American Morning
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Here’s your daily recap of the best feedback we got from YOU today. Continue the conversation below. And remember, keep it brief, and keep it clean. Thanks!
American Morning viewers had two schools of thought regarding President Obama’s “bow.” The majority believed the bow was a sign of respect and deference. A minority felt Mr. Obama was belittling the United States with this gesture.
- Dorigen: If the president bowed in Japan, no one would flinch. We are not used to having a president who knows how to show respect for other cultures. Finally we have someone who knows that working together is the only way to move the world forward. That "We're Number One!" mentality that has permeated our own culture is counterproductive. If we are to lead the world, we will have to make willing followers out of other countries. Showing respect and, at times, deference, will breed the good will that results in fostering much needed cooperation.
- Diane: It seems to me that Pres Obama did bow!!!! I am not surprised since he told the world prior that they are the stronger nations and not the US.
Was the president’s bow a sign of respect or an example of the United States’ downgrade from “superpower” status? Do you believe President Obama was incorrect in following this custom, as he is also a world leader, or did he respect the Saudi culture? Tell us what you think.
The Somali pirate story captured audience attention, especially the failed attempt by the captain to escape. Viewers were particularly frustrated and angry that the process was dragging on.
- John: The warship seems impotent to rescue the Captain hostage. They should have their marines eliminate the terrorists who are sitting ducks in the lifeboat! This is embarrassing. These pirate terrorists are cowards. They are scared to die. They are thieves and kidnappers. When they see the marines pointing their machine guns at them, they will be surrendering immediately for dear life. My goodness! What is the warship waiting for? This is the simplest rescue mission and they can't even do it!
Has the U.S. military been too slow in its response to the Somali pirate hostage incident? How would you handle this situation differently? Do you believe the U.S. should negotiate with the Somali pirates? Share your thoughts with us.
The White House Millionaires Club segment generated mostly praise for the White House staff:
- Avertuc2000: terribly unfair to talk about millionaires in the white House–they might be millionaires now, having worked up to it–but what about the billionaires in the Bush white House–notice you didn't mention them! The president was once so poor, he ate out of soup cans while going to school in NY–his mother struggled her whole life. Michelle's family worked hard on the south side of Chicago–her father went to work everyday with MS–terribly misleading piece of journalism!
Was CNN unjust for presenting this segment on the White House Millionaires’ Club? How do you feel about the viewer’s opinion that all these staff memebers made their money honestly and therefore deserve praise for their success? Do you believe, as some claim, that this can only be accomplished in a free market system? Do you believe it was unfair to examine the Obama White House without reviewing the Bush administration? Give us your opinion.
Finally, the immigration debated heated up, with viewers angry that the president’s policy would allow amnesty when so many are out of work, while illegals voiced their support for the chance to become citizens, work legally, and pay taxes.
- Alexis: My dad has been laid off for over two years in construction. I want to know how Pres. Obama is justifying wanting to give 20+ million illegals here amnesty (not counting their chain migration of another 10 million) since they took most of the construction jobs in the US. With the economy so bad, why are American citizens taking a back seat to those here illegally? They cost us more than they're worth. Last time I looked, there weren't any vultures flying over starving mexicans in mexio. We need to bring pressure on their host nations to take care of their own, not dump them on other countries to take care of. Pres. Obama, in his speeches, repeatedly promised to uphold the Constitution and our laws. He's breaking that promise and our laws if he gives anyone amnesty that is here illegally. Amnesty cannot twist and reverse that fact. Other Presidents deported... and we can't afford not to.
- Stefan: I'm one from 12mil.! We everybody working anyway! We not taken jobs from americans! Americans don't like work for 7 $/hr. Mostly you talking about maxicans [Mexicans}. Ok, I'm understand you afraid that other people from mexico will come to take other jobs! They need just legal status, to have SSN and work permit to work legaly. Who work legaly, will pay tax ! 12mil times at least 1000 on tax, is nice number for american economy. Then they will buy cars and houses...another busines in america! Now, they work anyway, don't paid tax, then will take money out of USA and ?? Or who will work for 7$/hr in landscaping in 100F or construction? But they will pay tax and gouverment will have control about everybody . Who don't pay, have address, go there and deport them. Just remain you, 12mil times at least 1000 every year!
Where do you stand on President Obama’s immigration policy? How do you feel about the two viewers’ statements? Is there a way for us to create common ground on such a topic? Let us know how you feel.
