Associated Press
President Barack Obama.
‘Socialist Joker’ Obama portrait goes viral
By Matthew Shaer | 08.03.09
Update: The creator of the portrait has been unmasked.
Back in 2008, when election fever was spiking, the street artist Shepard Fairey created his famous and controversial image of Barack Obama. (In January, the image was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery, in D.C.) Now a conservative graffiti artist – who knew? – has apparently been papering the greater Los Angeles area with images of Barack Obama dressed up as Heath Ledger’s Joker.
Each image appears above a single, block-lettered word: “Socialism.”
According to Associated Content, a “string of Obama Joker posters were first seen in Los Angeles, with a few even getting to Atlanta.” Now, digitized copies of the portraits have gone viral, spiraling across Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. That’s right kids: the “Socialist Joker” is a real, live Internet meme. Next stop? The front of a T-shirt sold out of Urban Outfitters.
Predictably, the right-wing blogosphere is bursting at the seams with glee. Over at American Thinker, Thomas Lifson proclaims, “It is starting. Open mockery of Barack Obama, as disillusionment sets in with the man, his policies, and the phony image of a race-healing, brilliant, scholarly, middle-of-the-roader.” Others see not a piece of societal criticism, but a vicious, race-baiting gag.
Here’s Steven Mikulan of the LA Weekly:
The poster, which bears a very superficial resemblance to Shepard Fairey’s famous Obama Hope illustration, has been pasted on freeway supports and other public surfaces. It has a bit of everything to appeal to the drunk tank of California conservatism: Obama is in white face, his mouth (like Ledger’s Joker’s) has been grotesquely slit wide open and the word “Socialism” appears below his face. The only thing missing is a noose.
Meanwhile, the folks over at Bedlam Magazine write, “The Joker white-face imposed on Obama’s visage has a sort of malicious, racist, Jim Crow quality to it.”
For his part, Robert Dougherty of Associated Content says that everyone is missing the point. “The Joker was many things, but was hardly a socialist,” Doughterty correctly points out. “In fact, the Joker is the polar opposite of a socialist, and anyone who watched ‘The Dark Knight’ would know that. Socialism is the result of an all powerful central government that runs every aspect of life — but the Joker subscribes to anarchy, one of socialism’s polar opposites.”
We’ll let you be the judge. We can’t show you the JPG version currently circulating the web – pesky copyright restrictions – but YouTube is fair game. And here’s a video, until someone yanks it down:
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Vicious gag? Fair game? Tell us here, or on Twitter.
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2. fred flintstone | 08.03.09
Too bad whoever created this image doesn’t have the brains God gave a cabbage.
Oh wait - maybe he does.
5. Whatever | 08.03.09
What the hell are you on about? Race never came to my mind when I saw that image. It’s just you who is attempting to inject race into this.
The image has a clear message. Obama is a criminal out to loot the public purse and change America to fit his own socialist, Marxist agenda.
The image resonates because it is so clear to most people that he is a phony of the highest order. A man that claims to be a Constitutional Professor and in the same breath hires avowed Marxists and Communists into his administration.
6. Ronald Reagan | 08.03.09
SO republicans cry like little girls about EVERYTHING..whats new? Some more Kool-aid for them to drink and whine… sissies
7. reason | 08.03.09
The power of this image and message is incredible. Everyone instinctively reacts to it’s basic truth even though many struggle to verbalize it.
Predictably, liberals deny the truth before their eyes and try to dress the emporer with cloths he does not have. Striking out at anyone who expresses the obvious truth or obfuscating the message with trite talking points that have no meaning.
Obama is a very bad joke, socialism is his goal. He will lie, cheat and do whatever he can to reach that goal, even if it means destroying america and our way of life. Americans are waking up and they aren’t laughing.
9. Bob | 08.03.09
How timely. Yeah Obama is a real joker, just like in the movie. This is the dumbest analogy wrapped up in an artwork since the Mona Lisa got a moustache. Oops, too bad the economy is recovering or else maybe this joke would mean something.
11. overdue | 08.03.09
Can’t they do better than that?! “Socialism”? What’s the connection to the poster, the Joker, or Obama for that matter?
Why not put “Born where?”? At least THAT’S a more “contemporary” issue. Although equally pathetic…..
Poor repubs. Oh wait, they’re the rich ones.
12. Scott | 08.03.09
Before “Bush” bashing became popular, I would have said it’s off limits to use emotionally charged images. After “Bush” bashing, it only seems fair, considering the liberal commentary on the Bush presidency. Too bad both liberals and conservatives have devolved so low as to use emotionally charged images to make a point rather than the mental powers of persuasion… Any chance we could return to a higher level of civility….?
13. patrick | 08.03.09
you know, something hip and edgy like this could actually work to benefit obama. i mean honestly, its kind of a cool image, and to have just the word socialism… who knows, it might get young voters thinking, socialism is bada$$….who knows.
its all fair game. i mean honestly. if it is not literally hurting someone then freedom reigns. i dont see any threats here. i saw signs that W. was a serial killer because of the number of death row inmates he governed while in texas…if thats fair game, then calling an increase in government involvement in markets and peoples lives socialism is fair.
14. Horse Radish | 08.03.09
I think this is great. It causes confusion on so many levels. Obama! The Joker! Socialism! Three totally unrelated things! It’s a nice image, too. He’s looking pretty handsome there.
15. wildbill | 08.03.09
The anonymous internet has surely allowed politics to get uglier than before.
It’s always been a contact sport, but now can reach wider, faster, than ever.
The combo of Soudbite Mentality, Mediocre Education, and viral emails, does not bode well for our country.
16. Aaron | 08.03.09
The Humor Instutute was there a week ahead of this viral idea but extends kudos to a superior creative execution.
17. Mac | 08.03.09
Anarchy is a transitional state between absolute control (socialism/fascism/oligarchy)and a democratic republic. I think this “Joker” is simply a portent of change. Obama will complete the cycle of socialism begun by FDR, which should logically be followed by a brief period of anarchy and ultimately a return to a democratic republic. We’ve got a rough road ahead.
20. murdock | 08.03.09
This is the typical hate-centered projection that the hysterical right is manufacturing. They are out of real ideas and all they have left is scorched earth. This represents their typical projection and emotes who they really are: jokers with the burned out eyes.
The progressives have the ideas, as well as the public support. This enrages the black emptiness of their vapid intellect. What do you call a virus starter? Patient zero.
21. Solius | 08.03.09
What is the big deal about the Joker and Obama? It is peculiar to see how a tasteless design can cause such a big noise around. mhhh maybe is not that bad, the joker has a sense of humor and quasi-endless power and looking into detail he has a sense of design in his own way. Obama has the power now, featured in fashion magazines several times their personalities are not that far apart! My friends at teksapienshosting.com the fastest web hosting company in the world would like to have the joker to advertise their business to make it popular such as this obama joke. More power to the joker!
22. Deeptoad | 08.03.09
I see nothing wrong with it. I had a sticker on my car that was designed to look like the W04 campaign sticker. Mine read WTF instead. They are politicians and, therefore, fair game. Personally, I’d like to see someone photoshop an Obama beer label that reads Bush Lite.
23. Limbchicken | 08.03.09
How come everytime someone takes on a Black Man, it’s racial. I guess no one is allowed to use our 1st amendment rights, or does old Fred F. even know what I’m talking about.
Hey it’s OK to mock a conservative, but leave the Socialist Oligarchy types alone right?
Right.
24. umm | 08.03.09
Since when was the Joker a socialist? He’s more of an anarchist; at least, that’s what he attempts to create.
And why does it tell me I’m posting comments too quickly and to slow down, when I haven’t even posted a comment???
25. euonymous | 08.03.09
This is THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR website, for heaven’s sake. Why would you give any visibility to this dreck?
The intention may have been race-baiting, but I see only common right wing vicious argumentum ad hominem demonstrating that conservatives have no contribution of value to solving the economic and social problems of the United States.
26. retry | 08.03.09
“Predictably, liberals deny the truth before their eyes and try to dress the emporer with cloths he does not have. Striking out at anyone who expresses the obvious truth or obfuscating the message with trite talking points that have no meaning.”
Dude, you’re engaging in self mockery, right? How many weasel words did you just employ to state your opinion?
27. had enough? | 08.03.09
To label Obama as a Socialist is not a logical criticism of his positions or policies. It is a fundementally dishonest tactic to scare and steer the ridiculously ignorant masses in the direction of the braineating zombie Right. The Right has failed and when I say failed I mean they have fallen and can’t get up. Should someone call life alert? Their policies are embarrassing, from foreign policy (bomb first, leave the mess for someone else) to social domestic policy (non-existant, except to torpedo public education and not come to the aid of a drowning city). There are no excuses. The GOP as we knew it is DONE. OVER. And now all they can do is call names, make insinuations, Occasionally trot out Cheney to defend the indefensible. Bush/Cheney manipulated us (911) then lied to us (IRAQ) and stole from us (defense contracts to Halliburton and Bectel). Now conservatives want to call names? That stings.
28. sdtrueman | 08.03.09
Hey we liberals disrespected Bush just as much didn’t we? Hmmm, maybe not. But then again, Bush deserved it, Obama doesn’t. You Obama haters just can’t get over the fact that a black man is President while you completely ignore the enormous damage your guy did to this country. Pathetic. You lost, big time! Get over it and try doing some actual good for your country rather than attacking the duly elected President (unlike your guy who had to be handed the Presidency by the Supreme Court).
29. Karl | 08.03.09
Another link in the chain of fearful whites who wish the world would go back to a mythical time where they were “King of the Hill”.
30. ewigzweit | 08.03.09
dcrupton - yes, because everything our right wing presidents said came true… Bush was the true joker. Considering what Obama has been faced with due to the prior administration(s) not to mention, years and years of unregulated right wing greed, he’s doing a damn good job. I think this joker thing is disrespectful to Ledger, the joker character and what it symbolizes on Batman and to Obama. I think it’s interesting that people keep saying that Obama isn’t doing what he said he would do… well, he’s only been in office for a little shy of 6 months - and he is pissing off the right wing, so he must be doing something right. By the way, what can you acomplish in 6 months?
31. angela | 08.03.09
I wish he was a socialist — Norway, Sweden, Finland — the citizens of those countries get free education, great healthcare, low crime with rehabilitation, day care for children, etc., and all have longer life expectancies, and a much higher standard of living than us, and they are all SOCIALIST! Why are Americans so ignorant? We could use a little bit of socialism here. We are ALMOST DEAD LAST among industrialized nations in our standard of living, longevity, educational standards, etc.
34. Sticks | 08.03.09
How does this have anything to do with race? I didn’t even think “race” when I saw that… I immediately saw it for what it was. Someone calling Obama a joke (hence, the joker… Duh) and its starting to appear to be truer with every passing day of his presidency.
35. unomi | 08.03.09
dunno, call me weird, I have the utmost respect for what Obama tries to stand for, I have nothing against him and certainly think he is quite a few steps up from Bush.
err I like this picture, well done 
36. franglais | 08.03.09
Well, I guess as long as the artist can prove he/she is a Born in the USA citizen, then I guess it’s fair game. But until I see a hard copy of their birth certificate(s) and Social Security number(s) I think they should be banned from spreading their propaganda.
38. Phoenix | 08.03.09
Wow, more propaganda from the republician/authoritarian party. Big shock.
Let them whine and cry, I’m sure that’ll get them more votes in 2010.
39. Steven | 08.03.09
Oh, if only he were. We might end up with a decent health care system. But he’s not, and we won’t.
40. whiskeytangofoxtrot | 08.03.09
There was never a problem poking fun at ‘W’ looking like a “donkey” with big ears and a tiny body. The President’s a big boy, I’m guessing he can take it too. Can you?!?
41. jp | 08.03.09
doesn’t CSM have counsel? those “pesky copyright restrictions” allow you to post (as you do) the image for news reporting and comment. If they didn’t, neither posting it via youtube nor creating a “mock-up” would have insulated you.
42. Oh geez. | 08.03.09
I don’t get the similarity between Obama and the Joker, other than they’re both badass. 
43. Hey Reason | 08.03.09
you say obama supporters “try to dress the emporer with cloths he does not have” just one thing to say to that -George W Bush-
45. Matthew | 08.03.09
It’s just like conservatives to insult someone in a way that is both puerile and nonsensical. It’s so dumb, I’m not even insulted. Any insult that makes you feel more sorry for the perpetrator than the victim is an epic fail.
Mostly, I feel bad for the genuine conservatives who can’t see why their movement is failing. The same ones who bought any number of the books written by conservative writers from the early 90s until now, which have, as their themes, nothing more than how liberalism is “treason,” “evil,” and “facist,” never seem to notice that there are NO books of note about what conservative is about, what it might offer, or any cohesive plan for America’s future.
Conservatism is a bankrupt paradigm with nothing more to offer than, “Hey…we’re not liberals!”
Is it any wonder no one is buying when the best they have to offer is a quitter like Sarah Palin and a Joker ripoff that is nothing more than a visual non sequitur?
46. joan price | 08.03.09
As a young artist, I went to school at the Manchester School of Art in England. It was a very old city and very mannerly and, yes, socialist. Young and on my own, I recieved free medical treatment for scabies. Scialism was a country and a great eye-opener. Anyone who has traveled outside of this country has seen humanity under socialism. I will never understand the complaint of “socialism” unless it comes by way of capitalism charading as democracy. What a tragic joke that has been.
47. Idahed | 08.03.09
The conservatives in the US have never earned anything on their own merit. It’s all by demeaning the other guys. Further they are now acting like the very essence of their party…REDNECKS. And we wonder why they’re called RED states…and it really does come down to race in the RED states….admit it or not… It’s too bad they can’t see all the good that could come of the Obama presidency. But they’ll continue to act like the cloistered clowns they love to be. C’mon guys…time to join the world!!!
49. Art Critic | 08.03.09
At least Fairey’s poster was more creative. All this guy did was take Heath Ledger’s make up and put it over Obama… Bravo - very clever! When it comes to art and humor the Right just don’t have talent. They’re so Left-Brain.
50. James Phobic | 08.03.09
As a socialism-leaning liberal…. I have to laugh about any claims that Obama is socialist. Do you think he would EVER want to empower WORKERS???? Then no….he is not a socialist. Just because he’s not a free-marker capitalist doesn’t make him a socialst…….and just because he might not have a problem taxing the richest americans their fair/competitive share…doesn’t mean he’s a socialist.
Read up on socialism before you toss that term around.
And remember kids:
Stalinist socialsm=bad/fascist
BUT
Leninist/marxist socialsm = couldn’t be any worse than the rich pandering version of capitalism that we currently have!!!
51. Kyle Bradshaw | 08.03.09
You’d have to be pretty dumb to find any meaning in this malicious poster. It resembles the work of a child, painting a moustache on his teacher’s picture. I’m sure it appeals to the ignorant, angry, racist portion of the population who think that European socialist countries with high standards of living are really communist!
52. Mark | 08.03.09
Such brilliant political imagery lifts the conservative discourse to level of such historic gems as this:
53. peanut | 08.03.09
You people think that a single administration can lead America to socialism? You need to get out of the country once in a while. It’s the same capitalist cesspool it was in 2004. Think of it this way - republicans gain control of the wheel and yank it hard right, then democrats gain control and yank it hard left, and America (sort of) moves forward, down the center…
54. dp | 08.03.09
How is it that this story deserves even an inch in the CSM?
I used to think it was a respected paper.
55. Joel C | 08.03.09
Visceral image, yes. If only it were appropriate to the man.
