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Cox: Birthers echo other "attempts to ... de-person black people and to treat them as something ... less than full humans"

August 03, 2009 10:44 pm ET

From the August 3 edition of MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show:

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Previously:

Matthews: Dobbs, Beck and Rush pushing birther story; Conason says they want "to create ... fear of a black president"

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    • Author by IRONY 101 (August 03, 2009 10:53 pm ET)
      5  
      Well...isn't it in the right wing loon handbook that blacks are less than full humans? Their skulls are thicker than a human skull for one thing...at least that's what the older kids used to tell us when I was a child. Watching TV tonight I think I recognized a few of those guys from my childhood, much older now, demanding Obama's birth certificate...the long form! ;>)
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      • Author by snoopy (August 03, 2009 10:56 pm ET)
        2  
        and did ya notice that except for their token, alan keyes, all their spokesmen are white people?
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        • Author by IRONY 101 (August 03, 2009 11:05 pm ET)
          2  
          Well...there are many white Republicans who believe that Richard Steele proves their point about black people. ;>)
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          • Author by Col. Harlan Sanders (August 04, 2009 12:02 am ET)
            2  
            Oh, sure, play the race card, you libruls! Like every president of my lifetime hasn't had his religion and country of birth and patriotism questioned by the opposing party. Of course it doesn't have anything to do with race.

            As Professor BilldO points out "alleged racism" is just some made-up stuff that vile left wing smear merchants like to toss out to attack nice people.

            Man, I need some M-F'in iced tea.
            Report Abuse
      • Author by fratelldenzel (August 04, 2009 4:37 am ET)
           
        I've never heard of such a thing. This must come from some Hitler handbook. Aryans are just so last century.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by antimedia88 (August 03, 2009 11:08 pm ET)
        9
      This is ridiculous. So much so that it has gone to the point where anyone with a point of view different than the left is going to automatically be labeled a racist. As an Independent, I have a more exterior perception to all this noise going on. I also believe in simplicity. Do you want to know if it's really about the black skin? Then produce the birth certificate and see if the bozos keep yowling. Even then it is most likely more a matter of just not liking the Democratic view of how they see the world and the place and way our country rests in it. See, people have different ideas, ja? Not everybody likes the same things, ja? Simple. Take the test. Tell the President to produce his birth certificate which he should have done in the beginning anyway. Let him come up with his university documents too. Anything the people want to see they should be able to see. That is expected of any Presidential candidate , much less already in the White House. How long are some people going to cry out that everything has to do with his race? Keep this up and even I'll start not liking him just because of all the howling you guys are making. Get a clue.
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      • Author by jjamele2880 (August 04, 2009 8:51 am ET)
        4  
        Are you joking? The Birth Certificate HAS been produced, AGAIN AND AGAIN. It's been handed to the media. It's been photographed and placed on websites. It's been authenticated. And look how much that's silenced the "birthers."

        "This has nothing to do with race.." Seriously, how many Presidents in the past have been asked about their Birth Certificates? Obama's "legitimacy" is being questioned because his father was born in another nation? Obama was born in Hawaii, period. Where his father was born, where his mother was born, where his Great Aunt Nellie was born is IMMATERIAL. Except, of course, that Obama is black and has that "un-American sounding" name.

        And here's a quick tip- "Ja?" That just makes you sound even dumber than the rest of your post clearly indicates that you are. Yes, people have "different ideas." Let's hear them. Let's hear the legitimate opposition to President Obama's policies. Repeatedly demanding to see his Birth Certificate, claiming that he may have actually been born in Kenya, etc. is not legitimate debate.

        "Keep this up and even I'll start not liking him..." great, another "I used to be an Obama fan BUT" poser. Give us a break, you are fooling NOBODY.
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        • Author by bilbo_dies (August 04, 2009 11:10 am ET)
          3  
          I can't say that this whole birther issue is about race, also, I can't say that it isn't about race.

          I do know that it is about: "I don't want this person to be POTUS!"

          I am sure that some of the screamers are there because they are racist, just as I am sure some of them are there searching for ANY excuse to get Obama out of office.

