I contributed to Obama but find the hero worship threads nauseating

[PretzelWarrior]

yes, I know you'll tell me to F off or whatever. But I think it's understandable yet a bit much to see all of these threads about them going out for dinner, attractive photos, and such. It could be just me. But I mainly elected him to be a leader in solving our problems--not a teen idol and source of celebrity gossip.

[PBS Poll-435]

1. Somebody had some wine....

(It's all good :-) )

[BlooInBloo]

2. Shorter OP: Wah.

[Two Americas]

4. not really

You are complaining as much as the OP is.

[BlooInBloo]

5. No I'm not. I'm not starting threads about it.

[Two Americas]

73. what difference does that make?

Some here are dissatisfied with what the rulers are doing, and complain about that.

Some here are dissatisfied with what the critics and dissenters are saying, and complain about that.

But both are complaining, they are just complaining about different things.

It is always easier to argue on the side of power, and that is the shorter path to popularity, as well.

[BlooInBloo]

83. I completely agree that if you ignore the difference, then there is no difference.

EDIT: But I've been away from my lockstepping holocaust-committing tasks for too long now. Toodles!

[Two Americas]

122. I am talking about the differences

It is an important topic. I welcome a discussion about the differences between the two approaches, and which might be the most constructive and supportive of the new administration, and which might be most likely to lead to success.

[sandnsea]

3. I suppose this Jason Wu fashion slide-show

would send you heaving to the toilet.

http://www.fabsugar.com/2811376

I think Michelle would look gorgeous in that citron colored dress. Don't you just love it?

Even Tim Gunn loves Michelle, thrilled that style is going to be back "in".

http://blogs.glam.com/glamchic/2009/02/14/tim-gunn-at-verrier/

It's fun to have fun people leading the country instead of the Bush's. What's so hard to understand about that?

[vaberella]

145. It's completely indecent, however either she or I would rock the

grey sheer poke-a-dot dress. I love it. ^_^

[Cha]

183. Thanks...I'll just tell the OP to

get a bigger bucket. I couldn't care less what makes them barf.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Phx_Dem]

58. Agreed. People are enjoying our victory after the nightmare of

the last eight years. It's only been three weeks so we'll still euphoric, but that doesn't mean we won't hold him accountable.

[CLANG]

120. I reserve the right to euphoria for at least a year or two...

[propagandagirl]

128. Amen(!!) to that...! n/t

[LosinIt]

156. Welcome to DU!

Enjoy the ride!

[propagandagirl]

185. Thanks...

Been here forever, just starting to post. Thanks for the welcome!!

[newtothegame]

148. Do your parents know you're using their computer little guy?

Seriously, "fuck off"?

[MrSlayer]

160. ::facepalm::

Read the OP.

[CreekDog]

7. Give people some space to celebrate that the president has a brain

and has similar values as us.

i don't think it's teen idol type worship, but people are happy.

give them their day. it was a long 8 years and not only is Obama a welcome change from that, but he and his story are incredibly inspirational to people, especially people in minority groups where some see hope in his election and success as a leader.

[PretzelWarrior]

8. I totally get what you're saying. I even agree.

You cannot know how I rejoiced. I'm not African American. I'm white as can be. Anglo Saxon male. Pushing 40. But I openly wept when it became official in November. I've teared up during the inauguration, when Obama admitted he made a mistake and it's on him. I truly understand the substantive reasons to rejoice in this momentous change for our country.

That's why I feel "what he's wearing", "Who she's wearing", "what they ate", etc. etc. is a bit over the top. Why go that far? I know people can't help it. Just registering my belief it's A)unhealthy and B)fitting a typical story arc where people who unreasonably worship the idol then turn around and condemn when it doesn't fit their objectified expectations.

I love when I see meaty posts about actual battles with the status quo and what they are doing to help us fix the country's attitudes and social mores. To me, this shallow hero/celebrity worship is one of the problems in our society.

I want to take TMZ out and head shoot it.

[pnwmom]

10. Reagan enjoyed hero worship, and he still remains a huge figure in the eyes

of many.

I believe Obama will deserve the hero worship that he gets, unlike Reagan.

[Jester Messiah]

166. Dear old St. Ronnie

Is there any structure left in DC that hasn't been named after ol' Jellybean? Hey, here's an idea to generate some more of those sweet conservative tears... let's rename all buildings bearing Reagan's name to bear Obama's instead! Or even better, Jimmy Carter's!

:evilgrin:

[treestar]

85. There is always some social aspect of the Presidency

It's part of the history. I remember reading about Kennedy having classical musicians at the WH, things like that. * wasn't good with that end of it either.

[damonm]

181. "I want to take TMZ out and head shoot it."

You forgot to cockpunch it first...

[pnwmom]

9. I keep looking for those all-Obama-all-the-time stations that we had

over Inauguration weekend. ;) There were so many of them then. Sigh. For 4 whole days, it was safe to turn on the TV!

Now if I turn it on I might have to see some Rethug carping about something or other. So don't blame me if I'm happy to see some Obama-trumpeting here. I, along with everyone else, had to suffer through 8 long nauseating years of the shrub. And I rejoice at every bit of good publicity Obama gets. The better his press is, the more likely he's going to stick around past 2012.

