Timeline provided by Der Spiegel on line.

++ Visit to US Military Bases Cancelled ++
1:42 p.m.: SPIEGEL ONLINE has learned that Obama has cancelled a planned short visit to the Rammstein and Landstuhl US military bases in the southwest German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The visits were planned for Friday. "Barack Obama will not be coming to us," a spokesperson for the US military hospital in Landstuhl announced. "I don't know why." Shortly before the same spokeswoman had announced a planned visit by Obama.



++ Obama Takes Time to Work Out ++
4:49 p.m.: Obama enters the luxury Ritz Carlton hotel wearing a T-shirt, black sweatpants and white trainers -- apparently to work out in the hotel's gym. He kept up the campaigning on the way there, smiling and waving at tourists and other onlookers.
Obama Live Ticker : Obama 'Has a Vision for America and the Whole World' - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,567821,00.html)

Obama's for change, all right. The vision of America, I thought, is to live free from freedom-usurping government. Obama says that he loves America and that the US speaks to aspirations shared by all people -- "to live free from fear."

You're mocking someone for keeping fit? LOL!

No I'm mocking him for cancelling a tour of one of the largest US military hospitals. On this whole trip have you seen him meet with any of the troops besides in a staged event in Afghanistan ?

Here is what a soldier from Afghanistan wrote[ hat tip Black5 ]:
BLACKFIVE: From G.I. in Afghanistan - "We got more thanks from the Dallas cowboy Cheerleaders" than from Senator Obama (http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/07/from-gi-in-afgh.html)

Hello everyone,

As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to
Pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about
An hour on his visit to ' The War Zone ' . I wanted to share with
You what happened.

He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to
The area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the
Commander here at Bagram.
As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand, he blew them off and didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General.

As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty
Much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or
Work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures
Playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to
Soldiers to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for the Americans
Back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that
If you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are
Providing for you.

I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States . I just don't
Understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-
Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that
Provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see
In the news is all fake.
In service,
CPT J
Bagram, Afghanistan

Now I lay me down to sleep,
In Obama's hands my trust to keep;
If I grow freightened before I wake,
I pray Obama my fears to take.

He doesn't like the military, most Dem's don't.

They think it is an unnecessary expense.

Money that would be better handled by them, to do better things with, like more government entitlements and more money to redistribute.

I'll bet that if he didn't find out that the troops watch Fox News, he may have been more inclined to visit more with them.

Just knowing that they have missed all the careful broadcasts by ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, or MSNBC that do nothing but praise him and lift him up on some lofty pedestal, kind of took the fun out of it.

Seeing as how the Democrats - including The Great One (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/veterans/) - are still using the conditions at Walter Reed for political advantage, changing his mind on visiting the wounded while in the area seems rather hypocritical. But what else is new, the Messiah can do no wrong in the eyes of his worshipful followers and by the time this trip is over he will have gained all the foreign policy and military experience needed to be the leader of the free world.

Did you see where "not yet the President" Obama - who wasn't going to be making any political speeches - managed to plaster campaign materials around the Western Wall (http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=70454)?

He doesn't like the military, most Dem's don't.

They think it is an unnecessary expense.

Money that would be better handled by them, to do better things with, like more government entitlements and more money to redistribute.

.
There's another side to Dems and the military. A lot of Dems like the idea of universal service and the draft. Sort of an international "Meals on Wheels". There was no criticism of Clinton and the use of the military by the MSM during his eight years. Dems like using the military as long as it serves their purposes; and they like using the military to divide politically America when it serves their purposes. But, yes: scratch-off weapons technology programs and the like.

There's another side to Dems and the military. A lot of Dems like the idea of universal service and the draft. Sort of an international "Meals on Wheels". There was no criticism of Clinton and the use of the military by the MSM during his eight years. Dems like using the military as long as it serves their purposes; and they like using the military to divide politically America when it serves their purposes. But, yes: scratch-off weapons technology programs and the like.

You know of course the only reasons they want the draft are a) the 'disproportionate' representation of the poor and minorities in the military and b) if "members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm's way" we wouldn't jump into any 'unnecessary wars.' Just ask Charlie Rangel.

You know of course the only reasons they want the draft are ...
My favorite is, "it's for the good of our young people to provide service to their country and fellow man". Right! And like every other gov't asset, find somewhere to waste it.

