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RandySF

(57,194 posts)
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 12:20 AM Jun 2014

My message to Chelsea, the Obamas and future presidential kids.

Look, people don't like phonies and if you try to pretend you're just one of us, it isn't going to work. You didn't ask your dads to run for president or for the life you inherited (or will about to inherit). Acknowledge your good fortune, accept it for what it is and use your stature and connections for the betterment of others as well as yourselves. Thats why we love the Roosevelts and the Kennedys, and, if you follow in their paths, we'll love you too.

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My message to Chelsea, the Obamas and future presidential kids. (Original Post) RandySF Jun 2014 OP
Very well said. nt Tarheel_Dem Jun 2014 #1
actually RainDog Jun 2014 #2
People have had enough fo the Clintons? Link please. Metric System Jun 2014 #3
I'm talking about personal opinions RainDog Jun 2014 #4
DU isn't representative of most Dems. Metric System Jun 2014 #5
I don't think I ever claimed it was RainDog Jun 2014 #6
DU represents well informed Democrats. JDPriestly Jun 2014 #8
no it doesn't, and Obama wasn't popular on DU either, there are many conspiracy theorists JI7 Jun 2014 #9
So? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Jun 2014 #44
I guess I'm just not "well informed." THIS is the kind of insults directed at those of us who Metric System Jun 2014 #11
This Evergreen Emerald Jun 2014 #33
And I think (my opinion) is that Hillary Clinton will only win if the Republicans nominate JDPriestly Jun 2014 #43
What don't you like about the Roosevelts? HERVEPA Jun 2014 #31
My point is that I'm not part of any fan club RainDog Jun 2014 #46
Thanks for the explanation HERVEPA Jun 2014 #50
"Find your passion, your gift, and how applying these can leave the world a better place" NYC_SKP Jun 2014 #7
I wouldn't go that far. RandySF Jun 2014 #10
The Obama daughters most certainly are "ONE OF US". I don't know who the hell you are KittyWampus Jun 2014 #12
either wealthy people are one of or they aren't dsc Jun 2014 #13
So you divide Americans into wealthy/not wealthy? That's your criteria for inclusion? That's SICK KittyWampus Jun 2014 #15
It isn't my scheme dsc Jun 2014 #39
Sick? Erich Bloodaxe BSN Jun 2014 #45
not in many ways, they're not. I would hope that they're empathetic and caring cali Jun 2014 #14
Says volumes about you and others who agree in segregating people into US v. THEM KittyWampus Jun 2014 #16
Please stop your thoughtless rant JanMichael Jun 2014 #18
You keep talking about age as if it's relevant. What the heck ever. KittyWampus Jun 2014 #23
All those damned doctors and scientists that thought levels of maturity JanMichael Jun 2014 #26
huh. say what kitty? cali Jun 2014 #20
Critical thinking would at the very least question the segregation the OP'ers creates and uses KittyWampus Jun 2014 #27
the OP doesn't create any "segregation", kitty. you clearly, kitty, don't know the meaning cali Jun 2014 #32
here's the definition of segregation: KittyWampus Jun 2014 #35
Your personal attacks Evergreen Emerald Jun 2014 #36
The parents did. The children did NOT JanMichael Jun 2014 #38
oh baloney. My attacks are certainly not worse than the poster I was responding to. cali Jun 2014 #47
You have no idea how the Obama's daughters are going to turn out JanMichael Jun 2014 #17
Your post is a total non sequitur. I exposed the flimsy division the OP threw up. KittyWampus Jun 2014 #21
you consider different life stages "flimsy?" JanMichael Jun 2014 #24
You are creating straw men. The OP is about segregating US v. THEM. That's the whole point of the OP KittyWampus Jun 2014 #28
Think. This OP is about a "younger" generation JanMichael Jun 2014 #40
bwahaha. yes, sure you did. NOT. only in your own... mind. cali Jun 2014 #25
So, I call you out for calling me "dear" when I don't know you and now you repeat "kitty". KittyWampus Jun 2014 #30
go take a LONG look in the mirror, kitty. cali Jun 2014 #34
The kids (unlike their parents) will never know what it's like to live paycheck-to-paycheck alarimer Jun 2014 #19
You will never know what is like to have a limb amputated. Or lose a child. Or bla bla bla. KittyWampus Jun 2014 #22
And I'll never know what it's like to be a movie star, a princess, or a child JanMichael Jun 2014 #42
ADD ... and be prepared for nut jobs to hate you regardless. JoePhilly Jun 2014 #29
The Political Class- they're just like us yallerdawg Jun 2014 #37
She has always acknowledged her good fortune. Beacool Jun 2014 #41
and that sounds like flimsy hero worshop apologist nonsense. cali Jun 2014 #48
Oh, it's you. Beacool Jun 2014 #51
"Acknowledge your good fortune" What exactly was Caroline Kennedy's "good fortune?" yellowcanine Jun 2014 #49

RainDog

(28,784 posts)
2. actually
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:07 AM
Jun 2014

I'm no fan of the Roosevelts, per se, or the Kennedys.

