Obama Leaves God out of Thanksgiving Speech, Riles Critics

[Jess]

Obama Leaves God out of Thanksgiving Speech, Riles Critics (http://news.yahoo.com/obama-leaves-god-thanksgiving-speech-riles-critics-173023786.html)

Critics of President Obama felt little holiday cheer after the president did not thank God in his Thanksgiving-themed weekly Internet address. They immediately took to Twitter and the Internet to voice anger and disbelief.

"Holy cow! Is that one screwed up or what?" columnist Sherman Frederick of the Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote in a Thanksgiving-morning blog post.

"Somebody ought to remind Obama (and his speechwriter) that when Americans sit down around a meal today and give thanks, they give thanks to God."

Over on the website of Fox News Radio, radio host Todd Starnes also took issue.

"His remarks were void of any religious references, although Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally steeped in giving thanks and praise to God," Starnes wrote.

"The president said his family was 'reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are,'" Starnes said. "For many Americans, though, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on how blessed and thankful they are."

The popular website of London's Daily Mail has taken the issue global, with a story under the headline "What a Turkey! Outrage as Obama Leaves God Out of His Thanksgiving Address."

Obama mentioned God once in a closing "God bless you," to Americans watching the Internet address. However, the President explicitly thanked God earlier in the week in his written Thanksgiving proclamation, which called the holiday "one of our nation's oldest and most cherished traditions," and an occasion that "brings us closer to our loved ones and invites us to reflect on the blessings that enrich our lives."

"As we gather in our communities and in our homes, around the table or near the hearth, we give thanks to each other and to God for the many kindnesses and comforts that grace our lives. Let us pause to recount the simple gifts that sustain us, and resolve to pay them forward in the year to come," Obama wrote.

Ironically, the attacks on Obama came as the Republican White House hopefuls suspended their criticism of the president on Thursday in favor of a unified message of thanks to U.S. service members and their families.

Three of the Republican presidential candidates – Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum – issued Thanksgiving statements that omitted any references to God. Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain and Rick Perry mentioned God in their statements.

Obama, like his predecessors, records an address each week that focuses on an issue the White House wants to spotlight. The messages are typically posted on the Internet at the start of the weekend, but this week's address – with its Thanksgiving theme – was issued before the holiday.

In this week's address, delivered from the White House, Obama said, "We are especially grateful for the men and women who defend our country overseas," and he said, "We're also grateful for the Americans taking time from their holiday to serve in soup kitchens and shelters."

He acknowledged this Thanksgiving would be "more difficult than most" for many Americans because of the economy, but added, "No matter how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny."


----

seriously? -_-

[Vonn]

People are such whiners. Thank God yourselves and get over it.

[Perseus]

My favorite was the one who called him a militant atheist.

[Sugaree]

Anything to get the GOP riled up.

[Bougainvillea]

Fuck those assholes.

And if they're going to get so offended, then fuck God, too.

[Bath]

So it's bad because instead of giving thanks to something we can't see, he decided to be grateful for the actual reasons things are how they are? Oh, just shoot him now.

[Genghis Khan]

Oh god, this is even worse than that time I forgot how to sit down.

[Cybercode]

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak, but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs, and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings. Instead of favoring the non believers, how bout the believers? Atheists complain when we say prayers before a game or put a cross up on the 9/11 memorial, but you all never stop to think about the others who want to believe. It is our right to believe as much as it is yours to not. But the fact is is that the belief in God helped create this nation and even if you don't believe in God, at least stop and think for a second about how lucky we are as a nation to be allowed our freedoms. And that is what I am truly thankful for.

[Perseus]

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak, but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs, and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings. Instead of favoring the non believers, how bout the believers? Atheists complain when we say prayers before a game or put a cross up on the 9/11 memorial, but you all never stop to think about the others who want to believe. It is our right to believe as much as it is yours to not. But the fact is is that the belief in God helped create this nation and even if you don't believe in God, at least stop and think for a second about how lucky we are as a nation to be allowed our freedoms. And that is what I am truly thankful for.

