Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch

Mayer Ed Koch has an excelent analysis of what is wrong with Barack Obama.

First he sums up what we is known about Reverend Wright:

"Many of Rev. Wright's incendiary statements are on videos sold by his church. Minister Louis Farrakhan, a friend of Rev. Wright with whom he traveled to visit Muammar Khadaffi in Libya, also makes his sermons and those of others associated with the Nation of Islam available for sale. Their attacks on the U.S. and Israel often coincide with those of Rev. Wright.

Rev. Wright's sermons charge that the U.S. government gives African-Americans drugs, created AIDS and is deliberately infecting blacks with that disease. His sermons claim that the U.S. unjustifiably nuclear bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II, and that 9/11 and the deaths of 3,000 Americans were caused by U.S. foreign policy. He alleges Israeli state terrorism against the Palestinians; calling Israel a "dirty word" and "racist country." He blames Israel for 9/11 and supports the divestment campaign against it, denouncing "Zionism." His venomous thoughts are summed up in his most discussed sermon in which he says the U.S. government "wants us to sing God Bless America. No, no, not God Bless America. God damn America. God damn America for killing innocent people."

Mayor Ed Koch makes a crucial observation:

"... let's examine the impact of Rev. Wright's statements on the Senator's two daughters. Nothing says it better than a song from the musical "South Pacific," to wit, "You have to be taught to hate and fear...You've got to be carefully taught." Few dispute that Rev. Wright's sermons are filled with hate.?"

Ed Koch asks:

"Why didn't Senator Obama stand up in the church and denounce his hateful statements or, at the very least, argue privately with his minister? It was horrifying to see on a video now viewed across America the congregation rise from the pews to applaud their minister's rants."

Then he states what is the obvious requirement for anyone who wants to be President for all Americans:

"What is it that I and others expected Obama to do? A great leader with conscience and courage would have stood up and faced down anyone who engages in such conduct. I expect a President of the United States to have the strength of character to denounce and disown enemies of America - foreign and domestic -- and yes, even his friends and confidants when they get seriously out of line."

Barack Obama is not qualified to be President of the United States of America. He fails the test of common decency. He fails on civic virtue. He fails on patriotism.

Here is the link to Mayor Ed Koch's full article.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/article s/2008/03/obamas_unconvincing_speech.htm l



Display:


Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 3)

Ed Koch is not much of a Democrat anymore:

September 24 - 30, 2003

What's he doin'? Koch backs Bush

On Sept. 12 on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," on a segment on 9/11, Koch said, "I think [Bush has] been terrific. And I have never voted in the past for a Republican president.... But I am voting for George Bush this time around. And I will tell you why. He has created what is now known as the Bush Doctrine, equal to the Monroe Doctrine. And what is the Bush Doctrine? That we will go after the terrorists and the countries that harbor them. And he's kept his commitment, unlike anybody else in the world. And certainly unlike any of the nine or so Democratic candidates for president. And the worst one is Howard Dean. I mean, that's McGovern II."

http://www.thevillager.com/villager_22/w hatshedoin.html


by TomP on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:44:48 AM EST

Re: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 0)

Yes, he is...he's a truly great Democrat because he's standing up and telling the TRUTH about Barack Obama!

Not like those awful fake Democrats like Bill Richardson and Ted Kennedy who aren't standing up and telling the TRUTH about Barack Obama!


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:46:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Your hatred of Obama (none / 0)

is blinding you to much.

HillObama: destroying the Democratic Party one voter at a time.


by TomP on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:48:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your hatred of Obama (2.00 / 1)

Actually, I was impersonating a Hillary supporter.

The problem is, things have gotten so ridiculous on this website, you can't even do satire anymore. It almost perfectly resembles the real thing.


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:06:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your hatred of Obama (2.00 / 0)

Wow I thought you were being serious too.  Well done.  Very accurate impersonation.


by XoFalconXo on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:09:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your hatred of Obama (2.00 / 0)

Sigh. I can barely do "over-the-top" here anymore.