Obama is not perfect, and of course some will not like his policies. But a poster like this, at this early stage of Obama’s administration, strikes me as nothing more than sour grapes. It says far more about the artist and his/her fans than it does about Obama.
It’s also laughable, considering the quasi-dictatorial powers claimed by the last president. Anybody concerned about the dangers of unchecked executive power, who wasn’t even more outraged about W. Bush, clearly wasn’t paying attention for the last eight years.
56. Paul | 08.03.09
I really don’t see the racist undertones. I guess they’re there if you look hard enough, but it’s really stretching it.
I’ll be the first to say that I was happy to hear that there are conservative street artists. I’m a bit of a moderate myself who occasionally dabbles in liberalism, but I like to see every side voicing their opinions in every way they can.
That said, from a design perspective (I work in advertising and I’m married to an Art Director), the poster is terribly executed. The Dark Knight theme is WAAAY overplayed. And while the image is visually striking (you can thank the Dark Knight film’s art director for that, not this artist), it sends a confusing message. Like the person quoted in the article points out, what in the world does the Joker have to do with Socialism? It doesn’t make much sense.
What you have here is an artist not just stealing another artist’s style (that happens all the time), but riding that other artist’s coattails. This street artist picked the Joker image not because it has anything to do with Obama or Socialism, but because is still has a little pop culture gas left in its tank. This conservative artist is just riding someone else’s momentum to further his political agenda.
It’s too bad he’s not talented enough to come up with own vision. I may not agree with it politically, but I’d love see an alternating viewpoint presented in a clear and creative way. This poster is just amateur hour.
Kinda sad when you think about it.
57. LibertyFirst | 08.03.09
Finally, an honest portrait of Obama. Must more realistic than we get from the MSM. I hope these posters get displayed on every corner, from coast to coast - to remind the People what clown is running our country into the ground.
The uprising is only beginning. We will not be taken quietly where we do not want to go. God Bless America! If you love your liberty you will fight like he!! to keep it.
58. overdue | 08.03.09
If that were a picture of the French president, and was posted on public areas in France, Sarkozy would be hunting down the perps and having them arrested. Seriously. It’s illegal to “deface” the portrait of the French president. Look it up.
59. lh | 08.03.09
No 7 is correct. Obama is a terrible joke foisted upon us and it is not a laughing matter. Socialism is being jammed down our throats.
60. JohnnyBoy | 08.03.09
“Socialism is the result of an all powerful central government that runs every aspect of life — but the Joker subscribes to anarchy, one of socialism’s polar opposites.”
From Wikipedia:
ANARCHY - “Absence of government; a state of lawlessness due to the absence or inefficiency of the supreme power; political disorder.”
I dunno, Socialism and Anarchy don’t seem opposite to me! You can’t ‘give’ someone a livelihood or ‘every aspect of life’, it has to be earned. Socialism IS NOT a stable, viable form of governance. Redistribution of something of value that’s earned or worked for by one person and given to someone that did not work for or earn that something, can be called so many things: slavery, stealing, injustice, wrong.
Eventually, sooner rather than later, Socialism has no other end than anarchy.
61. Michele | 08.03.09
Obama may be a funny guy, but a socialist he is not.
From Wikipedia:
Socialism refers to any one of various theories of economic organization advocating state, public or common worker ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal access to resources for all individuals with a more egalitarian method of compensation.
While some of his policies may seem relatively socialistic, his overall goal is not the state or public ownership of the means of production (i.e. business). He does want to equalize access to certain resources (such as education, healthcare), but he still heartily supports the free market in other matters. He’s left of center and nothing more.
62. justin case | 08.03.09
who is no. 9 Bob? the economy is recovering? wtf…it’s morons like Bob that support obama. just for one example, look at the disaster they caused with cash for clunkers!!
63. Bob-O | 08.03.09
The image illustrates the vehement loathing that Obama-haters have for our president. These folks include “Birthers” and other consipracy theorists who have long misunderstood the socialism/communism versus capitalism debate, conflating capitalism with democracy which are TWO ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THINGS. The pavlovian response that the scare-word “socialist” means to invoke is strongly repesented in the right wing media and faux-news companies. Also, just because YOU do not find an image racist DOES NOT MEAN IT ISN’T. That is your opinion and it may be hard for you to realize but there is a world outside of your own little realm.
64. John | 08.03.09
All you Republicans listen too much to your superficial mouthpieces like Glenn Beck and Rush. Here’s a thought Republicans: Come up with a original idea or a scholarly analysis of an issue without the help of the blow-hard “entertainers” in your corner.
Come again retry? “Trite talking points that have no meaning.” That’s the core of right-wing media.
65. Rob | 08.03.09
Once again, moronic republicans think the world is laughing with them. Just like the “tea parties” this “joke” is downright unintelligent. Taxation without Representation? Obama was elected by an overwhelming majority. Sociality Joker? The Joker was an anarchist. Nothing surprises me anymore about you people. What a bunch of idiots.
66. Phil | 08.03.09
A whole lot of people - so-called liberals and conservatives alike - are rolling there eyes at this. This is another dumb attempt by the extreme right to divert attention away from the fact that Obama is actually trying to do the best he can to fix this nation after the mess Bush made. And that isn’t a partisan statement. The truth is Bush was a horrible President. End of argument. The extreme right needs to move on and accept the face that they screwed up so badly. If they didn’t screw up why do the Democrats have all the power? Instead of wishing the other side ill, how about everyone works together to makes things better. If the political right is so gung-ho ‘America Rules’ then they know this is one of the ideals our country was founded on. I understand the left is much better at constructive dissent than the right is (they’ve had the last 8 years of good practice). But this joker thing is worthless horsesh*t. Try harder next time.
67. Shawn | 08.03.09
See.. here’s the catch. He won the election, if they had one today he would win again. So the sum of the equation is.. those that opposed him lost.. I’m sorry let me spell. L-0-S-T. Ya lost get over it. Thank you
68. Jim | 08.03.09
An interesting (funny) comparion of the two:
http://www.corporatethuggin.com/2009/08/obama-why-so-socialist/
69. Kit | 08.03.09
go figure, a conservative grafitti artist. i think i’m more disturbed by the idea of painting him white.
70. Michael OToole | 08.03.09
Interesting. . . .I read all the comments and one thing stood out to me, Liberals have NO sense of humor. I wonder why people don’t realize the “enemy” right now, for ALL of us in an out-of-control congress. The founding fathers deliberately created a series of checks and balances–which have now become very blurred. Has no one noticed that Congress is ceding Legislative power to the white house? (EG; Reaming the head of the supposed bi-partisan CBO; Czars. . .et al. . ). We should ALL (as American’s) stop this power grab right now. . Or not, or let us slide into oblivion. Finally, the president isn’t up for election in 2010, many folks in congress are. .If we want to make changes and or put the brakes on this un-american agenda, we need to focus on that–get ALL of those who do not represent the people, out; Liberals and conservatives. . . .If we allow this unfettered power to continue to represent half the people, we will end up like Russia and, who knows, maybe this President will become Prime Minister after his term. . . Just asking. . . .
71. Anthony Tave | 08.03.09
This is why the republican party is in such shambles. I am all for the cartoons and criticism it is healthy in America but it is the responses to these cartoons that tells the truth about republican ideals. The response is where republicans tip there hand and say how they really want America to function and that is in chaos. I usually do not respond to things like this but bad mouthing a president for trying to repair damage that is irreversible by conventional methods just shows how shallow the republican party will sink.
lady’s and gentlemen the invisible hand will not fix the eight years of damage caused by a irresponsible president. History has proven you need to inject money (government spending) into the economy that is on the verge of collapse. Obama is doing his job and that is clear.
To the republican party stop making stuff up it is really unbecoming and borderline pathetic
72. notanobamafan | 08.03.09
I love the idea of this image being used in the same manner that fairey used his to promote obama as the next prophet. Maybe some people will stop drinking the kool aid and wake up. The conservative underground is alive. Stop the destruction of America.
73. Matt Mihaly | 08.03.09
You people should be ashamed of yourselves, seriously. The soldiers defending America overseas are part of a socialistic organization. So are the policemen and firemen who defend us at home, and the teachers who teach our kids.
If you hate great Americans like soldiers, firemen, and policemen so much that you think their entire organizations are illegitimate, perhaps you should reconsider whether to label yourself patriot or traitor.
74. Pissed in America | 08.03.09
I think as an American People we need to look at where we and our ancestors have been, then where we are today and where we would like our children to be. Frankly it scares me to death. I do not see the opportunities our ancestors have had nor do I like the out look of America that my children will inherit. I have had a job since I was 13 years old. I made this choice as I came from a working family. Now I see people trying to figure out how to get things from this or that government program rather than going out and working. We need to find ways to encourage productivity in this great nation. What is wrong with people being rewarded for intelligence and hard work. Why should I be penalized for getting up everyday and going to work. Why should other be rewarded with government hand outs for be addicts of this or that and not having the work ethic to provide for themselves or their families. Now if they need help get them help, but don’t provide the opportunity to continue their ways. Show them the American dream by making them get on board with the American dream. If your not part of the solution than you are part of the problem. Early age math will tell you we cannot have fewer people working to pay the benefits of the masses.
75. Quist | 08.03.09
for thousands of years the world existed without left v.s. right, black v.s. white, but there has always been us v.s. them - them are the rich, powerful people who play god with other people’s lives sending them off to die in wars so that their grand chessboard can have a few moved pieces.
read plato’s republic, read Ecoscience by obama’s science czar, then figure out where his ideas come from, then be prepared to accept that bush and the neocons and the cfr minions like obama all have one thing in common, they view you as cattle, one fodder unit.
the next time some white guy says something is racist im gonna puke,liberals dont get to judge what is and isnt, and a professor who is head of a department named after a man who worked to sterilize black women does not get to call people racist either.
76. Jesse Crouch | 08.03.09
Ridiculous: “the Joker subscribes to anarchy, one of socialism’s polar opposites”
Socialism is not necessarily a polar opposite to anarchism. There are many types of anarchism, plenty of which socialism is not necessarily a polar opposite of.
The Joker is also not necessarily an anarchist. He is a general proponent of chaos. Chaos is not exclusive to, or necessarily ever a part of, anarchy.
77. Cheap Insurance | 08.03.09
After mocking Bush non stop for 8 straight years (letterman for example) it has now become a tradition. Get over it.
78. Jim Yount | 08.03.09
If the right had a potent message they could engage in reasoned debate rather than relying on character assassination. Unfortunately, this kind of thing is now what passes for a conservative message.
The country is in far to serious shape after 8 years of Republican “stewardship” for me to be entertained by smears and egregious obfuscation.
Shame on us for allowing public discourse to be as debased as it has become.
79. Hmmm | 08.03.09
Michele (no 62) said,
“While some of his policies may seem relatively socialistic, his overall goal is not the state or public ownership of the means of production (i.e. business).”
Did you know that you are now a shareholder of GM, Michele?
80. JoeTheDumber | 08.03.09
Socialist?
Like:
Police forces, fire department, the road and highway systems, social security, unemployment insurance, healthcare insurance, car insurance, –all a form of socialism.
yeah, lets get rid of everything socialist. Socialism all bad, capitalism all good.
81. Sideline | 08.03.09
This article showcases the true hacks by trying to include all things left and their tactic of name calling at any thing associated with criticism. this is a valid, relevant, and appropriate (both on era, and message). It is effective and succinct..
I can smell the slant of the author Matthew Shaer by the fact that he conveniently omits pointing out right LA Weekly is a VERY far left publication while writing “Predictably, the right-wing blogosphere is bursting at the seams with glee” AND the use of “conservative graffiti artist – who knew? ” While humorous, it is important to note that graffiti is a form of protest and it will be in use more often as the those who are in power use “mainstream media” as a tool of propaganda.
Report the viral aspect, include BOTH slants of ALL media (including publications and disregard the meaning behind the meaning of the _true_ nature of Batman.
And to put some quote by a recent tour guide (sarcasm intended) for Comicon as a valid retort just plays in the same vein as Jon Stewart and
Address real questions like whether or not our current president can define “CHANGE” and “HOPE” definitively BEFORE his term runs out.
That singular issue is a glaring failure of our press corps today, in my opinion.
Regarding the Socialism label, well besides the handouts to the Union and Federally controlled Automobile makers what else has he done to help private businesses?
I don’t blame President Obama, his speeches, policies, and experience point closer to a Socialism view than a Republic that uses capitalism as its form of reinforcement.
I am withholding judgment for now, but lacking a real “fourth branch of government” I think we will continue to the left until it breaks and we go back to the right and so on.
82. A citizen | 08.03.09
He’s threatening. That’s what this shows. Folks are threatened by him. We seek to belittle and revile that which we find threatening. It’s human nature. Witness the ‘village missing its idiot’ rant of the liberals during the Bush years.
This is not much different nor more substantive.
It is fair game to critique and even parody our leaders.
Just as fair for me, as a citizen, to tell you that I simply feel sorry for you that you are so threatened. For me, the man is way too moderate and way too consensus-seeking. I wish America had the guts to choose a path of true transformation. If ever there was a people that deserve the real *freedom* true social democracy represents, it is the American people. Their big hearts, generous souls and public spirits. But decades and decades of misinformation and fear-mongering are hard to overcome.
Monger some more fear. This guys isn’t changing much but, to the extent he is, we’ll all be better off for it.
Hard to believe but this is one of the good guys. And you all who “like it a lot” are idiots who are behind the times.
83. John | 08.03.09
Liberals and obama fans always want to interject the race theme into anything that is against their hero.It is cool and tells the story,he is all about Socialism.
84. Think Again | 08.03.09
God forbid we should have any socialist institutions in America like public schools, hospitals, police and fire departments. Those things are a cancer to our American beliefs!
85. Portitas Rathbun | 08.03.09
“The image has a clear message. Obama is a criminal out to loot the public purse and change America to fit his own socialist, Marxist agenda.
The image resonates because it is so clear to most people that he is a phony of the highest order. A man that claims to be a Constitutional Professor and in the same breath hires avowed Marxists and Communists into his administration.”
None of this is conveyed by the poster. This admirer is simply listing his own adgenda. the joker character is a homicidal anarchist, not a marxist.
the most illogical and ignorant amongst us are invariably in the GOP these days. Goldwater and Eisenhower would NOT be Republicans today - the smartest national Republican (Specter) finally had enough and got the f*ck out.
The old GOP was against social programs for people who didn’t pitch in to pay for them. Selfish, not very noble, but at least understandable. The new GOP is against anything that might help the little guy, who works and pays his taxes. WTF? Hey GOP - how about a) not taxing the living f*ck out of everyone to pay for multi-trillion dollar wars against stone-age, illiterate goat hearders [aka lining the pockets of defense contractor/campaign donors] OR b) spending the ridiculous sums of tax money you collect on the people who supply it? (yes, GOP morons, our HUGE deficit is due to the Iraq and Afganistan wars and occupations started by the GOP, and Obama’s stance on Afganistan isn’t helping).
The two most prominent examples of socialized medicine are: 1) England’s National Health Program and 2) The U.S. VA hospitals. Why aren’t any of the GOP morons railing against the VA hospitals? BECAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW THERE’S A DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOCIALISM AND SOCIALIZED MEDICINE!
86. alan | 08.03.09
Hey overdue,
Are you blind? Ingnorant of the facts? Or have you had too much kool-aid?
obama IS a Socialist, Marxist, Facist bullie. He’s backtracked on practically every campaign promise he made (Ergo “The Joker”). He’s got a Socialist agenda and he’s ramming it through like a jackhammer on a soda cracker. Wise up.
