‘Kill Obama’ Facebook poll: latest sign of healthcare anger?
Facebook removed a poll Monday asking if President Obama should be assassinated. The Secret Service is investigating this and other potential threats, which have grown as Obama pushes healthcare reform.
By David Montero | Correspondent 09.29.09
In the latest incident of violent rhetoric against the president, an anonymous user of Facebook posted a poll on Saturday asking if Barack Obama should be assassinated.
Administrators of the online social networking website took down the poll on Monday, but not before it received 730 responses to the question, “Should Obama be killed?”
The identity of the poll’s author is not known, nor are the responses to the poll, which was posted using third-party software unaffiliated with Facebook itself. The incident came to light after the Secret Service received a tip and contacted Facebook.
Threatening the life of the president is a crime in the United States, and the Secret Service is working to determine if the poll was meant as a tasteless prank or an incitement to violence.
The incident is the latest in a series that may point to a rise in hate speech against President Obama.
Organizations that track hate speech have noted a rise in such rhetoric over the summer, particularly since Obama began pushing for healthcare reform.
The poll on Facebook seemed to be playing off the healthcare controversy, listing as its four answers: “Yes. Maybe. Yes if he cuts my healthcare. No.”
The Secret Service is investigating two other possible threats against Obama, as ABC News reports:
The Secret Service is investigating a Maryland man who held a sign reading “Death to Obama” and “Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids” outside a town hall meeting this week. And in New Hampshire, another man stood across the street from a Presidential town hall with his gun on full display.
President Obama has long been a target of threats, stretching back to his Presidential campaign. Although the Secret Service would not disclose specific threats at that time, it did admit that Obama was the subject of more threats than any other candidate.
In light of recent threats, political observers have called the Facebook poll more than a sick joke. Some also worry that, with such incidents now apparently rising, the Secret Service may be stretched too thin to adequately investigate them all. Earl Ofarl Hutchinson writes in an opinion piece for The Daily Voice:
The Secret Service says it’s investigating. But here’s the problem, in fact there are several problems. The agency may be understaffed and under resourced at least that was what it said in its 2010 budget request report back in May. The service promptly denied its own report. But at the very least Obama’s virtual non-stop appearance schedule would tax the resources of any protective and enforcement agency.
Facebook users are also weighing in on how serious a threat the poll posed, the Los Angeles Times reported: The same day it was taken down, members created a second one asking if the author of the first should be arrested.
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2. Tom Slick | 09.29.09
I read that whole thing and the reporter didn’t even give the poll results. Meh…
3. Sandi | 09.29.09
There are countless youtube videos of people saying to assasinate Bush and there have been entire films made about his assasination. Sorry but I’m not all up in arms about a Facebook posting. I didn’t care then and I don’t care now. Bushama is destroying what’s left of this country, he’s a corrupt Wall Street Puppet liar who wants to gouge 500 billion (half a trillion) dollars from Medicare and if you dare to question it you’re labelled a racist. He has escalated W’s War on Terror that he promised to end. He is a murderous liar. It is not surprising at all that people hate him.
4. Carl Barker | 09.29.09
So what were the results of the Pol? Why was no mention made of those results? Arnt those results very germain to he whole subject of the article? Was pressure brought to bear not to disclose them? Why was the reason they were not included in the article even mentioned in the article?
6. emmy | 09.29.09
I think your headline shows some cart/horse confusion. The anger about health care reform is fueled by hatred for Obama, not the other way around. The Republicans have made health the latest wedge issue because the press started paying attention to health care, and lost interest in the birth certificate nonsense.
7. Robert | 09.29.09
If they had just made a movie or written a book about killing Obama like they did to President Bush the poster could just say it was free speech.
8. MGG | 09.29.09
What one user does anonymously online should not be the basis of a news article, much less a generalization of the response to health care reform. This is not journalism.
9. J K Keck | 09.29.09
“May” point in a rise in hate speech? Relating these threats to “healthcare anger” severely minimizes the role of Obama’s political opponents in this and other similar matters. These continued threats are politically engendered and based on the opinions of the healthcare protesters I have seen they have more to do with a contrived confused fear than a sincere anger.
J K Keck
Oakland, CA
10. Robert | 09.29.09
Oh and was that book and movie about killing President Bush just a sign of how vicious the Left had becomein opposition to Bush policies?
11. Kelly Konner | 09.29.09
So would all the hoopla been raised if he asked “Would you be upset if Obama was assinated?”? It’s amazing how ar we’ve come in criminalizing speech and knowledge.
12. r.k | 09.29.09
No, this isn’t the latest sign of anger over healthcare policies.
When was the last time someone publicly, even jokingly, suggested (and that’s what the poll was, however crudely disguised) that a sitting president should be assassinated over his policies?
It’s simply just another bubble of latent racism boiling to the surface. Disgusting.
13. Hank | 09.29.09
Obama supporters make more threats then anyone else. If you go to there supporters website….http://theobamaforum.com…it say’s in large print “NO WHITE ALLOWED” And if you read some of his supporters rantings, you will see they hope for those with opposing viwpoints can be treated as terrorists…rounded up and tortured.
14. Terri | 09.29.09
Of course the man (Facebook poll author) should be arrested, and it has nothing to do with infringing upon his Constitutional right to freedom of speech! Unless you live under a rock, everyone in America knows that it is illegal to threaten the life of the President of the United States! So at the very least, he should be arrested for an offensive display of ignorance that apparently brought out the ‘idiocy’ in 730 other people.
In a civilized society there are ways to go about ‘disagreeing’ which allows the country as a whole to maintain some façade of dignity despite chronic throwbacks to the dark ages that rear their ugly heads to remind us of where we came from and why we are not getting anywhere fast. Personally, I do not agree with every aspect of President Obama’s healthcare plan, nor do I think he has a concrete idea of how he is going to pull it off, but I recognize the fact that our healthcare system is a poster child for convoluted chaos and I applaud the Presidents’ efforts to begin a change in that area. It will most likely have to be tweaked every steep of the way, but we have to start somewhere.
If all of the ‘sign holders, town hall gun displayers & random poll makers’ would use that wasted energy to voice their opinions and suggestions in communications with their representatives, their input would be more useful to society in helping achieve a well thought out change in our current health care situation. Who better to help with this than those of us who have to deal with the current system?!
* On a related note stemming from this article: Why not leave the Obama children out of your angry displays? If you just cannot think of any other way to handle yourself, at the very least - you should try not to embarrass YOUR children with your actions. It matters.
God bless America!
15. Charles | 09.29.09
The poll was likely a progressive trying to paint conservatives and liberals in a bad light. Falsely taking the roll of victim is a typical tactic of the socialist propagandists.
16. Think Again | 09.29.09
Kill the prez because he wants to give you healthcare?
You guys must be really naive!
They want to kill him because they hate that he’s not allowing the rich to grab all the money any more.
17. Brian Wolff | 09.29.09
Where this story was pointing much of the time was public opinion, though you offered none. Would have been interesting to see a quick sampling of various polls on various issues…ie–a CBS pool reports 9 of 10 Americans thinks health care needs fundamental changes; gallup says 38% want their congress men to vote for a plan while 40% want them not to vote; 75% say the original poll poster should be arrested; 30% of people eat ham on Thanksgiving.
What would also be interesting is a sampling of some of the many other polls that exist on Facebook or wherever about Obama…showing that one crackpot is lost in a see of free thought…
18. Dom | 09.29.09
Why is it that as soon as America gains an intelligent president who actually has good ideas and can speak the English language properly, people want to oust him?
Bush was a moron, plain and simple (no pun intended). he couldnt construct a sentence, he had poor ideas and effectively showed himself to be a puppet for the increasingly facist “republican party”.
suggesting killing a brilliant man for whatever reasons (i suspect racism as its rife in the US) is stupidity at its finest.
19. tom weltman | 09.29.09
I did not vote for the President nor do I adhere to his socialist programs. However, having said that , anyone person or group who remotely suggests or incites harm to the President of The United States Of America must be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
He has been duly elected by the people of the United States as perscribed by our Constition .We are governed by law not men .
Any American who does agree with the President can tell him and his party in the coming mid-term elections at the ballot box.
He is the President and must be given all the respect that the high office permuts and deserves.He is my President.
20. Chris Wright | 09.29.09
This type of nonsense just doesn’t have any place in any political debate.
Nor does it have a place in our country, in any political party, or in any philosophy.
It was ugly when these kinds of things came out against Bush (a movie in which he was assassinated). Payback is no excuse. Revenge, anger, political dissent, are not excuses.
To not condemn, to not speak out against this, — is the same as accepting or condoning it. Please every one, black and white, brown and yellow, conservative and liberal, democrat and republican, every that is an American — SPEAK OUT against this type of talk.
21. Dana | 09.29.09
I wouldn’t give jerks like that the press by reporting about them. They are probably peeing their pants in happiness that you noticed them.
