President Obama is commemorating the National Day of Prayer differently than his predecessor. The president is issuing a proclamation whereas former President George W. Bush had a public ceremony to mark the day. This has led Rush Limbaugh to say Obama is "asserting his authoritarian control."
(NEWSCOM/FILE)Photos (1 of 1)
Obama asserting authoritarian control on Prayer Day says Limbaugh
By Jimmy Orr | 05.06.09
The National Day of Prayer is canceled?
No. President Obama doesn’t have the authority to cancel the National Day of Prayer. Although if you were listening to Rush Limbaugh this afternoon you might get that impression.
Limbaugh said the decision to commemorate the annual event differently from the past administration amounts to President Obama “asserting his authoritarian control.”
“They say he prays privately,” Limbaugh said. “I have no doubt. Who does he pray to? Does he pray to himself?”
Back up
Although remarks like this are no surprise coming from Limbaugh, they do underscore a difference in opinion over how the day should be commemorated.
It is true that Obama is deviating from the way President George W. Bush marked the day. The past president made it more of an event inviting religious leaders to the White House and having a full-out ceremony during his eight years.
Obama is recognizing the day like most other presidents have — with a proclamation. Although President Reagan held a Rose Garden event in 1982 and President George H.W. Bush hosted a breakfast in 1989.
Participate
Obama will issue a proclamation and pray privately said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
“Prayer is something that the President does every day,” Gibbs said yesterday at his press briefing. “I think, given some of the issues that you all have denoted today, it might be a healthy thing. But we’re doing a proclamation, which I know that many administrations in the past have done.”
Not pleased
The National Day of Prayer Task Force isn’t thrilled with the decision. The task force is a privately-funded conservative group whose mission includes “mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership.” The group also seeks to “publicize and preserve America’s Christian heritage.”
“We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama Administration,” said task force chairwoman Shirley Dobson. “At this time in our country’s history, we would hope our President would recognize more fully the importance of prayer.”
Gibbs said he does.
“I think the President understands, in his own life and in his family’s life, the role that prayer plays,” Gibbs said. “And I would denote that administrations prior to the past one did proclamations. That’s the way the President will publicly observe National Prayer Day. But as I said, privately he’ll pray as he does every day.”
Pleased
Although Limbaugh and the task force are upset, there are others who applaud the move.
The American Atheists, for example, are supportive. “It’s not his job to tell people to pray,” a national spokesperson for the organization told CNN.
“We are very happy he did away with the George W. Bush-era celebrations and party, but we wish he wouldn’t do it at all,” he added. “When church and state are separate, separate is separate.”
And the Secular Coalition of America says it’s a “good first step.”
“Generally, we don’t want the federal government to endorse prayer because it’s endorsing a specific religion,” said spokesman Ron Millar. “We’d rather them not be in that business. It would be difficult to be all-inclusive on this.”
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Comments
2. Josh | 05.06.09
Where does this “Prayer is personal.” mantra come from?
If someone is religious they are not allowed to express it in public? If that’s the case why isn’t it being applied to atheists who flaunt their lack of belief in a God?
Just wondering.
3. Bob | 05.06.09
I think the proclamation is appropriate. I’d like to see it being inclusive of all faiths and non believers as well. Instead of prayer for non-believers, he could encourage them to spend a moment in quiet self reflection.
4. Joan | 05.06.09
Exactly.
Why is it Limbaugh’s business to demand religious observance from the President of the United States?
Does anyone really believe Limbaugh prays? Does anyone have the right to ask Rush who he prays to?
It is one more excuse for the radical right to insult Obama, and they are getting pretty desperate.
5. Jo | 05.06.09
Josh, no one is denying anyone the right to express prayer in public. But it appears that this conservative group wants to deny Obama and others the right to keep their prayer private.
It is his right to keep his prayer personal and private, just as it is your right to pray publicly.
You can flaunt your beliefs all you want, but no one has the right to demand that a publicly elected official flaunt his beliefs, or practice his religion in front of the public. Why is it that he should come under criticism for exercising his personal spiritual beliefs in the way he chooses?