87. JohnnyBoy | 08.03.09
I don’t know what Obama’s governance model of choice is. I think he’s making it up as he goes.
88. Beth Hopsecger | 08.03.09
Your organization is called what? The Christian Science Monitor.
Doesn’t look like anything whatsoever to do with being a Christian.
Oh, and speaking of being a christian (claimed), there’s this small rule about bearing false witness against your neighbor. Let’s see, our President is a Marxist, Socialist, Communist, Racist, Terrorist … ALOT of false witnessing!
Try the truth, it’s refreshing.
89. PR | 08.03.09
The two most prominent examples of socialized medicine in the world are: 1) England’s National Health Program and 2) The U.S. VA hospitals. Why aren’t any of the GOP morons railing against the VA hospitals? BECAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW THERE’S A DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOCIALISM AND SOCIALIZED MEDICINE!
90. Angela Carlyle | 08.03.09
Why do angry, racist, frightened, rednecks conflate socialist with communism? If you think there is something wrong with socialism, take an honest look at Norway, Sweden, Finland, etc., with free, efficient, healthcare for all, excellent free education, day care for children, low crime rates and much better longevity than the USA. I know, I was there. We could use some of this. I wish Obama was a socialist - perhaps he can be convinced. And the poster really is malicious, catering to the ignorant.
92. nomo | 08.03.09
sorry idiots Obama can not ruin the country Bush already did, and the patriot act is a infinitely bigger Dagger in the heart of U.S. than anything Obama can do & if all of us are stupid like our writing is illustrating. Than the communist leader that once said “we do not have to fight U.S to defeat them, all we have to do is Wait long enough and they will defeat themselves.” was right & EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US IS TO BLAME for that defeat at the hands of the communists.
P.s Idiots Democrats are not communists & Republicans are not Fascists.
They are Democratic politicians if either were Communists or Fascists than the other would not exist the one in power which ever it was would not allow competition. WAKE UP EVERYBODY NO MORE SLEEPING OR WELL ALL END UP DEAD
93. Mary | 08.03.09
hahahaha, absolutely great, I love it! Though I disagree, he’s not a joker, he’s just a liar.
Incidentally, not everyone who is disillutioned with Obama is a Republican. I will never be a republican, but I have begun to loathe Obama.
94. Steve Rogers | 08.03.09
Very Creative and powerful! Joe Biden could be the Penguin and Hillary could be Poisen Ivy. But we need to find Batman.
95. Maximillian | 08.03.09
Only problem is The Joker was an anarchist, not a socialist, quite a difference by definition alone! Obviously the artist ignorance of these little things make the whole thing more amusing.
97. John Boyd | 08.03.09
The same people who applaud this genre of ridicule should look at pictures that the Nazis produced to built hatred against the Jews. History is full of people filled with this kind of hate.
98. Cheeseburger | 08.03.09
I don’t get it.. wait maybe I do, he’s gives Reapublicans nightmares because they think he’s scary.
99. Ron | 08.03.09
This is bizarre. The left in here seems to be saying that ‘THIS IS IGNORANT, YOU CANT POKE FUN AT OUR GUY!!’ (whine, sniffle, stomp) and the right seems to be saying ‘Take that! You did it to our guy, now its our turn!’ (whine, sniffle, stomp)
When are you all going to realize that over the last 40 years (longer actually, but I’ll only speak about the years I’ve been on the planet, unlike left/right activists, I dont like to comment on things I have a poor grasp of), the system we have is never going to change as long as we keep electing democrats/republicans to public office. If you really want to effect a change, quit vomiting out party platform talking points, educate yourself, and fall in with an independant candidate. Personally, I dont like Obama, and I didn’t vote for him, but he is MY president too. You republicans out there would do well to wake up to that fact. Bush, although president at an extremely trying time, made some monumentally poor decisions. But he was MY president at the time as well. As one who served in the military during the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, I’ll say this, those who support the president, support the troops. Those who don’t, don’t. Period. Ask any soldier, they’ll tell you the same 90% of the time.
I’d rather see a forum like this discussing rational ways we can come together as a nation. Save your elemetary school recess bickering for the forums on Mad Magazine’s website.
100. PD | 08.03.09
Why all the uproar? The President is ashamed of America. He is doing everything possible to tank America.
101. Alan | 08.03.09
Michael O’Toole,
Liberals don’t understand an intelligent comment such as yours. True as it may be, it is falling on deaf ears. This is obviously a left-wing crowd. They won’t comprehend. I bet that female from the campaign era is still waiting on “the messiah” to buy her gas and pay her mortgage.
102. Joel | 08.03.09
It must be very frustrating for the right wing to have a Democratic president counting success after success, while their own party is in utter shambles.
103. Karl Marx | 08.03.09
I’m a socialist. Obama, sir, is no socialist. Any self-respecting socialist would make the destruction of corporations his number one priority - he wouldn’t be giving them money (bailouts) without assuming complete control and he would NEVER make them the centerpiece of his healthcare plan (private insurers still rule the roost in Obama’s plan).
104. Joel C | 08.03.09
No. 60 lh is wrong. “Socialism” is not “being jammed down our throats.” Obama was chosen by democratic vote. And his policies, hardly socialist, were well known throughout the presidential campaign.
Only propaganda of the losing side is being “jammed down our throats”. What happened to the Republican mantra that to disrespect the president was unpatriotic? Ha ha.
105. Ankit Patel | 08.03.09
WTF is a conservative graffiti artist?
On one hand we hear we don’t know who’s responsible for the art, and on the other we hear it’s a “conservative graffiti artist.” Who’s to say this wasn’t done by a liberal who suddenly just got smart?
106. Derrick “Whip” Whipple | 08.03.09
The picture is derived from the joke from AntiObamaStore.com that is one of their t-shirts they have to buy called “Obama is a Joker”. The t-shirt is the same illustration as the portrait portrays with the altered quote, “Why So Socialist” (”Why So Serious” - The Dark Knight).
In my opinion it is quite clever considering many of Obama’s socialistic-like views. It’s funny though, all the Liberals become offended and want to complain when we poke at their so-called “presidential savior”; but these past years they ragged on Bush. Sorry you Left-Wing Liberals; You can’t have one’s cake and eat it too.
107. jo | 08.03.09
Yes socialism is the evil of the earth and capitalism is God’s way! Socialism helps working people where as capitalism helps the super greedy rich and hey isn’t that what America is all about anyway? Helping the super greedy rich and screwing over working middle class people? That’s what makes us great!!!!
108. ililly | 08.03.09
I just saw it on bumper stickers 3 times, on a short trip to the mall, it is everywhere.
Maybe he should be removed on medical stand down.
109. Hmmm | 08.03.09
I love how the liberal apologists keep saying that the Joker and socialism don’t go together.
Based on that argument, what on earth does Shepard Fairey’s Soviet-rip-off design style have to do with hope? In fact, I daresay that beloved poster makes Obama look more like a socialist than this one.
110. Joel C | 08.03.09
71. Michael O’Toole, you are concerned *now* about a lack of checks and balances? Have you already forgotten about the breathtaking attempt by the W. administration to expand executive power, through subversion of congressionally-mandated limits on surveillance, through perversion of legislation by the use of signing statements, etc.?
You can’t have it both ways. If there is any loss of checks and balances now, it is because the democratically-elected president and Congress are working together. Not because of a unilateral, unitary executive.
111. Werner | 08.03.09
So it’s okay for left-wing political cartoonists who work for the few remaining newspapers to make fun of him? But not right-wing, pop-culture savvy, independent photoshop artists?
112. Hobgoblyn | 08.03.09
I’m glad the article mentioned what I thought when I saw the image. WTF was this idiot thinking? Or those who think this image accurately portrays anything.
Proves that Conservatives are just brainless sheep. For so long they have been trained like dogs to bark at the words “liberal” or “socialism” that they don’t even have the spark inside their head to connect those words to actual philosophies or actions– just a nebulous “evil” that contains anything their overlord masters tell them not to like that particular day.
You can’t equate someone to the Joker AND to Socialism unless it is a parodical farce. The character of the Joker seeks to tear down all social order, a Socialist aims to build it up.
If you wanted to equate a DC character to Socialism, you’d do better to go with Superman. Superman is a character who uses his massively overscaled might to force his vision of the world upon others “for their own good”.
Of course, because Conservatives are incapable of complex thought they’d be unable to see past the “Superman is a good guy” to realize that Superman IS a perfect example of a patriotic socialist.
This graffiti only serves to further display what a joke Conservatives are rather than making a Joker of Obama– because it proves beyond any more shadow of a doubt that Conservatives have NO real political philosophy– else they’d be able to better identify the philsophies of others in comparison.
113. dbsloan | 08.03.09
I love it!!!!! This picture has a very powerful message and it really seems to capture the way that many of us see this man as a very real threat to our freedom and our well being. On more than one occasion I have thought to myself that the 4 years (it had damn well better not be 
of this administration could properly be referred to as the “Reign of Terror,” with some new massive spending bill, some new power grab, the nationalization of another industry, some new violation of our fundamental rights such as the right to make our own choices about health care, always just around the corner. I’m very glad and relieved to see that a substantial proportion of my fellow Americans are as opposed to this monster and his statist, socialist policies as I am. There is hope for us yet. Our freedom is sacred and we MUST continue to stand up against these emerging forms of tyrrany.
114. Flavius Rex | 08.03.09
Alan;
Grace our ignorant souls with your inimitable, intelligent prose on the subject of your definition of a ‘liberal.’
Somehow, I have a feeling you will describe 9/10th’s of the people on the planet.
115. JohnnyBoy | 08.03.09
Obama is the least of my concerns. Granted, this is conspiracy theory, but I’m compelled to state it. Our elected officials - Republican, Democrat, Liberal or Conservative – are slowly and systematically hijacking the peoples’ liberty, freedom and Constitutional rights.
Instead of serving the public for a term or two and returning to society to productively contribute, they have found ways and means to make holding their elected seats a life-long career. And why wouldn’t they like to stay? They have their own healthcare system, retirement plan and get to vote on their pay raises every year (which way would you vote?). And if they don’t vote for it, it’s automatic. They could give a crap less about the economy, Social Security, Medicare or the healthcare system; they aren’t invested in it, don’t need it and don’t use any of it. They have their own elite ‘private’ setup…at our, the taxpayers’ expense!
Obama got elected because we’ve reached a tipping point in America where there are more people dependent, or would like to be, on the teat of Government welfare than there are productive, independent people contributing to society and earning a livelihood for themselves. It’s all about the majority voting base to keep them in office. When they give amnesty to the ~20 Million Illegal aliens (or pick the number du jour), which way do you think they’ll vote? For the mean and cruel politician that advocates being industrious, self sufficient and independent or the nice and generous politician that portends to ‘give’ them ‘equal opportunity’ to resources (whatever that means) and a livelihood?
116. JH | 08.03.09
Classic! It’s all in fun and satire. I don’t care much about the socialism remark, but the image speaks volumes!
117. Liberal with Fists | 08.03.09
It’s dawned on me that using angry words is not the way to win a war - fighting is. You ignorant conservative brayers want a fight? I’m done talking. We’re taking over, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
118. Cindy | 08.03.09
This is like using Lady Gaga to talk about No Taxes. It’s pretty, but makes no sense.
But I’m sure the original artist is feeling pretty darn good about it’s popularity. Good for him…
119. Texan99 | 08.03.09
The Joker: Introduce a little anarchy. Upset the established order, and everything becomes chaos. I’m an agent of chaos. Oh, and you know the thing about chaos? It’s fair!
Batman: The Dark Knight, 2008.
120. Reality Check | 08.03.09
Anarchy is NOT the polar opposite of socialism. Anarchy CANNOT exist over time. A tyrant always rises to fill the void. So anarchy is only a means to an end. Which is why anarchists in the US always associate themselves with the left, not the right. Anarchy is simply bringing down the system so tyranny can reign. Which is exactly what Obama is doing.
121. 2xy4k9 | 08.03.09
These poster are highly offensive. I am certain that Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson are furious at the affront of their good names.
122. ojoker28 | 08.03.09
If you’re in L.A. and can get an original poster in good condition, contact me at obama.joker.poster@gmail.com
Will pay $100
123. Brian | 08.03.09
The poster is tasteless. Racist … not so, but it is very tasteless. Even so, it would be much more tasteless if it were turned into a demeaning TV cartoon series intended to make fun of the President, with statements at the end of *every* episode intimating the President threatens his wife with physical violence just for comic relief (… anybody seen “That’s My Bush”?). Unfortunately, these are signs of the times we live in. Shame on those who (1) take pleasure forwarding the image to their pals, or (2) who expound on the poster as being an expression of racism (kids dress up as the Joker on Halloween … not racist). It is just tasteless, and unfortunate.
125. Maggie | 08.03.09
So much for freedom of speech. If you click on the YouTube link, you will see that the video has been removed.
Many of my friends were on the “slobbering love affair” train with millions of others during the election. For some reason, I just didn’t buy it. Didn’t buy that he chose to go to a racist anti-American churchg (and take his children) and came out unaffected. Didn’t buy that his time on the board with “Bill” was of no conseqence. I did listed to Obama when he said “it was good to spread the wealth around.” You add it all up and the only reallly good thing that came of Obama’s election is that blacks got out and voted, even if they just voted for the color of his skin, it was a start for many of them who voted this time. I wish I could laugh but I don’t think Obama is anything other than dangerous for a capitalistic country with a constiution that is for the people by the people. He just doesn’t fit into that. Not being scarcastic, but he would do well in Africa. The African government made Michelle the African Queen, and although it my not pay as well, Obama could be king and rule over the country which is what I think he was really raised to do.
126. Mr Left Guy | 08.03.09
Very Warholesque.
Can I have a signed original.
Nice to know that at least one person on the right has a humorous artistic imagination, it gives one hope.
127. Ylber | 08.03.09
Wasn’t Bush the one that started all the Government bailouts? Correct me if I’m wrong but he bought Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG and a host of other companies and then passed them on to President Obama after he left office, along with a decimated economy and an unstable world with two unfinished wars without clear objectives. And The Joker and Socialism? That doesn’t even make sense. Whoever came up with this is an idiot!
128. chris | 08.03.09
Get a clue everyone - Obama is Bush with a Black face. IMF and World Banks (including US Fed) are running the puppet show for the stupid American population (check Bill Maher’s statement) and they are all watching. Republican vs. Dem or Black vs White…name your tune.
American happy meal society soap-opera mentality is just too easy to execute to. When rappers like KRS-one know somethings up you should take note as well and figure out what’s really going on. TAXes are going up including the cap-n-trade tax on all Americans, including the health insurance bill, including the first (and soon to follow 2nd) stimulus bill…and the dollar is going down.
I’m taking bets on this one but you gotta pay me in Ameros.
130. Ohio Annie | 08.03.09
I suppose that this is the price that President Obama pays for success. However, I would hope that the problems and challenges confronting the country would evoke better from Americans than name-calling. Adults discuss issues. This approach leaves me feeling quite sad for us all.
131. bill whiting | 08.03.09
Obama is a socialist. I don’t like what he’s trying to do to our country, but he’s my President. This image is completely inappropriate. It’s purpose is to evoke an emotion, not discuss an agenda.
133. Feces eater | 08.03.09
“I’ll take a Socialist Obama over a Facist Bush any day…”
You’re a genius, I wish I had your IQ
134. martifr | 08.03.09
This representation of the messiah makes obama to be the joker, nothing more existential than that. The problem is, that the real joke is on us, for electing this fool.
