I Apologize

[GMScud]

Since this thread is nothing more than political bickering, I figured I'd post this to keep it going.

Great read here:

Mort Zuckerman: World Sees Obama as Incompetent and Amateur - US News and World Report

[12thMan]

I thought this thread was about the GOP apologizing to big oil for the "shakedown" by the White House?

It's completely absurd and indefensible that anyone would defend Rep. Barton and a party that has repeatedly stood in the way of legislation that would reign in the banking and securities industry, the healthcare industry, and now Republicans have the gall to apologize to BP for poluting our shores and putting thousands of Americans out of work. They didn't like the president requesting BP set up an escrow fund for $20 billion, but on the other hand they want him to "step up" and be a leader. So typical. I bet the people of the Gulf region don't think this is a shakedown, especially while this clown Tony Bolony is attending Yacht races. I really hope they stick to their Jimmy Carter talking points as the economy continues to grow (three consecutive quarters) and jobs continue to be added.

And while we're on the subject of apologizing, would someone please produce a link, a clip, or text of Obama apologizing to anyone anywhere about anything?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I thought this thread was about the GOP apologizing to big oil for the "shakedown" by the White House?

It's completely absurd and indefensible that anyone would defend Rep. Barton and a party that has repeatedly stood in the way of legislation that would reign in the banking and securities industry, the healthcare industry, and now Republicans have the gall to apologize to BP for poluting our shores and putting thousands of Americans out of work. They didn't like the president requesting BP set up an escrow fund for $20 billion, but on the other hand they want him to "step up" and be a leader. So typical. I bet the people of the Gulf region don't think this is a shakedown, especially while this clown Tony Bolony is attending Yacht races. I really hope they stick to their Jimmy Carter talking points as the economy continues to grow (three consecutive quarters) and jobs continue to be added.

And while we're on the subject of apologizing, would someone please produce a link, a clip, or text of Obama apologizing to anyone anywhere about anything?

There are tons and tons of links out there, 12th. Obama sucks, and it becomes more evident every day. Just ask his consistently plummeting approval ratings. Take away the bogus numbers from the temporary census jobs, and the job growth numbers are pretty paltry.

And to so say "they didn't like" Obama getting BP to set up the $20B fund is a weak generalization. A few idiots like Barton opposed it. Then the powers that be in the GOP demanded he apologize.

Obama apologizes to the world

Why Is Obama Apologizing for America? - The Daily Beast

Gateway Pundit

Romney Slams Obama's 'Apology Tour' - Hannity - FOXNews.com

Barack Obama: 'arrogant US has been dismissive' to allies - Telegraph

President Obama Apologizes for America's "Runaway Capitalism"

[saden1]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Yes, but don't you think he's apologized enough for America so far? After all we've done in Iraq and Afghanistan, you suggest that he just cut bait and haul ass? Even though he may not have entered those wars if it had been his decision, there is still an obligation to something we as a country started nearly 10 years ago (crazy it's been that long already).

Don't get me wrong, I'd love for our troops to come home, but in the international diplomatic eye, is it really viable to just bail out of both countries right now?

As far as cuts go I'd start with cutting defense spending by re-evaluate DoD contracts and projects and returning all troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is no right time to bailout, they will always something they'll need our help. In international diplomatic eyes I am sure they'll understand...like your co-workers understanding you're leaving the company for another company that pays you better. Besides, these countries need to step-up and start solving world security issues instead of relying on us.

If we don't leave we will be saying the same fucking thing 20 years from now. Plus you have to ask yourself if US presence is fueling the fighting.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by GMScud

There are tons and tons of links out there, 12th. Obama sucks, and it becomes more evident every day. Just ask his consistently plummeting approval ratings. Take away the bogus numbers from the temporary census jobs, and the job growth numbers are pretty paltry.

And to so say "they didn't like" Obama getting BP to set up the $20B fund is a weak generalization. A few idiots like Barton opposed it. Then the powers that be in the GOP demanded he apologize.

Obama apologizes to the world

Why Is Obama Apologizing for America? - The Daily Beast

Gateway Pundit

Romney Slams Obama's 'Apology Tour' - Hannity - FOXNews.com

Barack Obama: 'arrogant US has been dismissive' to allies - Telegraph

President Obama Apologizes for America's "Runaway Capitalism"

Does he actually say "I am sorry" or "I apologize?"

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

a party that has repeatedly stood in the way of legislation that would reign in the banking and securities industry

Sorry for the length, but these pesky facts take up some space.

You mean the guys that tried to put the brakes on Fannie/Freddie in 2004.

