Shelter Dogs

[betsy]

Obama giving his victory speech mentions about choosing a dog to take to the White House. He considers getting one from the shelter, but of course "a lot of those dogs are mutts, like me."

The word "mutts" have been used by racists in describing offsprings of mixed races. Was that a glimpse of resentment by Obama? Directed towards the white folks?

I find it odd that he used that word to describe himself in what could've been just a simple statement that's meant to evoke warmth.

It brings up the ugly head of racism. Of course racism still exists, I'm not denying that.....but it was not the right time to bring it up imho. Especially by someone who's been accused of associating among radicals with very anti-white sentiments.

Unifying the nation - wasn't that supposed to be one of the main priorities?

[jdobbin]

Obama giving his victory speech mentions about choosing a dog to take to the White House. He considers getting one from the shelter, but of course "a lot of those dogs are mutts, like me."

The news conference Obama gave on this day was probably the poorest I've seen in months. Quite honestly, he looks tired what with the funeral and non-stop meetings in the last days.

He raised eyebrows with a few comments in the same news conference. I think he was trying to keep things lighthearted but he isn't very sharp when overtired and that is exactly how he looks. I believe he should restrict his Q&A with media, let his transition team do a lot of the work, attend to immediate family needs, get some rest and try to maintain a more normal work work that doesn't involve 15 stops in 7 states before noon.

[Guest American Woman]

I think there's such a thing as over-analyzing everything that's said and I honestly believe that's what's happening. I thought nothing of the "mutt" comment. In fact, I got a chuckle out of it since I always refer to my kids, who have about 8 European nations as their 'nationality,' as mutts. Or is it only racist when one of the nationalities is African American?

[Sir Bandelot]

Time to get back to work and ignore the media circus.

[Drea]

I think there's such a thing as over-analyzing everything that's said and I honestly believe that's what's happening. I thought nothing of the "mutt" comment. In fact, I got a chuckle out of it since I always refer to my kids, who have about 8 European nations as their 'nationality,' as mutts. Or is it only racist when one of the nationalities is African American?

Same. I've always referred to myself as a "mutt" or "Heinz 57" due to my mixed European heritage.

IMO, it's honourable for the Obama family to rescue an unwanted mutt rather than spend thousands on a purebred. I hope they get a big dog.

[BubberMiley]

He was clearly trying to make a joke. Unfortunately, every time he does that, he raises eyebrows. Just like with the Nancy Reagan comment in the same press conference, his sense of humour could get him in trouble among those who don't have an intuitive sense of one.

[Oleg Bach]

Obama giving his victory speech mentions about choosing a dog to take to the White House. He considers getting one from the shelter, but of course "a lot of those dogs are mutts, like me."

The word "mutts" have been used by racists in describing offsprings of mixed races. Was that a glimpse of resentment by Obama? Directed towards the white folks?

I find it odd that he used that word to describe himself in what could've been just a simple statement that's meant to evoke warmth.

It brings up the ugly head of racism. Of course racism still exists, I'm not denying that.....but it was not the right time to bring it up imho. Especially by someone who's been accused of associating among radicals with very anti-white sentiments.

Unifying the nation - wasn't that supposed to be one of the main priorities?

As dogs in liberal Toronto are gaining more human rights than children - you may see this disease spread south where the mutts might start biting the hand that feeds them. The other day I was passing by the old Don Jail in Toronto - a couple of drunken black guys approached me - one had four intentional scars on his face - two on each cheek - He embraced me and kissed me on the cheek and whispered "Obama" - then as I turned to walk away he uttered "Shut the f**k up" _ I could smell the scent of a possible dangerous over confidence and revenge. Obama is not a mutt - but a hybrid. Will he show quiet violence and aggression towards the white establishment? Only time will tell - Life long bitterness is hard to over come - It took me 30 years - I hope they are quicker - we don't have the luxury of time to inflict revenge in the guise of justice - cool heads must prevail on both sides of the colour spectrum.

[Drea]

Only time will tell - Life long bitterness is hard to over come - It took me 30 years - I hope they are quicker -

No Oleg, you have overcome nothing. You remain a bitter human being and will more than likely die a bitter human being. After all, so many percieved injustices have "happened" to you. You screwed a young pretty thing and made her a bitter housewife. Now she is in her forties and you have no use for her. Yet YOU are bitter? Pfft.

And no, one black (or two) drunk in Toronto does not represent Obama.

Are you white? My drunk bastard uncle was white -- so shall I conclude that because you are white and male, that you are a drunk bastard? Does my uncle (now dead thankfully) represent all white men?

[AngusThermopyle]

As dogs in liberal Toronto are gaining more human rights than children

Really! thats the first time I've heard that. Can you give us a cite to back that up?

The reality in Canada is that our animal protection laws are a joke with no significant consequences leveled against animal abusers. It would appear to be quite the opposite of what you state.

I'd just like to add that I think its great he's considering a shelter dog. When I look for a dog I always go to the shelters. There are lots of great dogs waiting for homes but they're mostly overlooked because people want the cute little puppy. In fact my girl was a shelter dog and she turned out to be the nicest most loving dog I've ever owned, and she's a Pit Bull.

