Christian symbol covered up during Obama’s Georgetown speech
posted at 7:45 pm on April 16, 2009 by Allahpundit
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The monogram IHS, whose letters spell out the name of Jesus, and which normally perches above the stage in Gaston Hall where the president spoke, was covered over with what appeared to be black wood during the address…
“Decisions made about the backdrop for the speech were made to have a consistent background of American flags, which is standard for many presidential events,” said White House spokesman Shin Inouye in a statement released Thursday…
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, accused the university of “cowardice” for acceding to the White House, and criticized Obama’s team for asking a religious school to “neuter itself” before the president made his address.
Over in the Greenroom, Cold Warrior wonders whether The One would issue similar demands for a speech delivered at, oh, say, the D.C. Islamic Center. Good point, although given the persistence of the smear about him being a closet Muslim, I’m guessing that no speeches in any Islamic fora (at least domestically) are in the offing anytime soon. CNS has photos of the “IHS” on the Georgetown pediment both before and after it was covered up; the inscription seems sufficiently high off the ground that he wouldn’t have to worry about it appearing in-frame in video taken of the speech, which makes me wonder what this is really about. Maybe they figured jihadis would use photos of him beneath the “IHS” symbol for propaganda about how he’s a Crusader leading the war of the cross against the poor, misunderstood mujahedeen?
Laura Bush didn’t ask for the symbol to be covered when she spoke there three years ago. Not sure if that’s analogous or not.
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He ain’t MY President…
The Dean on April 16, 2009 at 7:48 PM
He is atheist, and an effective liar. But we can see through it.
tommylotto on April 16, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Hey where’s the Matt Tabbibi post?
I’ve been waiting all day!
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Maybe he’s annoyed because lately the RCC has been baring its fangs at him and other democrat abortion supporters.
Darth Executor on April 16, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Nope. But he’s certainly not a Christian.
P.S. Did he actually go to church on Easter Sunday? I never heard about that in the midst of “Hey, Look, A Dog!!”
mjk on April 16, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Took the words out of my mouth.
marklmail on April 16, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Once again, we are being baited.
eaglesdontflock on April 16, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I really wish Barry would wear a bag over his head when he is out in public.
izoneguy on April 16, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I understand Harvard will cover up it’s motto – Veritas – when he speaks there too.
Yep….
Cheap shot but I kinda’ liked it.
SteveMG on April 16, 2009 at 7:50 PM
I think Christianity is bulls*t, but I wouldn’t cover the symbol. Why? You went to a Christian school to speak. Why would you insist on covering the symbol? What’s next? Painting people in Harlem random colors so that viewers wouldn’t think he’s Teh Black Racist?
I don’t particularly hold this against him. As AP, I’m delighted the President is for all intents and purposes not religious. But I would file this under PC gone overboard.
radiofreevillage on April 16, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Sorry, but I won’t give Georgetown a pass. They agreed to cover up the symbol.
I mean, aren’t there other places that would love for The Precedent to come to and give a speech?
Georgetown sold out. Just like ND.
Whatevah. Neither school has ever gotten a dime from me and now they never will.
ladyingray on April 16, 2009 at 7:51 PM
He ain’t MY President…
The Dean on April 16, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Ohh yes he is.
youngO on April 16, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Someone should have covered him up…..
dangitt on April 16, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Well, duh.
Obama IS Jesus.
Hawkins1701 on April 16, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Hey, Allahpundit.
Are you going to post anything about your buddy Charles Johnson being savaged by Glenn Beck on his show this evening, for Johnson’s absurd remarks about Beck?
Just wondering.
awake on April 16, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Don’t blame Barry. This was a specific request of TOTUS.
Cicero43 on April 16, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Only conclusion I can draw from this is that he doesn’t care much for Christian symbolism or thinks it’s politically smart to make sure he’s not seen with it.
Some people might say he’s an atheist, but I don’t think the guy is that deep. If you asked him if he’s searched his soul, he’d probably take a look at the bottom of his shoe.
Asher on April 16, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Thou shalt have no other gods before The One.
Kid from Brooklyn on April 16, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Awesomesauce!
Gotta link?
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 7:54 PM
I wish someone would cover up the teleprompter at his next speech. I find it offensive that the President cannot speak a word without the damn thing.
Anna on April 16, 2009 at 7:55 PM
They had to cover up any reference to Jesus Christ.
