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Obama and His Lottery Winner Syndrome

What would be the chance in politics of a real rags to riches story? Who would have thought that a well educated, but relatively poor, young man from South Chicago could become president? What kind of odds would there be for a community organizer to strike the political mother load prize of all elections, the White House? Practically unthinkable, but yet that is what has happened in our lifetimes.

Indeed, this "poor man -- rich man" scenario actually happened. Before he came on the scene no one thought it possible. He was a man who through a series of fortuitous events, a strange accident of luck and fortune for him, was able to get elected and became a do-nothing State of Illinois legislator in Springfield, Illinois -- a man who drank beer and played cards at night with powerful legislators to get "on the in" with these party bosses. He produced scant legislation, and one wonders if there was a plan to this apparent ineptitude which would make it possible for him to have little or no record to run on or against when he decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

After two years in the Senate the record shows that again he failed to create much of a leadership name for himself -- he was a do-nothing Senator -- but it was then that he started running for president -- ultimately winning the national election and becoming president?

It's almost the stuff of fairy tales. It is so far-fetched it couldn't have just happened, it had to have been orchestrated, including the outrageous amount of political funding he was privately able to amass with outside help. History tells us that this black Arab man's white mother was poor and she couldn't have sent him to college, certainly not to Harvard and Columbia.

We knew little about Obama's school writings, he sealed the record. He was president of the law review and admits that there were articles that he authored, which is normal and which could have revealed his character and political leanings and where he would take the country if elected president.

Research does tell us he had a private Arab donor who footed his college bills. It also tells us that he had grown up essentially fatherless, except for a black communist Muslim friend of his mother who was in their home often, a communist by the name of Frank Marshall Davis, someone who had taken Barack Husein Obama to a Muslim mosque for indoctrination at an early age, something he will not admit even to this day. He even denies any communist or Muslim influence or background, but the facts are clear. There is a history of this guy "Frank" in Obama's life, a man whom even Obama admits was often in his home. He was a communist leader in Hawaii and the facts don't lie that there was this relationship.

Not only has he sealed his school writings, but his actual birth certificate, called a "vault" record because he has apparently paid someone off in Hawaii to seal this record from public scrutiny. He did produce a phony computer copy that states he was born in Hawaii, but if that is so why won't he produce the actual "vault" copy which we believe would have revealed he was born in Kenya, Africa where his father lived, making him ineligible to run for the presidency.

Why didn't he reveal either the birth certificate or his writings? Because they would have made it impossible for him to become elected because of the restriction that a presidential candidate must have been born in the United States or in one of its territories and to reveal his past writings would have revealed him as a liar, a man who actually favored government ownership of banks, insurance companies, automakers and all sorts of means of production, something which is becoming abundantly clear each day of his administration.

Why don't I just say it? It would have uncovered the facade of Americanism and fealty and patriotism to the U.S. flag and Constitution; and it would have revealed an out-and-out communist -- not just a socialist or a sympathizer of communism -- but the communist that he is. Even with all of this information, we have barely scratched the surface of who this man Barack Husein Obama really is. Who in the Soviet Union does he most earnestly want to emulate? How will he get on next week when the financial Group of Twenty meet and he has a chance to talk to one of the most successful communist leaders in the world, Hu Jintao. How they get on should shed further light on where he plans to take America during these coming dangerous days.

The chances of a man or woman like this ascending to the highest office in the land are slim to none, except if someone mentored and backed him financially. That would be two separate persons. Originally that someone, we believe, was an Arab prince who funded his college education. There are no free rides in this life, so one must wonder what favors he owes this man in return for his generosity? And what about the rich man who actually paid the lion's share of his three-quarter million political campaign fund raising which totally overwhelmed his opponent, Senator John McCain. If my statements are in error, I would invite President Obama to set the record straight with an accurate and independent audit and report of what I believe was a most fraudulent and dishonest campaign starting with the funding and ending with the favors he must owe individuals and countries across the globe.

The poor man's name, of course was Barack Hussein Obama, the middle name of which he shuns even to this day for obvious political reasons. He has tried to disassociate himself from Islam and the Muslim movement, even for 20 years associating with a branch of the Church of Christ in Chicago and the bombastic, outspoken critic of the U.S., Rev. Jeramiah Wright whom under constant fire from critics he repudiated, finally leaving that church.

Obama curried favor with a convicted felon gangster, Tony Rezko, who had much to do with his financial ability to purchase his home in South Chicago. He also associated with a known terrorist, William Ayers, and his terrorist wife Bernardine Dohrn, but he disavows knowing them very well despite the fact that he started his campaign for the state senate in their house. Is it any wonder this president has had such a terribly hard time finding honest people to name to important positions in his administration. Half a dozen of his "vetted" personalities had not paid their taxes, including his treasury secretary Timothy Gaithner who owed more than $40,000 including interest, a man who is now chief tax collector in America. That history would usually disqualify such a man for this office, and now because of his many gaffes and lack of success, many are calling for Gaithner's resignation. Several proposed appointments had scandalous pasts, including New Mexico governor Richardson.

Obama is member of the liberal Democratic Party in America which only too well remembers the 9/11 attacks and the atrocities of taking down the World Trade Center, an attempted suicide collision with the Pentagon and the White House, resulting in killing 3,000 Americans, a carefully planed heinous attack perpetrated by Arab nationals mainly from Saudi Arabia, an attack for which international terrorist Osama Bin Laden takes full credit, a man who is at large today somewhere in the Afghan hills planning another strike on American soil. If he has his way, this time it will be with the use of a nuclear weapon, thanks to the willing assistance of Iran and maybe the knowledge of a man who may become known as the most notorious traitor of all time Barak Obama.

Those are strong words. I would invite you to read the blog, Advance Indiana for further detail: "His name as a young child was changed to Barry Soetoro when his mother married Indonesian citizen Lolo Soetoro and moved to Jakarta. Indonesian school records state that Obama was an Indonesian citizen and not an American citizen and that his religion was Islam and not Christian, protestations by Obama to the contrary notwithstanding. When or how Obama acquired U.S. citizenship or changed his name back to Barack Hussein Obama is unclear. A birth certificate produced by the Obama campaign was determined by several document experts to be a forged document.

