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Subscribe to RSSThe blogosphere erupted with reactions to the White House’s release of President Obama’s so-called “long-form” birth certificate today.
Liberal blogger Steve Benen at The Washington Monthly doubted the disclosure would discourage conspiracy theorists who believe President Obama wasn’t born in the United States.
If there's one thing right-wing voices have made clear, it's that reason and evidence are irrelevant. They didn't come up with a birther garbage out of sincere concerns; they came up with this to cast doubts on the president's legitimacy and make him out to be The Other in the eyes of the mainstream.
I don't necessarily blame White House officials for wanting to end this nonsense once and for all, but if they're expecting the hysterical right to move on, they're likely to be disappointed.
John Aravosis at the liberal AMERICAblog suggested the move is too little, too late.
There doesn't appear to be anything more on this form than on the other one they released three years ago. Why didn't they just release this then and be done with it?
Blogger Andrew Sullivan at The Daily Beast also asked why Obama waited so long, and assailed the media for not putting more pressure on the Obama administration for providing the long-form certificate in order to give the birthers the material evidence they were calling for.
I think this should have been done long ago. Because a president has to put his public responsibilities before his pride and his privacy. That's the price of the job - to defuse or debunk conspiracy theorists or just skeptics with all the relevant information you have.
It's also the job of the media always to press for more information, not less. But so many spent their energy arguing that Obama need do no more and piling on the Birthers. They still seem to think they are gatekeepers, possessors of the power to decide what is or is not legitimate for citizens to ask of their public officials.
Get over yourselves, MSM. And do your job - not defending the right of people in power to protect themselves, but scrutinizing them relentlessly, with every fact and document you can get. You don't defuse conspiracy theories or end legitimate doubts by telling public officials they need not provide clear and available evidence to rebut them. Yes, some will still suspect. But many will walk away. That's worth doing.
Meanwhile, Tanya Somander at the progressive blog Think Progress noted that Donald Trump said last week that he would release his tax returns when the president released his birth certificate.
Of course, now that Obama has officially put this issue to rest, the secretive billionaire may find another excuse to avoid releasing the potentially damning documents — like demanding Obama’s college records, his SAT scores, college thesis, and on and on…
In fact, conservative blogger Erick Erickson at Red State wondered if the president would now also release his college transcripts, adding that the release of the birth certificate confirms “what most of us have always known.”
Of course, once the birth certificate issue is dispatched, will he release his college transcripts? That’s the issue for me.
When the birth certificate is reviewed and we can see what most of us have always known — that he was born in Hawaii — we can move on. For some, moving on will be to wonder what religion the man is.
He can’t win on this. Not that I care.
Jonah Goldberg at the conservative NRO noted what he views as the irony of President Obama decrying this episode of “silliness” just before engaging in, as Goldberg sees it, frivolous pursuits.
[Obama] railed against “distractions” and “silliness” that prevent us from grappling with our very serious problems. Then, he left to go tape the Oprah Winfrey show and hold a fundraiser. No word on when his next tee time will be.
Goldberg’s NRO colleague Daniel Foster predicted that this disclosure would not assuage the hardcore “birthers.”
Here’s the long-form birth certificate, so birthers can get to work on explaining why we now need a photograph of President Obama’s parents standing in front of Kapiolani hospital with a copy of the August 4, 1961 edition of the Honolulu Star Advertiser in one hand and a complete genome in the other.
Conservative blogger Ed Morrissey at Hot Air said the news is actually a lost political opportunity for President Obama, as he tried to paint the issue, and those pushing it, as a distraction, relatively early in the election cycle.
Some of those who pushed this issue over the last two-plus years are now crying foul, saying “Why did he wait this long to release it?” Why would Obama have wanted to release it? After all, it made for a perfect way to paint his opposition as lunatics. Frankly, I’m surprised he didn’t wait until after the GOP primaries. He could have used the bump more then than now.
