Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T22:11:19Z

PatrickMarion: /* An idea. */ The examples you requested, Mr. Schlafly, with the evidence to support them

Is it not necessary to delete this talkpage? '''R7''' ~ [[User talk:R7|''Talk'']] 16:06, 4 August 2011 (EDT)
:Why do you say that? [[User:Jcw|Jcw]] 16:13, 4 August 2011 (EDT)
::Sorry for the late reaction, but this is an empty talkpage. Normally these things, without content, so far as I saw, are being deleted, or am I wrong? [[User:R7|R7]] 15:44, 8 August 2011 (EDT)

== Question ==

Hey guys! I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't seem to find the discussion... maybe someone here could point me in the right direction? This article shows pretty conclusively that Obama is a Muslim, I'm not arguing that but... why does it matter? Isn't he entitled to his freedom of religion just like the rest of us? I mean, I disagree totally with his policies bordering on socialistic but this is something I've never understood. (Unless of course he claims to be christian, that would be different). Thanks! [[User:GregorySKroeger|Gregory]] [[Special:Contributions/GregorySKroeger|S.]] [[User talk:GregorySKroeger|Kroeger]] 13:43, 11 August 2011 (EDT)Greg

Hello all! Now I am not trying to disagree with this article but I just found a great Q&A from a trustworthy conservitive Christian website that seems to actually paint Obama as a Christian. What are your thoughts on the article? (The link is below)

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/januaryweb-only/104-32.0.html?start=2

== Fewer than 1% muslims leave the faith applies globally, not in the usa ==

Fewer than 1% muslims leave the Muslims faith applies globally, not in the usa. In the USA people switch religions more frequently than in many places. Plus, what matters is the evidence for Obama in particular and the historical context of the evidence. For example, not many people rise from the dead in history, but the evidence for the resurrection of [[Jesus Christ]] is very good. I do not know enough about Obama's history to know if he was ever a Muslim. If he was a Muslim, I would like to know at what age. It does seem odd that he attended Wright's church and had his daughter baptised if he was a Muslim. Plus, Obama eats pork and drinks alcohol. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 15:29, 11 August 2011 (EDT)
:::Also, this sentence is too broad: "Obama's background, education, and outlook are Muslim." It clearly ignores his black liberation theology church attendance, his atheist mother, Columbia and Harvard education and his secular progressive like stances on social issues (homosexuality, etc.). Obama fits a heretical liberal Christianity outlook far more than a Muslim outlook. Historical evidence [http://books.google.com/books?id=7_G2UumJCEQC&pg=PR19&lpg=PR19&dq=Historians%27+fallacies:+toward+a+logic+of+historical+thought+rules&source=bl&ots=uG5YbjPDO9&sig=o166eo168lp9fXU20YnBW_T-s1I&hl=en&ei=XzFETtiDN4ng0QGkpIjzCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q&f=false is weighed in context] and not through cherry picking. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 15:42, 11 August 2011 (EDT)

==This article is more harmful than good for this project==

The text clearly says that Barak may be the first Islamic president, there follows a list of mostly straw grasping and "synthesis" of assetions based on certain evidence. I am no fan of Obama, but the ecmaples is SO flawed I'm beginning to think it was started by a troll as '''a parody to debase the authority of this encyclopedia'''. I have only taken the comments below but the whole article, being based on the premise that Obam is Islamic, is on very unstable ground, in fact much of it seems an errand in silliness, but let's disucss it:
*Obama declared in prepared remarks, "The United States has been enriched by '''Muslim Americans'''. Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because '''I am one of them'''
:Synthesis: shows that he has a positive opinion of the input of muslims, and proves that he has either or both lived in muslim countries and had muslims in his family. Does not provide evidence of being Islamic
*Obama's wife Michelle does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until France, but then returned home.
:Synthesis again – many men visiting muslim countries would be less than likely to want their wives there to be subject to their customs. If anything it maybe evidence counter to the point
*Obama's background, education, and outlook are [[Muslim]], and fewer than 1% of Muslims convert to Christianity
:So? 1% do (if we assume the statistic is correct to start with in a western country which I doubt)
*During the third and fourth grades, Obama learned about Islam for two hours each week in religion class, according to the LATimes.
:I learned about it for three years as part of general Social and Religious Studies in High School. I am a Christian and not a muslim. If I had muslims in my family, I would perhaps be even more curious from an accademic point of view.
*Obama's middle name (Hussein) references '''Husayn''',
:Hussein is an Arabic name. Changing a name on conversion is common in Islam but less common in christisanity so nothing can be inferred , especially as his father had that name so he is likely to retain it for family reasons
::This one always amuses me. My father's family was from Germany, and my great-grandfather shared first names with Hitler. My father was named after his grandfather, and is about as far from a Nazi as can be. --[[User:SharonW|SharonW]] 09:25, 12 September 2011 (EDT)
:: Indeed - my aunt was born a Christian, then married my Jewish uncle and converted. But she didn't change her name from Christina. And that's hardly a Jewish name. Of course, now she's divorced from my uncle and I don't know if she went back to Christianity or not, but she's still named Christina. And there's also a convert in my synagogue named "Christian". That's about as un-Jewish a name as you can get right there. For that matter, my grandmother made a big deal about how I had the same name as a former Pope, although given that she named one of her sons Mark, I'm guessing that's just because she was mad my parents didn't name me after her late husband. [[User:Gregkochuconn|Gregkochuconn]] 08:27, 21 February 2012 (EST)
*Obama mentioned his religion as "[[my Muslim faith]]."
:Out of context – past tense
*He has said that "Islam can be compatible with the modern world."
:Empathy and a positive opinion do not make you part of the club.
*Obama said the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset," and recited "with a first-class [[Arabic]] accent" the opening lines: Allah is Supreme! ... I witness that there is no god but Allah ...."
:See above
*Obama stated that the autobiography of Malcolm X, a Nation of Islam leader who became a Muslim, inspired him in his youth
:I was inspired and still am by Gandhi – he was not a Christian, I am.
*Obama uses the Muslim Pakistani pronunciation for "Pakistan" rather than the common American one. Obama repeatedly pronounced "Pakistan" as "Pokiston" in the first presidential debate.
:Dimplomatic lingusitc trait from someone with experience of a culture?
*Obama was thoroughly exposed to Christianity as an adult in Chicago prior to attending law school, yet no one at law school saw him display any interest in converting.
:Like lots of young people, it is often hard to get them interested.
*Obama has chosen the [[Secret Service]] code name "Renegade". "Renegade" conventionally describes someone who goes against normal conventions of behavior, but its first usage was to describe someone who has turned from their religion. It is a word derived from the [[Spanish]] ''renegado'', which originally meant "Christian turned Muslim."<
:Golly it gets even more tenuous. Do we really always think of the derivations of words when we use them?
[[User:DavidMilton|DavidMilton]] 14:08, 8 September 2011 (EDT)

:Ok, then I will edit the article without deviating from its title. [[User:DavidMilton|DavidMilton]] 09:13, 12 September 2011 (EDT)

== "Prepared remarks" ==

Obama referenced Jesus as "a" Son of God in a speech given at a formal event. He reads his remarks from [[teleprompter]]s at such events. This should be distinguished from an interview, where words are chosen less carefully.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 20:06, 7 April 2012 (EDT)

== Blatant Slander ==

Conservapedia is going downhill. Virtually every piece of evidence on this page is either taken out of context or entirely irrelevant. Obama read a book written from a Muslim point of view. How does that prove he's a Muslim. Does reading the book of Exodus make me Jewish because it's from Moses's point of view?

Obama's been doing a poor job, but you can point that out pretty easily without having to resort to a smear campaign. Don't sink to the liberal level. You guys are better than that--[[User:Bdor24|Bdor24]] 20:34, 19 April 2012 (EDT)

== Trimmed examples ==

I removed the following examples from the article because, even if they are true, they serve as little to no evidence that Obama is Muslim:
*In prepared remarks in April 2012, Obama referred to Jesus as "a" Son of God rather than as "the" Son of God: "And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as '''''a'' Son of God''', but as a human being."[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-jesus-son-god]
*Obama's wife Michelle does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until France, but then returned home.

Later on, I will be going through the lengthy list of arguments to trim and refine the page to the best arguments that can be made about this. [[User:GregG|GregG]] 23:53, 25 April 2012 (EDT)

:Both are persuasive examples. Deletions of factual information are disfavored. Readers can decide whether something is persuasive.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 23:58, 25 April 2012 (EDT)
::I respectfully disagree. I will discuss each example in turn.
::*The first example has many more plausible explanations than that Obama is Muslim. My interpretation of the quote is that Obama is contrasting the '''role''' of Jesus as Son of God and as a fully human being. He appears to be expounding the truth that Christ suffered great pain and ultimately death as a human being so that our sins may be forgiven (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:21-25). Even if Obama meant to say "the" or nothing at all instead of "a", and even if the speech came in prepared remarks (which, incidentally, even if prepared, we don't know whether they are verbatim or merely an outline), anyone can have a slip of the tongue (ask Neil Armstrong!). But even if Obama meant to say '''a''' Son of God to expressly imply that God has more than one Son, this still would not demonstrate that he is a Muslim, because (as I understand it) Muslims believe that God has '''no''' incarnate son. Thus, this example cannot possibly demonstrate that Obama is Muslim. If it does provide any evidence at all contradicting his assertions that he is Christian, it still does nothing to support the alternative hypothesis that he is Muslim.
::*The second example can be attributed to cultural norms in Muslim countries. Where sharia law is practiced, women are marginalized. Thus, any man, Muslim, Christian, Jew, whoever, would take special considerations before bringing his wife to a country hostile to women. Under the same logic of this argument, my refusal to take friends into sketchy parts of the city where gangs reign would indicate that I am a gangster. Again, this argument is of little probative value.
::The issue I have is that when you have several weak examples, they make the rest of the examples look less strong in comparison. I know that, as a lawyer, you want to not only cover all the potential arguments of a case but also focus on your strongest arguments. I would respectfully suggest the same approach here, and I am willing to help with this. [[User:GregG|GregG]] 00:18, 26 April 2012 (EDT)

== Same-sex marriage ==

Do many Muslims support same-sex marriage? [[User:AcomaMagic|AcomaMagic]] 15:31, 18 August 2012 (EDT)

== Better to seek permission ==

I'd like to go through this page and either rephrase or entirely remove a few of the more "sensationalist" accusations, to make this a more balanced look at the likely religion of the current-and-soon-to-be-former President. I think that many of the examples are valid, but at the same time multiple others are not. I have read the Quran, the Torah, and the Book of Mormon but I am not a Muslim, Jew, or Mormon myself; in the same vein, President Obama isn't necessarily a Muslim for taking inspiration from a Muslim-slanted work or an Islamic activist.

I'd appreciate it if someone could get back to me on this as soon as possible. :)

Regards,
[[User:JGrant|JGrant]] 14:27, 3 October 2012 (EDT)

I second that. To be honest most of this article just comes across as hysterical xenophobia. [[User:Cmurphynz|Cmurphynz]] 00:29, 7 October 2012 (EDT)

== An idea. ==

A while ago a vandal replaced the text of this entry with 'Christian'. The change was reverted but I think that that might actually be the best approach to fixing the page. I just looked through the page, and it seems that almost everyone who has posted here has serious problems with the content. This includes senior members of the website (there was one bit written by conservative for instance). What I think should be done to actually make this article conform slightly to reality as the rest of the world sees it is to add at the beginning the proof that he is in fact Christian, and then state that there is still some controversy and present some of the less tenuous claims currently here so that the argument doesn't look too ridiculous. Any objections?[[User:Cmurphynz|Cmurphynz]]
:None at all. In fact, I decided to review some of the claims, and not only were some of them heavily doubtful, some were outright untrue, and I found many sources to disprove or at least clarify some of the doubts, and I plan to check out the rest of the rest of the sources and see if I can't do the same. [[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 11:59, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion
::I just checked and seems the user I responded to was banned for lying, which is unfortunate, but the suggestion seems sensible enough. [[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 12:01, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion
:::I think that the page in its current form detracts from the overall credibility of the website. [[User:Wschact|Wschact]] 14:39, 3 January 2013 (EST)
:::I thought so as well. I already rewrote the introduction and added some references for some claims that needed them and added section about how some claims have rooms for doubt. In fact, I found out at least one or two of the claims were outright conspiracy nonsense/parody virtually every news post and blog I came across without a noticeable political/religious slant one way or the other outright rejected them. Still looking through the references for some of the claims, and many of them come from some obviously biased sources with anti-Obama agendas. I'm no fan of the guy as a President, but some of what I've read was such disgusting mudslinging and demonization, even from some purported conservatives, I felt like throwing up. Any help would be appreciated in helping clean up this page.
:::[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 14:51, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion
:::I'm currently cleaning up most of the allegations in this article, removing the slander and lies, and wow, there were a lot. First, one allegation was that the Defense Missile Agency logo was changed to a Islamic Star Crescent design by Obama, when it was actually designed three years prior to his taking office. The first source was a conspiracy nut ranting on a blog, and the second, more factual source refuted the first. Second, an article by FOX News (a publication I refuse to trust under any circumstance) took a line out of context to paint Obama as a Muslim, whn his next line makes it obvious they were quotemining. I even bolded the line they omitted in the revised version.[http://islamizationwatch.blogspot.com/2010/01/kenyan-delegation-visits-sderot-israel.html This source] is an obvious anti-Muslim shill blog, not a reputable news service, and its claims about Obama were obviously quote mined, the claim about [[taqiyya]] (an Islamic tradition allowing one to hide their Islamic identity if they are in danger) is unprovable, as the only one who would be in the greatest danger would be those facing criminal justice if they tried attacking him physically if he were Muslim, and the fact he he hasn't admitted to be a Muslim '''is not evidence he's lying''', as absence of evidence is not evidence. One of the claims cited two articles from World News Daily, neither of which existed, and what I read on their site concerning Obama is such obvious extremist anti-liberal spin doctoring it's either a liberal parody of conservatives or just a horribly mean spirited hate rag I would give as little credence as I do Fox News. One was a youtube video of quotes stitched together by an obvious anti-Muslim bigot who hated Obama, and whose blog was a hideously racist and outright wrong "comparison of Nazism and Islam". One allegation was an obvious slip of the tongue in an interview turned into a lowbrow conspiracy by one source the corroborating one promptly exposed as a clear accident. A few of the cited references led to non existent pages and had no corroborating sources.
:::These is still a lot more to clean up, but as someone who believes in not bearing false witness, I had to remove quite a bit of it so far against a man I may not like as President, but who doesn't and will never deserve to be demonized by agenda wielding demagogues either.
:::[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 16:01, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

::::Improvements to the entry are welcome, but what I saw in a quick review was numerous removals of information. This website lets the reader decide what to think; we don't try to decide for the reader.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 16:09, 3 January 2013 (EST)
::::Fair enough, Mr. Schlafly, I can understand that, but while I may have gone a little overboard trying to present evidence why some of the claims were doubtful, I politely ask you read the same sources I did for yourself and decided if some and their claims needs to remain. I may not like the President as a politician, and I do feel many of his public morals don't match up with his faith, but some of those sources were just biased, some were outright lies, and even Obama doesn't deserved to be lied about, or even taken out of context to appear as something he's not, especially not on a website that claims to be educational.
::::[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 16:21, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

:::::Pick your best three examples from the entry and let's discuss their accuracy.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 16:38, 3 January 2013 (EST)
:::::Sure. My first example is the item about Obama's middle name (i.e - ''Obama's middle name (Hussein)''). I checked the first two sources and they seemed to match up, but the third source seemed extremely, at best, casually related. Sure, the article subject is about a former Muslim who chose a Christian name upon conversion as part of that conversion, but that is not required by anyone with Muslim name under Muslim tradtion unless their name is sacrilegious to Islam, and [http://zawaj.com/articles/do-muslim-converts-have-to-change-their-names.html according to this Muslim source], that is not required in Obama's case, as his name is in no way disrespectful to the Islamic faith, so even if he were Muslim, he would not be required to change his name for religious reasons.
:::::Second, we have the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnmS_vULPxw youtube link] cited in the item about Obama performing what looked like a stand up comedy routine mocking the Torah and the Bible. The youtube link is an obviously stitched together series of clips put together an obvious bigot who links back to a blog comparing the Qu'ran (or Koran) to Nazism, and as someone who has read both ''Mein Kampf'' and the ''Qu'ran'' out of scholarly interest, his interpretations are the most hateful thing I've ever read comparing the two, and they aren't even correct, and citing something by an obvious bigot is a bad thing for an educational website to do, especially a conservative one.
:::::Finally, the introduction of this very article were written with apparent political ignorance concerning the oath of office (on top of asserting Obama was a Muslim before the reader had a chance to decide for themselves based on the rest of the article). For example:
:::::''Barack Hussein Obama is the first Muslim president of the United States, as illustrated by his many actions and comments both before and after taking the official (private) oath of office without using a Bible.'' - that is not even correct about the oath of office. Swearing on a Bible [http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/swearing-in/event/john-quincy-adams-1825 is not required], and for the first ceremony, Obama wanted to use the [http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2009/01/why_doesnt_every_president_use_the_lincoln_bible.html Lincoln] [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-12-23-inauguration-obama_N.htm Bible], but due to how the first ceremony was botched, there was a second ceremony. I could find no evidence of a Bible being used, but that is irrelevant to to the oath.
:::::[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 17:11, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

Talk:Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T21:21:15Z

PatrickMarion: /* An idea. */ I understand your point, Mr. Schlafly, but could you review what I deleted in more detail first?

Talk:Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T21:01:15Z

PatrickMarion: /* An idea. */ Cleaned up the article quite a bit

Is it not necessary to delete this talkpage? '''R7''' ~ [[User talk:R7|''Talk'']] 16:06, 4 August 2011 (EDT)
:Why do you say that? [[User:Jcw|Jcw]] 16:13, 4 August 2011 (EDT)
::Sorry for the late reaction, but this is an empty talkpage. Normally these things, without content, so far as I saw, are being deleted, or am I wrong? [[User:R7|R7]] 15:44, 8 August 2011 (EDT)

== Question ==

Hey guys! I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't seem to find the discussion... maybe someone here could point me in the right direction? This article shows pretty conclusively that Obama is a Muslim, I'm not arguing that but... why does it matter? Isn't he entitled to his freedom of religion just like the rest of us? I mean, I disagree totally with his policies bordering on socialistic but this is something I've never understood. (Unless of course he claims to be christian, that would be different). Thanks! [[User:GregorySKroeger|Gregory]] [[Special:Contributions/GregorySKroeger|S.]] [[User talk:GregorySKroeger|Kroeger]] 13:43, 11 August 2011 (EDT)Greg

Hello all! Now I am not trying to disagree with this article but I just found a great Q&A from a trustworthy conservitive Christian website that seems to actually paint Obama as a Christian. What are your thoughts on the article? (The link is below)

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/januaryweb-only/104-32.0.html?start=2

== Fewer than 1% muslims leave the faith applies globally, not in the usa ==

Fewer than 1% muslims leave the Muslims faith applies globally, not in the usa. In the USA people switch religions more frequently than in many places. Plus, what matters is the evidence for Obama in particular and the historical context of the evidence. For example, not many people rise from the dead in history, but the evidence for the resurrection of [[Jesus Christ]] is very good. I do not know enough about Obama's history to know if he was ever a Muslim. If he was a Muslim, I would like to know at what age. It does seem odd that he attended Wright's church and had his daughter baptised if he was a Muslim. Plus, Obama eats pork and drinks alcohol. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 15:29, 11 August 2011 (EDT)
:::Also, this sentence is too broad: "Obama's background, education, and outlook are Muslim." It clearly ignores his black liberation theology church attendance, his atheist mother, Columbia and Harvard education and his secular progressive like stances on social issues (homosexuality, etc.). Obama fits a heretical liberal Christianity outlook far more than a Muslim outlook. Historical evidence [http://books.google.com/books?id=7_G2UumJCEQC&pg=PR19&lpg=PR19&dq=Historians%27+fallacies:+toward+a+logic+of+historical+thought+rules&source=bl&ots=uG5YbjPDO9&sig=o166eo168lp9fXU20YnBW_T-s1I&hl=en&ei=XzFETtiDN4ng0QGkpIjzCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFoQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q&f=false is weighed in context] and not through cherry picking. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 15:42, 11 August 2011 (EDT)

==This article is more harmful than good for this project==

The text clearly says that Barak may be the first Islamic president, there follows a list of mostly straw grasping and "synthesis" of assetions based on certain evidence. I am no fan of Obama, but the ecmaples is SO flawed I'm beginning to think it was started by a troll as '''a parody to debase the authority of this encyclopedia'''. I have only taken the comments below but the whole article, being based on the premise that Obam is Islamic, is on very unstable ground, in fact much of it seems an errand in silliness, but let's disucss it:
*Obama declared in prepared remarks, "The United States has been enriched by '''Muslim Americans'''. Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because '''I am one of them'''
:Synthesis: shows that he has a positive opinion of the input of muslims, and proves that he has either or both lived in muslim countries and had muslims in his family. Does not provide evidence of being Islamic
*Obama's wife Michelle does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until France, but then returned home.
:Synthesis again – many men visiting muslim countries would be less than likely to want their wives there to be subject to their customs. If anything it maybe evidence counter to the point
*Obama's background, education, and outlook are [[Muslim]], and fewer than 1% of Muslims convert to Christianity
:So? 1% do (if we assume the statistic is correct to start with in a western country which I doubt)
*During the third and fourth grades, Obama learned about Islam for two hours each week in religion class, according to the LATimes.
:I learned about it for three years as part of general Social and Religious Studies in High School. I am a Christian and not a muslim. If I had muslims in my family, I would perhaps be even more curious from an accademic point of view.
*Obama's middle name (Hussein) references '''Husayn''',
:Hussein is an Arabic name. Changing a name on conversion is common in Islam but less common in christisanity so nothing can be inferred , especially as his father had that name so he is likely to retain it for family reasons
::This one always amuses me. My father's family was from Germany, and my great-grandfather shared first names with Hitler. My father was named after his grandfather, and is about as far from a Nazi as can be. --[[User:SharonW|SharonW]] 09:25, 12 September 2011 (EDT)
:: Indeed - my aunt was born a Christian, then married my Jewish uncle and converted. But she didn't change her name from Christina. And that's hardly a Jewish name. Of course, now she's divorced from my uncle and I don't know if she went back to Christianity or not, but she's still named Christina. And there's also a convert in my synagogue named "Christian". That's about as un-Jewish a name as you can get right there. For that matter, my grandmother made a big deal about how I had the same name as a former Pope, although given that she named one of her sons Mark, I'm guessing that's just because she was mad my parents didn't name me after her late husband. [[User:Gregkochuconn|Gregkochuconn]] 08:27, 21 February 2012 (EST)
*Obama mentioned his religion as "[[my Muslim faith]]."
:Out of context – past tense
*He has said that "Islam can be compatible with the modern world."
:Empathy and a positive opinion do not make you part of the club.
*Obama said the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset," and recited "with a first-class [[Arabic]] accent" the opening lines: Allah is Supreme! ... I witness that there is no god but Allah ...."
:See above
*Obama stated that the autobiography of Malcolm X, a Nation of Islam leader who became a Muslim, inspired him in his youth
:I was inspired and still am by Gandhi – he was not a Christian, I am.
*Obama uses the Muslim Pakistani pronunciation for "Pakistan" rather than the common American one. Obama repeatedly pronounced "Pakistan" as "Pokiston" in the first presidential debate.
:Dimplomatic lingusitc trait from someone with experience of a culture?
*Obama was thoroughly exposed to Christianity as an adult in Chicago prior to attending law school, yet no one at law school saw him display any interest in converting.
:Like lots of young people, it is often hard to get them interested.
*Obama has chosen the [[Secret Service]] code name "Renegade". "Renegade" conventionally describes someone who goes against normal conventions of behavior, but its first usage was to describe someone who has turned from their religion. It is a word derived from the [[Spanish]] ''renegado'', which originally meant "Christian turned Muslim."<
:Golly it gets even more tenuous. Do we really always think of the derivations of words when we use them?
[[User:DavidMilton|DavidMilton]] 14:08, 8 September 2011 (EDT)

:Ok, then I will edit the article without deviating from its title. [[User:DavidMilton|DavidMilton]] 09:13, 12 September 2011 (EDT)

== "Prepared remarks" ==

Obama referenced Jesus as "a" Son of God in a speech given at a formal event. He reads his remarks from [[teleprompter]]s at such events. This should be distinguished from an interview, where words are chosen less carefully.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 20:06, 7 April 2012 (EDT)

== Blatant Slander ==

Conservapedia is going downhill. Virtually every piece of evidence on this page is either taken out of context or entirely irrelevant. Obama read a book written from a Muslim point of view. How does that prove he's a Muslim. Does reading the book of Exodus make me Jewish because it's from Moses's point of view?

Obama's been doing a poor job, but you can point that out pretty easily without having to resort to a smear campaign. Don't sink to the liberal level. You guys are better than that--[[User:Bdor24|Bdor24]] 20:34, 19 April 2012 (EDT)

== Trimmed examples ==

I removed the following examples from the article because, even if they are true, they serve as little to no evidence that Obama is Muslim:
*In prepared remarks in April 2012, Obama referred to Jesus as "a" Son of God rather than as "the" Son of God: "And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as '''''a'' Son of God''', but as a human being."[http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-jesus-son-god]
*Obama's wife Michelle does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until France, but then returned home.

Later on, I will be going through the lengthy list of arguments to trim and refine the page to the best arguments that can be made about this. [[User:GregG|GregG]] 23:53, 25 April 2012 (EDT)

:Both are persuasive examples. Deletions of factual information are disfavored. Readers can decide whether something is persuasive.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 23:58, 25 April 2012 (EDT)
::I respectfully disagree. I will discuss each example in turn.
::*The first example has many more plausible explanations than that Obama is Muslim. My interpretation of the quote is that Obama is contrasting the '''role''' of Jesus as Son of God and as a fully human being. He appears to be expounding the truth that Christ suffered great pain and ultimately death as a human being so that our sins may be forgiven (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:21-25). Even if Obama meant to say "the" or nothing at all instead of "a", and even if the speech came in prepared remarks (which, incidentally, even if prepared, we don't know whether they are verbatim or merely an outline), anyone can have a slip of the tongue (ask Neil Armstrong!). But even if Obama meant to say '''a''' Son of God to expressly imply that God has more than one Son, this still would not demonstrate that he is a Muslim, because (as I understand it) Muslims believe that God has '''no''' incarnate son. Thus, this example cannot possibly demonstrate that Obama is Muslim. If it does provide any evidence at all contradicting his assertions that he is Christian, it still does nothing to support the alternative hypothesis that he is Muslim.
::*The second example can be attributed to cultural norms in Muslim countries. Where sharia law is practiced, women are marginalized. Thus, any man, Muslim, Christian, Jew, whoever, would take special considerations before bringing his wife to a country hostile to women. Under the same logic of this argument, my refusal to take friends into sketchy parts of the city where gangs reign would indicate that I am a gangster. Again, this argument is of little probative value.
::The issue I have is that when you have several weak examples, they make the rest of the examples look less strong in comparison. I know that, as a lawyer, you want to not only cover all the potential arguments of a case but also focus on your strongest arguments. I would respectfully suggest the same approach here, and I am willing to help with this. [[User:GregG|GregG]] 00:18, 26 April 2012 (EDT)

== Same-sex marriage ==

Do many Muslims support same-sex marriage? [[User:AcomaMagic|AcomaMagic]] 15:31, 18 August 2012 (EDT)

== Better to seek permission ==

I'd like to go through this page and either rephrase or entirely remove a few of the more "sensationalist" accusations, to make this a more balanced look at the likely religion of the current-and-soon-to-be-former President. I think that many of the examples are valid, but at the same time multiple others are not. I have read the Quran, the Torah, and the Book of Mormon but I am not a Muslim, Jew, or Mormon myself; in the same vein, President Obama isn't necessarily a Muslim for taking inspiration from a Muslim-slanted work or an Islamic activist.

I'd appreciate it if someone could get back to me on this as soon as possible. :)

Regards,
[[User:JGrant|JGrant]] 14:27, 3 October 2012 (EDT)

I second that. To be honest most of this article just comes across as hysterical xenophobia. [[User:Cmurphynz|Cmurphynz]] 00:29, 7 October 2012 (EDT)

== An idea. ==

A while ago a vandal replaced the text of this entry with 'Christian'. The change was reverted but I think that that might actually be the best approach to fixing the page. I just looked through the page, and it seems that almost everyone who has posted here has serious problems with the content. This includes senior members of the website (there was one bit written by conservative for instance). What I think should be done to actually make this article conform slightly to reality as the rest of the world sees it is to add at the beginning the proof that he is in fact Christian, and then state that there is still some controversy and present some of the less tenuous claims currently here so that the argument doesn't look too ridiculous. Any objections?[[User:Cmurphynz|Cmurphynz]]
:None at all. In fact, I decided to review some of the claims, and not only were some of them heavily doubtful, some were outright untrue, and I found many sources to disprove or at least clarify some of the doubts, and I plan to check out the rest of the rest of the sources and see if I can't do the same. [[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 11:59, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion
::I just checked and seems the user I responded to was banned for lying, which is unfortunate, but the suggestion seems sensible enough. [[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 12:01, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion
:::I think that the page in its current form detracts from the overall credibility of the website. [[User:Wschact|Wschact]] 14:39, 3 January 2013 (EST)
:::I thought so as well. I already rewrote the introduction and added some references for some claims that needed them and added section about how some claims have rooms for doubt. In fact, I found out at least one or two of the claims were outright conspiracy nonsense/parody virtually every news post and blog I came across without a noticeable political/religious slant one way or the other outright rejected them. Still looking through the references for some of the claims, and many of them come from some obviously biased sources with anti-Obama agendas. I'm no fan of the guy as a President, but some of what I've read was such disgusting mudslinging and demonization, even from some purported conservatives, I felt like throwing up. Any help would be appreciated in helping clean up this page.
:::[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 14:51, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion
:::I'm currently cleaning up most of the allegations in this article, removing the slander and lies, and wow, there were a lot. First, one allegation was that the Defense Missile Agency logo was changed to a Islamic Star Crescent design by Obama, when it was actually designed three years prior to his taking office. The first source was a conspiracy nut ranting on a blog, and the second, more factual source refuted the first. Second, an article by FOX News (a publication I refuse to trust under any circumstance) took a line out of context to paint Obama as a Muslim, whn his next line makes it obvious they were quotemining. I even bolded the line they omitted in the revised version.[http://islamizationwatch.blogspot.com/2010/01/kenyan-delegation-visits-sderot-israel.html This source] is an obvious anti-Muslim shill blog, not a reputable news service, and its claims about Obama were obviously quote mined, the claim about [[taqiyya]] (an Islamic traditoon allowing one to hide their Islamic identity if they are in danger) is unprovable, as the only one who would be in the greatest danger would be those facing criminal justice if they tried attacking him physically if he were Muslim, and the fact he he hasn't admitted to be a Muslim '''is not evidence he's lying''', as absence of evidence is not evidence. One of the claims cited two articles from World News Daily, neither of which existed, and what I read on their site concerning Obama is such obvious extremist anti-liberal spin doctoring it's either a liberal parody of conservatives or just a horribly mean spirited hate rag I would give as little credence as I do Fox News. One was a youtube video of quotes stitched together by an obvious anti-Muslim bigot who hated Obama, and whose blog was a hideously racist and outright wrong "comparison of Nazism and Islam". One allegation was an obvious slip of the tongue in an interview turned into a lowbrow conspiracy by one source the corroborating one promptly exposed as a clear accident. A few of the cited references led to non existent pages and had no corroborating sources.
:::These is still a lot more to clean up, but as someone who believes in not bearing false witness, I had to remove quite a bit of it so far against a man I may not like as President, but who doesn't and will never deserve to be demonized by agenda wielding demagogues either.
:::[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 16:01, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T21:00:19Z

PatrickMarion: cleaning up article, removing some of the more fallacious and false claims

[[Image:OBAMA MUSULMAN.jpg|right|thumb|'''Then-Senator Obama wearing traditional African garb''', a gift from his hosts while visiting Kenya<ref>[http://sweetness-light.com/archive/obama-wore-muslim-gear-during-kenya-trip]</ref>]]
'''While there is a strong political incentive for Obama to claim to be a [[Christian]], as he has done whenever discussing his religion, and churches he has attended can support this <ref> http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Barack_Obama_a_Christian </ref> there is some doubt as to whether this is true, so this page will list all the reasons for this doubt, and will hopefully clarify matters from a conservative perspective:

*After getting the oath of inauguration wording wrong in his public ceremony, a later informal ceremony took place in the Oval Office to rectify the error, and there is considerable doubt he was sworn in using a Bible, but that is not required for the ceremony<ref>http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/swearing-in/event/john-quincy-adams-1825</ref>, and for the first ceremony, Obama requested to use the Lincoln Bible. <ref>http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2009/01/why_doesnt_every_president_use_the_lincoln_bible.html</ref><ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-12-23-inauguration-obama_N.htm</ref>
*Obama declared in prepared remarks, "The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because '''I am one of them'''."<ref>http://middleeast.about.com/b/2009/04/06/obama-in-turkey-at-the-gates-of-islam.htm</ref> Obama is referring to his childhood residence in [[Indonesia]], a Muslim-majority country. However, this could merely only be a reference to how he once had residence in that nation for a brief interval.
*In prepared remarks in April 2012, Obama referred to [[Jesus]] as "a" Son of God rather than as "the" Son of God: "And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as '''''a'' Son of God''', but as a human being."<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-jesus-son-god</ref> It seems rather strange he would refer to Jesus "a" Son Of God instead of "the Son of God" as is the proper Christian reference, but this may have been a semantic error.
*Obama's wife [[Michelle Obama|Michelle]] does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until [[France]], but then returned home.{{fact}}
*Obama's background and outlook are [[Muslim]], and fewer than 1% of Muslims convert to Christianity.<ref>http://www.religionnewsblog.com/17736/barack-obama-2</ref><ref>http://www.faithfreedom.org/oped/sina31103.htm. During the third and fourth grades, Obama learned about Islam for two hours each week in religion class, according to the LA ''Times''. [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.obama16mar16,0,1634059,print.story?coll=bal_news_nation_promo Campaign downplays his connection during boyhood in Indonesia, Baltimore Sun, March 16, 2007]</ref> Although Obama attended a [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] school while in Indonesia, he was a part of the Muslim society there.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012400371_pf.html</ref>
*Obama's middle name (Hussein) references '''Husayn''', who was the grandson of [[Muhammad]],<ref>A Brief History of The Fourteen Infallibles. Qum: Ansariyan Publications. 2004.</ref><ref>al-Qarashi, Baqir Shareef (2007). The life of Imam Husain. Qum: Ansariyan Publications.</ref> Only after Obama became politically ambitious did he declare himself to be a [[Christian]], yet he never replaced his [[Muslim]] name "Hussein" with a Christian one as some do when they undergo a religious conversion. For example, when the Italian journalist Magdi Allam recently converted to Christianity, he took a new name: "Cristiano".<ref>http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=30814</ref> When Saul became a Christian, he changed his name to "[[Saint Paul|Paul]]"; when the famous boxer Cassius Clay converted to [[Islam]], he took the Muslim name of [[Muhammad Ali]]. "It is common for those converting to a new religion to change their name on conversion"<ref>http://www.ukdp.co.uk/pages/religiousconversion.php</ref> or adopt a Christian name at [[baptism]].<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/christian-name</ref>. Obama also used his middle name when sworn in as President. However, even if he were actually a [[Muslim]], he would ''not'' necessarily have to change his name according to Muslim tradition. <ref>.http://zawaj.com/articles/do-muslim-converts-have-to-change-their-names.html</ref>
*He has said that "Islam can be compatible with the modern world."<ref> [http://www.newsweek.com/id/145971 Barack Obama's Christian Journey | Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008]</ref>
*Obama said the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset," and recited "with a first-class [[Arabic]] accent" the opening lines: [[Allah]] is Supreme! ... I witness that there is no god but Allah ...."<ref>http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=78309</ref> It should be noted that "Allah" means "God" (as in the one venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims) in Arabic, so this would not a heretical statement in a Christian context.
*Obama stated that the autobiography of [[Malcolm X]], a [[Nation of Islam]] leader who became a Muslim, inspired him in his youth.<ref>For example, Obama writes in his own autobiography, "Only Malcolm X's autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me. The blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will. ... [E]ven as I imagine myself following Malcolm's call, one line in the book stayed with me. He spoke of a wish he'd once had, the wish that the white blood that ran through him, there by an act of violence, might somehow be expunged."[http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/04/does_obama_know_america.html]</ref>
*Obama's claims of conversion to Christianity arose after he became politically ambitious, lacking a date of conversion or baptism.<ref>In his book, Obama oddly claims to have been baptized without giving his age or date, and later gave a date that postdates his political ambition (1992).</ref>
*In the book ''Obama,"Renegade"'' his friends say that "he actually really wasn't much of a churchgoer." <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2009/06/16/wolffe-president-missed-rev-wright-s-racist-rants-because-he-wasn-t-much- Wolffe: President Missed Rev. Wright’s Racist Rants Because 'He Wasn’t Much of a Churchgoer'] NewsBusters.org, June 16, 2009</ref>
*On the campaign trail, Obama was reading "The Post-American World" by [[Fareed Zakaria]],<ref>http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=fa8cf1bf-2cc8-4d6e-b72d-a07d406e19ff</ref> which is written by a Muslim author.<ref>http://www.villagevoice.com/2005-08-09/news/the-interpreter/</ref>
*Obama uses the Muslim Pakistani pronunciation for "[[Pakistan]]" rather than the common American one.<ref>Obama repeatedly pronounced "Pakistan" as "Pokiston" in the first presidential debate.</ref> This may be just semantic preference.
*Obama favors [[Pakistan]], a Muslim nation, in its conflicts with [[India]], a mostly [[Hindu]] nation.<ref>The Indian press has been highly critical of Obama about this. [http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/11/08/obama-india-relations-indispensible-pushes-placement-un]</ref>
*Obama was thoroughly exposed to Christianity as an adult in [[Chicago]] prior to attending law school, yet no one at law school saw him display any interest in converting. Obama unabashedly explained how he became "churched" in a 2007 speech: "It's around that time [while working as an organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago] that some pastors I was working with came around and asked if I was a member of a church. 'If you're organizing churches,' they said, 'it might be helpful if you went to a church once in a while.' And I thought, 'I guess that makes sense.'"<ref>[http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=15363 Obama, ACORN, and the churches] SperoNews, October 7, 2008</ref>
[[File:Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi in Dimashq.jpg|left|175px|thumb|''"I really endorse and support the policies that he has adopted,"'' [[Libya]]n leader [[Muammar Gaddafi]] said of President Barack Obama as reported by the ''[[Washington Post]]''.<ref> [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/26/AR2010042604170.html ''Man's worst friend?''] By Dana Milbank, ''Washington Post'', April 27, 2010.</ref> ]]
*Obama is mentioned as helping to organize the 1995 [[Million Man March]] led by black [[Muslim]] leader [[Louis Farrakhan]] from the [[Nation of Islam]]. <ref>[http://www.nowpublic.com/world/obama-organized-farrakhan-s-million-man-march, Obama Organized Farrakhan’s ‘Million Man March’, NowPublic.com, April 2, 2008 </ref>
*Obama has chosen the [[Secret Service]] code name "Renegade". "[[Renegade]]" conventionally describes someone who goes against normal conventions of behavior, but its first usage was to describe someone who has turned from their religion. It is a word derived from the [[Spanish]] ''renegado'', which originally meant "Christian turned Muslim."<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/3452281/Renegade-and-Renaissance-Obama-to-replace-Trailblazer-and-Tempo-Bush-in-the-White-House.html</ref> It should also be noted many Secret Service codenames and the way way they are chosen harken back to the way things were done by the Secret Service before communication were secured, so this is likely coincidence.
*"Muslim turnout in the U.S. elections reached 95 percent, the highest Muslim turnout in U.S. history."<ref>http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/islamsadvance/2008/11/is_obama_the_muslim_worlds_sup.html</ref>
*"President-elect [[Barack Hussein Obama]] has yet to attend [Sunday] church services since winning the [[White House]] earlier ..., a departure from the example of his two immediate predecessors."<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15902.html</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama-religion26-2008dec26,0,1910913.story</ref> Liberal sources claim that this is due to security concerns. However, in general, Presidents rarely attend weekly church services while in office.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-blackberry-faith-white-house/story?id=9689272#.T5jUxp8rpfV</ref>
*'''At the [[G-20]] summit in April 2009, Obama bowed deeply to [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] King Abdullah, a Muslim who is also the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.'''<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEUif1--r38&feature=player_embedded Video of Obama bowing almost to King's waist]</ref> [[Image:Obamabow.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''President Obama bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia''' - April 2009]]Never before in the history of the U.S. has a president displayed such shocking deference to a foreign official and Obama has not bowed to any other royal leaders. Obama later stated, "We have to change our behavior in showing the Muslim world greater respect."<ref>http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/07/barack-takes-a-bow/</ref> Obama's spin doctors and left-wing apologists dismissed the obviousness of the bow. One anonymous aide stated, "It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah."<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0409/White_House_No_bow_to_Saudi.html</ref> However, in video of the incident, Obama's left hand can clearly be seen staying at his side until after he had finished his bow.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WlqW6UCeaY</ref> Additionally, Obama also met with Queen Elizabeth, who is much shorter than King Abdullah, but he did not bow when he shook her hand and neither he nor the queen appeared to have any difficulty.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71N34K9EVLU</ref> (Many liberals and even a handful of conservatives have proposed that President Bush also bowed before King Abdullah.<ref>http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/33289_Bush_Bowed_Too</ref> However, there is a vast, inexorable difference between bending down to receive a medal as Bush did and bowing in deference to a foreign leader as Obama did.)
*On more than one occasion, Obama verbally attacks the economic livelihood of [[Las Vegas]] for unknown reasons, and Obama has also criticized state lotteries despite being heavily favored by most [[Democrats]]. The reason may be that [[gambling]] is forbidden in the [[Koran]] <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203169.html Lawmakers upset over Obama's 2nd anti-Vegas remark, WashingtonPost, February 2, 2010]</ref> and frowned upon by many Protestant denominations.<ref>http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CE0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.efa2009.org%2Fpapers%2FSSRN-id1335855.pdf&ei=h7kUUPHTA8aBqgHysIHYCw&usg=AFQjCNG1qfZFDgF1FpHG46FFDbMGzBu0Iw</ref>
*In 2012, Obama participated in a $40,000 per plate fundraiser on [[Holy Thursday]], which many devout Christians would find to be inappropriate.
*On September 25, 2012, in his address to [[United Nations General Assembly]], Obama said that "'''The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam'''."<ref>FOX News: [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/25/transcript-obama-address-to-un-general-assembly/ Transcript: Obama address to U.N. General Assembly] (September 25, 2012)</ref>In fairness, this line was is '''taken out of context''' by Fox News<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/09/26/media-ignore-obama-attack-on-those-who-slander-prophet-islam/]</ref> whose article covering the speech omitted his very next sentence: '''But to be credible, those who condemn that slander must also condemn the hate we see in the images of Jesus Christ that are desecrated, or churches that are destroyed, or the Holocaust that is denied.'''