"We know from his autobiography that he had Muslim roommates in college of foreign nationality. Now it turns out that an influential, radical black Muslim with close ties to the Saudi royal family and an outspoken opponent of Israel helped finance Obama's law school education. Obama's benefactor at the young age of 25 is Dr. Khalid Abdullah Tariq al-Mansour a/k/a Donald Warden. Here are some facts you should know about al-Mansour according to a Newmax investigative report:

* "He is well known within the black community as a lawyer, an orthodox Muslim, a black nationalist, an author, an international deal-maker, an educator, and an outspoken enemy of Israel."

* In a 1995 book, "The Lost Books of Africa Rediscovered," he alleged that the United States was plotting genocide against black Americans.

* He was the mentor of Black Panther Party founder Huey Newton and his cohort, Bobby Seale.

* Al-Mansour's more recent videotaped speeches focus on Muslim themes, and abound with anti-Semitic theories and anti-Israel vitriol.

* At the same time he was raising money for Obama's education he was representing top members of the Saudi Royal family seeking to do business and exert influence in the United States.

* He advises Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in his U.S. investments. Prince Talal is most famous for offering $10 million to the City of New York following 9/11, a contribution turned down by Mayor Rudy Giuliani because the Prince said American policies were to blame for the terrorist attacks. [Study some of the anti-American comments Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is making as she travels to different countries. Now in Mexico she is stating that the problems Mexico is having with Narco gangs is partly America's fault. I am wondering what she will say to Chinese leaders if North Korea shoots off a missile that kills Americans in Alaska?].

* "Prince Alwaleed has made tens of millions in contributions to Muslim-American charities, some of whose leaders have been charged by our government with terrorism-related ties. Prince Alwaleed also donates millions to Harvard for Islamic studies.

"Newmax sought a response from the Obama campaign about the financial assistance Obama received from al-Mansour, but the campaign refused to respond. This disclosure came in a very unlikely fashion. Percy Sutton, a prominent African-American businessman, was being interviewed when he described how he first came to know Obama. "I was introduced to (Obama) by a friend who was raising money for him," Sutton told NY1 city hall reporter Dominic Carter. "The friend's name is Dr. Khalid al-Mansour, from Texas," Sutton said. "He is the principal adviser to one of the world's richest men. He told me about Obama." "Sutton, the founder of Inner City Broadcasting, said al-Mansour contacted him to ask a favor: Would Sutton write a letter in support of Obama's application to Harvard Law School?"

"Think about how many mainstream media reports there have been this past week trying to link Gov. Sarah Palin to the Alaskan Independence Party, which supports secession from the United States. Yet, this revelation about Obama's past received no attention from the news media. Why? Obama critic Andy Martin thinks the revelation is a big one. "This latest disclosure may be the 'smoking gun' that discredits Obama and destroys his candidacy." [Obviously it didn't] "And I think I know where it came from. I honestly do not see Obama surviving financial links to a close adviser of a member of the Saudi Arabia monarchy, not when Saudis were the instigators of 9/11." "Even a slight link to Saudi money would disqualify anyone from the presidency in the mind of almost every American." I agree with Martin that it is a big revelation. But this American news media has already decided Obama is The One."

But who was it that put the political ideas into Obama's head, or was it a combination of people? It is difficult for any reasoning person to believe that suddenly three-quarters of a million Americans on the Internet donated each one thousand dollars toward his election -- or that twice that number donated five hundred dollars. He claims most of his donations were of the one or two-dollar variety, so the number of Internet supporters would have to approach a million. The election laws are so loosely managed in America that, despite evidence of voting fraud, even to this day we the public do not know for sure what happened. But we do know that many of the donations were bogus, even coming in with comic names like Spiderman. That much has been documented elsewhere. Voting commission fraud doesn't seem to be a thing that the Democrat-controlled Congtress or publicly funded ACORN wants to get into when it affects the eligibility of one of its own, Mr. Obama. ACORN itself is rife with corruption. It is really an arm of the Democratic Party funded by all American taxpayers, which is scandalous and shameful.

And what about those bus visits to Connecticut homes of those AIG execs who received Barak Obama, Barney Frank and Chris Dodd-sanctioned bonuses despite the fact America bailed AIG out? Acorn is founder of The Working Families Party, the group that hired a bunch of poor people to picket and shout obscenities in front of these homes, intimidating these AIG employees and putting them up to national ridicule,shame and scorn. But did they do the same to Franklin Raines, former president of Fannie Mae who walked away with obscene bonuses and salary of over $90 million in only six years of incredibly poor management, a performance that helped cause the meltdown in the first place?

ACORN is the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. While in Chicago, Obama was one of their trainers and could have put them up to this nonsense.

The scorn, ridicule, and rage started with the Congress and the president. It was a cover up for their own mistakes and ineptitude in voting for the AIG bonuses in the first place and for failing to read the bills they actually voted for. Allegations of voter fraud against ACORN are not trumped up, they are real. And why in the world in America should the taxpayers foot the bills for a partisan Democratic front group known as ACORN? While it is true they gave part of the money they got from us taxpayers to Republicans, it was a very minor part compared to that which they forked out to Democrat candidates including Obama.

When Obama started his quest for the presidency, Las Vegas gambling houses would have given him a one in a million chance of prevailing over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Primary, then an even poorer chance of defeating an experienced Senator from Arizona, even a Viet Nam war hero, John McCain, someone with excellent credentials, someone who could have stepped into the presidency and made excellent decisions on day one as commander in chief.

Interestingly, it was in Nevada where Clinton and Obama were running even in the polls. That was before ACORN weighed in and lent Obama a considerable assist, helping to defeat Clinton in a clearly partisan way. Who says we have free elections in America since the advent of Barak Obama? By all rights, Clinton should be president today -- or John McCain -- had it not been for the publicly funded and highly partisan ACORN.

But Obama pulled off the worst election scam in history. He is president today, but he so much resembles that kid from the poorest part of the country who had nothing -- no car, no means, no real job, and suddenly he wins the lottery and becomes filthy rich with fifty million dollars.

This kid lets his new-found wealth go to his head, lots of girl friends, buys expensive cars and a house for his mother and gambles it all away within two months of becoming rich and again ends up a pauper.

