Obama doesn't get the theater of policis

[Billy Jingo]

Actually, he was widely criticized at the moment of that remark. This despite the fact that he was commenting on the death of non-Americans in a foreign country after a terror strike on that country. He was not making remarks about the murder of an American citizen by an organization which had stated that it was at war with the United States.

Should Bush have declined comment until he was in a more appropriate environment? Probably. Is this equivalent to President Obama's ongoing behavior in terms of recreation? No.

Someone needs to explain why it is so infuriating to see the president play golf. So far, I have just chocked it up to generic dislike of the man for whatever reason people dislike him but this is getting weird like it was a few years ago when people were mad that he and his family got secret service protection.

[Adam]

Someone needs to explain why it is so infuriating to see the president play golf. So far, I have just chocked it up to generic dislike of the man for whatever reason people dislike him but this is getting weird like it was a few years ago when people were mad that he and his family got secret service protection.

I thought I recalled you once saying, just after the 2008 election, that you hoped Obama didn't take up golf.

Might have been someone else.



Anyway, a President playing golf itself doesn't particularly bother me (other than Gerald Ford with those Godawful pants). The problem in Obama's case is that:

1. he seems to never STOP playing golf, thus giving the appearance that he's some sort of Long Island playboy, just basking in the luxury of his present station in life, and;
2. he at least appears to have an extremely flippant attitude toward the matters that actually are his concern as President.

In short, Obama appears to, for lack of a better description, have an attitude problem, particularly towards those who are his employers: the American People.

[Billy Jingo]

You remember correctly. That was me.

But my cynicism has a habit of being prophetic. I remember saying on 9/11 I hoped we didn't decide to just wage a perpetual metaphorical War on Terrorism. I got the "ism" wrong so I should feel good about that.

[Norm dePlume]

Yes, an attitude problem. It's almost as if he doesn't even care that the people who have continuously hated him for 6 years continue to hate him.

And while Bush's golf goof was merely laughable, it was more flagrant than Obama's. His was not a "later that day" juxtaposition. He went from grave concern to "woo-hoo, golf!" in, literally, two seconds.

[scott]

Yes, an attitude problem. It's almost as if he doesn't even care that the people who have continuously hated him for 6 years continue to hate him.

And while Bush's golf goof was merely laughable, it was more flagrant than Obama's. His was not a "later that day" juxtaposition. He went from grave concern to "woo-hoo, golf!" in, literally, two seconds.

Cognitive dissonance must hurt a lot.

[Gingersnap]

Someone needs to explain why it is so infuriating to see the president play golf. So far, I have just chocked it up to generic dislike of the man for whatever reason people dislike him but this is getting weird like it was a few years ago when people were mad that he and his family got secret service protection.

It's not the golf. Just like it was never the horse riding or the mountain bike riding or whatever. People remarked with distaste on those pursuits simply because of the Presidents who did them. They just didn't like those guys so no activity would have been the correct activity.

There's some of that with Obama. He could be leading blind children out of a burning building and some people would find it suspicious, demeaning, or contrived.

However, the President has a perception problem based on behavior that goes beyond simple dislike. He's seen doing recreational activities a lot. He and his family take a lot of vacations away from home (away from both homes). His wife and children have taken vacations that have caused controversy.

We are also in an era when a lot of working Americans can't afford to take off frequently to blow off steam. Even the standard 2 weeks is more likely to be a "staycation" for most and golf is collapsing among the middle class due to time constraints and greens fees (even at public courses).

It's also a problem when other world leaders who are not as intensely involved in the same issues cut short their own vacations to be at home to work during this time. They think it's worth getting behind a desk when this stuff happens. Are they personally coming up with World Peace? I dunno but in terms of "optics" they look like they might be closer to that than the Nobel Laureate.

[Billy Jingo]

It's not the golf. Just like it was never the horse riding or the mountain bike riding or whatever. People remarked with distaste on those pursuits simply because of the Presidents who did them. They just didn't like those guys so no activity would have been the correct activity.

There's some of that with Obama. He could be leading blind children out of a burning building and some people would find it suspicious, demeaning, or contrived.

However, the President has a perception problem based on behavior that goes beyond simple dislike. He's seen doing recreational activities a lot. He and his family take a lot of vacations away from home (away from both homes). His wife and children have taken vacations that have caused controversy.

We are also in an era when a lot of working Americans can't afford to take off frequently to blow off steam. Even the standard 2 weeks is more likely to be a "staycation" for most and golf is collapsing among the middle class due to time constraints and greens fees (even at public courses).

It's also a problem when other world leaders who are not as intensely involved in the same issues cut short their own vacations to be at home to work during this time. They think it's worth getting behind a desk when this stuff happens. Are they personally coming up with World Peace? I dunno but in terms of "optics" they look like they might be closer to that than the Nobel Laureate.

Kudos for trying to sound "balanced." It was good.

[Gingersnap]

Kudos for trying to sound "balanced." It was good.

OMG! Thank you so very much!

*fans self with talking points in attempt to compose self*

I didn't get here alone! I want to thank God, my manager, my parents, my fans and all you wonderful people at NEIP who made this possible!

*pauses to dab at tears*

I just can't believe that a little old country girl like me with no education, experience, study, reading, debating, or insight could come up with a hypocritical post on an obscure message board for the amusement of a cynical poser! It's like a dream come true!

*sobs*

[Norm dePlume]

Cognitive dissonance must hurt a lot.

Somebody having a sale on generic one-liners? Here's a specific come-back for free:

Is that why you've taken the precaution of squelching your cognitive amplitude?

[scott]

Somebody having a sale on generic one-liners? Here's a specific come-back for free:

Is that why you've taken the precaution of squelching your cognitive amplitude?

That was worth every penny.

It's so funny to watch the Bush haters defend Obama for doing the same thing.

[phillygirl]

Yes, an attitude problem. It's almost as if he doesn't even care that the people who have continuously hated him for 6 years continue to hate him.

True. It's also as though he realizes that those that worship him will continue to worship him, regardless of what he says or does, or doesn't do.

And while Bush's golf goof was merely laughable, it was more flagrant than Obama's. His was not a "later that day" juxtaposition. He went from grave concern to "woo-hoo, golf!" in, literally, two seconds.

I agree with that. And the press gave him all kinds of hell for it. Michael Moore didn't sweep in 2 years later as the only noticer.

[gary m]

Am I the only person that not only has no issue with Obama playing golf so often but wishes he would make it a tee time for 535 congress critters as well?

The more they play golf, the less overall damage they can do.

[Gramps]

Am I the only person that not only has no issue with Obama playing golf so often but wishes he would make it a tee time for 535 congress critters as well?

The more they play golf, the less overall damage they can do.

thank you

the original congresses came to DC, wandered around and then went home...

don't know if they were having sex with sheep, but whatever it was, it kept them occupied and out of the general public's pubic hair