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W.Va. grapples with reputation for racism
Charleston Daily Mail ^ | 9/21/2008 | Tom Breen

Posted on 09/21/2008 5:28:44 PM PDT by markomalley

The scene still makes plenty of West Virginians wince.

A succession of Mountain State residents proclaim to a television camera that they'll never vote for Barack Obama because of his religion, which they get wrong, or his race. After a few such testimonials, "Daily Show'' host Jon Stewart mockingly suggests a new state motto: "West Virginia: No Interviews, Please.''

That ran in May, shortly after Sen. Hillary Clinton trounced Obama by a margin of more than 2-to-1 in a state roughly 94 percent white. Since then, residents have been on the defensive over charges of widespread bigotry while wondering themselves how representative those infamous interviewees are.

The primary and subsequent media attention raised old and unpleasant questions in a state that prides itself on its origins in breaking away with the Confederacy, yet where Jim Crow segregation prevailed long into the 20th century.

"Racism is a white problem,'' former state Delegate Arley Johnson said. "White people in West Virginia have never stood up, have never spoken out against racism.''

Johnson was one of several panelists at a forum held Saturday at Marshall University convened specifically because of the May primary and national criticism that followed.

Johnson, who advised the Obama campaign after the primary that to bring the candidate back to West Virginia would be a waste of time, was not alone in his impression. Other panelists said the primary laid bare the uncomfortable fact that many West Virginians will never vote for a black presidential candidate simply because of his race.

(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Politics/Elections; US: West Virginia
KEYWORDS: 110th; byrd; kkk; mcainpalin; mccainpalin; obama; obamabiden; racism; wv2008
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1 posted on 09/21/2008 5:28:44 PM PDT by markomalley
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Torn what to say here. On one hand, Democrats are democrats (and, therefore, racist by nature). On the other hand, this is a clear attempt by the local papers to guilt people into doing what they know they shouldn’t.


2 posted on 09/21/2008 5:30:26 PM PDT by markomalley (Extra ecclesiam nulla salus)
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To: markomalley
West Virginians will never vote for Obama because he is a radical leftist, not a mainstream Democrat.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

3 posted on 09/21/2008 5:30:52 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
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To: markomalley

West VA just has better sense than to vote for someone to prove they are not racist that is all


4 posted on 09/21/2008 5:31:20 PM PDT by yldstrk (My heros have always been cowboys--Reagan and Bush)
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To: markomalley

Vote Obama or you are a racists!!! They are setting the table for this. It is disgusting. So what is the alternative? Vote Obama even though you do not agree with his positions so they will not call you a racist?...That’s racist!!!!!!!!!


5 posted on 09/21/2008 5:32:31 PM PDT by truthluva ("Character is doing the right thing even when no one is looking" - JC Watts)
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To: markomalley

Noooooooooo...

6 posted on 09/21/2008 5:32:55 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: yldstrk
The MSM is painting voters in a Red State as rednecked racists. Its gonna backfire on them.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

7 posted on 09/21/2008 5:33:13 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
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To: markomalley
W.Va. grapples with reputation for racism

They elected Robert Byrd, it's not like the reputation isn't earned.

8 posted on 09/21/2008 5:34:12 PM PDT by Alouette (Vicious Babushka)
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To: markomalley

If West Virginians are serious about transforming their reputation they could start with voting in a senator who is not an ex-member of the Ku Klux Klan.


9 posted on 09/21/2008 5:34:48 PM PDT by Burkean
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To: Burkean
They could. But Byrd is a local institution and he'll be in the Senate until he keels over.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

10 posted on 09/21/2008 5:36:04 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
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To: markomalley
WEST VIRGINIA VOTER REGISTRATION - GENERAL ELECTION 2006
Provided by the Office of the West Virginia Secretary of State

Republican 342,970
% of Total 30.15

Democrat648,899
% of Total 57.05

* Information gathered from the Statewide Voter Registration Syste

11 posted on 09/21/2008 5:39:25 PM PDT by Texas Eagle (What do Barack Obama and a bowl of chili have in common?)
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To: Texas Eagle
A lot of the Democrats are conservative. The state is safely Red.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

12 posted on 09/21/2008 5:40:32 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
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To: markomalley

So racism is a problem in the Democrat Party. Duly noted.

I guess African-Americans who say they will vote for Obama because he is African-American aren’t racists. Perhaps if you have an IQ of 40.