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Shame on you people for not covering the biggest protest in years: The Tax Revolt Tea Parties. There are tens of thousands of people all across America protesating, and Fox News is the only network covering it live. And you call yourself a news network? Your'e a joke, and puppet of the left.
"First cause" an oxymoron could never occur, infinite ceaselessness has no beginning!
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PIRACY ON THE HIGH SEAS? HERE'S A SURE FIX!
The Somalia pirates must be dealt with forcefully!
They are violating every precept of moral code and law of humanity!
They deserve to die for "HIGH SEAS PIRACY!
So, when a "pirates speedboat" comes alongside a vessel they intend to capture, and proceeds to throw "hooks" used to climb aboard; a member of the crew of that "vessel" should pull the pin of a HAND GRENADE, count to seven, and drop it in the "speedboat!
Voila! No more threat of 'highjacking'!
Also, the speedboats carrying pirates that are "hijacking" vessels hundreds of miles from shore, are not coming from shore, but from a "Mother Ship"!
All "Mother Ships" must be located, all aboard should be removed, and the "Mother Ships"
should be SUNK!
If ALL "Mother Ships" are SUNK, this should end the "PIRACY ON THE HIGH SEAS"
by the Somalia pirates!
Further, with regard to the many already hijacked vessels and "hostage crewmembers;
I believe it is 'high time' these horrible crimes, and embarrassments to the rest of the World
are properly dealt with.
The United Nations must mount a Military Force, enter into the Somalia "pirates" stronghold
and, by whatever means necessary FREE ALL THE HOSTAGES, AND, THE
HIJACKED VESSELS! And, seize all the pirates, and remove all their means for 'Piracy'
including all heavy weapons used for threatening to "sink" the hijacked vessels.
Further, the "ransom" money the pirates use to purchase weapons and boats
for their piracy, should also be demanded returned!
@amFIX " we would be fixing alot of things in this conunry if just pot were legal. millions of dollors would be in the tax system. the whole conutry depends on drugs for income in salarys and , for millions of jobs.We should make cigarettes,and beer illegal. Those are very addict, and destroy familys already. pot is not and never will be addicting. any way pot is not a drug, its a natral herb, drugs are made, pot was put here on earth by god. not man, man does nothing to it, like all other drugs. including alcohol, cigs. pot is also used for making clothes, ropes, and medical resons to HELP people! any man made drug should be illegal. GO POT
Oh...and as a former addictions counsellor, I agree with the 'legalize' Fella...
Ok....so you listen? I have been sitting here and admire Kieran's blouse, love the ruffles! WHERE did she get it??
I think we all know there is a big difference between Alcohol and illegal deadly drugs like Crack, Cocaine,LSD,etc..If everyone had access to these drugs and there were no laws against them, this country would be even more dangerous than it is now. They just need to make tougher laws against drugs.
Of course drugs should be legal! Did alcohol prohibition work? No. Could god prevent adam and eve from the temptation of a simple apple, no.
We are all adults we should know what to and not to put in our own bodies!
We also need to realize the financial cost of jailing all of these so called criminals and realize how much the govnt could make off the taxation of these "products"
The Obama girls go to a Quaker school. Ironically, a Quaker Meeting as the Obamas' choice of a church would cause howls of protest from the religious community precisely because Quakers have no dogma and welcome all seekers!
I am glad to see that bigotry is still alive and healthy in some minor parts of our country.
Fortunately, the majority of us realize that President Obama is the best thing that could have happened to this country. Now more than ever, I am proud to be an American.
Now.. The BIG question is.. What will USA do to prevent this in the near future? We all have to know, that if or when the next ship is hijacked by the pirates (Yes,there are plenty more pirates), the pirates will without a doubt, kill the next hostage(s) because of the fact that we (USA) just killed 3 of their pirates.. So Obama and the U.S. government better get off their butts right away and change the laws about what we can do when pirates come after any ship again..We need to be able to have armed crew members on EVERY ship no matter what, and U.S. war ships need to stay out there all the time..
Good Job USA...
Breaking News!!.. The American captain held hostage is now free... 3 Pirates were killed, 1 in custody.. HELL YEAH !!.. About time..
