Why are the comments being cut off by link ads on the R. margin?

Why are the comments being cut off by link ads on the R. margin?

First of all I do not understand why we as a country would have a problem with Obama staying in contact with his family in Kenya.  As a mother of three half LUO Kenyan half white children I would be very upset with them if they did not stay in contact with their grandparents, aunt, and cousins who live there.  

Second of all Odinga is not related to Obama.  Odinga is proud of Obama's accomplishments.  I even joke around and call Obama cuz.  It is because we are proud of him, not that we are actually related to him.  

Third some of you all really need to get your facts in line.  Obama did not visit Kenya for the first time in his life in August 2006.  He went long before that.  If you read his first book you would know this.  I know this for sure because I read this book when I was pregnant with my first child in 2005.  Many of the chapters in that book talk about his first visit to Kenya!!!  He visited in 2006 as part of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  

Obama is a excellent canidate for president.  He is willing to bring about the change that is needed in this country.  He is an American and very proud of it.  There is nothing wrong with him being from Kenyan roots.  He is a Christian.  You can not attack someone because a person in their family was a different religion.   You should not attack anyone because of their religion.  The last time I checked we do have freedom of religion in this country.  He is a Christian so get over it and stop being so worried about those that are different than you. And stop fueling crazy lies that he is a terrorist.  Get your facts strait!!!  OBAMA DESERVES TO BE PRESIDENT!!!  OBAMA 2008!!!

I think Barack Obama is a welcome change for a lot of us Americans regardless of the color of his skin after having 7 years of bad leadership by President Bush.  Barack is agaist using our very costly Military as a primary diplomatic tool in the Middle East and I think that is very wise considering the huge deficit spending and falling dollar Americanas are currently experiencing.  

The dollar falling has contributied to most of the huge rise in oil and gas prices Americans are now experiencing.  This is good in the long term if it gets Americans to start  thinking about conservation, but its bad in the short run for the economy and people's day to day finances and survival.  Most of the USA in North America has a pretty harsh climite freezing in the winter and boiling hot in the summer.  Americans party use so much electricity, oil, and natural gas heating and cooling their homes and business because most of the year the temperature is harsh and unsuitable without artifical heating and cooling.  Americans will need large energy imports for the forseeable future, so letting the national debt skyrocket and the dollar fall as a consequence of the current war spending is foolish and could be what finally breaks America's back and ability to function efficiently and compete globally.

George Bush has plunged America into virtually pointless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with mixed results leading indirectly to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and Afghanis.  Local extremists and Al Quaida have taken advantage of the political instability in those countries in order to attack their religious and political enemies.   And yet the President continues his mantra and threat of war against our enemies imagined and otherwise in Iran and elsewhere, to what purpose, to protect us from Terrorists and Weapons of Mass destruction?  Be vigilent, but why does Bush have to piss everyone off in the process?    What kind of Christian President starts wars in Iraq when diplomacy is still a viable option.  The U.N. resolutions on Iraq were not indented for the President to invade Iraq unilaterally and everyone know it including the Bush Administration, that's why everyone was so mad at the U.S. and the U.S. could not drum up more support for Iraq and stabilizing the violence afterwards.  Everyone said, forget it, you didn't listen to us, now America owns Iraq and it's problems, it's not our problem President Bush.

So far Barrack Obama is the only leading candidate that has taken a firm and clear position that he intends to extract Ameircan Troops out of Iraq as soon as possible and he's not going to continue the current American unilateralist policy of invading and threatening to attack foreign nations withoug exhausting all diplomatic options first.   Obama is willing to reach out to other countries and try to undertand them, why Bush keeps imposting his vision and idealism on others without really listening to them and what their current needs are.

I just took a Public Speaking class and there was a student from Kenya in my class.  He told the class that 'Obama' in their language means 'crooked'.  Pure coincidence?  How fitting that he is a politician.  We can't get enough of 'crooked' politicians, can we?  

So would a President Obama be able to help Africa. Not really. “We have to solve our own problems,” he said. “And so do you people.”

Appearantly to Newsweek and Kenyans Obama, represents healthy quantifiable change and success. However, I for one Doubt it. While Mr. Obama has Mr Kings eleoquence and JFK's seeming wit, youth, and Charm- he Has no Real vision for America ( as neither do any of his opponents)

JFK made us a force to be reckoned with, and then took us to the moon and the apex of our technological capabilities.

