Pamela Geller: White House Tree ‘Festooned with Evil’

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Taking the Obama Christmas tree nontroversy to the next level of deranged absurdity, Pamela Geller says Obama’s tree is festooned with evil.

I could not help but smile to myself when I got a gander at Obama’s vile “Christmas” ornaments, defiled with images of history’s most evil men, like the murderer of untold millions and cultural executioner Mao Tse Tung.

And it was hard not to laugh when Michelle explained the decadent ornaments away. She and O  were unaware of the images, as the ornaments were decorated and sent to them from her various groups (clearly those of a seditious and conspiratorial nature). Do you notice how there were no accidents or mistakes like an image of Ronald Reagan festooned to the tree? How about George Washington, or General George Patton or any of the really exceptional human beings who walked among us that were not of the red variety, but of the red, white and blue schema?

No. Evil hung from the Obama tree.

Leaving aside the weirdness of Pamela Geller smiling and laughing when she sees a White House Christmas tree “festooned with evil,” let’s take a look at the photo of the tree posted at Flickr, shall we?

The Obamas look so happy in this photo; it must be the close proximity to all of that evil festoonage.

But then, we zoom in on the ornament just below Michelle Obama’s right shoulder, from the full-sized image:

Why, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say that was Ronald Reagan, in front of a red, white, and blue American “schema.” But it can’t be, because Pamela Geller says this is one horrifically evil Christmas tree, and Ronald Reagan wasn’t evil, was he? Maybe it’s Stalin disguised as Reagan?

(Some of us might think it’s “evil” to write this kind of incendiary, hateful nonsense without even bothering to check if it’s true.)

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124 comments
1 Mark Pennington  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:31:30pm

My girlfriend calls her an obnoxious skank. :)

2 freetoken  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:31:31pm

And the 2009 Shrieky award goes to... the Harpy herself.

3 Dancing along the light of day  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:31:37pm

In the spirit of the season, I wish joy & happiness for everyone.
Including Pamela.

4 [deleted]  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:31:53pm
5 Neutral President  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:32:22pm
Some of us might think it’s “evil” to write this kind of incendiary, hateful nonsense without even bothering to check if it’s true.

Evil no, just illustrative of exactly how over the top and insane the writer is.

6 KronoGhazi  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:33:04pm

Red (commie) plus blue (democrat) = purple. Beck will be onto this any moment...

7 Mark Pennington  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:33:28pm
Some of us might think it’s “evil” to write this kind of incendiary, hateful nonsense without even bothering to check if it’s true.

Only people with integrity would bother to check.

8 Vicious Babushka  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:34:41pm

Lump o'coal for Pammy. She's been nipping at the Amaretto, without the eggnog.

9 KronoGhazi  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:40:04pm

I've never heard about Hedda Lettuce before. This is a Major BFD.

10 Randall Gross  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:41:27pm

You know in Pammy's nativist book RR probably is in the evil column, after all the first amnesty occurred when he was president

11 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:43:00pm

festooned with evil men?...it was one man, hardly a typical festoon...she exaggerates

12 Eclectic Infidel  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:43:53pm

Nothing would be good enough, or dare I say, American enough for Ms. Geller. She needs a new hobby, and some eggnog with that Amaretto.

13 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:44:22pm

re: #8 Alouette

Lump o'coal for Pammy. She's been nipping at the Amaretto, without the eggnog.

What's Amaretto? Some kind of brandy?

14 Bagua  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:45:34pm

Merry Christmas Charles

Thank you for all your hard work providing this website for our benefit and education!

15 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:45:42pm

re: #13 Dark_Falcon

What's Amaretto? Some kind of brandy?

a liqueur

16 Mark Pennington  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:47:00pm

I just re-read this entry and laughed out loud. You're snark is excellent.

17 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:47:57pm

re: #15 albusteve

a liqueur

Yep, that sounds about right. Although given the level of shrieking rage in Crazy Pam, I'd guess she was coked up, rather than drunk.

18 What, me worry?  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:50:13pm

re: #9 BigPapa

I've never heard about Hedda Lettuce before. This is a Major BFD.

In the grand scheme of things, I'd rather have the transvestite vote then, say, that of the American militia types.

In the very least, they have more interesting attire.

19 Stuart Leviton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:50:49pm

Ah, controversy. I was starting to wonder:

why is this day different from all other days?
20 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:52:34pm

re: #19 Stuart Leviton

Ah, controversy. I was starting to wonder:

We can't have Christmas without getting together to the things we love. And around here, that includes mocking the loonies.