[Cronus Protagonist]

11. I want to see him playing on the beach again!

That would be so cool. Doing bareback jumping jacks with the VP! lol... sexy president! LOVE it. :)

[OKNancy]

12. I get what you are saying, but in the scheme of things

it doesn't really matter that much to me. There are a lot of crappy threads on DU in my opinion so the "teen idol" ones don't bother me as much as many do. I get more irritated with the "oh the world is ending, there is going to be "marshall" (sic) law, everything-is-a-konspiracy stuff.

I bet six months from now it will die down.

[Solomon]

13. What I'm sick of is people calling it hero worship whenever

anyone has something good to say about Obama.

[grantcart]

81. Your my hero

[Solomon]

129. As you are one of mine.

:thumbsup:

[RBInMaine]

14. Admiring a good President is NOT "hero worship."

[wyldwolf]

15. I contributed to Obama but the find the right wing-like bashing from the left nauseating

Not saying that's what you (the OP) are doing, but still.

[SeattleGirl]

16. Admiring someone is not the equivalent of hero worship

I don't feel the need to do knee-jerk bashing of someone just to "prove" that I haven't placed someone in the teen idol category.

[caraher]

17. I'm on the fence a bit.

On one hand, it's such a refreshing change to have people with class and intelligence back in the White House, and it's new enough that you have to expect people to remain a bit giddy about this historic presidency.

At the same time, I do like to think we're better than the Bushies, and I am uncomfortable when gushing over the Obamas starts to look like the gushing over Bush that turned my stomach for 8 years, even if it is coming from and inspired by much better people. During inauguration week all that was inevitable and even kind of fun; but you know, we've known for quite some time that Michelle looks great and they all have class and brains and all that. Why act like this is a revelation?

But at this point, the best thing to do with "hero worship" threads one finds annoying is to skip them. It isn't hard. They're usually labeled rather unambiguously.

And despite what I said about edging close to equivalency with Freeper worship of *, at least DU Obama worship doesn't veer off in the direction of insane "God put this man in the White House" territory. (By which I don't mean there aren't folks who believe Obama is an answer to a nation's - heck, the world's - prayers, but that there's no sense of "divine right," no hint of the idea that every word and policy decision is blessed by a hotline to the Almighty. We're still going to look at what he does and judge it by the standards of the reality-based community.)

[veganlush]

126. very well said, caraher, in my humble opinion......n/t

:thumbsup: :hi:

[caraher]

139. Thanks :) n/t

:hi:

[silverojo]

18. I, too, am bored with the Showbiz Tonight type stuff

I couldn't care less what any First Family has for dinner. All I care about is what the President is doing to put dinner on Americans' tables.

Every single detail of the private lives of these people is really none of our business. They're already living in a fishbowl...we need to give them some slack. :)

[Kahuna]

19. Oh brother. I won't tell you to F off. But please give it a rest. We are all

adults here. We don't need you to tell us what is appropriate behavior.

[Zavulon]

100. First time in GD/P?

Telling others what they should think, feel and do is what people do around here. ;)

[JimGinPA]

20. I Get What You're Saying...

But he still has that "New Car" smell (wrong metaphor maybe?!?) about the Presidency to me. I really enjoyed the town halls last week but I know what you mean about the TMZ shit. Problem is, he sells soap.

:shrug:

[ErinBerin84]

21. I get your point

but at the same time, it's not really any skin off my back to just ignore threads that I think will be annoying. Plus, as others have said, it's almost part of the grieving process of getting over the past eight years ;)
It's a message board, and I think that people can walk and chew gum at the same time, it's not necessarily "hero worship" to have some silly, non serious threads in the mix.

[Fire1]

35. Agree, Erin. Plus, during these trying times, I think light

hearted discussion and laughter are good for moral and good for the soul. It gets us through tough times.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Clio the Leo]

23. And that "celebrity gossip" atmosphere......

.... may very well help your leader get elected to a second term. Public opinion sways like the wind and is worth its weight in gold, he needs all the help he can get. People magazine sales ultimately = electoral votes.

If folks want to ooh and ah over a couple of pics of the First Family going to dinner let them. Would you rather see threads about Barack and Michelle going out to dinner? Or threads about Todd helping Sarah destroy this country? Better fluff threads about Obama than ANYTHING about someone else.

So, with that being said, do you care to speculate on what they might have had for dessert? I think it was probably each other, but what do you think? ;)

[gblady]

91. tee hee!

[ShortnFiery]

24. Many of us admire him but we regret that you conflate this with "hero worship"

No worries, there are legions of us still looking out for Obama's back.

We are there for him since the GOP is out for blood, we'll "circle the wagons" without you.

Dismissed. ;) :patriot:

[Kahuna]

26. Alrighty then!

:patriot:

[Runcible Spoon]

95. ummm what do you call this then:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=8172232

Some pretty scary stuff there.

[AspenRose]

103. Thank you oh-so-much for bringing that back up.

Let it die, already. :eyes:

[Runcible Spoon]

108. Why? Someone challenges a point, I deliver evidence to the contrary.

Why should you chastize ME for being accurate? :shrug:

[Career Prole]

125. Sweet jeebus!

spooky...