Dude, there are multiple belief systems in this country besides Christianity and atheism. It's better to leave any kind of religion out of something that involves politics or the President. We're a multicultural country. Obama shouldn't have to appease the Christian majority. If he wants to thank God, he can. But if he doesn't feel the need to include it on his Thanksigiving speech, he doesn't need to because this not a Christian nation. We're secular.

[Bath]

It is our right to believe as much as it is yours to not.

Exactly, and Obama chose not to mention God. He has as much of a right to.

Who says that means he doesn't believe in God, though? He just didn't mention him in a speech... maybe to try and avoid controversy? But la dee da, look, he got it anyway, you can never win.

[Jess]

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak, but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs, and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings. Instead of favoring the non believers, how bout the believers? Atheists complain when we say prayers before a game or put a cross up on the 9/11 memorial, but you all never stop to think about the others who want to believe. It is our right to believe as much as it is yours to not. But the fact is is that the belief in God helped create this nation and even if you don't believe in God, at least stop and think for a second about how lucky we are as a nation to be allowed our freedoms. And that is what I am truly thankful for.

This country was NOT founded on Christianity.

Exactly, and Obama chose not to mention God. He has as much of a right to.

Who says that means he doesn't believe in God, though? He just didn't mention him in a speech... maybe to try and avoid controversy? But la dee da, look, he got it anyway, you can never win.

this. and also, Obama wasn't the only one.

Three of the Republican presidential candidates – Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum – issued Thanksgiving statements that omitted any references to God.


this is a complete overreaction.

[Bougainvillea]

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak, but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs, and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings. Instead of favoring the non believers, how bout the believers? Atheists complain when we say prayers before a game or put a cross up on the 9/11 memorial, but you all never stop to think about the others who want to believe. It is our right to believe as much as it is yours to not. But the fact is is that the belief in God helped create this nation and even if you don't believe in God, at least stop and think for a second about how lucky we are as a nation to be allowed our freedoms. And that is what I am truly thankful for.
Your argument isn't weak, its just not there. America was founded by those running from a state-established religion, among other things. The idea that someone must be Christian, or express Christian beliefs, to be loyal to their homeland would horrify America's founders and is possibly the most un-American thing you could ever propose. He doesn't have to thanks any kind of celestial being that people believe to be there. If he wants to thank actual efforts, made by actual people, then that seems more reasonable. Why should he thank someone else's god? Instead, he's pushing aside something that causes a separation, and is thanking people who have actually done something.

Everyone has their own system, so it is unfair for you to think that he should just comment about Christianity. Because not everyone believes that. (Because its just not true, and thank non-existant gods that Obama knows that) We had to put up with eight years of that bullshit before him. I'm so tired of Christians. I really am. You're so ignorant. God didn't do shit. Learn a little about history, and maybe try being a little more logical before posting again, instead of making yourself look stupid.

[bigjohnson]

Does it matter people jusst like to stire up the pot... your not perfect so leave him alone

[Jupiter]

Shut the fuck up, those retarded republicans. (Not all are stupid, but... Some...) For THANKSgiving is being thankful for things. Be thankful he even adressed usan and quit ya bitchin. He's an atheist, correct? Did you REALLY expect him to talk about something he doesn't believe? Itd be like me thanking ghosts for not murdering me, since I don't believe in ghosts

[Perseus]

He's an atheist, correct? Did you REALLY expect him to talk about something he doesn't believe? Itd be like me thanking ghosts for not murdering me, since I don't believe in ghosts

Obama is a Christian.

[Azunite]

Thank the wiped-out race of Indians who saved their murderers in treacherous freezing months, instead of God.

[Jupiter]

Obama is a Christian.

Okay. I didn't know that. I stand corrected.

Even still, just because he didn't mention one thing? He has many things on his mind.

