Clinging to God and Guns…and Liberty
April 20th, 2008 at 07:15pm Mark Noonan
From Mark Steyn:
Sen. Obama’s remarks about poor dumb, bitter rural losers “clinging to” guns and God certainly testify to the instinctive snobbery of a big segment of the political class. But we shouldn’t let it go by merely deploring coastal condescension toward the knuckledraggers. No, what Michelle Malkin calls Crackerquiddick (quite rightly – it’s more than just another dreary “-gate”) is not just snobbish nor even merely wrongheaded. It’s an attack on two of the critical advantages the United States holds over most of the rest of the Western world. In the other G7 developed nations, nobody clings to God ‘n’ guns. The guns got taken away, and the Europeans gave up on churchgoing once they embraced Big Government as the new religion.
How’s that working out? Compared with America, France and Germany have been more or less economically stagnant for the past quarter-century, living permanently with unemployment rates significantly higher than in the United States…
…In my book “America Alone,” I note a global survey on optimism: 61 percent of Americans were optimistic about the future, 29 percent of the French, 15 percent of Germans. Take it from a foreigner: In my experience, Americans are the least “bitter” people in the developed world. Secular, gun-free big-government Europe doesn’t seem to have done anything for people’s happiness. Consider by way of example the words of Keith Reade. He’s not an Obama speechwriter, he’s a writer for the London Daily Mirror. And the day after the 2004 presidential election he expressed his frustration in an alarmingly Obamaesque way:
“Were I a Kerry voter, though, I’d feel deep anger, not only at them returning Bush to power, but for allowing the outside world to lump us all into the same category of moronic muppets. The self-righteous, gun-totin’, military-lovin’, sister-marryin’, abortion-hatin’, gay-loathin’, foreigner-despisin’, nonpassport ownin’ rednecks, who believe God gave America the biggest d*** in the world so it could urinate on the rest of us and make their land ‘free and strong.’”
Well, that’s certainly why I supported Bush, but I’m not sure it entirely accounts for the other 62,039,073 incontinent rednecks.
First off, I had missed that from Malkin - “Crackerquiddick” - ROFL…love it!
Anyways…
We incontinent rednecks - bitterly bringing our guns to church so that we can hate foreigners, or some such - got an earful from Obama, and methinks it is finally crystalising in the public mind just what liberals are all about. I’ve noted that in some recent polling, McCain is clobbering Obama nationally, and especially in the critical battleground States. There hasn’t been much movement in Demcorat polls, as most Democrats don’t see any problem with what Obama said, but out there in the world of independents, its another story…and its a story of people being outraqed over Obama’s comments. Right now, I’d have to say that Hillary has a better chance of beating McCain than Obama does - though, of course, it is mighty early and 100 things may change between now and November.
More importantly for the long-term, Obama’s remarks also point out just why America is the only major industrial democracy which is not in terminal population decline - even without or immigrants (legal and otherwise), we’d still be holding even in population. The source of this strength is what is considered on the left to be our weakness - that would be our continuing enthusiastic worship of God; our willingness to defend ourselves and, indeed, go overseas to defeat tyrants; our insistence upon freedom; our continued respect for tradtional morality. Liberals put this down to a combination of ignorance and hatred - really its just a common sense view of life and the world, and it is liberals who are ignorant…and their ignorance feeds their hatred, which comes out in boneheaded statements, such as that uttered by Obama.
Just as long as Americans “cling” to God, so will America remain a viable nation - once get to a point where a majority has cut itself off from God, and you’ll soon have a disarmed, socialist America dying along with Europe…
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Democrats, Patriotism, Popular Culture, Republicans
30 Comments
1. JD | April 20th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Y’all ever heard of Joe Bageant? He really nails this whole thing.
http://www.joebageant.com/
2. Kahn | April 20th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I posted this in the open blog string earlier today - worth a repost, I think:
“Obama has:
Voted against self defense laws in Michigan.
Endorsed the D.C. Gun ban. (added, though he wouldn’t comment on it at the last debate).
