In the words of Harry Truman, “If you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen.”
Obama is consistently proving himself emotionally incapable of handling the criticism a President gets.

I think this cover is just horrifying. I don’t know what the New Yorker editor was thinking, because now the images will be continually used by the Right to emblazon Obama and his wife with the caricatures shown. Unfortunately, an image stays in the public consciousness, and this one doesn’t even have a caption that says, “We were just kidding, folks.”

Why the fuss???
Obamarama’s father was Muslim. In Islam, that makes the son, Obamarama, Muslim.
Now, Obamarama says he converted to Christianity. When? And, if he did, in Islam, he is an apostate. What is the punishment, in Islam, for an apostate? Anybody know?

Newsweek says, “The story of Obama’s religious journey is a uniquely American tale. It’s one of a seeker, an intellectually curious young man trying to cobble together a religious identity out of myriad influences.”
“Trying to cobble together a religious identity out of myriad influences”????? HUH?? What a curious statement.
If he is Christian, he needs only ONE Influence: Jesus, the Word. There are no substitutes, no facsimilies for the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit can’t be tellin’ him one thing and me another.
If he is sifting through a “myriad of influences” for the, he must be looking for a truth that suits him, rather than suiting himself to the Truth; and, if he is looking to a “myriad of influences,” he can’t be Christian.
The Devil wants us to be bogged down by a “myriad of influences” and away from the Word of Truth. That’s cuz the Devil is the author of confusion, and a “myriad of influences” is sure to confuse.

If he is sifting through a “myriad of influences” for the >>>> If he is sifting through a “myriad of influences” for the truth…

That this cartoon’s satirical intent is obvious to you is a measure of your own intelligence and powers of discernment. However, there are thousands of people out there who do not share your intelligence. They believe any half-baked unsupported rumor that circulates on the Internet. As Martin Sieff wrote on UPIcom:

The notorious cover of The New Yorker in question is, indeed, simply
awful. It isn’t funny; it is done in the style of unselfconsciously racist and vile political cartoons from the 19th century…. Affecting to criticize the
campaign of accusation and innuendo against Obama, he [editor David Remnick] inadvertently has given it enormous legitimacy by approving a high-profile “shock ‘em” cover that can only serve to pour gasoline on the flames. Extreme right-wing and even racist critics of Obama and his wife no doubt will eagerly seize on the offensive New Yorker cover and distribute it across the Internet to multiple millions, not as irony but as claimed fact.

If indeed Obama was a Muslim…who the heck cares? Muslims are people too. His father left when he was 2…not quite long enough to “make him a Muslim.” He has said over & over & over & over & over & over that he is not a Muslim..but some folks just won’t be convinced. Really don’t think a true, practicing Muslim would have spent 20 years in a UCC church.
It is a shame that folks have so much interest in a candidate’s religion. What would they think if he/she was an atheist? Probably just as scared as the folks who have been convinced that Obama is a Muslim. Some folks believe everything put on the internet.
This country was set up to accept all religions…with the freedom for folks to either practice one or choose to not have a religion. The same should be true for a presidential candidate…but it doesn’t seem to hold true for them.
The New Yorker has put a controversial cover on it’s current issue. Maybe that is why they did it…for discussion …and satire too. It is called “freedom of the press” and in this country that is allowed too, along with freedom of religion.

==If indeed Obama was a Muslim…who the heck cares?==
Uhhhh, those who hear him say that he is Christian, but that, he says, there are many ways to Heaven, that, he says, he is not to judge.
What he says, then, is not scriptural. If he is Christian, he should know that. It’s basic to Christianity.
So, if he is willing to insist that he is Christian and says those things out th’ other side of his yap, he is lying. If he is lying….well.

“I”
Whatever ….
You’re lack of tolerance for anyone who isn’t a “Christian” is unbelievable.

BTW, “I”, where does it say in our country that everyone has to be a “Christian” and that no other religion is accepted? I think you read the wrong documents. This isn’t Saudi Arabia, or Iran or Iraq or any country that has an established religion….just in case you haven’t noticed. Sorry Charlie, I’m not mistaken about the freedom to practice or not to practice any religion in this country. I’m sure you will screw up the words I said above, but that’s OK. I know where you are coming from.

