# Open Letter to the U.S.A. re. Barack Obama **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 5, 2008, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836 "2008-06-05T03:51:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/41 "2008-06-05T17:33:13Z")
[QUOTE=Dr. Love] P.P.S. For future reference, the majority of our citizens do not fear Christians, they are Christians 😃 [/QUOTE] Nah, I think he had it right. I’m afraid of a lot of folks calling themselves Christians out there. ---
**Author:** ![Bookkeeper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bookkeeper/32/281_2.png) [@Bookkeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bookkeeper)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/42 "2008-06-05T17:58:06Z")
[QUOTE=Freddy the Pig] Oh and Canada, thanks for electing a Conservative government in 2006. We didn’t think you had it in you. [/QUOTE] And where’s our thanks for the previous 15 Conservative governments? :rolleyes: [QUOTE=BlinkingDuck] trying to think of all the Muslim name sounding Black PM Canada has had… [/QUOTE] How about a female, black, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha%C3%ABlle_Jean). (Following a female, Chinese, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrienne_Clarkson).) ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/43 "2008-06-05T18:03:45Z")
[QUOTE=Revtim] it was the registered Democrats [/QUOTE] What? One didn’t have to be ‘registered’ Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary (here, at least). ---
**Author:** ![Kid\_A\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Kid\_A\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kid_A_1)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/44 "2008-06-05T18:05:18Z")
[QUOTE=Bookkeeper] And where’s our thanks for the previous 15 Conservative governments? :rolleyes: How about a female, black, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha%C3%ABlle_Jean). (Following a female, Chinese, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrienne_Clarkson).) [/QUOTE] Why are you letting facts get in the way of a fact-free discussion? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/45 "2008-06-05T18:15:11Z")
[QUOTE=Bookkeeper] How about a female, black, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha%C3%ABlle_Jean). (Following a female, Chinese, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrienne_Clarkson).) [/QUOTE] Well, if you’re going to get all shirty about it… the Governor General is an appointed position. We’ve got lots of minority appointees. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/46 "2008-06-05T18:16:30Z")
Dear Mexico, Simply _love_ the chicken Chalupa Supremes! Sincerely, America ---
**Author:** ![The\_Weird\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@The\_Weird\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Weird_One)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/47 "2008-06-05T18:22:35Z")
[QUOTE=NinetyWt] What? One didn’t have to be ‘registered’ Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary (here, at least). [/QUOTE] In many states, when you register to vote, you have to choose a political party, and you’re only allowed to vote in that party’s primary elections. Some states (like mine, Massachusetts) allow you to register as “unaffiliated,” in which case you can choose which party’s primary to vote in. From the Wikipedia article on [U.S. presidential primaries:](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_primary) > [@](#): > > In many states, only voters registered with a party may vote in that party’s primary, known as a closed primary. In some states, a semi-closed primary is practiced, in which voters unaffiliated with a party (independents) may choose a party primary in which to vote. In an open primary, any voter may vote in any party’s primary. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/48 "2008-06-05T18:29:08Z")
[QUOTE=NinetyWt] What? One didn’t have to be ‘registered’ Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary (here, at least). [/QUOTE] Do’h, I forgot that in some states the primaries are open. ---
**Author:** ![miamouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@miamouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miamouse)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/49 "2008-06-05T18:30:42Z")
[QUOTE=Inigo Montoya] They’re all the same wine poured from different bottles. …at least he can spin a yarn that looks and feels like the finest Egyptian cotton, even though we all know it’s polyester from the same factory that’s been supplying us for the last 100 years. [/QUOTE] I’m so glad you came back to the dope. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/50 "2008-06-05T18:41:11Z")
[QUOTE=Revtim] Do’h, I forgot that in some states the primaries are open. [/QUOTE] Which means that at least in some cases, Americans managed to nominate Obama despite at least a few Republicans crossing over to sabotage the nomination. ---