135. kartik | 08.03.09
Some right wingers have gone completely insane and demonic. They stoop to any level of gutter politics to insult this president who is trying very hard to lift this country of out of destruction caused by the same people and their cohorts. Victory will come to the righteous.
136. Edward Sullivan | 08.03.09
Of course, depicting the first African-American president in minstrel white-face couldn’t possibly have an overtly racist motivation…
137. Soyoulikeminimumwage | 08.03.09
Ha ha ha….oooh, this is sweet. Do you know what socialism is? You all treat it like a four letter word. Your police, fire, highways, subways and libraries are also social programs.
European countries spend something like 19% of GDP on social programs. The US under Obama gets up to 14-16% and you guys call in the socialism hounds of hell…. go figure?
You call the stimulus package socialism at a trillion dollars, but a war in the middle east at a trillion dollars is not called socialism for defense contractors.
the elite in the country continue to rake in the dough and middle America gets the dough raked from them. How is it that the poor, white folks ally themselves with the richest segment of the population and then defend the republican party that is content to let them wallow without health insurance, with minimum wages jobs that can’t pay the bills? The REpublican party is smart to continue to confuse their poor white base cause if those folks ever woke up, they’d be spittin mad. Now the Republican party is getting the poor white folks of the Fox Nation to growl and snarl over “Socialism”. It must be great to be an Insurance Executive, seeing Fox news get the conservative base riled up and attacking universal healthcare, a program that would benefit them in the long run. Wow.
face it. you just strongly dislike the guy and his policies, duh, he’s not a republican. What do you expect? Policies that you’d like? Get a grip. mellow. It’s kinda fun being in the minority, we on the left had to hold our noses for 8 years.
138. What? | 08.03.09
Since Jacob Turcotte posted his own version of it, does that make him racist too?
I don’t believe it is racist in any case, but I do find it funny the article goes on to talk about how racist it may be while posting their own version of it.
140. New American | 08.03.09
Has anyone stopped to think that some things should be socialist. The Police, Fire Departments, and Military are all socialist structures. Is it not logical that if a drunk driver strikes you on the highway shouldn’t there be a policeman to arrest the drunk, a fireman to put out the fire, and someone to tend to help the injured. Oh wait, in America that last one is a private business that gets paid by insurance only after lawyers get there cut to win a personal injury suit which is like some expensive retarded lottery of pain.
141. Amdizzle | 08.03.09
Why is the author assuming the artist is conservative? I think it is more likely an actual progressive who is trying to articulate that “the joke is on us.”
142. Battleshiphips | 08.03.09
The connection between the two: the Joker is a scary clown bent on the destruction of the current status quo = Obama is the Joker, coupled with the word socialism or the phrase “why so socialist?” implies that Obama’s socialism is scary and destructive.
I’m pretty sure most twenty-something Gothamites get it at first glance.
143. Wood | 08.03.09
#91 Angela
Here are some facts. Swedish unemployment as of June is 9.8 percent.
In 1970 welfare dependency in Sweden was 11% today it is 23%.
Swedes are anti-immigration and last reported in 2004 they had more people migrating from Sweden, then to Sweden (hum! I wonder why). The highest tax rate on labor is 74%. Sweden the pinical of success?. There are no free rides, nothing is “FREE”. If Sweden is so great why dont you move there, Oh! I forgot they have enough free-loaders and wouldn’t allow you to immigrate anyway.
144. JJ | 08.03.09
And the followers of the socialist Joker Obama: 95% of blacks, about 75% of American Jews (many now moving over from the darkside), many PC brainwashed youth, esp. young white women w/a fascination for joker-like black men, confused Catholics, and occult new age idiots who listen to their channelers, nearly all supporting the Joker Obama. Wake up people, we are in the middle of a dangerous revolution destroying our once great country (read wiki quotes from James Cone–leader of Black Liberation theology). Socialism may help some poor welfare blacks & law breaking illegal aliens, but overall, it damages the economy, the standard of living, prosperity, a hard work ethic, and philanthropy.
145. Jan Daniels | 08.03.09
Overdue (#11), you think Repubs are the “rich ones”? If poverty-stricken Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, George Sauros, and other altruistic social engineers masquerading as public servants (gag me) feel compelled to equalize us all under a cozy socialist blanket, why aren’t they forking over some of their vast wealth since they care about us so much. I’d like to know who has been bankrolling Obama’s life under a shroud of secrecy that nobody dares yank down for fear of being slapped with the ubiquitous and tired “racist” label. Alas, Ayn Rand knew what was coming when she wrote Atlas Shrugged, a prophetic screenplay for America’s deliberately orchestrated demise. Obama can’t accomplish his sinister goal without the cooperation of the House and Senate. Wake up people, vote the crooks out–all of them. We need a leader like Margaret Thatcher who cares about the country, not whether he/she is re-elected. Too bad the tall timbers have fallen. Where is John Galt?
146. thethinker | 08.03.09
Al Jolson blackface (being rather too obvious disguise) as equivalent to socialism in disguise. “The Joker is on us.” Like we can’t see the obvious.
Apparently no one can imagine capitalism being a hybrid or transitional economic theory worthy toward improvement utilizing concepts and methodologies from older or newer thought. Thus, there is no grey between black/white issues? In fact, there are seas and oceans of economic grey theory/methodology. Maybe that’s why we labor to understand racial or religious diversity, tolerance. Exhibit intolerance, skewed nationalism, ethnic cleansing, war, etc. The Joker is tertiary to the illustration’s more obvious message, IMO.
If economic models are fixed/unadaptable, what does that say about us?
147. BubbaBlue | 08.03.09
It never ceases to amaze me : the stupidity of people in large groups.
Such is the tea-party (misinterpreting) socialist-name-calling group of fearful whiners called the Republicans in 2009.
I thought conservatives were supposed to be mature, even-keeled and steely-eyed in the face of adversity. What a bunch of crybabies.
Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower would be ashamed.
Conservatives out there - your country needs your voice as much as we need liberal voices. Take your party back from the Neo-Cons and the wing-nuts and offer alternatives, not more whining or you will continue to be marginalized.
149. Will Hafer | 08.03.09
I second the comment that this is the Christian Science Monitor website. Major letdown that you guys put this image up. Aim for being an adult news agency next time.
150. Supernaut | 08.03.09
Slandered socialists, insulted Liberals, Rorschached racists, riteous Right, Obama defenders, all you morons: the Joker’s on you.
151. Patrick | 08.03.09
Socialism is aimed at one goal: making everyone EQUAL. Well sorry liberals, everyone is not born equal. Some are smart, some are born dumb and lazy, some achieve, some are born with above average personalities and looks. People are all different, you can never make everyone equal. Health care is a good which should be purchased, not given out while making the rich pay for it. America is and has always been about EARNING what you have, not like all those socialist countries where everything is given to you from cradle to the grave. America allows you to live your life however you wish, and however you direct it, America allows you to fail. Failure creates new opportunity, and that is always where innovation comes from. Innovation is what has made America the most powerful country in the history of the world
152. Prof Gates | 08.03.09
Libtards don’t understand that Republicans are sensitive to socialist agendas, and respond with reason. The best the libtards can come up with is that the Republicans are complaining. Of course we’re complaining. After all, we just got through 8 years of hearing venomous hatred from the terrorist-loving, brainless libtards and their media.
155. Joco | 08.03.09
It is about time we all showed a sense of humor and support capitalism by buying an Obama soclialsm t-shirt..oh the irony..
http://kcwired.blogspot.com/2009/08/obama-joker.html
157. Michael | 08.03.09
What the right-wing whack jobs don’t seem to understand is that some degree of socialism is a good thing.
158. Disillusioned | 08.03.09
The very fact that a lot of left bloggers are going ballistic shows that the poster is touching a nerve, a raw nerve. That’s why they try divert attention from the main suggestion of the poster - the phony Obama, by talking about race, Joker is not a socialist, and so on.
160. Pete | 08.03.09
What Americans haven’t figured out is that Obama has goals that are 100% out of sync with America’s best interests. Just one little hint of this is his attempt to reach out with a hand of friendship to our sworn enemies and at the same time slight our allies and friends - intentionally. I see him as out to destroy the U.S. economically by bankrupting it - along with the complicity of Congress. It is as clear as day. America - the joke will be on you if you allow him (and them) to get away with it!!
161. Vickie223 | 08.03.09
This is trash beneath an adult, rational mind. It is this kind of moronic crap that the Republican party needs to shed and should define itself as separate and apart. Conservatives aren’t exactly known (these days) as being very bright. I resent the association.
163. Uhhhh | 08.03.09
Uh…..This idea is so fresh!!!!!!
Good thing there weren’t any posters of Bush dressed up as the Joker during his presidency….
Those posters even had Condaleeza as catwoman, Cheney as the Penguin, and Rumsfeld as the Riddler…..
Not only is this a knock off, its a half @$$ knock off at that.
164. Catherine | 08.03.09
I was thinking that Obama’s philosophy of respect, empowerment and inclusion is such a fantastic approach to family, work and public life. All over the world people want the same things and are struggling to create better lives for themselves and the people that they love. Standing in the way of that are the same things that stand in our way as a country, resentment, greed, dishonesty, and cruelty. To me Obama has done absolutely nothing to deserve anyone’s derision. He is trying, along with many other hard working people to correct the serious problems that we face. To falsely malign him reflects not on him but on the ones doing it. The finest person could not please those that are so outspokenly negative. You are not right in your critiscism. It is not fair and you are the ones at fault.
167. Vickie223 | 08.03.09
Pissed in America | 08.03.09 Now I see people trying to figure out how to get things from this or that government program rather than going out and working. We need to find ways to encourage productivity in this great nation.
I agree. There is a shocking number of young women who seem to casually get pregnant and assume WIC and other programs will help support them. It is a good thing to be able to rely on government in time of need; but too many young women, and quite frankly, a huge number of illegal Latino women look to public health as long term life support. That is an huge public expense.
168. flavor13 | 08.03.09
Wow, the GOP really does have nothing to contribute — even the Birthers have more of an agenda than the modern Republican party. I say put them in charge!
169. Jokerlol | 08.03.09
The Joker is last person you want to relate to with “socialism.” Heath Ledgers Joker burned a stack of money, he didn’t give any of it to anyone. Only Jack Nickolsons Joker threw out money to crowds of people.
171. Andrew P. in Los Gatos, Calif. | 08.03.09
Too bad enough Americans didn’t wake up a year ago, about the time of the Democrat Convention. Anyone who was paying attention knew already then that Obama is The Joker.
172. Bianca | 08.03.09
Everyone here that is expressing “outrage” are probably the ones that applauded when hateful images of President Bush started showing up.
After eight years of hate and disrespect from liberals, it is impossible to take any of you seriously.
173. relax people | 08.03.09
…amazing that so many conservatives get their undergarments all tangled up about ’socialists’ redistributing the wealth to those who don’t earn it…perhaps you SHOULD read some Karl Marx. He makes it quite clear how the capitalists do the exact same thing-just in the other direction.
174. penguin666 | 08.03.09
the poster strikes a nerve in the statist. the statist cannot afford dissent as their leaders are hamhandedly implementing their compassionate fascism. they know that the crisis pretense can’t last forever, so they panic when their leader is prematurely ridiculed before he can complete the enactment of his true statist agenda. so they panic. the simple and effective image of the joker represents the sham, the hidden agenda, the chip on the shoulder, and the narcissistic ambition. so they panic. they call it racist, tasteless. it is neither. it is derisive, and an accurate caricature of Obama’s character. it is half true, like all good derision is. so they panic.
175. Why so Socialist? | 08.03.09
Obama meets every definition of a Socialist and soon,a Fascist.
All these Obama supporters can only cry ‘racism’,or ‘It is Bush’s fault!’ or insult Republicans or whatever brainfart passes for a rebuttal in their minds.
The poster is funny to those who have a sense of humor and the wordings are correct to those who have plain ol’ sense.
Get this straight you nutty leftists;in America,the Presidents serves the people,NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.The people have every right to ridicule him.He is not our king even though you treat him like one.In the face of his jackassery,you still think he is bringing serious change.He is bringing disastrous change.So the question is :Why so Serious?
176. Jeff @ John Galt | 08.03.09
Somebody must have been re-reading Ayn Rand as I have, and getting very afraid of the rhetoric in today’s politics and newspapers. They are coming close to damning the ‘wealthy’ when they mean the talented and successful wage earners in America. Without the best, most talented in leadership roles, this economy will falter. Socialism is a disease, Capitalism is the cure! Jeff
177. Joy | 08.03.09
It freaking hilarious, and why do you all care if he is so great. Get over it. I think I will go print some out and put them up in my town!!!
178. LTodd | 08.03.09
I’m not sure why everyone makes the mistake of labeling The Joker character an anarchist. That one line in the script means only that the writers don’t know what they’re talking about except in a comic book sense of reality.
The Joker may be a nihilist, and he’s definitely insane, but he’s no anarchist because — contrary to the official spin — anarchism is nowhere near synonymous with chaos. Heck, The Joker actually needs there to be a socialist structure around him, because without it The Batman wouldn’t feel nearly as needed and hence The Joker wouldn’t get to have fun with his little playmate-in-violence. The Batman hates (most) cops but seems to love other socialist institutions like City Hall and the courts (at least a certain DA). The Joker, on the other hand, hates everything to do with the public side of Gotham — except the cops, because it’s the cops who work hand-in-glove with Gotham’s underworld to wreak havoc on the city, which necessitates The Batman and therefore increases The Joker’s amusement factor.
Neither are there anarchists among any of the balaclava-wearing thugs hurling rocks in Europe. The entire “they are anarchists so fear them” spin from governments and their pets in the media is designed to trick people into walking right into the trap of “only government can protect everyone” collectivism.
The market provides all conceivable goods and services better than any government ever could. Every tiny slice of socialism worsens poverty & misery, which prompts well-intentioned but ignorant people to call for “more regulation, more government control,” which worsens poverty & misery, which leads to more of the same until the previously unthinkable happens: socialist totalitarianism of either the communist or corporatist variety. The criminals professing themselves to be “elite,” those who strive for maximum global enslavement, don’t even care which form of totalitarianism takes shape because in the end they’d still control everything. “Let that old chestnut of a fraud called democracy keep ‘em guessing, ha!”
Dim people who call themselves “progressive” or “liberal” are constantly redefining terms and history, trying to maneuver into a position to deny the crimes of socialist regimes and to claim victory for any legitimate advances in human civilization (”See I told you it’d work”). They’re like the jerk at the office who ridicules your efforts before showing up at the end of a project to take credit.
Well, hey, all you so-called liberals, do you realize that the original liberals sat “on the left” in the French parliament while simultaneously demanding a laissez-faire future for mankind? Try living up to the valid standard of liberalism instead of pretending that Santa Claus really does too exist in the form of The State (the original conservative movement “on the right” in the French parliament wanted to maintain the policies of existing State interventionism).
Since that time when the terms “on the left” and “on the right” were first coined, a modern scourge — socialism — has infiltrated and undermined both “the left” and “the right” until now people are so confused (through crimes against humanity such as government-run schools) that incessant calls for bigger, more intrusive government to “protect everyone” from fictitious bogey-men come from all but a small minority of true, classical liberals (those whose laissez-faire idealism — anarchism, if you will — is rooted in original French liberalism).
179. dtrod | 08.03.09
The caption misses the point: Socialism is “All part of the plan!” just like the Joker said. And that’s why this picture strikes a nerve. Try and play the race card, guys. It ain’t gonna work. I’m buying this t-shirt.
181. kooky | 08.03.09
Oh, so what! They made Bush looked like Hilter. And the Joker is not even real!