==Whatever ….==
Can’t think of anything worthwhile to say, huh?
==You’re lack of tolerance…==
Whatever THAT means.
==…for anyone who isn’t a “Christian” is unbelievable.==
Jesus said that He is the ONLY Way to the Father.
Soooo, you think that He didn’t know what He was talking about. We understand.
So, are you saying that Obamarama is not Christian????

==You’re [sic] lack of tolerance for anyone who isn’t a “Christian” is unbelievable. ==
Your lack of tolerance for anyone who is Christian is unbelievable.

==You’re [sic] lack of tolerance for anyone who isn’t a “Christian” is unbelievable. ==
Like what would that “tolerance” look? How far should it go? Is any opposition, by definition, “intolerant”?
Was Jesus “tolerant”? Did He say something like:
“Goeth into all the world and teacheth men to liveth as they wish, urging each to pursue and findeth his own path to God.
“Letteth not any one of you maketh another to feel inferior, nor victiminized, because of their beliefs. Above all, I saith unto you, be tolerant, even of those who choose not to follow Me.
“Verily, verily, I saith unto you that what you believe and how you live do not matter, as long as you are pure of heart in your own judgment and might in your pursuits.
“I am a way to God, a truth and just one possible life, and, if you are a good person, you walk that way, that truth, that life, for that is all it takes, and, if you choose not to come to the Father through Me, rather through some other, simply being a good person will enter you into the Kingdom of Heaven regardless of the way you choose.
“Now, goeth forth into all the world to liveth according to the strength and ways of your own conscience, dreams, wishes and vision.”

“I”
Yes. IMO, Obama is a Christian. Just because a person’s parent is a certain religion doesn’t mean the off spring are of that faith.
As to this country not being set up for acceptance of all religions…guess you were taught differently in History class. If you’d like a government run religion…there are many countries with one….Saudia Arabia, Iran, Iraq, etc. Those are countries with little tolerance for other religions. Of course you’d have to find a country with the government saying that Christianity is the ONLY one allowed in it. Unfortunately many in this country have the mistaken idea that this is a Christian country. Those folks elected our outgoing (fortunately) current would be leader. What great shape he is leaving us in. Your statement about not trusting a person who is an atheist says a lot.
BTW, tell me how you know this country doesn’t accept all religions, as it seem to me that I’ve seen worship buildings for a variety of non-Christian religions in this country. Gee! I must have been dreaming.
What’s the wife beater and child molestor thing doing yet again in your comments. I’ve seen them before.

==You’re [sic] lack of tolerance for anyone who isn’t a “Christian” is unbelievable. ==
Did God tell Adam and Eve to be “tolerant” of the views of Satan?
In the wilderness, was Jesus “tolerant” of the Devil and his views?
Does God, through Jesus, say, “Filthy conversation, schmilthy conversation. Do what you want. If you’re disobedient, I’ll take you anyway, and I’ll treat you the same way I treat the obedient”?

==You’re [sic] lack of tolerance for anyone who isn’t a “Christian” is unbelievable. ==
If I’d let any of that get to me, I couldn’t focus on helping those who need God’s help. Perhaps, that’s your mission.
Anyway, I have the same compassion Jesus had, on all, as sheep without a shepherd.
To you, though, it is more important to tolerate those without the Shepherd, leaving them to die without a Savior. Some tolerance. Some compassion.

It is fortunate that I have examples of Christianity in my family and friends, as well as 17 years of groundwork from my parents before I decided it wasn’t for me. Extremism in all religions tends to make some religions very unattractive.

==Extremism in all religions tends to make some religions very unattractive. ==
That’s what they said about Jesus.

==I decided it wasn’t for me. ==
Eve, having been drawn into and choosing to engage in a Garden party conversation with the Devil, decided to go her own way, too.

==…I decided it wasn’t for me.==
Eve decided to go her own way, too.

Didn’t wait long enough, I guess.

