On Thanksgiving Eve, Obama Family Hands Out Food to the Needy

To concerned in OH
Give me a break and have a wondrful Thanks giving

concerned in OH obviously didn’t the fact that Pres. Elect Obama had been doing this years before the cameras were around. if he didn’t care this year he would have definitely had an excuse not to come back.
the sour grapes attitude of many Republicans who can’t move on and get over the fact he will be the Pres the next four years need to just get over it because the people have spoken.

Concerned
It is obvious that you have never volunteered or given anything to charity in your life. Obama had been a community organizer and he will always help out people, but then again you would not know anything about helping others.
I still wish you a happy thanksgiving, I hope you will find something to give thanks for.

Im sure the people there appeciated it very much. I think he is a very caring person & it shows. Why be so cynical concerned in OH.??
Happy Thanksgiving!!

I participate in helping at the food bank daily – the reality is that I actually see the impact of the economy and the growing lines of people who can’t afford to buy food. It’s very sadening to watch people who are grateful but embarassed and some broken spirited because they’ve had to resort to pantries to eat. I’m more concerned about the awareness that there a lots of hungry WORKING people right here in Chicago – right in your neighborhood. Hopefully people will take a stand to act rather than point fingers. Happy Thanksgiving to All.

By the way, I am a volunteer and philanthropist and have personally ran into Obama way back in the day (7 or more years)helping at several charities.

Concerned:
Do some volunteering, it will help and lift your spirit!!!!
Have a Blessful Thanksgiving to ALL!!!

Nice photo-op. Too bad there’s no care or sincerity behind it.
Posted by: Concerned in OH
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I suppose the Obama family could have followed the George W. Bush families example and went into hiding after doling out the contents of the United States of America’s treasury to his buddies that helped put the imbecile into office all the while robbing the country blind.

I moved from OH several years ago but like the obamas never forgot where I came from

That was nice of the Obama’s.

Concerned in OH -
“too bad there’s no care or sincerity behind it.”
How one earth would you pretend to know what’s in other people’s hearts? On Thursday, why don’t you try to find something to be grateful for instead of spending your day snarking. Happy Thanksgiving.

“Where are the McCain’s? Oh I guess at one of the seven homes they own preparing for Thanksgiving. There are so many of us without jobs, insurance, and money.” Maybe you should have saved your money and spent it wisely!

“have YOU volunteered ANYWHERE just for the good of someone else? Try it – it’d be good for you.” How about save your money and spend it wisely? God helps those who help themselves – it’d be good for you.

Even if this were just a photo op, the fact is that the Obama family is giving us a concrete reminder that at this time when we think of feasting, lots of people are facing a challenge putting any food on their table, much less a feast. Not only is Obama graphically showing us the issue instead of just talking at us, he and his family are demonstrating how easy and important it is to help out those less fortunate. And of course for all the parents out there, here’s a valuable lesson to share with your kids as well. Leading by example; gotta love his style!

Mauimom – we don’t need the Obamas to tell us this. The Salvation Army is out in full force at the grocery stores now.
PS: Any time famous people give out crumbs to the little ones with cameras around, I feel the same way. Pitiful.

The Obamas are the Real Deal and those who opposed him can’t stand it. They chose a man with 7 homes who believed the economy is “fundamentally strong” and the rest of us chose a brilliant, sensitive, family man, someone who understands food banks as well as financial banks. Obama may very well be the first American leader in way too long who actually can empathize with the poor and suffering. Anyway, if it ever comes when America doesn’t want him in DC anymore, we in Chicago will welcome him and his family back with love and gratitude. And BTW: I’m not black, I’m not poor, I own my own small business and what I give thanks for most this year is how my country rejected the failed policies of the past and chose to elect an outstanding human being for president.

It is truly heartwarming and inspiring to have a president who will use his celebrity to call attention to the least fortunate among us. There is no truer expression of the American spirit – compassionate and generous of heart.

Cynic—A person who knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing

cynical black democrat- Do you actually think it would be possible for Obama to volunteer in a public venue without the press around? Even if he didn’t announce his presence, how long could he be anywhere before someone called their friends? Yeah, I get that it seems like famous people get a lot of attention for just showing up places while people who dedicate themselves to helping others remain anonymous and that seems wrong; but instead of thinking it’s pitiful I figure at least that person is using their fame to raise awareness of a cause or issue that most of us cannot begin to achieve. I mean, if I went down to the food bank it’s not going to make the papers and highlight the need for giving, is it? But when someone famous does, well, at least they’re making an effort and hopefully inspiring some who might not otherwise think of it to help. It’s not about recognition anyway, it’s about making a difference one way or another and everyone’s efforts count, big or small.