Barry can’t seem to be “clinging” to God.
cruadin on April 16, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Yep – Obama is a strict monotheist.
Realist on April 16, 2009 at 7:55 PM
That seems a bit of a stretch to me. But it is difficult to contrive a reason here domestically. So either personal or global reasons.
Unless one of the unions that support him can’t stand religious symbols and/or garlic.
Spirit of 1776 on April 16, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Seriously, am I suppose to believe that a soul searching secularist with a brilliant Harvard trained mind is finally going to find religion at the feet of a hateful racist demagogue conspiracy theorist? Nonsense. Obama wanted to be a politician, surveyed the political prospects of former Muslim atheists, and decided he needed to “convert” for political consumption.
I could care less about the religious aspect (being solidly agnostic) but the duplicity in the man is, shall I say, audacious.
tommylotto on April 16, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Atheist? Uh, no. He isn’t Christian, Buddist, atheist… he’s trying to tell us something I think, especially with his “five pillars” speech on education yesterday & his replacing “Hail to the Cheif” with “Desert Rose” among so many other clues. It would be better if he were atheist.
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on April 16, 2009 at 7:56 PM
Secret Muslim!!!!!!1!1111
RightWinged on April 16, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Campaign mode. You don’t want to acknowledge your rival by name.
malclave on April 16, 2009 at 7:57 PM
I think it’s a reach these days to call Georgetown a Christian school. Haven’t they been bought lock, stock and barrel by the Saudis?
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019983.php
Mister Ghost on April 16, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Covering it up is far more offensive than leaving it uncovered.
Exit question: how will God react to being a victim of political correctness instigated by the most powerful man on earth?
jediwebdude on April 16, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Maybe Obama should have bowed down while at Georgetown. LOL.
Mister Ghost on April 16, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Allah, you have to admit, this is preposterous.
You know all those crazy lawsuits by rabid atheists to take down crosses in vet cemeteries and other memorials, the ten commandments out of court houses, all that…well, as much as that probably tickled you, it’s a little insane knowing that is who is running the roost right now…and that these institutions would so willingly submit.
What the heck is going on??!? It’s harder and harder to avoid the anti christ tin foil hatters at this point.
Gosh.
Mommypundit on April 16, 2009 at 7:58 PM
and exactly how long DOES it take to pick out a new church? are there literally hundreds withing a 5 mile radius in the white house vacinity that he has to comb through???? he is a PIG. the man is a pig.
Ghoul aid on April 16, 2009 at 7:59 PM
What if that was Mohamed?
Firebird on April 16, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Eh, it’s obvious why he wanted this done… if anything he was being respectful… you know some idiot journalist would have tried to get the photo lined up…
ninjapirate on April 16, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Obama & a religious symbol CANNOT be together. The Universe can only sustain so much awesomeness in one room at a time.
portlandon on April 16, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Oh yeah, this is the guy Notre Dame needs to have speak at it’s commencement. Fools.
davecatbone on April 16, 2009 at 8:01 PM
One can only hope that Notre Dame will also be sensitive of the President’s need for religious free zone.
moxie_neanderthal on April 16, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Even as an agnostic I think this is just wrong. Wrong on two counts. Most wrong: Georgetown U. should not have done it. Also wrong, Obama should have respected GU heritage enough not even to have asked for it. If he didn’t ewant that backdrop, he should have look for another room/auditorium to give his speech.
petefrt on April 16, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Wow….I’ve been gone too long.
There is a whole lgf-antimatter blog to Charles’ matter.
Amazing.
Omg….atlas? the baron and dymphna?
Pat freakin’ Dollard?
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:04 PM
By a master baiter.
SilverStar830 on April 16, 2009 at 8:04 PM
He denied Jesus before man…..upon his death Jesus may deny him access to his father?
Ris4victory on April 16, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Man, you guys really do eat your own.
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Better Exit question: How will Obama react when God ask him on judgement day why he chose to cover up his son’s name?
Rovin on April 16, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Psst! AllahP! look up ^^ i thought you were gonna GET RID of the Sandwichboard guys.
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Couldn’t stand the competition. Narcissistics never can.
canditaylor68 on April 16, 2009 at 8:07 PM
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:04 PM
That’s been around for a while; you ought to get out more.
Disturb the Universe on April 16, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Interesting…but harken back to the Cartoon JiHad…Mohamed…no pictures please!!
