I only hope she realizes that's in the past and doesn't hold it against this white boy!

My history leads back to the Sioux Indians. So what, I need a job. Hey BO, once you're finished securing the unions jobs, can we the little people get some scraps tossed our way?

First, its not a race issue, it is a slave issue. Whites, as well as blacks, were slaves. Slavery may have been wrong, but it wasn't always bad. Yes, yes, whipping somebody because they weren't working and making God's children live in squallor was attrocious!! But slavery wasn't always about beatings and subhuman living conditions.

Second, why does this story focus on the idea that Dolphus wasn't born of two parents who were in love with each other?? This story drills home the idea that Dolphus was born to a raped girl. While it may be true that slave children were born due to rape, there were a lot more that were born because of loving relationships. Unless there is direct evidence that Dolphus and his three siblings were born of dubious practices, then I suggest you keep your filth laden mouths shut!!

So, this article tries to start trouble in two ways, slavery and rape. When will this crap stop?

And this is news???!! Every black person with " roots " in this country came from slaves!

race,race,race,mmm,mmm,mmm, how many times will the DEMOCRAT party's LEFT wing agenda keep this up? Enough to put them out of office for the next thirty years I guess. All their candidates are running behind in the polling, Obama himself has less than 50% approval (worse than Jimmy Carter at this point). Wow, more than 150 years ago, she had slaves in her family. Man on man. Who brought them over here, mmmm,mmmm,mmmm. The black man. Sorry i didn't have slaves in my family 150 years ago, and most Americans today didnt either. The American people DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS ISSUE! We care about the 12 Trillion dollar debt, health care being rammed down our throats even though 65% of us dont want it. We care about the waves of illegals coming into this country unabated by the Obama administration, we care about terrorism coming back into this country, we care about our troops and want them backed up by Washington, as they keep us safe, as well as the rest of teh world. In November 2010, 2012 we will show you what we are interested in since Congress and the White House aren't listening.

"what we are interested in since Congress and the White House aren't listening."

hopefully REVOLUTION and NEVER AGAIN another DEMOCRAT or REPUBLICAN in Congress or the White House.

We keeping believing we are voting for "change" over and over,year after year democrat or republican,IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO YOU VOTE FOR!.. the elite just keep putting whatever puppet they need for the agenda.{not ours}

So now I guess the Obama's are black enough? Stop playing the race card.

She should be grateful! She has a nice big White House now and isn't being chased by a lion!

Well that does it. Impeach Obama...his wife is black, democratic,and since her ancestors were slaves they came to this country illegally. That means the president is living with an illegal immigrant...we CAN'T abide that. Impeach! Haters unite! We've got 'em on this one!

WHO CARES....!

Why is she playing a race card now? Is something about ready to hit the fan?

Do the Obama's see and feel their supports jumping off the fence? What's the deal?

Get that girl some reparation dollar$.

My ancestors were Vikings.

I should probably apologize to England.

Just another diversion while the dem/libs try to finish the government option health insurance they intend to shove down our throats.

Let's see, if you consider all the southern European whites that were made slaves by north Africans and all the slaves the Romans had when they dominated most of Europe, I'm quite certain I have some slave "roots" in my ancestry too.

BO must be getting ready to try to do something big so the media is going to make sure that anyone that against him is racist again. Oh wait...he hasn't done anything in almost a year. THat's ok for the extreme left though. First it was give him a few months, then it was that we shouldn't grade him on 100 days like we do everyone else, and then we shouldn't grade him on half a year. Soon we can't grade him on his four years.

Can you believe the comments here...It is an interesting story about the First Lady. The truth evidently causes some people to overreact.

It is a story about the history of the First Lady, what the h@@@ is wrong with you people and why did you read the article?

My only response about this story is: WHO CARES!!!!!!!

I just love the way some people live off of the past. What relavence does this have? Does that make her a better person? With stories like this, no wonder this country can't move forward.

hey Dennis...so I guess the majority rules thing will happen and we can blame "blacky"?

what a stupid statement...majority rules does not work in mental intitutions...and that is where we all live.Black or White or whatever...welcome to the New World Order...now get back in line and get your government ration card,like everyone else!

Hey NYT - Nice story about Michelle.

Now where's the one about the CBO's report that just came out that says the deficit hit a new record of $1.4 trillion and that does not include the cost of health care? Stop filtering the news.

Do you realize you are the one pushing the race issue with your comments.

Everyone knows African Americans have a heritage that results from sex and usually rape from White Men/African slave. A slave had no choices.

Maybe you would like the article to say the African Slave and a White young man, fell in love and produced this child. This could have happened also, would you like that.

I guess she has to make the statement now that she has never been proud of her family since there are whites in it.

Does this mean she is just an American?

Or does she still think that she is a pure "African" - American.

Really people, when will we drop the hyphens and special terms. I dont see any "German-American" on any application. We are all simply AMERICANS! Start acting like it.

Good ol' dennis the menace- Race relations have been dealt a serious set back with this guy and his wife rupaul. People are sick of hearing we owe you something. How about the trillions in the war on poverty. I can show you, today, generations that live in gov't housing. Never paid a house pmt or rent in their life!! How do you think people will react now that a sleeping giant has been awakened. Just couldn't leave well enough alone. Let's look at United NEGRO college fund, BET, Cong. BLACK caucus, black miss America, set asides, Affirm. action, etc. Every time this quota system is employed, the rest of us are led to believe you can't compete on your own. Young minorities don't need to hear that message. I believe that anyone can have the American dream if they try. You will have to put forth an effort, however.

I'm an immigrant, so I don't really have a horse in this particular race. While it's terrible what happened to slaves around the world, and there has been slavery all around the world, these days it's politicized. They run this sort of thing when the Dems are trying to pass a crappy bill that the Republicans oppose to get some outrage going in support of it. You know, remind the people that the blacks were slaves, the Republicans owned slaves, so the Republicans owe the blacks and therefore the bill should be passed because, after all, think of the poor black children. Of course, they'd never run a piece like this on Condi Rice while the Bush administration was trying to push tort reform or trying to push regulations on the banking industry because that would paint the Dems as the slave owners. It's a big charade. The NYT is garbage.

bob who loves the way some people "live off the past": Do you have any family members who pursue geneology? Is there something wrong with that? Do you have fond memories of your grandparents? Do you have any interest in your own great grandparents? Why do you see something somehow sinister about this article? If your own ancestors were Irish and lived through the prejudice against the Irish in this country wouldn't you be proud that they had done so and gone on to be successful? What's the difference here? Why do you feel so threatened by the bald truth?

Dennis. . . ."you white hate mongers are too much. . . ."

Are you kidding me? You have the intellectual power of a rock. I hope whites are in the minority really soon so I can have a 'United white college fund' or have "Miss White USA" or the "congressional white caucuss" or maybe even "White entertainment Network" or maybe my kids can get a scholarship based on the color of their skin or get a job or I can get a promotion because my skin has more pigment that someone else. Do you not see that the government propigates and legitimizes racism in the country by the laws it passes? The Dems and Republicans realize that when they divide the masses they can then conquer us and keep us "under control." Wake up and realize that it is not 1650, 1750,1850 or even 1950. The only one around here spewing hate is you.

The real tragedy is in Michelle's INDIAN heritage, not her African heritage!

That would explain why she hated America until now. So, tell me. When do the slave roots of other races get revealed?

My boyfriend is Cherokee so you all should apologize to him. Unless you also are Native American then I as well as the rest of us should apologize to you and my boyfriend. Damn whites killed off the Indians. Then again thinking about it... I don't think my ancestors were even over here in America when all the Indian killing was going on... Hmmmm... Am I still responsible?

Are you kidding,,we will be hearing about this for 200 years.

sms29s66-

The difference here is that folks genealogy isn't in the news especially when there are more important issues at hand. Do you truly give a rats a$$ about anyone elses roots? Likely no and likely wouldn't want to read about it either.

Being that this is about an issue that won't die (slavery in our way distant past), well I think NYT is just stirring the pot for some "sinister" reason.

for goodness sake: ENOUGH ALREADY!!

I am so sick of hearing about race, slavery, discrimination etc. Every tv show has to have a nasty comment about white folk, and if you watch Public Television you have probably noticed each and every documentary has to weave a black something or other into it. It's almost laughable.

What about NINA (that's No Irish Need Apply). And here is a news alert: a LOT of white folk were SERFS back in the good old days. That was about the same as a slave except you weren't worth nearly $485 and could be conscripted into the army as cannon fodder on a moment's notice.

I am not a racist but I am getting very annoyed at the constant harping about race. Well now we know that Michelle found a whitey in the woodpile. Is this a bad thing?

hmm, playing the race care AND the sympathy card at once, must be some koolaid drinkers waking up and not getting back in line.

1. The Chiefs of the African tribes sold their own people to be slaves...not my fault...
2. Slavery was over a 150 years ago.......not my fault
3. My family never bought, sold or owned slaves...........that's our fault

Now 150 years later, It's now my fault, and still paying for it???...........................Let it go.........

I actually dared to think there wouldn't be any politically motivated comments about a story that is not in the least bit controversial or political. I was wrong. The astounding part is people took the time to read and post, just to say they don't care.

The main point of the story is how far this country has come (for most of us, anyway.) As recently as 100 years ago, black people didn't have the right to vote (nor did women, for that matter.) Today, the offspring of the people who were slaves, raped by their masters, forced to endure constant prejudice, is now the First Lady, married to the non-white President of the United States. For most of us, it's an interesting and relevent piece of American history.

The other point is that nobody is just "black", "white", "Indian", etc. Through centuries of conquest and violence, none of us is purely one race or another.

It's a very encouraging story, though the anger displayed here shows not everyone is making the journey. For those of you who clearly have unresolved anger issues that you redirect at every story you read, you may want to learn about "displacement". From the linked article:

"If you have ever had a bad day at work, then gone home and taken out your frustration on family and friends, you have experienced the ego defense mechanism of displacement. Displacement involves taking out our frustrations, feelings, and impulses on people or objects that are less threatening. Displaced aggression is a common example of this defense mechanism."

http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/ss/defensemech_4.htm

This ain't Black history month and ain't no one alive today that were slaves then and we sure as hell don't have a WHITE history month, that would be RACIST and I am willing to bet a ton that the story is BS. Who the hell kept records of slaves back then much less who laid who and had what. Please spare me the sh!t. I lost most of my family to the German final solution as they worked as slaves to them GERMANS not to mention my older brother 18 at the time, who was on a slave ship going to JAPAN and was sunk by us by mistake. All WHITE HISTORY now. ALL GONE........ STOP this race crap. You are AMERICAN, born and raised.

Clotho

married to the non-white President of the United States

So she's not married to the non-black President of the United States? Who praised his white mother and grandmother and grandfater who raised him, while campaigning for the Presidency.....

That was, indeed, a sad time in the History of America.

Now, let me tell you about my great, great, great grandparents and how they were mere serfs when they first came to America. Living piled up in slums, existing on the equivilant of dumpster diving.

But, that was then and this is NOW. EVERYONE has a "story" and a "history". Wish the descendants of slavery could grasp that concept.

r3b3lgrl14,

What you posted will undoubtedely strike a chord with many people, including myself. I am of German descent. I am third generation American, therefore, my family has never owned any human being regardless of color. The first Americans in my family built homes in PA. and barely scraped by.

And this is news???!! Every black person with " roots " in this country came from slaves!

Ummmm...no.

I hate to break it to you, but some of us descended from people who came here free and stayed free. Mine arrived in 1830.

Most of the Caribbean blacks arrived in America long after slavery here ended.

We are a smaller group to be sure, but trust me, history of blacks in this country is far more complex than your statement suggests.

What does this have to do with anything? Yes, there were slaves...as almost every African American has slavery in their background and yes it was an ugly time in our history. But, so was the way the Indians were treated as their land was plundered. The southern plantation owners were plundered after the way. And, the African American was not the only slave. Remember that the Irish and Chinese came her in America as endentured servants, they were worked and most never paid out their debt before they died. I am soooooo tired of this crap. This was over 150 years ago and the debt was paid for their slavery by the blood of the Civil War...it was not the black man (althought some did) who fought the war...it was the white man against the white man to give the black man their freedoms. Also, remember that the white man did not go into Africa and round up the slaves..their own people sold them into bondage. It is time to let a dead dog ly. There are lots of races or nationalities in this country who have been screwed by white men of history, and now most of all the population in the United States is a mixture of all races and nationalities...there is no "absolute African American" we are all a part of the great melting pot.

