[jetpilot]

As I was sitting in church waiting for the start of the service, my grandpa came walking towards me pointing his finger. No matter how old I get, and no matter how long he's been out of the U.S. Navy, that's still an intimidating sight. As he approached me, his voice quivered as he said, "We saved that continent twice...how dare my president apologize for this country's arrogance." My grandpa is right. Americans need not apologize to the world for their arrogance; rather, Americans should apologize to their forefathers for the arrogance of their president.

Barack Obama's first foreign trip as President of the United States has confirmed the naiveté so many of us feared during the election cycle. But worse than that, it has also demonstrated that our president suffers from either a complete misunderstanding of our heritage and history, or an utter contempt for it. Neither is excusable.



Garnering cheers from the French of all people, President Obama declared, "In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive." Consider that Obama spoke these words just 500 miles from the beaches of Normandy, where the sand is still stained with 65-year-old blood of "arrogant Americans."

Indeed, columnist Mark Whittington observes, "One should remind Mr. Obama and the Europeans how America has 'shown arrogance' by saving Europe from itself innumerable times in the 20th Century. World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the wars in the Balkans were largely resolved by American blood, treasure, and leadership." But all that appears lost on the president's seemingly insatiable quest to mend fences he imagines have been tarnished by the bullish George W. Bush.

If Obama wishes to continue trampling the presidential tradition of showing class to former office holders and publicly trash Bush for his own personal gain, so be it. But all Americans should make clear that no man – even if he is the president – will tarnish the legacy of those Americans who have gone before us. Ours is not a history of arrogance. It is a history of courage, self-sacrifice, and honor.

When abusive monarchs repressed the masses, Americans resisted and overthrew them. When misguided policies led to the unjust oppression of fellow citizens, Americans rebelled and overturned them. When millions of impoverished and destitute wretches sought a new beginning, Americans threw open the door and welcomed them. When imperial dictators were on the march, Americans surrendered their lives to stop them. When communist thugs threatened world peace, Americans bled to defeat them. When an entire continent was overwhelmed with famine and hunger, Americans gave of themselves to sustain it. When terrorist madmen killed the innocent and subjugated millions, Americans led the fight to topple them.

This is the legacy that generations of Americans have left. If President Obama seeks stronger relations with the world community, perhaps he should begin by reminding them of these very truths, rather than condemning his own countrymen on foreign shores.

This "obsessive need to put down his own country," has caused blogger James Lewis to call President Obama a "stunningly ignorant man" who has evidently never spoken to a concentration camp survivor, a Cuban refugee, a boat person from Vietnam, a Soviet dissident, or a survivor of Mao's purges.

Unfortunately, I can no longer bring myself to give Mr. Obama that benefit of the doubt. Not after looking at the pain in my grandpa's eyes...a man who still carries shrapnel in his body from his service to this country.

As a student and teacher of history, I recognize that America has made mistakes...plenty of them, in fact. But one of the great things about our people has been their courage and humility in admitting and correcting those mistakes. God willing, they will prove that willingness again in four years and correct the mistake that is the presidency of Barack Obama.

By Peter Heck

[Old School]

Excellent Post

[DevilsWin]

As I was sitting in church waiting for the start of the service, my grandpa came walking towards me pointing his finger. No matter how old I get, and no matter how long he's been out of the U.S. Navy, that's still an intimidating sight. As he approached me, his voice quivered as he said, "We saved that continent twice...how dare my president apologize for this country's arrogance." My grandpa is right. Americans need not apologize to the world for their arrogance; rather, Americans should apologize to their forefathers for the arrogance of their president.

Barack Obama's first foreign trip as President of the United States has confirmed the naiveté so many of us feared during the election cycle. But worse than that, it has also demonstrated that our president suffers from either a complete misunderstanding of our heritage and history, or an utter contempt for it. Neither is excusable.



Garnering cheers from the French of all people, President Obama declared, "In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive." Consider that Obama spoke these words just 500 miles from the beaches of Normandy, where the sand is still stained with 65-year-old blood of "arrogant Americans."