==Extremism in all religions tends to make some religions very unattractive. ==
So, the idea, as far as YOU can see, is for those who, say, follow Jesus, to follow Him only half way???? His followers should do half Jesus and half world????
When a man loves a woman, to you, he’s an extremeist, if he loves her all the way; he should not go all the way. He should, to you, love her half way. We understand.
If I play football, I shuld tell the coach that I intend to play half of what I can play, just so I don’t appear to be extreme. We get it.

Eve’s my kind of gal! A liberal thinker.
JC is given credit by some for starting a new way of thinking. Works for some, and not others. Varity is the spice of life. As to good old satan…can’t worry about something that doesn’t exist.
Obama’s religious beliefs are the least of my concerns. His plans to run this country are the only things I’m intrested in. He could be a Muslim (some folks are convinced), but that has nothing to do with me. Islam is one of many religions on this planet, and IMO no religion is better than another. The importance of a religion is in the brains of it’s followers.

==Eve’s my kind of gal! A liberal thinker.==
Sooo, to you, temptation to do evil is part of the Lib mindset. We understand that, too.
==JC is given credit by some for starting a new way of thinking. Works for some, and not others.==
That’s why God says that He will save only a few, a remnant.
== Varity is the spice of life.==
That’s what the Devil says.
== As to good old satan…can’t worry about something that doesn’t exist. ==
He likes it that way. Great working environment for him when you think he doesn’t exist. No resistance.
==Obama’s religious beliefs are the least of my concerns.==
Sooo, not everything that motivates him and informs his decisions is of concern to you. We get it.
== His plans to run this country are the only things I’m intrested in.==
And, as I say, you don’t care what motivates and informs his decisions. You’re a robot voter, huh.
== He could be a Muslim (some folks are convinced), but that has nothing to do with me.==
Until he takes his sympathies, if any, and hesitates when he should act, and Americans get killed. I guess THAT has nothing to do with you, either.
== Islam is one of many religions on this planet, and IMO no religion is better than another.==
So, Jesus is a liar?
== The importance of a religion is in the brains of it’s [sic] followers.==
Since Christianity isn’t a religion, rather relationship, and Islam is a religion, that’s true.

==Eve’s my kind of gal! A liberal thinker.==
Yeah, she “thought” her way into not caring about anybody else. Selfish.

So Jesus is a lier? Is he?
Basicly you’re saying that you have the only TRUE religion…well that is fine for you. I happen to believe as I said above. Lots of religions, none is THE religion. Isn’t it a good thing that this contry allows the freedom to worship or not, and isn’t a “state run religion” country? Of course there are those that think it should be a single religion country.
If “God” is only going to save a few…fine, leaves more room on the earth for the rest of us.
An unexcellent example of a “true believer” is the outgoing (thank goodness) president. This country is in fine shape because of him….invading a country and starting a war, deaths of our soldiers for no reason…economy is in fine shape….
So, Obama can be of any religion or none, and if elected, he is able to fix some of the mess being left to him …by one who claims to have been “born again.” Actually, being born the first time for me was enough.

correction: “and if elected he MIGHT be able to fix some of the mess being left to him….etc.”

==So Jesus is a lier? Is he? ==
No, He isn’t. However, you’d have to believe He is in order to say that there are many ways to Heaven.
==…you’re saying that you have the only TRUE religion…==
Christianity isn’t a religion. It’s a relationship to which God calls us. Islam is an example of “religion.”
==well that is fine for you.==
It’s fine for all who come to understand that Jesus gave up His life for our Salvation.
== I happen to believe as I said above.==
Then, what Jesus has to offer — His life — you don’t receive. But somebody else may need His sacrifice and the Knowledge of it.
I just hope you’re big enough to accept the consequences, on Judgment Day, of your choice without whining.
== Lots of religions, none is THE religion.==
So, to you Jesus, Who said that He is the ONLY Way to the Father, is a liar. Go ahead and say it, for the Record, so He can make note of it, for future reference, that is.
==Isn’t it a good thing that this contry allows the freedom to worship or not, and isn’t a “state run religion” country?==
Nobody wants a “state-run religion.” God gives you the choice: blesing, or curse. A lotta people choose curse, and, of course, they won’t be saved. Oh, well.
== Of course there are those that think it should be a single religion country. ==
It should be outta the realization that God gave us so much, wanting to reconcile with Man, making ths country abundant.
==If “God” is only going to save a few…fine, leaves more room on the earth for the rest of us. ==
That’s not the way it’s gonna work.
An example of how it’s gonna work is what happened in Noah’s day.
Everybody was partying and having an evil good time, thinking that they were safe and cozy, and, all of a sudden, POOF! they were gone, and only eight survived.
This time, there won’t be a flood, but, all of a sudden, the few of us who are under Grace will be swept up with Jesus, and you people will have to endure seven years of Tribulation, after which he will come back and rid the Earth of the disobedient, and things will be nice again.
==An unexcellent example of a “true believer” is the outgoing (thank goodness) president.==
Psychiatrists and psychologists must be interested in the cases of those who are STILL bent outta shape about 2000, eight years after Dubya was first elected.
== This country is in fine shape because of him…==
Uh, he has no control over the economics of this country. That’s Congress’ jurisdiction.
==…invading a country and starting a war…==
He didn’t start it.
==…deaths of our soldiers for no reason…==
No reason YOU’ll accept, anyway.
==…economy is in fine shape…==
Blame the 9% Congress.
==Actually, being born the first time for me was enough.==
That’s ok, too. Tell that to Jesus on JD.

