, scientific knowledge.<br /> |-<br /> |''Sugarfoot''<br /> |1957-1961<br /> |ABC<br /> |NR/PG<br /> |Will Hutchins plays young "do-gooder" Tom "Sugarfoot" Brewster, a novice lawyer who roams the Old West "on the side of law and order," according to the theme song of the [[Warner Bros.]] series; Sugarfoot eschews guns until pushed to the brink and even refuses alcohol and instead orders "sarsparialla with a dash of cherry" when he enters a saloon.<br /> |-<br /> |''S.W.A.T''<br /> |1975-1976<br /> |ABC<br /> |<br /> |Respectful to our men in uniform, promoting good American values. A reboot of the series is planned for 2017.<br /> |-<br /> |'''Til Death''<br /> |2006-2010<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Sitcom where are married couple still stay with each other even after all work that go along with being married.<br /> |- <br /> |''To Catch a Predator''<br /> |2004-2007<br /> |MSNBC<br /> |<br /> |Although airing on the uber-liberal channel [[MSNBC]], Chris Hansen brings online predators and pedophiles to justice<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Top Gear]]'' <br /> |2002-<br /> |[[BBC]]<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |A British TV show about all types of cars. It is a fun show which celebrates individual freedom, capitalism, and private-sector innovation. It is also often politically incorrect and pokes fun at the belief in "global warming".<br /> |-<br /> |''Touched by an Angel'' <br /> |1994-2003 <br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |An angel in human form visits troubled people in crisis. It was highly ranked for four seasons and ran for nine seasons, starring Roma Downey, Della Reese, and John Dye, joined in the final two seasons by Valerie Bertinelli. <br /> |- <br /> |''Wagon Train'' <br /> |1957-1965<br /> |NBC/ABC <br /> |<br /> |This Western stars conservatives Ward Bond and John McIntire as trailmasters Seth Adams and Chris Hale, respectively, who experience the struggle of pioneers seeking a fresh start in the American West. Robert Horton and Robert Fuller costar.<br /> |- <br /> |''Walker, Texas Ranger''<br /> |1993-2001<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-PG / TV-14<br /> |Conservatives [[Chuck Norris]] and Noble Willingham portray modern day Texas Rangers.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The Waltons]]''<br /> |1972-1981<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |A Christian family overcomes hardship in rural America during the Depression and U.S. involvement in World War II, extending charity to strangers while honoring military service. The main cast consists of Richard Thomas, Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, Will Geer, and Ellen Corby. <br /> |- <br /> |''Wanted: Dead or Alive''<br /> |1958-1961 <br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |Steve McQueen pays a kind-hearted bounty hunter, Josh Randall, dedicated to the enforcement of the law in the old West. Numerous episodes have spiritual themes, and it is a spinoff of ''Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre''. A feature film based on the series premiered in 1987, starring Rutger Hauer as Nick Randall, an-ex-CIA agent turned bounty hunter and the descendant of Josh Randall.<br /> |- <br /> |''Who Do You Think You Are?''<br /> |<br /> |NBC<br /> |<br /> |Celebrities explore their ancestry in American history, learning how their ancestors played sitnificant roles in shaping the nation.<br /> |- <br /> |''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?''<br /> |1999-2002; 2002-present<br /> |ABC; first-run syndication<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Adapted from the British [[game show]] of the same name, this series unashamedly rewards people based on knowledge rather than based on who has the most obnoxious game show persona. The hour-long original ABC version in the U.S. ran from 1999 to 2002, followed by a half-hour version, which debuted in first-run syndication in 2002 and is still airing.<br /> |- <br /> |''Yes, Minister!''/''Yes, Prime Minister!''<br /> |<br /> |BBC <br /> |<br /> |Classic British sit-com about the political machinations of being a cabinet member in the British government, and then eventually as Prime Minister. A recurring theme is that of the struggle of politicians to make the desired changes despite the resistance of the bureaucracy.<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Animated Programs==<br /> {| class="wikitable sortable"<br /> |-<br /> !Title<br /> !Original run<br /> !Network<br /> !TV rating<br /> !Description<br /> |-<br /> |''The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius''<br /> | 1995 (semi-lost pilot), 1998-2006<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Intelligent young inventor Jimmy Neutron usually does what he believes is right. Similarly to Timmy Turner, he learns the consequences from his not-so-good actions. The show overall does a decent job at promoting family and friendship values.<br /> |-<br /> |''American Dragon: Jake Long''<br /> |2005-2007<br /> |Disney Channel<br /> |TV rating<br /> |Jake Long, a human boy who can change into a flying, fire-breathing dragon at will, is chosen to be the first American member of an international league of superheroes like him known as the "Dragons". Throughout the show, he learns to use his powers from his eccentric but wise and witty grandfather Luong Lao Shi, the official Chinese Dragon, and he becomes more responsible with his powers and how they affect his personal life. The biggest villain of the show (though he is not the main villain) is the wicked Dark Dragon, who seeks to unite magical creatures into wiping out the human race. <br /> |-<br /> |''Animated Stories from the New Testament''<br /> |1987-1995<br /> |N/A<br /> |N/A<br /> |The show's title is self-explanatory.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Batman''<br /> |2004-2008<br /> |Kids' WB<br /> |TY-Y7<br /> |The young Caped Crusader begins his fight for justice.<br /> |-<br /> |''Batman: The Animated Series''<br /> |1992-1995<br /> |Fox Kids<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Following in the success of Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film, comic book hero [[Batman]] fights for justice in the dark but quirky world of Gotham City and teaches young audiences fine examples of moral conduct, always putting brains before brawn unless otherwise absolutely necessary. In one particular episode, "It's Never Too Late", Batman helps drug dealer Arnold Stromwell realize the error of his ways. Arnold's brother, a priest, helps him see this as well. <br /> |- <br /> |''Batman Beyond''<br /> |1999-2001<br /> |Kids' WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Capitalistic superhero Bruce Wayne/Batman, now retired, passes the torch to a new protege, Terry McGinnis, to continue fighting for justice.<br /> |-<br /> |''Bob's Burgers''<br /> |2011-<br /> |Fox, Adult Swim<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A very well done adult cartoon! The Belcher family are wealthy and own a hamburger restaurant, promoting capitalism and family values. One episode in particular has Bob's wife deciding to take flying lessons to spice up her marriage, but the instructor is a notorious serial womanizer who lures wives away to commit infidelity, and not only does Bob go out to try and rescue her, but his wife when discovering this independently makes clear she has no intention of cheating on her husband. It is also somewhat anti-environmentalist.<br /> |-<br /> |''Chrono Crusade''<br /> |2003-2004 (Japan)<br /> |Fuji Television<br /> |TV-14<br /> |This tear-jerking anime based on the manga of the same name is pro-Christian, pro-family, and pro-second amendment,<br /> |-<br /> |''Danny Phantom''<br /> |2004-2007<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Through an inter-dimensional accident, teenager Danny Fenton gains ghostlike powers and uses them to fight evil ghosts as the superhero Danny Phantom. The series shows the consequences of using one's powers for personal gain and, of the three cartoons on this list created by Christian animator Butch Hartman, is the most critically acclaimed despite its short lifespan.<br /> |-<br /> |''El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera''<br /> |2007-2008<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Unlike most superhero cartoons, Manny Rivera usually debates using his powers for good or evil. But in the end he ends up doing them for good. Throughout the cartoon he also learns how to a responsible adult. The show is also pro-family as Manny's father is seen as a positive role model. One of the villains is also named Che (a nod to the terrorist murder [[Che Guevara]]). The episode "Clash of the Titan" also shows Manny's father ending his partnership with Titanium Titan because he states his family was more important than his partnership. And although Grandpapi (Manny Rivera's grandpa) is a "villain", he's more of a comic relief character rather than an actual bad guy; on top of that, he is still regarded as part of the family.<br /> |-<br /> |''Extreme Ghostbusters''<br /> |1997<br /> |Toon Disney<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Continuation of the ''Ghostbusters''. <br /> |-<br /> |''Dog of Flanders''<br /> |1975 (Japan)<br /> |Nippon Animation<br /> |<br /> |An anime TV series adaptation of the Christian book ''A Dog of Flanders'' by Ouida. The series is pro-Christianity.<br /> |-<br /> |''Drak Pack''<br /> |1980<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-G<br /> |This short lived cartoon stars three teens: Drak, Frankie, and Howler, who are the descendants of Universal monster villains Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolfman. However, unlike their fathers, the children seek [[Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation|penance]] for the error of their ancestors' ways and use their powers for good.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Fairly OddParents''<br /> |1998-<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |The main protagonist, Timmy Turner, commonly wishes for things from his quirky fairy godparents that aren't the best, but he almost always learns his lesson in the end. The series, created by Christian animator Butch Hartman, exposes the dangers of wishing for one's personal gain at the expense of others. Furthermore, it lightly pokes fun at the public school system: Denzel Crocker, a teacher and a regular antagonist, is completely insane and obsessed with both giving poor grades and trying to prove to the world that fairy godparents exist for his own personal gain.<br /> |-<br /> |''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero''<br /> |1983-1989<br /> |First-run syndication<br /> |<br /> |Do we really need to explain?<br /> |-<br /> |''Higglytown Heroes''<br /> |2004-2008<br /> |Playhouse Disney<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |Four young friends (who are Russian dolls) and their pet squirrel learn the importance of heroic people such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, etc. They also say in every episode that they inspire to be heroes just like those people if they "work real hard". One of the characters also has a dad in the military in one episode.<br /> |-<br /> |''Kikoriki'' (known in Russia as ''Smeshariki'')<br /> |2004-2012<br /> |CTC and Russia 1 (Russia)<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |Despite being a Russian cartoon, this is an example of a children's cartoon done much better than many in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Japan. Children can learn some valuable lessons and even some educational ones from watching this, and also contains content that adults will enjoy as well!<br /> |-<br /> |''Legion of Super-Heroes''<br /> |2006-2008<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Based on the overlooked DC comics team of the same name. A [[charity|private non-profit organization]] led by Superman helps those in need. One episode in particular "Lightning Storm" has a group of super "heroes" who taxes people for their service (big government) as opposed to helping people for the greater good.<br /> |-<br /> |''Liberty's Kids''<br /> |2002-2003<br /> |PBS<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Does the title not say it all? Three young reporters (consisting of an American colonist, a British expatriate, and their cuddly French sidekick) witness the era of the [[American Revolution]] and its aftermath through their innocent eyes and learn what America represents.<br /> |-<br /> |''The Little Mermaid (TV Series)''<br /> |1992-1994<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |A prequel TV series based on conservative animated Disney movie, very pro-family as well.<br /> |-<br /> |''My Patrasche''<br /> |1992-1993 (Japan)<br /> |Tokyo Movie Shinsha<br /> |<br /> |Another anime TV series adaptation of the Christian book ''A Dog of Flanders'' by Ouida. The series is pro-Christianity.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ozzy & Drix''<br /> |2002-2004<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Based off of the 2001 animated/live-action film ''Osmosis Jones'', this cartoon portrays human white blood cells positively as police officers who fight germs (anthropomorphized into hoodlums). Educational by nature, it teaches young audiences about human anatomy better than the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Education]] ever could.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Popeye|Popeye the Sailor]]''<br /> |1933-1957 (theatrical); 1960–1962 (TV)<br /> |First-run syndication<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Adapted from a well-known comic strip, Popeye is a one-eyed U.S. Navy sailor who protects his girlfriend, Olive Oyl, from the infamous philanderer Bluto (later called Brutus in the TV cartoons). He courageously stands up for innocents and defends them against [[bully|bullies]] [[bullying|who seek to impose their will solely through intimidation and brute force]]. The cartoon is also famous for promoting eating protein because Popeye eats spinach to gain superhuman strength and defeat villains.<br /> |-<br /> |''Private Snafu''<br /> |1943–46<br /> |Warner Bros. (produced for the [[United States War Department]])<br /> |N/A<br /> |These instructional cartoon shorts, ironic and humorous in tone, were produced between 1943 and 1945 during World War II. They instruct service personnel about security, proper sanitation habits, booby traps, and other military subjects, ultimately improving troop morale. One of the cartoons, ''[[Spies]]'', was later used as an exhibit at the CIA-made [[International Spy Museum]].<br /> |-<br /> |''Rambo: The Force of Freedom''<br /> |1986<br /> |N/A<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A cartoon adaptation from the conservative film series. <br /> |-<br /> |''The Real Ghostbusters''<br /> |1986-1992<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A cartoon version of the conservative film ''Ghostbusters''.<br /> |-<br /> |''Special Agent Oso''<br /> |2009-2012<br /> |Playhouse Disney<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |A children's cartoon in which an anthropomorphic bear (who is the title character) usually does what he believes is right and helps children with issues doing certain things.<br /> |-<br /> |''Spider-Man: The Animated Series''<br /> |1994-1998<br /> |Fox Kids<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |[[Spider-Man]] uses his superpowers to help those need (voluntary [[charity]]).<br /> |- <br /> |''Superman: The Animated Series''<br /> |1996-2000<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |American icon Superman fights for truth, justice, and the American way. The series is famous for adding more emotional complexity to the character, and one episode, "The Late Mr. Kent", presents the death penalty as acceptable.<br /> |- <br /> |''Teen Titans''<br /> |2003-2006<br /> |Cartoon Network<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A [[charity|private non-profit organization]] led by Robin and super powered teens use their powers for good.<br /> |-<br /> |''T.U.F.F. Puppy''<br /> |2010-2015<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |This cartoon by Christian animator Butch Hartman takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals mirroring the Cold War era from the late 1950s through the 1960s (Hartman calls the series "''Get Smart'' with a dog"). A dog and a cat work as secret agents for an organization based on the CIA called T.U.F.F., while the antagonist animals serve the evil, KGB-inspired organization D.O.O.M.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Veggie Tales]]''<br /> |1993–Present<br /> |Direct to video, NBC, Netflix<br /> |TV-Y<br /> |Anthropomorphic vegetables embark on adventures all based upon moral themes taught in Christianity, referencing God and Scripture throughout (excluding the NBC episodes, which were edited by the network to remove the religious messages).<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/09/22/talking-veggies-stir-controversy-at-nbc.html Talking Veggies Stir Controversy at NBC] at Fox News</ref><br /> |-<br /> |''The Wacky Adventures of Ronald McDonald''<br /> |1998-2003<br /> |N/A<br /> |NR<br /> |The capitalist fast-food company [[McDonalds]]' clown mascot Ronald McDonald embarks on colorful adventures with characters from various promotions starring alongside him in this series of direct-to-video short films.<br /> |-<br /> |''X-Men: Evolution''<br /> |2000-2003<br /> |Kids WB<br /> |TY-Y7<br /> |Unlike the liberal movies, the cartoon follows what the comics were originally about (civil rights), as Charles Xavier leads his private school for mutants to help is students learn to use their superpowers for good. The show also states that government should say away from the social issue involving discrimination rather letting society accept them for what they are.<br /> |- <br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Debatable Whether Conservative==<br /> {| class="wikitable"<br /> |-<br /> !Title<br /> !Original run<br /> !Network<br /> !TV rating<br /> !Description<br /> |- <br /> |''24: Legacy''<br /> |2017<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV 14<br /> |Although the plotline does involve fighting and showing the evils of terrorism, it delves into several leftist plot points such as a gay couple in the CTU, a reference to the race card, and a dig against law enforcement. Overall, this politically correct reboot was cancelled after one season.<br /> |-<br /> |''Archer''<br /> |2009-2016 (FX)<br />2016-present (FFX)<br /> |FX/FFX<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |The TV series deals with a spy for the ISIS (no relation to the [[ISIS|real life terror group]] of the same name) fighting against KGB agents of what is implied to be the Soviet Union. Although, as implied by the main enemy force, the show has a condemnation against totalitarianism and Communism, the heroes also engage in some liberal values such as homosexuality and womanizing.<br /> |-<br /> |''Ash vs Evil Dead''<br /> |2015-<br /> |Starz<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Despite its unrealistic views on demons, it at least portrays them as evil. And while the title hero does smoke weed (only once), it does show the disastrous results and consequences of his actions. It also portrays gun ownership in a positive light. Show's creator Sam Raimi is also a Republican<ref>http://whatculture.com/offbeat/10-celebs-you-wouldnt-expect-to-be-republicans?page=4 ”</ref> <br /> <br /> |-<br /> |''Ben 10''<br /> |2005-2008<br /> |Cartoon Network<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |Ben Tennyson finds a super powered watch called the Omnitrix which allows him to turn into different alien superheroes for a brief amount of time. Using this gift, he uses it to help those in need. But the later episodes later had his cousin Gwen using [[witchcraft]], however the show portrays them in a neutral manner as two villains named Hex and Charmcaster also use witchcraft for evil.<br /> |- <br /> |''The Beverly Hillbillies'' <br /> |1962-1971<br /> |CBS <br /> |<br /> |Although it depicts a conservative family from the South as silly, the show powerfully illustrates how material possessions do not define a person. Buddy Ebsen stars as Jed Clampett, patriarch of the hillbilly Clampett family, who became multi-millionaires after Jed struck oil on his land in the Ozark Mountains and moved with his family to Beverly Hills, California. However, the Clampetts never let their newly obtained wealth affect who they are as people, maintaining moral and simplistic lifestyles throughout the show's run. Irene Ryan stars as Jed's mother-in-law Daisy May "Granny" Moses; Donna Douglas plays his beautiful, tomboyish, and animal-loving daughter Elly May Clampett; Max Baer portrays the dimwitted yet good-natured Clampett cousin Jethro Bodine; Raymond Bailey plays unscrupulous banker Milburn Drysdale; and Nancy Kulp stars as Drysdale's secretary Jane Hathaway. Popular throughout its run, ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' fell victim in 1971 to CBS' Rural Purge but has remained popular in syndicated reruns ever since and led to the 1981 reunion TV movie ''Return of the Beverly Hillbillies'', a 1993 TV special titled ''The Legend of the Beverly Hillbillies'', and a feature film remake of the series that same year. The film starred Jim Varney as Jed, Erika Eleniak as Elly May, Cloris Leachman as Granny, Diedrich Bader as Jethro, Dabney Coleman as Mr. Drysdale, and Lily Tomlin as Miss Hathaway, with a cameo by Buddy Ebsen (in his final acting role) as his other famous TV character, [[Barnaby Jones]].<br /> |- <br /> |''Breaking Bad'' <br /> |2008–2013<br /> |American Movie Classics<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a previously law-abiding chemistry teacher, gets involved in drug dealing and destroys himself and his family. Though he appears to be the "hero" of the series, each immoral decision leads him further along the path of destruction, and the evildoers all suffer for their actions. An alternate ending to the series depicts Cranston in his role as Hal, the patriarch of the family on the sitcom ''Malcolm in the Middle'', waking up and realizing that the world of ''Breaking Bad'' was all a dream.<br /> |- <br /> |''Cops''<br /> |1989-<br /> |Fox; Spike<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The good guys protecting the public from criminals, yet arguably promotes police state and big government. Filmed on location in many exotic and mundane locales with actual law enforcement agencies, both here in the U.S. and abroad.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Friends]]''<br /> |1994-2004<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The sitcom about six young adults living in New York City. It often promotes alcoholism and sex outside marriage. But on a conservative note, the show condemns smoking and drug usage, and somewhat a condemnation of the homosexual agenda, as Ross’s life was negatively affected by his wife being gay. On top of that two of the characters; Ross and Monica are brother and sister, which could also give the show a pro-family aspect.<br /> |-<br /> |''Happy Tree Friends''<br /> |1999-<br /> |Mondo Media.com<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |A very bloody and gory animated flash cartoon featuring anthropomorphic animals. Despite its content, it shows the consequences and dangers of doing many of the things that lead to the deaths of the animals within the show in most of its episodes.<br /> |-<br /> |''Justice League''<br /> |2001-2006<br /> |Cartoon Network<br /> |TV-Y7<br /> |A [[charity|private non-profit organization]] lead by American icons [[Superman]], [[Batman]], [[Wonder Woman]] and other DC characters fight to help the helpless and fight for justice. The event where they were formed featured a condemnation towards anti-Second Amendment policies, as a senator advocates unilateral nuclear disarmament, the result of which led directly to an invasion from Mars by the Imperium (with said senator actually being an agent that took the place of the real senator during a brief incursion to Mars), with the only one who realized the problem posed by nuclear disarmament being a general. However, the later episodes did start being left leaning (probably being bullied by left-wing producers) as there is an episode that the villain Chronos plans to go back in time to undo the [[Big Bang theory]] and become a God. Another episode, "To Another Shore", claims that "[[global warming]]" may be real.<br /> |-<br /> |''Kim Possible''<br /> |2002-2007<br /> |Disney Channel<br /> |<br /> |Although it was feminist due to the titular character Kim Possible tending to save the world and her sidekick Ron Stoppable generally being comic relief, it also was pro-family values, as it was notably one of the few Disney Channel shows where the fathers of the main characters (Kim and Ron) were not depicted as bumbling, buffoonish, childish, or as a jerk, and in many cases the fathers actually helped significantly to save the day. For instance, Kim Possible's dad James Possible is a friendly yet brilliant rocket scientist, and believes in family bonds, and often pushes his children to follow family values and also honor family. In addition, there were several episodes where Ron played a significant role in saving the world. It is also notable as being one of the few Disney Channel shows to actually break the 65-episode cutoff rule on the network.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[King of the Hill]]''<br /> |1997-2010<br /> |Fox <br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Despite cartoonish nature, shows the struggle of a hardworking, traditional American family against "alternative" modern cultural movements and liberal [[political correctness]].<br /> |-<br /> |''The Larry Sanders Show'' <br /> |1992–1998<br /> |HBO<br /> |TV-MA<br /> |A dark comedy based around the background of a [[Hollywood]] talk show, showing a great deal of liberal and celebrity hypocrisy and mocking them for their behavior.<br /> |-<br /> |''Law & Order''<br /> |1990-2010<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-14<br /> |Police and court drama similar to ''[[Perry Mason]]'' in which the first halves of each episodes were the crimes, investigations and arrests of suspects and the second halves were the trials and aftermaths thereof. Although ultimately promoting law enforcement in a positive light, the series eventually started pushing more liberal themes, usually by pushing twists that have the ones most likely considered guilty being in fact innocent, while white-collar characters being depicted as the villains.<br /> |- <br /> |''MacGyver'' <br /> |1985-1992<br /> |ABC<br /> |TV PG<br /> |Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson), agent of the fictional Phoenix Foundation, uses Yankee ingenuity to solve various problems using everyday items and escape the clutches of his enemies, and he eschews violence until absolutely necessary. Although this element overall was conservative, the creator Vin Di Bona implied a few times that it was meant to promote an anti-gun agenda, which the anti-Communist site "Discover the Networks" uncovered: "MacGyver producer Vin Di Bona noted that anti-gun messages were a recurring theme in that program. When asked what he thought of conservative critics who claimed that Hollywood was overwhelmingly liberal, Di Bona responded: 'I think it’s probably accurate, and I’m happy about it.'"<ref>http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/viewSubCategory.asp?id=1477</ref> A reboot of this series, with Lucas Till in the title role, debuted in 2016.<br /> |-<br /> |''Malcolm in the Middle''<br /> |2000-2006<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The sitcom celebrates family unity and often mocks liberal values, but it also shows a dysfunctional family (containing a dimwitted father, a harridan mother, a slacker oldest son, a bullying and dimwitted second-oldest son, and a socially awkward younger son, with the genius title character, the middle of five sons, as the only sane member) as funny.<br /> |-<br /> |''Married...with Children''<br /> |1987-1997<br /> |Fox<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |The show mocks [[liberal values]], however it also portrays a dysfunctional family as funny. Also the [[Parents Television Council]] called it the crudest comedy on prime time television due to being peppered with lewd punch lines about sex, sexual stimulation, the homosexual lifestyle, and father Al Bundy's fondness for pornographic magazines and strip clubs.<br /> |-<br /> |''NCIS - Los Angeles''<br /> |2008-2017<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A spinoff of ''NCIS'' that, as suggested by the title, takes place in Los Angeles. Although like its parent show, it is pro-Military and deals with the same premise, it has a bit more of a liberal viewpoint to the show, and infamously had an episode during the fourth season that dealt with the team trying to investigate a political murder during an election despite it being outside their jurisdiction.<br /> |-<br /> |''NCIS - New Orleans''<br /> |2013-2017<br /> |CBS<br /> |TV-14<br /> |A spinoff of ''NCIS'' that, as suggested by the title, takes place in New Orleans. Although like its parent show, it is pro-Military and deals with the same premise, it has a bit more of a liberal viewpoint to the show (although not to the extent of ''NCIS - Los Angeles'').<br /> |-<br /> |''The Office'' <br /> |2005-2013<br /> |NBC<br /> |TV-PG<br /> |Mockery of liberal ideology and [[political correctness]] in an office setting, without a liberal [[laugh track]]. The main character repeatedly encounters contradictions and absurdities as he tries to conform to liberal expectations. The show was most popular when its humor was conservative, and has declined in quality and popularity as its conservative humor has been diluted. Its later seasons were notably more liberal and offensive towards religion. Steve Carell played the main character for six years and was denied an Emmy Award by liberals every time despite being by far the funniest actor on television.<br /> |- <br /> |''[[The O'Reilly Factor]]'' <br /> | <br /> |Fox News <br /> |<br /> |[[Bill O'Reilly]] is like "Archie Bunker": cranky, critical, and wants government to push people around and lock 'em up. O'Reilly rarely espouses true [[conservative]] values, and was extremely vicious towards [[pro-life]] Cardinal Bernard Law. O'Reilly alienates millions of young people.<br /> |-<br /> |''Pokémon''<br /> |1997-<br /> |TVTokyo (1997-present; Japan only); UPN-69 (1998-1999); Kids WB (1999-2007); Cartoon Network (2007-2016); Disney XD (2016-present)<br /> |<br /> |An anime adapted from a series of hugely popular trading cards and video games. The first few seasons showcased several conservative messages, including the strife to succeed even when the odds are considered insurmountable, as well as showing parental neglect and abandonment in a negative light in regards to the characters Brock and Misty, and to a certain extent one of the main villains Jessie. In addition, in the first season at least, there were also a few Christian references from Brock and Misty, and to some extent James. Pro-family values are present due to Misty becoming a mother to Togepi, and Brock also intending to aid his family when his parents weren't around due to the latter abandoning their children (or, in the case of the dub, the father abandoning them and the mother dying), only joining Ash after his father, Flint, returned and encouraged Brock to pursue his dreams. Was also anti-[[Hollywood Values]] as well, as the episode "Go West Young Meowth" showcases the more depraved nature of Hollywood, including at least one bickering couple, and does not treat it in a positive light, nor does Meowth's sweetheart, Meowzie, an epitome of Hollywood values, come across in a flattering light, with it also being heavily implied that this was the reason Meowth turned to villainy. One episode of DP also has an implicit condemnation of the homosexual agenda due to Brock calling Pikachu and Piplup (both of whom are confirmed male in an earlier episode) having an attraction to each other "unnatural." However, during later seasons, the conservative elements are pushed to the side and seem to promote more liberal agendas, including having the various female characters starting with May (most of whom are ten years old and thus still children) essentially act as sexual fanservice according to then-director Masamitsu Hidaka, as well as later on the story's refusal to allow Ash to win a league despite it being necessary to have him become a Pokémon Master (with the most infamous example of this being the Ash vs. Alain fight in the final round of the Kalos League, which had Ash losing against Alain despite the series, including the actual Japanese episode title for the battle in question, all but strongly implying the exact opposite), and eventually by Sun and Moon outright ignoring said goal altogether, thus resulting in a more nihilistic view of Ash's goal. In addition, a running gag since Hoenn and to some extent Johto has Brock constantly chasing women and trying to ask them out, depicting him as a womanizer in a more comedic light. Moreover, the concept of friendships that was strongly emphasized in prior seasons eventually got phased out due to them essentially dropping characters after each season with barely a reference to them.<br /> |-<br /> |''Police Woman''<br /> |1974-1978<br /> |NBC<br /> |<br /> |While some may say it was made to popularize the feminist movement, it still does treat law enforcement with respect. Also, the episode "Flowers of Evil" did seem to anger liberals as it had a trio of lesbians who run a retirement home who rob and murder the elderly residents (an action that could never be shown on TV in the current age of political correctness).