Sen. Barack Obama
I have been very impressed with the reaction to my blog post on Barack Obama. I originally posted the photo without commentary to stimulate an examination of Sen. Barack Obama’s foreign policy. I remain certain that his foreign policy ideas pose a great threat to American security no less than those of Al Gore or John Kerry might have. I believe that America has avoided another terrorist attack precisely because President Bush has been office for the past 8 years. I’m convinced that an Obama presidency will plunge us back into the failed foreign policies of the Clinton administration and put us in great danger.
For example, General Colin Powell said of the enemy during the first Gulf War that, “First we’re going to cut it off, then we’re going to kill it.” On September 19, 2001, Sen. Obama said of our enemy that, “We will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe.” I am extremely disturbed by Sen. Obama’s solution for the war on terror, and hopefully, you will consider this too.
The posting, not surprisingly, only drew out the virulent and vulgar members of the liberal left whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry. This reminds us of their criticism of those who cling to our guns and religion and strikes me only as par for the course.
I have no regrets from this picture, however, I’m sure that a further examination of Obama’s foreign (and domestic) policies must occur in order that voters might truly understand the vast, vast differences between him and Sen. John McCain. I refuse to cower to the cultural police who evermore seek to censor our political discussion. You may view the picture with this link if you wish to see what all the hubbub is all about.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:07 pm
[...] Thank you for your interest in the picure recently posted on this site. As this picture has gotten plenty of attention, I would rather change the focus of this discussion to Sen. Obama’s record on National Security. Please see the post above. [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I bet you’d like to change the subject from that picture you posted, you mouth-breathing Neanderthal.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Senator Bryant, I’m a Republican in your district, and I have this to say: you are simple and your thoughts are reductive.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
You posted the picture to stimulate conversation on Obama’s Foreign Policy stance? You think we are that stupid to believe that? Come on now.
I think the head in the sand tactics of the Republicans, if we ignore them they’ll go away, doesn’t work.
To find solutions to problems one actually has to address them. That means talking to those who we deem are our enemies. Ignoring them will not make them go away, hell it will probably make them more mad. Our tactics so far have put us in trillions of dollars of debt, our economy is in the crapper and you’re going to say McCain is the best man for the job? Ha. He’ll run this nation into the ground.
The man has no idea about what’s important to this country. He caters to big business and rich old white men. Well this nation is made up of so much more than that, and we are going to make ourselves heard, and vote Obama into office.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Your spam protection is very discriminatory of uneducated people. Anyway, Obama is a global socialist, and the only cure is Ron Paul.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
The other day, I was asked who I was going to vote for … I said … “Not Obama” & the lady called me a racist …
Keep posting Kevin … Stand up for what you believe in …
God bless
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
The republican party have enough problems right now, Bryant. The picture you’ve posted can’t help us. I know you don’t believe that Barack and Osama are partners, but c’mon…don’t stoop to the Rush Limbaugh or Michael Savage mentality.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Well, I’ll try this again.
The picture was nothing more than another republican scare tactic. You see, the simple-minded person will allow their minds to be made up with a few pictures and sound bytes. It’s much easier than looking for real information and real facts.
Senator Bryant and several members of the Bush administration are well aware of the success achieved in Nazi Germany by simply repeating the “Big Lie” over and over.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
What’s the difference between Bush, McCain and Bryant? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Oh yeah… after you’re done editing my post, by removing it, you might want to edit Mr. Bryant’s post, as there is a glaring grammatical error in the first paragraph.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
All I ask is for people - including our Senators - to outline actual, real differences in policy. Senator Obama is as much a patriot as Senator McCain and both have said so, repeatedly.
In as non-partisan a manner as I can put it, here are the key questions for those trying to decide over candidates:
- If the Iraqis ask us to leave, will we? McCain says, “maybe” and Obama says “if it’s safe.”
- What’s more important: Low taxes or a balanced budget? Obama is your best bet for a balanced budget; McCain hasn’t explained how he’d balance the budget while reducing taxes (pork being a very small part of the budget). He has recently suggested that Social Security is “a total disgrace,” so perhaps he intends to cut it.
- Abortion: Obama believes communities and parents should, uh, parent enough to make the question moot; McCain believes we’ll never have enough responsible parents to avoid it.
- Should we negotiate politically with our enemies as well as our friends? McCain doesn’t believe we should go without preconditions; Obama does. Note that the Bush administration is currently negotiating with North Korea and Iran.
- If you want small government … I guess you could go Libertarian, because neither candidate seems likely to do it.
Other things to keep in mind:
Surrogates and supporters are not the candidates. Reverends Parsely and Wright are not the same people as John McCain or Barack Obama. For that matter, Kevin Bryant is not John McCain.
“Experience” is a tremendously subjective qualifier. Abe Lincoln had practically no experience whatsoever, and he’s (rightly) deified by Republicans. On the other hand, the most experienced man in the White House in 2004 was Donald Rumsfeld and his handling of the Iraq war has a lot to do with President Bush’s low popularity.
Judgment is a much better qualifier. Barack Obama has his opposition to a rushed war (with the wrong people) as his “judgment” ace; John McCain has his support for the surge as his.
The candidates share similar opinions on the subject of Afghanistan: Obama has been asking to withdraw troops from Iraq to put them into Afghanistan since 2004; McCain has recently come to the same conclusion. McCain has not yet said where the troops would come from (since he is opposed to removing troops from Iraq).
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Bryant, have you checked out the following link?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-417395/Bush-Putins-thoroughly-wizard-outfits.html
Can we assume that Bush and Putin have common ground with Communist Vietnam?
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:51 pm
i want to thank you for posting the picture. the entire country needs to wake up to the danger that obama poses to this country. all these people that want change in government dont seem to realize that we can have change for the worse too.
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
No one is actually censoring you, Senator, so you are no victim, nor is democracy.
You are hearing from the people about your fear mongering and cowardly political tactics. That the way it works and I’m sad that you don’t realize that.
We vote, we speak out and we remember at election time….Good luck!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Reading the comments from the other story, I was saddened to see people hurling all sorts of ridiculous angry rhetoric at one another. No matter what the blogs say, neither conservatives nor liberals are evil and intent on destroying America. The very idea that half of a nation seeks to destroy their own homeland is laughable. Anyone that tries telling you that is selling something.
Conservatism and Liberalism are ideologies that people use to decide what is right for the country. It’s not the Red Sox and Yankees. We should be more concerned about discussing ideas, not demonizing the other team, so our team can win. Only a fool decides what to believe based solely on what is currently the team’s party line, and only fools truly believe that the other side means destruction and chaos.
Kevin, I voted for you the last time you ran, and if I was still in the state, I’d vote for you again, probably- but the image you’re still hosting embarrasses me as a supporter, demeans your principles, and makes conservatives look like desperate losers who have nothing left so we’re hitting below the belt.
People have good reasons to vote conservative even if we don’t try frightening them into believing Obama is a Muslim. As a supporter, I would request that the image be deleted from your servers.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
you have completely embarassed me. As I republican, I am ashamed. I will vote for Jack Meadors.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Let’s take a closer look at your stupidity, shall we?
“The posting, not surprisingly, only drew out the virulent and vulgar members of the liberal left whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry.”
So, let’s see: you posted a picture that implied that there was some similarity between the opposition candidate and the world’s number one wanted terrorist. This you regard as “any criticism.”
Any criticism.
Therefore, in your lonely and addled brain, calling Mr. Obama out on some fine point of policy is just like charging that he’s a terrorist.
This is the classic conservative manuever, of course: say something incredibly offensive and then rear back in mock horror at the reaction and say “Geez, can’t say anything to you people!”
“…whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry.”
Now how on earth could anyone accuse you of ignorance or bigotry, dear Mr. Bryant?
After all, all you were doing was connecting the candidate to a focal point of global hatred.
Where’s the harm?
So what do you folks do with the funds that would normally go to, like, public education?