Edited November 8, 2008 by AngusThermopyle

[Shady]

You remain a bitter human being

my uncle (now dead thankfully)

Yeah, he's (Oleg) the one that's bitter.

Drea, God bless you. You're always a great source of humour and hypocrisy!

[Oleg Bach]

No Oleg, you have overcome nothing. You remain a bitter human being and will more than likely die a bitter human being. After all, so many percieved injustices have "happened" to you. You screwed a young pretty thing and made her a bitter housewife. Now she is in her forties and you have no use for her. Yet YOU are bitter? Pfft.

And no, one black (or two) drunk in Toronto does not represent Obama.

Are you white? My drunk bastard uncle was white -- so shall I conclude that because you are white and male, that you are a drunk bastard? Does my uncle (now dead thankfully) represent all white men?

No you do not understand my history - My third wife of twenty five years was not a housewife - she did what she pleased - It is my first love that made me bitter - she was the daughter of a very powerful corporate family that to this day has some influence over who will be prime minister and who will not be. I have seen the highest level of society and I have seen the lowest - to me - all are the same - from the crack head to the investment banker - let me reword it - I was hurt by blind power and wealth as a young man.

Also my dear and vice filled friend - it is you that is bitter - I associate with black musicans and street people - my first music teacher as a child was a black gospel lady - to me she and her children were not black - and Marvin her son was not black - he was just Marvin.....we were friends long before liberalism attempted to force friendships and tolerance. The fact that you are happy that your uncle is dead makes you the bitter one- I do not wish death or ill will against anyone - no matter how much I disapprove of them.

When I lived for a year in the black Ghetto at Oak Land Cal. - I was asked in a bar by a tough old black guy - "Are you black" - I hesitated for a second and honestly said -----YES - I am black - To me - Anglo-Saxons are white - I may have been green eyed and white haired as a child - but I was never white - I was persecuted by the anglos. But now - I have let go of the past - I suggest you do the same.

[Drea]

Yeah, he's (Oleg) the one that's bitter.

Drea, God bless you. You're always a great source of humour and hypocrisy!

Thanks for the blessing -- you religious types really go for that "god bless you" stuff eh?

I knew you hadn't abandoned me! I knew you were still my greatest fan! *hugs to you*

Bitter? Ha! I have an absolutely beautiful life. Do you truly believe that one bad family member can ruin your life and make you bitter forever? You poor thing.

On topic... do you think Obama's "mutt" comment was inappropriate?

Cheers!

[kimmy]

I think there's such a thing as over-analyzing everything that's said and I honestly believe that's what's happening.

It could be that, or it could be malice. Either people are reading too much into a comment that was obviously intended to be light-hearted, or people are looking for something to spin into a "gotcha" moment.

He was clearly trying to make a joke. Unfortunately, every time he does that, he raises eyebrows. Just like with the Nancy Reagan comment in the same press conference, his sense of humour could get him in trouble among those who don't have an intuitive sense of one.

Yup.

Some stranger calling children of a mixed family "mutts" probably means it in a derogatory sense.

But I don't think anybody really believes that Obama harbors ill feelings toward his own mixed parentage. But clearly, unless you're Chris Rock, making jokes about race remains a touchy subject.

-k

[Drea]

I am white mutt (or hybrid if you so choose ). So what? I do not need to "call" myself any other race just to fit in with a certain "crowd".

When I was a young child, my uncle beat my mom up (his sister) so yes, I am glad he is gone.

How does that (in your mind) make me a bitter person? A bitter person is one who laments his/her life and the choice he/she made. I lament nothing in my life. His death and the way he led his life had nothing to do with me so how could it make me bitter?

Leaders generally don't become bitter as they make their own choices. Bitter people have let others make their choices for them and twist themselves to "fit" in with a certain "crowd" to attain "acceptability".

I don't twist - I lead.

Edited November 8, 2008 by Drea

[Oleg Bach]

I am white mutt (or hybrid if you so choose ). So what? I do not need to "call" myself any other race just to fit in with a certain "crowd".

When I was a young child, my uncle beat my mom up (his sister) so yes, I am glad he is gone.

How does that (in your mind) make me a bitter person? A bitter person is one who laments his/her life and the choice he/she made. I lament nothing in my life. His death and the way he led his life had nothing to do with me so how could it make me bitter?

Leaders generally don't become bitter as they make their own choices. Bitter people have let others make their choices for them and twist themselves to "fit" in with a certain "crowd" to attain "acceptability".

I don't twist - I lead.

I did not know I had a choice as a young person. Things just happened. Now I know that I have control over my future. My parents were victims of war and revolution and starvation...they were quite nuts - and I was actually raised by children. There was upheavel and violence and joy in my household as a child - my mother is dead - my father is dead - I never blamed them for the rough ride in life - To understand is to forgive. But intergenerational chaos is to be over come - it takes effort...and sometimes a long time as a person to heal from the wounds enflicted on your for - runners. This buisness that liberals attempt to instill in us that 'You must take responsibily for your own wounds as if the damage was self inflicted is for the most part garbage - Evil is sometime done to YOU...The lesson is don't spread the disease.