21 Eclectic Infidel  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:52:51pm

re: #17 Dark_Falcon

Yep, that sounds about right. Although given the level of shrieking rage in Crazy Pam, I'd guess she was coked up, rather than drunk.

You may be onto something there.

22 RealismRox  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:53:09pm

People like Pamela convince themselves that Obama admires (or is) evil communist dictators. Then they imagine things about him, like that the Christmas tree is a Marxist shrine. This tree wouldn't have Reagan or some other hero of capitalism on it, why bother to even look into the reality.

23 Randall Gross  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:53:19pm

The Obama's Christmas Greetings

[Link: thehill.com...]

24 Gang of One  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:53:44pm

Hedda is actually better looking than Pamela, methinks.

25 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:53:55pm

re: #17 Dark_Falcon

Yep, that sounds about right. Although given the level of shrieking rage in Crazy Pam, I'd guess she was coked up, rather than drunk.

I don't see it as shrieking rage, but that's the verbage around here

26 Big Steve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:55:32pm

Regarding finding Ronnie.....well done Charles! Not that facts will stop the kooks but I like original research!

27 [deleted]  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:56:46pm
28 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:56:54pm

re: #9 BigPapa

I've never heard about Hedda Lettuce before. This is a Major BFD.

I am personally greatly in favor of Hedda being on the tree. As far as I know, Hedda has never done anything but bring joy and laughter into the lives of those who love their drags queens. And, as I pointed out yesterday, the traditional English Christmas pantomime relies on cross-dressing as part of its concept.

I vote that Mao be taken down and replaced with an ornament featuring one of Warhol's soup cans. Or Marilyn Monroe.

Pam's referring to evil people in the plural. Have we found any more?

29 Big Steve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 12:57:35pm

By the way, received a Sony Reader for x-mas. Out of the box it wouldn't load its software my PC so I had to go on-line and download it. Also it does not appear to be charging through the USB.

But on the bright side, the first book I downloaded was "Snow Country" per your recommendation.

30 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:01:47pm

BTW, not to sober anyone up, but a few prayers wouldn't come amiss for the Christian community of Iraq. They're having a tough year.

31 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:03:39pm
...images of history’s most evil men...

What am I missing. Pam... "images" plural... who beside Mao is on there?

32 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:04:31pm

re: #31 Walter L. Newton

What am I missing. Pam... "images" plural... who beside Mao is on there?

Ronald Reagan and Hedda Lettuce!

33 Bingo.Long  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:04:57pm

re: #10 Thanos

She actually says on her blog that there IS NO pic of RR on the tree...

34 jayzee  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:06:55pm

Mao and a drag queen, that will keep me awake for weeks. Though Mao should come down.

On another note, I'm off to prepare for Shabbat then my neighbors Christmas party and a nice bottle of Pappy 15. What a great country-a shul and a Christmas party all within walking distance and within an eruv.

35 shai_au  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:07:16pm

Can I just say that I love the word "festooned"? I try to use it in everyday conversation as much as possible.

36 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:08:37pm

re: #32 SanFranciscoZionist

Ronald Reagan and Hedda Lettuce!

My question was about evil men... are you saying that Pam considers Reagan evil? I'm confused?

37 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:08:39pm

re: #33 Bingo.Long

She actually says on her blog that there IS NO pic of RR on the tree...

She's mistaken. He's along the First Lady's arm somewhere...just above elbow height? Looks quite happy.

38 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:09:56pm

re: #36 Walter L. Newton

My question was about evil men... are you saying that Pam considers Reagan evil? I'm confused?

I have no idea who Pam considers evil, and that was supposed to have a snark tag. But given that CPAC is having a speaker who thinks Lincoln was a war criminal, anything seems possible.

39 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:11:58pm

re: #38 SanFranciscoZionist

I have no idea who Pam considers evil, and that was supposed to have a snark tag. But given that CPAC is having a speaker who thinks Lincoln was a war criminal, anything seems possible.

he was a bit dictatorial, but hardly a war criminal

40 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:12:01pm

re: #38 SanFranciscoZionist

I have no idea who Pam considers evil, and that was supposed to have a snark tag. But given that CPAC is having a speaker who thinks Lincoln was a war criminal, anything seems possible.

Probably is.

41 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:13:30pm

re: #39 albusteve

he was a bit dictatorial, but hardly a war criminal

Yanno, if I had the United States breaking up on my watch, I'd get a bit dictatorial while pulling it back together. Just sayin'.

42 KronoGhazi  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:14:15pm

re: #18 marjoriemoon

In the grand scheme of things, I'd rather have the transvestite vote then, say, that of the American militia types.

In the very least, they have more interesting attire.

