A friend of mine who travels this route more often than I do, sent me this e-mail. I could think of nothing more helpful to either side than to post it. Opponents like my friend were offended by the billboard's message. Supporters will thank me for promoting its circulation. I invite comments both for and against it, ever mindful, as my friend observed, the First Amendment protects everyone's right to free speech.
The e-mail:
An offensive, racist billboard is on display right here in Colorado--attacking President Obama and comparing him to terrorists. The billboard was created by Wolf Automotive, at their location in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
Speak out against hate
This offensive, racist billboard is on display right here in Denver--attacking President Obama and comparing him to terrorists. The billboard was created by Wolf Automotive, at their location in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
http://progressnowcolorado.org/WolfAuto
The "tea party" movement and the "birthers" are becoming more and more outrageous. They're in the thrall of demagogues like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Peter Boyles, Sarah Palin, and conservative elected officials in Colorado like Senator Dave Schultheis--who sent out a statement last week comparing President Obama to the 9/11 terrorists who flew United Flight 93 into the ground.
We'll defend anyone's First Amendment right to speak their mind. However, the "marketplace of ideas" that the First Amendment protects only works when everyone speaks out. If hate like that spread by Dave Schultheis and the owners of Wolf Automotive is allowed to go without a response, then we allow the perception that these ideas have merit.
We pledge to boycott businesses owned by Wolf Automotive Group until this billboard is removed:
http://progressnowcolorado.org/WolfAuto
Thanks!
In the interest of fairness, I'll withhold my opinion. For the moment, I'm just reporting the presence of the billboard message. Again, I invite readers to express their opinion in the comments section below.
Comments
The reaction to the billboard from the looney left is expected. President Obumble and his gaggle of tax cheats, incompetents, crooks, terrorists and communists running our country have to be exposed and Mr wolf is doing what the majority of Americans feel has to be done. I think this is just the beginning of a new American Revolution.
The above comment disgusts me as much as the billboard itself! This is not a 'leftist' issue. This is hate, unbridled and meant to cause hate crimes! The freakin' majority of Americans voted in this President, you uneducated 'revolutionary'. Hate breeds hate...now Mr Wolf is so surprised about 'his employees leaving work early scared." What did he expect? This 'exposition is unfounded and and a LIE and YOU are UNAMERICAN! My revolution has begun surrounding your idiocy and those you follow!
ProgressNow is offended? Wow. That speaks volumes from the left-wing hatemongering group that they are. Only they can dish it? I saw worse against our former President. ProgressNow is a bunch of crybabies. They started this kind of cra* and now they don't like seeing it back at them?
The terrorist reference is because Obama is soft on terror. Most of the time he's kissing other countries butt than worrying about creating harmony among his fellow Americans. He's a divider, not a uniter.
I was not aware that Obama is withholding his birth certificate. Now I find out that even if he were born in Hawaii it doesn't matter because Obama said he was "governed" at birth by England. Pretty clear to me that he wouldn't be a Natural Born Citizen if some other country can lay claim to him.
I am not the brightest guy in the world, but I can figure this out pretty easily.
The question is why doesn't anyone seem to care? After 9/11 you would think this country would be ultra careful with everything.
If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, then it must be a duck.
Time to cook this duck.
Shades of pre WWII Germany where another far right wing fear monger "united" the German people in opposition to those who were "diluting" its national purity. With the same venomous inflated rhetoric and ultra nationalist "us against them" populism, Adolf Hitler convinced the German populace to "unite" in fear against the "socialists" of his day. This is scary stuff coming from the far right!
I think the truth is in the photo. When did it become patriotic to have total disregard for a president just because you didn't vote for him? And, as for the birth certificate, for all those idiots that still are raising the issue, i will explain this in 1st grade language: There is a special group of people that investigate every president (regardless of his color) to determine if he is eligible. Obama passed. They even pulled original newspaper clippings from the local paper. The fact birthers think he is so different of a human being shows what world they live in. Go research it yourself, before you post criticism. John McCain was actually born in Panama, not a big deal, but I'm guessing cause he's white and republican like most birthers are. Hey, I'm not being racist, just quoting statistics, right?
Think what you will about the billboard but, left or right, Republican or Democrat, remember one thing. At least we live in a nation where we still have the right to free speech. There are plenty of places in this world where such a sign would land you in prison or worse. I commend the guy who put this up simply for having the courage to exercise his right to free speech.
Hey where is the cool-aid jug JP with "i will explain this in 1st grade language: There is a special group of people that investigate every president (regardless of his color) to determine if he is eligible. Obama passed." How come you can't give a first grade language name to this "special group" ? Yeah right, special because they are standing in the line of pigs feeding on the largess coming down to the supporters of the anointed one. Give us a break and look into the Constitution where the first grade language spells out what is to be proven.