<br /> |- <br /> |''Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!''<br /> |1969-1970, 1978<br /> |CBS; ABC<br /> |TV-G<br /> |Although it does teach kids conjugated thinking skills, most of the villains are businessmen which some could argue is an anti-capitalism statement. In addition, the theme song was meant to subtly promote a pro-drug message.<br /> |-<br /> |''Scorpion''<br /> |2013-<br /> |CBS<br /> |<br /> |A show involving four geniuses who try to use their gifts to prevent global catastrophes as well as figure out how to live among normal society in their spare time that's loosely based on the life of Walter O'Brien. It promotes the concept of using one's innate skills for good, as well as improving oneself, with one episode in the series also mocking professor values as well as the current university system. The first season also has some negative views on government encroachment due to Walter being reluctant to allow Scorpion to be used by Homeland due to them using stuff against his intention. Also has some pro-family values, due to Paige, one of the members of Scorpion, trying to be a good mother for her genius son, and Walter doing whatever he can to save his terminally-ill sister during the first couple of seasons, as well as Sylvester, another member of Scorpion, proceeding to legally marry (albeit in a civil rather than religious manner) his sister to stop Walter from unnecessarily keeping her alive against his sister's wishes, and Toby and Happy also making every effort to welcome their baby into the world due to believing the latter to be pregnant. In addition, some of the main villains have also been Communists and various terrorist groups. On the other hand, it also has at times engaged in some more liberal themes such as environmentalism as well as some denouncement of Capitalism in later seasons.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[The Simpsons]]''<br /> |1987-1988 (The Tracey Ullman Show); 1989-present<br /> |FOX<br /> |TV-14<br /> |Many businessmen are made out to be dumb, Republicans have at times been depicted as evil, and family values aren't necessarily put in the best light. However, it still mocks liberal values as well as political correctness (including even showing the Democrats, via Springfield mayor and [[JFK]] wannabe Joe Quimby, as the corrupt and incompetent politicians they really are, although that being said, the character Lisa Simpson has occasionally been used as a soundboard for the more liberal views of the show), and although Bart Simpson causes a lot of trouble, he is painted out to be a "punk" rather than a "cool dude". This show is also known for being not as bad as the wretched ''Family Guy''. The show was originally a series of short skits on ''The Tracey Ullman Show''.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[Smallville]]''<br /> |2001-2011<br /> |The WB; The CW<br /> |TV-PG / TV-14<br /> |Some conservative themes are present in the show and some liberal themes are present. Biblical undertones are present such as main character appearing as a Christ-like figure.<br /> |-<br /> |''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]''<br /> |1996-present<br /> |Nickelodeon<br /> |TV-Y / TV-Y7<br /> |One of the most influential cartoons of the 21st century, centered on an energetic, anthropomorphic sea sponge (who more nearly resembles a kitchen sponge) and a diverse cast of his underwater friends, is decidedly one of the most politically ambiguous. <br /> On the one hand, the series suggests that capitalists are inherently malign or simply obsessed with money, as the main character’s crustacean employer, the fast food restaurateur Mr. Krabs, is inclined to put money before others’ interests, sometimes at the expense of others’ well-being. In addition, SpongeBob and his dimwitted seastar best friend Patrick Star have a habit of annoying Squidward Tentacles, a grouchy octopus who lives between them, and tend to not face comeuppance for their childish actions (though there are exceptions), which may teach that being annoying is “acceptable” adult behavior. Specific episodes have controversial overtones, too. For instance, “Rock-a-Bye Bivalve” is infamous for depicting SpongeBob and his dimwitted seastar best friend Patrick Star raising a baby scallop like a homosexual couple. Moreover, one of the series’ worst-received episodes, “One Coarse Meal,” tries to make bullying look humorous because it centers on Mr. Krabs driving his microscopic arch business rival Plankton to suicide by appealing to the copepod’s secret fear of whales, a fear not present in any other episode. Worst of all, there is a theory that each of the seven main characters is modeled after one of the Seven Deadly Sins: <br /> Mr. Krabs is avarice for his love of money.<br /> Plankton is envy because he desires after that which Mr. Krabs has: a successful restaurant and the secret formula for Krabs’ signature sandwich, the Krabby Patty.<br /> Squidward is wrath due to his irritability.<br /> Sandy Cheeks the diving suit-clad squirrel is pride as she is immensely proud of her native Texas.<br /> Patrick is sloth since he is often seen dormant.<br /> Gary, SpongeBob’s pet sea snail, is gluttony because his character has little to do other than eat.<br /> SpongeBob is a strange variant on lust: though the character is said to be asexual, he seems to have “lust for life” because, depending on the writer(s), he can be too fixated on his job (or even on Squidward) at times.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, most episodes where SpongeBob works in his regular job as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab restaurant teach young audiences to take pride in hard work and persistence as SpongeBob strives to make the most out of his rather ordinary vocation. Most episodes where Plankton appears draw a clear distinction between good and evil, showing the errors of stealing and conducting business through illegitimate means as Plankton’s schemes to outcompete Mr. Krabs, the more competent businessman, or steal his Krabby Patty recipe backfire. Lastly, depending on the writer(s), Krabs can serve as a surrogate father-figure to SpongeBob, teaching him to stay out of danger and not to act so impulsively as he usually does. In addition, one episode advocates against gun control and showing the fallacy against the premise,<ref>http://rightwingnews.com/meme/spongebob-destroys-liberal-thoughts-big-government-gun-control-meme/</ref> and another episode promotes self-sufficiency and mocks the welfare state.<ref>http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2013/11/04/spongebob-mocks-welfare-state/</ref><br /> |-<br /> |''Squirrel and Hedgehog''<br /> |1977 (North Korea)<br /> |YouTube (Outside North Korea)<br /> |NR<br /> |The cartoon was created by the North Koreans as unsubtle propaganda for their Communist ideology, and in particular promoting the Kim Dynasty, and also showcases a significant amount of bloodshed by the heroes. That being said, however, its style in trying to propagate Communist values also unintentionally ends up promoting American and Western values due to the main villains, several wolves and other carnivorous creatures, being depicted as extremely competent and imposing and wielding high-tech weaponry, as well as the "heroes", despite being shown as herbivorous animals, being shown as particularly violent, as well as being more effeminate and crying a lot of the time thus unintentionally exposing the real horrors of communist ideology as well, with several of the viewers when it aired outside North Korea nearly forty years afterwards liking the villains more than the heroes and specifically citing how the villains were depicted as extremely competent as a reason.<br /> |-<br /> |''Supergirl'' (first season only)<br /> |2015–2016<br /> |CBS (first season)<br /> |<br /> |The show had some liberal elements, such as promoting the feminist agenda to some extent, and also having a degree of forced multiculturalism (eg, turning Jimmy Olsen into a black man when he was originally a red-headed Caucasian in the comics). However, it also has some conservative elements to the show, namely pro-family messages, as well as the character Cat Grant in one episode expressing some regret for the fact that, when she got pregnant out of wedlock, she chose her career over her child (it should be noted that this would have been against the feminist agenda, since adherents to feminism generally reject any indication that a woman can't be satisfied by anything besides a career, especially being satisfied with having children and/or holding any remorse for giving up their child in favor of their careers.). In addition, environmentalism is depicted in a more negative manner due to the main villains, surviving Kryptonian prisoners at Fort Rozz, being sentenced there due to engaging in environmental terrorism in an attempt to save Krypton, and Kara Zor-El's uncle, Non, being an unrepentant mass murderer. The two-part season finale also dealt with the main villains' plan, Myriad, which involved mass mind-control which likewise had those affected by it making statements that eerily paralleled the statements made by liberal ideology.<ref>https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/culture/karen-townsend/2016/04/12/supergirl-shows-liberal-fantasy-where-mind-control-answer</ref> Note that this only applies with the first season of ''Supergirl'', as starting with the second season upon its move to the CW, it went hard-left in its political and social views (see its entry in [[Essay:Worst Liberal TV Shows#The worst liberal television shows|Worst Liberal TV Shows]] for more information).<br /> |-<br /> |''The Twilight Zone'' <br /> |1959-1964 (original run)<br /> |CBS <br /> |<br /> |A recurring theme is that the selfish and the self-centered eventually lose what they sought to gain; hosted by Rod Serling. Examples of [[conservative]] episodes include: <br /> *"The Prime Mover" (episode 57, March 24, 1961)<ref>http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/exploring-the-twilight-zone-57-the-prime-mover.php</ref> <br /> *"The Mirror" (episode 71, October 20, 1961), a scathing criticism of Communism and the [[Fidel Castro]] regime in Cuba; starred a pre-''Columbo'' Peter Falk as Ramos Clemente, a Latin American Communist revolutionary-turned-dictator based on Castro. <br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist}}<br /> <br /> ==See also == <br /> *[[Essay:Greatest Conservative Movies]] <br /> *[[Essay:Greatest Conservative Songs]] <br /> *[[Essay:Worst Liberal TV Shows]]<br /> <br /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Greatest Conservative TV Shows}}<br /> [[Category:Television]]<br /> [[Category:Conservatism]] <br /> [[Category:Greatest Conservative TV Shows]]<br /> [[Category:Entertainment]]<br /> [[Category:Media]]<br /> [[Category:Conservative Media]]<br /> [[Category:Essays]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Breaking_Bad&diff=1375787 Breaking Bad 2017-09-22T00:46:23Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Breaking Bad''' was a crime drama [[television]] series that was created by Vince Gilligan. It ran on AMC from 2008 to 2013. The plot centers on [[chemistry]] teacher [[Walter White]], who decides to manufacture [[Methamphetamine]] after being diagnosed with [[cancer]] in order to provide for his family.<br /> [[Category:Television Shows‏‎]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=TV_Tropes&diff=1375784 TV Tropes 2017-09-22T00:25:18Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''TV Tropes''' is a wiki devoted to classifying the tricks and trades of writing fiction, primarily focusing on television shows and characters. It contains an entry on Conservapedia, treating the site as a show or book, in which Andrew Schlafly is treated as a character in order to mock his values.<br /> <br /> ==Structure==<br /> TV Tropes is focused on describing and catagorizing commonalities that occur throughout entertainment works. The site also has a section dedicated to articles on a variety of topics, from the expected (entertainment industry trends) to the bizzare.<br /> <br /> ==Problems with TV Tropes==<br /> ===Bloat===<br /> Users of the site have too much time on their hands and are obsessed with television shows, such as the vacuous occult teen drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Consequently, they need excuses to make new pages. As a result, most of the entries are over specialized variations of other entries. Effectively every individual scene, character or theme, no matter how specific, can be turned into an article, even if they are not tropes as such. The official policy is that "There Is No Such Thing As Notability", the only qualifying factor for page creation is that the subject must actually exist.<br /> <br /> ===Soapboxing===<br /> A non-fiction educational wiki has been shoe-horned into TV Tropes as a way for the liberal editors to criticize it.<br /> <br /> ===Inconsistent use of tropes===<br /> In certain cases, in particular with YMMV tropes, the criteria used for determining trope applicability have been deemed inconsistent, even when there was a rubric for including them. An infamous example of this is the Complete Monster trope, reserved for the worst of the worst among villains, where some villains get removed for qualifying as "lacking in heinous standard" even when said villains have been depicted as being truly evil, such as outright enjoying jobs at assassination and having zero qualms with murdering children. One of the excuses for this inconsistency is the claim that different stories have differing moral standards, implying that they engage in [[Moral relativism]]. This also ends up contradicted when one character is labeled as a Complete Monster and the other in exactly the same work isn't considered such despite both characters doing exactly the same sort of thing that got one of them labeled as such in the first place and having very similar reactions. In addition, despite qualifying as YMMV, several entries relating to unintentionally sympathetic or unintentionally unsympathetic at times get removed due to the claim that they are insulting to the characters.<br /> <br /> ====Liberal bias====<br /> The site tends to promote several liberal biases. For instance, some of the tropes, in particular YMMV tropes, can make negative statements about President Bush, yet if a negative statement was made regarding Barack Obama, they remove it under the pretense of how it's never good to negatively comment on a President.<br /> <br /> ===Forums===<br /> Users who post more frequently on the forums are more likely to gain administrative privledges.<br /> <br /> ===Content===<br /> Profanity is occasionally used on the site, among other questionable content.<br /> [[Category:Wikis]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=TV_Tropes&diff=1375783 TV Tropes 2017-09-22T00:21:13Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''TV Tropes''' is a wiki devoted to classifying the tricks and trades of writing fiction, primarily focusing on television shows and characters. It contains an entry on Conservapedia, treating the site as a show or book, in which Andrew Schlafly is treated as a character in order to mock his values.<br /> <br /> ==Structure==<br /> TV Tropes is focused on describing and catagorizing commonalities that occur throughout entertainment works.<br /> <br /> ==Problems with TV Tropes==<br /> ===Bloat===<br /> Users of the site have too much time on their hands and are obsessed with television shows, such as the vacuous occult teen drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Consequently, they need excuses to make new pages. As a result, most of the entries are over specialized variations of other entries. Effectively every individual scene, character or theme, no matter how specific, can be turned into an article, even if they are not tropes as such. The official policy is that "There Is No Such Thing As Notability", the only qualifying factor for page creation is that the subject must actually exist.<br /> <br /> ===Soapboxing===<br /> A non-fiction educational wiki has been shoe-horned into TV Tropes as a way for the liberal editors to criticize it.<br /> <br /> ===Inconsistent use of tropes===<br /> In certain cases, in particular with YMMV tropes, the criteria used for determining trope applicability have been deemed inconsistent, even when there was a rubric for including them. An infamous example of this is the Complete Monster trope, reserved for the worst of the worst among villains, where some villains get removed for qualifying as "lacking in heinous standard" even when said villains have been depicted as being truly evil, such as outright enjoying jobs at assassination and having zero qualms with murdering children. One of the excuses for this inconsistency is the claim that different stories have differing moral standards, implying that they engage in [[Moral relativism]]. This also ends up contradicted when one character is labeled as a Complete Monster and the other in exactly the same work isn't considered such despite both characters doing exactly the same sort of thing that got one of them labeled as such in the first place and having very similar reactions. In addition, despite qualifying as YMMV, several entries relating to unintentionally sympathetic or unintentionally unsympathetic at times get removed due to the claim that they are insulting to the characters.<br /> <br /> ====Liberal bias====<br /> The site tends to promote several liberal biases. For instance, some of the tropes, in particular YMMV tropes, can make negative statements about President Bush, yet if a negative statement was made regarding Barack Obama, they remove it under the pretense of how it's never good to negatively comment on a President.<br /> <br /> ===Forums===<br /> Users who post more frequently on the forums are more likely to gain administrative privledges.<br /> <br /> ===Content===<br /> Profanity is occasionally used on the site, among other questionable content.<br /> [[Category:Wikis]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=TV_Tropes&diff=1375782 TV Tropes 2017-09-22T00:18:21Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''TV Tropes''' is a wiki devoted to classifying the tricks and trades of writing fiction, primarily focusing on television shows and characters. It contains an entry on Conservapedia, treating the site as a show or book, in which Andrew Schlafly is treated as a character in order to mock his values.<br /> <br /> ==Problems with TV Tropes==<br /> ===Bloat===<br /> Users of the site have too much time on their hands and are obsessed with television shows, such as the vacuous occult teen drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Consequently, they need excuses to make new pages. As a result, most of the entries are over specialized variations of other entries. Effectively every individual scene, character or theme, no matter how specific, can be turned into an article, even if they are not tropes as such. The official policy is that "There Is No Such Thing As Notability", the only qualifying factor for page creation is that the subject must actually exist.<br /> <br /> ===Soapboxing===<br /> A non-fiction educational wiki has been shoe-horned into TV Tropes as a way for the liberal editors to criticize it.<br /> <br /> ===Inconsistent use of tropes===<br /> In certain cases, in particular with YMMV tropes, the criteria used for determining trope applicability have been deemed inconsistent, even when there was a rubric for including them. An infamous example of this is the Complete Monster trope, reserved for the worst of the worst among villains, where some villains get removed for qualifying as "lacking in heinous standard" even when said villains have been depicted as being truly evil, such as outright enjoying jobs at assassination and having zero qualms with murdering children. One of the excuses for this inconsistency is the claim that different stories have differing moral standards, implying that they engage in [[Moral relativism]]. This also ends up contradicted when one character is labeled as a Complete Monster and the other in exactly the same work isn't considered such despite both characters doing exactly the same sort of thing that got one of them labeled as such in the first place and having very similar reactions. In addition, despite qualifying as YMMV, several entries relating to unintentionally sympathetic or unintentionally unsympathetic at times get removed due to the claim that they are insulting to the characters.<br /> <br /> ====Liberal bias====<br /> The site tends to promote several liberal biases. For instance, some of the tropes, in particular YMMV tropes, can make negative statements about President Bush, yet if a negative statement was made regarding Barack Obama, they remove it under the pretense of how it's never good to negatively comment on a President.<br /> <br /> ===Forums===<br /> Users who post more frequently on the forums are more likely to gain administrative privledges.<br /> <br /> ===Content===<br /> Profanity is occasionally used on the site, among other questionable content.<br /> [[Category:Wikis]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=TV_Tropes&diff=1375781 TV Tropes 2017-09-22T00:17:21Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''TV Tropes''' is a wiki devoted to classifying the tricks and trades of writing fiction, primarily focusing on television shows and characters. It contains an entry on Conservapedia, treating the site as a show or book, in which Andrew Schlafly is treated as a character in order to mock his values.<br /> <br /> ==Problems with TV Tropes==<br /> ===Bloat===<br /> Users of the site have too much time on their hands and are obsessed with television shows, such as the vacuous occult teen drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Consequently, they need excuses to make new pages. As a result, most of the entries are over specialized variations of other entries. Effectively every individual scene, character or theme, no matter how specific, can be turned into an article, even if they are not tropes as such. The official policy is that "There Is No Such Thing As Notability", the only qualifying factor for page creation is that the subject must actually exist.<br /> <br /> ===Soapboxing===<br /> A non-fiction educational wiki has been shoe-horned into TV Tropes as a way for the liberal editors to criticize it.<br /> <br /> ===Inconsistent use of tropes===<br /> In certain cases, in particular with YMMV tropes, the criteria used for determining trope applicability have been deemed inconsistent, even when there was a rubric for including them. An infamous example of this is the Complete Monster trope, reserved for the worst of the worst among villains, where some villains get removed for qualifying as "lacking in heinous standard" even when said villains have been depicted as being truly evil, such as outright enjoying jobs at assassination and having zero qualms with murdering children. One of the excuses for this inconsistency is the claim that different stories have differing moral standards, implying that they engage in [[Moral relativism]]. This also ends up contradicted when one character is labeled as a Complete Monster and the other in exactly the same work isn't considered such despite both characters doing exactly the same sort of thing that got one of them labeled as such in the first place and having very similar reactions. In addition, despite qualifying as YMMV, several entries relating to unintentionally sympathetic or unintentionally unsympathetic at times get removed due to the claim that they are insulting to the characters.<br /> <br /> ====Liberal bias====<br /> The site tends to promote several liberal biases. For instance, some of the tropes, in particular YMMV tropes, can make negative statements about President Bush, yet if a negative statement was made regarding Barack Obama, they remove it under the pretense of how it's never good to negatively comment on a President.<br /> <br /> ===Forums===<br /> Users who post more frequently on the forums are more likely to gain administrative privledges.<br /> [[Category:Wikis]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=TV_Tropes&diff=1375780 TV Tropes 2017-09-22T00:16:36Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''TV Tropes''' is a wiki devoted to classifying the tricks and trades of writing fiction, primarily focusing on television shows and characters. It contains an entry on Conservapedia, treating the site as a show or book, in which Andrew Schlafly is treated as a character in order to mock his values.<br /> <br /> ==Problems with TV Tropes==<br /> ===Bloat===<br /> Users of the site have too much time on their hands and are obsessed with television shows, such as the vacuous occult teen drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Consequently, they need excuses to make new pages. As a result, most of the entries are over specialized variations of other entries. Effectively every individual scene, character or theme, no matter how specific, can be turned into an article, even if they are not tropes as such. The official policy is that "There Is No Such Thing As Notability", the only qualifying factor for page creation is that the subject must actually exist.<br /> <br /> ===Soapboxing===<br /> A non-fiction educational wiki has been shoe-horned into TV Tropes as a way for the liberal editors to criticize it.<br /> <br /> ===Inconsistent use of tropes===<br /> In certain cases, in particular with YMMV tropes, the criteria used for determining trope applicability have been deemed inconsistent, even when there was a rubric for including them. An infamous example of this is the Complete Monster trope, reserved for the worst of the worst among villains, where some villains get removed for qualifying as "lacking in heinous standard" even when said villains have been depicted as being truly evil, such as outright enjoying jobs at assassination and having zero qualms with murdering children. One of the excuses for this inconsistency is the claim that different stories have differing moral standards, implying that they engage in [[Moral relativism]]. This also ends up contradicted when one character is labeled as a Complete Monster and the other in exactly the same work isn't considered such despite both characters doing exactly the same sort of thing that got one of them labeled as such in the first place and having very similar reactions. In addition, despite qualifying as YMMV, several entries relating to unintentionally sympathetic or unintentionally unsympathetic at times get removed due to the claim that they are insulting to the characters.<br /> <br /> ====Liberal bias====<br /> The site tends to promote several liberal biases. For instance, some of the tropes, in particular YMMV tropes, can make negative statements about President Bush, yet if a negative statement was made regarding Barack Obama, they remove it under the pretense of how it's never good to negatively comment on a President.<br /> <br /> ==Forums==<br /> Users who post more frequently on the forums are more likely to gain administrative privledges.<br /> [[Category:Wikis]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Media]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Dungeons_and_Dragons&diff=1375775 Dungeons and Dragons 2017-09-22T00:10:14Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>'''Dungeons & Dragons''' (D&amp;D or DnD) is a [[role-playing]] game with a medieval theme featuring [[myth]]ical creatures such as [[elf|elves]], [[dwarf (mythology)|dwarves]], [[orc]]s, and [[dragon]]s, but also semi-fictionalized [[demons]]. Players take the role of characters who solve a series of heroic adventures or quests. Though argued to be a harmless game, it has attracted a variety of criticism.<br /> <br /> Players typically do not compete against one another; rather, the players cooperate to achieve goals and objectives while a referee, in this case called the ''dungeon master'' (DM) or ''game master'' (GM), interprets rules and adjudicates the success or failure of the players' efforts. <br /> <br /> The game was first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules (TSR). Most of those rules and many of the subsequent rules were authored by [[Gary Gygax]]. There are some who claim that [[Dave Arneson]] was the actual "inventor" of D&D, but this claim is disputed, not least by the fact that many references were authored by Gygax. After its original publisher TSR, Inc., went bankrupt, the game was sold to [[Wizards of the Coast]], a division of Hasbro.<ref>Wizards of the Coast's [http://www.wizards.com/dnd D&amp;D site]</ref> <br /> <br /> In the late 1970s, the game's popularity exploded, particularly on college campuses. ''Dungeons & Dragons'' spawned countless variations and permutations, but during the earliest days of the game's growth, there were accusations that the game contributed to Satanic worship, teen suicide and general moral depravity. These criticisms have been repeatedly addressed by the game's creators and defenders.<br /> <br /> The 5th Edition of the game is the most recent, released in 2014.<br /> <br /> ==Game play==<br /> ''Dungeons & Dragons'' is a free-form game in which a referee (the Dungeon Master) describes a situational problem to the players and then the players reply with any imaginable response. The exploits of players can occur in any fantasy setting but at some point the adventure often occurs in a ''dungeon'' or subterranean locale not unlike ''[[Khazad-dûm|Moria]]'' in [[Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.<br /> <br /> Players' characters can gain more powers and abilities from earning ''experience points'' for completing various tasks (e.g. solving puzzles, killing enemies) during adventures.<br /> <br /> ===Alignment System===<br /> Because D&D players can basically "do" anything there are moral implications to the choices players make. To provide a frame of reference and to help the game make sense, Gygax devised an alignment system. All characters (and monsters) are required to have an ''alignment'' and they must adhere to the beliefs of that alignment.<br /> <br /> Morality is divided into "Good," "Neutral" and "Evil" while ethics are divided into "Lawful," "Neutral" and "Chaotic." By combining these two frameworks, we arrive at the nine alignments: lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, true neutral ("neutral neutral"), chaotic neutral, lawful evil, neutral evil, or chaotic evil.<br /> <br /> These alignments help players and referees roleplay characters and monsters.<br /> <br /> In the original versions of the game, only the "ethical" (Law/Chaos) axis of morality was present. The "moral" (good/evil) axis was added in later editions. 4th Edition removes the axis concept, resulting in the alignments lawful good, good, unaligned, evil, and chaotic evil.<br /> <br /> The ability of players to play evil characters has been among the criticisms against the game.<br /> <br /> ===Components of a Character===<br /> A character is described in detail on a "character sheet" where the player records important facts about the character. This includes the character's "race", vocation, unique skills, and numerical ratings of the character's attributes. <br /> <br /> In this case, "race" refers to a race from fantasy such as an elf, dwarf, gnome or halfling—effectively used as an archaic term for "species". The races which are allowed in the game vary from DM to DM according to the tastes of players and the setting that the DM has devised. The vocation or "class" of the character refers to the fantasy archetype the player wishes to play, e.g. wizard, barbarian, rogue, cleric, etc. The selection of race and class will impact skills and attributes which are available to the character as well as the strengths and weaknesses the character. <br /> <br /> ===The Magic System ===<br /> The magic system used in Dungeons & Dragons is based very loosely on the writing of fantasy and science fiction author [[Jack Vance]]. Magic using characters must memorize their spells and a spell leaves the wizard's memory upon being cast. Novices and those who have never played the game should note that in this case, the player doesn't actually memorize anything. The "memorization" is really just a mechanic to help limit the number of spells a player can use per gaming episode. The 4th Edition makes significant changes to the system, basing most abilities on "per encounter" uses (as in, how many times per battle or event an ability can be used).<br /> <br /> The depiction of the use of magic is another point of contention among those who criticize the game.<br /> <br /> ===The Combat System ===<br /> To determine the outcome of man-to-man combat, players roll dice to determine if an attack "hits" and then if the attack hits how much damage the attack does. Damage reduces the defender's "hit points." When a combatant's hit points are depleted, that combatant is "dead" or incapacitated. This combat system was developed from a ship-to-ship naval combat game that Gygax adapted to describe medieval man-to-man combat.<br /> <br /> ==History and Development==<br /> The origins of D&D are found in a prior generation of [[miniatures games]] such as [[H.G. Wells]]' [[Little Wars]]. ''Little Wars'' is a set of rules which describe how to play a game with toy soldiers. <br /> <br /> Wells' rules were themselves based upon earlier games which were primarily played by nobility and royals to teach warfare strategy.