I'm very confident that trannys are way more fabulous than militia types. Then again Rue Paul used to have this white camo get up that was just crazy girl!

43 Cygnus  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:15:07pm

"You're a mean one, Mrs. Grinch.". Too weird!

Have a Merry Christmas, Lizards, and may your New Year be festooned with peace and prosperity! (just for you, shai_au)

44 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:15:29pm

I think Lincoln should be tried in abstentia...settle the history once and for all...what's his name could be the prosecutor

45 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:15:42pm

re: #41 SanFranciscoZionist

Yanno, if I had the United States breaking up on my watch, I'd get a bit dictatorial while pulling it back together. Just sayin'.

Agreed. Lincoln faced a crisis unlike any other faced by an American president. He often repressed dissent, but he had no choice but to do so.

46 [deleted]  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:16:19pm
47 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:16:33pm

I had a hard time remembering who she was and I'm not thanking anyone for reminding me.

48 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:17:50pm

re: #45 Dark_Falcon

Agreed. Lincoln faced a crisis unlike any other faced by an American president. He often repressed dissent, but he had no choice but to do so.

re: #46 MikeySDCA

I've been thinking about this. What if the point of the ornament was not Mao but Warhol? Warhol may not be to everyone's taste (I find him tedious) but he's certainly a well-known and Establishment respectable artist.

I wonder why the bulb maker didn't use Marilyn Monroe, instead of Mao

49 [deleted]  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:19:24pm
50 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:19:55pm

re: #46 MikeySDCA

I've been thinking about this. What if the point of the ornament was not Mao but Warhol? Warhol may not be to everyone's taste (I find him tedious) but he's certainly a well-known and Establishment respectable artist.

I'm pretty sure, although I really don't know, that whoever put that ornament together was thinking--"Oh, I'll use this Warhol print, look at those colors!" rather then "Oh, I can honor the Chairman!"

51 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:20:53pm

re: #48 albusteve

I wonder why the bulb maker didn't use Marilyn Monroe, instead of Mao

Might not have had a copy to hand. I think a lot of these were done in schools, with magazines and such being cut up--if you look, they're mostly collage style.

52 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:21:27pm

I don't follow this Lincoln was a dictator line. At all.

He was elected. He was granted war powers. He governed with the Congress and the Courts overseeing him. A dictator has total power. Lincoln didn't.

Frankly, I find it offensive.

53 Shiplord Kirel  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:22:39pm

"If only they were brains...."
-(Blofeld to Tiffany Case in Diamonds are Forever)

54 What, me worry?  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:23:25pm

re: #46 MikeySDCA

I've been thinking about this. What if the point of the ornament was not Mao but Warhol? Warhol may not be to everyone's taste (I find him tedious) but he's certainly a well-known and Establishment respectable artist.

That's why SFZionist suggested the Marilyn or the Campbell's can. It's definitely a tribute to Warhol, an internationally, influential American artist, but why not pick another, not so controversial image? Maybe a bunch of folks were simply sitting around saying, "Ya suppose they'll hang Mao from the tree?" or it's a Communist statement? No one knows, except those that sent it.

Either way, it's a big America, isn't it.

55 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:23:47pm

I'm sorry... this woman Pam Geller is flat out dishonest. I keep reading her opening paragraph over and over...

I could not help but smile to myself when I got a gander at Obama’s vile “Christmas” ornaments, defiled with images of history’s most evil men, like the murderer of untold millions and cultural executioner Mao Tse Tung.

Take away the possible conflict you may or may not have with the Mao ornament, she is still dishonest, plain and simple. She states it's about "ORNAMENTS" yet she is only talking about ONE, the Mao one.

Are her readers also so dumb as to not point that out to her. I looked at the comments and it seems that no one questions her hyperbole.

Pam and Pam commenters... READING IS COMPREHENSION.

56 Vicious Babushka  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:24:32pm

re: #54 marjoriemoon

That's why SFZionist suggested the Marilyn or the Campbell's can. It's definitely a tribute to Warhol, an internationally, influential American artist, but why not pick another, not so controversial image? Maybe a bunch of folks were simply sitting around saying, "Ya suppose they'll hang Mao from the tree?" or it's a Communist statement? No one knows, except those that sent it.

Either way, it's a big America, isn't it.

If somebody wanted to glorify Mao, do you think they would have portrayed him with lipstick and blue eye shadow?

57 eneri  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:24:57pm

To those "crazed" people, instead of what are smoking; it should be here, have a smoke, chill, relax, enjoy the holidays.

58 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:25:05pm

re: #52 Olsonist

I don't follow this Lincoln was a dictator line. At all.