Some guy on another thread said we Obama supporters should go to "IsupportAntiAmericanCandidate.com"

Yes, that's really what it's come down to. If only he had worn that lapel pin!


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:21:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Your hatred of Obama (none / 0)

and kept calling himself Barry


Ida B. The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.-Mark Twain
by Ida B on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:41:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Nobody in New York (none / 0)

takes Ed Koch all that seriously any more after his Bush endorsement. There's no reason for the rest of the country to do so either.


"This election is not about ideology, it's about competence." -Michael Dukakis
by MBNYC on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:29:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh, and... (none / 0)

...there was also his love affair with Rudy Giuliani, Hero-Man. Post-9/11, Koch became one of Rudy's biggest cheerleaders.


"This election is not about ideology, it's about competence." -Michael Dukakis
by MBNYC on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:31:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Claptrap (2.00 / 3)

1. Ed Koch is an idiot.

2. the assertion that 2 minutes of sound bites fairly characterize 20 years of sermons and a man's entire career is a simplistic Republican talking point for morons.

3. Real Clear Politics? Not a credible source for a thinking person.  

Stop embarrassing yourself. Or don't, same to me.


by Bee on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:46:19 AM EST

I used to do the Children's Sermons... (2.00 / 3)

...our kids were young and I remember being very careful about the language I used - but more importantly, about the real-life link I talked to them about and our Lutheran faith.

It's been argued, here, that we are only seeing a few minutes of 20 years of sermons.  But that misses the point.  These "few minutes" may be the worst of the language, but the dogma that is the foundation of Rev. Wright is the problem...not just these few words.

What is TUCC teaching it's children?  Black isolationism?  That Jesus was black and persecuted by white people?  That women are non-persons even when they are not called the N word?

These things are at the foundation of this minister's teachings.  He was not only the minister, he was the church - that's what brought Obama to it (Obama claims).  There were/are hateful feelings emanating there.  And children are very sensitive.


by Shazone on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:53:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

This is the best comment (2.00 / 3)

that I have seen about the Wright controversy. It isn't just the comments in these clips that are offensive, it's also the reaction of the congregation, and the fact that they were proud enough of them to offer them for sale.


by georgiapeach on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:59:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

What is TUCC teaching it's children? (none / 0)

I guess nyour question was rhetorical but I took a few minutes to look at the TUCC this is what I gleaned.

Black isolationism?
No.  

That Jesus was black and persecuted by white people?
I don't know,but Jesus wasn't a 6 foot tall Swede either and you wouldn't know that from most representations of him.

That women are non-persons even when they are not called the N word?
No.Not if the books offered on the website are indicative of the churches point of view

'And Your Daughters Shall Preach' In what setting - given the reality of the dominant culture and the sexist black church scene...


Ida B. The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.-Mark Twain
by Ida B on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:37:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I always thought Jesus was Jewish. (none / 0)


by Shazone on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 02:58:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm glad we see eye to eye (none / 0)

Thanks for making my point,being a Semite makes him not a Swede


Ida B. The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.-Mark Twain
by Ida B on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 07:12:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Won't someone think of the children!?!!? nt (none / 0)


McCain = Iraq. John McCain = overturn Roe.
by PantsB on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:40:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 0)

Ed Koch is a republican.
That would be like asking Richard Scafie about the Clinton's in the 90's please be more responsible.
Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:53:08 AM EST

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 0)

That would be like asking Richard Scafie about the Clinton's in the 90's please be more responsible.

Maybe that came up when Clinton sat down with Scaife for an interview yesterday.


by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:08:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Koch -Die Hard.... (2.00 / 0)

..Hillary supporter who is praying for God's intervention in the election. NY Daily News

Koch says Clinton's loss in Iowa "scared the hell our of many of her supporters, including me," adding:

"I'll confess now that I will be silently praying to God that Hillary wins tomorrow and thereafter, even though I know it is foolish to think the Almighty - in whom I believe - intervenes in elections. Ridiculous, but who knows?"