It it is a tactless prank (my guess) I would put the guilty party in jail for a week just to see what it is like.
22. Blixa | 09.29.09
This is truely disturbing. If the far right is incapable of participating with civility in the democratic process, then perhaps they should not participate at all. They contribute little value and will not be missed.
23. kww | 09.29.09
Ummm I am thinking this dude is not anonymous to the Secret Service right about now. Threatening the President of the United States during a national crisis is tantamount to yelling fire in a crowded theater is not protected speech and the guy should fry. We dont need nutters bent on a violent over throw of our country…the South lost get over it! Anyone with half a brain can see that this is not about health care… The GOP should be ashamed! The fan the flames of racism under the guise of being patriotic and many of these kooks are more than happy to take the bait. Well I for one believe that this will only lead to no one being able to post anything anonymously on the web…all should be held accountable for their speech…that is the price of free speech, if you say it you have to be willing to come out of the dark to do it. Losers!
24. vee | 09.29.09
No weapon formed against him shall prosper, we continue to lift the Obama family in prayer that God keeps a hedge of protection around them.
25. Valerie | 09.29.09
No, it’s not a sign of health care anger, it’s a sign of the growing polarization in American politics, the anger of the Republicans, and the fear-mongering that they encourage. C’mon! Do your job! Point out the artificially generated shouting matches at those health care forums that completely deny civil discourse or civil liberties. Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh with their shouting and ranting, the entire Fox News channel becoming a right wing mouthpiece.
They put the health care option there to give it legitimacy, but it’s still just hate-mongering, and you bought into it.
It’s not Barack Obama and health care that people are upset about, it’s lies like ‘throw grandma under the train’.
For the first time in my life I’m ashamed of the career I once wanted to join.
26. Scott | 09.29.09
A sign of racism maybe, but not anger about healthcare. Every poll in the country shows the majority of Americans support a public option or a single payer system. This isn’t about healthcare at all, its about hate.
27. Bill Mills | 09.29.09
A sign of healthcare anger? Are you kidding? That poll was a sign of blatant racism, and you know it. What are you trying to do, misdirect attention from the actual (more difficult) problem? It’s racism. Did you think it was dead? Get real. It’ll never die. The right wing is encouraging it to come back out from under its rock, and “journalists” are hiding from it. Shame on the press.
28. vee | 09.29.09
The character of the USA has fallen greatly,to the point I would label it unstable. I was not a fan of BUSH I or II but at no timre would I call for them or their families to be killed that is CRAZY!! ENOUGH! ALREADY! We are Americans and the strength of our nation is that we can disagree peacefully and respectfully, right.. or at least that is what I was taught.
If anything would happen to our first family it (their blood) would be on the hands of people like RL who remains on the air inciting people, and FOX News who often takens their opinion and reports it as fact, and all of us that allows this to occur repeatly unchallenged.
29. Brian | 09.29.09
Granted, its never right to want anyone to be hurt in any way, but when you try to force 80% of the people to give up what they have worked there whole life to accomplish though redistrobution of wealth policys so that those who couldnt be bothered to show up to high school or go to college can have a chunk of what you worked for, your going to make allot of people very angry. If you want to give insurance to the poor, fix Medicade and put them on it, if you cant fix it, how do you expect to create a new system that will have to handle ALL of us? If you ned to fix Blue Cross, pass laws making it illegal to drop coverage or deny, you dont bow up the system to help 20%, plus all the illigals your going to make legal as a reward for breaking federal law. People are mad because we know this has to do with ALLOT more then health insurance, as the above ideas, plus a few more, would fix that issue without taking over 1/6th the US economy. Were mad because there are people in our gov trying to seize powers outside the constitution, and its clear as day. Its no racism, its a love of freedom and a fear of socialism causing reactions such as the facebook page. Thank you.
30. Curt Hess | 09.29.09
As an old white guy, I can tell you EMPHATICALLY that this is not “another example of HEALTHCARE anger.” It is, without question, simply the outcome of GOP efforts to combine existant racism with the notion that Obama somehow should not be President, whether by birth or by some other silly rationale. Go back to the entry of Palin into the mix and her regular “he isn’t the America I know” and “socialism, communism, facism” (as though those things are similar). They know what they are doing…and it isn’t good for America.
When these clowns say “I want my country back…” they mean “I want a country where white folks are in charge.” We’ve been a racist nation since day 1 when we counted black people as 3/5 of a white person. Will we ever accept the National Geographic “DNA proof” that all human beings descended from black Africans? I doubt it.
Until we accept the presence of racism in us all, we are unable to ever elminate it. Maybe our great-great-grandchildren will get close. Until then, let’s at least acknowledge the issue.
31. RobW | 09.29.09
By your own admission, “President Obama has long been a target of threats, stretching back to his Presidential campaign.” Yet you immediately read into this latest Facebook threat the “latest sign of healthcare anger.” Now I ask you, who is stirring up trouble here, the fool on Facebook who did something stupid and dangerous or The Christian Science Monitor, which fabricated a linkage between that foolish act and a considered difference in the health care debate?
Yes, just who is it that is stirring trouble?
32. Oldskewl | 09.29.09
This has nothing to do with Health Care. There is wide spread anger and discontent and a, “White Wing” conspiracy that fuels the ignorance and prejudice of fear in middle America. Economics coupled with fear are causing a small group of malcontents to shout out nonsense, threaten the President and anyone who represents the Democratic Party. Simply put, this is a political charade brought on my small minds, fueled by the GOP politicos and spread by Fox News, The Christian Science Monitor and other disgusting and racially motivated fools.
33. Stephen Graber | 09.29.09
Threatening the President? The true villains in this scenario is the Christian right. They dehumanize Obama as portraying him as Stalin and even suggest Obama be buried along with Kennedy. Then some emotionally unbalanced individual comes along and makes threats or even attempts to carry out an action that harms the President. Those who made the initial dehumanizing should be on trial for conspiring to do harm to the President. They should be in jail along with their co hearts.
34. Dunston | 09.29.09
It’s funny really. When a president spends all your tax dollars on ludicrous military adventures, he’s a hero. If he can gibber in a vague approximation of human speech, he’s your best friend. When he squats above you doing massive twenty foot turds there is talk of changing the constitution to allow him to run for a third term.
If he tries to fix your laughing stock healthcare system though, it’s Lee Harvey Oswald time. Yee haw!
35. Dillion | 09.29.09
In a manner, the media is to blame for this. Not one honest, anylytical story was published about him as a Presidential candidate, just fluff reporting. The media picked him and ran for him. After they secured his election by shamelessly working for him they now continue to release non critical stories, never digging into any allegation, even to disprove it.The media has picked him to elevate to Demigod status, he can do NO wrong in thier eyes. It has become the second comming of MLK. Even after 50 years since died, they STILL wont do a honest story on HIM.
When your “unbias” media becomes a state mouth piece you can expect some anger and backlash. This Nation once was founded on the principles of liberty, and maybe we have leaned to far from that. People that are nagry are sick of being marginalized.
I predict BHO will win a second term as our nation collapses under one economic disaster after another. We will likely be attacked again as an excuse to snatch whats left of our liberty, the attack will be from “white Supremiscists”. We will see the Democrats true colors as they strip citizens of all firearms.
36. RickFromTexas | 09.29.09
The author of the first poll should be imprisoned, along with anyone who voted yes. These right wing idiots are acting like disobedient brats, daring the authorities to punish them. And so I think we should give them the punishment they’re screaming for.
37. KJspruill | 09.29.09
Be for real! You think that this is due to healthcare? It has nothing to do with healthcare, you know and everyone in the world knows that this is because of the color of his skin!
38. Nomo Stew | 09.29.09
Obama gets more death threats than any other candidate or President, and the parts of the country that are most against him are the parts where whites used to own black slaves, and the issue that gets the health care nuts most riled up is treatment of illegal aliens. But, no, it couldn’t possibly be that any racism is involved. Shame on anyone for ever bringing that up.
39. John Larger | 09.29.09
Healthcare anger?!? You mean the latest sign of right-wing, republican, racist hatred, don’t you?
40. Mike Chippendale | 09.29.09
I’ve heard, or read several accounts of how the threats to this president are more than every other president. It is unfortunate that there is still an element of our society that feels compelled to threaten our Commander in Chief. It is also unfortunate that some of it MAY be related to the color of his skin. But I feel confident that, beside the very small ignorant minority, race doesn’t play much of a role in the dislike of our president. If it were that prevalent, he would never have been elected in the first place. I take solace in that fact - our country is past the point where skin color can bar someone from such great achievement as becoming president. It is my opinion that poll numbers and the very vocal disagreement with the president is due to policy not skin color.