6. SanDiegoView | 05.06.09
Limbaugh is a secular conservative, not a Christian. Like John McCain knocking on the doors of the 1st Baptist Church of Phoenix before coming out for gay marriage and getting ditched by James Dobson. Opportunism and cynical political manipulation of the sheeple. Bush never exercised his CINCUS (Commander in Chief United States) authority to prohibit immediately the sale of pornography, smokes or liquor on United States military installations. Morality bowed down to money with Bushco, everybody saw it. Denial about it and the reality of Bush ruining the Republican party with ‘love of money’ grandeur is the reason Christians will never get back on their feet with the Republicans.
“You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray [the confessed assassin of Martin Luther King]. We miss you, James. Godspeed.”
Rush Limbaugh
Prayer is personal and public when it wants to be. As a 1st Amendment right in this country there is nothing you can do about it unless you are as intolerant as James Earl Ray.
7. Alex | 05.06.09
Hey Josh, I believe that the bible says(for those that follow the bible)…
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
If he wants to pray in private then so be it!
8. Frank | 05.06.09
“If someone is religious they are not allowed to express it in public?”
Of course they’re allowed; no one said otherwise.
Are you looking for a fight where none exists?
Just wondering.
9. cindy | 05.06.09
Now, Rush Limbaugh is the defender of prayer? First off folks, by all means, pray publicly if it floats your boat.
Don’t believe for a second that our President is going to ‘take away’ that right.
George Bush needed to have Conservative religious groups in his pocket, therefore, gave them a good stroking in public. Certainly didn’t mean squat to me. Most of us saw it for what it was. One big sham.
11. Jason | 05.06.09
Limbaugh is secular, except when pandering. For example, today (5/6/2009), he said that there is no way to convince a Christian of the non-existence of god, despite evidence presented to the contrary, just as there is no way to convince a Democrat of an incorrect policy, despite evidence presented to the contrary by a “conservative”. He classified both Christians and Democrats as “true believers” who cannot be persuaded by factual evidence.
12. Jose | 05.06.09
I agree the bible says to pray behind close doors. Also as the president and ‘protector’ of the constitution he needs to separate church and state.
Is there a national day of science?! GASP! 
Now all faiths can participate on that one. Yay!
13. Lisa | 05.06.09
Limbaugh is a hypocrite. Every day should be a day of prayer for those who pray. Obama is right not to parade it out like apony. Only the big hypocrites do that. There is even biblical precedence for NOT making a profane display of prayer…
14. Elvis | 05.06.09
Jose
There is no such thing as the “Separation of Church and State”. The 1st Amendment - “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”. This doesn’t say that our elected officials are not allowed to practice religion or be a part of religion. It says they shall make no law respecting an “establishment” of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. There doesn’t have to be a total separation of church and state! Do your homework!
15. Otto | 05.06.09
Matt 6:5-6
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees bible-topics-questions-and-answers/index.html”>what is done in secret, will reward you.
(NIV)
17. Sam | 05.06.09
At last some appreciation for 15% atheists in this country and many that are on the fence. Limbaugh!! Go back to the rock you crawled out under from.
18. Higons Jayher | 05.06.09
Remember, Obama’s first visit was to a mosque in turkey. He has not visited a church after his election. His first loyalty was evident when he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia - whose money s rumored to have come in over the Internet and swelled Obama’s election funds. He does not want to be seen as a Christian nor does he want to acknowledge the Christian heritage of the US. He wants to turn the US into another UK - where Muslims have been enshrined and can do no wrong.
19. Rose | 05.06.09
I do not understand this desperate need of the religious right to insist that everyone observe, in one way or another, their religious rituals. The constitution ensured their right to practice their religion as they see fit. How does that give them the right to insist that the rest of us practice it, including the President of the United States? If he doesn’t want to pray with them, the constitution ensured that right as well, and the arrogance of their insistance is insecure and ignorant. I’m a Lakota Native American. They way they pray means nothing to me. Moreover, I feed my spiritual needs every day, and I don’t need a National Day to be reminded to do it. Get back to real religion, folks.
20. Ed | 05.06.09
For those of you who feel they need to make a religious spectacle of themselves.
Matthew 6:5-6
‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Maybe Rush should pick up a bible.
21. Mike Dorsey | 05.06.09
I have always be very sadden when only athiest are quoted during these religious discussions. This day is primarily a Christian pray day and that’s great. God bless tomorrow, we are a Christian nation.
But we are also a Buddhist, Cherokee, Lakota, Mohawk, Navajo, Muslim, Hindi, Jewish and God only knows how many different African, Polynesian spiritual communities! Suggestion: this day should be a day lead each year by a completely different faith - then, we would surely have a day dedicated to prayer and not a single faith.
