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The Democratic opponent to State Sen. Kevin Bryant, R-Anderson, on Tuesday said Bryant has demonstrated “a complete lack of understanding” by posting a photo of Barack Obama and Osama bin Laden side by side on his Web site.
“Not only is this offensive to all Americans and shows extreme insensitivity regarding the old racial and cultural stereotypes we have been struggling to change, but it also brings ridicule to South Carolina and the people of Anderson County,” said Dr. Marshall Meadors, Bryant’s opponent in the November general election, in a statement. “It is the same kind of poor judgment we have seen over the last four years and shows Mr. Bryant’s complete lack of understanding of the issues that are of real importance to the people of Anderson County and South Carolina: education, health care, economic development and the environment.”
On Bryant’s online political forum, Blog from the Backbench, there is access to a photo that portrays Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama and Osama Bin Laden side by side, with the message: “The difference between Obama and Osama is just a little B.S.”
The image appears to be printed on the back of a T-shirt. The post and furor have drawn national attention. And so far, since it was posted on Friday, it has generated dozens of comments about Bryant’s blog. Some mock the photo, and other comments are aimed at Bryant, criticizing him for the post.
Bryant addressed the issue at a town hall meeting Monday night at the Hopewell Fire Department, only after someone asked him about the photo.
“There’s obviously some satire in that post,” Bryant said. “Do I believe Obama and Osama are partners? Absolutely not.”
Some people who attended the town hall meeting said the post was “petty” and “made South Carolinians look small-minded.”
Others didn’t think much of the photo. The photo had been taken off the main Web page of Blog from the Backbench as of Tuesday night, but a link to the photo remained on the main page.
Bryant said Tuesday that he wanted the discussion about the photo to be focused on Obama’s record on national security.
“It had gotten way more attention than I was expecting, and I wanted the debate to be more about foreign policy,” Bryant said. “I haven’t changed my position on concerns with him (Obama).”
Anderson County Republican Party Chairman Lee Rogers said Monday that he wouldn’t comment about the photo directly. But did say that such political satire is directed at Republicans all the time.
“With all of the negative cartoons and the despicable comments about President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, it is interesting that people want to react to this when it is meant as a political joke. And political jokes get nasty sometimes,” Rogers said. “If Republicans spent all our time responding to every nasty photo, we would have no time to get our candidates elected.”
South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus Political Director Phil Bailey expressed a different view on the matter.
He said he became aware of the photo over the weekend when news that it had been posted surfaced on some national political blogs.
“Sen. Bryant’s posting of this offensive photo is classless, and it has no place in politics,” Bailey said Monday. “Bryant should be more concerned about serving his constituents, who pay his salary, than posting garbage like this on his Web site. The voters of Anderson County deserve a state senator with better judgment.”
John Staed and Charmaine Smith-Miles contributed to this report.
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Do people think Kevin Bryant really cares what we think? He's the genius that decided insurance companies could determine whether or not I need certain medical tests. Got any "special interest" in this, Bryant? Geesh! What a dolt.
Thank God we have a man who will stand up for the truth, and not worry about political correctness. If you have a problem with the truth , you are part of the problem.
Bryant is one of the governors boys...all with money and little feeling for the common folk...thank, your governor for guys like Bryant and Ryberg...what really is needed ...is for the republican wing of the republican party to step up to the plate...the upstate isn't going to take much more from the governor's manipulation in local politics...these are our neighbors and speak for us. The questions begs: Do you really want Kevin Bryant and the govenor speaking for you? Sanford is not the guy every one thinks...his recent land deals, while governor, should be censored as a conflict of interest. Could you imagine former governor carol campbell buying land in Dunkin while negotiating with BMW...no way, no how. Sanford doesn't think like that...
Come on Republicans, Sanford and Bryant deserve a similar reception as those that they targeted on the hit list in the upstate. Those on the hit list have solid reputations...godly reputations; and we would chose to ignore them, and ride a populous governor to our economic graves? Not me dear reader, not me.