Mr. King to us to the brink of ouyr social reveolution, and showed us the way back-peacefully. Mr King gave the Black culture, and by extension America of a place defined by the values intoned in our Sacred documents "that all men were created equal, and entitled to certian inalieable rights"

Unlike the two patriarchs I have first mentioned; All he and his compatriots have been able to do is espouse rhetoric. Where's the vision? Where is America At in the Future with him at the Helm ( or the others for that matter). I've listened to Mr Obama speak, and he does it well, but... That's all he does. Just like Clinton, McCain,Romney, Edwards, and the rest of the poltical Ilk.

Now as far as Racisim being alive in America- Why is it that when we talk about Racisim that the pretext of these conversations only seem to apply to Black and White America?

 America wasnt Built by these( for good or Ill) cultures alone, why thne does it seem all others get to be excluded? Werethe Chinese not responsible for helping us with the Railroads, The Native Americans responsible for showing us where to hunt, and the Mexicans helping us along the way?

Is that not equally as Racist?

Is it that White and Black Americans are complicit in thier arrogance?

Yes. We are the only two "races" that seem to be privy to the use of the word ( or victims of) Racism. Further  why is it only relevant when whites visit upon blacks, for example:

A group of white boys were all but evicerated by the media for an alleged attack (and exonerated) on a black female stripper- the ALCU or Rev sharton and Jesse Jackson were no where to be seen.

Conversely, a group of black boys get charged ( albeit unfairly) on attempted murder charges for an attack on a white boy, and  the Dynamic Duo show up with loads of supporters  decrying such a racist act? If the the first example had been found guilty-it was a race based hate crime.  but the latter is just a crime (and even quitely acknowledged as being justifiable due to race- a group of black boys defending themselves agianst a single white "redneck racist")

Does anyone not see that paradox? I do. Its further perpetuated in the assertion that barrack Obama may be certifiably un qualified  to lead the United States, openly smacks of Racism. No one mentions the questioning of Senator Hillary Clintons ability to do the same as being remotely racist, or even misogynic because of her color and sex. It all quietly get swept under the rug somehow when it comes to her.

Odd isn't it.

Want Racism to end in America- then stop using Racist terms like: Caucasian, African, Latin,Native, and Asian-Islander American ( or the associated color word) We all know that we come from a varied back ground, and that America's Identity is as bloddied as its it prestigious- but it is OURS. Its not Black, white, hispanic, oriental, or Indian- but ALL of ours; and we are all equally responsible for it. We're just Americans- better or worse for it- That's all we are.

I am white by birth, and I anot ashamed of who I am... but last time I checked.. My Race was HUMAN , and my Ethinicity is AMERICAN, Not Caucasian. ( a Siberian tiger, or a Bengali tiger is still a Tiger after all ladies and gentlemen.)

Barack may have roots in Kenya, but this enthusiasm for him their is a sign that peoples in other parts of the world still have the potential to respect the United States. This is a sign that Barack represents a new face and intention on America's diplomacy. We may try to exclude race from the presidency or include it only when we care to cretae a negative mess, but the truth is, that America electing Obama sends a powerful message that America lives up to what it espouses about equality. It sends a message that we are ready to embrace global community, not just global economy. We are so used to thinking inside the box, we can't punch our way out of a paper bag. What if Barack were president, and what if his appeal began early on in his presidency to influence peace in Kenya? What if that set a precedent for bringing peace and stabalizing democracy in other parts of the world as he continues to stress unity not only in America but in the world? Obama is not just an African American with Kenyan ancestry. He is also a white American through his mother's side. He therefore represents what America is down to his very DNA. America needs to grapple with this. america needs to realize he is presenting an opportunity to heal across culture and across times past that brought Africans and europeans together under horrible circumstances. On the eve on MLK day, America is receiving a wake up call to start true justice at home and thereby open the doors to peace through diplomacy elsewhere in the world. of course, as Obama says, everyone must be on the team to effect change. in the eyes of the world and in the shadow of history we stand a better chance with him leading this effort.

osirica wrote: "Racism is still alive and well. These conspiracy posts against Obama prove it."

Interesting comment.  Just did a quick count of the article and all of the posts and the word "black" was only used 3 times.  That's not too bad.  Unfortunately all 3 were used by you alone in your post.  No one else used the word since none of us were focusing on his skin color or even mentioned it.  Seems only you are obsessed with skin color as an issue and imagined it in everything you read.    

Racism is still alive and well. These conspiracy posts against Obama prove it. The attitudes of those in here who complain about Obama even HAVING heritage in Kenya should clue you in. Everyone in America thinks that operating, talking, or breathing outside the European theater of existence is somehow a potential threat to the USA.