You can gain a clearer insight into Obama's psyche by taking a closer look at Michelle. The characteristically angry, "Hate America", Michelle Obama experienced a Hollywood makeover for her DNC convention speech that beguiled the "willing dupes" in the electorate. You could almost see her gag when she had to recite Obama's handler's line about "loving her country." But, her previous well-publicized radical associations; and, her multiple attempts to trash our Nation, will betray her scripted persona. It was a foregone conclusion that the Obama handlers would have Michelle with a smile-cast to cover-up her normally angry countenance, and chain-locked to the teleprompter with their carefully scripted commentary so as to obscure the prospective 1st lady's deeply angry disposition towards America. What a tragic example for our children; what a disastrous blow to societal cohesion at home; what a disconcerting message to our friends and allies; and, what a comforting message to our fanatical opponents abroad; to see a woman who has expressed her beliefs that: "our souls are broken in this nation"; "blacks must join in solidarity to combat a white oppressor"; "America is a nation that was founded on crime and hatred"; "we're a country that is just downright mean."; "We're a nation of cynics, sloths, and complacents."; "America is guided by fear, and getting worse all the time."; and, laments that she will face, "further integration and/or assimilation into a white culture and social structure"; to have secured the White House itself as the platform for her hate-filled dictum. And, of note to practicing Christians in our society, is Michelle's pledge that: "Barack will be tireless in keeping legal the practice of partial birth abortions". All of this from a woman who has benefited enormously from affirmative actions which she conveniently neglected to mention in the convention speech! Along with her husband's long-term subversive associations, his immersion in seditious anti-American diatribe; and, his recent proclamation: "I don't want that (referring to America in its current form) for my little girls.", has indeed revealed the Obamas as the real-life Manchurian Couple; and, certainly explains Obama's proclamation: "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded as the military." The program that Obama has referred to is "Public Allies", of which Michelle was the Executive Director of the Chicago Chapter; and, which consists of government-funded reeducation camps where Amercan youth are brainwashed into thinking "America is a racist, oppressive place in need of social change." Greg Neubeck

ipaymytaxesandbills: I recall learning that the Bushes are related to the English royal family. That was in the news after GW became President.

Cool Dennis...If you are in the majority in 20 years then we won't have to hear about how bad whitey is...

First, I am offended they even mentioned Alabama and Michelle Obama's "roots" in the same sentence. I'm sure Georgians are offended also. Secondly, this is not news. But somehow it has way more posters than Iran's nuclear problems Vine. Just reading some of these comments could keep one laughing all day!

Yeah right!

Just like she stated in her address to the Olympic Committee stating that she "sat on her daddy's lap watching Carl Lewis in the Olympics".

The only problem with that, is that she would have been 20 years old when Carl Lewis made his debut in the Olympics.

20 years old and "sitting on daddy's lap" watching the Olympics????

I think the only "complex path" our First Lady travels, is the path to the truth.

Her credibility leaves much to be desired.

I actually dared to think there wouldn't be any politically motivated comments about a story that is not in the least bit controversial or political. I was wrong. The astounding part is people took the time to read and post, just to say they don't care.

Funny that the NYT never ran an article on Laura Bush's Sweedish ancestors. Guess that wasn't interesting enough for the Times. It's only when there's slavery involved that it gets interesting? Methinks you protest too much. If I don't give a crap about Laura Bush's ancestors, why the hell should I give a crap about Michelle Obama's? Because there was slavery involved? Slavery sells newspapers, because it gets the blacks all up in arms, it gets the whites defensive, and the NYT laughs all the way to the bank. But neither of the First ladie's histories is interesting enough to warrant a big article like this in and of themselves. So, everyone draws the natural conclusion, it's a political statement.

Wouldn't it be far more unusual if Michelle didn't have slave ancestry somewhere in her family tree? I would assume nearly all Blacks living here have someone in their linage who was a slave. Get over it. This story is just a big hot steaming pile. My guess is this is the first move bythe administration to introduce a slave reparation's bill. Then make Michelle a victim, a celebrity face to attach to the issue, then float the bill.

The more I read these message boards, the more physically ill I get. Since Obama began running for President and I heard about Michelle Obama's ancestry, I decided to try and trace my own. Although I still cannot find anything about my Mother's side of the family, something not uncommon among Black's in America, particularly since many born during my mmother's time (1939) and prior were born outside of hospital's and birth records are scarce. I was able to get information about my father, because he happens to be what was once called "mulatto", as I saw on census documents a kind person found for me.

Seems my Great-Great-Great Grandmother was not only White, but openly married her mulatto husband, and has a town in Alabama named after her father! Interestingly enough, the information I got went back as far as 1850! Of course none of this is of any import to the ravenous hordes of the Internet who cannot wait to make someone, anyone, feel as miserable in life as they do. Still, it gave me information about where I came from, and something to pass on to my daughter.

It is a great feeling to know you have roots, and to be able to look back and see and feel what those roots might have looked like. Thank you New York Times, as I know this will inspire other's to look a little harder, and perhaps I will be able to finally find out about my mother's side of my DNA.

I wonder if they would dare trace Barak's back far enough to find out if his ancestors sold Michelle's ancestors INTO slavery? Since he has admitted he does not have a slavery background, although almost IN Africa now do.

Wouldn't THAT be a twist, who would they blame then?

Black Knight

RACE, RACE, RACE. Who the He!! cares. It is the 21st century, get over it, and lets move on. Unbelievable. Every one has a past be it good, bad, or indifferent. It is nice to study history, but stupid to keep bringing it up. In Obummers case, it is always about being of slave descendants. Well, my roots are from Irish Americans, and Checkoslovakian. Who cares, move on, and get over it.

If you don't care, then don't read the article. It truly is that simple!

Funny! You tell Mrs. Obama to "get over it", yet you take the time to let us know that you are a decendent of people who write Checks! What? They didn't have credit cards?

Utterly amazing!!

marty-309390

I wonder if they would dare trace Barak's back far enough to find out if his ancestors sold Michelle's ancestors INTO slavery? Since he has admitted he does not have a slavery background, although almost IN Africa now do.

Wouldn't THAT be a twist, who would they blame then?

I suppose it is possible, although it is said that most slaves came from West Africa, and Kenya is part of East Africa. What might be more possible is that is Mother's side could have bought or sold a slave or two...that could have been related to Michelle, although it would be hard to tell at this point, as most of those records are hard to come by.

Oh, wait. You weren't actually looking for someone to have a discussion with...right?

From what I understand, 90% of all blacks in America today came by way of Ellis Island.

Michelle obama is the worst racist I've ever seen in a black. Listen to her Carolina speech and how THEY keep raising the bar on her husband and how THEY....

She's pathetic....

This new healthcare bill is a form of reparations isn't it?

I agree with those of you that said, "so what"! My ancestors were the American Cherokee Indian. We were a doscile people, content to leave intruders to trespass across our land at will. All we cared about was nature, our Spirit guides, our families and our ability to hunt and fish to supply for our family. We were the ones robbed in this country and forced into reservations in the middle of the desert where nothing grows and not much can live. Every race has had it's hardships....so, get over it. That's history, and had history not brought us all here....we wouldn't be having this conversation.

While it was a travisty and a shame for the black ancestors that were captured and sold into slavery by superior african tribes, there is an argument that the blacks of today are better off because of it. Look where they would be had slavery never happened, I doubt many, if any would switch places if they had the ability to twitch their nose and undo it all. instead of considering the positives that came todays blacks because of it, too many of them want to play the race card and poor poor pitiful me.

I wouldn't expect a multi-million dollar book deal Michelle.

I can hear some of the quotes now.....

" I feel connected to my great great great grandmother because I too was uprooted from Georgia and forced to take on a life of hardship and racism".

"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah Barry, blah blah blah blah blah blah HOPE, blah blah blah blah blah blah REPERATIONS, blah blah blah blah blah....boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo, blah blah blah blah blah LOBSTER FOR LUNCH!"

What a read that would be!

Rita-900543

I agree with those of you that said, "so what"! My ancestors were the American Cherokee Indian. We were a doscile people, content to leave intruders to trespass across our land at will. All we cared about was nature, our Spirit guides, our families and our ability to hunt and fish to supply for our family. We were the ones robbed in this country and forced into reservations in the middle of the desert where nothing grows and not much can live. Every race has had it's hardships....so, get over it. That's history, and had history not brought us all here....we wouldn't be having this conversation.

I am actually grateful to the American Indian tribe that took in my ancestor's on my mother's side, when they escaped from slavery, and made it possible for me to be here today. See, I don't know much about my Mother's side, but I do know two things. That my Maternal Grandmother is 1/2 American Indian, although we don't know what tribe, and that I am related through a cousin to Former Senator Trent Lott!

You are right that history brought is here, but it is in knowing that history, that we are allowed to grow and prosper from it. Although it appears many on this board would begrudge Black people from taking the time to know their history, I for one think it is a blessing to know where one come's from.

I say so what. Apparently she has a rich white background also, why doesn't she focus on that why just the poor slave girl. Cause if she focuses on the white background, it doesn't carry as much weight when we are supposed to feel sorry for them. I say, get over it, there were white endentured slaves at the same time. No one forced them to stay here after they were freed. If it was/is so bad for them, go back where you came from then tell me what you think of this country - she who said she isn't proud of her country until she moved into the "white" house. Are we going to change the name of that also?????

ClintHorace

I wouldn't expect a multi-million dollar book deal Michelle.

I can hear some of the quotes now.....

" I feel connected to my great great great grandmother because I too was uprooted from Georgia and forced to take on a life of hardship and racism".

"Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah Barry, blah blah blah blah blah blah HOPE, blah blah blah blah blah blah REPERATIONS, blah blah blah blah blah....boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo, blah blah blah blah blah LOBSTER FOR LUNCH!"

What a read that would be!

Yeah! Put it right next to the book deal Sarah Palin got:

"Blah Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah Barry, blah blah blah blah blah blah Maverick, blah blah blah blah blah blah My husband belongs to a secessionist organization...uh...what's that?, blah blah blah blah blah....boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo and they said I had ethics violations, blah blah blah blah blah I can see Russia from my back yard!"

Little Nobody

I say so what. Apparently she has a rich white background also, why doesn't she focus on that why just the poor slave girl. Cause if she focuses on the white background, it doesn't carry as much weight when we are supposed to feel sorry for them. I say, get over it, there were white endentured slaves at the same time. No one forced them to stay here after they were freed. If it was/is so bad for them, go back where you came from then tell me what you think of this country - she who said she isn't proud of her country until she moved into the "white" house. Are we going to change the name of that also?????

What, did you even read the beginning of the article? Michelle Obama did not do the research, the New York Times did. Therefore, she is not focusing on anything, and even refused to comment for the article!

Seriously. Turn off Faux News, and get some rest!

That was my point BSfanfarnkenener.

I don't think her book would have the same....appeal?

But I'll betcha that's what she's thinking!

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Maybe "Readers Digest" can give her a page or two!

GLCSR Liberally Conservative Independent!

From what I understand, 90% of all blacks in America today came by way of Ellis Island.

And where do you get your information from Faux News, or is that some little tidbit you deciden to pull out of your nether regions?

Now, having said that. Since so many if not most Black American's do actually have White or Caucasion's in their family tree, you could twist and turn things enough to say that "90%...came by way of Ellis Island". However, you might look like a pretzel when you are done, so do be careful!

ClintHorace

That was my point BSfanfarnkenener.

I don't think her book would have the same....appeal?

But I'll betcha that's what she's thinking!

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Maybe "Readers Digest" can give her a page or two!

As funny as that sounds, you are aware that Michelle Obama is not the one that did the ancestry research, but the New York Times did. But then again, since Mrs. Palin didn't actually write her book either, I suppose you have a point!