RG
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I think taking the picture down from your front page sends a message to the liberals that they have won. You should put it back up.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Way to go! At least I know one Senator who is not afraid to tell it like it is. We are all going to be in “a world of hurt” if Barack Obama is elected.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Is Barack Obama a Muslim?
http://www.isbarackobamaamuslim.com/
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
You just sunk lower than rush, rove, savage and colture combined. Way to go loser!
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hey, I’ve got one, although not from a Democrat. Remember that guy who was President about 7 years ago, and he got a memo that said “Bin Laden Determined to Strike US” and he ignored it? Whatever happened to that guy?
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Senator Bryant looks gay. Is he?
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
You write as if Bush’s foreign policy has been a great success. After 9/11 we had the sympathy and goodwill of the world. How that’s been pissed away. McCain = McSame. Wake up.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:49 pm
It is no doubt you can claim that liberals are the horrible things you called them, when you censored many posts written. I, for instance, wrote one where I only asked you questions and took issue with the argument as laid forth. I didn’t call you names as you so readily called us names.
I wonder why you are now linking to the picture instead of leaving it in prominence on your home page?
What’s really sad is that my family is a Christian family, and you claim to be doing these things to protect Christianity and in fact, you are a part of the problem. Your actions do not tell the story of a Christian person, showing grace and tolerance. You exemplify hatred and divisiveness in your writing and actions.
You are now claiming you put it up there to question his foreign policy, and yet your caption said “vacation and funny”. I’m sorry, but this doesn’t make sense.
Turns out Obama was right about talking with Iran. Imagine how many lives of our precious soldiers could have been saved if this peaceful method (a Christlike approach) would have been taken. At any rate, everyone has the right to decide who to vote for and have that decision honored and respected by their fellowman. As a leader, you should be leading by example. Instead, you are demonstrating an attitude not complimentary at all to a Christian.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
OBAMA!
OBAMA!
OBAMA!
OBAMA!
For President 2008. It’s time to stop the lies from these so called god fearing right wingers.
Kevin Bryant, you are not even a man, you are a punk in a suit.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
p.s. since you have no qualms insulting “us”, may I suggest humbly that you, an elected official, take some grammar classes? Your writing is atrocious.
I have no regrets from this picture, however, I’m sure that a further examination of Obama’s foreign (and domestic) policies must occur in order that voters might truly understand the vast, vast differences between him and Sen. John McCain.
You owe this to the children who look up to you.
Yes, Obama’s and McCain’s strategies are vastly different re the war and indeed, foreign policy as a whole. This quote that you put up tells that story…and I can’t wrap my head around a Christian person advocating to “kill it” with such zeal and looking down his nose at Obama’s reasoned, calm and now that we know the WMD were a lie, correct take on things.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
You shouldn’t have removed the picture Senator. It is the truth and that’s why the liberals objected so strongly. They weren’t going to vote for you anyway. You have my vote.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Nice try, sir. But you have to be kidding about wanting to “stimulate an examination” of Obama’s foreign policy. The fact is, you helped spread a juvenile, grossly inaccurate and highly inflammatory smear against an accomplished, Harvard-educated United States senator. And then you say the left is virulent and vulgar? Why is it that so many un-Christian things are the work of people who can’t stop bragging about what great Christians they are?
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
The prescription for keeping us safe is peace. Not warmongering. Not state sponsored surveillance, aka FISA.
Would you like peace? Killing and state sponsored torture of other people’s children is hardly a good recipe. Intimidation and fear never serve to make a nation or a world safer in the long run. If Iraq had done to our country what we did to theirs, how long would it take us to ‘get over’ it?
Killing is always easier than healing. That does not make it the right thing to do. Obama’s plan is a much more difficult way, but at least it offers some chance of success. Yours, Senator, gives no hope.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
somehow I don’t think this will get posted
http://www.meadorsforstatesenate.org/donate.html
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I am supporting your opponent, but I will not vote for Obama. He is the most liberal Senator in the Sentate and a socialist.
He is scary.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
What’s the difference in this and the editorial cartoons that lambast and ridicule our President and Vice-Pres. every day?
Those offended can dish it out but they sure can’t take it.
PCW
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I am sure you have heard of, if not seen, the recent cover of The New Yorker. It was a parody of right wing hate media. It was a parody of exactly what you posted.
Regarding Sen. Obama’s record on National Security…your adolescent attack is enough proof you have nothing intelligent to say about Sen. Obama’s record on National Security, nor on Sen. McCain’s record.
What a dismal condition our country has fallen into when this is what is pawned off as “political discussion” by elected officials. God help your constituents.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
You posted a picture of a stupid racist t-shirt to “stimulate discussion” about foreign policy?
Way to go, halfwit!
Obama wants to commit enough troops to Afghanistan to strike against al-Qaeda and bin Laden, which your friend George W. Bush hasn’t managed to do in 8 years. McCain, on the other hand, is worried about “the Iraq-Pakistan border.”
It’s pretty clear who’s stronger on foreign policy there.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Sir:
Your objections to Senator Obama’s foreign policy positions are wholly legitimate subjects for an expression of your political opinion. Comparing a member of the United States Senate to a Saudi terrorist is despicable, low, cheap and theatrical. You are a disgrace to the Republican Party. If you think this appeals to your constituency, I hope you are wrong. I would hate to believe that there are that many people in your wonderful state who cannot take a politcal position without resorting to outright slander. Shame on you.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
[...] SC Senator Kevin Bryant, in a blog post in which he claims he has a well thought-out ulterior motive to comparing a United States Senator [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Senate Democratic Caucus Political Director Phil Bailey issued the following statement:
“Senator Bryant’s posting of this offensive photo is classless and it has no place in politics. Bryant should be more concerned about serving his constituents, who pay his salary, than posting garbage like this on his website. The voters of Anderson County deserve a state Senator with better judgment.” AMEN!
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Wow. No regrets? Unfortunately, the forces of ignorance will probably just unite behind you to a sweeping re-election in November, given the history of this state and its rankings in educational surveys.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I feel that you should leave the picture up. Not just because I am for or against it, but I feel that so often people back down on choices that they make because of being politically correct or public opinion. You posted the picture, now stand behind your reasoning…or else you have shown weakness. Where is your backbone?
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
You are an absolute disgrace and an excellent example of what is wrong with this State and this Country. Overwhelming ignorance and thinly disguised fear tactics are the Fuel for you Peoples Fire. You suggest that this Nation has avoided further terrorist attacks precisely due to Bush “Strategy” on the subject. Has it ever crossed your Mind that perhaps the 911 terrorist timed the attacks as they did to coincide with the Bush presidency knowing full well that any response from such an incompetent Leader would actually further their cause? if you question that this Nation is on the very edge of collapse, and that sticking to the Path we are on will only hasten our demise, then I would suggest you get out more.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Kevin, I disagree that your posted brought about criticism from the liberal left. Many of them were conservative Christians who have voted for you yet were appalled by your actions as a State Senator. I recall there was one post by a South Carolina minister by the name of rad4Christ who said “I’m sorry Senator, but Christ would have never made fun at the expense of someone’s dignity. The only ones He ever showed contempt to were those who were holier than thou and demeaning the rest of the world from their high place of authority. Senator Bryant, I ask, which place do you most represent currently in this situation?”
I’m am a liberal but do not wish to slander you nor preach hatred. Rather, I try to understand your motive behind your actions as childish as it may be. I’m disappointed in you as a State Senator that you did not chose to take the high road. You showed no class.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
There’s a huge disconnect between the picture and an examination of foreign policy and security. So, let’s examine them here:
- There is no such thing as a “war on terror.” Terror is an emotion, which one cannot wage war upon, much like the “war on drugs.” These words are used to instil fear using an ambiguous enemy, as well as to give the war-makers carte blanche for unending military action.
- Terrorists are culled from uneducated, unemployed youth. Making sure the youth in the world have education and work opportunities gives them a future, keeping them from terrorism and providing a solution at the root of the problem. Plus, it’s the Christian thing to do: Make sure as many of our brothers and sisters on this planet have work, food and shelter. Not kill them.
- The worst terrorist attack on US soil happened while Bush was president. So, he hasn’t protected us.