==…where does it say in our country that everyone has to be a “Christian”…==
God set before Man blessing and curse. If people choose curse, that doesn’t impact my Salvation.
The Founders assumed that, because God had made this land available to us and faored us with a sense of Godly justice, that everybody would realize the blessing.
==… and that no other religion is accepted?==
By whom?
== I think you read the wrong documents.==
Translation: “You don’t agree with me, that that must mean you read the wrong stuff.”
== This isn’t Saudi Arabia, or Iran or Iraq or any country that has an established religion….==
Duh.

Jesus is a lier? Could be… I’m sure he believed what he said…and so have lots of others. Obviously if folks have a “relationship” with him, like my sisters do, is fine, of course. However he is one of many holy folks that people have a relationship with, Buddha,Muhammad and I’m sure other holy men and women. The Jews have had a great relationship with God and don’t find JC (a Jew) as one who is going to save anyone from anything. I think they have the right idea, but that’s just my opinion. All “relationships” are good for the people in them…
My life doesn’t include your story of doom and floods etc. where only the “believers” get “saved”. It’s a great way to control folks…threatening them with bad stuff if they don’t obey their leader, JC. Kool Aid is great. Wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s Salvation…so I’m glad to know my choice is not doing that.
How the heck can you say “W” didn’t start a war for no reason? He invaded a country …for no reason…and had the arrogance to say, afer 2 weeks , “we won.” Our soldiers, men and women are dying for no reason, except his arrogance and his dislike of the former leader. It isn’t this country’s duty to invade countries because we don’t like the leader. In his arrogance he felt we’d just go and conquer….WRONG! Viet Nam comes to mind.
So since Christianity isn’t a Religion…but a relationship…how come there are so many varietys’ of it…Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, etc.?
How so you know what the Founders thought?

==Jesus is a lier (sic)? Could be…==
Why can’t you say it? Go ahead. For His Record. Just for future reference.
== I’m sure he believed what he said…and so have lots of others.==
So, there’s no truth, nor Truth, only opinions???
==…he is one of many holy folks that people have a relationship with…==
Yes, people believe that there are many ways, as you do. So, to you, Jesus is a liar. We get it.
==The Jews have had a great relationship with God…==
Not those who are not born again.
==… and don’t find JC (a Jew) as one who is going to save anyone from anything.==
And we know what’s going to happen to those who reject the Son of God.
== I think they have the right idea, but that’s just my opinion.==
Then, how do you know that it is the correct “opinion” to have?
== All “relationships” are good for the people in them…==
To you, then, Jesus would have to be a liar. Just say it.
==My life doesn’t include your story of doom and floods etc. where only the “believers” get “saved”.==
YOu construct a god to suit you, one that doesn’t imjpose on you as much as you impose on it.
== It’s a great way to control folks…threatening them with bad stuff if they don’t obey their leader, JC.==
I’m not controlled. I got choice. I chose Him outta love for Him, and I saw my condition without Him.
==How the heck can you say “W” didn’t start a war for no reason?==
Easy. I know that he didn’t, and, then, I typed it out.
== He invaded a country …==
Whose leder was warned and who was violating the law and who was a danger to his People.
==…for no reason…==
Not true.
==…and had the arrogance to say, afer 2 weeks , “we won.” ==
He said not such thing.
==Our soldiers, men and women are dying for no reason…==
….apparent to you, anyway.
==… It isn’t this country’s duty to invade countries because we don’t like the leader.==
Dislike isn’t in the list of particulars that justify the invasion.
== In his arrogance…==
He had no arrogance about it.
==… he felt we’d just go and conquer….WRONG!==
You’re correct to say that your reasoning is wrong.
== Viet Nam comes to mind. ==
You invoke Viet Nam in order to try to hinder even justifications for going to war. Iraq is not Viet Nam. Not even close.
So since Christianity isn’t a Religion…but a relationship…how come there are so many varietys’ of it…Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, etc.?
How so you know what the Founders thought?