41. Zyki Steenkamp | 09.29.09
I have always have had much respect for the American people and I have many friends there.It is anfortunate that there are eliments like these so intolerent. Perhaps the should have a decent look at the issues at hand themselves, study it, ask apprropriate questions and then make up there minds.Its always easier to follow the crowd blindly instead of doing our own homework.America has always been to my knowledge a country tolerant of others opinions.This man may just have a valuable contribution to make if given a fair chance.Please dont let his color blind you and later on regret your folly.All the best to your country.Stand by your Prisident regardless of your political affiliation.If this health care plan is indeed a good one,let him remember you afterward as friends who were there through the storms.
All the best from Cape Town,South Africa.
42. J Cline | 09.29.09
Let Obama pay for his own protection as a form of insurance, just like he expects everyone to pay for their own healthcare. He can pay for it on credit and then go on paid speaking tours after his first term is over and he’s out on his behind. Most of the presidents are millionaires many times over.
43. NH | 09.29.09
The man who had a gun in Portsmouth (Kostric) was one of about 300 who were legally carrying in NH - he was not ‘bringing a gun to an Obama event’ but carrying AS NORMAL for us here in NH in our daily lives. He was NO threat to the president, stated he didn’t even want to go inside but simply express his opinion keeping outside (but you didn’t see THAT video clip) did not threaten the president in any way, and for CMS to repeat the story in such a manner as to suggest he was a threat is potentially libelous. (Consider this a warning!)
There were NO investigations done about THIS however:
http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=621
http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=612
The CSM has contacted me on many issues and this is why I refuse to speak to you.
You continually distort the truth in your articles because you get your information from other biased news sources.
PLEASE STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
44. Conservative Guy | 09.29.09
Even though I don’t like anything about Obama, threatening him is not only a quick way to get you a room at the crowbar hotel, but is a totally stupid thing to do.
Work on your reps in congress to get things changed, and if Acorn isn’t involved, vote the dudes out next election.
45. BUD | 09.29.09
You know this has NOTHING to do with health care. It is only either: massive greed OR racism. Period.
47. Jay | 09.29.09
I think the secret service should also investigate J Cline who just commented on this thread. Nice double standard… When will Americans get it through their thick skulls that hate speech isn’t free speech?
48. Susan Stein | 09.29.09
The real racists are those–black, white or other–who voted for Obama because of the color of his skin and regardless of the content of his character, regardless of his history of associations, and regardless of any number of red flags about him. The real racists are those who want a black person, any person so long as they’re black as president, as mayor, or as their senator.
49. Princess | 09.29.09
This is not about race or republicans. It is about immaturity on facebook.
there are people like this everywhere, nutty people.
Stop the blaming specific groups. This was one person, doing a very idiotic thing.
50. Willard Gatzke | 09.29.09
There is a lot of anger out there, and the rhetoric from certain news organizations talking heads is only fueling that fire. There will be violence, someone somewhere will be injured or killed.
The sad part is that it is all unfounded. Regardless of which side of this argument you are on, screaming, cursing, threatening, makes no difference to the final outcome of whatever legislation is or is not passed. Politicians on BOTH SIDES have accepted millions from the very industries they are supposedly creating laws to regulate. I have no doubt that whatever comes, it will be determined more by the amount of money “special interest” groups have paid behind the scenes rather than heated public debate. Rest assured that when all is said and done that big business will be the winner. They can afford it. Unfortunately it will be at the American people’s expense.
51. Sparks | 09.29.09
I must echo most of the previous comments. It isn’t the economy, it isn’t health care, or employment. It is the right-wing, gun-toting, fundamentalist, brainless individuals out there. It’s the racism of knuckle-dragging morons and their ilk leading us to a second, brother against brother civil war.
52. Susan | 09.29.09
I think many of the above posts have some valid points. Bush was not only bashed every single day by the left, but many comments about getting rid of him were made. The “left” started this outright hatred and now those on the right are taking their shots. It is disgusting. Where people go wrong is not realizing they are attacking the office of the president while attacking an individual. I happen to think that this administration is grossly arrogant, not the least bit interested in opposing views, and extremely immature. I am speaking of the individuals that make up this administration not the office. Therefore I oppose actions taking by this president, but try not to diminish the office because we all pay then. The reason the hate gets ratcheted up is because this administration is blatantly not listening to the majority. So bills are getting passed without the majority supporting these changes. When Bush went to war with Iraq, a large majority supported it. True he lost that support, but at least he started with it.
53. billie | 09.29.09
are u serious? of course that poll should have been removed. that is like asking should we burn the flag? that is not patriotic. If obama was bad from the start no one should of voted for him. Since he won then obvious people believe in him. I do.
54. N Lucas | 09.29.09
There is a lot of anger and hostility in America. We’ve been sold a dream and many are waking and finding that this dream we’ve been working toward our whole lives isn’t real but more a mirage in a desert of unrequited hopes(the more enlightened tend to see it for what it is, a well constructed hologram, a motivational tool to keep you doing what you do every day.)
The American dream isn’t conducive to happiness. It’s a carrot on a stick. People are angry, and rightly so. They find anything they can to latch onto in their desperation. Hate and fear are base emotions, but the vast majority of people have never been taught the skills to reach beyond that and learn to rationalize WHY they are angry or view a bigger picture to see at whom they should be.
Scapegoats are a convenient out when something is terribly amiss. Someone must be to blame and without the cognitive ability to see through the smoke and mirrors or even objectively look at ourselves in our own mirror we succumb to rumors and fear mongering. This scenario unfortunately is not without fairly recent historical precedent.
55. F Sutton | 09.29.09
The individual responsible for putting together this poll should be held accountable for trying to incite violence in my opinion. It is hate mongering fueled by ignorance and the following of others, much like sheep. I don’t believe it’s about race or healthcare. I think it’s people not informing themselves by reading and buying into what the other uninformed individuals around them are saying.
It saddens me to think that anyone in this country would be upset over this administration trying to make healthcare available to all Americans. Why is it such a terrible thing that the president wants to make life better for ALL people? If the individuals at the far right, and anyone else, were seriously concerned about HEALTH and not just money they would research nutrition and exercise. Get off your rear end and start holding yourself accountable for your OWN HEALTH. Stop going to the doctor every time your stomach hurts. If people would take responsibility for their own well-being, the cost of healthcare would lower without government intervention. We wouldn’t be having this discussion.
56. Madan Dev | 09.29.09
With hatred we don’t build a nation or future for the coming generations. This is not the America we come to praise.
57. Jerry | 09.29.09
Fingers crossed for criminal charges and prosecution in this case. Threats against our President cannot be excused.
58. Jones | 09.29.09
I’m so sick of everyone making this about skin color. Its disgusting that anytime anyone disagrees with obama, its because they are racist. The truth is that while there is racism in our country, it is not racism driving stupid actions like this poll. It is fear that drives such things, fear that the government is overstepping its bounds and becoming too socialized and distant from the people. Fear that we will slowly be stripped of the rights that make America different. I don’t agree with Obama’s healthcare reform plans, but I acknowledge that a reform of some kind is necessary. While our reps in Washington try to figure this mess out, why don’t we, instead of filling forums and commentaries with hate, try to figure out how we can work together to solve America’s issues?
59. waltercito | 09.29.09
It is frightening to observe the rise of callous, hostile, racist rhetoric - as posted here and virtually everywhere else in these spaces. We are witnessing an incredibly rapid emergence of fascist thinking and behavior. The census-taker that was murdered in Kentucky is only the first casualty in a long and bloody war these zombie/”conservatives” will perpetrate in their efforts to “take their country back” from the black man that was elected President, and from those of us who elected him.
60. John | 09.29.09
Ah the spin of the media… Misleading headlines, half hearted journalism - Now they sit back and watch the fireworks fly. For shame the lack of facts in this story and the pure conjecture of an overzelous reporter.
…So when a air raid siren goes off …does an angel get its wings?
61. DOH! | 09.29.09
Wouldn’t be surprised if the poll was started by a liberal so that Pelosi would have a new talking point. She could then claim that ALL NON-democrats are killers.
62. D Harvell | 09.29.09
The poll was probably created by some 14 year old who is not familiar with laws centering around even the mention of killing the President. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but this is very likely.
Those of you who say that this threat (or any other, for that matter) is a result of racism are the true naive ones. Racism has nothing to do with threats against the President. Most threats of violence against the President stem from his desire to erode the freedoms of Americans to a level never before seen. The government is wedging itself into the affairs of private business to a level that should not be allowed. This is no longer a Democracy. It is a government-run, government-operated socialist state. Funny how the word “czar” is being used to an extent not seen since communist Russia. And Obama has appointed, or wishes to appoint some 30 of these “czars” in various roles that the government should have no part of.
The violent threats against Obama has nothing to do with race, but everything to do with regaining our nation from the government. What happened to “of the people”. The USA has become of the government. I don’t believe that threats against the President should be made, because of this. But, I also don’t think that we should sit around like a bunch of pigs, waiting to be slaughtered. We need to fight to retain our freedoms. But, the fight should be done within the limits of the Constitution.