I agree with you, and Jinchuriki's comment is absolutely correct. So many people have no sense of our history adn what is important these days. They are changing history in school so as not to "hurt anyone's feelings" - and then make the U.S. out to be the bad guys (as shown in Pres. Obama's making so many apologies - makes me sick). Anyway, bottom line is, who cares? I wish they would dig as hard into the President's background and quit hiding and running from facts.

Time to take the country back - make the forefathers proud, as I am sure they are disgusted today.

Taken as a whole, these comments reveal entrenched ignorance and racism. Mrs. Obama herself is a fascinating woman. Her family history is the history of America. Keep at it, bigots and the militantly ignorant. You are distancing yourselves farther and farther from the decent people who are at the heart of this nation. No, I am not a person of color. Because I, and others in my family tree, are interested in our roots, I can go back at least as many generations as this article reveals about Mrs. Obama's family. Staid Euro's all the way. But maybe that's part of your hatred. You have no roots, no connectedness to anything but your own mean little word. You know nothing about who you are so therefore find fault with those of us who do. You are pathetic.

It was an interesting article, get a grip people. Stop and take off your white sheets.

In your opinion it was interesting. In mine it wasn't. So, stop and put down the black panther nightstick. (I'm just assuming since you perceive everyone who doesn't enjoy the story is racist who wants to burn crosses on lawns, that everyone who enjoys the article is a thug who wants to club white people over the head)

What!!??? A black person in America has ancestors who were slaves?? Say it isn't so!!

I was doing OK until the "Dream" came up. Makes me wonder about the story now. Fact or Fiction.

Daffy-318367

I agree with you, and Jinchuriki's comment is absolutely correct. So many people have no sense of our history adn what is important these days. They are changing history in school so as not to "hurt anyone's feelings" - and then make the U.S. out to be the bad guys (as shown in Pres. Obama's making so many apologies - makes me sick). Anyway, bottom line is, who cares? I wish they would dig as hard into the President's background and quit hiding and running from facts.

Time to take the country back - make the forefathers proud, as I am sure they are disgusted today.

Uh oh, I smell a birther in the room. Everybody...run!

Fine, I'll say it alittle nicer...who really gives a crap...really? Save it for ohpra

What!!??? A black person in America has ancestors who were slaves?? Say it isn't so!!

What? A person on the internet that can see past her own birth? Oh, right. It isn't so!

roscoe-841582

Fine, I'll say it alittle nicer...who really gives a crap...really?

I do, but actually I am one of those geeks that actually finds history to be interesting.

And the right wing says they're not racist!!!

r3b3lgrl14

If a tree falls in the forest and there's no one around does it make a sound?

Same thing applies to everyone of us today, we were not there, we did not contribute, we cannot by any extension of probability be held responsible.

There are only certain people who bring this ugly piece of WORLD history up and they continue to be their own worst enemies.

And Barry came from the white race look it up, he is only half black. He has more in common with whites than blacks since he was raised by whites, does this make any difference NO and neither does Michelle having slave roots. Blacks need to start living in the present and stop feeling sorry for them selves for somthing that NEVER involved them personally.

Didn't Obama tell the press that the first lady and the kids were off limits? I bet he's gonna be outraged that they NYT dared to do an article about her.

And the right wing says they're not racist!!!

And yet the right wing would vote for Condi Rice as President. Looks like the right wing is only racist when it's convenient for the left wing to say so.

lostamerican2

r3b3lgrl14

If a tree falls in the forest and there's no one around does it make noise?

Same thing applies to everyone of us today, we were not there, we did not contribute, we cannot by any extension of probability be held responsible.

There are only certain people who bring this ugly piece of WORLD history up and they continue to be their own worst enemies.

So, wait a minute. By looking into one's past, one suddenly becomes "certain people"? Seriously? Whatever happened to having a sence of pride in one's ancestry? In looking at how far one has come? In taking pride in the accomplishments of those that came before us, and in where those accomplishments allowed us to go?

Seriously. There seems to be a very strange sort of disconnect here, and I am not sure why...

Fred-256289

Didn't Obama tell the press that the first lady and the kids were off limits? I bet he's gonna be outraged that they NYT dared to do an article about her.

I'm sure you noticed that the article made it very clear that neither Obama commented for the article, nor where they anyway involved in the research!

Seriously. Dislike Obama if you choose, but this trying to find fault in everything he does...even when it is not him doing it...is really getting old!

Cry babies

And Barry came from the white race look it up, he is only half black. He has more in common with whites than blacks since he was raised by whites, does this make any difference NO and neither does Michelle having slave roots. Blacks need to start living in the present and stop feeling sorry for them selves for somthing that NEVER involved them personally.

What is so wrong with looking into one's past? People of all ethnicities and backgrounds do it all it time hence the miriad websites that are around to help with such a search, yet no one takes issue with it unless it involves Black people. Why is that?

Just to make sure you are perfectly clear. This article is not about Barack Obama, but is about Michelle Obama. Therefore, this is nothing about how or where he was raised.

Fred-256289

And the right wing says they're not racist!!!

And yet the right wing would vote for Condi Rice as President. Looks like the right wing is only racist when it's convenient for the left wing to say so.

Yeah. Including those people that say they want to "take their country back", and that this is not what their "forefather's" had in mind?

Right. And I have some ocean front property in Idaho to sell you...real cheap!

bsbfankaren, Nothing is wrong with looking into the past, the problem stems from blacks using slavery as a crutch for all their issues. Poor me my great,great,great grandpa/ma was a slave the government owes me restitution. And its as much about Barry as Michelle since we are looking into the family tree. Why is it that MSNBC hasn't wrote a big article about Barry's kin, maybe because its white or maybe because we might find out Barry's family used to own some slaves of their own. I never read articles about any other first wife's ancestors, why is that??

Liberals are far and away the most racist people on the planet. After all what does it say when you feel the need to give special privileges to those minorities you feel were mistreated in the past? What you're saying is they are too dumb to make it on their own. Instead of leveling the field, you put in place a system that in effect keeps them on the plantation their entire life, voting for politicians that promise the moon and stars but spoon feed just enough to keep them alive. Liberals should be ashamed of themselves for enabling generation after generation after generation of minorities to suck off the government boob. The results speak for themselves, most minority groups are sinking deeper and deeper into a hopeless cycle of gangs and poverty.

I'm sure you noticed that the article made it very clear that neither Obama commented for the article, nor where they anyway involved in the research!

Seriously. Dislike Obama if you choose, but this trying to find fault in everything he does...even when it is not him doing it...is really getting old!

I don't dislike Obama. I dislike his policies, and I detest the NYT for their blatant liberal agenda. But, as far as what Obama said, he DID say that Michelle and the girls were off limits to the press. That was after her "first time I've been proud of my country" statement. But it seems that they are not off limits if the papers are willing to write something nice. Something about having your cake and eating it too comes to mind.

As far as Michelle being off limits, when she shut down an entire block to get organic kale, that put her completely on limits. But I do agree that the kids should be. It's not their fault if their parents are an embarrassment and joke.

Cry babies

bsbfankaren, Nothing is wrong with looking into the past, the problem stems from blacks using slavery as a crutch for all their issues. Poor me my great,great,great grandpa/ma was a slave the government owes me restitution. And its as much about Barry as Michelle since we are looking into the family tree. Why is it that MSNBC hasn't wrote a big article about Barry's kin, maybe because its white or maybe because we might find out Barry's family used to own some slaves of their own. I never read articles about any other first wife's ancestors, why is that??

Tell me. Where it that article did you see anything...I mean anything...about anyone using slavery as a crutch? Come on. Anything at all? And you are clear that this info come from the New York Times and not MSNBC? And where is there anything in the article about "restitution"? Come on. I am sure you can find the quote.

You are also aware that Barack Obama wrote a book that is easily googled, that tells a very interesting and informative story about his family background...and that MSNBC actually did right about it? Don't believe me. Google it!

Course, I am sure you would find it very interesting to read something about Congressman Addison "Joe" Wilson's ancestry, and that he still belongs to a Confederate type organization...right? And when exactly did he add "Joe" to his name? Was it to seem like an everyman, rather than the silver spoon loving guy he truly is? You see, it all depends on who's ancestry it is that makes it interesting. Right?

By the way, I happen to be one of those "they" you refer to, and although you are free to look into the posts I have written, you will see nothing in them about he asking for "restitution" or looking to "slavery" for a "crutch". That is a figment of your ever active imagination...or something you heard on Faux News...you know, the far right wings version of Entertainment Tonight, and now feel you must repeat ad nauseum. However, it still does not make it fact!

Fred-256289

I'm sure you noticed that the article made it very clear that neither Obama commented for the article, nor where they anyway involved in the research!

Seriously. Dislike Obama if you choose, but this trying to find fault in everything he does...even when it is not him doing it...is really getting old!

I don't dislike Obama. I dislike his policies, and I detest the NYT for their blatant liberal agenda. But, as far as what Obama said, he DID say that Michelle and the girls were off limits to the press. That was after her "first time I've been proud of my country" statement. But it seems that they are not off limits if the papers are willing to write something nice. Something about having your cake and eating it too comes to mind.

Hey, I understand. I think the folks on Faux News are so far to the right, that they can no longer even "turn" left, and I think Rupert Murdocks New York Post is now little more than a gossip rag. I also did not much care for G.W. Bush, although I have grown to appreciate him some since he left office, as I realize his VP made most of the decision, and once he realized they were mostly wrong, he decided to take the reigns back. Unfortunately by then we were already in two unwinable wars, and had allowed Wall Street to rape the American Public, but that is another story.

Again, I point out to you that the article in question clearly states that neither Obama commented or where involved in the research that went into said article, yet you and others like you, seem to want to blame them for everything, short of the Kennedy Assassination...but then again, I am pretty sure you all will find away before his term is over!

If you don't like the article, sent a messag to the Times, but for goodness sake, realize that it is actually of interest to a large portion of this nation...who also happen to not be Black!

Little Sure Shot

As far as Michelle being off limits, when she shut down an entire block to get organic kale, that put her completely on limits. But I do agree that the kids should be. It's not their fault if their parents are an embarrassment and joke.

Au contraire. Their parents are actually a bright shining example of what can be achieved, if one works hard and stays in school. In the years to come, you are going to see thousands of children who felt inspired by their story, of various races and ethnicities.

Now, as for the Kale thing...are you feeling left out? I have never heard of this story, but has no other First Lady closed done a street to pick up a little somethin-somethin at the market?

Come on now? You wish you could, don't ya'?

And what this all breaks down into its most basic elements: We all are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve.

We all descended from the lazy dude who ran the beautiful garden and the seductress who teased him into breaking the law, thereby earning us all the right to have to fight for our own existences.

We can all claim lineage to criminal behavior. Ta-da!

Now, get over it.

ahhhhh, the moderatators don't like the truth, there was nothing offensive in this comment, please! I think you should delete all the comments here on this post cause most are worst than this.

A comment of yours has been removed by the author of the post or seed it was written on. Authors are expected to be the moderators of the content contained in their own columns and are charged with keeping comment threads on-topic and free from offensive or otherwise inappropriate comments.

UMMMMMM, WHERE are they buddy!!!!!! shoot I am part black my self! give me a break!!! utterly ridiculous!!!! now you can't do anything cause I am a minority!!! you will be discriminating against my race!

devlin-319094 I completely agree with you here, it is a disgraceful article what the HECK does it matter? where is obama's roots? they must not do his roots cause he is half white, because he is half privileged? so that knocks him out of that category? what about the other presidents that we're half black back in the day: Jefferson, Harding, Lincoln, Jackson, and Coolidge. Where are their stories of being part black/white mixed presidents and their roots? where is that article on the news? what a shame and pitiful disgrace!!!! so many people don't even know their own countries history ;( What do I care where or what you came from? all i care about is the job at hand and how you will follow through. I give this articel a -5 if you could give stars that way!!!! but what ever? what do I know? I am just a stupid average american cizitzen? maybe they can give an educational seminar on why racism is bad and pray and hope education will change it LOL!!!!! GOOD LUCk on that! cause it is the heart PEOPLE that can only change that!!!!

Wow read some of the comments. Why is it that when someone brings up any of the ugly side of our History. All the whites get offended. And everyone who brings it up is playing a race card?