Obama is this poor kid made rich who comes to Washington with nothing better to do than spend, spend, spend malevolently or just because he never had anything himself, we do not know...until like the poor boy who won the lottery, within two months he bankrupts the country while living high on talk shows and giving lavish White House parties, traveling the country each week to town halls in Airforce One as if it is suddenly 2012 and he's running for office again.

If you think all of this is fantasy, think again. It is precisely where we stand today as a bankrupt country after this profligate young man, a man who never had anything before coming to Washington, has strong-armed a Democratic congress and has them in his pocket. Congress has passed every bill he has suggested, spent every dime he has urged on them, being as dishonest as he is, not realizing -- or maybe he does realize and it's all part of the grand plan to bring America to its knees -- what the multi-zillion-dollar bailouts of banks, Detroit, and now insurance companies and perhaps any corporation or company he likes is doing to our people.

It's likely that this profligate's treasury secretary will continue to have his way with an obsequious congress. It continues to suck up to this near-do-well in the White House who with the president's blessing wields more power than any previous treasury secretary, even power to at a whim declare any private or public company a threat to the economy, thus grabbing or nationalizing this company and that "for the public good" in truly Marxist fashion, the likes of which we haven't seen in America or even dreamed could happen since those discredited outlaws Hitler and Stalin came to power in Germany and Russia more than sixty years ago.

The Obama Testament

In the beginning there was only Hillary.

And the Democrats were without form.

And there was corruption, and lying, and deceit, and intimidation.

And then the spirit of Obama came and moved upon the waters.

And Obama said Let there be hope and change.

And Obama saw the hope and change, and said that it was good.

And Obama said Let there be a stimulus plan.

But unto Obama and his plan, the people had not respect.

And Obama saw the wickedness among the people of the United States.

And Obama said unto the people of the United States 'Let my stimulus plan pass'.

And Obama gave money to banks, insurance companies and car companies and said that it was good.

But the hearts of the people were hardened.

And the people wanted to know why the unemployment rate was over 10%.

So Obama needed to speak to the Lord.

And he went to the special place where he could seek the counsel of the Lord.

And from the other side of the mirror, God spake unto Obama, saying, Go speak to your wife Michelle and tell her to speak to the children of the United States.

And Michelle went forth and spake unto the people of the United States, saying unto them,

Whatsoever containeth polyunsaturated fats, ye shall not eat.

All fast food, whether it cometh from dwellings with golden arches or from Kings, shall be an abomination unto you.

And every earthen vessel that containeth carbonated water with sugar shall be unclean to you. And you shall break it and not drink from it.

And Obama listened to his wife with pride and said that it was good.

But the hearts of the people were still hardened.

And the anger of Obama was kindled against the United States,

And Obama went into the land of Egypt and said that the United States was arrogant.

And Obama shamed members of the Supreme Court and said that their decisions were wrong.

And Obama said Cambridge cops acted stupidly.

And Obama said that doctors cut off healthy limbs for profit.

And Obama said bankers were greedy.

And Obama said Oil companies were greedy.

And Obama said Insurance companies were greedy.

And Obama criticized the state of Arizona.

And Obama criticized Fox news.

And Obama criticized Republicans.

And Obama criticized BP.

And Obama criticized Israel for building houses.

And Obama criticized people for going to Las Vegas.

And Obama criticized George Bush.

And Obama criticized John McCain.

And then Obama went to the United Nations and said how much he respected the Islamic Republic of Iran and that he wanted a new beginning based on mutual trust and mutual respect.

And the children of the United States saw what was happening and they were angered.

So angered were the children of the United States that they formed a new group and called it the Tea Party.

And Obama spake to the people of the Tea Party saying,

Do ye not know that I have rescued you from the republicans?

But the people were angered and they spake saying, We had a $500 billion deficit under Bush and now we have a $2 trillion deficit.

And Obama stopped them, saying You dare question Me? I am Obama. I will provide for your needs and all I ask is that you are faithful to me and pay 70% of your income to me in taxes.

Wherefore the people did chide with Obama, and said Give us back our money, that we may invest it and create jobs and have freedom.

And then it came to pass that Obama started nominating people to the Supreme Court. And Obama said to his two Supreme Court nominees, Thou shalt have compassion and empathy, and set precedents when I tell you to and change laws when I deem them to be unjust.

And the people said there is this thing called the constitution...

But Obama interrupted them and said Enough!

And then Obama spake again to the people, saying, Ye are upset with me. But my power will be revealed when I give you the most precious gift of all the earthly gifts. I grant to all the children of the United States free healthcare.

And the people of the United States stood up and said, What?!

And Obama spake to the people again and said, Take heed to yourselves that ye not go up into the halls of congress to watch the healthcare bill debated.

And it came to pass in the second year of his reign, in the fifteenth month, in the twenty second day of that month, that the healthcare bill passed.

And Obama walked out of the Whitehouse with the two thousand seven hundred page health care bill held under his arms.

And Obama had grown a long white beard while debating the heath care plan and the people did not recognize him at first.

And Obama went forth among the people and raised the healthcare bill above his head and spake, saying, I am Obama, who hast brought you forth from the presidency of George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, who hast brought you out of the bondage of the right wingers and conservatives.

And the people murmured against Obama, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of a republican controlled government to then burden us with high taxes, healthcare that takes away our freedoms, regulations that punish small business. You take away our pride in ourselves and our country. You leave us vulnerable to those who wouldst do us harm. You burden us with debt that we can't pay back. The things that thou doest are not good.

And Obama was provoked to anger. And he raised the healthcare plan above his head and proclaimed to the children of the United States in a thundering voice,

Those who will not live by the healthcare shall die by the healthcare!

And Obama threw all two thousand and seven hundred pages of the healthcare plan at the people.

And the healthcare plan struck the ground and paper exploded everywhere. And paper dust filled the air and it was difficult to breath. And people couldn't walk, or even see, for all the paper that was all over the land. And paper was on the roads and paper filled the fields. And all the animals and all the people were covered with paper. And the people gathered the paper together upon heaps: and the land stank.

But despite the paper plague upon the land, the hearts of the people were still hardened, for they knew that they were dealing with a false prophet. And the people spake saying,

Well, at least that's the end of the health care plan.