YouTube - Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in...

the healthcare industry

or the WH deals with big pharma,

Internal Memo Confirms Big Giveaways In White House Deal With Big Pharma

and now Republicans have the gall to apologize to BP for poluting our shores and putting thousands of Americans out of work. They didn't like the president requesting BP set up an escrow fund for $20 billion, but on the other hand they want him to "step up" and be a leader. So typical.

as we were going back and forth earlier in the thread, this is a single idiot making a statement that was denounced and rejected by the GOP.

I really hope they stick to their Jimmy Carter talking points as the economy continues to grow (three consecutive quarters) and jobs continue to be added.

Government intervention into the markets to stimulate growth is a poor idea. Tax cuts work, more gov't spending or rebate programs do not. New, and EXTREMELY expensive gov't entitlement programs in a weak economy are disaster. Keep in mind some of the unemployment numbers were bolstered by the Census hiring. In the large business sector things are slowly coming back, but for small business and the average U.S. family, they're not. Consumers are focusing on keeping their job if they're fortunate enough to have one, workng more hours if they can, paying off debt, and minimizing expenses, not burning through their disposable income.

New jobless claims up sharply as layoffs persist - Yahoo! News

From the article:
- "consumer prices remain essentially flat."
- "a report earlier this week said home construction plunged in May after government tax credits expired."
- "Adding to worries about the job market, the Labor Department said earlier this month that the economy generated only 41,000 private-sector jobs in May. That was down from 218,000 in April."

I hope the Dems stick with the Jimmy Carter strategy too, that worked out real well in 1980. I really shouldn't say that because I would've liked to see Obama govern from the center rather than the far-left. If he had, his approval ratings would be up and the economy would be back on track by now, but that's not who he is.

And while we're on the subject of apologizing, would someone please produce a link, a clip, or text of Obama apologizing to anyone anywhere about anything?

Has he come out directly and said "I'm sorry" or "I apologize", of course not, but these quotes are certainly apologies for the U.S.

April 18: "We have at times been disengaged, and at times we sought to dictate our terms. But I pledge to you that we seek an equal partnership. There is no senior partner and junior partner in our relations."
-- President Obama, at the Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad

April 16: "Too often, the United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors. We have been too easily distracted by other priorities and have failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas. My administration is committed to renewing and sustaining a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and our common security."
-- President Obama, in an op-ed that appeared in U.S. and Latin American newspapers prior to the Summit of the Americas

April 3: "In America, there's a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive. But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what's bad. On both sides of the Atlantic, these attitudes have become all too common. They are not wise. ... They threaten to widen the divide across the Atlantic and leave us both more isolated."
-- President Obama, in Strasbourg, France

April 2: "It is true, as my Italian friend has said, that the (economic) crisis began in the U.S. I take responsibility, even if I wasn't even president at the time."
-- President Obama, at the G20 in London, as reported by Germany's Der Spiegel

April 1: "If you look at the sources of this crisis, the United States certainly has some accounting to do with respect to a regulatory system that was inadequate."
-- President Obama, at a press conference ahead of the G20 in London

March 25: "I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility (for drug-fueled violence in Mexico). ... Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the deaths of police officers, soldiers and civilians."
-- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, en route to Mexico City
Obviously a statement by the SoS can be assumed to be approved by the POTUS if he doesn't come out and publicly rebuke it.

Jan. 26: "All too often the United States starts by dictating ... and we don't always know all the factors that are involved. So let's listen. And I think if we do that, then there's a possibility at least of achieving some breakthroughs. ... My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect."
-- President Obama, in an interview with Al Arabiya

Remarks by the President to CIA employees at CIA Headquarters | The White House
From the link: "So don't be discouraged by what's happened in the last few weeks. Don't be discouraged that we have to acknowledge potentially we've made some mistakes. That's how we learn. But the fact that we are willing to acknowledge them and then move forward, that is precisely why I am proud to be President of the United States, and that's why you should be proud to be members of the CIA."

Remarks by the President On National Security, 5-21-09 | The White House
From the link: "Unfortunately, faced with an uncertain threat, our government made a series of hasty decisions. I believe that many of these decisions were motivated by a sincere desire to protect the American people. But I also believe that all too often our government made decisions based on fear rather than foresight; that all too often our government trimmed facts and evidence to fit ideological predispositions. Instead of strategically applying our power and our principles, too often we set those principles aside as luxuries that we could no longer afford. And during this season of fear, too many of us -- Democrats and Republicans, politicians, journalists, and citizens -- fell silent.
In other words, we went off course. And this is not my assessment alone. It was an assessment that was shared by the American people who nominated candidates for President from both major parties who, despite our many differences, called for a new approach -- one that rejected torture and one that recognized the imperative of closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay....."