- The statement, “…America has avoided another terrorist attack precisely because President Bush has been office…” is a logical fallacy. The fact that Bush has been in office while there have been no further attacks is coincidental.
- The Iraqi government’s hopes of US troop withdrawal by 2010 coincides with Obama’s. Notice, I use coincide.
- Discussion with aggressive foreign powers is paramount. To quote Arun Gandhi, “We have to have love and respect for the enemy, and that is the only way we can overcome them.”
And to close… Dude, you use “hubbub” and “ya’ll.”
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Thank you for showing what is fact…
The junior senator from Illinois has worn the traditional garb of Islamists.
Here are 13 facts about Barack Hussein Obama that everyone should research on their own:
1) Islamic father.
Has been endorsed for President by Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakhan.
2) Islamic step-father who sent him to Islamic schools.
3) Admitted marijuana and cocaine user.
4) Admitted friend to weathermen underground domestic terrorists.
5) Opposed bill in Illinois outlawing live birth abortions.
6) Traveled to Kenya in 2006 and supported a fundamental Islamic candidate for that country.
7) Has a preacher whom, he will not separate from who has given a life-time achievement award to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farakahn.
9) Rated most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2006 and 2007.
10) Would precipitously and immediately withdraw our troops from Iraq, snatching victory in exchange for defeat.
11) Would pick extremely liberal activist judges for the Supreme Court.
12) Believes wearing an American Flag on his lapel is “false” patriotism.
13) Would negotiate, without condition, with the most vile terrorist leaders in the world.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Yes how awful it would be if someone was elected who wanted to raise the hopes and prospects of children over someone who wanted to kill them with friendly fire. What a shame that would be.
You want to kick out religious zealots in one country but in your own country you want to elect them. I just do not understand the difference.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
why are you linking the Cocklebur blog? Are you not aware that the cocklebur blog is ripping you a new one? Every RSS feed from that blog is talking about your poor judgement about the Obama picture.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Senator Bryant, thank you for your brave and thoughtful posting of the Osama/Obama comparison. It is heartening to know we have men of your intellect pondering issues of National Security. Most of us outside the Beltway understand that there is little that you or Senator Obama can really do to “keep us safe”. We understand that Mother Nature can wreak havoc and turn our lives upside down just as effectively as an act of human terrorism. We fear the incompetence of our government and the unintended consequences of decisions reached by well meaning servants of the public in DC. We are sick and tired of being outright lied to by our President. God bless you and God help America.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Senator Bryan is not the only one making a comparison of Obama and Osama.
Look at the cover “cartoon that misfired!” on the current issue of New Yorker Magazine.
http://www.newyorkerstore.com/product_details.asp?sid=125383
The cartoon is a caricature of Michelle as an urban terrorist with an Angela Davis afro and an AK-47 slung over her back along with a bandoleer of ammo — in the Oval Office doing a fist-bump with Barack, who is decked out in turban and Muslim garb. On the wall hangs a portrait of Osama bin Laden. Blazing away in the fireplace is the American flag.
One comment made was: “The cartoon was intended to make fun of conservatives as ignorant racists and essentially marginalize any criticism of Obama as moronic”. (People like Sen. Bryan) Unfortunately for the New Yorker, the cartoon misfired. Turned out it was an exaggeration containing too much recognizable truth!
In my opinion, this cartoon truly paints my worst fears of the Obamas:
#1 - He will pander to muslim interests.
#2 - He and his white USA hating, militant wife will pander to “Black” extremists agendas.
#3 - He will totally mess up foreign policy and the US image.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Senator Bryant,
I do want to write just one more comment about your statement that Obama poses a threat to the security of our country. You say that we have avoided another terrorist attack because President Bush has been president for the past eight years. I am sure I don’t need to remind you that it was President Bush who was president during 9-1-1. I will not go as far as to say that if Al Gore had been president we would never have been attacked. There is no way to prove that. However, I do think that President Bush could have responded to the warnings about al Queda. You may not remember, but I clearly remember that he spent almost all of the month of August 2001 on vacation at his ranch after just months in office. Perhaps if he had paid attention to the briefings that warned of a possible attack by al-Queda and the reports of “chatter” we could have done something to stop it. We will never know. I don’t blame President Bush for 9-1-1. I am merely pointing out that the very president you claim has made us more secure was in charge at the time of the worst terrorist attack this country has ever seen.
Once again, I doubt that I will see my comment posted. I am not at all sure how you decide what gets posted and what doesn’t. To your credit, I do see posts that don’t agree with your position. I would like to talk about issues. I don’t agree with you, and I don’t agree with the tactics you have used by posting the picture. Still, it is the issues that need discussing. There is more than one view, and an open discourse without using fear is the direction I hope you will go.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I fail to see how Obama saying that he would be willing to meet with Iranian leaders is any different from the current policies of President Bush who is sent a high ranking State Dept official to meet with Iranian officials in Geneva this past weekend. You also imply that by helping the impoverished children of the world Barack Obama would simultaneously be decreasing the U.S.’s security. I doubt that Senator Obama, nor most Americans, would see the two as mutually exclusive. Unresearched claims such as the ones you made fail to elevate the national security debate.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Mr. Bryant:
Good idea to shift the focus away from that garbage you posted before, to something more pertinent: foreign policy. Unfortunately I don’t see a thing in your post about Obama’s foreign policy positions.
If you are going to take a position on someone else’s policies, well then first of all what are the policies that you oppose? And then, why do you oppose them? What are your own positions?
Otherwise I can’t take you seriously.
If you look into your heart, do you think that posting that t-shirt image has contributed to political dialogue? Does it lead us any closer to freedom and justice?
I believe that you can do better.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I’m going to keep commenting and I’m sure you’re going to keep deleting my comments, you utter COWARDS.
Your reply to an interview question about the Obama/Osama t-shirt picture you displayed, in which you claimed to not know Obama’s religion: INSANE.
You should be ashamed of yourself for promoting this kind of mindless, lockstep deception. Your constituents deserve better than to be lied to and terrified needlessly by their own state senator, whose sole aim is to gain political points.
What happened to serving the public?
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
For one reason or another you didn’t see fit to provide the entire quote from Barack Obama’s comments on the terrorist attacks, so here it is:
“…We must also engage, however, in the more difficult task of understanding the sources of such madness. The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part of the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity and suffering of others. Such a failure of empathy, such numbness to the pain of a child or the desperation of a parent, is not innate; nor, history tells us, is it unique to a particular culture, religion, or ethnicity. It may find expression in a particular brand of violence, and may be channeled by particular demagogues or fanatics. Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair.
We will have to make sure, despite our rage, that any U.S. military action takes into account the lives of innocent civilians abroad. We will have to be unwavering in opposing bigotry or discrimination directed against neighbors and friends of Middle Eastern descent. Finally, we will have to devote far more attention to the monumental task of raising the hopes and prospects of embittered children across the globe—children not just in the Middle East, but also in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and WITHIN OUR OWN SHORES.”
There you have it. Sewing the seeds of peace through diplomatic efforts instead of bombing impoverished countries into dust and killing innocent people through collateral damage every time a group of nutjobs attacks a target on American soil sounds very reasonable to me. I would think that it would speak louder to the Christian spirit to see things that way as well.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Thanks so much for giving your opponent all of the free press. Thanks also for showing your true colors to the National Press. If you have no regrets about posting the picture on your website, then why don’t you leave it posted? Tell us, who in the National/State Republican leadership told you to take it down? We’ll never know because you don’t have the professional courage to inform us; you’ll just go with the “I was very impressed with the reaction” story and then use the same “reaction” theme in your re-election bid. Trust the faith you speak so highly of and tell us why you removed the picture..
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:23 pm
You are a prime example of the reason repubs will lose the next election. You all have so little to offer. May I remind you that the “war on terror” has escalated(surged!)BECAUSE OF the Bush/Cheney/Rove myopic foreign policies. Also, it is now widely accepted that the American people
sent their sons and daughters to a war based on LIES by the Axis of Evil in our own Whitehouse!!