He was elected. He was granted war powers. He governed with the Congress and the Courts overseeing him. A dictator has total power. Lincoln didn't.

Frankly, I find it offensive.

too bad....he illegally suspended habeas corpus in 1861....only dictators do that stuff

59 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:25:09pm

re: #50 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm pretty sure, although I really don't know, that whoever put that ornament together was thinking--"Oh, I'll use this Warhol print, look at those colors!" rather then "Oh, I can honor the Chairman!"

Still, the Monroe print would have been far better. Mao was a monster, and some people react viscerally to images of him.

60 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:26:37pm

re: #59 Dark_Falcon

Still, the Monroe print would have been far better. Mao was a monster, and some people react viscerally to images of him.

it's art....it gets a pass

61 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:28:18pm

re: #58 albusteve

too bad...he illegally suspended habeas corpus in 1861...only dictators do that stuff

Again, dictatorial or not, it was what had to be done. To have not done so would have to lose the union when eastern Maryland rebelled. Suspending Habeas Corpus allowed him to crush the rebels there. Those who call Lincoln a war criminal (not you, Steve) receive my Standing Answer to Neo-Confederates:

62 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:29:06pm

re: #58 albusteve

So George W Bush was a dictator, at least until Hamdi v Rumsfeld? You have set a low bar for a dictator to clear.

63 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:31:08pm

re: #62 Olsonist

So George W Bush was a dictator, at least until Hamdi v Rumsfeld? You have set a low bar for a dictator to clear.

I haven't set anything...just informing you of the facts

64 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:31:09pm

re: #55 Walter L. Newton

I'm sorry... this woman Pam Geller is flat out dishonest. I keep reading her opening paragraph over and over...


Take away the possible conflict you may or may not have with the Mao ornament, she is still dishonest, plain and simple. She states it's about "ORNAMENTS" yet she is only talking about ONE, the Mao one.

Are her readers also so dumb as to not point that out to her. I looked at the comments and it seems that no one questions her hyperbole.

Pam and Pam commenters... READING IS COMPREHENSION.

I just scanned down the blog, and the three ornaments she shows are Mao, Hedda, and the one where Obama is pasted in on Mt. Rushmore.

I think Obama himself may be the one who makes up the plural for her.

Dunno how she feels about Hedda. She snidely refers to her as he/she, but is apparently in the running to be Diva of the Year at GayPatriot.

Woman's stark raving bonkers, BTW. She's going to town on this poor rear admiral, because he said something she interprets as not specifically hostile enough toward Islam while condemning the Taliban.

I'm sorry, Pam. One of his men is being held by the Taliban. May or may not still be alive. He has actual responsibilities, and one of them is NOT to deliver a talk on the evils of Islam to your ignorant specifications. Calling this man, who has done infinitely more for the United States than you will ever do an "Islamist" is tacky as hell.

Whoosh. Gawd that woman pisses me off.

65 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:31:26pm

re: #60 albusteve

it's art...it gets a pass

Maybe this ornament was donated to the WHite House Tree by the Chinese American community?

66 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:31:44pm

re: #60 albusteve

it's art...it gets a pass

Most of the time, yes. Still, the Art Institute of Chicago once hung one of Warhol's Mao prints at one end of their Chinese art exhibit. Though I understood that it was part of a separate gallery, it still angered me. It was mostly a visceral reaction, and I control such reactions. Pam Geller does not, preferring instead to let her freak flag fly.

67 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:34:15pm

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Maybe this ornament was donated to the WHite House Tree by the Chinese American community?

that notion was kicked around the other night...consensus was probably not

68 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:35:04pm

re: #66 Dark_Falcon

Most of the time, yes. Still, the Art Institute of Chicago once hung one of Warhol's Mao prints at one end of their Chinese art exhibit. Though I understood that it was part of a separate gallery, it still angered me. It was mostly a visceral reaction, and I control such reactions. Pam Geller does not, preferring instead to let her freak flag fly.

art galleries are all commie beehives, everybody knows that

69 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:35:36pm

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Maybe this ornament was donated to the WHite House Tree by the Chinese American community?

The Chinese-American community by and large hates Mao's guts, and I don't think a Chinese admirer would have picked the Warhol print.

70 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:36:35pm

here's a hint...don't take Pam Geller too serious

71 What, me worry?  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:38:05pm

re: #56 Alouette

If somebody wanted to glorify Mao, do you think they would have portrayed him with lipstick and blue eye shadow?

Most likely not.