[Warren Stupidity]

135. yeah that is just terrifying.

somebody thought Obama gave a great speech. :wtf:

[Cha]

184. Good one, Short and Fiery!

:patriot: :patriot:

[merh]

25. So, do you think your opinion makes a difference?

OMG - I must stop posting that the Obamas are attractive, PretzelWarrior doesn't approve!! :sarcasm:

Guess what? Hide Thread is a wonderful feature.

Or you could be an adult and just ignore the threads on your own. :rofl:

[Arkansas Granny]

27. What troubles me is that posters who admit that they don't have the same

level of enthusiasm concerning aspects of the Obama's personal lives are routinely criticized by other posters and accused of lack of support for President Obama.

I tend to avoid the gossipy threads because I'm much more interested in his solutions to problems than I am with what they had for dinner, the dress that Michelle wore or how much they give the girls for allowance.

[JTFrog]

28. The only "routine criticism" I see is when said admission is decorated with primary phrases such as

"hero worship".

Those who truly aren't interested and avoid the threads probably aren't complaining about being picked on for their opinion.

[emilyg]

137. I'm with you.

Have a heart.

[Captain Hilts]

29. Agree. nt

[The Doctor.]

30. OMG! But did you hear about Obamabrangelina?!?!?

:silly:

[wildflowergardener]

31. Hide Thread

There are plenty of threads I don't care for, but I don't ask people to stop posting them. Just hide the threads if you don't want to see them.

[Dawgs]

32. No shit. If you're going to complain about a thread topic, at least pick a better topic.

Enjoying picks of our NEW DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT is pretty minor.

[tavalon]

33. It is a little odd, but I think it will wear off in a few weeks

I don't think any of us realized how bottled up we were after 8 years of endless fucktardery. We're just exuberant.

[janet118]

34. Call me shallow . . .

but I love seeing all those great photos of Obama being president and Michele being first lady and the kids being kids. It's a break from the "hard news." Besides, I'm still in "pinch me," no-you're-not-dreaming mode. I have been working my ass off for eight years to get this done and I'm going to revel in it.

Advice: Skip the threads if you don't like them.

[GinaMaria]

169. Your pic! From the Metropolis Planet, right?

We get the Planet delivered here in Chicago. Just love it.

[NJmaverick]

36. I find your sanctimonious intellectually vacuous posting nauseating as well

so I guess we are even

[RichGirl]

37. Geez....

If a thread reeks of hero worship then don't click on it...fergodsake!

I, for one, love the fact that we actually HAVE a hero to worship. So I will continue to worship as long as I damn well please!

I think it's very possible to have arguements, disagreements and discussion without trying to get others to change their attitudes. I've stopped trying to change the constant complainers...now they have to stop trying to change the worshippers. Let's stick to issues and substance.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE....OBAMA!! If you are luke warm...fine.

[Fly by night]

38. Agreed. Seeing "Greatest" threads that say nothing more than "Yay Obama!!...

... isn't he just the greatest!!" just seems silly to me (and pretty meaningless rah-rah"). (BTW, this is a word-for-word restatement of the thread I am referring to.)

I do notice the worst offender here at DU hasn't yet responded to your thread. Maybe she/he is working on another of those two-line pearls of wisdom as we type. Hope not.

[Connie_Corleone]

39. Then don't click on those threads.

Some people (including myself) like to see those photos. And it's not hero worship to want to see photos of the President and the First Lady.

[KurtNYC]

40. the phrase "Hero worship" is part of the GOP attack

perhaps your points would be more seriously contemplated if you did not use the language of Fox News et al.

[xiamiam]

41. i'm not a hero worshipper..but i always find joy in seeing photos of my new president

I've earned it after enduring the last eight years with stupid and his evil friends..get over yourself..and let us enjoy this ...

[treestar]

88. I like the pic threads for that too

Just seeing who is in the Oval Office is our guy, not * - going to AF one or the helicopter and it being an intelligent Dem rather than a moranic repuke.

And we aren't claiming he should have unitary executive powers and all that crap, so it's not in any way the same as the adoration of * by freepers.

[mkultra]

42. your dispise of it seems more unhealthy

i was O from the start and i still love him. Im not interested in what michelles wearing or what kind of watch Obama has on but if someone is then its fine with me. Much like other things that are not my preference, it is just whitenoise in the background.

Its more interesting to me why it gets under your skin. Every politician has its loyal core. Do you feel this way about them all?

[Honeycombe8]

43. Sounds like a disappointed supporter of one of the other candidates who likes to say...

"I contributed" or "I supported" Obama? (He doesn't say... because I just hated the opponent so much, and my guy lost the nomination.)

What you consider "hero worship" may actually just be a post supporting the President, or pointing out some good things. But because it fails to criticize him...well, that's hero worship, in your eyes.

Hard to know, since your post did not quote any statements of the hero worshippers, or link to any examples. Did you just make this up or what?

[Wetzelbill]

44. we're a celebrity based culture

He's a unique historical figure. Also he's young, has an attractive wife and young kids. The guy is a magnet for cameras and people who are looking to project their own hopes on him. Plus he is still new, he's only been in Washington a little over 4 years. He's almost like a teen idol, but even for older people. I mean seriously, grown women were fainting at his campaign events. You'll see lots of him for years to come. It may subside a little, but we have a 24 hour newsmedia, the internet and youtube now. It's a different world now and Obama is just another symbol of that.