Look I am not even black and yes they were mistreated here. And whites owned slaves. Even the great George Washington owned slaves. Is it that some do not want to believe that this country was built on the backs of the less fortunate? By the Few who held control. And that means regardless of color.

If you don't want to hear about it then don't read the article. Simple no? I found the article interesting. The first lady didn't even comment on the story and some are even blaming her for this article. WTF are you all serious?

Until we as a country can honestly look at our past and tell the truth about it. We will continue to have people afraid of other cultures as being foreign. When they actually no longer are. Every major culture has some sort of hand in this countries history.

Hey even some Natives had captives for years, raped white women ect. I am Native and can admit that. But to continue to be divisive about the truth and get all bent about the past is exactly why minorities of all backgrounds point it out.

It is the we are not responsible and so what attitudes. That demonstrate the very same attitude that some whites have had since the Europeans came over. But the tide is turning everyone knows that there is really no true white base in America anymore. And soon everyone will be of mixed ancestry here.If they already are not.

So the whole minority issue will cease to exist. When all the south Americans and the Central Americans out populate the rest of us. When our grandkids get our ages they will look at us like we look at slave owners. And say what were they thinking? Some are even saying it is history forget it. I will when you forget to be an American U.S. citizen

Lie: number one Columbus discovered America

Truth: No he did not there were humans already here.

Lie: George Washington never told a lie

Truth: He is human that is impossible

Lie: the republican party cares about you

Truth: No they care about Big Business and Lobbyists

Lie: Democrates care about the poor and middle class

Truth: No they care about Lobbyists and Big government

Lie: Minorites and the Natives needed whites or else we would still be chucking spears.

Truth: That is bull Native civilizations were around when Columbus brought diseases. Killing thousands. Native cultures and minorities survived in spite of Assimilation and always will. They are of equal importance to this nation as Apple pie and Baseball.

Who cares about her background or where she came from. SERIOUSLY!!!!

Actually, Brooklyn Boxer. I still wear my HOPE sweatshirt, because of people like you.

There will always be people who believe whomever is POTUS is the worst person alive. What makes things worse this time is the fact that race is brought in, then denied as if it isn't already obvious.

In this case, I will say it one more time, neigher Obama was involved in doing the research into Michelle Obama's ancestry, nor did they comment for the article. Yet as it now the usual, both Obama's are being blamed for playing some mythical "race card"!

Although Michelle may be proud of America for the first time, I am ashamed everytime I get involved in one of these message boards, and realize that any one, any where in the world can see what is being posted here. What numbskulls we must look like!

imbored? Not only that, but you are late!

Why was that comment collapsed?

Because the community did so. Don't feel bad, I got deleted...but I kinda expected it!

bsbfankaren

You are wasting your keystrokes...these bunch of repug neo-cons only regurgitate what they hear from Fats Limpballs and Faux News. I happen to agree with you that it was an excellent and informative article - whether you are black or white.

bsbfankaren - why are you stomping on a lot of peoples opinions?

bsbfankaren, So you have only read this one article on this issue? Of course not, you get your info from multable sources just as I do. So when I start reading the majority of stories relating to blacks in America that do not have entitlement as an underlying story line then I will change my opinion. And as far a reading storys about "Joe" I think a number of people would find these types of stories interisting due to the fact they might find out what type of person they are dealing with. Just as we are finding out about what a lier Barry is, and what a fear monger Polosi is, this info is very helpful.

bsbfankaren, in reading your posts in this thread, why do you fell it is necessary to comment on any opinion that has a difference of view than yours?? Remember people are entitled to have their own opinions. You scribblings just make you look like a person with a very narrow point of view when the subject is Barry Soetoro or Michelle.

I wonder if this makes Michelle more qualified to be President than BH Obama since her roots can be traced and her citizenship is not in question.

ipaymytaxesandbills

bsbfankaren - why are you stomping on a lot of peoples opinions?

It's the BS in farnkenheferer

I can understand how slavery affects the black community but most of those living today know and understand that they are treated differently because of their skin color.

The sad fact is that many are so damaged that they fail to take advantage of education and remain in poverty and danger from their neighbors

The Article states about Melvinia: a white man would father her first-born son under circumstances lost in the passage of time. This is bad. It is done today (Interracial marriages, etc) and this is good??? My family were indentured servants, owned slaves, married into the Indians. SO WHAT? Nobody did anything to my grandparents, parents, nor me. Nobody owes us anything. It is what we make in life that matters.

I celebrate Michelle's "roots" and take this story as a "only in America" saga. It really shows that you can start from the bottom and with hard work and a little luck become anybody you want to.

The story of American slavery and what happened afterward should not be ignored or feared. Instead we should look right at it and learn. God's plan often includes very tough times, with a brighter future. I wonder where we'll all be in another 100 years?

TWT -

Your comment might apply if Michelle had started anywhere near the "bottom".

Deweyd,

The question I ask is why that 'Viatal Job' she held in Chicago that paid $350,000.00+ for part time work is still not filled........... Must not have been so Vital or important........

Or, Why does she have more White House Assistants than the last two First Ladies COMBINED........... It must be that ENTITLEMENT she feels.......

Or, What has BHO accomplished other than dividing the USA more and raising the National Debt, higher than all the Presidents COMBINED, prior to him???????? Oh yea, he has VIOLATED the US Constitution, VIOLATED contractual Law, and appointed people to Government positions that have VIOLATED the same Laws they were appointed to enforce...

My family came over in the Mayflower (wearing chains in the bilge), they married Indians, and owned slaves on their 1,000+acre farm in south-side VA. The slaves were freed prior to the Civil War and they continued to live and work on the farm.......

My family does not owe anything to the BHO's or their poor poor relatives........ Like you stated, "It is what WE make in life that matters".

hey. my ancestors were fed to the lions. I can't even go to the zoo today because all those terrible memories come flooding back.

AC--Could you please reference the part in the article that says someone feels they are owed something? Both Michelle and Barack Obama are self-made. They (unlike most Presidents) did not come from wealthy families. They worked hard, took out student loans, and put themselves through college and law school.

Surely Conservatives approve of people working hard and achieving both financial and political rewards? Neither of them ever asked for a handout, or demanded reparations. They are the epitome of the American dream, as reflected in this article.

It seems this article has given people license to just vent all kinds of madness trapped inside.

First point, the First Lady and her family made NO COMMENT about this article so SHE is not saying anything about RACE. Let's just leave that issue alone.

Second point, this is just an article about her familiy's background. There are similar articles about other famous people (Brad Pitt's background has been thoroughly vetted). There is nothing special about people doing this. I really don't understand some of the ire caused by this research. It is baffling. Again I can only assume it is some pent up rage you wing nuts have been just begging for an opportunity to go on and on about.

Third, NOTHING, and I mean absolutely NOTHING in the article suggested anything even remotely pitiable. The author wasn't asking you to feel bad about the First Lady's background. She was just stating the facts. You can see how the story drew the author in, but she wasn't by any stretch of the imagination saying no one else was ever in a potentially coercive relationship, that others did not grow up poor or struggle, or even that the black struggle was specifically unique from any other ethnic group's struggle. Where the hell are some of you coming up with this crap? Again, just baffling.

The fact of the matter is, and I don't much care how hard the POTUS tries to persuade to the contrary, these folks will ALWAYS be seen through some kind of prism of race because that is how WE see ourselves, our society, and our fellow americans (no desire to argue this point with a Birther, so forget about it). I don't personally want a color blind society and neither do most of you from the sound of it, but I would like to see things become somewhat more positive.

These crappy comments suggest we have a long way to go.

Clotho....

Mother of Barack Obama born in 1942, died in 1995. Born Stanley Ann Dunham, she was an American anthropologist who specialized in economic anthropology and rural development. She earned her Ph.D from the University of Hawaii and worked with the United States Agency for International Development, the Ford Foundation, and Women's World Banking, championing microcredit for the world’s poor.

Barack Obama's maternal grandmother, born in 1922 and died on November 2, 2008, just two days before Obama won the election. ^[33] She was a bank vice president in Hawaii

All from googling Barack Obama...So please don't tell me he didn't lead a privledged life....

I agree. I found the article fascinating. I came on here to write a comment about what a neat story only to find all of these negative comments. SOME of us have come a long way, SOME haven't moved an inch.

gill55- classic! Humor is about all we have left. I appreciate your wit.

Kathryn- so you have come a long way, from where? You, you, closet bigot!

yvonnemari, I saw your earlier comment and was glad you corrected that bit of misinformation. I have met people in Charleston who came from the Carribeans and their stories are very similar.

This story is also interesting as I love to hear about other people's ancestory. I'm sure Michelle is glad that someone took an interest in her ancestory to look more into it. Now she knows a little more about her past. I can understand why some people don't consider this news but then don't read it. I have nothing against Michelle Obama. Some of my ancestors were slaves, some of them native American, and some of them wealthy farmers and shoe factory owners. It's interesting to learn about your roots and the family history of others especially our leaders.

I think people are just fustrated with this administration and the last and have lost faith in our leaders and politicians. If our economy was in better shape, if people weren't losing jobs, etc, I think people would be more interested in these types of articles but as it stands people are suffering or have loved ones that are suffering and it must seem elitist to them to point out the history of our leaders when they are more concerned with the direction our country is headed. I don't lump everyone into this category but I can understand why some have come on Newsvine today and are outraged that stuff like this is in the news.

Kathryn, that is so true! The comments on here predominantly have nothing whatsoever to do with the story. These posters knew what the story would be about before they even read it, yet they read it or just read the title and it gave them an excuse to post on newsvine all the malicious crap that's been festering in their miserable lives. They do say that misery loves company, well...you nut jobs on here have plenty of "misery" company. Do you all feel better now? Of course not! Even now, you're just sitting back and foaming at the mouth awaiting the next headline that will give you an excuse to look like a fool to the rest of the world. Many of you need to get yourselves checked out for rabies because it seems some rabid animal has bitten many of you, either that or you're all lunatics!!! No one forced you to read this story, you chose too and you've heaped lie upon lie on Michelle Obama from she wants reparations to she got handouts simply because you hate the fact that no matter how many white ancestors they dig up, she's obviously very black.... AND in the White House, get over that if you can!!! ROTFLMAO!!!!!

Clotho,

"AC--Could you please reference the part in the article that says someone feels they are owed something? Both Michelle and Barack Obama are self-made."

Hmmmm, self-made? Wanna rethink that one?

It does not surpris eme that blacks are doing so well. They will continue to do well. If they can sustain what the first lady's family went through and attain what she has the future looks very good for African Americans.
First of all it is well known that blacks had slaves also. The dirty little secret nis that many blacks and American Indians fought in nthe civil war on the side of the confederacy. Indians becaus they had a beef against the Federal government for their acts of aggression against them and many blacks because they were free men in the south some with their own slaves and some because they were promised freedom by Jefferson Davis. See First Regimnet Texas Rangers also see the Confederate General Order 14 authorizing the enlistment of black laves in exchange for freedom. Many whites were slaves mostly eindentured.
Bottom line is there is enough blame to go around. Do not forget the Jews were slaves under Pharoh now they run that part of teh world and tehy are the minority. As long as people rule with justice and dignity for others there should be no problem

actually i think most people dont like michelle obama because of her very blatantly racist comment when her husband was announced president...'this is the 1st time i am proud of my country', oh and her very very racist university paper. but as long its coming from her its ok isnt it?

Well we have Black History Month..no White history Month..I just watched roots while my foot healed from surgery..and let it be known...their own chiefs sold them also into slavery. It wasn't just the white man...so "melvina" could have been one to be sold by her own people. We need to let the whole slavery thing go..all this does is keep the fires burning. I am 1/16 cherokee indian..do I get reparations for my land that was stolen from me? Nope...nada we don't need to know michelles background..what we do need is JOBS, the economy fixed, and the Obama's to quit wasting time and spending money like no tomorrow. Thats what I have to say.

Hey hometowngirl - Be real careful of what you write here. For the very first time my post was deleted because I laughed at someone else's post. Get real msnbc. Then I checked this entire thread (as I suggest you do) and see just how many posts have been deleted as well. Well ht-girl - listen carefully. That was the sound of our first amendment rights hitting the skids.