72 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:39:58pm

re: #63 albusteve

I haven't set anything...just informing you of the facts

Well you did say re: #58 albusteve

too bad...he illegally suspended habeas corpus in 1861...only dictators do that stuff

So that would include Grant, Roosevelt, Clinton and Bush. Perhaps a few others. The fact that in Hamdi, Quirin, et cetera the courts reviewed the suspension should tell you that the Constitution hadn't been suspended and that the checks and balances were intact.

Before you put Lincoln into a category with Hitler, Stalin and Mao you might fill in your argument a little.

Oh, and I'm not going to be nice about this. I think Lincoln along with Roosevelt were the two greatest Presidents to serve. It's a long drop from there.

73 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:40:37pm

re: #67 albusteve

that notion was kicked around the other night...consensus was probably not

The other night... I missed that... let me search...

74 suchislife  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:41:31pm

re: #68 albusteve

is this a joke?

75 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:42:01pm

re: #72 Olsonist

So that would include Grant, Roosevelt, Clinton and Bush. Perhaps a few others. The fact that in Hamdi, Quirin, et cetera the courts reviewed the suspension should tell you that the Constitution hadn't been suspended and that the checks and balances were intact.

Before you put Lincoln into a category with Hitler, Stalin and Mao you might fill in your argument a little.

Oh, and I'm not going to be nice about this. I think Lincoln along with Roosevelt were the two greatest Presidents to serve. It's a long drop from there.

I'm past all that....maybe someone else is interested...it was just a little factoid

76 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:42:47pm

re: #74 suchislife

is this a joke?

that's up to you I guess

77 Dark_Falcon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:43:10pm

re: #68 albusteve

art galleries are all commie beehives, everybody knows that

Like I said, it was a visceral reaction. I knew from the beginning that the juxtaposition was not any sort of political statement.

78 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:44:17pm

re: #75 albusteve

I'm past all that...maybe someone else is interested...it was just a little factoid

Fictionoid is more like it.

79 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:44:18pm

re: #73 Walter L. Newton

The other night... I missed that... let me search...

Charles might even have suggested it...just kicking around ideas

80 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:45:37pm

re: #78 Olsonist

Fictionoid is more like it.

it's not fiction, why would you say that?...it's common knowledge

81 Stuart Leviton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:45:54pm

Since only the phrases written in the plural are erroneous, let's see what happens if we remove all phrases which are in the plurual. Then the following are out:

"when I got a gander at Obama's vile "Christmas" ornaments,
"defiled with images"
"of history's most evil men"

What remains is:

I could not help but smile to myself like Mao Tse Tung.

That's kind of punk!

82 What, me worry?  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:47:01pm

re: #68 albusteve

art galleries are all commie beehives, everybody knows that

Short commie beehive.

Image: 1959castro.jpg

83 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:47:52pm

re: #77 Dark_Falcon

Like I said, it was a visceral reaction. I knew from the beginning that the juxtaposition was not any sort of political statement.

so did nearly everybody else....it was a question of taste and responsibility, few people consider BO a Maoist

84 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:49:06pm

re: #82 marjoriemoon

Short commie beehive.

[Link: history.sandiego.edu...]

he was a good looking guy, before he had all that blood on his hands

85 Escaped Hillbilly  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:50:28pm

re: #71 marjoriemoon
Probably not. Warhol said he did it to change people's perceptions. But I remember a lot of old black and white family photos my mom had around the place. She had some of the "colorized" the old fashioned way. Everyone looked like they were wearing lipstick in pale pinks and everyone had blue eyes. Actually, it was a pretty effect and you can duplicate it with many modern photo touch up programs on your home computer. Kids today have seen such pics so many times, they would most likely not get that the pic was supposed to be mocking anyone. And to repeat my stance of yesterday, the person who made the ornament most likely knew neither Mao OR Warhol. The kid who made it was understandably ignorant, the teacher was or adult in charge of the project was inexcusably ignorant, and the staffer or volunteer who hung it was stupidly ignorant or just didn't care or possibly even a communist sympathizer. Ultimately, its tacky. It looks pretty from a distance; any fool could have guessed hanging it on the White House tree would generate just this kind of flap... unnecessarily. Anyone else reminded of the Ghost of Christmas Present and his twin children, Want and Ignorance? Ok, I will breathe into a bag now and try to calm down.

86 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:52:23pm

re: #85 Escaped Hillbilly

that's pretty well said...I agree with that

87 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:53:01pm

re: #80 albusteve

Yeah, it's common knowledge that Lincoln suspended habeas corpus as did Grant, Roosevelt, Clinton and Bush. What your little Right Wing meme doesn't inform is that this suspension was both limited geographically and allowed by the Courts and Congress, either of which could have reversed Lincoln.