So, Mr. Bryant, you also think that “only virulent and vulgar members of the Liberal Left”
have reacted to your DESPICABLE poster? Think again. I am neither “virulent” nor “vulgar”. I am an American. I am a Teacher. I am a Mother and Grandmother. I do not like to be lied to. I especially do not like to be lied to by my own government. I can think for myself. I know right from wrong. Perhaps that scares you.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
From rad4christ…
OK, I am a SC citizen in Florence County. I am a Christian (minister in a Southern Baptist church to be exact). This wholly offends me.
I’m sorry Senator, but Christ would have never made fun at the expense of someone’s dignity. The only ones He ever showed contempt to were those who were holier than thou and demeaning the rest of the world from their high place of authority. Senator Bryant, I ask, which place do you most represent currently in this situation?
The truth is, and I’m sorry the above commenters in some way see this as righteous, that you attacked the character of someone in which you disagree. It is sinful and deplorable. You willingly align his character to that on a man bent on the loss of innocent lives. In your wisdom, do you think this an action worthy of Christ? is this a representation of the love and grace of Christ Jesus?
I too believe in standing on my faith and standing up when needed to ensure the betterment of our nation. However, to attack someone else, even in jest, is wrong, especially when the attack cuts so deep. Obama is not, and never was, associated with Islam in any way. A simple amount of research will show that this is a lie that has been spread by those trying to hurt him. “idiot” above refers to Obama giving his full name, Barak Hussein Obama, in the hopes that a middle eastern last name might scare or ratify his opinion into others. Should McCain’s middle name be Julio, should we then think that all his policies on illegal immigration would be biased? Or if it were a Russian surname, would we think him a communist? No! However those tricked by fear use the same tactics to influence others.
I’m not an Obama supporter, I too have my issues with the candidate. However, I believe that we are to act in the service of Christ with our attitudes and our actions, and although we should point out differences that may be necessary, we should never use tactics that show immoralty on our part. Attacking the “liberals” with hate and malice is not the direction Christ would have us take.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
It’s interesting that you removed all previous comments you chose to include with the original posting and then state that the picture “only drew out the virulent and vulgar members of the liberal left whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry.” Having read - and written a response to - the picture, I find that to be a flat-out lie. I am not a member of the left, liberal or otherwise, and my comment was neither “virulent” nor “vulgar.” It was instead a heartfelt plea by a fellow Christian to avoid just such hateful language and rather to walk in love, as Christ instructs us. Now - let’s see if you post THIS comment…or only those which fit your false and misleading characterization.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Senator Bryant: when, exactly did you stop beating your wife and abusing alcohol?
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
You are a hypocrite and a liar, Senator. The people of Anderson deserve better than you.
If your intent was what you wrote above, you could have easily raised that issue with a thought-out post, not the hate- and fear-invoking graphic you used and continue to use in this post.
That graphic has no role in any political discussion. It’s ignorance at best and outright bigotry at worst, no matter how hard you try to camouflage it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 pm
P.S.
I must reply to your statement: “I’m sure that a further examination of Obama’s foreign (and domestic) policies must occur in order that voters might truly understand the vast, vast differences between him and Sen. John McCain.”
Yes, there are many differences! McCain has, on several occasions referred to his foreign policy regarding Czechoslovakia, a country that hasn’t existed since 1993! On ABC’s Good Morning America McCain said: “We have a lot of work to do and I’m afraid it’s a very hard struggle, particularly given the situation on the Iraq/Pakistan border” . Iraq and Pakistan do not share a border.
Just today: “In an interview with CBS News’ Katie Couric tonight, John McCain made the false assertion that the Surge brought about the so-called Anbar Awakening. Except, as MSNBC”s Keith Olbermann points out, the Surge was announced after the Awakening. Olbermann also explains that CBS News edited the gaffe out of the final interviewed that aired Tuesday night.
He claims that Somalia is the same place as Sudan (it isn’t).
He claims that Vladimir Putin is the president of Germany (he isn’t).
He thinks a “joke” about an ape raping a woman is funny. There is NOTHING funny about rape.
He has a potty mouth: “C-nt.” “I hate the gooks.”c
He is computer illiterate.
He admitted that he lacked economic expertise.
He says many irresponsible things:
He wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years.
He sang “Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran”
He said: Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno.”
He said another terrorist attack on U.S. soil “would be a big advantage to him.”
Let’s hope and pray that there are differences. Sadly, Mr. Bryant is now among a minority that can ignore all of this and still support McCain!
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Anyone with as poor judgment as you showed in posting that picture doesn’t deserve a seat in the legislature.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Regarding the picture that was recently on your website, I must say that I found some of the comments quite reasoned and thoughtful, even some that were opposed. However, I found some other comments a bit scary, including the one from Louise, who apparently wants the FBI to pay you a visit simply for exercising your free speech rights. It is unfortunated that there are people out there who believe the government should intimidate those with whom they disagree.
And Larry the Marine implied actual violence against your person. I guess Larry thinks that that is the proper way to respond to people who say something that you do not like.
Other commentators referred to you as a “dirtbag Republican,” a “nutjob,” a “racist” and a “throwback.” It seems to me that people who have to resort to name-calling against their opponent really have nothing worthwhile to say. Those comments should be dismissed in their entirety.
I will agree that comparing Obama and Osama is inaccurate. Osama killed 3,000 people and destroyed the World Trade Center. Obama, if elected president, has the potential to inflict far more damage upon this country than Osama ever thought of doing.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
id also kindly remind this moron that we had a republican mayor in NY, and a republican president in office when our national security was breached.
dangerous Clinton years?
i did really well under Clinton!
gas was around 1.40 for 8 years.
wow.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
READ IT ALL PLEASE. I TOOK THE TIME TO WRITE IT, THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS TAKE THE TIME TO READ.
Why would a politician openly stifle free speech? A blog is an open mash-up of ideas, and to moderate it by ignoring the views that follow your belief structure and deleting the posts that oppose your views shows what people like you are sub-consciously (or consciously) doing to this country by subverting opposing viewpoints. You create a false impression of what the people who are attempting to engage politicians in a dialogue are thinking about at that time.
My post was neither vulgar or offensive, nor was anyone threatened in any way. It was A viewpoint! We live in America, right? You made your viewpoint known by posting a ridiculous insinuation against a presidential candidate. Period.
My sincerest hope is that you will not moderate this into the trash pile, but people such as yourself rarely half the self-decency to admit any wrongdoing.
Even your half cocked attempt to say you posted it to spark a discussion about Obamas foreign policy is the weakest attempt at resurrecting the damage you cause by posting such insensitive slander. It’s not just “hub bub”.
To close, i want to tell you that I am not a Lefty Liberal, or whoever you believe I may be and Obama is not my candidate. Nobody who is trying to get into the White House is my candidate.
Fortunately, I am involved in my community regularly working with outreach programs with children from abusive homes. So at a local level, I can see the difference being made in my neighborhoods.
My sincerest hope is that someday your eyes will be open and you will be illuminated also, and be able to see the negative energy you propagate and spread form your public office. I’m not against you, or your party…I just want the mud slinging and bickering to stop. Please, watch your children for lessons on tolerance, it might be the most important thing you could change in your life…if you could.
I hope you actually read this Mr. Bryant, and take something to heart..whatever it is you need.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 pm
I am stunned that a man of your presumed education and experience would have exercised such profoundly bad judgment. That fact that you continue to “stand behind it” seems convincing proof that bad judgment is a chronic state with you. Shame.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:49 pm
I’m not sure how you are helping this country with your slander. Do you realize how you are trashing your name, your family name, and your state?
grow up
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:23 am
As long as we’re all taking the high road here, I await the invitation to discuss and compare the domestic policies of George W. Bush and Adolf Hitler. Please, demonstrate your continued refusal to kowtow (excuse me, “cower”) to those who would censor such a political discussion.
Also, Powell was talking about a completely different enemy; the “Hussein has ties to al Qaeda” line has been pretty discredited. Didn’t you get the memo?
