Reader comments
Montage with only 1 photo of Obama, several of Bush concerns some guests at America's Freedom Festival
112 comments | Read story
Anonymous | 10:20 p.m. July 2, 2009
Seems like an attempt to create controversy where there was none.
Anonymous | 11:36 p.m. July 2, 2009
I agree with Anonymous. Who cares how many pictures were there. It's not
Obama day or President's day.
It's Independence Day.
It's Independence Day.
Comments continue below
Update the photos | 12:10 a.m. July 3, 2009
I definitely noticed there were a lot of President Bush and I don't
remember seeing the one of President Obama, but I just figured it was because
they did the slide show two years ago when they released their album.
I didn't find it a problem at all I just thought it was funny they couldn't find the time to update their photos for this performance. They should probably update it for next time....
I didn't find it a problem at all I just thought it was funny they couldn't find the time to update their photos for this performance. They should probably update it for next time....
jayman | 12:33 a.m. July 3, 2009
The observation about the nature of Provo's Freedom Festival with regard to
the linkage of patriotism and conservative politics seems spot on to me.
I've lived in several cities and the whole celebration in Provo seems
overly political and extreme (even nationalistic) for this holiday. I much
prefer Independence Day, Fireworks, BBQ and family time.
What? | 12:35 a.m. July 3, 2009
Quit trying to make an issue out of a non issue. This is our Birthday, not
Bush's and not Obama's.
Get on with your life and quit nit picking at every little thing.
Get on with your life and quit nit picking at every little thing.
Hypocrisy | 12:58 a.m. July 3, 2009
No surprise here.
Utah is the only state that gives Bush a positive rating still.
Utah is one of the most conservative states in the union.
Why wouldn't they continue to pay homage to Bush while at the same time bash Obama?
Utah is the only state that gives Bush a positive rating still.
Utah is one of the most conservative states in the union.
Why wouldn't they continue to pay homage to Bush while at the same time bash Obama?
Politicized patriotism | 1:49 a.m. July 3, 2009
Provo's Freedom Festival misuses the 4th of July to link patriotism to
scary right-wing politics. Also, by choosing Glenn Beck as host to the Stadium
of Fire, the celebration becomes a politicized farce. Instead of uniting, it
divides Americans.
Cody Poll | 2:12 a.m. July 3, 2009
Cool,I like it
Dave Isaksen | 2:44 a.m. July 3, 2009
Best President? Move forward? Very progressive? Can you be a little more
specific?
Patriot | 3:19 a.m. July 3, 2009
Don't make this about Politics, it is about Country.
MikeH | 3:44 a.m. July 3, 2009
"I don't see how that would be possible"
I can.
I can.
name | 4:24 a.m. July 3, 2009
Many of us are sick of looking at pictures of Obama. I hope I never have to see
another of his phony "thoughtful" glances plastered on the cover of so
called "news" magazines. I am extremely sick of seeing "Obama
wants you to; go back to school, get a better job, grow more hair on the top of
your head, have fuller lips, lose weight without going hungry, etc...
advertisements on Facebook or on yahoo mail accounts. If you miss his pictures
look there.
Possibly | 4:41 a.m. July 3, 2009
Could it be that due to Obama's administration not being involved setting
up this event that they couldn't get the puppets staged in time???? Who is
this Obama guy anyway????
Anonymous | 4:51 a.m. July 3, 2009
I think most of the commenters here need to get a life. Who cares how many
pictures of George W Bush were in the slide show. Like David Osmond said, it was
not done on purpose.
As for the first comment, whoever wrote this should really pull his/her head out of somewhere dark and ugly. Barry Obama is NOT the best president we have had, nor will he ever be the best. This country is moving forward, right to the edge of a tall cliff because of this non-American. This great nation will never be the same after he leaves Washington.
As for the first comment, whoever wrote this should really pull his/her head out of somewhere dark and ugly. Barry Obama is NOT the best president we have had, nor will he ever be the best. This country is moving forward, right to the edge of a tall cliff because of this non-American. This great nation will never be the same after he leaves Washington.
different Americas | 5:42 a.m. July 3, 2009
I have to conclude it was intentional, as a picture of Obama was included,
indicating the program had a makeover to reflect the present.
From a purely marketing persective, if I wanted my program to be well received in Utah County, I wouldn't include many - if any - pix of Obama. Bush (like Nixon post Watergate) had a positive approval rating in Utah County. That's a simple fact. Obama is anethema to the conservative mindset.
Conservative Americans are most proud of their nation when a conservative is in power. That's just human nature. Obama is seen by many in Utah County as ruining the nation. The Osmonds aren't ignorant of that, hence the single picture of (even) Obama bowing down to respect our fallen soldiers.