==So since Christianity isn’t a Religion…but a relationship…how come there are so many varietys’ of it…Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, etc.?==
Few will find the gate which is not broad.
Satan is happy that there is so much dispute and variation and version and translation and discussion and argument. All the more to confuse, distract from the Word of God.
==How so you know what the Founders thought? ==
They told me.

Kool aide…is it grape?
In your opinion then, Iraq was justified because Sadam was a bad guy? He was violating whose law???? Basicly he just ticked “W” off. There are lots of nasty leaders..some in Africa…and other parts of the world, but I don’t see us invading those countries to “free” the people. Of couse if there was oil involved…then “W” might try. As to “W” not sayig “we won” 2 weeks later? What was that “Mission Accomplished” on the aircraft carrier? and “W” parading around in a uniform if not arrogance?
The Founders spoke to you. That’s spooky.
So all branches of Christianity aren’t going to that special place? You have the only one that is….interesting. Yours it the best, I guess. That doesn’t surprise me.
You keep invoking the evil dude. Like I said, used to control people. You did say you had a choice…so do I. I’ve lived long enough to know munipulation when it is used.

The Founders told you what they thought? That’s spooky.
As to “W”. Our reputation in the world has suffered because of “W”s arrogance. (and stupidity). Oh, when did he say we had won? What do you call the stance on the Carrier, with the sign behind him saying “Mission Accomplished” 2 weeks after we invaded? That was arrogance! He really thought we’d win in 2 weeks? Please! That’s garbage. If we had won, why are we still there? over 4000 Americans dead, hundreds forever wounded, and thousands of Iraqies dead. He fortunately can’t run again. There will never be justification for Iraq.
Like I said, this country has no business invading a country just because “W” didn’t like Sadam.
Yes, we all have a choice in who or what we believe in, and those we vote for. You seem to have all the answers…so that is good for you. I have found my answers and that is good for me. Agreement won’t be found here on these subjects, but the discussion is at least interesting.

==The Founders told you what they thought?==
Yup. And all I had to do is be able to read English.
== That’s spooky.==
That figures.
==Our reputation in the world has suffered because of “W”s arrogance.==
YOU interpret it as “arrogance.” It’s only confidence, and I’m glad he has it.
==… (and stupidity).==
You people never get past insults, huh.
== Oh, when did he say we had won? What do you call the stance on the Carrier, with the sign behind him saying “Mission Accomplished” 2 weeks after we invaded?==
First, the crew of the carrier put that up. The Whitge House had nothing to do with that banner.
Second, he never said, “We won!”
== That was arrogance!==
So, you say that the crew of the carrier are arrogant. We see.
== He really thought we’d win in 2 weeks? Please! That’s garbage.==
It IS garbage to that he would have thought that we won in two weeks. That’s cuz he didnt’ think that we had won yet. The Administration had said all along that the fight would be long and questioned whether Americans have the stomach for fighting anything anymore. You demonstrate that we don’t.
== If we had won, why are we still there?==
Where? Kosovo?
== over 4000 Americans dead, hundreds forever wounded, and thousands of Iraqies dead.==
That’s war and the cost of keeping freedom.
How many died in WWII? Germany didn’t start anything with us, and, yet, how many did we lose then? You wringing your hands and letting your heart bleed all over the floor over that?
== There will never be justification for Iraq.==
Not in YOUR mind, anyway. So, we agree with you that you won’t listen to reason.
==Like I said, this country has no business invading a country just because “W” didn’t like Sadam. ==
Where is that on the list of reasons we went into Iraq? I don’t mean the phoney list put out by anti-America/anti-Dubya Libs who, after eight years, haven’t gotten over his winning in 2000.
==You seem to have all the answers…==
Gee, thanks! However, I don’t, in my own righteousness. In God’s Rightdeousness, I do.
==so that is good for you.==
It’s good for anybody who wants His Grace.
I have found my answers…==
And, yet, you wanna impose them on the rest of us.