Morrissey also said the issue dissipated “whatever credibility [Donald] Trump had.”
Who gets hurt worse by the White House release of Barack Obama’s long-form birth certificate? If you think that it might be the man who practically made it his campaign platform, think again. Donald Trump says he totally had Adonis DNA on the issue, or something… He won in the same sense that Charlie Sheen is #winning! by getting canned and then embarrassing himself on a national tour.
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As Birthers go, most of them, logically know that Pres. Obama was born here. So the 'long form' birth certificate, is not earth shattering. What is earth shattering to them, is the de-legitimizing of the fantasy. For the Birthers, it was a fantasy, a dream, and at times, even a hope that Pres. Obama was born elsewhere. Without the long form, they could live in that fatasy, with what they felt, was a legitimate cover that hid the true nature of their feelings of dislike and hate without further reason. If there is irreifutible proof that he is an American citizen - that he's one of them, they'd rather not know about it. A fantasy bubble has burst, or has it?
The absurdity of all this is, Obama did not release the long form - the State of Hawai'i did. And they only did it because Obama, as President of the United States, requested and received a special waiver of the State's documents and records department's rules and regulations promulgated to ensure the integrity and safety of the records. It is unlikely that anyone else, wanting to get this even for their own birth record, would be granted such a waiver.
Since these records are in a bound document in a secure location, they can only be viewed and photographed (not photocopied or scanned), in the presence of State employees, by persons who can prove they have a legitimate need to view the records. The short form birth certificate, of which copies can be obtained (and which were obtained by Obama and produced in 2008), is a legal record verifying that the information contained in the long form record archives is indeed there. So accusing Obama of "hiding" this 'long form' for 3 years is absurd, to say the least!
To quote South Park's Officer Barbrady: "MOVE ALONG!! THERE'S NOTHING TO SEE HERE!" - and there never was . . . these 'birther' people are complete nut cases!!
what kind of education does donald trump have. where did he go to school. i am truly sick and tired of this whole thing. would there be such and uproar if barack obama was white
Glenna
Unfortunately no. This obscenity has been going on since the day President Obama was elected. At the time I was reveling in how far this country has come. Well, that didn't last long at all.
The GOP has encouraged all of this crap with unashamed abandon. When the tea party first started their rallies looked like white power demonstrations. I guess some public relations wonk told them that all of those racist signs will not go over with the rest of America and they put a stop to it. That doesn't mean that these toads have changed their hearts. They just aren't as obvious about it. All their little code words and all.
Now hear this people. America is completely on to you and see you for what it is that you are. Now please, put on your aluminum foil hats and slither back underneath your single wides. America thinks you're rather tiresome and distasteful.
I rarely ever use the race card, but unfortunately I have to lay the card down this time. It is unfortunate that even after electing the first African-American President that we have to deal with insignificant things such as this. This is racism on its highest scale. No way would this have happened to a white american. Only because our president has a different name, than George, or Bill, or Abraham, and that his skin color is a darker shade, we have to succumb to this nonsense. It is such an embarassment. We are living in times where our President needs our full support and open and honest debates from both sides of the isle on serious policies. At a time like this our leader has to be distracted from wars, the economy, and jobs to deal with a birth certificate. His job is difficult as it is. Can we now move on to something else. God is still blessing this great country and I am for one thankful.
African-American WTF ever. He is more White than Black. Race is not the reason, his policies, idiocies and other ideas is why many don't like him. Why cant you libs come to the understanding that the Majority of Americans don't want or like Socialism.............
Well you can all go look at your birth certificates or what ever you have you will see one thing it has a State Seal on it. Now look at the long form Obama gave out has no state seal. Without the seal this document is worthless. If it had one then I would say yes it’s over and THANK GOD, but since there is no Seal on his document its not over.
Congratulations Leatherneck. You have actually beaten most everybody to the bottom of the barrel. You cling to this fantasy because you just can't stand the fact that a black man is actually our President. Get used to it, you've got 6 more years to go.