But Obama had made copies.

In the end, there was corruption, and lying, and deceit, and intimidation. And there was debt as far as the eye could see. And the children of the United States were so burdened with taxes that there was no money left to invest, and there was no more innovation and no more entrepreneurs. And the constitution was changed and people weren't free to speak their minds anymore. And people couldn't sell their homes without approval from the government. And people couldn't sell their cars without approval from the government. And the United States was only one state in a world government. And the United Nations ran the world. And the people had no redress for their grievances.

All this happened and it was not good. It was not good at all.

Want to change the ending? Then End the Change!

Obama Collectibles – Own a Piece of Modern History With Obama Memorabilia

We have just witnessed one of the most exciting presidential campaigns in modern history. The 2008 campaign for United States President had many ups and downs, and some surprising twists. The most surprising was the amazing rise of a little known senator from Illinois named Barack Obama, who in mere months went from underdog to front runner.

Along the way, people began to hear his message of hope and change and realized that America could be great again, if we all just worked together. Barack Obama created a movement that is still going strong today. Of course, with any movement of this size, there's a lot of history being made and we all want to own a little piece of it for ourselves so that we can always remember this special time.

Barack Obama's popularity has created a growing demand for all sorts of Obama collectibles of every size, shape and form. If you supported Barack Obama during the campaign, then you probably already own some campaign memorabilia like buttons, pins, hats, posters, yard signs and t-shirts.

Fortunately, there are now many more Obama related things to collect besides campaign items. Some of these items may grow in value over time, while others are just keepsakes for you to treasure forever.

Barack Obama Commemorative Coins - Barack Obama coins are one of the hottest selling items right now and there are several ads on TV offering a selection of colorful coins with his image on them. Here are some facts about Barack Obama coins:

The coins being advertised the most are U.S. Mint coins that have been colorized with a special coating.

There is some controversy as to the real value of these coins. If you intend to purchase these coins, be aware that even though they are currency, their value has been greatly diminished by the colorization process. Meaning, they're pretty to look at, but won't grow in monetary value over time.

The U.S. Mint has issued a warning concerning these colorized coins stating that they do not endorse, sponsor or authorize any coin that has been altered or defaced for commercial purposes. Therefore, if you buy them for a keepsake that's fine, but don't buy extra sets counting on being able to resell them for a profit later on. Colorized coins are worthless.

Having said that, there are some very nice sets out there that can be displayed and even used as educational pieces. If you see any coin set that is being advertised as going up in value, do your research before buying.

Barack Obama Commemorative Plate - Obama plates are also being heavily advertised on TV and elsewhere as high-quality collectibles. A ceramic collector plate of Barack Obama usually is the size of a normal dinner plate and features an official looking color picture of Barack Obama. Some plates are done by independent artist and can feature embossed photos of Obama or the first family.

An Obama plate may or may not come with a display stand, which is a small stand that you can sit the plate on top of to display it on a shelf, or inside a glass cabinet.

Barack Obama Poster Art - This has been one of the most popular items during the campaign and has now branched out into the post election era. The most famous of all Barack Obama posters is the Obama hope poster done by artist Shepard Fairey. This iconic poster was originally hung around Chicago and other urban cities as a cool way to promote the change candidate.

After the election, this particular poster has only grown in value and popularity. It is a physical reminder that in these stressful times, there's always hope for a better tomorrow. In addition to the Shepard Fairey Obama poster featuring the words hope or change, there's another popular one that says progress.

There are two versions of the Obama progress poster. One created by Fairey, and another rarer one created by an artist named Scott Hansen. Hansen's poster differs from Fairey's in that it has a more retro vibe and features the images of people surrounding a large tree. The Obama symbol is in the middle and the word Progress is written in large letters on the bottom. There are also other unique posters created by a variety of talented artists.

Barack Obama Tee Shirts - Creativity abounds when it comes to t-shirts featuring the image of Barack Obama. There are the official tees created by the campaign, but many people love the uniquely original versions that can only be found from creative artists of many stripes.

There are cheap Obama t shirts and nicer urban Obama shirts like the powerful Obama MLK t shirts featuring the likeness of our 44th President and Martin Luther King, Jr. I've also seen some cool ones commemorating the inauguration.

Newspaper Cover with Obama - There are a lot of people who like to own a copy of big city newspapers that feature a major event on the cover. A newspaper shows off an important story like no other periodical can. The bigger the city, the better. Many people are now seeking copies of New York newspapers with Obama election results, or Obama newspaper headlines. This is because The New York Times is read by people around the world.

The Chicago Sun Times and USA Today covers are examples of other newspapers that are highly collectible. Obama's historic election and inauguration are captured in exciting detail by these daily papers.

Barack Obama Commemorative Magazine - Obama Time magazine covers are in high demand due to the popularity of both Obama himself and Time magazine. Time has been documenting important world events for decades and seems to be a collector favorite for this reason.

There are other great Obama magazine covers like that cool one from Ebony that features Obama wearing sunglasses and exiting his ride. Another great one is the recent Rolling Stone magazine cover with the blue background. There will be many more of these - count on it.

Barack Obama Buttons - Because they're so easy to make, there are hundreds of buttons featuring the likeness of Barack Obama. Many people already have official campaign buttons. However, there are many more created by independent artists with all sorts of designs and colors. If you're collecting Obama memorabilia, you've got to have at least one cool Obama button.

Barack Obama Mugs - There are black Obama coffee mugs and white obama coffee mugs with all kinds of cool artwork. Buy one to drink out of and one just for display. The more unique the design is, the more you'll treasure it.

Obama Comics - Yes, there is already a comic book that features Obama on the cover (Amazing Spiderman #583 Variant Comic Book). It's a special edition Marvel Spiderman Comic where our superhero, Spiderman, saves inauguration day. This is very limited and highly collectible. The creators of the series found out that Obama collected Spiderman comics when he was a kid. I'm sure there will be more Obama comic book fun in the future.

Barack Obama Shoes - Believe it or not, you can buy Obama shoes or Obama sneakers that have unique Obama graphics on them. These aren't official shoes made by famous name brand manufacturers, but they sure are super cool.