[Hatchling]

45. Good Grief. We're still on our Honeymoon with Obama.

A man who really has family values, who can walk and talk at the same time, a man who is attempting to live up to his campaign promise. A man who, when he talks, I don't have to cringe becasue the whole world knows the country "elected" a functional moran.

I think it's a whole lot healthier to be enamoured of "Bachelle" than "Bragelina".

It's the first time I've felt clean in 8 years. Let me enjoy it.

[rug]

46. We need new avatars.

[debbierlus]

47. I wouldn't mind it, if it didn't get in the way of having debate over his policy and appointments

When people won't engage in legitimate political discourse because of celebrity worship - it becomes a problems. And, that has happened with many people who view Obama as a celebrity and hero. He ceases to become an accountable leader.

Frankly, I could care less what dress Michele wears, how much allowance the kids get, and what their favorite foods are...

I do care very much that the bank bailout is looking more like a scheme to prop up a unsustainable economic system and that we are nationalizing the banks with funds but no accountability.

It also plays into the media NOT covering serious issues. And, that should concern everyone, Obama fan or not.

[sampsonblk]

48. Agreed. I've seen it too (nt)

[Ishoutandscream2]

49. I thought so, too. But really, Obama seems to be a very good man

I know, I know. That seems irrational. But the more I see and hear him, the more I LIKE HIM. Not just as our president, but as a person.

[AtomicKitten]

50. You have always had the option of hiding threads you find nausea-inducing.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

51. Puff piece, PW? Fuck off, tell it like it is! Groupies suck!

Obama/Bush groupies are out of the same mold; an embarrassment
to anyone with half a brain!

[progressoid]

52. Well,

maybe not nauseating, but often annoying and distracting from the major issues at hand.

[flpoljunkie]

53. Obama: 'We are the ones we have been looking for.' He asked us to be involved in our government.

We take him at this word-- and are holding his feet to the fire, whenever necessary.

Axelrod, referring to the banking crisis, said on Fox News Sunday, 'We are going to get this right.' Let us hope and pray they do. 'Nationalizing' the failed banks is the way to get it right for the American people. And, encouragingly, the first step in that process would be Geither's 'stress tests' for the banks.

[Jennicut]

54. Why is it so hard to understand that we can love Obama the man and pay attention to Obama as Prez?

We can do both- like photos of him with his family and discuss SRZ BZBZ too. Its called multitasking. Obama and Biden are both so different from Shrub and Darth as they are normal human beings while still having a lot of power. This creates a curiosity factor. But let's face it, if Prez Obama did not try to do good things for this country I would care less what he looks like, who his wife is, how good of a Dad he is. Its icing on the cake right now!

[usregimechange]

55. That is a right wing clap trap talking point and I find zero evidence of that here

[Better Believe It]

56. You're kidding .... right? Or are you just baiting those you disagree with?

[jefferson_dem]

63. Nah. Tune into the right-wing echo chamber for two minutes...

You'll hear the same silly whining - talk of "the chosen one" ... "the messiah" ... "celebrity hero worship" of our president.

Remember this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHXYsw_ZDXg

[Tarheel_Dem]

79. No one could ever have imagined that you'd agree with the o.p. What would

we ever do without you and your constant sniping to remind us that Obama's only human? Egads.....

[Better Believe It]

106. Is Pelosi human? How about Senator Reid? I wish he'd tone it down, is he still alive?

:)

[Runcible Spoon]

96. see my link above.

[firedupdem]

57. So hide the thread and keep moving. That's what I do to the

threads that I don't want to look at. Some posters only post negative threads. Are those hate threads?

[leftofthedial]

59. but he's just so dreeeeeeeeeeamy!

and a geeeeee-nius too!

[Jennicut]

60. At least he is not a dumbass like Shrub. Just for that he deserves a

million pic threads! LOL.

[leftofthedial]

66. he's doing a good job so far

(although I think his economic team choices were awful)

[QC]

94. He makes me feel all funny inside!1!!!!

[mitchtv]

107. besides they're only 3 minutes long

:argh:

[Renew Deal]

61. I think you have to seperate enthusiasm from policy

I don't see anything wrong with either on DU. There are people out there and here on DU that just love Obama. I don't mind it.

[jefferson_dem]

62. Lamest Concern Post Ever: Folks like our *Democratic* President too much!

Bahhh...

[mogster]

179. Agree.

What happened? :shrug:

Best team I ever saw, three weeks in power and yet no confidence. I don't get it, lol :D

[DavidDvorkin]

64. I'm with you.

[anonymous171]

65. I voted for him to destroy the republican party.

Obama is bringing the people who, in 2004 were more interested in Britney Spears than John Kerry into the fold.

[WeDidIt]

67. Hey, I have an idea!

Don't click on those threads!

:D

[Danger Mouse]

68. Click hide thread if you hate it so much. Some of us are happy to be proud of our president.

I don't worship him or think he walks on water, but I am very happy with him. I don't care for the picture threads myself, but they don't bother me. I think there's far more harmful things on DU, honestly.