But I do appreciate when those with incredible levels of privilege don't try to pretend they're just like the kid in a small town getting a minimum wage job.

This "populism" from the Clintons just doesn't play, in part, because people have had enough of the Clinton family and aren't interested in having them around for four or eight years, again.

On the other hand, people, in general, seem to really like the Obama family. I wouldn't mind having them around for a while, even tho it's silly to claim Obama's daughters are going to have an experience like any other kid getting a minimum wage job.

But I can appreciate, like Diana when she was alive, when privileged people expose their children to others' realities.

Just don't try to pretend it's your reality, when it's not.

RainDog

(28,784 posts)
4. I'm talking about personal opinions
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:28 AM
Jun 2014

that you see on DU.

You can read here and find them from various people. I'm one of them. I don't like the Clintons, but as I've said in the past, I will vote for Hillary if she's the nominee.

I'm just not looking forward to the Clintons being center stage again, and others here are not, as well.

Sorry if you don't like it that not every one likes their public personae, but that's reality.

RainDog

(28,784 posts)
6. I don't think I ever claimed it was
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:34 AM
Jun 2014

You're the one who asked for a citation and I explained I was talking about people here who have stated an opinion.

Obviously you don't like it when people state this opinion.

Oh well.

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
8. DU represents well informed Democrats.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 03:30 AM
Jun 2014

A lot of people on DU and similar websites are political junkies. We know more than most Americans about what is going on politically. We are often in the forefront.

Hillary is not popular here. She could not beat Obama in 2008. She is ahead in the polls now, but her star is fading. She is out of touch with ordinary Americans. We political junkies on DU are aware of that. It hasn't hit a lot of other people yet. We shall see what happens, but it is going to take a lot more than a listening tour for her to get in tune with the mood in the nation.

Hillary spent years on foreign policy and may make a good Secretary of State although she may face a lot of criticism if the truth is ever learned about what happened in Syria and Iraq. But Americans are getting more and more fed up with being left behind when it comes to education (debts for education, too much testing in schools and certain charter schools), job opportunities due to lopsided trade agreements and not getting a fair share of the wealth produced by increased workplace profitability in recent years.

JI7

(89,151 posts)
9. no it doesn't, and Obama wasn't popular on DU either, there are many conspiracy theorists
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 03:34 AM
Jun 2014

on here who claim to be liberal.


Erich Bloodaxe BSN

(14,733 posts)
44. So?
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 10:52 AM
Jun 2014

Being 'liberal' doesn't exclude the possibility of being a CT type. They're not antonyms for one another, CT can occur across the entire political spectrum.

Metric System

(6,048 posts)
11. I guess I'm just not "well informed." THIS is the kind of insults directed at those of us who
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 08:48 AM
Jun 2014

support Hillary Clinton. I'm sick of it. I AM a political junkie and I AM informed. I am also a realist and pragmatist who knows that someone like Bernie Sanders would ensure defeat in 2016. Elizabeth Warren remains a question mark. Right now some people here are using her as a blank canvas just as they did Barack Obama in 2008. And now they dislike him too.

Evergreen Emerald

(13,069 posts)
33. This
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:26 AM
Jun 2014

Is exactly correct. Those with vitriolic hatred of Clinton justify their constant attacks by claiming that they are intellectual. And know more. It would be funny, if it weren't so completely wrong.

The Clintons were middle class and worked their way up--taking advantage of the American Dream. Now that they have succeeded, they created a charity organization. Chelsea, instead of raking in millions in hedge fund, is working for a charity. Are they perfect? No. Who is? And yet any move, any statement, no matter how benign is twisted until the vitriolic haters can justify their frenzied response. Some are not even thinking for themselves, but just regurgitate any right-wing lie that is put forth. "Well informed?" Ha.

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
43. And I think (my opinion) is that Hillary Clinton will only win if the Republicans nominate
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 10:48 AM
Jun 2014

an obvious fool and extremist. Hillary Clinton just does not have Bill's charm, and she is not convincingly populist enough for the mood of the country at this time. In addition she has lots of other problems. She puts her foot in her mouth a lot and unlike her husband does not send the message that she feels the pain of ordinary Americans.

