Obama: "Mexicans" Were Here "Long Before America Was Even An Idea"

[The_Dude 1,142]

Maybe I can explain this so even a hyper partisan can understand.

"long before America was even an idea" Meaning: Before the country of the USA was an idea, I.E. before we started the path to nationhood, "this land of plenty was home to many peoples. The British and French, the Dutch and Spanish, to Mexicans, to countless Indian tribes. People from many countries and the native people lived here." At this time there were British, the people of Britian. There were French, the people of France. The Dutch, the people of Holland. And the countless Indian tribes, the native people. The word "Mexicans" in this context is refering to "the people of Mexico". There was no country of Mexico at this time. If he would have said the Meso Amercicans then he would have been correct but he was pandering to the Hispanic Caucus so he used the word Mexicans.

Clearly you don't understand the context of what he was saying. Did he use clear verbiage in the speech? No, but you know what he was talking about. You're being a petty hyper partisan yourself for arguing semantics here.

Edited September 23, 2010 by Rob & Mel

[fozzie 41]

I know the story. Steven was trying to get me to call them "Native Americans" like it was proving his point or something. For it to be a valid point Obama would have had to refer to the Mexicans and Meso-Americans. He didn't, he called them Mexicans in the context of "people that live in Mexico".

In fairness you can pick at Obama all day for legitimate things (Policy, Leadership etc) but to criticise him for stupid things only reduces your own arguments on the improtant stuff.

[JohnSmith2007 353]

Clearly you don't understand the context of what he was saying. Did he use clear verbiage in the speech? No, but you know what he was talking about. You're being a petty hyper partisan yourself for arguing semantics here.

Was Obama being patronizing? Yep and that is what I was pointing out. This only feeds into the "It was ours before it was yours" argument that the hispanic extremests use. He is fanning the flames rather than trying to put them out.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Was Obama being patronizing? Yep and that is what I was pointing out. This only feeds into the "It was ours before it was yours" argument that the hispanic extremests use. He is fanning the flames rather than trying to put them out.

So now you're changing your stance. Reading the OP, you were challenging the validity of his claim, that because Mexico didn't become sovereign nation until 1821 that his statement was just a lie, I believe you tried to compare it to Palin's "I can see Russia from my house" statement. Nice try.

Edited September 23, 2010 by Rob & Mel

[Heracles 417]

Was Obama being patronizing? Yep and that is what I was pointing out. This only feeds into the "It was ours before it was yours" argument that the hispanic extremests use. He is fanning the flames rather than trying to put them out.

Not too sure if his comment meant that but it's quite clear that Democrats [in general] are chasing the Hispanic vote.

Why else would anyone sane want to reward people who have illegally entered a country [or exploited antiquated citizenship laws] and basically been provided with a free-lunch and even a college education with Citizenship?

Edited September 23, 2010 by Heracles

[Nina~ 431]

Not too sure if his comment meant that but it's quite clear that Democrats [in general] are chasing the Hispanic vote.

Why else would anyone sane want to reward people who have illegally entered a country [or exploited antiquated citizenship laws] and basically been provided with a free-lunch and even a college education with Citizenship?

A lot of Hispanics have been here for generations and generations. And most of the Mexicans I know are extremely hard working and will not accept a hand out.

[Heracles 417]

A lot of Hispanics have been here for generations and generations. And most of the Mexicans I know are extremely hard working and will not accept a hand out.

I am talking about the 20 + million that have entered of been given amnesty over the last few decades.

I am sure they do work hard, unfortunately that does not mean they pay more in taxes than they or their family utilizes in services - to offset their cost. For example, the $108K required to educate one child, from first to the twelfth grade. And that amount excludes free-lunch and other subsidies of course.

Edited September 23, 2010 by Heracles

[JohnSmith2007 353]

So now you're changing your stance. Reading the OP, you were challenging the validity of his claim, that because Mexico didn't become sovereign nation until 1821 that his statement was just a lie, I believe you tried to compare it to Palin's "I can see Russia from my house" statement. Nice try.

And I still maintain he was totally wrong. Mexico didn't exsist as a country when "America was even an idea". The context he was using to call them Mexicans was one of nationality and not race. He did this to be patronizing. Try and keep up dude.

[Nina~ 431]

I am talking about the 20 + million that have entered of been given amnesty over the last few decades.

I am sure they do work hard, unfortunately that does not mean they pay more in taxes than they or their families use in services - to offset their cost.

Well then make the distinction clearly instead of bastardizing all Mexicans/Hispanics.

As long as you have social services & poverty, there will always be people using services more than they contribute towards it, whether they are white, black, yellow or pink. It is not like Mexicans say "oh lookee, free food, free clothes, and free toilet paper to wipe my azz"

[HAL 9000 96]

I know the story. Steven was trying to get me to call them "Native Americans" like it was proving his point or something. For it to be a valid point Obama would have had to refer to the Mexicans and Meso-Americans. He didn't, he called them Mexicans in the context of "people that live in Mexico".

That would make them what? Like 500+ years old on average?

Mexica -> Mexico -> Mexicans.

Deal with your fail. If you want to apply context, apply the context in the speech, not the one you may want to see.

[Heracles 417]

Well then make the distinction clearly instead of bastardizing all Mexicans/Hispanics.

As long as you have social services & poverty, there will always be people using services more than they contribute towards it, whether they are white, black, yellow or pink. It is not like Mexicans say "oh lookee, free food, free clothes, and free toilet paper to wipe my azz"

How can a country rid itself [or tackle] from chronic poverty, when it's literally being exported from their southern neighbor?

So yes, I find any party or politician pandering to a group and placing winning votes ahead of the interest of the nation to be disgraceful.

Edited September 23, 2010 by Heracles

[one...two...tree 2,762]

And you say differently how? Face it man, you are a very small minded, petty person. From what I hear you have little respect from those around you. What you show here does nothing to change that perception. I guess insulting people makes up for your own shortcommings so hammer away if it makes you feel better.

You are right. I crossed a line of decency here. Please continue to bash Obama with petty non-stories.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

thread closed for review

After review this thread will remain closed for numerous TOS violations. Some of the most egregious have been removed - but not all.

Edited September 24, 2010 by Kathryn41