I have spoken to local Republicans, and they are not happy. This is not the way they want to be represented. It's not even a partisan issue anymore.
The song you've been hearing about!
The Republican Song:
http://www.therepublicansong.com/abou... (listen & read along).
http://www.therepublicansong.com/watc... (listen & watch video).
The Anderson Insufficient Mail does it again. Writes a nothing story without talking to the person the story is about.
You guys are idiots. Have you ever thought this might be the reason your subscriptions have dropped so much?
Also, did Marshall Meadors put you up to this? Did he buy some advertising?
Come on, even the Insufficient Mail can do better than this.
Yankee, I thought this was a pretty good story, actually. It said a couple of times that he wouldn't return their calls. Are newspapers supposed to "talk to the person the story is about" before every article is written and published? If that's the case then you'd have nothing to read.
At least they made attempts to contact him.
Did they really try to call. Did they not think he may be out of town? This is a story that the democrats wanted to get out.
If Meadors supports gay marriage, do you think the Insufficient Mail would do a story on that? I don't think so. If he supports abortion, do you think they will do a story on that? NO.
This is just another tabloid jounalistic hatchet job. If the Insufficient Mail cannot find a story, they just try to make a story out of nothing or they just "cut and paste" Look at the Insufficient Mail tomorrow and count how many "AP" stories are there. You will find a bunch. That is why they are losing money and subscribers.
Out of town? Doesn't he have two town halls this week? I believe one was this evening.
in response to Klay67
Really? What Republicans? Raymond MacKay? Bill McAbee? Larry Greer? Michael G. Thompson? Cordes Seabrook?
What a joke. Name names, or shut up. You can't do it.
he owns the domain.it's his property.he can put anything on it that he wants.
in response to yankeefann
I don't have to name names. I wasn't talking about some slimy politician. I'm talking about real people. Voters. Conservative voters. You know? The people who really matter.
Aw...c'mon folks. This is our local boy's Big Chance. Fame and Fortune Await!!! With any luck, he'll be mentioned as one of the "Worst Persons in the World" on Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Then, he can go on FOX and complain to Sean Hannity about how he's being treated unfairly by that "Damned Liberal Media". Maybe mention a few things about Rugged Self Determination (a favorite virtue among many with inherited means). Next thing you know, he's Vice-Presidential Material (especially since Governor Sanford blew his shot at the ring by having a massive brain cramp on CNN a few days ago).
I don't care what party you are in. Bryant has been complicit in the Sanford/SCRG/Club for Growth maneuvering that has allowed Charleston and the lowcountry to eclipse upstate influence in the General Assembly. He doesn't try to stop them, he actively participates. His complicity makes us weaker. Its time for him to go.
in response to yankeefann
Bill McAbee and Cordes Seabrook built the Republican Party in this county when most people were too scared to put an R next to their name. Those guys have guts.
I too would like to know which Anderson County "Conservative Republicans" found this offensive. I think the photo was hilarious and it will probably gain votes for Sen. Bryant if it has any affect at all.
If Kevin Bryant wanted to point out Obama's views on Iran and Israel, why didn't he just do it?
Why release a nasty picture and then call it "satire?"
Just a polytrickster (politician) up to the same ole polytriks (politics)!
I for one find the photo funny and true satire. I will continue to support and vote for Sen. Bryant. I think there are many more like me out here . . .
I guess Bryant's photo would be similar to this:
http://www.cartoonistgroup.com/store/...
Anyone who thinks Bryant is even capable of understanding the satire on his own blog must be a "conservative republican".
Political Satire is a perfectly acceptable form of criticism when it comes from the free press or any ordinary citizen. Unfortunately, Sen. Bryant is neither. He is an elected representative and he should behave as such.
Oh wait, he probably doesn't understand the word representative.
in response to cwilson4
I am wondering why you refer to Obama by his middle name? I have never once heard McCain referred to by his middle name.
Incidentally it happens to be Sidney.
in response to cwilson4
Bush is a clown and should be depicted as such. The clown and his idiot cronies have done a pretty good job of destroying this country.