Along with Hillary, Koch also thinks that McCain would make a better President then Obama.

Koch went on to express hope that Clinton and John McCain carry the day for their respective party's nominations, calling them "the pick of the litter."


by JoeCoaster on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:56:46 AM EST

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 3)

Good for Koch! "To denounce and disown enemies of America, foreign and domestic."
My son swore the Armed Forces Oath many years ago and lives by it still.

"I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

I agree with Koch as well in his quote from South Pacific. Obama has been carefully taught, and he allows his daughters to attend this church and be "oh so carefully taught?"
Once again, it is about the lack of judgement.


by ProudMilitaryMom on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 10:59:56 AM EST

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 0)

What does your son think of Hillary making up tales of facing sniper fire?


by Sinbad Sinbad on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:23:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

Given the exagerations that soldiers employ when relating their own 'war stories' most of 'em deep down understand Hillary at her core is one of them: a flawed patriotic American trying to do her best by the nation she loves.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:39:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

In Addition to Endorsing Bush... (2.00 / 1)

...Koch has also endorsed a bunch of other republicans as well and is a known neoconservative.  So, respectfully, I'm not going to put a whole lot of weight on his endorsement.

Here are some of the other folks Koch has supported:

* Rudy Guiliani & Mike Bloomberg for Mayor

  • Al D'Amato for Senate
  • George Pataki for Governor

He's also a regular contributor to Newsmax, that ever so respected publication (snark).  Yep, definitely the kind of expert we want instructing us on which of our candidates is a decent human being and good democrat.  


by HSTruman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:03:43 AM EST

Re: In Addition to Endorsing Bush... (2.00 / 0)

Oh, and here's an article by Koch discussing why he endorsed his reelection in 2004.  "Great" stuff.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0804/ko ch_turncoat.php3


by HSTruman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:06:30 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 1)

How can any of you Obama fans continue to support his association with a church that demeans white people and teaches its congregants that our nation is the cause of all their problems?

Obama did not have the common decency to stand up against the vile bigoted philosophy of that church for twenty years. He is not fit to be our president. He just simply isn't fit.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:06:37 AM EST

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 3)

Since that's not what his church stands for, it's sort of not an issue.  You know, since a handful of isolated comments don't actually constitute a church's mission statement.  

If they did, I suspect President Bill Clinton wouldn't have invited Wright to the WH and the current pastor of Hillary's church in DC wouldn't have written a letter depending Wright.  Oh those pesky facts.  


by HSTruman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:11:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 1)

That is pure nonsense.

These "isolated" statements were sold by the church. So obviously they are representative of its views.


by leozh on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:32:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

You do understand that the tapes weren't actually the youtube compilations, right?  That these are isolated comments within hours and hours of Wright sermons.  Which, I would add, were pulled completely out of context.  

I won't defend the worst of Wright's statements -- they're indefensible -- but they're certainly not indicative of the Church's views.  That's just reductionist rubbish.  


by HSTruman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:39:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 1)

How do you know these were "isolated" statements? Maybe there are other tapes that are now well-hidden since the controversy started?  Maybe there were other times that weren't taped - like church meetings or breakfasts or whatever.

Do you honestly think that someone who DOESN'T really feel the way Wright sounded on those tapes, would then turn around and out of the blue, say stuff like that.

This is the tip of the iceberg, my friend. We just don't know the rest.


by cmugirl90 on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:39:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

That's just demented (none / 0)

The tin foil suits you though.


by Bee on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:43:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

Other than the Clintons thought he was reputable enough to invite to the White House and his parishioners have said so?  

Maybe Hillary not only killed Vince Foster but many others to cover up her past!!!111!  