13 posted on 09/21/2008 5:42:49 PM PDT by Harry Wurzbach
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To: markomalley
The Dims and MSM are laying the ground work for B.O. losing due to the R word. Also, they are at the same time using the same race card to play on presumed white guilt and convince those guilt ridden saps to vote for B.O. Sep 20, 2008 11:30 pm US/Central Poll Shows Racial Views Steer Some Away From Obama About The Candidates & Issues Campaign '08 Complete Coverage WASHINGTON (AP) ― Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks -- many calling them "lazy," "violent," responsible for their own troubles. http://cbs2chicago.com/politics/barack.obama.whites.2.822075.html
14 posted on 09/21/2008 5:43:00 PM PDT by KeyLargo
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To: goldstategop
Safely communist ?

Let's not use the media newsspeak terms. Blue is the Republican color. Red is for rodents.

15 posted on 09/21/2008 5:43:47 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: markomalley

Well, don’t they keep sending Sheets Byrd to the Senate? Someone email Jon Stewart and tell him yes, Democrat West Virginians are racist, they have a ‘rat KKK Senator.


16 posted on 09/21/2008 5:44:21 PM PDT by mrsmel
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To: markomalley

You know what...I am going to come right out and say it...Most Dems that I have spoke to in WV have told me that they will NOT vote for Obama because they will “not vote for a n*****” Can you get any more racist than that?

Then again....I tell them about Rev. Wrights church and they are not surprised.


17 posted on 09/21/2008 5:45:19 PM PDT by Morgana (Go Sarah Go Sarah Go Sarah! What's his name/Sarah Palin '08)
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To: KeyLargo

You know, as long as we take the White House, I won’t care what excuses the whining lying cheating slimy below-the-belt fighting losers use. They’ve pulled that race card a few too many times for me, and I don’t care anymore. Like the boy who cried “wolf”.


18 posted on 09/21/2008 5:47:02 PM PDT by mrsmel
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To: markomalley

West Virginia is a state that defies definition. I grew up within hiking distance of the state line. You have areas where there is not a soul visible for miles as well as small towns and medium sized cities. It is home to one of the last east coast wilderness areas.

If you go to one of the Virginia border towns complete with diners and real people, you will find that they pull no punches. Such is one of the towns west of Stausburg Va. Travel west on rt 55 amid hair raising twists and turns a mountain road and you will find yourself in Wardensville.

It is an an amazing little town where you will be hard pressed to find an Obama supporter and they will not be likely to apologize for it either. These are the real people of America. They do not hate blacks, they hate fakes and are smart enough to spot them.


19 posted on 09/21/2008 5:48:15 PM PDT by lovesdogs (yw)
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To: Morgana
There's a Black man, African-born, running for WV Secretary of State. I'll bet the media will do tons of stories about him. What ? They haven't ? It's because he's a Republican.

Charles Minimah

20 posted on 09/21/2008 5:48:47 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: mrsmel

I think Byrd died several years ago and his body was sent to a taxidermist, then just sent back to the senate. I can never make out what that old fool is saying when he is on TV.


21 posted on 09/21/2008 5:49:32 PM PDT by Morgana (Go Sarah Go Sarah Go Sarah! What's his name/Sarah Palin '08)
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To: fieldmarshaldj

Never heard of him!


22 posted on 09/21/2008 5:50:25 PM PDT by Morgana (Go Sarah Go Sarah Go Sarah! What's his name/Sarah Palin '08)
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To: Morgana

http://www.charlesminimah.com/

Check him out. He needs our support.


23 posted on 09/21/2008 5:52:01 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: Morgana

LOL. I don’t even try. What a windbag.


24 posted on 09/21/2008 5:53:27 PM PDT by mrsmel
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To: markomalley
Sounds like the mediaPUKES are trying real hard to incited a racial war in this country. I LOATHE THEM....
25 posted on 09/21/2008 5:54:02 PM PDT by RoseofTexas
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To: markomalley

West Virginia is LED by DEMOCRATS!!!! DEMOCRATS are/were the RACIST party! Democrats stood in the school house door and Democrats turned on the FIREHOSES!! geesh....it was ALL Democrats!! Only an influx of Republicans have even changed that as it is.....what % are Democrats....70???


26 posted on 09/21/2008 5:54:27 PM PDT by Ann Archy (Abortion.....The Human Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: fieldmarshaldj

not that I keep up with stuff like this...but isn’t betty ireland running for that?


27 posted on 09/21/2008 5:54:29 PM PDT by Morgana (Go Sarah Go Sarah Go Sarah! What's his name/Sarah Palin '08)
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To: markomalley
they'll never vote for Barack Obama because of his religion, which they get wrong


He admitted his moozeSlime faith. How are they wrong?

IF it yadda yadda...... He's a freekin Slime!!!!!!

Hey everybody dresses like this all the time. It's not unusuall.

28 posted on 09/21/2008 5:54:58 PM PDT by rawcatslyentist (I will stand with the Muslims ~B Hussein Obomunist ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Verito Possumus~Verified Sleeper!)
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To: markomalley
W.Va. grapples with reputation for racism
It might help if they would stop reelecting an unremorseful former Klan member as their Senator. An article on West Virginia and racism, and not once is Democratic Senator Robert Byrd mentioned: If this doesn't demonstrate media bias towards Democrats, I don't know what will.
The problem, though, may be more one of perception, according to Jim White, a political scientist at Concord University.
What is this, an old SNL skit? :)
"The Daily Show performance did not make us look good,'' he said. But his analysis of election data from 2000 and 2004 suggests that common impressions about the state may be wrong.

Al Gore was supposed to have lost the state partly because his environmentalism alienated miners, White said, yet he showed data that indicated Gore did better in the coalfields than elsewhere.

And John Kerry running in 2004 was supposedly undone by socially conservative voters worrying about gun rights and gay marriage, yet White's data showed again that Kerry fared well in the conservative southern counties compared to the rest of the state.
Neither Gore nor Kerry are black, so what does that have to do with anything? Ah, lefty logic. "See, we're not racist: We vote Democrat!"
29 posted on 09/21/2008 5:56:07 PM PDT by Zero Sum (Liberalism: The damage ends up being a thousand times the benefit! (apologies to Rabbi Benny Lau))
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To: Texas Eagle

With registration numbers like this, West Virginia should be a safe Dem. state. Yet they voted Republican in 2000 and 2004, and are projected to go Rep. again in ‘08.

Very interesting. They are “culturally conservative”? I don’t know much about that state. Gore was liberal, Kerry was liberal, and Obama is liberal/radical and also black. So these folks just can’t see themselves voting for modern day liberal /radical Democrats.


30 posted on 09/21/2008 5:56:40 PM PDT by Dilbert San Diego
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To: rawcatslyentist

Most Dems in WV wanted John Edwards anyway. They did not like Hillary, said she was too power hungry, don’t like Obama cause he is a.........well you know!


31 posted on 09/21/2008 5:58:02 PM PDT by Morgana (Go Sarah Go Sarah Go Sarah! What's his name/Sarah Palin '08)
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To: Morgana

No, Secretary Ireland is retiring after a single term. I believe it is because of family concerns (her husband’s health ?). Mr. Minimah is the GOP candidate to succeed her. Unfortunately, the Dem lady running is attempting to buy the office, and Mr. Minimah isn’t a multi-gazillionaire like WV Democrats are.


32 posted on 09/21/2008 5:59:35 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: markomalley
"Racism is a white problem,'' former state Delegate Arley Johnson said

This is really simple and you should not over think the issue.

If you are not black and vote against Obama you are a racist.

Accept it and move on.

It will save a lot of typing and free you up to read other material or get on with the household chores!

By the way, I have found nothing in the election laws that say I must vote for Obama because he is black.

(Well actually half white and maybe arab and muslim )

So, have a nice day now that you have come to grips with your inherent racism and move on to something productive.

33 posted on 09/21/2008 6:00:43 PM PDT by Calamari (Pass enough laws and everyone is guilty of something.)
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To: truthluva
Vote Obama even though you do not agree with his positions so they will not call you a racist?...That’s racist!!!!!!!!!

You saw through the leftist message right away, make the white guilty scum who are racist deep down under see the error of their ways, vote for Obama and forever free yourself and your country of your racism.

It's like taking a Valium, peace forever and health care for those who can't afford it, do the right thing, vote for Hussein! (/sarc)

They'll do ANYTHING to get this fraud elected.

34 posted on 09/21/2008 6:00:55 PM PDT by BILL_C (Those who don't understand the lessons of history are bound to repeat them!)
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To: Morgana

Whatever happened to that Democrat senator from North or South Dakota, Johnson I think was his last name. Is he still in the U.S. Senate? Did he ever recover from his illness? I often wondered if the guy was even lucid.


35 posted on 09/21/2008 6:06:39 PM PDT by Comparative Advantage
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To: truthluva
We all knew that this racist claptrap would be used during the election.

No law about voting against him because he is black (well half white also).

No law about voting against him because he has big ears.

No law about voting against him because he is as far left as Stalin.

In fact you can vote against him for any reason you want!

No affirmative action in presidential elections.

Quit fretting and get on with voting for McCain-Palin.

36 posted on 09/21/2008 6:13:24 PM PDT by Calamari (Pass enough laws and everyone is guilty of something.)
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To: markomalley

The libs are just baiting folks, hoping to get a few more White Guilt voters. I hope the folks in West Virginia are savvy enough not to be hooked.

Race card. Such a pathetic contest. Such a pathetic contestant.


37 posted on 09/21/2008 6:21:22 PM PDT by bboop (Stealth Tutor)
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To: Comparative Advantage

Tim Johnson, South Dakota. How “recovered” he is, we don’t know, as the media won’t tell us (if he were a Republican, you certainly now they’d be saying he was at death’s door and had a duty to resign). He is chin-deep in running for a 3rd term this year. Sad that he’d rather spend his remaining time in the Senate than with his family.


38 posted on 09/21/2008 6:22:21 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: lovesdogs

On the nose. Most West Virginians are CONSERVATIVE democrats. They will vote conservative over party most of the time.
Funny you mention Wardensville I drove through there about two weeks ago for the first time. Nice, very small, town.


39 posted on 09/21/2008 6:35:42 PM PDT by WVNight (We havn't played Cowboys and Muslims yet....)
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To: markomalley
A succession of Mountain State residents proclaim to a television camera that they'll never vote for Barack Obama because of his religion, which they get wrong, or his race. After a few such testimonials, "Daily Show'' host Jon Stewart mockingly suggests a new state motto: "West Virginia: No Interviews, Please.''

Take a camera and a microphone into a predominantly black housing project, Obama's core constituency, and interview the residents. You will find some of the nastiest, ugliest and most ignorant opinions and beliefs imaginable. Don't hold your breath waiting for the MSM to do so, however.

40 posted on 09/21/2008 6:36:31 PM PDT by SirJohnBarleycorn
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To: fieldmarshaldj

This is bad on my part. I had no idea who the guy is. I had no idea he is black. Had no idea he is republican. I would have no problem voting for him as long as his conservative principles are up to par.


41 posted on 09/21/2008 6:38:27 PM PDT by WVNight (We havn't played Cowboys and Muslims yet....)
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To: WVNight

As far as I can tell, he is seeking to continue Ireland’s agenda. It’s imperative the GOP have at least one Republican in statewide office. Most of the other Dems in statewide office have been there for years, in some case, decades.


42 posted on 09/21/2008 6:41:58 PM PDT by fieldmarshaldj (~"This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps !"~~)
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To: markomalley

White people are easy. As pliable as soft clay. They will back up, object, explain and apologize anytime this all too familiar tool is thrown out. Of course the fact that 90+% of blacks vote for Obama in never mentioned and whites will routinely & willingly allow themselves to be ridiculed, goaded and guilt driven by a standard that is never ever applied the other way. Whites are pathetic and willing allow themselves to be manipulated and driven without any thought what-so-ever to the fact that all other races do EXACTLY the things that whites are accused of doing and direct policy and votes accordingly. Only whites are routinely held to the above mentioned criteria in this article.


43 posted on 09/21/2008 6:50:10 PM PDT by Altura Ct.
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What reputation for racism? I had not heard that. Yes, they have a Senator who was in the Klan. But that was a long time ago. And anyway he is a democrat. So it doesn't count. This is just more moral intimidation; Obama media flacks attempting to convince voters they are racist if they don't vote for their empty suit, baby-killing, homosexual marriage supporting, gun-grabbing, criminal coddling, America-disparaging candidate.
44 posted on 09/21/2008 7:20:50 PM PDT by Godwin1
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To: markomalley

Good Lord. WV? The Charleston Daily is ridiculously trying to join the Media Death Watch alert.


45 posted on 09/21/2008 7:24:44 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: eyedigress
W.Va. grapples with reputation for racism

What, has someone been draping sheets over all the Sen. Byrd statues?

46 posted on 09/21/2008 7:27:42 PM PDT by Eva (CHANGE- the post modern euphemism for Marxist revolution.)
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To: Dilbert San Diego
When speaking of Gore always understand he didn't even carry his own STATE.
47 posted on 09/21/2008 7:29:57 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: Eva

It seems all the “holes” were cut out from the back of the sheets.


48 posted on 09/21/2008 7:33:02 PM PDT by eyedigress
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To: markomalley
West Virginia seceded from Virginia rather than go with the Confederacy. I don't suppose that means anything.

Of course, they for some unaccountable reason seem to have turned Democrat very early in their history as a state. Shame, that.

49 posted on 09/21/2008 7:36:15 PM PDT by Zionist Conspirator (Hanistarot LeHaShem 'Eloqeynu; vehaniglot lanu ulevaneynu `ad-`olam . . .)
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To: goldstategop
A lot of the Democrats are conservative.

Then why do they stay Democrats? West Virginians don't have the "war of northern aggression" excuse.

50 posted on 09/21/2008 7:39:10 PM PDT by Zionist Conspirator (Hanistarot LeHaShem 'Eloqeynu; vehaniglot lanu ulevaneynu `ad-`olam . . .)
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