63. Roland Olsen | 09.29.09
Yes, this is racism because people are so scared that a white old guy named Biden could become President. Now that’s really scary!
64. Dave Dempsey | 09.29.09
A sign of health care anger? Great headline, legitimizing suggestions of murdering a President. It’s a sign of extremism run amuck. Stop giving hatred an equal place at the table with policy reform.
65. Nomo Stew | 09.29.09
Jones, the problem with your argument is that none of those fears are rationally related to the Obama Presidency. He’s no more socialist than any other President of the last many decades. There was much less violence aimed at Bubba over his much more aggressively socialist health care reform. Obama’s plan is less “socialist” than any current plan anywhere in what we commonly call the “free” world. He’s not more socialist. He is blacker, and his opposition has been thicker where racism has been thickest. And btw, I didn’t vote for him because he was black; I voted for him because he wasn’t going to carry on the moronic, reality-free, ruinous policies of the Bush years. See, there you have some actual reasons to hate a person - for what he has actually, tangibly done wrong, to great negative effect.
66. Tiara | 09.29.09
To be honest. I am only 17 years old How could anybody grown act my age!!! Leaving a pole about the President of the UNITED STATES PEOPLE!!!. he’s not just some random citizen, so nobody’s going to take that threat lightly. How can you expect the government to relax just because it’s on some website. Say they didn’t take it personal, and they actually did something like that. Then what?!?! I think you should keep negative thoughts in your head because life is all about Pro’s and Con’s. and if you think Obama cant be President then how about all of you run for President and feel how intense and stressful it is. How about you get over the fact that obama is African American #1, and #2 you should really get past the racism because he’s with us for a long time. and if he decides to run again he most definitely have my vote. GET OVER IT AND LIVE YOUR LIFE. it’s just politics GOSH….
67. Harv T | 09.29.09
After the media responded to armed brown shirts terrorizing men, women, and children at town hall meetings with arbitrarily balanced headlines of “Anger at health care proposals” and “Citizens give representatives an earful”, now the CSM gives us “‘Kill Obama’ Facebook poll: latest sign of healthcare anger?”. As long as the media keeps legitimizing, rationalizing, and balancing hate and the rising threat from domestic right wing terrorist groups, we can expect to see more activity such as the FB poll.
68. Rob | 09.29.09
It’s obviously hate driven vitriol and was posted by a Republican…the party of hate, fear, shame, and guns. My little violin plays for the pathetic Republicans who fear change and who in actuality fear their own shadow. This is pathetic and is against the law. The person posting this should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
69. Nancyljohn | 09.29.09
The people who made the film about Bush were not liberals,it was British made film. Who bombed the Federal building in Oklahoma City? A right wing nut who wanted his country back
70. Joe B | 09.29.09
Whether the threat, veiled as a Poll, was racist doesn’t really matter. In a civilized society, one does not suggest that the leader is assinated. As we all have seen on TV, ignorance of the law is never an excuse.
At one time, this type of activity would have been considered unamerican. I guess we have lost civility to the point that many people are not bothered that the hatemongers are keeping us apart. Today there are many people loudly cheering those who spread hate.
If we were such a Judeo-Christian nation as many people want us to believe, none of this hate speech would be tolerated. The pastors who pray for the demise of the President would be thrown out because they do not teach the Christ like virtues of love for all, and the offering of prayers to change the hearts of those we believe to be in error.
As much as I disliked the policies of the last President, I would be as horrorfied at the proposas to kill him as I am of this one.
71. KJ | 09.29.09
After 9 months in office, what brought us to the point where someone asks the question of assasination. After 9 months? Is it all about Hate? We all should have free speech….. but not when it puts the life of someone who was elected by the people of this country in question. Have you heard about “Obama Hunting Tags” … http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/idaho_republican_says_he_was_j.html Do any of you realize he is a Black president? Doesn’t anyone understand how easy it is for some racist nut to use a comment on facebook to try and take out the President. Unlike President Bush he was elected by a solid majority, and won the electorial college in a landslide. He got 53% of tthe vote. This is our elected official! And whomever tried to change that is guilty of treason.
72. e5a07e57c | 09.29.09
This is just an attempt by the Christian Science Monitor to incite the public.
Hey Monitor: Don’t you have any unborn babies to save?
Republicans need to get it together and work WITH the Dems. If not, you face the challenge of a 3rd party taking it all away from you.
In New York, the Working Family party is slowly becomming the 2nd largest oarty after the Dems.
Watch out Democrats, it’s only a matter of time before YOU are number 2. (Although both Repubs and Dems SMELL more like #2 to me right now…)
73. Mike Wolf | 09.29.09
“Organizations that track hate speech have noted a rise in such rhetoric over the summer, particularly since Obama began pushing for healthcare reform.”
This is misleading. The birther freaks, the Hitler-mustache fruitcakes, the imbecilic communist accusations - it all comes from before the healthcare-reform debate.
What this is about is 1) an aberrant and dangerous minority political sub-culture with especially significant presence in the South, 2) moneyed interests playing with fire by trying to exploit this sub-culture to block reforms that would remove their ability to get billions in state welfare and monopoly rents, 3) a spineless media made up of he-said-she-said stenographers with no self-respect and no respect for the truth, and 4) the toxic moral corruption of the washington political-media milieu (see points 2) and 3)…) And, let’s face it, melanin has a little something to do with it.
When you take some of the freaks at their word (there are plenty of them that are quite open about their racism) and attribute their deranged anger to healthcare reform as a matter-of-fact, you are part of the problem.
74. Lisa Noah | 09.29.09
I don’t care if this poll was taken to assasinate a president or not or even who the president is. This is wrong. People are sick. This just goes to show where people’s minds are. I could care less if you don’t like the man or not. IT IS JUST WRONG! This person needs to be arrested. If your condoning this act you need help.
75. PeaceLanese | 09.29.09
We will take our country back. But not from “the black man elected president” but from the Americans who feel they are entitled to everything from free food to free healthcare simply because they were born. The mantra is ‘take care of us dear leader so we don’t have to’ makes me want to puke.
76. Concerned | 09.29.09
I apologize in advance for going a bit off-topic. But then, most of the comments here seem kind of off-topic too. There’s nothing whatsoever to be gained in a Facebook poll of this nature. The article, however, is important to print. It’s a window to our relationship to one another.
Reading the responses to this article make me (for the most part) alternately sad and concerned. Despite my apprehension over a wide range of issues facing us today, we are still a nation ruled by laws and not by men, and we have freedoms that people the world over respect and admire. We have so many things to be grateful for, so many blessings, that I fail to see why such rancor exists between neighbors.
Disagreement is a fine thing - without a difference of opinion, progress is stifled. Each side of an argument has important points to consider. That said, is there really anything to be gained by failing to find common ground? Did we fail to learn in kindergarten that we should play well together and compromise? Democracy is all about compromise and consensus. You and I both live in the same country, and although we have different viewpoints on a topic, we need to find a way to meet somewhere in the middle so we can both continue to exist peacefully together.
If we fail in that most basic of tasks - civility - then our mighty nation is doomed to failure. If we can’t find common ground and resist the rabble rousing long enough to make an truly educated opinion for ourselves, then we have failed our forefathers and much that they fought for. I urge all the readers here to do one thing: if you really love your country, act like it. Embrace your neighbors, even if they’re different. Find the things you share in common as much as you find the differences. They’re out there - I promise. Encourage debate about the things that matter to you, and lend your researched opinion to your elected representatives. Be ready to back up your opinion with respected sources and data. I’ve failed in that before and it’s mighty embarrassing. If you have a suggestion, air it. But don’t expect that it’s your way of the highway. There are 300 million plus voices in this country, and almost as many unique opinions, and no one man or woman has a lock on the truth.
We’re all on this earth together - so we might as well get along and try to make the best of it. The alternative isn’t very humane nor appealing. We would be wise to remember that.
If all this falls on deaf ears, there are places the world over where toppling your leaders through a coup or other violent ways are the norm. Death, dismemberment, and assorted violence are commonplace. Fear reigns supreme. I suggest you seek one of these locations out and try your hand there.
77. glen beckett | 09.29.09
only the morons that are the right wing would vote in a poll to suggest the president should be murdered. whoever ran the poll has the ip addresses of the morons who voted affirmatively. Since It is a crime to threaten the life of the President, all of these drooling right wing slime who voted in the affirmative can now be arrested for a federal crime. only right wing republicans could be stupid enough to do this.
” Hank | 09.29.09
Obama supporters make more threats then anyone else. If you go to there supporters website….http://theobamaforum.com…it say’s in large print “NO WHITE ALLOWED” - I am sure Mr.Genius, this is the offical Obama forum. Please stick to idiots like the pig limbaugh or the fat little piggie glen beck for your entertainment needs.
78. ambi | 09.29.09
As a US person residing in Japan, I’m quite shocked about the manner in which the head of state is discussed — would be unthinkable in most civilized countries.