          I guess the biggest problem is all those that just can't accept that democracy means the will of the majority rules, whether the minority likes it or not.
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          • Author by shaggles (August 04, 2009 12:49 pm ET)
            2  
            It's hard to know for sure what part racism plays but it sure seems like an aweful big coincidence that this issue comes up only after the first African-American is elected President.
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        • Author by kalentros (August 04, 2009 11:23 am ET)
          2  
          I used to be an Obama fan BUT he got elected. So now I'm a PRESIDENT Obama fan.
          Report Abuse
      • Author by shaggles (August 04, 2009 12:46 pm ET)
        2  
        The birth certificate has been produce so I guess you agree that it really is about racism.
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      • Author by jediknight65 (August 04, 2009 4:24 pm ET)
        1  
        if any previous candidate who has ever run in the history of our country, i would agree with you. the fact is, no one has EVER been asked to do so until NOW. when a black man has been elected. so you are simply wrong. have your opinions fine, believe what you want.
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    • Author by mk3872 (August 04, 2009 12:06 am ET)
      2  
      AMEN!
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    • Author by crescere7213 (August 04, 2009 1:47 am ET)
      2  
      Exactly right. Since the beginning Obama has had to meet a standard above anything a white man would have to meet. Add to the fact that he's a democrat and it adds to it. This is just another example.
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    • Author by franky (August 04, 2009 1:58 am ET)
      2  
      I wonder if there isn't some cognitive dissonance happening in the minds of the Birther true believers:

      Belief #1: The President of the USA can't be African-American.

      Belief #2: The President of the USA looks (not so much sounds) like a lot of African Americans.

      Attempted reconciliation of the above two beliefs: His black half must be imported, not domestically raised.

      So what appears on the surface to be an attempt to delegitimize Obama's presidency (and politically that would be the effect), is psychologically actually the opposite. It is the Birther's true believers' attempt to legitimize his presidency. They are able to maintain their belief that an African-American can't be President of the United States by denying that he really is an African-American.

      Moral of the story: Perhaps from a security point of view it would be wiser to not try to beat the Birther out of them.

      Second possible moral: Maybe the rather exotic ethnic heritage (for a Presidential candidate) actually helped Obama get elected. Maybe there is a significant and net positive percentage of independents and Democrats who also needed to believe this subconsciously to vote for him.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by John Paradox (August 04, 2009 2:36 am ET)
           
        His black half must be imported, not domestically raised.

        Boy, talk about outsourcing.
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      • Author by fratelldenzel (August 04, 2009 4:54 am ET)
        3  
        Trying to minimize everything that President Obama has achieved is proof positive that the bigot whites can't face that people of any color (or gender)can be smarter and more appealing that some white men. What is really sad is that people will not support his policies that could very well take us into a very progressive 21st century, and because of the
        bigotry and small mindedness, and blind party affiliation, they will continue to not support him and decide against their own and their children's best interests, such as in the healthcare issue and alternative energy. I honestly believe that President Obama really wants to help the country with these huge things but look at the push back he is getting? We must try to help him as much as we can. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT!!!
        Report Abuse
      • Author by bilbo_dies (August 04, 2009 11:12 am ET)
        1  
        Attempted reconciliation of the above two beliefs: His black half must be imported, not domestically raised.

        Good thought, I had never looked at it that way.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by kim7nikk (August 04, 2009 3:30 am ET)
        5
      Wow you guys can find race in anything. I don't agree with the birther's but I think that race has nothing to do with there criticism.
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      • Author by ForTheLoveOfEllipsis... (August 04, 2009 10:12 am ET)
        3  
        Then name me one white candidate for office that they've demanded birth certificates from. Just one will do.

        *tapping foot and waiting*

        Come on, kim, even one...

        *still waiting*
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      • Author by SMTDL (August 04, 2009 10:54 am ET)
        2  
        Yes we just imagined watermelons on the lawn of the White House,dead chimps,gorilla ancestors,uppity xxxxxx's,calls for lynching during the campaign,magic Negroes,etc etc....why do you separate these things from the so-called policy criticisms.These same people would elect almost anybody white regardless of their qualifications.Look at the mediocrity of George Bush..ever see his transcripts or military papers?Look at Sarah Palin,Michelle Bachman,etc..Would any Black person with those credentials/experience/IQ get elected?There is an open season on what's acceptable as to criticizing America's 1st Black '1st Family'..not just the POTUS!!!!! I even saw a criticism of the 1st Grandmother's looks...Now the right wing smear merchant Michelle Malkin is attacking the First Lady and her father for nepotism!!!!How much has she ever written about Prescott Bush/GHW Bush or John McCain's father/grandfather as far as cronyism/nepotism!????She would be viewed differently if she attacked white political families this way!!!!!
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        • Author by Brabantio (August 04, 2009 11:21 am ET)
          1  
          On the other hand, did people like Malkin act in a respectful and restrained manner when talking about Clinton? Or were there charges of rape, corruption, murder, etc?