Forgive me, I can’t answer any write-ins, I have to get back to work (bad deadline).
I hope I haven’t offended anyone.
Bless the Christian Science Monitor! I wish the daily version was still going so, I could read it on the train going home…
Best to everyone,
Mike Dorsey
23. Don Yates | 05.06.09
I guess, when you’re the President of the United States and you worship Allah, you do it privately…
24. Rose | 05.06.09
Elvis, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” — The National Day of Prayer surely violates that, and should be repealed. Until then, please don’t insist that everyone follow it. Higons Jayher, you are wrong — Obama was in church on Easter, and is regularly visited by pastors at the White House until he chooses a church in D.C. to attend.
25. Stu | 05.06.09
Why can’t God move into the 21st century and get a Twitter account? Voicemail or e-mail would be better than prayer.
26. C. Copeland | 05.06.09
Matthew 6:5-6
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Why do Bible believing Christians insist on asserting a right to publicly flaunt their prayer when their own master tells them in no uncertain terms NOT to?
This isn’t a matter of faith, it’s a matter of vanity.
27. C Nelson | 05.06.09
It’s well known that Rush L. does not care for Liberals and with good reason, at least in many instances. However, he would do well to let this matter fade away quickly. If there is such a thing as a “non-issue” this one surely fulfills all the requirements for that distinction.
28. Jesus Christ | 05.06.09
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
29. nic | 05.06.09
Rush Limbaugh accusing Obama of being a narcaccist…now there’s a rich one for you!
30. captainkona | 05.06.09
Hmmm,
Remind me again as to why we should care …?
And to the grotesquely uneducated here…
The “Prayer is personal mantra” is the truth. God hears our inner thoughts just as clearly as our words. Our silent prayer is more powerful and personal because there is no room for ulterior motivation.
People like yourself don’t make prayer to please God, you make it to make yourself look pious and get attention. Otherwise you would be satisfied praying in church with your congregation or elsewhere with people who want to share such a time.
Jesus warned us about those who make long prayer in public for show.
That would be you.
31. Carol Anne | 05.06.09
Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot! (Senator-elect Al Franken wrote a book with that title, if it seems familiar.)
32. ChuckyB | 05.06.09
I think the ‘issue’ of public prayer -requirement or denial- has been misdirected in two ways: there is no ‘denial’ of this 1st amendment right yet there is the issue over required participation; AND those fighting for public prayer see this as a Christian prayer. How about we stick with acceptance of others because they are spiritual rather than in what way they choose to believe in a higher power? (and I’m not talking about policorporatw power!)
33. sos | 05.06.09
7. Alex | 05.06.09
Hey Josh, I believe that the bible says(for those that follow the bible)…
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
If he wants to pray in private then so be it!
___________________________________________________________________________
Indeed all Christians should all acknowledge this verse. I try to practice it every morning. Thank God Barack has his own convictions.
PS: The Dobsons (James and company) have not been very nice to our president.
34. Paul | 05.06.09
Regarding the above quote:
“At last some appreciation for 15% atheists…”
This is not actually a correct figure. ~15% represents the “None” category in religious preference, including various non-religous identifications many of whom believe in some sort of “god”.
People self-identifying as “atheist” or “agnostic” is only 1.6%. However, many of the “don’t know/refused” category (and others) probably fall into this category but are not yet “out of the closet”.
35. Cherie | 05.06.09
Rush Limbaugh criticizes everything Obama does and calls him names because he’s not a right-wing conservative Republican.
Question to Rush: Do you want a one-party (Republican) system of government so we would all believe and vote the same?
Or, would you like a system with multiple parties that all think the same, and have the same philosophy, namely the conservative philosophy? Just wondering.
36. Lonnie | 05.06.09
Why do people still think Obama is a Muslim? He has always gone to a Christian church and continues to do so..yes, even after his election and inauguration. And Allah means God in Arabic, the exact same God that we Christians pray to. Only the words of the prophets differ (Mohamed and Jesus)Some of you folks need to stop thinking with hateful, ignorant hearts and listen to the words of Christ about love. You also need to start reading or listening to more than one source of news. Then perhaps you would be informed correctly.
37. Kenny | 05.06.09
I am not saying that without faith there wouldn’t be certain problems we would have to face every day in any case. It’s the missplaced belief in an inate figure your elders instilled in your heads that lets useless discussions such as this become headlines.