The key is how Europe with it's white heritage is considered safe, while the non-white heritage of those outside Europe is considered dubious, with the skepticism proportional to the skin color of the region. So here we are again, with people posting "sources" to perpetuate the myth that Obama is secretly Muslim on some elaborate scheme to Islamisize America. When we all know the Muslim thing is a hoax, but he's black and that... not Islam... is what pushes these posters to write long "exposes" against Obama. Oh God Anything but a black president... make up lies, distort the truth so badly. If he smokes a cigarette, condem him. If he goes to Kenya condemn him. Basically everything that a white politican can do is excusable, but a black one is suspicious. That's where America is. And no, not "all" whites are like this. But there are too many who play on the use of race to derail an opponent like Obama, or are really too racist to allow Obama to have a fair chance.

It is too bad for right-wing pundits that we have become to well connected to information and too saavy in fact-finding to take the accusations at face value.

Obama is American no less. Why are the Kenyans so excited about it? The Kenyans are being foolish. At present he is in tandem with everything American. If Obama shows a slight inclination of favouritism, this will give the Americans an excuse to abandon him in the elections.

Read This it will shed some  light to your ignorance......

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7115387.stm

Romney won the Michigan Caucuses because his dad was the Governor for  Michigan.  So what is so different from what Obama is trying to do. better him, he is not using his Kenyan Heritage to get votes, but use his influence for GOOD.  I wish I had that Kind of influence then my fellow Kenyans will not be dying for selfish politicians.  Go OBAMA!!! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU....And You have my Vote...

Posted By: TrainStation (January 15, 2008 at 2:19 PM)

Thanks for the research and giving us more background information. There was another important article about Obama in the New York Post last week which is directly related: ........

Kenya is 80% Christian.  

What elected politician in any part of the world would agree to oppose 80% of his population?

According to the Voice of America, there is a great deal of skepticism about the authenticity of the secret DOU (document of understanding):

http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-11/2007-11-30-voa4.cfm?CFID=246692516&CFTOKEN=18337642

We're seeing a scanned last page.  And there is a public DOU that was already controversial--it stated that Kenya's government will respect and not discriminate against those of Islamic faith and that, more than likely, had the same signatures.  Why would Odinga sign an agreement that would be even less popular with 80% of the voters?  Does this pass the smell test?

The group that was referenced, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, has its own extreme ideas about religion:

http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2006/09/71795

They were trying to block the display of prehistorical skeletons since they were consistent with the evolutionary theory they didn't agree with.  I would hesitate to trust opposition research that this group publishes.

Musil, Christian, Baptist Obama changes his religions like he changes his race and position I think hes really confused

Obama doesnt know who the heck he is first hes African American than hes Kenyan.Why he puts his Kenyan father on a petalstool when he abadoned him when he was two? Is he embarresed of being bi-racial you never here about his white mother from Kansas that raised him as a single mother?Obama is running a dishonest campaign your African Caucasian American be proud of who you are not ashamed if he turns his back on his own people what will he do when he gets to the White House.?

Let's see ...

1.  Sen. Obama wins U.S. Senate seat and becomes a member of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

2.  Political leader with "family ties" in Kenya invites him to visit in 2006 (about one year after his term starts)

3.  Sen. Obama visits

4.  While visiting, he thanks his host publicly

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-obama-kenya,0,2352760.story

5.  His host is in a contested election (Pres. Kibaki dismissed his internationally respected corruption investigation chief for being too thorough; public ballot counting stops and is declared for Pres. Kibaki after a secret count)

6.  Violence occurs

7.  Sen. Obama tries to use personal connections to urge calm but doesn't publicize it

As in many parts of the world (including ours often times), there are secret deals and unsavory characters on all sides.  If you dig into any of the complicated, intertwined connections and compromises of any foreign political system, you'll find a lot of information that isn't favorable--consider how the U.S. decides which politicians to support in the Middle East and you may never vote again.  Speaking out against tribal-favoring corruption and government excesses may mean that you're you're on the side of someone who may not be ideologically pure (and, certainly, that other person wouldn't make any effort to reveal their ideological impurity).  

Just because his image was used by Odinga doesn't mean he had any say over his policies or connections or, if this memo is true, his political compromises.

http://simmer27.wordpress.com

Thanks for the research and giving us more background information. There was another important article about Obama in the New York Post last week which is directly related:

http://www.nysun.com/article/69273

The leader of the Kenyan opposition party, Raila Odinga, claims to be a cousin and close friend of Barack Obama. Obama even called him a few times in the middle of his critical New Hampshire campaigning. In his first ever trip to Kenya, in August of 2006, Obama rallied in support of Odinga at public forums. Some more details:

Raila Odinga is from the current opposition's Luo tribe, the same that Obama's father was from;

Odinga has the support of Kenya's Muslims who make up about 10% of the total population;

Odinga recently signed a secret  "Memorandum of Understanding"  (exposed and published 11/07) with Kenya's National Muslim Leadership Forum with 15 chapters which should shock anyone. Here's just the opening paragraph:

"WHEREAS The Candidate [Raila Odinga] who recognizes Islam as the only true religion " is seeking to become the next President of the Republic of Kenya"

http://eakenya.org/newsevents/article.htm?

id=8   Read it and shudder!

