First of all, why is no one asking SarahBS1 to prove her comments? This is not my blog, the Gazette has made it clear, this is their blog. If I were to go in to the lies about the economy, health care reform, our countries security, the Nobel Peace Prize, etc..., that would make this my blog. For your information Testarific, I am not an idiot, I have a college degree and an IQ of over 180. I am also a proud veteran who put my life on the line so people like you could defame me by calling me an idiot. The proof is out there, just open your eyes.

Pete, I think it is irresponsible that you quote Hitler to discount Brewernut's stupid comment. Come on now. Brewernut is most certainly an idiot, but you don't have to "go there" with the Hitler stuff, because it only defeats your own purpose. Right wing nuts will see that and say "Look at the Left Wingers comparing us to Hitler!" For future reference, it would be much easier to just refer to Brewernut's STUPID statement by quoting Forrest Gump when he said "Stupid Is As Stupid Does." It is a nice reference, and also does not leave you standing in the open field taking irrational counterfire from Right Wing idiots who just like to retaliate, not initiate. But then again, as I think about that movie, Forrest Gump DID hate the Jews. So next time maybe just quote Louis Farrakhan or something. Then you will be safe.

Prove it, Brewerfoxnut.

The "far Left" should try behaving more responsibly. They're like a bunch of spoiled brats who do nothing but misrepresent the truth.

Sonny Bono died in 1998.

The "far right" should try behaving more responsibly. They're like a bunch of spoiled brats who do nothing but whine.

Sonny Bono died? So who are these quotes from then, Elijah Blue or Chastity? I wish journalists would use people's FULL NAMES when quoting celebrities, because some of us are not always able to decipher exactly WHO IT IS that is enlightening us in a celebrity-esque way. That is why I used the full name of "Vic Tayback" in my message board post a while ago. But my condolences to the Bono family, I had not heard about Sonny's tragic accident. I hope Cher is doing okay. Wow, what a horrible summer for celebrities. We sure lost some good ones this year! I am sure Jesus is having a heck of a party in heaven with all of them famous people!! LOLOLOLOLOL. Seriously though, He Is Risen.

Touché. However, Anti-American politics, yes. Anti-America? Not necessarily. Would you say that Sunday Bloody Sunday is anti-Irish? It's against violence in "the troubles," not against any one government or country. Bullet the Blue Sky could be looked at the same way. But that was also 22 years ago. I think they've maintained a high level of credibility since then.

Bullet the Blue Sky

Huh, Mudsill, I don't recall Bono (or the rest of U2) bashing America anytime in the past on stage or in their song lyrics. If anything, they praise America and what it stands for. If you can show me any lyrics that in any way "bash America," then please do. Otherwise, you should do a little more research. And by the way, they do still sing about Jesus and religion. Just not in the same obvious way like they did in the early '80s. Maybe if more Americans saw America the way that Bono does, we wouldn't be having so many problems.

"And I especially HATE IT when people don't listen to celebrities like Sonny Bono." - Testa...
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Testa - Sonny Bono is dead. He died on a ski slope when he hit a tree years ago. Eyster is quoting "bono," the lead singer and front man for the Irish rock band U2, who has been bashing America in public, on stage, and in his song lyrics ever since his band recieved notoriety thanks to MTV. Long gone are the days when U2 used to sing about Jesus and religion - too much money and fame rolling in, in an Amy Grant kinda way.

BTW Mr. Eyester, Isn't a red herring comment just an opinion of what is a red herring comment. Doesn't a good researcher take information from many sources and many topic areas to formulate a proper hypothesis on the situation. For example there are some like NVgrf that think that the previous president has to do with this story, my opinion is no, theirs is yes. Is their comment a red herring comment or important to the story. You will probably say yes, I say no. Either way you look at it even in your blog you are showing the widening division within our country which is sad. I am, nor is any other American responsible for Mr. Obama's lack of success in his job, nor will we in the future. If that is the case we all are responsible for the failures of the past president. You really can't have it both ways people.