Elizabeth Warren would be our strongest candidate in my opinion.

RainDog

(28,784 posts)
46. My point is that I'm not part of any fan club
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:47 PM
Jun 2014

For any political family.

That's not why I am interested in political issues.

However, Kermit Roosevelt Jr, grandson of Theodore, at the CIA, was behind the overthrow of Mossadegh, the democratically-elected president of Iran. This led to the current mess in the middle east. There's a direct line from this interference to the Shah to the current theocracy.

The U.S. didn't like Mossadegh because he wasn't their puppet and they feared he might be friendly with the Soviets.

This, imo, was one of THE greatest foreign policy blunders of the 20th century. A colossal failure that the CIA has followed again and again, with equally horrific results for the people of various nations by backing right wing dictators who tortured and killed citizens who supported democracy rather than puppetry.

This foreign policy was behind support for all the dictators in Latin America and all the misery the U.S. helped to inflict there. It was behind the rationale for overthrowing Saddam because the neocons expected to be able to install Chalabi as their puppet, as the U.S. had done with so many regimes in so many places in the past.

So, when I think of the "family" Roosevelt - that includes Kermit Jr.

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
7. "Find your passion, your gift, and how applying these can leave the world a better place"
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:49 AM
Jun 2014

That is your mission, leave the world a better place for your having been here.

Nothing else matters.

Clintons don't get it. I don't know if they ever did.

RandySF

(57,194 posts)
10. I wouldn't go that far.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 04:10 AM
Jun 2014

Bill did establish the Global Initiative. I don't care that they're rich. I just want them to stop pretending they're like us.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
12. The Obama daughters most certainly are "ONE OF US". I don't know who the hell you are
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 08:52 AM
Jun 2014

that you would exclude them from "US".

It says volumes about you and anyone who approves of your sickening OP.

Frankly, I think your mission on DU is to simply stir up trouble and divide Democrats.

I have every confidence that the daughters are EMPATHETIC & CARING.

I am certain they have been taught the value of hard work and effort.

It's a surety they believe in the Common Good.


Your OP is disgusting.

dsc

(52,117 posts)
13. either wealthy people are one of or they aren't
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 08:56 AM
Jun 2014

you can't have it both ways. In both cases they are wealthy.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
15. So you divide Americans into wealthy/not wealthy? That's your criteria for inclusion? That's SICK
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:01 AM
Jun 2014

Go ahead and define "wealthy".

Does that include anyone with some money saved up in their bank account?

Someone who owns a summer home?

Who can afford a summer and winter vacation?

Someone who can send their kids to college?

In my universe, "US" means those who are empathetic, work hard, believe in the Common Good and the role of Govt in protecting the people against corporations. Oh, and paying taxes.

In your sickening world, apparently doctors and lawyers aren't a part of "US" either. Even though lawyers are likely to vote for Democrats.

FURTHERMORE> when it comes to "privilege" it doesn't matter how much money their parents have… the are black. They will be subjected to crap others aren't. They can still walk into a store and have clerks assume they don't have the money in their pockets.

Oh, and that "privilege" you talk about include getting called a "dog" by Rush Limbaugh and having a mob surround your house chanting for you to leave because Bush/Cheney stole the election.

dsc

(52,117 posts)
39. It isn't my scheme
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:54 AM
Jun 2014

but it is the OP's. Oh, and the child of a president who was called a dog was Chelsea, not either of Obama's children. I think wealthy people are just like any other people. Some good, some bad, most in between. So next time try reading and try knowing your history instead of just smearing a poster.

Erich Bloodaxe BSN

(14,733 posts)
45. Sick?
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 11:00 AM
Jun 2014

The world is what it is. I assume you consider all of the 99% talk to be 'sick' as well, since that's really all the OP is getting at.

People who have the enormous privilege that enormous wealth bring live, by and large, with a far different worldview than the rest of 'us', simply because of the difference in how everyone treats them, what they can afford, where they tend to live. Do you think that kids who grow up with secret service following them around are going to have the same experiences as everyone else? Kids who are in the safe cocoon of private schools, who will be fast-tracked for Ivy League educations, grow up with trust funds?

It's not a slur on them to say they live a life the rest of us probably never will, and that their experiences will shape them differently than if they grow up with the same experiences the paycheck-to-paycheck crowd will.

