Obama Speech: "demand more from our fathers"

I think the "demanding more of our fathers" line is telling. It concedes that, in the past, those who were NOT fathers (i.e. mothers and the extended community) considered fathers to be superfluous. You have to understand this within the context of the community that Obama grew up in. We, who grew up outside that community, assume that fathers are desperate to maintain or renew the bonds they have with their children. But in Obama's experience, fatherlessness is as much a choice by the fathers themselves as it is a scourge imposed from family court rulings. Maybe this speech can be interpreted as a concession that non-fathers are changing their attitudes over the need for father involvement. Until now, "father involvement" meant a father providing *financial assistance* to his kids via child support, and what Obama is saying is that fatherhood is about so much more than that.

If you read between the lines, you'll find the silver lining. I'm not saying that Obama has framed the issue properly, because in my view it is the family courts that need to be reigned in because they are so adversarial and they divide children from an active role by both parents. But Obama's speech is laying the groundwork for us, but conceding that fathers are worth more to their kids than just a paycheck.

John Dias
Founder, DontMakeHerMad.com
"Stopping False Allegations with Surveillance Technology"

Let me take off my MRA hat for a moment. Obama's speech was brilliant.

Who would of thought six months ago I was a Giuliani supporter!

I hate to admit it but I'm still voting for Hillary.

[I'm just f**king with you guys]

......................................................

"Oh the gal I'm to marry
Is a bow-legged sow
I've been soaking' up drink like a sponge."

[Rolling Stones]

You can watch the entire 37 minute video of the speech on msnbc.com.

It is an amazing speech; and I also noted and objected to the implied criticism of fathers. I think you have to put Obama's remarks in the context of the destroyed urban economies and marginalization of young black dads.

(There is a theme throughout the speech about being accountable ... and not just about parenting but about holding the nation accountable for its ideals...)

I really have never seen a politician with the analytical eloquence of Obama except once.

I wonder if Barack is just too deep and smart to attract the American voters who just want simple solutions for complex problems.

I have also heard a lot of whispered comments from the crackers in my neck of the woods about never voting for a black man. I cannot believe this Neanderthal tribe still exists....

If you want a half-hour long dissertation on the history and currency of race in America, you owe it to yourself to watch the entire speech.

Oh, the other politician who was spellbinding?

Maurice Bishop, assassinated Prime Minister of Revolutionary Grenada. My former boss.

Anthony said: "I hate to admit it but I'm still voting for Hillary. [I'm just f**king with you guys]"

Now Anthony, that is not funny.

That's like joking about having a bomb while you're going through airport security.

If this plastic Obama dude was genuine he would be addressing issues like:

- Repealing all Misandrist Laws
- Repealing "No-Fault" Divorce
- Reforming Divorce/Family Court
- Mandatory jail time, felony conviction, and a national registry for false rape & domestic violence accusations
- Establish accountability for child support and make it taxable income to the recipient and a tax deduction to the provider

But do we hear that? Nooooooooooooo! Just the same old whiny political s**t.

Well, then you can vote for McCain.

A cadaver with cancer who will not live through his first electoral term.

Obama is the future if you want to have any kind of democracy in this country.

Do you really want another brain-dead President?

A Zombie Nation for another eight years?

That thing with the minister. I'm not saying he should have done things any different, as I don't know all the details. But it appears that the media is trying to chop him off at the knees. They were looking for a reason to root for Hillary, and they finally found it.

Watch out guys, Hillary Tse Tung is on her way to the final election!

-ax

You must be talking about Zed, The Gimp, and what's-his-face?

-ax

They were looking for a reason to root for Hillary, and they finally found it.

You're absolutely right in stating that the media was looking for a reason to keep pushing Hillary on the masses(in so many words)!

----------
Mr. Reality's domain

Ha! Great reference. What's-his-face is Maynard. Looks like the media is trying to bring out The Gimp for Obama. How dare he go against her Hillaryness?

Hillary is a disaster for the Democrats. There's no way she'll beat McCain. Most educated people hate Hillary because of the way she handles her campaign or sicks her crazy shebitches on Obama who say he wouldn't be where he would be if he was white (while the same could be said for Hillary's alleged vagina). The media loves this kind of petty crap and is quick to amplify it as loudly as possible. Obama actually didn't play the race card until all this shit came out by the media. Hillary plays her card constantly (one could say that's all she has to play). She also prefers McCain to Obama which shows where her loyalties lie.

Obama is no MRA, but he is the best chance we have of restoring our democracy. He's the best hope we have of pulling out of Iraq.

Besides, any memorable speeches by Hillary lately? Didn't think so.

Like most westen women do. Maybe that is what women that are voting for her think they have in common.

----------
Mr. Reality's New Story: MAMA's BOYS: The dependency factor and how women create and nourish it in men

johndias,

That is an excellent analysis of Obama's comments on fatherhood.

It is my understanding that his personal biography involves estrangement from his father, so it is not too difficult to see him as a man who is expressing that he wished that he had enjoyed a childhood with a more involved dad.

I think the jury is still out on whether Obama can be influenced to engage with the men's movement.

He started out as a community organizer on the southside, so it's not like he doesn't know how to recognize clever forms of oppression.

One thing that struck me from what I consider to be the greatest speech of my generation, was how he talked for both black and white (and every other ethnic group). He respected both/all sides, and really took the higher road, or at least tried to. I don't think it is too much of a stretch to imagine at some point that he would at least consider both sides of the story in terms of male & female issues.

Do you not learn that until the final credits? I don't recall his name ever being said.

In that particular scene, one could say that Zed represents the media, with Obama represented by Marsellus Wallace, and Maynard is the Hildabeast standing there panting and heaving, knowing that the butt-f*** they're doing on Obama is going to give her the nomination (sorry if that's too graphic. You guys know how un-P.C. I am).

-ax

Recently I read about women fainting over Obama.

You people REALLY think women support Hillary? NO! They support Obama.

They are being fooled by a sweet talker and sadly so are all of you. Go look up his "Responsible Fatherhood Bill" if you want to know how MRA Obama is.

I now see that Obama will be the next President and I now see that the Mens Rights Movement has caved into charm.

Any guesses on who else was a great public speaker?

Certainly not McCain. Anyone who thinks Republicans don't go along with feminists is in fairyland. Besides, McCain will get thousands more men killed.
-ax

I can't believe this!!

MEN (of all people) bowing down to the "I will only vote for the party picked nominees" rule.

MEN, who are supposed to be strong!

As for me, Ron Paul, write in if necessary.

Ron Paul is also not an MRA but his goals are more in line with getting rid of feminist laws. Obama will carry them forward.

I really don't want to talk politics (nor do I want to promote a candidate) but I guess I was hoping for more insight from MRA's. I am dissapointed.

"Any guesses on who else was a great public speaker?"

Did he speak German?

Sad how I would know this but:

"Zed? It's Maynard. The spider just caught a coupl'a flies."

Not that it's one of my favorite movies of all time or anything.

Nice analogy, by the way.

re: "I am a jelly donut!"
--John F. Kennedy

wasn't it something like, he left out "Eine"?

I think a better likeness to Obama is Robert K. (not necessarily just in speaking, as such).

Garak, this isn't a political discussion board as such. But here's some insight: NONE of the candidates are worth much of a sh** when it comes to men's rights. Our movement will never in any way, be implemented "top-down"..(unless some female politician decides to become ethical) - that is very obvious at this point.

-ax

Come on! That WAS funny. I have to say I nearly spilled my drink all over the computer.