I'm with Mr. Wolf
In a land of free speech it's easy to put up a racist and angry sign like this and hide behind it. But let's face it, these people are beside themselves that a person of color, and a liberal, damn it!, is President. They can't accept or stand it so like little angry kids they're throwing a tantrum the only way they know how, and that's by spitting venom and anger out of every pore. It's not just that they are racist or angry, they're angry racists.
After eight years of stealing from the poor and middle class, and spending us to ruin and killing our troops in oil-soaked adventures in the Middle East, these Bush Fundamentalists would rather blow themselves up than to acknowledge that a person of color is President.
This is anger that fuels hate. On this anniversary of the day we lost a shining light of a man in 1963, this is to warn the haters that if it happens again, their hating ilk will be tracked down and hung by their necks off the billboards of haters. You've been warned.
Love it, BF -
Paragraph one - hate is awful
Paragraph two - here's our hate speech but it's okay
Paragraph - see my finger, see my thumb, .... you all better run !
Why has Obama spent over 1 million dollars in legal fees to block any attempts by investigators to clear up the birth certificate issue, not to mention his college records are off limits as well. Something is not right with that. I have had my fill of HOPE AND CHANGE and in 2012 I am going to VOTE FOR CHANGE.
I see that people don't know their U.S. history. The last time I heard, Hawaii was admitted to the union as the 50th state. There is no reason for the state of Hawaii to send false birth certificates. There is no reason for the President to lie about his birthplace. It took 8 years for the country to get in the mess that it's in. All of the problems are not going to fixed right away. It is going to take time. Every person needs to do their part to help this country get back on track. Being the "President of the United States" is an on-the-job, 24/7 job. People like the billboard owner are just showing their ignorance. I am for good conversation and debating of opinions... but people need to grow up and use common sense. If President Obama wasn't born in the United States, he wouldn't have a US Passport, McCain, Hilary, the FBI and others would have uncovered that long ago.
Fact is, he was born in Honolulu, and has quickly become one of our best Presidents ever.
@mike
Yes, Obama already has shown his Birth Certificate. He did it way back in 2007, so I guess you missed it.
Here it is again... an actual photo, confirmed by the Hawaii Department of Health as authentic.
(copy, paste, remove spaces)
snipurl. com /58wsb
So now you have proof he was born in the USA.
@Todd
Obama hasn't spent any money hiding anything, that was just a myth propagated by uneducated right wingers. So do research so you won't look so foolish next time. thanks!
"Mike" is right. He's not the brightest person in the world. Nor is "Jack," with all his insightful comments. Hitler's propaganda minister stated that if you keep repeating a lie over and over again it "becomes the truth." These idiots have forgotten that this president was ELECTED by a large majority of voters, and the former one was NOT.
The Liberal left with all of its major media support can say whatever they want about Bush or Palin, but if someone questions or criticizes Obama it is Hate and racism.
Wolf Auto is just practicing it's right to free wrongness.
One thing I'd like to know, if they are singling out the Ft. Hood mass shootings, does that mean all the other mass shootings are okay as long as they are not perpetrated by a muslim?
And if they are making the accusation that Obama is not a legitimate president, why don't THEY provide any evidence?
This type of fear mongering is JUST like the Nazi propaganda in the 20' and 30's about racial purity, anyone who says anything different hasn't read a history book.
@Gary - Keep in mind, it has all to do with FACTS, we all agree Bush and Palin had/have serious ethical problems, but Obama has been extremely open and honest. So that's why we as a people continue to question them, and become angry when an ignorant few are dishonest and question Obama.
So be honest! It's not that hard.
Ted...I just love how you all try to minimize the growing numbers of people who are questioning our president.
"an ignorant few are dishonest and question Obama"
Not so...how about MANY are questioning a dishonest and ignorant Obama"
My question is does this dealership sell toyota's? If it does then this makes perfect sense (bash the president and take the media attention off toyota's wrong doing) ingenious idea, by the time this blows over, everyone will have forgot about toyota except for the toyota owners of course, the ones that are still alive.
@EW - not sure what you mean? only the lunatic fringe won't accept the facts about Obama, but even if you include all the Fox News viewers, it's still less than 1% of the US population.
They just can't stand that a 50% black man is the leader of the free world, so I think we all feel sorry that they are poorly educated, but it's going to be a long 7 years unless they start understanding the facts.
Obama has clearly been our most open and honest President since Kennedy, so it's time we ALL recognize that, not just the 99% of the US population that already does.
Lets get one thing straight: Jihad is not a race - Mulim Extremism is NOT a race! How is this racism? The left gets to critisize and throw stones - but let one word be said disparaging Obama and the left comes unglued. The same swastika that belongs on Obamas head was place on GW's head numerous times. To the left that was ok and now all of a sudden it is sacrelig. Get over the GWB days - they are gone and he's hanging out in Crawford fat and happy! Move on! This guy has the job now - and if hes legitimately an American - the prove it. The question was asked why cant anyone prove it - BECAUSE OBAMA HAS BLOCKED IT AND HE IS SPENDING OVER A MILLION DOLLARS TO KEEP IT BLOCKED. Why? What is he afraid of? REMEMBER - HE HAS THE JOB ALREADY! I personally will be calling Wolf on Monday and letting them know I support what they are doing and I will be happy to take business there! FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND KEEP DEMANDING THE TRUTH! LET FREEDOM RING!