==See Also==
* [[Muslim agenda of the Obama administration]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Obama Administration]]
[[Category:Islam]]

Talk:Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T19:51:35Z

PatrickMarion: /* An idea. */ Yeah, I think this is a good idea too

Talk:Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T17:01:39Z

PatrickMarion: /* An idea. */

Talk:Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T16:59:09Z

PatrickMarion: /* An idea. */

Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T16:54:15Z

PatrickMarion:

[[Image:OBAMA MUSULMAN.jpg|right|thumb|'''Then-Senator Obama wearing traditional African garb''', a gift from his hosts while visiting Kenya<ref>[http://sweetness-light.com/archive/obama-wore-muslim-gear-during-kenya-trip]</ref>]]
'''While there is a strong political incentive for Obama to claim to be a [[Christian]], as he has done whenever discussing his religion, and churches he has attended can support this <ref> http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Barack_Obama_a_Christian </ref> there is some doubt as to whether this is true, so this page will list all the reasons for this doubt, and will hopefully clarify matters from a conservative perspective:

*After getting the oath of inauguration wording wrong in his public ceremony, a later informal ceremony took place in the Oval Office to rectify the error, and there is considerable doubt he was sworn in using a Bible, but that is not required for the ceremony<ref>http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/swearing-in/event/john-quincy-adams-1825</ref>, and for the first ceremony, Obama requested to use the Lincoln Bible. <ref>http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2009/01/why_doesnt_every_president_use_the_lincoln_bible.html</ref><ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-12-23-inauguration-obama_N.htm</ref>
*Obama declared in prepared remarks, "The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because '''I am one of them'''."<ref>http://middleeast.about.com/b/2009/04/06/obama-in-turkey-at-the-gates-of-islam.htm</ref> Obama is referring to his childhood residence in [[Indonesia]], a Muslim-majority country. However, this could merely only be a reference to how he once had residence in that nation for a brief interval.
*In prepared remarks in April 2012, Obama referred to [[Jesus]] as "a" Son of God rather than as "the" Son of God: "And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as '''''a'' Son of God''', but as a human being."<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-jesus-son-god</ref> It seems rather strange he would refer to Jesus "a" Son Of God instead of "the Son of God" as is the proper Christian reference, but this may have been a semantic error.
*Obama's wife [[Michelle Obama|Michelle]] does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until [[France]], but then returned home.{{fact}}
*Obama's background and outlook are [[Muslim]], and fewer than 1% of Muslims convert to Christianity.<ref>http://www.religionnewsblog.com/17736/barack-obama-2</ref><ref>http://www.faithfreedom.org/oped/sina31103.htm. During the third and fourth grades, Obama learned about Islam for two hours each week in religion class, according to the LA ''Times''. [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.obama16mar16,0,1634059,print.story?coll=bal_news_nation_promo Campaign downplays his connection during boyhood in Indonesia, Baltimore Sun, March 16, 2007]</ref> Although Obama attended a [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] school while in Indonesia, he was a part of the Muslim society there.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012400371_pf.html</ref>
*Obama's middle name (Hussein) references '''Husayn''', who was the grandson of [[Muhammad]],<ref>A Brief History of The Fourteen Infallibles. Qum: Ansariyan Publications. 2004.</ref><ref>al-Qarashi, Baqir Shareef (2007). The life of Imam Husain. Qum: Ansariyan Publications.</ref> Only after Obama became politically ambitious did he declare himself to be a [[Christian]], yet he never replaced his [[Muslim]] name "Hussein" with a Christian one as some do when they undergo a religious conversion. For example, when the Italian journalist Magdi Allam recently converted to Christianity, he took a new name: "Cristiano".<ref>http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=30814</ref> When Saul became a Christian, he changed his name to "[[Saint Paul|Paul]]"; when the famous boxer Cassius Clay converted to [[Islam]], he took the Muslim name of [[Muhammad Ali]]. "It is common for those converting to a new religion to change their name on conversion"<ref>http://www.ukdp.co.uk/pages/religiousconversion.php</ref> or adopt a Christian name at [[baptism]].<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/christian-name</ref>. Obama also used his middle name when sworn in as President. However, even if he were actually a [[Muslim]], he would ''not'' necessarily have to change his name according to Muslim tradition. <ref>.http://zawaj.com/articles/do-muslim-converts-have-to-change-their-names.html</ref>
*Obama has said "[[John McCain]] has not talked about [[my Muslim faith]]."<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKGdkqfBICw]</ref> in an interview with [[George Stephanopoulos]] discussing whether John McCain's campaign has suggested that Obama is not a Christian. George Stephanopoulos -- who had previously been a high-ranking Democrat in the [[Clinton Administration]] -- then suggested that Obama change his answer to refer instead to "Christian faith."<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/07/obama-verbal-slip-fuels-his-critics/?page=all Christina Bellantoni, "Obama’s verbal slip fuels his critics", ''Washington Times'']</ref>
*He has said that "Islam can be compatible with the modern world."<ref> [http://www.newsweek.com/id/145971 Barack Obama's Christian Journey | Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008]</ref>
*Obama said the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset," and recited "with a first-class [[Arabic]] accent" the opening lines: [[Allah]] is Supreme! ... I witness that there is no god but Allah ...."<ref>http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=78309</ref> It should be noted that "Allah" means "God" (as in the one venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims) in Arabic, so this would not a heretical statement in a Christian context.
*Obama stated that the autobiography of [[Malcolm X]], a [[Nation of Islam]] leader who became a Muslim, inspired him in his youth.<ref>For example, Obama writes in his own autobiography, "Only Malcolm X's autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me. The blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will. ... [E]ven as I imagine myself following Malcolm's call, one line in the book stayed with me. He spoke of a wish he'd once had, the wish that the white blood that ran through him, there by an act of violence, might somehow be expunged."[http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/04/does_obama_know_america.html]</ref>
*Obama raised nearly $1 million and campaigned for a [[Kenyan]] presidential candidate who had a written agreement with [[Muslim]] leaders promising to convert Kenya to an Islamic state that bans Christianity.<ref> [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78324] Text of the agreement, as three images: [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78323]</ref>
*Obama's claims of conversion to Christianity arose after he became politically ambitious, lacking a date of conversion or baptism.<ref>In his book, Obama oddly claims to have been baptized without giving his age or date, and later gave a date that postdates his political ambition (1992).</ref>
*In the book ''Obama,"Renegade"'' his friends say that "he actually really wasn't much of a churchgoer." <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2009/06/16/wolffe-president-missed-rev-wright-s-racist-rants-because-he-wasn-t-much- Wolffe: President Missed Rev. Wright’s Racist Rants Because 'He Wasn’t Much of a Churchgoer'] NewsBusters.org, June 16, 2009</ref>
*On the campaign trail, Obama was reading "The Post-American World" by [[Fareed Zakaria]],<ref>http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=fa8cf1bf-2cc8-4d6e-b72d-a07d406e19ff</ref> which is written by a Muslim author.<ref>http://www.villagevoice.com/2005-08-09/news/the-interpreter/</ref>
*Contrary to [[Christianity]], the Islamic doctrine of [[taqiyya]] allows adherents to deny they are Muslim if it would be dangerous not to.
*Obama uses the Muslim Pakistani pronunciation for "[[Pakistan]]" rather than the common American one.<ref>Obama repeatedly pronounced "Pakistan" as "Pokiston" in the first presidential debate.</ref> This may be just semantic preference.
*Obama favors [[Pakistan]], a Muslim nation, in its conflicts with [[India]], a mostly [[Hindu]] nation.<ref>The Indian press has been highly critical of Obama about this. [http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/11/08/obama-india-relations-indispensible-pushes-placement-un]</ref>
*Obama was thoroughly exposed to Christianity as an adult in [[Chicago]] prior to attending law school, yet no one at law school saw him display any interest in converting. Obama unabashedly explained how he became "churched" in a 2007 speech: "It's around that time [while working as an organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago] that some pastors I was working with came around and asked if I was a member of a church. 'If you're organizing churches,' they said, 'it might be helpful if you went to a church once in a while.' And I thought, 'I guess that makes sense.'"<ref>[http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=15363 Obama, ACORN, and the churches] SperoNews, October 7, 2008</ref>
[[File:Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi in Dimashq.jpg|left|175px|thumb|''"I really endorse and support the policies that he has adopted,"'' [[Libya]]n leader [[Muammar Gaddafi]] said of President Barack Obama as reported by the ''[[Washington Post]]''.<ref> [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/26/AR2010042604170.html ''Man's worst friend?''] By Dana Milbank, ''Washington Post'', April 27, 2010.</ref> ]]
*Obama is mentioned as helping to organize the 1995 [[Million Man March]] led by black [[Muslim]] leader [[Louis Farrakhan]] from the [[Nation of Islam]]. <ref>[http://www.nowpublic.com/world/obama-organized-farrakhan-s-million-man-march, Obama Organized Farrakhan’s ‘Million Man March’, NowPublic.com, April 2, 2008 </ref>
*Obama visited "more than one [[mosque]]" in [[Kenya]] while on a political trip there but did not visit any churches, although there are a large proportion of churches and even a National Temple in Kenya.<ref>http://islamizationwatch.blogspot.com/2010/01/kenyan-delegation-visits-sderot-israel.html</ref>
*Obama has chosen the [[Secret Service]] code name "Renegade". "[[Renegade]]" conventionally describes someone who goes against normal conventions of behavior, but its first usage was to describe someone who has turned from their religion. It is a word derived from the [[Spanish]] ''renegado'', which originally meant "Christian turned Muslim."<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/3452281/Renegade-and-Renaissance-Obama-to-replace-Trailblazer-and-Tempo-Bush-in-the-White-House.html</ref>
*Obama enjoyed a bigger increase in voter support in 2008 (compared to 2004) by Muslims than by any other voting group, including blacks;<ref>http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/a/2873/</ref> "Muslim turnout in the U.S. elections reached 95 percent, the highest Muslim turnout in U.S. history."<ref>http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/islamsadvance/2008/11/is_obama_the_muslim_worlds_sup.html</ref>
*"President-elect [[Barack Hussein Obama]] has yet to attend [Sunday] church services since winning the [[White House]] earlier ..., a departure from the example of his two immediate predecessors."<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15902.html</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama-religion26-2008dec26,0,1910913.story</ref> Liberal sources claim that this is due to security concerns. However, in general, Presidents rarely attend weekly church services while in office.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-blackberry-faith-white-house/story?id=9689272#.T5jUxp8rpfV</ref>
*Obama botched his public [[oath of office]] in which he placed his hand on a Bible, and then chose not to use the Bible for his real, private oath.
*'''At the [[G-20]] summit in April 2009, Obama bowed deeply to [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] King Abdullah, a Muslim who is also the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.'''<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEUif1--r38&feature=player_embedded Video of Obama bowing almost to King's waist]</ref> [[Image:Obamabow.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''President Obama bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia''' - April 2009]]Never before in the history of the U.S. has a president displayed such shocking deference to a foreign official and Obama has not bowed to any other royal leaders. Obama later stated, "We have to change our behavior in showing the Muslim world greater respect."<ref>http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/07/barack-takes-a-bow/</ref> Obama's spin doctors and left-wing apologists dismissed the obviousness of the bow. One anonymous aide stated, "It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah."<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0409/White_House_No_bow_to_Saudi.html</ref> However, in video of the incident, Obama's left hand can clearly be seen staying at his side until after he had finished his bow.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WlqW6UCeaY</ref> Additionally, Obama also met with Queen Elizabeth, who is much shorter than King Abdullah, but he did not bow when he shook her hand and neither he nor the queen appeared to have any difficulty.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71N34K9EVLU</ref> (Many liberals and even a handful of conservatives have proposed that President Bush also bowed before King Abdullah.<ref>http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/33289_Bush_Bowed_Too</ref> However, there is a vast, inexorable difference between bending down to receive a medal as Bush did and bowing in deference to a foreign leader as Obama did.)
*Obama required that a religiously affiliated college take the extraordinary action of concealing with wood the monogram "IHS", which represents the name of Jesus, during a speech by Obama there<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/16/georgetown-university-hid-religious-symbols-white-house-request/ Georgetown hides Jesus' name at request of Obama's White House]</ref>
*On more than one occasion, Obama verbally attacks the economic livelihood of [[Las Vegas]] for unknown reasons, and Obama has also criticized state lotteries despite being heavily favored by most [[Democrats]]. The reason may be that [[gambling]] is forbidden in the [[Koran]] <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203169.html Lawmakers upset over Obama's 2nd anti-Vegas remark, WashingtonPost, February 2, 2010]</ref> and frowned upon by many Protestant denominations.<ref>http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CE0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.efa2009.org%2Fpapers%2FSSRN-id1335855.pdf&ei=h7kUUPHTA8aBqgHysIHYCw&usg=AFQjCNG1qfZFDgF1FpHG46FFDbMGzBu0Iw</ref>
*In 2006, Obama gave an irreverent speech about using the Bible in public policy. It resembled a stand-up comedy act, with Obama making fun of the books of the [[Torah]], the [[Ten Commandments]], the [[Sermon on the Mount]] and other key Biblical passages.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnmS_vULPxw</ref>
*In 2010, Obama changed the logo of the Missile Defense Agency, incorporating a crescent and star.<ref>[http://loganswarning.com/2010/02/23/us-missile-defense-agency-changes-logo-to-obamaislamic-crescent-hybrid/ US Missile Defense Agency Changes Logo to Obama~Islamic Crescent Hybrid!]</ref> The new logo closely resembles that of the [[Iran]]ian Space Agency.<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/10550380-missile-defense-agency-logo-new-twist-to-the-tale.html Missile Defense Agency Logo – A new twist to the tale]</ref>
*In 2012, Obama participated in a $40,000 per plate fundraiser on [[Holy Thursday]], which many devout Christians would find to be inappropriate.
*On September 25, 2012, in his address to [[United Nations General Assembly]], Obama said that "'''The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam'''."<ref>FOX News: [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/25/transcript-obama-address-to-un-general-assembly/ Transcript: Obama address to U.N. General Assembly] (September 25, 2012)</ref> This outrageous comment was predictably ignored by the [[lamestream media]], but rightly highlighted by Conservative commentators.<ref>FOX News: [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/09/26/media-ignore-obama-attack-on-those-who-slander-prophet-islam/ Media ignore Obama attack on ‘those who slander the Prophet of Islam’] (September 26, 2012)</ref>

Obama tries to downplay his [[Islamic]] background by claiming that his [[Kenya]]n [[Muslim]] father was a "confirmed [[atheist]]" before Obama was born, but in fact less than 1% of Kenyans are atheists, agnostics, or non-religious.<ref>http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_14.html</ref> (This obviously does not completely rule out the possibility that his father was a member of that 1%.) There is apparently no evidence of any Christian activities or local church participation by Obama while he was in [[Massachusetts]] from 1988 to 1991. Finally, Obama abruptly left his radical Christian church in Chicago in 2008, when it became politically controversial, without first finding another church to join. On April 7, 2009, Obama toured a mosque in [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]].<ref>http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.c2e3700ab4e271bc32827b0fccfe560b.421&show_article=1</ref>

==See Also==
* [[Muslim agenda of the Obama administration]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Obama Administration]]
[[Category:Islam]]

Obama's Religion

2013-01-03T16:53:43Z

PatrickMarion: adding some references and rewriting some more smear tactic allegations to be more balanced

[[Image:OBAMA MUSULMAN.jpg|right|thumb|'''Then-Senator Obama wearing traditional African garb''', a gift from his hosts while visiting Kenya<ref>[http://sweetness-light.com/archive/obama-wore-muslim-gear-during-kenya-trip]</ref>]]
'''While there is a strong political incentive for Obama to claim to be a [[Christian]], as he has done whenever discussing his religion, and churches he has attended can support this <ref> http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Barack_Obama_a_Christian </ref> there is some doubt as to whether this is true, so this page will list all the reasons for this doubt, and will hopefully clarify matters from a conservative perspective:

*After getting the oath of inauguration wording wrong in his public ceremony, a later informal ceremony took place in the Oval Office to rectify the error, and there is considerable doubt he was sworn in using a Bible, but that is not required for the ceremony<ref>http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/swearing-in/event/john-quincy-adams-1825</ref>, and for the first ceremony, Obama requested to use the Lincoln Bible. <ref>http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2009/01/why_doesnt_every_president_use_the_lincoln_bible.html</ref><ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-12-23-inauguration-obama_N.htm</ref>
*Obama declared in prepared remarks, "The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because '''I am one of them'''."<ref>http://middleeast.about.com/b/2009/04/06/obama-in-turkey-at-the-gates-of-islam.htm</ref> Obama is referring to his childhood residence in [[Indonesia]], a Muslim-majority country. However, this could merely only be a reference to how he once had residence in that nation for a brief interval.
*In prepared remarks in April 2012, Obama referred to [[Jesus]] as "a" Son of God rather than as "the" Son of God: "And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as '''''a'' Son of God''', but as a human being."<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-jesus-son-god</ref> It seems rather strange he would refer to Jesus "a" Son Of God instead of "the Son of God" as is the proper Christian reference, but this may have been a semantic error.
*Obama's wife [[Michelle Obama|Michelle]] does not accompany him to Muslim nations because [[Sharia law]] would apply to her there; on a presidential trip she was with him until [[France]], but then returned home.{{fact}}
*Obama's background and outlook are [[Muslim]], and fewer than 1% of Muslims convert to Christianity.<ref>http://www.religionnewsblog.com/17736/barack-obama-2</ref><ref>http://www.faithfreedom.org/oped/sina31103.htm. During the third and fourth grades, Obama learned about Islam for two hours each week in religion class, according to the LA ''Times''. [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.obama16mar16,0,1634059,print.story?coll=bal_news_nation_promo Campaign downplays his connection during boyhood in Indonesia, Baltimore Sun, March 16, 2007]</ref> Although Obama attended a [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] school while in Indonesia, he was a part of the Muslim society there.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012400371_pf.html</ref>
*Obama's middle name (Hussein) references '''Husayn''', who was the grandson of [[Muhammad]],<ref>A Brief History of The Fourteen Infallibles. Qum: Ansariyan Publications. 2004.</ref><ref>al-Qarashi, Baqir Shareef (2007). The life of Imam Husain. Qum: Ansariyan Publications.</ref> Only after Obama became politically ambitious did he declare himself to be a [[Christian]], yet he never replaced his [[Muslim]] name "Hussein" with a Christian one as some do when they undergo a religious conversion. For example, when the Italian journalist Magdi Allam recently converted to Christianity, he took a new name: "Cristiano".<ref>http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=30814</ref> When Saul became a Christian, he changed his name to "[[Saint Paul|Paul]]"; when the famous boxer Cassius Clay converted to [[Islam]], he took the Muslim name of [[Muhammad Ali]]. "It is common for those converting to a new religion to change their name on conversion"<ref>http://www.ukdp.co.uk/pages/religiousconversion.php</ref> or adopt a Christian name at [[baptism]].<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/christian-name</ref>. Obama also used his middle name when sworn in as President. However, even if he were actually a [[Muslim]], he would necessarily have to change his name according to Muslim tradition. <ref>.http://zawaj.com/articles/do-muslim-converts-have-to-change-their-names.html</ref>
*Obama has said "[[John McCain]] has not talked about [[my Muslim faith]]."<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKGdkqfBICw]</ref> in an interview with [[George Stephanopoulos]] discussing whether John McCain's campaign has suggested that Obama is not a Christian. George Stephanopoulos -- who had previously been a high-ranking Democrat in the [[Clinton Administration]] -- then suggested that Obama change his answer to refer instead to "Christian faith."<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/07/obama-verbal-slip-fuels-his-critics/?page=all Christina Bellantoni, "Obama’s verbal slip fuels his critics", ''Washington Times'']</ref>
*He has said that "Islam can be compatible with the modern world."<ref> [http://www.newsweek.com/id/145971 Barack Obama's Christian Journey | Newsweek Politics: Campaign 2008]</ref>
*Obama said the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset," and recited "with a first-class [[Arabic]] accent" the opening lines: [[Allah]] is Supreme! ... I witness that there is no god but Allah ...."<ref>http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=78309</ref> It should be noted that "Allah" means "God" (as in the one venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims) in Arabic, so this would not a heretical statement in a Christian context.
*Obama stated that the autobiography of [[Malcolm X]], a [[Nation of Islam]] leader who became a Muslim, inspired him in his youth.<ref>For example, Obama writes in his own autobiography, "Only Malcolm X's autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me. The blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will. ... [E]ven as I imagine myself following Malcolm's call, one line in the book stayed with me. He spoke of a wish he'd once had, the wish that the white blood that ran through him, there by an act of violence, might somehow be expunged."[http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/04/does_obama_know_america.html]</ref>
*Obama raised nearly $1 million and campaigned for a [[Kenyan]] presidential candidate who had a written agreement with [[Muslim]] leaders promising to convert Kenya to an Islamic state that bans Christianity.<ref> [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78324] Text of the agreement, as three images: [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78323]</ref>
*Obama's claims of conversion to Christianity arose after he became politically ambitious, lacking a date of conversion or baptism.<ref>In his book, Obama oddly claims to have been baptized without giving his age or date, and later gave a date that postdates his political ambition (1992).</ref>
*In the book ''Obama,"Renegade"'' his friends say that "he actually really wasn't much of a churchgoer." <ref>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jeff-poor/2009/06/16/wolffe-president-missed-rev-wright-s-racist-rants-because-he-wasn-t-much- Wolffe: President Missed Rev. Wright’s Racist Rants Because 'He Wasn’t Much of a Churchgoer'] NewsBusters.org, June 16, 2009</ref>
*On the campaign trail, Obama was reading "The Post-American World" by [[Fareed Zakaria]],<ref>http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=fa8cf1bf-2cc8-4d6e-b72d-a07d406e19ff</ref> which is written by a Muslim author.<ref>http://www.villagevoice.com/2005-08-09/news/the-interpreter/</ref>
*Contrary to [[Christianity]], the Islamic doctrine of [[taqiyya]] allows adherents to deny they are Muslim if it would be dangerous not to.
*Obama uses the Muslim Pakistani pronunciation for "[[Pakistan]]" rather than the common American one.<ref>Obama repeatedly pronounced "Pakistan" as "Pokiston" in the first presidential debate.</ref> This may be just semantic preference.
*Obama favors [[Pakistan]], a Muslim nation, in its conflicts with [[India]], a mostly [[Hindu]] nation.<ref>The Indian press has been highly critical of Obama about this. [http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/11/08/obama-india-relations-indispensible-pushes-placement-un]</ref>
*Obama was thoroughly exposed to Christianity as an adult in [[Chicago]] prior to attending law school, yet no one at law school saw him display any interest in converting. Obama unabashedly explained how he became "churched" in a 2007 speech: "It's around that time [while working as an organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago] that some pastors I was working with came around and asked if I was a member of a church. 'If you're organizing churches,' they said, 'it might be helpful if you went to a church once in a while.' And I thought, 'I guess that makes sense.'"<ref>[http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=15363 Obama, ACORN, and the churches] SperoNews, October 7, 2008</ref>
[[File:Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi in Dimashq.jpg|left|175px|thumb|''"I really endorse and support the policies that he has adopted,"'' [[Libya]]n leader [[Muammar Gaddafi]] said of President Barack Obama as reported by the ''[[Washington Post]]''.<ref> [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/26/AR2010042604170.html ''Man's worst friend?''] By Dana Milbank, ''Washington Post'', April 27, 2010.</ref> ]]
*Obama is mentioned as helping to organize the 1995 [[Million Man March]] led by black [[Muslim]] leader [[Louis Farrakhan]] from the [[Nation of Islam]]. <ref>[http://www.nowpublic.com/world/obama-organized-farrakhan-s-million-man-march, Obama Organized Farrakhan’s ‘Million Man March’, NowPublic.com, April 2, 2008 </ref>
*Obama visited "more than one [[mosque]]" in [[Kenya]] while on a political trip there but did not visit any churches, although there are a large proportion of churches and even a National Temple in Kenya.<ref>http://islamizationwatch.blogspot.com/2010/01/kenyan-delegation-visits-sderot-israel.html</ref>
*Obama has chosen the [[Secret Service]] code name "Renegade". "[[Renegade]]" conventionally describes someone who goes against normal conventions of behavior, but its first usage was to describe someone who has turned from their religion. It is a word derived from the [[Spanish]] ''renegado'', which originally meant "Christian turned Muslim."<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/3452281/Renegade-and-Renaissance-Obama-to-replace-Trailblazer-and-Tempo-Bush-in-the-White-House.html</ref>
*Obama enjoyed a bigger increase in voter support in 2008 (compared to 2004) by Muslims than by any other voting group, including blacks;<ref>http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/a/2873/</ref> "Muslim turnout in the U.S. elections reached 95 percent, the highest Muslim turnout in U.S. history."<ref>http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/islamsadvance/2008/11/is_obama_the_muslim_worlds_sup.html</ref>
*"President-elect [[Barack Hussein Obama]] has yet to attend [Sunday] church services since winning the [[White House]] earlier ..., a departure from the example of his two immediate predecessors."<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15902.html</ref><ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama-religion26-2008dec26,0,1910913.story</ref> Liberal sources claim that this is due to security concerns. However, in general, Presidents rarely attend weekly church services while in office.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-blackberry-faith-white-house/story?id=9689272#.T5jUxp8rpfV</ref>
*Obama botched his public [[oath of office]] in which he placed his hand on a Bible, and then chose not to use the Bible for his real, private oath.
*'''At the [[G-20]] summit in April 2009, Obama bowed deeply to [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] King Abdullah, a Muslim who is also the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.'''<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEUif1--r38&feature=player_embedded Video of Obama bowing almost to King's waist]</ref> [[Image:Obamabow.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''President Obama bowing to the King of Saudi Arabia''' - April 2009]]Never before in the history of the U.S. has a president displayed such shocking deference to a foreign official and Obama has not bowed to any other royal leaders. Obama later stated, "We have to change our behavior in showing the Muslim world greater respect."<ref>http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/07/barack-takes-a-bow/</ref> Obama's spin doctors and left-wing apologists dismissed the obviousness of the bow. One anonymous aide stated, "It wasn't a bow. He grasped his hand with two hands, and he's taller than King Abdullah."<ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0409/White_House_No_bow_to_Saudi.html</ref> However, in video of the incident, Obama's left hand can clearly be seen staying at his side until after he had finished his bow.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WlqW6UCeaY</ref> Additionally, Obama also met with Queen Elizabeth, who is much shorter than King Abdullah, but he did not bow when he shook her hand and neither he nor the queen appeared to have any difficulty.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71N34K9EVLU</ref> (Many liberals and even a handful of conservatives have proposed that President Bush also bowed before King Abdullah.<ref>http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/33289_Bush_Bowed_Too</ref> However, there is a vast, inexorable difference between bending down to receive a medal as Bush did and bowing in deference to a foreign leader as Obama did.)
*Obama required that a religiously affiliated college take the extraordinary action of concealing with wood the monogram "IHS", which represents the name of Jesus, during a speech by Obama there<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/16/georgetown-university-hid-religious-symbols-white-house-request/ Georgetown hides Jesus' name at request of Obama's White House]</ref>
*On more than one occasion, Obama verbally attacks the economic livelihood of [[Las Vegas]] for unknown reasons, and Obama has also criticized state lotteries despite being heavily favored by most [[Democrats]]. The reason may be that [[gambling]] is forbidden in the [[Koran]] <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203169.html Lawmakers upset over Obama's 2nd anti-Vegas remark, WashingtonPost, February 2, 2010]</ref> and frowned upon by many Protestant denominations.<ref>http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CE0QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.efa2009.org%2Fpapers%2FSSRN-id1335855.pdf&ei=h7kUUPHTA8aBqgHysIHYCw&usg=AFQjCNG1qfZFDgF1FpHG46FFDbMGzBu0Iw</ref>
*In 2006, Obama gave an irreverent speech about using the Bible in public policy. It resembled a stand-up comedy act, with Obama making fun of the books of the [[Torah]], the [[Ten Commandments]], the [[Sermon on the Mount]] and other key Biblical passages.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnmS_vULPxw</ref>
*In 2010, Obama changed the logo of the Missile Defense Agency, incorporating a crescent and star.<ref>[http://loganswarning.com/2010/02/23/us-missile-defense-agency-changes-logo-to-obamaislamic-crescent-hybrid/ US Missile Defense Agency Changes Logo to Obama~Islamic Crescent Hybrid!]</ref> The new logo closely resembles that of the [[Iran]]ian Space Agency.<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/10550380-missile-defense-agency-logo-new-twist-to-the-tale.html Missile Defense Agency Logo – A new twist to the tale]</ref>
*In 2012, Obama participated in a $40,000 per plate fundraiser on [[Holy Thursday]], which many devout Christians would find to be inappropriate.
*On September 25, 2012, in his address to [[United Nations General Assembly]], Obama said that "'''The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam'''."<ref>FOX News: [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/25/transcript-obama-address-to-un-general-assembly/ Transcript: Obama address to U.N. General Assembly] (September 25, 2012)</ref> This outrageous comment was predictably ignored by the [[lamestream media]], but rightly highlighted by Conservative commentators.<ref>FOX News: [http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/09/26/media-ignore-obama-attack-on-those-who-slander-prophet-islam/ Media ignore Obama attack on ‘those who slander the Prophet of Islam’] (September 26, 2012)</ref>

Obama tries to downplay his [[Islamic]] background by claiming that his [[Kenya]]n [[Muslim]] father was a "confirmed [[atheist]]" before Obama was born, but in fact less than 1% of Kenyans are atheists, agnostics, or non-religious.<ref>http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_14.html</ref> (This obviously does not completely rule out the possibility that his father was a member of that 1%.) There is apparently no evidence of any Christian activities or local church participation by Obama while he was in [[Massachusetts]] from 1988 to 1991. Finally, Obama abruptly left his radical Christian church in Chicago in 2008, when it became politically controversial, without first finding another church to join. On April 7, 2009, Obama toured a mosque in [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]].<ref>http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.c2e3700ab4e271bc32827b0fccfe560b.421&show_article=1</ref>

==See Also==
* [[Muslim agenda of the Obama administration]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Obama Administration]]
[[Category:Islam]]

Barack Hussein Obama

2013-01-03T16:12:02Z

PatrickMarion: Undo revision 1026690 by JimBangacapa (talk)

{{Officeholder
|name=Barack Hussein Obama
|image=President Barack Obama.jpg
|party=[[Democratic Party]]
|spouse=[[Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama]]; may have had a prior marriage.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/was-barack-obama-married-in-college/</ref>
|religion=self-described as Christian, but see [[Obama's religion]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/president
|country=the United States
|number=44th
|terms=January 20, 2009-Present
|vp=[[Joe Biden]]
|preceded=[[George W. Bush]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Illinois
|terms=January 3, 2005 – November 16, 2008
|preceded=Peter Fitzgerald
|former=y
|succeeded=[[Roland Burris]]
}}
}}

'''Barack Hussein Obama II''' (b. August 4, 1961, in [[Honolulu]], [[Hawaii]]) was elected the 44th President in 2008, and reelected in 2012 by more than two million votes over his opponent [[Willard Mitt Romney]]. Promoted heavily by [[liberals]], as demonstrated by his unjustified receipt of the 2009 [[Nobel Prize|Nobel Peace Prize]], Obama won the presidency despite a short and unremarkable political career by outspending his opponent, [[John McCain]], by hundreds of millions of dollars in 2008.

The [[liberal claptrap]] that helped elect Obama as president seems silly today. It was claimed, for example, that Obama has millions of followers on Twitter, when allegedly some 70% of them are fake.<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/08/obama-has-millions-of-fake-twitter-followers/1#.UDfQVqA2et_</ref> And although the [[lamestream media]] promoted Obama as a great orator, in fact he relies 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.

Obama is [[pro-abortion]]. During the 2008 election campaign Obama said that he intended to "[[Redistribution of wealth|spread the wealth around]]" - which conservatives have condemned for being [[Socialism|socialist]]. Many rational people also accuse Obama to be a [[communism|communist]]. Barack Obama has been widely criticized by the American [[business]] community and others for his anti-business policies that are destroying American jobs during a period of high unemployment.<ref>Zuckerman, M.B. (2010, July 16). [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''. Barnes, F. (2009, July 22). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/619dvjlm.asp An Anti-Business President]. ''The Weekly Standard''. Vol. 14, No. 38 Shedlock, M. (2010, August 20). [http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-businesses-are-not-hiring-why.html Small Businesses are not hiring. Why should they?] Globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com. Wright, C.E. (2012, February 12). [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/dear_mr_president_why_we_are_n.html Dear Mr. President: Why we are not hiring]. ''American Thinker''.</ref> On July 26, 2012, the [[Gallup Poll|Gallup organization]] reported that merely 35% of business owners approved of Barack Obama's job performance.<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/156206/Business-Owners-Among-Least-Approving-Obama.aspx U.S. Business Owners Now Among Least Approving of Obama]</ref> Former [[Democrat]] Presidential candidate [[Joe Lieberman]] endorsed Obama's opponent in 2008 and has declined to endorse [[Obama]] for the [[Presidential Election 2012]].<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>

Under President Obama's mismanagement of the economy, 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". [http://www.nabe.com/press/ind1004.pdf Industry Survey], ''National Association for Business Economics'', April 2010, p. 2.</ref> leaving the the country saddled with a $16 trillion [[national debt]].<ref>Under Obama the U.S. National Debt has tripled. Source: [https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=86836 U.S. Treasury]; Federal Reserve Board.</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 2009 with no [[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]</ref>

Fatalities in [[Afghanistan]] have more than doubled under Obama's leadership as compared to the preceding eight years combined, according to the Congressional Research Service <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>. Against his own Defense Secretary's advice, Obama [[Libyan uprising 2011|attacked Libya]] - a possible violation of the [[War Powers Act]]. After he announced the killing of [[September 11th]] mastermind and terrorist [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[U.S. State Department]] warned of the increased risk to the lives and safety of Americans around the world.<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 death had negligible long-term impact on Obama's approval ratings, as seen in Gallup's daily poll.<ref>''Gallup''. [http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/gallup-daily-obama-job-approval.aspx Gallup Daily: Obama Job Approval].</ref>

Obama's bizarre gaffes are frequent and embarrassing, but typically unreported by the [[liberal media]]. Many hardworking American businessmen took offense to a 2012 campaign speech about the economy where he says "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, J. (2012, June 1). [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''.</ref>

==Biography==
===Birth===
{{TOC right}}
:''Main article : [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]]''
:''See also : [[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage]]''
Obama claims to have been born in Hawaii to Stanley Ann Dunham and [[Barack Obama Sr.]] - who had married just six months prior - on August 4, 1961 in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]].<ref name=msnbc>''MSNBC'' (2008, February 20). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ Obama Becomes Rising Star Among Democrats]."</ref> 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 the Obama's eligibility and alleged that the alleged "birth certificate" was a fake; however, no charges have been filed. [[Obama]] was reportedly assigned a social security number whose area code was assigned 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]</ref>

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, no court that has considered such arguments has accepted the proposition that Obama is not 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>

===Early Life===
Obama's birth parents divorced in 1963 due to strain caused by Barack Obama Sr. leaving Hawaii to study economics at Harvard, when Obama was 2 years old, following which his mother married Lolo Soetoro, an [[Indonesian]] geologist. When Barack Obama was 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/#|work=The Daily Beast|format=HTML|language=English|title=Dreams of His Mother|author=Stacy Schiff}}</ref> His mother then left him in Hawaii with his grandparents (Stanley and Madelyn Dunham, who had moved to Hawaii in 1959) so he could pursue American education.<ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (2008, August 20). "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Barack Obama Revealed]." ''CNN''.</ref> 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 (2008, March). "[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 /> All in all, Obama's early life, being surrounded by those extolling Communism, helped foment his hatred of America and established his Marxist views emphasizing socialism and the redistribution of wealth.

===Personal Life===
[[Image:Michelle Obama.jpg|frame|right|Michelle (Robinson) Obama, wife of Barack Obama.]]
Barack Obama met and began dating his future wife, an attorney named Michelle Robinson, herself a recent Harvard Law School graduate, while he was working at Sidley Austin LLP, a prestigious corporate law firm.<ref name=msnbc /> The two continued dating long-distance while he finished law school, and on October 18, 1982, were married by Reverend [[Jeremiah Wright]] at Trinity United Church.<ref name=revealed /> In 1999, their first child was born, Malia, and in 2001, another daughter, Natasha (often called Sasha).<ref name=msnbc />

Obama attended 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 />

===Education===
At age 6, Obama attended schools in Indonesia, the first a Catholic School while he was in Kindergarten, and later a public school. While the public school had mostly Muslim students (since most Indonesians were Muslim), claims that it was a Muslim school or Madrassa are false. In 1971, at age 10, Barack Obama moved to Hawaii, and his grandparents helped him gain entrance to the prestigious Punahou Academy in Honolulu through a scholarship, while he was in 5th grade.<ref name=revealed /> At his elite high school with 1,200 students he was just 1 of 3 black students, and was on the second string of the state champion basketball team his senior year. During this time he also experimented briefly with marijuana and cocaine. He wrote a poem for the school's literary magazine, ''Ka Wai Ola''.<ref name=raisingobama />

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 (2007, July 30). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd]." ''New York Times''.</ref> During this time he allegedly spoke at an Anti-Apartheid rally on campus,<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, J. (2007, October 30). "[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]." ''New York Times''.</ref> In the winter of 1988 Barack Obama decided to attend Harvard Law School, and left Chicago for Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his 2nd year he became the first black president of the ''Harvard Law Review'', following a "marathon voting session" in which he was elected 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 a political career in Chicago.<ref name=msnbc /><ref name=revealed />
===Non-Political Employment===
====1983-1984, Financial Analyst and Writer====
In 1984 Obama worked as a writer and financial analyst for Business International Corporation to pay off his student loans. Business International Corporation was a small newsletter-publishing and research firm which aided multinational companies understand 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 name=differs /><ref>Henig, J. (2008, June 21). "[http://www.factcheck.org/2008/06/obama-polishes-his-resume-2/ Obama Polishes His Resume]." ''FactCheck.org''.</ref>

====1984-1988, Community Organizer====
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 /> From 1985-88, Obama worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, for which he was paid $1,000 a year, with $2,000 extra for a car. He helped Loretta Herron gain city approval for a local community job center. <ref name=revealed /><ref name=streetwise>Scott, Janny (2007, September 9). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all In 2000, a Streetwise Veteran Schooled a Bold Young Obama]." ''New York Times''.</ref> 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. The slow progress in fighting asbestos contamination in the Altgeld Gardens housing project led to Obama's departure from Chicago, and enrollment at Harvard Law School in the winter of 1988.<ref name=revealed />
====1988-1996, Law Practice====
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 name=austin>Lattman, P. (2007, May 11). "[http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ When Barack Met Michelle]." ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><ref name=revealed />, owned by Newton Minow, thanks to the recommendation of Minow's daughter Martha, a professor at Harvard Law School. It was at Minow's law firm that Obama would meet Michelle Robinson, his future wife.<ref name=raisingobama /> From 1993-96 he practiced civil rights law, after graduating from Harvard, at Miner, Barnhill, & Galland, a small politically-connected law firm.<ref name=austin /> It was at Miner, Barnhill, & Galland that he would meet influential real estate developer Tony Rezko.<ref name=revealed />
====1992-2004, Law Professor at University of Chicago====
Obama taught constitutional law part-time at the University of Chicago Law School<ref name=raisingobama /> from 1992-2004. He was a Lecturer from 1992-96, teaching 3 courses per year, and a Senior Lecturer from 1996-2004. Senior Lecturers are considered Law School faculty and regarded as professors but not full-time or tenured. Obama was invited to become a Senior Lecturer several times during this period but declined each time.<ref>"[http://www.law.uchicago.edu/media Media Inquiries: Statement Regarding Barack Obama]." ''University of Chicago Law School''.</ref>
====1995, Author====
In 1995 Obama published ''Dreams From My Father'' about his life and family background.<ref name=msnbc />

===Personal Awards===
====2009 Nobel Peace Prize====
On October 9, 2009 Barack H. Obama became the third sitting U.S. President<ref name=wilsons>Wilson, Scott (2009, October 10). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100900914.html President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize]. ''Washington Post''.</ref> to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "''for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples''".<ref>NobelPrize.org (2009, October 9). "[http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/press.html The Nobel Prize for 2009: Press Release]." Oslo, Norway. Accessed May 13, 2012.</ref> Obama stated that he was "surprised and deeply humbled" to receive the unexpected award,<ref>(2009, October 9). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-09/world/nobel.peace.prize_1_norwegian-nobel-committee-international-diplomacy-and-cooperation-nuclear-weapons?_s=PM:WORLD Obama: Nobel Peace Prize is 'Call to Action']." ''CNN''.</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>Chazan, G. & MacDonald, A. (2009, October 11). "[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125509603349176083.html Nobel Committee's Decision Courts Controversy]." ''Wall Street Journal''. (2009, October 9). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/09/obamas-peace-prize-draws-criticism-liberals/ Obama's Peace Prize Draws Criticism, Even From Some Liberals]." ''Associated Press''.</ref>
==1991-1992, Project Vote==
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 helping elect U.S. Senator Carol Mosely Braun.<ref name=raisingobama /><ref name=pragmatic />
==1996-2003, Illinois State Senate==
===1996 Election===
[[File:O-2002-antiwar-rally-davidson.jpg|right|thumb|250px| Obama speaking at the October 2002 rally in Chicago organized by [[Carl Davidson]].<ref>Davidson is a longtime [[Mao]]ist and champion of the ''Thought of Mao Tse Tung.'' Davidson's anti-Trotskyite polemic, [http://www.wengewang.org/read.php?tid=10925 ''Left in Form, Right in Essence''] defends Maoist doctrine. </ref> ''"[H]e is a brutal man who butchers his own people,"'' nevertheless Obama opposed ''"dumb wars".'']]
====Knocking Candidates Off the Ballot====
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 & Long, Ray (2007, April 4). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-0704030881apr04-archive,0,1523598,full.story Barack Obama: Showing His Bare Knuckles]." ''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?"
-Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 3). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story Obama Knows His Way Around a Ballot]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</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 (2008, February 28). "[http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ Barack Obama and Me]." ''Houston Press''.</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 (2008, May 29). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-29/politics/obamas.first.campaign_1_obama-campaign-barack-obama-chicago-politics?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Played Hardball in First Chicago Campaign]." ''CNN''.</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.
===2000 Election===
: ''Main Article: [[Illinois 1st congressional district election, 2000]]''
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%. As media consultant and former Rush campaign staffer Eric Adelstein noted, "Nobody said he’s ‘not black enough.’ They said he’s a professor, a Harvard elite who lives in Hyde Park." Todd Spivak would give voice to this impression of Obama, noting that{{cquote|"My view of Obama then wasn't all that different from the image he projects now. He was smart, confident, charismatic and liberal. 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 />}}Rush would go on to win the Primary with 61.02% of the vote; Obama received 30.36%.<ref name=streetwise /> 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 />
===Voting Record===
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|work=CBS|format=HTML|language=English|last=Clark|first=Amy S.|date=Jan. 17, 2007}}</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|work=The New York Times|title=In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd|last=Scott|first=Janny|format=HTML|language=English|date=July 30, 2007|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html}}</ref>

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"/>

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. [http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?page_id=2 About CAWI] by Carl Davidson, Nov 02 2006. Retrieved from Chicagoans Against War and Injustice, March 15, 2010.</ref> [[community organizing|organized]] by veteran [[Mao]]ist and webmaster of [[Progressives for Obama]],<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/carldavidson Carl Davidson,] LinkedIn.com, retrieved March 13, 2010.</ref> [[Carl Davidson]].
===Radical foundation and connection to William Ayers===
{{main article|Radical roots of Barack Hussein Obama}}
In 1995 a cadre of like minded individuals gathered in the home of [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]]s [[Bernardine Dohrn]] and [[William Ayers|William "Bill" Ayers]]. Dohrn,<ref>Georgie Anne Geyer and Keyes Beach "Cuba: School for U.S. Radicals", ''Chicago Daily News/Chicago Sun-Times'' five part series October 1970, excerpted in [http://foia.fbi.gov/filelink.html?file=/weather/weath1c.pdf FBI file Weather Underground Organization (Weatherman),] Part 1c pp. 5-7 pdf (113-115 in original). [http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/clandestine-agents-of-the-cuban-government-ayers-dohrn-myers/]</ref> along with Carl Davidson, are veterans of [[guerrilla warfare]] training in [[Cuba]] prior 1968 Democratic National Convention riots. Ayers and Dohrn have taken credit for, and never denied, bombing the [[U.S. Capitol]], the [[Pentagon]] and the [[State Department]].