Moreover, it is a logical fallacy on your part to conclude that made him a dictator given that he was elected and was overseen by the Courts and Congress.

88 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 1:58:33pm

re: #87 Olsonist

Yeah, it's common knowledge that Lincoln suspended habeas corpus as did Grant, Roosevelt, Clinton and Bush. What your little Right Wing meme doesn't inform is that this suspension was both limited geographically and allowed by the Courts and Congress, either of which could have reversed Lincoln.

Moreover, it is a logical fallacy on your part to conclude that made him a dictator given that he was elected and was overseen by the Courts and Congress.

Hitler was elected too...I have no right wing meme...and dictators suspend laws, that's not a logical fallacy, it's a simple fact

89 solomonpanting  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:01:42pm

re: #87 Olsonist

For a bit more detail about Lincoln and habeas corpus see here.
A couple of major points:

1. The United States Constitution specifies that, "the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the pubic safety may require it."

2. At the time, Lincoln and his backers maintained that it wasn't clear if the Executive or Legislature maintained the right to suspend habeus corpus.

3. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Roger B. Taney ruled against Lincoln, who promptly ignored the ruling.

Given the threat to the Union, I would have done the same as Lincoln. Waiting for Congress to act may take awhile.

90 SanFranciscoZionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:02:21pm

re: #88 albusteve

Hitler was elected too...I have no right wing meme...and dictators suspend laws, that's not a logical fallacy, it's a simple fact

You did not just...

Deep breath. Hitler did not have branches of government that oversaw and controlled his actions. Nor did he peacefully leave office.

91 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:04:52pm

re: #89 solomonpanting

That would be the same Taney who delivered the majority opinion in the Dred Scott decision. I'd ignore him too.

92 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:06:53pm

re: #90 SanFranciscoZionist

You did not just...

Deep breath. Hitler did not have branches of government that oversaw and controlled his actions. Nor did he peacefully leave office.

whatever...I like old Abe, seemed like a fine fellow to me, dictatorial or not...if people want to shred on the dictatorial part that's cool, I'm perfectly ambivalent about it

93 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:11:11pm

It is the nature of a good meme to just hit and run. It's important not to get bogged down in fact and details. Instead just move on to the next meme.

94 Obdicut  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:14:10pm

re: #88 albusteve

Hitler was elected to a different office than the one he assumed. Lincoln was not.

95 albusteve  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:18:17pm

re: #93 Olsonist

It is the nature of a good meme to just hit and run. It's important not to get bogged down in fact and details. Instead just move on to the next meme.

fuck off and quit stalking me...it's a dead thread, I made a passing comment...there is no meme involved so jolly up and try to see this stuff for what it is instead of an opportunity to carve your intellect into something where it's neither needed or appreciated....go lurk and find some sense of propriety...if others want to discuss the subject, post with them

96 blueheron  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:26:20pm

For my two cents I think the tree is pretty and I think Geller is an idiot.

An artist i know painted an ornanment one year for the Bush tree. She was thrilled and honored. It means alot to have your art picked for the tree.

97 dmelroy  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:42:33pm

Charles, I have been an avid follower of your site for years now..and somehow got a little lucky today in finding registration open. While this may seem a bit off topic for this particular post, my thoughts drifted to a general trend I have noticed. Can we find positive news on the conservative front anywhere? The need to keep the extreme right in check (as much as the extreme left) is a noble effort, but I am a bit depressed reading all the wackiness coming from the Conservative ranks these days. Is their any good news for rational thinking conservatives anywhere?? Maybe I have missed a few posts on a good news front. Please don't take this as any kind of a personal slam on this site, its not. I recommend your site to any new conservative friends I can find. Thanks, and Merry Christmas to all!!!

98 abolitionist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:50:05pm

re: #97 dmelroy

Good first post, and welcome to LGF.

99 Escaped Hillbilly  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:50:29pm

re: #96 blueheron

The tree is pretty and (I think) Geller is an idiot.

Your artist friend should be thrilled and honored. It does mean alot to have your art picked for the tree.

All that being said, did your artist friend chose to include the portrait of a dictator, murderer, or even criminal? Would you choose to use that particular venue to express political opinion or be so careless in your subject matter that you would likely offend thousands of Americans, naturalized or native? I think most of us would accept in the spirit intended and try to produce something beautiful and not offensive. And if we discovered, while placing the bulbs on the tree that someone had accidentally included such offensive material, which is what most likely happened, we would place that one aside rather than compound the error.

100 victor27  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 2:59:51pm

Next on Atlas Shrugged, Pam goes on to proves that the Ronald Reagan Christmas ornament on the White House tree is proof that he fathered Malcolm X, who, as we all know, is Barack Obama's real father.