(You can save this potentially historical document as a file.  It's possibly the closest thing you'll ever see to a serious secret alliance since WWII)

From the first paragraph alone, Raila Odinga, Senator Barack Obama's close friend and cousin, has formally agreed, in writing, to force his entire country of Kenya, which is now 80% Christian, to "recognize Islam as the only true religion... " if it's Muslims help him get elected.

That country of 35 million people (80% Christian,) that finally became independent in 1963, with more land area than New York and California combined, one of the only stable democracies in Africa, was being secretly sold out to its Muslim minority in order for this one man to win power (which could still happen.)

When Obama visited Kenya in August, 2006, at American taxpayer expense, the country's President publicly called Obama a "stooge" of Odinga and reprimanded him for interfering with his country's internal politics by holding public rallies.

In November, 2007, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, "demanded that Raila Odinga...make known to all Kenyans and Christians in particular the contents of the secret Memorandum of Understanding..."

http://eakenya.org/newsevents/article.htm?id=10

"If the contents of the disputed document in circulation were true then: -

"1.  The said document is an affront and an attack on the Christian church...

"2.  ...the document sets the stage for making Kenya an Islamic state unilaterally by a pact between a potential head of state and a religious group with vested interest."

So far, as of last week, there were over 600 confirmed dead, with 50 of those trapped and burned alive after being forced to hide in a church. Many more churches have been torched. At least 250,000 people have been driven from their homes by supporters of Odinga, with the much of the violence supposedly caused by the Muslims. (When Odinga was asked if his supporters started the fires, he said that sometimes loud music and singing from the church may have caused his Muslim supporters to get carried away, i.e. no big deal)

Barack Obama is involving himself with dangerous allies very early in his career. It's unimaginable to think that America's leading presidential contender is a close friend and cousin of, and is actively consulting with, someone like this during his presidential campaign.  Are we to assume that Obama had no knowledge of this, and took no part in the preparation of, this insidious "Memorandum" and secret sell-out of the nation of Kenya to its Muslims?

He's a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  Part of his job is to travel and develop foreign relations.  It might be senatorial malpractice if he didn't make an effort to visit his father's homeland--especially when it happens to have been the most stable country in an unstable part of the world.  

During their meetings, the senators are aways talking about seeing this place / meeting that person / making a trip after this or that event and expect their colleagues to keep up.  He's actually being criticized for not making enough foreign trips.  

I don't know how he paid for this visit (he certainly has the personal funds to do it by now).  However, he definitely has justification for making a visit.  

[i]Posted By: dewcooper (January 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM)

And if Obama can get all of the Kenyan's registered to vote in Illinois, this story might mean something. The point missed, is that he made this trip on OUR dime. I wonder if he took his healthcare industry lobbyist\advisor with him, or if George Soros advised him directly to go back to his roots.

Do we really want to elect a person president who identifies more with an African Nation than with the United States?[/i]

greboo46, I don't understand what you mean.  What is a "Cin of the U.S."?

His father was from Kenya.  He's a prominent candidate for President.  

If someone you knew was getting Hundreds of Thousands of votes and praise from across the country, you would probably feel proud of him/her as well.  Same think when you're from the same town/smaller country.  It was unexpected and they're proud of him.

Also, whenever someone you know/think you know reaches a prominent position, you might expect something even if its unjustified.  To many/most people around the world, knowing that you can send an email to a prominent American Senator/potential President and receive a personal response means a lot even if no action results.  This is especially important when tens of thousands of people are dying across their country.  As part of his job, as part of his expectations as a U.S. leader, he needs to understand what is happening.

[i] Posted By: greboo46 (January 15, 2008 at 5:28 AM)

Obama might be there hero. however he is not ours. his family said on t.v. that when he becomes pres. that they will be cin. of the u.s. what is obama promising them. what is he really saying to them. maybe someone should ask...[/i]

It's funny how many people are offended by Obama's ties to Kenya.  I don't hear the same outrage and paranoia when US senators visit European countries, which they do regularly on "our dime".  