Ayers and Dohrn used their celebrity status among [[leftist]]s to launch Obama's career. Ayers, Dohrn and [[Jeff Jones]]<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 ''Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder] Van Jones served on board of activist group where ex-Weatherman serves as top director'', By Aaron Klein, [[WorldNetDaily]], August 13, 2009.</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 ''The Sayings of Mao Zedong.''<ref>[http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/works/red-book/]</ref> The book declares "we are [[communist]] men and women."<ref>Harvey Klehr, ''Far Left of Center: The American Radical Left Today'' (Transaction Books, New Brunswick, 1988), 109.</ref> Ayers later jokingly, publicly admitted to ghostwriting Obama's book, ''Dreams From My Father''<ref>Cashill, J. (2011, March 28). [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/03/ayers_affirms_he_wrote_dreams.html Ayers Affirms He Wrote Dreams From My Father]. ''American Thinker''.</ref> and Obama was to appoint several openly avowed Maoists to prominent White House and Executive Branch positions.<ref>Fund, J. (2009, October 21). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704597704574487431322664964.html From Mao to Obama]. ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref>

===2003 Emil Jones Deal===
: ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''
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 at reaching the U.S. Congress in the 2004 elections, in 2003 Barack Obama approached the newly crowned head of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, who Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>''Associated Press'' (2009, June 18). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-250_162-3983147.html Obama's Political 'Godfather' In Illinois]."</ref> the conversation went as follows:
[
{{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=raisingobama /><ref name=pragmatic />}}

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 name=revealed /><ref name=intheblack>Spivak, Todd (2004, March 25). "[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."
-Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}

==2004-2008, U.S. Senate==
:''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]]''
[[Image:obama.jpg|thumb|left|Senator Barack Obama]]
===2004 Primary Election===
Despite initially trailing in the polls to frontrunner [[Blair Hull]]<ref name=intheblack />, Obama greatly benefited from what the ''Chicago Tribune'' called "the most inglorious campaign implosion in Illinois political history"<ref name=mendell>Mendell, David (2004, March 17). "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-03-17/news/0403170332_1_blair-hull-gery-chico-blacks-and-liberal-whites Obama Routs Democratic Foes]." ''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 (2004, March 19). "[http://www.claremont.org/publications/pubid.339/pub_detail.asp The Rise and Fall of Blair Hull]." ''The 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 (2004, March 18). "[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''.</ref>
===2004 General Election, Jack Ryan===
Once again Obama found himself trailing to popular frontrunner [[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'' (2004, June 26). "[http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/state/2004-06-25-ryan_x.htm Jack Ryan Abandons Senate Bid]."</ref> Ryan then dropped out of the race (per request by the Illinois GOP<ref name=idealist>Sangwan, Rahul (2004, October 1). "[http://www.dartmouthindependent.com/archives/2004/10/jack_ryan_81_th.html Jack Ryan '81: The Conservative Idealist]." ''Dartmouth Independent''.</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>''Washington Post'' (2004, June 26). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html Illinois Senate Candidate Barack Obama]."</ref>), catapulting him into the national spotlight, and leading to further media publicity terming him a "rising star".<ref>Page, Susan & Despoignes, Peronet (2004, July 28). "[http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-28-obama-speech_x.htm Rising Star Brings Democrats to Their Feet]." ''USA Today''.</ref>
===2004 General Election, Alan Keyes===
: ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''

After a number of candidates including former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka declined to run<ref>''CNN'' (2004, August 9). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2004-08-09/politics/il.keyes_1_senate-candidate-senate-race-illinois-senate?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS Keyes Challenges Obama for Illinois Senate Seat]."</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>''Chicago Tribune''. "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-08-06/news/0408060313_1_mr-keyes-judy-baar-topinka-alan-keyes The GOP's Rent-A-Senator]." ''Washington Post'' (2004, August 9). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50885-2004Aug8.html Mr. Keyes the Carpetbagger].</ref><ref name=pearson>Pearson, Rick (2004, September 5). "[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''.</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 (2004, August 18). "[http://www.mail-archive.com/newsandviews@chuckmuth.com/msg00699.html How You Can Help Alan Keyes for Senate!]." ''Keyes2004 Inc.''</ref> Keyes, from his first day of arriving in Illinois (August 9, 2004)<ref name=assails>''Associated Press'' (2004, August 9). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5654128/ Keyes Assails Obama's Abortion Views]."</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'' (2003, March 13). "[http://news.findlaw.com/wp/docs/abortion/2003s3.html S.3: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003]."</ref>) where hospitals left newborn infants to die like garbage.<ref>Smiley, Tavis (2004, August 31). "[http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=341 Alan Keyes on the Tavis Smiley Show]." ''NPR''. ''CBS2 Chicago'' (2004, August 30). "[http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=337 Alan Keyes on CBS2 Chicago This Morning]." This Morning.</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>''Chicago Tribune'' (2004, October 13). "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-10-13/news/0410140004_1_alan-keyes-senate-race-first-of-three-debates Debate or Discussion?]"</ref>

However, Keyes' rhetoric, calling Obama's votes "the slaveholder's position"<ref name=assails /> and saying "Jesus Christ would not vote for Obama"<ref>Thomas, Scott (2004, September 7). "[http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=348 Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show (AM1160 - WYLL)]." ''Scott Thomas Show''. Chicago, Illinois.</ref> was widely ridiculed by the press. Keyes' unabashed criticism of homosexuality as "selfish hedonism" was also targeted.<ref name=pearson /><ref>''Associated Press''. "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5897569/ Keyes: Cheney's Gay Daughter Practicing Selfish Hedonism]." Pallasch, Abdom M. (2004, September 2). "[http://web.archive.org/web/20071017122135/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20040902/ai_n12560727 Topinka Says He Should Apologize for 'Idiotic' Comment]." ''Chicago Sun-Times''.</ref> Obama would ultimately win the election, 70% to 27%.<ref>''CNN.com''. "[http://cnn.hu/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html Election Results: U.S. Senate/Illinois]." Election 2004.</ref>

===Voting Record===
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]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref> voted against the [[minimum wage]]<ref>[http://uspolitics.about.com/od/legislatio1/a/HR2206.htm HR 2206 - Emergency Appropriations], Kathy Gill, Your Guide to U.S. Politics: Current Events. May 26 2007. [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> and debt ceiling increases,<ref>Kaplan, R. (2011, April 11). [http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/obama-once-opposed-debt-ceiling-hike/237129/ Obama Once Opposed Debt Ceiling Hike]. ''The Atlantic''.</ref> and recieved more than $126,000 in campaign contributions from [[Fannie Mae]]. 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=Brian Montopoli|date=January 31, 2008|work=CBS}}</ref>

==2008 Presidential Election==
{{main article|Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign}}
Democrats began calling for an Obama candidacy after liberals lauded his 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]] speech.
====Primary Election====
In 2007-08, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton competed for the Democratic 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 name=clinton>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''. 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]." ''New York Times''.</ref> and cowardly ducking the votes.<ref>''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. 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>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''. 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''. 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']." ''New York Times''. 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>
{{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."
-Pam Sutherland, President/CEO of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, 1980-2012<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''ABC News''.</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''. 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''. ''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|format=HTML|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]."</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>
====Born Alive Record Resurfaces====
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. ''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. 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>
====Jeremiah Wright====
:''See also: [[Barack Obama and Liberation Theology]]''
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</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 Africans, 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]</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]]."

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, 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, ''Obama breaks with former pastor, Candidate cites rants on U.S. role in terror, AIDS'', by Kathy Kiely and David Jackson [http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080430/1a_offlede30_dom.art.htm]</ref><ref>''Obama Says He Is Outraged By Wright's "Rants"''[http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080430.htm]</ref>

====Result====
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?"
-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]." ''New York Times''.</ref>}} On August 22nd, 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]. ''New York Times''.</ref>

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. ''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>

==2009-2012, U.S. Presidency==
{{main article|Obama administration}}
[[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).]]
Under Obama's leadership the United States has suffered the 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''. 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 a credit downgrade from the rating agency Standard & Poor. However, during the Obama Administration the national deficit has increased at a much lower rate than during the Bush Administration. Most observers attribute the deficits to increasing benefits and welfare paid out on account of the recession he inherited and has failed to end along with decreasing tax receipts. Standard & Poor decided to downgrade U.S. government debt after the debt ceiling debate debacle, where Congressional leaders refused to pass a bill authorizing borrowing to pay for the budget they had passed with much debate and controversy earlier in the year. Cynics have argued that rhetoric directed at the rating agencies about the issuance of AAA ratings to junk real estate bonds spurred the downgrade as a form of retribution. Ironically, the investor scare led to the flocking of investors to the safe haven of the Treasury bonds which had been downgraded, resulting in lower interest rates. As there are very few AAA bond markets, investors will likely continue to buy U.S. government debt for the foreseeable future. <ref>Greenwald, A. (2011, April 18). [http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/04/18/the-sp-outlook-and-obama/ The S&P Outlook and Obama]. ''Commentary Magazine''.</ref> When his [[economic stimulus]] program was adopted unemployment rose and stagnated in the 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]. ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref> leaving tens of millions without [[hope]] of finding a job.<ref>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>

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]. ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref>
===Domestic policy===
====Popular bills====
Obama's first act of office was to sign the 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|format=HTML|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|format=HTML|language=English|title=The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009}}</ref>

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 02, 2011|work=wNYC|format=HTML|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 sponsored 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|format=HTML|language=English|title=Congress Approves 9/11 Health Bill|date=December 22, 2010}}</ref>

====Economic policy====
[[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]
*[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]
*[http://www.iwf.org/inkwell/show/23102.html Will the G8 Repudiate the Philosophy of Living Beyond Our Means?]
*[http://www.keynesatharvard.org/book/KeynesatHarvard-ch09.html KEYNES AT HARVARD Economic Deception as a Political Credo BY ZYGMUND DOBBS]
</ref> ]]
{{see also|Obamunism|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}}
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=WashingtonPost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC|format=HTML|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=The Heritage Foundation|author=Conn Carroll|date=March 24th, 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>

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 24th, 2012}}</ref>

[[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 unscrupulous, unproductive, and irrresponsible 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>

Top trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] predicts that the corrupt economic policies of the Obama administration will lead to a second [[Great Depression|great depression]] (Celente predicted the 1987 US stock market crash, the dot.com crash, the US 2008/2009 recession, and the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s) and may lead to a "second [[American Revolution]]" (Celente predicted the [[Tea Party Movement|tax protests]] that are now occurring in America).<ref name="celente1">Celente, G. (2009, August 1). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MMX3SKzrfU&feature=channel_page pt 2/2 Gerald Celente on Financial Sense Newshour Aug 1st 2009]. ''Financial Sense Newshour''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref><ref name="celente2">Celente, G. (2009, August 2). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy9bfw1ebgw&feature=response_watch ]. ''Financial Sense Newshour''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref> Celente also asserts that the costly and inefficient temporary short term methods that the Obama administration is using to alleviate economic problems in the short term (which is causing massive increases in [[Obama administration deficit spending]]) is only making matters worse and will not prevent the worse economic depression in United States history from occurring.<ref>Celente, G. (2009, August 11). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C8K7rWkGGw pt 1/2 Gerald Celente on Howestreet.com 11 Aug 2009]. ''HoweStreet.com''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref><ref>Celente, G. (2009, August 11). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LBffdIW0XA&feature=response_watch pt 2/2 Gerald Celente on Howestreet.com 11 Aug 2009]. ''HoweStreet.com''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref>

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''. 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]].<ref name="celente1"/><ref name="celente2"/>

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</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''. 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]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>Cramer, J. (2010, March 16). [http://www.thestreet.com/story/10703361/cramer-obamacare-will-topple-the-market.html Cramer: Obamacare Will Topple the Market]. ''The Street''.</ref>

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://republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=blogs.view&blog_id=1551d6f5-2ac9-4b8d-97ab-74def354024e Newspapers Call Out White House: ‘What Would That Path Be, Mr. President?’]</ref>

[[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." [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]

====2009 Stimulus====
In early 2009, Obama lobbied Congress and the public to pass sweeping Stimulus legislation for the ailing economy<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''. 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''. "[http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center]." ''IRS''.</ref>, ignoring a report by the Congressional Budget Office 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 earlier promises 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 without a single Republican vote on January 28, 2009,<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]." ''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]." ''New York Times''.</ref> One third of the massive $838 billion bill consisted of tax cuts<ref>(2009, February 11). "Senate Passes $838 Billion Stimulus Bill]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> and the rest 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 Stimulus jobs created that didn't exist. Obama responded by saying the errors just indicate the 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>
====Healthcare====
{{main article|Obamacare}}
On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The act had originated in the House of Representatives and passed September 17, 2009. The act was amended and passed the Senate prior to [[Democrat]] [[Ted Kennedy]]'s passing along party lines - just a filibuster-proof majority at 60-39. In what can be construed as a de facto rejection of the bill, [[Massachusetts]] voters elected a [[Republican]] candidate, [[Scott Brown]], who promised to vote against the bill,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html|work=The Washington Post|author=Chris Cillizza|date=January 19, 2010|title=Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> but another Senate vote would not occur. Scott Brown was also an excellent campaigner and judged to be a better candidate than his rival, Martha Coakley. He has since achieved one of the most moderate senate voting records, likely to avoid the anger of his mostly liberal constituency. 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=The Los Angeles Times|format=HTML|language=English|title=House passes historic healthcare overhaul|date=March 22, 2010|author=Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook}}</ref> the [[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|format=HTML|language=English|title=House passes health care bill on 219-212 vote}}</ref>

Amongst other things, the act mandates that the population purchase health care coverage or face punitive tax measures, and on this basis has been constitutionally challenged in the federal courts, with mixed results (three courts have upheld the act, two have declared it unconstitutional); thus, the Act is likely destined for [[Supreme Court]] reviewal. Plans originally proposed involved instituting a universal public insurance program, that is, extending Medicare to everyone. The universal mandate included in the act was originally a conservative idea that was enacted in Massachusetts under Republican Mitt Romney. Its supporters note that having health insurance results in reduced costs in paying for treatment of uninsured and forcing people to take responsibility for their healthcare. Due to ethical constraints, doctors cannot deny care to poor patients, resulting in the hospital and the healthcare system at large bearing the cost.

====Gulf oil spill====
{{main article|Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster}}
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, ''New York Times'', April 30, 2010.</ref>
====Don't Ask Don't Tell====
{{main article|Don't Ask Don't Tell}}
Candidate Obama promised to repeal a policy that originated in the Clinton era that prohibited inquiries into military personnel's [[sexual orientation]] while also barring "out" [[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=The Washington Times|format=HTML|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.|format=HTML|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>

On December 15th, 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|format=HTML|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|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 on December 22nd.<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|format=HTML|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"/> Senator [[John McCain]], the senior Republican on the Armed Services Committee, opposed the bill, saying "It may be premature to make such a change at this time and in this manner, without further consideration of this report and further study of the issue by Congress – for of all the people we serve, one of our highest responsibilities is to the men and women of our armed services, especially those risking their lives in combat.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/mccain-on-dont-ask-dont-tell-dont-rush/|title=McCain on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: Don’t Rush|date=December 2nd, 2010|format=HTML|author=David M. Herszenhorn|language=English|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
===Foreign policy===
[[File:Western Wall Obama.jpg|thumb|left|320px|At [[Western Wall]], Jerusalem, 2008.]]
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]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

From the Boston Globe:
<blockquote>
'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.'
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
'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>
</blockquote>

A commentator says:
<blockquote>
'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>
</blockquote>
====Commander-in-chief====
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>
=====National Defense=====
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. [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>

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. 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 [Passed Senate] - ES)], ''The Library of Congress'' THOMAS, 112th Congress (2011-2011), Accessed January 25, 2012. 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>

=====2009-2011 Iraq Troop Withdrawal=====
{{main article|Operation Iraqi Freedom}}
On February 10, 2007, Barack Obama announced his campaign for the U.S. presidency while stating he had a "''plan that will bring our combat troops home by March of 2008.''"<ref name=announcement>(2007, February 10). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/10/AR2007021000879.html Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's Announcement Speech]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> Later, Obama campaigned on having troops entirely out of Iraq within 16 months, but in February 2009 revised this promise to withdrawing all but 35-50 thousand troops by December 2011.<ref>Barry, J. (2009, February 25). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/02/25/reality-on-the-ground.html Reality on the Ground]." ''Newsweek''.</ref> However, some of the newly withdrawn troops were simply redirected from Iraq to Afghanistan - Obama in Summer 2009 ordered 21,000 troops to Afghanistan.<ref name=amanpour>Amanpour, C. (2009, April 29). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2009-04-29/politics/amanpour.obama.foreign.policy_1_president-obama-obama-administration-iraq?_s=PM:POLITICS Amanpour: Obama's 100 Days of Foreign Affairs]." ''CNN Politics''.</ref>{{cquote|"But all of this cannot come to pass until we bring an end to this war in Iraq. Most of you know I opposed this war from the start. I thought it was a tragic mistake. Today we grieve for the families who have lost loved ones, the hearts that have been broken, and the young lives that could have been. America, it's time to start bringing our troops home. It's time to admit that no amount of American lives can resolve the political disagreement that lies at the heart of someone else's civil war. That's why I have a plan that will bring our combat troops home by March of 2008. Letting the Iraqis know that we will not be there forever is our last, best hope to pressure the Sunni and Shia to come to the table and find peace."
-Barack Obama, February 10, 2007 Presidential Campaign Announcement Speech<ref name=announcement />}}Ultimately, it was the Status of Forces Agreement signed by George W. Bush on November 17, 2008 which forced U.S. combat troops to withdraw from Iraq's cities, villages, and localities by June 30, 2009, and from Iraq entirely by December 31st 2011.<ref>(2008, November 17). "[http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/world/20081119_SOFA_FINAL_AGREED_TEXT.pdf Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq On the Withdrawal of United States from Iraq and the Organization of Their Activities during Their Temporary Presence in Iraq]." Article 24. Withdrawal of the United States Forces from Iraq. Hosted by ''The New York Times''. Office of the Press Secretary (2008, November 27). "[http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/11/20081127-1.html Statement by the President on Agreements with Iraq]." ''The White House''.</ref> Obama privately contacted the Iraq government in an attempt to persuade them to let 10,000 troops stay, but was rejected.<ref>Froomkin, D. (2011, October 26). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/26/obama-iraq_n_1032507.html Ending the War in Iraq: How Obama's Own Rhetoric - And George Bush's Pact - Boxed in the President]." ''Huffington Post''.</ref> Newsweek's Michael Ware accused Obama of a "War Crime" for "''falsely taking credit for finally bringing Iraq to a close—a war actually ended by the Bush administration back in 2008''" and stated, "''The U.S. troops who fought and died in that war, the Iraqis who perished, and the American people deserve far better.''"<ref>Ware, M. (2011, October 24). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/10/24/obamas-war-crime-taking-credit-from-bush-adminsitration-for-ending-the-iraq-war.html Obama's War Crime]." ''Newsweek''. U.S. Politics.</ref> The last of Iraq's combat troops have now been withdrawn because of Bush's Status of Forces Agreement which Obama took credit for.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-12-17/middleeast/world_meast_iraq-troops-leave_1_1st-cavalry-division-camp-adder-troop-movements?_s=PM:MIDDLEEAST|work=CNN|title=Obama: Last U.S. troops leave Iraq|date=December 17, 2011|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref>
=====Afghanistan=====
{{main article|Afghanistan War}}
Obama 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|format=HTML}}</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"/> This became evident when, under the orders of Obama, a military SEALs team killed September 11th mastermind [[Osama bin Laden]] in Abottabad, Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/2011/05/05/commander-in-chief.html|title=Commander in Chief|author=Daniel Romano and Daniel Klaidman|date=May 05, 2011|work=Newsweek|publisher=The Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref>
=====Guantanamo Bay=====
{{main article|Guantanamo Bay}}
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|format=HTML|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"/>
=====Mexico=====
In May 2012, President Obama promised Mexican President [[Felipe Calderon]] that his administration would assist Mexico in curbing drug cartel violence, which has led to 30,000 deaths in Mexico. "President Calderon and I . . . stand together against the drug cartels that have unleashed horrific violence in so many communities," Obama said on May 19. "Mexico can count on the United States as a full partner in this effort."

The ''[[Washington Post]]'' has reported however 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 have been required for decades to report the sales of multiple handguns to the ATF.

=====Libya=====
{{main article|Libyan uprising 2011}}
In February 2011, the political unrest that had spread through the Arab world showed up as protests in Libya. Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi - leader of Libya for 41 years - responded to the violent activism<ref>http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28376.htm</ref> with legible 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.|format=HTML|language=English|title=Libya — Protests and Revolt (2011)}}</ref> The [[United Nations Security Council]] voted unanimously to impose [[sanctions]], and later authorized all members to take action to protect civilians. Obama, acting without approval from Congress and at the beckoning of the [[United Nations]], directed American forces to take out Libya's air defense system.<ref name="nyt libya"/> Obama later said, "[I]f 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|format=HTML}}</ref> [[Alan J. Kuperman]] - writing an editorial for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' - suggested this statement was false, writing, "[I]ntervention 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"/>
<blockquote>
Gaddafi [never] threaten 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.’’ Khadafy 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>
</blockquote>

However Gaddafi wrote to Obama:

<blockquote>
Gaddafi said he bore no ill will toward Obama. "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." The letter, dated 5 April 2011 in Tripoli, is signed "Mu'aumer Qaddaffi, Leader of the Revolution".<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/gaddafi-obama-nato-libya?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487]</ref>
</blockquote>

Critics point out the only thing worse than starting a "stupid, unnecessary war" against a madman is losing it.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/271847/war-libya-dumb-and-dumber-victor-davis-hanson</ref>

==2012 Presidential Campaign==
===2011, Birth Certificate Released===
: ''Main Article: [[Barack_Obama_Controversies#Birth_Certificate]]''
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''. 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''. (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 attacked Obama on the Birth Certificate issue and 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>, was effectively knocked out of the race because of this.<ref>Kapur, S. (2011, May 10). "[http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/05/10/trumps-popularity-tanks-after-obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/ Trump's Popularity Tanks After Obama Releases Long-Form Birth Certificate]." ''RawStory.com''.</ref>

The following is a timeline of previous events leading up to the release:

* In June 2008 the Obama campaign allowed FactCheck.org to look at his “Certificate of Live Birth” and take photos.<ref>Henig, J. (2008, August 21). Born in the U.S.A. FactCheck.org. Retrieved from http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html</ref>
* In July 2008 a blogger discovered a birth announcement from the Honolulu Advertiser from August 13, 1961 for Barack Obama. It has since been discovered another newspaper, the Star Bulletin, also documented the birth.<ref>Snopes.com. Barack Obama Birth Certificate. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthcertificate.asp</ref>
* PolitiFact went to extreme lengths to verify Obama’s citizenship, attaining scanned copies of his 1992 marriage certificate from Cook County, IL, his driver’s license record, and his registration and disciplinary record. PolitiFact also addressed a number of concerns about the documentation.<ref>Hollyfield, A. (2008, June 27). Obama’s birth certificate: Final chapter. PolitiFact. Retrieved from http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/jun/27/obamas-birth-certificate-part-ii/</ref>
* In October 2008 Hawaii’s Department of Health released a statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino verifying that Obama’s birth certificate was on record.<ref>Hawaii Department of Health. News Release: Statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino. Retrieved from http://hawaii.gov/health/about/pr/2008/08-93.pdf</ref>
* In August 2009 it was revealed that an alleged Kenyan birth certificate for Obama was a hoax.<ref>Snopes.com. Kenyan Mistake. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/kenyacert.asp</ref> Another website allows you to create your own imitation Kenyan birth certificates online.<ref>KenyanBirthCertificateGenerator.com. Blue Collar Industries. Retrieved from http://kenyanbirthcertificategenerator.com/</ref>

Regardless of the consistent proof of such a birth certificate existing, deluded paranoid right wing morons refuse to except this fact.

===2011, Osama Bin Laden Confirmed Dead===
On May 1, 2011, Obama announced in a press conference<ref>Obama, B. (2011, May 2). "[http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead Osama Bin Laden Dead]." ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> that Osama Bin Laden was dead after a U.S. assault force infiltrated his military compound in Abottobad, Pakistan.<ref>Baker, P., Cooper, H., & Mazzetti, M. (2011, May 1). "[Bin Laden is Dead, Obama Says]." ''New York Times''. "[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Osama_Bin_Laden/ Target Bin Laden: The Death of Public Enemy #1]." ''ABC News''. ''NPR''. "[http://www.npr.org/series/135908383/osama-bin-laden-dead Special Series: Osama Bin Laden Killed]." </ref> Bin Laden was reportedly shot in the head after a helicopter raid ferried Navy SEAL Team Six and CIA paramilitary operatives into Pakistan on April 29.<ref>''Associated Press'' (2011, May 1). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-20058777.html Osama bin Laden is Dead]." Retrieved from ''CBSNews.com''.</ref> Reuters obtained photos of unidentified dead bodies from the raid, none of which look like bin Laden. However, the White House had the body of Osama bin Laden disposed of at sea because it claimed this was "in accordance with Islamic tradition" and didn't want to give Bin Laden followers a gravesite shrine.<ref>The Daily Beast (2011, May 2). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-killed-and-buried-at-sea-breaking-details.html Osama Bin Laden Killed and Buried at Sea]." ''Newsweek''.</ref> The White House also refused to publicly reveal photos or evidence of the body, because Obama claimed that "given the graphic nature of these photos, it would create some national security risk."<ref>Allbritton, C. (2011, May 4). "[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/04/us-binladen-pakistan-photos-idUSTRE7437KK20110504 Photos Show Three Dead Men at Bin Laden Raid House]." ''Reuters''. ''Reuters''. "[http://www.reuters.com/subjects/bin-laden-compound Photos From the Bin Laden Compound]."</ref> The burial at sea was criticized by Islamic scholars<ref>''Associated Press'' (2011, May 2). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-202_162-20058892.html Islamic Scholars Criticize Bin Laden Sea Burial]." Retrieved from ''CBSNews.com''. Also at [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/02/islamic-scholars-question-bin-ladens-sea-burial/ Fox News].</ref> and 9/11 families.<ref>Zirulnick, A. (2011, May 3). "[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2011/0503/Osama-bin-Laden-s-burial-at-sea-critics-range-from-9-11-families-to-militants Osama Bin Laden's Burial At Sea: Critics Range from 9/11 Families to Militants]." ''Christian Science Monitor''.</ref> The lack of photos resulted in skepticism about the death from a variety of sources, including the Taliban<ref>Faiez, R. & Vogt, H. (2011, May 4). "[http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-04/news/29509464_1_bin-taliban-spokesman-zabiullah-mujahid-samiullah-khan Taliban Holding Out for Clear Evidence]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.<ref>Rosen, J. & Thomma, S. (2011, May 5). "[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/05/113709/sc-sen-graham-wants-bin-laden.html S.C. Sen. Graham Wants Bin Laden Photos Released]." ''McClatchy Newspapers''.</ref>

The death of bin Laden, coupled with the revealing of Obama's long-form Birth Certificate, resulted in a boost of Obama's job approval from 46% to 57% within one month.<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''. ''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]." 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> In 2012, relations between the U.S. and Pakistan remain sour because the U.S. did not involve Pakistan fully in the raid to ensure success.<ref>''CBS/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> Pakistan has denied White House claims that there was a deal with it allowing the raid.<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>
=== 2012: Ties to ACORN? ===
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''. 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'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)], ''DiscoverTheNetworks.org''.</ref>

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''.</ref>

==="You didn't build that" Controversy===
{{main|You didn't build that}}
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</ref>
{{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 Internet didn’t get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.}} The [[Romney]] campaign then used "If you’ve got a business - you didn’t build that" in ads to claim that Obama did not understand the economy. The Obama campaign responded 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. The campaign pointed 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 its claim.

==Accusations about birth certificate and cultural and name identity==
Some conservative opponents have accused Obama of not being an American but born outside of the United States, this accusation was bolstered by Obama's reluctance to show his birth certificate to the public, until prompted by [[Donald Trump]]. Obama presented a birth certificate to the public. Some conservative opponents believe that the birth certificate he presented was a forgery. They are known as "birthers" both by their conservative and liberal opponents. However conservatives like [[Ann Coulter]] reject the birthers' accusations, and view birthers as a fringe group that left-wing media like MSNBC have exaggerated in order to discredit the conservative movement.

There are other right-wing and anti-Islamic opponents of Obama who claim that he is a Muslim '''Barry Soetoro''' during his time in [[Indonesia]]<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQPXVJuT2vY Barry Soetoro the muslim - YouTube]</ref>

Other right-wing opponents claim that Obama is an [[Atheism|atheist]].

Regardless of Obama's religious beliefs, it is clear that his pro-abortion policies show that he has very little regard for human life. In addition, Obama's socialist economic policies add evidence to the theory that Obama supports a black liberation theology, akin to the policies Jeremiah Wright, Obama's pastor for 20 years, supported. One can say for sure that Obama has very little in the way of morality

==See also==

*[[Political positions of Barack Obama]]
*[[Barack Obama and uncharitableness]]
*[[Barack Obama and abortion]]
*[[Essay:Born Outside the U.S.A.!]]
*[[Essay: The Special Interests Candidate]]
*[[Jobsgate]]
*[[Recovery Summer]]
*[[Lobbyists ties to the Obama administration]]
*[[New Party]]
*[[ObamaCare]]
*[[Obama doublespeak]]
*[[Obama inauguration]]
*[[Religion of Barack Hussein Obama]]
*[[The Honorable James David Manning]]
*[[Young Communist League]]

==External links==
*[http://www.antiobama.net/ Anti Obama.net]
*[http://www.dontvoteobama.net/ Don’t Vote For Obama.net]
*[http://nobamanetwork.com/ Nobama Network]
*[http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/ Audacity Of Hypocrisy]
*[http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/ The Real Barack Obama]
*[http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6130/ The New Cult of Personality]
*[http://www.survivingobamunism.com/index.html Surviving Obamunism T-shirts]
*[http://www.barackobamaantichrist.blogspot.com/ Barack Obama the Anti-Christ ?]
*[http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/23/che-obama-and-the-revolutionary-agenda/ Che, Obama, and the Revolutionary Agenda]
*[http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/fashion-shows/ Obama Laundry List of Lies]
*[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/americas-first-muslim-president/ GAFFNEY: America's first Muslim president?] Washington Times
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-l-esposito/barack-obama-and-islam_b_212519.html Barack Obama and Islam.] by [[John L. Esposito]].
*[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931 Democrat: Obama's grandma confirms Kenyan birth.]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/barack_obama.htm Barack Obama on the issues.]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etWLwrvT2vo Obama = Kosher Puppet.] video on You Tube.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{USPresidents}}
{{2008 presidential candidates}}
[[Category: Barack Hussein Obama]]
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]
[[Category:Obama Administration]]
[[category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]
[[Category:2012 Presidential Candidates]]
[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Obama, Barack Hussein}}

Nancy Pelosi

2013-01-03T15:57:02Z

PatrickMarion: /* Boy Scouts */ adding additional information and reference refuting untrue allegation

{{Officeholder
|name=Nancy Pelosi
|image=Ytr7576.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=Paul Pelosi
|religion=Roman Catholic
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=California
|district=8th
|terms=June 2, 1987 - Present
|preceded=Sala Burton
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}

}}

'''Nancy Pelosi''', M.C. is the Representative for the 8th Congressional District of [[San Francisco]], [[California]] and Minority Leader for the Democrats in the 112th Congress. She is the former [[Speaker of the House]], succeeding [[J. Dennis Hastert]] and preceding [[John Boehner]]. She is the first woman to become House Speaker. Pelosi, a [[liberal]] [[Democrat]], is among the top ten richest members of the House. <ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.asp?CID=N00007360&year=2005 opensecrets.org]</ref>

Pelosi prides herself in "being called a liberal" and does not consider herself a "moderate". <ref>Michael Crowley, "Follow the Leader," New Republic, November 25, 2002.</ref> Before becoming Speaker of the House, she was the Congressional Representative for the district containing [[San Francisco]] and has generally been criticized for imposing [[San Francisco values]] on mainstream America. In July 2008 Pelosi told [[George Stephanopoulos]] on [[ABC News]]'s on the ''[[This Week]]'' program, {{Cquote|I'm trying to save the planet, I'm trying to save the planet<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeUx6o9qpYY</ref>}}
Pelosi grew up in a political family; her father was a Congressman and the mayor of [[Baltimore]] for twelve years. She graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., in 1962. After marrying and having five children, Pelosi rose in the ranks in Democratic Party politics and became representative to the Democratic National Committee and chair of the California Democratic Party. In 1987, Pelosi made a leap into elected office by winning a special election upon the death of Representative Sala Burton. She served on the Appropriations Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In 2002 she was elected Minority Leader and Speaker of the House after the 2006 midterm elections when Democrats gained the majorities in the House and Senate. John McCain referred to her as "one of the great American success stories" and "an inspiration."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/29/MN0I121CI9.DTL&type=politics McCain extends olive branch to Pelosi, Gore]</ref>

When coming into her leadership position in 2007, Pelosi's "6 for 06" 100-hour campaign promise turned out being 100-legislative hours, and took several weeks. She frequently battled President [[George W. Bush]] over the [[War in Iraq]]. In 2008, anti-war protester [[Cindy Sheehan]] challenged Pelosi as an independent. Although Sheehan won 16% of the vote, more than the Republican nominee's 10%, Pelosi was reelected with 72%, indicating her House seat is in no peril.

During the 2010 congressional elections, largely due to the unpopularity of Pelosi's extreme positions, [[Republican]]s gained a historic 60+ seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi was stripped of power on January 3, 2011, when the 112th Congress was sworn in. <ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vote-2010-elections-nancy-pelosi-ousted-house-speaker/story?id=12034633</ref>

==Politics==
===Ethics===
Concerns over ethics in Congress played a big part in the Democratic recapture of the House of Representatives and Pelosi's ascension to the Speaker-ship after several members of Congress were investigated, indicted or convicted for legal wrongdoing in 2006. In early 2007, Speaker Pelosi established a Special Task Force on Ethics Enforcement to explore the problem. Twenty freshmen House Democrats have asked for legislation to establish an independent ethics commission within the legislative branch to investigate future ethical lapses by fellow members.<ref>Alexander Bolton, [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-press-pelosi-for-ethics-panel-2007-04-18.html''Dems press Pelosi for ethics panel''], The Hill, April 19, 2007. </ref> Speaker Pelosi and others in the majority have resisted such a reform. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7hE4HX-Cwo&NR=1 The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same], ''ABC News'', April 25 2007. </ref>

Pelosi, capitalizing on the public’s distaste for the [[earmark]]ing process, pledged reform during the elections last fall. Members of Congress regularly abuse the appropriations process by earmarking public monies to fund pet projects of special interests and donors often in their own congressional districts or states. Earmarks are an area of the legislative process particularly susceptible to corruption. In May 2007 Pelosi inserted a $25 million earmark into the Water Resources Development Act for a project that involves renovating ports near four separate commercial real estate properties near property owned by her husband, Paul Pelosi, and is likely to significantly boost the value of the property he owns. <ref>[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGIwYzc2MTQ4YTBlMTg3YjJmZGVhODc4NmJhYjg4YjY Pelosi’s Waterworks], Stephen Spruiell, ''National Review Online'', May 9, 2007.</ref> The properties earn combined rental income of more than $3 million. <ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/05082007/news/nationalnews/her_an_fran_treat_nationalnews_geoff_earle.htm Her $an Fransisco Treat: Pelosi Water-Bill Bid Drawing Fire], Geoff Earle, ''New York Post'', May 8, 2007. </ref> .

Members of Pelosi's own Congressional Democratic Caucus have warned failure to deliver on their campaign promises to clean up Congress would be damaging in the 2008 election. <ref>[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0507/4014.html Democrats divided on lobbying reform], Josephine Hearn and Jeff Patch, May 15, 2007. Retrieved from politico.com 06/01/07.</ref>

Pelosi's now famous comment- the 'culture of corruption' is only meant to be used against Republicans. In another example of her hypocrisy, Democrat [[Charles Rangel]] is under investigation for ethics violations. Nancy says "she has no intention of forcing Rangel out." <ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/charles_rangel_ethics/2008/09/10/129539.htmlPelosi, Republicans in Rangel Tug of War] Newsmax.com, September 10, 2008</ref> So, her other famous comment "drain the swamp of corruption" is just as meaningless.

===Iraq war failure===
Another major setback for Pelosi in her early months as Speaker was the rejection by her own caucus, and the Congress as a whole, for her plan to end the [[War in Iraq]] and bring the troops home. Pelosi had promised during the run up to the midterm elections to stop funding for the war and force the President to withdraw troops fighting abroad in the [[War on terror]]. In a stunning rebuke to her leadership, and the anti-war movement, the House voted overwhelmingly 280-142 to continue building Iraqi democracy and counter the threat posed by [[Islamic]] extremists outside of U.S. territory rather than the cut and run strategy proposed by liberal anti-war activists. Only the radical fringe voted against funding the troops. <ref>[http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070525-122215-4854r.htm Congress OKs war bill sans timeline,] By S.A. Miller, ''The Washington Times'', May 25, 2007. </ref> In exchange Pelosi won a raise in the [[minimum wage]], a controversial maneuver that increases the incentive for young people to drop out of school, with devastating effects upon the most vulnerable in our society, minorities in particular -- African-Americans and Hispanics. <ref>[http://www.optimalsolutionsgroup.com/pubs/Duncan-Turner-Pape.pdf Minimum wages and school enrollment of teenagers: a look at the 1990’s.] Duncan D. Chaplin, Mark D. Turner, Andreas D. Pape. ''Economics of Education Review''. 22 (2003) 11–21. </ref>

One review stated,
{{Cquote|Hamilton and Madison knew what they were doing when they gave the bulk of the war powers to the President, and it's hard to imagine a more telling vindication of their wisdom...Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] claim to oppose the war and want it to end, yet they refused to use their power of the purse to end it. Instead, they tried every legislative gimmick imaginable to hamstring President Bush's war strategy without actually having to take responsibility for cutting off funds. <ref>[http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010126 Congress and Iraq], ''OpinionJournal'', May 26, 2007.</ref>}}

===Energy Independence===

Pelosi is opposed to expanding domestic drilling, though a recent Fox News poll showed more than 75% of Americans support drilling. This includes 85% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats and 68% of Independents favor drilling. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/062108_energy_release_web.pdf Fox News Polling Opinion Dynamics] Fox News, June 21, 2008</ref> The poll additionally found the American public split on whether the domestic drilling would have any effect on gas prices. By contrast, a CNN poll released July 31st found "just over half say that the Bush administration and the war in Iraq are major causes of high fuel prices."<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/31/congress.session/index.html GOP lawmakers want special session on energy crisis]</ref> Pelosi wants oil companies to drill on the lands already leased and is refusing to allow a vote on additional domestic drilling. She did take a vote to close the [[House of Representatives]] early for a five-week recess without addressing energy issues. <ref>[http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/77da4653-28ce-4c3e-a8a9-37ae52671b15 A Month Off for Bad Behavior] Townhall.com, July 30, 2008</ref> Pelosi wants to tap into the Strategic Oil Reserves. "America's greatest strategic reserves lie beneath taxpayer-owned lands - including ANWR's northern coastal plain and the outer continental shelf - that are currently off limits to energy production,” said Daniel Kish, senior vice president of the Institute for Energy Research, an oil industry-supported think tank. <ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/11/us-oil-reserves-sought-for-relief/ U.S. oil reserves sought for relief] Washington Times, July 11, 2008</ref> Nancy Pelosi often blames oil companies and capitalist speculators for the oil price increases. Her call for renewable energy and new technologies hasn't had an impact on lowering [[oil]] prices. "A New Direction", the Democrats' Six for '06 campaign promises includes energy independence. She has completely failed to produce anything that would contribute to energy independence. "For 25 years, Democrats have blocked more American-made oil and gas. That's why we're in the predicament we're in, voters want Congress "to vote on more American made oil and gas. We want to do that. She, [[Harry Reid]], [[Barack Obama]] are standing in the way." "She's got time to go out and promote her new book tour and her new book, but she doesn't have time to schedule a vote on the floor of the House and let the American people have their will expressed?" said Minority Leader John Boehner, R-OH.

Pelosi is a supporter of increasing taxes and regulation on energy production because she is a believer in [[global warming]]. She was scheduled to speak at a March 2, 2009 global warming protest, but did not make it because her plane was delayed due to a snowstorm. <ref>http://environmentalrepublican.blogspot.com/2009/03/pelosi-misses-global-warming-protest.html</ref>

===Health Care===

Pelosi's major achievement has been the passage on Nov. 7, 2009, of the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" [[H.R. 3962]], costing $1.1 trillion. It just barely passed 215-210, as 39 Democrats deserted her leadership. Pelosi is a strong supporter of abortion but to get the 215 votes she had to give in to Catholic leaders nationally and abortion opponents in her own caucus and allow them to impose tight restrictions of the [[Stupak Amendment]] that bar any insurance plan that is purchased with government subsidies from covering abortions. As a result numerous liberals denounced the bill even as they voted for it.<ref>David M. Herszenhorn and Jackie Calmes, [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/health/policy/08scene.html?_r=1 "Abortion Was at Heart of Wrangling," ''New York Times'' Nov 7, 2009]</ref> The bill is now in the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

===Boy Scouts===
Nancy Pelosi tried to pass legislation making it illegal for [[Boy Scouts]] to use public facilities like schools.<ref>http://pelosiwatch.us/Pelosi-Record/Truth-About-Nancy-Pelosi.html</ref> She was accused of doing this by the ''Wall Street Journal'' because her upset over the Boy Scouts not allowing gay scoutmasters, but this was proven to be false. <ref>http://mediamatters.org/research/2006/10/05/journal-editorial-falsely-claimed-pelosi-voted/136844</ref>

==Criticism==

===Accusation against CIA===

Pelosi has been caught lying about her knowledge of [[CIA]] interrogations. She claims she was never briefed by the [[Bush Administration]]. In fact, her and three others were briefed. The [[Washington Post]] reported the following: "In September 2002, four members of Congress [that included Pelosi] met in secret for a first look at a unique CIA program designed to wring vital information from reticent terrorism suspects in U.S. custody," and "Among the techniques described, said two officials present, was waterboarding..." <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/Content/Article.aspx?rsrcid=47108 Pelosi Says She Was 'Never Briefed' on Waterboarding] CNSNews, April 24, 2009</ref>

After doing nothing to improve the intelligence of the CIA, after admonishing the CIA for lying, and providing no evidence weeks after her allegation, Pelosi then said she has confidence in the intelligence community. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/08/house-democrat-joins-pelosi-accusing-cia-misleading-lying-congress/ House Democrats' Letter Says Panetta Testified CIA 'Misled' Congress] Fox News, July 8, 2009</ref>

===Trip to China===

Pelosi leaves the U.S. at a time when she is under verbal attack at home for her CIA comments. Her travel to China makes no mention of Chinese human right's but raised awareness for [[Global warming]] as a human rights cause. Less than a year ago, she was calling for America and for George W. Bush to boycott the [[Chinese]] Olympics for [[Tibet]] human rights abuses.