I have to agree with all the other posters: stay classy. Somebody has to make the other 49 look good.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:40 am
Now, now LisaN. let’s not be too unkind to Sen. Bryant. I am sure the peoples of Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Afganistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Jordan, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Russia, Europe, the Norweigan countries, Korea (North and South), Africa, and Australia are relieved to know, someone as ignorant and as low class as Sen. Bryant is not running for the highest office of the land.
Everyday I wake up and thank God that the 44th President of the United States, that would be Sen. Obama does not feel the need to stoop to the same level as Sen. Bryant.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am
LisaN said it all!
go back to your cave and leave the rest of the world to the more advanced species!
btw I doubt you can even do the math problem (3+7) in your spam protector!
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:58 am
Love the insight into Obama’s true character. Keep up the good work! And just ignore any negative comments posted by liberal brain-washed dimwits. They have no minds of their own to think past anything the mainstream media pours down their throats. If they researched anything, it would be to their own reproach.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:18 am
Sen. Bryant,
You wrote: “I originally posted the photo without commentary to stimulate an examination of Sen. Barack Obama’s foreign policy.”
I’d be interested in hearing you articulate exactly how your picture actually relates to Obama’s foreign policy. In your long-winded post above, you failed to even address a single specific detail on either candidate’s foreign policy.
The fact that you are creating national legislation, and that you’ll be voting on future versions of the Kyl-Lieberman amendment (authorizing the invasion of Iran), is staggering.
Candidacies like your own make me realize that perhaps democracy isn’t always the best of governments.
In the future, please take a more sobering look at your chosen profession. It’s all fun and games on “the blog,” but Senator, your actions have consequences.
Sincerely,
Joel DeConcini
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 am
Ok, so let me get this straight. You call yourself a christian, yet would rather kill and bomb other people and their countries than try to reason with them first? You would rather see bloodshed than even TRY to come to a compromise with another nation? Seriously, if you ever met Jesus face-to-face, he would bitchslap you so hard you wouldn’t know what’s what.
I am eternally happy that I don’t have to be a citizen of your pathetic country. I feel genuinely sorry for those of your citizens who wish nothing but their country back from thieving, bastardizing political fascists like yourself.
As for the picture… Well, it IS funny, I’ll give you that. But come on, how would you react if you were in Obamas position? Someone just indirectly called you a terrorist, and all you’ve done your entire life is what you thought was right. You’re a lawyer, a *good* christian and a decent man, and some redneck republican starts posting pictures of you, insinuating that you’re the same as the worlds most infamous terrorist. As a christian, do you REALLY think that’s the way to treat ANYONE, regardless of their political status? And as for your remark that other people have ridiculed republicans, didn’t Jesus say something about, oh, I don’t know… TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK?!
Unfortunately, I’m an atheist, or I could say “my God, you’re pathetic” with a straight face.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:22 am
Senator, you say “The posting, not surprisingly, only drew out the virulent and vulgar members of the liberal left whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry.”
But how else are we to characterize your posting of that Obama/Osama photo and your inability to explain or defend it? Your interview with the Huffington Post blog simply confirms your ignorance. After all of the furor about Obama’s former minister, Jeremiah Wright, formerly of the Trinity Church of Christ in Chicago, you don’t know what Obama’s religion is? What religion do you believe is practiced in a place called Trinity Church of Christ, senator? Or were you ignorant of that story?
You attempt to defend your posting of the Obama/Osama photo by criticizing Obama for wanting to negotiate with Iran, but that’s exactly what the Bush Administration did this week. Didn’t you know that? Or were you ignorant of it?
You accuse Obama of being too sympathetic to nations that allow terrorism, but Obama is the presidential candidate who has said he would send U.S. troops into Pakistan if he felt that was necessary to combat the al Qaeda forces hiding there. Your good friend John McCain quickly criticized Obama for his resolve. Did you know that? Or were you ignorant of it?
Everything about this incident has revealed your ignorance of Obama and his policies. You’d rather play low, sophomoric games with his last name than address the actual issues. If you were in a state where the majority of people don’t automatically vote Republican as a reflex — where you actually had to compete with politicians who can be bothered to understand and think about the issues that matter to their constituents — you’d be a footnote in history, a clown who ran for office once, lost, and vanished from the public stage.
You make me ashamed to be an SC native and a citizen of Anderson County. In the eyes of the general public, actions like yours simply confirm all the worst stereotypes about Southerners, Conservatives, and South Carolinians, and your pathetic — and, yes, patently ignorant — attempts to defend or justify your actions only make it worse.
I won’t vote for you again.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 am
Amendment: I mistakenly thought you were a U.S. Senator. Mercifully, I’ve discovered you are not. But, aside from my comment regarding “national” legislation, the rest of my post still stands.
Joel DeConcini
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 am
You reprehensible jackass! Stimulate an examination of foreign policy? Poppycock.
You wanted to be inflammatory, appeal to the lowest common denominator (of which you may be a member), and create a false connection.
You say don’t know what religion Obama practices. Do you know how to read? Have you watched a tv in 2008?
How about we just start making up things about you, sir? Say that you look like a botoxed, combovered tanorexic blowhard? Or would you claim that’s “a little B.S.”?
(By the way, is a good Christian gentleman like yourself even supposed to be cussing? It’s still cussing if you use the abbreviation - God knows what it means, after all.)
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:41 am
As a resident of Anderson County, I think the picture of Obama and Osama is an accurate portrayal. How many of these people who are objecting are your constitutents? We elected you and I plan to vote for you again. Keep up the good work.
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:48 am
How in the hell is this picture racist? The liberals like to throw this word around when they can’t find any other way to win an argument. The fact is that Islam poses a threat to this nation and if this makes me racist, so be it.
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:51 am
How in the hell is this picture racist? The liberals like to throw this word around when they can’t find any other way to win an argument. The fact is that Islam poses a threat to this nation and if this makes me racist, so be it.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:07 am
Thank you Senator for posting the picture. A picture is worth a thousand words and this picture says it all. For those of you who think Obama is a Christian, why don’t you navigate the website of the church he attended for 20 years. His church admits that their core values are derived from Black Liberation Theology and the Black Power Movement. They are aligned with folks like Bobby Seal, the Black Panthers and Louis Farakhan (spelling). I never heard Obama renounce any of this. He is NOT A CHRISTIAN. He is deceived and he is deceiving you. I pray you will all WAKE UP.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 am
Whatever happened to freedom of speech? I might disagree with your viewpoints as stated in the picture, but I support your right to state them. Why have we allowed bleeding heart liberals in this country to try to tell everyone what is and is not PROPER? I hope you win the race. If I were in LA, I’d vote for you!
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 am
Republican strategy: Let win. But let’s not base it on ideas. Let’s base it on fear!
Oh, and I love your spam protection: “Sum of 7 + 8″???
I guess a lot of your supporters probably won’t be able to get their comments posted. The math is way too difficult.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 am
Are you really that dumb? Please tell me you’re just kidding around?
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 am
go to hell Senator. see, it’s just two little words, h & e.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:51 am
Thanks moron. This is exactly the kind of national attention our state needs.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 am
We always speak of America the Beautiful.It is people like you that have inherited a sense of insecurities of being superior.This faulty and mental behavior is extremely disastrous than any terrorist could ever become. I suggest that you seek professional counseling for your your deep rooted prejudices. That’s the beauty of America when one knows one has a problem ,and one seeks intervention. You feel as if Osama is the threat; there are millions of dollars allocated for his capture. I suggest that you spend the appropiate amount of time to find him, because you are not effective on any of the other issues.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:35 am
Why are you looking for cheap publicity? Why don’t you focus on your own accomplishments - which are probably not worth metioning. YOu really are one sorry uneducated red-neck. No wonder you come from one of the most backward states in the Union. get a life LOSER.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:49 am
I am so glad that there are Senators like you who see Barack Obama for what he is and aren’t afraid to speak. I think that our country is going to be in a world of hurt if that man is elected. People need to do their research before election day.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:50 am
Though I am not one of your constituents, my parents are, and I’m fairly certain one of them even voted for you. I’m not telling which one. I fail to see how you could have believed that this picture would stimulate any intelligent examination of Obama’s policy.