I applaud the Obamas for volunteering, and the fact that it’s a photo op as well does not bother me. We need photo ops of leaders doing such things to remind others that it is important to follow their examples. yeah, most of us who volunteer all year round (I spend my saturdays at the local animal shelter and volunteer at the soup kitchen as well) would do so regardless of any call to volunteerism by any elected official. Still, if it influences anyone, it’s worth it.
I do want to point out, however, that President Bush has regularly done similar volunteer work and I do not see the gushing of praise directed at him as well. I don’t just mean flying to Iraq and serving the troops Thanksgiving dinner, I mean packing boxes at a food pantry and similar meaningful volunteer efforts.
The gestures of both these families, the present and future first families, should be applauded.

Concerned in OH…You sound like you never helped anyone a day in your life. Too bad, if you did you would realize how very hard warming it is. You really shouldn’t be so angry.Let consider this union between America and Our new president a marriage, we are in it together for better or for worst. You know what things are looking better already, hopefully your attitude will change. Try some volunteer work it’s very good for the soul, you will see that others especially strangers will respect you for all your efforts. You sound like a very angry person to be. Let move forward and take a hint from the Obamas, do something for someone else. It’s not all about you.

No sincerity! how can you say that? What president in history can you say has ever done this before Obama? He cares! I just pray he and his family has good protective security.

I want my $1000 for voting him.
A promise is a promise, unless you are not a man of word.

Never done that when he was a senator.

To say this was a photo op is all wrong, Michelle and Barack have been handing out food in food lines in Chicago for the last 3 years, so this is nothing new and to call their home a manison is wrong also, it is an average 2700sq ft 3 bedroom home in a nice neighborhood of Chicago, so I would not call that a mansion at all. Bush’s home in Texas is much bigger than the Obamas in fact Laura Bush is refusing to move to the ranch permentaly, she said it is to isolated so they are buying another home in Houston.

Angeline, you wrote: “No sincerity! how can you say that? What president in history can you say has ever done this before Obama? He cares! I just pray he and his family has good protective security.”
I am not one of those who questioned Obama’s sincerity. But I do take issue with your claim that no president in history has ever done this before Obama. Of course they have. As I pointed out in my post below, the Bushes do something similar every year. I dare say most presidents have a similar caring impulse and have done their share of volunteer work, both before, during, and after their presidency. (Look at Jimmy Carter, who was, in my opinion, a lousy president but who has done great charity work as an ex-president.) I am pleased that Obama is taking his place in the continuum. What I object to is statements like yours implying that he is unique and better than past presidents because he is doing this. Don’t be silly. And yes, he has done this in the past– for three years. That’s a good sign. But the cynic in me does have to point out that’s about how long he has been in the public spotlight as a presidential contender. I assume he did similar good works prior to that in other venues. At least I hope so.
Again, I’m not knocking the guy here. I am just asking for some sense of perspective– applaud people for doing good while NOT putting down others as if they have not had similar good impulses. And to the predictable poster — pefros, of course– who tries to say that Bush was only charitable to his oil/gas buddies and Obama is concerned about the little people– put a cork in it. BOTH these men care about the poor and unfortunate and BOTH have done things to improve the situations of those people. Stop demonizing Bush.
I am thankful today for our country, our government, and the leadership that has kept us safe and will continue to do so.

moderate, thank you! you are really the voice of reason. probably the only one on this posting site! Happy Thanksgiving!

I want my $1000 for voting him.
A promise is a promise, unless you are not a man of word.
Posted by: expecting | Nov 26, 2008 8:26:33 PM
Sorry, but in these tough economic times you will just have to settle for an extra can of yams, instead.
Would you care to accept an I.Obama.U. to make up the difference?

Obama is soooo generous. The year he and Michelle made over 4 million bucks he gave a whopping $2225.00 to charity. Impressive.

Contrast that to Barbara Bush going to the Astrodome to ridicule Katrina victims.

re: Posted by: Concerned in OH | Nov 26, 2008 3:48:12 PM
Sorry … didn’t see it in the thread … but what did YOU do either actually or symbollically to help?
Even if you are correct in your cynicism, the optics probably will be worth their weight in terms of attracting contributions and volunteers.

GOD ALMIGHTY JESUS MARY JOSEPH -DARLING HOLY FAMILY BLESS BO AND HIS LOVELY FAMILY THEY WILL BE PROTECTED FOREVER AND HEAVENLY BLESSINGS ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR THEM SO SHOCKING TO SEE EVIL PEOPLE BEING SO MATERILISTIC AND CYNICAL DO THEY EVER THINK OF THE POOR AND NEEDY AS OUR LORD JESUS NEVER THEY ARE JUST USELESS GOD BLESS PRESIDENT ELECT AND HIS FAMILY AND BEAUTIFUL AMERICA

AGAIN with the label of angry bitter republican if you don’t buy into the Obama hype. That’s getting really old. Think of something else, like “heretic” and “nonBeliever.” At least it would be fresh. And more accurate, as all nonBelievers aren’t republicans.
I recall a wise saying. Do good, and tell no-one. The only reason the rich give money as they do is to get recognition, through having a building named after them, for instance, or getting pictures taken. Ribbon-cuttings and handshakes while grinning at the camera ARE insincere. And so is arranging film crews at “heartwarming” moments like handing out food. Those with money who give anonymously, those with time who do things without a press release or any kind of recognition, those are the people to be admired. We know how much Obama gave to charity, we know what school(s) are named after him, we know every “good” thing he does. That is not to be admired. That is PR.
And what does “the season” have to do with being charitable?? That drives me crazy, hearing that “how can you BE that way during THE SEASON?” The real question should be, “Why are YOU only that way (giving, doing, etc) during THE SEASON?”
His minutes at the table giving out food was not endearing. It wasn’t. And I’m sure that the homeless weren’t thrilled with being frisked and wanded by the Secret Service before being ushered into the Presence of the One. Then identified in their pain on camera.
Not a reason for thinking he will ever do good for good’s sake.