Oh, by the way. The majority of the people in this country want to have nothing to do with the likes of you. You wouldn't know socialism if it hit you in your pin head.
I've come to realize that everything Obama says is a mislead or outright lie.
His first when he told McCain he wouldn't take public monies. Then once McCain actually said he wouldn't take public monies Obama changed his mind. What a load.
I'm ready for our President to be someone people can look up to, believe in, have faith in and one that other countries don't think is a joke!!
God help us if the illiterate voters, vote him in again.
I am witnessing an unprecedented fact: for first time in history the figure of a president of the United States is been incredibly diminished as direct cause of the birthers movement, the tea baggers and and the disrespectful Republicans. Good wisdom indicates that is better to ignore those who are ignorant and stupid. But again President Obama has shown everyone of them that he is one of the most smarter president that United States ever had effecting a revolution in Politics. The same way Albert Einstein did in Physics in 1906 with his theory of relativity. I wish one day some of them would came to the right side of the history.
Oh well, another whack a stranger contest. Nice play of the race card too. Anyone notice what the bloggers have been busy doing? Some have been stirring your indignation up and others have been mentioning that the long form is a fraud. But choose to ignore the facts and call the people you never met names. but NEVER focus on the paste up con game that Obama is foisting on you as you play gallant oppression stoppers. Don't actually look at the facts that glare at you as you quell people that don't think like you. Don't actually do anything useful as you hoist those I am better and I know whats good for you flags. I love that little line up on the very first post on this topic. It looks like a college hazing line.
Was RACIST in the topic? Feel free to ignore the problem as you protect your president from investigation by insulting people. OR look at the evidence of a "paste up" videos that so many real people have made. Face the facts you are defending if you can. The website won't stick in here. Search long form, I DARE YOU! if you can! Look at the bent edge on the scam too, its as wide as the space it came from, it would fold up under the perforation if it was flattened, impossible. Also, it has the wrong security print background for 1961. Then go back to calling people names.
Enjoy your clubhouse for bashing while you solve nothing. I'll be looking for a site that actually does some more good than keep a few people entertained.
Correct me if I am wrong but.... wasn't it HILLARY CLINTON'S Campaign crew the first to bring up doubts about the POTUS's birthplace and eligibility?
Correct me if I am wrong but.... wasn't it HILLARY CLINTON'S Campaign crew the first to bring up doubts about the POTUS's birthplace and eligibility?
I guess the question will remain for me, because if there was no problem in producing it, why would it take this long? Why would he have spent so much money to keep from releasing it? Why would the White House have it instead of the hospital? But you know, the president couldn't have something just made up if he wanted, now could he?
flowergirl,
Once you have done everything according to the law of the land why should you be required to provide more documentation? People in high positions, especially elected officials are very reluctant because of the precedent that would be set.
If you want more documentation to be required then change the law and hope the SCOTUS agrees with the new law.
Show me a doctor or nurse that was there
I do not really care. Someone exclaimed Hawaii was not a state when he was born, which is incorrect. Statehood instituted on 8/21/59. What I do care about is that I DO NOT want the U.S. becoming a nation state. I say we enact more stringent welfare guidelines, such as initial & ongoing drug testing for those with criminal records prior to receiving welfare. Limit to end the amount of money the junkies receive for their trips to the meth clinic. Allow us to drill so that we are not as dependent on foreign oil. Reduce the size of government, allow people to govern themselves-FREE WILL. Keep in mind that a Libertarian IS NOT the same as a liberal.