[Crooked Moon]

69. it's a problematic (and hopefully temporary) scenario

there has probably never been a watershed moment like this in american politics, where people are willing to be led and a leader who is committed to fundamental and lasting change has such an opportunity to effect it.

lost in this are a large number of people who

a) can't look forward because they're too busy savoring some notion of revenge (a natural reaction, but resulting in misplaced energy - the continuing obsession with all things palin, who is nothing but an historical curiosity now, is a prime example - not to mention boneheaded free publicity for limbaugh and his ilk who, attention-grubbers they are, will milk any "persecution" by the left (much less the president) for every rating point and advertising point they can; in the process, energizing a defeated and fatigued base.

b) are so blindly attached to the "idea" of obama that they "so what? / your concern is noted" any misstep made by the man. this lack of capacity for critical thought will be repaid in a harsh currency if obama goes unchallenged and strays down (as any leader can) a wrong path. there will be no corrective influence from his friends, just a lot of emotionally-drive rebuttals of his enemies... leading to shallow and unproductive public discourse.

c) are so intent on regarding him as a celebrity that this might become the predominant perception of him. this may not seem like an issue, until one seriously considers the american penchant for building celebrities up and then bringing them down with glee.

if we want obama to be serious about saving america, we need to be serious about obama.

[Arkana]

70. I think we have a "hide thread" feature.

Obama is a leader of men and women, but he's also a pop culture figure. Can't he be both?

[Horus45]

71. It's the Media, NOT Democrats

It is the media who are like this, not your average Democratic voter.

[kid a]

72. i like having the option to see all posts...mundane, social, idol, political, pictures, policy, etc

Keep'em coming.
I can handle it.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

74. Lighten up dear!

can't we be allowed to fawn for a while

[sniffa]

75. Dude, we're only asking that you masturbate once a day to him

You can do it more if you feel inclined - we're the big tent party.

[AlCzervik]

82. and twice on Sundays.

[lunatica]

76. Do you feel compelled to click on the Obama fans' links?

No one is forcing you to read a single thread. Not one single one.

[FrenchieCat]

77. You can always watch Fox for Balance! They are bashing him

about everything he has said and done as we speak!

Happy day-after Valentine Day to you!

[firedupdem]

87. He really doesn't have to go that far. There are plenty right here

on this board. Same people same complaints. It's quite obvious. I ignore threads I don't like and keep moving. Why a positive about the prez bothers some so much tells the whole story.

[otohara]

78. After 8 Years of Loathing The POTUS

and avoiding all pictures of every single member of the past administration and feeling like shit, you bet I'm celebrating and loving our super smart new POTUS and his lovely family.

He's got something special and makes me want to be a better person. The more I see and read, the more I want to reach out and be part of the solution.

[Tarheel_Dem]

80. Ditto!

:toast:

[Tarheel_Dem]

84. Et tu PW? There are any number of places in the MSM, and on the web...

where you can get round-the-clock Obama bashing, to your heart's content. I, for one, couldn't appreciate more the (as you call it) "hero worship" that I find in the few positive threads posted here about the Obamas.

Do you have an opinion on the Obama bashing threads as well? Fortunately, you can skip the threads you find distasteful as they are usually quite clearly labeled. Perhaps Capitol Hill Forum, or mydd.com would be more to your liking, there never seems to be a shortage of good old Obama bashing there.

The fact that you chose a rightwing slur in your o.p. says a lot more about you than any DU'er you seem to be targeting. Phrases like "hero worship", "koolaid drinker", "stalker" are so 2008.

[salguine]

86. THANK YOU PretzelWarrior! I swear if I see one more post that starts,

"OMG look how great he is!!!!!" and it's a picture of Obama talking on the phone, I think I'll fucking throw up. It's like being forced to watch the Disney Channel or read Tiger Beat. And I voted for the man (but as my President, not my prom date).

You're not the only one.

[FrenchieCat]

90. Do you have links to those threads?

I missed them! :(

[onehandle]

143. You, of all people, are kidding, right? nt

[MadBadger]

92. I'm gonna prepare one, just to see you puke.

[firedupdem]

93. Here's one for ya!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8198426&mesg_id=8198426



Have a Great Day!

[Radical Activist]

89. People are allowed to be happy and have a hero for once.

Yes, there are downsides to hero worship but this generation has had so few.

[WinkyDink]

97. Politicians as celebrities bugs me, too (it lessens them, IMHO), but we crossed that bridge

waaaaay back, maybe even to Mamie!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

98. a lot of stupid people have access to the internet. more the pity. nt

[Jackeens]

99. No "F offs" from me, PretzelWarrior

Strange and all as you might view it, I almost agree with you!

Almost!

Sometimes - honest - when I post those photo threads I question my sanity, I wonder if they're utterly inappropriate on DU, not least because of the gravity of the issues that confront us all these days. And I'm talking globally, not just American.

(I was told a while ago to “go back to where you came from” by a DUer who knew I wasn’t American. He/she didn’t get it – honestly, you have no idea what impact Obama is having on politics on my side of the world. For example, his call for a cap on salaries/bonuses for CEOs of financial institutions put so much pressure on MY country’s political leaders they have been obliged to follow his lead, quoting his example. So, there’s a pretty decent reason for us foreign folk to respect him as much as we do.)

I, truthfully, question my 'fan-girl' approach to Obama, and am often embarrassed by my, well, excessive admiration for him. And it is – absolutely no argument, excessive! But this is how I see it.