Indeed, columnist Mark Whittington observes, "One should remind Mr. Obama and the Europeans how America has 'shown arrogance' by saving Europe from itself innumerable times in the 20th Century. World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the wars in the Balkans were largely resolved by American blood, treasure, and leadership." But all that appears lost on the president's seemingly insatiable quest to mend fences he imagines have been tarnished by the bullish George W. Bush.

If Obama wishes to continue trampling the presidential tradition of showing class to former office holders and publicly trash Bush for his own personal gain, so be it. But all Americans should make clear that no man – even if he is the president – will tarnish the legacy of those Americans who have gone before us. Ours is not a history of arrogance. It is a history of courage, self-sacrifice, and honor.

When abusive monarchs repressed the masses, Americans resisted and overthrew them. When misguided policies led to the unjust oppression of fellow citizens, Americans rebelled and overturned them. When millions of impoverished and destitute wretches sought a new beginning, Americans threw open the door and welcomed them. When imperial dictators were on the march, Americans surrendered their lives to stop them. When communist thugs threatened world peace, Americans bled to defeat them. When an entire continent was overwhelmed with famine and hunger, Americans gave of themselves to sustain it. When terrorist madmen killed the innocent and subjugated millions, Americans led the fight to topple them.

This is the legacy that generations of Americans have left. If President Obama seeks stronger relations with the world community, perhaps he should begin by reminding them of these very truths, rather than condemning his own countrymen on foreign shores.

This "obsessive need to put down his own country," has caused blogger James Lewis to call President Obama a "stunningly ignorant man" who has evidently never spoken to a concentration camp survivor, a Cuban refugee, a boat person from Vietnam, a Soviet dissident, or a survivor of Mao's purges.

Unfortunately, I can no longer bring myself to give Mr. Obama that benefit of the doubt. Not after looking at the pain in my grandpa's eyes...a man who still carries shrapnel in his body from his service to this country.

As a student and teacher of history, I recognize that America has made mistakes...plenty of them, in fact. But one of the great things about our people has been their courage and humility in admitting and correcting those mistakes. God willing, they will prove that willingness again in four years and correct the mistake that is the presidency of Barack Obama.

By Peter Heck

Stupid yet sad at the same time.

[NEXT]

Stupid yet sad at the same time.

Yes it is stupid that some like you get to enjoy what you do, thanks to the sacrifice those "arrogant Americans" made on foreign soil liberating and defending those mighty Europeans. Sad that those who paid the ultimate price get smacked in the face years later.

[jetpilot]

Stupid yet sad at the same time.

You have absolutely nothing of value to add in any of these threads.

[TidesHoss32]

In absolutely no way am I sticking up for Obama, and after the trip to Europe, Ive all but stopped giving him the benefit of the doubt, but in DW's defense, he defended this country also, so he has earned the right to voice his opinion. DW is one of those people, although I may not always agree with his politics, he is one of the few veterans on BGR. Like I said, Im not trying to get anything started, because I absolutely love your posts, and Jetpilot and Old School are friends of mine on here also, but I respect ALL VETERANS and I respect DW as a man, even though I may not agree with his politics:biggrin: ..

Yes it is stupid that some like you get to enjoy what you do, thanks to the sacrifice those "arrogant Americans" made on foreign soil liberating and defending those mighty Europeans. Sad that those who paid the ultimate price get smacked in the face years later.

[DevilsWin]

Thanks TH32!

[DevilsWin]

You have absolutely nothing of value to add in any of these threads.

There is no value to the subject of this thread.

America is divided and crap like this will keep it that way.

Old School- Are you a veteran?

If not- then SHUT UP ABOUT VETERANS!

[jetpilot]

There is no value to the subject of this thread.

America is divided and crap like this will keep it that way.

Old School- Are you a veteran?

If not- then SHUT UP ABOUT VETERANS!

The subject of this thread is the way 100s of millions (1/2) of Americans feel, even though you claim to not know any of them. And it didn't bother you that the country was divided under Bush, so why does a divided country bother you now???:zzz:

[DevilsWin]

The subject of this thread is the way 100s of millions (1/2) of Americans feel, even though you claim to not know any of them. And it didn't bother you that the country was divided under Bush, so why does a divided country bother you now???:zzz:

Oh yes it did!:redboxer:

He was supposed to be The Uniter. Turns out, he was The Divider!