Testerrific, seeing I was not alive in the 50's I wouldn't know what it is like...you can explain it to the rest if you want, I would hate to be accused by you of editing your words.

As far as Janesville's statement it is still true. Yes edit parts are that the blame would be on Obama wanting to pander to the right... still the fault of the right, as I said. I guess some people fail to grasp all the points...must be something about those 50's that has you bothered.

I like how RETIREDAIRFORCE likes to condense JANESVILLEMOM'S statement by cutting out the meat of it, and then asking a question of her that would not be askable if he had actually had the cajones to copy and paste the ENTIRE quote. What a knucklehead RETIREDAIRFORCE is. Wow. NO WONDER he is retired!! He thinks this is still the 1950s where you can edit and no one will notice!!! Methinks he nothinks too much! Or as Glenn Beck would call it "Me Thinks He Likey Likey MEEEEEEE!!!!"

Lakennedy, there is no way the US can project an image that is acceptable to all nations or all people all the time. First and foremost we must have a concise and consistent message and tone. Changing guards does not change all messages or policies and having a consistent approach to foreign policy, even if some don’t like it, all will understand our positions. Trying to go through life, or politics, wanting to be liked by all will lead to ineffective strategies and statements in regards to policy. Just my 2 pennies.

"If Obama fails it will be because...[of]...the far right."
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Is that the new way of accepting responsibility?

I agree with everything Mr. Eyster said here in his condemnation of that PREVIOUS message board blog thing. I HATE it when people use message board feedbacks as a "red herring bait shop" to propel their own off-topic agenda. And I especially HATE IT when people don't listen to celebrities like Sonny Bono. His words here are not only important in this time of such turmoil and hatred, but they are also very paramount and pressing. I remember one time in the late 1970s I heard Vic Tayback ("Mel" from TV's ALICE) talking about how angry he was that Beth Howland ("Vera" from TV's ALICE) was overlooked for a prestigious Emmy award ONCE AGAIN, while the "oh-so obvious" gal who played Flo kept getting all the attention of voters. Mr. Tayback was right...you only win awards if you tell the world to "Kiss My Grits". But of course, Obama did the exact opposite, and that is why he won. Obama learned the old "bait and switch". I think you can understand my point here. My point is...DON'T GIVE AWARDS TO LIVING PEOPLE!! It is only cause for disharmony among the races.

I issue you 2 de-merits for capitalizing full words that shouldn't be capitalized!

If Obama fails it will be because he is trying too hard to satisfy the vocal minority on the far right. There is NO WAY for him to satisfy them and to try to do so will only compromise the change that the majority voted for.
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As for lakennedy's question. It is vital for the US to change our image abroad and our foreign policy. We should limit our interference abroad and only act with the support of the UN. When we try to control the whole world, we make enemies like Al Qaeda. Terrorists require a new way of thinking about our enemies and improving our image abroad is one way to stop making their recruitment process so easy.

puds...You might want to check the November election results and the President's approval ratings before you blah blah about who is in the minority and who is not. But I am sure you don't want to be confused by the facts.

When I first started reading Eyster's stuff a few months ago, I got the impression he was an intelligent level-headed person...My-OH-my, has THAT ever fallen off the cliff with his last couple articles.

It's amazing to me there are still a handful of screwballs that believe Obama, or any President for that matter, is going to make a major difference. It's obvious by Obama's approval ratings that his impact is minimal at best. If nothing the country is more divided than ever. There are no real superheroes people. Obama isn't going to fly down with his cape and save the day. It comes down to individual Americans getting back to basics. Innovation, hard work, and a never say die attitude. For now, we have to make due with less. Over time we'll adapt, overcome, and succeed. Let the politicians keep blathering about how much they've done; that's what they do best. In the meantime we, the hard working Americans, have to keep pushing forward. I'll leave the super heroes for comic books and movies.