===Trip to Syria===
Pelosi traveled to Damascus, Syria in April 2007 to meet with Syrian [[Ba'athist]] leader [[Bashar Assad]]. Pelosi indicated at a press conference that she had carried a message from the government of Israel. "Our message was President Bush’s message," Pelosi told The Associated Press in Portugal . <ref>[http://www.kxmb.com/getARticle.asp?ArticleId=111801 Pelosi: I Carried Bush's Message To Syria] Apr 7 2007. </ref> Pelosi told reporters the meeting "enabled us to communicate a message from Prime Minister Olmert".

The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated Olmert told Pelosi that Israel continued to regard Syria as "part of the axis of evil and a party encouraging terrorism in the entire Middle East." The ''Jerusalem Post'' reported sources at the Prime Minister's Office said, "Pelosi took part of the things that were said in the meeting, and used what suited her." <ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=845618&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0 PMO: Pelosi did not carry any message from Israel to Assad], Yoav Stern and Amiram Barkat, Haaretz Correspondents and AP, 5 April 2007.</ref>

The trip was praised by terrorists as "brave". Members of the Islamic Jihad have said Pelosi aligns to their views about terror much better than Bush and Dr. Condoleezza Rice. <ref>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3385140,00.html Terrorists endorse Pelosi's 'good policy of dialogue'], Aaron Klein, Israel News, 04.05.07. "Palestinian terror group members call US House speaker's visit to Damascus 'brave' and hope for talks with Iran; ‘I think the Democratic Party can do things the best,’ Islamic Jihad member says"</ref> Khaled Al-Batch, spokesman for [[Islamic Jihad]], which along with [[Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades]] has taken responsibility for every suicide bombing in Israel for the past two years, expressed hope Pelosi and the Democratic Party will pressure Bush to create dialogue with Syria and Middle East "resistance movements" and prompt an American withdrawal from Iraq.

In the lead editorial of Thursday, April 5th, The ''[[Washington Post]]'' commented on '''"The Pratfall in Damascus":'''<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306.html</ref>

<blockquote>
HOUSE SPEAKER Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad. After a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Ms. Pelosi announced that she had delivered a message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that "Israel was ready to engage in peace talks" with Syria. What's more, she added, Mr. Assad was ready to "resume the peace process" as well. Having announced this seeming diplomatic breakthrough, Ms. Pelosi suggested that her Kissingerian shuttle diplomacy was just getting started. "We expressed our interest in using our good offices in promoting peace between Israel and Syria," she said.</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Only one problem: The Israeli prime minister entrusted Ms. Pelosi with no such message. "What was communicated to the U.S. House Speaker does not contain any change in the policies of Israel," said a statement quickly issued by the prime minister's office. In fact, Mr. Olmert told Ms. Pelosi that "a number of Senate and House members who recently visited Damascus received the impression that despite the declarations of Bashar Assad, there is no change in the position of his country regarding a possible peace process with Israel." In other words, Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda. ...</blockquote>

<blockquote>Never mind that that statement is ludicrous: As any diplomat with knowledge of the region could have told Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Assad is a corrupt thug whose overriding priority at the moment is not peace with Israel but heading off U.N. charges that he orchestrated the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish. </blockquote>

Pelosi was roundly criticized from all quarters for making the trip. The ''New York Post'' said, "the sad reality is that Pelosi is sending Assad the same message she and her Democratic colleagues in Congress have sent the terrorist insurgency in Iraq: Just wait until President Bush leaves office and a Democratic administration will hand you what you want on a platter <ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/04032007/postopinion/editorials/nancys_nonsense_editorials_.htm Nancy's Nonsense], New York Post, 3 April 2007.</ref> the ''Philadelphia Enquirer'' ran an editorial declaring Pelosi "was nuts" to visit Assad. <ref>Claudia Rosett, [http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20070405_Pelosi_was_nuts_to_visit_with_Assad.html Pelosi was nuts to visit with Assad], ''Philadelphia Enquirer'', Thu, Apr. 05, 2007.</ref>

===Gay rights and abortion===

Student [[Lila Rose]] has recently exposed several instances of illegal behavior by [[Planned Parenthood]]. <ref>http://dotherightthing-cyberpastor.blogspot.com/2009/01/lila-rose-wins-award.html</ref> However, Pelosi still wanted $200 million for Planned Parenthood as part of the economic stimulus bill. <ref>http://politicalhousewyf.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/speaker-pelosi-likes-leather/</ref> When asked to explain why this money would promote economic stimulus, Pelosi was never able to give a sensible answer and Planned Parenthood funding was dropped from the bill. <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/nat4799.html</ref>

Commenting on her erroneous understanding of the [[Catholic Church]] beliefs regarding conception, Nancy quips “And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And [[St. Augustine]] said at three months. We don’t know.” <ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/archbishop-of-washington-chides-pelosi-denver-archbishop-warns-biden-to-skip-communion/ Archbishop of Washington Chides Pelosi] Fox News, August 26, 2008</ref> [[Archbishop]] Donald Wuerl rebuked her saying "From the beginning, the Catholic Church has respected the dignity of all human life from the moment of [[conception]] to natural death"

In the 2001 San Francisco [[Lesbian]], Gay, [[Bisexual]], Transgender Pride Parade Pelosi marched along with long time [[CPUSA]] <ref>''The Boston Phoenix'', [http://bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/02511115.htm The real Harry Hay], Michael Bronski, October 31 - November 7, 2002. </ref> member and [[gay rights]] pioneer [[Harry Hay]]. <ref>The American Spectator Special Report, [http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=10450 When Nancy Met Harry], Jeffrey Lord, 10/5/2006.</ref><ref>The San Francisco Chronicle, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/06/22/DD115758.DTL Official Guide & Program] Parade Lineup, page SP - 14, June 22, 2001. </ref> A gay activist group calling itself the [[Human Rights Campaign]] (HRC), eulogized Hay as "the first to realize that the dream of equality for our community could be attained through visibility and activism".<ref>[http://www.hrc.org/Content/ContentGroups/News_Releases/20021/HRC_Mourns_the_Death_of_Gay_Rights_Pioneer_Harry_Hay.htm Human Rights Campaign Mourns the Death of Gay Rights Pioneer Harry Hay], Press Release, Oct. 24, 2002.</ref> An outspoken advocate of the North American Man-Boy Love Association [[NAMBLA]], Hay regularly addressed NAMBLA conferences. NAMBLA carries published material by Hay on its website dating back to 1984. The [[ACLU]] defended NAMBLA against a $200 million lawsuit by parents of a 10 year old murder victim who claimed their sons’ killer was motivated by published material on NAMBLA’s website. <ref>Deroy Murdock, [http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock200402270920.asp No Boy Scouts: The ACLU defends NAMBLA], National Review Online, February 27, 2004. </ref><ref>[http://www.thecpac.com/Curleys-v-NAMBLA.html Curley Vs. NAMBLA]</ref> Pelosi has taken $10,000 in campaign contributions from the Human Rights Campaign. <ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00007360&cycle=2006 Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Top Contributors]</ref>

Pelosi has made special rights for homosexuals a priority in the 109th Congress. <ref>Concerned Women for America, [http://www.cwfa.org/articles/12147/CWA/family/index.htm Homosexual Bills Top House Speaker Pelosi’s List], January 10, 2007.</ref> Several so-called [[Hate Crimes bill]]s, or gay rights advocacy measures, have been introduced into the House which, according to Michael Marcavage of Repent America, could allow a homosexual to "claim emotional damage from hearing Scripture that describes his lifestyle as an abomination. [The homosexual] can press charges against the pastor or broadcaster who merely reads the Bible in public. The 'hater' can be fined thousands of dollars and even imprisoned". <ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/printer-friendly.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54535 Christian belief a 'hate crime' under plan], WorldNetDaily, March 3, 2007. </ref> On National Prayer Day 2007 Pelosi scheduled a vote on an alleged "Hate Crimes Bill".

Every year, the Folsom Street Fair takes place in her [[San Francisco]] district. The participants are from the gay and lesbian community. They are barely dressed and publicly expose themselves in depraved sex acts. In addition, crucifixes made into sex toys are sold on the street during the fair. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=41858 San Francisco Catholic Church Attacked by Pro-Homosexual Marriage Vandals
] CNSNews, January 13, 2009</ref> In 2007, the Fair mocked the 'Last Supper' image of Christians, with homosexuals in leather posing as [[Christ]] and the Apostles. Not a word of condemnation from Pelosi on the sacrilegious display.

Marc Sheppard of American Thinker has asked how can,
:"one of the most outspoken advocates for unrestricted abortion in Congress -- with a perfect 100% rating from the radical [[pro-abortion]] group [[NARAL]], -- maintain a straight face when declaring a concern for children? How can you vote NO to making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime (Lacy and Conner’s Law - H.R.1997) and pretend to care about infants? How does anyone who voted against restricting interstate transport of minors for the purpose of [[abortion]] (H.R 748) or outlawing the barbaric [[infanticide]] which is [[partial birth abortion]] (H.R 3660) seriously proclaim that anything she does is “about children”. <ref>Marc Sheppard, [http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/pelosi_god_bless_the_child_tha.html Pelosi: God Bless the Child that’s not at Home], January 14, 2007.</ref>

In defense of children in the mother's womb and the sanctity of Jesus in the host, a priest at the Saint's Peter and Paul Church in Nancy Pelosi's home district, Fr. John Malloy wrote a letter regarding her abortion stance and church services. The letter makes mention of her 100% rating with [[NARAL]] and her support for partial birth abortion. The last line says "...Nancy, do not receive the Eucharist when you attend Mass." <ref>http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=695280f1-c90e-44d8-a866-d8e28f5ef457 , California Catholic Daily A priest writes to Nancy Pelosi, February 1, 2007</ref>

===Treatment of non-union workers===
According to opensecrets.org, nearly half of Pelosi's assets are tied up in a Napa County, California vineyard called Zinfandel Lane. Capitolnews.com has reported Pelosi only employs non-union laborers and does not provide health coverage for her workers. In addition, it is believed illegal aliens have been exploited by Pelosi on the work farm, as well as a general question surrounding paying a basic livable wage for many of societies most vulnerable.<ref>[http://www.capoliticalnews.com/s/spip.php?article13 Does Pelosi’s Non-Union Vineyard Use Illegal Aliens?]Monday 30 October 2006.</ref>

===CordeValle Golf Club and Resort===
Nancy Pelosi has one of her largest investments in a private golf development partnership called Lions Gate Limited. The Santa Clara County Planning Committee approved a plan for them to build a 275-acre golf course 30 minutes south of San Jose, but only under strict conditions. They agreed to allow 60% public usage of the course and to abide by strict environmental rules, since a number of endangered species were present in the area. The club opened in 2000 and did very well, making $250,000 for each member and $400,000 for corporations.<ref>Barry Witt, "Cordevalle club not living up to 60 percent language," San Jose Mercury News Jan. 10, 2002.</ref>

But then the Planning Commission took at look to see if the guidelines had been followed. First of all, only about a dozen non-members had been actually able to play on the course, a far cry from 60%. CordeValle had also set up obvious anti-public rules, such as requiring people to call seventy-two hours in advance and pay close to $300 for 18 holes. Upon investigation, the Commission learned that nonmembers would be told that the club was "full" and turned away even when the club was relatively empty. There were a series of public hearings on the matter and it was concluded that Lion's Gate was in clear violation of the agreement they had made<ref>Barry Witt, "CordeValle Update," San Jose Mercury News, May 8, 2003.</ref>.

During the hearings, it was learned that Lion's Gate had also ignored many of the environmental regulations they were responsible for. The ponds that they needed to make in order to preserve two species of lizard and turtle were not built. And only one mandatory annual environmental report had been submitted in seven years<ref>Barry Witt, "What to do on CordeValle; open it up to the public, or open up it's wallet", San Jose Mercury News, August 7, 2003</ref>. In 2004, a county report complained that improperly abandoned wells and urban pollutants from the resort were causing water quality degradation in the area. <ref>File 5950-68-28-94P, Lions Gate Limited Partnership Staff Report, San Jose Planning Commission, August 5, 2004, and November 4, 2004 (same file name)</ref>

In 2003, the Pelosis and the development partnership finally hired some lobbyists and put a few government employees on the pay role. This caused the commission to cave and give up their fraud investigation as long as the course agreed to host a charity golf tournament for children.<ref>Barry Witt, "Help for CordeValle," San Jose Mercury News, June 13, 2003.</ref>

== Bible Quoting ==

[[NBC]] correspondent Tom Brokaw, asked Pelosi when life begins. She replies "As an ardent, practicing [[Catholic]], this is an issue that I have studied for a long time and what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And St. Augustine said at three months. We don’t know.”<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/archbishop-of-washington-chides-pelosi-denver-archbishop-warns-biden-to-skip-communion/ Archbishop of Washington Chides Pelosi] Fox News, August 26, 2008</ref>

On [[Earth Day]] in 2008, Pelosi stated the following: "The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, 'To minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.'" Pelosi has used the quote many times, often attributing it to Isaiah. The verse is non-existent.<ref>Christianity Today, June 2080, Pg. 15</ref>

Not necessarily a quote from the Bible however, she claims to know where good things come from. Barack Obama is "a leader God has blessed us with at this time."
<ref>[http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/430377.aspx Pelosi Suggests Obama is a Gift from God] Ap, August 19, 2008</ref>

== Iraq Statements ==

December 16, 1998, Pelosi's public comment "[[Saddam Hussein]] has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."

Pelosi voted for [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq.

By June 2005, Minority leader Pelosi had long since changed her position on [[Iraq]] and opposed the war along with fellow Democrats. She remarked of the liberation of 25 million Iraqis as a "grotesque mistake".

== 2008 Election Comments ==

On October 28, Nancy says "Elect us, hold us accountable, and make a judgment and then go from there. But I do tell you that if the Democrats win, and have substantial majorities, the Congress of the United States will be more bipartisan." Commenting on Pelosi Republican Mike Pence said, “As it’s been said before, I have an open mind but not an empty mind.” <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=39385 More ‘Bipartisan’ Congress Not Likely, Pence Says] CNSNews, November 17, 2008</ref>

== Memoir ==
[[File:Pelosibook.jpg‎|200px|right]]
Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters. She writes "If [[women]] can learn from me, it will make the honor of being [[Speaker of the House]] even greater." Currently, the majority rating is one star on Amazon.com and is doing poorly in sales, ranked at 1620 for a non-fiction memoir. <ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=71104 Corsi's Obama title soars to No. 1, Pelosi's tanks] Worldnetdaily.com, July 31, 2008</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Ségolène Royal]]
*[[Hillary Clinton]]
*[[New_Democrat]]
*[[Liberal]]
*[[Previous Breaking News/Nancy Pelosi|Articles about '''Nancy Pelosi''' from previous "Breaking News"]]

==External links==
*[http://www.house.gov/pelosi/ Nancy Pelosi's Congressional Page]
*[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00007360&cycle=2006 Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Top Contributors]
*[http://www.themilitant.com/1995/5944/5944_5.html Ed Shaw: 50 Years In Fight For Socialism], ''The Militant'', Vol.59/No.44, November 27, 1995. [http://www.opensecrets.org/1996os/contrib/H8CA05035.htm]

{{liberalism}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pelosi, Nancy}}

[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Speakers of the House(US)]]
[[Category:Liberals]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category:California]]
[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]

Nancy Pelosi

2013-01-03T15:48:51Z

PatrickMarion: removing untrue allegation, provided appropriate reference

{{Officeholder
|name=Nancy Pelosi
|image=Ytr7576.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=Paul Pelosi
|religion=Roman Catholic
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=California
|district=8th
|terms=June 2, 1987 - Present
|preceded=Sala Burton
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}

}}

'''Nancy Pelosi''', M.C. is the Representative for the 8th Congressional District of [[San Francisco]], [[California]] and Minority Leader for the Democrats in the 112th Congress. She is the former [[Speaker of the House]], succeeding [[J. Dennis Hastert]] and preceding [[John Boehner]]. She is the first woman to become House Speaker. Pelosi, a [[liberal]] [[Democrat]], is among the top ten richest members of the House. <ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pfds/CIDsummary.asp?CID=N00007360&year=2005 opensecrets.org]</ref>

Pelosi prides herself in "being called a liberal" and does not consider herself a "moderate". <ref>Michael Crowley, "Follow the Leader," New Republic, November 25, 2002.</ref> Before becoming Speaker of the House, she was the Congressional Representative for the district containing [[San Francisco]] and has generally been criticized for imposing [[San Francisco values]] on mainstream America. In July 2008 Pelosi told [[George Stephanopoulos]] on [[ABC News]]'s on the ''[[This Week]]'' program, {{Cquote|I'm trying to save the planet, I'm trying to save the planet<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeUx6o9qpYY</ref>}}
Pelosi grew up in a political family; her father was a Congressman and the mayor of [[Baltimore]] for twelve years. She graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., in 1962. After marrying and having five children, Pelosi rose in the ranks in Democratic Party politics and became representative to the Democratic National Committee and chair of the California Democratic Party. In 1987, Pelosi made a leap into elected office by winning a special election upon the death of Representative Sala Burton. She served on the Appropriations Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In 2002 she was elected Minority Leader and Speaker of the House after the 2006 midterm elections when Democrats gained the majorities in the House and Senate. John McCain referred to her as "one of the great American success stories" and "an inspiration."<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/29/MN0I121CI9.DTL&type=politics McCain extends olive branch to Pelosi, Gore]</ref>

When coming into her leadership position in 2007, Pelosi's "6 for 06" 100-hour campaign promise turned out being 100-legislative hours, and took several weeks. She frequently battled President [[George W. Bush]] over the [[War in Iraq]]. In 2008, anti-war protester [[Cindy Sheehan]] challenged Pelosi as an independent. Although Sheehan won 16% of the vote, more than the Republican nominee's 10%, Pelosi was reelected with 72%, indicating her House seat is in no peril.

During the 2010 congressional elections, largely due to the unpopularity of Pelosi's extreme positions, [[Republican]]s gained a historic 60+ seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi was stripped of power on January 3, 2011, when the 112th Congress was sworn in. <ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/vote-2010-elections-nancy-pelosi-ousted-house-speaker/story?id=12034633</ref>

==Politics==
===Ethics===
Concerns over ethics in Congress played a big part in the Democratic recapture of the House of Representatives and Pelosi's ascension to the Speaker-ship after several members of Congress were investigated, indicted or convicted for legal wrongdoing in 2006. In early 2007, Speaker Pelosi established a Special Task Force on Ethics Enforcement to explore the problem. Twenty freshmen House Democrats have asked for legislation to establish an independent ethics commission within the legislative branch to investigate future ethical lapses by fellow members.<ref>Alexander Bolton, [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-press-pelosi-for-ethics-panel-2007-04-18.html''Dems press Pelosi for ethics panel''], The Hill, April 19, 2007. </ref> Speaker Pelosi and others in the majority have resisted such a reform. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7hE4HX-Cwo&NR=1 The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same], ''ABC News'', April 25 2007. </ref>

Pelosi, capitalizing on the public’s distaste for the [[earmark]]ing process, pledged reform during the elections last fall. Members of Congress regularly abuse the appropriations process by earmarking public monies to fund pet projects of special interests and donors often in their own congressional districts or states. Earmarks are an area of the legislative process particularly susceptible to corruption. In May 2007 Pelosi inserted a $25 million earmark into the Water Resources Development Act for a project that involves renovating ports near four separate commercial real estate properties near property owned by her husband, Paul Pelosi, and is likely to significantly boost the value of the property he owns. <ref>[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZGIwYzc2MTQ4YTBlMTg3YjJmZGVhODc4NmJhYjg4YjY Pelosi’s Waterworks], Stephen Spruiell, ''National Review Online'', May 9, 2007.</ref> The properties earn combined rental income of more than $3 million. <ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/05082007/news/nationalnews/her_an_fran_treat_nationalnews_geoff_earle.htm Her $an Fransisco Treat: Pelosi Water-Bill Bid Drawing Fire], Geoff Earle, ''New York Post'', May 8, 2007. </ref> .

Members of Pelosi's own Congressional Democratic Caucus have warned failure to deliver on their campaign promises to clean up Congress would be damaging in the 2008 election. <ref>[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0507/4014.html Democrats divided on lobbying reform], Josephine Hearn and Jeff Patch, May 15, 2007. Retrieved from politico.com 06/01/07.</ref>

Pelosi's now famous comment- the 'culture of corruption' is only meant to be used against Republicans. In another example of her hypocrisy, Democrat [[Charles Rangel]] is under investigation for ethics violations. Nancy says "she has no intention of forcing Rangel out." <ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/charles_rangel_ethics/2008/09/10/129539.htmlPelosi, Republicans in Rangel Tug of War] Newsmax.com, September 10, 2008</ref> So, her other famous comment "drain the swamp of corruption" is just as meaningless.

===Iraq war failure===
Another major setback for Pelosi in her early months as Speaker was the rejection by her own caucus, and the Congress as a whole, for her plan to end the [[War in Iraq]] and bring the troops home. Pelosi had promised during the run up to the midterm elections to stop funding for the war and force the President to withdraw troops fighting abroad in the [[War on terror]]. In a stunning rebuke to her leadership, and the anti-war movement, the House voted overwhelmingly 280-142 to continue building Iraqi democracy and counter the threat posed by [[Islamic]] extremists outside of U.S. territory rather than the cut and run strategy proposed by liberal anti-war activists. Only the radical fringe voted against funding the troops. <ref>[http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070525-122215-4854r.htm Congress OKs war bill sans timeline,] By S.A. Miller, ''The Washington Times'', May 25, 2007. </ref> In exchange Pelosi won a raise in the [[minimum wage]], a controversial maneuver that increases the incentive for young people to drop out of school, with devastating effects upon the most vulnerable in our society, minorities in particular -- African-Americans and Hispanics. <ref>[http://www.optimalsolutionsgroup.com/pubs/Duncan-Turner-Pape.pdf Minimum wages and school enrollment of teenagers: a look at the 1990’s.] Duncan D. Chaplin, Mark D. Turner, Andreas D. Pape. ''Economics of Education Review''. 22 (2003) 11–21. </ref>

One review stated,
{{Cquote|Hamilton and Madison knew what they were doing when they gave the bulk of the war powers to the President, and it's hard to imagine a more telling vindication of their wisdom...Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] claim to oppose the war and want it to end, yet they refused to use their power of the purse to end it. Instead, they tried every legislative gimmick imaginable to hamstring President Bush's war strategy without actually having to take responsibility for cutting off funds. <ref>[http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010126 Congress and Iraq], ''OpinionJournal'', May 26, 2007.</ref>}}

===Energy Independence===

Pelosi is opposed to expanding domestic drilling, though a recent Fox News poll showed more than 75% of Americans support drilling. This includes 85% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats and 68% of Independents favor drilling. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/062108_energy_release_web.pdf Fox News Polling Opinion Dynamics] Fox News, June 21, 2008</ref> The poll additionally found the American public split on whether the domestic drilling would have any effect on gas prices. By contrast, a CNN poll released July 31st found "just over half say that the Bush administration and the war in Iraq are major causes of high fuel prices."<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/31/congress.session/index.html GOP lawmakers want special session on energy crisis]</ref> Pelosi wants oil companies to drill on the lands already leased and is refusing to allow a vote on additional domestic drilling. She did take a vote to close the [[House of Representatives]] early for a five-week recess without addressing energy issues. <ref>[http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/77da4653-28ce-4c3e-a8a9-37ae52671b15 A Month Off for Bad Behavior] Townhall.com, July 30, 2008</ref> Pelosi wants to tap into the Strategic Oil Reserves. "America's greatest strategic reserves lie beneath taxpayer-owned lands - including ANWR's northern coastal plain and the outer continental shelf - that are currently off limits to energy production,” said Daniel Kish, senior vice president of the Institute for Energy Research, an oil industry-supported think tank. <ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/11/us-oil-reserves-sought-for-relief/ U.S. oil reserves sought for relief] Washington Times, July 11, 2008</ref> Nancy Pelosi often blames oil companies and capitalist speculators for the oil price increases. Her call for renewable energy and new technologies hasn't had an impact on lowering [[oil]] prices. "A New Direction", the Democrats' Six for '06 campaign promises includes energy independence. She has completely failed to produce anything that would contribute to energy independence. "For 25 years, Democrats have blocked more American-made oil and gas. That's why we're in the predicament we're in, voters want Congress "to vote on more American made oil and gas. We want to do that. She, [[Harry Reid]], [[Barack Obama]] are standing in the way." "She's got time to go out and promote her new book tour and her new book, but she doesn't have time to schedule a vote on the floor of the House and let the American people have their will expressed?" said Minority Leader John Boehner, R-OH.

Pelosi is a supporter of increasing taxes and regulation on energy production because she is a believer in [[global warming]]. She was scheduled to speak at a March 2, 2009 global warming protest, but did not make it because her plane was delayed due to a snowstorm. <ref>http://environmentalrepublican.blogspot.com/2009/03/pelosi-misses-global-warming-protest.html</ref>

===Health Care===

Pelosi's major achievement has been the passage on Nov. 7, 2009, of the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" [[H.R. 3962]], costing $1.1 trillion. It just barely passed 215-210, as 39 Democrats deserted her leadership. Pelosi is a strong supporter of abortion but to get the 215 votes she had to give in to Catholic leaders nationally and abortion opponents in her own caucus and allow them to impose tight restrictions of the [[Stupak Amendment]] that bar any insurance plan that is purchased with government subsidies from covering abortions. As a result numerous liberals denounced the bill even as they voted for it.<ref>David M. Herszenhorn and Jackie Calmes, [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/health/policy/08scene.html?_r=1 "Abortion Was at Heart of Wrangling," ''New York Times'' Nov 7, 2009]</ref> The bill is now in the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

===Boy Scouts===
Nancy Pelosi tried to pass legislation making it illegal for [[Boy Scouts]] to use public facilities like schools.<ref>http://pelosiwatch.us/Pelosi-Record/Truth-About-Nancy-Pelosi.html</ref>

==Criticism==

===Accusation against CIA===

Pelosi has been caught lying about her knowledge of [[CIA]] interrogations. She claims she was never briefed by the [[Bush Administration]]. In fact, her and three others were briefed. The [[Washington Post]] reported the following: "In September 2002, four members of Congress [that included Pelosi] met in secret for a first look at a unique CIA program designed to wring vital information from reticent terrorism suspects in U.S. custody," and "Among the techniques described, said two officials present, was waterboarding..." <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/Content/Article.aspx?rsrcid=47108 Pelosi Says She Was 'Never Briefed' on Waterboarding] CNSNews, April 24, 2009</ref>

After doing nothing to improve the intelligence of the CIA, after admonishing the CIA for lying, and providing no evidence weeks after her allegation, Pelosi then said she has confidence in the intelligence community. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/08/house-democrat-joins-pelosi-accusing-cia-misleading-lying-congress/ House Democrats' Letter Says Panetta Testified CIA 'Misled' Congress] Fox News, July 8, 2009</ref>

===Trip to China===

Pelosi leaves the U.S. at a time when she is under verbal attack at home for her CIA comments. Her travel to China makes no mention of Chinese human right's but raised awareness for [[Global warming]] as a human rights cause. Less than a year ago, she was calling for America and for George W. Bush to boycott the [[Chinese]] Olympics for [[Tibet]] human rights abuses.

===Trip to Syria===
Pelosi traveled to Damascus, Syria in April 2007 to meet with Syrian [[Ba'athist]] leader [[Bashar Assad]]. Pelosi indicated at a press conference that she had carried a message from the government of Israel. "Our message was President Bush’s message," Pelosi told The Associated Press in Portugal . <ref>[http://www.kxmb.com/getARticle.asp?ArticleId=111801 Pelosi: I Carried Bush's Message To Syria] Apr 7 2007. </ref> Pelosi told reporters the meeting "enabled us to communicate a message from Prime Minister Olmert".

The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated Olmert told Pelosi that Israel continued to regard Syria as "part of the axis of evil and a party encouraging terrorism in the entire Middle East." The ''Jerusalem Post'' reported sources at the Prime Minister's Office said, "Pelosi took part of the things that were said in the meeting, and used what suited her." <ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=845618&contrassID=2&subContrassID=1&sbSubContrassID=0 PMO: Pelosi did not carry any message from Israel to Assad], Yoav Stern and Amiram Barkat, Haaretz Correspondents and AP, 5 April 2007.</ref>

The trip was praised by terrorists as "brave". Members of the Islamic Jihad have said Pelosi aligns to their views about terror much better than Bush and Dr. Condoleezza Rice. <ref>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3385140,00.html Terrorists endorse Pelosi's 'good policy of dialogue'], Aaron Klein, Israel News, 04.05.07. "Palestinian terror group members call US House speaker's visit to Damascus 'brave' and hope for talks with Iran; ‘I think the Democratic Party can do things the best,’ Islamic Jihad member says"</ref> Khaled Al-Batch, spokesman for [[Islamic Jihad]], which along with [[Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades]] has taken responsibility for every suicide bombing in Israel for the past two years, expressed hope Pelosi and the Democratic Party will pressure Bush to create dialogue with Syria and Middle East "resistance movements" and prompt an American withdrawal from Iraq.

In the lead editorial of Thursday, April 5th, The ''[[Washington Post]]'' commented on '''"The Pratfall in Damascus":'''<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040402306.html</ref>

<blockquote>
HOUSE SPEAKER Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad. After a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Ms. Pelosi announced that she had delivered a message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that "Israel was ready to engage in peace talks" with Syria. What's more, she added, Mr. Assad was ready to "resume the peace process" as well. Having announced this seeming diplomatic breakthrough, Ms. Pelosi suggested that her Kissingerian shuttle diplomacy was just getting started. "We expressed our interest in using our good offices in promoting peace between Israel and Syria," she said.</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Only one problem: The Israeli prime minister entrusted Ms. Pelosi with no such message. "What was communicated to the U.S. House Speaker does not contain any change in the policies of Israel," said a statement quickly issued by the prime minister's office. In fact, Mr. Olmert told Ms. Pelosi that "a number of Senate and House members who recently visited Damascus received the impression that despite the declarations of Bashar Assad, there is no change in the position of his country regarding a possible peace process with Israel." In other words, Ms. Pelosi not only misrepresented Israel's position but was virtually alone in failing to discern that Mr. Assad's words were mere propaganda. ...</blockquote>

<blockquote>Never mind that that statement is ludicrous: As any diplomat with knowledge of the region could have told Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Assad is a corrupt thug whose overriding priority at the moment is not peace with Israel but heading off U.N. charges that he orchestrated the murder of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. The really striking development here is the attempt by a Democratic congressional leader to substitute her own foreign policy for that of a sitting Republican president. Two weeks ago Ms. Pelosi rammed legislation through the House of Representatives that would strip Mr. Bush of his authority as commander in chief to manage troop movements in Iraq. Now she is attempting to introduce a new Middle East policy that directly conflicts with that of the president. We have found much to criticize in Mr. Bush's military strategy and regional diplomacy. But Ms. Pelosi's attempt to establish a shadow presidency is not only counterproductive, it is foolish. </blockquote>

Pelosi was roundly criticized from all quarters for making the trip. The ''New York Post'' said, "the sad reality is that Pelosi is sending Assad the same message she and her Democratic colleagues in Congress have sent the terrorist insurgency in Iraq: Just wait until President Bush leaves office and a Democratic administration will hand you what you want on a platter <ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/04032007/postopinion/editorials/nancys_nonsense_editorials_.htm Nancy's Nonsense], New York Post, 3 April 2007.</ref> the ''Philadelphia Enquirer'' ran an editorial declaring Pelosi "was nuts" to visit Assad. <ref>Claudia Rosett, [http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20070405_Pelosi_was_nuts_to_visit_with_Assad.html Pelosi was nuts to visit with Assad], ''Philadelphia Enquirer'', Thu, Apr. 05, 2007.</ref>

===Gay rights and abortion===

Student [[Lila Rose]] has recently exposed several instances of illegal behavior by [[Planned Parenthood]]. <ref>http://dotherightthing-cyberpastor.blogspot.com/2009/01/lila-rose-wins-award.html</ref> However, Pelosi still wanted $200 million for Planned Parenthood as part of the economic stimulus bill. <ref>http://politicalhousewyf.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/speaker-pelosi-likes-leather/</ref> When asked to explain why this money would promote economic stimulus, Pelosi was never able to give a sensible answer and Planned Parenthood funding was dropped from the bill. <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/nat4799.html</ref>

Commenting on her erroneous understanding of the [[Catholic Church]] beliefs regarding conception, Nancy quips “And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And [[St. Augustine]] said at three months. We don’t know.” <ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/archbishop-of-washington-chides-pelosi-denver-archbishop-warns-biden-to-skip-communion/ Archbishop of Washington Chides Pelosi] Fox News, August 26, 2008</ref> [[Archbishop]] Donald Wuerl rebuked her saying "From the beginning, the Catholic Church has respected the dignity of all human life from the moment of [[conception]] to natural death"

In the 2001 San Francisco [[Lesbian]], Gay, [[Bisexual]], Transgender Pride Parade Pelosi marched along with long time [[CPUSA]] <ref>''The Boston Phoenix'', [http://bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/documents/02511115.htm The real Harry Hay], Michael Bronski, October 31 - November 7, 2002. </ref> member and [[gay rights]] pioneer [[Harry Hay]]. <ref>The American Spectator Special Report, [http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=10450 When Nancy Met Harry], Jeffrey Lord, 10/5/2006.</ref><ref>The San Francisco Chronicle, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/06/22/DD115758.DTL Official Guide & Program] Parade Lineup, page SP - 14, June 22, 2001. </ref> A gay activist group calling itself the [[Human Rights Campaign]] (HRC), eulogized Hay as "the first to realize that the dream of equality for our community could be attained through visibility and activism".<ref>[http://www.hrc.org/Content/ContentGroups/News_Releases/20021/HRC_Mourns_the_Death_of_Gay_Rights_Pioneer_Harry_Hay.htm Human Rights Campaign Mourns the Death of Gay Rights Pioneer Harry Hay], Press Release, Oct. 24, 2002.</ref> An outspoken advocate of the North American Man-Boy Love Association [[NAMBLA]], Hay regularly addressed NAMBLA conferences. NAMBLA carries published material by Hay on its website dating back to 1984. The [[ACLU]] defended NAMBLA against a $200 million lawsuit by parents of a 10 year old murder victim who claimed their sons’ killer was motivated by published material on NAMBLA’s website. <ref>Deroy Murdock, [http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock200402270920.asp No Boy Scouts: The ACLU defends NAMBLA], National Review Online, February 27, 2004. </ref><ref>[http://www.thecpac.com/Curleys-v-NAMBLA.html Curley Vs. NAMBLA]</ref> Pelosi has taken $10,000 in campaign contributions from the Human Rights Campaign. <ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00007360&cycle=2006 Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Top Contributors]</ref>

Pelosi has made special rights for homosexuals a priority in the 109th Congress. <ref>Concerned Women for America, [http://www.cwfa.org/articles/12147/CWA/family/index.htm Homosexual Bills Top House Speaker Pelosi’s List], January 10, 2007.</ref> Several so-called [[Hate Crimes bill]]s, or gay rights advocacy measures, have been introduced into the House which, according to Michael Marcavage of Repent America, could allow a homosexual to "claim emotional damage from hearing Scripture that describes his lifestyle as an abomination. [The homosexual] can press charges against the pastor or broadcaster who merely reads the Bible in public. The 'hater' can be fined thousands of dollars and even imprisoned". <ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/printer-friendly.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54535 Christian belief a 'hate crime' under plan], WorldNetDaily, March 3, 2007. </ref> On National Prayer Day 2007 Pelosi scheduled a vote on an alleged "Hate Crimes Bill".

Every year, the Folsom Street Fair takes place in her [[San Francisco]] district. The participants are from the gay and lesbian community. They are barely dressed and publicly expose themselves in depraved sex acts. In addition, crucifixes made into sex toys are sold on the street during the fair. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=41858 San Francisco Catholic Church Attacked by Pro-Homosexual Marriage Vandals
] CNSNews, January 13, 2009</ref> In 2007, the Fair mocked the 'Last Supper' image of Christians, with homosexuals in leather posing as [[Christ]] and the Apostles. Not a word of condemnation from Pelosi on the sacrilegious display.

Marc Sheppard of American Thinker has asked how can,
:"one of the most outspoken advocates for unrestricted abortion in Congress -- with a perfect 100% rating from the radical [[pro-abortion]] group [[NARAL]], -- maintain a straight face when declaring a concern for children? How can you vote NO to making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime (Lacy and Conner’s Law - H.R.1997) and pretend to care about infants? How does anyone who voted against restricting interstate transport of minors for the purpose of [[abortion]] (H.R 748) or outlawing the barbaric [[infanticide]] which is [[partial birth abortion]] (H.R 3660) seriously proclaim that anything she does is “about children”. <ref>Marc Sheppard, [http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/01/pelosi_god_bless_the_child_tha.html Pelosi: God Bless the Child that’s not at Home], January 14, 2007.</ref>

In defense of children in the mother's womb and the sanctity of Jesus in the host, a priest at the Saint's Peter and Paul Church in Nancy Pelosi's home district, Fr. John Malloy wrote a letter regarding her abortion stance and church services. The letter makes mention of her 100% rating with [[NARAL]] and her support for partial birth abortion. The last line says "...Nancy, do not receive the Eucharist when you attend Mass." <ref>http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=695280f1-c90e-44d8-a866-d8e28f5ef457 , California Catholic Daily A priest writes to Nancy Pelosi, February 1, 2007</ref>

===Treatment of non-union workers===
According to opensecrets.org, nearly half of Pelosi's assets are tied up in a Napa County, California vineyard called Zinfandel Lane. Capitolnews.com has reported Pelosi only employs non-union laborers and does not provide health coverage for her workers. In addition, it is believed illegal aliens have been exploited by Pelosi on the work farm, as well as a general question surrounding paying a basic livable wage for many of societies most vulnerable.<ref>[http://www.capoliticalnews.com/s/spip.php?article13 Does Pelosi’s Non-Union Vineyard Use Illegal Aliens?]Monday 30 October 2006.</ref>

===CordeValle Golf Club and Resort===
Nancy Pelosi has one of her largest investments in a private golf development partnership called Lions Gate Limited. The Santa Clara County Planning Committee approved a plan for them to build a 275-acre golf course 30 minutes south of San Jose, but only under strict conditions. They agreed to allow 60% public usage of the course and to abide by strict environmental rules, since a number of endangered species were present in the area. The club opened in 2000 and did very well, making $250,000 for each member and $400,000 for corporations.<ref>Barry Witt, "Cordevalle club not living up to 60 percent language," San Jose Mercury News Jan. 10, 2002.</ref>

But then the Planning Commission took at look to see if the guidelines had been followed. First of all, only about a dozen non-members had been actually able to play on the course, a far cry from 60%. CordeValle had also set up obvious anti-public rules, such as requiring people to call seventy-two hours in advance and pay close to $300 for 18 holes. Upon investigation, the Commission learned that nonmembers would be told that the club was "full" and turned away even when the club was relatively empty. There were a series of public hearings on the matter and it was concluded that Lion's Gate was in clear violation of the agreement they had made<ref>Barry Witt, "CordeValle Update," San Jose Mercury News, May 8, 2003.</ref>.

During the hearings, it was learned that Lion's Gate had also ignored many of the environmental regulations they were responsible for. The ponds that they needed to make in order to preserve two species of lizard and turtle were not built. And only one mandatory annual environmental report had been submitted in seven years<ref>Barry Witt, "What to do on CordeValle; open it up to the public, or open up it's wallet", San Jose Mercury News, August 7, 2003</ref>. In 2004, a county report complained that improperly abandoned wells and urban pollutants from the resort were causing water quality degradation in the area. <ref>File 5950-68-28-94P, Lions Gate Limited Partnership Staff Report, San Jose Planning Commission, August 5, 2004, and November 4, 2004 (same file name)</ref>

In 2003, the Pelosis and the development partnership finally hired some lobbyists and put a few government employees on the pay role. This caused the commission to cave and give up their fraud investigation as long as the course agreed to host a charity golf tournament for children.<ref>Barry Witt, "Help for CordeValle," San Jose Mercury News, June 13, 2003.</ref>

== Bible Quoting ==

[[NBC]] correspondent Tom Brokaw, asked Pelosi when life begins. She replies "As an ardent, practicing [[Catholic]], this is an issue that I have studied for a long time and what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And St. Augustine said at three months. We don’t know.”<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/26/archbishop-of-washington-chides-pelosi-denver-archbishop-warns-biden-to-skip-communion/ Archbishop of Washington Chides Pelosi] Fox News, August 26, 2008</ref>

On [[Earth Day]] in 2008, Pelosi stated the following: "The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, 'To minister to the needs of God's creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.'" Pelosi has used the quote many times, often attributing it to Isaiah. The verse is non-existent.<ref>Christianity Today, June 2080, Pg. 15</ref>

Not necessarily a quote from the Bible however, she claims to know where good things come from. Barack Obama is "a leader God has blessed us with at this time."
<ref>[http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/430377.aspx Pelosi Suggests Obama is a Gift from God] Ap, August 19, 2008</ref>

== Iraq Statements ==

December 16, 1998, Pelosi's public comment "[[Saddam Hussein]] has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."

Pelosi voted for [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], authorizing President Bush to invade Iraq.

By June 2005, Minority leader Pelosi had long since changed her position on [[Iraq]] and opposed the war along with fellow Democrats. She remarked of the liberation of 25 million Iraqis as a "grotesque mistake".

== 2008 Election Comments ==

On October 28, Nancy says "Elect us, hold us accountable, and make a judgment and then go from there. But I do tell you that if the Democrats win, and have substantial majorities, the Congress of the United States will be more bipartisan." Commenting on Pelosi Republican Mike Pence said, “As it’s been said before, I have an open mind but not an empty mind.” <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=39385 More ‘Bipartisan’ Congress Not Likely, Pence Says] CNSNews, November 17, 2008</ref>

== Memoir ==
[[File:Pelosibook.jpg‎|200px|right]]
Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters. She writes "If [[women]] can learn from me, it will make the honor of being [[Speaker of the House]] even greater." Currently, the majority rating is one star on Amazon.com and is doing poorly in sales, ranked at 1620 for a non-fiction memoir. <ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=71104 Corsi's Obama title soars to No. 1, Pelosi's tanks] Worldnetdaily.com, July 31, 2008</ref>

== See also ==

*[[Ségolène Royal]]
*[[Hillary Clinton]]
*[[New_Democrat]]
*[[Liberal]]
*[[Previous Breaking News/Nancy Pelosi|Articles about '''Nancy Pelosi''' from previous "Breaking News"]]

==External links==
*[http://www.house.gov/pelosi/ Nancy Pelosi's Congressional Page]
*[http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00007360&cycle=2006 Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Top Contributors]
*[http://www.themilitant.com/1995/5944/5944_5.html Ed Shaw: 50 Years In Fight For Socialism], ''The Militant'', Vol.59/No.44, November 27, 1995. [http://www.opensecrets.org/1996os/contrib/H8CA05035.htm]

{{liberalism}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pelosi, Nancy}}

[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Speakers of the House(US)]]
[[Category:Liberals]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category:California]]
[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]

Lamestream science

2013-01-03T14:59:46Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Lamestream science''', like the [[lamestream media]], is characterized by senseless reversion to [[atheistic]] or [[liberal]] theories rather than genuinely considering and publicizing the truth. A style of '''lamestream science''' is to ignore and deny every new piece of evidence that disproves the atheistic or liberal theory. Another style of '''lamestream science ''' is the outright dismissal of any scientific insight that is based on [[the Bible]].