BOT…Obama is pathetic…Why do that? This prick is really starting to worry me. WFT?? Really!! Some one explain this to me.
BigWyo on April 16, 2009 at 8:07 PM
zzzzzzing!
got meh there.
;)
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:08 PM
As a Hoya grad (76) I can reasonably attest to its elitist attitudes and secular values. It should become an Episcopal College for the lack of Catholicism is ever apparrent. I used to contribute as an alum – now I designate any contributions to the Newman Society.
Fuquay Steve on April 16, 2009 at 8:08 PM
The word you’re seeking is ego-theist. Or egotist.
newton on April 16, 2009 at 8:08 PM
his religion cover really was a scam.
rob verdi on April 16, 2009 at 8:09 PM
thomasaur on April 16, 2009 at 8:09 PM
To be fair, if he hadn’t covered it up and photos were snapped of him behind some Jesus labeled podium we may have cried foul for just another example of halo photography.
That said, I am convinced that the man is a phony Christian. I drive by Christ Hospital on the way to work, where they were binning live babies. Obama voted no to protect them. When asked if human life begins at conception, he said “I don’t know.” Religion to the man is as so many other things are. The speeches about American opportunity for a bi-racial boy, and praise for our work ethic. He is going through the motions, running a con.
Read Rules for Radicals, by Saul Alinsky. It will help you understand the seriousness of Obama’s identity as a radical. The entire world being torn apart and burning matters little to this man. If he cannot rebuild everything to his liking, it’s all the same to have it fully destroyed.
MarcusBrody on April 16, 2009 at 8:09 PM
That’s been around for a while; you ought to get out more.
Disturb the Universe on April 16, 2009 at 8:07 PM
I have been out.
Thats the problem…..I havent been here.
I need a playbook anymore to tell the good guyz from the bad guyz….how will I get my bloggy ettiquette right?
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Yeah…
…except for when Obama referenced the Sermon on the Mount during the speech.
This is not the best PR, but it’s obviously nothing sinister. Maybe they wanted the background to be black to make it easier to take pictures or something.
orange on April 16, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Hey, remember in the movie Damien, when they pulled up to the church and little anti-christ went bat shit crazy in the car?
John D on April 16, 2009 at 8:10 PM
I’m not sure the comparison between Obama and Laura Bush is legitimate. One was elected, one was not.
.
By the way, I think Georgetown should have politely refused.
artlover on April 16, 2009 at 8:10 PM
You are absolutely on target, graylady. I blame those fair-weather, milquetoast, “lukewarm,” (and I mean that in the full biblical sense) Georgetown catholics-in-name-only for allowing themselves to be neutered in kow-towing to Obama’s wishes. I spit both institutions from my mouth.
Obama has a perfectly lovely, secular White House with a picture perfect Oval Office where he could have given this address. G’town and ND are sell-outs and all magisterium supportive Roman Catholics need to completely reject both of them. I consider them both secular and relativistic. I place all the blame completely on the saccharinely compliant, ninny decision makers at each school.
marybel on April 16, 2009 at 8:11 PM
AllahP….your link to Reihan on Palin is bad…..heres a good one, she says helpfully.
strangelet on April 16, 2009 at 8:13 PM
How complicated is this? A true atheist hates all beliefs more-or-less equally. Are there REALLY people so stupid that they think Barak Obama falls into this category?
(And, btw, the Chicago-based Nation of Islam church is very different from the Middle Eastern one.)
logis on April 16, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Umm, there’s nothing deep about atheism. All you have to do is remember one commandment:
“Thou shalt not believe in any gods.”
Not exactly rocket science.
Darth Executor on April 16, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Yes!
Loxodonta on April 16, 2009 at 8:16 PM
No big deal. The O is all about image, like when he was running for office. Got to look good. He’s a player. That’s all this is. He doesn’t care if he upsets a few jesus freaks, he won, remember?
This staging is for the believers in O. He dosen’t need you. He could care less about tea parties or Christ. That’s just who he is. He’s the man. This is to let his secular folks know he’s in charge. Our man will not be pushed around by God or anyone else.
Named his dog Bo. give me a break.
dingbat on April 16, 2009 at 8:17 PM
The Catholic Church owns the place, does it not? They are the ones to blame. I can’t believe how ball less they are and on Catholic/Christian issues. Jeesh!