<ref>http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?fk_files=6040&pageno=2 Foreword to Little Wars by ''H.G. Wells''</ref> With the publication of ''Little Wars'', H.G. Wells hoped to bring a game previously known only to kings to the common man. Because tin soldiers do not bleed and do not leave widows, it was Wells hope that men could settle differences by little wars rather than real wars. <br /> <br /> Miniature gaming such as ''Little Wars'' was nearly unknown in America, although there were pockets of hobbyists such as "International Federation of Gamers", a tiny group near Milwaukee Wisconsin.<ref>http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_History.asp</ref> [[Gary Gygax]] and [[Dave Arneson]] were members of that gaming group. It can rightly be said that Gygax and Arneson are the fathers of modern role-playing games, but the contributions of other local gamers are muddied into this mix as well. <br /> <br /> ===Gygax & Arneson===<br /> In 1969, Gary Gygax adapted rules meant to govern wooden ship combat into a medieval combat game which was published by Guidon Games under the name ''Chainmail''. The game was very popular locally and grew organically over the next few years. At the same time, ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' was gaining mass appeal in the United States. This inspired players to incorporate elements of fantasy into their wargames.<br /> <br /> By 1970, Dave Arneson adapted these and other club rules into something generally referred to as ''the fantasy game''.<ref>http://jovianclouds.com/blackmoor/</ref> ''The fantasy game'' had several key innovations --- many of which were of Arneson's devising. In previous wargames, players generally led an army of toy soldiers. But in ''the fantasy game'', each player had only one soldier, described as a ''character'' or ''player character''. <br /> <br /> Further the game evolved to include the concept that at the next game session would pick up where the last game session ended. Another evolutionary concept was the idea of a referee or game master. The referee, often played by Arneson or Gygax, had the job of making final judgments and augmenting the rules as necessary to keep the game going.<ref>http://jovianclouds.com/blackmoor/rpg2.html</ref> <br /> <br /> As few records were kept at the time, there is some question as to who exactly designed what in ''the fantasy game'' with Gygax and Arneson at times jointly and separately claiming to have "invented the game". Arneson's chief claims rest on his evolution of certain key concepts that would constitute all role-playing games to follow. Gygax's claim rests upon the fact that most of the early reference works were authored by Gygax.<br /> <br /> ===OD&D===<br /> In 1972, Gary Gygax and others formed a partnership called Tactical Studies Rules and in 1974 Tactical Studies Rules published Gary Gygax' version of "the Fantasy Game", later named ''Dungeons & Dragons''.<ref>http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_History.asp#</ref> This version of the game --- often called ''Original Dungeons & Dragons'', ''Old Dungeons & Dragons'' or ''OD&D'' --- was printed in staple-bound paperback form from folded sheets of 8.5 x 11 paper and sold as a boxed set. <br /> <br /> By many accounts, ''OD&D'' was a clunky game, sparse on rules, but in this game one would find all the elements of a modern role-playing game: player characters, a game master, serial adventures, and the opportunity for character growth. Several print runs of this version sold out quickly and went on to exceed the expectations of everyone involved.<br /> <br /> After the tremendous success of the D&D paperbacks, Tactical Studies Rules reorganized with partners Gary Gygax, Don Kaye and Brian Blume under the name TSR Hobbies Inc. In 1975, TSR Hobbies published OD&D supplements, Gygax's ''[[Greyhawk]]'' and Arneson's ''[[Blackmoor]]''.<ref>http://www.dadsdnd.com/greyhawk.html</ref><ref>http://www.dadsdnd.com/blackmoor.html</ref><br /> <br /> ''Dungeons & Dragons'' began to be noticed by American culture at about the same time the company released ''Eldritch Wizardry'' and ''God, Demigods & Heroes''. The cover of ''Eldritch Wizardry'' featured an nude dress female strewn over an altar.<ref>http://www.deigames.com/eldwiz2.JPG</ref> ''Gods, Demigods & Heroes'' was a mythological reference with gods and heroes from the legends and lore of Greeks, Egyptians, Indians, Norse and more. Many of these mythological gods are considered creatures of human invention, but some are now considered demons by the Christian Church. <br /> <br /> Although the game was gaining popularity, the works served as a lightning rod for criticism. Although some of the art in these and later editions would violate the [[Comics Code]], the publishers at TSR failed to appreciate the danger of ignoring these rules. Some of TSR's management believed that D&D was marketed toward adult males, not teens and preteens, and thus the Comics Code did not apply. It soon became evident that D&D's popularity reached beyond college-age males.<br /> <br /> ===First Edition===<br /> In 1977, TSR Hobbies published the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, a boxed set containing revised and abbreviated rules for easier introduction to the game. This was followed in 1978 by the publication of the "core rule books" of D&D: the ''Players Handbook'', the ''Dungeon Masters Guide'' and the ''Monster Manual''. (Later editions of this game would follow this pattern.) Taken as a whole with several other reference books this version of the game is alternatively referred to as Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, AD&D, 1E, 1ED&D. This version of the game revised and organized the notes from OD&D into a single playable whole in hardback books. <br /> <br /> Although the art found in the books is hardly obscene and does not approach what is found regularly in American culture today, there were a handful of depictions that did not meet the Comics Code. For example, a [[harpy]], a creature from Greek mythology, that is half-woman half-vulture was depicted with nipples revealed.<ref>''Monster Manual'' by Gary Gygax published by TSR Hobbies 1978</ref> And a mermaid was depicted topless with her hair covering parts of the chest.<ref>''Dungeon Masters Guide'' by Gary Gygax published by TSR Hobbies 1979</ref> <br /> <br /> Additionally the game had references to many demons and devils (intended as adversaries). Also the game had a polytheist mythos with some players playing the part of clerics, or priests, of these imaginary or mythical gods. (See backlash below.)<br /> <br /> ===Second Edition===<br /> In 1983, TSR Hobbies changed its name to TSR, Inc. For the next several years, TSR, Inc. released supplements and adventures for AD&D, along with reprints of the AD&D core books. Typical adventure supplements sold 10,000 to 100,000 units, while each print run of the AD&D core rules sold 40,000 copies.<ref>http://www.acaeum.com/library/printrun.html</ref> While the company continue to sell respectable amounts of product, internal disorganization, in-fighting and corporate inefficiencies limited profitability. After a bitter fight with partners, Gygax was forced from the board of directors and eventually left the company. With Arneson gone since First Edition, the game was now in the hands of a second generation.<br /> <br /> In 1989, TSR Inc. released Second Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. This version of the game was largely a rewrite of the previous edition that was nearly fully compatible with First Edition AD&D. The game was largely sanitized and edited, but not so much reborne. For example, the art of Second Edition achieved a more professional standard. The art did not violate the Comics Code. Second Edition removed all references to "real" gods, devils and demons and inserted divas and angelic creatures.<br /> <br /> Under the umbrella of Second Edition D&D, TSR, Inc. released some of its most enduring and popular titles. Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance were all second edition products. <br /> <br /> ===Third Edition===<br /> In 1997, TSR, Inc. was purchased by [[Wizards of the Coast]]. (Wizards is often called WotC, and this acronym is pronounced ''what-see''.) Wizards (eventually acquired by Hasbro) continued to improve the art and graphics of D&D and in 2000 released ''Third Edition Dungeons & Dragons'' to supplant second edition. While preserving the concepts of RPGing and many of the archetypes of AD&D, Third Edition (3E) would do what Second Edition had not. <br /> <br /> Third Edition rewrote many of the basic constructs of the game in an effort to "modernize" the game and streamline some of D&D's clumsiest and clunkiest mechanics. Third Edition rules and supplements broke from the tradition of improving an existing system. Rather third edition replaced the previous system with "new and better" mechanics. <br /> <br /> By the time of the release of Third Edition, most of the controversy associated with D&D had dissipated as secular culture had digressed far beyond anything found in previous D&D. With little controversy or fanfare, D&D reintroduced demons and many of the darker concepts of ''Dungeons & Dragons''. <br /> <br /> Now based in Seattle Washington, rather than Lake Geneva Wisconsin, the editors at WotC seem to exhibit the cultural norms found in Seattle rather than the heartlands. For example, rather than using the pronoun ''he'' in non-gender specific rules, Third Edition D&D bypasses the clumsy but [[political correctness|politically correct]] construct ''he/she'', and describes rules based on hypothetical characters. For example, the 3rd Edition "iconic" paladin was a woman named Alhandra, so the rules text describing the paladin's abilities used "she"; 3rd Edition's "iconic" cleric was a man named Jozan, so the rules text describing the cleric's abilities used "he".<br /> <br /> The D&D ethos traditionally favored ''good'' characters, but Third Edition seems to subscribe to a "balanced" view as the idea. For example, many of the more evil creatures in Dungeons and Dragons prey on each other as much as on good people (the iconic example being lawful evil devils and chaotic evil demons); some of the text in the game indicates that they should be left to do this, rather than someone trying to destroy one or the other and uniting them, however briefly, in a struggle against the interloper. This is a troubling symptom of our cultural drift from conservative values but not the cause of that drift. <br /> <br /> ===Fourth Edition===<br /> With much fanfare, the Fourth Edition of the game was recently announced. Coveting the tremendous revenue of miniatures games like [[Games Workshop]]'s ''[[Warhammer]]'', Fourth Edition is compatible with the new D&D Miniatures game. Fourth Edition also uses many of the conventions wildly accepted in online computer games following widely successful games like Blizzard's [[World of Warcraft]] and [[Diablo]]. The game makes several other adjustments; see above for some such changes.<br /> <br /> ==Fifth Edition==<br /> In an attempt to revitalize sales, Wizards of the Coast announced a new edition of the game in 2012 that have extended play testing before release. The first core rule book, the Player's Handbook, was released in June 2014 in time for Dungeons and Dragons 40th anniversary. The game has elements of all of the previous editions, and has more clear rules for beginning players. <ref>http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons</ref> <br /> <br /> ====D&D Online====<br /> There is now a Dungeons & Dragons Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game (MMORPG) known as ''Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach'' which takes place in the ''Eberron'' campaign setting. Online and computer games are similar to D&D in many respects, but the play of these games is entirely different. D&D is characterized by a human referee and complete freedom of action. Without these key components, the game is a mere shadow of D&D.<br /> <br /> ===Summary===<br /> <br /> ''Dungeons & Dragons'' is nothing more or less than a formalized game of pretend, similar to imaginary adventures that children everywhere play. But, the simplicity of this concept was not immediately evident to players of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' or the public at large. Although D&D has a fantasy theme and many rules for resolving actions, ''Dungeons & Dragons'' is at its core a game of pretend like "cops and robbers" or "cowboys and Indians".<br /> <br /> ==Concerns and Criticisms==<br /> In the late seventies and early eighties, the sudden popularity of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' resulted in a cultural and religious backlash against perceived dangers from the game. ''Dungeons & Dragons'' was linked to the occult, witchcraft & demonology. Additionally there was some criticism about the art depicted in the earliest versions of the game. Much of this criticism came from the natural tendency of people to fear the unknown and to fear new ideas, but some of this criticism was valid and affected later versions of what was published under the name ''Dungeons & Dragons''. <br /> <br /> ===Demons and Devils===<br /> In D&D, player characters (the player's in game persona) are constantly gaining strength and power. Therefore, they are forever seeking more powerful adversaries and more difficult challenges. For example, at the start of a campaign player characters may be doing battle with creatures short of stature with significant disadvantages (low intelligence, fear of sunlight) such as goblins or kobolds. But as the player character's power increases, so to increases the deadliness of their opponents. In the search for ever more powerful opponents game designers eventually developed attributes for demons and devils. <br /> <br /> The publishers of the game had imagined that they would sell a few hundred copies to college-aged males and never imagined that the game would experience explosive popularity, especially among teens as young as thirteen. Therefore, no thought or planning was invested into the potential impact of defining the powers and abilities of demons and devils. To the game's designers and players, killing a demon (in game) was no more controversial than killing a bishop in a game of chess. <br /> <br /> But to bystanders the very inclusion of demons and devils was enough to cast suspicion upon the entire game—particularly since the game's much-touted freedom might allow a character to side with them. Additionally, the inclusion of demons and devils in the game raised other questions, such as why there are no angels in the game. There were no angels in the earliest editions of the game, because there was no reason to have an angel in the role of a ''monster''. (See terminology above.) By late First Edition and early Second Edition, the game included and defined [[angels]], devas and other highly powerful creatures of good; sometimes these were presented as allies for good characters, sometimes enemies for evil ones. This led to the criticism that religious icons were being disrespected by inclusion in the reference works. <br /> <br /> In the Second Edition, the publishers tried to sanitize D&D by removing demons and devils, but many players (who enjoyed the challenge of destroying demons) resisted this effort. Later editions removed many references to "real" demons. Additionally, the terms "devil" and "demon" were replaced with the terms "baatezu" and "tanar'ri", respectively, and "the Nine Hells" (the outer planar home of devils/baatezu) was renamed "Baator". <br /> <br /> However, in Third Edition, the game's original terms were readopted and blended—colloquially, for example, creatures from the Nine Hells (also called Baator) were called devils, but the most dominant species of the devils called themselves baatezu. An entire "mature" supplement (though there is no legal restriction on who may buy it, a large sticker is on the cover of most copies, stating it is for mature gamers only), known as the Book of Vile Darkness<ref>[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/881610000 "Book of Vile Darkness"]</ref> was produced to introduce more overtly evil concepts into the game, ostensibly in ways for the DM to make the most horrific enemies possible for their players. A follow-up, the Book of Exalted Deeds,<ref>[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/880260000 "Book of Exalted Deeds"]</ref> was created as a way for players to explore the philosophy and morality of good, and to make a good alignment more than a line on their character sheet. (The titles of both books are based on magic items in the game, both of which are extremely useful to a person of the proper alignment.)<br /> <br /> The Fourth Edition Player's Handbook, released in 2008, was the first to contain a "Warlock" class, which allows the player to make a pact with a certain creature to gain power. One option is the "Infernal Pact", allowing the player to literally make a deal with a devil. <br /> <br /> The Fifth Edition Player's Handbook also features a "Warlock" class with an option to make an "Infernal Pact".<br /> <br /> ===D&D and the Occult===<br /> The game includes fictional depictions of supernatural abilities called magic, evil monsters called demons and devils, and fictional deities along with their followers. Christians are divided on how this interacts with their faith. A minority of Christians believe that fictional depictions of fantasy elements such as those found in ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[Harry Potter]]'', or ''Dungeons & Dragons'' are blasphemous, but most Christians see no problem with such fictional works. <br /> <br /> Starting in the late 1970s the game and others like it came under attack mainly from some fundamentalist Christians as promoting occult and criminal activity. The game's dangers were alleged in the ''Dark Dungeons'' tract by [[Jack Chick]],<ref>Jack Chick: [http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0046/0046_01.asp "Dark Dungeons"]</ref> which portrays D&D players committing suicide when their characters are killed or joining secret witches' covens and learning to cast real magic spells when their characters reach a high enough level.<br /> <br /> The fact is that ''Dungeons & Dragons'' designers and players had nothing to do with occult or criminal activity and thirty years later it may be hard to understand how people could confuse D&D with occult activities. In the earliest days of D&D it was easy for an uninformed bystander to draw faulty conclusions based upon a limited knowledge of the game. In its earliest days, OD&D often sold out due to low print runs, leaving bystanders with little access to the rules and little direct knowledge of the game.<br /> <br /> For example, bystanders knew the game was developing a devoted cult-following. There is an important distinction between a cult-following and a cult itself, but this was lost on some bystanders. As a cult-following, D&D developed an insular fraternity of fans who were plugged into something exciting and new. Each day the world of D&D expanded and every player everywhere had a hand in the growth of the game. The players were developing their own lexicon and making new and ever expanding rules. This close bond and strange lexicon was easily misunderstood by those with limited exposure to the game. <br /> <br /> In the late seventies the game's popularity was preceded by rumors that players were involved in some strange occult activities. Bystanders knew that D&D players were talking about fantastic creatures, magical spells and even demons because the game often includes descriptions of [[occult]] elements like [[magic]], [[ghost]]s, [[spirit]]s, [[demon]]s and [[devil]]s. To an uninformed bystander this may be pretty scary stuff. But, the truth was (allegedly) significantly less mysterious and sensational. <br /> <br /> These misperceptions have largely evaporated, both because of the game's popularity and better information about the product. Critics became aware that players were not involved in anything occult but were gaming in a fantasy setting. Most everyone in America knows someone who has played ''Dungeons & Dragons'', although they may not know it since playing rightly carries a stigma of geekiness.<br /> <br /> ===God and gods===<br /> One item of concern for conservative Christians is that players' characters do not usually worship [[God]], but instead choose a [[patron]] deity from a fictional [[polytheistic]] pantheon. The game settings manufactured by [[Wizards of the Coast]] (''Greyhawk'', ''Faerûn'', ''Eberron'', etc.) expressly adopt a polytheistic [[pantheon]] of fictional deities and reject real-world [[religion]]s as a part of the game. (The Deities and Demigods<ref>[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/881650000 "Deities and Demigods"]</ref> supplement offers several different takes on religion, including rules for a monotheistic game world, but deliberately sidesteps the question of any modern religion—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.--even as it brings up pantheons of old myths, such as the Greek or Norse gods. It's likely they used only "dead" religions in order to avoid controversy.) The question of what extent and form of religion should be depicted in the game has been a question since the earliest days of the game. In an in depth look at monotheism in fantasy games, Joseph R.Ravitts raised some of the problems and benefits for a born-again Christian's point of view.<ref>"Monotheism in Gaming" by Joseph R. Ravitts, Pegasus Magazine Issue #4 published in 1981 by Judges' Guild</ref> <br /> <br /> Ravitts already understood the power of role-playing, which is now well known. Namely, role-playing is a powerful behavior modification tool. The concept is that if you pretend that you believe something, eventually you will believe that thing. For this reason, he posited that it was important to avoid role-playing in a polytheistic world. Referencing the classic argument from ''[[Mere Christianity]]'' by [[C.S. Lewis]], Ravitts explained how polytheism is really just [[atheism]] or [[monotheism]] in disguise. He believed that if players and DM's actively played in an atheistic world, they would eventually become atheists. <br /> <br /> He then pointed out the difficulties of importing Christianity or other religions into D&D. Ravitts pointed out it is a simple matter to import mythological gods like [[Zeus]] or [[Thor]] into a fantasy setting. One simply imagines these gods are in the fantasy world and begins playing. But this is much more difficult with religious figures like [[Jesus]], [[Muhammad]] or [[Buddha]]. Each of these three men were real historic personages. For example, Jesus lived, died and rose again in the Middle East at a specific time and place.<br /> <br /> Ravitts proposed two simple work-arounds, for those who care about their spiritual well-being. Firstly, one could assume that all humans are teleported from Earth or descended from folks who were teleported from Earth. These humans have preserved their religious identities and thus Christianity is an option for players without tampering with the historical nature of Jesus. Secondly Ravitts proposed altering the game's mythos to allow for an all-powerful detached God reigning over the "gods, demigods and devils". In this way the "gods" are not gods at all, but just ultra-powerful beings who distract souls from worshiping the one true God.<br /> <br /> However, it is worth noting that novels and "sourcebooks" make occasional references to a "God of gods".<br /> <br /> Of course there are alternatives such as ''[http://www.greenronin.com/catalog/grr1019 Testament]'' a D&D-type game set in the Biblical Era. Further, many of the game worlds portray certain gods and religions as being metaphors for modern ones. (Even the incredibly polytheistic Forgotten Realms, where more than a hundred deities exist, features a triad of gods that could be based on the Holy Trinity.) Ultimately, D&D is a game of fantasy and players are encouraged to alter the game world to better suit their tastes, and many Christian players and DMs alter the game world so that it better fits their personal beliefs.<br /> <br /> ===The art of D&D===<br /> Another criticism is that illustrations in the rule books for ''Dungeons & Dragons'' often contain images of immodestly dressed women. For example, in the First Edition ''Monster Manual'' a number of drawings depicted topless creatures of fantasy such as the harpy (half-vulture half-woman) or the succubus (a demoness). The OD&D reference ''Eldritch Wizardry'' featured the profile of a nude woman. Most of these images are fairly crudely rendered and are not particularly racy by today's standards, but they did exceed the limitations of the [[Comics Code]] of the time.<ref>http://www.geocities.com/Athens/8580/cca3.html</ref><br /> <br /> By the publication of Second Edition, the art and layout of the D&D game was managed by professionals. As a result, the quality of the art increased significantly and anything racy was eliminated from the art work. There was some minor controversy with the revised Third Edition ''Monster Manual'''s artwork of the succubus and nymph (a water spirit in the form of a beautiful woman), but aside from these there is nothing particularly shocking in the art for a child or adult of any age.<br /> <br /> ===Unchristian Activities===<br /> Although Dungeons & Dragons does not present itself as either pro-Christian or anti-Christian, the game features many elements which can be considered to agree with or go against the teachings of Christ. The game has drawn criticism for allowing players to undertake the roleplaying of un-Christian activities: the rules allow a player to have their character perform evil acts, including the summoning or worshiping of demons and devils. Certain fundamentalists disagree with the very format of the game in that player characters can pretend to cast imaginary spells while playing the game. <br /> <br /> Some feel that the primary action of the game involves the fictional slaying of monsters and the fictional accumulation of wealth, some Christians feel that this goes against the teachings of Christ regarding [[pacifism]] ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 5:38-42) and the accumulation of [[wealth]] (Matthew 19:24). Others see these actions as heroic endeavors and wealth is a byproduct of doing good things. Either way, the game and it's choices are a matter of free will. <br /> <br /> Former [[United Methodist Church]] minister James Wyatt wrote an essay comparing the freedom of a Dungeons & Dragons player to choose his own actions, to the Christian concept of Free Will. As in real life, a player may, when presented with a moral choice, decide for himself whether to do good or evil. If the player was not able to do evil, he would be forced to do good, removing his freedom. Similarly, God allows human beings to choose between good and evil in real life, and people must accept the consequences of their choice. The supplements that deal specifically with demons and devils make it quite clear that the afterlife for characters who are condemned to the Abyss or the Nine Heels is in no way pleasant, and may even be short.<br /> <br /> Tracy Hickman, one of the main authors of the Dungeons & Dragons Dragonlance book series, and a Christian with conservative politics and theology, has written a number of articles defending and discussing D&D from a Christian perspective.<ref name="Waldron">The Journal of Religion and Popular Culture: [http://www.usask.ca/relst/jrpc/art9-roleplaying.html "Role-Playing Games and the Christian Right"]</ref> Others within the Dungeons & Dragons community responded by writing other defenses from rationalist perspectives or other perspectives or by writing parodies such as "Chess: The Subtle Sin: Should Christians play chess?". Some argue that in response to the perceived Christian persecution of the Dungeons & Dragons, darker themed, deliberately counter-cultural games appeared in reaction such as [[Call of Cthulhu]] which is based on the horror writing of [[H.P. Lovecraft]] and set in the [[Cthulhu|Cthulhu Mythos]],<ref name="Waldron"/> or [[Vampire: the Masquerade]], where players act the roles of undead vampires.<br /> <br /> ====Possible Areas of Concern for Christians====<br /> D&D is a "game of pretend" whereby players pretend to take certain actions and the DM adjudicates the results of those actions. By its very nature, this leaves players open to experiment with various moral quandaries and social dilemmas. This is a valuable tool for players to learn the implications and results of playing both good and evil characters. However, the possibility exists that such an experience may not be beneficial or appropriate for everyone—in particular, persons who already have difficulty separating fantasy with reality might be able to be helped by the game, but it could also make things worse. Due to the nature of roleplaying games, a great deal depends upon the individual group in question; a given game of Dungeons and Dragons might be benign from a Christian standpoint, or it might involve activities and ideas that a Christian would find profoundly distasteful.<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://aquela.com/roleplaying/r&r/index.html Religion and Roleplaying]<br /> * [http://www.fansforchrist.org/new/articles/article03a.htm Christians Playing Dungeons and Dragons] - An informed Christian's perspective on Dungeons & Dragons. <br /> * [http://www.trhickman.com/Intel/Essays/Ethic2.html Ethics in Fantasy: Morality and D&D] - Tracey Hickman's essay concerning Christian perspectives and common misunderstandings about Role-Playing Games<br /> * [http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/3691 Full text of H.G. Wells ''Little Wars; a game for boys from twelve years of age to one hundred and fifty'] <br /> <br /> [[Category:Games]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Nintendo&diff=1375762 Nintendo 2017-09-21T23:46:23Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:765px-Nintendo svg.png|right|thumb|Nintendo logo.]]<br /> '''Nintendo''' is commonly known as one of the major [[video game]] [[hardware]] and [[software]] manufacturers in the world. <br /> <br /> ==Origins==<br /> Nintendo got its start in [[Japan]] in 1889, as a company manufacturing cards for [[Hanafuda]], a Japanese [[card game]]. In the 1960s, it diversified into a number of ultimately unsuccessful product lines, including a [[toy]] company. In the 1970s, it moved into electronic gaming, where it was ultimately successful.<br /> <br /> In 1981, it created the popular arcade game "[[Donkey Kong]]", which brought it international attention, and introduced Nintendo to the [[United States|American]] market. Nintendo's products in the United States are released through Nintendo of America, their American subsidiary. They are largely responsible for saving the console video game industry after the video game crash of 1983 with the creation of the Famicom (Known as the Nintendo Entertainment System outside of Japan). <br /> <br /> The word 'Nintendo' (任天堂株式会社) is said by the companies own sources to literally translate to 'leave luck to [[heaven]]'.<ref>Touch Generations: [http://www.touchgenerations.com/enGB/discover_nintendo/what_nintendo_means.php What Nintendo Means]</ref> The term has its origins in [[gambling]] done with Hanafuda cards.<br /> <br /> ==Early restrictions on content==<br /> Before the days of [[ESRB]] video game ratings, Nintendo maintained a strict policy banning the inclusion of pornography in games made for it's consoles as they feared "their name would be forever tarnished." Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe also banned games containing blood, graphic or domestic violence, drug use, and political messages. However, NOA and NOE also were alleged to ban religious symbols in games, although in Legend of Zelda, religious symbols were still shown. These policies vanished when ESRB started rating video games.<br /> <br /> ==Nintendo Video game systems==<br /> [[Image:Bible_adventures.jpg|right|190px|thumb|An unlicensed NES game cartridge.]]<br /> *[[NES]] - Nintendo Entertainment System.<br /> *[[Game Boy]] - A classic handheld games console.<br /> *[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] - Super Nintendo, a 16-bit console.<br /> *[[Virtual Boy]] - A mobile system which utilised 2 screens to provide a 3D view.<br /> *[[N64]] - [[Nintendo 64]], Nintendo's first 64bit console.<br /> *[[GBC]] - Game Boy Color, evolution of the original with a color screen.<br /> *[[GBA]] - Game Boy Advance, a 32bit handheld.<br /> *[[GBA SP]]- Game Boy Advance SP, an upgraded version of the Game Boy Advance.<br /> *[[GameCube]] - Nintendo's entry to the 128bit console war with Sony's PS2 ([[Playstation2]]) & Microsoft [[Xbox]].<br /> *[[DS]] - An innovative 64bit handheld.<br /> *[[DS Lite]] - Nintendo DS Lite, an improved version of the original.<br /> *[[DSi]] - vastly improved version of the DS, with a completely updated [[Operating System]] and featuring, two cameras, downloadable content available for free or real world money (includes a free internet web <br /> browser), and an SD card expansion slot.<br /> *[[Wii]] - Nintendo's seventh generation console which competed with the Mircosoft[[Xbox 360]] & the Sony[[Playstation 3]].<ref>http://nexgenwars.com/</ref><br /> *[[Nintendo 3DS]]- New version of the DS with stereoscopic 3D graphic (true 3D) capabilities and new game library with DS backward compatibility.<br /> *[[Wii U]]- Nintendo's eighth generation console.<br /> *Switch - Nintendo's ninth generation console. It also functions as a handheld system.