And to you fine folks at msnbc - you are not the only show in town. We can post ideas and thoughts other places and read other news sites. In fact maybe we all should since some of us seem to be more offensive than others. Or maybe it's because we laughed at the thought of the exalted Mrs. Obama being chased by a lion as funny. I noticed that anyone who thought that post was funny got deleted.

The article wasn't about YOU

A journey from slavery to the White House. HEADLINES! Former slave girl Michelle Obama now First Lady!!!!!!!! Better cut her a check from "Obama's stash" (U.S. Tax Dollars)......

I wouldn't expect a multi-million dollar book deal Michelle. I can hear some of the quotes now.....

" I feel connected to my great great great grandmother because I too was uprooted from Georgia and forced to take on a life of hardship and racism".

"Blah blah blahblah blah blah BARRY, blah blah blah blah blah REPERATIONS, blah blah blah blah blah blah RACISM, blah blah blah blah blah...boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo boo hoo...blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah LOBSTER FOR LUNCH!"

What a read that would be huh?

Maybe "Readers Digest" can throw her a page or two.

What is wrong with you people? Somebody else decides to trace Michelle Obama's ancestry and you call that pulling a race card? It's history it happened and you need to accept it.

I don't know what saddens me more: this clinging to hate and ignorance or the possibility that you people are breeding. Since when is being ignorant something to be proud of?

Sheri 78 - What I find more offensive on this thread is the fact that there is delete overload. Every other president and anyone remotely connected with politics - not to mention celebrities of all walks seem to be fair game when it comes to jokes, commentaries, and remarks of all kinds. Everyone is fair game except the Obamas. So could you please explain that one to me. Because I am offended that while the Obamas are in the white house Americans lose our rights promised to us by the first amendment in our constitution that we are allowed to speak our mind. Or are those rights being rewritten by the new administration? Please keep in mind that there are term limits and Obama is not guaranteed another term unless voted in again - which will most likely happen if ACORN has its way again.

And by the way, it is certainly not ignorance to joke. It takes a lot more intelligence to find humor than not. Sorry you are so saddened. Lighten up - maybe you'll find some joy. And if that doesn't work for you consult your doctor. They generally have a pill for just about anything these days - even sadness over what you deem ignorant.

There isn't anything in this article that says anybody is owed anything. It is a story about Michelle's historical familial background that's it. She didn't contribute to it or write it. If you want to "get over it" then do so. The responses to this story are very emotional...why is that? Maybe some of you need to think about why you respond the way you do.

Yes mom - uh, I mean fireryone.

How do people get away from racism, when every time you turn around there is another story about how some white guy had slaves and slept with and made illegitiment babies with them. IF BLACKS are so past race issues why do they go by the moniker "african american"

Aren't we all Americans if we were born here. I don't push the fact that im of German ancestry. I was born in this country and if you were then your no more african american than I am.

By the way, i have cousins who are black. Well half black. And they are AMERICANS too.

STOP THE HATE

Was that meant to be a slam Sues?

slhines37,

I grant you it would be a greater tribute to Michelle had she been the one what went from slave to FLOTUS herself.

However, even with a couple of generations in there, I appreciate the accomplishment of those generations. Every time I see a story like this I am further convinced that a persons outcome is based 80% on their own sweat and 20% on luck.

I'm not a Pres. Obama fan, but I salute the American story when I see it.

As an aside I would hope that both people who support racial systems such as quotas, affirmative action... and people who discriminate against others would both knock it off. I think that we are doing no one favors when we "help" them (and certainly not when we hurt them). Adversity, effort and success have a way of improving people beyond what a hand out can. And success under these means is a more honest one.

Just my opinion. (let the bashing begin!! :-)

I'll bet it's the first time in her whole families lives they were proud of America too.

Sue, Please do go post someplace else. There are disgusting horrible lies and names called on here all the time and they are allowed so you must have been completely over the top to get deleted. Too bad for you.

96% of blacks who voted, voted for President Obama. Apparently, they felt they owed it to themselves to vote a black man in because of the pain their Great, Great, Great family members suffered. Entitlement is deep-rooted among this race and you can't tell me it's not.

P.S. I hate racism from both sides, black and white. I also hate senseless perpetuation of racism from white and black. Never forget, but move forward.

The story of American slavery and what happened afterward should not be ignored or feared. Instead we should look right at it and learn.

Personally I'm ****ing tired of everyone trying to teach me what to feel and how to think.

It took a college education and research to figure that out? What would the odds be of that fact?

My Scottish kinsmen were subjected to repeatedly to murder, rape and torture by the English. Let me know when the Scots get around to blaming their historical victim-hood for their failures today; I want to join.

White folks do not count. This is the 21st century, so could we move on? Taxpayers probably paid for this story!!!!!!!

Who cares about her background or where she came from. SERIOUSLY!!!!

Dewintre whats up dude, at least one European Ancestry American has the faintest idea of his Roots good job mate. Oh and don't worry I hate the British as well. Except for the Tea. And the cool guards that wear those funny hats. At least the Scottish play bagpipes and are not afraid to wear kilts.

Feel free to join maybe the Britts should give you some cash if you actually live there.. If not I think when your Ancestors came here and became citizens they gave up that right.

Darn

Who honestly cares.. I thought that this wasn't about race..hmm. Speaking of that, where are our white american scholarships and white beauty pagents..I'm sorry, that would be discrimination! Not to mention, let talk about how the Native American's were treated years ago, we have talked enough about slavery!!

I was being facetious. White people don't consider themselves victims.

I don't think anyone owes me jack-**** or vice versa, and I'm sure as hell not responsible for anything anyone did before I was born. I was born naked like everyone else, and if I succeed or fail, there is no one else to blame but me. I don't believe in race-based entitlements ( or claims to land ) because everyone is an individual.

This whole story is media hype to deflect the intensive awareness of the true situation here in America. It also explains the attitude as well.

You know, I figure if we accept the popular fiction that the Civil War was fought over slavery, then we should consider that 360,000 white men sacrificed their lives to end it and 260,000 more died as punishment defending it. So with 620,000 dead and 412,000 wounded on both sides, it begs the question "What more do black people want from us?" to satiate the need for historical reparation? How many white people actually need to die before we can call this square? I'm pretty damn sure 620,000 black people didn't perish in the conduct of slave work, and arguably blacks born in America today are much better off here than if they were born in Africa, so how does this balance?

Can't we all just get along! :-) I think it is great for anybody to trace their roots, and, we all bleed the same blood!! I am not surprised to find out that another African American is related to whites, this was normal stuff back in that era when white slave owners had their way with some of the black slaves, and then you have a few black slaves that actually cared for their slave masters! The point is, so what!!! The only negative thing I have to say about this is, I can bet the KKK is steaming right about now!!

Yep! Mrs. O's roots......

Here. I'll pretend to give a damn. Oh joy.

Many people have far, far worse family histories (Caucasian, Afro, Chinese, Indian, etc.) than Mrs. O, but choose not to throw it into the face of innocent people at every opportunity. And slavery.....?

Well, you just go on believing that it is a thing of the past, but the truth is that slavery is alive and well. It simply went underground and may be living in a home or business near you.

This article is just a prelude to cover her ass if and when the lamestream media gets around to pointing out that MO has over 20 assistants costing us over 2 million a year for her to get dressed and go out. Then she can say "But I came from slavery!" Hell, at some point I'm sure we all did and, yes, it's racist because she's black and I'm white and that's all racism is. GET IT? See past the lines people everything is a sales pitch EVERYTHING!

You know, leave it to the NY Times one of the most liberal papers in teh nation, who's stories are so truthworthy..mmmm,mmmm,mmmm, to try and play the race card on this story...just as the health care package is getting rammed down our throats by a Democrat Congress, with no review by the nation for 72 hours. Now thats transparent to me....Obama and his Congress are so smoke and mirrors.

ONLY OSCAR WOULD LIVE IN A TRASH CAN BY CHOICE, RIGHT?

How many written accounts are there about life in 19th Century American frontiers, plantations, cities? Thousands right?

Now how many of accounts exist about life in 19th Century America written from the perspective of black men and women? Very few that are well known.

Why would someone see nothing wrong with historical, biographical, and fictional accounts of life in19th Century America, but find so many objections to a single human interest story about life in America for the ancestor of a black first lady?

I can think of only one word to explain this discrepancy. HATE!

What puzzles me is why would anyone chose to live with hate for someone who hasn't hurt them in any way. I can no more understand how anyone could chose to live a hate filled life, than I could understand why anyone would CHOOSE to live in a garbage dump.

i dont care white black yellow green pink... why do we dwell on the past? we talk about change but keep digging up the past. we have moved on, why do people feel they need to bring up something this old and worn out. its done and over. i think the same people who keeping digging it up are the ones full of hate. not the rest of us who chose to walk forward and build a life as free of hate that we can in hope that some day it will be gone. not erased. you dont erase history you build from it a better and stronger life around you and others by learning from our past. not by digging at it and hating, that causes more problems than it fixes.

dewintre I never get tired of reading your posts. But since I was deleted this morning for laughing at a joke about the exalted Michelle Obama I'll just say keep me entertained and keep those posts coming in.

BTW - I am sixth generation English on my grandfather's side - a Hatfield. Yes, yes those. I'm told they were always too busy shooting at the McCoys in the hills of WV and didn't own any people. They were business people and hill folk. I was raised in the city- NYC. My side of the fam ducked the bullets and found the city and Long Island. We have a touch of Irish and I always wondered if it was Scotch Irish. Maybe I can borrow Michelle's biographer. Your thoughts? Just kidding. I'm remiss to share any sarcasm for fear of offending. No laughing now. But if you are a Scotsman - your tough and can take it.

How much LONGER will this woman, who is supposed to be first lady, and represents all Americans keep using the RACE CARD!!!!!!!!! Seems thats all the democrats have here lately is to scream RACCCCCCCEEEEEEE!!!!!! Ms Obama wasn't even alive during all this, she didnt know a thing about it. She seems to hate a whole lot. PLEASE..........I dont care.

Actually Magilla I laughed at another post that said something to the effect that she is better of in the white house than she would be being chased by a lion. I DID NOT SAY THIS BUT FOUND IT FUNNY. I hope you got my drift here. It was a joke and anyone who responded to it was deleted. I've since been contacted by msnbc and have responded to their inquiry. Now if that's over the top - perhaps you're right. There are far more intelligent boards with far more tolerant threads with a lot less judgmental people. Frankly I think msnbc is over the top by perpetuating such stories. Sorry you feel that my post is so over the top. That too makes me laugh considering the posts and the language that is actually said here by others. I've heard it said a while ago that America has lost its sense of humor. I guess whoever said it was right.

I don't care if she was intto S&M, she is still a dirt bag commie.

well hell my family landed in Virginia in 1621 had white babies indian babies but it was to survive by making the family larger created more wealth. What happened I am poor hahaha.

Why must we continue with the race and root issue, its simple you were born so get over it already. After the civil war my family lost 10,000 acres to carpet baggers and we were not slave owners. After the war we became moonshiners and still make it for medicine,jajaja.

So when the time comes and it wil I want my families reparations as well, PLUS INTEREST .

So why write and throw more fuel on the fire, be tranquill and you shall over-come. Sorry but getting pissed off doesn't help.

Heres a question for you, who paid for the first lady's roots session I mean who paid to research her roots, maybe the tax payer. Really we are paying for a lot of vacations, so get to work and solve these problems and quit spending more american money.

Patriot yeah and my family has had a member in every conflict of this country including sending the British back home. Sorry brothers across the pond, making a point.

charlie

The first question that comes to mind after reading this piece is "Why?" Why spin this story now? Michelle Obama has been in the public eye now for well over 10 years. This information was just as available 10 years ago as it is now. If you are saying to yourself... "what does timing have to do with it?" Well... Nothing, if we were talking about a subject with a bit less social bite. For Mrs. Obama or those who spin news and information for her to release this story now... it seems very much as if as if both She and the the liberal spin doctors are saying with a loud and clear voice... "Hey, regardless of the fact that I am a Ivy League, rich black woman". "And regardless that I am married to a black man who was voted into a Senate position". "And regardless of the fact that my same black husband and myself were eventually voted into the Presidency of this Nation by that same cross section of racial groups." "And regardless of the fact that even before all those wonderful things (for the Obama's anyway) happened... both myself and that same Black husband were ultra Liberal power brokers in the sinister liberal politics of 1960 style, Socialist/Marxist Liberal Chicago"... It Seems very clear to me that regardless of all that success, and her being the living walking, talking proof of what can be and is available to ANYONE of ANY COLOR who is willing to pay the price of education and hard work...Mrs. Obama seems to still have a very harsh axe to grind with America.