Barack Obama’s Mythic Hero Image – An Appraisal

A brief overview of the main newspapers, news sites and TV channels shows that, despite the fact it's been a month since the US election, "Obamania" is still in full swing. Obama has become something of a popular culture icon, on the par of Madonna, Batman and rock stars. It has then occurred to me that Obama's image and story can be compared to Joseph Campbell's myth of the Hero, which Campbell called the "monomyth" (1). Whether consciously or unconsciously, people - and sometimes Obama himself - tend to project this image upon him. As early as 2006, he was called star and legend (2), and recently I have even read an online blog where the writer called him 'savior'! (3) Mind you, I'm not laying a claim of profound originality on this - I discovered then that George Lucas has already made note of Obama following the Hero's Journey (4) and there are two bloggers that talked about it, albeit sketchily (5, 6). However, I would like to look at this more in detail than the others I have read - and this article will be lengthier than most others!

Let's start with the beginning. For those that don't know, Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) was one of the foremost mythologists of his age (7). He is primarily remembered for his groundbreaking book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. It is in this one that he articulated the myth of the hero's journey, which directly influenced George Lucas' Star Wars, Disney's The Lion King, and countless movies and books ever since (8). The book 'deconstructs' the journey of the hero in three parts. It is my intention here to compare these with the story of Obama's rise to power and Presidency.

Preliminary:

As per Campbell's analysis, the hero is someone naturally special, singled out in some manner amongst his peers. Born of an African father and white mother, Obama's mixed heritage has marked him out as a 'special' person right from the start. Furthermore, a characteristic of the Campbellian hero is that he is often cast aside by his family as in the story of Moses. This is an archetype Obama fits very well: he was abandoned, only two years old, by his Kenyan father Barack Obama Sr, whom he met only once more in his lifetime. This has had a major impact on him, according to his best-selling autobiography Dreams from My Father (9).

Part I: Departure

1. The Call to Adventure: the hero receives a beacon call, often from another person (called a 'herald')

Obama describes a moment of self-awakening in his book Dreams from My Father, when he realizes, following one-year work with a corporate firm, that his calling was to work for the poor (10).

2. Refusal of the Call - sometimes, the hero initially refuses the call for action.

This is an optional element in Campbell's book that does not apply to Obama, who comes across as a positive and ambitious person.

3. Supernatural Aid - the hero is helped by a protective figure that gives him support

In youth, Obama's main support seem to have been his mother, Stanley Ann Durnham, and his grandfather Stanley Durnham, who acted as a surrogate father (11). In politics, an important figure was Illinois State Senator Emil Jones, the leader of the Democrats. His wife, whom Obama has called his 'rock' also had an important influence on his political career.

4. The Crossing of the First Threshold - the hero must pass a first test to enter into the new world of heroic action

There were some key decisive moments in Obama's life that shaped his future career as a politician. One was his decision after two years of attending Occidental College in California to transfer to Columbia University, where he graduated in political science. Another, to seek a low-paid job as a community organizer in Chicago. Thirdly, his decision after two years of working in Chicago to go to Harvard Law School.

5. The Belly of the Whale - the hero must pass through an initiatory trial that involves a descent into a dark or dangerous realm

In Dreams of My Father, Obama presented his darkest moments as the heavy consumption of drugs and alcohol both at Punahou high school and at the Occidental College. Obama confessed to becoming a "pothead" in order to "push questions of who I was out of my mind" (12). Eventually, however, he got his life in order by moving from Occidental College to Columbia University.

Part II: Initiation

1. Road of Trials - succession of obstacles

Barack Obama has encountered a number of obstacles that he has surpassed in political ascendancy. The first was the candidature for the Illinois State Senate in 1996, when he had to eliminate better titled candidates. He succeeded, albeit using what some critics said as being unfair tactics - he successfully challenged the voting campaign of both candidates who were hence legally suspended from the contest (13).

The second obstacle was his failed candidacy to US House of Representatives in 2000, when he was defeated by incumbent Bobby Rush by two to one. This was a sore defeat, the only time when he considered giving up politics altogether (14). He didn't, and Obama learned many useful aspects of campaigning from this attempt.

In 2004, he successfully run his candidacy for US Senate. Finally, in 2007, he obtained the endorsement of the Democrats for Presidency against the better titled Hillary Clinton.

2. The Meeting with the Goddess - marriage between the hero and a queenlike or mother-like figure

In 1988, Obama met Michelle Robinson, a fellow Harvard Law graduate, while he was doing a summer internship at law firm Sidley Austin. He married her in 1992. Obama is deeply admirative of his wife, whom he called "his rock". He speaks of her, "There's something about her that projects such honesty and strength. It's what makes her such an unbelievable professional, and partner, and mother, and wife" (15).

3. Woman as the Temptress - rejection of a powerful female figure

A read of Obama's life shows that he seems to respect or even admire female figures. First was his mother Stanley Ann; then there was Michelle Obama. Finally there were other political mentors like Alice Palmer (16). If there was one woman whom Obama had to 'reject' it was Hillary Clinton, his Democrat counter-candidate for Presidency. Nevertheless, Obama did not seem to harbor bad feelings toward Hillary, neither did she act in a 'corruptive' sort of manner toward Obama.

4. Atonement with the Father - reconciliation with the tyrant and merciful aspects of a father-like authority figure

As Dreams of My Father shows, Obama was affected by the absence of his father, Barack Obama Sr (17). An important part of young Obama's life was taken by his effort to reconcile his father's absence with his ever-present racial heritage.

5. Apotheosis - the hero's expansion of the self, or profound alteration of the perception of reality

Obama's first apotheosis was his famed 2004 speech at the Democratic National Convention, that would bring him into the spotlight and change the course of his career. Obama's final apotheosis was his candidacy and success to the bid for the Democratic nomination in 2007.

6. Ultimate Boon - the hero obtains a key item or victory

His first major victory was his landslide win in the US Senate in 2004; next, his Democratic nomination in 2007 and finally, his election as President in 2008.

Part III: Return

1. Refusal of the Return - having attained enlightenment or bliss, the hero may not want to return to the ordinary world

This is not the case in Obama's case, since his victory was attained in the 'ordinary' world, not some otherwordly or mythical land. Furthermore, he has always been an ambitious figure, who would not settle in one place but aim higher (18), (19).