Blake on April 16, 2009 at 8:17 PM
“I thought I was your son…”
Darth Executor on April 16, 2009 at 8:18 PM
You’re thinking it….so I’ll say it….has anyone seen him actually touch a crucifix or holy water…..if so, any noticeable steam, strange voices or guttural…”it burns!” I’m just saying, it might explain a few things…..
moxie_neanderthal on April 16, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Finally somebody got it.
Tough crowd today…slow one too
SteveMG on April 16, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Its absolutely analogous. Laura Bush is not fatally infected with the disease of political correctness.
Imo, this was the Diaper Dandy going full-on dhimmi,
afraid to be seen anywhere near an obvious symbol of Christianity. I hope I am wrong.
I think someone at a high level above White House Advance made this decision. Theres no logistical reason for doing it. Who was it that said “cover up that Jesus shit?”
My guess is senior staff political aide working site advance. Not a career WH Advance person.
Mike D. on April 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM
I see . . . now, tell me how you know he doesn’t “hate all beliefs” equally? No speculation, obfuscation or rambling rhetoric. . . just facts.
rplat on April 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Great! So does this mean that when B.O. shows up to desecrate Notre Dame with just his mere presence there alone later this year, are they going to have cover over all the religious images they have there on campus, so as not to offend The One?
pilamaye on April 16, 2009 at 8:20 PM
“Before the cock crows you will betray me three times”
Notre Dame is number one.
This is number two.
Who knows what number three will be.
This rips my heart out.
Blaise on April 16, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Well, all I have to say is, next time it’s campaign time, will you all please do some research into the people you want to vote for–especially you lefty trolls that like to hang out here. Look at their voting records. Look at their associations. Read whatever piece of dookie they’ve published. Hey: if you know someone in a position that can do this, run a records check. (The dems did it on Joe the Plumber..I’m just saying…) But by all means don’t take any of them at face value. Turn down the sound on the TV and watch their expressions, their body language. This man and his clown veep have been deceptive from day one, and a lot of well meaning but deceived believers fell for it. I don’t think O is atheist. I think he’s worse than that. Biden? He’s not sure what he is. Can everyone in this country just PLEASE engage your brains and challenge everything you think you know about a subject before making a decision? I’m begging here.
Driefromseattle on April 16, 2009 at 8:21 PM
moxie_neanderthal on April 16, 2009 at 8:18 PM
i’m sure some holy water was used when maliah and sasha were being baptized by wright. but maybe they brought in some apple juice so they wouldn’t get their foreheads burned. i know, i’m so awful.
Ghoul aid on April 16, 2009 at 8:22 PM
Can someone find a tarp for “Touchdown Jesus” when Obama heads to Notre Dame? Or is he going to have to cover the whole campus somehow?
This also bodes ill for his church-shopping. Although, come to think of it, there are several mainline Protestant churches which would be willing to censor all references to or symbols of Jesus. Look for a bunch of “COEXIST” banners to be plastered over the stained glass windows.
cackcon on April 16, 2009 at 8:22 PM
It takes time to find that perfect kind of hate America ‘church’ okay, geez
SoxNation on April 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Excellent. My subtext came across….
mjk on April 16, 2009 at 8:24 PM
He truly believes the 1st Commandment was about him?
multiuseless on April 16, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Given the standing location of Obama while he spoke, I definitely appreciate the decision to cover the name of my Lord and Savior while Obama stood there.
It was right above Barack Hussein Obama’s head.
Barack Hussein Obama is not MY President, much less my Jesus.
SilverStar830 on April 16, 2009 at 8:26 PM
I can see Obama and his buds sitting around laughing…Obama,”These fools will do what I want…watch they will cover it up…How much, How much…watch”
tomas on April 16, 2009 at 8:26 PM
No. It’s private. Founded by Jesuits, but I don’t think it’s board is currently dominated by Jesuits. I’m not even sure the board is dominated by Catholics.
Loxodonta on April 16, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Coming soon from Obama: Today, I uh, will like to inform America and the world, that I am a proud Muslim!
RMR on April 16, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Jesus said that whoever was ashamed of him in this life would be returned the favor in the next life; He would be ashamed of them.
I’ll bet he doesn’t cover up any Muslim symbols when he speaks…
Mojave Mark on April 16, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Nope … he’s not an atheist … he believes
he isin God.The first commandment of the First Chicagoan Obamathuglican Church is this …
Though shalt have no other God than I.