Even in the face of Her great American story of success and power accumulation... Mrs. Obama STILL shows her inner rage... even though she is a 21st century American Citizen... who has NEVER actually faced or felt the physical or mental consequences of those who really were exploited so long ago... Yet, she insists it is best to keep that memory and the raw feelings alive. To what End? For what purpose? To who's benefit. Perhaps her own is enough for her? The only reason for releasing this revelation of her past descendants possible connection to slavery now, after taking a bit to look at it and think it over is what I believe to be her desire to continue to remind the irresponsible of the actions of the responsible. These horrible actions were committed during a time of different circumstances under different beliefs and in a legal system (both here in America, and in Africa itself) that did not see what we see today the same way.

I am also persuaded that a part of the reason stems from a desire to continue the accusations of wrong doing into the faces of all who are gullible enough to still believe they are responsible for what happened 150 years ago... or, even believe in their being responsible for those true or untrue decedents of slaves, who... despite the Proof of a walking talking success story such as Michelle Obama... want me, us... this Nation... to believe they are incapable of success or the same progress that any other minority who have thus far enjoyed the success America offers those who are willing to work and stay committed to achieve.

For those white or any other color people who now feel they should shoulder the guilt and pay the restitution to the Black people of America for actions they neither committed or in truth... those alive today suffered from, I feel very sorry. Because they have themselves been made victims. They are victims of a Liberal reverse racial education that has taught or at least suggested to them that it is their responsibility to clean up a mess made by those who are long dead and gone nearly two centuries ago. It should be addressed and called out for what it is... a big con game perpetrated by Radical Liberals in the propitiation of their agenda. Be it vote gathering or the new slavery of The American "Nanny State" and enslavement to the Government Checks that Liberal so love to disperse.

Fixing the problem is really easy enough. However... we all know... it is much easier to point a finger of guilt at the white people... making THEM the ultimate reason for the failure of those Blacks who find success out of their reach then it is to simply do what the civil right marches were calling for from the beginning... Equality.

Racism will never die in America until this ridiculous interaction of wrongful finger pointing comes to an end. The inability to accept personal responsibility for ones own success or failure regardless of color or creed should be taught from the very beginning of a child's education. Instead of teaching "Excuses" to one race and "False White Guilt" to the other. It is my opinion that the generations living today are well beyond fixing and reforming. The thoughts and beliefs about these matters are way to seated in our belief systems... we can only be conscious of our actions and try to improve them daily. The solution, however, is still beyond our grasp until a change is made.... Because in the end... "If Nothing Changes... Nothing Changes"...

Oh and Magilla - one more thing. Read the post by Opinions Are Subjective. It's a doozy.

And then Magilla - read the one above by Derek V. That should do it. Derek - I can't find the words to thank you right now. So simply - thank you - and keep posting. :)

Personally I'm ****ing tired of everyone trying to teach me what to feel and how to think

That's right. When will they learn that old saying is true, "you can bring a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink", particularly if you only have the back end.

"oppinionsaresubjective" I ...can't ...believe YOU got away with that on here...I have heard that so many times but you do have the cajones to put it in print just for the fact you will prob get put on dentention for a week...or worse...deleted....or..maybe nothing? Problem is we can't speak our minds or we get collapsed, deleted, or punished...I can understand some but some are just crazy..mostly the "collaped by the community" how do they do that anyway???

O.K. Great article, shows us that those that came from slave roots hvae no excuse because she has shown that anything is possible. Now will they please shut the @!$%# up, stop making excuses, and do something with their lives, and quit blaming whitey for keeping them down!?

Indentured servitude had little to do with the color of one's skin, but rather the social position of one's family or the individual person's ability to pay off his debts. So, don't play the race card....play the class card. Your ancestors were poor and unable to move up in society so they had to sell themselves to wealthy land owners. That should make you proud of the place you have reached in society.

You must remember people,(Sues) even though Tyler does his best to TRY and come across as an unbiased observer/moderator, ..............well, let's just say his shoulder isn't chipless.

Please don't show your ignorance..... "indentured" means your ancestors only had to work for a certain number of years to pay off a debt or work for someone for a certain number of years to gain their freedom, according to an agreement between them and their debtor. They could have also been placed in the indentured status as a punishment for a crime. All races have horror stories and victorious stories to tell, let not diminish it by interjecting some type ridiculous comments like these. Read and know your history Dear.

The part that no one (that's whites of course ) is that ....truth be known you have black blood running in you veins... If you think that you is lily white blood ...LOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOL...the sky HAS fallen LOLOLOLOLLOL

After slavery, Mrs. Obama's ancestors were entrepreneurs, small business people, homeowners, churchgoers! That's how she ended up in a good stable home in Chicago. There are many, many successful small businesses owned by African Americans in this country. They started when smart, ambitious African Americans could not get jobs at big white companies. Their independent legacy endures today.

Sadly, Obama's policies on taxes , health care and government intervention are waging an all out war on small business owners black and white.

The legacy of "pull yourselves up by your bootstraps" that Michelle Obama's forbears diligently followed is being replaced by more dependence on big government.

Somebody has to pay all the taxes to support these massive government programs! We are real close to the place where half of the population supports the other half.

Seriously?  You're still stuck on this disproven "no birth certificate" kick?  *sighs*  You depress me...

A lot of us AMERICANS are stuck on this "missing" birth certificate!!!!

If Barack Hussein Obama is so damn legit, then why doesn't he just produce the original birth certifcate for the AMERICAN public to see?? So much for transparency!!

ZOOCREW,

What are you thinking? Black is never transparent! Silly you!

Not only are we stuck on the "missing" birth certificate, what about his college transcripts? or how his tuition was paid for, orhow a "community organizer" can afford a multi million dollar home? Why is Mrs Obama's ancestry suddenly brought to the forefront, and why is it front page news? Oh that's right it's the New York Times, the publishing giant that has prostrated itself to the Obama's.

Hey I am stuck on the birth certificate thing!!! I will never believe that he was born in the U.S.A until I see proof!! Everyone who has EVER ran for prez. has shown one why didn't he show one, what makes him think that he does not have to show one. This man is hiding something

Forget the birth certificate, Where did he get his passport to go to Afgahanistan to see his buddies?

And, as for Michelle, I guess that's why she is in cahoots w/ hubby to bring America down.

There's a lot less of 'you' than you think there are. Hows it feel being in the minority?

Hey great morning. I read the story with interest. Mrs. Obama did not comment on the research that was done. She did not comission the story or research.

Some of you American's really suck with your ugly attitudes. Ugly comments. But we are all Americans. We have the right to speak and write our opinions. Hope that freedom is there for us all in the future. What is that old saying .... "If you haven't got anything good to say .... don't say anything at all." Silence could be golden in some of your comments.

Michelle Obama is a gracious lady, well educated, well spoken and I am proud she is our first lady.

Funny or not, he is the President.

TRUST is given, RESPECT is earned...............

BHO has demonstrated, over and over again, that he deserves neither.

Even, Michelle told lies when she addressed the World and the IOC.....

They are a embarisment to the USA on the world stage and in the USA.......

Hay ya all think HAWAII was a STATE back then? No, but was a possession and I am told that is just as good, besides, who cares now, he is the ELECTED PREZ and ain't nothing gonna change that. My guess is that his new step dad faked a birth cert so he could go to the Muslim school when they moved to where ever they moved to across the pond. Funny thing is I had to produce my birth cert to join the Army and my Degree transcripts to obtain my Rank. Odd ain't it he does not and he is the Commander in Chief.

WHTF....Why is it that whenever someone says a Black person is intelligent they follow it up with "he/she is well spoken"...

Do you say that about Whites, or Hispanics or Native Americans?? Why the need to let us know that a Black person is "well spoken"? Are they usually not?

WHTF,

"Michelle Obama is a gracious lady, well educated, well spoken and I am proud she is our first lady."

LOL, if this statement is not racist I don't know what it? You forgot that she's clean and doesn't smell. Oh yeah, and articulate too. Or did you cover that with well spoken?

Sven: "Michelle Obama is a gracious lady, well educated, well spoken and I am proud she is our first lady."

How in the world do you get that the above statement is racist? Would it have been racist if the same thing would have been said about Laura Bush? That is a dumb azz remark.

You can say ass. Go ahead. It's ok. If you don't see the racism in this remark then you're thick. Maybe this will help. Imagine you're watching a football game and listening to the commentators.

"My that Donovan McNabb is a great quarterback. Smart and articulate too."

ROB......when you say they were, "Well spoken," I have one Idea of why that term may be ok.....What ever happened to, "Whats up", now it is , "Whasup", where do you suppose that came from. Just one example of many. How about , "Wacha doing"? when it should be , "What are you doing"?

Racism is alive and well in the USA. What a great legacy.

Guess I am reverse racist I hate everyone. Well everyone that thinks just because they are (++++++) they are better than. fill in the blank

Truth be told if we were to just respect that each civilization, group, ethnic this or that. That brings something, we all can grow and learn from. Well we would all be better off. But yet some will drag their feet. Because they fear the unknown. Cowards

I always love to go into a resteruant that I never tried before. My Grandfather was in the Airforce. and when he was alive he took us to all these different places in L.A. Opened my eyes dont knock it until you try it. It is awesome that we have so many cultures here try doing that in some other places.East Indian food, Thai, Southern cooking all good.

The best tri tip around Sacramento comes from Sandra Dee's Black owned awesome southern food. Collard greens corn bread awesome.

I feel sorry for the narrow minded folk who balk at facing our dark secrets as Americans. The ones who cant get over the idea that a NON white can be just as good as a white or a non black can be just as good as a black. Our country is more than Black Brown and white it would take a page to list all we have within our borders.

I feel sorry for the narrow minded folk who balk at facing our dark secrets as Americans.

Yes but I have to wonder why exactly it matters to you ( or anyone else ) if I face the "dark secrets" at any point over the conduct of my day? Why do you care? What if I'm the kind of person that just doesn't give a rip about someone else's pet grievance - especially imaginary grievances where, on the basis of something as trivial as skin color, they believe they have suffered some indignity by proxy, even 200 years removed from the event?

I have just as much claim to the slave experience as Michelle Obama because neither of us were slaves. What she has done differently however is latch onto a narrative and make it part of her identity as if she were the slave. I have to wonder, if blacks didn't know the slave history of the USA, if they'd act and perform better than they do.

Yes Trav, it is funny. +1 2U.

Hey retired military, how stupid are you. Maybe you should go back to school on the GI Bill and take a class in history. Hawaii became a state in 1959, and President Obama was born in 1961. You must be one of the 53% of South carolinians who do not know that Hawaii is a state. Your stupidity is overwhelming!

why is Oprah on AirF1 with the president, is she an advisor now, vacations with the pres, wowwwwwwwww

Maybe is a sister he forgot to mention and the only reason the blacks of 96% voted was to get more free aid. Hahahahahah no more aid

jajajajajaj no mas denero jajajajjaajaj. Everyone has to work now and the other person was right, you have to prove your idenity for name sake. 666

The big O and his wife are both pieces of @!$%# (anti-american). They say they are americans but their excuse is the churches, that preachg hate and discontent, prove that they are @!$%#S, (they can"t think for themselves they believe that they are being surpressed. After ump-ti-um years the only source for their feelings are their @!$%# churches, that are making money off their backs. ie; jesese jackson and the lies thereof. Ali was an ass-hole wife beater, Olympic champs were pieces of @!$%# that capitalized on the fact that they could @!$%# whitey. I hope thgat all the black fisted @!$%#s in the olympics should rot in hell. (If it wasn't for whitey they would have not been there.!)

This is a newsflash, for all the birther's. I am an American born in the United States who does not have her original birth certificate, although I do have a state certified copy, just as most everyone else in this country, including the POTUS.