Hope? Are you serious? With the Presidents approval rating at the lowest it has been since he has been sworn in the only thing Obama has been successful at is widening the division within our country. The right will move farther right and the left will move father left. Rebranding America? I think that Coke realized that experiment will never work. For me I will stay with Coke Classic because new coke is just a sugar coated bunch of crap that will sell at first and then be pulled of the market before the end of it's shelf life.

We're supposed to listen to Bono? The same guy who wants us all to radically change our lives to help the environment while at the same time, his band uses 120 semis to lug his 'stage show' around the county and while his guitarist builds another 15000 sq ft house in Malibu?

No thanks.

lakekennedy:
strong as in "not the french," or as in "not a metrosexual."
when the bad guys come-a-knockin' I want to be able to fend them off and defeat them.

Hockeyjockey:"So maybe turning enemies into friends isn't a bad thing."
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I would like to add that the opposite is also true & I would like to pass along to the "left" this information everytime the Iran-Iraq war is brought up & how we helped Iraq then "turned our backs on them" - alliances change - both ways & rightfully so, as WE should protect US interests first & foremost no matter whom it t's off.

booch11: I think the issue here is that your definition of what "strong" is may differ from other posters...

without a strong United States, we'd all be Nazis as Hitler would've conquered the world (he was well on his way).
The only rebranding we need to do is "Speak Softly And Carry A Big Stick."
The world needs a strong United States -- not a metrosexual, europeanized United States.

pudssweetie - NvGrf is not alone, it's just that the silent majority that elected Obama don't normally bother to come onto this site and whine about how the world is going to Hell. Plus, they probably don't want to be labelled communists or socialists for democratically electing the current president.
As far as remembering our history...well, we ripped ourselves away from Europe 233 years ago. Since that time, we have fought two World Wars on the same side as the country we fought for independence, and we are now allies with the two major enemies of the second World War. So maybe turning enemies into friends isn't a bad thing. You might also note that we fought on the side of the USSR, yet we did not become communist.

"Change" has now shifted to "hope" which will soon shift to "pray to god" which will shift to "forget it were screwed".

I think there are a few crucial questions everyone needs to ask themselves:
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How important do YOU think it is to improve the United State's image to other countries? How important do you think strong foreign relations are to the success of our nations future?
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I understand the comments being posted here...on one hand, I think it is necessary to have strong foreign relations, those relationships are necessary on a variety of levels. But, that being said, what should be compromised in order to secure those relationships? How much effort should be put forth strengthening foreign ties when we've got so many domestic issues that need addressing?
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Instead of posting comments that attribute blame to either Obama or Bush, why not ask yourself these questions? I'm interested in what everyone has to say...and think we could have a good conversation here.

NVgrf, must be lonely being you, because thus far you are the only one who agrees with what Obama and his administration are trying to do. You must be a communist and like the idea of our government controlling everything and everybody because that is exactly what is happening. It's just too bad that you refuse to take the blinders off and see what is really going on in this country. But like many when you wake up and come to reality, it will be too late.
Fool on a Hill, you are exactly right people need to go back and re-read the history of how America came to be and why so many came here. Everything that our forefathers put in place for this country to grow and prosper is now being ripped apart by a President who is more concerned about turning our enemies into our friends and our friends into our enemies.

Discussion of an oped piece written by a performer at the inauguration on how America needs "rebranding"...don't really so how his opinion matters.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_c...
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http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200...

“The Nobel Peace Prize is the rest of the world saying, ‘Don’t blow it.’"

I think that kind of sums it all up: you needn't accomplish anything if you're a leftist: not reduce the deficit by half as promised, not win the war in Afghanistan as promised, not end the war in Iraq as promised, not prevent tax increases on those making under $250,000 as promised, not ensure all bills are posted for five days for the public to see before voting on them as promised, not go over the health bill 'line by line' with critics as promised, not bring more responsibility to budgeting as promised...