Have you read the real news lately? Or just that pseudo news from world net daily?
Besides, if AIM is such a bastion of liberals, why are you posting on their website?
If you were a true "conservative republican", you wouldn't even acknowledge the existence of the Anderson-Independent Mail.
Great post by Kevin Bryant...keep up the good work.
in response to cwilson4
HaHaHa, you make me laugh. Thanks for that!
in response to cwilson4
Why can't you think for yourself and stop letting the church dictate politics to you. This website doesn't post a picture of the entire plans. The American Flag is on the SIDE of the plane and the ENTIRE plane is red,white and blue. What more do you want? I found this picture on (gsap) FOX. Maybe they have FOX blocked from your computer? By the way, at the end of the WND article, it asks you what you to participate in their poll but only gives you anti-Obama choices. It wouldn't let me tell them what I really think. More brainwashing of simple-minded people. Get the whole story before you post. On the other hand, maybe you could e a reporter for the AIM.
Oops.... forgot to post the link
http://embeds.files.wordpress.com/200...
I could care less about what color his plane is. The fact that he refuses to pay proper respect to the American flag is more than enough for me to dislike him. A flag in which hundreds of thousands of brave men and women gave their lives defending.
For God's sake people....this man could be the Commander-In-Chief of our troops. Do you really want somebody that has ZERO respect for the flag of this great nation directing a war in which our troops will die? Sure McCain is a Bush clone. And Bush/Chaney have made times tough on us. But I'd rather have another 8 years of this than 1 day with Hussein Obama in the White House.
Kevin Bryant is our Republican leader and he is the B.S.
My family has a long military history, including my son, and my sister who are in now. One brother and a brother-in-law who are in Iraq as we speak. So yes I would love to have him as Commander-in Chief. If we have another 8 years of this BS, I may not have any family left.
in response to StraightTalkEspresso
Now this is good satire! Thanks for writing "good taste" satire, (not so) straighttalk
I add that "Lindsey Graham" has probably been infected by this "brain farct" disease so well displayed by bush, cheney, mccain, sanford and now this local yokel yahoo!
Watch what comes out of your mouth, Lindsey. Don't embarrass our state anymore.
You would think that the fact that there is an election in November would prompt Mr. Bryant to clean up his act. I don't think this lastest asinine antic is going to win him any votes. The fact that his unbecoming behavior has drawn national attention to the state of South Carolina and is yet again portraying us as a bunch of stupid, ignorant rednecks has certainly angered this Repbulican (who by the way will be voting for his Democratic challenger). I gave up on him after his blog posting on June 20th about "Beating a Dead Horse" and the sick picture he posted along with his blog entry. After that and after researching his votes and going through his listing of campaign contributors (many surprises there) he lost my vote. While political satire is part of the game this picture reeks of bigotry and racism. Two things that I find repulsive coming from someone like Mr. Bryant who touts conservative Christian values. If he disagrees with Senator Obama on political issues surely there was a much more intelligent way to express that and one which would have carried more weight. Why is Mr. Bryant hiding out from the press? He didn't respond to requests from the AIM and he wouldn't appear on MSNBC when they asked. He sent a poorly composed written statement. If he is going to post pictures and make comments on his blog that incite the public then he should have the balls to stand up and defend his comments.
Kevin Bryant is an embarassment. The end.
I'm old enough to remember the Carter years and I personally don't want 4 of 8 years more of that! I would have been more than satisfied to swap 4 years of Carter for 8 years of Bush. Well kids fasten your seat belts and snap your chin straps get ready for the biggest tax increase in the history of this nation. I don't make $250,000 so I shouldn't worry, right? Well if you don't know the answer to this, you need a lesson in ecomomics. There are those among us who want the rich to support the poor, the healthy to support the sick, legal citizens to support illegal aliens, do away with prayer in any public venue, try to understand our enemy and get to the root causes of their hatred for us, and blame the US of this hatred. What happened to personal responsibility, self motivation, self reliance? Do we expect the Government to see all, be all, and dictate what we think and do? If so, you don't deserve to be free! You are a mindless robot who want to be told what to do, think, and act. Wake up America!
in response to cwilson4
Yeah, we should all think like you. After all, you are quoting a website that says soy makes kids gay. Crackpot.