<br /> ===Nintendo Entertainment System===<br /> The '''Nintendo Entertainment System''', commonly known as the NES for short and as the '''Famicom''' (short for '''Family Computer''') in [[Japan]], is an 8-bit [[video game]] console manufactured by the Japanese company Nintendo, first released in 1985. In Japan later on, an upgrade called the '''Famicom Disk System''' was released. The NES was released by [[Hyundai]] in [[South Korea]] as the '''Comboy'''. The NES was the first console released by Nintendo and was the best selling console of its time. Nintendo released the NES after successes in the arcade with games such as ''Donkey Kong'' and ''Popeye''. The NES is known for revitalizing the video game industry after its 1983 crash. The NES came with a copy of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' and ''Duck Hunt''.<br /> <br /> The main competitor of the NES was Sega who, after the Genesis was released, created a promotional campaign ''Genesis Does What Nintendon't''. Soon after that, Nintendo released the [[SNES]]. <br /> <br /> Unlicensed clones, dubbed Famiclones, are sold due to the lack of original hardware remaining. The first Famiclones were illegal and sold while the NES was produced in markets where the NES was not introduced. They were introduced in North America by companies such as Yobo and Retro Duo and are considered legitimate, due to NES hardware patents expiring. They have mixed compatibility rates, but Yobo and Retro Duo units function well.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> *''[[Bible Adventures]]''<br /> *''[[Bomberman]]''<br /> *''[[Dr. Mario]]''<br /> *''[[Kirby's Adventure]]''<br /> *''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''<br /> *''[[Metroid]]''<br /> *''[[StarTropics]]''<br /> *''[[Super Mario Bros]]''<br /> *''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]''<br /> *''Metal Gear''<br /> <br /> ===Game Boy===<br /> '''Game Boy''' is a line of portable [[video game]] systems developed by Nintendo. However, the term "Game Boy" usually refers to the original Nintendo Game Boy.<br /> <br /> The original Game Boy made its debut in 1989, and was about [[inch|4&Prime; x 7&Prime;]] in size. In 1996, the Game Boy Pocket was released, measuring at a reduced 3&Prime; x 5&Prime;. In 1998, the Game Boy Color was released, succeeding the monochrome original. In 2001 a complete update was made to the line with the Game Boy Advance. The Advance included a new shape, improved sound, and more complex graphics (from 8 bit to 32 bit). Due to complaints over the Advance's lack of a back light, the upgraded Game Boy Advance SP was released in 2003; the SP had a folding case, an LCD screen with back light, and a rechargeable lithium battery. Currently, Nintendo's stake in the portable gaming market is based on the [[Nintendo DS]] (2005).<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> <br /> *''Tetris''<br /> *''Super Mario Land''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening''<br /> *''Donkey Kong Land''<br /> *''Pokemon''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages''<br /> *''Metroid Fusion''<br /> *''Metroid: Zero Mission''<br /> *''Golden Sun''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap''<br /> <br /> ===Super Nintendo Entertainment System===<br /> The '''Super Nintendo Entertainment System''' ('''SNES''', '''Super NES''' or '''Super Nintendo''' for short), known as the '''Super Famicom''' in [[Japan]], and the '''Super Comboy''' in [[South Korea]] is a 16-bit [[video game]] console first released in 1991 by Nintendo. It was the successor to the company's [[NES|Nintendo Entertainment System]] and predecessor to the [[Nintendo 64]]. Although the hardware is extremely similar, each have a regional lockout chip to prevent a console from one region from playing games from another. The SNES was the best-selling console of the 16-bit era of video games, despite having a late start against its main competitor, the [[Sega Genesis]].<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> *''[[Chrono Trigger]]''<br /> *''[[EarthBound]]''<br /> *''[[Final Fantasy II]]''<br /> *''[[Final Fantasy III]]''<br /> *''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]<br /> *''[[Star Fox]]''<br /> *''[[Street Fighter II]]''<br /> *''[[Super Mario World]]''<br /> *''[[Super Mario Kart]]''<br /> *''[[Super Metroid]]''<br /> <br /> ===Nintendo 64===<br /> The '''Nintendo 64''' is a gaming console released by Nintendo in 1996. The console gained acute popularity with first-party titles. The Nintendo 64 was the third home console released by Nintendo and succeeded the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. The console's main competitor was the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation]], and it had a major advantage over the N64 because the PlayStation used discs rather than cartridges like the N64 and garnered much more third-party support. Despite this, Nintendo produced some of their most notable gaming classics for this system.<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> <br /> *''Super Mario 64''<br /> *''Mario Kart 64''<br /> *''Star Fox 64''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask''<br /> *''GoldenEye 007''<br /> *''Donkey Kong 64''<br /> *''Super Smash Bros.''<br /> *''Pokemon Stadium''<br /> *''Star Wars: Rogue Squadron''<br /> <br /> <br /> ===Nintendo GameCube===<br /> The '''Nintendo GameCube''' is Nintendo's fourth home [[video game console]], belonging to the sixth generation era. The GameCube is the most compact and least expensive of the sixth generation era consoles. It is the successor to the [[Nintendo 64]] and the predecessor of the [[Wii]]. The home console was released on September 14, 2001 in [[Japan]]; November 18, 2001 in [[North America]]; May 3, 2002 in [[Europe]]; and May 17, 2002 in [[Australia]]. It was Nintendo's first console without a launch title starring Mario.<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> <br /> *''Super Mario Sunshine''<br /> *''Luigi's Mansion''<br /> *''Super Smash Bros. Melee''<br /> *''Metroid Prime''<br /> *''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes''<br /> *''Star Fox Adventures''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' (Also available on Nintendo Wii)<br /> *''Mario Kart: Double Dash''<br /> *''Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door''<br /> *''Resident Evil 4''<br /> <br /> ===Nintendo DS===<br /> The '''Nintendo DS''' is a [[video game]] system created by Nintendo. Its main features are its two screens (its name is an [[acronym]] for "Dual Screens" or "Developer System") and the touch-sensitivity of the bottom screen. Notable games include:<br /> <br /> * ''Super Mario 64 DS''<br /> * ''[[Mario Kart]] DS''<br /> * ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]''<br /> * ''The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass''<br /> * ''The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks''<br /> * ''[[Pokemon Diamond and Pearl]]''<br /> * ''Nintendogs''<br /> * ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]''<br /> <br /> A new version of the DS, the 'DS Lite' (which is slimmer and weighs less) has been released and an even newer version, the 'DSi' (featuring an internet browser among other features) has been released in Japan in 2008 and was released in the rest of the world in 2009.<br /> <br /> The Nintendo 3DS is a video game system created by Nintendo.It is an updated version of the [[DS]]. It has the ability to show 3D visuals, watch Netflix, has 3 cameras (2 in back and 1 in front), motion sensors, Miis, and a circle pad (similar to an analog stick on a controller). It can play DS games via game card and [[Gameboy]], [[Gameboy Color]], and [[Gameboy Advance]] games via the Virtual Console service. It is able to have the connect to WiFi (with Key) and connect with people around you while in sleep mode with a feature called Street Pass. It was released February 2011 in Japan and March everywhere else.<br /> <br /> ===Nintendo Wii===<br /> [[Image:Wii.png|thumb|right|200px|Click for a high resolution view.]]<br /> The '''Nintendo Wii''' is a video game console launched on November 2006 and has sold 50 million units worldwide. Its major selling point is the inclusion of motion sensitive controllers the "Wiimote" and "Nunchuk". That ability is to ''swing'' at golf, ''throw'' a bowling ball, and ''punch'' with boxing provides the virtual game challenge experience. Since your fingers do not operate a game controller like all previous platforms to date, this truly becomes a next generation console. It is a physical experience and provides good cardiovascular movements. Recently, Nintendo has introduced the Wii ''"Fit"'' title along with it a balance board. This extended functionality allows the user to do [[yoga]], ski, hoola-hoop, hit soccer balls with your head, and strength training. In July 2009, the ''"Wiimote"'' received a boost of improved sensitivity with the addition of a remote device extension. Increased range of motion games are offered with the Wii Resort package which include canoe races and ping-pong. The console is truly backwards compatible, allowing games of previous Nintendo consoles to play on the Wii such as GameCube games.<br /> <br /> Game characters/players are crafted by the user called ''Mii''. This personalized experience allows you to art design your avatar for use throughout the series of games. Gather enough skills and earn professional status. As you achieve better results with the Wii, Nintendo makes your Mii's challenge harder. <br /> <br /> Nintendo provides an online service, Wii ''"Connect24"'' for game downloads, device updates, weather, contests and other community oriented features. Points purchased at neighborhood stores unlock Wii ''"Shop"'' downloads. The console has built-in WiFi for access to the Internet.<br /> <br /> Nintendo has always catered to [[family-friendly]] entertainment. The Wii console comes with Parental Controls. The next-generation consoles from [[Microsoft]] and [[Sony]] have much more detailed, hi-resolution images and increased processing power with which to play hundreds of blood-and-guts games. By comparison, of the tens-of-hundreds of games available from Nintendo, only two Wii games have mature PG17 content. In addition, Nintendo has drawn-in millions of new ''gamers'' who would not have stepped into the experience if it were not for the Wii. Women, elderly men, children have an easy time grasping the simplified means of operating the console. It is not uncommon to find these consoles in use at pubs, conventions, holiday gatherings, for hospital physical therapy, the gym and more. The result has been enormous success in sales versus their competitors. <br /> <br /> The design is roughly the size of an external DVD player making it highly portable. Due to the Wii's widespread adoption by the public, stories of injuries began making news cycles recently. Also, stories of flying ''Wiimotes'' and smashed flat screen TV's are common.<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> <br /> *''Super Mario Galaxy''<br /> *''Super Mario Galaxy 2''<br /> *''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''<br /> *''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''<br /> *''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption''<br /> *''Mario Kart Wii''<br /> *''No More Heroes''<br /> *''Mad World''<br /> *''Wii Sports''<br /> <br /> ===Wii U===<br /> <br /> Nintendo release their latest console, the Wii U on November 18, 2012. Although a more powerful system than it's predecessor, it has not sold well. This is mainly due to lack of third-party support as well as lack of first party games (i.e. Mario, Zelda, Star Fox, Metroid). On January 31, 2017, Nintendo discontinued production of the Wii U. ''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'' was announced as the Wii U's last game.<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> <br /> *''Super Mario 3D World''<br /> *''Mario Kart 8''<br /> *''New Super Mario Bros. U''<br /> *''Super Mario Maker''<br /> *''Splatoon''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD''<br /> *''Star Fox Zero''<br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild''<br /> <br /> ===Switch===<br /> <br /> Nintendo's successor to the Wii U, called the Switch, was released on March 3, 2017. It is both a home console and handheld system.<br /> <br /> '''Notable Games'''<br /> <br /> *''The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild''<br /> *''Super Mario Odyssey''<br /> *''1-2-Switch''<br /> *''Splatoon 2''<br /> *''Arms''<br /> *''Doom (2016)''<br /> *''Wolfenstein 2''<br /> *''Skyrim''<br /> *''Dishonored 2''<br /> *''Bomberman''<br /> <br /> ==Notable series of Videogames by Nintendo==<br /> ===Nintendogs===<br /> '''Nintendogs''' is a [[virtual pet]] [[video game]] created by Nintendo for the [[Nintendo DS]]. The game involves caring for one or more virtual [[dog]]s. Four versions were released, [[Dachsund]] and Friends, [[Labrador]] and Friends, [[Chihuahua]] and Friends, and [[Dalmation]] and Friends. However, all breeds are available in all versions.<br /> The dogs can be taught tricks or actions, including unorthodox ones (for instance, by using the stylus to pull a dogs leg into the air, you can teach it a trick akin to a salute). These tricks are performed by the dog upon the shouting of a command (set by the player) into the DS microphone.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Video Games]]<br /> [[Category:Nintendo]]<br /> [[File:Wii sports.jpg|right|200px]]<br /> ===Wii Sports===<br /> '''''Wii Sports''''' ([[ESRB]] rating: E) is a [[video game]] that formerly came packaged with the [[Wii|Nintendo Wii]] (and now is sold separately as part of Nintendo's hit line up). Nintendo has sold 50 million Wii's, so by far the most popular Wii game in widespread use. It contains five games: [[Baseball]], [[Tennis]], [[Bowling]], [[Golf]], and [[Boxing]]. Also, unique training sessions for each sport. Up to four people can play at once with or without four Wiimotes. Also, you can measure your skill and stamina with the Wii Fitness Challenge, this will assign you a Wii fitness age.<br /> <br /> Utilizing the Wiimotes motion-sensor technology instead of a game controller, you become a first person virtual reality athlete. In golf, you swing the Wiimote the same as you would a golf club. In bowling, you are tossing a ball (while holding onto the Wiimote). In Tennis, you are paired exclusively with a partner for matches. You may choose to go it alone in the tennis training session. In baseball, you are limited to hitting and pitching. Also, there are only three innings per game.<br /> <br /> As your skills improve, the Wii responds by increasing the challenge. It is an excellent cardiovascular workout that is simple to operate. The English Queen Elizabeth has played Wii Sports.<ref>[http://www.people.co.uk/news/tm_headline=make-way-for-the-q-wii-n%26method=full%26objectid=20276099%26siteid=93463-name_page.html MAKE WAY FOR THE Q Wii N, People UK, January 6, 2008]</ref><br /> <br /> A sequel to ''Wii Sports'' was introduced called ''Wii Sports Resort''. It features an array of new games such as jousting, basketball, cycling, frisbee, archery, and the return of bowling and golf from the original game, with new improvements. This game was also the first game to use the Wii MotionPlus add-on.<br /> <br /> ===[[Mario (series)|Super Mario Bros.]]===<br /> ===[[The Legend of Zelda]]===<br /> ===[[Metroid]]===<br /> ===[[Pokemon]]===<br /> ===Star Fox===<br /> <br /> == See also ==<br /> <br /> *[[Japanese animation]]<br /> *[[Sony]]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> <br /> <references /><br /> <br /> [[Category:Japanese Companies]]<br /> [[Category:Nintendo]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Netflix&diff=1375761 Netflix 2017-09-21T23:44:15Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Netflix logo.svg.png|thumbnail|right]]<br /> <br /> '''Netflix''' is a streaming media company founded in 1997. Originally, they were competing with Blockbuster for DVD rentals using a mail order service. Eventually, they became the biggest service to stream movies to your TV by internet for a monthly subscription. Streaming video services requires heavy broadband bandwidth usage. It was reported that [[YouTube]] and Netflix account for half of all internet traffic in North America.<ref>[http://www.thewire.com/technology/2013/05/netflix-youtube-traffic/65210/ Half of Internet Traffic in North America Is Just to Watch Netflix and YouTube, The Wire, May 14, 2013]</ref><br /> <br /> Netflix is a worldwide service with more than 70 million subscribers. The have grown to develop their own shows for distribution such as the popular House of Cards and Orange is the New Black. The service can be installed on computers, game consoles, [[Apple TV]], Roku, Chromecast, tablets and cell phones. <br /> <br /> Netflix is publicly traded on the [[NASDAQ]] stock market, symbol NFLX.<br /> <br /> The company's competitors include Amazon and Hulu.<br /> ==References==<br /> <references/><br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> * [http://www.netflix.com Netflix.com]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Television]] [[Category:Movies]] [[Category:Internet]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Hollywood_values&diff=1375750 Hollywood values 2017-09-21T23:21:16Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Hollywood-sign wikimedia.jpg|right|200px]]<br /> '''Hollywood "values"''' are characterized by public obscenities, decadence, [[narcissism]], hypocrisy, rampant [[drug|drug use]], [[adultery|extramarital sex]] leading to the spread of sexually-transmitted [[disease]], [[abortion]], lawlessness and the promotion of the [[homosexual agenda]]. Such values have a very negative influence on the life of individuals, and very often lead to death. A 2006 poll by MSNBC said that 60% of [[Americans]] agree that "Hollywood's values are not in line with the rest of America and that the quality of movies has diminished in recent years."<ref>MSNBC.com (March 8, 2006). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11714540 "Hollywood values out of touch, poll says".] Today.com [NBC News]. Accessed March 30, 2014. 17,000 person poll by MSNBC. See [[MSNBC]]</ref><br /> <br /> The lack of [[morals]] and difference of [[values]] in [[Hollywood]] culture has been destroying the fabric of American culture, particularly the family.<br /> <br /> ==Conflict over values==<br /> There have been, however, a handful of prominent people whose work in Hollywood opposed these values. [[Charlton Heston]], [[Jim Caviezel]], Ricardo Montalban, [[Ronald Reagan]], [[James Stewart]], [[Pat Boone]], Paul Schofield, Lisa Whelchel (''The Facts of Life'' sitcom's 'Blair' who refused a role where she would be the first of Eastland's girls to become a non-virgin), [[Walt Disney]], Jodi Benson, and many others practiced conservative values while working in Hollywood and the productions of these and many others also reflect these values, irrespective of the names associated with them: ''[[The Chronicles of Narnia]]'' and ''Independence Day'' (a 1996 movie about the U.S. being attacked on [[Independence Day]]) being recent examples.<br /> <br /> Although the social elite and studio executives of Hollywood may have held different values than [[Real America|Main Street America]], the disparity was hidden from the public. First, many film studios and actors hired publicity agents to control what lifestyle facts became known to the public. Certain personal indiscretions were considered "off-limits" to journalists and not generally reported, such as [[Marilyn Monroe]]'s connection to various [[organized crime]] and political figures.<br /> <br /> Second, both the film studios and the television networks had codes of acceptable content. Actors who were living by Hollywood values were creating films and television programs that carefully avoid sexually explicit themes or foul language. For example, the code required that if a married couple were to be shown in a bedroom scene, they would have twin beds and would be wearing [[pajamas]].<br /> <br /> Third, after the [[United States Supreme Court]] ruled that the [[First Amendment]] protected certain forms of literature and motion pictures that were previously considered [[pornographic]] in ''Miller v. California'' in 1973, the case law developed that applied local community standards when deciding whether a particular work was to be protected. This had the effect of decoupling national values from Hollywood values and started a race to the lowest common denominator.<br /> <br /> Finally, over time, the media has shifted from being concentrated to being dispersed. The three major television networks ([[NBC]], [[ABC]], [[CBS]]) shifted to thousands of cable channels, and the adoption of the Internet by the general public made controlling the spread of news and the fabrication of false public images by movie studios impossible. As a result, tabloid journalism and [[reality television]] spread the full impact of the Hollywood lifestyle throughout American culture.<br /> <br /> ==Description==<br /> <br /> Hollywood values include a flagrant disrespect and disregard for:<br /> <br /> * [[abstinence]], [[marriage]] and [[fidelity]] <br /> * [[patriotism]]<br /> * [[religion]] and [[spirituality]] (Hollywood's profits depend on the [[advertising]] and sale of [[materialism|material goods]] and other superficial "solutions" to problems.)<br /> * [[accountability]]<br /> * the [[military]]<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/editorials/hollywood_gets_it_right_p4d84a9jyymsfLw0THb7EM "Hollywood gets it right"] (March 9, 2010). ''New York Post''.</ref><br /> * family responsibilities, like childrearing<ref>Li, David K. (February 13, 2008). [http://www.nypost.com/seven/02132008/news/nationalnews/brit_doesnt_want_her_kids__1st_ex_97425.htm "Brit doesn't want her kids: 1st ex"]. New York Post website. See [[Britney Spears]].</ref><br /> * laws that apply to everyone else<br /> * commonly accepted behavioral boundaries and values of human decency<br /> * hard work and humility<br /> <br /> In addition, Hollywood portrays these values as rebellious and [[counterculture|countercultural]]. They portray religious and spiritual institutions as greedy, self-serving, sexually perverted, prejudiced, ignorant, and unscientific. When comparing the satisfaction brought about by faith, spirituality, family, and friendship, which may happen to include donations to a church or other organization, it is clear that the profits of Hollywood and the industries which rely upon Hollywood for profit are the true establishment—thus making traditional values truly rebellious and countercultural, and Hollywood values a lie.<br /> <br /> ==Deaths ==<br /> Hollywood values are unnaturally deadly. Tourists in Hollywood can visit over 30 sites of typically self-inflicted Hollywood celebrity deaths.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20130529232746/http://hollywoodusa.co.uk/celebrity-death-sites.htm "'Celebrity death sites'"]. "Hollywood and Los Angeles" website. Retrieved from May 29, 2013 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> A sampling of deaths caused by Hollywood values include:<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Anees, Saira and Kramer, Carolyn (January 29, 2008). [http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=4174733&page=1 "Gone before 30: Stars who died young"]. ABC News website.<br /> *[http://web.archive.org/web/20121105071538/http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/entertainment/news/article/20021--list-of-celebrities-taken-by-drug-use-tragic-and-growing "List of celebrities taken by drug use tragic and growing"] (January 23, 2008). City''News'' Toronto website. Retrieved from November 5, 2012 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *Nick Adams, 36, TV actor, died of an overdose from barbiturates.<br /> *Jeremy Applegate, 24, actor, committed suicide, ironically after saying (in a voiceover scene) in 1989's teen film ''Heathers'' "I hope this never happens to me, because I couldn't handle suicide".<br /> *John Barrymore, 60, actor, died from cirrhosis of the liver from heavy drinking.<br /> *John Belushi, 33, comedian, was a repeated drug abuser who ultimately died of a lethal injection of cocaine and heroin.<br /> *Chester Bennington, 41, lead singer for the rock band Linkin Park committed suicide by hanging. <br /> *Clara Blandick, 81, actress, "Aunt Em" in ''[[The Wizard of Oz]]'' committed suicide in 1962 by overdosing on prescription medication.<br /> *John Bonham, 32, musician, after too much alcohol, asphyxiated on vomit.<br /> *Jonathan Brandis, 27, actor, committed suicide by hanging in 2003.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/heath-ledger/ten-actors-who-died-in-their-20s/2008/01/23/1201024961111.html "Ten actors who died in their 20s"] (January 23, 2008). The Sydney Morning Herald website.</ref><br /> *Elisa Bridges, 28, ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine model, drug overdose combining heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs.<br /> *Joseph Brooks, 73, Hollywood producer, composer, lyricist, and accused multiple rapist committed suicide.<br /> *Bobbi Kristina Brown, 22, was in a coma for 6 months after being found unconscious in a bathtub—died 6 months later.<br /> *Timothy Buckley, 29, musician, died of a [[heroin]] overdose in 1975.<br /> *Richard Burton, 58, actor, a longtime alcoholic and chain smoker, died from a stroke, but also suffered from numerous other health problems.<br /> *David Carradine, 72, actor, died from suffocation, most likely suicide, had a history of suicidal thoughts, alcohol and narcotics abuse <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,525177,00.html "Forensic scientist says Carradine death may be accidental suffocation"] (June 5, 2009). Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Stephen Clark, 30, Def Leppard guitarist, drug and alcohol overdose<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1108020/bio "Stephen Clark"]. Internet Movie Database.</ref><br /> *Lana Clarkson, 40, actress and model murdered by [[Phil Spector]]<br /> *Kurt Cobain, 27, lead singer from the band Nirvana, a heroin addict who committed suicide with a shotgun blast to the head.<br /> *Ray Combs, 40, host of the TV game show ''Family Feud'', committed suicide by hanging himself while, ironically, in a psychiatric ward.<br /> *Jeff Conaway, 60, film and television actor died from a suspected overdose. He struggled with addictions to cocaine and alcohol. <br /> *Don Cornelius, 75, ''Soul Train'' TV creator died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/01/soul-train-creator-don-cornelius-dead-apparent-suicide-report-says/ "'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius dead of apparent suicide"] (February 1, 2012). Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Chris Cornell, 52, well known lead singer for the band Sound Garden, committed suicide by strangulation.<br /> *John Costelloe, 47, actor from HBO's ''The Sopranos'' known as "Johnny Cakes", shot himself in the head.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,472864,00.html "'Sopranos' actor shocks fans, loved ones with holiday suicide"] (December 25, 2008). Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Bob Crane, 49, the actor's success as one of ''[[Hogan's Heroes]]'' led to a bizarre life of [[sex addiction]]. He was beaten to death in [[Scottsdale]], [[Arizona]].<br /> *Karl Dane, 47, silent film actor, committed suicide by gunshot.<br /> *[[James Dean]], 24, a notoriously reckless and frequently ticketed driver crashed fatally head-on into a car turning left in front of his Porsche.<br /> *Brad Delp, 55, lead singer for the band Boston, committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.<br /> *Divine, 42, transvestite who was also homosexual, died of an enlarged heart.<br /> *Kevin DuBrow, 52, lead singer of 1980's metal band Quiet Riot, died from an overdose of cocaine.<br /> *Ryan Dunn, 34, [[MTV]]'s reality star from the series ''[[Jackass]]'', died in a 3:00 AM auto accident after a night of drinking.<ref>[http://www.tmz.com/2011/06/20/jackass-ryan-dunn-dies-dead-car-crash-accident-pennsylvania/ "Ryan Dunn dead: 'Jackass' star dies in car crash"] (June 20, 2011). TMZ website.</ref><br /> *Eazy-E, 31, hip hop musician, [[AIDS]] death in 1995 contracted through drug use.<br /> *Peg Entwistle, 24, actress, leaped to her death from atop the Hollywood sign.<br /> *Brian Epstein, 32, manager of band The Beatles, overdosed on sleeping pills and alcohol.<br /> *Althea Flynt, 33, wife of ''Hustler'' publisher [[Larry Flynt]], died of possible [[AIDS]] from an infected [[blood transfusion]] or prescription drug overdose.<br /> *Chris Farley, 33, comedian, died from an overdose of morphine and cocaine.<br /> *Frances Farmer, 56, cancer brought on by former lifestyle of heavy smoking.<br /> *Carrie Fisher, 60, actress best known for her role in [[Star Wars]], toxicology report showing cocaine, heroin and ecstasy in her system when she died. <br /> *Shain Gandee, 21, from MTV reality show ''Buckwild'' died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.<br /> *[[Judy Garland]], 47, overdosed on sleeping pills.<br /> *Lucy Gordon, 28, British actress from the movie ''Spiderman 3'', hung herself <ref>Verges, Jean-Pierre (May 21, 2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20090523032706/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Movies/wireStory?id=7642829 "Actress Lucy Gordon found dead at age 28 in Paris"]. ABC News website. Retrieved from May 23, 2009 archive of Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *Paul Gray, 38, bassist of heavy metal band Slipknot, died from an overdose of morphine and fentanyl.<ref>Crumb, Michael J. (June 21, 2010). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100624113954/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100622/ap_on_en_mu/us_slipknot_bassist_autopsy "Slipknot bassist died of morphine overdose".] Yahoo News website. Retrieved from June 24, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *Lee Grivas, 26, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of actress Christina Applegate, 36, was found dead of an apparent drug overdose<ref>Standora, Leo (July 3, 2008). [http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/christina-applegate-boyfriend-lee-grivas-found-dead-article-1.346353 "Christina Applegate's sometime boyfriend, Lee Grivas, found dead"]. New York Daily News website.</ref><br /> *Corey Haim, 38, teen idol who starred in many teen movies and then a reality show, died of a drug overdose.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8560246.stm "Lost Boys actor Corey Haims dies aged 38"] (March 10, 2010). BBC News website/Entertainment.</ref><br /> *Russell Craig Hamer, 42, child actor, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.<br /> *Phil Hartman, 49, actor, murdered in his million-dollar house by his drug-addicted third wife, Brynn Hartman.<br /> *Margaux Hemingway, 42, fashion model, suicide<br /> *[[Jimi Hendrix]], 27, an enthusiastic abuser of illegal drugs, choked on his own vomit after overdosing on sleeping pills and alcohol while in London.<br /> *[[Whitney Houston]], 48, singer/actress autopsy reports showed cocaine and drowning as contributors to her death.<ref>TMZ (March 30, 2012). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/03/30/cocaine-found-in-whitney-houstons-hotel-room-report-says/?intcmp=features "Cocaine found in Whitney Houston's hotel room, report says"]. Fox News website.</ref><br /> *[[Rock Hudson]], 59, AIDS in 1985.<br /> *Michael Hutchence, 37, asphyxiated during an auto-erotic act while alone in a Sydney hotel. His wife, Paula Yates (see below), also fell victim to Hollywood Values.<br /> *[[Michael Jackson]], 50, cardiac arrest from a toxic mixture and abuse of prescription drugs, improperly prescribed by doctors.<br /> *Richard Jeni, 49, comedian, suicide<ref>Associated Press (March 12, 2007). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258231,00.html "Comedian Richard Jeni dies of apparent suicide"]. Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Russell Tyrone Jones (a.k.a. "Old Dirty Bastard"), 35, hip hop musician, died of drug overdose two days before his 36th birthday.<br /> *Janis Joplin, 27, heroin overdose<br /> *Lisa Robin Kelly, 43, ''That '70s Show'' actress died while in a rehab facility for addictions<br /> *Andrew Koenig, 41, child actor in the TV series ''Growing Pains'', committed suicide.<ref>US Magazine (February 26, 2010). [http://omg.yahoo.com/news/andrew-koenigs-body-found-in-vancouver-park/36485?nc "Andrew Koenig's body found in Vancouver Park"]. Yahoo! website/OMG.</ref><br /> *Michael Landon, 54, an admitted chain smoker and heavy drinker, died of pancreatic cancer.<br /> *Jani Lane, 47, lead singer for the rock band Warrant, found dead in a hotel room. He had a history of alcohol abuse.<ref>TMZ staff (August 12, 2011). [http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/11/warrant-singer-jani-lane-dead-dies-died-hotel-ventura-los-angeles-cherry-pie "Ex-Warrant singer Jani Lane dead at 47"]. TMZ website.</ref><br /> *[[Heath Ledger]], 28, a straight actor best known as one of ''[[Brokeback Mountain]]'''s homosexual cowboys, died in his [[Manhattan]] apartment in 2008 from an accidental overdose of painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs.<ref>Associated Press (February 6, 2008). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,328828,00.html "Heath Ledger died of accidental overdose of prescription drugs, examiner says"]. Fox News website.</ref><br /> *[[Bruce Lee]] (Li Xiaolong), actor, 33, collapsed and died; trace amounts of cannabis found in bloodstream at postmortem; the official cause of death was acute cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) from hypersensitivity to aspirin. Cannabis probably didn't contribute to his death.