You might not be thrilled by the election of Barack Obama, but look on the bright side: it's made life a lot easier for Maya Angelou when she hangs out with her European friends. Asked by Andrea Mitchell during MSNBC's 1 PM hour what was going through her mind as the results rolled in, the poet mentioned, among other things:
I realized, almost within the minute, I don't have to apologize for my country when I'm abroad. I can say: "I belong to a great country." And the Europeans who say: aren't you glad to be here in France where we don't have the racism you live under? Aren't you glad you're here in Britain, where we don't have -- I mean, I've been on the defensive so long. This time I can say: "I am an American: look at us, look at what we've just achieved."
Sounds like Maya's a proud graduate of the Michelle Obama School of Patriotism—or is it vice versa?
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Apologize
November 7, 2008 - 13:53 ET by allanfYes, but we'll still have to apologize for you!!
dittos!!
November 7, 2008 - 14:13 ET by wizardjrYa beat me to it, Allan.
Beat me to it.
November 7, 2008 - 14:24 ET by Mike BrattonNot a day goes by that I don't have to... Hang on a minute; I have to catch the phone...
Hello? What? Yes, Maya's an American. Yes, she thinks she can rhyme "orange." No, she doesn't try to rhyme much of anything else. Uh-huh, she's very predictable. Yes, we're sorry for inflicting her pomposity on the rest of the planet.
What? No, I wouldn't be interested in helping you transfer millions of dollars to the United States from your native land... Goodbye.
Now, where was I?
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Don't worry ms maya, soon,
November 7, 2008 - 13:58 ET by bschoomDon't worry ms maya, soon, very soon, it'll be everyone else having to make excuses for how our country is being ran.
No racism in France?
November 7, 2008 - 13:59 ET by ArminiusApparently, Angelou's European friends are lying to her.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1574817,00.html
Paris
November 7, 2008 - 14:17 ET by GothampcAnd remember those "youths" that nearly burned down a Paris suburb in 2005. I guess they were just joyful to live in a racially unbiased Europe.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,174371,00.html
Excellent link! However,
November 7, 2008 - 16:13 ET by Carl KolchakExcellent link!
However, the Ministry of Truth will be altering that article so that all of those French people being racist will now be replaced by Republicans, and the old article will be forever destroyed as if it never existed.
Maya's World
November 7, 2008 - 14:01 ET by dboAnd the Europeans who say: aren't you glad to be here in France where we don't have the racism you live under?
I guess those race riots in France in Nov/05 in which 3000 people were arrested and the government had to declare a state of emergency never happened.
dbo
November 7, 2008 - 14:24 ET by GothampcYou beat me to the answer. I didn't see your response when I posted above. We are thinking on the same wavelength.
For anyone who hasn't seen
November 7, 2008 - 14:03 ET by motherbeltFor anyone who hasn't seen this yet, there is already a preview of her inaugural poem for Obama (h/t Michelle Malkin)
You Beat Me Too It
November 7, 2008 - 14:19 ET by Gothampcmotherbelt, I was just searching YouTube looking for this clip. Grier is so on target with this.
MB
November 8, 2008 - 03:38 ET by DoktorFrankenI'm not sure what anyone thinks of this self-absorbed beotch's alleged 'poetry', but I've have always hated the overly pedantic, pretentious crap she spewed.
And NO ONE should have to make any excuses to anyone in Europe for our beloved country. If it weren't for our 'terrible, racist country' those folks in Europe would be speaking German right about now.
Who is going to apologize for Hussein when he screws things up?
Maya Angelou is an idiot, eh?
November 7, 2008 - 14:02 ET by ArchConservativeWell, now I will have to apologize for my country. I might even just say I'm Canadian.
You support the troops by supporting the mission! If you don't support the mission, have the guts to say you don't support the troops.
Obama: Not my President. Ever.
I agree . . .
November 7, 2008 - 14:08 ET by JillCWone-hundred percent! Now WE have to apologize for the stupidity and godlessness of those who voted for "The One." I guess they haven't a clue that he's not "The One." I guess the poetess has no clue either. What I can't figure out is this: they sit in churches and whoop it up as if they're worshipping God while taking all the welfare money they can from their government-god. What hypocrisy. If you CAN work, do so! If you truly can't (some do have disabilities that prevent them from working/the first to be exterminated, I'm sure), that's different. As for the troops, I always thought troops were groups of single soldiers, not one soldier. That said, the liberals are full of the proverbial cow dung regarding our military. That's why the "O" wants to raise an equally powerful civilian brown-shirt army.