Does anybody fear that Obama is the Anti-Christ? I do, for some reasons! It is a little scary! He does match up to some of the descriptions of the Anti-Christ. I'm sure you have heard of some of these things. But what about the mayan calendar and them being so accurate and it ends in 2012. He would be up for re-election if he gets presidency or he might get it next term. If he survives an assassination to the head, like the anti-christ supposedely does, then I will finish it for the sake of all the people in the world that still have much to live for!

Adam When and how did you see Obama Naked to see the 666 birthmark?! But to answer your question No I don't think he is the anti-christ because that is make believe. There is no devil and God all fairytales my friend.

Understandable! I have never seen him naked. But, nobody really knows, I don't stand strong against it or anything, it was just a suggestion!

Antichrist, no. Cult leader, absolutely. :D

What bothers me is that leaders who have a personality cult generally are up to no good.

This is a guy who has never parked it long enough to accumulate a resume. When he was an Ill. Senator ,1st he ran for Congress and immediately after that ,the Senate Then he was in the US Senate long enough for a cup of coffee and to find the crapper before he was up and running for President.
Now he thinks this whilwind rainbow tour is going to make him a foreign policy expert.

With all that running... no wonder he is in such good shape !

AntiChrist? Cult leader? And you clowns wonder why nobody takes these posts seriously. :eek:

http://www.appletreeblog.com/wp-content/2007/10/bush-clown.jpg

Does anybody fear that Obama is the Anti-Christ? i do, for some reasons! it is a little scary! He does match up to some of the descriptions of the Anti-Christ. I'm sure you have heard of some of these things. But what about the mayan calander and them being so accurate and it ends in 2012. he would be up for re-election if he gets presidency or he might get it next term. If he survives an assassination to the head, like the anti-christ supposedely does, then i will finish it for the sake of all the people in the world that still have much to live for!

Hahahaha! I feel sorry for you. Pity actually!

AntiChrist?! Cult leader?! And you clowns wonder why nobody takes these posts seriously. :eek:

Bobby, Bobby, when was the last time you saw a huge, worshipful crowd at a Bush appearance? When you have media personalities getting thrills up their leg, celebrities saying “my heart belongs to Barack” and thousands upon thousands of adoring fans who can see no wrong in the man whose traveled 57 of the 59 states, that's a cult following and he's the cult leader.

Are you kidding me? By your definition, which is inaccurate, that would include every Republican convention in the last half century.

cult - Definitions from Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult)


1. a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3. the object of such devotion.
4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
5. Sociology. A group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
6. a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
7. the members of such a religion or sect.
8. any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
–adjective
9. of or pertaining to a cult.
10. Of, for, or attracting a small group of devotees: a cult movie.

Are you kidding me? By your definition, which is inaccurate, that would include every Republican convention in the last half century.

Being the literate guy that I am I knew those definitions, one of which is a perfect fit for the Obamaniacs... an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers. ;)

Being the literate guy that I am I knew those definitions, one of which is a perfect fit for the Obamaniacs...an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers. ;)


Literate? Veneration is the admiration of a saint, a dead person. What the hell did you do in High School? Wow!

http://www.laughpower.com/LaughingFace.gif

Being the literate guy that I am I knew those definitions, one of which is a perfect fit for the Obamaniacs...an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers. ;)
May I extend, just a bit? "People at Obama rallies have been saying things like, "He changed my life." On CNBC, "Hardball" host Chris Matthews told viewers that when he heard Obama speak, "I felt this thrill going up my leg."

Better than something going down his leg, I guess. "Barack makes people feel good," Lisa Giassa, a 30-something in New Jersey, said. "He's inspiring."

Feel good inspiration. No wonder he's got so many groupies ... er ... fans. And yet, the other characteristic shared by every cult?

Elitism. Cult members think they've seen the light and everyone else is sadly unevolved."
The Obama Cult: Not for Everyone - February 20, 2008 - The New York Sun (http://www.nysun.com/new-york/obama-cult-not-for-everyone/71569/)

Literate? Veneration is the admiration of a saint, a dead person. What the hell did you do in High School? Wow!