== Examples of lamestream science ==

1. The liberal atheistic theory of Darwinian [[Evolution]] 
2. The [[theory of Relativity]], several deep problems of this theory remain inadequately addressed in the science community. 
3. [[Global warming]] a proven liberal hoax even under its liberal euphemistic nickname [[climate change]]. 
4. Much of [[geophysics]] is distorted by liberals in order to preserve their belief in an [[old earth]]. A good example of this is radiometric dating which has been proven to be unreliable many times by Christian scientists. 
5. [[Cosmology]] is also often distorted by liberals in order to provide counter-examples to creationism. For example, the evidence that the speed of light varied in the past is overlooked or dismissed by lamestream scientists because it does not fit their atheistic viewpoints. 

[[Category:science]]

Talk:Video games

2013-01-03T05:16:13Z

PatrickMarion: /* Several of the claims in this article are extremely spurious */

Alright... The source given at the end of the first paragraph is, honestly, useless. It doesn't prove any claim made in the paragraph, let alone the last sentence, and some of the stuff given there sounds absolutely ludicrious. 124 incidents of violence in 10 minutes? Unless you're counting every punch as an incident, that's incredibly high...

Anyway. Under normal circumstances I'd simply delete the reference and replace it with a citation needed tag, but given that I'm coming fresh of a banning for misinterpreting instructions, I leave it to you to decide whether or not to remove a source that really adds nothing to the article. Cheers. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 23:33, 22 January 2008 (EST)

:Alright. Should nobody post a response to this in the next... Ehh, few hours, I'm going to replace that source with a fact tag. Reason: Source is irrelevant to that section of the article. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 15:55, 25 January 2008 (EST)

==Final Fantasy==
Oh dang. I just noticed the what the previous edits said about the series. It's about purging evil in a make believe world! Narnia is almost the same. (both have magic/occult themes!)

I've been playing the series for a while, what homosexuality has there been besides Kefka, the arguable transvestite, from FFVI? And transvestism?! So what if Cloud was needed to infiltrate an area via "en femme"? It's a short section of the game and it was a pixelated mess.

Sexuality, let me think (my memory is half good on gaming). VI, nope. VII, nope (Tifa was "top-heavy"). VIII, didn't play. IX, nope. X, underwater make-out scene and Lulu's attire is iffy. X-2, that massage mini-game freaked me out and their attire. XI, didn't play due to online. XII, still playing and the only dispute are the Vieras' attire. Undercover cops in prostitution have just as much sexuality, but it's a necessary good, no?

Suicide... not really (from my experience). Homicide, very much so. Sephiroth killed Aerith, so Cloud killed Sephiroth. The only time I can think of was when Tidus (FFX) jumped off the Fahrenheit at the end, but he was just an apparition anyway. Also, it's not like it glorifying it either.

Religion. FFXII, the villains defy "the gods/fates". What do they get? Most are burned up by their manufactured idols ("manufacted nethicite") while the others are destroyed by Ashelia and the crew. Gabranth also comes to see the errors of his ways and joins the final fight for good against his superior, Vayne. Gabranth was saved in one way or another. Ruling out the villains of Final Fantasy, there hasn't been--if my memory serves correct--a defiance/negativity towards religion... except maybe the false religion of Yevon, which said that a summoner should die for their people to rid the world of pain for 3 years, "Sin". FFX was about defeating "Sin" and the false gods.
I think I am done with my ranting for today. I would like to see some counter-points though. +_+ always tired [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 22:18, 4 June 2008 (EDT)

:Many characters are unnecessarily sexualized (specially on concept art), just look at FFX-2. There's also a few sexual references here and there. (Though its not as bad as other games.) Also, Faris and Kuja are definitely transvestives.
:There's also plenty of suicide in FFVI, with at least two of your main characters practicing it. There's also Dyne in FFVII committing it.
:And if Final Fantasy Tactics wasn't a subtle attempt at subversion against Christianity, I don't know what it is. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 00:33, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

::it isn't a subtle attempt at subverting christianity, it was a successful attempt to make money by creating a video game that took place in a fantasy world. (and as for the other things i have no idea cause i dont play FF, although their are other games with more violence and sexuallity, try picking on gta, that will be easier)-[[User:Greenmeanie|Greenmeanie]] 00:56, 5 June 2008 (EDT)
:::Well, yes, but more specifically it was a successful attempt to make money by creation a video game that took place in a fantasy world were Christianity is basically evil. I'll eventually get to work on the gta articles though. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 01:02, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

:FFX-2 was Square's only first attempt to make an actual sequel. With the name that sequel brings it immediately brings less sales. How to counteract that? Scanty clothing! It's about making money. I preferred to use a party of 2 white mages and one dark knight (most amount of clothing), with the exception of using special dress-spheres when necessary (Riku's and Paine's special form were fully clothed). Gunner, hot pants and side skirt. Gun Mage, side skirt and midriff. Alchemist, nothing revealing. Warrior, bike shorts(?) at least. Dark Knight, nothing. Samurai, tube top Riku. Berserker, major problem. Songstress, miniskirt balanced with really up high boots/stockings. Black Mage, mix samurai with songstress format. White Mage, nothing. Lady Luck, problem. Mascot, definitely nothing wrong. Trainer, same top as Ashelia from FFXII--reveals top 1/3 of breasts. Actually useful dress-spheres: Berserker, White Mage, Lady Luck (if your timing is correct), Warrior, Songstress (if you give it time), and the special spheres.
:Weren't Kuja and Zidane both genderless genomes? How can a mechanically engineered, soulless being be a transvestite? They were containers for the souls of Terra. Souls have gender/sex. True nature, a purified version of the body/container God made for us to use. If you have no soul, and you're just a container, then you have no true nature/gender. Kuja absorbed a plethora of souls of the Terrans... woman, child, man. Wouldn't that make "him" multi-gendered?
:And.. I never played FF Tactics. I've played Mystic Quest, FFIII (JP), FFVI, FFVII, FFIX, FFX (best game ever! - spent 300 hours on it, 250 on one file), FFX-2 (just wanted to see how a sequel would be and what happened to Tidus), FFXII (still playing, good vocabulary too). +_+ always tired [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 15:08, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

::Oh, I don't doubt the sexualizing of women in the series (not just FFX-2) was made in an effort to increase sales for the games (I would even say it applies to other themes not suitable for children such as profanity), however, that doesn't make it right or more appropriate.

::Its true that Kuja is a genome, but they still have male bodies and are treated essentially like men in the game, in fact, you don't even get to know they aren't really human until nearly the end of the game. Also, even taking these technicalities in account, Faris (from FFV) is still transvestite. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 16:44, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

:::They also kind of had to assign a gender. You couldn't go a whole referring to the main antagonist as "it", "Kuja" or "zhe" (zhe is what some "genderless" people like to be called).

:::I have never actually played more than 10 minutes of FFV before deciding it wasn't worth the effort of not spending time on Dofus (a French-based [[MMORPG]]). +_+ always tired [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 23:58, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

::::"He" works as a pronoun for both genders, doesn't it? [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 19:36, 6 June 2008 (EDT)

:::::For conservatives, it does. My friend--"genderless by choice", born a she, and liberal--wishes to be known as "zhe". Also, Society builds on being [[politically correct]]. Companies can't go about saying every unknown gendered person, Quina Quen (FFIX), is a he... that would offend too many potential consumers. Turning off potential consumers means a loss for future profits too. [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 12:01, 9 June 2008 (EDT)

::::::I always thought that was an attempt at comedy actually. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 21:17, 19 June 2008 (EDT)

==Sex in video games==
I found something useful in an older release of the Official Playstation Magazine about sex in videogames.

*1982 - Custer's Revenge (Atari 2600) - The goal of the game was to have sex with a Native American woman by dodging arrows.
*1990 - River City Ransom (Nintendo Entertainment System) - During a certain part of the game you can enter the sauna and it shows a naked man-butt.
*1996 - Tomb Raider (PS1) - Introduced polygon breasts to the gaming world.
*1998 - Metal Gear Solid (PS1) - "bathroom scene"
*2000 - Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore (PS2) - "perfected" polygon breasts by adding a realistic bouncing effect.
*2001 - Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix (PS1) - featured a lesbian couple for protagonists and several make-out scenes and partial nudity.
*2001 - Rez (PS2 - Japan) - A trance music game with optional USB vibrator accessory.
*2002 - BMX XXX (PS2) - nude characters and unlockable strip tease videos
*2004 - Leisure Suit Larry (PS2) - sex-themed minigames
*2004 - GTA: San Andreas (PS2) - "Hot Coffee"
*2005 - Playboy: The Mansion (PS2) - sexual scenes (kind of obvious)
*2005 - God of War (PS2) - topless female characters
*2005 - Pornographic UMDs (PSP - Japan)
<ref>Ashley, Robert. "The Secret History of Videogame Sex." Official Playstation Magazine Feb. 2006: 96-99.</ref>

:Uh, buddy boy, that Lara Croft code was an April Fool's joke. [[User:DannyRedful|DannyRedful]] 14:37, 13 June 2008 (EDT)
::Right, right. I forgot about that... I never was one for reading the entire article. [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 15:32, 13 June 2008 (EDT)
:::I'm adding a section about this if nobody minds. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 00:28, 14 June 2008 (EDT)
::::God of War also included mini-games involving the lead character having sex with various women. While the acts were not pictured on screen (the in-game views were moved to different parts of the rooms), the player had to press various buttons at the right time and was treated to all the sounds of the sex acts. Additionally, during one of the sex scenes, the camera focused on a fountain statue of a urinating young boy which achieved an erection during the scene and "ejaculated." This filth can be viewed on YouTube if anyone (i.e. any liberal) doubts me. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 12:47, 9 September 2008 (EDT)

==Link With Crime==
I think the statement in the first paragraph—I added a <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> tag but took it out after some consideration— needs a link to some sort of study linking the two, or it needs to be reworded. I don't believe a singular incident can be evidence for this claim.
--[[User:LautRN|Jeffrey W. Lauttamus]][[User_talk:LautRN|Discussion]] 11:59, 9 September 2008 (EDT)
:It's clear that crimes have been ''associated'' with video games (the Columbine killers made custom levels in Doom that matched their school or some such), so the statement as written is true. The problem comes if you try to make a large scale correlation -- outside of anecdotal evidence, I don't think any evidence has ever been found. What few individual correlations I've heard, there's no evidence that the video game ''caused'' the violence. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 21:49, 20 September 2008 (EDT)

==References==
<references/>

== Jack Thompson ==

Maybe we should remove the mention of Jack Thompson? He wasn't really a "target" of the media, and with his recent disbarrment, it might make a stronger case without mention of him. [[User:LiamG|LiamG]] 17:40, 11 October 2008 (EDT)
:Alternatively, it makes his criticisms seem more like the goofiness that they realy are ;-) You are right about the "target" thing though; most "targeted" media coverage was from gamer sites and comics. If the main stream media had anything about him he wasn't really a "target". [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 19:37, 11 October 2008 (EDT)

==People who actually...==
Can we get some people who actually play video games to edit this article? It's becoming biased based on what some editors see on TV.

Sure the popular games are the ones seen on TV or the ones that already have loyal fans, but there are still a majority of non-violent games out there.

Don't generalize because you don't understand. [[User:JonathanG|JonG]][[User_talk:JonathanG|Tennisu no Boifriendo]] 21:10, 27 June 2009 (EDT)

===Violence retort===
:And a funny retort to the violence "found" in gamers can be responded with:
::"Violence in gamers is not caused by video games themselves, but rather, the crappy movies that are "based" off of the video games." --VGCats & Beep Boop
[[User:JonathanG|JonG]][[User_talk:JonathanG|Tennisu no Boifriendo]] 21:19, 27 June 2009 (EDT)

== Targeted at teenagers? ==

It is not true that all video games are targeted at teenagers. It is true that video games are popular with teenagers, but they are also popular with people in their twenties. One could maybe make some useful link, but I think the first sentence should just be removed of its reference to teenagers. [[User:Crucialwood|Crucialwood]] 08:39, 4 August 2009 (EDT)

== Biased article ==

This is the most biased article I have ever seen. The opening sentence itself is sickening.

:So it looks like there is some controversy about this article. Is it possible to unlock it to editing? The vandals are surely gone now.--[[User:Wuhao1911|Wuhao1911]] 18:25, 9 January 2010 (EST)

::I don't know about vandals, but I'd like to see this unlocked... I think that at the moment, the article could use a bit of improvement. The first paragraph says some things that make me frown. [[User:MalP|MalP]] 21:15, 16 February 2010 (EST)

:::I completely agree. The first sentence of the article should describe what video games actually are, not make a blatant statement against them. It's appalling that this article is stuck in the state it's in currently. [[User:Piexing|Piexing]] 9:50, 6 March 2010 (EST)

::::Another study was just published documenting the harm. But I'll unlock the entry to see if you can improve it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 09:55, 6 March 2010 (EST)

== Italics in faith section ==

In the section that discusses faith in video games, when it goes on to list some games that involve religious belief, various sections of the article are in italics. I'd imagine this is because the author wanted the video game titles to be in italics, but some parts of the text are, as well. Is there a reason for this? I was going to change it, but thought I'd ask first. [[User:Jpope1487|Jpope1487]] 00:36, 13 January 2011 (EST)

== The positive side of video games ==

As an avid gamer, I'm disappointed at the extreme bias in this article. While I agree that language and questionable content is totally unnecessary in video games, there are a tremendous amount of games that are absolutely harmless, beneficial, and even educational. For example, Sid Meier's Civilization series simulates world leadership in a video game. Players can learn strategy and a limited level of diplomacy (especially if played with other real players) and the "encyclopedia" found in game gives a very detailed background on units, world wonders, faction leaders, nations, and history in general.

Flight Simulators are also considered games, and they give the player a fairly accurate representation of flight with no negative content. These are only two examples of "good" games that are sitting on my shelf. I originally wrote about 4 more examples but I wanted to keep my explanation short. :)

I apologize for dragging on my explanation, but I feel very strongly that video games are represented incorrectly and can indeed contain as many opportunities for education as television or radio. Tomorrow I'll research the subject some more and gather some sources and add a section to the article about the beneficial (and largely unnoticed) video games that are on the market. --[[User:Kody|Kody]] 23:24, 5 February 2011 (EST)

: You may try to improve it. --[[User:Joaquín Martínez|Joaquín Martínez]] 23:27, 5 February 2011 (EST)

::I learned my basic math skills from Command and Conquer. XD. No joke I really did. The Civ games are always educational and they provide the "encyclopedia" so you can learn about the wonders you build. I also have to admit as a kid I never ever cried because of a movie and it was a video game that was the first form of entertainment to make me shed my water. It was Call of Duty 2 Big Red One when Vic (I think) kicks open the door and gets shot, I was devastated. And the most recent Modern Warfare game also made me cry. As you fight to take Washington back from a invading force you see your fellow brothers in arms in body bag. The creators made sure you saw the body bags and saw the negative sad things. They also allowed you to skip the airport level. Props to Infinity Ward.--[[User:Harrymd|Harrymd]] 09:04, 25 July 2011 (EDT)

== Cleanup and Tagging ==

I cleaned up some of the sections and added in {{Citation needed}} tags where necessary. --[[User:HarabecW|HarabecW]] 19:36, 19 May 2011 (EDT)

==Dungeons and Dragons==

I'm not sure what to do when a page gets this long, but I went to the citation for the claim that Dungeons and Dragons contained Satanic imagery and I found no mention of the game on the page. I believe that the claim is false as it is just a GAME and I will be removing the statement unless someone can find real intentional game art that was meant to be Satanic. Thank you. [[User:AnnoyingConservative|AnnoyingConservative]]
:You've never actually... played the game have you. and its hard for real D&D to have much "art"--[[User:SeanS|SeanS]] 08:34, 2 June 2011 (EDT)
:Actually, yes. I have played the game. Nothing Satanic about it. If you have proof, I would like to see it [[User:AnnoyingConservative|AnnoyingConservative]]

== Subliminal messages ==

I came across something yesterday, when playing one of those silly "find the hidden item" games. I was quite surprised to see a number of items that should have been out of place in what is essentially a children's game.
I've loaded one screen-shot [http://picpaste.com/Mystery_P.I._-_The_Lottery_Ticket_1.jpg here] and circled the offending items: 2 bottles of wine, a cigarette, a cigar, a cigarette lighter, a bottle of beer and a full mug of beer. And this is just one screen of hundreds that you'll end up looking at while playing the game. [[User:TracyS|TracyS]] 07:54, 22 June 2011 (EDT)

:I dont really see that that is a children's game. Even if it is, so what? It's not encouraging children to smoke or drink. I'd hardly call that "subliminal messaging" --[[User:HarabecW|HarabecW]] 12:50, 22 June 2011 (EDT)
::Ok, so maybe subliminal isn't the right word, but you don't have a problem with hiding things like this and then encouraging children to find them? And of ''course'' it's a children's game - do you think these games are marketed at adults? PS It's "don't" [[User:TracyS|TracyS]] 12:59, 22 June 2011 (EDT)
:::Then I'd say DONT be a grammar nazi. No, I really dont have a problem with it, why should I? --[[User:HarabecW|HarabecW]] 13:38, 22 June 2011 (EDT)

== Amount of "E" rated games ==
Hey! I'm new here, but I'm already editing this article due to it's biased focus on harmful video games and that there are SOOOOO many inappropriate games. So, I went onto Amazon.com to check how many video games they had. Here's what I found:

Rated E: 27,619

Rated E 10: 2,172

Rated T: 9,643

Rated M: 3,757

Rated RP (Rating Pending): 8,750

As you can see, there are more E games on Amazon then all of the others COMBINED. That means that there are still a bunch of [[Family friendly]] games out there. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]

== Not all video games are targeted at Teenagers ==
I would like to mention that the line "Video games are addictive activities targeted at teenagers" is not entirely true. As shown in my post above, there are MANY "E" games. According to the ESRB website, titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. So, that means that there are a lot of video games targeted at children and families. So I propose that the line should be changed to "Video games are addictive activities targeted at all ages". [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:Perhaps, but there are a lot more video games played by teenagers than younger children. Video games are largely played by teenage boys, and ''many'' games are made to tailor to them.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:32, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::I have friends who aren't teenagers that love video games! I like video games too but am not useful in my argument since I'm 14. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:::How old are your friends? If they are preteens or younger, they don't help your argument out either, since the point of this article is that minors are the major consumers of video games.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:49, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::::That's their age range all right. But the term "Minors" is anyone under 18. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:::::Correct, but that's what I said. People under the age of eighteen are the major consumers of video games. Also, another fad to note: people in that age range (preteens) are given violent games (e.g. the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series) by parents due to their ignorance of game content and the corresponding ratings. This is a fact, and should be noted in the article. Video games are not good for the intellectual stimulation of children. They would benefit reading a [[book]] once and a while, if they even know what one is!--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:57, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::::::Yeah. But video games aren't the only reason that teens can be violent. I blame movies and TV too. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:::::::Extremely valid point, and you can feel free to add criticisms to the respective articles.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 20:24, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::Most popular video games (more than 15 million sold):
*Wii Sports (Wii) (76.76 million)
*Super Mario Bros. (NES) (40.24 million)
*Tetris (GB) (35 million)
*Mario Kart Wii (Wii) (28.23 million)
*Wii Sports Resort (Wii) (27.68 million)
*Wii Play (Wii) (27.38 million)
*New Super Mario Bros. (GBA) (26.88 million)
*Pokémon Red, and Blue (GB) (23.64 million)
*Nintendogs All versions (GBA) (23.26 million)
*Pokémon Gold and Silver (GB) (23 million)
*Wii Fit (Wii) (22.61 million)
*New Super Mario Bros. Wii (21.94 million)
*Mario Kart DS (GBA) (21.04 million)
*Super Mario World (SNES) (20.60 million)
*Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! (GBA) (18.72 million)
*Wii Fit Plus (18.49 million)
*Super Mario Land (GB) (18.06 million)
*Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) (18 million)
*Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (GBA) (17.39 million)
*Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2) (17.33 million approximately)
*The Sims (PC) (16 million shipped)
*Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega) (15 million)
But it is probably true that teenagers spend more time on 1 game than others.
--[[User:PhilipN|PhilipN]] 16:54, 5 January 2012 (EST)

Plenty of adults play video games, too. Sports video games, like the Madden series, are popular among all ages. [[User:DynaboyJ|DynaboyJ]] 17:58, 5 January 2012 (EST)

== Video games can actually help! ==

Gaming grannies: 'World of Warcraft' boosts cognitive abilities

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/25/gaming-grannies-world-warcraft-boosts-cognitive-abilities/?intcmp=features#ixzz1nY0rkeU8
:That's about as bogus as ''Angry Birds'' and physics.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 22:11, 26 February 2012 (EST)
::Explain why [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]] 09:13, 27 February 2012 (EST)
:::JonnyAmerican, there are no benefits to video games. Much like popular television, modern music, and other forms of entertainment, there is no cultural enrichment. There really is no cognitive enrichment either. The content in many video games is questionable as best. It is essential that you realize that the games have no benefit in this regard, and any credible doctor would tell you the same.
:::As for ''Angry Birds'' and physics: it's a bogus claim as none of the contents are explicitly or even implicitly related to the discipline; it is claim some made with nothing to back it up. Surely no credible science teacher would use it as a teaching tool?--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:29, 28 February 2012 (EST)

== Found a Downside to Video Games ==

[http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/03/20/terrorists-use-online-games-like-call-duty-to-plot-attacks/?intcmp=features] [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]] 08:40, 20 March 2012 (EDT)

== Editing [[Video Games]] ==

[http://www.theesa.com/facts/violence.asp]
This article has a point about violence in other countries. Most of our American video games are sold in other countries, but their homicide rates are still lower then ours (most European countries and Japan have homicide rates under 1% of 100,000 people compared to America's 4%).

[http://www.theesa.com/facts/violence.asp]
This article describes that video games are played mostly by young adults, not teens.

So, is it okay if I edit [[video games]] to better reflect the facts? [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]] 10:16, 17 May 2012 (EDT)
:You link to the same article twice. You also need a source outside the ESA. --[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 11:43, 18 May 2012 (EDT)

== Several of the claims in this article are extremely spurious ==

I reverted an edit saying video games have caused people to drop out of college due to lack of sources. I myself have played video games heavily, and I have never felt they were a good reason to drop out of college.

Further, I also restored an edit about how games teach critical thinking skills, which they can and do. The United States military uses video game software as training material (they once commissoned a version of the game Battlezone for use as a Bradley tank simulator), and from personal experience with games like Civilization, a game of that nature forces the player to consider the tactical and strategic benefits of their decisions in building wonders and other civilization improvements, the use of military, economic, and political decision making in order to maximize the prominence and success of the civilization run by the player, which requires the player to invest considerable thought into their gameplaying decisions.

Further, as distasteful as it is, video games like Grand Theft Auto and Doom require critical thinking because the former requires the player to plan out how to complete missions successfuly without getting captured by law enforcement, which requires careful planning, as I'm sure any criminologist would easily verify about any competent criminal in real life. As for the latter, Doom had puzzles that required the player to discover keycards to open doors and had switches and motion puzzles that required the player to make tactical decisions to pass levels, not to mention some levels had limited ammunition on higher difficulties, forcing the player to figure out creative ways to maximize their kill count of the enemies with their limited resources.

All of the above require critical thinking skills on the part of the player.

Further, I've played videogames, and I still believe in God, so the claim videogames encourage atheism seems spurious as well.

As for videogames inspiring young people to kill, so do violent movies and books (Timothy McVeigh was inspired to commit his acts of depravity by the racist book ''The Turner Diaries''), but regardless, a video game does not rob anyone of free will, and everyone who found inspiration in killing from any sort of violent media had the choice not to commit those acts of violence, unless they were legally insane, in which case whatever they chose as entertainment is somewhat irrelevant, as they were unable to make rational decisions in the first place. Besides, Breivik was found to be sane (and rejected an insanity defense) regardless of his enjoyment of Call of Duty.

As for sexual immorality and desensitization to violence, I'd be willing to believe that. Many games do have permissive sexual themes (and some are outright pornographic), and many violent video games do tend to desensitive the player to violence over a perioud of time, so in that regard, they are unhealthy influences, especially to those with depraved or violent tendencies.

Still, that does not mean those parties don't know what right and wrong is, and they choose to do evil of their own will; their influences merely push them in that direction, but they are the ones who choose to give into temptation.

Stress-induced health problems (including unexpected heart attacks) is a claim that can be true, and the bright lights and intense action can cause epileptic seizures, so that is a claim I'd be willing to buy as well.

Also, I checked the references cited, and the first one is no longer available, so it needs a new reference, and as someone who still follows the gaming industry (I occasionally have read news periodicals related to gaming), that claim seems doubtful to begin with. As for the sixth reference, it only refers to statistics regarding violent video games, nothing about "tragic results", so this claim is spurious and erroneously represented.

As for the twelfth reference, it no longer seems available at the link provided, so this needs updated before it's veracity can be cited in the article.

[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 00:11, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

Talk:Video games

2013-01-03T05:11:05Z

PatrickMarion: /* Several of the claims in this article are extremely spurious */ new section

Alright... The source given at the end of the first paragraph is, honestly, useless. It doesn't prove any claim made in the paragraph, let alone the last sentence, and some of the stuff given there sounds absolutely ludicrious. 124 incidents of violence in 10 minutes? Unless you're counting every punch as an incident, that's incredibly high...

Anyway. Under normal circumstances I'd simply delete the reference and replace it with a citation needed tag, but given that I'm coming fresh of a banning for misinterpreting instructions, I leave it to you to decide whether or not to remove a source that really adds nothing to the article. Cheers. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 23:33, 22 January 2008 (EST)

:Alright. Should nobody post a response to this in the next... Ehh, few hours, I'm going to replace that source with a fact tag. Reason: Source is irrelevant to that section of the article. [[User:Barikada|Barikada]] 15:55, 25 January 2008 (EST)

==Final Fantasy==
Oh dang. I just noticed the what the previous edits said about the series. It's about purging evil in a make believe world! Narnia is almost the same. (both have magic/occult themes!)

I've been playing the series for a while, what homosexuality has there been besides Kefka, the arguable transvestite, from FFVI? And transvestism?! So what if Cloud was needed to infiltrate an area via "en femme"? It's a short section of the game and it was a pixelated mess.

Sexuality, let me think (my memory is half good on gaming). VI, nope. VII, nope (Tifa was "top-heavy"). VIII, didn't play. IX, nope. X, underwater make-out scene and Lulu's attire is iffy. X-2, that massage mini-game freaked me out and their attire. XI, didn't play due to online. XII, still playing and the only dispute are the Vieras' attire. Undercover cops in prostitution have just as much sexuality, but it's a necessary good, no?

Suicide... not really (from my experience). Homicide, very much so. Sephiroth killed Aerith, so Cloud killed Sephiroth. The only time I can think of was when Tidus (FFX) jumped off the Fahrenheit at the end, but he was just an apparition anyway. Also, it's not like it glorifying it either.

Religion. FFXII, the villains defy "the gods/fates". What do they get? Most are burned up by their manufactured idols ("manufacted nethicite") while the others are destroyed by Ashelia and the crew. Gabranth also comes to see the errors of his ways and joins the final fight for good against his superior, Vayne. Gabranth was saved in one way or another. Ruling out the villains of Final Fantasy, there hasn't been--if my memory serves correct--a defiance/negativity towards religion... except maybe the false religion of Yevon, which said that a summoner should die for their people to rid the world of pain for 3 years, "Sin". FFX was about defeating "Sin" and the false gods.
I think I am done with my ranting for today. I would like to see some counter-points though. +_+ always tired [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 22:18, 4 June 2008 (EDT)

:Many characters are unnecessarily sexualized (specially on concept art), just look at FFX-2. There's also a few sexual references here and there. (Though its not as bad as other games.) Also, Faris and Kuja are definitely transvestives.
:There's also plenty of suicide in FFVI, with at least two of your main characters practicing it. There's also Dyne in FFVII committing it.
:And if Final Fantasy Tactics wasn't a subtle attempt at subversion against Christianity, I don't know what it is. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 00:33, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

::it isn't a subtle attempt at subverting christianity, it was a successful attempt to make money by creating a video game that took place in a fantasy world. (and as for the other things i have no idea cause i dont play FF, although their are other games with more violence and sexuallity, try picking on gta, that will be easier)-[[User:Greenmeanie|Greenmeanie]] 00:56, 5 June 2008 (EDT)
:::Well, yes, but more specifically it was a successful attempt to make money by creation a video game that took place in a fantasy world were Christianity is basically evil. I'll eventually get to work on the gta articles though. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 01:02, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

:FFX-2 was Square's only first attempt to make an actual sequel. With the name that sequel brings it immediately brings less sales. How to counteract that? Scanty clothing! It's about making money. I preferred to use a party of 2 white mages and one dark knight (most amount of clothing), with the exception of using special dress-spheres when necessary (Riku's and Paine's special form were fully clothed). Gunner, hot pants and side skirt. Gun Mage, side skirt and midriff. Alchemist, nothing revealing. Warrior, bike shorts(?) at least. Dark Knight, nothing. Samurai, tube top Riku. Berserker, major problem. Songstress, miniskirt balanced with really up high boots/stockings. Black Mage, mix samurai with songstress format. White Mage, nothing. Lady Luck, problem. Mascot, definitely nothing wrong. Trainer, same top as Ashelia from FFXII--reveals top 1/3 of breasts. Actually useful dress-spheres: Berserker, White Mage, Lady Luck (if your timing is correct), Warrior, Songstress (if you give it time), and the special spheres.
:Weren't Kuja and Zidane both genderless genomes? How can a mechanically engineered, soulless being be a transvestite? They were containers for the souls of Terra. Souls have gender/sex. True nature, a purified version of the body/container God made for us to use. If you have no soul, and you're just a container, then you have no true nature/gender. Kuja absorbed a plethora of souls of the Terrans... woman, child, man. Wouldn't that make "him" multi-gendered?
:And.. I never played FF Tactics. I've played Mystic Quest, FFIII (JP), FFVI, FFVII, FFIX, FFX (best game ever! - spent 300 hours on it, 250 on one file), FFX-2 (just wanted to see how a sequel would be and what happened to Tidus), FFXII (still playing, good vocabulary too). +_+ always tired [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 15:08, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

::Oh, I don't doubt the sexualizing of women in the series (not just FFX-2) was made in an effort to increase sales for the games (I would even say it applies to other themes not suitable for children such as profanity), however, that doesn't make it right or more appropriate.

::Its true that Kuja is a genome, but they still have male bodies and are treated essentially like men in the game, in fact, you don't even get to know they aren't really human until nearly the end of the game. Also, even taking these technicalities in account, Faris (from FFV) is still transvestite. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 16:44, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

:::They also kind of had to assign a gender. You couldn't go a whole referring to the main antagonist as "it", "Kuja" or "zhe" (zhe is what some "genderless" people like to be called).

:::I have never actually played more than 10 minutes of FFV before deciding it wasn't worth the effort of not spending time on Dofus (a French-based [[MMORPG]]). +_+ always tired [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 23:58, 5 June 2008 (EDT)

::::"He" works as a pronoun for both genders, doesn't it? [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 19:36, 6 June 2008 (EDT)

:::::For conservatives, it does. My friend--"genderless by choice", born a she, and liberal--wishes to be known as "zhe". Also, Society builds on being [[politically correct]]. Companies can't go about saying every unknown gendered person, Quina Quen (FFIX), is a he... that would offend too many potential consumers. Turning off potential consumers means a loss for future profits too. [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 12:01, 9 June 2008 (EDT)

::::::I always thought that was an attempt at comedy actually. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 21:17, 19 June 2008 (EDT)

==Sex in video games==
I found something useful in an older release of the Official Playstation Magazine about sex in videogames.

*1982 - Custer's Revenge (Atari 2600) - The goal of the game was to have sex with a Native American woman by dodging arrows.
*1990 - River City Ransom (Nintendo Entertainment System) - During a certain part of the game you can enter the sauna and it shows a naked man-butt.
*1996 - Tomb Raider (PS1) - Introduced polygon breasts to the gaming world.
*1998 - Metal Gear Solid (PS1) - "bathroom scene"
*2000 - Dead or Alive 2: Hardcore (PS2) - "perfected" polygon breasts by adding a realistic bouncing effect.
*2001 - Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix (PS1) - featured a lesbian couple for protagonists and several make-out scenes and partial nudity.
*2001 - Rez (PS2 - Japan) - A trance music game with optional USB vibrator accessory.
*2002 - BMX XXX (PS2) - nude characters and unlockable strip tease videos
*2004 - Leisure Suit Larry (PS2) - sex-themed minigames
*2004 - GTA: San Andreas (PS2) - "Hot Coffee"
*2005 - Playboy: The Mansion (PS2) - sexual scenes (kind of obvious)
*2005 - God of War (PS2) - topless female characters
*2005 - Pornographic UMDs (PSP - Japan)
<ref>Ashley, Robert. "The Secret History of Videogame Sex." Official Playstation Magazine Feb. 2006: 96-99.</ref>

:Uh, buddy boy, that Lara Croft code was an April Fool's joke. [[User:DannyRedful|DannyRedful]] 14:37, 13 June 2008 (EDT)
::Right, right. I forgot about that... I never was one for reading the entire article. [[User:NathanG|Nate]] 15:32, 13 June 2008 (EDT)
:::I'm adding a section about this if nobody minds. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 00:28, 14 June 2008 (EDT)
::::God of War also included mini-games involving the lead character having sex with various women. While the acts were not pictured on screen (the in-game views were moved to different parts of the rooms), the player had to press various buttons at the right time and was treated to all the sounds of the sex acts. Additionally, during one of the sex scenes, the camera focused on a fountain statue of a urinating young boy which achieved an erection during the scene and "ejaculated." This filth can be viewed on YouTube if anyone (i.e. any liberal) doubts me. [[User:Jinxmchue|Jinxmchue]] 12:47, 9 September 2008 (EDT)

==Link With Crime==
I think the statement in the first paragraph—I added a <nowiki>{{fact}}</nowiki> tag but took it out after some consideration— needs a link to some sort of study linking the two, or it needs to be reworded. I don't believe a singular incident can be evidence for this claim.
--[[User:LautRN|Jeffrey W. Lauttamus]][[User_talk:LautRN|Discussion]] 11:59, 9 September 2008 (EDT)
:It's clear that crimes have been ''associated'' with video games (the Columbine killers made custom levels in Doom that matched their school or some such), so the statement as written is true. The problem comes if you try to make a large scale correlation -- outside of anecdotal evidence, I don't think any evidence has ever been found. What few individual correlations I've heard, there's no evidence that the video game ''caused'' the violence. [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 21:49, 20 September 2008 (EDT)

==References==
<references/>

== Jack Thompson ==

Maybe we should remove the mention of Jack Thompson? He wasn't really a "target" of the media, and with his recent disbarrment, it might make a stronger case without mention of him. [[User:LiamG|LiamG]] 17:40, 11 October 2008 (EDT)
:Alternatively, it makes his criticisms seem more like the goofiness that they realy are ;-) You are right about the "target" thing though; most "targeted" media coverage was from gamer sites and comics. If the main stream media had anything about him he wasn't really a "target". [[User:HelpJazz|Help]][[User talk:HelpJazz|Jazz]] 19:37, 11 October 2008 (EDT)

==People who actually...==
Can we get some people who actually play video games to edit this article? It's becoming biased based on what some editors see on TV.

Sure the popular games are the ones seen on TV or the ones that already have loyal fans, but there are still a majority of non-violent games out there.

Don't generalize because you don't understand. [[User:JonathanG|JonG]][[User_talk:JonathanG|Tennisu no Boifriendo]] 21:10, 27 June 2009 (EDT)

===Violence retort===
:And a funny retort to the violence "found" in gamers can be responded with:
::"Violence in gamers is not caused by video games themselves, but rather, the crappy movies that are "based" off of the video games." --VGCats & Beep Boop
[[User:JonathanG|JonG]][[User_talk:JonathanG|Tennisu no Boifriendo]] 21:19, 27 June 2009 (EDT)

== Targeted at teenagers? ==

It is not true that all video games are targeted at teenagers. It is true that video games are popular with teenagers, but they are also popular with people in their twenties. One could maybe make some useful link, but I think the first sentence should just be removed of its reference to teenagers. [[User:Crucialwood|Crucialwood]] 08:39, 4 August 2009 (EDT)

== Biased article ==

This is the most biased article I have ever seen. The opening sentence itself is sickening.

:So it looks like there is some controversy about this article. Is it possible to unlock it to editing? The vandals are surely gone now.--[[User:Wuhao1911|Wuhao1911]] 18:25, 9 January 2010 (EST)

::I don't know about vandals, but I'd like to see this unlocked... I think that at the moment, the article could use a bit of improvement. The first paragraph says some things that make me frown. [[User:MalP|MalP]] 21:15, 16 February 2010 (EST)

:::I completely agree. The first sentence of the article should describe what video games actually are, not make a blatant statement against them. It's appalling that this article is stuck in the state it's in currently. [[User:Piexing|Piexing]] 9:50, 6 March 2010 (EST)

::::Another study was just published documenting the harm. But I'll unlock the entry to see if you can improve it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 09:55, 6 March 2010 (EST)

== Italics in faith section ==

In the section that discusses faith in video games, when it goes on to list some games that involve religious belief, various sections of the article are in italics. I'd imagine this is because the author wanted the video game titles to be in italics, but some parts of the text are, as well. Is there a reason for this? I was going to change it, but thought I'd ask first. [[User:Jpope1487|Jpope1487]] 00:36, 13 January 2011 (EST)

== The positive side of video games ==

As an avid gamer, I'm disappointed at the extreme bias in this article. While I agree that language and questionable content is totally unnecessary in video games, there are a tremendous amount of games that are absolutely harmless, beneficial, and even educational. For example, Sid Meier's Civilization series simulates world leadership in a video game. Players can learn strategy and a limited level of diplomacy (especially if played with other real players) and the "encyclopedia" found in game gives a very detailed background on units, world wonders, faction leaders, nations, and history in general.

Flight Simulators are also considered games, and they give the player a fairly accurate representation of flight with no negative content. These are only two examples of "good" games that are sitting on my shelf. I originally wrote about 4 more examples but I wanted to keep my explanation short. :)

I apologize for dragging on my explanation, but I feel very strongly that video games are represented incorrectly and can indeed contain as many opportunities for education as television or radio. Tomorrow I'll research the subject some more and gather some sources and add a section to the article about the beneficial (and largely unnoticed) video games that are on the market. --[[User:Kody|Kody]] 23:24, 5 February 2011 (EST)

: You may try to improve it. --[[User:Joaquín Martínez|Joaquín Martínez]] 23:27, 5 February 2011 (EST)

::I learned my basic math skills from Command and Conquer. XD. No joke I really did. The Civ games are always educational and they provide the "encyclopedia" so you can learn about the wonders you build. I also have to admit as a kid I never ever cried because of a movie and it was a video game that was the first form of entertainment to make me shed my water. It was Call of Duty 2 Big Red One when Vic (I think) kicks open the door and gets shot, I was devastated. And the most recent Modern Warfare game also made me cry. As you fight to take Washington back from a invading force you see your fellow brothers in arms in body bag. The creators made sure you saw the body bags and saw the negative sad things. They also allowed you to skip the airport level. Props to Infinity Ward.--[[User:Harrymd|Harrymd]] 09:04, 25 July 2011 (EDT)

== Cleanup and Tagging ==

I cleaned up some of the sections and added in {{Citation needed}} tags where necessary. --[[User:HarabecW|HarabecW]] 19:36, 19 May 2011 (EDT)

==Dungeons and Dragons==

I'm not sure what to do when a page gets this long, but I went to the citation for the claim that Dungeons and Dragons contained Satanic imagery and I found no mention of the game on the page. I believe that the claim is false as it is just a GAME and I will be removing the statement unless someone can find real intentional game art that was meant to be Satanic. Thank you. [[User:AnnoyingConservative|AnnoyingConservative]]
:You've never actually... played the game have you. and its hard for real D&D to have much "art"--[[User:SeanS|SeanS]] 08:34, 2 June 2011 (EDT)
:Actually, yes. I have played the game. Nothing Satanic about it. If you have proof, I would like to see it [[User:AnnoyingConservative|AnnoyingConservative]]

== Subliminal messages ==

I came across something yesterday, when playing one of those silly "find the hidden item" games. I was quite surprised to see a number of items that should have been out of place in what is essentially a children's game.
I've loaded one screen-shot [http://picpaste.com/Mystery_P.I._-_The_Lottery_Ticket_1.jpg here] and circled the offending items: 2 bottles of wine, a cigarette, a cigar, a cigarette lighter, a bottle of beer and a full mug of beer. And this is just one screen of hundreds that you'll end up looking at while playing the game. [[User:TracyS|TracyS]] 07:54, 22 June 2011 (EDT)

:I dont really see that that is a children's game. Even if it is, so what? It's not encouraging children to smoke or drink. I'd hardly call that "subliminal messaging" --[[User:HarabecW|HarabecW]] 12:50, 22 June 2011 (EDT)
::Ok, so maybe subliminal isn't the right word, but you don't have a problem with hiding things like this and then encouraging children to find them? And of ''course'' it's a children's game - do you think these games are marketed at adults? PS It's "don't" [[User:TracyS|TracyS]] 12:59, 22 June 2011 (EDT)
:::Then I'd say DONT be a grammar nazi. No, I really dont have a problem with it, why should I? --[[User:HarabecW|HarabecW]] 13:38, 22 June 2011 (EDT)

== Amount of "E" rated games ==
Hey! I'm new here, but I'm already editing this article due to it's biased focus on harmful video games and that there are SOOOOO many inappropriate games. So, I went onto Amazon.com to check how many video games they had. Here's what I found:

Rated E: 27,619

Rated E 10: 2,172

Rated T: 9,643

Rated M: 3,757

Rated RP (Rating Pending): 8,750

As you can see, there are more E games on Amazon then all of the others COMBINED. That means that there are still a bunch of [[Family friendly]] games out there. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]

== Not all video games are targeted at Teenagers ==
I would like to mention that the line "Video games are addictive activities targeted at teenagers" is not entirely true. As shown in my post above, there are MANY "E" games. According to the ESRB website, titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. So, that means that there are a lot of video games targeted at children and families. So I propose that the line should be changed to "Video games are addictive activities targeted at all ages". [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:Perhaps, but there are a lot more video games played by teenagers than younger children. Video games are largely played by teenage boys, and ''many'' games are made to tailor to them.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:32, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::I have friends who aren't teenagers that love video games! I like video games too but am not useful in my argument since I'm 14. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:::How old are your friends? If they are preteens or younger, they don't help your argument out either, since the point of this article is that minors are the major consumers of video games.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:49, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::::That's their age range all right. But the term "Minors" is anyone under 18. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:::::Correct, but that's what I said. People under the age of eighteen are the major consumers of video games. Also, another fad to note: people in that age range (preteens) are given violent games (e.g. the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series) by parents due to their ignorance of game content and the corresponding ratings. This is a fact, and should be noted in the article. Video games are not good for the intellectual stimulation of children. They would benefit reading a [[book]] once and a while, if they even know what one is!--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:57, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::::::Yeah. But video games aren't the only reason that teens can be violent. I blame movies and TV too. [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]]
:::::::Extremely valid point, and you can feel free to add criticisms to the respective articles.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 20:24, 5 January 2012 (EST)
::Most popular video games (more than 15 million sold):
*Wii Sports (Wii) (76.76 million)
*Super Mario Bros. (NES) (40.24 million)
*Tetris (GB) (35 million)
*Mario Kart Wii (Wii) (28.23 million)
*Wii Sports Resort (Wii) (27.68 million)
*Wii Play (Wii) (27.38 million)
*New Super Mario Bros. (GBA) (26.88 million)
*Pokémon Red, and Blue (GB) (23.64 million)
*Nintendogs All versions (GBA) (23.26 million)
*Pokémon Gold and Silver (GB) (23 million)
*Wii Fit (Wii) (22.61 million)
*New Super Mario Bros. Wii (21.94 million)
*Mario Kart DS (GBA) (21.04 million)
*Super Mario World (SNES) (20.60 million)
*Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! (GBA) (18.72 million)
*Wii Fit Plus (18.49 million)
*Super Mario Land (GB) (18.06 million)
*Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) (18 million)
*Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (GBA) (17.39 million)
*Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2) (17.33 million approximately)
*The Sims (PC) (16 million shipped)
*Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega) (15 million)
But it is probably true that teenagers spend more time on 1 game than others.
--[[User:PhilipN|PhilipN]] 16:54, 5 January 2012 (EST)

Plenty of adults play video games, too. Sports video games, like the Madden series, are popular among all ages. [[User:DynaboyJ|DynaboyJ]] 17:58, 5 January 2012 (EST)

== Video games can actually help! ==

Gaming grannies: 'World of Warcraft' boosts cognitive abilities

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/25/gaming-grannies-world-warcraft-boosts-cognitive-abilities/?intcmp=features#ixzz1nY0rkeU8
:That's about as bogus as ''Angry Birds'' and physics.--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 22:11, 26 February 2012 (EST)
::Explain why [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]] 09:13, 27 February 2012 (EST)
:::JonnyAmerican, there are no benefits to video games. Much like popular television, modern music, and other forms of entertainment, there is no cultural enrichment. There really is no cognitive enrichment either. The content in many video games is questionable as best. It is essential that you realize that the games have no benefit in this regard, and any credible doctor would tell you the same.
:::As for ''Angry Birds'' and physics: it's a bogus claim as none of the contents are explicitly or even implicitly related to the discipline; it is claim some made with nothing to back it up. Surely no credible science teacher would use it as a teaching tool?--[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 16:29, 28 February 2012 (EST)

== Found a Downside to Video Games ==

[http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/03/20/terrorists-use-online-games-like-call-duty-to-plot-attacks/?intcmp=features] [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]] 08:40, 20 March 2012 (EDT)

== Editing [[Video Games]] ==

[http://www.theesa.com/facts/violence.asp]
This article has a point about violence in other countries. Most of our American video games are sold in other countries, but their homicide rates are still lower then ours (most European countries and Japan have homicide rates under 1% of 100,000 people compared to America's 4%).