Do the Obama kids have to deal with the effects of white privilege? Sure. But the insulating effects of wealth privilege will intersect with it and make it far less impactful in their lives than the kids of your random AA in Anytown America.

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
14. not in many ways, they're not. I would hope that they're empathetic and caring
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 08:58 AM
Jun 2014

but they're from a a very privileged place and that makes them not like the majority in this country. I empathize with the President and First Lady wanting them to understand the struggles of working people and the poor, and I do have confidence that they've instilled those values in their girls, but they're still children of privilege and that provides a certain kind of unavoidable blinders. They can never fully understand the fear of not knowing if medical bills will wipe you out, etc. You can't fully understand that unless you've been there. I've been both places. I grew up in great privilege and then became poor.

There is nothing disgusting about the OP. It's kind, common sense advice. It isn't castigating or denigrating

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
16. Says volumes about you and others who agree in segregating people into US v. THEM
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:03 AM
Jun 2014

on the basis of how much money their parents have or don't have.

While we're at it we can divide people into white and black when it comes to privilege, can't we.

A very large group of DU'ers think poverty is a virtue. It most certainly isn't.

Working hard is.

JanMichael

(24,841 posts)
18. Please stop your thoughtless rant
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:10 AM
Jun 2014

you are comparing apples to oranges in terms of age difference- you are referring to children as opposed to adults.

JanMichael

(24,841 posts)
26. All those damned doctors and scientists that thought levels of maturity
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:19 AM
Jun 2014

were "relevant" and worth researching- omg, you are right. Total idiots. I will ignore them now. Thank you for enlightening me.

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
20. huh. say what kitty?
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:11 AM
Jun 2014

privilege, just like poverty, has a part in molding who we are as we grow up.

It's that simple. It says nothing about me other than that I can observe such a fundamental environmental factor. duh.

critical thinking. try it.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
27. Critical thinking would at the very least question the segregation the OP'ers creates and uses
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:20 AM
Jun 2014

in using the term "US".

Apparently, it excludes anyone who hasn't eaten ramen noodles or lived paycheck to paycheck.

Just like grouping 1000 used pencils into groups according to various criteria. It's all artificial.

And the OP'ers division ignores the important criteria in judging human character.

It is also a part of the ongoing attempt on DU to cast elected Democrats as out of touch.

Like the dishonest threads about Hillary.

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
32. the OP doesn't create any "segregation", kitty. you clearly, kitty, don't know the meaning
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:24 AM
Jun 2014

of that word.

gad. so much nonsense that you manage to pack in to one thread, kitty. and so much deliberate misrepresentation of the op, kitty. good job, kitty!

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
35. here's the definition of segregation:
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:27 AM
Jun 2014

the action or state of setting someone or something apart from other people or things or being set apart.

that is what the very first sentence of the OP does.

According to the OP, Freepers and Teapartiers are part more a part of "US".

That's what I"m pointing out.

MY priority isn't to group people according to income or connections.

It's their empathy, willingness to work for common good.

Evergreen Emerald

(13,069 posts)
36. Your personal attacks
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:32 AM
Jun 2014

are becoming more and more ugly. "Critical thinking?" You cannot see past the bank account. Both the Clintons and the Obamas worked their way up from middle class--the American Dream. They made it. They should not be dismissed because of it.

Your constant attacks and ugly sarcasm demeans DU.

JanMichael

(24,841 posts)
38. The parents did. The children did NOT
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:52 AM
Jun 2014

The children were born into better circumstances, and that is whom the thread is about.

Cali does NOT "demean" DU.

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
47. oh baloney. My attacks are certainly not worse than the poster I was responding to.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:57 PM
Jun 2014

And one more time, dear Emerald: It's not about the bank accounts. With Hillary, on this subject, it's about her bewildering propensity to make stupid comments that will only hurt her campaign. Of course, the Clintons and Obamas shouldn't be dismissed because of their wealth. And NEVER FUCKING EVER have I done anything remotely like that.

Lying is disgusting.

You know what's really ugly? Your utter lack of honesty and determination to twist the words of others. That's ugly. Now do tell me what is ugly about my first post in this thread. Go ahead. Because I say NOTHING like what you so falsely accuse me of.]

YOU demean DU with your endless lack of honesty and your hero worship. It's just sad.

JanMichael

(24,841 posts)
17. You have no idea how the Obama's daughters are going to turn out
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:08 AM
Jun 2014

after college. None.