182. Harold | 08.03.09
Accurate depiction. A eugenics madman suitable for framing at your local medicare disposal unit. Perfect for Halloween.
Order your tee today: http://www.zazzle.co.uk/obama_joker_poster-228449420800574972
Don’t forget Halloween…..
183. Ster | 08.03.09
“Can’t they do better than that?! “Socialism”? What’s the connection to the poster, the Joker, or Obama for that matter?”
Are you that clueless?
Obama… said he WASN’T a socialist. And tapes just came out stating his ultimate goal of a “public plan” for healthcare was to ELIMINATE employer based healthcare, and to make it a SINGLE PAYER system. That means, a socialist system.
Basically, he lied (Joker) and wants a socialist system, ergo, the “socialism’ label.
Duh.
184. Otis | 08.03.09
When the benefits of Corporate Capitalism continue to reap rewards for the elite alone, who President Obama is the front man for, as was little Blueblood Georgie Bush, most Americans are gonna wish he was offering them “Socialism.”
185. Andrew Holland | 08.03.09
OK Liberals. Don’t be a bunch of hypocrites. So it was ok to put up posters of Bush as HITLER, but now conservatives can’t call Obama the Joker? Get real. If you are gonna scream about this, you should ahve demanded that all your left, leaning liberal buddies stop putting up Bush/Hitler posters.
186. Dexter | 08.03.09
Obama is a Marxist wolf. Judging by the KoolAid sipping posters, the joke is indeed on us for putting this clown in the White House.
187. dda | 08.03.09
so many sheep on both sides of the political fence, jumping at whatever shadows wall street tells them to. no wonder that - more than 200 years later - there’s still an electoral college. who in their right mind would trust single-digit cretins like these to vote directly for anything? better to give them the illusion that they have a say, like the sheep has a choice about becoming lamb chops.
188. Joe | 08.03.09
Give Obama a break–he’s not a rapist and he’s not dubbya. Best prez we’ve had in a long many years.
Socialism is good. Health care is a start, but if we were serious we would get the UN involved and take care of the poor and sick in Asia and Africa. Is it fair that they go hungry when so many people in the USA have more than one car and more than one TV? It’s not higher taxes, its fairness.
I can hope for a world where we don’t get blood money for our paychecks, but coupons for the appropriate amount of NEEDED food and items. Obama is the path, the way, and the true light.
189. Joe | 08.03.09
Dear ‘overdue’, We’re ‘the rich ones’ because we work hard to earn a living. What’s your excuse for sucking off of society? Did your mama let you sleep in your wet bed sheets until morning every night?
190. metnav | 08.04.09
I don’t want to live in the worlds largest nanny nation. Let the libs pass and our President sign this and other insanity into law and watch the ensuing chaos and madness that will follow. We’ll be lucky to live thru it.
192. JB | 08.04.09
Pair the image with this famous chart:
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/
Al Queda couldn’t do this much damage in their wildest dreams. I don’t know what others have gotten out of his first 6 months, but to me Obama sure comes across as a madman bent on destroying America.
193. Mitch | 08.04.09
Isn’t dissent patriotic? Thats what the left told us during the Bush years. I guess the left can’t take it like they can dish it. I remember seeing quite a few things that were worse than this coming from the left about Bush, Palin, and Cheney but the silence on that from the left spoke volumes.
194. Greg | 08.04.09
Someone wrote in one of the news articles….
Heath Ledger’s Joker was the villain’s villain, bent on gleeful destruction. There’s no “hope” here.
195. Bob | 08.04.09
Patrick preaches that conservatives believe America is “all about living life as you choose”. Unless you you want an abortion, then its ok for the government to take charge of your health care. Or unless you’re gay, then its ok for the government to tell you who to love. Or if you’re poor, sorry you don’t get health care, healthyness is only for those who can afford it. The idiots crying about socialism don’t really sound intelligent enough to understand the nuances of human culture and societal governance. They just figure if everyone were just like them there wouldn’t be a problem. Well, not everyone is a dumba** Patrick and friends.
196. Twister | 08.04.09
Why do libs get their panties in such a wad when (egads!) conservatives exhibit their own cutting creativity?
197. Dlew | 08.04.09
First…to Angela and her comment about our Standard of living being last…you’re full of garbage and sell that junk elsewhere…see here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index
Secondly….Socialism does not provide for social equality and fairness. In any Socialist state, there is always that top 1% within a socialist system that have it immensely better than te majority.
Liberals know this…but they all think they are so special, bright and enlightened…..they will be part of that 1%.
Sorry to say that the socialist prosperity perch is very small and you all will be bummed out when your not part of the social hierarchy.
In turn, just as history show, you’ll rebel against them and label them what they and you are…fascists.
198. Two-Face | 08.04.09
Wow! Where can you buy that poster?
I love it, the liberals threw garbage at Bush for eight years, but they can’t stand it when their Lord gets the same treatment….can you say hypocrite?
199. Ben Dover | 08.04.09
Bravo to the artist. I would like to see these plastered everywhere across the country.
201. Jack | 08.04.09
WOW. This poster has brought out the Obamabots! What pops into mind is “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
202. Josh | 08.04.09
Who’s the sissy? Liberals are the only ones crying about this. Everyone else is having a laugh about it. All dish and no take? And who says it’s a Republican? You don’t have to be conservative to dislike what the messiah is doing to the country. Obama, you suck.
203. foofighter | 08.04.09
President Obama is a brilliant, focused, sincere, hardworking gentleman. I respect him and admire him. He will bring much good to our country, which was in near ruins. I am sorry to see The Christian Science Monitor displaying this ridiculous picture. I also feel blogs, in general, are useless, as they bring out nasty comments that really don’t need to be voiced.
204. john | 08.04.09
This hater think they will run anybody, can somebody tell them the world is changing too fast, they have to join or they will lose out. PEACE IN THE WORLD AND TO MAN KIND.
206. matt | 08.04.09
What is so hard to understand about the intentions behind this poster? To me the message is very simple. Obama is a “joker” because his opponents feel that his policies are “a joke” i.e. they’re horrible.
207. Ron | 08.04.09
1. True, the Joker was an anarchist not a socialist but Obama’s policies will likely lead to anarchy sooner rather than later. Actually all politicians, both parties, share the blame but Obama is sure throwing gas on the fire.
2. There is nothing racist about this poster and those who are playing the race card will fail. You can try and deflect people’s rage by calling them racists and other non-PC names but you’re just blowing smoke up our butts. People are pissed off and the level of tension is rising. Search YouTube for some of the current town hall meetings that various members of congress have been holding in their home states. Things are getting ugly and people are finally waking up and refusing to listen to the BS being spouted by Washington. Obama is the natural focal point of that anger.
3. The left elite can continue to be apologists for the man they worship but the moderates, low to middle class liberals, and independents that voted for Obama as the lesser of two evils are starting to realize that they have indeed voted for less. Obama has failed or is failing to produce, or simply has ignored or rationalized away that which he promised on the campaign trail. Shame on us because we should have realized that he couldn’t deliver on 10% of the BS he promised. America here is your wake up call.
208. Rich V. | 08.04.09
Its amusing how the Liberal Left gets their feathers ruffled when the shoe is on the other foot. THEY had no problem bashing Palin’s family. Even to the extreme about her hair, her kids names etc…Not to mention Bush & McCain. Great poster. I love it. Hope to see them ALL over the Country. If ya cant take the heat…get outta the kitchen Dems!
209. FedUpCitizen | 08.04.09
It was ok to “bash Bush” wasn’t it… Enjoy your First Amendment rights before the Obama regime obliterates them
211. Javier | 08.04.09
Here is where to buy them on t-shirts [url]http://www.zazzle.com/joker+obama+tshirts[/url]
213. Bob E | 08.04.09
This is exactly like the Joker. The Joker was distructive, lying and generally “Absolutely BAD”
Fit Karl-Bama to a Tee.
215. Tony | 08.04.09
Breathtaking…those who dish it out can’t take it. The result of this whining is that this image is getting way too much publicity. Freedom of speech, like it or not. This sort of rabid imagery targeted Bush (from Hitler to a Chimp to, yes, the Joker). I recall those whining about this current image were the same people applauding the Bush attacks as free speech. I wonder if there would be this outcry if this image target Palin or Cheney?
216. Pat | 08.04.09
Fantastic poster, and great commentary. I haven’t heard any liberals condemning the Bush as the devil cover of Vanity Fair a few years back, but that’s “different”, right?
I love the fact that the image is strong enough to have gone viral - stickers and t-shirts everywhere http://www.cafepress.com/PalsyClown
217. Bertie | 08.04.09
We should stop being afraid to criticize this President for fear of being called racist. I am not now nor have I ever been racist.
At Martin Luther King Jr said, Each man should be judged by the content of his character and not the color of his skin. Colin Powell has character, Obama want to be a globe trotting, high spender and a power unto himself.
He will be known as the President who brought down America in less than a year.
218. why such stupidity? | 08.04.09
Why don’t people understand parody? Why don’t people get that this is likely a form of that? It is cause people believe what they want to believe. That really is all that is going on.
219. cris | 08.04.09
Obama is like the joker, he has a nasty little agenda and is trying to manipulate everybody, so this is very appropriate analogy. He also seems to be laughing - at us, the idiots that put him in power.
221. E-Bo | 08.04.09
Oh, yes. Dastardly, indeed. How dare those Right-wingers insult our president this way?!
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html
Oh…wait.
222. Peter Lott Heppner | 08.04.09
This PR Stunt blends White Face & Causality indicating source.
Another obfuscation to divide then conquer.
Distract a debate.
Foment an ill-informed angry electorate.
Who remembers the press conference featuring a bug behind a wall clock?
Looks like, Sounds like, Karl Rove & Company to me.
223. Phil 1098 | 08.04.09
As always, liberals kick sand at people and then when a conservative stands up for himself, the liberal cries out “why are you so mean? why are you attacking me?” All of you thought it was GREAT any time someone poked fun at Bush, but the absolute outrage that someone good poke at the biggest joke this country has ever seen seems unacceptable. I sure hope none of you libs have children, because the debt Obama has placed on their backs will never get repaid. More than the last thirty-four presidents combined? If that isn’t sobering, you really are kidding yourselves.
224. Johnzero | 08.04.09
Does it occur to anyone else that this is a poster of a Black president in White face, simply appealing to those who embrace, and degrade, conservative principles as a way to mask their own racism?
225. goframe | 08.04.09
Nazi Facists were and are socialists. They were left wing creatures embraced by the Communists until a departure by way of invasion occurred. If you look at Nazi political doctrine, less their henious racial solutions and growing space, Facists proposed national social solutions that are similar to the creeping socialism we see today in the US and Europe. Nazi Facism is a solid brand of socialism. Communists embraced the Facists until Hilter attacked the Soviets. Facists and Communists are on a scale of left and right only in the differences in their approach on the purity of implimenting Marxism. Communists and Nazi’s are both left wing, they hated each other over land and purity of doctrine. The winners (Communists) used collectivism and killed millions. The Facists used nationalism as a key ingredient and killed millions. Nazi’s added a nationalism ingredient to their brand of socialism and also had a Charismatic leader whose ideas were poor but he was a great speaker and sold himself through the crisis of that time. When Hitler came to power in the mid-30’s he first used his governance power to further enable his street workers, the Brown shirts and later the SS. He also targeted any who criticized him or his objectives. Socialism, Marxism, and collectivist thought has been the source of killing, misery and death this past century than any other movement. (Hitler, Stalin, Mao’s goons, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein, and other tin pots) Socialism is more like Islam in that both doctrines use force and deception to grow. A strong proganda machine and indirect indoctrination are necessary.
The poster is interesting art, it does make a strong impression. It is a great parody. It is part of the political landscape. Look for those who find the message offensive to use race baiting as a counter point, ignore them.
226. Adealia Artist | 08.04.09
Catherine, Obama is a fake and a fraud. What he says is to feed the true believes, like you, what they want to hear and attempt to con the rest of us. The only thing Obama and his Brownshirts lack is the power to enforce their will at the point of a gun and as soon as they get it we will be just like any other dictatorship. Bush was an idiot but Obama is dangerous to your freedom and liberty.
227. Observer | 08.04.09
People, it’s not about political parties; it has everything do with the Constitution. Do not abdicate your rights of choice and freedom to the government. Our founding fathers purposely limited the power of government realizing that a powerful goverment will eventually lead to tyranny. The Constitution has a Bill Of Rights for that exact reason. Unfortunately, over time the we Americans grew apathetic towards government and chose not to vote or hold their politicians accountable. Now we have the government we deserve: over bloated and arrogant. Our Congress acts like a group of little kings and queens holding themselves above the law. I give credit to both political parties for our dire situation. Our educational system is in tatters and this is one reason U.S companies go overseas: better educated workforce! My dear friends, we are observing the decline of a once great nation. We will indeed become like Europe and Scandanavia: we are no longer the leader of innovation and freedom with opportunity for all. It was due to our powewrful military that the oceans and airways are safe for all nations to travel and trade without fear. It is due to our great economy that we are able to help those in need around the world. I didn’t see Europe or Scandavia stepping up to defend the victims of ethinic cleansing in Bosnia.
Do we really want to be like everyone else?
229. Hillary | 08.04.09
So because it makes fun of Obama it must be a “Conservative Graffiti artist” ? give me a break! My guess is it’s a one time liberal who has finally seen the light and recognizes this chump for the joke he is.
230. Jason | 08.04.09
Conservatives should not try the guerilla art thing. They just aren’t good at it. Stick with the frat keggers and golf events. I bet the person who created this has one of those lame ‘Huckabee is My Homeboy’ t-shirts.
231. don | 08.04.09
How can anyone on the left be upset about this, when exactly one year ago Vanity Fair Magazine showed President George W. Bush the same way?
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html
Where was their outrage then?
232. wood | 08.04.09
Socialism is the cruelest joke ever perpetrated on mankind, and comrade Obama is now straring as the Joker.
234. GreginMiami | 08.04.09
Robert Dougherty of Associated Content is the one missing the point. Obama is being portrayed as a socialist joker, i.e., we elected a “wild card” masquerading as a moderate. To consider him a post-racial, healer seeking to govern from the middle is a joke in and of itself.
235. Big O | 08.04.09
The poster seems to have struck a nerve with liberals. trying to use logic that the joker was not a socialist, how about the fact that Obama is not what he appeared to be or did you know he was a socialist when you voted for him?
the talk about sinking to a new low from conservatives when it is not just conservatives that have sunk to a new low as was pointed out the left portayed Bush as a chimp, the devil and the joker. frankly both sides have managed to screw up this country and it really is time for a change in management that is not more of the same.
236. CandidComments | 08.04.09
Honestly, in the article above I think that Robert Dougherty has over intellectualized the creative intent of the moron who created the Obama/Joker poster. The poster is the half-witted attempt to vent frustration with a system he does not understand and with a president who in his first 6 months in office has not manage to correct all of the flailing aspects of our political, social, economic and healthcare related systems. How many years/administrations do think will be required to set all of these things right? Am I in agreement with all of the policy decisions and programs? No. Cash for Clunkers? I am more worried about holding down my job and keeping the bills paid.
As for the healthcare argument which presumably is one of the things that the creator of the poster is commenting on, have you ever had a relative or someone that you care about suffer from serious illness with inadequate healthcare coverage? It can destroy you. A program that provides adequate coverage for all may smell like socialism, but I think it is more reflective of a society that is demonstrating caring for the well-being of its citizens. I don’t think that if you can afford healthcare that anyone is suggesting that you line up around the block to see a state mandated physician.