**Author:** ![BlinkingDuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eada6e/32.png) [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/51 "2008-06-05T18:44:45Z")
[QUOTE=Bookkeeper] How about a female, black, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha%C3%ABlle_Jean). (Following a female, Chinese, immigrant, [head of state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrienne_Clarkson).) [/QUOTE] These are elected positions - equivalent to the POTUS? We have plenty of women and minorites in Government as well. NM…I see someone has already commented on this. ---
**Author:** ![Merkwurdigliebe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/52 "2008-06-05T18:49:48Z")
Sorry, coming from a Canadian, it doesn’t really mean shit. I tend to think of words of praise from the likes of those in England are much more valubable, seeing as England will actually pass through phases of actually liking America from time to time. Instead Canada’s “national identity” is based on trashing America. Don’t worry, Barack won’t change NAFTA. He said he would because he’s smart. He won’t change it because he’s smart. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/53 "2008-06-05T19:00:32Z")
[QUOTE=Giles] Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your point of view, only US citizens and US permanent residents can donate money to political campaigns in the US. [/QUOTE] And US corporations, right? Just start a US company… ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/54 "2008-06-05T19:19:11Z")
[/QUOTE] Your Governor-General, perhaps. [QUOTE] Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t really referring to the colour of their skin as much as, y’know, the content of their character. The Governor General doesn’t really impact politics too much, mostly attending ceremonies, cutting ribbons, etc. Though I do very much like this one. Mostly I want someone who got to office without selling his soul to big business or lobbyists. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/55 "2008-06-05T19:29:14Z")
[QUOTE=Shodan] I thought that was Duluth. You have elections in Canada? That’s so _cute_ - just like a real country! Regards, Shodan [/QUOTE] I see congratulations are in order upon your graduation from the George W. Bush School of Diplomacy. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![kingpengvin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9dc877/32.png) [@kingpengvin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kingpengvin)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/56 "2008-06-05T19:42:28Z")
[QUOTE=Merkwurdigliebe] Sorry, coming from a Canadian, it doesn’t really mean shit. I tend to think of words of praise from the likes of those in England are much more valubable, seeing as England will actually pass through phases of actually liking America from time to time. Instead Canada’s “national identity” is based on trashing America. [/QUOTE] As obnoxious and condecending as the OP is I must protest to that arrogant retort. You do know that dispite a few minor quibbles our two nations have peacefully co existed for over a century? We’ve had a steadfast alliance and have many families with cross national ties. There are many moments in our collective history where the people of both nations turned to help the other in time of need. To paint the whole country as “anti American” because a few in this country don’t always agree with policies of our neighbour is down right stupid. To assume our national identity is completely based on trashing America is worse than stupid it’s willfully ignorant. I know this isn’t GD, but why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and proove that Canada: has no national identity (Implied by your oh so clever quotes) said identity is based on trashing America. Please fight my ignorence… ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/57 "2008-06-05T19:53:08Z")
I see the cultural cringe is alive and well, and living on in a new continent. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/58 "2008-06-05T20:01:44Z")
[QUOTE=Struan] I see the cultural cringe is alive and well, and living on in a new continent. [/QUOTE] Damn sassenachs get everywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/59 "2008-06-05T20:07:51Z")
[QUOTE=Giles] Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your point of view, only US citizens and US permanent residents can donate money to political campaigns in the US. [/QUOTE] Send the money to me and I’ll forward it on. Unless I spend it on pomegranate martinis during happy hour tomor – no no, I meant “Of course I’ll forward it on”. Trust me. Send money. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2008, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836/60 "2008-06-05T20:10:04Z")
[QUOTE=Dangerosa] Which means that at least in some cases, Americans managed to nominate Obama despite at least a few Republicans crossing over to sabotage the nomination. [/QUOTE] And in some cases, at least a few Republicans crossed over to help the nomination, because they’d rather set themselves on fire than contemplate Hillary as prez. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-letter-to-the-u-s-a-re-barack-obama/451836.md?page=4)