I find you totally offensive and ignorant...I have been to prison I dont do drugs and I am 100% disabled...not only I have to do hard time...I have to be even more demeanered because I made a mistake? 27 years Ive been out have never gone back imagine that...and for the statement I am truly disapointed...welfare? I dunno I dont get a check every month...I cant go to PUBLIC health department cause I am NOT A PATIENT....yeah lets make it harder on people...now on the other hand you state free will...is that free will that agree's with your way of thinking or true free will? People cant govern themselves hell they cant even accept a piece of paper...yeah allow them to govern themselves...and while your at it bring back lynchings and such....mob style executions should be leagal too huh? Ignorant = hmmm whats the word you are? according to dictionary that puts you in the class of N..ger
It will never end ...you could give these guys a dna test and theyd say ubdisputably it was a monkey instead of Obama...as far as certificate goes its not an ATTENDANT signature only one box checked and it says MD...I was born in 64 and I keep seeing that form wasnt used? My birth certificate...THE ORIGIONAL...LOOKS 100% AS THAT ONE DOES!!! My nephews who is 18 is totally different from it....get over your crap if you spent as much time trying to help the nation as you did disputing a piece of Paper This country would be much better off!!!
And yet the question will always remain in my mind...why is it that this is the FIRST president to have to prove anything? Noone has EVER asked a predident produce a birth cert for public viewing...its NOT your right as a US citizen to see his certificate...same as if you came to me and said I need to see your birth certificate screw you I have one Im a citizen...natural born and honestly Obama same as me doesnt owe you anything on those lines...my cert doesnt have a state seal!!! Does that mean I am not american? get a life birthers your conspiracy theory only confuses the true nature our country is in...POVERTY!! And why? Because its imperative to make you happy?
Time we all put blinders on and grab a rope so we can follow a leader huh? No more independant thought for America, we have a new slice of POTUS now and America can no longer ask any questions, Right Jim 3363470???? Sorry you made a mistake that offended people and you had to pay for it. Did we make a mistake for letting Obama sucker us for over 2 years? And that is the damn tip of the iceberg. Now the non existant long form is a fake. SHUT EVERYONES EYES!!! Nobody complain that we had standards once either. YOU make the call now. And its RACIST to silence people. Obama fed us a line, some of us want answers. Get used to American freedom to have an opinion.
To be honest I didnt vote for the current POTUS...Ya'll put him in office...And why would you need to see a birth certificate? Because he's half black...because his religious belifs offend you? Are all the people screaming about the birth cert that stupid? You really think he coulda become president without scrutiny to the highest degree from FBI...CIA....Homeland security checks? Hell ya cant even get a passport without growin a tail and twitchin it 5 times in a circular motion...of course its deemed fake and look at the people that started this whole mess...or cant you search online...was right wing radical racists commonly called the KKK...I live in the south and well thats where it stems from in my town...KKK and Arian Brotherhood...I hear it all day down here...he wants to be KING!!! say no YOU are just racist and think your better than everyone else is what this entire issue boils down too. My comment was Im offended you feel you must kick someone down further even though one has made a mistake. I paid for my mistakes in the roughest way..ever been locked up ? Not in jail in prison over 3 yrs? Prolly not! Ya want me to go on Im 1/4 creek indian should I start on that storm too? I doubt it! Take a walk in my shoes before you run your piehole idiot!!!
Rah Rah Jim you sure do talk crap. You know I voted for him huh? You know I'm a racist too and I don't tolerate whatever religion he is? "ALL YOU PEOPLE" sounds pretty racist, but you attack people who think differently, my alleged political color offends you. You take a vague glance at his documents, exactly what I refuse to do. Make dramatic little scenarios to defend your point. The KKK now lobbies in Washington, they realized that buying Senators is smarter than going to jail. Beat that racist drum, Jim, you insist you can analyse me and call me an elitist. You presume what I feel. I was unaware that bring an inmate was something I should aspire to. I was taught to NOT do things contrary to American law. No your nationality means nothing to me on any level until you become POTUS. No thanks to the invite to become an insensitive lawbreaker that attacks people for expecting the POTUS to ANSWER QUESTIONS that WE the PEOPLE, not just me, have asked.
Thank you for your time. Feel free to speak to me with respect.