I think that posterman needs to get a clue.
My 10 cents.
237. Archmac | 08.04.09
Thank you, euonymous & dp. The CSM used to be above this sort of crap…now they are becoming just as bad as all the rest of the ‘news’ media. I can find no way in which this type of trash (either the original article or the comments) fulfills the Monitor’s mandate “To injure no man, but to bless all mankind.” Mr. Yemma, I hope the Monitor will be a better news source at the end of your second year than it seems to be at the end of your first!
You could start by having an adult reviewing all the posts here…most of them are vulgar and vicious…and unfitt for publication on the Monitor’s website.
238. logic | 08.04.09
What’s the big deal guys? Why was it NOT a big deal or ‘clever’ when it was President Bush?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2718037818_63c3c36d33.jpg?v=1217481261
Settle down and enjoy our 1st Amendment RIGHT!
240. fritzthor | 08.04.09
This is so correct, this artist captured it! Of course anything the left does not like becomes a charge of “racism”.
241. William Jefferson | 08.04.09
Awesome!! Viral tribute to worst President in history!
We are a democratic society, not a socialist nation…Obama has no experience in this office and it is showing.
We keep losing jobs and the national debt is higher than anytime in history…congratulations Barry…you’re way out of your league.
242. lenny | 08.04.09
It’s amazing how free speech only applies to liberals. If it was Bush up there it would be hailed as social commentary.
243. Take the heat | 08.04.09
What a sense of irony that the liberal left can’t take the same sense of humor that they love to dish out.
244. D.R. | 08.04.09
Ahh…people are starting to wake up..GOOD! Maybe now people will realize that Obama, McCain and Hillary were all the SAME THING! All (including Biden) have ties to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Bilderbergers…remember when Hillary and Obama met and sent everyone else back to Chicago..lol! Also, don’t forget they also have ties to the Rothschilds and the Tri-Lateral Commision..just as Bush, Bush 2 and Bill Clinton Did.
Obama never was what you though folks..you thought this past election was real..just like the bush one, lol!
245. Winningjob | 08.04.09
Ahh…people are starting to wake up..GOOD! Maybe now people will realize that Obama, McCain and Hillary were all the SAME THING! All (including Biden) have ties to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Bilderbergers…remember when Hillary and Obama met and sent everyone else back to Chicago..lol! Also, don’t forget they also have ties to the Rothschilds and the Tri-Lateral Commision..just as Bush, Bush 2 and Bill Clinton Did.
What is important is that you remember the Constitution and “DO NOT” let Obama continue to destroy it as he has and Bush has already.
246. Jason | 08.04.09
Goframe,
You are wrong about the associations between communists and the Nazis within Germany. Communists and Nazis would have street fights on a consistent basis even before Hitler attacked Russia. Communists were right alongside the Jew as being the biggest enemy toward Nazism. Many communist, like my close’s friends grandfather, had the ugly choice of either joining the Wermacht or being sent to Buchenwald.
The idea that fascism is a left-wing phenonemona is merely a conservative straw man argument to disassociate the right with anything ‘bad’. Here’s four words for you- Council of Conservative Citizens.
247. Brad | 08.04.09
Liberal bashing of Bush makes this shot at Obama fair game. Personally I would have used the line “Why so socialist?”
248. NorthSide TaxPayer | 08.04.09
Hey I’m a Dem from Chicago I find it funny. To those who don’t get a life.
If the joker is the wild card we can add:
Blago (former Governor)
Todd Stroger
Mike Madigan
Richard Daley
and then we would have five of a kind.
249. Saul Alinsky | 08.04.09
I’m proud of my best disciple, Barak Obama! He is carrying on the fight for Socialism at the highest level in the world’s largest capitalist society. Soon, everyone will live in a socialist paradise like Cuba or North Korea!
250. Big O | 08.04.09
“I don’t think that if you can afford healthcare that anyone is suggesting that you line up around the block to see a state mandated physician.”
isn’t that what the bill is looking to do exactly? take away my choice and let the government decide what is best for me? do you think GWB would have done what is best for you? what makes you think BHO will?
251. meredith | 08.04.09
Really Murdock? “This is the typical hate-centered projection that the hysterical right is manufacturing. They are out of real ideas and all they have left is scorched earth. This represents their typical projection and emotes who they really are: jokers with the burned out eyes.” You are SO FUNNY MAN!! Hey do me a favor people, click on this link….and see…guess what?????? A PICTURE OF GEORGE W. BUSH AS THE JOKER…damn you Libs are stupid. It’s ok for you guys but no one else, is that it?
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html
Oh it’s so hate filled and hysterical…..blah blah blah blah. Whats the matter Murdock, dish it but can’t take it? Pathetic cry baby.
I PLAN ON RESPECTING YOUR PRESIDENT AS MUCH AS YOU RESPECTED MINE. Get over it.
252. MEREDITH | 08.04.09
Why so serious?
Click below to see George W. Bush as the joker….oops! Dish it but can’t take it? Is that what I’m hearing? Figures. The warm and fuzzy blanket of Freedom of Speech covers ALL Americans, not just liberal democrats. SURPRISE!!
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html
253. Housious | 08.04.09
“Why so serious?
Click below to see George W. Bush as the joker….oops! Dish it but can’t take it? Is that what I’m hearing? Figures. The warm and fuzzy blanket of Freedom of Speech covers ALL Americans, not just liberal democrats. SURPRISE!!
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html”
You just made every liberal in this thread feel like a dumbass.
We should throw them some money for lunch while we are at it. Obviously most of them are awful hacks with bad or no jobs. That is why they are so jealous, and full of hate, towards any large company that makes a profit.
256. Zvuv | 08.04.09
If only there was a semblance of socialism to break down the dependency to corporate American greed. So many Americans are simply unschooled in economic theory.
257. Nikola | 08.04.09
I saw a bumper sticker today that played on the stylized “O” Obama used during the campaign. It said “Socialism: Trickle up poverty.” Which isn’t true (because it misunderstands some basic facts about socialism), but even if it were…if it trickles all the way up to Hank Paulson and his ilk, bring it on.
It’s really appalling how little people in this country know about politics, and the difference between major ideologies.
258. Joe C | 08.04.09
I don’t like these Joker posters and it is saddening that some folks view their President as a source of destruction. That said, I strongly disapprove of the way in which Mr. Obama has been conducting himself on healthcare, the deficit, energy, the pro-abortion Freedom of Choice Act, his excessive use of Executive Orders, his signing statements (which he used to correctly condemn), and his vague plans for escalation in the Afghanistan quagmire.
We need to sit back, step back, slow down and get imput from the people about what the priorities ought to be, place them in the budget, and stick to the budget. As I said, I think it’s unfair to characterize our President as the Joker, but at the same time, he has been squandering a lot of the good-will and political capital he had back in January. I didn’t vote for Obama, but would have if say Cheney were the candidate, but I did give my full support in his first weeks. He needs to bring us transparency, openness, civility, honesty and fiscal responsibility. We cannot possibly continue these aggressive domestic and foreign policy agendas; we simply cannot afford it and it is extremely divisive and brings out lots of ugliness from the people.
259. Rocky | 08.04.09
I just saw those other Monitor headlines:
Auto sales revive, S&P breaks 1000.
I wonder what other socialist tricks Obama has up his sleeve.
260. Deadz | 08.04.09
IT’s funny to see the “republican’s” stick to there “message” It’s like someone is repeating some stupid line instead of pointing to the facts. You jokers should just say “i’m a mavrick” or “mission accomplished” Or “your with us or the terrorists” or .. i think you get the point… people who want to spend time spouting the company line are the real joke of the country, are the real uniformed. How about you make a decision for yourselves..
Pure joksters.. it’s sad…
261. vaedur | 08.04.09
I just read a ton of people spouting company lines on both sides, and not really understanding the world around them.
262. just saying | 08.04.09
Even thought this poster is a contradiction of it self, its no more bad than drawing horns on George W. Bush when he was president. I’m sure this won’t be the last as the president has a few more years in office.
263. Ellery | 08.04.09
I think that the Joker/Obama image strikes a chord because shows Obama’s true attitude–”I hate America”.
264. leftiswrongrightisright | 08.04.09
guys this isnt racist at all. and obama’s overtaking of GM and trying to get universal healthcare IS socialism, how can you say that it is not?!.
265. John Smith | 08.04.09
The cartoon merely uses a famous image to depict NObama as the grotesque clown that he is. Those outraged by it show that the left are happy to dish it out, but they can’t take it. This is not rocket surgery. Whether one is on the left or right it is plain common sense to realize the more productive people there are, the higher the standard of living. Socialism punishes the productive and rewards the non-productive. The lberal/socialists are saying “We want all of this free stuff (education, healthcare, ect) so long as someone else pays for it. Margret Thatcher said “The problem with socialism is eventually you run out of other people’s money. So we tax a few millionares for a short free ride. Then what? What sustains it for the long haul? Liberals may feel good “getting even” with the rich, and sure, everyone will be equal - equally poor.
266. DankRuse | 08.04.09
I have already ordered my shirt with this on the front. Obama is a socialist. And if any of you have a problem with my wording, here is a more accurate representation of Obama: totalitarian. He is shredding the consitution with every passing day and it makes me sick. I am not a Bush supporter nor am I a republican. I am an American that loves his constitution and I want to go back to it, not move farther away from it, like our “Joker-in-Chief” wants.
Why so serious??
268. Minister Jim | 08.04.09
Noble laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu: addressed this issue of fear/morality and society when he wrote:
“When there are millions starving, I think that there
must be something fundamentally wrong. I do not buy this whole business about
the market, because the market isn’t something that has got a total autonomy out
there. The market is controlled and run by human beings. As South Africans (and others)
seek a just balance between the market and morality, other Africans struggle
against multi-national corporations– another key force in the process of
globalization.
Moral and ethical discourse: In line with being “made” people
rather “found” people, we need to make our own morality based on
dialogue and choice, rather than simply accept the “found” morality
of our society, fixed by social role, religious heritage and tradition.”
Dialogue and choice not ridicule/white face/violence verbal or physical befits a mature intelligent society. Yes we can rise to the level of respect and dialogue rather than live in a fear based society. Choose life and live.
269. Andrew | 08.04.09
Ltodd #179
Have you ever heard of market failures?? They absolutely exist in capitalism and the governments purpose is to correct those failures. Like, for example, a failing financial system that if allowed to collapse would cripple the entire world because of the depth to which it functions in Europe, L Amer, Africa, Australia, Asia…(the world).
And seriously, those of you who think this is art, come on. The necessary talent to produce this is childish and the creativity to design it is, well, nonexistent. I may not be a conservative but get with it, start producing artistic criticism that gives you some level of dignity.
270. Fred from Palm Springs | 08.04.09
I first saw Obama as the Joker at http://www.UpYoursObama.com then a few days later the designs started showing up on the street. Coincidence? I don’t think so! I think it’s so funny that some are outraged be the image yet I don’t remember quite the outrage when Vanity Fair featured George W. as the Joker in July 2008.
273. Daniel | 08.04.09
Anyone who where’s this new Obama/Joker apparel… would simply be a mark of an idiot.
274. Daniel | 08.04.09
Anyone who where’s this new Obama/Joker apparel would simply be the mark of an idiot.
275. Mace | 08.04.09
The Joker blew up a hospital at the end of Dark Knight.
Obama is blowing up the US health care system.
Understand now??
278. jpt | 08.04.09
The most wonderful thing to come of this is the reminder of Heath’s stellar performance that leaves you feeling that it’s time to watch the movie again.
279. Geoff | 08.04.09
How funny is it that those who are for “The Bama” don’t understand the poster. Oh well, keep drinking your cool-aid or don’t you see the meaning in that? If not, here’s a clue “Jim Jones” look it up.
280. Delano Queensberg | 08.04.09
To all Christian Monitor readers who are overjoyed at the sight of this poster: you have nothing to fear but of your own hatred-filled souls, much like that of the Joker. You’re indeed behaving like the chillingly evil Joker!
281. Tom | 08.04.09
The image is simply an attention grabbing work by design, it combines three strong emotions in people. There isn’t anything political behind it. He could just as easily have shown Michael Jackson with a joker face and the word Happiness underneath and it would have caused a similar level of attention. It isn’t any more or any less than a emotive device, i.e. a piece of art.
282. Amy | 08.04.09
Racist? Have you libs lost your minds? I highly doubt anyone had Obama’s race in mind when they made this poster. They MAY have been referring to the fact that our President, promising “Hope and Change” has tricked many blind sheep into thinking that his policies will actually WORK. Wake up America, this man does not intend to heal America. He intends on growing government. Take a look at his voting record if you don’t believe.
The economy is recovering? Is that because of the 0.4 increase in consumer spending in June? Or could it be the 0.1 increase in May?
Are there more jobs here? Has income increased? Do you ever bother to analyze what your absorbent liberal brains are told? Maybe consumer spending went up because PRICES ARE HIGHER.
283. Rightwing Cowboy | 08.04.09
I think this is a great picture of the Kenyan socialist. I wish I could have a personalized license plate with it for my pickup. Really great!
284. Founding Father | 08.04.09
This just about captures the real Obama
the only change I’d make is to put it
on a completely red background
285. Jimi | 08.04.09
I want a bumper sticker of it. I have a great place on the back of my Jeep. If anyone makes these, they will sell big time! Maybe this one will make it to the National Gallery too?
286. Rachel | 08.05.09
It seems funny to me how many people only ascribe to belief in the First Amendment as long as it agrees with their viewpoints. This depiction of Obama, regardless of how people may view it, is obviously the individual’s opinion of how they see Obama and his policies. It is protected under the First Amendment as Free Speech, as with all other art forms. If you don’t like it, don’t look at it. If it bothers you go somewhere else, but whining and moaning about it is petty and juvenile. There were plenty of caricatures done about Bush as well, McCain, Bill and Hilary Clinton, and all other political figures. Personally I will take the same stance as Voltaire: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
287. mad-andy | 08.05.09
I think it is a bit of a warning to to Obama kool-aid heads. Remember in the dark Knight, how the joker robbed the bank and then eliminated all the thugs who helped him until he was the only one left with all the money?
288. Matt | 08.05.09
Bush was no more a conservative than Obama, he tripled the size of the federal government. The Republican party is more fascist now than conservative. Regardless, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats know anything about the Constitution, which has been shown time and time again.
290. concerned citizen | 08.05.09
This is so incredibly racist. Do these people have any idea of the kind of hate they’re spreading?
293. John Mitchell | 08.05.09
someone somewhere finally posted what we all know is true! Obama….Socialism!! now get off your butt and go to a town hall meeting!!
294. Dawes | 08.05.09
This is perfect. The Joker from the Dark Knight had an agenda, anarchy. And he took down anyone who got in his way.
Obama also has his own agenda, Socialism. And he is trying to take down anyone in his way.
I don’t really see why libs can’t see that. Well maybe after Obama takes all their money, or makes it worthless. Then they will cry.
295. thomas paine | 08.05.09
it should read “new world order” or “fascism” …. obama is identical to bush … obama / bush and the political leadership is destroying this nation. audit the federal reserve. unveil the men behind the curtain… david rockefeller, evelyn rothschild. both parties are owned and controlled by the federal reserve owners. audit the fed, then jail them.
296. Thomas Paine | 08.05.09
“Anyone who WHERE’S this new Obama/Joker apparel… would simply be a mark of an idiot.”
Wear’s the idiot?
297. Roland | 08.05.09
An no mention of when Vanity Fear runs Bush as the Joker in 2008? Another example of liberal double standard.
