[MD] Ham's Value Rigidity?

[Ant McWatt]

Ham replying June 16th to Ant's question "did you see any of these nuts [meaning 
Islamic extremists] on your recent visit to Chincoteague Island? :
 
>> No, but I did see a lot of road signs warning that "Jesus is coming"
>> and advising that "He is the only way to Heaven".  (Chincoteague is
>> a predominantly Christian town.)
>
> Ant McWatt commented:
> 
> Well then, I hope you're giving Obama your support?!
 
Certainly not!  

Ant McWatt comments:

That's an interesting response in its forceful sentiment, Ham.  From reading President Obama's autobiographical "Audacity of Hope" (which I'd recommend as a "good read") it's clear the American public are fortunate to have an intellectual in the White House (for a change).  He obviously takes the time to think things through in a balanced and careful way. (Compare how the American economy is edging ahead of most others thanks to Obama's leadership).

Ham Priday continued June 16th:

And what is the relevance of Christianity to Obama, pray tell?  

Ant McWatt comments:

>From an outsider's perspective, it appears that the Fundamentalist Christians (who, of course, dominated by social values) are aligning themselves with the American right. I'm therefore surprized with your intellectual interests that you 
appear so against him; it's a concern that American politics is getting so polarised.

Ham Priday continued June 16th:

Frankly, I'm not sure he's Christian... 

Ant McWatt comments:

Well, Obama joined his local Christian church during the beginning of his political career in Chicago.  If he's not sincere in his Christian belief then he certainly wouldn't be the first politician to use religion/traditional family life/charity work as a "badge of honour".

Ham Priday continued June 16th:

...and have my doubts he's even American.




Ant McWatt comments:

Ham, I'm surprized you'd even bring up such nonsense in a philosophical discussion group.  I suppose at least this issue gave us a good laugh at Donald Trump's expense at last years Correspondents Dinner at the Washington Hilton:


“Donald
 Trump is here tonight!” the President began amiably. “I know that he’s 
taken some flak  lately. But no one is happier, no one is prouder, to 
put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald.” Trump could 
be seen smiling. “And that’s because he can finally get back to focusing
 on the issues that matter—like, did we fake the moon landing? What 
really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?”

Trump’s smile was beginning to stiffen.
“All
 kidding aside,” Obama went on in a sober deadpan, “obviously we know 
about your credentials and breadth of experience.For example—seriously—in an episode of
 
Celebrity Apprentice, at the steak house, the men’s cooking team 
did not impress the judges from Omaha Steaks,” the president continued. 
“And there was a lot of blame to go around. But you, Mr. Trump, 
recognized that the real problem was a lack of leadership. And so 
ultimately you didn’t blame Little John or Meatloaf. You fired Gary 
Busey. And these are the kinds of decisions that would keep me up 
at night.”
Waves of laughter built into a tsunami. And then 
into a deafening roar. And then cheers! There was a sickly grin 
plastered on Trump’s face, as it dawned on him that the President 
of the United States had made a fool of him, and the whole world was 
laughing.
“Well-handled, sir! Well-handled!” Obama added, driving in the blade.
“Say
 what you will about Mr. Trump, he certainly would bring some change to 
the White House,” Obama noted. On the four screens hanging from the 
ceiling, there flashed a cartoon depicting the White House and its
 grounds transformed into a hotel/casino/golf course complex with 
bikinied babes hosting cocktails on the lawn and a huge garish neon 
sign advertising “Trump - The White House - Presidential Suite.”
President Obama is nearly as funny as John Sutherland is about Trump.  If anyone wants to hear John's comments then get yourself a copy of "On The Road with John Sutherland" DVD! 

Best wishes,

Ant



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