From a purely marketing persective, if I wanted my program to be well received in Utah County, I wouldn't include many - if any - pix of Obama. Bush (like Nixon post Watergate) had a positive approval rating in Utah County. That's a simple fact. Obama is anethema to the conservative mindset.
Conservative Americans are most proud of their nation when a conservative is in power. That's just human nature. Obama is seen by many in Utah County as ruining the nation. The Osmonds aren't ignorant of that, hence the single picture of (even) Obama bowing down to respect our fallen soldiers.
NY | 6:19 a.m. July 3, 2009
To Let's get it Straight. Obama is already proving himself to be a
disaster. He is the least experienced and least qualified president in the
history of this country and this shines through each day. The reason the
"stimulus" is not working is that very little of the spending has
anything to do with economic stimulus. It is all about political ideology with
this president. With that said, I think not getting the photos updated was an
unfortunate oversight. Nothing to get bent out of shape over, but, LOL, I am
sure they will be up to date next time around.
Non-issue | 6:22 a.m. July 3, 2009
Independence day is not about BBQ, fireworks, who is president or not president,
it is about the day Americans declared their independence! Lets keep our focus
on that, instead of counting pictures.
mk | 6:25 a.m. July 3, 2009
I have yet to see Obama put his hand over his heart in pledge to our country. He
is too busy apologizing for us to ther nations
Chris in Texas | 6:30 a.m. July 3, 2009
Mountain out of a molehill. Straining at a gnat. Non-issue. Move on!
Gerb | 6:34 a.m. July 3, 2009
I agree with Jayman. I grew up in Provo and loved the Freedom Festival every
year, but it has become too political, as opposed to patriotic. To continuously
invite ultra conservatives like Sean Hannity and Glen Beck to preside over the
events sends a message. And excluding pictures of our current president in a
video montage during a patriotic program sends a message as well. It's
nothing I'm going to lose sleep over, but I do think it's kind of a
shame. And an embarrassment.
Lonny Jingo | 6:47 a.m. July 3, 2009
I love to see the liberals trying to shove Obama down everybodies throats.
Yeah, I'm still holding out, I have yet to put up the picture of Obama in
my house (North Korea's dictator makes everyone put up a picture of him in
their house). I seriously can't believe how much you guys worship Obama.
It is getting a little disgusting. If you want more of him just go to Walmart
and buy the Obama dvd's they have. Btw, Bush is/was an idiot.
Maybe | 6:49 a.m. July 3, 2009
The "freedom" festival is actually about something else.
Observation: | 6:51 a.m. July 3, 2009
It's interesting to see that so many liberals to have had their
"impeach bush" and "no W" stickers for the past several
years get mad that not everyone agrees with and supports their president.
It seems like a double standard.
It seems like a double standard.
Bob Kjar | 6:51 a.m. July 3, 2009
Our heritige is based on conservative values. Back when America was great, both
Democrats and Republicans were conservative
Stadium of Conservatives | 7:11 a.m. July 3, 2009
Really.
Why even try to hide it anymore.
Why even try to hide it anymore.
Sandra | 7:12 a.m. July 3, 2009
God Bless America!
American Citizen | 7:16 a.m. July 3, 2009
Patriotism is what brings us together. Picture-counters in the audience are
trying to split us up. Guys in foxholes defending America were not very
interested in American "isms." They were a lot more interested in
survival. They are the true patriots.
DH | 7:18 a.m. July 3, 2009
What a waste of space. Lets see what we can do to creat a controversy. Stupid!
Funny | 7:25 a.m. July 3, 2009
"Let's get it straight" probably feels that too many pictures of
Washington or Lincoln would have been a disrespectful to Obama as well.
Why don't you just bow down and kiss his scepter. How about lick his feet. You forget this nation has had more than one president. They each deserve to be honored; whether it was Bush or Obama, Washington or Lincoln.
What likely happened was that the video montage was created way before Obama was president and the Osmonds likely were not intending to use it. It was an honest mistake.
This nation was founded by God, not Obama.
PS. You say Obama is the best president we have ever had… yeah right! You will eat those words in 8 years when his name is drug through the gutters. You forget our last two presidents (one republican, one democrat) both left office with their reputations tarnished. Nothing against Obama, but you obviously have more “hope” in him than I do. That is until we are forced to only say good things about him and have a picture of him in every room of our house. Which wouldn’t surprise me under this administration.
Why don't you just bow down and kiss his scepter. How about lick his feet. You forget this nation has had more than one president. They each deserve to be honored; whether it was Bush or Obama, Washington or Lincoln.