I have no delusion that you will allow this comment to appear on your blog, as you failed to allow my comment on the tasteless picture. I can find nothing in it that was “virulent” or “vulgar.” I questioned your judgment as a representative of the people, not your right to voice your opinion as you choose.
Opening a dialog, if that’s what you truly were doing, in which you control whose voices get heard, now that’s what I call cowering. Evidently you don’t have much faith in your own position, if it won’t bear free debate.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:13 am
I didn’t think you would post my response to the picture, because it was non-partisan, Christian-based, and took to task the average American that condoned hate-speak toward anyone. At least you learned that in our internet age, their is no such thing as an inside joke between a politician and his supporters. You are a servant of your state and our country. You need to do better by us. I’m afraid to know how you stimulate conversaton about rape and spousal abuse, poor medical care, illiteracy, etc. I guess it was a good idea at the time…
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:15 am
“The posting, not surprisingly, only drew out the virulent and vulgar members of the liberal left whose immediate reaction to any criticism of their candidate includes charges of ignorance and bigotry.”
It drew me out, and I am a republican (although I call myself libertarian leaning now because of the damage politicians like you have done to the party). I would just like to say that the people of America are sick of the scare tatics from people like you. Sorry, but we are not afraid anymore, and we want commonsense resolutions with countries like Iran, through diplomacy. Here is a thought for you… America 1776: “Give me liberty or give me death” America 2008: “Give up your liberties or we are all going to die!!”
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:33 am
The single similarity between Osama and Obama is that you can’t find a Republican who can create a plan to catch either of them.
Now you can choose to post this, or choose to ignore it and I will send heads-up emails to every local media outlet in your area telling them to test your own blogsite to see which comments get through and which don’t - making your candidate publicly look like a fool. And I will email him directly telling him you are the one to blame.
have a nice day.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:55 am
While I may not be from Anderson, I am from Greenville. Not a constituent, but a resident of South Carolina. Just how does this picture and the favorable comments made by some of you enhance the country’s view of this state. We appear to be ignorant and uneducated about the facts surrounding the issues. Here is a hint to all of you out there. If you get your information about Obama from a mass email sent to you by Aunt Susie, the information in it isn’t true. We have all seen those emails and most of disregard them. If you would like to see if it is fact or pure ficture try going to http://www.snopes.com and educate yourself on the lies about Obama.
Senator Bryant, I would imagine that many of your constituents would take great offense at the picture you displayed. You were elected to represent all of the people in your district, not just those who vote and agree with you.
Again, I would like to debate any one of you who shroud yourself in the lies you have heard about Senator Obama. He is not a scary man to be afraid of. He is an intelligent and honorable man who has spent his life serving others in one capacity or another. His stand on issues may be different than yours, but that doesn’t mean he deserves to be compared to a terrorist.
For those of you who support Senator Bryants decision to post the picture, I would love to debate you on Obama’s position on foreign policy. I have educated myself about both candidates. Have you done the same? I bet not. I may be from the left, but I haven’t shrouded myself in ignorance. I haven’t gotten my information from mass emails, listening to Fox or to Rush Limbaugh. I use the computer to my advantage. I have gone to all of the candidate’s websites. I support Obama, not because I think he can solve all of the issues of the world, but because I want an informed, educated, thoughtful, reasonable president who can change the direction this country has been going in for the last eight years. If any of you Republicans can honestly say that things are better off than they were in 2000, more power to you. You have obviously benefitted more from the Bush years than I have. However, $4 a gallon gas, more expensive food, a mortgage meltdown, a second recession in eight years, a war we should never have fought that costs $10 billion a month, the loss of over 4000 of our soldiers, a military that is stretched thin, have not made our country stronger.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:58 am
Senator…do not let thes comments keep you from standing up for what is right. There was nothing racist in that picture that you posted. I had been emailed that exact picture weeks ago and didn’t think it was funny. I thought it was scary. It is scary because it is thought provoking and it is phrophecy being fulfilled. The reason people are acting so disturbed by your actions in posting that pictures is because it too has caused a stir in them. Can it be? Can Obama really be the “One” in the bible that will bring such distruction to our nation? Well, I don’t know… But i do know that it makes me think more about the condition of the world and where it is heading. We can’t stop it. It is going to come to pass. When? We do not know that either, but we can be prepared. We have to educate the people. It isn’t all politics. It is biblical and all we can do is to be ready for it. You are doing the right thing. I am not comparing you to Jesus or any prophets. But I am saying that you are definitely standing up for what you believe in and what alot of people believe in… The only people who blog most of the time are those looking for something to speak out against in order to cause an uproar. they thrive off of it. Your posting was informative and thought provoking. Some, not all, have just taken it and blown it all out of proportion. What really matters is that people see and understand the ramifications of Obama actually making it into the White House. Please do not ever apologize for your bold stance however controversial it may seem. Controversy is what makes people start to really think. I support you 100%. My entire family supports you. They are still your constituents and are in your voting district. Sadly I am not… But my prayerful support is with you. God Bless.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
Originally posted 12:02am July 21
————————————————–
This is probably one of the stupidest things I have ever seen. Senator Obama supports withdrawing troops from Iraq and sending more troops to Afghanistan which will bring us a lot closer to catching Osama bin Laden. Remember him? He’s the mastermind behind Sept. 11. He’s the guy that Bush was supposed to go after. Here we are 7 years later with a tattered economy and gang of war profiteers in the White House. The only B.S. here is the Bush administration outright lies to justify invading Iraq. McCain supports Bush’s Iraq policy and therefore McCain’s policy is B.S. Q.E.D.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
Liberals are going to destroy the country and if we elect Obama we’ll lose the country forever. Keep up the good work Sen. Bryant. McCain, he’s our only hope for progress. I will never support someone who has a name like “Barack Hussein Obama”.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 am
“I refuse to cower to the cultural police who evermore seek to censor our political discussion. You may view the picture with this link if you wish to see what all the hubbub is all about.”
I thought you DID take down the picture?
Of couse you would like to change the subject to something else, who doesn’t want to do that when they make a very unpopular bone head move?
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 am
Senate Democratic Caucus Political Director Phil Bailey issued the following statement:
“Senator Bryant’s posting of this offensive photo is classless and it has no place in politics. Bryant should be more concerned about serving his constituents, who pay his salary, than posting garbage like this on his website. The voters of Anderson County deserve a state Senator with better judgment.” AMEN!
I will not vote for you again, nor will I donate money to the Republican party anymore. And NO, I am not a liberal, I have always voted republican in my short 28 year old life… but that is NOW OVER!
K.Bryant - get off of your bigoted soap box and get BACK TO WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR DISTRICT, you moron!
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:44 am
Ummm… In case someome hasn’t noticed, The Senator is allowing some pretty derogatory statements to be posted on this blog.