[CaptainObvious]

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak, but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs, and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings. Instead of favoring the non believers, how bout the believers? Atheists complain when we say prayers before a game or put a cross up on the 9/11 memorial, but you all never stop to think about the others who want to believe.

exactly how does not shoving your beliefs in others' faces mean you're not allowed to believe? i have no problem with christians believing in their faith, but the president of the united states is not a priest, and it is not his job to preach your faith, even if he shares it. how is that difficult to agree with?

in any case, while you may be right that the early united states was extremely religious, that doesn't make it right. the early united states was also founded on the backs of slaves. some traditions are better off done away with, and explicit religious pronouncements from a president is a great tradition to abolish.

[Camazot]

that's utter bullshit i dont understand why you want a political person to be really religious you do understand that in the constitution it say that religion and politics should be separate i hate when people get pissed because some politicians might not be a certain religion well guess what theres a mormen running for president this comming election so get your head out of the bible because its not all true and into real life oh i hope you religious fenatics know that the leaders of the cathilic church when it was getting big changed a lot of the bible and historic events did you know jesus wasnt born on christmas its really the winter soltice and the church changed his birth so more people would join christianity and he didnt die on easter either thats the spring equinox ugh and im not saying i dont believe in god i mean i do i think he's helped me alot but i dont think he wants us worshipping him all the time we should just recognize him as our creator

[DoctorNewbie]

Free religion or lack there of. Number one belief of this country, and the reason people flocked here in the first place.

Get the fuck over it.

[Cybercode]

This country was founded on religion. The puritans came here because of religion. Another point to bring up is the majority of the forefathers were Freemasons, and Freemasons were required to hold a belief in a supreme being. It may not be Christianity but it was religion.

PS just becuase you don't agree with me or the version of history I was grown up with (Charter school with majority of students being atheist, and yes I was there)gives you the right to abuse the rep system. That was the version of history I was taught and after extensive research this was the version I believe.

[WorthlessMale]

It just means he can't hide his true Muslim faith behind his transparent Christian cover. It's like his comment today about a "Holiday" tree. WTF??????

[Sugaree]

This country was founded on religion. The puritans came here because of religion.

Yeah, and subsequently oppressed those who followed their religion. It was free as long as you obeyed them.

I'm surprised this hasn't made huge waves yet. Maybe since no one is watching the news outlets since it's Thanksgiving weekend, no one really cares.

[Scoob]

Lmao. Thanksgiving is not a day to celebrate God. It's to give thanks for what you have, devoid of any thanks to a God. Seriously, unless he puts it on my table, I'm not thanking him for it I'm going to thank my dad. What's more is there is more than just Christianity in America, thanking God but then not offering this to other religions shows favoritism in a free country. Freedom of religion people, deal with him not making a mass statement on his love for Christianity.

[Jess]

This country was founded on religion. The puritans came here because of religion. Another point to bring up is the majority of the forefathers were Freemasons, and Freemasons were required to hold a belief in a supreme being. It may not be Christianity but it was religion.

PS just becuase you don't agree with me or the version of history I was grown up with (Charter school with majority of students being atheist, and yes I was there)gives you the right to abuse the rep system. That was the version of history I was taught and after extensive research this was the version I believe.

I thought the majority of the founding fathers were deists.......? :confused:

Lmao. Thanksgiving is not a day to celebrate God. It's to give thanks for what you have, devoid of any thanks to a God. Seriously, unless he puts it on my table, I'm not thanking him for it I'm going to thank my dad. What's more is there is more than just Christianity in America, thanking God but then not offering this to other religions shows favoritism in a free country. Freedom of religion people, deal with him not making a mass statement on his love for Christianity.

exactly this

[SwimRunSleep]

He wasn't born in the US anyway. Honestly I don't care, I'm a Christian and believe in God.