<br /> *Johnny Lewis, 28, actor from ''Sons of Anarchy'' fell to his death after killing his 81-year-old landlord.<br /> *Stuart Lubbock, 31, found dead in the swimming pool of popular TV entertainer Michael Barrymore, having suffered severe anal trauma, after a drug-fueled party at the star's home <br /> *Bob Marley, 36, reggae musician, a notorious cannabis smoker, died of skin cancer. His "religion" (Rastafarianism) prevented him from treating the cancer.<br /> *[[Queen (band)|Freddie Mercury]], 45, born Farrokh Bulsara, lead singer of the band Queen, died from AIDS-related bronchial pneumonia.<br /> *Sal Mineo, 37, actor, murdered under circumstances that suggested "a homosexual motive".<br /> *[[Marilyn Monroe]], 36, actress, overdosed on sleeping pills.<br /> *Cory Monteith, 31, actor of the liberal show ''Glee'' died from a mix of heroin and alcohol.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/07/16/cory-monteith-died-mixture-heroin-and-alcohol-coroners-service-says/ "Cory Monteith died of a 'mixed drug toxicity' involving heroin and alcohol, Coroner's Service says"] (July 16, 2013). FoxNews website/Fox 411.</ref><br /> *Keith Moon, 32, drummer of [[The Who]] overdosed on Clomethiazole prescribed to treat his [[alcoholism]].<br /> *[[Jim Morrison]], 27, died of an apparent heroin overdose.<br /> *Brittany Murphy, 32, film actress died of cardiac arrest from combining prescription drugs <ref>New York Post (February 27, 2010). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/02/27/brittany-murphy-taken-vicodin-days/ "Brittany Murphy may have taken 109 Vicodin in 11 days"]. FoxNews website/Fox411.</ref> Official death from pneumonia and drug intoxication.<br /> *Chris Penn, 40, brother of [[Sean Penn]], "died accidentally from an enlarged heart and the effects of a mix of multiple medications".<br /> *Amanda Peterson, 43, ‘80s movie star from ''Can't Buy Me Love'' film died from respiratory failure, as a result of an overdose from a combination of drugs.<ref>Serio, Kelli (September 3, 2015). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2015/09/03/cant-buy-me-love-actress-amanda-peterson-died-of-an-accidental-drug-overdose/ "'Can't Buy Me Love' Actress Amanda Peterson died of an accidental drug overdose"]. Breitbart News Network website/Big Hollywood.</ref> <br /> *River Phoenix, 23, died from an overdose of cocaine and heroin.<br /> *Dana Plato, 34, ''Diff'rent Strokes'' actress, suicide by drug overdose after posing for lesbian pornography.<br /> *[[Elvis Presley]], 42, large drug intake causes a cardiac arrhythmia, and rumored to have suffocated on the carpet when he collapsed from a drug overdose.<br /> *Freddie Prinze, 22, actor from ''Chico and the Man'', committed suicide by gunshot to the head.<br /> *Richard Pryor, 65, comedian with a history of smoking cocaine, died of a heart attack.<br /> *Virginia Rappe, 30, died of a ruptured bladder incurred at a party hosted by [[Roscoe Arbuckle]].<br /> *Robert Reed, 59, actor known as Mike Brady on ''The Brady Bunch'' was a homosexual with AIDS, died from cancer in 1992.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2013/05/21/brady-bunch-then-and-now/?slide=25#slide=25 "Robert Reed in 1990"] (May 21, 2013). Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Brad Renfro, 25, became addicted to heroin and was found dead after a night of drinking<br /> *George Reeves, 45, actor who played Superman from the series ''Adventures of Superman'', suicide by gunshot.<br /> *Rebecca Schaeffer, 21, actress in CBS's television series ''My Sister Sam'', stalked and murdered by a crazed fan in 1989.<br /> *Ronald, aka "Bon" Scott lead singer of [[AC/DC]] choked on his own vomit on alcohol and illegal drugs in 1980 while touring to support their (appropriately titled ?) album, ''Highway To Hell''.<br /> *Jean Seberg, 40, actress with clinical depression committed suicide by overdose of alcohol and barbiturates.<br /> *Michael Showers, 45, HBO actor found dead in the Mississippi River.<ref>NewsCore (August 25, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/08/25/treme-actor-michael-showers-body-found-in-mississippi-river/#ixzz1W3rKzHFr "'Treme' actor Michael Showers' body found in Mississippi River"]. FoxNews website/Fox411.</ref><br /> *[[Anna Nicole Smith]], 39, accidental overdose on prescription drugs<br /> *Bubba Smith, 66, football player and actor, died from an overdose of diet pills.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2056807/Police-Academy-star-Bubba-Smith-died-diet-pill-overdose.html "Revealed: Police Academy star Bubba Smith died of a diet pill overdose"] (November 2, 2011). Daily Mail [U.K.] website.</ref><br /> *Elliott Smith, 34, singer who committed suicide in 2003 by stabbing himself in the chest.<ref>Ulaby, Neda (October 22, 2003). [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1475177 "Singer Elliott Smith dead in apparent suicide"]. National Public Radio website.</ref><br /> *Layne Staley, 34, found dead in apartment two weeks after a drug overdose.<ref>[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/alice-chains-singers-death "Alice in Chains singer's death"] (April 22, 2002). The Smoking Gun website.</ref> Layne's 1992 Alice in Chains song "Junkhead" on its face promoted the use of hard drugs to which he had grown addicted (in particular to those who didn't hear it as role-playing).<ref>Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley (1992). "Junkhead". ''Dirt'' (Columbia Records). Retrieved from February 14, 2012 archive at Sing365 website: [http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Junkhead-lyrics-Alice-In-Chains/3A665DABDFC00AD54825688F0010CD45 "Alice in Chains - Junkhead lyrics"]. Caution: copyrighted material. For fair educational use only.</ref><br /> *Dorothy Stratten, 20, murdered by spouse after engaging in extramarital affair<br /> *David Strickland, 29, actor, cast member of NBC's ''Suddenly Susan'' hung himself in a Las Vegas hotel.<br /> *Sawyer Sweeten, 20, child actor who played in 139 episodes of ''Everybody Loves Raymond'' committed suicide by gunshot. <br /> *Carl Switzer 'Alfalfa', 31, Little Rascals star was shot and killed collecting a debt while drunk.<br /> *Sharon Tate, 26, an actress with a [[hippie]] lifestyle who was murdered by followers of [[Charles Manson]], a [[Beatles]]-obsessed musician wannabe; Manson's followers murdered Tate, who was pregnant and only two weeks from birth, her unborn child, her prior lover, who was staying with her while her husband, movie producer [[Roman Polanski]] (see 'Crime', below), was away, and another unmarried couple staying in the house. (It is believed that Manson had actually intended his followers to kill the home's previous residents, Terry Melcher (son of [[Doris Day]]) and Candice Bergen.)<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Micah (April 11, 2008). [http://moviegeeksclub.blogspot.com/2008/04/polanski-problem.html "The Polanski problem"]. Movie Geeks Club blog.<br /> *Tate, Debra (2002 or bef.). [http://www.sharontate.net/bio4.html "Sharon Tate biography, p. 4"]. The Official Sharon Tate Website.</ref><br /> *Lou Tellegen, 52, a silent film and stage actor, suicide<br /> *Lupe Vélez, 36, 1920s-1940s movie actress, suicide by an overdose of sleeping pills; she was pregnant and didn't want an illegitimate child.<br /> *[[Sid Vicious]], 21. [[Heroin]] overdose while awaiting trial for his girlfriend's murder in [[New York City]].<br /> *Hervé Villechaize, 50, actor who played the character Tattoo on the hit show ''Fantasy Island'', committed suicide by self-inflicted gunshot.<br /> *Kenneth Williams, 62, comedian and actor, heart failure from interaction of pain medication and sleeping pills.<br /> *[[Amy Winehouse]], 27, young singer with a life of substance abuse. Toxicology reports showed alcohol but no illegal drugs found in her system.<ref>Perpetua, Matthew (August 23, 2011). [http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/amy-winehouse-was-drug-free-when-she-died-20110823 "Amy Winehouse toxicology report shows no illegal drugs"]. Rolling Stone website. Retrieved September 15, 2015.</ref><br /> *[[Robin Williams]], 63, actor and comedian died from suicide by hanging.<br /> *Ed Wood, 54, low-budget sci-fi director who was known for cross-dressing, became an alcoholic and died of a heart attack<br /> *Natalie Wood, 43, actress, drowned while intoxicated.<br /> *Paula Yates, 41, television writer, heroin overdose. "Coroner Dr Paul Knapman told Westminster Coroners Court she had not committed suicide but said her behaviour had been "foolish and incautious". Her death was the result of "an unsophisticated taker of heroin" using drugs, he said. The court heard that 0.3&nbsp;mg of morphine per litre of blood was found in her body, which would not have been enough to kill her had she been a heroin addict."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1013404.stm "Heroin overdose killed Yates"] (November 8, 2000). BBCNews website/UK. Retrieved September 15, 2015.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Sexually transmitted diseases==<br /> The loose sexual morals characteristic of the lifestyle defined by Hollywood Values often lead to sexually transmitted diseases. Examples include,<br /> <br /> * [[Rock Hudson]] died of AIDS-related complications after contracting the disease through homosexual intercourse.<br /> * Michael Jeter, who was homosexual, also died due to AIDS-related complications. <br /> * Freddie Mercury of the rock group [[Queen (band)|Queen]], notorious for his flamboyant onstage presence, also contracted AIDS through his wildly promiscuous homosexual lifestyle, and subsequently perished of the self-inflicted condition.<br /> * Tommy Morrison 44, died of undisclosed illness after testing positive for HIV. He starred in the movie ''Rocky V'' and claimed to be related to [[John Wayne]].<ref>{{cite news|title=heavyweight champ also starred in 'Rocky V'|first=Dave|last=Skretta|work=Washington Post|date=September 3, 2013|page=B5}}</ref><br /> <br /> == Crime ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Irreligious prison population]]<br /> <br /> '''Hollywood values often lead those holding them to commit, get arrested for or/and convicted of, a variety of crimes. Here are some examples:'''<br /> * Michael Jace, actor from The Shield was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2016/05/31/shield-actor-michael-jace-convicted-second-degree-murder/ The Shield Actor Michael Jace Convicted of Murdering His Wife, Breitbart, May 31, 2016]</ref><br /> * Ricardo Medina Jr., actor from the TV show s''[[Power Rangers|Power Rangers Wild Force]]'', ''Power Rangers Samurai'', and ''Power Rangers Super Samurai'', is charged with murdering his roommate with a sword.<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2016/01/14/former-power-rangers-star-charged-allegedly-killing-roommate-sword/ Former Power Rangers Star Charged Allegegedly Killing Roommate, Breitbart, January 15, 2016]</ref><br /> * Mark Salling from the TV show 'Glee' has been arrested on suspicion of possessing images of child abuse.<ref>[http://news.sky.com/story/1613995/glee-star-held-over-child-sex-abuse-imageGlee Star Held Over Child Sex Abuse Images, SkyNews, DECEMBER 29, 2015]</ref><br /> * Shia LaBeouf was arrested in 2015 for public intoxication. In 2014, he was arrested in NYC. LaBeouf has substance abuse problems.<ref>[http://www.tmz.com/2015/10/09/shia-labeouf-arrested-austin-texas/ "Shia LaBeouf arrested...booked for public intoxication"] (October 9, 2015). TMZ website.</ref><br /> * Paul Walker, the 40-year-old star of the movie series ''Fast & Furious'', was traveling at the "unsafe speed" of more than 100 miles per hour in a luxury sports car driven by his business partner, resulting in the tragic deaths of both.<ref>Alexander, Bryan (January 3, 2014). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/01/03/paul-walker-coroner-report/4306673/ "Paul Walker crash detailed in coroner's report"]. USA Today/Life.</ref><br /> * Frances Farmer, arrested in 1942 for driving with bright lights in a "dim out" zone that affected the West Coast during World War II and convicted of drunk driving.<ref>[http://www.biography.com/people/frances-farmer-9542364 "Frances Farmer biography"] (2011 or bef.) Bio website. Retrieved on September 15, 2015.</ref> In 1943, she assaulted a hairdresser who she claimed insulted her and also failed to appear in court for the remainder of her previous fine. When arrested in 1943, she resisted and was eventually placed under guardianship of her mother, who eventually committed her to various psychiatric hospitals until 1950 (the guardianship lasted until 1953).<br /> * [[Paris Hilton]] was convicted in 2007 of driving while intoxicated, and then violated the terms of her probation, leading to a 45-day prison sentence.<ref>Associated Press (May 4, 2007). [http://www.today.com/id/18472845#.VfjeFBFVhBc "Paris Hilton sentenced to 45 days in jail"]. Today Show website.</ref> She was also arrested in Las Vegas on August 27, 2010 for possession of a controlled substance, [[cocaine]]. The hotel heiress was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by police. The driver was arrested for DUI '''pertaining to drugs, not alcohol'''. Through further interaction between Hilton and authorities, it was discovered she was in possession of a controlled substance.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/08/28/paris-hilton-arrested-drug-possession/ "Paris Hilton arrested for cocaine possession."] (August 28, 2010). Fox News website/Fox 411.</ref> In order to avoid prison, Hilton pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors, and received a sentence of one year's probation, a fine, community service and also was ordered to complete a drug abuse program. <br /> * Actress Lori Petty, who was featured in ''Free Willy'' and ''A League of their Own'', ran into a 14-year-old skateboarder and was arrested for felony drunk driving charges.<ref>Jones, Anthony (June 1, 2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100131044820/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7015343906 "Actress Lori Petty arrested for drunk driving after hitting teen with vehicle"]. All Headline News website. Retrieved from January 31, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> * Craig Phillip Robinson, the actor famous for playing Darryl Philbin on NBC's ''The Office'', "was arrested on June 29, 2008, on suspicion of possessing MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and methamphetamine."<ref>Associated Press (August 15, 2008). [http://web.archive.org/web/20080817054845/http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/08/15/office.actor.arrested.ap/index.html "'Office' star Craig Robinson arrested"]. Cable News Network website/Entertainment. Retrieved from August 17, 2008 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> * [[Winona Ryder]] was convicted of vandalism and grand theft for stealing designer merchandise worth $5,560.40.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20031212024546/http://www.courttv.com/trials/ryder/ "Winona Ryder shoplifting trial - full coverage"] (2003). CourtTV/Trials. Retrieved from December 18, 2003 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> * [[O.J. Simpson]] is widely believed to have murdered his wife and her friend, and was found liable in a civil (but not criminal) trial. He has since been convicted of unrelated felonies outside [[California]] ([[Nevada]] in 2008) and is serving time in Nevada's Lovelock Prison.<br /> * [[Jim Bakker]], televangelist for the PTL Club, was convicted of accounting fraud in 1989, stemming from the televangelism scandals of the later 1980s. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison and a $500,000 fine, but this sentence was commuted to eight years and the fine was voided.<br /> * [[Jimmy Swaggart]], also a televangelist and involved in the late 1980s televangelism scandals, was caught in 1991 with yet another prostitute while in Indio, [[California]], and when asked about it, he said "The Lord said it's flat none of your business". <br /> *Lana Turner was involved with [[Mafia]] enforcer John Stompanato, who tried murdering her in 1958, but was himself killed by Lana's daughter, Cheryl, then 14, in an incident that would be ruled justifiable.<br /> *Hugh Grant was arrested in 1995 in Los Angeles when he was found in a car with a known prostitute.<ref>[http://www.mugshots.org/hollywood/hugh-grant.html "Hugh Grant mugshot"] (1999). Mugshots.org website.</ref><br /> *Stacy Keach, movie actor, was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment in the [[United Kingdom]] in 1984 after being arrested at [[London]] [[Heathrow Airport]] in possession of a large quantity of [[cocaine]].<br /> *Kiefer Sutherland, an actor starring in Fox television series ''24'' was given a 48-day sentence for DUI in 2007, an offense committed while still on probation following a 2004 conviction for DUI.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7200633.stm "Sutherland is released from jail"] (January 21, 2008). BBC News website/Entertainment.</ref> He was also charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly head-butting a fashion designer at a nightclub in 2009.<ref>Long, Colleen and McCartney, Anthony (May 8, 2009). [http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=47880 "‘24’ star Kiefer Sutherland charged for allegedly head-butting a fashion designer"]. Associated Press. Retrieved from CNSNews.com website.</ref><br /> *Linda Blair of ''[[The Exorcist]]'' (I & II's) fame was arrested in 1977 for possession of [[cocaine]] with intent to sell.<br /> *[[George Michael]] was convicted of "committing a lewd act in public", having been arrested in a public restroom by a plain clothes police officer. Arrested in September 2008 in a [[London]] public lavatory, he was found in possession of crack cocaine and cannabis—but merely received a caution.<ref>Baker, Luke; Joseph, John and Weir, Keith (September 21, 2008). [http://uk.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUKLL28201720080921 "George Michael apologises for latest drugs bust"]. Reuters website/U.K./Entertainment.</ref><br /> *[[Snoop Dogg]], a popular [[rap]]per, was arrested in 2006 for [[marijuana]] possession. He is a libertarian<ref>University College London Libertarian Society (2007 or bef.) [http://www.ucllibertarians.com/celebrities.html "UCL Libertarian Society"]. UCL Libertarian Society website/Celebrity libertarians. Retrieved from July 27, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> who advocates legal marijuana use.<ref>Z, Lisa (October 26, 2007). [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=21457 "Snoop Dogg's San Francisco honor retracted"]. SFGate [San Francisco ''Chronicle''] website/Daily dish.</ref><br /> *[[Roman Polanski]], Polish-born film director & producer, is unable to return anywhere in the [[United States]] as he jumped bail in 1978 and fled to [[France]] after being convicted on charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a thirteen-year-old girl.<br /> * Rapper DMX (Earl Simmons) was caught on camera drag racing at a speed over 110 miles on a freeway, and then a SWAT team was used to arrest him three days later on drug and animal cruelty charges. "The Maricopa County sheriff's office says the 37-year-old, whose real name is Earl Simmons, at first tried to barricade himself in his bedroom. He came out as a SWAT team entered during the early-morning raid Friday."<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/dmxs-reputation-goes-to-the-dogs/ "DMX's reputation goes to the dogs"] (May 9, 2008). CBS News website.</ref><br /> *Martha Stewart was charged with illegal [[insider trading]] in 2003.<ref>[http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2003-69.htm "SEC charges Martha Stewart, broker Peter Bacanovic with illegal insider trading"] (June 4, 2003). U.S. Security and Exchange Commission.</ref><br /> *Tatum O'Neal was arrested in 2008 for cocaine possession.<ref>Associated Press (June 2, 2008).<br /> [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,361361,00.html "Tatum O'Neal released after cocaine-possession arrest"]. Fox News website. See [[Associated Press]], [[Fox News Channel]].</ref><br /> *[[James Dean]] was frequently stopped and ticketed for many driving offenses.<br /> *Redmond O'Neal, son of Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal, pled guilty to possessing heroin and methamphetamine as well as driving under the influence of drugs.<ref>Associated Press (June 27, 2008). [http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/latest_news/article_43cfc74f-4c65-52bc-a097-cd7f9f7f5c2e.html "Redmond O'Neal pleads guilty to drug charges"]. [Rio Grande] Valley Morning Star website.</ref><br /> *Actor Nick Nolte was arrested for drunk driving in 2002.<ref>[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/nolte1.html "Nick Nolte '02"] (September 1, 2002). The Smoking Gun website/Mug shots.</ref><br /> *Sean Bean was arrested and spent the night in a cell after allegedly beating his wife.<ref>Penrose, Justin (July 12, 2009). [http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/cops-called-to-sean-beans-house-406090 "Cops called to Sean Bean's house after 'domestic'"]. Mirror [U.K.] website/3am</ref><br /> *Shelley Malil, 43, worked as an actor in [[movies]] and [[television]]. He is charged with causing great bodily injury and using a deadly weapon on Kendra Beebe, a 35-year-old [[mother]] of two. He appeared on the back patio of Kendra's house and stabbed her 20 times. Now held on a $10 million bond.<ref>Hoffman, Allison (August 13, 2008). [http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2008Aug13/0,4675,ActorArrested,00.html "'40-Year-Old Virgin' actor pleads not guilty"]. Associated Press. Reprinted at Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Former child actor Skylar Deleon, who had a minor part in one episode of the ''Power Rangers'' series, was found guilty of three murders, including those of Tom and Jackie Hawks, who were allegedly bound to the anchor of their yacht and tossed overboard.<ref>Hanley, Christine (October 21, 2008). [http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/21/local/me-deleon21 "Deleon guilty of killing couple at sea"]. Los Angeles Times website.</ref> He was subsequently sentenced to death.<ref>Taxin, Amy (April 10, 2009). [http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=66850 "Man gets death for murder of Prescott couple"]. Associated Press. Reprinted in the Daily Courier [Prescott, Arizona] website.</ref><br /> *Musician George O'Dowd, better known by his stage name, [[Boy George]] in the 1980s band [[Culture Club]], was convicted for handcuffing a male escort to a bed against his will and then beating him with a chain.<ref>Simpson, Richard (December 5, 2008). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1092168/Guilty-Boy-George-warned-judge-faces-jail-falsely-imprisoning-male-escort.html "Guilty: Boy George warned by judge he faces jail for falsely imprisoning male escort"]. Daily Mail [U.K.] website/News.</ref> He served 4 months of his 15-month sentence in jail, and then spent an additional 90 days on home detention with electronic surveillance. Earlier he had been convicted of cocaine possession.<br /> *Dana Plato was arrested for armed robbery and prescription forgery.<br /> *Todd Bridges assaulted a motorist and was repeatedly arrested for drug-related offenses.<br /> *Gary Coleman was arrested for assaulting a woman by punching her in the face.<br /> *Musician/Producer [[Phil Spector]] was found guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson.<ref>[http://www.today.com/id/30194936#.Vft5Kt9VhBc "Spector found guilty of second-degree murder"] (April 13, 2009). Associated Press. Reprinted at Today Show website/Celebrities.</ref><br /> *Actor Elmore "Rip" Torn was arrested for breaking into a bank and carrying a firearm while intoxicated. In 2009, he was given probation in a drunk-driving case.<ref>Associated Press (January 30, 2010). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/01/30/actor-rip-torn-arrested-allegedly-breaking-connecticut-bank/?test=latestnews "Actor Rip Torn arrested for allegedly breaking into Connecticut bank"]. Fox News website/Fox411.</ref><br /> *Former teen actor Leif Garrett was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. He has a number of former arrests including [[heroin]] possession.<ref>Smith, Ryan (February 3, 2010). [http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/02/03/crimesider/entry6170622.shtml "Leif Garrett arrested: Former teen idol busted for controlled substance"]. CBS News website/News.</ref><br /> *[[Sean Penn]] was charged with criminal battery and vandalism for attacking the paparazzi in October 2009.<ref>TMZ staff (February 19, 2010). [http://www.tmz.com/2010/02/19/sean-penn-crime-battery-vandalism-prosecution-jail-paparazzi/ "Sean Penn charged with crimes"]. TMZ website.</ref><br /> *Comedian Andy Dick was arrested for groping an employee and a patron of a nightclub in West Virginia.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20100125073335/http://www.herald-dispatch.com/breaking/x818845820/Andy-Dick-arrested-by-HPD "Andy Dick charged with felony, shows still on"] (January 23, 2010). [Huntington, West Virginia] Herald Dispatch website. Retrieved from January 25, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *Actor Nicholas Brendon from ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Criminal Minds'' was arrested March 2010 in a drunken scuffle with police. He was charged with resisting arrest, two counts of battery against a police officer and felony vandalism. Brendon has a history of alcoholism.<ref>PopEater staff (April 7, 2010). [http://www.popeater.com/2010/04/07/nicholas-brendon-arrested-charged/ "'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' star charged with police battery, vandalism"]. PopEater website.</ref><br /> *Hollywood television producer Bruce Beresford-Redman of CBS's ''Survivor'' series was arrested as the lead suspect in the murder of his wife.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/04/08/mexican-official-hollywood-tv-producer-suspect-wifes-death/?test=latestnews "'Survivor' producer 'suspected' in wife's death in Mexico"] (April 8, 2010). Fox News website/Fox411/TV.</ref><br /> *Actor Chris Klein, star of the ''American Pie'' films, which glorify sex and alcohol abuse, was arrested for drunk driving in June 2010<ref>TMZ Staff (June 16, 2010). [http://www.tmz.com/2010/06/16/american-pie-chris-klein-busted-for-dui-arrest/ "'American Pie' star busted for DUI"]. TMZ website.</ref><br /> *Actor Michael Brea played roles in ''Ugly Betty'' and ''Step Up 3D'', killed his 55-year-old mother with a sword while yelling Bible verses.<ref>New York Post (November 24, 2010). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/11/24/ugly-betty-actor-allegedly-kills-mother-foot-sword-screaming-repent/ "'Ugly Betty' actor allegedly kills mother with 3-foot sword while screaming 'Repent'"]. Fox News website/Crime & courts.</ref><br /> *TV host and actor Gary Collins was arrested and charged with a felony for allegedly leaving a restaurant without paying his $59.35 tab.<ref>Associated Press (January 5, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/01/05/tv-host-gary-collins-arrested-skipping-restaurant/ "TV host Gary Collins arrested for skipping out on $59 restaurant bill"]. Fox News website/Fox411/TV.</ref><br /> *Actress Jaime Pressly was arrested for driving under the influence.<ref>TMZ (January 11, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/01/11/jaime-pressly-wasted-dui-arrest/ "Jaime Pressly blew nearly three times legal limit on breathalyzer before arrest"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Celebrity news.</ref><br /> *Korey Rowe, producer of the 9/11 conspiracy film [[Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup|''Loose Change'']], was arrested for selling heroin.<ref>Associated Press (January 31, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/31/conspiracy-film-producer-arrested-drug-charges/?test=latestnews "9/11 conspiracy film producer arrested on drug charges"]. Fox News website/Crime & courts.</ref><br /> *Lindsay Lohan is facing felony grand theft charges; she was charged with stealing a $2500 necklace from a Venice boutique.<ref>McKay, Hollie (February 5, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/02/05/lindsay-lohan-facing-years-state-prison-jewelry-theft "Lindsay Lohan facing three years in state prison"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Movies.</ref><br /> *Christina Aguilera was arrested under the misdemeanor charge of public intoxication.<ref>Associated Press (March 1, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/03/01/christina-aguilera-arrested-public-intoxication-report-says/?test=faces "Christina Aguilera arrested for public intoxication"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Music.</ref><br /> *Actor Tom Sizemore was arrested on an outstanding warrant for battery.<ref>Newscore (September 20, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/09/20/actor-tom-sizemore-arrested-on-outstanding-battery-warrant-report-says/#ixzz1YVp32AsJ "Actor Tom Sizemore arrested on outstanding battery warrant, report says"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Movies.</ref><br /> *Canadian filmmaker Roger Avary, who had collaborated with Quentin Tarantino in the past, was convicted of drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter in August 2009.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/film/story/2009/08/21/avary-plea.html "''Pulp Fiction'' writer pleads guilty over deadly car crash"] (August 21, 2009). CBC News/Arts.</ref><br /> *Christian Bale was arrested for assaulting his mother.<ref>Associated Press (July 23, 2008). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,388124,00.html "Christian Bale arrested for allegedly assaulting mother, sister; actor denies allegation"]. Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Nicole Polizzi, star of the reality show ''Jersey Shore'', was arrested in July 2010 for disorderly conduct and a month later was fined $500 for the charges that followed.<ref>Parry, Wayne (September 8, 2010). [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2012835886_apusjerseyshorearrest.html "MTV's 'Snooki' fined $500 for bothering beachgoers"]. The Seattle Times website/Entertainment.</ref> On May 31, 2011 she got into troubles with the law once more, this time in [[Italy]].<ref>Lu, Anne (May 31, 2011). [http://web.archive.org/web/20111010215259/http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/90050118?Snooki%20crashes%20into%20police%20patrol%20car%20in%20Florence%2C%20Causes%20traffic%20jam "Snooki crashes into police patrol car in Florence, causes traffic jam"]. All Headline News website. Retrieved from October 10, 2011 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *David Faustino, known primarily for playing Bud in ''Married With Children'', was arrested in 2007 for possessing marijuana.<ref>Associated Press (May 16, 2007). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272977,00.html "'Married With Children' actor David Faustino arrested on marijuana, intoxication charges"]. Fox News website.</ref><br /> *Actress Natasha Lyonne has a long history of crime and drug use.<ref>Simonson, Robert (January 6, 2008). [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/theater/06simo.html "When living at all is the best revenge"]. The New York Times website/Theatre.</ref><br /> *Hollywood producer Robert Evans was convicted in 1980 of possessing cocaine.<ref>Weinraub, Bernard (May 20, 1993). [http://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/20/movies/the-rise-and-fall-and-now-rise-of-robert-evans.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm "The rise and fall and, now, rise of Robert Evans"]. The New York Times website/Movies.</ref><br /> *Pop star Gary Glitter was conivcted several times on charges related to child pornography and statutory rape.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1088318/Take-Sex-Offender-Registry-says-Gary-Glitter--taxpayers-fund-appeal.html "Take me off Sex Offender Registry, says Gary Glitter...and taxpayers will fund his appeal"] (November 21, 2008). The Daily Mail website/News.</ref><br /> *Former child actor Taran Noah Smith from ''Home Improvement'' was arrested for a DUI and drug possession.<ref>TMZ (February 1, 2012). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/01/home-improvement-kid-busted-for-dui-and-drug-possession/?intcmp=obnetwork "'Home Improvement' actor Taran Noah Smith busted for DUI, drug possession"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Celebrity News.</ref><br /> *Zsa Zsa Gabor slapped a policeman in [[Beverly Hills]] in 1989 when she was stopped for a traffic violation.<br /> *Elliot O. Rodger, the son of Hollywood Director Peter Rodger, murdered six people in Isla Vista, California on May 23, 2014, and then, according to most accounts, turned one of his weapons on himself.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Lovett, Ian and Nagourney, Adam (May 24, 2014). [http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/25/us/california-drive-by-shooting.html?_r=0 "Video rant, then deadly rampage in a California town"], with corrections, June 15, 2014. The New York Times website/U.S.<br /> *Hurlbut, Terry A. (May 25, 2014). [http://www.conservativenewsandviews.com/2014/05/25/human/hollywood-deadly-values/ "Hollywood: Deadly values"]. Conservative News and Views website/Human interest.