Senator Bryant is a huckster for the "Far Right Radical Republicans", moreover he has painted himself as a demagogue that sees no boundaries in politics. It has become clear that Kevin is seeking higher office and is not concerned about the people of Anderson County. His lack of statesmanship and true representation will impair as well as destroy South Carolina.
in response to goat34
I agree. Things are getting so bad I may have to give up one of my cell phones.
I am retired and so is my spouse. We both have a car which is a luxury. Wake up people. Look around you at how bad things are.
Lee Rogers mentions that there are many tasteless jokes made about the President and Vice President. Thats true of any politician. If some guy on the street makes a crude joke like this, its still crude but its no big deal. State Senators should be held to a higher standard. This is just very disappointing.
in response to cwilson4
That's the way it is with the media in gerneral. They can depict republicans as idiots but if someone depicts democrats as such then all the whinning starts.
You know, that's what Democrats say about Republicans, 8000. Dems vs. Repubs is not the point, though. The point is our state senator thinks comparing a US Senator and presidential candidate to bin Laden is something to put on his blog. So once again, he draws ridicule to our community instead of working on meat and potatoes issues to move this community forward, which is what we need. If Bryant wants to be a comedian, thats great. He can write books and be the next Sean Hannity. I'm sure he'd be successful and a lot of folks would like him. If he wants to be a Senator--a leader in difficult times--he should act like one. As of today he is about three and half years overdue.
Barak Obama already said he would meet face to face with Terrorist so what's the big deal. Everyone knows that Obama and his wife are really Muslims bent on destroying this country. Only stupid people would vote for this man. Obviously stupid people also have no sense of humor.
There are quite a few national web-sites where hundreds of articles and comments have been posted on the above story. What angers me most is that what Mr. Bryant has done doesn't just reflect on him it is also a reflection on all of us who live in SC. His failure to consider the consequences before doing something so obviously stupid should be a lesson for all of us that we elected the wrong person to be our Senator. Luckily, we have a chance to rectify that in November. Mr. Bryant's actions have only succeeded in perpetuating the image that people have of those of us in SC as being stupid racist bigots who still can't read or write and who certainly can't articulate intelligent thoughts. Thanks Kevin. Let's hope we can show the rest of the nation we hold ourselves to a higher standard than you do by electing Marshall Meadors in November. I understand from reading other web-sites that his campaign has contributions coming in from all over the nation. Looks like many from outside SC are hoping we can do better also.
You dont have to be an Obama supporter or a Democrat to think this was a stupid, irresponsible thing Bryant did. WAKE UP!!! It doesnt matter what "team" Bryant is on if he's not doing the people's work, and he is not. He's a nice man, but he's also an incendiary demogogue who GETS NOTHING DONE! Being a Senator is more than just a checklist of mostly meaningless wedge issues you rail about to get votes every four years. David Thomas is also a very conservative Senator, but he actually works for his constituents and tries to make a positive difference. And he does. It would be nice if Kevin Bryant would work on the front bench instead of blogging on the back bench.
he owns the domain.it's his property.he can put anything on it that he wants.most politicians won't do or say anything in fear of not being
"politicaly incorrect". mr.bryant has a pair.
in response to fq1126
I'm writing from New Jersey and am awaiting some sense of outrage from your area re Bryant's hate-producing tastelessness, as well as his apparent lack of critical thinking skills.
This man claims to be educated, yet his actions are extremely ignorant. Are these the type of leaders you elect? Clearly, in correspondence with the national Republican party, he is bereft of any sound ideas, ideals or change in the wake of profoundly failed national leadership that has racked this nation, and the world, with mendacity, pain, suffering and death.
Maybe SC should not have rejoined the Union of the United States.
yeah, he has a pair. He is going to be a crook - like his daddy! If he comes to my house again asking for a vote - I will punch him out.