McCain = Iraq. John McCain = overturn Roe.
by PantsB on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:44:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 0)

Well, keep the channel glued to fox and make sure and read Koch's newsmax articles.  I'm sure they'll let you know once they find something.  Oh, and keep listening to Rush as well.  

In the mean time, I would note the letter that the pastor at Hillary's church wrote regarding Wright and Obama's church:

"The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African-American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth," - Dean J. Snyder, Foundry United Methodist Church, March 19, 2008.

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/ post/deborahwilliams/CpVd


by HSTruman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:46:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

Whenever I talk to any of my liberal friends about this election the only thing on all their minds is the Wright/Obama connection.

It is the end of Obama in most of their minds. Some people still want to believe but the hope has pretty much died out.

Obama never should have been affiliated with that church. He never should have exposed his young daughters to the bigotry and resentment preeched at that church.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:22:26 AM EST

You know nothing about the church (2.00 / 0)

or Rev. Wright apart from what the foaming mouths on cable tv have told you.

All very convenient for your agenda though, so you won't be looking any deeper lest your head explode from the cognitive dissonance.


by Bee on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:28:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

about the church (none / 0)

The speeches highlighted were compiled by the church as among the Reverends greatest hits.

The church was proud of those speeches and used them to illustrate just what the church stood for and what Rev Wright taught.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:33:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Link? (none / 0)

Given the internet's easy ability to source things, its amazing how people love to make unsupported claims.


McCain = Iraq. John McCain = overturn Roe.
by PantsB on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:45:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 0)

Too funny. War supporter and Bush apologist Ed Koch being trotted out by "Democrats" to smear Barack Obama on behalf of Hillary Clinton.


by BlueinColorado on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:23:40 AM EST

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

You have no answer to the substance of what he says because it is the truth.

Typical Obama technique is to attack the person instead of addressing the issue.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:30:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

The focus on Obama's daughters is deplorable.

If anyone had done this to Chelsea, when she was still a child, the Clintons would have had him crucified, and rightly so.


No way. No how. No McCain.
by freedom78 on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:32:58 AM EST

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

Bullshit. The kids are not to blame, the parents are.

It is Baracks fault for exposing his young daughters to such a vile bigoted idealogy.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:34:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

You're spouting ignorance (none / 0)

and verging on bigotry yourself.


by Bee on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:37:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (none / 0)

Then are the Clintons to blame for exposing Chelsea to sexist philandering?  Or is that still off limits?

Anyway, raise your own kids how you wish and don't presume to tell someone else how to raise their's.


No way. No how. No McCain.
by freedom78 on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 01:09:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 1)

Koch sounds independant to me. You Obamaities would love him to death if he supported Obama.


by coolofthenight on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:47:31 AM EST

Do you know ANYTHING? (none / 0)

Koch is an utter embarrassment. Gawd, if you're not familiar with a topic, spend two minutes on the google before you post.

lol


by Bee on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:51:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Embarassed by Obama? (none / 0)

Are Obama supporters embarassed at all by the connection to Wright?

The ones who care and love our country and are proud of our nations accomplishments are abandoning Obama. The rest are stuck in the rut of hatred towards Hillary Clinton and cannot be saved.


by Caliman on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 12:03:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Rave on (none / 0)

You are beyond help.


by Bee on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 12:10:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Do you know ANYTHING? (none / 0)

Like I said if he was for Ibma you would kiss his bald head


by coolofthenight on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 06:52:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama and Common Decency: Comment by Ed Koch (2.00 / 2)

Many good people are asking themselves the very same questions and drawing the same conclusions. I wouldn't sit for these kinds of sermons and most certainly would not subject children to them. Children are not born to hate, hate is taught. And when hate is taught from a "person of faith" it is even more disturbing.


by grlpatriot on Wed Mar 26, 2008 at 11:56:27 AM EST


You are not logged in.

In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.

If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.