So there are a bunch of conservatives in one of my community college classes I'm attending...

[LAGC]

It's an online English Composition (writing) class, and the professor assigns us essays to read and discuss each week on a private online discussion board to help us analyze the works of famous writers. This week's required reading is an excerpt from Dreams From My Father, where Obama talks about how he first found out his dad had passed away. It was a very well-written piece and I was hopeful some good discussion might arise from it.

Anyway, the first half-dozen or so posters all said something to the effect of "I don't like Obama, so I'm not interested in anything he has to say." One even went so far as to call him a "pathological liar", which I took issue with. Here is what I wrote:

You think Obama is a "pathological liar?" I haven't noticed him stretching the truth any more than any other politician on Capitol Hill.

If anything, I think Obama has been quite candid about what he said his plans were back when he was running as a candidate, and has been quite diligent in pursuing those goals as president. He's fulfilled quite a few of his campaign promises, and those he hasn't only because of obstruction in Congress.

I don't agree with every stance of his agenda by any means, but I don't think its fair to single him out for being untruthful, considering who he has to work with in Washington.

Now I get to wait to see how many heads explode...

[riverbendviewgal]

1. let us know what reaction you get

I am curious too.

[gateley]

2. If I were the instructor I'd say it's an English composition course -- not

Poly Sci --read what you're assigned.

[patrice]

7. Yes!! Pedagogically speaking, at that level, disliking it is even more reason to study it, because

one identifies the basis of one's critique and can validate the justification for one's dislike and learn about writing in the process.

[Swamp Lover]

3. Diplomatic and well stated.

I live in a very RED state and am often in situations where I am very out numbered.

Fortunately, most of the arguments and comments are right out of Beck, Rush, Hannity or Fox in some way, so they are easy to recognize and dissemble.

Best strategy, is just as you did. Firm, but resolute "push back".

If you, in time, turn one from the dark side, you have accomplished something.

[narnian60]

4. Hey, students!

It doesn't matter if you like the writer of whatever it is you are analyzing or not. This is an assignment-now shut up and do it.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

5. Keep us posted, their replies should be ...

entertaining.

[patrice]

6. You are so reasonable & balanced, I think you will be ignored, because you're just tooo valid.

I look forward to seeing what happens in your updates on this.

[Cha]

8. Thank you, LAGC for taking issue with the brainwashed.. they are

so prevalant these days.. you never know where you're going to find them. You were more than reasonable in your reply. I like the way you framed it... as in signaling out the President for "lying" was absurd on the face of it. Moreover, he's actually trying to come through on his goals.

It's so lazy to say to let others do their thinking for them.. like limbaugh, fo bullshit mountain), etc, etc, ,etc.

Have fun in class

[jybarz]

9. jybarz

BRAVO! You did the right, yet quite respectful, thing instead of abusing them as I would have. Just another example of how close minded these lost souls conservatives.

[treestar]

10. How can one adjudge anyone a pathological liar without listening to what they have to say?

What morons. We listened to Bush and that's how we know he's a pathological liar.