Of course it should all be about issues, they are all that matter, but 95% - maybe more? – of the threads on DU ARE about serious issues, as they should be. The lighter stuff takes up a tiny percentage of DU’s space, and the thread titles are clearly marked, so I just don’t understand why people who object to them click on them.

Some of us adore him and his family, and enjoy looking at photos of him and his family and reading reports about them - it doesn’t make us bad people. Nor does it mean we have no interest in serious issues. I came back tonight from the wake of a 16-year-old heroin addict who committed suicide – do you think I have no interest in serious issues?

Look, some of us just love the fella and his family, and want to celebrate them, but that doesn’t mean we blindly worship him – we’re just excited and thrilled about this guy becoming president, after eight years of misery. Please, don’t begrudge us our joy, it might well wear off soon when reality strikes.

But I won’t EVER tell you to ‘f off’ – I’d like to think that, ultimately, we’re on the same side: wishing for better and more just days ahead?

[Marrah_G]

101. I have all the hero worshippers on ignore.

Obama is a politician. not a rockstar.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

102. if i posted 10 pics a week of angelina jolie, i would consider myself CREEPY

[Marrah_G]

104. hahaha- yeah

I'd rather tyou post ten pictures a week of yourself ! Wait....that makes ME creepy.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

105. LOL

:rofl:

[AlCzervik]

113. me too and i bet Obama would be freaked out if he saw some of those threads.

He's human, he's fallible, he's not a superhero. Do i like him, you bet.

[QC]

116. He would probably get a restraining order if he saw them. n/t

[liberalsince1968]

109. That doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the attitude that we are not allowed to question or

express a negative opinion about any of Obama's actions. Hero worship manifesting in that manner I find truly disturbing. I have seen many many posts here along those lines.

ETA a P.S.:
I contributed to Obama's campaign too.

[MadBadger]

119. "We are not allowed to question or express a negative opinion about any of Obama's Actions"

THat's BS. Anybody can post where they disagree with Obama, but you better be ready to hear from people that disagree with you.

[Vektor]

110. I find them fun, and for one, am thrilled to finally have a stylish, cool, likable first family.

There's no law saying you can't lead AND be cool at the same time.

[politicasista]

192. I do too!

They won't be perfect all the time, but I love our First Family. :hi:

[book_worm]

111. Yeah and find the posters who find constant fault with Obama as nauseating.

[PretzelWarrior]

112. Thanks for the comments everyone

It looks to me like there is a pretty good mix of people who agree and disagree with me on this point.

I won't start a new thread, but I will later point out I have nothing but admiration for President Obama at this point and show that by what I draw attention to. It's sad that for sharing this opinion I got called a "spewer of right wing talking points" and possibly a "bitter supporter of another candidate".

If you email me I'll send you my name and you can look up my donations to Mr. Obama. Or you can click on the threads I wrote and put in my journal to see my bona fides as supporter of president Obama.

The reason I didn't just "HIDE" the threads I'm talking about is I wanted to put the point out there to see where I stood. I was quite overwhelmed with the number of replies showing this is an important issue to people here.

I will also point out that at almost the very same time last night I posted a question about mass transit opportunities/ideas and what other people feel are some good options for us to work on and that one sank like a stone.

[Seen the light]

114. I wish I could recommend a thousand times nt

[Imagevision]

115. you find the hero worship threads nauseating? --> 2 much time on your hands...

[Lorien]

117. We live in a culture that worships celebrities. The Freepers worshipped

bush and believed he could do no wrong-but we expected that because Freepers goosestep in lockstep. It is a little discomforting to see the same rabid defense and idol worship of Obama or any other politician on the left (or center). When it stops being about policy and starts revolving around a personality then it turns into a bad situation for everyone. It's a fine thing to support your party or President, but blind support is not what's needed. If a person finds that they agree with someone 100% of the time then I think that it's time to step back and do a little soul searching.

[tammywammy]

118. Agreed

I voted for a President not a celebrity.

[Bluebear]

121. ------------

[Arkansas Granny]

123. LOL! As one who remembers the British Invasion all too well, there are more

similarities in the coverage than many on this board would ever admit.

[IsItJustMe]

124. No, it is not just you. It started many years ago with the dumbing down of America through our

media. The sheep just follow. Why is it, do you think, that American Idol is so popular?

[Autonomy]

127. I disagree with the OP's premise

and conclusion, though I have the same ultimate desire in wanting a leader who solves problems. But it's a false choice that you cannot have someone who solves problems AND who you admire as a person.

[kwenu]

130. Obama is soooooo awesome! Tee! hee!

[Warren Stupidity]

131. I contributed to DU but find the regurgitation of right wing crap here nauseating

.
pheh

[Clio the Leo]

136. And there's actually LESS right wing crap going on in Freeperville....

.... at the moment. They've found Frenchie's "crush them" thread and are currently commiserating over that.

Oh ... and the cupcake thing. As odd as some of them are, a few of them actually like cupcakes. Giving further credence to Barack's notion that we're more alike than we are different. Strange, but it's true.