In high school I smoked a lot of weed and played the trumpet, but that's another story.


veneration (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veneration)

Main Entry:

Pronunciation:
\ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən\
Function:
noun
Date:
15th century

1 : respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person



venerate (http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus?book=Thesaurus&va=worship)[verb]

Entry Word:
venerate
Function:
verb

Text: to offer honor or respect to (someone) as a divine power <a proper setting in which to venerate God> — see worship 1 (http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus?book=Thesaurus&va=worship)


worship

to offer honor or respect to (someone) as a divine power <the ancient Greeks worshipped many different gods> Synonyms: adore, deify, glorify, revere, reverence, venerate

Not one word on dead people there, eh?


"An Attuned Being with Powerful Luminosity and High-Vibration Integrity who will actually help usher in a New Way of Being" -- Mark Morford

"Does it not feel as if some special hand is guiding Obama on his journey, I mean, as he has said, the utter improbability of it all?" -- Daily Kos

"He communicates God-like energy... " -- Steve Davis (Charleston, SC)

"Not just an ordinary human being but indeed an Advanced Soul" -- Commentator @ Chicago Sun Times

"I'll do whatever he says to do. I'll collect paper cups off the ground to make his pathway clear." -- Halle Berry

"A quantum leap in American consciousness" -- Deepak Chopra

"He is not operating on the same plane as ordinary politicians.. . The agent of transformation in an age of revolution, as a figure uniquely qualified to open the door to the 21st century." -- Gary Hart

"Barack Obama is our collective representation of our purest hopes, our highest visions and our deepest knowings.. . He's our product out of the all-knowing quantum field of intelligence." -- Eve Konstantine

"This is bigger than Kennedy.. . This is the New Testament." | "I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often. No, seriously. It's a dramatic event." -- Chris Matthews

"[Obama is ] creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom.. . [He is] the man for this time." -- Toni Morrison

"Obama's finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They don't even really inspire. They elevate.. . He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh.. . Obama is, at his best, able to call us back to our highest selves." -- Ezra Klein

"Obama has the capacity to summon heroic forces from the spiritual depths of ordinary citizens and to unleash therefrom a symphonic chorus of unique creative acts whose common purpose is to tame the soul and alleviate the great challenges facing mankind." -- Gerald Campbell

"We're here to evolve to a higher plane.. . he is an evolved leader.. . [he] has an ear for eloquence and a Tongue dipped in the Unvarnished Truth." -- Oprah Winfrey

“I would characterize the Senate race as being a race where Obama was, let’s say, blessed and highly favored. That’s not routine. There’s something else going on. I think that Obama, his election to the Senate, was divinely ordered.. . I know that that was God’s plan." -- Bill Rush

Any more comments on my literacy?

All I know is there was almost 200,000 Germans cheering and waving American flags for Obama. Now please tell me how many other politician today would get that kind of reaction from a foreign country after the past 8 years.

Is Barack Obama the Messiah? (http://obamamessiah.blogspot.com/)

Wow, there are some dedicated people out there! I wonder why they feel this way?

I looked for info on Bill Rush because that quote is out there but I couldn't find anything, who is he?

Is Barack Obama the Messiah? (http://obamamessiah.blogspot.com/)

Wow, there are some dedicated people out there! I wonder why they feel this way?

I looked for info on Bill Rush because that quote is out there but I couldn;t find anything, who is he?

It seems the Obamamessiah blogger that posted it got the name wrong, it is the former Black Panther and Illinois congressman, Bobby L. Rush (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1216995132-OssNCLMw1aQyhA+UsrotNw), that Obama ran for congress against in 2000.

There was a rock concert;free beer and bratwurst . Under those conditions NYC would've had 2 million people in Central Park.

It seems the Obamamessiah blogger that posted it got the name wrong, it is the former Black Panther and Illinois congressman, Bobby L. Rush (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1216995132-OssNCLMw1aQyhA+UsrotNw), that Obama ran for congress against in 2000.Ah, thanks. That was a good article.

Tom fact of the matter is If McCain did the same thing I doubt 200 people would show up. Don't be mad because the entire world supports Obama.

I'm not mad about it ;just amused by it. Germans protested Reagan while he stood toe to toe with the Soviets and challenged them to tear down the Berlin wall. Clearly the German's priorities are screwed up.

All I know is there was almost 200,000 Germans cheering and waving American flags for Obama. Now please tell me how many other politician today would get that kind of reaction from a foreign country after the past 8 years.