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html
298. Collins | 08.05.09
It is quite amuzing to watch all of the liberal nuts get so offense when their “dear leader” gets insulted like Bush was for the past 8 years. Obama is a joker alright. Cut defense spending in order to fund a doomed healthcare plan, typical.
You liberals or “progressives” as you want to call yourselves are so far disconnected from mainstream America, it isn’t even funny.
299. PatF | 08.05.09
This is fantastic political commentary, and I lvoe the fact that the lefties are giong nuts over this - all the while giggling like school kids about all the hundres of pics of Bush as a chimp, the joker, a vampire, the devil, and on and on. Don’t you DARE criticize Dear Leader!
Well, if you want to keep them mad, keep it viral and get yourself a sticker - it looks good on my car and I get more thumbs up than the bird! http://www.cafepress.com/PalsyClown
300. DUNOTS | 08.05.09
Oh, wow, an article in the monitor about this thing. People started posting this on /b/ the other day and I still have yet to see why anybody cares much about this at all. Well, I guess LOLitics will be LOLitics.
301. B | 08.05.09
This is terrible commentary. It makes absolutely no sense. There is not a single parallel between Obama and the Joker, as already pointed out
302. Mo B Dick | 08.05.09
A picture is worth a thousand words, What a brilliant and powerful image. But not original, it was used against Bush in “I think Vanity Fair!”
303. Allen | 08.05.09
It funny to see the Lib’s yelling FOUL/RACE as if it so terrible to mock their master. It seems ok for them to mock Bush when he was in office. So why is it different now, is it that they think the Freedom of Speech was writing for them only and not for all? One has to think that with all the yelling FOUL/RACE when mocking Obama. People that has different views on their Politic on Obama are not races that it their GOD GIVING RIGHT TO HAVE ONE. Men and women died for this country to keep this Freedom we take for granted. So if ones share their views to you that you should not label them as races but disagree with them and go on with your business. BUT! you have the right to your thoughts that you keep inside about what you think of them.
304. fearistheenemy | 08.05.09
I’m a left wing nut job and don’t see this poster as racist or mean spirited. It’s just some good ol’ political fun, albeit ignorant fun because those who think this country is going communist or socialist has no footing in or knowledge of American history.
I’d ask those who don’t like ‘government run’ healthcare to call their congressperson or senator and ask hopw they like their government run healthcare, or ask a teacher or ask a soldier or ask your ailing grandparents on medicare… I’ll bet they’ll tell you they really like it.
Ignorance is no substitute for reason and logic.
However, where this might be dangerous is that it may further stoke those who already hate Obama to no end because he’s different (read Black.)
As a joke I think Obama should come out with his own poster with the caption, Born in Mars, as an ironic joke to the Birthers.
305. paul j. cropper | 08.05.09
A picture is worth a thousand words…in this case, it speaks volumnes.
306. Rick in Canada | 08.05.09
I am not sure what the fuss is about. Obama is a socialist by most definitions of the word. The most common definition of Socialism is “Government ownership and control of the means of production.” When you look at what the American government has done in the last 6 months in regards to the banking system and auto business and what it plans on doing in regards to the healthcare industry (and health insurance industry) I think there is no doubt that he is a socialist. As well as outright ownership of these businesses it is obvious that the American government also plans on controlling and even larger number of businesses through government regulations and rules.
It will all end in tears as all socialist utopias do.
307. Mephistophales | 08.05.09
Obama is characterized by his vehement desire to mold society, politically, economically and socially, with or against its will. The joker had the same intent, his just included guns, rants, and one dead actor. Obama is a figurehead, just as every president before him, and the public, currently still accorded the freedom of speech, is not only allowed but obligated to voice an opinion, albeit a crudely satirical one in this case. Political cartoons have been a mainstay of the press from the beginning, and this is no different. This image might only be racist if the joker were a white man wearing black-face.
Liberals are incensed by the idea that a free thinking mind can logically achieve a dissenting opinion of our president, what a farce!
310. forthechildren | 08.05.09
This portrait is racist…if you want it to be. We all know the drill, let’s cry racism - for there is NO KNOWN DEFENSE against the charge.
311. Amanda D | 08.05.09
I am not saying that I support this picture of Obama, because I do not agree with any sort of gruesome or completely disrespectful imagry of our President, but I would just like to remind Shaer that there are equally disturbing and disrespectful images circulating of former President George W. Bush. Therefore, this is hardly a race issue, at least for most people, and more a matter of policies and decisions taking place in Washington that are widely disliked by a great amount of the American people. I don’t believe that images such as these are right, or show integrity or high moral character, however both sides of the political spectrum are guilty for this type of behavior. It is not solely members of the right-wing that are guilty of such acts. I advice you to be not discriminate against one side of the political spectrum by assuming that all those who think disagree with many of Obama’s policies racists.
312. Gena | 08.05.09
This is not particularly clever and much less than original. If you look at some of the truly offensive political editorial images that have been thrown out there in the past several hundred years this one is not noticable at all.
313. Danny | 08.05.09
I just wish it was true. I wish he was joking about bailing out the banks and I wish it was true that he was a socialist. The dang corporations are looting the country and leaving the working people with nothing. At least the folks the conservatives have forced into unemployment might get some health care. NEVER ANOTHER REPUBLICAN!!!
314. coatesmoe | 08.05.09
In 1938, in Germany we had people like Glenn Beck and Rush on the radio wave preparing the way for Hitler. Socialism, does any American know what socialism is? 1938 the big industry companies were deciding on the day to day live of the German population. 2009 the big industry is deciding on the health of the American people. The banks are deciding on your pocketbooks and you do not have the interest to fully exxplore what is happening to you.
316. mnnymrtz | 08.05.09
Absolutely love it….The truth hurts , huh. Open your eyes to the truth people……I will frame it on my wall
317. anon | 08.05.09
I think the picture would’ve been a lot stronger without ’socialism’ across the bottom.
318. Batman | 08.05.09
This image has nothing to do with “Race!” It boldly states “The Joke is on U.S. and that Obama’s policies lean toward Socialism!”
319. reawokenAmerican | 08.05.09
I agree the poster is disrespectful. Both sides have done this sort of thing to each other for years and it is wrong. I do not care for Obama because he is a socialist. If I wanted to live in a socialist country I would move to some place like Europe, Canada, ect. And to say that all rich people are Republicans, what a load of fecal mater! Look at Bill Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Hanoi Jane, Oprah, Bill Gates, Ben and Jerry (ice cream gurus which I boycot)aren’t exactly ruffing it! I could go on for days. Heres the problem we have to many lazy ass people with there hands out looking to be taken care of, with the right to vote. After 2 years of this bovine fecal matter & with no checks and balances in the house or senate I believe there will be some changes made. As for me I’m no socialist (AKA Democrat) and at this point I’m not a republican (who appears to have lost there way). Straight Libritarian party for me. I’m a 40something female who has worked every since I was 15years old and never taken a government handout! Come on America wake up they are “taking us from within” just like they said they would. communist that is.
320. Bill McDade | 08.05.09
Funny how every one wants to call this GOP Propaganda but if you investigete the SAME ARTIST that did Obama’s HOPE poster DID THIS ONE TOO! Dems don’t like it when people start seeing clearly!
321. Bill McDade | 08.05.09
I’d wear the shirt!Accept on the back I would have published the list of his accomplishments as gathered by the US Coast Guard who is still waiting for a real acheivement beyond putting mustard on his own hotdog! Yes the US COAST GUARD is watching and wanting to know when is finally going to do something real… By the way the GITMO prisoners Obama the ignorant is about to bring onto US soil… I hope they put them in your neighborhood…
322. ObaMarxist | 08.05.09
This poster makes way more sense that “Anonymous” members wearing Guy Falkes masks.
The vast majority of the comments on this page confirm what many of us had suspected all along: that America is slowly becoming a Marxist Communist Totalitarian hellhole.
As for the people who claim Anarchy and Socialism are opposites LOL - haven’t you clowns ever heard of ANARCHO-COMMUNISM?! Good Lord.
Ever heard of the Weatherman Underground? What about Saul Alinsky? What about Franklin Davis? What about the fact that Obama’s mother was an ADMITTED MARXIST, which is why he was indoctrinated into black liberation theology in the first place? For crying out loud, the Black Panthers and all 60s radical groups were Marxists AND THEY’RE RUNNING THINGS NOW…stop this antiquated irrelevant nonsense about imperialism, fascism, capitalism and this other ad hominem party line regurgitation…the fact that the public was so on board with slandering Bush 24/7 but now are crying racism when their charismatic leader is exposed…IS COLD HARD EVIDENCE OF TOTAL COMPLETE COMMUNIST SUBVERSION, wake up people!
323. ObaMarxist | 08.05.09
This poster makes way more sense that “Anonymous” members wearing Guy Falkes masks.
The vast majority of the comments on this page confirm what many of us had suspected all along: that America is slowly becoming a Marxist Communist Totalitarian hellhole.
As for the people who claim Anarchy and Socialism are opposites LOL - haven’t you clowns ever heard of ANARCHO-COMMUNISM?! Good Lord.
Ever heard of the Weatherman Underground? What about Saul Alinsky? What about Franklin Davis? What about the fact that Obama’s mother was an ADMITTED MARXIST, which is why he was indoctrinated into black liberation theology in the first place? For crying out loud, the Black Panthers and all 60s radical groups were Marxists AND THEY’RE RUNNING THINGS NOW…stop this antiquated irrelevant nonsense about imperialism, fascism, capitalism and this other ad hominem party line regurgitation…the fact that the public was so on board with slandering Bush 24/7 but now are crying racism when their charismatic leader is exposed…IS COLD HARD EVIDENCE OF TOTAL COMPLETE COMMUNIST SUBVERSION, wake up people!
324. The Joker | 08.05.09
What an insult… He does my make-up such an injustice… and the hair is all wrong… And he is no where as intelligent as me… Who’s this clown think he is wearing my make-up, the President of the United States… oh… wait.. Okay he can wear it… for he is a joke.. bwhahahahahaha
325. steve | 08.05.09
Did anyone else notice the video that is linked to this page has been removed. Could it be because the White House HAS asked for names to be given to them of people who are speaking ill of the health scare bill. The truth is he isn’t a socialist, he is following the playbook of Chavez.
326. Kyle L | 08.05.09
I just don’t get it.
This Obama/Joker poster is supposed to be racist??
Luckily, when Prof. Gates called the black Officer an ‘Uncle Tom’, it was used as a
compliment. And when Rev. Wright said, “God Damn America”, it was high praise.
BUT…to say the Emperor has no clothes…THAT is racist.
327. The Joker | 08.05.09
So many in here are defending Obama’s unbiasedness toward the different races… When has he gone to bat for a poor white community? They do exist. Where is their Aide? Actions speak louder than words… BTW, real proud of a President that spends over $50,000 in taxpayer dollars to take his wife on 1 date — Could have housed and fed quite a few poor folks on that!
328. rileytg | 08.05.09
President Obama is a socialist. The poster immediately grabs your attention, you think about it, and realize that he is also a liar, a friend to terrorists…a joke, the Joker.
The left will cry racist and declare this a hate crime…
When this happened to President Bush last year, the right said, ok, cool, you suck. That was it…grow up Liberals.
329. The Joker | 08.05.09
80. Hmmm | 08.03.09
Michele (no 62) said,
“While some of his policies may seem relatively socialistic, his overall goal is not the state or public ownership of the means of production (i.e. business).”
Did you know that you are now a shareholder of GM, Michele?
Doesn’t that make me one too and if so Hmmmm WHERE ARE MY DIVIDENDS! SHAREHOLDERS (real ones anyway) GET DIVIDENDS!
Shareholders my wazhoo!
331. Socrates | 08.05.09
We live in a democracy. You can dislike and disagree with the president if you want to. You can disagree with policies if you want. Disagreement is the foundation of democracy. If you like him then ignore the picture.
332. Domack | 08.05.09
If blacks aspire to be in public office same as whites, they better be ready to be ridiculed as whites are. I think the elites have miscalculated white guilt. Americans are sick of special treatment for non whites. No more stacking the deck so that non-whites have an undeserved advantage. Americans want equality and equality means there’s only one color, American.
333. Jonathan Jerald | 08.05.09
We believe we have found the source of the image used to create the Joker Obama poster. We first reported on this story in April and have since updated it at bedlammagazine.com with fresh information and new pics. From our perspective as editors of an arts mag, what we find most intriguing is how posters employing a primarily visual idiom, plastered anonymously on urban surfaces around the country, are contributing to the national political dialog. Artists with a left-wing bent have dominated this category until recently and it’s interesting to see artists from the right getting into the game. Although we are unabashedly on the left side of the discussion as far as our politics are concerned, we welcome this new trend that encourages the use of images as part of the language of debate.
334. Crystala | 08.05.09
So, other than ‘he was born in Kenya’ and ‘he’s a scary socialist’ and taking a photo of him and smearing it up with color crayons, what IS the Republican message? Anything relevant? Or are they all suffering from a collective case of brain damage?
335. Daniel b | 08.05.09
Why is it that Americans are so afraid of the word socialsm? What I cant work out is first of all, who wouldn’t want universal healthcare? If I pay taxes in a country, and I get sick in that country, I shouldn’t be faced with a ‘you can’t afford to be operated on’ speach. The boards of US hospitals take millions in pay and bonuses, it’s sick.
I live in the UK and I live in a democratic society where my government helps me when I fall.
That’s not socialism and I don’t live in a socialist country. The private health companies from the US tried to buy into hospitals here but were rejected for fear of taking profits before helping people. It’s morally wrong and I don’t see why you would honor a CEO’s judgement over a doctor’s judgement.
And before I get talked about for being un-American or some sort of rubbish, I’m a dual national and proudly vote in each general US election. I voted for Obama because the other guy wasn’t progressive in the slightest, and his healthcare philosophy was a joke. If you really saw how some of the poorest countries in Europe still have free healthcare for their sick and elderly, GOPs would be voting for Obama twice if they could. America is supposed to be a world leader, it’s clearly not when it comes to the health of their own people.
336. scboatman945 | 08.05.09
Who cares. They can make fun of him, but he’s the Pres, not one of them.
After 8 years of a real Bozo, Obama is like a breath of fresh air. The best President in my lifetime. And I’m over 50. Frankly, I wish he was a real Socialist.
337. Hip a Crit | 08.05.09
I can’t stand all of these socialist policies being forced onto our great democracy. All of these changes are ruining my country. Obama had better not change my medicare or social security.
338. Zoisite | 08.05.09
I love it because it reveals the INNER man!
And let’s not bring race into this…he is half WHITE!
339. obamadeception | 08.05.09
Instead of “socialism” why not put “Wall Street banker’s tool”. then it would actually make sense. For every dollar spent on the welfare of the average citizen about forty dollars have gone directly into the pockets of Wall Street. 23 trillion in potential Wall Street bailout liabilities undertaken by the government at Obama’s discretion but where is the spending to ensure that your children have an education or food security?
340. J Cline | 08.05.09
Most political satire is tasteless. This is just free speech in action, folks. Don’t like it? Move to Canada. Their “human rights tribunals” (no joke, Google it) would have the artist gagged in a heartbeat.
341. Blkving | 08.06.09
Nice to read the paranoid rantings of the wingnuts on here. To be historically accurate, they should have morphed an image of Obama with Lenin, Stalin, Marx, Trotsky, Mao, etc., if you wanted to underline the themes of communism or socialism. The Joker is a nihilist. So the semiotics of this poster do not make sense.