When companies decide whether or not to locate in a county, they look to the area's reputation. I wish he had thought of that before he put this up.
Guess I'm the only one who hasn't seen the website....how do I get there. What is the link? I'd really like to see it, since there is such a resemblance, you know, to see if I can tell them apart. Have you all read his book? I can't believe people will vote for this man after reading just parts of it.
in response to cwilson4
You are woefully ignorant. You may not agree with Sen. Obama's politics, but at least take the time to know his personal history. At the least, that is the first step in beginning to engage in the process of critical thinking. Have you read any of his books? Ignorance is not bliss.
in response to TheWhig
There was a move afoot by a major industry, considering an operation in Anderson County, and now it is doomed! This organization had been working with a upstate contacts for ten months and had reconsidered moving forward with site indentification and official negotiations as of last Friday.
This project according to sources entailed an intitial investment in excess of $ 30,000,000.00, intitial employment of some 50 to 100 jobs @ $ 20.00 to $ 30.00 per hour. This major industry pioneer is no longer interested in South Carolina nor Anderson County.
The economic ramifications are severe and the dynamics are broad in scope.
in response to santo
I've never posted on Straight Talk. How am I hateful?
This comment by you sounds hateful...
"I will vote for Bryant, seems he realizes Hussein Obama for what he is, a cult leader, leading our country straight to Hell." -santo
Do you realize what Bryant has voted for? Really?
I don't even think Bryant realizes what he is voting for, how could you?
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Let's not forget there is a third party. Could it get any worse if a libertarian were elected? Talk about change.
I wont get into all the political banter because i despise politics. Whether you think Sen. Bryants actions were right or wrong is not significant. I dont support him one way or another. The MOST IMPORTANT thing in all of this is that anyone who supports Barack Obama needs to be very careful and think HARD about the decision you make in November. I dont particularly care for John McCain either but as with the past several elections i think we are presented with the lesser of 2 evils. Obama is an eloquent speaker and very dynamic personality. I think we have seen what people like that are capable of especially in this town with a certain "pastor". People like this are very dangerous and while they paint a rosey picture of things to come there is much more than meets the eye where they are concerned. Obama speaks well but says NOTHING. God help us all if Obama is elected president of this country. We are gonna need it.
in response to fq1126
This is in reference to Senator Bryant's comment on the picture. He said he would not cower to the cultural police. Who are the cultural police? Is one culture better than the other?
in response to jacketsfan76
I completely agree with you. One of the worst things that could happen to us if for Osama(oops) Obama to get elected to be our leader. God help us all!!
in response to Niblits
Maybe becuase his middle name is the same as the ousted former muslim leader of Iraq HUSSEIN whom was a tyrant and murderer and his last name is only a 1 letter from being the same as the murderer, extremist that is the #1 fugitive in the world responsible for thousands of deaths. OBAMA,OSAMA. Yes it's only a name but would you want someone named ADOLF HITLER being our president? This Guy doesn't have the experience to run this country and changes his stance on issues every time he speaks with his fork tongue. I give Bryant Praise for his web Posting.
Hahahaha! This whole "debate" is hilarious! The photo is genuinely hysterical!
What kind of world do we live in when humor is thrown out the window because people are afraid to offend. What a world full of whimps! Most jokes told could be 'offensive' to someone or another.
I mean, c'mon!
Bravo, Sen. Bryant for not backing down to whiners!
Thank you Senator Bryant for showing your true colors. Your neck is looking mighty red.
in response to In_Search_Of_Truths
What could you possibly know? You have to copy another poster's login name to buy yourself some credibility (or try to fool people into thinking your breath is all that stinks...try flossing).
Anyone who speaks the English language with any proficiency, knows the difference between your ignorant posts and the original In_Search_Of_Truth.
Get a life loser!
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Just for your info Santo, I am Yank from
ST. It's been gone for quite awhile, sounds like you don't have much of a life to still be bringing up ST. Also as the other Yankee said, you aren't exactly sunshine and light and seem to have a lot of time on your hands.