[Hekate]

132. I can stop buying Obama memorabilia whenever I want to. I just haven't chosen to do so yet.

So there. :rofl:

Hekate

[Clio the Leo]

133. PLATES!!! I NEED MORE PLATES!!!

I almost have a 12 place setting set!!! :)

You all laugh, but having the President staring at you while you eat makes you want to eat less and in a more healthy manner! (hee hee)

[Marrah_G]

138. Tell me you don't have the Obama Lava Lamp !

[Hekate]

153. What?! There's a lava lamp?

Must... find... lava... lamp... :rofl:

Hekate

[Marrah_G]

170. There is a lava lamp and one other REALLY disturbing item

I cannot post a link here, but you can always PM me!

Let's just dsay if I were Michelle Obama I would be totally creeped out by it.

[Clio the Leo]

134. Can I worship Robert Gibbs?

Because I'm sitting here watching him on "Face the Nation" thinking how dapper he looks in his lovely blue tie and I dont want to waste my time if it's not warrented.

I wonder what he and HIS wife had for dinner last night?

[Teaser]

140. POST WHAT I WANT

thanks.

[Zavulon]

141. After eighrt years of Bush,

Obama could puke on himself in Japan and I'd still applaud him.

[onehandle]

142. I agree. Frankly, I find it embarrassing.

My guess is that the President would as well.

[ejbr]

144. I actually like those type of threads because it allows me

to focus on OTHER, more substantive, threads since my time is precious! Although, I have to admit I appreciate going mindless every now and again. :evilgrin:

[Enrique]

146. me too, except for the cupcake one

that one made me hungry. :-)

[earth mom]

147. But it's such a "historical" event to have a rock star in the white house doncha know?!

:sarcasm:


p.s. The cheerleading is getting REALLY old. Enough already.

[MadBadger]

159. So is your schtick.

[earth mom]

182. Can't handle the truth, can you?

:eyes:

[Bette Noir]

149. I'm 80% in agreement with our new Mr. President on policy.

When he does something I find suspicious, I email my concerns to him; I'm sure he has droids who read the things, and tell him when public opinion is going against him.

In the meantime, he's smart and funny, a good husband and dad-- all the things I admire in a man, and good-looking to boot. What's the harm in looking at a few photos, as long as we respect his privacy and continue to look critically at his policy decisions?

[PretzelWarrior]

150. thanks again for all of the comments

I'm glad I shared my opinion/feeling on this because I got a lot of good feedback. I agree we can let each other be more often than we do.

[SlingBlade]

151. Why the Freeper Talking Points ?

I've never noticed any Obama worship here nor have I noticed
any Novena's to St. Obama. Freeper say that we have made him
our Messiah, You call it worship, So you had this coming.:wtf:

[PretzelWarrior]

152. you mean a virtually even split in opinion? that's what I had coming?

I don't think you've read down through the replies closely. It looks like many are like you--knee jerk reactionary. No different than mindless freepers. Others are in agreement with me that maybe it's gone over the top, and quite a few admit there are a lot of those types of posts but I can hide them or know that they will die down.

[Grateful for Hope]

167. From what I am seeing

it is not an even split (this includes not counting the "on the fence" posts for either side). Looks to me that the majority favor a "live and let live" attitude.

The latter is wise thinking, IMO.

[Skwmom]

154. Why are those posts upsetting? The nauseating threads are those praising the

great Bill Clinton, the man who along with the Republicans enacted the financial deregulation that led to this collapse. And considering that they passed the deregulation after the S&L debacle (which had itself been caused by deregulation) is really beyond nauseating.

[AtomicKitten]

155. A valid point.

It became clear to me something wasn't right around this place when Bill Clinton is getting ready to cross a picket line AND offend the LGBT community, and that receives a yawn from DU: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5043400

It is beyond ironic to the point of epic hypocrisy that many of the sour grapes barking "hero worship" are the very ones willing to overlook just about everything and anything both Clintons have done. They are transparent in their projection here.

[merh]

163. Wish I could recommend your post!

You nailed it - hypocrisy and sour grapes.

[Skwmom]

187. The campaign for 2012 or 2016 has already begun.

[merh]

189. actually, I think a good bit of it is

petty jealousy - you know - obama is more popular than their hero, who used to be the most popular - it bugs some folks - yes, they are that petty

[alwysdrunk]

157. F off or whatever.....

You don't like those threads then don't click on them. Just don't try to discourage people from contributing great threads that are very popular just because you think you're so much above these type of subjects.

[OneBlueSky]

158. amen! . . . n/t

.

[From The Left]

161. Sarah Palin is Running in 2012

You can assuage your crazies by working for her campaign in a few more years.

[FlaGranny]

162. Awww,

come on. Every woman loves those pictures of Barack looking lovingly into the eyes of Michelle. Makes a guy furious though, cause the woman in his life wonders why he never looks at her that way.

I DO understand what you're saying, but I find those threads uplifting and enjoyable - even though I never worshipped anybody in my entire life. Even as a teen in the 50's I never had a "hero" - well, except for maybe Roy Rogers when I was 9.

Many so-called "heroes" fall from grace. Thank the gods that Paul Newman never did and I hope Obama never does.