          Obviously there are many things that are explicitly racist, such as the atrocious dead chimp cartoon, but it's not as if conservatives wouldn't be playing dirty if it were a white Democrat in office. Can anyone imagine that the same people who hyped up "Monicagate" wouldn't be going nuts if there was a rumor that Clinton was born in another country, or that there might be some sliver of a chance that he might not be eligible for office for any reason?
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          • Author by SMTDL (August 04, 2009 12:14 pm ET)
            2  
            C'mon Brabantio......they have brought a new enthusiam and level of vitriol to the criicism of Obama..appealing to racial divisions is a tactic Republicans have used since Nixon.They aren't even subtle with the racial overtones(how about the Presidential gallery with Obama as just a pair of eyes in the dark). The reason I say it is because this stuff comes from the RNC,local Republican Party officials and elected(local ,state and national) Republican officials.I am not buying that they don't know how offensive some of this stuff really is..and then so shocked that they were called on such comments and sorry IF they offended anyone!!!If it was not intentional or not part of the party line they would suffer more consequences for these comments and behaviors.This same sentiment is reflected in the policy critisms which continue the theme of he's very very different from us "real Americans"... It's a shame but its reality!
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            • Author by Brabantio (August 04, 2009 12:20 pm ET)
              1  
              Again, I'm not saying there isn't racism. What I'm saying is that you can't attribute all of the criticism he's getting to that. They wouldn't be calling healthcare socialism?

              Try to imagine if Clinton had been black. Would the impeachment be considered to be racist because he had an affair with a white woman? Most of this is partisan. The racism may amplify it, and draw some people to the birther cause who would otherwise brush it off, but it's not the primary reason for most policy or personal criticisms.
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              • Author by SMTDL (August 04, 2009 1:24 pm ET)
                   
                I agree with you to a degree(That it may not be the primary reason) but that it is a significant part or focus of the criticism is pretty disappointing in 2009!!!!It also is very dangerous..for the President and private citizens of all colors to have racial divide /fears etc..stoked this way for political reasons!!!What does it say about our real progress on racial issues when racist behavior is still being used as a political tactic by a major Party!!
                I do appreciate your thoughtful approach to discussing this issue!
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                • Author by Brabantio (August 04, 2009 8:35 pm ET)
                     
                  I couldn't agree more that the amount of racism we've seen is disappointing. Thanks very much!
                  Report Abuse
    • Author by fratelldenzel (August 04, 2009 4:27 am ET)
      1  
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT OBAMA. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND REMEMBER NOT ALL OF US ARE WACKOS AND WE LOVE IT THAT YOU ARE OUR PRESIDENT!!!

      I do wish that all media would stop covering this story, especially the left.
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      • Author by The_Cat (August 04, 2009 11:24 am ET)
        2  
        "I do wish that all media would stop covering this story, especially the left."

        I understand this sentiment. Two thoughts: 1) For some in the media, I think the birther debate has become somewhat like a game of Whack-A-Mole, and 2) It is best to meet disinformation and lies straight on with the truth, every time it crops up. Point and laugh is also good.
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    • Author by lede39571545 (August 04, 2009 7:54 am ET)
         
      What about the half-white part of him? Was he not raised by his white mother and white grandparents? If the Birthers and other conservatives, e.g. "real Americans" really have "fear of a black president" ......just goes to show ya that the old addage originating from slavery days, ... if you have ONE DROP of African blood in you,then you are a N..... is correct to their way of thinking (or not thinking).
      As true today as it was 200 years ago.
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      • Author by ForTheLoveOfEllipsis... (August 04, 2009 10:15 am ET)
          1
        Lede, that is so 20th-Century of you! Real conservatives don't hate--it's you gawdless secular progressive socialist communist fascist atheist liberals that do all the hating! USA! USA! USA!...
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