(pout, pout) don't guess anyone wants to give me the website? Santo, you are right, I agree with you besides it's too dang hot to wear turbin's and black garb......wake up people and listen to O Hussein....he says absolutely nothing about what he's really going to do. Again, read just parts of his book...this is what changed my mind, completely.
Oh, spare me. It's always entertaining to watch politicians seize on a lapse of judgment by their opponent and express their "outrage", not that there has been any bad judgment on Bryant's part. Of course Meadors has to throw out the "insensitivity speech" and express how "shocking" this photo is and its negative effect on cultural "progress." LOL. Meadows is trying to capitalize on the attention this has gotten. He's even posted a screen shot on his campaign site. This is all just plain and simple politics.
If you don't like the photograph don't go to Bryant's blog and look at the damn thing. It's that simple. We have become far too sensitive of a society and make issues out of nothing at all. Nobody has the right to not be offended.
http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com
in response to santo
Do you read the World Net Daily like some of the other posters here?
Sounds like someone tells you what to believe and you do.
in response to santo
All that propaganda you just spewed out...is just that, propaganda. Prove one allegation you made in your long...whatever it was. Apparently you put alot of stock in every email you get. All of those "urban myths" about Obama have long been debunked. Where have you been, under a rock? I would rather have anything, than a continuation of what we have been living through with these Republicans we have in power now. McCain is a continuation of exactly what we are going through right now.
What's the big deal, I have seen our sitting President called every name in the book. I've see pictures of Pres. Bush with a dunce hat on with the caption, "Worst President in History". Guess they were asleep during Carter's administration. Senator Durbin compared him to Hitler. Rep. Pelosi, just this weekend, said Bush was unfit to serve as President. I guess she believes Osama, I mean Obama, is fit. Even though Obama thinks we are no longer a Christian Nation, God help this country if he is elected President!
The Book of Revelations!
This will make you think!
A Trivia question in Sunday School :
How long is the beast allowed to have authority in Revelations ?
Guess the Answer? Revelations Chapter 13 tells us it is 42 months, and you know what that is.
Almost a four-year term to a Presidency. All I can say is Lord Have Mercy on us.!!!
The anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40's, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything ..
Is it OBAMA?? I STRONGLY URGE each one of you to repost this as many times as you can!
Each opportunity that you have to send it to a friend or media outlet...do it! I refuse to take a chance on this unknown candidate who came out of nowhere.
IN GOD WE TRUST
Seems a few people believe some of the false e-mails and myths that have been floating around.
Obama used the Bible to be sworn in, not the Koran.
Obama's father, stepfather, brother and grandfather were Muslims
but by the time his father met his mother he was no longer a Muslim but actually an atheist.
He was born in the United States Aug. 4, 1961, in Hawaii.
He was educated in an Indonesian school in Jakarta which is a non-religious public school that is not and never has been a Madrassa.
When Obama was 2 years old, his parents divorced and his father moved away from the family’s home in Hawaii.
He was not raised in a religious household but had even attended a Catholic school in Indonesia.
He has openly mentioned his savior as Jesus Chris and was baptized in the Holy Spirit.
He does say the Pledge of Allegiance and puts his right hand over his heart. This he was told to do by his grandfather and to sing the National Anthem.
Every person ever running for the office of President of the United States has loved this great country.
You don't have to wear a flag pin to prove to others your patriotism. People can not be responsible for a name given to them at birth.
Both McCain and Obama have their faults and both have flip flopped and not fully addressed the issues and what they plan on actually doing. I am hoping all of us will base our voting on who we think will be best for our country and not on something we've heard or false assumptions. As you can see I am not endorsing either candidate here but perhaps everybody will open their minds up a little bit and stop the frivolous talk and get to the real issues. This country is in deep trouble.
I wonder how much attention folks would pay to the NAME Obama's white mother and African father gave him if it were Elvis, James, Earl, Ray or J-Edgar. Does his name scare you or is it the fact that he's not southern baptist that offends you so? Bryant, shame on you.