This post has no valid place in this thread because you are comparing Middle School and High School young ladies to young adults that have completed their educations and are starting careers/ family.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
21. Your post is a total non sequitur. I exposed the flimsy division the OP threw up.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:12 AM
Jun 2014

I went to the heart of the OP'ers attempt to segregate the daughters into some group the OP'er makes up and which a pathetic contingent on DU will agree with.

JanMichael

(24,841 posts)
24. you consider different life stages "flimsy?"
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:17 AM
Jun 2014

I have seen you on DU for maybe a decade- I have never seen you post something so ridiculous.

I guess I need to blow this one off and think this is just one of your "issues." God knows, I have mine.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
28. You are creating straw men. The OP is about segregating US v. THEM. That's the whole point of the OP
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:21 AM
Jun 2014

YOU are the one bringing age into it.

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
25. bwahaha. yes, sure you did. NOT. only in your own... mind.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:17 AM
Jun 2014

and most people posting on DU, grasp that the OP wasn't a slam. Not kitty though.

sorry, kitty. you are wrong again, kitty. making no sense at all, kitty. all sturm and drang, kitty.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
30. So, I call you out for calling me "dear" when I don't know you and now you repeat "kitty".
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:22 AM
Jun 2014

Pretty snotty posting behavior, cali.

So very mature.

alarimer

(16,245 posts)
19. The kids (unlike their parents) will never know what it's like to live paycheck-to-paycheck
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:10 AM
Jun 2014

As most of us do.

They will never have to choose between fixing the car or paying the rent.

Hard work is not enough; it is a myth that hard work will make you successful. Sometimes it does, but sometimes it's a crapshoot. You can do everything right, everything they tell you you are supposed to do and still fail. Those kids will never know that sense of failure. They will never have to eat ramen noodles every night after working their crappy Wal-Mart job. They just cannot know that. Not their fault. But it is really false for their parents to pretend that they will ever truly know what it is like. It is not something you can ever learn unless you are there. Empathy is good, but they shouldn't pretend that they will ever actually know what it is like.

They have connections. And no matter what anyone says about the BS that is the "American dream", it is ALL about connections. Not hard work. Never has been. Look at Chelsea Clinton. Now, I'm sure she's a nice enough person. I know that she is smart. But $600K for basically no work at all. THAT is privilege and connections and nothing more.

 

KittyWampus

(55,894 posts)
22. You will never know what is like to have a limb amputated. Or lose a child. Or bla bla bla.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:15 AM
Jun 2014

Eating ramen noodles isn't a virtue.

And I lived hand to mouth for quite a while and i NEVER ate ramen noodles.

BTW, according to your criteria and the OP then, only those who have eaten ramen noodles and lived paycheck to paycheck are "ONE OF US".

LOL.

JanMichael

(24,841 posts)
42. And I'll never know what it's like to be a movie star, a princess, or a child
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 10:46 AM
Jun 2014

of wealthy parents either.

I'll never own a racehorse, raise and slaughter my own pigs and chickens, ride on the space shuttle, build my own log cabin, dig a well....the list of what I "will never do" is endless- so is yours.

JoePhilly

(27,787 posts)
29. ADD ... and be prepared for nut jobs to hate you regardless.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 09:21 AM
Jun 2014

While I can give some a pass on complaining about Chelsea because she is now an adult who can speak for herself, the recent attack on the Obama kids, right here on DU, is pretty disgusting.

btw ... my wife and I are about the same age as the President and Mrs Obama.

Our two daughters are about the same age as their daughters. They are already "one of us".

Beacool

(30,243 posts)
41. She has always acknowledged her good fortune.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 10:06 AM
Jun 2014

Her point is that she tried to lead a life with interests that were separate from her parents, so she ended up working for a hedge fund. She then realized that making oodles of money was not her main interest and decided to immerse herself in her family's foundation. She doesn't need lectures from anyone about using her good fortune for the betterment of others. She's lived her entire life with two people who have been doing that since their youth.

Gee, this place often sounds like a RW site.

 

cali

(114,904 posts)
48. and that sounds like flimsy hero worshop apologist nonsense.
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 01:59 PM
Jun 2014

you don't recognize criticism from a progressive liberal perspective because of your conservatism- and hero worship.

yellowcanine

(35,690 posts)
49. "Acknowledge your good fortune" What exactly was Caroline Kennedy's "good fortune?"
Tue Jun 24, 2014, 02:03 PM
Jun 2014

I ask the question not to be argumentative but to illustrate that putting people into boxes for any reason diminishes them and us. We all have to make our own way in the world and in that sense, Chelsea Clinton and the Obama girls are "one of us."

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