After these pirates take the American captain to shore, they will look back at the U.S. navy ships and wave.. laughing.. knowing that the USA won't do anything and be forced to pay a huge ransom.. this makes me sick.. I am not really proud to be an American anymore.. We feed this same country of Somalia because they are starving, we send them millions of dollars and HIV medicine.. and they treat us like this? USA needs to set an example to these pirates so they will NEVER high jack another ship..Period..
this man is a disgrace to our nation, he shows how weak he really is and puts this country in danger, the inexperience in world politics shows and every other country out there that hates us see's this as a weakness and are going to exploit this weakness, we all should be very scared for our safety" I VOTE TO IMPEACH"
I don't know what's worse – the bow to the Saudi king, or the fact that Obama is lying about it. . . .
He's dishonest and he always has been, which is why I didn't vote for him, but this lie is so obvious, I can't believe he actually thinks he's going to get away with it. . . . .
"My administration will be the administration of honesty and transparency" – Barack Obama . .
the U.S. needs to go to Somalia and start dropping bombs on these people.. take out the "Nest" where they are all coming from.. This is costing USA a lot of money just to sit there in the water. Imagine if or when the Pirates take over a cruise ship that is loaded with money.. Casino's on board, tons of food,gift shops, and not to mention all the passengers that are not exactly poor... This problem with the pirates need to be solved. USA has plenty of fire power to handle this problem. And, USA should tell the government in Somalia that the next time there is a pirate attack, we will NEVER send you anymore food or HIV medicine..
Dear CNN: It has been a mystery to me for years now why the world refuses to threaten, intimidate, kill or otherwise stand up to these Somali pirates? As soon as Capt. Phillips dove into the water why was the enclosed lifeboat not immediately riddled with M-60 or 20mm fire?? At the very worst this would have left the one persuing pirate in the water with no weapon and nowhere to go and Capt Phillips with freedom a short swim away. After the failure of "UNISOM 2" in 1993, and the thanks they showed the free world then, the entire population of Somalia is not worth the life of Capt. Phillips in my view. Respectfully submitted – Steve D.
Dear CNN: It has been a mystery to me for years now why the world refuses to threaten, intimidate, kill or otherwise stand up to these Somali pirates? As soon as Capt. Phillips dove into the water why was the enclosed lifeboat not immediately riddled with M-60 or 20mm fire?? At the very worst this would have left the one persuing "skinny" in the water with no weapon and nowhere to go and Capt Phillips with freedom a short swim away. After the failure of "UNISOM 2" in 1993, and the thanks they showed the free world then, the entire population of Somalia is not worth the life of Capt. Phillips in my view. Respectfully submitted – Steve D.
It appears that France is the ONLY coutry that that the "Guts" to use the force that NEEDS to be used against these Animals The USA does NOT appears to have the "GUTS" to stop the SO@#. If a fully armed DLG Commanding Officer doesn"t have the guts to stop thoes GERKS, the U.S could always send a FEW 688 Class Fast Attack SUBMARINES with ARMED MARINES to patrol the area. The SOLUTION is SIMPLE KILL THE GERKS, I REPEAT KILL ALL OF THEM.
ARM THE GENERAL CARGO CARGO CARRIES, AND USE SOUND CANNONS ON THE TANKERS. Public opion should FORCE our Pres... to take POSITIVE ACTION! This has been sent by a Retired Submarine Sailor, if given the chanch WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. PERIOD
On 4/5/09, I sent a note regarding the appearance of Mr. Santonio Holmes and his discussion about sickle cell disease. I received a e-mail reply from CNN which advised me to check for comments under the "we listen" section. I have been checking,albeit, infrequently. Can you please send me an e-mail advising me of a follow-up comment. I do think that disseminating correct information about sickle cell disease will be a good public service.
Thank You
Sincerely,
Edwin Guobadia
Are you surprised that we have a bungling joker for the supposed position of President? Its the joke of the century. I can not believe we would allow a bunch of nomad jungle jerks standoff a US Destroyer. What the hell are we thinking.? The captain jumps overboard, a split second for the guy standing on deck to blow the hell out of the whole bunch. The sailor on deck should be lock in the ships brig. Do you think for a moment the Russians, Japonese, Germans or French would put up with this BS.????
Yes it does seem that the US navy should have this under control by now but the safety of the hostages are our main concern. What bothers me the most is why don't we and the other countries involved follow these pirates and kill them either on their mother ships or in Somalia? After they commit these crimes we should have already shown them that they cannot attack any ships without any response!
Re the Somali pirates.
The Capitan of the USS Bainbridge should be relieved of duty and discharged for failing to rescue the hostage after he had escaped from the pirates. They should have had eyes on that boat at all times and have watched what happened. Apparently the watch was asleep and failed that hostage.