</ref><br /> <br /> == Falsehoods ==<br /> ''See also: [[Essay:Worst Liberal Movies]]'' and [[Atheism and deception]]<br /> <br /> Hollywood values perpetuate [[liberal]]-driven [[Essay:Liberal Falsehoods|falsehoods]]:<br /> <br /> *''The Road We’ve Traveled''<br /> :20 minute mini-documentary on [[Barack Obama]], narrated by actor [[Tom Hanks]], is more fiction than fact, more fantasy than reality.<br /> <br /> *''Game Change'' <br /> :HBO's anti-Republican propaganda film about [[Sarah Palin]]. Stars and executives of the production gave $200K to Democrats, zero to Republicans.<ref>Sheppard, Noel (March 7, 2012). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2012/03/07/game-change-stars-and-execs-gave-200k-democrats-zero-republicans#ixzz1oUdT6O5w "'Game Change' stars and execs gave $200K to Democrats, zero to Republicans"]. MRCNewsbusters website.</ref><br /> <br /> *''Inside Job''<br /> :A 2010 film by Democrat donor Charles Ferguson that blames the Great Recession on [[Wall Street]], deregulation, the [[Bush Administration]]. The film whitewashes Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's role and claims the financial system corrupted politics. Capitalists are the bad guys.<br /> <br /> *''Fair Game''<br /> :Another Bush bash flick starring communist [[Sean Penn]]. 2010 film rehashes the lead up to the war in Iraq and [[Valerie Plame]]'s role. Typical un-American Hollywood film ''"The narrative that [[Karl Rove]] and Dick Cheney’s Chief of Staff [[Scooter Libby]] were nefarious behind-the-scenes players intent on destroying innocent reputations while pushing the nation into war on false pretenses."'' <ref>Weinstein, Jamie (November 10, 2010). [http://dailycaller.com/2010/11/10/hollywood-hit-job-fair-game-propagates-easily-disprovable-myths-about-lead-up-to-iraq-war/ "Hollywood hit job: ‘Fair Game’ propagates easily disprovable myths about lead up to Iraq War"]. The Daily Caller website.</ref><br /> <br /> *''The Iron Lady''<br /> : Meryl Streep plays [[Margaret Thatcher]] in this gross mistake of a film. Liberals distort her triumphs and her low career points. Streep portrays Thatcher as a dementia-sufferer looking back at her life with sadness. The director defended the film as "a fictional film, but it will be fair and accurate." Thatcher's children Mark and Carol are appalled and say "They think it sounds like some Left-wing fantasy." <ref>Walker, Tim and Eden, Richard (July 17, 2010) [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/7895160/Margaret-Thatchers-family-are-appalled-at-Meryl-Streep-film.html "Margaret Thatcher's family are 'appalled' at Meryl Streep film"]. The Telegraph [U.K.] website.</ref> <br /> <br /> *''The Tillman Story''<br /> :A liberal's view of the circumstances surrounding the death of football star and Army Ranger [[Pat Tillman]]. The film portrays each and every fact as sinister. Plus, each and every fact is evidence of a conspiracy. Typical Hollywood [[George W. Bush]] bashing flick. The bias was clear, make Tillman a liberal atheist anti-war hero that was cannon-fodder for the government. Tillman's actions speak louder than any twisted accusations presented in this documentary.<ref>Schlichter, Kurt (July 13, 2010). [http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/kschlichter/2010/07/13/the-tillman-story-dont-let-the-facts-get-in-the-way-of-your-agenda/ "Film review: Absurd conspiracy theories abound in agenda-driven ‘Tillman Story’"]. Breitbart website/Big Hollywood. Retrieved from July 15, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> *Films based on the [[Matthew Shepard]] fallacy.<br /> :Adherents to Hollywood values "green-lighted a troika of [[Matthew Shepard]] movies after he was senselessly killed because it affirmed their gut feeling that a homosexual young man living in backward America is destined for death at the hands of hateful ultraconservatives. A street in West Hollywood still stands in his name despite ABC News reporting the story false: He was killed by crazed meth addicts for drugs and money—not because of his homosexuality. Isn't that tragic enough? Yet Shepard is still the icon of homosexual victims' rights, and the mistaken story of his 'fate' soon thereafter befell Jake Gyllenhaal's character in ''Brokeback Mountain.'' The Oscar statuette stands as the exclamation point."<ref>Breitbart, Andrew (September 26, 2007). [http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-dustup26sep26,0,1800794,full.story "What are 'Hollywood values'?: A Brokeback Mountain of lies."] Los Angeles Times website.</ref><br /> <br /> *''[[Inherit the Wind]]'' <br /> :Hollywood perpetuated complete lies about the [[Scopes Trial]] in order to smear Christianity, including:<br /> <br /> :*portraying [[William Jennings Bryan]] as being ignorant, harsh and punitive, based on a false portrayal of his actions and testimony<br /> <br /> :*falsely claiming that at the end Bryan, in a senseless fit of madness, died in the courtroom amid caring and reasonable Darwinists<br /> <br /> :*falsely portraying the Darwinists in a positive light and the Christians as deceitful<br /> <br /> :In real life, Bryan and the Christians won the trial and were charitable to the end, while the Darwinist Darrow was deceitful in reneging on his deal to take the witness stand after Bryan did.<br /> <br /> *''U 571''<br /> :The 2000 film ''U 571'' had a plot which was based on the first capture of a German Enigma machine in [[World War 2]]. However, in the film the capture is made by Americans. In fact the first Enigma machine was captured by the British in 1941 prior to the Americans entering the war.<br /> <br /> *''Better This World''<br /> :2011 documentary "feature length lie" is a [[PBS]] film regarding the thwarted domestic terrorist attack at the 2008 [[Republican]] National Convention and [[liberal]]s attempt to re-write history.<ref>Giles, Hannah (April 4, 2011). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2011/04/04/better-this-world-another-chapter-in-hollywood-s-love-affair-with-terrorists/ "‘Better This World’: Another chapter in Hollywood’s love affair with terrorists"]. Breitbart website/Big Hollywood.</ref><br /> <br /> *''Recount''<br /> :The 2008 [[HBO]] movie on the 2000 Presidential elections and its aftermath in Florida. A look into how the [[Republicans]] stole the election and the role of its party members that made it happen. Republicans are portrayed as ghoulish and cited as manufacturing demonstrations. Both the real Warren Christopher and James Baker contend the film’s portrayal of the former is hopelessly untrue.<ref>Toto, Christian (May 24, 2008). [http://pjmedia.com/blog/hbos-recount-hanging-chads-and-black-humor/ "HBO’s ''Recount'': Hanging chads, black humor"]. PJ Media website/Blog.</ref><br /> <br /> *''Winter Soldiers''<br /> :The 1972 film about U.S. troops from Vietnam put on record as baby killers, human rights violators, and general disservice to America. This myth was propagated by a few anti-war activist liberal actors that never did see combat in [[Vietnam]] and some were never in the country. The initial result was to hold hearings in Congress over the matter. All allegations were proven fabrications, falsehoods, and lies.<br /> <br /> *''[[An Inconvenient Truth]]''<br /> :The 2006 false documentary about man-made [[global warming]] created & hyped by [[liberal]] [[elitist]] [[Al Gore]]<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3281925#.UC_rcVHBmcw "Bill Clinton, Al Gore get rich after White House"] (June 15, 2007). ABC News. Gore is worth $100 million.</ref> A [[British]] court found the film contained at least [http://www.conservapedia.com/Global_warming#Al_Gore.27s_.22Inconvenient_Truth.22_Movie_Claims 11 material falsehoods]. The Science and Public Policy Institute has found 35 falsehoods associated with the film.<ref>Monckton, Christopher (October 18, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20071023015917/http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org/monckton/goreerrors.html "35 Inconvenient Truths"]. Science and Public Policy Institute website. Retrieved from October 23, 2007 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> *''Million Dollar Baby'' <br /> :A 2004 [[Clint Eastwood]] pro-[[euthanasia]] film in which Eastwood euthanasies his boxing trainee at her request after she suffered a crippling blow from her opponent that left her incurable. Especially controversial since 2005 when real life [[Terri Schiavo]] was euthanasied by her husband.<br /> <br /> *''[[Kinsey]]''<br /> :Also 2004. A Bill Condon film depicting the life of fraudulent sex researcher [[Alfred Kinsey]]. Especially anti-Christian in early scenes' portrayals of Christians as narrow-minded, hypocritical, mean-spirited and stingy. Normalizes all forms of illicit sex, esp. homosexual (of which Condon is an activist for), which resulted in the current [[venereal disease]] epidemics (i.e. [[AIDS]]), widespread [[abortion]], [[divorce]], [[pornography]], [[sex crimes]] and [[unmarried parenting]] and related urban poverty and violence by irresponsible parents.<br /> <br /> *''[[Brokeback Mountain]]''<br /> :2005. Like [[Kinsey]], it's also extremely graphic and pro-homosexual in its story of an off and on "romance" between two rural [[Wyoming]] cowboys during the 1960s-1980s.<br /> <br /> *''Fahrenheit 911''<br /> :A [[Michael Moore]] film that was a false portrayal of why America fought a war against [[Saddam Hussein]]'s Iraq. The main theme was to attack [[George W. Bush]] during wartime.<br /> <br /> *''[[Sicko]]''<br /> :Another [[Michael Moore]] film which spread many falsehoods about American healthcare while unduly glorifying the so-called benefits of socialized healthcare. Memorably referred to Cuban healthcare as being better than American healthcare.<br /> <br /> *''Redacted''<br /> :Brian De Palma’s 2007 fictional anti-Iraq War film funded by [[Mark Cuban]]. The film is credited with inspiring a terrorist attack that killed two U.S. servicemen in [[Germany]].<ref>Rosenthal, John (March 11, 2011). [http://pjmedia.com/blog/german-authorities-confirm-that-frankfurt-shooter-viewed-de-palma-clip/ "German authorities confirm that Frankfurt shooter viewed De Palma clip"]. PJ Media website/Blog.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Disrespect for marriage==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and marriage]] and [[Liberal Christianity and marital infidelity]]<br /> <br /> Many celebrities and other exponents of Hollywood Values have no respect for the sanctity of marriage—their own or anyone else's. This is manifested in a high rate of marriage breakdown, and by the home-wrecking activities of the promiscuous, whose moral outlooks have been distorted by liberal and atheistic teachings.<br /> <br /> *[[Cecil B. DeMille]], despite his direction of popular [[Biblical epics]], committed [[adultery]] during his marriage. <br /> *Ingrid Bergman, Swedish actress who achieved U.S. fame in the 1940s with ''[[Casablanca]]'' (1942) and ''[[The Bells Of St. Mary's]]'' (1945). In 1950, Ingrid, who was married to fellow Swede, Peter Lindstrom, had an affair with director Roberto Rosellini while in Italy filming his direction of ''[[Stromboli]]'' (1950) and remained there after becoming pregnant with his child. This caused her to be blacklisted from U.S. films for several years and denounced from pulpits as "an agent of evil" until her U.S. comeback in ''[[Anastasia]]'' (1956). Her marriage to Rosellini, like the one to Lindstrom, ended in divorce, as did her third and last marriage afterwards to Lars Schmidt. Bergman died August 29, 1982 in London on the night of her 67th birthday.<br /> *Bonnie Lee Bakely was married ten times, divorced four, annulled five and her last marriage (to [[Robert Blake]]) was the only one ending in death—hers in 2001.<br /> *[[Humphrey Bogart]], His first three marriages ended in divorce and his fourth (to [[Lauren Bacall]]) was the only one ending in death—his in 1957, age 51.<br /> *Joan Crawford (real name Lucille Fay LeSueur), last of Hollywood's "movie queens" with roles spanning 45 years (1925-1970, most of her popularity in the 1930s) and long since a [[homosexual]] [[idol]], was married and divorced three times and named as the 'other woman' in at least one affair with a married man. Her fourth and last marriage to [[PepsiCo, Inc|Pepsi Company]]'s president Alfred Steele was the only one ending in death (his in 1959). When Joan died in 1977, her public disinheriting of her two oldest remaining adopted children from her $2M estate "for reasons that should be well known to them" was said to have caused her oldest daughter, Christina, to write her best-selling book ''Mommie Dearest'' (1978, adapted into film in 1981), which alleged a lifetime of [[Adultery|extramarital affairs]], [[alcoholism]] and selfishness-based [[child abuse]] at a time when child abuse was rarely talked about in public. Unfortunately, like her adoptive mother, Christina also got married and divorced three times in her own lifetime.<br /> *Frances Farmer, who as a [[public school]]er in 1931, denied God in a controversial award-winning high school essay and in 1935, visited the [[USSR]], was also popular in the 1930s to the point of being considered "the next [[Greta Garbo]]", had three marriages at least two of whom ended in divorce, with extramarital affairs during at least one that included one with married play writer Clifford Odets. She also had a then-illegal [[abortion]] which left her sterile; the guilt of which caused her to avoid all contact with children. In 1958, however, when she moved to [[Indianapolis]] (she died there in 1970 at age 56), a friend's child whispered to her that she was "good", something that nobody ever said or thought about her before. Soon afterwards, she went to St. [[Joan of Arc]] Catholic Church in where she went to [[confession]] of all her sins and took up classes about and in 1959 was baptized into the Catholic faith, turning away from her former lifestyle.<br /> *[[Greta Garbo]] shunned marriage for herself altogether and engaged in numerous affairs with married men.<br /> *[[Judy Garland]], best known for her "Dorothy Gale" role in ''[[The Wizard of Oz]]'' (1939) had five marriages, the first four ended in divorce, the last ended only three months later in her death in [[London]] from a barbiturate overdose in 1969 at age 46.<br /> *[[Florence Henderson]], despite her wholesome ''Carol Brady'' image on ''[[The Brady Bunch]]'', fell victim to these values (adultery) during her first marriage to Ira Bernstein in the late 1960s and early 1970s in an affair with [[New York City]]'s then-mayor John Lindsay, who she claims gave her crab lice. She divorced Berstein in 1985 and married John Kappas in 1987, which lasted until his death in 2002.<br /> *[[Katharine Hepburn]], whose movie and TV career spanned over 60 years, married just to get money for her career in 1928 at age 21. The marriage ended in divorce in 1934, after only six years. Shortly afterwards, she entered into adulterous relationships with her agent, [[Leland Hayward]] as well as [[Howard Hughes]] and [[Spencer Tracy]], the latter for 26 years until Tracy's death in 1967. The only "respect" Katharine had for Spencer's marriage was that she didn't attend his funeral. <br /> *[[Lana Turner]] Seven of her eight of her marriages ended in divorce and one in [[annulment]]. Two of them (her second & third) were to the same man.<br /> *[[Larry King]] (real name Lawrence Zeiger) has been married eight (8) times to seven (7) different women.<br /> *Elizabeth Taylor has been married eight (8) times, including a nearly 6-year marriage to [[John Warner|Senator John Warner]] (R-VA). Taylor was married to and divorced twice from [[Richard Burton]].<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000072/bio "Elizabeth Taylor biography"] (2004 or bef.). Internet Movie Data Base website.</ref><br /> *Spencer Tracy, best known as Father Flannigan in both ''[[Boys Town]]'' films (1938 and 1941) and also for the pro-&#8202;[[evolution]] ''[[Inherit the Wind]]'' (1960) and post [[World War II]] courtroom drama ''[[Judgment at Nuremberg]]'' (1961), was married to Louise Ten Broeck Treadwell from 1923-his death in 1967 but engaged in affairs with [[Joan Crawford]], [[Ingrid Bergman]] and his longest one with [[Katharine Hepburn]] until his death in 1967, claiming his "devout Catholic faith" was why he never got or sought a divorce from Treadwell. <br /> *Valerie Bertinelli said her divorce from [[Eddie Van Halen]] was caused by infidelity and drug use—by her too. She said she was "destroying my body," trying to keep up with a rock-star lifestyle.<ref>Associated Press (February 26, 2008). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,332551,00.html "Valerie Bertinelli about divorce from Eddie Van Halen: 'I wasn't an angel either'"]. Fox News website. See [[Fox News Channel]], [[Associated Press]]</ref><br /> *Eva Gabor, younger sister of [[Zsa Zsa Gabor]], was married and divorced five times and had extramarital affairs with [[Frank Sinatra]] among others.<br /> *Zsa Zsa Gabor has been married nine (9) times. One of her marriages—to Felipe de Alba—was annulled after one day. Her current (9th) marriage to Frederic Prinz von Anhalt is the only one that is still intact.<br /> *Mickey Rooney has been married eight (8) times, but has been with his last wife for 30 years after embracing religion and abandoning his previous lifestyle.<br /> *[[Frank Sinatra]] was married four times, divorced the first three, had affairs with [[Ava Gardener]] and [[Zsa Zsa Gabor]] and had flings with [[prostitutes]]. <br /> *[[Charlie Chaplin]] married four (4) times, including his marriage at the age of 54 to an 18-year-old bride.<br /> *[[James Cameron]] has been married five (5) times, one of which ended when he cheated on his wife. He also had an out of wedlock child with his fourth wife.<br /> *[[Johnny Carson]] married four (4) times, and frequently made light of his having divorced three times, as if this were something funny.<br /> *[[Meredith Baxter]] from ''[[Family Ties]]'', was married and divorced four (4) times. In 2009, she finally admitted that she is a [[homosexual]].<br /> *[[Larry Flynt]]'s first three marriages ended in divorce, his fourth marriage was the only one ending in [[widow]]ment (his by Althea's death) and his current one to Elizabeth Berrios in 1998 came when his daughter, Toyna, published her book ''Hustled'' in which she claims she was sexually abused as a child by him and has since been disowned when she became a [[Christian]] and anti-[[pornography]] [[activist]].<br /> *In 2009, the married [[David Letterman]] admitted to having had adulterous sexual relationships with multiple members of his staff; he had previously fathered a child out of wedlock.<br /> *[[Jayne Mansfield]] was married three times and had numerous extramarital affairs. She appeared in the centerfold of the pornographic magazine ''Playboy'', and died in 1967 at 42 in an automobile accident that was said to have been brought on by a curse placed by [[Satanist]] [[Anton LaVey]] on her lover, [[Sam Brody]], who was driving at the time and had also died, after expressing his hate for LaVey's cult.<br /> *[[Britney Spears]]' 2004 marriage to Jason Alexander lasted 55 hours.<br /> *Musicians [[Cher]] and [[Gregg Allman]] were married for eight days in 1975.<br /> *[[Drew Barrymore]] has two of the shortest celebrity marriages on record, one of 30 days and a five-month marriage to notorious lowbrow comedian Tom Green. Barrymore is a poster child for Hollywood values, as a former child star who became an alcoholic and drug addict who also posed for pornographic magazines.<br /> *[[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], made public that he had an adulterous relationship and fathered a child with another woman.<br /> *Halle Berry, a fanatic supporter of [[Barack Hussein Obama]],<ref>Lerer, Lisa (February 20, 2008). [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8605.html "Obamamania verges on obsession"]. Politico website.</ref> had been married two times in the past and gave birth out of wedlock.<ref>Harrington, Amy (August 21, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2009/08/21/celebrities-kids-wedlock/ "Celebrities who had kids out of wedlock"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Celebrity News.</ref> Later on, Berry and her baby's father Gabriel Aubry had split and a custody battle between the two ensued.<ref>Marikar, Sheila (Feburary 2, 2011). [http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/halle-berrys-latest-blunder-gabriel-aubry/story?id=12813387 "Gabriel Aubry: Another bad apple for Halle Berry?"]. ABC News website/Entertainment.</ref><br /> *[[Eddie Murphy]] impregnated former Spice Girl Melanie Brown without marrying her<ref>Silverman, Stephen M. (June 22, 2007). [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20043487,00.html "Mel B: DNA proves Eddie Murphy fathered her baby"]. People Magazine website/People.</ref> and later on severed all contact with Melanie and their daughter.<ref>Hilton, Beth (June 17, 2008). [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a101281/mel-b-writes-song-about-eddie-murphy.html "Mel B writes song about Eddie Murphy"]. Digital Spy website/Music/News.</ref><br /> *[[Kim Kardashian]] and [[NBA]] player [[Kris Humphries]] got divorced after 72 days.<ref>Derakhshani, Tirdad (November 1, 2011). [http://articles.philly.com/2011-11-01/news/30346165_1_kris-humphries-kim-and-kris-kim-kardashian#ixzz1cVCWcXKK "Sideshow: Smash go Kim and Kris"]. Philly.com [''The Philadelphia Inquirer''].</ref><br /> *Producer [[Robert Evans]] has been divorced seven times.<ref>Acoymo, Mary Margaret (June 20, 2006). [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1205936,00.html "Divorce no. 7 for producer Robert Evans"]. People Magazine website.</ref><br /> *Actor [[Gary Oldman]] had been married four times.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/gary-oldman-the-spy-who-came-in-and-brought-the-cold-with-him-2356597.html "Gary Oldman: The spy who came in, and brought the cold with him"] (September 18, 2011). The Independent [U.K.] website.</ref><br /> *[[Pamela Anderson]] has been divorced three times and her latest marriage lasted for only two months.<ref>Associated Press (February 26, 2008). [http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-02-26-pamela-anderson_N.htm "Anderson seeks annulment of marriage to Salomon"]. USA Today website.</ref><br /> *[[Gregg Allman]], founding member of The Allman Brothers band, has been married six times and is engaged once again. He has a new memoir out with a Christian title ''My Cross to Bear''.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2150083/Gregg-Allman-engaged-girlfriend-Shannon-Allman-Brothers-singer-64-marry-blonde-24.html "Meet bride no. 7: Gregg Allman, 64, set to marry again to a 24-year-old blonde"] (May 25, 2012). Daily Mail [U.K.] website.</ref><br /> <br /> == Offensive Behavior/Moral depravity ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and morality]]<br /> <br /> * [[Alec Baldwin]], then star of [[30 Rock]], made an obscene phone call in 2007 to his small daughter, Ireland, calling her, among other things, "a thoughtless little pig".<br /> * [[James Dean]] displayed an unhealthy interest in a 12-year-old boy.<br /> * [[Charlie Sheen]] to wife Brooke Mueller: "I'll kill you." <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/08/09/charlie-sheen-wife-brook-mueller-ill-kill-you/?test=latestnews "Charlie Sheen to wife Brooke Mueller: I'll kill you"] (August 9, 2010). Fox News website/Fox 411/TV.</ref> Sheen was arrested on Christmas Day, 2009 for domestic abuse of his current wife Brooke. He was booked for second-degree assault, menacing, and criminal mischief.<ref>Associated Press (December 25, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2009/12/25/actor-charlie-sheen-arrested-domestic-violence-charges/?test=faces "Actor Charlie Sheen released from jail after domestic abuse arrest"]. Fox News/Fox411/Movies.</ref> Sheen has a history that includes assaults against girlfriends and his former wife. He is also infamous for drug/alcohol abuse, having tried (and failed) numerous attempts in rehab clinics. He was fired from the sitcom ''Two and A Half Men'' where, in true Hollywood hypocrisy, he played an "amusingly" alcohol-abusing ladies' man, except the lifestyle proves consequence-free—at least from bad results. Sheen has become dangerously unhinged in recent weeks and has been making increasingly bizarre rants online. No one from Hollywood has yet to step in.<br /> * Trashing hotel rooms is a favorite form of offensive behavior by Hollywood types. Many examples are readily available on the internet.<ref>See, e.g., Spitz, Marc (January 3, 2008). [http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/0712_TrashedHotelRooms,6047/ "10 celebrity-trashed hotel rooms"]. BudgetTravel website.</ref><br /> *[[Mel Gibson]], who had started drinking again, was arrested in 2006 after being stopped for driving at 84&nbsp;mph in a 45&nbsp;mph zone on a notoriously dangerous road in Malibu, California.<ref>Associated Press (July 31, 2006). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14080210/ "Mel Gibson apologizes after DUI arrest"]. Today Show website [NBC].</ref> A breathalyzer test confirmed he was drunk and next to him was an open bottle of Tequila; after being arrested he hurled anti-Semitic abuse at the Jewish police officer who stopped him.<ref>Harlow, John (July 30, 2006). [http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/article192329.ece "Mel Gibson rants against Jews in a drunk-driving arrest"]. The Sunday Times website. Fee required for full article.</ref><br /> *The parents of [[Miley Cyrus]], just 15 years old, allowed [[Annie Liebowitz]] to pose the starlet without a shirt or bra (nominally [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topless "topless"]) and with just a sheet covering her front for ''Vanity Fair'' magazine.<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Barnes, Brooks (April 28, 2008). [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/business/media/28hannah.html?_r=1&oref=slogin "Revealing photo threatens a major Disney franchise"]. New York Times website (p. C1).<br /> *Silverman, Stephen M. (April 27, 2008). [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20195785,00.html "Miley Cyrus: I'm sorry for photos"]. ''People'' magazine website.<br /> *[http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/miley-cyrus-topless-controversy/story-e6frewyr-1111116182874 "Miley Cyrus topless controversy"] (April 28, 2008). The Daily Telegraph [Australia] website.</ref> "I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed," Cyrus said Sunday in a statement through her publicist. "I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about." <ref name=mc>Associated Press (April 28, 2008). [http://web.archive.org/web/20080526151928/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gYLnT2kyPIgNUurQ71aNM3EJKpRAD90ARTGO0 "Miley Cyrus says ''Vanity Fair'' photo spread embarrasses her"]. ap.google.com website. Retrieved from May 26, 2008 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> "[A] situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines," a [[Disney Channel]] statement said.<ref name=mc/><br /> *Many Hollywood stars who have purposely sought fame have then turned violent upon photographers and fans. Sean Penn is well known to lash out at photographers.<br /> *The parents of 16-year old Jamie Lynn Spears allowing her unwed pregnancy to be publicly portrayed as a normal act even though she is a role model for millions of underage teenagers. Gloucester, Massachusetts mayor, Carolyn Kirk, recently blamed the glamorizing of teen pregnancy by Jamie Lynn Spears for the 17 high school teenagers that got pregnant at the same time that Spears did.<ref>Levenson, Michael (June 23, 2008). [http://archive.is/oZBX5 "Gloucester mayor rebuts report of teen pregnancy pact"]. Boston Globe website/News/Local. Retrieved from June 28, 2013 archive at archive.is website.</ref><br /> *[[Ellen DeGeneres]] proudly displays her [[gay]] sexuality for all to see. On August 16, 2008, DeGeneres "married" Portia de Rossi in a small ceremony in Beverly Hills. ''Fox News'' called it "the biggest celebrity union since California legalized same-sex marriage." <ref>FoxNews.com and Associated Press (August 18, 2008). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,405085,00.html "Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi marry"]. FoxNews website.</ref> Now, her fans and millions of young girls can read about her gay "marriage" in magazines such as ''People'' and ''Us'' Magazine and hear about it on celebrity news television shows.<br /> *Rapper [[Kanye West]] and his bodyguard attacked the paparazzi at [[LAX]] airport and allegedly smashed a $10,000 camera on the floor. The pair were arrested for felony vandalism.<ref>Associated Press (September 12, 2008). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,420869,00.html "Kanye West arrested in altercation with paparazzi"]. FoxNews website.</ref><br /> *Celebrity of the moment [[Kourtney Kardashian]] gave a risqué lingerie shoot while pregnant with her boyfriend's child. After birth, Mom and baby adorned magazine covers, highlighting the modern acceptance of single motherhood. The cover reads ''"Baby Mason will bring our family together,"'' obscuring the traditional meaning of family.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2009/10/16/kardashian-sisters/#slide=2 "The Kardashian sisters celebrate Kourtney's 31st!"] (October 16, 2009). Fox News website/Entertainment.</ref><br /> *Actor [[Jude Law]] had a sexual relationship with model Samantha Burke that produced a daughter. It is reported that Law finally went to visit his daughter for the first time, 5 months after she was born.<ref>[http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/jude-law-makes-first-visit-to-love-child-216056/ "Jude Law makes first visit to love child"] (March 1, 2010). Celebrity-Gossip.net website.</ref><br /> *Actor [[Tom Hanks]] called Mormons 'un-American' for their support of [[Proposition 8]] in California.<ref>Fox News (January 23, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2009/01/23/tom-hanks-apologizes-calling-mormon-supporters-proposition-american/ "Tom Hanks apologizes for calling Mormon supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Celebrity News.</ref><br /> *[[Woody Allen]] seduced and took pornographic photographs of the youthful daughter of his then girlfriend [[Mia Farrow]].<br /> *Director [[John Waters]] claims that is biggest influence for his "films" are pornographic movies. In addition, he is openly gay and thinks he's okay.<br /> *[[John Cusack]] calls for a Satanic death cult to descend on ''Fox News'', Dick Armey, Newt Gingrich and GOP welfare freaks.<ref>Piazza, Jo (August 31, 2012). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/08/31/actor-john-cusack-calls-satanic-death-fox-news-gop-leaders/?test=faces "John Cusack calls for 'Satanic death' of Fox News, GOP leaders"]. Fox News website/Fox411/Celebrity news.</ref><br /> *[[Brad Pitt]], appearing in a Spike Lee film announces his desire to see BP executives get the death penalty.<ref>Gavin, Patrick (August 23, 2010). [http://web.archive.org/web/20121113001023/http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1008/pitt_death_penalty_for_bp.html "Brad Pitt: Death penalty for BP"]. Politico website. Retrieved from November 13, 2012 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> Pitt also admitted to having a history of drug use, and while he claims it belongs in his past [[Quentin Tarantino]] has said otherwise.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1207391/Brad-Pitt-offered-drugs-reveals-Quentin-Tarantino-actor-claims-quit-cannabis-years-ago.html "'Brad Pitt offered me drugs,' reveals Quentin Tarantino after actor claims he quit cannabis years ago"] (August 18, 2009). Daily Mail [U.K.] website/U.S. Showbiz.</ref><br /> *[[Tracy Morgan]] made lewd comments about [[Sarah Palin]].<ref>Gerstein, Julie (January 27, 2011). [http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/01/tnt_apologizes_for_tracy_morga.html "TNT apologizes for Tracy Morgan’s Sarah Palin comment"]. Vulture website.</ref><br /> *[[Keith Richards]], guitarist of the [[Rolling Stones]], has said that he snorted his father's ashes.<ref>[http://www.today.com/id/17933669/ns/today-entertainment/t/keith-richards-says-he-snorted-fathers-ashes/#.Vhe7vvlVhBd "Keith Richards says he snorted father's ashes"] (April 4, 2007). Today Show website/Celebrities.</ref><br /> *During one of his performances, [[Michael Richards]] lashed at a member of the audience with racial slurs.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/tv/story/2006/11/20/kramer-racial-slurs.html "Richards 'deeply, deeply sorry' for racial slurs"] (November 20, 2006). CBC News website/Arts & entertainment.</ref><br /> *Larry Wachowski, one of the directors of ''[[The Matrix]]'', previously dressed in drag before receiving a sex change and now goes by Lana Wachowski. His brother, Andy Wachowski, would later conduct a sex change himself and go by the name Lilly Wachowski.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/03/09/matrix-director-wachowski-comes-out-as-transgender/81520588/</ref><br /> *International filmmaker, Federico Fellini did acid as a source of inspiration.<br /> *Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of ''[[South Park]]'', attended the 2000 Academy Award Ceremony while dressed in drag; later on they admitted to taking drugs prior to doing so.<ref>Evon, Dan (September 30, 2011). [http://www.inquisitr.com/146670/trey-parker-and-matt-stone-say-acid-trip-was-behind-drag-appearance-at-2000-oscars/ "Trey Parker and Matt Stone say acid trip was behind drag appearance at 2000 Oscars"]. The Inquisitr website/Entertainment/Celebrity news.</ref><br /> *Scout Willis, daughter of [[Bruce Willis]] and [[Demi Moore]], appeared topless in public venues as a protest against the website Instagram.