Pledged to support a ban on the transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons (which would outlaw many sporting and hunting rifles and shotguns - even my kids Ruger 10-22 in .22 caliber and my wifes 16 guage shot gun)
Demanded that the Federal government preempt the 40 states with Right-to-carry laws. He is on record as saying that law enforcement ONLY should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon.
While a board member of the Joyce foundation - that organization funded anti-gun legislation and proposals to the tune of $18 million.
So when he NOW says he’s for “hunters rights”, understand he envisions you using a sling and sharp sticks. For now… I wonder when the term “assault sharp stick” will first be used?
If he is this committed, why not be honest about it? Tell us what he REALLY thinks? I know many of the liberal posters here will agree with these positions. Thats not the point. The point is that it impossible to debate someone who lies about their actual positions and beliefs. If Obama is for anti-civil rights gun control - let him say so!!!
Instead, we have to dig into his history to find this out.
I thought he was supposed to be the engine of change? But I guess I missed the fact that “change” means disarming the populace and instituting socialism.
OK, well I guess that IS change.
You all on board with that?”
3. InDaVa | April 20th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Ahh…the ‘bitter’ comment revisited. My mind is made up on what Obama was trying to say. If you can’t realize what he was trying to say and want to beat a dead horse until the election go right ahead. I can’t understand why this is still being talked about. The MSM and blogosphere are all over it. It’s a non-issue for me at this point. Ridiculous…
“But I guess I missed the fact that “change” means disarming the populace and instituting socialism.”
Kahn, that is rich. :)
4. Mark Noonan | April 20th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
JD,
I had never heard of him, and after a sentence or two, I wish I’d continued in my ignorance of the man’s existence. Irretrievably vulgar.
5. Mark Noonan | April 20th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
InDaVa,
Oh, so you have spoken and the rest of us have it wrong?
Words mean what they mean - and Obama was showing his complete contempt for the bedrock of America - and in so doing just being a regular liberal.
6. InDaVa | April 20th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
“Oh, so you have spoken and the rest of us have it wrong?”
Didn’t say that nor implied it. Why are people still are talking about this. If you feel it’s an issue and needs to be discussed then go ahead. It’s either you agree or disagree with what he said. If you want to drag this ‘bitter’ comment out go ahead. If you think that Obama was “showing complete contempt for the bedrock of America - and in so doing just being a regular liberal.” then go ahead. Your mind is made up and so is mine.
I personally didn’t agree with what was said but it hasn’t’ affected my voting choice. I am undecided at this point. But re-hashing a non issue is pointless IMO. It detracts from all the candidates and the REAL issues.
7. bongoman | April 20th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
And did you hear what McCain said about his wife?
His excuse was that “it had been a long day”…
Classy, huh?
8. Jonathan | April 20th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Obama was showing his complete contempt for the bedrock of America…
Oh give me a break, Noonan. That line is a load of BS and you know it.
Obama was simply stating that working-class Americans are pissed thanks in part to the Clinton’s “brilliant” NAFTA policy and Bush’s massive tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% of Americans.
You can’t possibly be this thick to believe that Obama hates middle America.
9. Kahn | April 20th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Fact is liberals that the point of the “bitter” slip is that it was a slip. It was a window into Obama’s “true” feelings as evidenced by his own voting record and history but denied by him and his campaign. Obama IS anti-gun rights. He sidesteps when asked about it, or lies when he says he believes its a personal right.
When it really matters, and he has to vote, he votes against this right. And when he thinks he’s in a safe liberal elite crowd, he admits his true feelings. The point of the bitter statement is that it shows him to be a lier. And whats really scary, is that you know he’s lying, applaud it, and are counting on it.
Change!
10. Freedom1 | April 20th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Kahn: “But I guess I missed the fact that ‘change’ means disarming the populace and instituting socialism.”
Mark: “Words mean what they mean - and Obama was showing his complete contempt for the bedrock of America…”
Obama: “Words matter”
Yep.
11. Freedom1 | April 20th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Mark Steyn has it right:
“Obama attacks two of the things that elevate the U.S. above places like Europe.”
Mark Steyn:
Latest headline out of Europe is ominous…
Muslims Make Up 70% of Spain’s Prison Population… - Government of Dubai website
Mark Steyn’s right as usual…
Our lesson today comes from the songwriter Frank Loesser: “Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition.”