You're kidding right?

I'm supposed to be impressed that a bunch of Europeans showed up to cheer for the most radical, socialistic liberal, to ever run for the position of President of the United States?

Of course the Europeans love him, he fits right in.

The words he spoke, demeaning our Great Nation, in a foreign Country, while we are at war were deplorable at least.

He hates this Country, he hates the majority of the people who live here, and he feels the need to "apologize" for our "mistakes"!!

He is a disgrace to our Nation.

Look, you know that all those Germans are not suckers. If Obama came to my town, giving away beer, bratwurst, and a rock concert, you'd be silly not to go. Come on down, Obama. We could have a lot of fun with that.

Got an update thanks to NBC

So why didn't Obama go to visit the wounded troops in Germany ?


*** UPDATE *** From NBC's Jim Miklaszewski and Courtney Kube
A U.S. military official tells NBC News they were making preparations for Sen. Barack Obama to visit wounded troops at the Landstuhl Medical Center at Ramstein, Germany on Friday, but "for some reason the visit was called off."
One military official who was working on the Obama visit said because political candidates are prohibited from using military installations as campaign backdrops, Obama's representatives were told, "he could only bring two or three of his Senate staff member, no campaign officials or workers." In addition,
"Obama could not bring any media. Only military photographers would be permitted to record Obama's visit."
The official said "We didn't know why" the request to visit the wounded troops was withdrawn. "He (Obama) was more than welcome. We were all ready for him."

What's not on Obama's schedule... - First Read - msnbc.com (http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/07/24/1220011.aspx)

If there's no photo-op ,Obama won't stop.

He should stick with the public appearances, the European's love his liberal style.

Our troops however, are not impressed, and I expect the welcome from them is not nearly as warm as he would like.

The last thing he wants to do, is to have to answer any questions from the guys actually fighting for his right, to the freedoms he is enjoying.

Hello:

I was going to jump in here, but I didn't want to disturb the wrongwingers love fest...

Yeah... Rush Limprod didn't like what he had to say... Not surprised you didn't either...

The GOOD NEWS, is you're going to be hearing a LOT from president Obama... (Chuckle, chuckle)

excon

Obama didn't exactly wow everyone... he managed to stir up suspicions as well.


Munich's Sueddeutsche Zeitung sounded a more cautious note, warning that an Obama presidency would be "expensive for Germany."

"He explicitly called for German soldiers for Afghanistan -- he did not say 'more soldiers' but that was what he meant," said commentator Reymer Kluever. "And Obama also indicated this: he will want support as president to wind up the Iraq adventure."

The paper noted too that the speech had been intended less for the crowds gathered in Berlin's Tiergarten park than for "hesitant white voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Colorado and Virginia" and said that Obama had proved himself to be a clever tactician, capable of shifting positions to suit his audience.

"He wants to convince (voters) that the world will also listen to a black president... And there's one other thing one shouldn't forget when talking about Obama: He easily reworks even positions that have been written in stone (http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/25/obama.review/?iref=mpstoryview) and adjusts to new requirements."

Today, after losing ground to McCain and rousing the crowd over American torture policies he's cleared things up.


“Let me just remind everyone that I’m not the president. I’m a United States Senator. I’m a candidate for president. There’s a wonderful tradition that’s not always observed, but I think it’s a good one. You don’t spend time criticizing a president of the United States when you are overseas.”

Once again His Lordship proves "capable of shifting positions to suit his audience."

Hahahaha! I feel sorry for you. Pity actually!

Are you serious? I pity you if you are not going to open your eyes up to the facts in front of you! So, you pity me, for that, but when your burning in hell, you remember this! If I'm wrong, so be it, then I'm wrong, at least I'm ready for it!

Well according to CNN it was the Pentagon that asked Obama not to visit the wounded troops not basketball. So everyone hurry and Google some more BS about Obama so you can feel better about yourself for a day.

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Pentagon was concerned with Obama visit to hospital « - Blogs from CNN.com (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/25/pentagon-was-concerned-with-obama-visit-to-hospital/#comments)

Well according to CNN it was the Pentagon that asked Obama not to visit the wounded troops not basketball. So everyone hurry up and Google some more BS about Obama so you can feel better about yourself for a day.