2. Magic Flight - the hero may have to wrestle the 'boon'

Obama had to pull all his stops in the Democratic presidential nomination of 2007, which had to be wrestled from much better-titled Hillary Clinton.

3. Rescue from Without - the hero may need supernatural support to bring the boon into the ordinary world

There were several moments when Obama's 'lucky streak' played in. It isn't a coincidence that Washington Post, in an article from August 2007, called his ascent to US Senate as "A Series of Fortunate Events" (20). They recorded how in 2004 his win for US Senate was helped by the decision of Peter Fitzgerald, the incumbent Senator, not to run for his own seat again, by the domestic abuse charges brought against Democrat counter candidate Blair Hull, who was the favorite for the seat just one month before the election and by Republican counter candidate Jack Ryan's domestic sex scandal. Obama eventually came in to win the Senate seat by a landslide victory: 70% (21).

4. Crossing the Return Threshold - the hero returns to the ordinary world

The 'return threshold' is undoubtedly the win of the American Presidency, which was both a challenge and a given - following his win of the Democrat nomination over Hillary Clinton.

5. Master of the Two Worlds - the hero pertains both the divine and human worlds

Following his political ascendancy and experience, Obama is now seen as fit to run the USA and able to share his vision to the American people.

6. Freedom to Live - the hero bestows the boon to his fellows.

Once he has won the Presidency, Obama is now in the position of contributing to the betterment of American life and of improving America's tarnished image abroad.

Conclusions: Barack Obama's story and image fits quite well with Campbell's "Hero's Journey" pattern, even if it does not flow in a linear fashion as Campbell designed it. This is, after all, natural: Campbell was disecting single-story fairy tales and books, but Obama is real-life figure and his life goes beyond the imaginary.

On the other hand, one aspect worth noting is that Campbell's pattern does not go beyond point 6 where the hero is in the position of bestowing the 'boon' to the other people. Obama must go beyond the Campbellian heroic journey into the actual work of sharing the boon. Currently, Obama is a hero because of his past, and the symbol of change, youth and racial unity that he symbolizes. However, it is his long-run work that will define him as a true hero.

References:

(1) Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. New York: Pantheon Books.
(6) Cocca, C. (2008). Barack Obama and the Hero's Journey. Online. Accessed on 11 Nov 2008.
(3) Edinger, R. (2008). Obama Rocks: America and the Planet. Online. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008.
(2) Graff, G. (2006). The Legend of Barack Obama. The Washingtonian, 1 Nov. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008.
(11) Jones, T. (2004). Barack Obama: Mother Not Just a Girl from Kansas. Chicago Herald Tribune, 27 Mar. Online. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008.
(9), (10), (12), (17) Obama, B. (2004). Dreams from My Father. New York: Three Rivers Press.
(5) Snapp, M. (2008). Obama Walks the Hero's Journey... Contra Costa Times. Online. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008. ]
(4) The Huffington Post. (2008). George Lucas on Obama: A Hero in the Making. Online. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008.
(7), (8) Wikipedia. (2008). Joseph Campbell. Online. Accessed on 10 Nov 2008.
(13), (16) Jackson, D & Long, R. (2007). Barack Obama: Showing His Bare Knuckles. Chicago Herald Tribune, 4 Apr. Online. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008.
(14), (20), (21) Mundy, L. (2007). A Series of Fortunate Events. Washington Post, 12 Aug. Online. Accessed on 10 Nov 2008.
(15) Parsons, C., Japsen, B. & Secter, B. Barack's Rock: Michelle Obama. (2007). Chicago Herald Tribune, 22 Apr. Online. Accessed on 09 Nov 2008.
(18) Pearson, R. & Long, R. (2007)Barack Obama: Careful Steps, Looking Ahead. Chicago Herald Tribune, 3 May. Accessed on 10 Nov 2008.
(19) Dorning, M. & Parsons, C. (2007). Carefully Crafting the Barack Obama Brand. Chicago Herald Tribune, 12 Jun. Online. Accessed on 10 Nov. 2008.

Red-hot and cutting-edge semipolitical article. One Issue Politics is Wrong For Christians and the National Rifle Association – Choosing Candidates

The National Rifle Association explains their possible endorsement of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) based on political mono-vision; the only criteria they use to evaluate candidates is their voting record on gun issues. Their selection of whom to endorse and which campaigns NRA member dollars enrich is based on only one issue - guns.

Single-issue politics is wrong.

The majority of the NRA membership base is conservative. Harry Reid is their arch-enemy. Regardless of which side of the aisle you are most drawn to, this is a kick in the teeth for NRA members. The NRA is thinking of biting the hand that feeds it and using an excuse of one-issue politics.

Tough Decisions

Experience and character are required to make difficult choices. Politics in 2010 presents nothing but tough decisions. There is no option out there that will provide a rosy reality for everyone.

One-issue politics requires no experience and no character. A light switch is either 'On' or 'Off.' Not too tough a call there. A computer binary system identifies everything as either a '0' or '1.' No judgment needed there. I'm not sure the binary system even qualifies as 'artificial intelligence.'

Who Wins Here?

• Politician "A" voted 100% pro-guns; is pro-choice; a self-avowed Marxist; and wants to raise the highest income tax bracket to 95%.
• Politician "B" voted 90% pro-guns; is pro-choice; a self-avowed socialist; and thinks that no one in the city limits of a town larger than 5,000 should own a pet.
• Politician "C" voted 80% pro-guns; is pro-life; a self-avowed Christian; and thinks that Americans pay enough taxes already.
• Politician "D" voted 50% pro-guns; is pro-life; is an atheist; and believes in a flat tax.

Which of these politicians should the NRA choose to endorse? According to their one-issue formula there is no discussion required: Politician "A".

Horse Show Judges Make More Complex Decisions

Every applicant for a judging card doesn't get one. There are standards to be met. One is the ability to make tough choices backed up by reason. The following scenario is real. Again, who wins?

When judging a Western Pleasure class:

• Exhibitor "A' failed to do the gaits required.
• Exhibitor "B" almost got bucked off but did all the elements of the class.
• Exhibitor "C" did the elements, but had to pull on the reins with all their might as their horse ran off with them.