Thanksgiving was founded on God !IMO!(the entire NATION was) but if you don't want to thank God yourself who cares? It's your view not mine, it's not the end of the world. Don't say "Oh, well he's a bad Christian not liking God". No, I didn't say I don't like God. I love him and he's number 1 to ME. But that's how I view it, once again. You can be athiest, jewish, buddish, that's YOUR view. I'll be friends with you no matter what, just don't hate.

[Sugaree]

He wasn't born in the US anyway.

Oh boy, here we go.

[Amnesiac]

This country was founded on religion. The puritans came here because of religion. Another point to bring up is the majority of the forefathers were Freemasons, and Freemasons were required to hold a belief in a supreme being. It may not be Christianity but it was religion.

PS just becuase you don't agree with me or the version of history I was grown up with (Charter school with majority of students being atheist, and yes I was there)gives you the right to abuse the rep system. That was the version of history I was taught and after extensive research this was the version I believe.

You're blowing it out of proportion. The United States was partially founded on the concept of religious freedom and, yes, separation of church and state, but that was hardly the main factor. Ultimately, the U.S. was founded because the colonists didn't like their lack of influence in British politics, despite being subject to their effects.

It doesn't matter if a majority of the founding fathers were religious. They didn't emphasize that when creating the legal framework for this country; rather, they stressed restricting the influence of religion on government affairs.

Thanksgiving was founded on God !IMO!(the entire NATION was)

While Thanksgiving was originially a somewhat religious event, it's not anymore. And no, the United States was not founded on God. That's a fact. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state_in_the_United_States#Early_history)

[Alpacka]

I think this was a politically correct move on the Obama administrations part. America has values, and one of those values is the freedom to religion. If the country bases itself on Christianity (I am Catholic, so you may NOT call me biased), then it is going against its values.

[Jess]

He wasn't born in the US anyway. Honestly I don't care, I'm a Christian and believe in God.

Thanksgiving was founded on God !IMO!(the entire NATION was) but if you don't want to thank God yourself who cares? It's your view not mine, it's not the end of the world. Don't say "Oh, well he's a bad Christian not liking God". No, I didn't say I don't like God. I love him and he's number 1 to ME. But that's how I view it, once again. You can be athiest, jewish, buddish, that's YOUR view. I'll be friends with you no matter what, just don't hate.

The. US. Was. Not. Founded. On. God!!!!

and where's the evidence Obama wasn't born in the US?

Why do people keep thinking he wasn't born here and/or he's Muslim?

[SwimRunSleep]

The. US. Was. Not. Founded. On. God!!!!

and where's the evidence Obama wasn't born in the US?

Why do people keep thinking he wasn't born here and/or he's Muslim?

Show me his birth certificate...IMO it was.

[Azunite]

Allright he was born in an African country he was the son of a poor peasant who made Adidas shoes for 5 dollars a month and yes he is a devoted Muslim and prays to Allah, not God, all the time, blah blah blah...

So? He is now a president, your President. One of the highest ranks someone can achieve in his or her lifetime. Born in the US or not, Muslim or not, he worked hard to get here.

If God had a finger in the miraculous survival of the Americans, then the scenario would have been different. I don't know, like, crops would grow under the snow or loaves of bread would fall down from the sky. Thank your father or your mother who works hard to buy you food. Thank their employers, thank your friends around.

Who cares if he uses the word "God" in a speech or not? Try to be secular for a change.

[Amnesiac]

Show me his birth certificate

This is still a thing? Get with the times, man. The birther argument is complete and utter bullshit; it's the weakest way to score political points against the president, and it's used by people who can't form coherent logical political stances on their own. And no, I'm not a fan of Obama.

...IMO it was.

Your opinion doesn't matter, because this isn't something you can hold an opinion on. It's a historical fact that the United States was founded on secular ideals.

[Perseus]

Ok, even if he wasn't born in the US... WHY the fuck does it matter?

You have to have been born in the United States (or an embassy since it's considered part of the US) to become president of the United States.