What likely happened was that the video montage was created way before Obama was president and the Osmonds likely were not intending to use it. It was an honest mistake.
This nation was founded by God, not Obama.
PS. You say Obama is the best president we have ever had… yeah right! You will eat those words in 8 years when his name is drug through the gutters. You forget our last two presidents (one republican, one democrat) both left office with their reputations tarnished. Nothing against Obama, but you obviously have more “hope” in him than I do. That is until we are forced to only say good things about him and have a picture of him in every room of our house. Which wouldn’t surprise me under this administration.
Who does the hiring... | 7:29 a.m. July 3, 2009
...at DN??? This is the silliest story, even for DN, in a along time!!!
The usual whine-brigade is out in full force. Perhaps they would preder another Nuremnurg-esque, faux-columns, fascist-inspired logo everywhere, lobotomized drones shouting "hope und change!"
So why, DN, wasn't this story written from the perspective of the sacrifices made by those who serve and who have served and given their lifes, do that whiney fools can blather about silly and dangerous worship of a non-entity?
Disgusted in SLC
The usual whine-brigade is out in full force. Perhaps they would preder another Nuremnurg-esque, faux-columns, fascist-inspired logo everywhere, lobotomized drones shouting "hope und change!"
So why, DN, wasn't this story written from the perspective of the sacrifices made by those who serve and who have served and given their lifes, do that whiney fools can blather about silly and dangerous worship of a non-entity?
Disgusted in SLC
So Much Controversy | 7:46 a.m. July 3, 2009
We can't even look at pictures of our presidents anymore without having
major public debates about it.
I'm sick of it.
I'm sick of it.
annonymous | 7:46 a.m. July 3, 2009
The booklet that came out to us Utah County residence had large pictures of
Reagan and again no Obama. Those who are in charge need to be more responsible.
Dear mk | 7:50 a.m. July 3, 2009
You haven't seen Obama pledge to his country, with his hand over his heart?
You've just proven the point I've been making for years: NONE of you Obama haters have ever really listened to him or watched him. You get ALL of your "news" predigested through right-wing hate radio and Faux News.
If you get a chain letter email that says Obama doesn't pledge, you don't check it out. You send it along to "everyone in your address book".
Utah's low-information voters will continue to hate everything about America until the presidency is restored through Romney (who you'd all detest if he wasn't your religion).
You've just proven the point I've been making for years: NONE of you Obama haters have ever really listened to him or watched him. You get ALL of your "news" predigested through right-wing hate radio and Faux News.
If you get a chain letter email that says Obama doesn't pledge, you don't check it out. You send it along to "everyone in your address book".
Utah's low-information voters will continue to hate everything about America until the presidency is restored through Romney (who you'd all detest if he wasn't your religion).
Patriot | 7:59 a.m. July 3, 2009
Alright, let's forget about the anointed one, he has done nothing, I repeat
nothing. Don't ride on the promises of what he will do, he hasn't done
it. Inflation is on the rise, the dollar is down and unemployment is the highes
for 26 years, and Obama has the nerve to say the stimulus is working, tell that
to all the layed off Auto-Workers. The only people that seems to have obtained a
job are the Obama Administration employees that didn't pay taxes, that is
why they have no problem putting our children in debt. They didn't pay
their debt, so they do not care. Let's get back to what makes this country
great and celebrate the founding fathers and our beginnings, not the faults of
Presidents and the like because Obama can't throw stones at that glass
house.
Anonymous | 8:21 a.m. July 3, 2009
The problem is...finding any patriotic pictures of Obama. Now if this was about
global warming, increased taxes, huge deficit spending, abortion, or same sex
marriage---yes, there would be lots of available pictures for any of those
issues. But patriotic pictures? How many are there? Let's face it,
patriotism is not his thing, expecially since he wants to change patriotism to
"just do what I tell you, and pass the legislation I want, and do it fast,
before anyone figures out how stupid it is."
Scott | 8:33 a.m. July 3, 2009
Does anyone care about Provo? For heavens sake, stop writing about the zoobies.
They live in their own world down there.
US Soldier Here | 8:45 a.m. July 3, 2009
President Obama is doing a great job considering the situation that he has been
given. I have met President Bush and was even able to have lunch with him
before leaving for Iraq. However, I never voted for him. I did however vote
for Obama. For some reason the republicans in Utah think that everyone in the
military supports their political views, your wrong.
Dr. LJA | 8:45 a.m. July 3, 2009
What a wonderful country we do live in. Where else could we make such a
mountain out of a mole hill?