I guess the Blacks living in the slum housing Rezko and Obama built might shed some light on how inspirational he really is and what a great provider he is. Look for the dems to blame the republicans for the lousy economy the dems made happen so Obama could win. Then will come the excuses for why SantaObama can't give the voters everything he promised.
Oh my God.
November 7, 2008 - 14:25 ET by attorneygirlI will never apologize for being a citizen of the greatest, most powerful, most generous, most freedom-loving, most innovative, brightest light of a country in the world.
Has this woman studied history? Does she know how many millions of people live in freedom the world over today because of the blood of Americans who died to provide that freedom?
Has she acquainted herself with the millions and millions of dollars that Americans freely give out of their own pockets to help people less fortunate all over the world? Has she seen the work America has done in Africa to fight AIDS? (President Bush has done more than all other U.S. presidents combined!!!!! ...yet the mainstream press ignores this important legacy of President Bush.)
Has she studied history to recognize that this country is the best at everything it sets out to do? That it is a beacon of light to the entire world?
I just don't get it. What does she have to apologize for? If traveling to Europe, for freeing it in World War II? If to Asia, for stopping tyranny in the form of communism and in fighting disease and in investing billions of dollars in those countries? If to the middle east, standing as a stallwart ally to Israel? To literally liberating Kuwait and Iraq? To upholding human rights? And finally, to keeping those countries rich by purchasing their oil?
To this day, young people from all of the world come to our colleges to be educated and then they return to their countries to improve them (even Obama's own family did this from Kenya). And millions seek to come here for a better life.
So, tell me, what does Ms. Angelou have to apologize for?
I am astounded at her ignorance of the good that America is and does.
God bless America.
God help ignorant folks like Ms. Angelou. I do not want an apologist speaking for me or this country.
And I certainly do not want a president who feels like he has to go on bended knee to foreign countries seeking "forgiveness" for the great things that we do.
In spite of the most liberal, yes, Marxist-leaning person America has ever voted into the oval office, and of the damage that I believe he will do to this country, I will hold firm to my belief that this is the greatest country in the world, and I will not apologize for it. Never. Ever.
By the way, the Guardian published a story in April of 2008 "Europe owes a huge thank you to skillful, patient President George [H.W.] Bush." Here's the link: Europe owes a huge thank you to skilful, patient President George Bush | Comment is free | The Guardian
I read somewhere that
November 7, 2008 - 14:07 ET by MillerTimeWarpMaya Angelou is a lesbian.
Discuss
I would rather be a Conservative nut job, than a Liberal with no nuts and no job
hmmmm
November 7, 2008 - 14:12 ET by JillCWNo wonder Bill C. loved her so much and she him. I'd also rather be a conservative nut job then a liberal with or without nuts or a job.
Idea
November 7, 2008 - 14:14 ET by cvgbuckeyeI have a great idea: Lets us 46% just get all of our clothes emblazened wit the words "The 46% Racists" and save all these cry-babies the effort.
I'D agree to it if they wore the label "The 52% Race-Baiters".
"For the first time in my adult life, I am ashamed of my country's president".
I was thinking of
November 7, 2008 - 14:27 ET by ahusserMaking stickers with 1/20/13 on them and "spreading" them around. Similar to the ones, you know, that said 1/20/09. Time to get under some skins. But it is really funny now I feel very liberated because I don't have to defend anymore just attack.
I already have
November 7, 2008 - 14:31 ET by MillerTimeWarp012013 in the back window of my car
I would rather be a Conservative nut job, than a Liberal with no nuts and no job
Wouldn't it actually be
November 7, 2008 - 14:40 ET by ricklailWouldn't it actually be 1/21/13? The 20th is on a Sunday. I know it is one more day longer.
I didn't check to see if it fell on a weekend. But 1/21/13 will
November 7, 2008 - 16:49 ET by ahusserBe fine.
"...no civilization, no matter how rich, no matter how refined, can long survive once it loses the power to meet force with equal or superior force." - Bernard Knox
Perfect statement!
November 7, 2008 - 14:33 ET by attorneygirlI agree with your statement, except for me, this is the third time in my life I have been ashamed of my country's president. First was Carter, then Clinton, now Obama. Only this time it's worse.....much worse.