Now that the shoe is on the other foot conservatives think its ok to bash Obama no matter what he does as "Payback".

It has to stop somewhere.

If it doesn't then we're behaving like the Israelis and Palestinians.

Tit for Tat.

Eye for an Eye.

[outdoorsman43]

Oh yes it did!:redboxer:

He was supposed to be The Uniter. Turns out, he was The Divider!

Now that the shoe is on the other foot conservatives think its ok to bash Obama no matter what he does as "Payback".

It has to stop somewhere.

If it doesn't then we're behaving like the Israelis and Palestinians.

Tit for Tat.

Eye for an Eye.

So is Obama the Uniter?

Looks like he is so far, huh?

[ImagineThat!]

There is no value to the subject of this thread.

America is divided and crap like this will keep it that way.

Old School- Are you a veteran?

If not- then SHUT UP ABOUT VETERANS!

Unless I missed something, I don't think you have any reason to be calling Old School out. I did not see anywhere in this thread that he said anything about veterans. I only saw where he said Excellent Post.

Nice post jetpilot!

[DevilsWin]

Unless I missed something, I don't think you have any reason to be calling Old School out. I did not see anywhere in this thread that he said anything about veterans. I only saw where he said Excellent Post.

Nice post jetpilot!

Sorry that was meant for NEXT.

Thanks for pointing that out.

My apologies Old School.

[DevilsWin]

Yes it is stupid that some like you get to enjoy what you do, thanks to the sacrifice those "arrogant Americans" made on foreign soil liberating and defending those mighty Europeans. Sad that those who paid the ultimate price get smacked in the face years later.

You're talking about people I knew now.

My People.

Veterans.

I can name 3 of them.

[Old School]

Sorry that was meant for NEXT.

Thanks for pointing that out.

My apologies Old School.

Not a problem DW

[Old School]

Oh yes it did!:redboxer:

He was supposed to be The Uniter. Turns out, he was The Divider!

Now that the shoe is on the other foot conservatives think its ok to bash Obama no matter what he does as "Payback".

It has to stop somewhere.

If it doesn't then we're behaving like the Israelis and Palestinians.

Tit for Tat.

Eye for an Eye.

Explain to me why was it ok for the liberals to bash Bush and the republicans, but it's not ok for the conservatives to bash Barry and the liberals? I find it funny that you try to take high road when it's you guy taking the heat knowing full well that you will be bashing the next Republican President.

As the old timers always said "if you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen"

[thecavemaster]

To suggest that Americans, when taken as a group (plenty of exceptions), tend to wag a metaphoric sponge "We're #1" finger at the rest of the world, and that that might need to be occasionally apologized for by our leader... why does that insult veterans? Doesn't it have enough truth in it to stand? Or does that not matter?

[jetpilot]

^^^No truth in it. It's been asked already, but give me an example of Americans "wagging their finger" at the rest of the world. YOU CAN'T.
Americans protect the rest of the free world, we don't taunt people.

[DevilsWin]

^^^No truth in it. It's been asked already, but give me an example of Americans "wagging their finger" at the rest of the world. YOU CAN'T.
Americans protect the rest of the free world, we don't taunt people.

Billions of other people on Earth would disagree.

Its all a matter of perspective.

Perception is reality in the eye of the beholder.

[DevilsWin]

Explain to me why was it ok for the liberals to bash Bush and the republicans, but it's not ok for the conservatives to bash Barry and the liberals? I find it funny that you try to take high road when it's you guy taking the heat knowing full well that you will be bashing the next Republican President.

As the old timers always said "if you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen"

So your argument is that when we did it it was wrong so if you do it and its wrong, its ok?

Be the better man here Old School. I'm giving you a chance to take the high road.

[jetpilot]

Billions of other people on Earth would disagree.

Its all a matter of perspective.

Perception is reality in the eye of the beholder.

Again, no value or facts in your post. I clearly asked for examples of the United States wagging their finger at other nations. If you can't give any (and you can't) please don't waste my time with what you think other nations might think.

[jetpilot]

So your argument is that when we did it it was wrong so if you do it and its wrong, its ok?