91 comments… That’s a record for this blog. Me thinks we’ve hit a nerve Senator…
Sorry to add to the unecessary traffic, I just wanted to point that out.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 am
Senator, I served with Osama bin Laden: I knew Osama bin Laden; Osama bin Laden was a friend of mine. Senator, Obama is no Osama bin Laden.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
I’m thinking to myself, this person is a Senator of one of the 50 United States of America and this is the way He is spending His time, Posting one of these stupid Photoshop scare them into submission Cartoon masterpieces that His kind send back and forth to each others Cell Phones and huddle around and giggle and it makes me wonder. Is this the kind of thing Strom Thurmond would have done? would Fritz Hollings think to Himself ” Wow, that would be a great idea” My God man, if you have an respect for the Office at all, resign.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 am
It is incredible your ignorance concerning Obama and the idiot in the White House. The problem in Iraq was not the problem, like Hussein, but Al-Qaeda which was never in Iraq in the first place. Having to hear the old grandpa McCain, who can’t get any of his historical points correct. or supposedly his knowledge correct on Iraq you can only wonder what senility we will witness during this run to the White House–I look forward to the debates if McCain the war hero has the guts to debate Obama.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 am
Way to go! I appreciate your “testicular fortitude”. Never stop speaking the truth and holding close to your beliefs. If Obama wins this election, these “ignorant” people will eventuatlly wish that they had listened to you. His plans for the war and Israel are frightening to say the least. I am also suprised when I read the posts above at how loosely people use the term “Christian” these days. They are many of the same people who utilize the oxymoron of “Democrat and Christian” in the same sentence.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Senator Bryant,
I read the entire speech you referred to. You obviously have not. Please post the Obama speech you referenced from The Hyde Park Herald September 19,2001 in it’s entirety. Taken out of context, people won’t be able to come to their own conclusion. On the news last night you said you thought people could come to their own conclusion about the controversial photo. Why don’t you let people come to their own conclusion about the quote from the speech Obama gave on September 19, 2001 by posting the entire speech. I would not want anyone to accuse you of twisting the truth by taking a statement out of context, shaping it into something negative, then attacking your detractors personally. It’s a common tactic when you don’t have any better argument against the people you disagree with. Good luck at the town hall meeting tonight. You’ll need it. See you there.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 am
Also, for Martin, I don’t think Atheists should attempt to quote scripture. After all, you have no understanding of it. A backhanded slap in Hebrew culture was an insult. Jesus is saying, “If someone insults you, don’t insult them back.” Jesus wasn’t some pansy who let people walk all over Him. Check Him out in Revelation and get a clearer picture.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am
It is hilarious to see all the Bryant apologists acusing Obama supporters of intolerance. So complaining about a racist picture is intolerant? But even assuming that characterization is fair, I would remind you of the reaction when MoveOn.org held a contest allowing open submissions and someone posted a comparison of Bush to Hitler (which was almost immediately removed, by the way). Or the hissy fit the Cons threw when MoveOn created an ad calling General David Petraeus “General Betrayus”. Thin skin is a part of the Conservative character. I believe there was a line in a Book once about removing the beam in your own eye before you start pointing out the mote in someone else’s.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Sen. Bryant is right on. Obama’s policies are dangerous to this nation. He promises “hope” etc…, but examination of his policies show that that is exactly the opposite of what he will provide.
Negative reaction to something as minor as that photo is just another example of how Democrats have the thinnest skin in the world. They really should grow a backbone. How often have they used derogative and downright offensive techniques against republicans, much worse than that silly picture. You don’t hear republicans whining like babies. Come on people, get over it.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Bryant has reached his “Tony Trout” moment!
He doesn’t mind living on government money (medicade-medicare) provided by his pharmacy. That’s the reason these independant drug stores exist.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 am
I’ve got a couple of jokes that are HYSTERICAL!
Okay, here we go - how many Bryant family members does it take to make a complete and full set of teeth?
32 - one tooth for each family member.
How many Bryant family members does it take to change a lightbulb?
All of them! They haven’t figured out that the trailer park doesn’t HAVE electricity!
See? Liberals DO have a sense of humor!!
Seriously, this does absolutely NOTHING to reconcile this country and EVERYTHING to continue to divide it - I guess that’s the GOP way, huh? By posting that asinine picture, you further feed the lies and distortions spewing forth about Mr. Obama; it does nothing to point out his stand on foreign policy, yet does everything to feed the ignorant among us - are you advocating that your constituents be ignorant? In my humble opinion, posting this asinine picture, you’ve done nothing to further your cause; and you insult the intelligence of the American people.
I hope you lose your reelection campaign. The last thing this country needs at this time is more utter and complete ignorance in government.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 am
Look at his name, “Barack Hussein Obama”! C’mon I don’t have to read books or even follow the news to know he’s Muslim.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:06 am
First off…
“I believe that America has avoided another terrorist attack precisely because President Bush has been office for the past 8 years.”
…fix your grammar. Second, have you forgotten that the worst terrorist attack in US history happened AFTER President Bush took office? So I guess you need to fix your math as well- the 7th(!) anniversary of 9/11 will be this September. It should be a testament to your constituents that you are so disinterested in what actually happened on 9/11 that you cannot even remember the proper date of it’s occurrence- SHAME ON YOU!!!
Next…
“I’m convinced that an Obama presidency will plunge us back into the failed foreign policies of the Clinton administration and put us in great danger.”
Do you mean a policy of diplomacy? If we are not supposed to talk to the so called “Axis of Evil” but instead take military action against them, why then did the Bush administration directly deal with North Korea- a country that has had a proven nuclear weapon program? Because diplomacy is the best way to disarmorment. Why did Reagan talk to Gorbachev? Should we have attacked the Soviets to make them get rid of their weapons instead of talking with them and making anti proliferation agreements (some of which George Bush has CHOSEN to violate)? And just last week Secretary of State Rice said she would be willing to meet with her Iranian counterpart- how are any of these different than what Obama has said? And let’s not forget that Iraq was not a part of the “War on Terror” until we made it that way by invading- they had NOTHING to do with 9/11, there was NO al-Qaeda in Iraq before the invasion, and diverting our resources and attention away from the real fight in Afghanistan has only worked to make our REAL ENEMIES- the ACTUAL PEOPLE WHO ATTACKED US ON 9/11- stronger and better able to plan/perpetrate another attack on our country!
And finally…
All Americans are entitled to free speech but to equate the Democratic candidate for the President of the United States with the man who is responsible for the murder of thousands of Americans and to do this on your website- you OFFICIAL WEBSITE AS A SENATOR- is not only in poor taste but devalues the memories of those who died on 9/11 and those who have died trying to stop Osama bin Laden. Have you no dignity?! As a family member of 2 members of the military on their second and third tours in Iraq, I pray that short sighted, tactless, foolish men like you never find a place in our government again. One thing I really appreciate about Obama is that he doesn’t give simple black and white answers, his words and policies are nuanced and REQUIRE Americans to think about complex issues in complex ways. I want a President who challenges me to think not one that wants to make me so afraid that I’ll let him do anything in the name of national security!
If you want to discuss Obama’s policies then put his words on your site and refute them, photos like the one you posted should be beneath you as a State Senator- but obviously they are not. Hopefully the good people of South Carolina will see fit to remove you from office as soon as possible and fill it with someone who will fill the seat with the respect and honor it deserves!
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:16 am
Wow, I am not an OBAMA fan but I don’t advocate this. Why would you want to subject yourself to the harrassment that you are now receiving? Are politicians really that stupid? My goodness. Your thoughts are fine, just keep them to yourself if you ever want to be elected again.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
This is my 4th attempt to post on this topic. My previous 3 posts were not profane or in bad taste, but were “moderated” and removed. This is my final attempt.
I am not a member of the “liberal left”, as if such a group even existed. I am a conservative by the old standards of fiscal reponsibility, respect for the values and rights of citizens, a fair tax code and, in general, less government. I find myself frequently in disagreement with those who thump their chest and claim to be “true conservatives”. Their fiscal irresponsibility and collection of the “spoils” of their political victories for them and their cronies differs from what being conservative once meant. In short, these labels mean very little anymore.
Now, the Senator wants to redirect the focus to national security. Fine. He says that the Clinton policies were “failed policies”. I voted against Bill Clinton both times. But, I don’t see many successful policies from this administration, either. Further, anyone who has traveled knows that our security, while better after 9/11, is not primarily responsible for the lack of another successful terrorist attack on us. We must remain on alert and improve our security even more. Still, that is no guarantee that another event will not take place.
I have read many insulting posts here. They add nothing to this discussion. I know the Senator is a gentleman and has a kind heart for the disadvantaged. I appreciate that about him. However, this photo, with its obvious statement that Obama must be a Muslim, serves only to foster the slander already out there. A significant number of people will not know any better.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 am
Thanks for removing my post. Here it is again. Continue to remove it and I will
Original post that Kevin doesn’t want you to read.
“Kevin,
You are an embarrassment to our state.
Zane Perry
James Island
Charleston S.C.”
I have decided to go a little further and make a blog entry myself to promote contacting this piece of S.C. trash and letting him know what you think about his classless attack on Obama.
http://www.zaneperry.com/wp/?p=137#comment-7398
If you would like to contact Kevin
Senator Kevin L. Bryant
District 3 - Anderson Co.