Regarding Fox News, I’d like to point out to readers (who may be unaware) that Mr. Rupert Murdoch who owned and runs News Corp including Fox and the Wall Street Journal is an extreme right wing Australian originally who has now a pretty good grip on the U.S. media. Would not be normally permitted in most of the the G8 or even G 20 countries…..
79. Doug | 09.29.09
Our free nation should always be able to chant “death to _____________” without fear of mis-use of the legal term “hate speech” being tossed around. The fact that we have a half-black president should in no way give him immunity to the vocalization of disgust for his policies. Whomever posted the poll on Facebook is obviously making a point…that is, don’t RUIN our country, don’t mess with the insurance that 80% of us are happy with or we’ll idealize about outing you! Obviously, it wasn’t a “hit list”. Come on. There are way to GAIN support for the President without criminalizing dissent. Didn’t Chairman Mao do this a few years ago? Didn’t Stalin do this? Didn’t King Henry do this? Haven’t all dictators done this? Lets face it…his policies suck, and are hurting our country. Protectionism, single payer health, cap & tax, etc.
80. Rhonda | 09.29.09
Enough. Who ever threatens the life of the the President or his family should be prosecuted and thrown into jail. Period. End of story.
81. SUPERMAN | 09.29.09
Obama needs to change his ways and he has to do it now the don’t like wat u want and they will fight back to keep from doin it
82. Sean | 09.29.09
In this whole healthcare debate, I really only have one point to make: I make more than twice the national median income, I have a wife and two children and I CAN NOT afford to have my family on my employer’s health care plan.
I don’t care if you are republican, democrate, black, white or yellow… there is something very wrong with this picture. At least Obama wants to try and improve it rather than simply let the costs of insurance premiums continue to skyrocket and allow insurance companies to try and weasle out of their obligations to pay claims at every turn. As they have with my own ligitmate medical claims in 2009.
83. stymied | 09.29.09
You think this is bad wait until the next Presidential election. We have yet to see the full force of what the far left and right will do to push there agenda’s. Us in the middle who are hard working decent law abiding citizens are screwed. Does not matter what color of skin we have. We are all screwed so that the elite and there buddies can keep its power and money. Health care is just another method of controlling us.
84. Zark | 09.29.09
It is not about killing. It is frustration shown as Americans see their freedom being destroyed by out of control government.
85. richard | 09.29.09
Anyone who says racism has nothing to do with these threats is living in an alternate reality and I have to question his own motivations. Note the recent Washington DC museum killer. The apparent racism out there right now doesn’t define the right but it has the unfortunate effect of being the epicenter of its anger. Some on the right would like to obfuscate that, some deceive themselves and others are out there with it. Isn’t it interesting that some people seem more concerned with justifying things like this than condemning it?
Another intriguing aspect to this is the talk show phenomenon. The extreme right tries to paint people who support Obama as Obots yet overlook the fact that they worship Beck, Limbaugh and the like. All the while they’re oblivious to the fact that these guys make a living focusing on viewership, not factual accuracy. These shows wouldn’t be as successful with disciplines like academic rigor, accuracy and fairness in them. Enraging is good for viewer numbers and fairness doesn’t enrage. Sometimes it just boring.
86. KJ | 09.29.09
Per Ambi, comments… It is a fact that…Mr Rupert Murdoch who owned and runs News Corp including Fox and the Wall Street Journal is an extreme right wing Australian. H shouldn’t be permitted to run a major news network! Is our country being influenced by an Aussie? Murdoch is actually the one who is ruining the country.
BTW anyone can create a Website and call it whatever they want. You could post a website tomorrow claiming anything you want. They can post no whites allowed etc…Forums can be produced for political reasons - Especially by those with an Agenda to make the President look bad. So I must ask is Obama allowed in the Obama forum since he is half White ?
87. @PeaceLanese | 09.29.09
You shouldn’t want to puke…”ignorance is bliss”…remember? I take it you’ll be voluntarily forfeiting your Madicare when you’re eligible.
88. jj | 09.29.09
A poll can not be a threat or deliver a threat, it is only seeking an opinion. What it communicates is not an intention of any action but whether or not the respondent approves of a certain outcome or turn of events.
Will this fascist-leaning administration (notice they haven’t leapt to repeal any of the Liberty-squashing executive orders made by Obama’s predecessors or the Patriot Act or FISA?) try to criminalize the taking of polls next, just because the results are too political damaging or demoralizing?
That’s not the America we were promised. That’s not the America I want.
So, the question can be read as stemming from a perspective of “What is best for this country?”. And *my* answer to the poll would have to be a “perhaps”. It depends on how much damage this guy can do. I believe liberty and freedom as promised by this nation’s charter are in severe jeopardy, and I believe that Obama, along with a lot of other elected, is perpetuating this danger with their reckless behavior and misguided ideology.
89. Rich Doode | 09.29.09
New poll:
Should Obama be impeached?
Yes. Maybe. Yes if he cuts my healthcare. No.
No publicity will happen because of this poll will it?
90. Phyllis | 09.29.09
I recently became aware of this feature offered by the Christian Science Monitor and wish to thank you and the vast number of those who have commented on this issue. For the most part these commentaries have been a positive contribution to civil discourse which is so much needed today!
As a retired social studies teacher (30+ years in the classroom!), I have been so upset by the irrational rants found at town meetings and picked up and magnified by the news media. I attended one such town meeting where a minority took over with predominantly incendiary remarks often containing half truths and lies and raucous and derisive heckling to the point that those with whom they disagreed (including the Congressman) could not be heard much of the time! We need to think before we speak or write, verify facts as much as possible and state opinions with respect for all–yes even those with whom we disagree! Of equal importance is our obligation as citizens in a democracy to listen to each other with respect!
Polls like the Facebook poll you reported on do not contribute to much needed civil discourse. Your opportunity for comment does! Thank you!
91. Adam | 09.29.09
No one should be polling to see whether or not an Elected Public Official or anyone for that matter deserves to be assassinated, murdered or judged by any of their peers. I don’t care who you are or what you have done, death is deserved by all and we have all been spared death through the grace and forgiveness of God. Simply by that revelation alone, I believe that speaking, thinking, or planning the death of another is wrong. President Obama is, a child of God’s, a father, son, and so on, just like every other human on this planet. He is fully deserving of his right to life and liberty. Just because he is now in the world spotlight does not mean that he should be killed for having a difference in opinion of others.
I don’t agree with everyone, especially our current President, but I am not about to go out and kill someone for having a differing opinion than mine. I am a white twenties something male, living with my wife in an all African-American community in Texas. There are 211 families in my community 210 of those are African-American. I have been welcomed and graciously been shown open doors and embraces by the people of this community, but I am an outsider in their realm. I don’t live the same or even a similar lifestyle as my neighbors. We dress differently, we have different taste in music, cars, and anything else you can think of. Most if not all of my neighbors voted for Mr. Obama, I on the other hand did not. Does that mean simply by the nature of our innate differences that I should be killed, or I should kill them? On the other hand if we should assassinate Mr. Obama, then perhaps his voters should be handed the same judgement? Do you see where I am heading with this? I consider myself to have moderate political views, but when it comes to the right of another person or a group people being trampled on by a narrow-minded group, caste, or individual, I become all fired up and have no acceptance for tyranny, oppression or the like.
I could go on and on around in a full circle beating this issues into the ground, and I would still end up asking everyone the same question every time. Can you allow yourselves to be embraced and captivated by the power of grace? Can you accept the things you cannot, should not, God help you if you try, change? That is all I hope this strikes a note with someone.
Peace
92. Mike | 09.29.09
While the poll is definitely done in sick taste, exactly how it this looked upon as a threat to the president? Doesn’t this violate ones right to free speech? Like someone else said, it was a poll and not a threat. I don’t at all agree with the poll…it’s sick…but I don’t agree with violating someones right to express free speech no matter how tasteless that speech maybe.
93. Natasha Williams | 09.29.09
Tom Slick | 09.29.09
I read that whole thing and the reporter didn’t even give the poll results. Meh…
““““““““““““““““““““`
I guess you didn’t read the article closely! Or else you can’t read!
Administrators of the online social networking website took down the poll on Monday, but not before it received 730 responses to the question, “Should Obama be killed?”
http://features.csmonitor.com/globalnews/2009/09/29/kill-obama-facebook-poll-latest-sign-of-healthcare-anger/
94. Natasha Williams | 09.29.09
10. Robert | 09.29.09
Oh and was that book and movie about killing President Bush just a sign of how vicious the Left had becomein opposition to Bush policies?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
“Death of a President,” a movie about the assassination of George W. Bush. Written and directed by British filmmaker Gabriel Range.
95. richard | 09.29.09
Some of the comments on this topic are bizarre in their twisted attempt to justify the sick poll. We should just ignore it because, gee, it’s just free speech. Ignore the guy yelling fire in the theater: it’s just free speech.