Although I am not proud of it, I was born in the State of Texas. Does my both certificate carry a signature from the nurse or the doctor present at my birth? Nope! Yet it is still legitimate, and makes me eligible to run for POTUS should I choose.

Now, Chris Matthews showed a copy of Barack Obama's birth certificate on MSNBC, a copy that was certified by the State of Hawaii. The video is available on YouTube for anyone who cares to see it...and yet we have people on this board who choose not to look, just so they can say they never saw it!

Although I am proud to be an American, I am ashamed of the ignorant American's who are damn proud to be ignorant, and plan to stay that way; as the world laughs at you, not with you.

WHTF writes:

Some of you American's really suck with your ugly attitudes. Ugly comments! But we are all Americans. We have the right to speak and write our opinions. Hope that freedom is there for us all in the future. What is that old saying .... "If you haven't got anything good to say .... don't say anything at all." Silence could be golden in some of your comments.

I suspect Schizophrenia here, but from one sentence to another?

TOM....I am an educated person...And I say whatcha doin.....Does that mean I'm not well spoken anymore....

And do all of those whasups and whatcha doins mean that blacks introduced them??

EVERY race has people who talk like that....

So what's your point?

she wont care about being a slave but if you read her university dissertation she will probably more disgusted there is white in her blood

Careful there hometowngirl - you might get deleted. I did for laughing at the lion post. This thread is a joke.

I was offended that all those post got deleted. Most were just fun.

Furthermore, I feel my post was accurate!!

They were fun and I concur accurate - and btw Dave it was yours that sent me over the laughing edge. Keep those lions, uh-hm lines rolling in. You won't be seeing me around here much - I'll just be reading- no posts. It seems my laughter is interpreted as showboating. There seems to be a new constitutional amendment that prohibits sarcasm and laughter. Yawn. See ya Dave. You are a kick for sure.

Sues,

People can mark post as having "no value". That's what I've been doing and probably why you've been deleted. Keep being crazy.

G-d - I knew I'd run into you one day. Whoa! Is that a harp I hear? Wow! It really is you.

Hey Big G - While I have your attention, would you mind giving me a good stock tip. My portfolio is drying up.

Yes, it's quite obvious that we'll be paying for it now....

MSNBC reported this story, therefore, it must be true.

And don't forget - you must take the H1N1 shot. Be a good sheeple and listen to the Mess-iah word and everyone will survive his reign.

Wow, after reading this article I am abandoning my conservative roots. I now hate my own race and America. I am also for the govt. takeover of healthcare and our lives in general. Thank you PMSNBC for bringing this to light.

They'll never give it a rest, it's too big of an "advantage" to throw out there whenever needed. You should live somewhere where that's all you hear.

Wow, after reading this article I am abandoning my conservative roots. I now hate my own race and America. I am also for the govt. takeover of healthcare and our lives in general. Thank you PMSNBC for bringing this to light.

ROTFLOL...troy1....now that was funny....

drp: You say "when are they going to give it a rest". I would bet a life savings that you, nor any other white person alive would ever want to permanantly trade skin color. I'm a white man and I would never want to be black. Not that I have anything against someone that is black, but because my life IS so much easier because I am white. Anyone that thinks for a second that the racial playing field has been leveled is ignorant, blind or a combination of the two. As a white man I have doors opened to me all the time that might otherwise be closed completely, or barely ajar for someone of color. Don't be afraid to call a spade a spade as the old saying goes. Discrimination is still rampant throughout this country. If you disagree, trade skin color and try it out for yourself.

Bob, the white guilt card has been played for too long, and under too questionable of circumstances to have much play anymore.

There was a time when it was a valid issue, when the institutionalized racism in this country not only prevented blacks from getting a decent education or job, but prevented them from using the water fountain.

That time has long since passed. In the decades since, every possible opportunity has been given to blacks to progress, learn and achieve. And millions and millions of them have seized that opportunity and made better lives for themselves and their children.

At this point, the ones that choose instead to allow the liberal politicians to continue to enslave them in the inner city with housing, food and welfare entitlements, I fell sorry for them but I do NOT feel the least bit guilty about their situation. No one but themselves is preventing them from chosing a productive life, instead a cyclical existance of poverty, crime, single parenthood, gang membership, drugs and dependence on entitlements.

Certainly there are still racists out there and that is most certainly a shame, but you will also not convince me that constantly browbeating people with the slave issue will overcome that. The same people that continue to dispise blacks, frequently despise Catholics with equal fervor. Explain that if you can.

The race card has been played too frequently, and it's become the boy that cries wolf at this point.

Pragmatic: I agree, the race card has been played for too long - on both sides. That said, I still would never EVER want to change skin color as I have distinct advantages afforded to me as a white man. Deep down, you know you would never want to either - and for the very same reasons. Ask yourself a simple question: How would your life be right this very moment had you been born black? Would you have the same opportunities as a white man? The politically correct answer to that one is "yes, the government has done everything it can to level the playing field". The practical answer is that discrimination happens everywhere on a daily basis. Case in point - I was playing golf last week with a friend of mine who is black. After we got our clubs cleaned up and put back in the car, I remembered that I forgot my sunglasses in the cart. Keep in mind that my friend left the guys in the cart-barn a $10 tip for cleaning up our clubs and putting them in the car (huge tip in this area). When I went back to the cart barn and before I walked around the corner I could hear one of the guys say that the ni___er gave him $10. He clearly did not know that I was there and I WAS PISSED!

Nobody should say with a straight face that racism doesn't exist this day. If you do, take off your blinders.

Good thing I didn't say that, and in fact said it does exist - which is certainly a shame.

I wouldn't dream of defending the caddy using the n-word, any more than I defend blacks for calling whites honkeys and crackers.

Your caddy's bad word choice, however, doesn't really prevent your black friend from getting a job, or golfing with you, or earning more money than you, or anything else.

Some people will always remain racists, anti-semites, sexists and bigots of all kinds.

Would I trade skin color? If everything else in my life remained the same, including loving supportive parents who taught me right from wrong, punished strongly my misbehavior, encouraged excellence in everything I did, pushed me to go to college, taught me the value of a dollar and pride in a job well done, and generally had my back 150% of the time - honestly? It shouldn't have made a difference, black or white, because I wasn't even born when institutionalized racism was entrenched. The issue is, too many black children's parents don't have their backs - at all, especially in the inner city.

As a female, I've been screeched at by construction workers, menaced in bars by drunk horny jerks, questioned about my reproductive plans while interviewing for a job and insulted by an oil company sales rep who said, and I quote, "Don't worry yourself about this, honey. When does your man come home?" These are off the top of my head.

You rise above, or you don't. It's your choice.

I can understand how you feel, Bob.But it works both ways.Black people have names for white people as will.I lived around black people for a long time ,And they make it hard to get a long be cause of the fact i was white a lone .African American,Yet most never been there never will,And most could care less.Racism exist yes no matter black or white.But be thank full you are who you are.Live and let live.Go play some more golf.

"I'm a white man and I would never want to be black."

Chris Rock had a bit about that. Where he says that he's a millionaire, and even homeless white guys wouldn't want to switch with him. It's funny but true. Especially young black men have a lot of mistrust and prejudice to overcome.

Still, each one needs to stand up and be an ambassador for his race, as we all are.

Bob, I applaud you for stating that you're a white man and that you would not wish to trade places with a black man. I'm a black female and I can certainly attest to the fact that racism is alive and extremely well. The American economy may be on life support, but if we could plug America's economy into these energized hate-filled racists just on newsvine alone, America's economic problem....solved and we could use the excess energy to fuel our vehicles which would leave us independent of our reliance on foreign fossil fuel. Wow!! Will somebody get to work on getting these lunatics hooked into the economy and vehicles, it would solve so many problems and give them a positive use for all of their stored and pent-up hatred and other unhealthy emotions and attitudes. Seriously, you people need to get a grip and get a life!

Isabella: Touche!

okay, now I have to apologize for finding out it was inappropriate for me to laugh at a "possible" or "possibly not" racial post...

Lately it seems if you say you are not a racist, then you are a racist...It feels like a Catch 22 situation...I have never thought of myself as a racist..I am not uncomfortable with the mixed race members of my family, and in my community and they are of multiple races...no one makes racist remarks within reach of my ears...or at least they do not do so for long;)

I know there are terrible racists out there, and here on the vine...but for the record...I am not one of them..even if sometimes I laugh at the wrong times in the wrong places...my funny bone is definitely multicolored...:)

Bob, the white guilt card has been played for too long, and under too questionable of circumstances to have much play anymore.

My solution for white guilt was going cold turkey.

I dropped it like a rock and never looked back.

Same thing works for political correctness.

To the people who doesn't know, the civil war was not to free the blacks in the

beginning. Lincoln needed extra troops for the South was going to win, so he inserted

the slavery issue. The south wasn't fighting to keep slaves they were fighting for the

right to govern without federal involvement and without washington telling them what

to do. Who knows there is a lot of conflict left to go around, maybe we all need to re-

think our options before its to late.

And just what was Washington telling them to do? Stop trying to extend slavery into the new territories and states, which the south was trying to do. Otherwise there probably would have been no secession and no war.

It is true that Lincoln only freed the slaves as a last resort. But bottom line, slavery was at the heart of the whole dispute.

I didn't vote for obama or mccain. I did a write in vote and will continue to do so until such time there is the coming of a politician who says I promise nothing but will work my aarse off for the people and this country.

I wonder how many other blacks you could trace back to owning slaves as well in Africa, since it was practiced there quite often.

Who was it that sold the blacks into slavery??????????

Oh yea, it was other blacks............. Just more black-on-black crime, 200+ years later, same old thing......

.

AC, your ancestors created the market.

why is it that history classes only teach about the black slaves ? for generations my ancestors were endentured slaves in ky. sc. and tenn , but this fact is never mentioned . i guess i should be gratfull to some extent though , my familly was released from it`s servitude when it became cheaper to own slaves (black) and were forced to become share croppers in tenn. then o.k. .

There were different "kinds of slavery." Indentured servants did not have their babies sold off; eventually they became free; form of slavery in Africa and Native Americans was also different from black slavery in America. You all need to do some research on "slavery" in other cultures to understand it did not take the same form as black slavery in America. As forMichele Obama's ancestry it is a nice history to read about; most of us also don't know much about our ancestors other than a bleep here and there mentioned by some family member. So in that way we are no different from many descendants of black slaves except we know what countries our ancestors came from.so it is more traceable.

It is good to note that Africans sold other Africans into slavery. They were usually from rival tribes. But let us remember who it was that bought those slaves. If there hadn't been a demand for human slaves by WHITES then Africans wouldn't have had anyone to sell their captives to, now would they?

You are right, however who would feed all these extra mouths. Think about this one they would have been eaten for food. Sick, so the chiefs sold them into a better life.

My ancestors were were as well, adn then there's the other side of my tree where there were slaves by hte Azec and MAyan civilization before being enslaved by the Spanish.

I'm of Scandanavian heritage. The Vikings kicked everybody's ass and I'm not going to apologize for that but I am pissed about my ancestors being mocked by having a football team named after them.

This article had some pretty loose assumptions as to the relationship of the teenage Melvinia and the white father. Last I checked, there are some pretty fabulous looking black women in this world. There also are some pretty marvy white guys. Who knows what relationship preempted the biracial birth? We ASSUME it was rape. By today's standards, since Melvinia was a teen, it was. By today's standards, though, MY ancestors were raped, too, because they all showed their love before their 18th birthdays.

Wow. I just amazed myself with me. Lookie here who I've become out of such a sordid past ...

Maybe MO never checked her lineage because she is a forward thinker, rather than dwelling on the past, a past she didn't experience, cause, or remember. Kind of like all of us, huh?

Almighty dollar? Are you kidding me? Obama is bring America to it's knees BEFORE this health care is added to our debt.

For all of you who cry about NAFTA and other trade agreements can now have hope. If France, Russia, China and more get their way, they'll be tossing the US dollars back at us. We'll have our safe borders because people would rather leave and PROSPER somewhere else. No one will want to live or buy here.

A very sad, but true statement! 3rd party.