[http://www.theesa.com/facts/violence.asp]
This article describes that video games are played mostly by young adults, not teens.

So, is it okay if I edit [[video games]] to better reflect the facts? [[User:JonnyAmerican|JonnyAmerican]] 10:16, 17 May 2012 (EDT)
:You link to the same article twice. You also need a source outside the ESA. --[[User:JamesWilson|James Wilson]] 11:43, 18 May 2012 (EDT)

== Several of the claims in this article are extremely spurious ==

I reverted an edit saying video games have caused people to drop out of college due to lack of sources. I myself have played video games heavily, and I have never felt they were a good reason to drop out of college.

Further, I also restored an edit about how games teach critical thinking skills, which they can and do. The United States military uses video game software as training material (they once commissoned a version of the game Battlezone for use as a Bradley tank simulator), and from personal experience with games like Civilization, a game of that nature forces the player to consider the tactical and strategic benefits of their decisions in building wonders and other civilization improvements, the use of military, economic, and political decision making in order to maximize the prominence and success of the civilization run by the player, which requires the player to invest considerable thought into their gameplaying decisions.

Further, as distasteful as it is, video games like Grand Theft Auto and Doom require critical thinking because the former requires the player to plan out how to complete missions successfuly without getting captured by law enforcement, which requires careful planning, as I'm sure any criminologist would easily verify about any competent criminal in real life. As for the latter, Doom had puzzles that required the player to discover keycards to open doors and had switches and motion puzzles that required the player to make tactical decisions to pass levels, not to mention some levels had limited ammunition on higher difficulties, forcing the player to figure out creative ways to maximize their kill count of the enemies with their limited resources.

All of the above require critical thinking skills on the part of the player.

Further, I've played videogames, and I still believe in God, so the claim videogames encourage atheism seems spurious as well.

As for videogames inspiring young people to kill, so do violent movies and books (Timothy McVeigh was inspired to commit his acts of depravity by the racist book ''The Turner Diaries''), but regardless, a video game does not rob anyone of free will, and everyone who found inspiration in killing from any sort of violent media had the choice not to commit those acts of violence, unless they were legally insane, in which case whatever they chose as entertainment is somewhat irrelevant, as they were unable to make rational decisions in the first place. Besides, Breivik was found to be sane (and rejected an insanity defense) regardless of his enjoyment of Call of Duty.

As for sexual immorality and desensitization to violence, I'd be willing to believe that. Many games do have permissive sexual themes (and some are outright pornographic), and many violent video games do tend to desensitive the player to violence over a perioud of time, so in that regard, they are unhealthy influences, especially to those with depraved or violent tendencies.

Still, that does not mean those parties don't know what right and wrong is, and they choose to do evil of their own will; their influences merely push them in that direction, but they are the ones who choose to give into temptation.

Stress-induced health problems (including unexpected heart attacks) is a claim that can be true, and the bright lights and intense action can cause epileptic seizures, so that is a claim I'd be willing to buy as well.

Also, I checked the references cited, and the first one is no longer available, so it needs a new reference, and as someone who still follows the gaming industry (I occasionally have read news periodicals related to gaming), that claim seems doubtful to begin with. As for the sixth reference, it only refers to statistics regarding vilent video games, nothing about "tragic results", so this claim is spurious and erroneously represented.

As for the twelfth reference, it no longer seems available at the link provided, so this needs updated before it's veracity can be cited in the article.

[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 00:11, 3 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

Video games

2013-01-03T04:39:07Z

PatrickMarion: Undo revision 1026596 by Aschlafly (talk) removing unsourced claim, restoring something that can be proven true by personal experience

A '''video game''' is any electronic game, typically addictive and violent, which is played on a computer or console. Though bigger than [[Hollywood]], the video game industry declined in 2012<ref>http://www.nbc12.com/story/20289219/us-video-game-sales-drop-11-pct-in-november</ref> as some begin to wake up to how harmful violent video games really are.

Video games have been linked to [[Young Mass Murderers|murders by young people]] and other [[violence]], stress-induced health problems (including unexpected heart attacks), [[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, for example.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-316491/Teenager-gets-life-Manhunt-murder.html</ref>
{{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.}}<ref>http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/games/871121-norway-stores-pull-violent-video-games-including-call-of-duty-after-massacre#ixzz1erUdaLo5</ref>

== Nature of Video games ==

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.

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.

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>

== Various genres ==

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 off of movies, such as Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. Video games often teach critical thinking inadvertently require the players to solve problems or puzzles posed by the games.

== Popularity & Controversy ==

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.

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]]''.

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>

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>

===Violence===

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.

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.
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>
In the [[United States|USA]], all retail games carry ratings from the [[ESRB]], a video game ratings organization.

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>

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>

===Sexuality===

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>

== Video Games & Society ==

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.

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.

== Education in Video Games ==

While most popular video games are experiencing an increase in violence, language, and sexuality, other gamers and game developers are beginning to view video games as an educational opportunity. 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>

Microsoft Flight Simulator is another example of a video game being recognized for its unique educational properties. <ref> http://www.microsoft.com/Products/Games/FSInsider/product/Pages/InfoEducators.aspx </ref>

The popularity of several of the favourite sports video games has led to an uptake in children wishing to take part in them. If an adult plays video games with their children, they can learn about their child's personality and interests.

== Faith in Video Games ==

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.

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.

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.

Games may include a fictional religion as part of the setting if the use of a real religion may invite undesirable controversy.

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>.

==See Also==
*[[Young mass murderers]]
*[[Video game controversy]]
*[[Jack Thompson]]
*[[Video game industry]]

==External Links==
*[http://www.whattheyplay.com/ What They Play - the parent's guide to video games]
*[http://www.leftbehindgames.com/index.php Left Behind Games - a Christian, family friendly video game company]

==References==

<References/>

[[Category:Entertainment]]
[[Category:Video Games]]
[[Category:Computers]]

64-bit Windows

2013-01-02T17:49:53Z

PatrickMarion: Created page with "'''64-bit Windows''' is a version of Windows by Microsoft that uses 64 bits of data to be processed in parallel and can handle more than 4 GB of system RAM. Windows XP, ..."

'''64-bit Windows''' is a version of [[Windows]] by [[Microsoft]] that uses 64 bits of data to be processed in parallel and can handle more than 4 GB of system RAM.

Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 all have 64-bit versions.

64 bit versions of Windows are not backwards compatible with 16-bit software (anything that would run on the MS-DOS or Windows 1.0/2.0/3.x operating systems), though they are able to run over 99% of all 32-bit programs, though hardware drivers need 64-bit versions to function.

16-bit software can be made to run only through an emulation mode (such as Windows 7's "XP Mode") or virtual machine program that runs a virtual copy of another OS and recreates it's capabilities while running a 64-bit OS.

==See Also==
* [[32-bit Windows]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/num/64bit.htm Definition of 64-bit at Computer Hope]

32-bit Windows

2013-01-02T17:41:49Z

PatrickMarion: adding information

'''32-bit Windows''' is a version of [[Windows]] by [[Microsoft]] that uses 32 bits of data to be processed in parallel and can handle up to 4 GB of system RAM.

Windows 95, 98, 98 SE, ME, NT 3.1, NT 3.5, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, and 8 all have 32 bit versions of their installation software available.

Windows 3.1 was a 16-bit OS, but was the first Windows OS to introduce support for 32-bit program calls, albeit in a very early form.

32 bit versions of Windows are, for the most part, backwards compatible with most 16-bit programs (i.e. - programs written for the Windows 1.0/2.0/3.x series), though later 32 bit OSes have poor compatibility with MS-DOS, though this can usually be remedied by installing a DOS emulation program or virtual machine installation of an older OS to compensate for these shortcomings.

'''Am I running 32-bit Windows?'''
* Users ask this question when downloading software, if there are separate versions for 64-bit and 32-bit Windows.
* In Vista, open the System control panel by right-clicking Computer and choosing Properties (either on the Start Menu or in Windows Explorer)

==See Also==
* [[64-bit Windows]]

[[Category:Operating Systems]][[Category:Microsoft]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/num/32bit.htm Definition of 32-bit OS at Computer Hope]

Ubuntu

2013-01-02T15:08:34Z

PatrickMarion: grammar fixes, acronyms should be capitalized

Ubuntu is a community-developed, free, [[Linux]]-based operating system. The name, which comes from an [[African]] [[philosophy]], means '[[Humanity]] to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. It is supported by the company, Canonical, is released for free, every 2 years. Ubuntu itself, is based on [[Debian]].
[[Image:Gnomesword large.png|right|thumb|150px|Screenshot of Ubuntu 7.04LTS Edition with a few Christian programs running.]]

==Features==
Ubuntu is based on the [[free software|free]] [[Linux]] [[kernel]] and a snapshot of the Debian program tree. It focuses on ease of use.

Ubuntu comes by default with many useful programs, including [[OpenOffice.org|OpenOffice]], [[Bluetooth]], [[Mozilla Firefox]], and (new in version 9.10) [[Ubuntu One]], a free online data backup service. Ubuntu also offers users the Ubuntu Software Center, which allows them to easily download many free programs, ranging from [[solitaire]] games to [[Integrated Development Environments]]. It has an increasing number of device drivers which allow it to run on most computers.
While installing Ubuntu has traditionally required burning the program image to a [[CD-ROM]], a program called [http://wubi-installer.org Wubi] allows people to install it from inside their current operating system, just like a normal program.

Since [[Microsoft Windows]] has the dominant market share, most [[computer virus|computer viruses]] are written for Windows. Therefore, users of [[Linux]] operating systems like Ubuntu have less need for [[antivirus]] software.

==History==
Ubuntu is written by Canonical Ltd., a company owned by [[Mark Shuttleworth]], a South African entrepreneur. The first version, called Warty Warthog<ref>https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WartyWarthog</ref>, was released in October 2004. Since then, Canonical has released a new version of Ubuntu every six months. The current version, Precise Pangolin, can be downloaded for free from the Ubuntu website<ref>http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download</ref>.

It is difficult to measure how many people use Ubuntu, because anyone can freely redistribute copies. However, it has become very popular for low-cost [[netbook]] computers.

==Ubuntu Specialized Edition==
Ubuntu also offers many other variants of it's primary operating system, the most popular being Edubuntu, a version specifically designed for educational use, Lubuntu, a lightweight version, for low power computers, such as notebooks, Ubuntu Phone, a mobile version designed to run on the [[Android]] version of the Linux Kernel, and the other GUI versions, like Kubuntu (KDE), and Xubuntu (XFCE)
==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
* [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Official Site]
* [http://ubuntuce.com/ Ubuntu Christian Edition]
* [http://wubi-installer.org/ Wubi installer]

[[Category:Computer Science]] [[Category:Operating Systems]]

Ubuntu

2013-01-02T15:07:26Z

PatrickMarion:

Ubuntu is a community-developed, free, [[Linux]]-based operating system. The name, which comes from an [[African]] [[philosophy]], means '[[Humanity]] to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. It is supported by the company, Canonical, is released for free, every 2 years. Ubuntu itself, is based on [[Debian]].
[[Image:Gnomesword large.png|right|thumb|150px|Screenshot of Ubuntu 7.04LTS Edition with a few Christian programs running.]]

==Features==
Ubuntu is based on the [[free software|free]] [[Linux]] [[kernel]] and a snapshot of the Debian program tree. It focuses on ease of use.

Ubuntu comes by default with many useful programs, including [[OpenOffice.org|OpenOffice]], [[Bluetooth]], [[Mozilla Firefox]], and (new in version 9.10) [[Ubuntu One]], a free online data backup service. Ubuntu also offers users the Ubuntu Software Center, which allows them to easily download many free programs, ranging from [[solitaire]] games to [[Integrated Development Environments]]. It has an increasing number of device drivers which allow it to run on most computers.
While installing Ubuntu has traditionally required burning the program image to a [[CD-ROM]], a program called [http://wubi-installer.org Wubi] allows people to install it from inside their current operating system, just like a normal program.

Since [[Microsoft Windows]] has the dominant market share, most [[computer virus|computer viruses]] are written for Windows. Therefore, users of [[Linux]] operating systems like Ubuntu have less need for [[antivirus]] software.

==History==
Ubuntu is written by Canonical Ltd., a company owned by [[Mark Shuttleworth]], a South African entrepreneur. The first version, called Warty Warthog<ref>https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WartyWarthog</ref>, was released in October 2004. Since then, Canonical has released a new version of Ubuntu every six months. The current version, Precise Pangolin, can be downloaded for free from the Ubuntu website<ref>http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download</ref>.

It is difficult to measure how many people use Ubuntu, because anyone can freely redistribute copies. However, it has become very popular for low-cost [[netbook]] computers.

==Ubuntu Specialized Edition==
Ubuntu also offers many other variants of it's primary operating system, the most popular being Edubuntu, a version specifically designed for educational use, Lubuntu, a lightwieght version, for low power computers, such as notebooks, Ubuntu Phone, a mobile version designed to run on the [[Android]] version of the Linux Kernel, and the other gui versions, like Kubuntu (KDE), and Xubuntu (XFCE)
==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
* [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Official Site]
* [http://ubuntuce.com/ Ubuntu Christian Edition]
* [http://wubi-installer.org/ Wubi installer]

[[Category:Computer Science]] [[Category:Operating Systems]]

Windows XP

2013-01-02T15:06:10Z

PatrickMarion: replacing speculation with fact, I've used Windows Vista

'''Windows XP''' is the penultimate significant release of the [[Microsoft Windows]] operating system, and was made available on October 25, 2001. "XP" stands for ''eXPerience''.

Windows XP has been criticized for poor performance, significant security vulnerabilities, and poor [[DOS]] backwards compatibility, among others. Interestingly, when [[Windows Vista]] debuted, many organizations chose to retain XP in favor of the newer system, as it was perceived of as being of higher quality, though this was because Windows Vista had poor hardware driver support for computer technology at the time of its release and suffered poor memory optimization, which was eventually fixed with the first service pack update. To this day, the majority of professional networks run Windows XP, and many still run ''Windows 2000 Professional'', including high security institutions like banks, hospitals, and government agencies. Institutions' hesitance to upgrade to newer operating systems is nothing new; many organizations continued to use DOS long after Windows became popular.

==Development==
Microsoft first began development of "Windows Neptune" in 1999, a version of Windows that was to be the first version of Windows based on the Windows NT Kernel for use by consumers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,2072502,00.htm |title=Neptune - the new Windows |work=[[ZDNet]] |date=July 5, 1999 |accessdate=2010-01-07}}</ref> Development of Windows Odyssey, which was to be a replacement for [[Windows 2000 Professional]], also began in the 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-60119978/building-their-future-windows.html |title=Building their future on Windows 2000 |work=[[Computer Weekly]] |date=February 24, 2000 |accessdate=2010-01-06}}</ref><ref name=detour>{{cite web |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,2076539,00.htm |title=Microsoft makes Windows detour |work=[[ZDNet]] |date=January 25, 2000 |accessdate=2010-01-06}}</ref> Microsoft merged projects Windows Neptune and Windows Odyssey in early 2000 to create project ''Whistler'', named after the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in Whistler, [[British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/longhorn.asp|title=Windows "Longhorn" FAQ|date=June 22, 2005|accessdate=April 4, 2008|publisher=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows
}} (see Q: What's up with the name Longhorn?)</ref> There were several beta and pre-beta builds or Whistler released to testers from February 2000 to the time Windows XP was officially released to the general public in October, 2001. Windows XP is programmed in the C, C++, and assembly programming languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/winntas/training/ntarchitectoview/ntarc_2.mspx |title=Microsoft Windows System Overview |publisher=Microsoft.com |accessdate=August 26, 2010}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Windows Vista]]
*[[Windows Seven]]
*[[Windows 8]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[category:Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

32-bit Windows

2013-01-02T15:00:18Z

PatrickMarion: fixing information, adding link

MS DOS

2013-01-02T14:51:59Z

PatrickMarion: adding categories

MS-DOS is an acronym that stands for '''M'''icro'''s'''oft '''D'''isk '''O'''perating '''S'''ystem. It was the operating system that preceded most modern versions of [[Microsoft Windows]] which was invented in August 1981, based off of 86-DOS for IBM compatible computers. It's last official update was in 1994.

MS-DOS is a command line interface, meaning that commands must be typed make program work, as opposed to graphical user interface (GUI), which has an image based interface that allows users to access programs via pictures and icons that represent programs, using computer accessories like a mouse.

==External Links==
* [http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/msdos.htm Summary of MS-DOS at Computer Hope]

[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Operating Systems]]

MS DOS

2013-01-02T14:50:59Z

PatrickMarion: Created page with "MS-DOS is an acronym that stands for '''M'''icro'''s'''oft '''D'''isk '''O'''perating '''S'''ystem. It was the operating system that preceded most modern versions of [[Microsoft ..."

Microsoft

2013-01-02T14:06:01Z

PatrickMarion: /* See Also */

[[Image:Microsoft logo.svg|right|frame]]
'''Microsoft''' is a liberal<ref>http://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/en/us/programs/ergen/gleam.aspx</ref><ref>http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2010011331_microsoft_donates_to_r-71_camp.html</ref> American corporation founded by [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] in 1975 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA. Its current CEO is [[Steve Ballmer]]. Microsoft focuses on developing and manufacturing [[software]], [[hardware]] and other technology oriented products and services.

Microsoft was investigated for antitrust violations by the [[Department of Justice]], and in 2001 the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed the finding of the trial court that monopolization by Microsoft had violated the [[Sherman Act]].<ref>United States v. Microsoft Corp., 346 U.S. App. D.C. 330 (D.C. Cir. 2001).</ref> The appellate court, however, overturned the lower court ruling to break Microsoft up and instead remanded the case to a new trial judge with instructions suggesting a less drastic remedy. By then, President [[George W. Bush]] had replaced [[Bill Clinton]] and the Bush Administration dropped the demand of the Clinton Administration for a break-up of Microsoft.

==Software Products==
*[[Windows (operating system)]], including [[Windows 8]], [[Windows 7]], [[Windows Vista]], [[Windows XP]], and older versions of the desktop OS, versions for servers, versions for media centers, teacher edition, and versions for mobile devices
*[[MS DOS]] Microsoft's first operating system
*[[SQL Server]]
*[[Microsoft Office]] word processor, spreadsheet editor, slide-show creator, etc.
*[[Expression]] vector graphics editor
*[[Virtual PC]] PC emulator
*[[SharePoint]]
*[[Windows Defender]] [[anti-virus software|anti-virus]] and anti-spyware software
*[[Windows Live Writer]] blog publishing software
*[[XNA]] game development tool
*[[Visual Studio]] integrated development environment for C++, Visual Basic, C#, etc.
and hundreds more.

==Publishing==
*[[Microsoft Press]] releasing books dealing with various computer technologies.

==Services==
*[[MSN]] Internet service provider
*[[Bing]] search engine
*[[Encarta]] encyclopedia
*[[Hotmail]] free internet e-mail service
*[[Windows Live]] web portal
*[[XBOX Live]] Xbox online multiplayer service
*[[MSNBC]] news service
*[[Windows Marketplace]] online shopping service
*[[Windows Live Spaces]] social-networking service
*[[Windows Live ID]] online ID and password storage service
*[[LIVE Anywhere]] cross-platform multiplayer gaming service
*[[Microsoft Ignition]] online digital music service

==Hardware Products==
*[[Xbox]] gaming console
*[[Xbox 360]] gaming console
*[[Microsoft Surface|Surface]] touch-interface computer
*[[Natural keyboard]]
*[[LifeCam]] webcam
*[[SideWinder]] game-pad and joystick
*[[Ultra-Mobile PC]] tablet computer
*[[Fingerprint Reader]] reads fingerprint as password
*[[IntelliPoint Mouse]] optical mouse
*[[MSN TV]] TV that allows web browsing

==Corporate Slogan==
:''Your potential. Our passion.''

==See Also==
*[http://conservapedia.com/Previous_Breaking_News/Bill_Gates Previous News]
*[http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx Microsoft official site]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:computers]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

Disciples of Jesus

2013-01-02T08:30:00Z

PatrickMarion: Created page with "The disciples (i.e - followers) of Jesus were those who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry and carried on his teachings following his death and resurrection: They or..."

The disciples (i.e - followers) of [[Jesus]] were those who followed Jesus during his earthly ministry and carried on his teachings following his death and resurrection:

They original disciples were (as listed by Matthew 10, chapters 2-4:)

#Simon (also called Peter)
#Andrew (brother of Simon/Peter)
#James (son of Zebedee)
#John (son of Zebedee)
#Phillip
#Bartholomew
#Thomas
#Matthew (the tax collector)
#James (son of Alphaeus)
#Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James)
#Simon (the Zealot)
#Judas Iscariot (who would later betray Jesus)

Judas Iscariot was later replaced by Matthais, chosen by the casting of lots after the death of Judas Iscariot and the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Saul (known as Paul after his conversion to Christ) is sometimes either considered the true replacement for Judas Iscariot, or, alternatively, the "spiritual successor" to Jesus' earthly ministry.

==External Links==
* [http://www.gotquestions.org/twelve-apostles-disciples-12.html Who were the twelve disciples on Got Questions.org]

Fiscal cliff

2013-01-02T08:02:21Z

PatrickMarion: grammar

The "'''Fiscal cliff'''" is the combination of United States financial policy changes that will go into effect at the start of 2013. The [[Congressional Budget Office]] has predicted that if those policies are allowed to take effect, they will place the United States economy into a [[recession]].<ref name="nytrecession">{{cite news |title=Recession Possible if Impasse Persists, Budget Office Says |last=Calmes |first=Jackie |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/23/business/congressional-budget-office-warns-of-a-fiscal-cliff.html?_r=1&src=recg |date=May 22, 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |accessdate=October 19, 2012}}</ref> On February 29, 2012, [[Ben Bernanke]] coined the term "fiscal cliff" in his testimony before the House Financial Services Committee.<ref name="Reuters-Bernanke-1202">{{cite web |title=Highlights: Bernanke's Q&A testimony to House panel |author=Washington newsroom |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/29/us-usa-fed-bernanke-idUSTRE81S1DO20120229 |date=February 29, 2012 |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=October 19, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="CNBC120621">{{cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/fiscal-cliff-may-europe-look-154128079.html |title= 'Fiscal Cliff' May Make Europe Look Like a Dip |first=Jeff |last=Cox | work=CNBC |date=June 21, 2012 |publisher=Yahoo! Finance}}</ref>

The policy elements of the fiscal cliff include:
* the expiration of the tax cuts enacted during the [[George W. Bush]] Administration.
* the automatic spending cuts (called [[sequestration]]) required by the 2011 budget compromise.
* the federal borrowing authority reaching a Congressionally-enacted limit.
* the reversion of the [[Alternative Minimum Tax]] thresholds to their 2000 tax year levels;
* the expiration of the 2% [[Social Security]] payroll tax cut.
* the expiration of various targeted tax credits designed to encourage economic activity.
* the expiration of the "doc fix", which provided higher reimbursement rates to hospitals and doctors that treat [[medicare]] patients.
* the new taxes imposed by the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]] and the [[Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010]].

==Background==
The creation of the fiscal cliff was an unintended combination of events. The "cliff" refers to the large number of policies with economic impacts that are set to expire on December 31, 2012. Although such policies issues are usually addressed in advance of the expiration date, politicians fear angering taxpayers by voting on these items before the November 2012 general election. So, any action on the fiscal cliff issues will occur during the [[lame duck]] session between the November 6, 2012 election and the end of the year. The action may be a permanent set of changes or a short-term extension of the 2012 policies into 2013 to avoid or smooth-out the "cliff."

The tax cut legislation enacted in 2002 and 2003 was subject to "pay as you go" Congressional rules that required the cuts to be scored by the Congressional Budget Office over a ten year period. As a result, the legislation provided for only temporary tax cuts that were scheduled to expire at the end of 2010. In a budget compromise, the Republican members of the House of Representatives and President Obama agreed to extend the cuts until the end of 2012 in exchange for extending unemployment insurance benefits.

During the summer of 2011, House Republicans refused to increase the ceiling on the total federal borrowing authority. Although Congress had passed [[appropriation]]s on the assumption that additional money would be borrowed to meet deficit spending levels, without a higher ceiling, the U.S. Treasury could not borrow the money to pay what the federal government owed to vendors, suppliers, employees or beneficiaries. The United States would default on its debts and be forced to shut down. A compromised (called the [[Budget Control Act of 2011]]) was reached that raised the debt ceiling in exchange for the creation of a "Supercommittee" that would find spending cuts to take effect in 2013, with other spending cuts going into effect immediately. If the Supercommittee could not reach an agreement or if Congress rejected their recommendations, then automatic across-the-board cuts to both defense and domestic spending would take place. The law was drafted to make the automatic cuts so undesirable that Congress would be forced to work out a deficit reduction agreement. However, the Supercommittee failed to agree and both Republicans and Democrats decided in 2011 to leave the spending cut question for additional legislation in 2012. If a new law is not passed before December 31, 2012, then automatic spending cuts under the existing law will apply to almost all federal programs in 2013.

Although the 2011 agreement raised the federal borrowing ceiling, the federal debt has continued to grow and the new ceiling is expected to be reached in early 2013.

In 2009, Congress enacted a stimulus bill that included a Making Work Pay tax credit that expired at the end of 2010. The 2010 budget agreement replaced that tax credit with a two-year temporary 2% reduction in the Social Security payroll tax. Instead of individual workers paying those taxes into the Social Security Trust Fund, Congress moved money from the general fund to replace those dollars. This added about $1,000 per year to the average worker's paycheck.<ref name=aarp>{{cite news|title=AARP pushing for retirement of Social Security payroll tax cut|work=Washington Post|page=A17|date=October 19, 2012|first=Suzy|last=Khimm}}</ref> Without further action, the Social Security deduction on paychecks will increase from 4.2% to 6.2%.

==Effects==
Letting these cuts expire would lead to higher taxes for every tax group. {{cquote|The existing 10% bracket will go away, and the lowest "new" bracket will be 15%. The existing 25% bracket will be replaced by the "new" 28% bracket; the existing 28% bracket will be replaced by the new 31% bracket; the existing 33% bracket will be replaced by the 36% bracket; and the existing 35% bracket will be replaced by the 39.6% bracket.}}

Capital gains will increase to 20% from 15%, the maximum tax rate on dividends will skyrocket to 39.6%. <ref>[http://www.smartmoney.com/taxes/income/how-the-expiring-bush-tax-cuts-affect-you/ What End of Bush Tax Cuts Would Mean for You, Smartmoney.com, May 12, 2012]</ref> Joint-filer (Marriage penalty) tax brackets will return to 167% of the amount for singles, causing higher tax bills for many low and middle income Americans. Phase-Out Rule for itemized deductions could eliminate up to 80% of higher-income bracket deductions for mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable donations. Phase-Out Rule for personal exemptions could eliminate some higher-income bracket personal exemption deductions (typically average $3,800.).

==Democratic proposals==
President Obama proposed to extend the Bush tax cuts for all taxpayers on just the first $250,000 of annual income. On July 25, 2012 the U.S. Senate voted 51-48 to pass a bill supporting the President's tax proposal, while rejecting the Republican proposal of extending the tax cuts for all 45-54.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/25/politics/senate-tax-vote/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 CNN-Senate passes Democratic tax plan, rejects GOP version-July 2012]</ref> The U.S. House of Representatives rejected, 170-257, the President's tax proposal on August 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rubin|first=Richard|title=House Rejects Obama’s Proposed Tax Boost on Top Earners|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-01/house-rejects-obama-s-proposed-tax-boost-on-top-earners.html|publisher=Bloomberg|accessdate=October 19, 2012}}</ref>

Although President Obama asked Congress to remove the Bush tax cuts for the middle class from the debate, the failure of the House to accept his plan and the failure of the Senate to extend all Bush tax cuts implies that the cuts will be allowed to expire as provided in existing law. Congress will then claim that they are not raising taxes, but just failing to vote to lower them.
==Republican proposals==
Congressional Republicans have proposed that the Bush tax cuts be extended in their entirety.<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/07/24/us-usa-congress-debt-idINBRE86N1G220120724 Reuters-Richard Cowen-Washington Embroiled in U.S. Fiscal Cliff Debate-July 2012]</ref> Republicans have also proposed that the sequester for defense funding be repealled while leaving the sequester of domestic spending in place.
==Bipartisan efforts==
A bipartisan group of Senators, called the "gang of eight", is discussing ways to avoid or smooth out the fiscal cliff. One of the eight, [[Mark Warner]] of Virginia, drew controversy by sending out an email invitation to a fundraiser based on this work. The email invited [[lobbyist]]s to donate $1,000 to $5,000 for a chance to discuss the fiscal cliff with Warner. "Instead of kicking the can down the road, Senator Warner is back in action with the Gang of Eight — originally the Gang of Six — to address the debt and deficit with a long term solution," the fundraising email read. "This bipartisan team is gearing-up over lame duck to reintroduce a deficit reduction plan that looks like Simpson Bowls 3.0; an updated version of the commission to reform a tax code that produces too little and entitlement programs that spend too much." Ninety minutes later, the event was cancelled by a second email.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2012/10/quick-reversal-warner-cancels-fiscal-cliff-fundraiser|title=In quick reversal, Warner cancels fiscal cliff fundraiser|date=October 20, 2012|accessdate=October 22, 2012|work=The Virginian Pilot}}</ref>
==Stakeholder reactions==
On October 18, 2012, fifteen of the largest US financial companies warned President Obama that interest rates could spike if new laws did not avoid the fiscal cliff.<ref name=wp>{{cite news|title=Business Executives urge action to resolve 'fiscal cliff'|work=Washington Post|date=October 19, 2012|first=Zachary|last=Goldfarb|page=A1}}</ref> A group called "Fix the Debt" is planning to spend $30 million to pressure Congress to act to avoid the cliff.<ref name=wp/> Scott Mather, head of global portfolio management for Pimco said, "The U.S. will get downgraded, it's a question of when."<ref name=wp/>

The [[AARP]] is opposing any further extension of the Social Security payroll tax rate reduction. AARP fears that if the Social Security Trust Fund comes from general funds, Congress will be more likely to want to cut future benefits.<ref name=aarp/>

== See also ==

*[[Essay:Best New Conservative Words]]

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Taxation]]

Windows 7

2013-01-02T07:00:20Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Windows 7''' (previously known as "Vienna" [formerly known as "Blackcomb"]) is the name for the most recent version of [[Microsoft|Microsoft's]] [[Windows (operating system)|Windows]] [[Operating system|operating system]], originally announced in February 2000, but was subject to major delays such as [[Windows XP|Windows XP SP2]] and [[Windows Vista]] (which was also delayed by XP SP2). "Seven" was released on October 22, 2009. Work on Windows Seven began right after Windows Vista was released.
Some early details of a few core operating system features surfaced at developer conferences such as WHEC in 2006.

== History & Development ==
The codename "Windows Blackcomb" was first assigned to Windows NT 6.0, an operating system that was planned to follow [[Windows XP]]. Blackcomb was supposed to be the successor to both Windows XP (Windows NT 5.1) and Windows Server 2003 (Windows NT 5.2). In late 2001 "Blackcomb" was said to be scheduled for release in 2005 then in August it was announced that a minor intermediate release, codenamed Windows "Longhorn", would release in 2002 to update the Windows NT 5.x line. In the years that followed "Longhorn" was transformed to include many features previously promised for "Blackcomb" and became Windows NT 6, and was given a name, [[Windows Vista]]. The codename "Blackcomb" was eventually discarded, however the ideas and features behind "Blackcomb" that were not included in Windows Vista got a new name codename Windows "Vienna". Windows Vista's successor (Windows Seven) was released in late 2009.

== Focus ==
Sources in Microsoft have stated that Windows Seven will not just be a major change to Windows, but a complete departure from the way users today usually think about using a computer. For example, the "Start" and "Taskbar" philosophy, introduced in Windows 95, might be replaced by a "new interface" that was said in 1999 to be scheduled for Windows Seven ("Vienna"). While Windows Vista was intended to be an evolutionary release, Windows Vienna is targeted directly at revolutionizing the way users of the product interact with their PCs.

[[Bill Gates]], in an interview with Newsweek <ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16934083/site/newsweek/page/4/</ref>, also suggested that the next version of Windows would "be more user-centric.". When asked to clarify what he meant, Gates said:
<blockquote>
"That means that right now when you move from one PC to another, you've got to install apps on each one, do upgrades on each one. Moving information between them is very painful. We can use Live Services to know what you're interested in. So even if you drop by a [public] kiosk or somebody else's PC, we can bring down your home page, your files, your fonts, your favorites and those things. So that's kind of the user-centric thing that Live Services can enable. [Also,] in Vista, things got a lot better with [digital] ink and speech, but by the next release there will be a much bigger bet. Students won't need textbooks; they can just use these tablet devices. Parallel computing is pretty important for the next release. We'll make it so that a lot of the high-level graphics will be just built into the operating system. So we've got a pretty good outline."
</blockquote>

== Shipment ==
Microsoft released Windows Seven at the end of 2009.

Microsoft originally had planned for Vista to include a number of big changes to Windows, including a new file system ([[WinFS]]) and a completely new user interface, but after Windows XP was hit by huge worm outbreaks in 2003, Microsoft moved almost all of its entire engineering team to locking down Windows with the XP SP2 release.

"We put Longhorn on the back burner for awhile," Fathi said. "Then when we came back to it, we realized that there were incremental things that we wanted to do, and significant improvements that we wanted to make in Vista that we couldn't deliver in one release."

== Features ==

Windows 7 includes many new features, such as support for touch screen interfaces<ref name="cnet">http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/22/windows.seven/index.html</ref> which lets users draw on the computer screen like a piece of paper<ref>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/tabletpc/russel_03january20.mspx</ref>. Unlike in previous operating systems, Microsoft decided on many of these new features in conjunction with major computer manufacturers<ref name="cnet" />. Microsoft also redesigned the user interface in many applications, including Paint and Wordpad, which now sport the ribbon interface that Microsoft first introduced in several Office 2007 applications.

== Undocumented Features ==

Software developers are given a shortcut to various internal settings. Dubbed "GodMode" by bloggers; it was not something Microsoft used internally to refer to the undocumented settings folders. Apparently, it has been included since Windows Vista but never discussed by Microsoft until bloggers stumbled upon it. <ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10426627-56.html Windows 7 has lots of 'GodModes' (exclusive), CNET.com, January 6, 2010]</ref>

==See also==

*[[Windows XP]]
*[[Windows Vista]]
*[[Windows 8]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

Vista (operating system)

2013-01-02T06:59:26Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Windows Vista''' was [[Microsoft]]'s successor to [[Windows XP]], superseded in 2009 by [[Windows 7]]. It came in 6 different versions: Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, Starter, Business and Enterprise edition. All versions except Starter were available for both 32-bit and 64-bit processor types. Business users were also entitled to downgrade to [[Windows XP]] for compatibility with old applications.
[[Image:Windows vista 006-ig.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Windows Vista's Aero interface with gadgets on the right side.]]

==Features==
All versions of Vista came with Windows DVD Maker, .NET Framework 3.0, [[DirectX 10]], Windows Sidebar, Backup and Restore Center, Windows Mail, Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, Internet Explorer 7, Windows Meeting Space, Windows SideShow, Speech recognition, Windows Contacts, Windows Media Player 11.

A new technology called SuperFetch, which analyzed the usage pattern of a user then decides on which content should be loaded into system memory at any given time was included in Windows Vista. A primitive version of SuperFetch called Prefetch was actually included in Windows XP.

Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Vista came with BitLocker Drive Encryption feature that allowed real-time encryption of an entire hard-drive partition using 128-bit [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]] encryption. The encryption key itself can be stored in the Trusted Platform Module chip on a computer's motherboard or in a [[USB]] key.

Vista also included [[Digital Rights Management]] (DRM) software which was designed to prevent [[Copyright Infringement|illegal copying]] of programs. This feature engendered much controversy as users reported it prevented legitimate uses.

Vista also pioneered User Account Control, a new feature designed to help prevent [[computer virus]]es and other [[malware]]. When a program tries to perform functions that require [[system administrator]] privileges, the operating system shows the user a confirmation box. If the user himself does not have system administrator privileges, he is required to enter an administrator password; otherwise, he must click an "OK" box. This feature has been criticized for irritating users legitimately trying to perform these operations.

The '''Show Windows previews''' option in Vista is disabled (show as dimmed text) unless you choose the {{Lhs|Windows|Aero}} option:
"Live Thumbnails are available only when Aero is enabled." <ref>http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/122040-cant-check-show-windows-previews-thumbnails.html</ref>

==Hardware Requirements==
According to Microsoft, a computer needs to have at minimum an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB RAM to run Windows Vista. And in order to take advantage of Vista's new Aero graphical user interface, one needs a computer with a 1.0 GHz processor, 1 GB memory, and a DirectX 9 or Directx 10 graphics card with at least 128 MB memory and supports Microsoft's new Windows Display Driver Model.

==See also==

*[[Windows XP]]
*[[Windows Seven]]
*[[Windows 8]]

==External Links==
* [http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.mspx Microsoft Windows Vista Official Website]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

Windows (operating system)

2013-01-02T06:58:31Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Windows''' is an [[operating system]] produced and maintained by [[Microsoft Corporation]]. It was estimated that as of December 2007<ref>[http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp OS Statistics]. Refsnes Data. Retrieved 29 January, 2008.</ref> Microsoft Windows accounted for nearly 90% of operating system usage, with 3 out of 4 being to the [[Windows XP]]. Windows is used both as a desktop operating system and a [[server]]<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/default.mspx Windows Server 2003 R2 Home]. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 29 January, 2008.</ref> operating system, and is intended for use with the [[Intel]] x86-64 family of processors.

Early versions of Windows (98 and earlier) were notoriously unreliable, despite (or maybe because of?) Microsoft's near-monopoly share of the operating system market. They crashed so often that the term "blue screen of death" entered the vocabulary. See also this satire: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX8yrOAjfKM&feature=related Matrix Runs on Windows XP]

While initially Windows was merely a [[graphical user interface]] extension to [[MS-DOS]] shell<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryProGraphic.mspx Windows History: Windows Desktop Timeline]. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 29 January, 2008.</ref>, it became a full operating system beginning with the release of Windows NT.

==See also==

*[[Windows XP]]
*[[Windows Vista]]
*[[Windows Seven]]
*[[Windows 8]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.microsoft.com/windows/default.mspx Microsoft Windows Home Page]

[[Category: Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

Windows XP

2013-01-02T06:58:23Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Windows XP''' is the penultimate significant release of the [[Microsoft Windows]] operating system, and was made available on October 25, 2001. "XP" stands for ''eXPerience''.

Windows XP has been criticized for poor performance, significant security vulnerabilities, and poor [[DOS]] backwards compatibility, among others. Interestingly, when [[Windows Vista]] debuted, many organizations chose to retain XP in favor of the newer system, as it was perceived of as being of higher quality. This could be because Vista does not support some of the applications used by many organizations, and most organizations don't use the extra bells and whistles included in the newer operating systems anyway. To this day, the majority of professional networks run Windows XP, and many still run ''Windows 2000 Professional'', including high security institutions like banks, hospitals, and government agencies. Institutions' hesitance to upgrade to newer operating systems is nothing new; many organizations continued to use DOS long after Windows became popular.