[Drea]

I have lived a charmed life.

I have never had anyone do harm to me and I have never purposely harmed another person (emotionally or physically).

Instead of lamenting tough times a person must learn and move on.

Back to topic: I hope the Obama family gets a Lab cross. Labs are great dogs, loyal and energetic.

I really don't want to see them with a shivering little rat-like-dog (chiuahua or shitzu)

[Sir Bandelot]

Back to topic: I hope the Obama family gets a Lab cross. Labs are great dogs, loyal and energetic.

I really don't want to see them with a shivering little rat-like-dog (chiuahua or shitzu)

Was it a black Lab?

[kimmy]

Was it a black Lab?

The Obamas could play it safe by getting a cocoa lab.

-k

[Drea]

A brindle pit!

and they could name her Lipstick!

I like big dogs, IMO they tend to become members of the family rather than a "baby" that needs to be "waited on".

We had lab mixes - calm, good with kids, protective, smart.

Edited November 8, 2008 by Drea

[AngusThermopyle]

A brindle pit!

and they could name her Lipstick!

Yikes! Why be so mean to her.

Actually I can't say anything. My ex and her daughter named mine Duchess, not my first choice, believe me.

She's a fawn, brindles are nice but I would'nt have Duchess any other way.

Yeah, they should get a good sized dog, Old English Sheepdogs make excellent pets for families with kids.

I agree about the little dog thing, leash lint and good for nothing much.

[Oleg Bach]

My old Husky is a lunitic and suffering from oldtimers. He don't give a damn and barks at his food..and he's loyality is to no one in particular...creatures are great - and I love the mutt - if he loves me back - then than makes me a liberal nut - I don't expect anything back from him - he's a dog...let dogs be dogs - it's less stressful for them.

[Kitch]

Obama giving his victory speech mentions about choosing a dog to take to the White House. He considers getting one from the shelter, but of course "a lot of those dogs are mutts, like me."

The word "mutts" have been used by racists in describing offsprings of mixed races. Was that a glimpse of resentment by Obama? Directed towards the white folks?

I find it odd that he used that word to describe himself in what could've been just a simple statement that's meant to evoke warmth.

It brings up the ugly head of racism. Of course racism still exists, I'm not denying that.....but it was not the right time to bring it up imho. Especially by someone who's been accused of associating among radicals with very anti-white sentiments.

Unifying the nation - wasn't that supposed to be one of the main priorities?

I'm jumping in here late, and have probably missed reading many good posts by many people, but I just want to ask one question.

Why do we always expect people in the public eye to be incredibly careful about everything that they say. Why do we consistently apply these ridiculously high standards to other people? Could this be a contributing factor to our litigious society? That we apply our own expectations and interpretations to the words of others rather than giving them the opportunity to clarify if we don't understand?

Just wondering.

[Oleg Bach]

Perhaps one must have the courage to simply speak the truth - soothesayers are rare - they hate them but need them to survive in the long run - It takes courage to be cut from the herd and be on your own - most speak collectively - like a group of conspiring ants..we should stop behaving like insects. If you try to save your butt by pandering - you will lose that butt - those willing to lose all will gain all - but who is brave and willing to face poverty, harrassment or possible death in order to tweak the system so it runs better for all - heros are in short supply - fear and emotion are destructive...takes a long time to understand the system - once you do you can be fearless and speak...and be helpful...but you have to decide if you want to save others or not - most save themselves first and take everyone down with them - one individual is as important as a nation - one can change the world with one word ----- so speak.

[August1991]

As much as I don't want to interupt this endearing kaffeeklatsch between Drea and Oleg, I must agree with AW:

I think there's such a thing as over-analyzing everything that's said and I honestly believe that's what's happening. I thought nothing of the "mutt" comment. In fact, I got a chuckle out of it since I always refer to my kids, who have about 8 European nations as their 'nationality,' as mutts. Or is it only racist when one of the nationalities is African American?

Here is the context of Obama's remarks:

Making his first market-sensitive comments on the economy, the soaring orator read carefully from notes — even keeping his place with his finger like a child. But his amiable good humour eventually won out when a local Chicago reporter asked about his plans for a White House puppy for his daughters, Sasha and Malia.

“This is a major issue,” he said. “It has generated more interest on our website than just about anything. We have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog. But obviously a lot of shelter dogs are mutts — like me.”

The Times

Such is the modern world that we choose our leaders based on their choice of dog and their choice of words.

Edited November 8, 2008 by August1991

[Oleg Bach]

Devine inspiration contained in any oratory is not usually found in notes - I wonder what Obama would sound like if he spoke like a free form jazz player? Does he have real talent or not? Truely I believe one must let it rip without careful pre-calculation - who knows - something really great may just pop out - the universe may grant some luck.