Contact Address:
(H) 104-A North Ave., Anderson, 29625
Cell (864) 202-8394
(C) 606 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6024
E-Mail Address: BRYANTK@scsenate.org
Senator Kevin L. Bryant (SC)
Current Office: State Senate
Current District: 3
Party: Republican
Background Information
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Ann
3 Children: Ethan, Morgan, Tyler.
Birth Date: 02/19/1967
Birthplace: Anderson, SC
Home City: Anderson, SC
Religion: Christian
Education:
BS, University of Georgia, 1989.
Occupation: Pharmacist (I think Kevin might be dipping into the goods at his work)
Professional Experience:
Pharmacist, Bryant Pharmacy and Supply, 1989-present.
Political Experience:
Senator, South Carolina State Senate, 2004-present
Chairman, Anderson County Republican Party, 1997-2001
Delegate, Republican National Convention, 2000.
Organizations:
Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, 2004-present
Deacon/Tresurer, Concord Community Church, 1993-present
Activities Director, Camp Hope, 1989-present
Vice President, 10th District Pharmacy Association.
Call Glenn F. McConnell (S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore) and tell him what you think about Sen. Kevin Bryant’s trashy political smear.
Glenn F. McConnell
South Carolina Senate
(H) 27 Bainbridge Dr., Charleston, 29407
Bus. (843) 747-7554 Home (843) 571-3921
(C) 101 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6610
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
kevin
If you are going to compare Obama to Osama, why not compare bush to osama. Why were the Bin Ladins allowed to leave the country after 9/11, when all flights during that time were cancelled. the Bin Ladin family and the Bush family have been connected for years, Osama is still free after all these years, and bush said he would bring him to justice. So, why not ask what is the same between bush, bryant and bin ladin. Nothing! You bryant, who profess to be a Christian would have tried to kill Jesus, if you were back in his day. You are a hateful person, who would take a Man’s name that was given to him by his father and compare him to a man that is vile and inhuman. In my opinion you are no better that Osama, at least Osama Bin Ladin doesn’t shy away from what is he. He tells the world what kind of man he is. You don’t Bryant, you hide behind your false Christianity and your false patriotism. If you wanted to debate Obama’s foreign policy readiness, you would have just debated it, not bring in an awful photo as the one you posted on your blog. You haven’t been in the Legislature long, do your fellow legislatures question your readiness, NOW they should. People wonder if the south has change. With you representing SC, we know the answer to that.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
You Liberals are really sad and pathetic. Why are you so sensitive about BO? Can he not stand up to criticism? If he is a so called “Christian”, why is he pro-abortion? That mind-set is certainly not Christlike. If he’s not a closet Muslim, why did he change his name from Barry to Barak Hussein? Because Barry is not a Muslim name. Why has he spent so much of his life surrounded by Islamic radicals? He should have the guts to say who he really is. Barak Hussein has absolutely NO qualifications, experience, or intestinal fortitude to be president of this country. He’s a coward. Rather than stand behind his friend, mentor and pastor of 20+ years, he supposedly severed ties with him over speaking his mind. The guy was\is a hate-filled, ignorant racist but he had the pair to speak his mind. BO did the same thing to his so called “church” in Chicago. The church and pastor were good enough for BO for a large part of his life, but when he decided to run for president he couldn’t have a bunch of racists friends, now could he? Obama is a mouth-piece. Nothing more. When he talks from his own mind he makes asinine comments like we as Americans should be worrying about teaching our kids to speak Spanish. Does he or his kids speak Spanish? I don’t know, he didn’t say but I would bet not.(hypocrite!!)You Liberals go ahead and vote for him if you want, when he destroys this country(and he WILL), we’re all going to see who is right about him.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
“I will never vote for someone with the name Barack Hussein Obama”.
That’s hilarious, man. So forget what they stand for or what kind of character they possess, just toss them out for their birth name. Makes you shake in your boots doesn’t it, too bad they couldn’t be named “Bob” or “Marvin” or something familiar and comforting. Something *human*.
You will continue to vote against your best interests because of stupid crap like this that means nothing and has no bearing on whether or not he will be a good president.
Our names are only temporary and our skin is only temporary, we are all the same people on the inside. Life is too short to be afraid of a funny name.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
As an independent party member I have no political bias one way or the other… But I am appalled by the actions of Kevin Bryant and even more appalled by the people who are supporting the sentiment on this blog.
You do not have to agree with or even like Obama one bit to realize that comparing him to a terrorist that has killed thousands of innocent people is disgusting.
fear mongering and hate speech is the lowest form of politics. Anyone supporting this senator is really letting the people of SC down.
And lets not forget…. Kevin Bryant throws these racist stones from his office of State Senate… Unlike Obama who is a United States Senator. Show the man some respect as anyone who attains that position deserves.
Attack Obama for his vies on the war, on economics, on his experience, on his flip-flop views… leave the Rove/Bush rhetoric for the gutter trash, Kevin. Shame on you! Shame on your staff!! Shame on the State Senate for not forcing you to focus on the work of the people instead of this self promoting message of hate.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
It is because of sychophants such as Mr. Bryant that Senator Barack Obama will be elected as the next President of the United States. Democrats could not have asked for better advertising than to have, yet another, bigoted, ignorant and infantile Republican slander Mr. Obama. The last thing I would want to do is silence Kevin Bryant. He keeps hope alive for a Democratic landslide in the fall.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Also, I have a good friend named Fayed who is a devout Catholic. If you knew anything about family names you would understand that more often than anything they are a symbol of geography or nationality, and not religion.
Is McDougall a Christian name? No, its Celtic last I recalled. Is Takahashi a Shinto name? No, its Japanese last I recalled. See where I’m going with this? Why is every funny-sounding African name automatically belong to a Muslim to you? Your logic makes no sense at all.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
americanpride:
You don’t know what you’re talking about. His birth name is Barack Hussein Obama. Barry was his college nickname.
I could say that waging unnecessary wars and killing and displacing millions isn’t very Christian, either.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Linda,
Here’s the conundrum….Bryant doesn’t really believe that oSama and oBama are partners.
Do bad that ignorance isn’t painful.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Do=Too
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Senator, do you now see how your tasteless post has completely eliminated any chance of rational discourse?
Do you still have “no regrets”?
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Let me try this again, Senator:
If you want to talk about Obama’s foreign policy positions, do so. Don’t use a race based scare tactic to make your point. You are a racist and a fool.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
C’mon Kevin - you didn’t want to stimulate conversation, you wanted to stimulate anger. It looks like it worked.
There are millions of people who won’t vote for Obama for reasons beyond race - and that’s great.
The problem is the bizarre comparison between a known terrorist and a US Senator who understands both the appropriate use of the military and diplomacy.
We have, unfortunately, had 8 years of a US President who understands neither.
We all have much to learn…
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
That’s all Bryant’s got? And why was the pic taken off the site? Pretty Jr. High - no - grade school material. This guy is a US Senator?? I was really surprised to hear Sen Byrant homescrhoolz his kids. “Now kids turn to chap 3…the world done be flat.”
Barack Hussein O’bama - 44th President of these US
Get used to it suckas…
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Senator Bryant,
I loved your blog of Osama & Obama. I think it is clever. The left can dish it out, but can’t take it. Maybe the reason the Dems find no humor in the blog is that it is too near the truth. Keep up the good work!
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
wow, how this guy ever got elected is beyond me. Even McCain supporters are embarrassed. This guy is a dying breed and in 10 years, attitudes like his will hopefully be extinct.
As far as the Christian vs Islam goes, this is ridiculous. This isn’t the Dark Ages, this isn’t the Crusades. We should be evolving. I was baptized Catholic, but that doesn’t make me a better person that someone who is Muslim. What kind of sick person would I be to think that?
Osama Bin Laden is an individual. No one person can represent an entire religion. If that were the case, then Christianity would have some explaining to do with Adolph Hitler, among numerous other people. When you do the math, Christianity is responsible for far more cruel and unjustified deaths than Islam.
But like I said before, I think this Mr. Byrant is a