<ref>Distant, Daniel (May 30, 2014). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/scout-willis-goes-topless-in-nyc-to-protest-instagrams-nudity-policy-video-120623/ "Scout Willis goes topless in NYC to protest Instagram's nudity policy"]. Christian Post website/CP entertainment.</ref><br /> *Former MTV star Tila Tequila has praised Adolf Hitler and made anti-Semitic remarks.<ref>Hepburn, Ned (December 9, 2013). [http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a26453/tila-tequila-neo-nazi/ "Wait, hold on: Tila Tequila is a neo-Nazi now?"] Esquire website/Entertainment.</ref> <br /> *Ed Asner, when interviewed by the Sean Hannity show over his role in the California Federation of Teachers propaganda film ''Tax the Rich: An Animated Fairy Tale'', asked the interviewer "do you have any money?" and then "Can I p*** on you?", in reference to a scene from the film where a corpulent rich man proceeded, in a crude demonstration of the trickle-down effect, proceeded to urinate on the protesting public.<br /> *Will Smith commented in 2016 that America "needs to be cleansed of all Trump supporters."<br /> *Melissa Benoist, who played Kara Danvers/Kara Zor-El on ''Supergirl'', carried a sign during the [[Women's March]] saying "Hey Donald, Don't Try To Grab <u>My</u> Pussy&ndash;It's Made Of <u>Steel</u>" and later posting it on her Twitter page.<ref>http://ew.com/tv/2017/01/21/womens-march-melissa-benoist-donald-trump/</ref><br /> === Hollywood actor Dan Aykroyd on bestiality ===<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Liberalism and bestiality]]<br /> <br /> {{cquote| "I draw the line at bestiality because it’s unfair to the dog or the cat. ''' If the dog or the cat had consciousness, then that’d be OK with me.''' Sexuality has nothing to do with morality."<ref>Westen, John-Henry (September 16, 2008). [http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archive/ldn/2008/sep/08091610 "In new book actor Dan Aykroyd says he would support bestiality if animals were sentient, bashes Catho"]. LifeSite website/News.</ref>}}<br /> <br /> == Hollywood "humor" ==<br /> Another manifestation of Hollywood's offensiveness and moral depravity is found in many of its "comedy" movies. More so than any other entertainment industry, many Hollywood productions rely on lowbrow, juvenile humor. Unlike more intelligent comedies of the early to mid-20th century (such as ''The Great Dictator'' or ''Arsenic and Old Lace''), many contemporary Hollywood comedies eschew intelligence, social commentary, wit or satire in favor of lower-hanging fruit, such as "toilet humor," nudity/sex, gratuitous violence and shock value. Examples of such films include:<br /> <br /> *''American Pie'' — a long-running film franchise primarily dealing with teenage sex and alcohol; it relies on jokes about sex and bodily functions.<br /> *''[[Jackass]]'' — These films are essentially montages of ridiculous stunts and pranks with no coherent story.<br /> *''[[Beavis and Butthead]]'' 1990s MTV series and its 1996 [[movie]] adaptation ("Beavis and Butthead Do America") make fun of injuries and their related suffering and, in the movie version, "moon" (expose their buttockses) [[nuns]].<br /> *[[Mel Brooks]]' ''History of The World Part I'' (1981) makes fun of, among other things, the [[Dawn of Man]] by showing [[cavemen]] breaking their feet and creating the first [[homosexual marriage]], [[Moses]] bringing the [[Ten Commandments]] to the Israelites by literally breaking the extra five, many sex jokes and a mockery of the [[Last Supper]] in its [[Roman Empire]] scenes, mocked the sufferings of [[Jews]] in its [[Spanish Inquisition]] segment and shows France's King [[Louis XVI]] (played by Brooks) in the [[French Revolution]] segment using real humans as skeet targets for his target practice games, while hypocritically saying, "I detest violence".<br /> * TV [[sitcoms]] ''[[All In The Family]]'' and its first spinoff ''[[Maude]]'' included controversial subjects in an often depressing way. ''[[Maude]]'' for example, had its title character getting an abortion in its first year. Later sitcom entries ''[[Married With Children]]'', ''[[Roseanne]]'' and ''[[The Simpsons]]'' (latter is still running over 25 years on) are also full of such humor.<br /> *''[[South Park]]'' — uses constant iterations of urine, feces, farting and shock humor, such as jokes about abortion, [[rape]] and the [[Holocaust]].<br /> *''There's Something About Mary'' — contains gratuitous sex and jokes about bodily functions.<br /> *''[[Family Guy]]'' — notorious for its shock tactics, this show routinely employs willful tastelessness for comedic shock value. Examples include one regular character who is a pedophile, a pet dog who drinks heavily as well as constant Hitler jokes.<br /> *''[[Cheech and Chong]]'' films are the original [[pot]] pair.<br /> *''[[Harold and Kumar]]'' films - the adventures of the pot-smoking duo that play up ethnic stereotypes, à la Cheech & Chong. <br /> *''[[Dogma]]'' — a movie that makes fun of the Bible and religion.<br /> * Lowbrow comedies like ''Porky's'', ''Vacation'' ([[Chevy Chase]], Beverly D'Angelo), ''Police Academy'' and ''Revenge of The Nerds'' series are full of all of the above.<br /> * ''Heathers''<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097493/ "Heathers"] (2015 or bef.) Internet Movie Data Base website.</ref> — a pathetically grim comedy featuring [[public school]] high schoolers killing other students while making their deaths look like suicides.<br /> *[[Delgo]] Relatively tame, with some humor aimed at bodily functions.<br /> <br /> == Rehabilitation clinics ==<br /> <br /> ''See also:'' [[Atheism and drug addiction]]<br /> <br /> Hollywood values often result in [[Celebrity|celebrities]] going into rehabilitation clinics. Here are some examples:<br /> *[[Anthony Michael Hall]], of teen "humor" pics ''[[Sixteen Candles]]'' and ''[[The Breakfast Club]]'' where he was a real life [[teenager]], was in rehab for [[alcoholism]].<br /> *[[Kirsten Dunst]] checked into the [[Cirque Lodge]] treatment facility in [[Utah]] after a week of hard partying at the [[Sundance Film Festival]], according to a source at the lodge, although the lodge's director of operations denies this.<ref name = "foxkirsten">[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,329545,00.html "Reports say Kirsten Dunst in rehab; Rep for facility denies it"] (February 8, 2008). Fox News website. See [[Fox News]].</ref><br /> <br /> The following all checked into the above facility seeking treatment for various psychological problems:<br /> <br /> *[[Lindsay Lohan]]<ref name = "foxkirsten"/><br /> *[[Eva Mendes]]<ref name = "foxkirsten"/><br /> *[[Mary-Kate Olsen]]<ref name = "foxkirsten"/><br /> *[[Robert Downey Jr.]]<br /> *[[Courtney Love]]<br /> <br /> *[[Heather Locklear]]<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/2008/06/24/heather-locklear-checks-into-psychological-treatment-facility-rep-tells.html "Heather Locklear checks into psychological treatment facility rep tells magazine"] (June 24, 2008). Fox News website. "A spokeswoman for the 47-year-old star said: 'Heather has been dealing with anxiety and depression.'" She "checked into a clinic in [[Arizona]] that treats depression."</ref><br /> <br /> *[[David Arquette]], enters rehab for treatment of alcohol abuse and depression.<ref>[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/01/david-arquette-rehab-alcohol-courteney-cox-arquette.html "David Arquette enters rehab; Courteney Cox supportive"] (January 3, 2011). ''Los Angeles Times'' website/Ministry of Gossip.</ref><br /> <br /> *[[David Duchovny]], having boosted Hollywood Values through his role in a decadent television series, now finds himself trapped by the depravity that he promoted, and has had to enter rehab for his addiction to unchastity.<ref>Serjeant, Jill (August 29, 2008). [http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN2835847820080829 "David Duchovny's sex disorder likened to alcoholism"]. Reuters website/Life/Entertainment.</ref><br /> <br /> == Hypocrisy ==<br /> <br /> Hollywood personalities often propose legislation such as outlawing private gun ownership, or speak out against things such as anti-gun laws, but have at the same time acted in movies contrary to their own public opinions: <br /> <br /> * [[George Clooney]] on hearing that fellow actor and gun-rights advocate, [[Charlton Heston]], suffers from Alzheimer's disease, said: ''"I don't care. Charlton Heston is the head of the [[National Rifle Association]]. He deserves whatever anyone says about him."''<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080105122441/http://www.funnyreign.com/quotes-georgeclooney.shtml "George Clooney quotes"] (2005 or bef.) FunnyReign.com website. Retrieved from January 5, 2008 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> Clooney starred in the film ''The Peacemaker'', in which he played an American military man defending the country from a nuclear attack; scenes in the film showed him using a gun to defend himself and others. <br /> <br /> * [[Mark Wahlberg]] upon meeting Charlton Heston on the set of 2001's remake of ''Planet of the Apes'', Wahlberg rudely told Heston, "It was very disturbing meeting you." Later, Wahlberg would have this to say at the MTV Movie Awards: ''"I believe Charlton Heston is America's best villain because he loves guns so much. Maybe he should get the award for being president of the National Rifle Association."''<ref>Codrea, David (2001). [http://web.archive.org/web/20140702162328/http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=2360 "Planet of the ape"]. Keep and Bear Arms website. Retrieved from July 2, 2014 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> Wahlberg's character in ''Planet of the Apes'' uses a gun to defend himself and other humans from the apes who would rule over them.<br /> <br /> * [[Helen Mirren]] played Queen Elizabeth II in 2006's movie ''The Queen'', but [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,414361,00.html admits she used to use cocaine] as a result of her poor life choices as a younger woman.<br /> <br /> * The [[Toyota Prius]]: Many celebrities will often be seen driving a Prius when in the public eye but drive a supercar such as a [[Porsche]] or [[Ferrari]] when they believe people are not watching.<br /> <br /> ==Using appearances to promote their liberal political views==<br /> *Rapper Kanye West infamously went way off script during a live benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Katrina, criticizing the media's treatment of images of black and white people and saying President [[George W. Bush]] "doesn't care about black people."<ref>De Moraes, Lisa (September 3, 2005). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/03/AR2005090300165.html "Kanye West's torrent of criticism, live on NBC"]. ''The Washington Post'' website/Arts & Living/The TV column.</ref><br /> *During the live broadcast of the 2007 Emmy Awards, actress Sally Field went on a sputtering anti-war rant, eventually concluding by saying, "If the mothers ruled the world, there would be no g**d*** war in the first place." She received thunderous applause from the Hollywood audience for her vulgar remark.<ref>Associated Press (September 17, 2007). [http://web.archive.org/web/20080628002015/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3610891 "Sally Field's Emmy speech sets off censors"]. ABC News website/Entertainment. Retrieved from June 28, 2008 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *[[Michael Moore]] surprised no one by criticizing President Bush during his 2003 Oscar acceptance speech for ''Bowling for Columbine,'' saying, "We live in the time where we have fictitious election results that elect a fictitious president. We live in a time where we have a man who's sending us to war for fictitious reasons, whether it's the fiction of duct tape or the fiction of orange alerts. We are against this war, Mr. Bush. Shame on you, Mr. Bush. Shame on you."<ref>Breznican, Anthony (March 23, 2003). [http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20030323-2028-oscars-moore.html "Michael Moore criticizes U.S. war in Iraq during Oscar acceptance speech"]. Associated Press. Reprinted at SignOnSanDiego.com.</ref><br /> *Actress Jessica Lange verbally attacked President Bush and the Iraq War during a 2008 commencement speech at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York, stating, "We are living in an America that, in the last seven and a half years, has waged an unnecessary war, established prison camps, condoned torture, employed corporate armies, eliminated the right of habeas corpus, practiced extraordinary rendition, and believe me, this is only a partial list."<ref>Associated Press (May 24, 2008). [http://web.archive.org/web/20080530204101/http://cbs5.com/politics/Jessica.Lange.President.2.732264.html "Jessica Lange bashes Bush, Iraq War"]. KPIX CBS Channel 5 [California] website. Retrieved from May 30, 2008 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *Actress Megan Fox was recently quoted by MSN in a piece entitled "The wit and wisdom of Megan Fox" discussing her new movie ''Transformers 2''. She said "why not just take out all of the white trash, hillbilly, anti-gay, super Bible-beating people in Middle America?"<ref>Friedeman, Elijah (2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20090613032615/http://www.onenewsnow.com/Blog/Default.aspx?id=559876 "Megan Fox would barter using ‘Bible-beating white trash’"]. OneNewsNow.com website. Retrieved from June 13, 2009 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Vanity and [[Idol]] Worship==<br /> [[Hollywood]] places a value on appearance and it is driven into the minds of those who they seek profits and adulation from. There is such a need to be rich and famous that anything goes. It may be glamorizing to reveal skin <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2009/07/15/lovely-talented-khloe-kardashian?test=faces "Khloe Kardashian: 2010's classiest celebrity: The youngest of the Kardashian gals decided flashing photographers was the best way to get some attention"] (April 1, 2010). Fox News website/Entertainment.</ref> or shamelessly being sex symbols to audiences. Pat-your-back awards ceremonies whereby we breathlessly await the ''stars'' to arrive. Naturally, scandals make big headlines and these people are no stranger to controversy for [[money]]. These fake gods have captured the hearts of millions upon millions who follow their every move. Negative stereotypes poison the minds of their followers. Women feel less worthy due to the overwhelming influence touching every part of society. [[Pennsylvania State University|Penn State's]] Media Research found the following regarding women's magazines, "Past research indicates that exposure to thin models results in lower [[self-esteem]] and decreased weight satisfaction, and to increased depression, guilt, shame, [[stress]], insecurity and body dissatisfaction." <ref>Campbell, Erin M. (Jan. 2002 or bef.) [http://comm.psu.edu/medialab/research-article/construction-of-beauty-as-a-measure-of-self-worth-among-college-females "Construction of beauty as a measure of self-worth among college females: the role of fashion magazines"]. Penn State College of Communications website/Media effects research lab.</ref><br /> <br /> [[File:Celebrity.jpg|right|250px]]<br /> <br /> ==Award Shows==<br /> Fans of Hollywood are served copious amounts of vanity and glamour as celebrities are greeted on the red-carpet attending award events. Paparazzi snap pictures and the stars are rated for their appearance in various tabloids and entertainment television. Once the celebrities have arrived at the awards, television cameras capture for the masses acceptance speeches of their beloved stars. Once limited to couple of banquets such as the [[Emmy Award|Emmys]] or [[Golden Globe]]s, now some two-dozen award shows are vying for exposure. These new award shows offer glimpses into ego and moral depravity of Hollywood. It's not uncommon for the stars to act cool by cussing to the audience during acceptance speeches. These awards shows have become tawdry events that are marketed mostly to teens. <br /> <br /> *Madonna engages in a lustful lesbian kiss onstage to [[Britney Spears]] at the 2003 MTV Music Video Awards.<ref>Lamb, Bill (2007). [http://top40.about.com/od/britneyspears/ig/Britney-Spears-Photo-Biography/Britney-Spears-Kissing-Madonna.htm "Britney Spears and Madonna kiss: 2003 MTV Video Music Awards"]. About.com website/About entertainment/Top 40 & pop music/Pop music pictures and videos/Pop music photo galleries/Britney Spears.</ref><br /> *A notoriously self-serving [[Kanye West]] jumped onstage at the [[MTV Video Awards]] to interrupt an acceptance speech by [[Taylor Swift]].<ref>Trunzo, Jenna (September 14, 2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20091221062109/http://www.examiner.com/x-15972-Raleigh-Pop-Culture-Examiner~y2009m9d14-MTV-Video-Music-Awards-inspire-annual-controversy "MTV Video Music Awards inspire annual controversy"]. Examiner.com/Washington D. C./Arts and entertainment/Raleigh pop culture examiner. Retrieved from December 21, 2009 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *[[Mariah Carey]] attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Her acceptance speech was made while completely drunk.<ref>TJ (January 6, 2010). [http://neonlimelight.com/2010/01/06/video-mariah-carey-accepts-film-festival-award-drunk/ "Video: Mariah Carey accepts film festival award drunk"]. Neon Limelight website.</ref> <br /> *[[Miley Cyrus]] performed at the Teen Choice Awards in August 2009. The 16-year old was dancing around on a stripper pole.<ref>Vena, Jocelyn (August 20, 2009). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1619183/20090820/cyrus__miley.jhtml "Billy Ray Cyrus defends Miley's Teen Choice pole dance"]. MTV website/News.</ref> In August 2013, the now 20-year-old Miley again stunned audiences with her disturbing performance at the VMA awards show <ref>Mallenbaum, Carly (August 27, 2013). [http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/08/26/miley-cyrus-vmas-twitter/2699021/ "Miley's VMA performance shocks celebs"]. ''USA Today'' website/Life/People.</ref> that incorporated drug references, an inappropriate costume and sexual gestures. The 2013 performance was widely criticized by the general public as well as other celebrities. <br /> *Actor [[Jack Black]] opened the 2009 MTV Video Awards by leading everyone in a prayer to [[Satan]].<ref>Jones, Russ (September 14, 2009). [http://web.archive.org/web/20100128181427/http://www.christianpress.com/content/entertainment/11-lifestyle/360-jack-black-leads-a-prayer-to-the-devil-at-the-2009-mtv-awards "Jack Black leads a prayer to the Devil at the 2009 MTV Awards"]. Christian Press website. Retrieved from January 28, 2010 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> <br /> *Adam Lambert’s [[American Music Awards]] performance received over 1500 complaints for flipping off the audience, kissing a male keyboard player, and fondling several of his backup dancers.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20120119230620/http://www.ecanadanow.com/entertainment/2009/11/28/did-you-find-adam-lamberts-american-music-awards-performance-offensive/comment-page-1/ "Did you find Adam Lambert’s American Music Awards performance offensive?"] (November 28, 2009). eC🍁nadaNow website. Retrieved from January 19, 2012 archive at Internet Archive.</ref><br /> *Nominees for the 13th annual 2011 [[Teen Choice Awards]] include a lesbian kiss, a masturbating dog, a pot head middle school teacher. ''"Teens will vote for their favorites, ranging from artists with hits about S&M, to sex and drug-filled R-rated comedies, to favorite “break up” songs—one nominated song features the “f” word 16 times."'' <ref>Brown, Erin R. (August 5, 2011). [http://m.newsbusters.org/blogs/erin-r-brown/2011/08/05/producers-pick-lesbian-kiss-r-rated-movies-teen-choice-award-nominees "Producers pick lesbian kiss, R-rated movies as Teen Choice Award nominees"]. mrcNewsBusters website.</ref><br /> *Nicki Minaj performed an "ode to Satanism" in 2012 at the Grammy Awards show<ref>Multiple references:<br /> *Charles, Marissa and Mendoza, Nadia (February 13, 2012). [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2100258/Grammys-2012-Nicki-Minaj-morphs-possessed-alter-ego-Roman-levitates-live-exorcism.html "Nicki Minaj gets high at the Grammys! Star morphs into possessed alter-ego Roman, as she levitates during live 'exorcism'"]. DailyMail [U.K.] website/U.S. Showbiz.<br /> *Grider, Geoffrey (February 13, 2012). [http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=8639 "Nicki Minaj performs satanic ritual #2 to top Madonna's satanic Superbowl show"]. Now the End Begins website.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Preying on Underage Stars==<br /> <br /> Very many child actors and actresses have gone on to have damaged and tragically short lives as a result of early exposure to Hollywood Values.<br /> <br /> Debbie Gibson reflects on her life as a sixteen-year-old teenage Pop star and her exposure to the very sinister side of show business. “It is very disheartening that there are so many older men that prey on young performers.” What is even more disturbing than dirty male fans would be older male record executives trying to take her to adult parties and corrupt her with alcohol. Even the way the paparazzi stalk the younger artists is very different from following around adults.<ref>McKay, Hollie (July 17, 2009). [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533542,00.html?test=faces "Debbie Gibson speaks out about pedophile fans wanting to 'corrupt little girls'"]. Fox News website.</ref><br /> <br /> Former child-actor Corey Feldman tells ABC that a big group of Hollywood executives are responsible for pedophilia and rape of underage stars.<ref>Price, Andrew (August 16, 2011). [http://web.archive.org/web/20111106062955/http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/aprice/2011/08/16/child-molestation-allegations-against-hollywood-must-be-investigated/ "Child molestation allegations against Hollywood must be investigated"]. Breitbart/Big Hollywood. Retrieved from November 6, 2011 archive at Internet Archive.</ref> Feldman blames the death of troubled teen actor Corey Haim on Haim's Hollywood agent who molested him at age 14.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2025357/Paedophilia-Hollywoods-biggest-problem-alleges-child-star-Corey-Feldman.html "'Paedophilia is Hollywood's biggest problem,' explosive claim by former child star Corey Feldman"] (August 12, 2011). DailyMail.com [U. K.]/U.S. Showbiz.</ref><br /> <br /> The father of teen idol Miley Cyrus said Disney destroyed their family.<ref>NewsCore (February 15, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/02/15/billy-ray-cyrus-scared-daughter-miley-says-hannah-montana-destroyed-family/#?test=faces "Billy Ray Cyrus scared for daughter Miley, says Hannah Montana 'destroyed my family'"]. Fox News website/Fox411/TV.</ref> Billy Ray Cyrus accuses Miley's 'handlers' (Disney Executives) of going too far to promote her and when she got bad press they made her father the scapegoat.<br /> <br /> === Reality show participants ===<br /> [[MTV]] is notorious for filming underage participants in reality shows. The pressure of instant fame with people in trying circumstances to begin with, the off-camera news starts to creep more into the media. Arrests, suicide attempts, drugs and rehab are just some of the issues involving reality stars personal lives. Legal contracts with the network spell out MTV's rights to exploit their situations on the show. Psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere. “In this country the media rewards bad behavior with more attention, thus more bad behavior is manifested because it is reinforced and rewarded." <ref>Piazza, Jo (June 17, 2011). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/06/17/is-mtv-repsonsible-when-at-risk-girls-it-exploits-go-off-deep-end/#ixzz1PYwX10oc "Is MTV responsible when at-risk teens it features go off the deep end?"] Fox News website/Fox 411/TV.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Productions==<br /> The diseased moral values of the Liberal-dominated entertainment industry are manifested all too clearly in many of the products of that industry—motion pictures and television programs that offer no edification or instruction to the viewer, but plumb a cesspit of license and depravity. Some recent examples include the television series ''Desperate Housewives'', [[Delgo]], and ''Sex and the City'''s TV series and its movies.<br /> <br /> ==Religion==<br /> A short study of the ten most successful actors <ref>Johnson, Bryan (July 15, 2009). [http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-most-successful-actors-at-the-box-office.php "Top 10 most successful actors at the box office"]. TopTenz website/Entertainment/Movies & Television/People.</ref> shows that only 50% are Christian (compared to 76% for the general population), with 30% expressing no religious beliefs at all (15% in the general public). These actors have had successful careers and it is very likely that religious affiliation in regular actors is much lower, exposing or predisposing them to the influence of Hollywood values. [[David Lynch]], for example, is apathetic towards all [[politics]] and [[religions]] and prefers [[transcendental meditation]] instead. Adrian Zmed, 1980s [[teen idol]] who starred alongside [[William Shatner]] in the 1980s police drama, ''T.J. Hooker'', said in a 1983 interview with [[People magazine|''People'']] magazine that his rigid upbringing by his Romanian [[Eastern Orthodox]] [[priest]] father caused him to play juvenile deliquent and greaser roles (ex. [[Broadway]]'s long running stage musical ''[[Grease]]'' and the 1982 sequel [[movie]] ''[[Grease 2]]'') as a relief from "having a [[Father]] who is *your* [[father]]", and had also said "Preachers kids have a sense of rebellion in them".<br /> <br /> [[Scientology]] is practiced by many Hollywood personalities. [[Tom Cruise]], [[Kirstie Alley]] and [[John Travolta]] are perhaps the most well-known Hollywood Scientologists.<br /> <br /> ==Quote==<br /> {{Americans as the good guys}}<br /> <br /> ==Books==<br /> * ''Hollywood Against America''<br /> * ''Hollywood Babylon'' (1965) by Kenneth Anger (US edition)<br /> * ''Hollywood Babylon II'' (1984) by Kenneth Anger<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Supermodel]]s<br /> * [[Gallery of American Heroes]]<br /> * [[World Famous Pictures]]<br /> * [[Hollywood Myths]]<br /> * [[Hollywood lies]]<br /> * [[Fashion industry values]]<br /> * [[San Francisco values]]<br /> * [[Liberal values]]<br /> * [[Bollywood]] in [[Mumbai]], [[India]]<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ic_Q3agTpruvzoCJ5UxWaAqGJW3A Bush attacks 'Hollywood values'], ''AFP'', Oct 1, 2007<br /> *[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/index.html Mug-shots of arrested Hollywood stars]<br /> *[http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/news/articles/2010/mtvmovieawards.asp Parent's Television Council: MTV’s Movie Awards Will Honor Profanity]<br /> *[http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/vernon/100802 From Hollywood: to Hitler with love (Stalin, too)]<br /> *[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/12/17/dumbest-things-celebs-said/?test=faces Ten Dumbest Things Celebs Said in 2010]<br /> *[http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2011/01/04/foul-mouthed-celebs/?test=faces#slide=1 Foul Mouthed Celebrities]<br /> *[http://www.irishexaminerusa.com/mt/2011/01/04/pop_culture_killing_classic_tr.html Pop Culture Killing Classic Traditions]<br /> *[http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/ Andrew Breitbart's BigHollywood.com]<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> {{Reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{Liberalism}}<br /> {{Ten Commandments}}<br /> <br /> [[Category:Entertainment]]<br /> [[Category:Liberal Traits]]<br /> [[Category:Social Problems]]<br /> [[Category:Hollywood]]<br /> [[Category:Anti Second Amendment]]<br /> [[Category:California]]<br /> [[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]<br /> [[Category:Los Angeles]]<br /> [[Category:Hollywood Values|!]]<br /> [[Category:Featured articles]]<br /> [[Category:Threats]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Public_schools_in_the_United_States&diff=1375691 Public schools in the United States 2017-09-21T20:36:38Z

<p>Bodhi: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:800px-Warning signs at CHS.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Because of violence, vandalism, and other undesirable elements, this public school has a glaring sign warning of the on-campus surveillance cameras at its parking lot entrance.]]<br /> '''Public schools in the [[United States]]''' are government sponsored institutions intended to teach children up through 12th grade. They are generally split into lower-level "Grade School," "Middle School" and "High School." There are also some "Technical Schools" for training in specific skills.<br /> <br /> Public schools have become predominantly [[liberal]] and [[atheistic]]<ref>[http://www.exodusmandate.org/art_exodus_from_public_schools_gets_helping_hand.htm Exodus from "public schools" gets a helping hand], Exodus Mandate, Sept 15, 1998</ref><ref>For example, "in 2005, officials at East Brunswick High School adopted a policy prohibiting representatives of the school district from participating in student-initiated prayer." [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61806]</ref><ref>From 2004 to 2006, a [[public school]] banned [[Bible]] study by children ... ''during recess''. A teacher complained about the use of the Bible and the principal then censored the study activity, according to a sworn statement by a teacher told to stop it. Principal "Summa, having learned of a complaint by a teacher and of the students' Bible study, told fourth-grade teacher Virginia Larue to nix the group's recess meeting. ... Larue later told one of Luke's Bible study colleagues the group could no longer meet at recess."[http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/jan/03/recess-bible-study-spurs-lawsuit/]</ref><ref>[[Atheists]] routinely impose their views on [[public schools]], though liberals deny it. For example, a court prohibited a moment of silence in [[Illinois]] "Township High School District 214 after atheist activist Rob Sherman challenged" it.[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-moment_of_silence_bothmay30,0,7722271.story]</ref> <br /> government institutions that employ 3 million people and spend more than $410 billion annually at a cost of more than $10,000 per student. [[Liberals]] censor [[classroom prayer]], the [[Ten Commandments]], sharing of [[faith]] in classrooms during school hours, and teaching [[Bible]]-based [[morality]].<ref>''See, e.g.'', ''[[Stone v. Graham]]'' (1980) (excluding Ten Commandments from public school).</ref><ref>A public school banned [[Bible]] study by children ... ''during recess''. A teacher complained about the use of the Bible and the principal then censored the study activity, according to a sworn statement by a teacher told to stop it. [http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/jan/03/recess-bible-study-spurs-lawsuit/]</ref> Mandatory [[Homosexual Agenda|homosexual indoctrination]] is common as early as elementary school in more [[liberal]] states.<ref>http://www.massresistance.org/media/video/brainwashing.html</ref> The failures of underperforming public schools are a paradigm of [[socialism]], along with [[landfills]] and the [[Canada|Canadian]] health care system.<br /> <br /> The following are characteristics of US public schools:<br /> <br /> *30% of public school students fail to graduate from [[high school]],<ref name="graduate">"Only 70% of all students in public high schools graduate, and one study found that only 32% of all students in the high school class of 2001 left high school qualified to attend four-year colleges."[http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/ewp_03.htm]</ref> and more 40% of minorities fail to graduate;<ref>"Only 71 percent of kids graduate from high school within four years, and for minorities, the numbers are even worse -- 58 percent for Hispanics and 55 percent for African Americans," [Bill Gates] wrote. "If the decline in childhood deaths [in developing countries] is one of the most positive statistics ever, these are some of the most negative."[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/29/AR2009032901353.html?wpisrc=newsletter]</ref> the real drop-out rate may be 50%.<ref>http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/47272207.html</ref><br /> *Nearly 70% of students leave high school unqualified to attend four-year college, and many are unable to hold a steady job.<ref name="graduate"/><br /> *A 2007 study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 77% of students between eighth and 12th grade had used illicit drugs.<ref>According to Monitoring the Future, a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, illicit drug use is up among students between eighth and 12th grade. In 1991, 62 percent had used illicit drugs. In 2007, the number jumped to 77 percent. [http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20081207/NEWS08/812070305/1002]</ref> Fatal overdoses are common but underreported.<ref>Fatal overdoses are common, although often underreported.[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E5DB123EF932A25750C0A9629C8B63 Reporting of a heroin overdose by 16-year-old [[public school]] student was an exception to the underreporting].</ref> Public schools are required to present [[Drug education|drug "education"]] to kids.