My advice to those of you who don't like the personal admiration the Obamas receive - don't click on those threads. I personally avoid clicking on the threads that I know are posted by those trying to foment dissent rather than discuss issues (or the wonderfulness of Obama)

:P

[quickesst]

164. There are....

...several on this board who are a little over-zelous in their admiration for the Obama family, which is understandable given the last eight years of absolutely nothing to admire, but the number is far less than the "dissenters" believe. The problem with the "dissenters" is that they take these few, and lump them together with those who are simply satisfied with the way Obama has ran things so far. That makes it look as though the "worship" comprises a bigger group than it really does. It's not that tough to recognize the threads one finds offensive by the title displayed, and unless one is a glutton for punishment, it is only a matter of not viewing those particular threads. Of course, those who feel this way will absolutely view them because it feeds their ill feeling concerning those who approve Obama's actions so far. I think the "dissenters" are just angry because most people don't agree with them. When Obama does something to merit the anger I see among a few here, I'll probably join in, but in the meantime, I think I'll just simply approve up to this point, or worship, depending upon one's perception. Thanks.
quickesst

[Jester Messiah]

165. Obama is genuinely admirable.

I'm sure the bloom will leave the rose eventually, but for now why not revel in it? What's the harm?

[mac56]

168. There's always one person who just can't help it.

Must take a piss in the punchbowl.

:eyes:

[Undercurrent]

171. .

I find romance novels nauseating. I don't read them.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

172. Not as nauseating as this one.

[WilliamPitt]

173. We need more PretzelWarrior worship threads.

I'm on it.

:P ;)

[Adelante]

174. Hide Thread

DU makes it easy.

[olegramps]

175. I don't know about fawning but I do know that Obama needs our dedicated support.

If President Obama has any chance of correcting the disastrous condition that the Republicans have left the in county in, he must have our dedicated unqualified support. Every attempt by the Republicans to discredit him must be met with unified opposition. If he has to compromise to met his objectives, so be it. I pledge that he will have my support. There is no doubt that we are in danger of being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the gross malfeasance and corruption that the Republicans are direct responsible for bring on the nation.

It is sad that at this time in my life that I have actually grown to despise so many of my fellow Americans. The Republicans no longer represent a voice of moderation and caution, but represent the most outrageous degrees of extremism. They have embraced the most radical elements of our society ranging from out right religious fanatics and radio propagandists spewing messages of hatred to a cadre of the most greedy thieving bastards that the nation has ever known. They even surpass the Robber Barons in their greed. Make no mistake, the Republicans are absolutely accountable for this near hopeless situation that has not only affected our nation, but the entire world.

If we are to have any hope of righting the ship, then Obama requires our dedicated support. The Republicans are drowning in the cesspool they have created and will take down the country with them if we allow it. They are desperate and have struck out against President Obama with a viciousness that has little parallel. The are so consumed with hatred and greed that they have shown that they are willing to destroy the Republic. Their refusal to support the necessary stimulus legislation upon which the very continuance of the nation depends makes them traitors. They believe that the millions that they have stolen will insulate them from the catastrophe that they have wrought.

A new age may very well be emerging in which they may well be held accountable. If the situation becomes desperate enough and the people enraged by the greed of crooks that have ripped off the working class an economic revolution could be in the making. The people may very well demand passage of legislation that will raise taxes on the wealthy to levels of 90 percent or more and inheritance taxes that will confiscate their ill gotten billions. It may indeed become a death tax. The death of the moneyed aristocracy that the Founding Fathers of the nation feared could replace the old aristocracy of privilege by birth. It is entirely possible that this may transpire if the situation doesn't improve. If it comes to this just make sure that when these bastards drown that you are standing on their heads pushing them under.

[TexasObserver]

176. I don't see hero worship threads.

I see every kind of thread, some of which are laudatory, some of which are critical.

If people want to have threads about what Michelle is wearing to dinner, why should I care?

If people want to pant over the president's pix, why should it bother me?

There are many things in life I don't do, but I'm ok with others doing them. I choose what to read, what to think about, what to talk about. I choose to talk about this topic because it fits a theme I often sound: Why do you care what others are talking about here, when you have the power to make their thread disappear, to make their comments disappear?

People vote with their mouses and their eyes. If they like a topic, they click on it. If not, they don't. It's a democracy in which the nonvoting are still voting, signaling their ambivalence.

When I look at a menu at a restaurant, I'm not looking to find the things on the menu I don't like. I'm looking for the stuff I do like. Why not treat the DU board like that?

[BlancheSplanchnik]

177. this deserves a place on the top greatest list?

And it's still here?

[LanternWaste]

178. I suppose it depends on one wants to perceive it...

Hero worship or admiration, six of one, half a dozen of the other-- I suppose it only depends on how one wants to perceive the reactions of others to better validate our own preconceptions.

[Arugula Latte]

180. If Hillary had been elected, it would have been the same.

Photos of her, comments on how beautiful she looks, etc.

[JTFrog]

188. Would have?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=5594601#5599288


I also remember a certain DUer who posted an almost daily thread with pictures and comments of how beautiful Hillary was. Hypocrisy knows no bounds on DU, especially given that the "hero worship" meme couldn't be more pumaesque in it's origination or delivery.

[Thickasabrick]

186. I loves me some Obama....he is my hero....I worship him.

[rollingrock]

190. That's why I tend to stay away from GD:P

I think it could be called GD: American Idol

but without the bad singing, haha.

[Numba6]

191. The Obsession About Obama Supporters & Heroes plays

into the strategy of hate started last year,

as I went on at length in a reply to a similar post here if anyone's interested:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8201986&mesg_id=8203745