[Perseus]

But that's the thing, why do you have to be born in the US to be President? We don't choose where we're born.

It explicitly states that in the Constitution.

[Sugaree]

Show me his birth certificate

You sound like Donald Trump, so here's something to put you in your place:

http://msgboard.snopes.com/politics/graphics/birth.jpg

Now go back to your tea party rally and shoot a gun.

[kenoloor]

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak, but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs, and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings.

Nope. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were both anti-clerical Christians. Most of the rest of the founder fathers were Christian, however that doesn't mean that this nation was founded on Christianity.

I'd neg rep you, but I don't want you to go on posting threads about it again.

[UnknownError]

He wasn't born in the US anyway.

Haven't you seen his birth video? Clearly America.

2bqEn8AXzJ4

[kenoloor]

He wasn't born in the US anyway.

It's funny because he's president.

Oh, and to my bro who talked about freemasons, nahh brah,,,only an estimated 9-16% of the Declaration signers were freemasons, dude. I dunno about you, broski, but a majority is usually more than 50%.
[email protected] you brosefs.

Anywho, I think Obama and his anti-religious agenda is finally starting to show through. That bastard.

[Amnesiac]

Interesting that I just noticed this.

I know you atheists think this argument is gonna be weak,

Your religion has nothing to do with the weakness of your argument.

but this country was founded upon Christian values and beliefs,

Nope.

and in an ever growing atheist world, the least Obama could do is thank all the supreme beings. Instead of favoring the non believers, how bout the believers?

That's a completely flawed statement. By leaving religion out of government, the government is not "favoring the non-believers". Rather, they're favoring absolutely nobody. "Favoring the non-believers" would mean endorsing non-belief, that is, having the government tell people not to be religious. When Obama doesn't mention God, he's not telling people to abandon their beliefs. He's doing the right thing by leaving it to the people to decide on their religious beliefs. By refraining from putting religious shit in his speeches, he's accommodating the views of every American citizen from every background, which is what a president should do – represent everybody, not just a bunch of right-wing crybabies.

Atheists complain when we say prayers before a game or put a cross up on the 9/11 memorial, but you all never stop to think about the others who want to believe. It is our right to believe as much as it is yours to not.

Again, you're misinterpreting it. This isn't about your right to believe. Keeping government and religion seperate does absolutely nothing to your right to believe. Actually, it protects religious rights, because you know what happens when your corrupt social conservatism is actually put into action? Non-Christians are discriminated against. Fuck that. Separation of church and state harms nobody; the only people who complain about it are whiny fundamentalists who are so insecure about their logically bankrupt beliefs that they feel the need to have the government legislate them so that everybody is forced to listen to their bullshit.

But the fact is is that the belief in God helped create this nation and even if you don't believe in God, at least stop and think for a second about how lucky we are as a nation to be allowed our freedoms. And that is what I am truly thankful for.

That's an opinion which you're entitled to hold. However, it has no place in government. Freedom has nothing to do with this; it's pretty obvious you're resorting to a sappy emotional argument. Mixing god and government destroys freedom.

[Jess]

Show me his birth certificate...IMO it was.

how did he become President then?

[Bougainvillea]

how did he become President then?

That point has already been brought up.

Its so stupid how people ask that fucking question. You can't even apply for welfare, or even get a learners permit without a fucking birth certificate. You honestly think thy would allow someone to be president of the united states without at least making sure he had his birth certificate? If you believe that, then please. Get the fuck out of this country, because its scum like you who make dumbfuck decisions that don't benefit anyone.

[embers]

Aw. It would have been funny if he announced his love for Hindu deities right there and then just to piss off some Republicans.

[Rawwwrr]

He wasn't born in the US anyway. Honestly I don't care, I'm a Christian and believe in God.

Having read that, I can't take anything else you say seriously. I mean, I can't take it seriously anyway, it's hilariously ignorant, but even less seriously.