Linus | 8:59 a.m. July 3, 2009
Everything I stand for, Obama stands against: life, liberty, the pursuit of
happiness through free enterprise and personal property rights, i.e., the
Constitution. Everything I stand against, Obama stands for; abortion,
socialism, public debt, oppression of the poor through cap and trade taxes,
bogus Gore science, godless immorality, i.e., the overthrow of the Constitution.
The very sight of him makes me sick. Why would anyone want to include his
image in a celebration of all that is good in America's history?
The above conclusions do not come from conservative talk radio; they are revealed daily in the liberal media: The New York Times, NBC, The Tribune, and even DesNews.
The above conclusions do not come from conservative talk radio; they are revealed daily in the liberal media: The New York Times, NBC, The Tribune, and even DesNews.
sob | 9:00 a.m. July 3, 2009
utah county thinking? when told to be sure and vote, in sunday meetings it is
always code to vote for the R
when meeting a new person one is invariably asked "are you member of the church".......then surprised if the new comer asks "which church?" oh sooo provincial
when meeting a new person one is invariably asked "are you member of the church".......then surprised if the new comer asks "which church?" oh sooo provincial
Maybe... Just Maybe | 9:01 a.m. July 3, 2009
...it was a chore to find one picture of Obama doing something patriotic. To
date, I wouldn't consider the majority of his policies and principles to be
even remotely patriotic. His lack of pride in what this country stands for and
his assault on the constitution and hatred for it is appalling.
Just because he was elected doesn't mean anything to me. Just because he wrote two books about his life before he'd accomplished anything does't mean I will fawn all over him. When he has shown he is worthy of respect and when he has done something to garner respect, then I will give it to him.
Just because he was elected doesn't mean anything to me. Just because he wrote two books about his life before he'd accomplished anything does't mean I will fawn all over him. When he has shown he is worthy of respect and when he has done something to garner respect, then I will give it to him.
Hypocrisy | 9:04 a.m. July 3, 2009
It's not political?
It's all about our country?
It has nothing to do with who's President?
Uh?
Are you people really this ignorant?
It's always been political. It's always been about pleasing the strong Right-Wing influence in Utah County.
Why else would they bring in Sean Hannity(twice) and Glenn Beck? Just imagine if they had posted many more photos of our current President. I'm sure the exact SAME people claiming that it's all about "our country" would be complaining about how stadium of fire was trying to BRAINWASH us into liking Obama.
To say that this operation isn't politically driven is completely ignorant. Stadium of Fire is there to make money. They won't make money hiring left wing commentators with a left wing slant to it with left wing pictures. They make money pleasing their audience, which happens to still love Bush, hate Obama, and believe in Right Wing principles.
It's all about our country?
It has nothing to do with who's President?
Uh?
Are you people really this ignorant?
It's always been political. It's always been about pleasing the strong Right-Wing influence in Utah County.
Why else would they bring in Sean Hannity(twice) and Glenn Beck? Just imagine if they had posted many more photos of our current President. I'm sure the exact SAME people claiming that it's all about "our country" would be complaining about how stadium of fire was trying to BRAINWASH us into liking Obama.
To say that this operation isn't politically driven is completely ignorant. Stadium of Fire is there to make money. They won't make money hiring left wing commentators with a left wing slant to it with left wing pictures. They make money pleasing their audience, which happens to still love Bush, hate Obama, and believe in Right Wing principles.
Anonymous | 9:04 a.m. July 3, 2009
HEY! OBAMA, not Bush, is the President of the United States of America!
The 4th of July is about Independence Day and no image better conveys that than the CURRENT president of the United States of America, be it July 4th of 1982 when Reagan was president, of 1991 when Bush I was president, of 1996 when Clinton was president, of 2005 when Bush II was president, and today, 2009 OBAMA is our president.
Fact is, this montage, intended for public display in what's supposed to be a pluralistic viewership politically speaking, was intended to snub the current president.
The public was not informed this was a politically slanted gathering, and that's where David Osmond's production went awry.
I didn't vote for Bush II in either election and detested the man, his administration and policies, but by God when the sun set at the end of the day he was still the president of my country, and so should the feelings be towards Obama, like him or not... that's what they call patriotism!
Patriotism is what the 4th of July is about...
God bless America AND president Obama.
God knows, the blessings are needed.
The 4th of July is about Independence Day and no image better conveys that than the CURRENT president of the United States of America, be it July 4th of 1982 when Reagan was president, of 1991 when Bush I was president, of 1996 when Clinton was president, of 2005 when Bush II was president, and today, 2009 OBAMA is our president.