Don't apologize for me - EVER
November 7, 2008 - 14:11 ET by chiefpayneBecause I will say what I think at all times.
Then again, I MAY have to apologize for having a President who has no clue how to govern for the next 4 years.
This is racism. She is
November 7, 2008 - 14:20 ET by mattmThis is racism. She is focusing on the color of his skin, not the content of his character. The exact OPPOSITE of what MLK wanted.
And if we vote for a white again....
November 7, 2008 - 14:24 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasAnd if we vote for a white again we're magically once again racists? Would you racist blacks just STHU!
The answer to terrorism IS war. Next Please!
I'll go with Ronald Reagan's view:
November 7, 2008 - 14:29 ET by attorneygirlRonald Reagan said:
Jeremiah Wright, said:
These two quotes pretty much sum up the two divergent ideologies at play in America today. I'm going with Ronald Reagan's view.
Just A Reminder
November 7, 2008 - 14:32 ET by GothampcHere is what the American taxpayer paid Angelou to come up with for the Clinton Inauguration.
http://poetry.eserver.org/angelou.html
Years ago the editor of
November 7, 2008 - 14:37 ET by ricklailYears ago the editor of the paper at Wake Forest U tried to expose her for what she was. She was being paid BIG $$ for doing nothing. Her office was no bigger than a broom closet so that told one how much she was there. I'll never forget the wind, the rock and the tree.
"To disbelieve is easy; to scoff is simple; to have faith is harder." Louis L'Amour
New Angeloon poem
November 7, 2008 - 14:35 ET by Eileen Right"The rock, The paper, The scissors...
»→ The rock
November 7, 2008 - 14:47 ET by Cool ArrowThe rock is hard
Like a stone
The paper yearns
for the plume
of smoke
The scissors
I run with them
To my room
I make paper dolls
I grind them under
The rock.
I'm a Poet and I Didn't Know It
November 7, 2008 - 14:52 ET by GothampcThe paper cries out as the aggressive scissors cut it
The hard, cold rock comes to rescue it
The scissors didn't understand the pain of it
But, sadly, it's too late to end it
Wow...it was that easy?
November 7, 2008 - 14:37 ET by vrwc13We could have taken care of this AND the "other" way back in 1972...and been done with it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Chisholm
Same platform too... worked to improve opportunities for inner-city residents. She was a vocal opponent of the draft and supported spending increases for education, healthcare and other social services, and reductions in military spending.
...what were we thinking back then, "two birds, one stone" and we would have had all this behind us.
v
Regardless of who sits in the Whitehouse, I know who still sits on His throne in heaven
Michelle Malkin has this on Maya...but
November 7, 2008 - 14:49 ET by vrwc13http://michellemalkin.com/2008/11/05/a-preview-of-maya-angelous-inaugural-poem-for-obama/
...but back away from your screen, put down your hot coffee, and please before watching....oh do not, I repeat do not drink milk during the video, your nose will thank you.
v
Regardless of who sits in the Whitehouse, I know who still sits on His throne in heaven
»→ She hasn't apologized
November 7, 2008 - 14:51 ET by Cool ArrowShe hasn't apologized for being a prostitute and a madam. But she felt it necessary to apologize abroad for being an American? Spare me!!!
Reminds me of an old Texas bumper sticker:
Dear Maya, I realized within a minute of reading your
November 7, 2008 - 15:17 ET by Teddymumbo-jumbo that I DO have to start apologizing to every "a-broad" I know in this country for her having to share a gender with you.
Imbecile!
Ps. Once More With Feeling.
"The Rock.. The River.. The Tree.. The F**k Are You Talkin' About?!"
J'acuuse Europa
November 7, 2008 - 15:28 ET by Jack BauerBut I feel I have to apologize for Europe to my American friends.
I apologize for the stunning ignorance most Europeans exhibit about America. They know nothing about the history, the self-reliance, its constitution, its peoples' fierce determination to protect their freedoms, including the right to bear arms. (Unfortunately they only know what they are told by the BBC -- Hollywood movies, TV, and popular music.)
I apologize for the stunning ingratitude of Europeans for America being the ultimate guarantor of their safety, as they reduce their military spending to pitiful levels, as they spend even more on their bloated massive welfare state programs.
I apologize for the sneering contempt of European elites for the vast majority of America's good Christian folk. The birthplace of the Christian Church has long since sold its soul to the big nothing in the big nowhere.
I apologize for Simon Cowell...