96. J. Cameron Bayne, teacher | 09.29.09
…The denial,divisive use of information and total ignorance that is racially fueled has become a matter of disrespect in American culture will NOT tarnish the fact that President Obama is the first elected African-American President of the free world. Hail to the Chief!
Let us pray….
99. e5a07e57c | 09.29.09
Like her or not, Hillary Clinton pushed for healthcare in the early 2000’s. The Republicans had EIGHT YEARS to come up with an alternative while they were in office.
What did they do? Get us into a war that we are unable to get out of, thrust us into a recession with all their deregulation, the likes of which we haven’t seen since The Great Depression, and the only CHANGE in healthcare was that IT WAS MORE EXPENSIVE!
That’s why, as a registered Independent voter, I voted for the Democrats. AT LEAST THEY ARE TRYING SOMETHING! They are by no means the best, and I PRAY for a decent third party that is more “centrist”. We DO need better healthcare and better minimum wages for our workers, but we ALSO need an environment where Unions will not hammer companies for every last penny - driving them into extinction.
We need change, all right!
100. PeaceLanese | 09.29.09
My liberal friend who can’t resist name calling- I have and continue to pay into the medicare system, only because there is no opt out provision. If there were I would take it. I’ll take my medicare when I retire knowing full well it was not me who was a drain on the system.
102. richard | 09.29.09
I’ll assume PeaceLanese was mistaken and not dishonest with the no opt out provision but it’s totally incorrect. And this is the problem with the right nowadays: so badly misinformed and vulnerable to those who would prefer this situation so that they can be successful misleading.
For one, you do not even have to elect Part B Medicare in the first place. Part A is free so that should not be a problem. Part C is elective. If in, you may terminate the coverage.
103. Conads | 09.29.09
To all the people harping over the Death of a President fictionalized pseudo-documentary and how ‘vicious the Left had gotten over George Bush’s policies’… a couple of things. 1) It was a foreign film, made by neither the American Left nor Right. You know… because it was a foreign film? 2) It was harshly condemned by both sides of the political spectrum upon it’s somewhat limited release (both Regal and Cinemark theaters refused to show it). Hilary Clinton was quoted as saying, “I think it’s despicable. I think it’s absolutely outrageous. That anyone would even attempt to profit on such a horrible scenario makes me sick”. 3) And even though it wasn’t a particularly good movie, it’s point went far beyond the relatively petty conflicts of ‘Left vs. Right.’ It wasn’t about assassinating George W. Bush at all. That was merely a contemporary figure used almost as a McGuffin. 4) I shall now step down off my soapbox.
104. brandy | 09.29.09
In response to “Hank”:
I went to theobamaforum.com and was shocked to discover that such a clearly fraudulent site would be allowed to exist. Whoever created it should at least be honest and admit that it’s a hate Obama site instead of an Obama supporters site. Anyone who believes in it needs to have their head examined.
I’ve never seen such anger and Poverty hatred directed towards a President, including Bush. If it scares you please support the Southern Poverty Law Center’
http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2009/09/24/immigrants-out-to-destroy-us-washington-times-columnist-warns/
105. Clint | 09.29.09
3. Sandi | 09.29.09″There are countless youtube videos of people saying to assasinate Bush and there have been entire films made about his assasination”.
Perhaps you would care to provide links to back up your accusations. The Right Wing Nuts aren’t upset over this F.B. poll because one of them is the pollster.
106. Jason | 09.29.09
Jail?! Prison?! Really, People?! Look at what he asked. “Do you think Obama should be killed?” He asked for the opinion of the public. Nowhere did he say, “I’m going to kill Obama” Nowhere did he say, “I want to see Obama dead.” (though he could definitely say that all he wants.. it is his right) There is a HUGE step between. “I want to see Obama dead” and “I want to kill Obama”. As indecent as it is to say… I’m allowed to want someone dead… I’m not allowed to kill them or threaten to kill them. Some of you people are morons.. the fact that this is news is atrocious. Start thinking for yourselves and stop biting every lie your liberal political science or conservative pastor says to you.
107. Roland Olsen | 09.29.09
Richard: Part A is free so that should not be a problem.
That’s interesting since on my paycheck there is money taken out each week for Medicare and Social Security. Is there a way to opt out of paying this portion of my salary for this “free” service?
108. Prometheus | 09.29.09
Jason:
The poll listed four possible answers:
1. Yes.
2. Maybe.
3. If he cuts my health care.
4. No.
*********
The person who created the poll is saying that Obama should be killed.
The Right has been promoting the canards that Obama wants to (a) establish death panels, (b) ration health care, (c) prevent people from retaining their current physician and/or health plan.
So what do think No. 3 means?
109. the eater | 09.29.09
I hope that the people who opined towards his “removal” stopped to think that then we would get Joe Biden as president, which would be even worse still…
110. 4Honesty | 09.29.09
What good is accomplished by assassinating a president? None! The opposite result is achieved: evil and chaos which threatens everyone. I despised G.W. Bush, R. B. Cheney and Karl Rove, but worked only for their legal punishment.
Public dialogue has become ridiculous, just when it is most needed on important national topics. This incident on Facebook tells us that some have abandoned reason and knowledge of history for the sake of irrational anger and hatred. Unfortunately, this whole trend toward angry public expression is traceable back to the “strategists” in the Republican Party and their on-air henchmen like Beck and Libaugh, et al. Moderate conservatives must take back control of the Republican Party before it foments nationwide civil violence. This isn’t Croatia and Serbia: it’s the United States of America.
President Obama is not evil, he is just trying to extend the good done by Social Security, Medicare and the Veterans Administration to everyone: IF they choose to enroll.
111. Michael Owen | 09.29.09
I think what we’ve been seeing in the last year is the vindication of the faction of the Founding Fathers that the rabble is not to be trusted with political power.
It’s a sad, sad day when I have to hang my head and say Jefferson and his faction was wrong and Hamilton and his faction was right.
112. richard | 09.29.09
Roland, I was talking about the premiums or lack of once entitled to Medicare. There are none for Part A if you have worked at least ten years paying the FICA tax of 1.45% on your earnings. Sounds like a hell of a deal to me. It’s true that’s not optional. And taxes to keep America safe aren’t optional either. Would you suggest individual choice on this? The problem is that all these self-proclaimed financial geniuses who would manage quite well on their own if they didn’t have to contribute to Social Security in fact would not manage so well and then I have to cover their butts. I remember a guy writing a financial magazine around 1999 bragging how smart he’d been in the stock market and didn’t need SSA. He had about 384K like that would have taken care of him. Look what’s happened since. Nothing but nothing replaces a stable and certain retirement check independent of stock market ups and downs.
113. Michael Owen | 09.29.09
I can’t help wondering if those who think that Obama should be assinated because “he” (not a majority of the duly elected Congress) cut their health care feel it’s also appropriate to kill the head of their insurance company if they are dropped by it, or to kill the CEO of the corporation they work for if their employer cuts their health care.
114. john purcell | 09.29.09
Poll:
Should the author of the Facebook Poll be assinated?
Yes: is an insult to America
No: just tied up and whipped
Maybe: if he is a white, definately yes
115. Freedom of speech | 09.29.09
OK Noboma Is going way to far. Last I checked we were still a democratic nation. Obamoa is moving this country to Socialism and taking away our rights and FREEDOM under the United Sates Constitution. I;m sure there were polls about George W that were never taken down or investigated. I dont care to see our president assassinated and I dont care for his policies. The Libs could careless about what the majority of Americans want. I personally cant wait till 2010 so we can get some of these morons out of office.
116. Melanie | 09.29.09
I just can not believe what I am reading here, I am absolutely shocked. How is it that 95% of the people that are talking about this poll are not seeing the true disturbing facts? You are talking about killing another human being, it is that plain and simple. I bet that at some point in time some one has not liked you, should they have taken a poll to kill you. People voted for this man so suck it up and deal with it. If you don’t like him, then how about starting a poll to not get him re elected, not freaking killed. What is wrong with you people?
117. Roland Olsen | 09.29.09
I have a feeling the many of these outrageous polls and posters will turn out to be authored by left-wingers. It has been already proven that the Joker Obama image was created by an Arab-American who is an ardent supporter of Dennis Kucinich. In fact, if any group is unhinged about Obama at this moment in time, it’s the left-wingers who are crazed about the prospect of more troops going to Afghanistan and not getting socialized health care.
118. Abby | 09.29.09
I didn’t see the press give a D(*N when people threatened Former President Bush with assassination…Another leftist double standard. The CS Monitor is showing their angle to the left.