12. congressive | April 20th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
SOURCE
The Bush admin confiscates homeowner’s guns during Katrina, leaving them defenseless against thugs and looters, all in the name of “safety”.
Obama supports legislation FORBIDDING gun confiscation during emergencies.
When push REALLY came to shove, and fluffy words turned to action, the Bush bozos TOOK OUR GUNS!
Who’s really your friend?
Oh, and, nice job pushing another goofball right-wingnut’s book. Hope you get a piece of that.
13. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 12:22 am
Actually Congressive overzealous local Police and local Police imported from other areas confiscated peoples guns. It was New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass who said “No one will be able to be armed. Guns will be taken. Only law enforcement will be allowed to have guns.” A DEMOCRAT local official did this.
But you are correct the BATF later joined in the action. It is all well documented in “The Great New Orleans Gun Grab” by Gordon Hutchinson and Todd Masson.
This again was apparently attributable to overzealous local (though Federal) authorities. It was all clearly unconstitutional and the law enforcement officers involved should be arrested and charged with theft and intuding on people rights. They all should be fired, and some should go to jail.
Though it wasn’t really “the Administration” that did it. You’re straining at gnats on that one.
By the way, I posted at Blogs-4-Bush (or was it MattMargolis.com?)about it when it happened. Virtually no liberals commented. Must not have been a talking point back then.
14. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 12:26 am
Congressive, By the way, just what exactly is the Bill that Obama supports about gun confiscation? I can find rights bills he’s voted against, and anti-gun statements he’s made, but I can’t find the support for the bill you allude to. Could you be so kind as to enlighten us on it?
You see, this act is already illegal. Obama is on record voting against ANY gun ownership. He voted against the right to defend yourself - twice. So if he NOW says otherwise, well thats the lie - isn’t it?
15. hermie | April 21st, 2008 at 8:35 am
This last weekend in Chicago, at least eight people have died from shootings. As a Chicago politician, Obama is very familiar with the gun control laws enacted by the city.
In Chicago, guns are illegal except by law enforcement officials. These laws were championed by Mr. Obama’s group. Yet for some strange reason the criminals who used these weapons to gun down other Chicagoans, weren’t afraid of those ‘tough’ gun laws.
I wonder why..
16. Joe | April 21st, 2008 at 8:57 am
kahn:
“Fact is liberals that the point of the “bitter” slip is that it was a slip. It was a window into Obama’s “true” feelings…”
It was a bad choice of words on his part that people are blowing WAY the hell out of proportion.
Why do you feel Obama’s wasn’t a slip, but when McCain mixes up Shia and Sunni FOUR TIMES, it was just a gaffe?
kahn:
Congressive, By the way, just what exactly is the Bill that Obama supports about gun confiscation?
You need to look in the right places. Don’t look up on right-wing blogs that will feed you only lines about him taking away your guns.
Gun confiscation vote here
hermie:
These laws were championed by Mr. Obama’s group.
What exactly IS “Obama’s group”?
17. js | April 21st, 2008 at 9:13 am
obama seems to think that, regardless of his history of opposition to the right of gun owners, he can say its ok, i support you today…
obama is a liar.
18. Tractatus | April 21st, 2008 at 11:11 am
Oh, so you have spoken and the rest of us have it wrong?
Yeah–it’s only allowed to go in the other direction: Mark Noonan has spoken, and the rest of us have it wrong. Even when Mark Noonan is flagrantly wrong!
Do you ever listen to yourself, Noonan?
19. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 11:56 am
Joe, thanks. Of course, that law has a big IF in the middle of it. IF permitted by Federal and State Law - which he has voted against.
So, yah - OK - Kudos on this vote. But he has voted to make it moot.
OK?
By the way - good find on that vote. Be honest, who or what put you onto it?
20. Joe | April 21st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I just googled it.
Google with words… Obama gun confiscation during emergencies
:)
21. Plantation Owner | April 21st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
“It was a bad choice of words on his part that people are blowing WAY the hell out of proportion.”