It's all connected, I tells ya!

101 Charles Johnson  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:06:17pm

re: #97 dmelroy

Is their any good news for rational thinking conservatives anywhere?

I don't think you'll like my answer: no, there isn't any good news for rational conservatives, if by "conservative" you mean the Republican Party. The religious right has completely taken over the GOP, bringing with them a host of backward ideas about women's rights, gay rights, science, and just about every other issue.

I don't see any way the GOP is going to turn things around, and the tea party movement is even worse -- led by fanatics and extremists of all stripes.

I wasn't kidding when I said I don't want anything to do with the paranoia and mass insanity that dominates the right wing.

The Democrats have their own problems, but nothing like the craziness on the right.

102 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:06:32pm

re: #93 Olsonist

It is the nature of a good meme to just hit and run. It's important not to get bogged down in fact and details. Instead just move on to the next meme.

Hey asshole... he was done with his comment... it was an opinion, not law. You got a lot of fucking nerve jumping in here and trashing one of the more senior Lizards... conversation is fine, jerking off online isn't.

103 Gus  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:07:29pm

Well, since it's Christmas day all I can say is:

Duh! What a palooka this woman is.

104 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:07:41pm

re: #101 Charles

I don't think you'll like my answer: no, there isn't any good news for rational conservatives, if by "conservative" you mean the Republican Party. The religious right has pretty much taken over the GOP, bringing with them a host of backward ideas about women's rights, gay rights, science, and just about every other issue.

I don't see any way the GOP is going to turn things around, and the tea party movement is even worse -- led by fanatics and extremists of all stripes.

I wasn't kidding when I said I don't want anything to do with the paranoia and mass insanity that dominates the right wing.

The Democrats have their own problems, but nothing like the craziness on the right.

And they have ingrained themselves into the right even in ways that are not obvious... it's really become a mindset... like breathing for a lot of the right... they don't think, they just react.

105 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:08:53pm

re: #103 Gus 802

Well, since it's Christmas day all I can say is:

Duh! What a palooka this woman is.

I still want to know who these multiple evil people are... PLURAL... read how she worded this...

I could not help but smile to myself when I got a gander at Obama’s vile “Christmas” ornaments, defiled with images of history’s most evil men, like the murderer of untold millions and cultural executioner Mao Tse Tung.

106 Gus  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:12:35pm

re: #105 Walter L. Newton

You're right. There is no plural in this instance. Just that one postage stamped sized Warhol portrayal of Mao. Maybe she's taking literary license. Or something.

"The White House Christmas tree was festooned with a multitude of images of history's most evil men!"

Nope.

107 Walter L. Newton  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:16:04pm

re: #106 Gus 802

Nope.

I know. I mentioned this up thread, and I went to watch a movie, and I looked at it again and had to comment again. I hope Pam or some of her hawks is reading this, because really... hey Pam, this is dishonest and juvenile... no matter what you think about the Mao ornament, it's ONE, not multiple evil images. The bold and blatant lying is amazing.

108 Charles Johnson  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:18:47pm

re: #107 Walter L. Newton

I know. I mentioned this up thread, and I went to watch a movie, and I looked at it again and had to comment again. I hope Pam or some of her hawks is reading this, because really... hey Pam, this is dishonest and juvenile... no matter what you think about the Mao ornament, it's ONE, not multiple evil images. The bold and blatant lying is amazing.

It shouldn't be amazing at all -- she lies continually, about everything. The woman is consumed with hatred and bigotry.

109 Gus  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:19:49pm

re: #107 Walter L. Newton

I know. I mentioned this up thread, and I went to watch a movie, and I looked at it again and had to comment again. I hope Pam or some of her hawks is reading this, because really... hey Pam, this is dishonest and juvenile... no matter what you think about the Mao ornament, it's ONE, not multiple evil images. The bold and blatant lying is amazing.

Correct. Just one. Unless she considers Hedda Lettuce (Steven Polito) evil; although she probably does along with the unhinged Andrew Breitbart. On that note even I must say the rampant transphobia is rather unbecoming -- even though technically he's a drag queen. I wonder where they've been living for the past two decades.

110 Olsonist  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:21:14pm

re: #102 Walter L. Newton

Oh darn, did I step on a Senior Lizard's toes? So sorry but I don't let memes stand, be it Lincoln was a dictator or the Birthers. It just doesn't work for me.