It’s there baggage. Stop carrying it.
Now having faith in ourseves. Now there’s a concept!
39. GenkisKhan | 05.06.09
Captainkona — Bravo!!!
I was looking for someone to actually comment with root cause analysis and this man/woman has done it. I wish more people did their homework like this person.
I honestly try and maintain balance in my views because pulling too much one way or the other is not in favor of this great country and as it’s evident over the last 15-20 years, it’s separated Americans way too much.
Therefore my comment on Rush, whom I’ve actually given hours and hours of my time to try and hear what he has to say … and my verdict on this man is:
I believe he honestly cares more about his show than about the country as he so frequently professes. In other words, he’s an entertainer who attracts the audience by mocking those who don’t agree with his views or values.
40. David Boothby | 05.06.09
Someone asked why do people want share their faith publicly? Keep it private. The reason is because Jesus said to go out and share the gospel with every creature. Christians who take their faith seriously try to do that as best they can in love. Anyone can agree or disagree as they desire. Let’s have our discussions in a open honest friendly way instead of seeing who can be the most sarcastic to each other. Notice how most of the comments are sarcastic put downs of each other, well why does it have to be that way ?
41. sos | 05.06.09
It is too bad that the “right wing” has created it’s own religion and belief system; one that unfortunately is based on politics and postering, and has denied the true power of Faith, hope and love.
The Dobsons, and so many other so-called Christians, have been so unkind to this President and will rail against him at every turn. Like Rush Limbaugh, they choose to not even treat him as human; not to mention as fellow-Christian; and yet they justify themselves in their own eyes as if they were so good, holy and true. Hypocrites!
I see now why Jesus fortold of people who came to him saying what wonderful works they had done in his name, and he said had to tell them: “I never knew you.”
If they truly were Christians, and not propigators of their own biased initiatives, they would be invited to many places, i.e. palaces,
as their genuine love and caring would open many doors to them, and we would indeed have a better world.
The voice they have been given would be used to unite people, and not put forth the finger of blame to spread such filthy lies, bitter discord; which is basically what they are doing now.
When did Christianity become a political party?
I tell you that it has not, and never will be.
“Jesus Christ is not coming to take sides, He is coming to take over!”
42. rman1900 | 05.06.09
What does it matter whether we agree or disagree with
Limbaugh - he is a moron. The real problem is that there
is still a significant number of people out there who
actually follow this nut. Sadly this country is sounding
more and more like the Sunnis and Shias or Iraq.
And if these people have their way, Ayatollah Limbaugh
will be telling us to pray three times a day.
43. Sad Christian American | 05.06.09
I pray everday for Obama,that we only have to endure this man for one term he respects nothing or anyone that goes against his personal beliefs. He talks outside of both sides of his mouth,and is unbelieveably arrogant with that nose stuckup in the air all the time. Lied about having lobbyist,lied about tax cut for 95% of working middleclass families all of his buddies up there in D.C. are liars to dont pay theyre taxes but sure want everybody else to keep paying theirs. Oh yea i almost forgot his wife needs another pair of $500.00 sneakers to wear to the soup kitchen to serve soup to all the jobless people that his administration is putting in the street with Nancy Pelosi’s wishlists that he keeps signing cause he not intelligent enough to come up with his own plan for our failing country.
44. sos | 05.06.09
Sad Christian American: Can you really call yourself Christian, and call someone unintelligent with such ferocity; and can you speak of truth when you are spreading lies? Do you know if Michelle bought the sneakers, or if they were given to her? Sounds like you are talking out of both sides of your mouth. But I adjure you to keep praying for Obama, your own salvation may rest in this.
45. dj | 05.06.09
My question is very basic: why does the media keep covering — in infinite detail — every word Rush Limbaugh says? Are you all really such Limbaugh toadies? I mean, the man is about as marginal as any human on the planet. He speaks for himself (and many times himself alone!), and maybe a few thousand (or hundred) people who “think” as he does. If you would simply let him alone, everyone would be better off. And, by the way, the Republican Party can never get anywhere until the media let them break away from Limbaugh. As long as you media people keep making him the designated spokesperson for the Party, **** be glad to take the promotion. I’m quite sure that the Republican Party would not choose him as their spokesperson.
He has his own platform. Let him use that; don’t bring him into the mainstream.
