In desperation, apparently, Messrs. Hannity, Limbaugh and
other principals of the Downstream Media are trying to make hay out of the fact
that Barack Obama was known as “Barry” while a child but then opted to use his
given name, “Barack,” as an adult. This is suggested as evidence that Obama is,
in fact, a Muslim. An article to this effect, purportedly written by a
concerned citizen – “This election has me very worried” – is
circulating the internet, advancing this argument.
In this case, I think the
Downstream Media may have a point. Anyone who goes through childhood with
a nickname (in this case, “Barry”) and then chooses to use his given name
(“Barack”) as an adult surely can’t be trusted and is probably a Muslim. What
further proof do we need? As nearly as I can tell, no one in history has
ever done that, certainly not in American history. I’m sure that the
sainted Ronald Reagan was “Ronald” from birth; no one ever called him “Ron” or
“Ronnie.” That would be un-American and probably Muslim. Gerald Ford
was never “Gerry,” and Richard Nixon was never “Dick.” I mean, do you
think that Herbert Hoover’s mother ever called him “Herb” or Herbie”? Of course
not!
This is worrisome
indeed. Anyone who goes through childhood and into adolescence with a
nickname and then elects to use his given name as an adult certainly has no
right to be president of the United States.
posted October 12, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I mean after all When people mane their children such thing as “Rush” they have no right to critize others for their names. I am often more weary of people who don’t use their given first names and go by middle names or nicknames instead.