"....There is also no question that Guantanamo set back the moral authority that is America's strongest currency in the world. Instead of building a durable framework for the struggle against al Qaeda that drew upon our deeply held values and traditions, our government was defending positions that undermined the rule of law....."

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by saden1

You guys could certainly use some color in those poorly lit rooms. I can be the table center piece or I'm I penciled-in as the table cloth?

You have an equal seat as all the other freedom-loving Americans at the round table, right next to me.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

You have an equal seat as all the other freedom-loving Americans at the round table, right next to me.

Is Buster going to be sitting at the same table? How do we know only freedom loving Americans will be sitting at the table? Wouldn't want the filth of America/freedom haters to rub-off on me.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by saden1

As far as cuts go I'd start with cutting defense spending by re-evaluate DoD contracts

While we're at it we need to complete a Fed-wide evaluation on contracts and projects

and returning all troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is no right time to bailout, they will always something they'll need our help. In international diplomatic eyes I am sure they'll understand...like your co-workers understanding you're leaving the company for another company that pays you better. Besides, these countries need to step-up and start solving world security issues instead of relying on us.

If we don't leave we will be saying the same fucking thing 20 years from now. Plus you have to ask yourself if US presence is fueling the fighting.

I agree with you on getting our troops home. We need a Special Ops presence but our regular troops need to come home and get the targets off their backs. I'm a LeMay Doctrine guy, if we're committing troops it ain't as peace-keepers with ridiculous rules of engagement.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Sorry for the length, but these pesky facts take up some space.

You mean the guys that tried to put the brakes on Fannie/Freddie in 2004.

YouTube - Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis

or the WH deals with big pharma,

Internal Memo Confirms Big Giveaways In White House Deal With Big Pharma

as we were going back and forth earlier in the thread, this is a single idiot making a statement that was denounced and rejected by the GOP.

Government intervention into the markets to stimulate growth is a poor idea. Tax cuts work, more gov't spending or rebate programs do not. New, and EXTREMELY expensive gov't entitlement programs in a weak economy are disaster. Keep in mind some of the unemployment numbers were bolstered by the Census hiring. In the large business sector things are slowly coming back, but for small business and the average U.S. family, they're not. Consumers are focusing on keeping their job if they're fortunate enough to have one, workng more hours if they can, paying off debt, and minimizing expenses, not burning through their disposable income.

New jobless claims up sharply as layoffs persist - Yahoo! News

From the article:
- "consumer prices remain essentially flat."
- "a report earlier this week said home construction plunged in May after government tax credits expired."
- "Adding to worries about the job market, the Labor Department said earlier this month that the economy generated only 41,000 private-sector jobs in May. That was down from 218,000 in April."

I hope the Dems stick with the Jimmy Carter strategy too, that worked out real well in 1980. I really shouldn't say that because I would've liked to see Obama govern from the center rather than the far-left. If he had, his approval ratings would be up and the economy would be back on track by now, but that's not who he is.

Has he come out directly and said "I'm sorry" or "I apologize", of course not, but these quotes are certainly apologies for the U.S.

April 18: "We have at times been disengaged, and at times we sought to dictate our terms. But I pledge to you that we seek an equal partnership. There is no senior partner and junior partner in our relations."
-- President Obama, at the Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad

April 16: "Too often, the United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors. We have been too easily distracted by other priorities and have failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas. My administration is committed to renewing and sustaining a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and our common security."
-- President Obama, in an op-ed that appeared in U.S. and Latin American newspapers prior to the Summit of the Americas

April 3: "In America, there's a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive. But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what's bad. On both sides of the Atlantic, these attitudes have become all too common. They are not wise. ... They threaten to widen the divide across the Atlantic and leave us both more isolated."
-- President Obama, in Strasbourg, France

April 2: "It is true, as my Italian friend has said, that the (economic) crisis began in the U.S. I take responsibility, even if I wasn't even president at the time."
-- President Obama, at the G20 in London, as reported by Germany's Der Spiegel

April 1: "If you look at the sources of this crisis, the United States certainly has some accounting to do with respect to a regulatory system that was inadequate."
-- President Obama, at a press conference ahead of the G20 in London

March 25: "I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility (for drug-fueled violence in Mexico). ... Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the deaths of police officers, soldiers and civilians."
-- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, en route to Mexico City
Obviously a statement by the SoS can be assumed to be approved by the POTUS if he doesn't come out and publicly rebuke it.