Finally, for you idiots ranting about Socialism, check out one of the original American Socialists who advocated the progressive income tax and inheritance tax — Teddy Roosevelt. http://blog.beliefnet.com/stevenwaldman/2008/10/teddy-roosevelt-socialist-advo.html
342. HarryHorse | 08.06.09
Why do the conservatives think that socialism will be any worse than W’s form of fascism. I thought conservatives were supposed to be associated with Christianity. Jesus Christ was a perfect example of a bleeding heart liberal. When he was slapped did he turn the other cheek? I guess it’s a new type of Christianity ……. when 62% of evangelicals approve of torture the religion is a farce. Remember….What you do to the least among you is what you do to him. If you’re gonna shape religion to suit your lifestyle please give it another name. Call it Bushianity or Chenianity or maybe pseudo-Christianity but give your torture condoning evil religion a new name.
344. Extreme Moderate | 08.06.09
Many of you on here have watched Manchurian Candidate and Red Dawn one too many times.
345. HFD | 08.06.09
The comments on this page show how deep everyone’s head is in the sand. The article is weak loser trash as well. Wake up, its an oligarchy folks! Bush was no conservative and Obama is no liberal in the classic sense of the word.
347. Mark | 08.06.09
America was not “Broken” before Obama got into office, it was “beaten”, but not broken. The viral cancer of progressivism- socialism- communism (interchange them as you like they are of one and the same) has been eating the heart and soul of America for a hundred years. Obama is merely changing America into a country more to his liking. Change you can believe in. HA! Unfortunately, for those duped into voting for the ObamaNation, America can not be changed into a communist country without destroying her first.
349. Aaron | 08.06.09
I love it, so Sweden Norway and Finland all have a socialist society and we could take a lesson from them… they also drill for oil in their own countries in order to pay for these things, and forced military service as well. Sounds good to me.
So if conservatives are the racists then why are only lefts discussing race? We can all blame Bush for a lot and that’s fine but at what point do we start asking why things have spiraled down hill since January? Hate to break it to you it’s both sides! It’s funny that it was ok to portray an almost identical picture of Bush but when it’s done to Obama it’s wrong. Seriously, get over yourselves, it’s a picture. It’s only a big deal if you make it one.
350. eb | 08.06.09
Why dont yall look the word up, and see if it rings truth by his actions and decisions that is yet and have already been made…..Use YOUR brain…research…from what I see..dems, repub, liberal, cons…their all in cohooots with each other..after youve done your research..you might respect it…..
351. Timothy | 08.06.09
Hey Bob! I want some of that righteous left wing magical tonic that allows you to believe the economy is recovering. Remember what you libs said when the stock market went up after 2002 but there were few jobs with it? Ya’ll said “Wall Street is NOT Main Street!” I AGREE with ya’ll. We are no where near a recovery because of this President’s spending and deficits. That stimulus package? It was all political paybacks. Nothing to stimulate the economy, as only $7 billion has been spent in the first SIX MONTHS! Oh yeah, WE LOST 550,000 more JOBS in JULY! Go tell half a million more of your fellow citizens how great the economy is. This President has watched over the loss of 4 million + jobs and there’s more pain to come. Cap and trade tax will cost 2 million jobs. Democrat takeover of healthcare will cost 1.5 million jobs. But that’s ok because they are going to tell grandma how it’s better for everyone if she goes blind and dies rather than be treated with lifesaving healthcare we have available today.
352. David Claiborne | 08.06.09
Yawn. Whoever made this poster clearly thinks they’re clever, but they don’t seem to understand Obama, the Joker, or socialism.
It has been really funny hearing the conservative media try to talk about how upset liberals are about this poster. Really? Because no one I know cares. The first time I saw one of the by the Hollywood Bowl I laughed a good belly-laugh.
Try harder, Republicans.
353. Bobby | 08.06.09
This enigmatic picture is something that almost all of the bloggers don’t get. It isn’t only about Socialism, though it can be. One brilliant analyst Kurt Nimo has explained it like this. The power elite, knew that they needed a candidate who cannot be criticized easily because of race. Enter their putting forward Comrade President Obama. He will be able to get away serving their purposes much easier than an easily criticized “old white man”.
354. Charles | 08.06.09
This poster looks like the work of L.A. area radical/racist Pia Varma or someone in her group, no doubt about it…
355. Sam | 08.06.09
Has anyone taken into account that the Joker was a sociopath? Maybe the maker of the poster is trying to also portray Obama as a sociopath who will make empty promises ad lie to no end to rise above the rest and get his way in the end. I am not making the comparison that Obama can or will be anything like Hitler, but Hitler was a sociopath and he used the same tactics, not that Obama wishes to kill anyone, I have no idea what his motives are. But it is very clear that his motives are very different from the ones he voiced throughout his campaigns and people are beginning to wonder what’s going on. Often sociopaths are very eloquent and very good liars, it would not surprise me if he was, that being said I am only making an observation, I could be completely wrong.
356. notbeinfringed | 08.07.09
Can’t you folks get it that the idea is to label Obama as a trickster? That’s what the joker makeup is meant to represent. Get the heck over the race things this isn’t about race - it’s about the false left vs right paradigm.
357. Dnarb | 08.07.09
Perhaps America needs a socialist agenda if you look at the mess that capitalism brought:
- Collapsing industries
- The highest crime rate in the developed world
- The most people in jails in the developed world
- Debt that is out of control
- An incredibly bad public image everywhere in the world (including its partners in the developed economies) - this as improved since Obama became president
- A health care system that leaves a fifth of people without access to health care.
- Responsible for the global recession
- One of the highest rates of obesity in the developed world
If it was not for Obama it would simply sink into the cesspit that the US has become.
358. Rich | 08.07.09
Can you really not see the association? Socialism is a form of government which promotes government ownership of the economy, or sectors therein. The auto industry and the healthcare industry are both sectors of the economy, the latter of which consumes 16% of our gross domestic product. Eh… that sounds pretty socialist to me.
359. SocialismRocks | 08.07.09
Socialism made America great in the 30’s after the last Depression caused by failed Republican policies.
It created immediate jobs then and long term jobs in maintenance.
If only Obama were really a Socialist rather than a Centrist.
We could get out of this long term recession caused by failed Republican economic policies.
360. Susan | 08.07.09
Mainstream media ignored tatics such as these when it was applied to President Bush. Now that it has happened to President Obama, they want the public to become outraged. PLEEEEEEEASE!! Either way it was free speech and the “posters” are allowed to engage in the creation and distribution. It is their personal opinion to do so without fear. What this situation does represent is the bias in todays media sector.
363. George | 08.07.09
I have absolutely no clue how half of Dnarb’s list can be blamed on economic policy.
364. Laura | 08.07.09
well, i think the artist’s idea has exploded in their face already-considering the comments and yes maybe socialism will become cool again because of the publicity.
i just don’t trust half the folks who write words like “socialist” or “communist” in a negative way to be anything other than a person who is part of the status quo. Someone who wants true learning to not exist. Maybe a covert, government employee even?
I am afraid that Barack, who I voted for, is not far enough different than Bush after all. Though I fear the Ron Paul party’s politics, yet also admit some happiness that at least something fresh is happening, I think they may be right that Bush & Obama are part of the same party-the one party system we have in the US that seems to give us choices but the choices are so slight that is it really any different?
What better way for the status quo to keep us apart then to keep getting people to pose as average folks and use terms like “socialist” or “communist” to get people riled up and not focused on what is really happening.
Like during Clinton’s presidency and Monica Lewinsky, what was really going on was the US was covertly killing civilians in the middle east by bombing the water supply and causing dysentery. Using Monica kept everyone focused on the easy issue. the non-issue.
365. JoeHadenuff | 08.07.09
He is a bit of a socialist, but what he is enacting is more fascism then anything I would submit. He certainly is not an anarchist nor promoting anything resembling anarchism, (an-archism - greek An (against) Archism (rulers) . His whole goal is stateist centrist’ism. There is nothing resembling mutual or voluntary socialism, nor an-archism.
Now, it it fair game? You bet!
Is the neo-con right a bunch of wanny pants hypocrites? You bet your arse end they are! They now claim to be against big govt. but yet Dubya Bush was the hugest promoter of Big Govt and Centrist State supporting agendas then most before. Now, with the Obama deception pushing this same agenda in full force the neo-con right comes out crying about it all. Where were they the last 8 yrs? Supporting more taxes and big govt.
367. FSocialism | 08.08.09
Umm…anyone claiming that this poster is racist is obviously trying to make race an issue where it isn’t, much like the recent incident with Obama’s buddy Gates. The most damage to race relations is being done by those who yell racism at everything. It needs to stop.
As for Obama as the joker, let’s not take things too literally. What the poster means is that Obama is a joker in terms of how he runs things, not that he wants to promote anarchy. Duh.
368. Alex | 08.08.09
Marxist, socialist? How many people giving their 0.02c have actually read Marx, Engels & Co to be able to use the terms with minimum knowledge? Have they even read some history about what socialism in other countries was? Even if you read something called “Marxism for Dummies” you will never find anything remotely close to what even the most left wing democrats would like to see happening in the US. Get real, America, and read a bit more original literature before using such words! The rest of the world -especially those who have lived under REAL communiist/marxist socialism for decades in Europe- laughs at such ignorance being so widely and publicly displayed.
369. Will | 08.08.09
Not everything is about race and those that cry racism as a reflex are usually just playing politics.
370. Tony | 08.08.09
This is relatively strait-forward; he’s being called a clown. Don’t read into it, don’t over-analyze it, don’t ascribe brilliance or stupidity to it. The Heath Ledger Joker is the most famous and popular clown in America. This isn’t that complicated folks.
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blbushclown.htm
http://www.anniemayhem.com/blog%20pics/ClintonClown.jpg
This happens EVERY time. Don’t read too much into it. Presidents are center stage in the public light, performing to win our support. Acknowledging that doesn’t make us anything other than moderately perceptive.
371. J. Brown | 08.08.09
Where was the fuss when G. W. Bush was portrayed as the joker in I think, Vanity Fair?
373. Joseph | 08.09.09
The Left hate this image because it causes the most vocal of their members to spew anti-Constitutional garbage. They can’t hide the garbage, so they cover the violations to free speech with cries of racism.
374. John Roberts | 08.09.09
I’m no W. Bush defender, but where were the cries of racism when he was depicted as the Joker? How about when they showed him as a vampire biting the neck on the Statue of Liberty? Liberals are huge hypocrites for making light of this. For some reason, they believe that double standards are alright. I’m a Libertarian, but it’s easy to see that Republicans, unlike Democrats, at least acknowledge the facts on occasion. The dems never do! Facts just don’t seem to matter to them. It’s not the conservative white man’s fault that the current president is black anymore than it’s a liberal black man’s fault that Bush is white. But were African-Americans ever called racist for picking on him? No, of course not. Our presidents have always been fair game to be made fun of, especially the sitting president. That’s how it works, people. That’s how it’s always been. But now, because we get one that’s black all of this tradition is just supposed to cease? This isn’t Iran, Russia, or China, you morons!
375. kit | 08.09.09
Bush was painted as stupid, Clinton ridiculed for his Arkansas roots, Reagan for his memory lapses, and Carter for being a peanut farmer. Minorities are just going to have to accept that being equal isn’t always pleasant.
376. Jen | 08.09.09
Obama is no socialist. I imagine most of the people that spew this nonsense don’t even know what a socialist is. It’s too bad so many Americans are extremely short-sighted about the future of this country. It’s all, “me me me, right now” and “I don’t care what happens to anyone else, I just want to pay less in taxes.” This attitude will bring us all down as a nation. Basic (and truly, it needs to be rationed as well) health care for all is needed.
I was reading an article recently about a woman who was a Republican who couldn’t wait until she was old enough for Medicare. That says it all right there. So called conservatives are fine with these huge government programs as long as they are for THEM! And don’t give me that I paid into it so I am entitled nonsense. Almost everyone doesn’t pay near as much into it as they get out of it.
377. S Perkins | 08.09.09
You have got to be kidding me! Does anyone know the difference in Socialism and Anarchy??? I guess the whole issue with actually having public healthcare is that the rich fatcat dr’s and pharmacutical company’s are seeing a possible rift of them and their dollars. It’s a little old already being the guard dogs of the world when we can’t even protect our own people’s needs from Big Brother Corporate. “Who ever has the Gold makes the Rules” has never been more true. All they are doing is trying to scare the American public with “Communist” talk. It’s the usual hoopla and smoke screen they use to hide their “Agenda”. Don’t be duped! See exactly where this coming from…
378. Geoff | 08.09.09
Race was the first thing to come to my mind when seeing this picture. “trickster” wasn’t. Wouldn’t Obama being pictured as a socialist leader of the past be more appropriate? Putting white face on an african american is just as inappropriate as putting black face on a caucasian.
379. Twigg | 08.09.09
So, does anyone remember when they lampooned George W. Bush using the same comparison? Is it okay to portray a Republican, even an incompetent progressive one, as the Joker, but not an incompetent Democrat? Are the standards different for the two men?
Here’s the original picture. Does it enrage you to have your democratically elected president portrayed as a monster?
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/07/bush-as-joker.html
380. Matt | 08.10.09
Yep. If there’s one thing Heath Ledger’s Joker stood for, it’s socialism.
This makes no sense.
381. Justin Mckay | 08.10.09
If you don’t like it so be it. I’m going to blow the poster up for the freeway overpass. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!
383. Charles | 08.12.09
We didn’t know what we were getting when we turned to Obama. Just like the joker.
384. Knowledge of the Source | 08.12.09
The poster came from Alex Jones’ website, InfoWars…where he offered $1,000 to people videotaping themselves posting it around town.
The meaning of the poster is further explained here:
385. venusandlightning | 08.13.09
I also disagree with the socialism/fascism at the bottom of the poster. That’s why I made my own poster/shirt at my screenprinting shop.
386. Kurt Prochnow | 08.14.09
Making fun of presidents is an American pastime. It was not that long ago we had the Bush chimp and Alfred E. Neuman pics. Deal with it.
387. Boom | 08.16.09
I’m a political atheist, I saw first hand how Bush said he’d stop military intervention over seas and instead put it on steroids and now I’m seeing Obama backing out on all of his promises as well. truth be told we need a Joker poster for both Obama and Bush. America you have been bamboozled. Let everyone know this.
389. NObama | 09.03.09
i dont think is half bad.and honestly america needs a visual,and im sorry if all you dumbos dont see what the photo means.but i think it is actually pretty relevant…
390. Napster | 09.04.09
This isn’t about right or left, black or white, democrat or republican… Sadly, some are stuck in that mindset. Thank you Knowledge of the Source, you are a breath of fresh air. PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP!
391. Patriot44000 | 09.04.09
Our I think all the Obamans are going to laugh
Big all the way to the gates of the prison camps.
A** Like bunch of sheep with the wool over their
Mistake eyes.
America
392. bdbd | 09.05.09
The poster makes lots of sense. It’s pure racism, which what’s motivating the GOP even though they’ll deny it.
393. Rashad Smith | 09.17.09
This has nothing to do with racism. It has to do with OUR FREEDOM. If you people who think this has to do with racism then your eyes havn’t opened to what the real problem is. Your to ignorant to step back and realize what is going on here. Yes, Im black, and no I didn’t vote for Obama because I was one of the few at the time who actually did my homework and realized he didnt have the experience to run our country and didn’t have the right type of policies to get our country where it needed to be. I actually work for a living and I DO NOT want the government to tell me how to live unlike the LAZY people who can’t make anything of their lives.
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1. dcrumpton | 08.03.09
why the fuss - he is the joker. Remember the most worthless words in the english language is Obama said.