==In your opinion then, Iraq was justified because Sadam was a bad guy?==
Of course, your method is to trivialize it so that it sounds ridiculous, then argue against that.
Those who, for instance, were gassed by Hussein, speaking from the grave, welcomed the operation that they had said, when they were alive, should have happened in Gulf I.
== He was violating whose law????==
Check the UN Security Council resolutions.
==Basicly he just ticked “W” off.==
As I say, that wasn’t in the UN Security Council resolutions.
== There are lots of nasty leaders..some in Africa…and other parts of the world, but I don’t see us invading those countries to “free” the people.==
Gotta pick your battles. Priorities. Evidences and cases to be made.
==Of couse if there was oil involved…then “W” might try.==
Iraq is the 6th largest exporter of oil to the United States. It’s along way to haul oil, which cranks up the price.
Canada is the number one exporter, followed by Mexico, of oil to the USA.
== As to “W” not sayig “we won” 2 weeks later? What was that “Mission Accomplished” on the aircraft carrier?==
You mean the one that the carrier crew put up, not the White House? Oh, THAT one. Well, the crew was saying that their mission was accomplished.
You said that HE said, “We won!” Yet, you have yet to show us ONE actual quote of him saying that.
==.. and “W” parading around in a uniform if not arrogance?==
A show of solidarity with the men and women under his command. They looked happy about it.
==The Founders spoke to you. That’s spooky.==
Yup. I read English.
==So all branches of Christianity aren’t going to that special place?==
What, McDonald’s?
Oh, you mean Heaven.
Jesus said that, unless you are born again, you’re not gong to the Father, that the gate is narrow, not broad. You, apparenlty, feel that the gate is broad, disagreeing with Jesus…again.
== You have the only one that is…==
That’s what Jesus said. You disagree with Him. Oh, well.
==Yours it the best, I guess.==
Jesus’ is best. It’s not MY way, rather His That I was called to and chose.
== That doesn’t surprise me.==
How does that concern me?

==You keep invoking the evil dude.==
I don’t. The Devil does. He doesn’t bother me [James 4:7].
== Like I said, used to control people.==
You have to believe that in order to avoid responsibility.
== You did say you had a choice…so do I. I’ve lived long enough to know munipulation when it is used. ==
Eve thought that, too, and look what happened.

Good Evening, “I”
Somewhere in the “reasons” for Iraq, there was WMD’s (never found) and a threat to the US. 9/11 folks didn’t come from Iraq…remember?
As far as I’m concerned this discussion is over. Your opinion and my opinion are never going to agree and this is going in circles. You think you’re right…no problem.
Yea! EVE!

If I haven’t answered all your thoughts, it’s because the answer was ridiculous.
As you know, the over 4000 deaths have been in Iraq.
As far as I’m concerned, this discussion is over. My mind isn’t going to change about the tragedy that is Iraq, the almost former president,the imaginary dude called many names, devil,satan etc, grace, etc.
Go EVE!

correction: “…..because the answers (you gave) to most of my statements were, IMO,ridiculous

I am confused. What does the foregoing conversation have to do with the New Yorker cover?
I am writing to respond to the article. I did not feel it was the Obama campaign that reacted to the cover. It was the media. I felt the Obama campaign was very level-headed in light of what was seen. The only reason I could accept that as satire was that I am somewhat familiar with the magazine and the odd approach it often exhibits.

It doesn’t…it came out of comments about the cover…and continued.