There’s been alot of that lately coming from the liberal left - “bad choice of words”, “mispoke” in simpler terms (which you should easily understand) LIED!!!!
That would be the term used of a non-liberal type mispoke or used a poor choice of words.
Go ahead, Joe, be the useful idiot that TOLBS accurately named you, and find some more excuses or talking points to bring up.
Too bad your fantasy does not match reality.
22. Joe | April 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
PO, you forgot to throw your “single-celled individual” comment.
You still haven’t answered why Obama’s is an elitest “lie” yet McCain’s Sunni-Shia mix-up was just a gaffe. No partisan thoughts there right? No. McCain “gaffed” FOUR TIMES. That isn’t lying or just not knowing the difference. He just misspoke……… four times.
23. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Joe, you really can’t see that? You think he intentionally wanted to put blame on the wrong Muslim group? You understand what the difference between a gaffe and a lie is?
Main Entry: lie
Function: noun
1 a: an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker to be untrue with intent to deceive b: an untrue or inaccurate statement that may or may not be believed true by the speaker2: something that misleads or deceives
Obama is for gun control despite your one example. I have shown an example that makes yours moot. So, his current stated positions fly in the face of years of statements and voting history. This appears to be a calculated lie designed to garner support from the “redneck” vote. You know, those NASCAR loving people.
I think you’re lying right now in your feigned refusal to understand.
24. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
ObamaHistory:
Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions
* Principles that Obama supports on gun issues:Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
* Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
* Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. Voting YES would:
* Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
* Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
* Call for the dismissal of all qualified civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment by the court in which the action was brought
* Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition, and sets a minimum prison term of 15 years for violations
* Require all licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers who engage in the transfer of handguns to provide secure gun storage or safety devices
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-219 on Jul 29, 2005
And this link explains how he operates:
http://www.opinionjournal.com/federation/feature/?id=110009664
25. Plantation Owner | April 21st, 2008 at 8:42 pm
McCain’s gaffe - “It was a bad choice of words on his part that people are blowing WAY the hell out of proportion.”
I just used the excuse from the liberal playbook. Notice who non-liberals can never mispeak or use the “poor choice of words” answers. Notice how Joe will believe anything his party spoon feeds him and he will defend it mindlessly to the end.
Uh, Joe the reason I did not use the “single cell” comment on you, it’s because you are special and have earned your own. TOLBS accurately named you and I’ll stick with that since is so righteously applies.
Again, your fantasy does not match reality.
26. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
It was something he immediately corrected. Obviously a gaffe.
Nothing like the orchestrated and calculated lying Obama is staging.
27. Joe | April 21st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
kahn, McCain did it FOUR TIMES. If Obama or Hillary did that, FOX News would be playing it on a non-stop loop every 5 minutes. This blog would still be bringing it up saying they didn’t know what they were talking about. I don’t think McCain was trying to lie, I think he really doesn’t know the difference. To him, they are all the same. If it was Obama or Clinton, you’d be shouting that they don’t know the difference and their foreign policy really can’t be trusted. But with McCain… it was just a simple slip of the tongue…….. FOUR times.
For Obama’s “bitter” comment……. saying it is a lie is foolish. People are bitter. Not because they are from small town. not because they cling to God and guns. they are bitter because they (like a LOT of people) can’t get ahead and this Administration is pushing them further down.
aka…. a poor choice of words.
28. Kahn | April 21st, 2008 at 11:58 pm
So, what you think he was trying convince people that the Shia were doing what the Sunnis were doing and vice=versa? Don’t be obtuse.
It is NOT the same as someone with a proven anti-gun voting history saying he is a 2nd Amendment supporter. It’s just not. And you know it.
29. Kahn | April 22nd, 2008 at 12:03 am
http://www.nraila.org/GrassrootsAlerts/read.aspx
30. Ralph Crandon 11 | June 16th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
How Condescending the words of a junior politician who refuses to wear or salute the flag. This Mugabe clone is anothe by product of poor quality drinking water in America! Dosent like the national anthem either. Is this goof lost?Where is Jimmy Carter when we need him! Please Jimmy, find a job for this jerk OR SEND HIM TO A COUNTRY HE LIKES BETTER!