Fact is, this montage, intended for public display in what's supposed to be a pluralistic viewership politically speaking, was intended to snub the current president.
The public was not informed this was a politically slanted gathering, and that's where David Osmond's production went awry.
I didn't vote for Bush II in either election and detested the man, his administration and policies, but by God when the sun set at the end of the day he was still the president of my country, and so should the feelings be towards Obama, like him or not... that's what they call patriotism!
Patriotism is what the 4th of July is about...
God bless America AND president Obama.
God knows, the blessings are needed.
To sob | 9:07 a.m. July 3, 2009
"when told to be sure and vote, in sunday meetings it is always code to
vote for the R"
That's a flat out lie.
That's a flat out lie.
wow | 9:09 a.m. July 3, 2009
Maybe... just maybe you'd consider becoming President of the United States
something to garner respect?? I mean, whatever happened to "respect the
office"? Oh yea, that line only works when a Republican is in office.
Who Cares!!! | 9:22 a.m. July 3, 2009
Obama is a snake that is turning our country into a communist country.
Don't believe? Prove me wrong. Obama gets so much good publicity because
democrats are tied in with the media. Open your eyes people, we want less
government, which Bush didn't do either. We need to find a leader that can
steer this ship in the right direction. Respect Obama, yeah right. Your media is
so pro-democrat it is pathetic. The conservatives will rise and speak up against
this corruption in government both Republican and Democrat.
Still? | 9:29 a.m. July 3, 2009
Still!?! People still think W was a good president? I'm almost impressed -
it would take a lot of energy to stay in a state of denial for this long.
Dave | 9:42 a.m. July 3, 2009
Obama is a total fraud, he's already spending OUR tax money by giving it
away to his supporters under the ruse that it's a stimulus package. Yeah,
right, unemployment continues to skyrocket, banks still aren't lending,
home values and dropping, and our general economy has never looked bleaker than
it does right now with this FRAUD as our Pres. It's pretty sad people are
so blind as to believe all the media hype and that they actually voted for this
wolf in sheep's clothing. What a shame he represents our country, and even
a bigger shame on all of those of you who voted for him.
LARRY | 9:51 a.m. July 3, 2009
Most presidents have roughly half of the people
like them & half the people hate them. What separates us from Honduras & much of the rest of the world is our willingness to suck it up & respect the President. Disagree loudly with his policies & work towards voting him out of office if you like. But a little respect please. What kind of message are some of you sending to your kids? At times Utah political discourse sounds like the social ferment that preceded the civil war.
like them & half the people hate them. What separates us from Honduras & much of the rest of the world is our willingness to suck it up & respect the President. Disagree loudly with his policies & work towards voting him out of office if you like. But a little respect please. What kind of message are some of you sending to your kids? At times Utah political discourse sounds like the social ferment that preceded the civil war.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
- Hall breaks BYU record with win 5:12 p.m.
- Utes crush Aztecs 38-7 5:07 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics? 4:55 p.m.
- Obama: Asia trip a boost to economy 4:44 p.m.
- Uranium from mine in Nev. wells 4:43 p.m.
- Wildcats get style points vs. Cal Poly 4:32 p.m.
- Plan for airport checks 4:14 p.m.
- Playing & playbooks 4:14 p.m.
- 'Christmas Carols' mark milestones 4:14 p.m.
- Utah composer scores big 4:14 p.m.
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- Christian leaders not backing down
- TCU still has a chance
- Orem man acquitted in tot's death
- 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
- Murder-suicide in West Jordan
- Boozer looking like 'the old Booz'
- Religion cited in deportation fight
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
187 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah169
- BYU, Utah struck gold in coaches124
- Lies shatter Utah family123
- Palin's book shows she's unqualified118
- Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case103
- BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.99
- Jazz finally win in San Antonio98
- Utes knock off rival Aggies93
- Huntsman pleased with Obama86
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
Latest comments
It may seem anachronisitic that steel is mentioned in the Book of Mormon, it...
If it was so bad then, why do you excuse it now?
Utah is so out of touch with the rest of the Country. Only in Utah would it...
I ain't the smartest tool in the shed but I know this. The Utes have yet to...
One hates men, the other one really hates men, and a lot of women love them....
Utes are ready to put the hammer down and smoke BYU in the season finale.
pssssssssssssst, hey McCain, your to working on the Healthcare Bill, not...
This team is definitely a head case! But I like this head, hope there's more...
Beck speaks the truth about corruption in Washington. The only ones...
"words, just words." When will America wake up and know that this guy wants...
Advertisements
We elected the right candidate. Let our slide shows, our powerpoints, our musical acts reflect the fact: Obama is President.
thank goodness