111 Sharmuta  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:46:50pm

re: #97 dmelroy

Charles, I have been an avid follower of your site for years now..and somehow got a little lucky today in finding registration open. While this may seem a bit off topic for this particular post, my thoughts drifted to a general trend I have noticed. Can we find positive news on the conservative front anywhere? The need to keep the extreme right in check (as much as the extreme left) is a noble effort, but I am a bit depressed reading all the wackiness coming from the Conservative ranks these days. Is their any good news for rational thinking conservatives anywhere?? Maybe I have missed a few posts on a good news front. Please don't take this as any kind of a personal slam on this site, its not. I recommend your site to any new conservative friends I can find. Thanks, and Merry Christmas to all!!!

I agree with this post in so many ways, but the most depressing thing of all is there really isn't much positive going on in conservatism right now. No one is talking about real fiscal responsibility, no one is talking about how we can deal with the national debt, and no one is refuting the Birchers in an intellectual manner like Buckley would do. *sigh* It's so depressing, it about breaks my heart.

Anyways- welcome to LGF.

112 Escaped Hillbilly  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 3:58:16pm

re: #111 Sharmuta

What can we do but agree?

113 What, me worry?  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:12:13pm

The Mao ornament can be debated. I learned from you guys that it's an anti-communist message, but I understand the offense that image represents. But when it was realized that it wasn't a conspiracy from inside the White House (which was the original accusation) did anyone retract their statements that it was?

Now the Obama on Mt. Rushmore "debate" is just stupid. I guess they never saw Reagan Rushmore. In fact, you can purchase the photo! Jack Kemp says it's groovy!

114 ryannon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:41:07pm

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Maybe this ornament was donated to the WHite House Tree by the Chinese American community?

Maybe it was selected by his protocol staff?

115 ryannon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:48:38pm

re: #46 MikeySDCA

I've been thinking about this. What if the point of the ornament was not Mao but Warhol? Warhol may not be to everyone's taste (I find him tedious) but he's certainly a well-known and Establishment respectable artist.

Mao = Cultural Revolution (Violent)

Warhol = Cultural Revolution (Peaceful)

116 Fenris  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:51:49pm

A quote from Mad Gel's comments:

Please note that I Do Not mean this in a racist way . . .

obama and his people are like the monkeys at the zoo that like to take a handful of their own shit and fling it at people just to see the disgust on their faces.

Never have I seen such "presidential Shit" in all of my lifetime. And I am thoroughly disgusted by it.

It's all right if you say you're a notracist first, right? Right?

117 ryannon  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:52:28pm

(To apparently empty room):

Lights out!

Transfer available upthread!

118 Fenris  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:54:03pm

re: #116 fenrisdesigns

Awe dip...it's BLOCKquote you shmuck...

119 Jaerik  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 4:56:31pm

"Festooned" is such an awesome word.

That is all.

120 RadicalModerate  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 5:36:11pm

Warning: rambling post to follow....

I'd like to echo dmelroy's sentiments about being happy to finally find registration open as well - I've been trying to hit a reg window for awhile now. Although I am of a more moderate/liberal stripe than many here, I have the utmost respect for what you are doing, having intellectual discourse in regards to politics and science. There is a difference in magnitude of having a policy disagreement between those on the political left and right and what is currently being marketed by the far right (and to a lesser extent, left) in what would best considered hysterical screeds.

The engine I see driving this has been the dominionist faction of the religious right - a group that I personally feel is a much greater threat to the soul of this nation than any radical Islam cell, simply because there are far more people who will buy into their mindset and attempt to implement those beliefs. Twenty years ago, a Republican espousing racist beliefs would have been "disinvited" to the big tent. Nowadays, that mentality is being welcomed with open arms.

On a side note/question to Charles: As you are not the first, but definitely one of the higher-profile people to "leave the nest" as such, have you been in touch with other notables who did the same - ie folks like David Brock or Glenn Greewald to 'compare notes'?

121 Hector1980  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 6:34:41pm

"(Some of us might think it’s “evil” to write this kind of incendiary, hateful nonsense without even bothering to check if it’s true.)"

It is, but then without that kind of posts Atlas Shrieks would never be updated.

122 Kobyashi Maru  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 7:32:07pm

For what it's worth, the recent history of ornaments on the official White House Christmas Tree are in an overview at Snopes, but I couldn't quickly find out where this years "evil" ornaments came from...if they came from China, THAT would be evil...

123 markie  Fri, Dec 25, 2009 8:04:40pm

At the very least any commentator should hedge the vitriol, as in "I wonder if...", until it is known if there are indeed any non-evil capable ornamentations. Shouldn't be so damned positive if you don't know.

124 bj  Sat, Dec 26, 2009 9:59:41am

Mama Zero looks pg. Nice color dress though.


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