In the Spirit of Kennedy

[frustrated_lefty]

I’ve watched over the last few days as members of this forum have denigrated and questioned the values of spokespeople who have long been viewed as our allies. The journalistic integrity of Helen Thomas, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, and Thomas Hartmann have been not merely questioned, but denied and lambasted from all sides. Helen had served under six presidents, often the only voice asking difficult questions. Keith was the only mainstream voice calling “foul” in response to voting irregularities in the 2004 election. He, before anyone else, called the Cuyahoga votes factually impossible. He took the heat as being a whack-job, endangering his career and journalistic credibility to pursue the truth. There was a tear in his eye the next night after receiving all of our letters of thanks. He had the sound of a man trying to do right, and gratified by the support in any form.

Six years later, “we,” (and I say “we” loosely) question the integrity of the few people on the front line because they dared criticize the anointed one? A lot of people have suggested it’s easy to armchair quarterback, hey, you have nothing on the line. In fairness, it’s worth remembering that Olbermann received a letter with white powder in it. Color it how you like, his life was threatened. If you doubt the reality of those threats, look at the local militias. How comfortable would you be doing your job knowing people intended to kill you if you kept doing it?

There is one dynamic dems and leftists really have to work out if we intend to promote progress. President Obama is not the savior. That’s unrealistic, it’s not fair, and it’s not practical. It is fair for him to face criticism. Period. On the other side, he is one, if not the only, best orators we have witnessed since JFK. I think, I could be wrong, many of us expect the next JFK. He could sell a massive shift in agenda to the American people if he tried. We want him to try.

Here is a link to the famous JFK speech: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Historical+Resources/Archives/Reference+Desk/Speeches/JFK/003POF03NationalNeeds05251961.htm

If you think it’s only about space, you are wayyyyy wrong. A lot of it addresses our concerns today.

Our complaints are not due to hatred of President Obama, they are due precisely to the fact he could do so much more and we would fully have his back.

[gateley]

1. Great post. Thanks. nt

[Omaha Steve]

2. Well said

K&R!

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Well said.

[frustrated_lefty]

4. shamelesss self bump for the morning crew

[H2O Man]

5. Recommended.

Absolutely on target.

[City Lights]

6. K&R

:thumbsup:

[mdmc]

7. ..

[Spazito]

8. "because they dared to criticize the anointed one?"

Do you find that phrase to be an invitation to discuss your OP? I believe the 'tension' being addressed by DU administration is toward the tone and tenor of the 'complaints' as opposed to the 'complaints' (I must admit I prefer to use the word 'concerns' as opposed to 'complaints'). It is not the expression of concerns that is at issue, imo, it is the manner and verbiage used when posting the concerns that have caused much of the current uproar. Referring to the President as "the anointed one" is a case in point and, imo, dilutes the message you were trying to express and that's unfortunate.

[Catherina]

9. Rec'd. Great post. Come back to the five and dime Jimmy Dean

"he could do so much more and we would fully have his back."