<br /> *More than 60% of public school teenagers (in one regional study) watch more than 3 hours of television a day, compared with a national average of 35%<ref>http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/dec/01/memphis-youth-make-progress-on-risky-behavior/ (study of Memphis students)</ref><br /> *About half of the viable pregnancies among girls attending public school end in [[abortion]]s and about half end in birth. Public schools "[[Sex education|educate]]" kids about sex.<ref>"There is zero shame [to [[teenage pregnancy]]]," the school nurse observed.[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/12/AR2008121203507.html]</ref><br /> *"About 160,000 students miss school daily because they [[fear]] being [[Bully|bullied]]," and students viciously fight each other and post videos of it on [[YouTube|Youtube.com]].<ref>One victim is now "being [[homeschooled]] at state expense."[http://starbulletin.com/2008/05/18/news/story01.html]</ref> <br /> *20% of students had been dangerously "[[binge drinking]]" in the previous 30 days, and 50% of seniors regularly drink illegally, according to a 2007 study of Ottawa County, Michigan.<ref>The Grand Rapids Press The Grand Rapids Press: Ottawa County confronts teen drinking, By Greg Chandler, December 04, 2008 [http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2008/12/ottawa_county_confronts_teen_d.html]</ref><ref name="Oregon">http://www.mlive.com/chronicle/news/index.ssf/2008/12/ottawa_co_youth_survey_surpris.html</ref><br /> *10-20% of students become [[Addiction|addicted]] to [[cigarettes]]<ref name="Oregon"/><ref>http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/dec/01/memphis-youth-make-progress-on-risky-behavior/</ref><br /> *More than 10% of public high schools have a [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] student club<br /> *The majority of public school students are completely ignorant about the Bible, even as [[Bible history|history]] and literature<br /> *35% of students are overweight<br /> *Health screening of public schools in Memphis, Tennessee, found that nearly 10% of students have mental health problems.<br /> *California public schools, largest in the nation, now rank at the bottom in academic achievement.<br /> {{See also|Public school culture}}<br /> ==History==<br /> ===Religious origins===<br /> In 1647, [[Massachusetts]] [[Puritans]] enacted the second law, after Scotland in 1616,<ref>The Social, Economic & Political Reasons for the Decline of Gaelic in Scotland [http://www.scottishhistory.com/articles/highlands/gaelic/gaelic_page1.html]</ref> establishing universal public [[school]]s in the English-speaking world to block the attempts by "ould deluder Satan to keepe men from the whole knowledge of the Scriptures".<ref>''Family Encyclopedia of American History'' (Reader's Digest 1975)</ref> Each settlement larger than 50 families was required to pay a [[teacher|schoolmaster]] to teach reading, writing and religious doctrine to the [[children]] in the community. Beginning in 1670, Massachusetts provided [[taxation|tax]] funding for school maintenance. This model was then copied throughout the colonies, and even throughout the world.<br /> <br /> ====Curricula used====<br /> According to [[Noah Webster]], "the books used were chiefly or whole Dilworth's Spelling Books, the Psalter, Testament and Bible".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DYVX2qf5xIAC&pg=PA118|last1=Gutjahr|first1=Paul C.|title=An American Bible: A History of the Good Book in the United States, 1777-1880|date=1999|work=[[Stanford University]] Press|pages=118}}</ref> Other sources such as the U.S. Office of Education note the following books used: The ABC, the Horn Book, the New England Primer, the Bible, Catechisms, and the Psalters.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gwENAAAAIAAJ&pg=RA8-PA19|title=Statistics of Land-grant Colleges and Universities, Volume 1, Issues 1-26|date=1921|work=Office of Education|pages=18–19}}</ref><br /> <br /> ''[[The New England Primer]]'' is of particular note given its widespread use over such a long period of time.<ref name=encyclopedia>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e6YoCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA874|title=Encyclopedia of Christian Education, Volume 3|date=2015|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|pages=874}}</ref> The ''Primer'', also known as ''The Little Bible'', was in use in schools for over 150 years.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/topic/The-New-England-Primer The New-England Primer], [[Encyclopedia Britannica]]</ref><br /> <br /> ===Importation of the Prussian model===<br /> In the mid 19th century, [[Horace Mann]], an early education reformer, studied the methods of [[Prussian Education]] and brought them back to the [[United States]]. According to [[John Dewey]]:<br /> {{cquote|Horace Mann and the disciples of [[Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi|Pestalozzi]] did their peculiar missionary work so completely as intellectually to crowd the conservative to the wall. For half a century after their time the ethical emotion, the bulk of exhortation, the current formulae and catchwords, the distinctive principles of theory have been found on the side of progress, of what is known as reform. The supremacy of self-activity, the symmetrical development of all the powers, the priority of character to information, the necessity of putting the real before the symbol, the concrete before the abstract, the necessity of following the order of nature and not the order of human convention - all these ideas, at the outset so revolutionary, have filtered into the pedagogic consciousness and become the commonplace of pedagogic writing and of the gatherings where teachers meet for inspiration and admonition.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JXkBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA332|last1=Dewey|first1=John|title=Journal of Proceedings and Addresses|date=1901|work=[[National Education Association]]}}</ref>}}<br /> Mann would travel to [[Prussia]] in 1843 to visit the schools and study them.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UrxSUMN4-FsC&pg=PA224|last1=Karier|first1=Clarence J.|title=The Individual, Society, and Education: A History of American Educational Ideas|date=1986|publisher=University of Illinois Press|isbn=978-0252013096|quote="In 1843, it was these Pestalozzian practices which so impressed Horace Mann on his visit to the Prussian Schools.}}</ref><br /> <br /> ====Secularization====<br /> According to historian Ellwood Cubberly:<br /> {{cquote|He(Horace Mann) will always be regarded as perhaps the greatest of the "founders" of our American system of free public schools. No one did more than he to establish in the minds of the American people the conception that education should be universal, non-sectarian, and free, and that its aim should be social efficiency, civic virtue, and character, rather than mere learning or the advancement of sectarian ends.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J_tEAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA167|last1=Cubberley|first1=Ellwood. P|title=Public Education in the United States: A Study and Interpretation of American Educational History; an Introductory Textbook Dealing with the Larger Problems of Present-day Education in the Light of Their Historical Development|date=1919}}</ref>}}<br /> <br /> John Dewey regarded Horace Mann as the "patron saint of progressive education."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t7QTC8NuGL8C&pg=PA181|last1=Dewey|first1=John|title=The Later Works, 1925-1953: 1935-1937|publisher=SIU Press|date=1987}}</ref><br /> <br /> ===20th century===<br /> Many children did not attend public school for the first two centuries. It was not until 1852 that Massachusetts became the first state to require attendance<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7V83obZcnvkC&pg=PA34|last1=Mathison|first1=Sandra|last2=Ross|first2=E. Wayne|title=Battleground : Schools|date=2007|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|quote=""Mann was eventually successful, and in 1852 Massachusetts passed the first compulsory education laws in North America."}}</ref> by students aged 6 through 16, and it was not until 1918 that all states had [[compulsory attendance]] laws. High schools did not generally exist until after the [[Civil War]], and the first American [[kindergarten]] didn't exist until 1856 in Watertown, Wisconsin.<br /> <br /> ==Improvement of early childhood education==<br /> Many public schools have launched pre-kindergarten programs for 3 and 4-year-old children. Some states have shifted from half-day kindergartens to programs that match the school day schedule of the other grades. Currently, 14 states and the District of Columbia require full-day kindergarten. <br /> <br /> Research has demonstrated the importance of testing third graders for reading ability. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia require non-proficient readers to repeat third grade if they fail a reading test.<br /> <br /> Historically, early childhood education focused on reading and writing. However, the research shows that young children's minds are receptive to math and logic. So public schools are adding Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM Education) to the lower grades.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/strengthening-the-kindergarten-third-grade-continuum.aspx|title=Strengthening the Kindergarten-Third Grade Continuum|date=December 21, 2016|accessdate=June 17, 2017}}</ref><br /> ==Views on morals==<br /> <br /> ===So-called "character education"===<br /> <br /> In response to the perception that public schools have stopped teaching morality, many state education departments have or are in the process of developing "morality" that avoid good and evil, right and wrong, and instead present under the heading of "character" education.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3971/is_199910/ai_n8866284]</ref> The lack of appreciation for right and wrong can surprise outsiders, and even school principals. When one public school student was charged with [[felony]] [[computer crime]] for altering the grades of 20 students, the principal said, we "want to teach them what's right and wrong, and it's tough for some kids to catch on to the idea that changing grades is the wrong thing to do."<ref>http://cw2.trb.com/news/kwgn-student-grade-felony,0,7871401.story</ref> The impact of the removal of morality from the [[public school]] curriculum (which is also used in private schools) is that "more than one in three boys (35 percent) and one-fourth of the girls (26 percent) — a total of 30 percent overall — admitted stealing from a store within the past year."<ref>http://charactercounts.org/programs/reportcard/index.html</ref> Liberal politicians are the most frequent opponents of initiatives designed to build moral fiber in the public school system, with organizations like the [[ACLU]] and teacher's unions devoting a significant amount of their resources towards this end. In 2010, a school board in [[North Dakota]] decided to change the name of their mascot from the "Satans." Liberals unrolled a large-scale media campaign that blanketed the district with pro-Satan propaganda in an attempt to keep the name, but they were unsuccessful.<ref>http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-11/news/ct-perspec-0311-things-20120311_1_devil-man-great-deceiver-native-americans</ref><br /> <br /> === Prayer ===<br /> <br /> {{See also|Classroom prayer}}<br /> <br /> The White House announced the release of Revised Religious Guidelines for America's Public Schools on May 29, 1998. Within this announcement, President [[Bill Clinton|Clinton]] stated, "Nothing in the [[First Amendment]] converts our public schools into religion-free zones, or requires all religious expression to be left behind at the school house door."—President Clinton, July 12, 1998<ref>http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/05-1998/wh-0530.html</ref> <br /> <br /> In 2003, the Education Department released the following guidelines that clarified and added requirements to Public Schools to ensure the religious rights of students.<ref>http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=17550</ref> <br /> <blockquote><br /> Schools that don’t allow students to pray outside the classroom or that prohibit teachers from holding religious meetings among themselves could lose federal money, the Education Department said late last week.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> The guidance reflects the [[George W. Bush|Bush]] administration’s push to ensure that schools give teachers and students as much freedom to pray as the courts have allowed.<br /><br /> The department makes clear that teachers cannot pray with students or attempt to shape their religious views.<br /> The instructions, released by the department on Feb. 7, broadly follow the same direction given by the [[Clinton administration]] and the courts. Prayer is generally allowed provided it happens outside the class and is initiated by students, not by school officials.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> The department, however, also offered some significant additions, including more details on such contentious matters as moments of silence and prayer in student assemblies. And for the first time, federal funds are tied to compliance with the guidelines. The burden is on schools to prove compliance through a yearly report.<br /> </blockquote><br /> <br /> ===Teaching the Bible in public schools ===<br /> The [[National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools]]<ref>http://www.bibleinschools.net/</ref> (NCBCPS) provides a program for teaching the Bible in public schools. Currently, the NCBCPS's Bible curriculum has been voted into 462 school districts (over 1,900 high schools) in 38 states. Over 210,000 students have already taken this course nationwide, on the high school campus, during school hours, for credit.<br /> <br /> ===Teaching of Islam in the public schools===<br /> Public school textbooks have been found to be portraying [[Islam]] in a positive light. Some world history textbooks in [[Florida]] claim ''Muslims profess to worship the same God as Christians and Jews'', women historically had more rights in the Islamic world than the Christian world, and [[Jihad]] is not a violent movement, among other falsehoods. These lies have caused patriots some areas of the state to complain to local school boards, but not much has been done by the boards to actually remove the Islamic propaganda.<br /> <br /> In California seventh grade social studies classes, students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the civilizations of Islam in the Middle Ages. Hence, Islam is one of eleven units taught in the class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/islam.asp|title=Islam Studies in California Schools|date=April 5, 2015|accessdate=July 30,3027}}</ref><ref>Nazarian, Adelle (February 2, 2015). [http://www.breitbart.com/california/2015/02/02/is-islamic-indoctrination-being-taught-in-la-public-schools/ Is Islamic Indoctrination Being Taught in LA Public Schools?] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 30, 2017.</ref> In addition, a [[San Diego]] school district worked with [[CAIR]] to add "anti-Islamophobia" classes.<ref>Moons, Michelle (April 23, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/california/2017/04/23/san-diego-school-district-pushes-forward-cair-assisted-anti-islamophobia-plan-for-fall/ San Diego School District Pushes CAIR-Assisted ‘Anti-Islamophobia’ Plan]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 30, 2017.</ref><br /> <br /> ==Gender disparity== <br /> Public schools as of late have seen girls' scores soar above boys' because schools have been geared toward the needs of girls and schools seek to emasculate boys by preventing healthy roughhousing and having psychiatrists prescribe boys drugs such as Ritalin. Then boys often come to hate school because radical feminists seek to prevent men from being men and forcing males to go through counseling to "discuss their feelings" and other liberal hogwash treating all students as if they were female. Colleges, because of this trend, see a trend of 60/40 female to male ratio because of feminist drivel such as romance novels in literature and ineffective therapy and attempts to push feminine traits on boys and young men making them frustrated and fed up with the system unless they agree to the school's desire to become effeminate.<br /> <br /> Liberal ideology has also eliminated most male role models in public schools, such that less than a quarter of the teachers are men now.<ref>http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=28</ref><br /> <br /> In areas on such standardized tests as ACT and SAT, girls have typically scored higher in areas such as mathematics and science. Colleges have become majority female, and the feminization of men is strong on college campuses with events that openly advocate female superiority. Females are also intent on emasculating males by forcing them to see "chick flicks" and concerts of female singers which also promote feminist nonsense, strongly continuing a trend that begins in high school which results in a large number of males taking up historically female programs such as psychology and nursing; this begins in school where teachers and administrators teach boys and girls to be girls and not only condone but encourage such emasculation which only continues throughout the boys' lives as learned behaviors are strongest during the crucial formative years these boys are in school.<br /> <br /> Most U.S. public schools receive federal funding. Those that do are subject to [[Title IX]] which among other things requires equal access to extra curricular activities and sports.<br /> <br /> ==Suppression and intolerance of alternative views==<br /> Several courts, including the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], which frequently engage in [[judicial activism]], have ruled that teaching [[creationism]]<ref>https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/482/578/case.html</ref> and [[intelligent design]] in public schools is unconstitutional because they claim that such teachings would amount to a government establishment of religion, which is prohibited by the First Amendment.<ref>''See'' ''Kitzmiller'', 400 F.Supp.2d at 765</ref> Hypocritically, nothing has been done to remove the religions of Secular Humanism and Islam from the schools.<br /> <br /> ==Educational outcomes==<br /> <br /> ===Declining literacy ===<br /> Since the rapid expansion and liberalization of public schools after [[World War II]], students' [[literacy]] levels have dropped significantly. While the average 14-year-old had a vocabulary of 25,000 words in 1945, the equivalent student in 2000 had a vocabulary of only 10,000 words, a severe disadvantage in an increasingly textual world.<ref>''Utne Reader'' (July–August 2000), 28-9.</ref> This may be caused by higher levels of [[Homework]] assigned to students.<br /> <br /> ===Liberal bias in textbooks===<br /> {{See also|Textbook bias}}<br /> <br /> [[Textbook]]s (K-12) have been systematically analyzed in a study funded by the U.S. government. The 1986 findings were that massive, systematic [[liberal bias]] exists, resulting in several information blackouts in four key areas of modern American life&mdash;[[marriage]], [[religion]], [[politics]], and [[business]]. While an actual conspiracy was then ruled out, the cause was found to be a "a very widespread [[secular]] and [[liberal]] mindset" pervading "the leadership in the world of education [and textbook publishing]".<ref>''Censorship: Evidence of Bias in Our Children's textbooks'', [[Paul C. Vitz]], Servant Books, 1986, ISBN 0-89283-305-X</ref><br /> <br /> Professor Larry Schwikart, of the [[University of Dayton]], wrote a book about biased textbooks. False claims common in those texts included that the [[Founding Fathers]] wanted a "wall of [[Separation of church and state|separation" between church and state]], that "[[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln]] issued the [[Emancipation Proclamation]] only because he needed [[Black Soldiers in the Civil War|black soldiers]]", and that "[[Mikhail Gorbachev]], not [[Ronald Reagan]], was responsible for ending the [[Cold War]]".<ref>http://www.emailwire.com/release/20086-Controversial-Historian-on-the-Price-of-Business-Show.html</ref><br /> <br /> Evidence for bias in school textbooks includes promotion of [[Homosexual]] agenda, support of liberal viewpoint, as well as support of the unproven theory of evolution. Most Biology textbooks do not provide the [[Creationist]] viewpoint a chance, or even a second thought.<br /> <br /> ===Non-Dismissal of tenured teachers===<br /> Due to the strength of the nation's teachers' [[Labor union|union]], it is nearly impossible to fire a bad performing teacher with [[tenure]]. The process can take years and involves countless steps to even attempt. The union claims that the protections are needed against arbitrary and malicious lawsuits.<br /> <br /> The New York public schools system has approximately 700 teachers accused of insubordination to sexual misconduct. They remain in seclusion from the classroom but are paid full salaries until their cases are heard, sometimes from months to years later. All because their union contract makes it extremely difficult to fire them.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/us_rubber_rooms/2009/06/22/227959.html 700 NYC Teachers Paid to Do Nothing] AP, June 22, 2009</ref><br /> <br /> [[File:Pathtodismissal.JPG|center|thumb|800px| Flow chart for firing teachers in the nations second largest [[school district]], Los Angeles Unified School district]]<br /> == 4-day week ==<br /> In order to save on transportation costs and reduce time spent on travel, many states have been experimenting with holding school on four days a week leaving the fifth day for medical appointments and athletic events. In such programs, the school day is lengthened to provide the same number of hours per week of instruction. The option is more frequently used in large rural school districts. These states include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Washington. In states which have legislation permitting a 4-day school week, each school district decides whether to implement it. Arkansas, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia and Washington have no schools using the option.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/educ/school-calendar-four-day-school-week-overview.aspx|title=Four-Day School Weeks|accessdate=June 17, 2017}}</ref><br /> ==Notable graduates==<br /> === Before 1962 ===<br /> Given that public schools educate about 90% of [[Americans]], it is astounding how few prominent Americans attended public school after the banning of school-sponsored prayer in 1962. Here is an impressive list of people who attended public schools ''before'' the banning of school-sponsored prayer.<br /> <br /> *[[Ronald Reagan]]<ref>http://www.dixonil.com/reagan/reagan2.htm</ref> graduated from Dixon High School, Illinois<br /> *[[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]<ref>http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/press_releases/2007/PR07_11_August_02_2007_Eisenhower_Co_Sponsor_Little_Rock.pdf</ref> attended Abilene High School in Abilene, Kansas<br /> *[[Richard M. Nixon]]<ref>http://www.nndb.com/edu/836/000068632/</ref> attended Fullerton and Whittier High Schools, California<br /> *[[Gerald Ford]]<ref>http://www.visitgrandrapids.org/ford-facts.php</ref> attended Grand Rapids South High School, Michigan<br /> *[[Lyndon B. Johnson]]<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/062/000023990/</ref> attended Johnson City High School, Texas<br /> *[[Harry S Truman]]<ref>http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/103truman/103visual1.htm</ref> attended Independence High School, Missouri<br /> *[[H. Ross Perot]]<ref>http://www.famoustexans.com/rossperot.htm</ref> attended public schools and Texarkana Junior College, Texas<br /> *[[Richard Cheney]]<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/598/000022532/</ref> graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming.<br /> *[[Colin Powell]] graduated from Morris High School, NY in 1954 and received his B.A. in geology from the City College of New York in 1958 <ref>http://gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/powell_c.htm</ref><br /> *[[Billy Graham]] graduated from Sharon High School, NC in May 1936<ref>http://online-bibleconcordance.com/Ministers/BillyGraham.aspx</ref><br /> *[[Michael Medved]] graduated from Palisades High School, CA <ref>michaelmedved.townhall.com/About.aspx</ref><br /> *[[The Wright Brothers]] attended public schools in Richmond, India and Dayton OH but did not graduate <ref>http://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/inventor/wright/index.html</ref><br /> *[[Roy Jay Glauber]], Nobel laureate, graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, NY in 1941.<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/738/000138324/</ref><br /> *[[Frederick Reines]], Nobel laureate, attended Union Hill High School, NJ, during the late 1930s.<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/052/000099752/</ref><br /> *[[Oliver North]], US Army Officer, political commentator, graduated from Ockawamick High School in 1961.<ref>http://libraryoflibrary.com/E_n_c_p_d_Ollie_North.html</ref><br /> <br /> === After 1962 ===<br /> Here is a mostly unimpressive list of people who attended public school ''after'' school-sponsored prayer was banned in 1962:<br /> <br /> *[[Brad Pitt]], actor, graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Missouri, 1981; dropped out of college.<ref>http://www.rolemodel.net/brad_pitt.cfm<br /> </ref><br /> *[[Tom Cruise]], actor, attended several public high schools including Glen Ridge High School, New Jersey during the 1970s.<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/791/000022725/<br /> </ref><br /> *[[John Sununu]], former one-term Senator from [[New Hampshire]], graduated from Salem High School in the 1970s;<ref>http://www.sununu.senate.gov/biography.html</ref> claiming to be [[pro-life]], Sununu arranged for the nomination of [[David Souter]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], where he then repeatedly voted on the side of [[abortion]]<br /> *[[John Edwards]], indicted in 2011 on allegations arising from his affair with a mistress, was a former one-term Senator from [[North Carolina]] and two-time unsuccessful candidate for nomination for president, attended public school in Robbins, N.C. during the 1960s.<ref>http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2004/primaries/edwards_bio.html</ref> <br /> *[[Spike Lee]], producer, actor, graduated from John Dewey High School, Brooklyn, NY.<ref>http://movies.nytimes.com/person/99175/Spike-Lee/biography</ref><br /> *[[Laura Bush]] attended James Bowie Elementary School, San Jacinto Junior High School, and Midland Lee High School in Midland, Texas (Graduated 1964); came out in support of [[gay marriage]] and [[abortion]] in 2010.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/laura-bush-supports-gay-marriage-abortion/story?id=10629213</ref><br /> *[[William J. Clinton]]<ref>http://www.hotsprings.org/things_to_do/historic_hotsprings/presidents_hometown.asp</ref> graduated from Hot Springs High School in Arkansas in 1964, and became the only president impeached in the 20th century.<br /> *[[Anthony Weiner]], a congressman who resigned in disgrace in 2011 after first denying but then confirming an indecent use of [[Twitter]], and later dropped out of the race for New York City Mayor following a second sex scandal, graduated from a public high school in [[Brooklyn]].<br /> *[[Steve Jobs]], founder of [[Apple Inc.]], graduated from Homestead High School in Cupertino, CA in 1972; his colleague, [[Steve Wozniak]], graduated from the same high school in 1968.<br /> *[[Eminem]], a liberal [[rapper]], repeatedly failed 9th grade in public school and ultimately dropped out.<br /> *[[Alan Colmes]], a liberal news commentator, attended public school in [[New York City]].<br /> *[[Sarah Palin]], vice presidential candidate on the [[Republican Party]] ticket in 2008 and favorite of some [[Tea Party]] groups, went to [[Wasilla High School]] and graduated in 1982 and then attended 5 different colleges before becoming more [[conservative]] later in life.<ref>http://outhouserag.typepad.com/outhouserag/2008/09/sarah-palin-198.html</ref><br /> *[[Rick Perry]], [[Texas]] governor, infringed on [[parental rights]] by requiring young girls to receive an HPV vaccine.<br /> *[[Kenneth D. Cockrell]], [[Texas]] Graduated from Rockdale High School, Rockdale, Texas, in 1968. A veteran of five spaceflights, Cockrell has logged more than 1,560 hours in space.<ref>http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/cockrell.htmll</ref><br /> *[[Russell Alan Hulse]], [[New York]] Graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, New York, in 1966. Winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics.<ref name="alumni.bxscience.edu">http://alumni.bxscience.edu/?page=NotableAlumni</ref><br /> *[[Richard Axel]], [[New York]] Graduated from Stuyvesant High School, New York, New York, in 1963. Winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Axel</ref><br /> *[[Hugh David Politzer]], [[New York]] Graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, New York, in 1966. Winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics.<ref name="alumni.bxscience.edu"/><br /> *[[Christine O'Donnell]] graduated from Moorestown High School in 1987.<ref>[http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201010100363&nclick_check=1 "Delaware politics: From middle-class New Jersey, moral activist Christine O'Donnell knew 'God was calling'", ''Delaware Online'']</ref><br /> *[[Scott Walker]] graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1986.<ref>[http://walworthcountytoday.com/news/2010/sep/07/rock-county-close-home-walker/ Ames, Ann Marie, "Rock County Close to Home for Walker", ''Walworth County Today'', Sept. 7, 2010]</ref><br /> *[[Paul Ryan]], an establishment [[Republican]], graduated from Joseph A. Craig High School, Janesville, WI in 1988.<ref>http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/06/16/politics/wis-ryan/</ref><br /> *[[Sharron Angle]] (born 1949) graduated from Wooster High School in Reno, Nevada.<ref>[http://www.sharronangle.com/sharron-angle-biography "Sharron Angle, Biography"]</ref><br /> *[[Jon Huntsman]], Republican Presidential candidate and former Governor of Utah, attended Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah before he dropped out in 1978 to pursue a career as a rock and roll keyboardist.<ref>[http://www.jon2012.com/jon]</ref><br /> *[[Michelle Bachmann]], Republican member of the House of Representatives graduated from Anoka High School, Anoka, Minnesota in 1974.<ref>[http://www.startribune.com/local/north/129276683.html?refer=y]</ref><br /> *[[Mike Huckabee]], former Republican Governor of Arkansas, graduated from Hope High School, Hope Arkansas, in 1974.<ref>[http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=108]</ref><br /> *[[Benjamin Netanyahu]], Prime Minister of Israel, Graduated from Cheltenham High School, Wyncote, Pennsylvania, in 1967.<ref>[http://cheltenhamalumni.org/BIOS/netanyahu-benjamin.htm]</ref><br /> *[[Rand Paul]], Republican Senator, Graduated from Brazoswood High School, Clute, Texas in 1981.<ref>[http://politics.laws.com/rand-paul]</ref><br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Public school culture]]<br /> * [[Atheism and public schools]]<br /> * [[Parental rights]] (focusing on the rights of parents to control the education, upbringing and discipline of their children)<br /> * [[Education in the United Kingdom]]<br /> * [[Essay:Worst Liberal Falsehoods in School]]<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> {{reflist|2}}<br /> <br /> {{Liberalism}}<br /> <br /> ==External links==<br /> *[http://beforeitsnews.com/story/1610/466/Dumb_As_A_Rock:_You_Will_Be_Absolutely_Amazed_At_The_Things_That_U.S._High_School_Students_Do_Not_Know.html Dumb As A Rock: You Will Be Absolutely Amazed At The Things That U.S. High School Students Do Not Know]<br /> *[http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/03/28/9-notorious-teacher-sex-scandals/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000058?test=latestnews 8 Bizarre Teacher Scandals You Won't Believe]<br /> *[https://archive.org/details/MakingSocialistsOutOfCollegeStudentsAStoryOfProfessorsAndOther Making socialists out of college students; a story of professors and other collegians who hobnob with radicals]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Schools]]<br /> [[Category:United States History]]</div>

Bodhi https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Homework_(music)&diff=1375688 Homework (music) 2017-09-21T20:34:38Z

<p>Bodhi: Created page with "Homework is the debut studio album by Daft Punk, which was released in 20 January 1997 by Virgin, with acknowledgement to Soma. The songs on the album were all considered for..."</p> <hr /> <div>Homework is the debut studio album by Daft Punk, which was released in 20 January 1997 by Virgin, with acknowledgement to Soma. The songs on the album were all considered for prior release as singles (Da Funk was released earlier). <ref>http://www.allmusic.com/artist/daft-punk-mn0000667669/biography</ref> The album helped popularize French house music, as well as house music and electronic music in general. It was a critical and commercial success, selling two million copies in as many years.</div>

Bodhi