Jan. 26: "All too often the United States starts by dictating ... and we don't always know all the factors that are involved. So let's listen. And I think if we do that, then there's a possibility at least of achieving some breakthroughs. ... My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect."
-- President Obama, in an interview with Al Arabiya

Remarks by the President to CIA employees at CIA Headquarters | The White House
From the link: "So don't be discouraged by what's happened in the last few weeks. Don't be discouraged that we have to acknowledge potentially we've made some mistakes. That's how we learn. But the fact that we are willing to acknowledge them and then move forward, that is precisely why I am proud to be President of the United States, and that's why you should be proud to be members of the CIA."

Remarks by the President On National Security, 5-21-09 | The White House
From the link: "Unfortunately, faced with an uncertain threat, our government made a series of hasty decisions. I believe that many of these decisions were motivated by a sincere desire to protect the American people. But I also believe that all too often our government made decisions based on fear rather than foresight; that all too often our government trimmed facts and evidence to fit ideological predispositions. Instead of strategically applying our power and our principles, too often we set those principles aside as luxuries that we could no longer afford. And during this season of fear, too many of us -- Democrats and Republicans, politicians, journalists, and citizens -- fell silent.
In other words, we went off course. And this is not my assessment alone. It was an assessment that was shared by the American people who nominated candidates for President from both major parties who, despite our many differences, called for a new approach -- one that rejected torture and one that recognized the imperative of closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay....."

"....There is also no question that Guantanamo set back the moral authority that is America's strongest currency in the world. Instead of building a durable framework for the struggle against al Qaeda that drew upon our deeply held values and traditions, our government was defending positions that undermined the rule of law....."

None of these are direct apologies and all of them are accurate.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by saden1

Is Buster going to be sitting at the same table? How do we know only freedom loving Americans will be sitting at the table? Wouldn't want the filth of America/freedom haters to rub-off on me.

It's a big table, I'm sure Buster will be there somewhere. There's no filth/freedom haters allowed 'cause I said.

There's room for all our previously misguided liberal brethern

See wasn't that easy, all America's problems solved.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by saden1

Does he actually say "I am sorry" or "I apologize?"

Does one have to actually say "I'm sorry" to be apologetic or contrite? Methinks not.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

There are tons and tons of links out there, 12th. Obama sucks, and it becomes more evident every day. Just ask his consistently plummeting approval ratings. Take away the bogus numbers from the temporary census jobs, and the job growth numbers are pretty paltry.

And to so say "they didn't like" Obama getting BP to set up the $20B fund is a weak generalization. A few idiots like Barton opposed it. Then the powers that be in the GOP demanded he apologize.

Obama apologizes to the world

Why Is Obama Apologizing for America? - The Daily Beast

Gateway Pundit

Romney Slams Obama's 'Apology Tour' - Hannity - FOXNews.com

Barack Obama: 'arrogant US has been dismissive' to allies - Telegraph

President Obama Apologizes for America's "Runaway Capitalism"

I guess we can agree to disagree whether Obama sucks or not, but we'll know for sure in 2012. I'm inclined to believe the GOP won't be taking both houses this Fall either. Yeah, they'll win some seats but guess what, so will the Democrats. Minus the media hype surrounding the Tea Party and whether or not Obama is mad enough at BP, this is actually shaping up to be another off year election. Things can certainly change though. But you would think with all the suckiness and apologizing by Obama and low poll numbers, Republicans would be kicking ass in some of these special elections (7 losses this year), but they're not. Even in some conservative districts.

Scud, I'd rather you quote Sarah Palin than Mitt Romney and Sean Hannity At least she's consistent.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by saden1

Does he actually say "I am sorry" or "I apologize?"

Nope, but Sean Hannity and Mitt Romney said he did.

[12thMan]

GMScud, I tell you what Obama sucks at - playing the game of politics, even when it's in his best interest. During his first year he went out of his way to not appear partisan; yet it yielded no cooperation from the other side of the aisle. Zilch.

On the whole, I agree with his policy decisions though. Shocking I know! I wish he and his team had thought with more foresight and dilligence before announcing Guantanamo closing within his first year. They were in such a rush to fulfill a campaign promise that the legal ramifications, transporting detainees, and the full cost weren't fully thought out. It'll get done evetually, but it should have been executed better.

I mean what specific policy should be different that Republicans on this site don't agree with? Are we dealing with style or substance?

I also believe that the president puts too much faith in the system and, at times, those around him even when he's left looking bad or not in control. For example, I thought he allowed the confusion over healthcare linger way too long, then the Tea Party, to their credit, filled the vacuum and controlled the narrative with, well, their disdain for big government. I guess to put it in layman's terms, I would like to see him selling in the first quarter not the fourth quarter, and delegate less.