Senator Obama Slams President Bush for Linking Accounts To Blacks Life Span

Chicago Tribune ^ | 3.11.05 | Jeff Zeleny

[gopwinsin04]

US Senator Barack Obama on Thursday called President George W. Bush's suggestion that African-Americans could reap greater rewards from overhauling Social Security a 'stunning' arguement that ignored the true health issues facing blacks in the country.

As the president launched his two day tour through the South to build support for his controversial plan to revamp Social Security, Democrats challenged a White House assertion that blacks could gain from Bush's proposed private retirement accounts because they have fewer years to collect benefits considering that they die younger.

'It is puzzling to me that we are even having this debate about whether Social Security is good for African-Americans,' said Obama, an Illinois Democrat.

'I frankly found the statement somewhat offensive.'

While Bush argued his case that the future of the Social Security program was in peril without substantial changes like creating private investment accounts, Senate Democrats tapped Obama to rebut the argument about overhauling Social Security.

[QQQQQ]

As usual, the Dems object to facts.

Life Expectancy

[eyespysomething]

Sen. Obama LLama needs to talk to Herman Cain.

[jayef]

It's hard to believe that the point is lost on someone so bright and promising as Obama. There must be some other factor in play. What could it be . . . hmmmmmmm?

[Kokojmudd]

Obamma understands. Typical race baiting lib. I appreciate the President's efforts but am concerned that there will be no meaningful reform of SS and taxes. Unless they start from a clean slate they will probably make it worse....like adding a canadian style VAT tax to "pay" for any incremental privatization.

[libs_kma]

Funny, I don't remember as Obama being all that offended when Dean was spewing about the GOP getting a buch of black people into a room by inviting all the maids and bellhops.

I guess it isn't offensive if its Senator KKK Byrd or Scream Dean.

Whatever Obama...were you offended when uncle Teddy called you Osama?

[dannyboy72]

Mr. PetroniDE, this is the NAACP and we found your statement offensive. How dare you speak to our community. We will tell African Americans what they need and what's good for them. I don't care if you're offering free health care. If you're not a member of the Black Caucus or the NAACP, you have no right to speak to any black man or woman. Keep your brainwashing ideals away from our community.

Sincerely,

Head Slave Master
& Gatekeeper
NAACP

[Snardius]

Black men don't live as long as white men and therefore don't receive full ss benefits.

I agree with the concept that SS benefits should not be based on race, creed, color, gender (or lack thereof), sexual preference, religion, or tax bracket. If that's what Obama is basing his rhetoric on, he's my man.

[gopwinsin04]

Has Obama been listenening to anything Howie Dean said?

[nothingnew]

"er, OsamaBama, Alabama Mama, er, uh, that guy Bamasama Rama, uh, you know that guy, Obamasama...(hic!)

FMCDH(BITS)

[Congressman Billybob]

Obama is a typical Democrat. When the facts hurt your argument, whine that the Republicans were racist for mentioning that fact. Obama wants Democrats to "win" even if black citizens lose money and assets as a result. Who does he think he is, Bill Clinton?

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, "NASCAR Lessons for Democrats"

[PetroniDE]

HOW DO YOU KNOW I AIN'T A MRS.

I am hearby "reverse offended" mister "Head Slave Master".
ROFLOL.

[gopwinsin04]

It's the only way Obama can remain as a candidate to be Hillary's VP, is to toe the party line on the plantation.

[cyborg]

Life insurance actuaries seem to be in charge of who dies when. I thought it was a strange point for Dubya to make.

[beansox]

where was obama's outrage when KKK Byrd was grilling Condi????

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Because only Democrats can do that.

[oldbrowser]

"It is puzzling to me that we are even having this debate about whether Social Security is good or not for African-Americans," said Obama, an Illinois Democrat. "I frankly found the statement that the president made somewhat offensive."

We are so whipped that we can't even mention black or they take offense. Anything we say is wrong because you have to be black to understand and therefore we are just racists.

The fact that black men don't live as long as other men is mostly based on their choices I would imagine.

I sounds to me as if Obama would rather sabotage the Presidents effort than to help his people.

[gopwinsin04]

It's all about beating Gov. Richardson as Hillary's veep.

Gotta make points with the Conyers/Jesse Jackson base to convice her that he can bring home 90-95% of the minority vote.

[taxesareforever]

'I frankly found the statement somewhat offensive.'

What statement by a conservative or a Republican isn't found offensive by the demorats? They have such thin skin. Oh, oh, this statement might be judged discriminatory by them because of body features.

[beansox]

obama..the lefts uncle tom?

[EternalVigilance]

'I frankly found the statement somewhat offensive.'

Senator Obama, I find every statement from you to be offensive...