Time Mag: How Obama's Mom Made Him Who He Is

Obama seems to say nicer things about the father who abandoned him while being more critical of the mother and grandmother who raised him.

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Americans are ready for certain changes - a change in government helping us navigate through this economic crisis. We are ready for a national health care solution. We are ready for the government to lead the way on solutions to global warming - with green JOBS.

We are ready to look at our foreign policy relationships with other peoples around the world. I do not think we are ready to be pacifists and lay down our weapons.

Like his mother engaged in risky behavior - I think Obama engages in risky behavior - risky behavior for the Democratic Party and for America.

Obama has asked for too much open ended belief - pure belief - almost religious belief. Belief in him alone. THIS IS RISKY!

How insightful, to imagine Obama as a litle boy, to imagine his mother and his father. It seems he has inherited the best from both his parents...and the best all of people who helped to raise him, influenced him. This explains why he has a higher and more universal understanding of many things really.

I get the sense that Obama would have treated his mother more kindly and seen her in a more positive light had he had the chance to do things over again. He may have gained a better appreciation for her had she lived a bit longer. A real tragedy for both of them.

It is a treat to read so many warm, open generous comments.

What a fine tribute to Obama's mother....what an exquisitely gentle, strong and bohemian character she was.......an amazing force of nature.....it takes your breath away.......the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, that's for sure.

You have to read this story about Hillary's upbringing----talk about ying and yang:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/paglia/2008/01/10/hillary/index.html

I am extremely moved by the story of Obama's mother Ann. Someone should make a thoughtful film about her life. She was a true bohemian and a real feminist. Both gentle and strong and curious. It's a pity she's not alive...she would have been so proud of her son. You can see why Barak fell for Michelle, she's strong, smart, and very down to earth.

Obama's mom was a fascinating person, and very intelligent. No wonder Obama is so amazing, and thinks outside the box.

well since we havent had a president for 7 plus years, maybe this time we won't pick someone to have a beer with. If we do want to have a beer with him, we will make sure he doesn't cry about it all the time.

I consider This brave young woman to be a Renaissance Woman - a true Visionary. It is very difficult, even today, much less 40 years ago, to practice such open-minded forward-thinking style of parenting.

I'm glad we are all getting an opportunity to learn this great American story.

I think a key to understanding the senator is the fact that both of his parents died when he was relatively young.

no wonder he's the way he is - i feel pity for him now. an ungrounded upbringing, dragged from here to there, not knowing who he was or where his roots were - not who i want for my president!

Part 2

Furthermore, if Obama as a small child was raised in the continental US in the mid 60s, he would have been subjected to all the blatant racism and hatred countless other blacks dealt (and still deal with in a subdued form) with thereby eroding and destroying his self-esteem. What Obama covers in his book about racial ambiguity and confusion along with drug pressures and image problems are 65% of what most blacks go thru staying in the continental US.

Basically, there are a lot of societal factors that could have destroyed Obama at a young age. These factors are a direct reflection of the moral degradation of inherent in US society that everyone wants to act like is "unpatriotic" to talk about. Rev. Wright talked about these issues. The same issues that could have destroyed a damn good potential US President. His mother did us all a favor in taking him far away to save us from ourselves.

Part 1

People are wowed by Obama's story but the sad ass truth is that his life and cheerful outlook was only possible because he was raised far from mainland US. If his mother and father had met at ANY university in the continental US, his father would have been chased back to Kenya.

A mixed child like Obama was a prime candidate for an abortion by a white woman in the early 60s. Per chance his mother would have given birth and raised him anywhere on the mainland, she would have been ostracized and caught pure hell beyond relief. That factors into why she stayed the hell away and kept moving.

I can't help but feel bitter about the wonderful unique person Ann Sotoro was , obviously gifted and devoted to the best for her children.Yet Obama writes a book about his father , who was never there, and doesn't even visit his mother when she's dying .Seems so much like the short shrift women are given everywhere in the world.