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Pentagon was concerned with Obama visit to hospital « - Blogs from CNN.com (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/25/pentagon-was-concerned-with-obama-visit-to-hospital/#comments)
Nice try.

Your own linked article clearly states that he "was not asked, not to visit".

What he should have done, was to state that he is going to visit, and pay his respects to the troops, as a US Senator, without ANY press, ANY photographs, or any mention of the Presidential Campaign.

That would have been the honorable and manly thing to do, instead of trying to claim that he was "asked not to visit".

Well according to CNN it was the Pentagon that asked Obama not to visit the wounded troops not basketball. So everyone hurry and Google some more BS about Obama so you can feel better about yourself for a day.

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Pentagon was concerned with Obama visit to hospital « - Blogs from CNN.com (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/25/pentagon-was-concerned-with-obama-visit-to-hospital/#comments)

Um, I didn't see where the Pentagon "asked Obama not to visit the wounded" in that article.


A top aide to Barack Obama said Friday the campaign canceled a scheduled visit to an American military base in Germany the day before because the Pentagon expressed concerns it would be viewed as a campaign trip.

Expressing concerns is not the same thing as asking him not to go. Your article is consistent with tom's post. The McCain camp was also right, "It is never ‘inappropriate’ to visit our men and women in the military." Try again?

Really that is a stretch . Yes the Pentagon is concerned about making a visit to the wounded troops a political event. But it is a fact that often American Statesmen/women will go a visit the troops and leave without the publicity . President Bush has done it often in his journeys.

When BO found that he could not make it a politcal event be balked . It is a disgrace that his staff is trying to spin it to sound like it was the Pentagon's fault he cancelled... or even worse ;the crazy spin that says McCain operatives in the Pentagon put a kabosh on the visit .

The BAMA spin is not credible A military spokeswoman announced Obama would be visiting and then surprisingly announced he would not for reasons unknown to the military. Obama according to Jack Tapper of ABC said 'we've got some down time tonight. What are you guys gonna do in Berlin? Huh? Huh? You guys got any big plans? ...I've never been to Berlin, so...I would love to tour around a little bit.'”
Bottom line;He was told he could visit the troops but only with his congressional staff, not his campaign staffers.That sealed the deal .

Any more comments on my literacy?


Yes. You confused the word "admiration (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/admiration)" for "veneration (http://www.allwords.com/word-veneration.html)." And that's understood. I'm not going to talk about your entertainment habits in High School. I've got an idea of what kind of student you were, but honestly I'd respect you the same if you had been a tea-total-er. Myself, I drank enough beer and vodka to sink a aircraft carrier. Anyway you'll see the words, "admiration, worship, and veneration" are used as synonyms to describe in origin of the Catholic religion. In Catholicism they (saints) are admired, then venerated, and given status in worship. In other words, the Catholics revered, and were in awe, inspired, by certain individuals that were given the status of saint. This is part of your Christian history. They were venerated. Only in loose terms, not literally, could it be applied to anyone for lifetime achievements. Example: I could say George Carlin deserves veneration for his achievements in comedy by his peers. But that's only applicable because he's dead. Odds on Obama passing before McCain are slim, considering age and health issues. Figuratively speaking, venerate McCain or Obama all you want, but wait until after their funerals.

Veneration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration)

In Catholicism they (saints) are admired, then venerated, and given status in worship. In other words, the Catholics revered, and were in awe, inspired, by certain individuals that were given the status of saint. This is part of your Christian history. They were venerated.

Here is the Catholic position :
"It is forbidden to give divine honour or worship to the angels and saints for this belongs to God alone."

"We should pay to the angels and saints an inferior honour or worship, for this is due to them as the servants and special friends of God."

"We should give to relics, crucifixes and holy pictures a relative honour, as they relate to Christ and his saints and are memorials of them."

"We do not pray to relics or images, for they can neither see nor hear nor help us."
From Catechism of Christian Doctrine

"We should pay to the angels and saints an inferior honour or worship, for this is due to them as the servants and special friends of God."

"We should give to relics, crucifixes and holy pictures a relative honour, as they relate to Christ and his saints and are memorials of them."

Exactly! One of the local Vegas priests and I had this discussion concerning Christian history a few years back. He had some Jewish questions. So we exchanged knowledge.