All you have to do is show up as a leftist and you get a prize! It's about as meaningful as the participation award my son got for playing for his 6th grade football team. And he could run the country better, and certainly more honestly.

How could anyone possibly live through the Bush regime and label anyone else as the worst President in American history? Carter was Thomas Jefferson compared to that fool on the hill. Short term memory is a terrible thing to lose, Mr. Twain.

I can't say it anybetter than foolonthehill...exactly.

First of all, Re-branding of America? For what to Re-Conform to the European nations that we fought so hard to liberate ourselves from? I cringe to say this John, but you being from Norway is magnified in your OPINION of this concept, and of the Nobel Peace Prize selection.

The fact is that this is America and we have given so much for our identity. The global Plan as you call it is and should NOT be the first concern of the President of the United States of America. He should serve the people of this country. This plan you so enthusiastically speak of is not the plan of the majority, not here in the US. The adage goes something like, we need to fix out problems before we fix the problems of others.

I disagree:
“The Nobel Peace Prize is the rest of the world saying, ‘Don’t blow it.’

This is simply five guys making a statement, not the world.

I do not put my faith in President Obama.

Bono is a rich musician, a foreign national. He is not qualified, nor does he have any business dictating United States' policy foreign or domestic.

Bono is similar to Mao Zedong? Pete, you are a card.

With unemployment hovering around 10%, federal deficits approaching $2 trillion. Possible governmental control of one-sixth of our economy-this is the same government which lost track of $7.6 billion of aid money in Iraq. Terrorists gaining back power in the middle east-just wait and see what the price of gas will be if terrorist gain control of Iran or Iraq's oil field. Our president making excuses and bowing to middle east dictators, eastern european missile defense system dismantled. More czars in the US government than the Russian Romanov-none are vetted or background checked. A new energy tax guaranteed to make gasoline more expensive making every aspect of our american life more expensive-thank you Algore. A wait and see philosophy in Darfur and Afghanistan-remember "Black Hawk Down"....how's that hope and change coming along?

Sorry Rev Eyster; much as I respect you I believe Obama has already blown it... he will go down as an even more mediocre president than the smiling dunce Carter, who was the worst president in my lifetime, (since 1950).

Great blog, John. I am sure you will take a right wing beating for it, but simply put....you are right and they are wrong.

Ahem, John, you have not posited anything upon which to "consider" or "cogitate," unless you have left it to the reader to decide the point of your inclusion of the Bono Op-Ed (other than you liked it). With that, one might consider Bono’s opinion to not much matter. He is, after all, a mere celebrity and not a serious policy-maker or thinker on the topics (debt relief, poverty reduction, etc.) for which he advocates. Press releases, meeting with officials, and the like do not make one an expert—one who popularizes something—yes. One might also think that it is wonderful Bono agrees with the platitudes Obama espouses (but has not taken affirmative concrete steps to implement). However, does that matter or surprise, or does that even mean a “rebranding of America?” Others still might think that Bono and his multi-millionaire cronies could afford to donate their own money and resources (hold another series of Live Aid events) to create their own sustainable private fund to do what in their minds the governments cannot accomplish. But in the end, from a serious policy perspective, the international policy of the US must be as it has been traditionally: first and foremost, US interests first. That will not always make the US popular with Bono (who has no skin in the game) or others from time-to-time. Entanglements in international institutions that lack credibility (UN, International Criminal Court, etc.) do not always further the interest of the US. Rather, other countries are arrayed against the US for those countries’ own selfish interests whether they are economic, strategic, or otherwise (e.g., Russia, Iran, Venezuela, France, EU, Saudi Arabia, Israel). Do not lose site of that fact. As Senator Moynihan was fond of saying, “You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts.”

The world will once again believe in America's promise if today's Americans can rediscover what that meant to the first Americans and why.