why i find the video funny - feb 19 '08

I thought I better explain WHY I think the video of Obama copying Deval Patrick is *funny*, based on some comments that were left in yesterdays post.

A few months ago, I was on HuffPo and was in a discussion with some people, discussing Biden. I said that I liked Biden as a candidate, and was attacked by Obama supporters. Frankly, a few of them were quite nasty and called Biden a plagiarist, among other things. After that day, anytime I mentioned Biden, I was reminded that he was nothing but a dirty plagiarist and was responded to rudely (by Obama supporters). In case you don't know, Biden used part of a British politicians speech, as if it were his own "inspired thoughts" back in 88, and the charges ruined his run for office.

Over the last few weeks, I have read stories, blogs and comments and seen youtube videos ridiculing Clinton and McCain for using (stealing) lines from Obama. They have been attacked and laughed at for using *change* or *fired up* phrases. The Obama camp sent out a memo before Hillary had even finished one speech, that she "stole the phrase fired up and ready to go" from him.

Obama supporters are moved by his words. He does not have much experience, or history. His supporters say they are moved by his speeches and the things he says, how he invokes MLK, JFK, RFK. His popularity, in large part, is due to his inspiratational speeches.

So, yes, I find it funny in an ironic sort of way that, now Obama, who has accused Hillary of plagiarism, has been called out for doing just that. And since posting that video last night, I found out it has happened more often than this one time.

"Sí Se Puede" or "yes we can" is from the United Farm Workers.

"Together we can" was the campaign slogan of Deval Patrick in 2006

"Fired Up! Ready to Go!" is from the NAACP in South Carolina, used by Jondelle Harris Johnson in the Civil Rights marches.

"We are the ones we've been waiting for." is a Hopi Indian saying, used by Alice Walker as the title of her book.

So, that is why I posted the video, and wrote *funny* underneath. I am not judging, just keeping it fair.

And, to be fair, since this occured, Deval sent out a memo saying that Obama had permission to use the *words* speech. They also share a campaign manager. But still, he should have referenced Deval, IMHO.

"If you're going to be talking about the value of words, the words ought to be your own." - Howard Wolfson