==Development==
Microsoft first began development of "Windows Neptune" in 1999, a version of Windows that was to be the first version of Windows based on the Windows NT Kernel for use by consumers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,2072502,00.htm |title=Neptune - the new Windows |work=[[ZDNet]] |date=July 5, 1999 |accessdate=2010-01-07}}</ref> Development of Windows Odyssey, which was to be a replacement for [[Windows 2000 Professional]], also began in the 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-60119978/building-their-future-windows.html |title=Building their future on Windows 2000 |work=[[Computer Weekly]] |date=February 24, 2000 |accessdate=2010-01-06}}</ref><ref name=detour>{{cite web |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,2076539,00.htm |title=Microsoft makes Windows detour |work=[[ZDNet]] |date=January 25, 2000 |accessdate=2010-01-06}}</ref> Microsoft merged projects Windows Neptune and Windows Odyssey in early 2000 to create project ''Whistler'', named after the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in Whistler, [[British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/longhorn.asp|title=Windows "Longhorn" FAQ|date=June 22, 2005|accessdate=April 4, 2008|publisher=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows
}} (see Q: What's up with the name Longhorn?)</ref> There were several beta and pre-beta builds or Whistler released to testers from February 2000 to the time Windows XP was officially released to the general public in October, 2001. Windows XP is programmed in the C, C++, and assembly programming languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/winntas/training/ntarchitectoview/ntarc_2.mspx |title=Microsoft Windows System Overview |publisher=Microsoft.com |accessdate=August 26, 2010}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Windows Vista]]
*[[Windows Seven]]
*[[Windows 8]]

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[category:Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

Windows (operating system)

2013-01-02T06:57:08Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Windows''' is an [[operating system]] produced and maintained by [[Microsoft Corporation]]. It was estimated that as of December 2007<ref>[http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp OS Statistics]. Refsnes Data. Retrieved 29 January, 2008.</ref> Microsoft Windows accounted for nearly 90% of operating system usage, with 3 out of 4 being to the [[Windows XP]]. Windows is used both as a desktop operating system and a [[server]]<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/default.mspx Windows Server 2003 R2 Home]. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 29 January, 2008.</ref> operating system, and is intended for use with the [[Intel]] x86-64 family of processors.

Early versions of Windows (98 and earlier) were notoriously unreliable, despite (or maybe because of?) Microsoft's near-monopoly share of the operating system market. They crashed so often that the term "blue screen of death" entered the vocabulary. See also this satire: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX8yrOAjfKM&feature=related Matrix Runs on Windows XP]

While initially Windows was merely a [[graphical user interface]] extension to [[MS-DOS]] shell<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryProGraphic.mspx Windows History: Windows Desktop Timeline]. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved 29 January, 2008.</ref>, it became a full operating system beginning with the release of Windows NT.

==See also==

*[[Windows XP]]
*[[Windows Vista]]
*[[Windows Seven]]
*[[Windows 8]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
[http://www.microsoft.com/windows/default.mspx Microsoft Windows Home Page]

[[Category: Operating Systems]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]

VeggieTales

2013-01-01T23:00:39Z

PatrickMarion: adding link

'''Veggie Tales''' is a series of videos starring walking, talking, and singing vegetables, which tries to teach biblical values. The shows are usually hosted by Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. They usually tell stories which range from [[Bible]] stories to parodies of classic stories like [[Sherlock Holmes]] or even Shakespeare's [[Hamlet]]. In the middle of the show Larry the Cucumber often does a silly song, such as "Everybody's Got a Water Buffalo!" or "We are the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything!" Since it was launched in 1993 it has created over 20 videos and released a full-length feature film in theaters called [[Jonah, a VeggieTales movie]]. They are preparing another film called [[The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything]] which was released in theaters in February 2008. <ref>[[Moe and the Big Exit]], Directed by Brian K. Roberts, 2008.</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://veggietales.com/ Official Website]

[[Category:Christian Media]]

Project Gutenberg

2013-01-01T21:20:11Z

PatrickMarion: /* External Resources */

'''Project Gutenberg''' is the first and largest single collection of free electronic books available on the [[Internet]]. It was founded in 1971 by Michael Hart, who created the concept of the eBook. As of August 2006, the project has made over 19,000 eBooks available, with an average of 400 more being added each month. <ref>http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:General_FAQ</ref>

==History==

In 1971, Hart was given a $100,000,000 allocation of computing time by the operators of the Xerox Sigma V mainframe at the Materials Research Lab at the University of Illinois. (At that time, computing capacity was expensive, and often measured by a dollar cost of what it took to operate the mainframe for the allotted amount of time.) He was unsure how to best use this opportunity, but after some contemplation he determined that "the greatest value created by computers would not be computing, but would be the storage, retrieval, and searching of what was stored in our libraries".

Hart then manually typed a copy of the [[Declaration of Independence]] into a plain-text data file, and tried to send it to everyone on the networks. He was then advised that it would be more efficient to create an online archive of documents for others to retrieve on demand, and Project Gutenberg was born.

==Project Gutenberg Philosophy==

The premise on which Michael Hart based Project Gutenberg was that once an electronic version of content was created, it could be reproduced indefinitely and made available to others. To support this premise, electronic texts (Etexts) created by Project Gutenberg are made available in the simplest, easiest to use forms available.

Project Gutenberg Etexts are therefore made available in what has become known as "Plain Vanilla ASCII," meaning the low set of the American Standard Code for Information Interchange. This is the same kind of character you read on a normal printed page — italics, underlines, and bolds have been capitalized. This allows the greatest compatability with different types of text-viewing software.

==Project Gutenberg Sections==

There are three portions of the Project Gutenberg Library, basically be described as:

*Light Literature; such as Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass, Peter Pan, Aesop's Fables, etc.
*Heavy Literature; such as the Bible or other religious documents, Shakespeare, Moby Dick, Paradise Lost, etc.
*References; such as Roget's Thesaurus, almanacs, and a set of encyclopedia, dictionaries, etc. <ref>http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:The_History_and_Philosophy_of_Project_Gutenberg_by_Michael_Hart</ref>

== References ==

<references/>

==External Resources==
*[http://www.gutenberg.org Project Gutenberg Home]
*[http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:General_FAQ Project Gutenberg General FAQ]

[[Category:Literature]]

Christianity and science

2013-01-01T18:20:58Z

PatrickMarion:

[[Image:Bacon5.jpg|thumb|right|175px|In his essay ''Of [[Atheism]]'' Sir [[Francis Bacon]] wrote: "I had rather believe all the fables in the Legend, and the [[Talmud]], and the [[Koran|Alcoran (Koran)]], than that this universal frame is without a mind."<ref>Bacon, Francis, [http://www.authorama.com/essays-of-francis-bacon-17.html Of Atheism]</ref> ]]
A notable fact in relation to '''Christianity and science''' is that the [[Scientific revolution|birth of modern science]] occurred in the geographic area of [[Christianity|Christianized]] [[Europe]].<ref>http://www.ldolphin.org/bumbulis/#anchor5343749</ref> Christians awed by the grandeur of [[God]]'s creative work have long striven to understand His creativity through [[Science|scientific]] study.

[[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.
In Stark's list of 52 top scientific contributors,<ref name="Origins">Williams, Alex,[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1581/ The biblical origins of science], ''Journal of Creation'' 18(2):49–52, August 2004.</ref> only one ([[Edmund Halley]]) was a skeptic and another ([[Paracelsus]]) was a [[pantheism|pantheist]].
The other 50 were Christians, 30 of whom could be characterized as being devout Christians.<ref name="Origins" />
Stark believes that the [[Enlightenment]] was a ploy by "militant atheists" to claim credit for the rise of science<ref>http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3274629/False-conflict-Christianity-is-not.html</ref>.

In ''False conflict: Christianity is not only compatible with Science--it created it'' Stark writes:
{{cquote|Recent historical research has debunked the idea of a "Dark Ages" after the "fall" of [[Roman Empire|Rome]]. In fact, this was an era of profound and rapid technological progress, by the end of which Europe had surpassed the rest of the world. Moreover, the so-called "Scientific Revolution" of the sixteenth century was a result of developments begun by religious scholars starting in the eleventh century. In my own academic research I have asked why these religious scholastics were interested in science at all. Why did science develop in Europe at this time? Why did it not develop anywhere else? I find answers to those questions in unique features of Christian [[theology]].
Even in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the leading scientific figures were overwhelmingly devout Christians who believed it their duty to comprehend God's handiwork. My studies show that the "Enlightenment" was conceived initially as a propaganda ploy by militant atheists attempting to claim credit for the rise of science. The falsehood that science required the defeat of religion was proclaimed by self-appointed cheerleaders like [[Voltaire]], [[Denis Diderot|Diderot]], and [[Edward Gibbon|Gibbon]], who themselves played no part in the scientific enterprise......<ref>http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-3274629/False-conflict-Christianity-is-not.html</ref>}}

Indeed, some of the most notable and revolutionary scientists were Christians. [[Nicolaus Copernicus]], who first proposed the heliocentric model of the universe, was an officer of the church. [[Rene Descartes]], who played an integral role in the development of physics, also set about to prove the existence of God in his "Discourse on Methods." [[Gregor Mendel]], who laid the foundations for genetics, was a monk. Although Descartes, Galileo later ran afoul of the Church, the Christian genesis of his and other scientists' work cannot be ignored.

Dr. Charles Thaxton similarly states that modern science developed in the Middle Ages in Christian Europe because of the Christian beliefs of scientists.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth17.html</ref>

Today, the prevalence of belief in God among American scientists is much lower than it is among the American public. <ref>[http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/news/file002.html]</ref><ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=3341576]</ref> Nevertheless, an article published by ''[[The University of Chicago|The University of Chicago Chronicle]]'' that discussed this study, stated that 76 percent of physicians believe in [[God]] while being highly educated.<ref name="Physicians">{{cite web|url = http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/050714/doctorsfaith.shtml|title =Survey on physicians’ religious beliefs shows majority faithful|publisher = [[The University of Chicago]]|quote=The first study of physician religious beliefs has found that 76 percent of doctors believe in God and 59 percent believe in some sort of afterlife. The survey, performed by researchers at the University and published in the July issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found that 90 percent of doctors in the United States attend religious services at least occasionally, compared to 81 percent of all adults.|accessdate = 2007–10–18}}</ref> Moreover, another study by the ''Journal of General Internal Medicine'', found that 90 percent of doctors in the United States attend religious services at least occasionally as compared with 81% of the general U.S. population.<ref name="Physicians"/>

Christians, though, upon being confirmed into their church study catechisms, or documents written to answer questions about their faith. According to the 1998 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ''Study Catechism,'' Christians are not conflicted when it comes to choosing modern science or Creationism. Question 27 asks " Does your confession of God as Creator contradict the findings of modern science?" The answer then states, "No. My confession of God as Creator answers three questions: Who?, How? and Why? It affirms that (a) the triune God, who is self-sufficient, (b) called the world into being out of nothing by the creative power of God's Word (c) for the sake of sharing love and freedom. Natural science has much to teach us about the particular mechanisms and processes of nature, but it is not in a position to answer these questions about ultimate reality, which point to mysteries that science as such is not equipped to explore. Nothing basic to the Christian faith contradicts the findings of modern science, nor does anything essential to modern science contradict the Christian faith."
" <ref>http://www.pcusa.org/catech/studycat.htm</ref>

Atheists sometimes claim that "science" is somehow the opposite of Christianity. In fact, science is the study of the universe, and is therefore completely compatible with Christianity.

==See Also==
*[[Bible scientific foreknowledge]]
*[[Creation vs. Evolution Videos]]
*[[Atheism and the suppression of science]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://media.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/ToF/downloads/pdf/TedDavis_A_Short_History_of_Christianity_and_Science.pdf Christianity and Science in Historical Perspective (from the University of Cambridge)]
*[http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/sciencefaith.html Evidence for God from Science: Famous Scientists Who Believed in God]
*God: new evidence – a series of six videos exploring how evidence from cosmic fine tuning points to the reality of a creator God ([http://www.focus.org.uk/ Website] • [http://www.facebook.com/godnewevidence Facebook])
{{Creation vs. evolution}}
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Science]]
[[Category:History of Science]]

American Government Lecture Eleven

2013-01-01T18:14:09Z

PatrickMarion:

{{Government Lectures}}

<under development>

Government and politics affects nearly every aspect of society. Violent video games? The U.S. Supreme Court, by a narrow 5-4 majority, said that they are protected as free speech under the First Amendment. Of course, that does not make violent video games right, but it does affect how many people play them, and whether state legislatures can pass laws limiting their use by children.

How are churches affected by government and politics? The free exercise clause of the First Amendment protects churches in many ways. Taxation of church property and minister's salaries are not allowed. What is said in a church receives greater protection against government regulation than what is said in a business. The police are reluctant to search a church; judges are reluctant to issue a search warrant for them to do so. In a 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court recently held that churches can fire key employees for almost any reason, without having to worry about the regulations and laws that apply to businesses.

A good understanding of government and politics also enables students to understand American history better, and to recognize the differences between the state today. Why was Philadelphia the biggest and most prosperous city in the colonial era? It was the colony that welcomed settlers the most, and was based on strong Christian principles. Only Philadelphia prohibited gambling, and such moral values enabled it to thrive and prosper. Its founder, William Penn, learned first-hand in England the consequences of interference with the free exercise of religion. Fortunately, he was acquitted of the criminal charges against him due to jury nullification.

This lecture we review and build on what we have already learned.

== The Supremacy Clause ==

Perhaps the most important clause of the U.S. Constitution is in Article IV, known as the "Supremacy Clause":
{{cquote|Constitution and the laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the land ... anything in the constitutions or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.}}
The meaning of this provision is that all federal law, rules, regulations and federal court decisions "trump" (preempt) any state law that is contrary.

Let's take a simple example. Suppose a conservative School Board for a public school district passed a rule allowing teachers in its public schools to hold classroom prayer. The school board observes that it has the authority to set the rules for teachers and students in its school district. Would that new rule about classroom prayer be enforceable?

No, because of the Supremacy Clause, which requires that the federal court decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in ''Engel v. Vitale'' take precedence, preempt and trump the local law to the contrary.

That was an obvious example. Here is an example that is not so obvious. In 1816, Congress and the President established The Second Bank of the United States. In 1818 the State of Maryland sought to impose taxes on that bank for its operations within Maryland. The national bank challenged the tax, and the case ended up in the U.S. Supreme Court for a final decision.

In a 7-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Second Bank of the United States could not be taxes by any of the States, due to the Supreme Clause. (There were only 7 Supreme Court Justices then; today there are 9. Federal statutes, which can be changed, establish how many Justices will comprise the U.S. Supreme Court.)

The decision, written by Chief Justice John Marshall, emphasized that federal law takes precedence over state law. While states have the authority to impose taxes, states are prevented by the Supremacy Clause from taxing the federal government or entities that it creates.

This decision, entitled ''McCulloch v. Maryland'' (1810), contains this famous truth:
{{cquote|The power to tax is the power to destroy}}
This ''McCulloch v. Maryland'' decision is important for another reason too. The Court held that Congress has unenumerated powers that are not expressly given to it by the U.S. Constitution. Nowhere in the Constitution is the power to create a national bank given to the federal government. But under the '''"Elastic Clause"''' (also known as the '''"Necessary and Proper Clause"''') of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the power to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution." That clause has been used repeatedly by Congress to make laws where it does not have an express grant of power by the Constitution to do so.

== "The Power to Tax" ==

All States have the full authority to tax individuals and businesses, and there are many examples of that today: income taxes, sales taxes, tolls on roads, and even taxes on services like pest control.

The colonies/states were reluctant to give the power to tax to the new national government in the 1780s. The first attempt at a national government, through the Articles of Confederation, did not give the United States government the power to tax. Instead, it was voluntary: the national government requested funding from the States on a voluntary basis. That was not successful, especially when times were difficult after the American Revolution. The national government under the Articles of Confederation in the mid-1780s struggled simply to raise money for its operations.

The U.S. Constitution give the new national government the authority to raise money by taxing imports (goods shipped from foreign nations) and interstate commerce, and denied the States their longstanding power to raise money in that manner. This was a massive shift in power from the States to the federal government. Rhode Island refused for several years, even after George Washington was president, to ratify the Constitution and join the United States, because Rhode Island raised its money by taxing imports into its harbors along the Atlantic Ocean (including the slave trade). (The Constitution does prohibit any taxes on exports -- goods shipped from our Nation to foreign nations -- by the federal government.)

But the original U.S. Constitution limited the power of the government to tax individuals, in Art. I, Section 9, Clause 4:
{{cquote|No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.}}
This meant that a direct income tax on individual Americans could only be imposed in proportion to how many people lived in an area, rather than in proportion to how much money they make. Wealthy areas could not be taxed more than poor areas. As result, the federal government could not easily impose an income tax like what exists today.

Instead, the federal government taxed real estate, slaves, carriages, and things other than income. But this did not amount to much revenue for the federal government. Most of its revenue through the late 1700s and 1800s was in the form of tariffs: taxes on imports.

In 1895, a close vote by the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a federal income tax because it was a direct tax that was not apportioned as required by the U.S. Constitution. ''Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co.'' Congress continued to be without the power to impose a federal income tax for nearly another two decades.

Then, in 1909, Congress passed the proposed Sixteenth Amendment to give it the power to impose income taxes without limitation. Because Congress does not have the power to amend the Constitution by itself, this went to the States for ratification. At that time there were 48 States (Hawaii and Alaska had not yet joined), so the 3/4 requirement for ratification of a new amendment was 48 times 3/4, which equals 36 States.

The Sixteenth Amendment removes the limitation on income taxes by the federal government that was in the original Constitution. The Sixteenth Amendment states:
{{cquote|The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.}}
Many Americans opposed ratification of this Amendment, which had the effect of transferring enormous power to the federal government. It took nearly four years for this amendment to be ratified by 3/4 if theStates, in 1913.

=== Types of taxes ===

There are two general categories of taxes, "direct" and "indirect".<ref>http://www.investorguide.com/article/11164/the-difference-between-direct-tax-and-indirect-tax/</ref> A "direct" tax is how the Roman Empire funded itself: each adult must directly pay a certain tax, whether he has income or not. Jesus and the Apostles had to pay to this too, as they were in the Roman Empire. Another example of a "direct" tax is a tax on real estate, which the federal government imposed in its early years but now which are imposed almost entirely by State and local governments.

Most taxes are "indirect" in nature, such as "excise taxes." An excise tax is based on an activity, such as a sale of a product from a business to a customer. It is a tax on activity rather than on a person or on property itself. An example of indirect or excise federal taxes are the taxes on gasoline and telephone bills.

The distinction between "direct" and "indirect" taxes is important because the original U.S.Constitution, in Art. I, Section 9, Clause 4, limits "direct" taxes to the federal government to what can be apportioned among the population. This prevents the federal government from taxing wealthy areas or people more than poor areas or people. If a tax is "indirect", then it is not limited by this provision, which enables the federal government to tax business activity without limitation. But with respect to individual income, the Sixteenth Amendment gives the federal government unlimited power to impose taxes in any way it chooses.

The lawsuits against ObamaCare have reopened this issue because ObamaCare imposes a penalty (under Congress's taxation power) on non-exempt people who fail to purchase adequate health insurance. It is not an income tax, so it should not be authorized by the Sixteenth Amendment. It is not an excise tax, because it applies when there is no activity (declining to purchase government-approved insurance). Is it a "direct" tax? If so, then it would not be allowed unless it is apportioned by population, such that wealthy people pay no more than poor people. But if it is not a direct tax, then Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 may allow it: "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises." Lawsuits are pending to challenge ObamaCare based on what kind of tax it imposes, and the federal courts will be deciding this issue in the next year or so.

== "One man, one vote" ==

For 200 years, including prior to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, State legislatures have decided for themselves how they would carve their own legislative districts at the State level. Nearly all states (other than Nebraska) have a "bicameral" legislature consisting of a house of representatives (call the "Assembly" in New Jersey), and a state senate. The internal division of those districts within a State had long been considered a matter for only the state legislature to decide, without any interference by the federal government. For example, should Newark be included in the same district as Morristown? Should senate districts be based on county lines, or on population? The U.S. Senate is not based on population, but on State boundaries.

In a decision having vast significance, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1964 that States must draw their districts to comply with a rule of "one man, one vote" (or "one person, one vote"). This means that districts must be drawn such that the population size of each district is nearly equal. This is called "one man, one vote" because it requires that the relative weight of each man's vote is the same no matter where he lives in the State. His vote cannot be crowded out by living in a district drawn to have a bigger population than other districts in the State.

The decision, based on the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, was ''Reynolds v. Sims'' (1964):
{{cquote|the Equal Protection Clause requires that both houses of a state legislature be apportioned on a population basis}}
''Reynolds v. Sims'', 377 U.S. 533, 583 (1964). The Supreme Court thus required of States something that is not required of the U.S. Senate.

Four years later, a 5-3 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court extended the same requirement to county, city and town legislatures also:
{{cquote|the Constitution imposes one ground rule for the development of arrangements of local government: a requirement that units with general governmental powers over an entire geographic area not be apportioned among single-member districts of substantially unequal population.
''Avery v. Midland County'', 390 U.S. 474, 485-486 (1968). (By "single-member districts" Justice White is referring to a district that elects only one representative for it.)

Many State legislatures were outraged by these decisions, which they viewed as a burdensome, unjustified infringement on their state sovereignty. Talk began of passing a constitutional amendment to overturn these decisions, just as other constitutional amendments have overturned prior Supreme Court decisions in the past (such as the 11th and 16th Amendments). This led to one of the many political ironies of American history, illustrating that God does have a sense of humor.

=== Irony of political history ===

In the 1960s one of the most powerful U.S. Senators was Everett Dirksen, who represented Illinois and served as its floor leader. A Senate office building in D.C. bears his name today, in reflection of how well-liked and influential he was.

The colorful Senator Dirksen personified the U.S. Senate to the American public, as he had a charm and flair far greater than any politician today, as described by the Senate archives:<ref>http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Senator_Everett_Mckinley_Dirksen_Dies.htm</ref>
{{cquote|His physical appearance, his dramatic flair, his cathedral-organ voice: all these attributes made him the personification of [a famous fictional senator in radio entertainment]. He was the grand marshal of the Tournament of Roses parade; he pioneered a televised weekly press conference with his House counterpart; and, with a narrative album entitled Gallant Men, he became a recording star. The hordes of admiring tourists who flocked to his leader’s office in the Capitol forced him to remove his name from its door. ... He gained national attention in 1950 when he unseated the Senate Democratic majority leader in a bitter Illinois contest. ... [A]s a supremely creative and resourceful legislator, Dirksen routinely influenced the agenda of the majority-party Democrats. ... Cautioning that federal spending had a way of getting out of control, Dirksen reportedly observed, 'A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money.'}}

Senator Dirksen proposed a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court decision in ''Reynolds v. Sims'', and made this statement:
{{cquote|the forces of our national life are not brought to bear on public questions solely in proportion to the weight of numbers. If they were, the 6 million citizens of the Chicago area would hold sway in the Illinois Legislature without consideration of the problems of their 4 million fellows who are scattered in 100 other counties. Under the Court's new decree, California could be dominated by Los Angeles and San Francisco; Michigan by Detroit.}}

But Democrats opposed Dirksen's proposed amendment, and in Illinois (Dirksen's home state) they added a special provision to the Illinois (State) Constitution to require a 3/5th majority in order to ratify any constitution. By increasing the threshold for ratifying constitutional amendments from 51% to 60%, Democrats hoped to block Dirken's constitutional amendment to overturn ''Reynolds v. Sims''.

Dirksen's constitutional amendment never passed the U.S. Senate, which was heavily controlled by Democrats. But the 3/5th requirement remains in the Illinois Constitution, and a few years later Illinois became the key battleground State for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which did pass Congress and 35 States. Democrats were then unable to attain the 60% threshold, which they insisted upon to block Dirksen's proposed amendment, in order to ratify the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which they wanted.

== The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ==

== Busing ==

The decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court known as ''Brown v. Board of Education'', in the mid-1950s, led to a practice by federal courts of ordering children of different races to be "bused" (carried by buses) to distant public schools in order to attain goals of full racial integration. By the late 1960s many schoolchildren were being transported by federal court order to attend another public school far from their homes, simply for the purpose of improving racial balance.

New Jersey was not as affected by this as other States were. "Busing" was ordered when there was evidence that a school district had been segregating students by race in the past. Public schools build after the ''Brown v. Board of Education'' decision were not subjected to busing because segregation was already illegal, and the public school district would not have a history of segregation. But older public school districts, particularly in the South and some parts of the Midwest, which had segregated students by race in the past and were not fully integrated by the 1960s, could be sued in federal court and ordered to implement busing of students based on their race.

Busing soon became an enormously controversial, and even affected the presidential elections in 1968 and 1972. In the summer of 1972, Congress passed a law delaying any orders by federal courts to desegregate public schools until all appeals were heard and decided. This prevented a single federal judge from forcing neighborhoods to bus their children to distant schools. A few months later, in the presidential election in November 1972, Nixon was elected in a landslide based in part on his criticism of busing. He swept the southern states that had traditionally been Democratic.

Today, there is rarely mention of "busing", and it has mostly disappeared. But racial politics remains the most powerful issue in politics and law to this day. A single comment about ethnicity can destroy a politician or anyone connected with the media. Many people have lost their job because of a single racial remark, no matter how much they try to explain or apologize for it.

In 2002, the Senate Majority Leader was the Republican Trent Lott, from Mississippi. At the 100-year birthday party of fellow Senator Strom Thurmond from South Carolina, Lott may a statement designed to flatter Thurmond:
{{cquote|I want to say this about my state. When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over these years, either.}}

Do you see why that short statement caused Trent Lott to resign as Senate Majority Leader? Think about this before reading the answer in the next paragraph.

Strom Thurmond ran for president in 1948, before ''Brown v. Board of Education'' ended racial segregation in public schools, and Strom Thurmond support racial segregation in schools as part of his campaign positions. The media then accused Lott of being a racist by saying the Nation would have been better off if Thurmond had won. Lott apologized repeatedly and profusely for his statement, and did not mean fo it to be a racist remark, but the media attention and controversy forced him to resign his leadership position, and about five years later he resigned from the Senate altogether.

== Homework ==

Answer the first five questions, and then two of the remaining three, for a total of seven questions:

1. <>.
 2. <>.
 3. <>.
 4. <>.
 5. <>.
 6. <>.
 7. <>.
 8. <>

'''Extra credit''' (answer two of the following five questions):

9. <>.
 10. <>.
 11. <>.
 12. <>
 13. <>.

You can post your answers at [[American Government Homework Eleven]].

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:American Government lectures]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:American Government Lecture 11}}

Talk:Public school culture

2013-01-01T18:08:48Z

PatrickMarion: /* A few observations and reservations I have about the content of this article */ new section

Where are you getting this information from? I am in public school and do not fit into ANY of those categories... AndrasK: 22:26 April 27 (EDT)
:Same here. --[[Special:Contributions/AutoFire|trans]][[User:AutoFire|Resident Transfan]][[User Talk:Autofire|form!]] 22:27, 27 April 2008 (EDT)

I can usually recognize someone as being from public school by (i) his or her fashion, (ii) his or her demeanor, and (iii) his or her outlook as conveyed by body language. Sometimes I need them to say something, and that reveals the remainder. I'm not kidding. The culture is pronounced.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 22:35, 27 April 2008 (EDT)

Your experiences justify making enormous generalizations? AndrasK: 22:37 April 27 (EDT)

: It's a culture. Objective observations can be made about cultures. Are you trying to censor that?--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 22:38, 27 April 2008 (EDT)

::Ok first of all, stop accusing me of trying to censor anything just because I am pointing out flaws in your Modus Operandi. And that is one example of high school culture. There are other aspects of high school culture, and I will add them to the article. AndrasK: 22:41 April 27 (EDT)

I dont think what you describe is 'Public school culture' andy. It is just modern fashion, popular music taste expressed through fashion etc. jeez, 40 years ago you could say so called 'public school culture' was long hair and bell bottoms. What you describe is modern culture. It is apart from schooling. Unless you're homeschooled and dont associate with modern culture.
[[User:AdenJ|AdenJ]] 06:11, 28 April 2008 (EDT)

==Eye contact==
My excuse for not looking someone in the eye is the same as Japanese culture: a sign of respect.

The other reason might be because they are afraid of their true selves and being "figured out" by others. [[User:Kektklik|Kektk]] 18:39, 28 April 2008 (EDT)

==Non-Cultural?==
How are those points you removed uncultural, ASchlafly? It just looks like you removed all of the positive ones. '''[[user:FernoKlump | FernoKlump]]''' 10:26, 29 April 2008 (EDT)
:Hmm, good point. How is joining clubs/sports along with being pro-homosexual not part of public school culture? Aren't a lot of home schoolers barred from joining clubs even though they are "enrolled" in the school? -^_^- [[User:Kektklik|Kektk]] 10:30, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

:: The list is not about what people can join, but what their "culture" is (such as style, views, etc.).--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 14:38, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

:::OK, I re-added some and reworded so it reflects "culture" '''[[user:FernoKlump | FernoKlump]]''' 18:46, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

==Another laughable page==

Please can you tell me something? This site is supposed to be an encyclopedia, isnt it? The function of an encyclopedia is, as I understand it, to act as a reference for facts. This is just another list of things that someone doesn't like and likes to imagine describes another group.

As I understand it, part of the function of this website is to act as a learning resource and as something young people can use to research projects or homework from school. Given that pages like this keep appearing, do we honestly believe that any teacher who follows a reference to conservapedia will think that this is a site that is worth referencing in a piece of work? I can tell you, if someone I teach gave me a quote or a reference from an "encyclopedia" that contained this sort of thing, I would mark them down quite heavily. More so even than I would if they used Wikipedia, and my classes know that wikipedia is NOT a good source for referencing, but at least they TRY to have some sort of support for the claims they make on the pages.

Please, please please can we pull ourselves together and realise that lists like this are NOT encyclopedic in nature and should, at the very least, be labelled as some sort of talk or debate page. Otherwise we will drive away people looking for serious information.--[[User:KimSell|KimSell]] 13:53, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

::KimSell - you obviously know that access to opinion is often stifled in educational environments. I'm glad to see you have advised your students about referencing Wikipedia, but opinions on the actual schools they are attending - and the quality thereof - would be hard for them to find. It's important that your students understand the poor environment they are in, and so this is, indeed, an encyclopediac entry, and it should stay as is. There's enough liberal opinion out there, let's at least have some balance against it. [[User:NormanTebbitt|NormanTebbitt]] 14:31, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

::: Well put, Norman. Kim, give me a lineup of students, and I can pick out the [[public school]] ones based on their appearance and, if necessary, some general conversation. That's objectively observable. It's not opinion. Let's not censor it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 14:37, 29 April 2008 (EDT)
::::: Sorry Andy, but a completely unsubstantiated claim about what you can do is NOT evidence of anything. Icould say that I can tell a Frenchman by the way his toes are, but we dont have an article called [[French Toes]] do we? No. Because it is not encyclopedic in nature.--[[User:KimSell|KimSell]] 16:53, 29 April 2008 (EDT)
:::: It is not a matter of denying them access to opinions. Opinions are fine. They have their place. But NOT in something that claims to be an encyclopedia. And sorry, but "soome guy on the internet says he can tell a public school student" does NOT make an article encyclopedic in nature. Open any real world encyclopedia and find me an article even slightly similar to this "article". You won't be able to do it, because real encyclopedias require something more than the opinion of some guy on the web. --[[User:KimSell|KimSell]] 16:51, 29 April 2008 (EDT)

==Reversions by ASchlafly==
Could you please explain why "An emphasis on social development" should not be in the article? You have reverted it twice, and as far as I can tell you have not given any explanation. Thank you. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]''' 21:02, 2 May 2008 (EDT)

: There is nothing about the "public school culture" that embodies "an emphasis on social development." What does that phrase have in mind? Gang initiation? Drug use? It's absurd.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 22:00, 2 May 2008 (EDT)

:Uhh actually high school is heavily involved with social development. In highschool one learns to communicate and interact efficiently and effectively with one's peers. One learns social rules regarding limits with different types of individuals (how to interact with students vs relaxed teachers vs strict teachers vs administrators). Highschool demands the acquisition of group and team skills and the ability to work together. These are all essential parts of social development. Where you get the idea that public schools are all gangs and drugs I have no idea. In a recent anonymous survey at my highschool, only about ~30-35% admit to trying drugs, and only about 5% admit to using drugs weekly. Despite what you may think, public schools develop crucial interaction and social skills that home schooled students often lack. [[User:AndrasK|AndrasK]] 22:17, 2 May 2008 (EDT)

So factual info is now liberal bias?
[[User:AdenJ|AdenJ]] 23:50, 2 May 2008 (EDT)

None of the items that you removed, Aschlafly, were non-cultural. Your edit was just a removal of all positive points. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave Death Threats Here]] 00:03, 3 May 2008 (EDT)

I am with you Ferno. But no good will come of it. This project is doomed as it is totally unbelievable.
[[User:AdenJ|AdenJ]] 00:07, 3 May 2008 (EDT)

:May I ask why you (Schalfly) decided to remove the references to interest in certain subjects? Most if not all high schools offer advanced courses (if not AP/IB courses such as my highschool). These courses allow and promote students to pursue a deeper understanding of subjects that interest them. High schools are completely about promoting education and passion regarding knowledge and learning. I know that courses at my high school certainly have built a passion for my friends and I. I, for one, English, History, Physics, and Mathematics at a much more personal level than ever before. I absolutely love mathematics and am fascinated by it. Most people I have spoken to have some subject of passion born from such courses. Just because the bullet said something positive about public schools, does not make it wrong. [[User:AndrasK|AndrasK]] 11:21, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

::Aschlafly, we all know you hate public school but that doesn't mean there aren't any positive points to it. Those items are indeed cultural. Being "not particularly 'public school'" is not a reason for removal because several of the negative points are not necessarily public school either. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 13:27, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

== Reply re: reversion ==

* Having a wide range of new ideas, both positive and negative

: There is very little diversity of ideas in the public school culture. For example, it's difficult to find a single public school student who even realizes that classroom prayer has been censored, let alone oppose the censorship.

* Involvement in various sports events and other participation

: No more than any other student culture. On a percentage basis, actually, probably less.

* Membership to social groups such as chess clubs or more important groups such as school council or editing a student newspaper which helps social development

: Ditto.

* Genuine interest in math, literature, science, history, etc.

: This is absurd. An alarming percentage of public school students drop out. Public schools even have rules against taking courses above grade level.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 13:41, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:Where did you get that last little tidbit of information (above grade level restrictions). As I said prior, every school I have ever seen, heard of, or interacted with had advanced courses. In middle school I was placed on a 2 year advanced mathematics track, doing Algebra I (a freshman highschool course) at 7th grade. As a Junior, I have just completed two semesters of College level calculus in less than a semester and a half. It is not just my school, almost all schools offer Advanced Placement courses of some form. Some do not offer as many as others due to budget, faculty, and interest limitations, but nearly all do offer some form of it. As to the involvement aspect, do you have any statistics to justify your statements? High schools offer a wide variety of sports (at many different levels from intramural to Varsity) as well as clubs (subject based clubs, service clubs, political clubs, academic teams, and yes, religious clubs). As the wide range of new ideas, high school classrooms are often a place of debate. I know that in my classroom we have debated regarding thousands of subjects, and new, never before heard ideas to most of the class came up. I don't know where you get the idea that highschool is some form of brain washing, it is more the encouragement of intellectual pursuit. (As to the classroom prayer, students are 100% allowed to pray as they so desire, and form prayer clubs (we have one). The school simple cannot force a child to pray or allow a child to force another child to pray. This is protecting all religions and all individuals 1st amendment rights. If a muslim teacher tried to force your child to pray to Allah, would you oppose it?)
[[User:AndrasK|AndrasK]] 14:00, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:: As to classroom prayer, if a group of students attempt to pray together at the beginning of the class, then they would be censored and probably disciplined. At one school last year, the valedictorian was thanking God (or Jesus) during her own speech and the school officials turned off the microphone. So either you're in [[liberal denial]] or your clueless about this.

:: As to your other points, public school students are generally not allowed to take courses above grade level. There are some AP courses available to high school students at various grades, but that does not contradict the general rule as stated. Also, activity participation by public school students is probably less than average by teenagers. Finally, you omitted the main point: an alarming percentage of public school students simply drop out.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 14:13, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

::: Oh? What is this alarming percentage? [[User:IndianaJ|IndianaJ]] 14:30, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::There will of course be extreme examples of any ideology (just as there are examples of censorship of liberal ideas in some highschools) but on the average your statement does not hold true. And to quote you "Also, activity participation by public school students is probably less than average by teenagers." You even used the word probably! You are just making pure assumptions in order to make something fit your view. You hold no credibility until you show any reputable statistics (aka not from www.publicschoolsarehorrible.com) but any accredited scientific/statistical study (APA, the Department of Education, reputable universities). As to the grade level restrictions. If schools offer honors/AP/IB curriculum and opportunities for students to take higher level courses, what exactly else do you want them to do? Show me one school that clearly states in its operational manual that students "may not take any course deemed above their grade level." Good luck. Finally, the percentage of public school drop outs. This can be cited because statistics exist regarding this group (suddenly statistics are your friend?). Public schools repeatedly undergo statistical analysis, are constantly critiqued, and this produces large amounts of information. There is a standard MO for obtaining information regarding the success of public schools because they are, on the whole, standardized. Home schoolers, however, are not regulated by the government nearly as strictly (if at all) and thus are not subject to such analysis. Statistics regarding home schooled individuals are harder to obtain and create as there is no established channel by which to create them. [[User:AndrasK|AndrasK]] 14:36, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

::::If a group of students attempted to pray together at the beginning of the class, they would only be censored if they were disrupting the normal flow of the class. For example, if the teacher was not about to begin teaching and the other students would be free to talk anyway, the praying would be allowed. But if the teacher was trying to teach and they began to pray out loud, disrupting the class, they would probably be asked to stop (but I would doubt that they would be disciplined without a warning). '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]]

== I'll review all of the negative points ==

Why don't I review some of the other points?

* a lack of commitment to respect the religious civil rights of students has resulted in "religion-free zones."
Not at my school. We are pretty tolerant to anyone's religious beliefs. Even when teaching evolution, our teachers clearly tell us that it may or may not be true and that we just have to understand it, not believe it.

:: But the teachers will not mention alternative theories, and they will not allow substantive criticism of the theory of evolution, such the implausibility of any evolutionary path for the [[whale]].--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* sex education, homosexual curriculum and sexual abuse by school personnel has been referred to as a "red-light district" for students
We had a brief sexual education assembly, but it mostly talked about STDs and that protection does not always work. The only time that I can remember talking about homosexuality in class was when we were learning about the civil rights movement of the 1960s. There have been no reports of sexual abuse at our school as long as I have gone there. A few years after I left my middle school a teacher was accused by a student of accessing pornography using a school computer, but they couldn't find any proof of it.

:: [[Homosexual]] indoctrination in [[public schools]] has grown enormously in recent years. Sex abuse by public school personnel is rampant, and a whole series of newspaper articles uncovered this.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* a culture of incompetence
I don't know what you mean by that, nor do I care

:: Not sure myself.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* fashion that includes black (Goth) clothing
Black is a popular color for clothing, but there are only about 3 goths at our school

:: "Only" 3? That's 3 more than in other cultures. And I bet far more than 3 are preferring black clothing at your school.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::I'm not entirely sure why black clothing would be cause for concern. I tend to wear black clothing on a fairly regular basis, primarily because I'm color-blind and I know black goes well with almost anything. The Pastor of my church also wears black rather frequently. --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 17:51, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: Obsessive black clothing is worn to signify lack of life, death, mourning, Goth culture, lack of faith, and intimidation. Other than that, I don't have a problem with it!--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 18:23, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

::::: Priests and nuns are well known for wearing black, and I doubt any would claim that they represent a lack of life, death, mourning, or goth culture. A black and white ball isn't about goth culture either. The Pilgrims also wore black. I wear black because its easier to do laundry - "light clothes and dark clothes". It also does a good job of not showing dirt. I believe you miss the interpretation of 'simplicity' with black. --[[User:Rutm|Rutm]] 18:39, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

facial piercings and rings, tattoos, and male earrings
I don't notice many facial piercings or tattoos, but what is wrong with male earrings?

:: Look around more, and you'll begin to notice more. Observations, by the way, do not depend on it being wrong.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* depressed demeanors
By this I'm assuming that you mean emos, but they have almost disappeared in the last year

:: I can often spot a public school student just by the depressed expression on his or her face.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* an absence of objective morality; instead, a principal will say someone 'made the wrong choice'
I have never heard a teacher use that phrase.

:: Listen to what principals say after a kid is busted for drugs.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* a sense of hopelessness
I'm not sure what is meant by that, but I haven't encountered anything of the sort

:: Maybe you don't notice it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* a lack of critical thinking about liberal indoctrination
Totally wrong. My physics teacher (and most of the science teachers) doesn't believe global warming is caused by humans, and is disgusted at the lack of opposition to it in the science world.

:: That's good, and I'm impressed. But does your physics teacher describe where modern scientific theories have been proven wrong, such as the [[Origin of the Moon]] or the [[Piltdown Man]]?--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)
::: My physics teacher hasn't mentioned that, but my biology teacher talked about the origins of the moon theory once. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:34, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: Well ... what did he say about the [[Origin of the Moon]]??? Doesn't sound like he taught he truth, or you would probably would have remembered it better.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

''She'' explained it, but it was like 3 years ago and I don't really remember much about it. I read the article on here about it and it was essentially the same idea from what I remember. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 18:48, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

: As I said, had ''she'' told the truth about it, you would have likely remembered. As it stands, what she said was meaningless because you don't recall it. She might as well said nothing.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:44, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* compulsive profanity
This is one that I would have to agree with.

:: OK, I respect your admission here.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* general inability to look someone in the eye
Maybe, but there are many reasons for that.

:: OK.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* extreme anxiety
Again, I'm not sure what is meant by that or what the causes would be.

:: Causes are confusion, deprivation of [[faith]], and constantly being taught falsehoods.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)
::: The only thing I can think of would be anxiety over tests or other related stress like that. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:34, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: Perhaps 10% of your class is regularly taking drugs, legal and illegal, for anxiety, and it's not due to tests. Your comment seems a bit out of touch.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

There really isn't much drug use at our school, and it is pretty looked down upon. We have had a lot of education regarding this and most people stay away from it. But I guess for anxiety I am a bit out of touch because it seems like the people who have these problems don't really want to talk about it. I don't think that this is somehow caused by public school though, I think that it is just youth in general. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 18:48, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

: I'm confident there is more drug use -- legal and illegal -- than you realize at your school.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:44, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

::Isn't that what I just basically said? '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 20:17, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* feeling that it is funny to be dumb
I would have to agree with this one too.

:: OK, thanks.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* being so accustomed to censorship of ideas that there is genuine surprise when someone actually says something unfamiliar or politically incorrect
Nope, not at all

:: I doubt you'll hear in [[public school]] any criticism of the censorship of classroom prayer, or of the [[gay agenda]], or of the [[abortion]] industry.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

::: For criticism of school prayer see below. In U.S. History we discussed the gay rights movement, and our (liberal) teacher criticized the violence of the Stonewall riots in comparison to the peaceful Civil Rights movement of Martin Luther King, but was also empathetic to the fact that gays were being arrested and subject to police brutality. Out teacher had criticized both sides of the abortion issue and has even used it to draw a comparison to the conflict over abolitionism. But I remember that he talked about people who are supposedly "pro-life", yet bomb abortion clinics. I have a hunch that he is not in favor of abortion, though, because he is very critical of the promiscuity today and has credited abortion to helping the increase of it. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:34, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: Your comment does not address or rebut any of my three points.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

It does address your points because I was giving examples of how one of my teachers talked about those issues. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 18:48, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

: No you didn't. You didn't mention (i) criticism of the censorship of classroom prayer, or (ii) of the [[gay agenda]], or (iii) of the [[abortion]] industry. You talked about abortion, not criticism of the abortion industry.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:44, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* lack of awareness that prayer is censored in public schools and that teachers' unions are very liberal
as I said above, we know that mandatory prayer is illegal. I didn't know that the teacher's union is liberal, though.