So, which exhibitor wins the class? One who is given the responsibility of judging or evaluating is expected to apply knowledge, character, truth, and discretion to make the best choice among the options available. It seldom happens that a perfect choice exists among the possible, so a weighing of each flawed possibility must be made. A single-issue voter does not fully accept their responsibility to be discerning before voting.

Single-issue voters are either lazy, fanatical, opportunistic, or ignorant. One of these will apply to any who endorse a candidate or cast a vote based upon only one issue and nothing more.

What is the Christian Viewpoint?

How should a Christian look at their responsibility as a voting citizen? Some Christians say that their votes must agree with scripture. However, when selecting a person who job will be to represent an electorate, will such a simple formula work? No.

Human beings are contradictory. Has there ever been the perfect Christian candidate? I can't name one. So, what is the person who strives to be faithful to his or her walk with Jesus Christ to do?

The method for selecting candidates is the same one used to study the Bible:

• Be informed.
• Research the topic.
• Recognize context.
• Examine the issue from different sides.
• Discuss the point with others whom you trust.
• Use discernment to reach your decision.

Contradictions in the Bible

When taken verse by verse the Bible seems to contradict itself. More mature Christians know that the Bible is a complete work and to cherry-pick one verse or another usually drops you into the land of error.

No serious Christian will select one Bible verse and make it the sole foundation of their faith. No worthy voter will select one issue and use it as the only factor in choosing a candidate.

Voters who bind themselves by invisible chains to single-issue candidates are fanatics, ignorant, lazy, or accept being used by opportunists. No sturdy 'platform' will long stand upon a single leg. Balance may be achieved momentarily, but as soon as the weight distribution changes slightly, the platform topples and all who stand on it will be dashed on the rocks below.

There aren't many completely one-issue voters. As a citizenry we are better than that. I guess the question becomes, "Is the NRA better than that?" They say not.

Well what do you consider about that one. It certainly was an entertaining study on the up-to-the-minute goings on in the playing field of political relation

Extraordinary Obama video T Pain Obama Auto-Tune

Sometimes visualizing Barack Obama is like watching a alien movie. You may not realize it at first, simply upon second glance, it starts to make common sense.Jimmy Kimmel Live - T Pain Obama Auto-Tune Additional production assistance provided by: the Gregory BrothersThis will not be the final time that President Obama is described in a way that is below his position in history. Let us preserve to take these menaces in earnest and answer with vigour. This country merits the best. It is time to show that the people who have elected President Obama did not come together in vain.

Hot and latest semipolitical article. Unemployment – Extensions Are Needed

Unemployment Insurance that is what it is called, no one wants to collect it, but if you have to it is a comfort to know that it is there. You pay into it and you should be able to collect on it. Most states offer 26 weeks, and in past times that was sufficient enough until you found work.

Well times have changed and the economy is on a major downturn, with 5 applicant for every 1 job that is available, jobs are becoming harder and harder to find, so in the past The Senate has passed extensions known as Tiers...up to 99 weeks, but in the past month The Republicans in the Senate are playing partisan games with unemployed Americans ability to provide for their families.

There have been numerous attempts to pass and Unemployment extension bill, one as part of a bigger package, and a stand alone bill, each time it has come up for vote, the republicans have staged a filibuster saying that they can not vote for the extension because it will add to the deficit that is over 3 trillion dollars, they can find money to fight 2 wars, extend tax breaks to the wealthy, etc. But when it comes to the middle class that is hurt the most in these tough times, all we hear is "Sorry can't help you", "People on Unemployment would rather collect unemployment instead of looking for work" and the most insulting thing is "People on unemployment should be tested for drug use".

First off as one of the 99er's, I would rather have a job than collect unemployment, no one in their right mind will say, "Wow with this 300.00 check, I don't need to go out and look for work, 300.00 dollars today is enough when you are unemployed to put food on the table, pay a bill or use towards rent.

At night when my children are asleep my husband and I sit down and look at our bills and decide what can be paid and what will have to wait another month, we have 4 collection agencies after us for medical bills from my son getting a biopsy of his knee and my daughter having double pneumonia, threatening to garnish my husbands meager wages, it is tough to not feel helpless and hopeless.

It is hard to explain to a 6 yr. old, when she sees a toy that she wants and we have to find a way to tell her that we cannot afford to get her that toy, it breaks my heart. This is the reason that a new ground swell is coming, 99er's from all over the country are calling, emailing and faxing their senators, congressmen, and The President to pass a tier 5 extension for the long term unemployed.

the Majority of the 99er's are people that are over 40, been unemployed over 2 years, and are over qualified and discriminated against. I have applied to so many jobs and never hear back from them, I have applied in person only to hear, that I am overqualified and not a good fit...I even got turned down at McDonald's because I didn't have a 6 month recent work history.

Things have got to change, and change now and if the republicans don't act on a bipartisan basis and pass this legislation, November is going to be a very rough month for them..as midterm elections approach.

Well what do you reckon about that one. It for sure was an intriguing take on the topical goings on in the subject of governments

Red-hot and present-day semipolitical article. One Issue Politics is Wrong For Christians and the National Rifle Association – Choosing Candidates

The National Rifle Association explains their possible endorsement of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) based on political mono-vision; the only criteria they use to evaluate candidates is their voting record on gun issues. Their selection of whom to endorse and which campaigns NRA member dollars enrich is based on only one issue - guns.

Single-issue politics is wrong.

The majority of the NRA membership base is conservative. Harry Reid is their arch-enemy. Regardless of which side of the aisle you are most drawn to, this is a kick in the teeth for NRA members. The NRA is thinking of biting the hand that feeds it and using an excuse of one-issue politics.

Tough Decisions

Experience and character are required to make difficult choices. Politics in 2010 presents nothing but tough decisions. There is no option out there that will provide a rosy reality for everyone.

One-issue politics requires no experience and no character. A light switch is either 'On' or 'Off.' Not too tough a call there. A computer binary system identifies everything as either a '0' or '1.' No judgment needed there. I'm not sure the binary system even qualifies as 'artificial intelligence.'

Who Wins Here?