@kdl - you are incorrect. Obama hasn't spent more than $25 on this birth certificate issue. you are talking about a myth, or "urban legend" that was debunked years ago, that still bubbles in "lunatic fringe" areas of the web.
everyone, the FBI, the Republican Gov of Hawaii, US State Department, McCain, Hilary, you name it... have all checked it out and have agreed he was born in Hawaii.
Here it is again... an actual photo, confirmed by the Hawaii Department of Health as authentic.
http : // snipurl. com/58wsb
What does it say under "Location of Birth" ???
So unless the State of Hawaii is sending out false Birth Certificates to its citizens, you are 100% incorrect since this was proven over 2 years ago.
Sorry to burst your bubble!
1. The “authenticated birth certificate” is NOT Obama’s to produce. It is a state record controlled by the State of Hawaii and the laws of that state preclude public dissemination of such records, for good reason (if it were ever lost or accidentally destroyed by some ignoramous “birther” conspiracy theorist the state would no longer have its only original record of Pres. Obama’s birth).
Instead — like every other state in the union — a certificate of live birth based on that original birth certificate is made available to the citizens for whom it is pertinent.
Irregardless, Mr. Obama has produced this cert. of live birth document. It was never kept from the public. The campaign and (now) the White House never suppressed it.
This certificate of live birth document has been verified by a variety of members of the press and has been certified as genuine by the secretary of health of the State of Hawaii as well as the REPUBLICAN Governor of Hawaii...
So, Ted Landry is right.
Let's all be honest with ourselves: Obama may have been born in America, but the bigger picture is this: he is full of empty promises and terrible ideas. Feeling this way has nothing to do with race and everything to do with the expectations voters had when they chose to elect him. Mr. Wolf - maybe not the best way to express an opinion, but...
I just watched this bufoon Phil Wolf on TV making his baseless accusations against the president, I sense in him racism of the highest order.
Just watched the jerk try and state his case on MSNBC, I think it's a strategy to sell more cars...........it might even work!
@Em
Except you need to remember Obama has accomplished more than any other new President so far. Obama has the ideas of the people, and is wise beyond his age.
For a full list of his 54 accomplishments, simply Google:
Obama Meter
See, now you know Obama is well positioned to become one of our greatest Presidents of our lifetimes.
So put down your hate, put down your racism, look for success for our Country and you'll see Obama working extremely hard for you and me.
"... maybe not the best way to express an opinion..." The billboard has nothing to do with an opinion about the presidents policies. The opinion is more related to Mr. Wolf anti-Muslim views and his refusal to accept an authentic American birth certificate. It is very hard to determine whether Mr. Wolf is using the tragedies at Ft. Hood for his political gain and to spread his prejudices.
However, ignoring the facts and repeatably asking a question that has already been answered is ignorance.
@EM -- Yes, this is voter frustration, but from those who didn't vote for the president.
I think it's over the top Gus, but what I really don't care for are the critics of it that are demanding that it be torn down. I don't agree with thhe so-called "birthers" but they have a Constitutional right to do this type of stuff. It might just be me but there has been a shift of some kind in this country. I read criticisms of this board on various online commentaries and they sound like something that could have come from Rove/Cheney et al. There are attacks against his patriotism and so forth and it's sad to me because we just went through eight years of similar behavior. And conversely we had critics of Bush caricaturing him as a monkey, Alfred E. Neuman(as a long time Mad Magazine reader I found that a wee bit offensive), and yes even as Hitler. So the hypocrisy on the side of some of the critics of this billboard is staggering to me. Any way the right to free speech doesn't protect one from making a fool of himself or hurting his cause.
Thanks for posting this. I love this kind of thing, and wouldn't for a moment dream of limiting peoples' freedom of speech. The entertainment value in the statements from all the ignorant rednecks is just huge; comedy gold.
This billboard is pathetic. The birthers are insane, and the lunatic fringe should stop complaining and start doing something -- coming up with solutions, for a start - instead of just moaning and groaning. Where were they during those eight years of Bush/Cheney?
What does this have to do with racism? The billboard may be blunt - but it doesn't say or refer to anyone's race and only a complete moron would think it does.
Does it need to be spelled out for you?
I will give my car business to the Wolf Automotive Group because he obviously has some good horse sense and has an understanding of the facts surrounding the issue. I don't understand how anyone who knows the birth certificate details, (or all of the other documents Obama has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to conceal) can look the other way and say it doesn't matter, or that it constitutes racism on the part of those who DO care. Obama could end it all if he would fire his lawyers who are protecting the release of his documents and show America the REAL Obama. Sad, isn't it?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!