:: I'm not talking about mandatory prayer. I'm talking about voluntary prayer.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::Actually when I wrote that I was referring to something I had written on the top of my post, but I ended up deleting it, so it makes no sense now. We know that we are allowed to pray as long as it does not disrupt the class. Our U.S. History class debated this and we generally agreed that forced prayer violates freedom of religion. We also talked about some cases where teachers have jumped the gun and censored students while praying nondisruptively and decided that they had no right to do that. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:34, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: You're in denial. You haven't heard voluntary classroom prayer once during all your years in [[public school]]. Try it with some friends and ask to start a class with a voluntary prayer, and watch what happens. You'll be censored, if not disciplined.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

Does prayer have to be out loud? There is nothing wrong with praying silently, I don't know what benefit there is from praying out loud. God still hears you the same. Again, we have the right to pray as long as it does not disrupt the class. As one of my teachers said, "As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school". '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 18:48, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

: Your comment here reflects the [[public school culture]] well. Yes, classroom prayer is censored but, no, teachers and students won't admit it. You've never once heard a single classroom prayer in all your years in public school, and won't try to say one with your classmates now. Rather than admit it, you insist that God doesn't want it! That's the [[public school culture]]: it censors and won't admit it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:44, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:: Again, why does prayer have to be spoken? Personally, I am uncomfortable praying out loud even in church. Doesn't Matthew 6:5-7 say something about this? '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 20:19, 4 May 2008 (EDT)
<hr />
:::I went to DeLand High School. I was in the Air Force JROTC Program which had a student Chaplain who opened all our military activities (such as flag decommissioning) with a non denominational prayer. My drama club also prayed before every play. Also, the Campus Crusade for Christ prayed at the flag pole every morning before school. I'm not seeing how this was censored. --[[User:IanG|IanG]] 14:53, 18 September 2008 (EDT)
* alcohol and drug abuse
I believe the statistic at our school for drinking alcohol was 34%, so indeed many drink but it is still a minority. I think that it was about 5% of the students at our school that use marijuana frequently, but really nothing worse

:: 34% is huge, and the 5% is an underestimate (or perhaps the "frequently" adjective is the trick there).--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)
:::Alcohol is a particularly large problem at our school, but it is declining. The statistic for ever ''trying'' marijuana was much larger, but many students didn't find an appeal to it and never tried it again. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]]

<hr />

* disrespect for teachers
Again, a minority of the school is disrespectful to teachers. But at our age we all want to be 'rebels' so that kind of thing is expected

:: It's more in [[public school]].--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)
:::I'm sure it is, but teachers never lose control over the classrooms, so it is not really a huge problem. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:36, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: No one said that teachers lose control over the classrooms, but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem. It's demoralizing and degrading.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

Disrepect against teachers is usually dealt with quickly and with punishment. I remember a kid that gave a teacher the middle finger and he got suspended for a week. They also told him that if he ever did anything like that again he would be expelled. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 18:48, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* bullying
Maybe a little, but nothing serious

:: OK.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

* gang activity
There are absolutely no gangs at our school (or in our area). The areas with gang activity are usually going to have it everywhere, not just in schools.

:: Rest assured that gang activity is a huge problem in some areas. Do you live in a wealthy suburb?--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)
::: I live in a middle-class suburb, so gang are never really a problem. My point is, though, that the gangs aren't caused by the school, gang activity just spills into it.'''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:36, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: I don't think you realize what goes on in less wealthy [[public schools]]. Do you have metal detectors in your school? Many do, but it doesn't sound like yours does.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

My point is that gang activity isn't caused by public schools or somehow unique to them. Gang activity is usually caused by poverty, where parents can't afford to send their kids to private schools or have the education or time to homeschool them. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]]

: I appreciate your analysis, but gangs often form in school and terrorize kids there. In some areas children are even afraid to go to [[public school]].--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:44, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

<hr />

That is just a summary of my experience in the public school system. I think that it shows that a lot of the points are just presumed and don't really reflect a majority of public schoolers. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 14:33, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:: I've taught many of them, and see their contrast with [[homeschoolers]] firsthand.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:05, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::My problem with this article is that it is stereotyping'''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 15:36, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

:::: It's not stereotyping to describe a culture.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:59, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

It is, because you are describing a small minority of teenagers and implying that everyone who goes to public school is just like them. '''[[user:FernoKlump|FernoKlump]]'''[[User talk:FernoKlump|Leave me a death threat!!]] 18:48, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

: It's a culture that censors and denies it is censoring, to give just one example. It's not just a minority, but rather a large majority. Observations about culture are not stereotyping, but important to understand what happens in that culture. Much of history class is spent learning about past cultures.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:44, 4 May 2008 (EDT)

Much of my Classics classes were spent learning about the good and bad of ancient cultures. Not just focusing on some guys perception of what is good and bad. Aschlafly, other people might have made their own observations. This list is what Aschlafly thinks and anyone trying to add their own observations will have their edits reverted. Kinda hard to have a collaborate encyclopedia when no other observations are allowed but yours, is it not?
[[User:AdenJ|AdenJ]] 01:06, 5 May 2008 (EDT)

==Poor Homeschooler behavior==
There's an exception to every rule - [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5764886.html these three young men were homeschooled], and it doesn't seem like this is model behavior? [[User:JerryMander|JerryMander]] 18:53, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

: No, that's not model behavior, I agree! I also agree that there is often an exception to correlations. But the [[liberal]] attempt to disprove correlation with a counterexample is fallacious. See point #6 in [[liberal logic]]. It's amazing how many people are fooled by that trick. Would they also conclude from seeing a 100-year-old smoker that smoking does not cause lung cancer???

: And, I might add, often the counterexamples are not really as they appear. The article says the 17-year-olds are homeschooled. I wouldn't be surprised based on their conduct if they were expelled from or dropped out of [[public school]]; note that the newspaper does not say that they have always been homeschooled.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:31, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

::So your point here is that an example of "bad behavior" from a public schooler indicts everyone who goes to a public school, but an incident of "bad behavior" from a homeschooler... Has no effect on anything? [[User:DannyRedful|DannyRedful]] 20:57, 17 June 2008 (EDT)

Would conservatives conclude, from seeing a young singer with breast cancer, that hollywood types have more breast cancer?
[[User:AdenJ|AdenJ]] 19:37, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

: AdenJ, either you don't understand, or you think you'll fool others. I hope it's the former. Examples can indicate correlation. A counterexample cannot disprove it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:04, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

==Social Skills==
I think it is worthy of note that whereas some of the facts about public schoolers are true, in general public schoolers have much better social skills than homeschoolers. Also, don't you think it's rather unfair to list all of public schoolers' bad qualities and omit all of their good ones? [[User:PhyllisS|PhyllisS]] 20:35, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

Thanks for the PhyllisS. I added a few good points which were reverted by Aschlafly including development of social skills.
[[User:AdenJ|AdenJ]] 22:58, 9 May 2008 (EDT)

==United States==
I'm assuming that this article is about public school culture in the United States, because it certainly doesn't agree with my experience of other countries. I've added to the article to explain that. If this was a mistake please feel free to change it. [[User:Daphnea|Daphnea]] 15:22, 24 June 2008 (EDT)

==Invalid Homosexuality Reference==

There are two problems with the reference used to back up the assertion that public school culture is identified with homosexuality. First, the article that is referenced is about gay rights groups advocating more teaching of awareness and tolerance for homosexuality in private schools (which is a bit much, I agree). That does nothing to back up an assertion that homosexuality itself is a part of the public school culture. Second, the article is from a Canadian source and is about a Canadian-based dispute, while this article starts of by focusing its scope on the public school culture in the United States. --[[User:DinsdaleP|DinsdaleP]] 18:40, 31 July 2008 (EDT)

== Classic example of "Public school culture" ==

Anyone who needs an example of "public school culture" should go to our school's cross river rival Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Florida. The first thing you see besides the obnoxious looking tarpon (which was created by the school's [[cheerleading]] squad in the mid 90's, probably the most indecent cheerleading squad in the state giving the entire sport a terrible name) is a sign that states "Surveillance cameras in use." Over gloification of the school's athletic teams and lack of interest for academics has earned the school an impressive "D" grade from the state DOE whereas no other school in Charlotte County has ever had less than a "C" grade. Don't know about the prayer issue there, but I do know that our school (Port Charlotte in Port Charlotte, FL), which has been deemed an "A" grade school, sometimes has moments of silence, and has even had public prayers at certain events, such as the [[NJROTC]] annual inspection, being witnessed by the principal, superintendent for Charlotte County Public Schools, NJROTC Area 7 manager, many students, and over 100 parents. Charlotte HS is known for behavioral issues; [[Wikipedia]] can no longer be accessed from any CCPS school because girls at CHS could not resist vandalizing the site, and they'd probably do the same here if they were intelligent enough to find this site. I consider CHS more of a typical public school, meaning the type described here, and the type you see on the news and every TV show depicting a public school. I don't, however, believe that all public schools are like this or that all private schools are any better. I realize many people here don't like [[Wikipedia]], but anyone that wants to see how immature this world is, public school or otherwise, should go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RecentChanges and look at the diffs coming from the IPs. You'll see "public school culture" at its worst, and it will come from [[public schools]], [[private schools]], libraries, churches, people working for corporations, small businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, mobile providers and WiFi hotspots, and residential accounts. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] 13:43, 31 December 2009 (EST)

== Positive Aspects ==
I just had an edit listing some positive aspects of school culture removed. It is not entirely bad, or else we'd have
a LOT more sociopaths and psychopaths! Public schools grant benefits that many parts of the world do not enjoy. Things as basic as reading and writing seems commonplace now but remember that this was a rare skill just a thousand years ago. It helps provide a foundation for children to pursue their career choice whether it is science, mathematics, the arts, etc. It seems completely unfair to undermine public schools because of a difference of opinion. I say, list the negatives AND the positives and let the reader decide the value of public schools rationally. --[[User:Composer|Composer]] 01:20, 16 February 2010 (EST)

:You are full of liberal assumptions, Composer. I reviewed and approved of DouglasA's reversal. Your edits made it seem as if someone homeschooled doesn't have the opportunity for social interaction, or learning first-hand about different cultures. Those assumptions are simply not logical and wrong. Many public schools are completely devoid of different cultures. So how does that fact jibe with your edits? Open your mind and set yourself free! --<big>[[User:TK|'''ṬK''']]</big>/Admin[[User_Talk:TK|/Talk]] 03:05, 16 February 2010 (EST)

::The language could admittingly be toned down about the positive aspects if that's the problem. There are positive aspects to public school culture and hard working teachers doing the most they can within the structure. Homeschooling benefits are given a lot of detail and a lot of attention and the case for it has been made. You seem to assume I think homeschooling is inferior to public schools. I don't. However I don't believe public schools are the source of all ills as this article makes it seem to be. I'm just suggesting some balance, nothing drastic. Keep all the negative stuff in, I'm not calling for its removal either.
--[[User:Composer|Composer]] 07:30, 16 February 2010 (EST)

:::Then perhaps the best thing is for you to keep those insights in mind ''before'' editing. We don't say '''all''' public school education is bad, just the majority of them are. I think that's a fair judgment, and have had both public (the majority of it) and home schooling, a couple of years. I didn't assume anything about your edits other than what they actually said, as that is all I had to go on. --<big>[[User:TK|'''ṬK''']]</big>/Admin[[User_Talk:TK|/Talk]] 08:58, 16 February 2010 (EST)

== The lady doth protest too much, methinks ==

Okay, to all of these people who insist on protesting here: please Google "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." If you have a differing opinion, okay, but stop trying to force it on Conservapedia and her editors. [[User:DMorris|DMorris]] 15:02, 17 February 2010 (EST)

== A few observations and reservations I have about the content of this article ==

I believe many of the claims in this article are erroneous and need correction, first because I myself have attended public schools, and because I know those who have attended public schools, and many of the claims need correction for reasons I shall state below:

*complete [[censorship]] of any [[classroom prayer]]
** Not entirely true. I have attended and know others who have gone to schools that allow for a "moment of silence" at the beginning of the school day when a student may quietly pray, and during eating or break periods no particular rules were ever placed on myself or others praying for their meals. I also liked to read the Bible occasionally, and the book was available (alongside other religious texts) in the school library, and while proselytizing was not encouraged, the reading of the Bible when I did not have an assignment for private enjoyment was never in conflict with school policy.
* fashion that includes all black clothing ([[Goth (subculture)|Goth]]), teens dressed like prostitutes
** This was discouraged, at least in my school experiences. No "uniform" policy had ever been issued, but many types of indecent or gang affiliated clothes were not permissible to be worn by students, and while the exact specifics can vary between school systems, many have similar policies, especially in the more conservative school districts (which I have attended)
* facial piercings and rings, [[tattoo]]s, and male earrings
** These were completely discouraged in my experience, again this varies between school districts, but they are usually not permitted in most public schools as a distracting or indecent fashion statement.
* [[depressed]] demeanor (a so-called "emo" culture amongst some teens)
** Some public schools usually have poor counseling services or can be cripplingly lax in noticing troubled students, so while I agree this can be problematic, this varies by school district.
* an absence of objective [[morality]]; instead, a principal will say someone "made the wrong choice"
** I disagree. Most school issue handbooks detailing their policies, and concretely immoral actions such as sex on school grounds, vandalism, arson, or other criminal mischief is dealt with as such and identified as wrong. The exact nature of how it is dealt with varies by school district, but my own experience is that there is not an abscen of objective morality.
* a sense of hopelessness
** I'm not sure what this refers to, seems more like an opinion with no basis in fact, though public schools do have students who may feel this way, but the school environment may not be the reason for this state of being or may not be the only determining factor.
* a lack of [[critical thinking]] about [[liberal]] [[Indoctrinate|indoctrination]]
** This is dependent on the school district. I had the good fortune to attend schools that had conservative values, but for the most part I found my school experience largely apolitical.
* [[compulsive profanity]]
** This can be problematic, despite the fact every public school usually has rules against this.
* general inability to look someone in the eye
** This seems like baseless opinion. I've never heard of (or attended) a public school where you were encouraged not to pay attention to the teacher (which included proper eye contact)
* lewd behavior euphemistically referred to as "PDA" or "Public Display of Affection"
** Every school I attended had strict rules prohibiting such displays, the exact specifics can vary from school district to school district.
* racial discrimination resulting from set cliques of racially homogeneous students
** Racism is generally not tolerated in every public school which I am aware, though this does little to stop the private opinions on the subject held by individual students.
* tolerance of homosexuality due to school-supported and funded groups
** I primarily went to schools in conservative school districts, so I never encountered this, but this could vary depending on the political slant of the school district.
* extreme [[anxiety]]
** Public schools are like any public situation in which stress can occur, this seems to be over generalizing.
* feeling that it is funny to be dumb
** This was not tolerated by the administrations of the schools I attended, and most public schools tend to punish encouraging this harshly in my experience.
* disruptive yelling
** This was also not tolerated in my experience, and frequently punished.
* lack of supervision, class cutting
** Class cutting can be a problem, but that's usually more of a case of the student choosing delinquency, and not an endemic fault of the school system itself, though some can be lax in making sure this does not occur.
* lack of awareness that [[prayer]] is censored in [[public schools]] and that teachers' [[Labor union|unions]] are very [[liberal]]
** The first is not true in my experience, cannot speak to the matter of teacher unions, though I don't understand why most students would even care about teacher's unions.
* smoking, [[alcohol]] and [[drug abuse]]
** Were explicitly prohibited in my experiences, most public schools have similar policies.
* drug testing
** This was practiced in sports programs in the schools I have attended for legal reasons, the exact requirements may vary depending on school district
* disrespect for teachers, taking advantage of substitute teachers
** Generally prohibited and punished in my experience, how problematic this is may vary by school district
* [[bullying]], [[hazing]], public humiliation
** Generally prohibited and punished in my experience, how problematic this is may vary by school district
* [[gang]] activity weapon detectors, locker searches
** Gang activity was prohibited and suppressed in my experience, occasional locker searches were not unheard of in my experience, exact specifics vary depending on school district
* lack of proper etiquette and manners
** These are generally enforced via the school rules of conduct, though how well they are enforced depends on the school district
* glorification of certain groups such as athletic teams and outcast of others
** Public schools do tend to encourage cliquish behavior, so I can actually agree with this
* bitter hate for rival schools and their students
** Never encountered this in my experiences, though this may vary between school districts
* corrupt and abusive teachers and school administrators
** The severity of this problem varies between school districts
* censorship of conservative sources of news and information
** Not true in my experience (I found my own school experience was rather apolitical), but this may vary depending on the politics of the school district
* violence and [[Columbine High School|school shootings]]
** Can be problematic, varies depending on the school district
* excessive [[network abuse]]
** Can be problematic, varies depending on the school district
* complete lack of awareness or involvement by parents
** This is more dependent on the parents of the students, not the school, though laxness on the school part to duly inform the parents on how their children are doing can be a problem in certain school districts.
* rampant cheating by students
** Generally prohibited and punished harshly in my experiences, may vary depending on school district
* cross-dressing - in schools plays, boys wearing girl jeans, powder puff sports, etc.
** Was not encouraged in my experience, cannot speak for all school districts, as their policies may vary
* special concessions for certain ethnic groups and religions while Christianity is ignored
** Completely untrue in my experiences, though this may be true in certain school districts.
* allowing students to opt-out of saying the [[Pledge of Allegiance]]
** This is true in my experience, and personally, I do not believe any student should be forced to say anything against their will (as it violates the First Amendment). In fact, those who did not wish to say the Pledge in my experience were given the option to remain silent.
* pregnant students being accepted by school officials, and sometimes even pregnancy pacts
** Generally non permitted in my experience, may vary depending on school district.
* acceptance and sometimes even encouragement of [[abortion]] and [[birth control]]
** Not true in my experience. While they were discussed in our school's sexual education programs, virtually all of the teachers who gave the classes admitted the only perfectly effective method of preventing STD's and pregnancy was abstinence. This may vary by school district in other cases.
* a lack of respect for public property and other people's personal property, as seen by vandalism (e.g. defacing and/or inscribing obscenities into desks, lockers, etc.) and high rates of theft
** Can be problematic, varies by school district, though this was not an overly large problem in my experiences.
* disruptive pranks like false fire alarms have caused many schools to implement detection mechanisms such as surveillance cameras and tamper dyes.
** This is, sadly, true in most cases.
* disrespect for authority figures and high-ranking elected public officials
** Can be problematic, depending on school district, though in my experience this is more a lack of self control on the part of the student(s) in question.
[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 13:08, 1 January 2013 (EST)PatrickMarion

Population control

2013-01-01T08:13:22Z

PatrickMarion: /* External Links */

'''Population control''' means reducing the human population of the earth, in favor of other species or to promote political or ideological goals (see [[eugenics]]). Population control is based on [[pseudoscience]] and ill founded [[economics|economic]] assumptions.<ref>http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html</ref>

For some unexplained reason, population control becomes an obsession of ultra-wealthy liberals. Perhaps their love of money requires them to dislike people, or anything other than money.

[[Jacques Cousteau]] told an interviewer:
* What should we do to eliminate suffering and disease? It's a wonderful idea but perhaps not altogether a beneficial one in the long run. If we try to implement it we may jeopardize the future of our species. It's terrible to have to say this. World population must be stabilized and to do that '''we must eliminate 350,000 people per day'''. This is so horrible to contemplate that we shouldn't even say it. But the general situation in which we are involved is lamentable." (emphasis added for this article) [http://www.overpopulation.org/older.html]

The ''Washington Times'' warns:

*population control ... has often led to massive [[human rights]] abuses by governments [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtontimes.com%2Fnews%2F2008%2Fjul%2F27%2Ftaking-on-the-overpopulation-myth%2F&ei=PE90Sr6gDNiLtgeTzdGWCQ&usg=AFQjCNFjhRNXeP4d_7626IubFdnjUyNqwg&sig2=PdlMgM69332TBRha3PGuxQ]

The Population Research Institute (PRI) reports:
* Many countries abuse human rights in the name of family planning or population control. In Mexico, poor Indian women with children are often denied medical care by government clinics unless they agree to be sterilized. In Peru, the government has admitted that many Indian women were forcibly sterilized by that country's population control campaign in which 300,000 women were rendered barren. [http://www.pop.org/0000000094/pri-faqs-frequently-asked-questions]

In general, population control represents any of several approaches to managing the [[population]] growth rate of [[human]]s. The driver for efforts at population control is concern that levels of population sustainability are rapidly being approached. Some consider this concern to be a [[liberal]] [[socialist]] [[myth]]. Also, "sustainability" is very difficult to define in practical terms. Due to criticism, the myth promoters have adapted their position with a new ideological term. Population control has been changed to the wide promotion of 'reproductive health'. The mainstream [[media]] have heavily promoted the consequences surrounding "overpopulation" and "excessive" population growth.

==Abortion==
The most significant factor in population control is the termination of unborn babies (see [[abortion]]). Another factor is the sterilization of women. False reasons for this position are numerous. Everything from [[environment]] and [[global warming]] to [[poverty]], [[war]] and food supply. <ref>[http://www.envoymagazine.com/backissues/2.3/coverstory.html Too Many People?] Envoy Magazine</ref> [[Government]]-supported private agencies such as [[Planned Parenthood]] agree with the premise. Planned parenthood has 70 percent of its clinics located in minority neighborhoods and foreign aid for health programs still target the non-white populations of the world for reduction.

Unlike almost all other American scholars of the subject, Steven Mosher, president of Population Research Institute and a [[China]] expert, does not consider population control to be a worthy goal. Mr. Mosher documents how population control has crowded out many of the resources needed for [[disease]] prevention and treatment and has often led to massive [[human rights]] abuses by governments eager to meet their population reduction goals. <ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/27/taking-on-the-overpopulation-myth/ Taking on the overpopulation myth] The Washington Times, July 27, 2008</ref>

==United Nations==
The [[United Nations]] Population Fund (UNFPA) is the premier agency that distributes financial resources to control population. They vigorously contend they do not fund abortion nor do they support the sterilization of women. The facts remains that since 1979, the UNFPA has been the chief apologist and cheerleader for [[China]]'s coercive one-child-per-couple policy. Despite numerous credible forced [[abortion]] reports from impeccable sources, high ranking officials at UNFPA always dismiss and explain it all away.<ref>[http://www.nrlc.org/news/2004/NRL08/united_nations_population_fund_h.htm The United Nations Population Fund Helps China Persecute Women and Kill Children ] National Right To Life</ref>

The [[United States]] is a chief fund supplier of population control by Foreign Operations Appropriations bills. Congressional [[Republicans]] and Republican Presidents have been successful in preventing the UNFPA from receiving U.S. funding. The exact opposite for Democrats, who continue to fund (UNFPA) and support abortion funding worldwide.

==Debunking the myth==
'''An overcrowded planet:''' It has been estimated by Paul Ehrlich and others that human beings actually occupy no more than 1 to 3 percent of the earth's land surface.

'''Widespread deforestation:''' Proponents of this myth claim that an area twice the size of Belgium is now being logged worldwide each year. What people don't realize is Belgium could fit into the world's tropical forests 500 times over, or 250 years from now it will be a problem. The rest of the world's trees, 99.6 percent of them, are flourishing.

'''Overpopulation is the chief cause of poverty:''' Many blame "overpopulation" when actually it is the result of bad economic policy. The economic problems result from excessive government spending, high [[taxes]] on farmers, inflation, restrictions on trade, too much government ownership, and over-regulation of private economic activity.

'''Overpopulation causes war and revolution:''' This is a lie and realistically, the actual reasons for wars and revolutions are far too numerous to be contained in such a simple phrase. They range from corrupt governments, violations of human rights (real or imagined), human greed, and many, many more.

'''Future catastrophy''' It has been predicted by many scientists that as longevity increases, birth rates will naturally go down, and the world population will settle at roughly 11 billion by 2100.

==References==
<references/>

==See Also==
*[[Taxpayer-funded abortion]]
*[[Population bomb]]

==External Links==
*[http://web.unfpa.org/ United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA)]

[[category:United Nations]]
[[Category:International Organizations]]
[[Category:Abortion]]
[[Category:Sexuality]]
[[Category:Racism]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience]]
[[Category:Liberal Deceit]]
[[Category:Deceit]]
[[Category:liberals]]

Pro-life

2013-01-01T08:00:22Z

PatrickMarion: Undo revision 1026164 by Truthwatch (talk) this a conservative website, reverting to edits which support a conservative view of abortion

[[Image:Baby.jpg|right|thumb|250px|An unborn child in the womb]]
'''Pro-life''' is the name given to people or organizations who defend the human rights of the unborn child, and who oppose [[abortion|fetal homicide]].

"[[Pro-abortion]]" is the most accurate term for advocates of [[tax]]payer-funded abortion and other advantages for the abortion industry. Many state [[government]]s even pay for abortions using taxpayer dollars, usually due to a court order rather than the will of the people. Supporters of abortion rights prefer the term "[[pro-choice]]", which (regardless of the term used) means they believe the mother of a child should have the right to kill the unborn child for any reason.

Due to rulings by the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] (e.g. [[Roe v. Wade]]), the [[United States]] allows abortions during the first trimester for any reason, and during the second trimester only for medical reasons (i.e. - when the life of the pregnant woman is at risk due to complications related to the pregnancy).

In [[America]]n politics, the [[Republican Party|Republican]] and [[Constitution Party|Constitution]] Parties are strongly opposed to abortion on a moral basis and believe it should be illegal. The [[Democrat Party]] supports abortion and opposes legal restrictions. Leaders in the Democrat Party, such as its presidential candidates, also support taxpayer-funded abortion. Vanishingly few Democrat politicians, such as the [[Blue Dog]] Democrats, hold pro-life views, while a few Republicans such as [[Rudy Giuliani]] hold pro-choice views.

The phrase "pro-life," especially in the [[Catholic Church]], may include other positions in defense of human life, such as opposing attempts by hospitals or hospices to deny care to premature infants or elderly patients, or to engage in [[euthanasia]].

==See Also==
*[[Abortion controversy]]
*[[National Right to Life Committee]]
*[[Anti Abortion activism: a personal essay]]

==External Links==
*[http://www.ProLifeOnCampus.com/ Pro Life on Campus]
*[http://womenshistory.about.com/od/abortionuslegal/p/roe_v_wade.htm Summary Of Roe v.Wade]

[[Category:Abortion]]
[[Category:Pro-life]]

Abortion myths

2013-01-01T07:52:03Z

PatrickMarion: /* Myth: Abortion is not Eugenics */

There are many dangerous '''myths about abortion''' that are being spread by [[abortion]] supporters. This article is dedicated to listing and debunking them.

==Myth: Abortion is safe==
* To a very limited extent, yes, abortion is safe, as long as doctor is competent in the procedure and conducts the operation in a sterile environment with the proper equipment. Otherwise, abortion can be dangerous if conducted in unsafe, unsterile conditions by non licensed practitioners or by those with little or no medical training. Also, due to the cost of the procedure, many women in the poorer strata of society may be inclined to go to illegal abortion clinics (e.g. - "back alley doctors") which are not sterile or safe to mother or the unborn child.

==Myth: Abortion is not Eugenics==
* In a strictly legal sense, at least according to US law, this is both not true and completely criminal, since Roe v. Wade merely allows for the option to have an abortion under certain conditions, it does not state any political goal promoting eugenics as a national policy. Most other nation states that have legalized abortion, at least those of modern day, also have no particular legal justification promoting a eugenics agenda. However, abortion has been used and justified on a nation state level for the goals and purposes of eugenics, and has often been cited in racist doctrines (e.g. - Nazism) as a viable means of promoting their ethnocentric goals in this regard.

==Myth: Abortion is not murder==
* Abortion is the medical termination (killing) of an unborn child. According to US law, under proper conditions, abortion is not considered legal murder, but aside from those conditions (e.g - as defined by Roe v. Wade) it is considered legal murder, especially if the abortion takes place without the lawful consent of the mother. Regardless, by moral standards (especially Christian moral standards) it is the taking of a life before it had committed any offense for which it life would ordinarily be forfeit (such as homicide), which is by all moral standards murder.

[[Category: Abortion]]

User talk:KyleDonovan

2012-12-31T23:09:20Z

PatrickMarion: Created page with "I undid your edit to the Monkey article. I'm no fan of President Obama myself, but that is no reason to use racist language. ~~~~PatrickMarion"

I undid your edit to the [[Monkey]] article.

I'm no fan of President Obama myself, but that is no reason to use racist language.

[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 18:09, 31 December 2012 (EST)PatrickMarion

Monkey

2012-12-31T23:07:29Z

PatrickMarion: Undo revision 1026167 by KyleDonovan (talk) undoing racism

[[Image:Olive baboon.jpg|thumb|right|300px|An Olive baboon, a kind of monkey]]
A '''monkey''' is a [[polypheletic]] classification of any long tailed [[primate]] that is not a [[prosimian]]. Varieties of them can be found in [[South America]], [[Africa]] and [[Asia]]. [[Evolutionists]] believe that [[humans]] and monkeys, like all species, share a common ancestor, which is disputed by [[creation scientists]].

[[Category:Primates]]

Abortion myths

2012-12-31T23:03:47Z

PatrickMarion: /* Myth: Abortion is not murder */

Abortion myths

2012-12-31T22:58:09Z

PatrickMarion: /* Myth: Abortion is safe */

Abortion and Christianity

2012-12-31T22:52:10Z

PatrickMarion: removing repeated word

'''Christianity''' has long recognized the unborn child as a human being, and thereby opposes [[abortion]]. Declining mainline churches that have adopted [[liberal]] policies on other issues are virtually the only ones that accept abortion today.

Nearly all evangelical churches now oppose abortion.

The [[Catholic]] Church opposes abortion, and always has.

The Presbyterian church has split into [[pro-choice]] and [[pro-life]] factions. The [[liberal]] General Assembly of the [[Presbyterian]] Church (USA) is the pro-choice denomination, but even it expresses grave moral concern about abortion.<ref>[http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-abortion.htm Presbyterian 101: A General Guide to Facts About PCUSA]</ref>

The Episcopal Church (the Anglican Church in the United States) does not strongly oppose abortion, but has expressed grave concerns about it.

== References ==

<references/>

== See also ==

*[[Feminist Bible]]
*[http://www.pregnantpause.org/people/wherchur.htm Abortion: Where Do the Churches Stand?]
[[Category:abortion]]

Pro-life

2012-12-31T22:43:43Z

PatrickMarion: added link to summary of Roe v.Wade, edited article for clarity

[[Image:Baby.jpg|right|thumb|250px|An unborn child in the womb]]
'''Pro-life''' is the name given to people or organizations who defend the human rights of the unborn child, and who oppose [[abortion|fetal homicide]].

"[[Pro-abortion]]" is the most accurate term for advocates of [[tax]]payer-funded abortion and other advantages for the abortion industry. Supporters of abortion rights prefer the term "[[pro-choice]]", which (regardless of the term used) means they believe the mother of a child should have the right to kill the unborn child for any reason.

Due to rulings by the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] (e.g. [[Roe v. Wade]]), the [[United States]] allows abortions during the first trimester for any reason, and during the second trimester only for medical reasons (i.e. - when the life of the pregnant woman is at risk due to complications related to the pregnancy). Many state [[government]]s even pay for abortions using taxpayer dollars, usually due to a court order rather than the will of the people.

In [[America]]n politics, the [[Republican Party|Republican]] and [[Constitution Party|Constitution]] Parties are strongly opposed to abortion on a moral basis and believe it should be illegal. The [[Democrat Party]] supports abortion and opposes legal restrictions. Leaders in the Democrat Party, such as its presidential candidates, also support taxpayer-funded abortion. Vanishingly few Democrat politicians, such as the [[Blue Dog]] Democrats, hold pro-life views, while a few Republicans such as [[Rudy Giuliani]] hold pro-choice views.

The phrase "pro-life," especially in the [[Catholic Church]], may include other positions in defense of human life, such as opposing attempts by hospitals or hospices to deny care to premature infants or elderly patients, or to engage in [[euthanasia]].

==See Also==
*[[Abortion controversy]]
*[[National Right to Life Committee]]
*[[Anti Abortion activism: a personal essay]]

==External Links==
*[http://www.ProLifeOnCampus.com/ Pro Life on Campus]
*[http://womenshistory.about.com/od/abortionuslegal/p/roe_v_wade.htm Summary Of Roe v.Wade]

[[Category:Abortion]]
[[Category:Pro-life]]

Debate: Is space exploration contrary to God's will?

2012-12-31T20:02:11Z

PatrickMarion:

As a fan of space exploration, I've been giving this question a lot of thought lately. From a number of perspectives, it seems as if there's strong evidence that man was not meant to explore space.

'''Biblical evidence'''

If we accept the Bible's account as authoritative, it's quite clear that man was not meant to venture into space. Consider the following verses:

Genesis 1:28 establishes the boundaries of man's dominion: it is give to us to "have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." We are NOT given dominion over things beyond the earth.

Psalm 115:6 tells us that "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men." A clear distinction is set: Earth has been given to men, but the heavens have not.

In Acts, it's again made clear that God has set boundaries on human habitation, and that those boundaries are confined to this Earth: We are told that He "...hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation" (Acts 17:26)

Further, consider the entire story of the Tower of Babel: Man was punished, and punished harshly, for seeking to build a tower that reached to the heavens. Clearly, this was displeasing to God.

And what of Lucifer's initial sin? Isaiah 14 tells us that he was punished for seeking to ascend into heaven and exalt his throne above the stars of God!

'''Scientific evidence'''

Many Creationists and design advocates have pointed to the way in which natural laws and conditions on Earth are fine-tuned to support life as evidence of divine design. By the same logic, of course, we must take a good hard look at conditions elsewhere in the universe and question what the intent of the designer was there. It goes without saying that the overwhelming majority of the universe is NOT designed to support human life; in fact, it's fantastically hostile and would be almost instantly lethal to any form of Earthly life.

What can we conclude about God's Will from that fact?

--[[User:Benp|Benp]] 13:08, 31 December 2012 (EST)

'''Not sure if there is enough evidence to say it is contrary'''

To my knowledge, the only times the God has explicitly hammered any type of knowledge seeking as sinful, evil, or antithetical to His will, it was when the knowledge seeking was because of the vocation of a sinful act. The Tower Of Babel, which was built by arrogant humans seeking access to Heaven (as if it were a physically accessible realm coexistant to the Earth and the rest of the material universe) was an evil act because of the intent was Man trying to become like God, so they were punished for the arrogant presumption they could pull that off. The actual building of the Tower itself was harmless, as they merely could not complete it when the builders were stricken with a confusion of tongues.

Had the mere act of building the Tower been evil in and of itself, it would have been outright destroyed by God, but only the builders were punished because of their intentions. The structure could have been made for any number of benign purposes and was thus a neutral party in the commission of an evil act, much like a weapon is inherently harmless unless used or abused due to evil, incompetence, or madness.

As applied to exploring space, the same could be said of underwater exploration. We were not meant to live underwater, but God has never issued any law against the exploration of the waters anywhere in Scripture, so if the act itself is not evil and the intent is merely to understand more about the area below the surface of the water (which does not run counter to any of God's laws to my knowledge), then the exploration of space should also be considered harmless as long as the intent is not one to commit evil with that act.

When a man set foot on the Moon, it was merely to prove that Man could put a foot on an extraterrestrial body, not, to my knowledge, done as an attempt to defy any limitation set down by God, so I would consider such an act harmless in a moral sense as long as the intent is not in contravention of His will.

[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 14:36, 31 December 2012 (EST)PatrickMarion

Patrick, it's very difficult to say what people's motivations are, and certainly what God's reasoning may be. All we can say for certain about the Tower is that humans attempting to reach heaven was displeasing to God; we cannot say for certain whether it was displeasing to him because they were attempting to reach the spiritual heaven, or whether the physical act of attempting to reach the heavens was offensive in and of itself. Nor can we say whether everyone involved in the space program has a motivation different from those who built the Tower. What we can say is that He found a physical attempt to reach the heavens displeasing--and space travel is a physical attempt to reach the heavens. Taken in and of itself, this might be ambiguous, but when coupled with the other verses I pointed out, and with the fact that space is so exceedingly dangerous that exploring even the tiniest bit of it immediately beyond our own planet is fraught with risk? I think a picture begins to emerge, don't you?

Nor, I think, can you reasonably compare sea exploration, as the sea is part of the dominion explicitly granted to man in the Bible. Man was given dominion over the fish of the sea, and by extension, over the sea. By that same token, those who object that travel by airplane would be objectionable to God are not taking the boundaries of the dominion into account. We are also given dominion over the birds of the air; thus we may conclude that travel through the air, at least as high as birds can fly, is permissible.

Space, however, is not "the air," and no such mandate of dominion is granted with respect to space. As I pointed out above, Psalm 115:6 says that earth belongs to man, but heaven and the heavens (note the repetition there!) are Gods. As for the idea that space exploration is done without the intent to defy God--is defiance of God's strictures morally acceptable if it's done through ignorance? We accept the precept that ignorance of the law is no excuse; is ignorance of God's Law an excuse?

--[[User:Benp|Benp]] 14:47, 31 December 2012 (EST)

Good points, Ben, but your argument presumes space = God's Heaven, as in, they are mutually coexistent (which I don't believe). If they truly are, your argument stands. If not, they it seems likely God was alluding more to those who were trying to encroach on the spiritual plane of Heaven.

On a related note, it would seem that God may be allowing space travel to occur to illustrate the futility of living outside the dominion granted Man. I admit that is conjecture, not knowing the mind of God on the matter, but that's all I can offer on this point.

However, you do bring up an interesting point: What about satellites in space for telecommunications? Do they count as a sin against God? If so, I have sinned, since many internet providers and television companies use sattelites to provide their signals, and I have used and still use both.

[[User:PatrickMarion|PatrickMarion]] 15:02, 31 December 2012 (EST)PatrickMarion

[[Category:Conservapedia Debates]]

Debate: Is space exploration contrary to God's will?

2012-12-31T19:36:19Z

PatrickMarion:

Tim Tebow

2012-12-30T15:53:39Z

PatrickMarion: removed irrelevant statement, as well as a statement rationalizing away prayer

[[File:Tim Tebow.jpg|right|150px]]
'''Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow''' (born August 14, 1987) is an [[American]] [[football]] player who initially gained fame while playing for the [[University of Florida]] Gators. He was the first sophomore to win the [[Heisman Trophy]] and led the Gators to two [[BCS]] Championships during his four years playing for UF in Gainesville, which is extremely rare. Earlier this year Tebow was voted by players to be one of the top football players, and more recently he was voted by a small fraction of the NFL to be the most overrated in the league, with the starting quarterback for the Jets ranking as the second most overrated.<ref>[http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/10/25/tim-tebow-mark-sanchez-most-overrated-players-in-nfl/]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-tim-tebow-overrated-20121025,0,5140701.story]</ref><ref>[http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/8549867/tim-tebow-new-york-jets-qb-most-overrated-per-sports-illustrated-poll]</ref> Tebow responded by laughing it off, observing the inconsistency in the polls.

He was selected by the [[Denver Broncos]] as the 25th pick of the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. In 2011, with the team in last place, the Broncos decided to start Tebow as quarterback. A solidly built quaterback, Tim is 6'3" and weighs about 240 pounds.<ref>[http://www.biography.com/people/tim-tebow-20786869] Biography.com</ref> Tebow had an impressive seven-game winning streak, and took the Broncos to the division championship and a home-game appearance in the playoffs. He led them to a stunning upset victory over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] (headed by Hollywood-values quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]]) with 316 passing yards for an average of 31.6 yards per toss, confounding his critics and causing a million searches on the internet for the meaning of [[John_1-7_(Translated)#Chapter_3|John 3:16]].<ref>The Broncos were subsequently eliminated by the team favored to win (but ended up losing) the [[Super Bowl]], the [[New England Patriots]].</ref>

The Broncos, perhaps to appease [[Colorado]] [[liberals]], found a way to trade Tebow without infuriating his numerous fans. The Broncos signed a neck-injured, elderly quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] to a deal costing nearly $100 million, and then immediately traded Tebow to the [[New York Jets]]. As the trade was finalized, on March 22, Tebow arrived in Morristown, New Jersey (near where the Jets train) amid much media publicity and fan support.

Predictably, liberal opposition to Tebow getting any significant playing time has led to his sitting on the bench while the Jets underperform against teams Tebow has proven he is able to beat.

During the 2012 season, Tebow has been kept on the bench while Mark Sanchez has played poorly in game after game. For example, on November 22, Sanchez played the entire game against the Patriots, despite causing the team to lose 49-19. Even after Sanchez repeatedly turned the ball over by throwing interceptions and fumbling the ball by running into his own lineman after a botched handoff, Tebow was not given a chance to play.

Finally the coach benched Sanchez, but he (or the owner) still refused to give Tebow any real playing time.<ref>http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2012/12/tim_tebow_and_mark_sanchez_red.html</ref> The repeated refusal to play Tebow became a bigger story than which side won or lost the game itself.

'''''Tebow is one of [[Essay:Greatest Conservative Sports Stars|Conservapedia's Greatest Conservative Sports Stars]] and was a runner-up for [[Conservative of the Year 2011]]'''''.

==Personal life==
Tebow was [[homeschooled]] until college. He is an outspoken [[pro-lifer]], and his mother had been told to have an [[abortion]] rather than to give birth to him. Tebow appeared in a pro-life television ad that aired during the 2010 [[Super Bowl]], risking retaliation against his career by [[pro-aborts]] and the [[liberal media]].<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0127/Tim-Tebow-Super-Bowl-ad-an-astonishingly-bold-stand</ref>

Tebow has publically confirmed that he is a virgin. He has been mocked by liberals for waiting until marriage to have sex as a result of his faith.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/tim-tebows-virginity-back-under-scrutiny-73324/</ref> Tebow answered a highly personal question at a press conference about his sex life by revealing that he practices [[abstinence]]:<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/090724&sportCat=ncf</ref>

{{cquote|I think you're stunned right now. You can't even ask a question. ... I was ready for that question, but I don't think ya'll were.}}

Tebow volunteers on mission trips, one of which in the summer of 2008 to the [[Philippines]] was chronicled in an issue of the ''ESPN Magazine''.

His faith in [[Christ]] is a well-known fact inside and outside the sports world.

==Tebowing==
[[Tebowing]] is the act of kneeling on one knee, resting your head on your fist and giving thanks. It is named for Tebow's fashion of public prayer, although critics (among which are fellow Christians) have criticized such open practice as this by citing Matthew 6, verses 5 and 6:
''<blockquote>
And when you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. They love to pray when standing in the synagogues and in the street corners, so that they may be seen by men. I tell you truly: They will get what's coming to them. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
</blockquote>''

== References ==

<references/>

== External Links ==

* [http://www.timtebow.com/ Official website of Tim Tebow]
* [http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ The Tim Tebow Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tebow, Tim}}
[[Category:Football Players]]
[[Category:Religious People]]
[[Category:Christians]]
[[Category:Pro-life]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]

Bihar

2012-12-28T22:41:53Z

PatrickMarion:

'''Bihar''' is a state of [[India]], located in the north, bordering [[Nepal]]. Its capital city is Patna.

[[Buddhists]] believe that the [[Buddha]] was [[Enlightenment|enlightened]] in [[Bodh Gaya]], and the founder of [[Jainism]], [[Mahavira]], is believed to have been born in Vaishali, both in what is now the state of Bihar. Despite the fact that Buddhism and Jainism were founded in Bihar, there are only 18,000 Buddhists and 16,000 Jains in Bihar, which has a population of 83,000,000.<ref>http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External Links==
*[http://gov.bih.nic.in/ Bihar Govt. Web Site]

[[Category:Indian States]]