46. Senorita Bonita | 05.06.09
I believe that prayer and religion are protected under the laws of the United States of America. Thankfully so did Madison Jefferson and other framers of both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
It is a great pity that persons in the USA believe otherwise.
I also quite comfortable in the assurance that the Constitution of the USA protects the rights of religion, but wisely separates church and state.
47. Nashville Opinion | 05.06.09
I agree with Elvis. Do your homework on separation of church and state. Obama can pray in private, no problem. But he has prayed in public events before, right? This is a conservative led day that Obama is sending a clear message to. Why not try to gain favor with conservatives and have a harmless few minutes of prayer. He just goes out of his way to insult conservatives. We cannot change him, just hope we have something left when his time is up.
Rose, 1st ammendment rights are that government makes no laws establishing a state or federal religion. It is freedom of religion, not freedom from it! No one is making everyone pray, that is like saying that everyone is forced to celebrate MLK day or valentine’s day. Relax! Live your life and quit worrying about everyone else.
48. J for Jesus | 05.07.09
For us Christians, Let us pray for our leaders. That they will fall on their knees (pray) and repent. Furthermore if they will not that Judgment will come on them. For the Bible says “…In days to come, disaster will fall upon you because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and provoke him to anger by what your hands have made.” Deuteronomy 31:29 For all who do not seek God lst and follow His ways will be judged. It is our first responsibility to Love our Lord. All need to come to God or else expect God’s judgment - and it will come on this earth. Leaders come to God and protect our Nation which God created for our good.
49. JerrynColorado | 05.07.09
The saddest eulogy of many prayers is when a majority of peoples actions/policies are in direct opposition to a life devoted to Jesus Christ relegating prayer to nothing more than a type of pandering as an elected official … let the ‘CHANGE’ begin with leading by example
50. Jacob | 05.07.09
Prayer is personal because religion is personal, all of which is enshrined in the First Amendment. The moment a government official invokes religion in a non-neutral manner, he is giving institutional support to that one belief over other beliefs, and that is unacceptable.
51. Barry | 05.07.09
Matthew 6:6 tells us to pray in a closet so only God shall see. Faith without ego. Now I do not beleive that prayer in public is wrong but why do we have to prove our faith to please some organization like the national day of prayer task force. I believe these people are described in the previous verse. I do not doubt their faith. Just their motives.
52. Ashley | 05.07.09
I agree with sos. The most important part of being a Christian is loving all of God’s children - whether you have the same beliefs or not. It doesn’t make sense to call yourself a Christian and be filled with hate at the same time. Some of the things people are saying here about Obama and liberals are very hateful.
Also, I’m not sure how important this National Day of Prayer is. Why should prayer be such a spectacle? Look at Nashville Opinion’s comment. “This is a conservative led day that Obama is sending a clear message to. Why not try to gain favor with conservatives and have a harmless few minutes of prayer. He just goes out of his way to insult conservatives. We cannot change him, just hope we have something left when his time is up.” Why does prayer have to be political? This person has suggested that Obama pray in order to gain political favor. Why do prayer and religious faith have to be bound up with issues of political power? I think that the spiritual and the secular should be kept separate, but not because of constitutional issues.
54. Chris | 05.07.09
Matthew 6:5-6
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
55. David | 05.07.09
Perhaps Obama takes more seriously Jesus’ admonition about prayer: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6, NIV)
56. TU | 05.07.09
“They say he prays privately,” Limbaugh said. “I have no doubt. Who does he pray to? Does he pray to himself?”
Ultimately all prayer is to oneself, for the purpose of surpassing oneself. In the case of Christianity, “Jesus” is an utterance that translates to “I Am” — synonymous with the first spark of consciousness in every living being. The void beyond that is “God”; space, time and matter all removed. A complete nothingness from which the first instance of self-consciousness and ultimately everything in the universe originates from. Merging with and dissolving oneself in the Godhead is the purpose of all seekers.
Prayer is the ultimate feedback loop; the human instance of logical self-reference — conditions favourable to the collapse of discursive thought and the breakthrough of an exponentially more efficient and direct mode of reasoning. Basically the mind of God that we each have full access to provided we pray correctly and dilligently. Most have no idea on the purpose of prayer and how to do it properly, so most fail and instead create myths to rationalize their understanding.
So Limbaugh, unevolved as he is, speaks something closest to the truth — though inadvertently.