Moi aussi
November 7, 2008 - 16:30 ET by dboJack,
it's the same story in Canada. 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the U.S. border and yet they're so caught up in their holier-than-thou attitude that they don't even realize what America is really like. They're fed their Hollywood and CBC propaganda and they buy it.
dbo -- yes, the level of
November 8, 2008 - 04:58 ET by Jack Bauerdbo -- yes, the level of ignorance about the US is laughable, almost childish.
Jack..If USA SUCKS...
November 8, 2008 - 05:16 ET by TheSterWhy does the rest of the word want to come here???
HELLO??/
WE SUCK!!! DO NOT COME HERE!!! ????
YET....THEY COME....WHY????
Ster.
Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government.
ster -- I guess their own
November 9, 2008 - 04:59 ET by Jack Bauerster -- I guess their own god-forsaken countries SUCK a million times more to the nth degree.
Jack... That reminds
November 7, 2008 - 16:30 ET by Clear thinkerJack...
That reminds me... when are you gonna get the BBC shut down?
Obama Teacher Shames North Carolina
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Clear -- impossible at the
November 8, 2008 - 05:01 ET by Jack BauerClear -- impossible at the moment. The socialists will never let their media arm go.
And the conservatives act like RINO Reps over the US media, by thinking they'll play the game and the media will give them a fair shake.
So the BBC will remain funded by the compulsory TV tax.
Jack!! :)
November 8, 2008 - 05:27 ET by MrShy"I apologize for the sneering contempt of European elites for the vast majority of America's good Christian folk. The birthplace of the Christian Church has long since sold its soul to the big nothing in the big nowhere."
Jack, hey! Wonderful post, but this excerpt is my personal favorite. I'm the minority of atheists who is not sucking on the stupid juice about Christianity and it's "dangers", and if anything, fully appreciative of how it's the foundation of a country that INDEED pioneered the seperation OF church and state, ironically thanks TO, directly or indirectly, some basic tenets of Christianity.
It's so clear to me that this religion, and the important role it plays in the writing of this country's constitution, is pure and true -- and it's influence ultimately steps aside for the good of each person's individual freedom. And, I am always baffled at how so many of my brethren don't get it and are afraid of some "boogie man".
You're the next contestant on...
THE MESSIAH IS... LEFT !!
Mr S -- thanks buddy! You
November 8, 2008 - 07:00 ET by Jack BauerMr S -- thanks buddy!
You don't have to like, or even read Shakespeare, to recognize his genius. He is the greatest writer in the English language. with a profound influence on all English speakers which most of us do not consciously realize, and which is timeless.
And as you attest, you don't have to be a Christian to understand that the Judeo-Christian philosophy is the very basis of our western civilization.
Art, language, morality, literature, music, our very way of seeing the world is shaped by the mere existence of the Judeo-Christian history we all share. Atheist and believer alike. You cannot escape that.
Hey Maya
November 7, 2008 - 15:25 ET by okiehawk44When you're with your wonderful, caring, unbiased French friends, ask them why the sent hundreds of thousands of their Jewish friends and countrymen/women to die in Nazi concentration camps. Or do you really care?
Roses are red, Violets
November 7, 2008 - 15:34 ET by ckc1227Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
What a dummy you are,
Maya Angelou
Please, the next time you travel abroad, stay there. The fewer "fair weather" Americans we have here, the better.
Amen
November 7, 2008 - 15:48 ET by farstar99and Amen.
Rimshot
November 7, 2008 - 16:04 ET by MrDavisonThank you, I needed that. You really ought to send that to her.
You know, I may just do
November 7, 2008 - 16:24 ET by ckc1227You know, I may just do that.
Not quite Frost, but it serves it's purpose. :)
Josh SN: "Obama is one of the smartest lawyers of his generation."
Maya WHO???
November 7, 2008 - 16:01 ET by OhmingSo freakin leave the country already!!! By the way Maya, my Polish Grandparents emmigrated here legally, had 16 children born at home by a midwife. They escaped European oppression and flourished here.
Another thing, my mother went the farthest, the 10th grade! Of my more than 100 first cousins, 30 some aunts & uncles and 6 brothers and sisters, I am honestly not aware of any jail time, gang activity or welfare. Succsess and prosperity and honor starts at the family unit, not the government office. I have seen physical poverty, i dont need your liberal rhetoric showing your mental poverty.
Nobody picks thier parents, but we sure can pick our destiny. I hope yours brings you to France. Please let the statue of Liberty hit you on your a*s on the way out!!!