Be the better man here Old School. I'm giving you a chance to take the high road.

:lmao: So now the "high road" is giving the President a free pass? Good one. Liberals asking conservatives to take the "high road" is hilarious, considering how they acted the last 8 years. The ultimate in hypocrisy.

[DevilsWin]

Jetpilot, I have to give credit where credit is due. You are a bigger jerk than me!

[jetpilot]

Jetpilot, I have to give credit where credit is due. You are a bigger jerk than me!

You are going for the useless post record, right? Why respond if you cannot address the topic and answer my simple question? Resorting to personal attacks is a tactic of the dull and ignorant.

[DevilsWin]

You are going for the useless post record, right? Why respond if you cannot address the topic and answer my simple question? Resorting to personal attacks is a tactic of the dull and ignorant.

All this talk about Bush is getting off topic but here's a "tounge in cheek" answer to your question.

[Old School]

So your argument is that when we did it it was wrong so if you do it and its wrong, its ok?

Be the better man here Old School. I'm giving you a chance to take the high road.

Let's see first you used the First Admendment to bash Bush and the republicans for 8 years. Now that your man is in the White House you want everyone to play nice and sing why can't we be friends, well it doesn't always work that way, remember my friend you reap what you sow and you sowed a lot during the last 8 years.

Thanks for giving me the chance to take the high road, but no thanks. I think I will defer to the second half, I may try the low road for a while since it was good enough for you.

Was it wrong for you to bash Bush? Probably so. Was it wrong for you to disagree with him? No it wasn't. Is it wrong for me to bash Barry? Probably so. Is it wrong to disagree with him? No it's not. One thing is for sure you can call it bashing, and I can call it disagreeing with him either way I still have 3 years and 9 months to do either one I choose.

During the Bush administration liberals said everyone needs to speak out and voice their opinions. Now conservatives throw one little tea party and some liberal's calls anyone who attended or believes in what the party stood for is a racist redneck. What's that all about I thought they just wanted to unite and bring the country together?

[Matman]

To suggest that Americans, when taken as a group (plenty of exceptions), tend to wag a metaphoric sponge "We're #1" finger at the rest of the world, and that that might need to be occasionally apologized for by our leader... why does that insult veterans? Doesn't it have enough truth in it to stand? Or does that not matter?

Its a fine line to walk. When you apologize for our actions as a country its usually the military action that we have taken. That can easily be seen as saying out military did something wrong. However if you knew anything about our military you know most (not all but most) soldiers don't want war. They don't join to fight and kill but rather to watch the back of their brothers and save. We join in hopes to help keep each other alive and ease the burdon. So its easy for people who havn't experienced any that to say their sorry. But every night when i lay down and ask god for forgiveness for what i have done i don't ever regret it because in reality we save more lives than we take and thats another kid that didn't have to go to war.

[thecavemaster]

^^^No truth in it. It's been asked already, but give me an example of Americans "wagging their finger" at the rest of the world. YOU CAN'T.
Americans protect the rest of the free world, we don't taunt people.

Listen to talk radio for ten minutes, if you can stand it. You'll hear plenty of "We're #1" type rhetoric. I'm not denying that this country has often fought tyranny and despots. It's not an either/or argument. I can give examples, but will you hear them... that's the question.

[jetpilot]

Listen to talk radio for ten minutes, if you can stand it. You'll hear plenty of "We're #1" type rhetoric. I'm not denying that this country has often fought tyranny and despots. It's not an either/or argument. I can give examples, but will you hear them... that's the question.

No, I asked the question...and you didn't answer it.

[DevilsWin]

Its a fine line to walk. When you apologize for our actions as a country its usually the military action that we have taken. That can easily be seen as saying out military did something wrong. However if you knew anything about our military you know most (not all but most) soldiers don't want war. They don't join to fight and kill but rather to watch the back of their brothers and save. We join in hopes to help keep each other alive and ease the burdon. So its easy for people who havn't experienced any that to say their sorry. But every night when i lay down and ask god for forgiveness for what i have done i don't ever regret it because in reality we save more lives than we take and thats another kid that didn't have to go to war.

Great Post Matman!:Thumbs: