Posted on 04/11/2010 9:10:35 PM PDT by Free ThinkerNY
PETOSKEY, Mich. -- The Tea Party Express has toured state after state trying to kick up a debate about constitutional rights and cast doubt on the legality of the recently passed health care overhaul, all with an eye toward the 2010 elections.
But while organizers have held the tour as a way to stay front-and-center as a political force, the rallies have also attracted the kinds of mistruths, exaggerations and conspiracy theories that make Tea Party leaders cringe. Though the movement is still trying to shore up its credentials as a grassroots power that's here to stay, the so-called "fringe" and its accompanying antics continue to give critics fodder.
"Obama, to me, is a socialist. He's a Muslim and all he wants to do is bankrupt us and run us into the ground," Ken Schwalbach of Escanaba, Mich., said at a rally on Friday.
Though Obama is a Christian -- and his Christian faith was a focal point of debate during the campaign-era controversy over his former pastor Jeremiah Wright -- the allegations that the president is a secret Muslim persist years later.
The charge of socialism has been a common theme at Tea Party gatherings -- but some activists have gone beyond merely portraying Obama as a European-style, big-government liberal.
Some suggest Obama wants to keep Americans unemployed so that they become dependent on government-run programs. Lenin and Stalin have become catchwords to describe Obama in the speeches denouncing his policies.
Going further, swastikas, as well as pictures of Obama's face next to Adolf Hitler's, have appeared on signs at dozens of rallies blasting the president and the Democrat-controlled Congress.
Other Tea Party members continue to question the president's citizenship -- a sign reading "Show Us Your Birth Certificate" popped up at a recent rally in Traverse City, Mich.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
“I ask because his religion seems to be such a central issue to his eligibility to hold office.”
Have you ever heard of common sense? That would imply to me that the people of this country would not want a Muslim as president since the muslims have been attacking us for 30 years.
They want to get conservative/republicans elected, at all levels, state, national, local,judicial, etc. MO
God help us in our day, in Jesus name, amen.
Rewritten for just a few years ago.
So Cristina Corbin, why do people in the Kenyan government thinks Obama was born in Kenya?
“Labeling Obama and other hot button name calling is antithesis to what they are wanting to do.”
Then why do half our Freepers do it? I see it as part of the argument. We’re in fact dealing with a Socialistic Muslim lying Chicago street punk in the White House and millions cover for him.
“Have you ever heard of common sense? That would imply to me that the people of this country would not want a Muslim as president since the muslims have been attacking us for 30 years.”
Yeah, I get that. I was asking from a constitutional/legal position, that’s all. (I’m not American, I don’t know some of these things and hope my FRiends can clarify without recrimination when I have questions)
There is no religious “test” in order to hold Federal office that is permissible under the Constitution.
The People may themselves determin not to vote in favor of a given candidate for any reason, or no reason at all, however.
The only Constitutional requirements are to be at least 35 years of age at least 14 years resident, and to be a natural-born citizen of the United States.
Constitutionally there is nothing to prevent a Muslim from being president, realistically it would be frowned on by the majority. Sorry if I was rude.
We are not a democracy. We have laws created by our founding framers of the Constitution. We are a Constitutional; Republic. Which is why it is so important what the people elected stand for, believe. and hold as values. Government is to reflect the wishes of the majority while staying inside the bounds of the Constitution. Our current administration is riding rough shod over the Constitution daily.
Currently abiding by the Constitution is out the window.
We allow it to stand to our own peril. Get active if possible
God help us in our day, in Jesus name amen.
“God help us in our day, in Jesus name amen.”
I agree and would add one more thing: check His agenda for the working out of prophecy once in a while, with Jesus.
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