Signed; your average white guy.
Shocker
November 7, 2008 - 16:01 ET by MrDavisonBlack blah black blah black blah black black black, African American blah blah blah black. Just another lefty focussing on race again. No racism here. Yeah Maya, mulatto president, we got it. Watch out, his white half might go all GWB on you!
I take it from now on any criticism of the great O will be seen as extreme racism to Maya. Oh the hypocrisy of people like her.
Wake me up when he actually does something that will benefit the country.
MrD
I'm a poet and don't know it!
November 7, 2008 - 16:10 ET by tbbaxterHere's a two word rhyme for Maya: Screw Angelou!
You've got to be kidding?!?!!
November 7, 2008 - 16:33 ET by William PhelpsWhen was the last time you saw hundreds of fans at an NFL game throw bananas and glass bottles on the field at a black player? What about a whole section of skinheads or NeoNazis chanting death to black players? Exactly...never!!!! That type of stuff happens regularly at European soccer games, though. In the last World Cup, FIFA made special regulations that made both teams forfeit if their fans were racist like this because it has gotten so out of hand.
I'm proud to be an American everywhere I go, and I will never apologize for living here. I will never apologize for the type of stupidity that comes out of Angelou's mouth either...thats why I'm proud to live here...she is free to be as dumb as possible.
Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito. -Virgil-
William... I stand and
November 7, 2008 - 16:50 ET by Clear thinkerWilliam...
I stand and salute you sir!
Obama Teacher Shames North Carolina
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
"Obama Teacher Shames North Carolina"
November 7, 2008 - 17:12 ET by vrwc13http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/obama-teacher-shames-north-carolina/
...now do ya'll wonder just a litle bit less why we homeschool our children?
v
Regardless of who sits in the Whitehouse, I know who still sits on His throne in heaven
I heard all this phony BS
November 7, 2008 - 16:46 ET by bigtimerI heard all this phony BS from the political whore, who used to be a regular Madame the old fashioned way, which has more credibility than the msm or the politicos...the msm seems to think this piece of work is special and means something to the majority of us out here...
Give me a Break!
I could give a flying fig less about anything this over-rated gal has to say..especially about our country, if others not living here like us or not...or if she is finally proud...blah blah blah.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Maya Angelou
November 7, 2008 - 18:03 ET by nandrelliYeah, lady, we have a lot to apologize for to the "Old Europeans".
Such as pulling their butts out of the fire twice in two world wars.
Such as preventing the Nazis from realizing their dreams of world domination.
Also preventing the Nazis from implementing their "Final Solution" to the "Jewish Problem"
Such as keeping Western Europe out of the hands of the Communists for 45 years after WWII.
Such as finally liberating Eastern Europe from the Communists 45 years after WWII.
And as far as France being "non-racist" - what a load of crap that statement is!! I spent a couple of years working over there, just ask the Algerians who hold French citizenship (because Algeria was a French colony when they were borh) how "fairly" they are treated by French society and the French government. France is so enlightened that there is all of 1 black elected official in the French National Legislture, out of more than 500.
Yes, we have plenty of things to be ashamed of as it relates to Europe. One of them is a black female poet whose name I won't mention, but her initials are "Maya Angelou".
Oops.
Well bless her troubled soul.
November 7, 2008 - 21:38 ET by CTMaybe her next epiphany will be that she is the bigot and apologies may still be in order.
Angelou should move to Europe if she doesn't like it here.
November 8, 2008 - 09:23 ET by candanceHey Angelou, tell me the last time when the UK, France, or Germany elected a non-white person for prime minister, president, or chancellor? Why is the US racist and not these nations? Maya, please feel free to renounce your US citizenship and move to Europe.
I'm a typical white person.
»→ candance
November 8, 2008 - 09:30 ET by Cool ArrowYou've got to realize these countries have only existed for about 2000 years.
They're still working out that "cultural diversity" thing.
Somehow...
November 8, 2008 - 12:40 ET by bmoviesSomehow I kinda doubt she defended this country when her euro friends attacked it. I'll bet she agreed with them all the time when they bashed this country.
PLEASE GOD KILL ME
November 9, 2008 - 04:11 ET by VinceP1974Oh I cant take it any more.. this woman is having orgasms watching TV and then when toild by France that America is racist, she doesn't say "Um look around us as the savages burn down France!"
Uh enough... end the madness.