FYI
57. Bruce | 05.07.09
It amazes me how you people react to Rush. He is a radio talk show host. His job is to create subjects to talk about. In fact, the day was an open mike day where people call in about subjects. When you criticize Rush for his comments, you are doing precisley what he is doing. When you try to silence him you are in direct opposite of the 1st ammendment. many people who listen to Rush do not agree with him on every issue, like the other media tries to say. In fact, when Rush speaks and he is then quoted, you miss the humorous tone in his voice. That Obama would quote him, refer to him, and criticize him just shows how inmature Obama is. Let Rush be Rush, he is not at all harmful.
58. Jo | 05.07.09
“That Obama would quote him, refer to him, and criticize him just shows how inmature Obama is.”
Obama doesn’t quote him. If you listened to Obama more and Rush less you would know that.
However, read the above comments spewing hate and repeating lies that Rush and his ilk have propagated about the president and you will understand why people react to Rush the way they do. Some of us remember the assassination on Kennedy, and those who called Kennedy a traitor before that unfortunate incident. Hate talk begets hate.
The other issue is that there is clearly a group of people who have been incited to violence by the right wing pundits. Witness the police in Pennsylvania killed because some poor confused man feared Obama would take his guns away. Where did he hear that? From right wing “entertainers”. Calling the President of the United a terrorist, implying that he is the enemy and continually feeding fear and anger serve no purpose but to make people angry.
I had no love for the Bush administration, but I also had no desire to constantly find insults to repeat over and over and I would certainly never continually repeat blatant untruths designed to make others hate the president.
There is a difference.
59. TLP | 05.07.09
“Don Yates | 05.06.09
I guess, when you’re the President of the United States and you worship Allah, you do it privately…”
Good thing we live in a county where it doesn’t matter what you believe. Like any other US citizen, Obama is free to worship whomever he likes.
60. AdamG | 05.07.09
Wow, I can’t believe some of the ignorant garbage being spewed here.
“Remember, Obama’s first visit was to a mosque in turkey. He has not visited a church after his election. His first loyalty was evident when he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia - whose money s rumored to have come in over the Internet and swelled Obama’s election funds. He does not want to be seen as a Christian nor does he want to acknowledge the Christian heritage of the US. He wants to turn the US into another UK - where Muslims have been enshrined and can do no wrong.”
Higons Jayher - I don’t know what Obama’s visit to a mosque has to do with anything. We elected a President, not a Pope. Obama’s religion should have nothing to do with his job - does your religion have anything to do with your job? Way to quote a rumor. Do some actual research and you’ll find that it’s the Bush Family that is in bed with Saudi royalty, not Obama.
Christian heritage is a BS line. The country was founded by Christians yes, but before them, there were Native Americans, who’s culture has been destroyed by the very Christians you all are clinging to. Those Christians, by the way, wanted to create a country where the inhabitants could worship freely.
Sad Christian: Michelle Obama is rich. I don’t know if you knew, so who cares what she spends on shoes. Don’t be a hater. Oh, and the rest of your post is an absolute fabrication.
61. d trembley | 05.07.09
PffT!
Rush is proof that if you don’t get the answer you want from taking to a horse’s head that some will spend the time to listen to a horse’s rear end.
Rush is never insightful, his thoughts rolling backward in the well-worn ruts of negativism. Good work if you can get it.
And if it weren’t for liberal judges his hiney would be in jail for illegal drug use.
Oh, Rush thy destiny is dust!
62. cecilia | 05.07.09
I think that President Obama is a fool and a hypocrite. He will not be reelected four years from now. Right on Obama, please all the atheists and left wingers out there, they were always jealous of religious people. That’s because they are spirtually empty. They are dead in spirit.
64. Lancemh | 05.07.09
Rush Limbaugh asks about Obama . . . “Who does he pray to? Does he pray to himself?”
NO RUSH! Obama is NOT like you. He does not pray to himself.
But it comes as no surprise that a person with Acute Narcissistic Personality Disorder, coupled with chronic Sociopatholigical tendencies, such as yourself, would project outwards one’s own propensities for self-adoration and worship.
- Lance
P.S. Your diagnosis is gratis. However, the prognosis is that your condition is incurable. Of course, 75% of your fellow Americans already knew that, Rush.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. AdamG | 05.06.09
Prayer is personal, not public.