Moderate, thank you LOL!
Yes, I am as vocal about my dissent toward Bush, but at least I could do it in public.
So, shall it be heretic or Heretic? :-)
Oh, and Dena, nice CoolSig definition. Try reading up on Cynicism. Part of a definition from Wikipedia : The example of the Cynic’s life (and the use of the Cynic’s biting satire) would dig-up and expose the pretensions which lay at the root of everyday conventions.
Cynics, true cynics, understand that people are capable of so much, but that very few (themselves usually included) will ever attain excellence. Because of simple human nature.
And we don’t jump on the bandwagon. The thing is too crowded.

I appreciate well thought out comments by writers like Moderate and Laughing Cynic, and agree that everyone has the right to speak out. Isn’t that a founding principle of our country?
I am an Obama supporter, but if McCain had been elected, I would be thoroughly supporting him at this point.
Once a new President is voted for, he needs all of our support and commitment to help to make the changes we need, that our country needs to survive and grow. That’s what I meant earlier about ‘putting our effort where our mouths are’.
We need to participate actively, not just by voting and contacting our representatives and senators…I mean by putting into practice the things we say we want, like a sense of community, better food, lower oil prices. As an example, every dollar we spend (on a person by person basis) and where we spend it speaks loudly about what we believe is good for America (a big box store or a local store, etc., we make those kinds of choices every day).
And regarding the ‘photo ops’, before I complain about the Obamas or the Bushes or anyone, I look at what I pay attention to (like the photo ops) and if I don’t like it, then I contact the newspaper to complain, It’s the reporter who get the photo ops that people seem to want so that their papers will sell. I’ve been in the news business.
I also realize that the changes we’ll get from any adminstration will only be as good as what we the people, the taxpayers work for, not ask for.

Sorry, should be “whose following…”
And I was on such a roll there :-)
That’s what happens when I take a minute to edit and scale back the inflammatory speechifying. Trying for “well-thought-out” and leaving bumps in the road.
I promise in my future oppositional posts to edit at least twice :-)

“American with Hope,” you wrote: “Photo-op or not, its more than anyone has ever seen Bush and his cronies doing. The point is, Obama and his family give hope and their presence encourages others to do what they can whether they have an entire day or an hour to give.”
But that’s the problem, AWH– your initial statement simply is not true. Bush has packed boxes for the homeless at food banks numerous times, for example, and there’s usually a photographer around to record the event. Yet folks like you don’t notice, because you were never as enamoured of Bush as you are of Obama. So you talk of “bush and his CRONIES” and insist they would never do anything so altruistic as volunteer as Obama has done. That’s meanspirited. Can’t you praise Obama WITHOUT putting down Bush? It does not appear so. And yet Republicans like me are constantly told to stow our partisanship. It is not a one-way street. I would love to see just one of the “usual suspects”– pefros, grey matter, or Maureen, for example– admit that Bush is also a good man who has done equally inspiring things, or say the same of John McCain. I won’t hold my breathe, even though I made a point of praising Obama for doing something charitable. I do not automatically denigrate everything he does just because I did not vote for him.
Oh, and San Pedro, please consider giving the “McCains are evil coz they own 7 houses a rest.” Does it not matter to you, for example, that one of the homes Cindy owns is lived in by her elderly aunt, whom Cindy supports? Does it not matter that they have given literally millions of dollars to charity and that Cindy has travelled around the world helping get much-needed medical care to needy children, one of whom she wound up adopting? The McCains also walk the walk and I would appreciate it if those of you rushing to say that we should not be partisan would acknowledge these good people for their efforts as well.
Haven’t seen a picture of BUsh or McCain doing charity work this season? That hardly means they have not done so. It means the cameras are following Obama, and, it sometimes seems, only Obama, these days.

JD:
You’re welcome, and I’ve enjoyed this also. Perhaps this will start a new trend… imagine commentors catching onto civil debate techniques. One never knows. I’m certainly paying more attention to and scaling back on my more vitriolic statements. Generally only used when responding to vitriol launched first, but…perhaps going nuclear (as I sometimes do) isn’t necessary when the other party has only dynamite. Not meaning you, of course.
And goodnight!

Obama has been doing this for the last *three* years. Why so late to the scene? He’s actually been running for president for the last *five* years, at least.
He’s had photographers documenting his entire life since 2003 according to Axlerod.
Just a photo-op? No way! /s