You associate all that with the Obama Presidency? He must be THE GREATEST AFRICAN EVER! In office for under 9 months and has done so much!!!! WOW!!! That means his intelligence and foresight is greater than any President prior. We should have elected more African Americans sooner, we would have ruled the world a long time ago!!! I believe the trials we faced are all borne from a systemic behavior that was doomed from the start. Some say it's time to make politicians accountable for their actions, I say we need to recognize our accountability, to engage and involve ourselves in our right to have decent healthcare and employment. A destructive process that began long before Obama took the stage. What's sad is that racism has forced people whom were otherwise oblivious to political reality, to finally wake up. Health insurance companies have made EVERYONE their slave, idiots think it's a B&W thing.

We'll have our safe borders because people would rather leave and PROSPER somewhere else. No one will want to live or buy here.

Whatever works. The USA could use about 80% less people anyway. I'm just waiting to see who leaves and who stays before decide who to throw in with.

Darn Bush. He causes so many problems - even back to then when slaves were sold. Must have been Cheney raking in the profits, because he must have owned the slave traders.

I'm with The Beev on this one folks.

Me too. I don't watch reruns on TV either. So much for moving this country forward!!

The Beev: Dude, you are going on as if the first lady wrote the article herself. It clearly stated in the article that she did not provide a comment about it. Try reading it again, because obviously you didn't understand that this article was written from the outside looking in. Or maybe all you need is an excuse to vent your bias opinion about the first lady.

D. Ruffin,

"It clearly stated in the article that she did not provide a comment about it."

She probably, like all politicians, wants to see the public's response before she does or doesn't respond. And yes, she is a politician.

Beev, if you are so sick of it stop reading articles like this. Actually you probably didn't read the article since you seem to be blaming Michelle for it. She didn't contribute to the story nor has she commented on it. So you get over it.

Wow her history sounds a lot like My Indian heritage, being yanked from land, placed on reservations if ya made the trek alive, endure being raped by men, ultimately the mix of races. I guess all heritages have suffered somewhere along the lines.

I personally don't dwell on the past, instead I just work on making future better for my grandchildren, if that's possible at this point in time.

Geez, you'd almost think putting a black family in the White House gave them a mandate to re-educate and reparate.

Maybe we can get Obama to officially apologize to the black community on behalf on the United States for its history of evil. And since he's mixed, he could symbolically shake his own hand.

Look first lady, before you start again about the atrocities brought on you by the evil white man.

I have to also point out as others have that it seems you did not actually read the article, or your reading comprehension is sorely lacking. Your directly address her in your quote as if she was the person who is bringing this information to the fore front. And Yet....

From the article:

Mrs. Obama and her family declined to comment for this article

Can you please explain to me why you are so pissed off at MO for an article that she did not write or even comment on?

Some blacks held slaves in the USA so it wasn't totally a White Man problem and 5 white guys died for every black freed from slavery. Nothing is owed blacks except the equal opportunity to progress and for better or worse the Obamas proves that opportunity exists.

C'mon hylunder,

They can't let the race issue go away as long as Odumbo is failing. It's purely an act of desperation to continue to play the race card.

LIBERALS = SUCKERS! Because they suck the life out of everything they come in contact with...

Many of these comments are proof of the ignorance in America. It's amazing, absolutely amazing. Land of the free, home of the brave and ignorant.

This is not news worthy! Way to stir the pot msnbc! This article is guaranteed to generate five thousand plus comments. Ok, lets expose the underbelly of America again.

BWIII by the way does your name mean Bring world war III curious

Depth? You have to be directly touched by something, before it is actually personal to you. Anything else is sensationalism , nothing more! That would be as useless as me crying over the Holocaust, or even the Jews being SLAVES to the Egyptians for over 400 years. I wasn't there, it does not affect me, nor gives me any type of "depth".

If the truth be known. I could care less. She will never be acceptable to me After her statement about America. Seems that only if her husband was elected could she appreciate being an American. Now she can be the high and mighty she wants to be!!

doubtful:If the truth be known. I could care less.

Though somehow you cared enough to post a comment (in bold and italics), telling the world how you could care less. I wonder why? Most people who don't care simply don't read the article.

Well clotho, I always use bold, And I have no doubt that you are probably black. Her attitude was far less graceful than she was! And if you don't understand that, go back to school ! I was not the only one who resented her remarks!!

Um ... what remarks? Lightbulb very dim here ...

I agree that reparations are needed. Anyone that feels they are a true African, that was taken from their homeland, and forced to be here. The taxpayers will gladly give you a plane ticket(reparation paid in full), back to Africa! Good Luck.

Let the African tribal warrior kings who brutalized their neighboring tribal villagers, raping and murdering and plundering, the original maker of slaves, who sold their fellow Africaners to the highest bidder pay the restitution.....

Blacks are lucky they were sent here. They went through hell, some died, but so did all of us. Those Blacks would have been dealt with in Africa a bit more harshly indeed, then killed after they were used up as slave labor, hell they still chop up each other over there and slaves are still sold there. Only the date changed. America ain't buying anything from that part of the world anymore I hear.

African amercans were "not sent here". They were STOLEN from their country because white americans were too lazy to do their own work.

Wrong. They weren't stolen from their country. They were sold by the fellow countrymmen who captured them in raids and sold them to the slave traders.

Thank you Dan, I was about to give another yet, uneducated person some enlightenment. BTW, Blacks were taken all over the world to be sold into slavery, not the USA only. BTW, there are still slaves in South America, what do you intend to do about that?

Thank you "marys09"on you post #3.22. I stand corrected. I thought Barry was born in 58. So many birth certificates to look at who the hell really knows. I just hope he does well. My 403B really tanked last year and I need my retirement since I can't get ADC,WICK,WELFARE, The STOP organization or any other special interests groups now and I sure as hell can not get any loan for College from the United Negro Fund. And I am from West Virginia, not South Carolina. It is hard to trace my family since we all in West Virginia have the same DNA since the year 1.

Racism is rearing its ugly head because the white supremicists finally see a way to consolidate their power in a manner that can be sublimated into a more acceptable type of bevaior (i.e. calling the black President a Socialist, or Marxist, instead of the N word.)

Make no mistake, white supremacy and the KKK has always been present in this country. But until President Obama, there was no acceptable way for them to make their move. I don't think most Obama haters are clansmen, but they are sleeping in the same bed with them. It's pretty scary, especially, since some people don't even realize who their "friends" are.

clotho what are you talking about, why is it anyone who doesnt like the obamas is a racist?? have you never disliked someone just because you dont agree with them or you just dont like them, heck there are some people i work with i dont like and we're all white, disliking someone doesnt make them a racist. oh and you go on and on about the kkk who by the way the majority of white people think are idiots, you always typically fail to mention la raza the horrible evil hispanic group and the black panthers who somehow got away with intimidating voters??? basically all colour based groups need to disappear, they all suck.

That works both ways .Some blacks will never like a white just because there white.It is never going to die in the hearts of some.I for one have no room in my house for one that would not like a person just because of the color of there skin.People need to look at each other as a friend.And try to over look things that do not matter.My kids are told that God made us all the same.Color is there for a reason and God will tell you the reason when you get there .

hometowngirl la raza the horrible evil hispanic group and the black panthers

did la raza or the panthers ever hang whites? nope do they or did they burn crosses in peoples yards. Nope

The panthers also had white people following with them for civil rights. The only reason they even had guns is because it was LEGAL. Blacks in Oakland were targeted by the police there. Many young black youth were killed for nothing other than being black.

Do not equate the KKK to these groups they don't compare at all. The group La Raza has its own rights as does any group. Why are they Evil name something tangible have they committed terrorist attacks have they claimed as a group any murders?

No they are a civil rights group supporting a minority. Why is that evil? Get real. A Chicano is an Native American Spanish mix. That is a U.S. citizen they have fought in our wars defending our freedoms. Many are currently serving abroad. Here is a link to see what they really do.

P.S. a mexicano is mexican born not american born Chicano's are from second to many generations back U.S. born

http://www.nclr.org/

I was thinking it more along the lines of a nanah-nanah-boo-boo story.

michelle obama did not "rise to power". despite what you and the authors of this article believe. she is an unelected figure in the white house. almost the same as her mother. aside from going to college under privileged conditions and becoming a lawyer she has done nothing of importance. oh yeah, she had a 315,000 dollar a year job at a chicago hospital. thanks to her husband. the hospital says her "vital" position will go unfilled.

as an earlier posted pointed out, we all have our stories. hell, mine is a lot more interesting than this, and longer.

no wonder the ny times is busted.

i am not sure what exactly is wrong with you people.is michelle obama in a position of power?did she walk into that position or was she an instrumental part of her husbands campaign?of course we all have our own personal stories.that is what makes our country great.is this story any different than one of a kid who was abandoned by his family,shuffled through the state system,becomes a drug addict,prison felon.yet by the way of hard work and the american dream,overcomes and turns himself into a successful business man,a respected member of his community with a beautiful family and every thing he could want or hope for?

you are not talking to an obama supporter here.but give credit where credit is due.we can all take pride in every success story in america no matter who it involves or what political party or race or ethnicity.

And that "vital position" in the hospital is yet a nother piece in the puzzle of our outrageous medical costs ...

One can't help but understand why people are nervous about a government-run program. How many "vital" jobs will be created for the spouses of politicians to pad the pockets of the undeserving and bankrupt what should be a lifesaving option?

it is possible to come from very humble beginnings and rise to a powerful potion in our great country

Cool, a power potion.

Seriously though, if you asked me about my beginnings, I wouldn't start 200 years ago for the sake of narrative.

Why not?

Why not?

Because my beginnings started about 36 years ago, not 200. I think its interesting she emphasizes the her 6 times removed ancestry to Melvinia, but there is no mention of the dozens of other blacks and whites in her family line. It all boils down to the personal assumption of accomplishment, or in Michelle's case, grievance, of other people.

Well stated

It is still alive, ask my WIFE. That is all I hear, I ain't your slave.......get it yourself.

We've been sold to China by Obama. Darn slave trader!

Actually SueZQ: The sale started with G. Bush or did you forget that??

Ya just knew Bush would come up sooner or later no matter what the article was about

Actually SueZQ: The sale started with G. Bush or did you forget that??

The sale started with the People's Bank of China unilaterally fixing the exchange rate of the yuan to the dollar at an artificially low conversion ( 6.8 ), with the end result being all Chinese labor and products being 3.7x cheaper to make. This had nothing to do with Bush, and there is nothing Obama can do to fix it. China is ****ing us with a simple currency manipulation and its way too late to take a stand.

moe,

agreed.the ny times is obviously not an objective source of information.it is nice to have some entertaining reading.

You mean, STILL Encamped?

Thank You !!

native americans live on reservations because they want to be seperate and have their own laws to live by. by the way americans for the most part did not steal the land they claim. if you really think about it it was bought from the french who took it and also the spanish who took it from them. so why is it i owe them so much. besides they have all the casinos around here and collect the money but do not pay federal taxes like the rest of us do. interesting to know isnt it

MED1. You need to be living on a reservation for a while, before running your mouth. It isn't a wonderland to say the least!

If the white man/teens beat this kid to death you can bet Jesse and Al would be all over it! It's always some BS about race! Let's move on to something else, like getting all the current empty suits out of Washington!

I agree, there are more important issues in this country that need to be dealt with, but until the media, all forms, stop throwing the race card at us at every turn and take on issues that are of importance, this cycle will never end.

I can trace my ancestry back 6 generations and not a single one of my ancestors owed or were slaves. Yes it is a dark spot in American History, History being the operative word here. It's over, and has been over. Let's get on with more important and timely issues, such as the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Immigration, and dare I say it, health care.

YOU PEOPLE !!!!?????? Whats that supposed to mean? I'm the dude, that's pretending to be the dude, that is the dude!

If you've ever tried to do geneology of black people, you would understand why there are a lot of "maybes". Slaves were considered to be property, not people, and offical records like birth certificates don't exist, names were changed as slaves were sold, etc., etc., so tracing ancestry back many, many generations isn't as easy as it is for persons who were not enslaved. So what you end up with is "maybes". Birthers - just because I mentioned the term birth certificate does not mean that anyone wants to hear that crap about where the President was born, so don't even go there. Please keep that discussion within your own little circle.

Que, the tiniest violin!