Therefore – all Jesus symbolism has to go.
HondaV65 on April 16, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Guess there’s only room enough for one Messiah at a time.
Bruno Strozek on April 16, 2009 at 8:33 PM
It’ll be interesting to see how people on the left defend this, given their objection to Ashcroft and the Dept. of Justice statue.
SnarkVader on April 16, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Maybe you can give us a preview.
BigWyo on April 16, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Maybe you can kiss my ass.
SnarkVader on April 16, 2009 at 8:37 PM
I think Obama is pretty clear when he’s said thou shalt have no other gods before me.
moxie_neanderthal on April 16, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Don’t worry. Doug Kmeic assured us that Obama is deeply religious!
Speedwagon82 on April 16, 2009 at 8:38 PM
How about a deal. I won’t complain about 0 covering all the Christian religious signs if he will just dispense with the US Flag and the Presidential seal when he gives interviews or speeches, especially abroad.
Oleta on April 16, 2009 at 8:42 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgetown_University
Hey I know it is wiki but some interesting surprising stuff. It appears the university has been willing to annoy the catholic haters in the past.
Jamson64 on April 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
OT. . . .The Bastard(s) .
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21338.html
Texyank on April 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
IN HIS SPEECH, OBAMA GIVES A HAT-TIP TO ISLAM HERE:
From President Obama’s speech at Georgetown:
. . . five pillars that will grow our economy and make this new century another American century:
“FIVE PILLARS” IS A DIRECT QUOTE FROM ISLAM WHICH FAMOUSLY HAS FIVE PILLARS.
THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE.
OBAMA IS EITHER A CRYPTO-MUSLIM OR A DHIMMI OF THE HIGHEST ORDER.
REMEMBER: PEOPLE WHO THINK OBAMA IS A CRYPTO-MUSLIM – LIKE JEREMIAH WRIGHT ANOTHER FORMER MUSLIM – DO NOT HAVE TO GO FAR FOR EVIDENCE.
THOSE WHO TRY TO EXPLAIN OBAMA’S ISLAMO-CONNECTIONS AWAY ARE THE ONE’S DOING THE CONTORTING…
1 – GEORGETOWN’S VANISHING CROSS
2 – THE REPEATED REFERENCES TO FIVE PILLARS
3 – THE FACT THAT HE HASN’T YET JOINED A CHURCH
4 – GAVE FIRST INTERVIEW TO AL ARABIYA
5 – MADE FIRST CALL TO ABBAS
6 – HAD KHALIDI – A FORMER PLO OPERATIVE – BABYSIT HIS KIDS
7 – GOT HIS BIGGEST FINANCING FROM REZKO, A SYRIAN
8 – WAS RAISED IN INDONESIA
9 – CALLED THE MUSLIM CALL TO PRAYER ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS ON EARTH
HE REFUSES TO RELEASE HIS MEDICAL REPORTS, HIS COLLEGE APPLICATIONS, HIS SCHOOL GRADES, ETC.
HE’S THE ONE HIDING THINGS.
AND HIS DEFENDERS ARE IGNORING THINGS – NOT COUNTERING WITH FACTS.
THAT MAKES ME VERY VERY VERY SUSPICIOUS.
reliapundit on April 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Do you think that when Obama read that for the first time he immediately thought of himself?
journeyman on April 16, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Not that I really believe that he’s a muslim, but you could add
10-BOWED DOWN TO SAUDI KING
jgapinoy on April 16, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Did they all get together and sing “Imagine” afterward?
rollthedice on April 16, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Yeah, Doug Kmiec will applaud this act by arguing that it shows Obama is er, umm,…..well, I’m not really sure what the hell Kmiec will say.
And neither does he. He’ll string a bunch of words together, mention Christian charity and add a bunch of other nonsensical arguments.
SteveMG on April 16, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Odd Obama didn’t seem to have any problem with display of religious symbols in the black churches where he campaigned.
tarpon on April 16, 2009 at 8:52 PM
I don’t who angers me most…Obama or the Catholics in name only that voted for this phony. Unfortunately I work with many of them at my Catholic High School. Nice huh? God.. I despise them. They know better, but don’t care.
lamaestra57 on April 16, 2009 at 8:53 PM
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