119. richard | 09.29.09
Melanie, you are right on but that’s the problem with hate. One goes so far out on the limb of logic guided by a blind hatred that one becomes a caricature of reasonable analysis. They can’t understand how someone else sees racism or, at least, a loss of sense of balance in their commentary though it’s apparent to others. Suggesting killing or its possibility as an alternative is obviously wrong and you can bet if the tables were turned and someone said that about Limbaugh, Beck or the like they’d be outraged(and they’d definitely be right to be in that case).But with hatred one comes to believe well, it’s justified because he’s just so terrible(he’s black, he’s a communist, etc).
120. Shawn | 09.29.09
I didn’t see any threat by the poll…he was just asking a question. No the person should not be arrested. Life goes on.
121. Mrs English | 09.29.09
The trend of my thought is similar to #78 and #86. We can see how the Madrassa schools, started so small teaching hatred, grew, are now in Africa, and Indonesia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all still preaching hate the United States and the Europeans, and the “other” branch of Islam. Just so, the media of shouters and haters don’t care about your country. They care about stirring up passions and turmoil and sensationalism in order to profit Themselves.
Our FCC needs new regulations for these times. Public communications are theoretically for the people. We have the right to truthful civil media. The licenses should go to orderly responsible citizens who know the difference between freedom and license.
122. John Taylor | 09.29.09
It is becoming so divisive in this country that anytime anyone says anything derogatory or in any manner disagrees with the sitting President, it is AUTOMATICALLY labeled “RACISM”. This is nothing short of disgusting! Are we to assume that if you just happen to be a person of color other than white, then you are assumed to be infallible, and if you are white and disagree with that person, your motivation for disagreeing is automatically racist? How ridiculous does that sound? People, do not be deceived, our unadulterated, uncontrolled media is guiding this whole thing to generate, you guessed it, sales and ratings. They can only do this with content. If we “REALLY” want to eliminate racism, then it has to be done on both sides of the issue and have open and honest discussions about the “real” issues, rather than label everything as “RACIALLY MOTIVATED”!
123. Kenneth D Scott | 09.29.09
Any and all threats to assassinate a President of the United States or one running for that office should be taken seriously. It not only is against the law but speaks poorly of our Citizens.
If one does not like a sitting President, then start an impeachment session, and join a political group to stop that person from being re-elected.
Sometimes I worry about our Citizens and our violent culture here in the USA…it is time to remember our roots and honor our Country’s leaders.
124. KT Crosby | 09.29.09
What’s our relationship to “… all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them:”? Doesn’t that guide us in thought and deed in this situation?
125. Sewman | 09.29.09
Good for you Brian. You are the one in this chat that made sense. Thank you and God Bless you. It seems that some people, and you know who can not say God Bless Amereica any more and removed the morning pray from the white house.
126. Youcantbuyme out | 09.29.09
I thought all that was done is to Ask A Question in the form of a Poll.
If you did not like the “Question”, all you do is ignore the poll.
Is not this a freedom of speech and/or expression issue? I did not see this as a threat in any fashion- it was a question. What are you peopple reading into this?
BTW, what were the results?
127. Devoneco | 09.29.09
Sick people - sick minds. This is what the “other side” of America is made up of. They are still permitted to survive in spite of the whole “Democratic” mask that is being shown to the rest of the world. And the reason - just because someone is trying to change America into a land where ALL of its citizens will prosper and be cared for. The rhetoric is provoked by the handful who know they will not be able to continue their acts of “making hay while the sun shines” at the expense of the health of the majority of its people. Any kind of threat against the President’s life must be taken seriously - considering the history of assassinations and attempted assassinations against the lives of past Presidents. The culprits must be jailed for life and kept away from society.
128. Devoneco | 09.29.09
Like to know from those who mention about assassination threats on Pres Bush’s life, incidents and movies in which such threats are apparently mentioned. Please be specific.
129. Michael | 09.29.09
Republicans are smart enough to realize that killing him would only make a martyr out of him and could make his goals a reality.
I bet it was some Obama supporter who created that poll to stir up the pot.
It was a tool to blame on republicans in an effort to discredit anything they say, no matter how legitmate. They must realize calling us racist isn’t working so they resort to this.
130. Toby Recall | 09.29.09
And still yet right wing Americans scratch their collective head to figure out why they are the laughing stock of the world.
A great nation with a great population is infested with vermin like this and it is disgraceful. I fear for your future if you cannot accept the great opportunity you now have with a forward thinking leader.
131. Mark | 09.29.09
Obama wants to give us healthcare? Give me a break, wanting to make it mandatory and if you decline it you are fined, if you refuse to pay the fine then jail time. Obama is a socialist nutbag.
His supporters are a bunch of racist nut cases. Just visit “theobamaforum.com” and read posts from violent scumbags with names like “Hotep, MacDaddy, Crapshoot, Red Blade, 64power, Rhamstein, ArmyShabazz and others. They have subjects like “How to kill whitey, enslaving whites” and other like headings. I don’t see that jerk Eric Holder investigating these people. Oh I forgot, blacks can’t be racist.
The facebook poll was just that a poll, the secret service can only question the people involved, no crime was commited.
Obama will go down as the worst president in history.
132. Dan | 09.29.09
Why is it that up until now, it was popular or cool to say negative things about the president, (see Bush’s Administration) but now that Lord Obama is in power, anytime someone practices their right to free speech, they are labeled “racist” or “bigot” “right wing extremist”?
It is udder ludicrousness.
Also I want to clear the air of confusion people seem to be stuck in. The United States is NOT and NEVER has been, “Democratic.” Research into it a bit as the explanation there would be very long. Our once great nation was based on the premise of a Republic. We are now walking through Socialism into Fascism and soon we will all be locked into FEMA camps and forced to take vaccinations that rot our brain stems.
“Enjoy your Puppet” is all I have to say to anyone who didn’t see this coming. If McCain had been in office, these issues could be addressed without anyone being condemned for being “ignorant” or “racist”
133. Keizo | 09.29.09
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134. DanTheMan | 09.29.09
I don’t know about others, but I can’t stand Obama for two reasons: (1) he’s a Socialist, and (2) he’s a habitual liar. So yes, I hate him and I’m not afraid to say it. If his goons come after me for hating him, then America is no longer a place in which I want to live. I thought Bill Clinton was dishonest, but Clinton seems innocent compared to Obama. Let’s face it, America elected a piece of garbage for president and now we have to suck it up and accept it until he’s out of office. And for the record, I hate Pelosi and Reid too. 
135. Dr. Paul | 09.29.09
The question is disgusting and reprehensible. Polling to “kill” anyone, especially a president or public official ought to outrage decent people everywhere. Speak up. Not denouncing, this or dismissing it is the same as accepting it. It is offensive and against the moral principles of our country. How is this poll any better than a jihadist calling for the death of somebody? I do not support President Obama’s ideology or decisions, but this poll is contemptible. Protest publicly, send letters, write a blog, but don’t suggest harm to anyone as an option.
136. Derek Smith | 09.29.09
The comment made by Susan Stein, your an idiot and learn about politics before speaking. However, the attacks on obama is because of his race and we all know that. Threatening him and his family is really really low, and let’s get one thing straight: First, I am educated but that will go out the window if America first black president becomes harmed in any way. Let’s give the republicans, what they really want. A race war, minorities versus majority, see how midde America and the south will adjust then.
137. Porter Doran | 09.30.09
Hank posted:
“Obama supporters make more threats then anyone else. If you go to their supporters website, http://theobamaforum.com, it says in large print ‘NO WHITES ALLOWED’.”
That forum is an anti-Obama forum, bright boy. It’s populated by radical-right detractors of the President. You should’ve read some threads before posting here — you’d enjoy yourself more posting there.
138. Porter Doran | 09.30.09
By the way — to the various chaps going on about the “Bush assassination” movie — first of all, it was made in Canada by Canadians, and, second, Pres. Bush was never mentioned by name.
139. Alice | 09.30.09
I think the first several comments and many more are hardly Christian. This quiz, and anyone who answered anything positive, should and will be investigated by the secret service. As an American, I would want any indication of a threat to our national security and stability to be investigated. Welcome to the Patriot Act.
140. carol | 09.30.09
Notice how many have been playing the race card in these posts? When they have no argument,…
141. Rick | 09.30.09
The press didn’t care about the Bush assassination film? Of course they did. Here is a link to an ABC News story from the time http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2385758&page=1 The title is, “outrage Over Documentary on Bush Assassination” and it even includes a discussion about how the Secret Service was likely to investigate the incident.
Yes, this was “just a Facebook poll.” So what? It doesn’t matter what the website is or which party has the presidency. When people say anything that sounds even remotely like a threat to the POTUS, the Secret Service is likely to investigate.
142. SK | 09.30.09
All these hate speeches against Obama feels suspiciously like an orchestrated campaign. The motives may not necessarily be to undermine Obama but eventually to bolster his position when people get tired of the hate speeches and will eventually swing the other way in support of him. It could be a clever psychological tactic to prepare the public to accept the changes he is going to introduce when public sympathy swings towards him. Sorry, I don’t take anything in politics at face value.
