go OOOOObama!

So I was totally on the fence about Obama or Edwards, but after two states and this ridiculous email (see below) merlikethesea is OFFICIALLY an OBAMA grrl.

*********WARNING: COMPLETE CRAP**********
Who is Barack Obama? Something that should be considered when you make your choice. If you do not ever forward anything else, please forward this to all Your contacts...it is very scary to think of what could lie ahead for us Here in our own United States...better heed this and pray about it and share it. We checked this out on " snopes.Com". It is factual. Check for yourself.

Who is Barack Obama? Probable U. S. Presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born In Honolulu , Hawaii , to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM From Nyangoma-Kogel , Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white Athiest from Wichita , Kansas .

Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii . When Obama was two Years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya His
Mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia . When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia . Obama Attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta . He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is Quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also Attended Catholic school." Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that he is not a radical.
Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this Influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned To Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct Influence over his son's education. Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, Introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school In Jakarta . Wahabism is the RADICAL ISLAMIC teaching that is followed by the Muslim Terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since It is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major Public office in the United States , Barack Hussein Obama has joined The United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim Background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.

Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegience nor
Will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands
Over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches.
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential Candidacy. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside Out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States , one of their own!!!! Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading Our country?..... NOT ME!!!
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Actually, I DID research this using their link to snopes.com and it in fact says that their accusations are FALSE.

Here is my response:

To all:

Concerning the "information" written below (sic), I would like to see where this rant is derived from. It seems to be quite sensationalist and discriminatory. I somehow doubt that a leading Presidential candidate would turn his back on the flag of the nation he hopes to lead.

Religion has been a contentious issue among presidential candidates since JFK was called into question for being Catholic. Opponents accused that there was no way a Catholic president could govern without mandate from the Vatican, to which JFK responded that his religion in no way would effect his decisions and ability to lead the United States of America. America is after all the melting pot, and the separation of church and state is a founding principle.

Barack Obama is widely recognized as a candidate for positive change, one whose message is one of collaboration among parties, not division. His record is consistent with his message, and to hear him speak, you get the feeling that he genuinely seems sincere about his commitment to the American people. The fact that he is black and possibly at one time practiced Islam is irrelevant to me. Our beloved Robert C. Byrd was admittedly a member of the KKK at one time, a bigoted and racist organization. Look at all of the wonderful things he has done for the state of West Virginia.

I plead with all of you to take a closer look into the candidates. Look at what their record speaks of and where they stand on the REAL issues.
Please do not let your VITAL and IMPORTANT vote be swayed by fear mongering and hearsay.

Your fellow citizen,

merlikethesea