As stated by some of the saner postings regarding this article, American Senators regularly visit other countries as part of their official duties.  One has to wonder what makes this visit particularly threatening.  Could it be that racism is alive and well in America?  

Where was the alarm when John Kerry visited Norway?  Surely that should be viewed as a sign of his his mixed loyalties, if not a precursor to an all-out takover by a clandestine Nordic cabal.  Watch out America!

Great for Obama.  The Kenyans love him.  This is his family.  He has every right to connect with Kenya.  After all those are his roots, his father's roots.  But he has always stayed in touch with them, not just now but also when he was in the Senate.  I think this man Obama is remarkable.  I think he has great judgment and international foreign relations experience he can use to help for a better world between America and the other countries, he's already started with Africa.  We all should support Obama, our next president of the United States.  OBAMA 08!!

And if Obama can get all of the Kenyan's registered to vote in Illinois, this story might mean something. The point missed, is that he made this trip on OUR dime. I wonder if he took his healthcare industry lobbyist\advisor with him, or if George Soros advised him directly to go back to his roots.

Do we really want to elect a person president who identifies more with an African Nation than with the United States?

Obama might be there hero. however he is not ours. his family said on t.v. that when he becomes pres. that they will be cin. of the u.s. what is obama promising them. what is he really saying to them. maybe someone should ask...

Maybe Obama needs to become a cititzen of Kenya and run for office, maybe he can help them, because I don't think he can the US.ahe o

Ehrenkranz is right when he said that Obama is a beacon of hope. I just bought the latest edition of Afrique Magazine, which covers afrique francophone, both north and south of the Sahara. One of the articles was titled Le Best of 2007, and the first place winner with a two page spread was Barack Obama. Considering the degree of hatred that the Bush Administration has displayed for the world's impoverished, I was moved by this tribute. We need to understand that most of the population of the Third World is young. Most of the Third World is impoverished. If we are serious about winning the war on terrorism, we need to reach out to these young people. Giving the world a vision of hope, and ceating policies that will enable young people to achieve their dreams is a far more potent weapon than  military might  and a lot cheaper too,.

And besides, if you want to be president, you have to appear presidential.

Posted By: sawalsborn (January 14, 2008 at 10:52 PM)

WHY????? What right does he at this time to act like like he is president of the U.S.  Is he so full of his self that he feels like he has the right??

====

He is member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  Biden, Richardson, and H. Clinton also contacted people in Pakistan after Bhutto's assassination:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/27/AR2007122702514.html

From what I can tell, it's part of the diplomatic function of being a member of congress as well as an expectation of members of the Foreign Relations Committees and Presidential candidates to develop primary sources and diplomatic contacts in other countries.

Like other members who have family ties to other countries and, especially, someone who has made a diplomatic visit, he is also viewed by the foreign country as a more trusted contact in the U.S. government.  As the article above notes, the more common criticism would be that he wasn't involved enough in a resolution.

Obama isn't acting like the president by trying to help Kenya at all.  The simple fact is that when you are looked up to by so many people, as is the case in Kenya, you have a moral responsibility to help out as much as you can.  Even if Obama doesn't become president he could still play a major role in Kenya as a stabalizing force.  If Obama speaks, the Kenyans will listen.

Have to ask the writer and all readers, Has "President Raila" called on his supporters to stop the Violence?

WHY????? What right does he at this time to act like like he is president of the U.S.  Is he so full of his self that he feels like he has the right??

Wow can't believe that it made the top five

Hi, this paragraph could be misinterpreted VERY easily:

In tougher, poorer areas of Nairobi, machete-wielding Luos in gangs like the Taliban  consider Obama “family”, and will happily translate the lyrics to Odinga’s campaign song, “Agwambo Malo Malo”, that includes words of praise for Obama: “Obama and  Raila are brothers.  Obama is the victor on the other side.” In one huddle of about 35 Luo  men and women in a Taliban enclave where  the slogan NO RAILA, NO PEACE, is sprayed on many stone walls, all agree that Obama’s orders would mean as much to them as commands from their own Raila. “Please pass this message to Obama,” a 28-year-old man named Tobias asked. “Tell him to help us, tell him we are suffering here.”

I think you need to clarify that this (1.) "Taliban" group has NO relation to the Taliban of Al-Qaeda/Afghanistan.   (2.) Obama maintains contact with Odinga.  He has not encouraged or sought to inspire this group.   (3.) He does NOT condone any of the violence that has occurred following the Kenyan election and is actively encouraging a mediated solution.  As written, it could be read to indicate a relation between Obama and Muslim extremists.  This may make sense for conspiracy e-mails.  This is not appropriate for a respected new publication.  Thanks.