143. Lance Matteson | 09.30.09
A poll of this kind, whether directed at Obama or Bush, is not “a sign of healthcare anger”, a headline phrase that dignifies too much that which has not a shred of legitimacy. It is a sign of sheer hatefulness that deserves no air time from any medium — other than to be condemned categorically. Whether it is illegal is another question.
144. the freeman | 09.30.09
1. threatening the President, no matter who, is a crime and not part of free speech. 2. similar speech was made, has been made about George W and should have been condemned with similar enthusiasm. 3. On the other hand the Obama administration has put at risk CIA agency and military in their threats against actions taken and investigated and operated “legally at the time” under George W Bush. Agree with or not, this is putting at risk people’s lives and is more than just talk and polls. It reminds me of our soldiers returning from Vietnam and being booed and spit on by those who disagreed with the war and worse and many of those soldiers were drafted and following orders. So people are angry with the man in the kitchen (If you cannot take the heat, stay out of the kitchen ref). People are upset because the inferences of the health care reform is going to cut into some medicare benefits now offered to some seniors which could put their lives at risk so they also feel as if their lives are being threatened! This is not just a poll or freedom of speech but will be a law that puts them at risk in one way or another. The potential for abuse in the new health care bills proposed also puts seniors in a position that could shorten their lives. Is it any wonder they want the President to feel the same threat back? Not that it is right to do the latter, but is it right for his administration to push Congress to pass laws that are unconstitutional? That cause those who vote for it to break their promise to Uphold the constitution? It is against the law to threaten the president but it is unconstitutional to pass this law and if we swear to uphold the Constitution there is a Constitutional Right to take up arm against anyone who tries to take our rights from us. We have a conundrum here!
145. Keith | 09.30.09
It is illegal to threaten the president. It is not illegal to ask if the president should be killed. They wimped out by pulling this “poll.”
146. Whatever | 09.30.09
I remember clearly 8 years of bush being called a chimp, curious george, monkey boy, etc etc.
Imagine using any of those insults on the current occupants of the white house. The network news folks would be filling page ones across the nation with “right wing racist hate speech permeates America”.
Michelle has a penis.
147. AntonioSosa | 09.30.09
Cubans and Venezuelans, who know about Obama-like Marxists, believe the poll was probably posted by Obama’s own operatives to demonize the opposition. Castro, Chavez, Morales, Correa and the rest of the Obama-like Marxists thugs who are destroying Latin America are constantly claiming that the “oligarchs” (the opposition) is trying to kill them.
Chavez says there are threats of “magnicidio” (killing of an important person). Venezuelans say Chavez makes up stories to justify increased repression and that, in any case, it would be a “minicidio” not a “magnicidio” because Chavez is NOT an important person, but a germ, lower than the low.
148. AntonioSosa | 09.30.09
You are right, SK. Latin Americans familiar with the tactics of the Marxist thugs who are destroying Latin America believe the poll and hate speeches against Obama are an orchestrated campaign (by Obama) to demonize the opposition and justify repression.
Those attending tea parties are all supposed to be “dangerous right wing nuts.” We know that is not true, but that is how Obama and his accomplices want the opposition to be seen so we become afraid to oppose him.
We should not allow ANYTHING to deter us from defending our country and our future from Obama. We don’t want to kill anyone. We just want to defend our country from destruction.
149. Sarah Pryde | 09.30.09
um…..wow.
i can’t believe what i am hearing. it’s one thing to disagree w/ your leader, to debate, etc. but whatever you may not agree with has nothing should have no reflection on whether you wish to kill them or see them killed.
and the bit about the guy who wants Obama’s children and wife killed!?!?!
sometimes i am truly sad that these are the people who i share a country with.
Obama is trying really really hard to clean up this mess he has inherited, and all he’s getting is people criticizing everything he does. there is just no pleasing some peeople.
Bottom line: threatening to kill the president is illegal, and making a poll asking if you would like to see the president killed is hinting that you (the poll maker) have that intention.
it would be like if i posted a poll asking what color shirt i should wear today
150. Dave | 09.30.09
There are a lot of talking points that can be made about this whole thing, like freedom of speech, Communism, Government take over, the definition of Conservatism changing to Racism, but I wont go there this go around. Instead I want to say let this be a a clear concise message that America the beautiful Isn’t going down quietly. Her conservative values, Capitalist genre, -Christian- values, no, we are going to stand and fight for what is truly ours. And ya’ll liberals just might as well buck up and get ready for 2010 & 12, cause it’s on.
151. Chris Sears | 09.30.09
How many people are going to flub the comparison to the Bush movie about assassinating him? Your first problem is the movie was done by a British director, not an American, so the comparisons to a Liberal American are wrong. Research things before you open your mouth and make an idiot of yourself.
152. God Help America | 09.30.09
Stupidity is prevalent in this world and that’s a fact! But I strongly believe if anything happens to President Obama it will definitely trigger the worst “Race War” this country have ever seen. Is this what people really want?
153. jessica gomez | 09.30.09
*who would ever say to kill the president. it is stupid an unmature. Gop some one should put you in jail. It is not about his new plan for health care. get over the fact that his black. You recesiss sun of a……
155. Jay | 09.30.09
This really dumb why would take something a simple poll off of facebook and blow it our of proportion.
156. LarraineM | 10.01.09
This is the result of hours of pundits: “preformaces ” in main stream media of course. Telling LIES for enterainment purposes.See how far folks are willing to take this hate mongereing! Its sick,and if something horriable happens they’ll respond with “I did’t mean it literely” “Its not my fault” The way the hate movement is operateing is pure evil! We are in no doubt a spiritual warfare in this country,…………….with satin
157. Robin | 10.01.09
Anger about health care and talk of assassination are not a national trend. These are 100% fueled by the Insurance Industry’s PR campaign.
If the Insurance Industry sees Obama as a risk to profits they’ll get rid of him any way they can. Nothing personal. In fact, accusations of racism just play into the Insurance Industry’s hands. They love it because it creates division and distracts us from what really matters. We won’t notice them screwing us so much if we’re busy screaming “racist” at one another.
158. TOM | 10.02.09
What I would like to know is..
..what were the results of the poll?
Other than that..I could care less.
Bush received far greater threats when he was President..and I never saw as mcuh concern in the media then.
159. aurora | 10.03.09
ok……….so they dont care when someone says something bad about bush,but want to arrest someone just for posting something on Facebook? sorry but that is lame.
160. CPC | 10.03.09
To all of you naive sock puppets who don’t think it is serious, read this. This intelligent person puts this situation in very good terms!………..
Okay, that’s it, I’ve had it.
The hate speech, the threats have gotten completely out of hand. And those who have incited viewers and listeners– and you know who you are Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, etc.– are responsible for a good part of this horrific activity.
No, it is not “grassroots”, not even close. It is a sick, terrifying, dangerous movement toward violence and the worst kind of civil unrest.
The same “party leaders” who get their rocks off by pretending to be macho and exerting their windbaggy, wrongheaded power will one day come to realize that killing is real, not just a word on a Facebook poll, and it’s already happened (Dr. Tiller, the census “fed”), and it is final. Real and final.
The only things long and hard about these blowhards (no pun) are their mics. You get rid of those, and these chest-thumping cretins are nothing more than overgrown, uncontrollable, whiny, screeching little toddlers trying to clomp around in grown-up shoes, shoes that they’ll never be able to fill. They’ll never be men. They are wounded, damaged animals.
Time to tame them. And time to demand that they tame their deranged, diseased herd of blind followers
161. truth and reason | 10.05.09
Obama is not liked very much by Americans who want to preserve our great country and freedoms but to want any president killed is wrong, even when you differ on the politics. I did not vote for Obama and I do think he is ruining our country with his left liberal agenda but that is why we have elections and hopefully the rest of America will wake up and vote him out in the next presidential election, along with the democratic congress. Good for nothings!
162. Aaron | 10.05.09
Who are you people? This IS the CHRISTIANS SCIENCE MONITOR, correct? Are Christians now advocating/condoning murder? So this is what Jesus would do…?
164. some dude | 10.10.09
I don’t get the whole anger over health care. So what if the public option puts private companies out of business? Not like it will get any better either way. The gov option will lead to more fraud. Either way not a reason to threaten the life of a president. I didn’t vote for him but he is still my pres. Still my country even if the last few presidents and congresses are trying to bankrupt the country.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
1. Twitter Trackbacks for ‘Kill Obama’ Facebook poll: latest sign of healthcare anger? | csmonitor.com [csmonitor.com] on Topsy.com | 09.29.09
2. » America’s World of Racisms, Reversals and Resurgence - By ¡Para Justicia y Libertad! | 09.29.09
3. Hillary Is 44 » Blog Archive » The Obama Death Threat Plots – The Who And Why Behind Them | 10.07.09
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1. DEE | 09.29.09
UM it is a poll on facebook. They actually think it is serious. Whatever. Jus curious what the results were prior to removal.