• Politician "A" voted 100% pro-guns; is pro-choice; a self-avowed Marxist; and wants to raise the highest income tax bracket to 95%.
• Politician "B" voted 90% pro-guns; is pro-choice; a self-avowed socialist; and thinks that no one in the city limits of a town larger than 5,000 should own a pet.
• Politician "C" voted 80% pro-guns; is pro-life; a self-avowed Christian; and thinks that Americans pay enough taxes already.
• Politician "D" voted 50% pro-guns; is pro-life; is an atheist; and believes in a flat tax.

Which of these politicians should the NRA choose to endorse? According to their one-issue formula there is no discussion required: Politician "A".

Horse Show Judges Make More Complex Decisions

Every applicant for a judging card doesn't get one. There are standards to be met. One is the ability to make tough choices backed up by reason. The following scenario is real. Again, who wins?

When judging a Western Pleasure class:

• Exhibitor "A' failed to do the gaits required.
• Exhibitor "B" almost got bucked off but did all the elements of the class.
• Exhibitor "C" did the elements, but had to pull on the reins with all their might as their horse ran off with them.

So, which exhibitor wins the class? One who is given the responsibility of judging or evaluating is expected to apply knowledge, character, truth, and discretion to make the best choice among the options available. It seldom happens that a perfect choice exists among the possible, so a weighing of each flawed possibility must be made. A single-issue voter does not fully accept their responsibility to be discerning before voting.

Single-issue voters are either lazy, fanatical, opportunistic, or ignorant. One of these will apply to any who endorse a candidate or cast a vote based upon only one issue and nothing more.

What is the Christian Viewpoint?

How should a Christian look at their responsibility as a voting citizen? Some Christians say that their votes must agree with scripture. However, when selecting a person who job will be to represent an electorate, will such a simple formula work? No.

Human beings are contradictory. Has there ever been the perfect Christian candidate? I can't name one. So, what is the person who strives to be faithful to his or her walk with Jesus Christ to do?

The method for selecting candidates is the same one used to study the Bible:

• Be informed.
• Research the topic.
• Recognize context.
• Examine the issue from different sides.
• Discuss the point with others whom you trust.
• Use discernment to reach your decision.

Contradictions in the Bible

When taken verse by verse the Bible seems to contradict itself. More mature Christians know that the Bible is a complete work and to cherry-pick one verse or another usually drops you into the land of error.

No serious Christian will select one Bible verse and make it the sole foundation of their faith. No worthy voter will select one issue and use it as the only factor in choosing a candidate.

Voters who bind themselves by invisible chains to single-issue candidates are fanatics, ignorant, lazy, or accept being used by opportunists. No sturdy 'platform' will long stand upon a single leg. Balance may be achieved momentarily, but as soon as the weight distribution changes slightly, the platform topples and all who stand on it will be dashed on the rocks below.

There aren't many completely one-issue voters. As a citizenry we are better than that. I guess the question becomes, "Is the NRA better than that?" They say not.

Well what do you reckon about that one. It surely was an interesting take on the up-to-date goings on in the subject of political relation

New and up-to-date governmental article. The Democratic Party

In the early 1770's there were political factions that opposed Alexander Hamilton's fiscal policies during his presidency. The Federal Party under Hamilton advocated a strong central government and a loose interpetation of the U.S. Constitution with the the belief that the government should be lead by the wealthy and elite class. The factions opposing these policies were known as the Anti-Administration Party and the Anti- Federalists. It wasn't until the mid 1790's that Thomas Jefferson together with James Madison organized these factions into the Democrat-Republican Party. Their philosophies and beliefs favored the common individual. Their focus was on a strict following of the constitution and a weaker federal government. This new party was also known as Jeffersonian Democracy.

It was in1796 that Thomas Jefferson ran for the presidency representing the Democrat-Republican Party with Aaron Burr as his vice presidential running mate. The election for president was won by the opposing Federalist party's John Adams. Jefferson came in second with the electorial votes which gave him the vice president's job. This was the beginning of the Democratic Party, the People's Party as it was called.

The basic principals of the party were simple; democrats believed in individual freedom. They also strongly believed in a strict adherence of the Constitution and decentralizing of the government's power or in other words less federal government. These principals were the basis by which the party was founded. The Democratic Party has changed and modified some of these basic principals over the last 210 years.

This Democratic party is the oldest political party of the United States. Through the 1800's and 1900's the influences of its leaders drifted from it's basic principals such as decentralizing government. The movement within the party that undermined this organization was called progressivism. The progressive element within the party began in the late 1800's due to the changes in the modernization of American society.

Today's Progressive movement has entrenched itself in the culmination of the socialist movement within the U.S. and is known as the far left wing of the Democratic party. The modern progressives as they are known today are pro union, they also stand for gay rights, same sex marriage, reproductive rights, affordable housing and many other social issues that touch the lives of our citizens on a daily basis. The intrusion of government in certain aspects of our lives was not what the forefathers of our country had in mind. Their politics is rooted in the principles of socialism or what is known as social democracy. For example the government's universal healthcare program and it's bailout of different industries in our country has never been the responsibilty of the federal government. The original belief in smaller government with more social freedom for its citizens has morphed into bigger government, government takeovers of privately held companies and a more intrusive presence in everyday life.

American citizens, not the progressives or other parties, will in the end determine the path for the future of our country. By participating in your right to vote for those elected officials that represent the needs and desires of "We the people" and to exercise our right for freedom of speech, the will of the people will overcome the determinations political and special interest groups that wish to take over our government and the rule of law set down by our forefathers.

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Well what do you reckon about that one. It sure enough was an intriguing take on the up-to-date goings on in the playing field of government

Outstanding Obama TV Barack Obama on Chatroulette.com

Sometimes hearing Barack Obama is like looking on a strange flick. You may not see it at first, just upon second peek, it starts to make good sense.Everybody is on Chatroulette these days... even President Barack Obama. Starring AlphaCat as Obama www.youtube.com Written & Directed by Michael Gallagher www.youtube.com FOLLOW www.twitter.com Thanks for subscribing And watch out for Chatroulette.com .... it's CRAZY!!! © Totally Sketch 2010. All Rights Reserved.This will not be the last time that President Obama is depicted in a way that is beneath his place in history. Let us retain to take these threats seriously and answer with dynamism. This country deserves the optimum. It is time to exhibit that the people who have elected President Obama did not come together in vain.

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