This blog is rarely prone to humor but...

For your amusement, I thought I'd highlight this story from the Boston Globe. The laugh lines are numerous.

Kennedy Gets Highest Civilian Honor

by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor July 30, 2009 02:48 PM

Senator Edward M. Kennedy received another high honor today, courtesy of President Obama.

The longtime Massachusetts senator is one of 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. It is awarded to individuals who "make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public, or private endeavors," the White House said, and "this year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change."

Kennedy issued a statement of thanks:

Kennedy -- who is battling brain cancer as Obama and Democrats in Congress try to push through the capstone of his 46-year Senate career, a healthcare overhaul -- said he was "profoundly grateful" to Obama.

“My life has been committed to the ideal of public service which President Kennedy wanted the Medal of Freedom to represent. To receive it from another President who prizes that same ideal of service and inspires so many to serve is a great privilege that moves me deeply,” Kennedy said in a statement.

UPDATE: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi congratulated Kennedy. "On behalf of all Members of Congress, I congratulate our friend and colleague, Senator Ted Kennedy," she said in a statement. "Few have accomplished more in a lifetime than Senator Kennedy has; this award -- the highest a civilian can receive - honors his steadfast commitment to the American ideal of justice."

Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts also paid tribute to Kennedy. “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is a fitting tribute to Senator Kennedy," he said in a statement. "A man of enormous courage, Senator Kennedy is never afraid to ‘sail against the wind’ in the name of justice, equality and opportunity for all Americans. And that is why he is the greatest Senator in our country’s history."

Fellow Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts added his congrats. “As a legislator Ted Kennedy has surpassed even Daniel Webster, and now the Medal of Freedom rightly recognizes that he forever belongs in the company of recipients like his brother President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. You can’t think of the march of freedom in our time without recognizing and honoring what Ted has done for workers’ rights, women’s rights, gay rights, and human rights. He picked up his brothers’ burning commitment to civil rights and made it a cause of his life, and he is continuing that mission today in giving meaning to President Roosevelt’s faith in a freedom from fear so that no American family without health insurance will fear losing their home or lifesavings when illness strikes,” Kerry said in a statement.

Kennedy's award citation reads: "Senator Edward M. Kennedy has served in the United States Senate for forty-six years, and has been one of the greatest lawmakers – and leaders – of our time. From reforming our public schools to strengthening civil rights laws and supporting working Americans, Senator Kennedy has dedicated his career to fighting for equal opportunity, fairness and justice for all Americans. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that every American has access to quality and affordable health care, and has succeeded in doing so for countless children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. He has called health care reform the “cause of his life,” and has championed nearly every health care bill enacted by Congress over the course of the last five decades. Known as the “Lion of the Senate,” Senator Kennedy is widely respected on both sides of the aisle for his commitment to progress and his ability to legislate."

Obama will present the medals, the first of his presidency, on Aug. 12. Other recipients include Nobel-winning physicist Stephen Hawking, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the late congressman and housing secretary Jack Kemp, anti-apartheid leader Desmond Tutu, tennis legend and activist Billie Jean King, civil rights leaders Joseph Lowery, gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, and actors Sidney Poitier and Chita Rivera.

“These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way," he said in a statement.

“Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom.”

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So it's two "r's" now?

BORN IN THE USA?
Hawaii health official: Trust me
'Obama was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born American citizen'

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© 2009 WorldNetDaily

Chiyome Fukino, director of Hawaii Department of Health

In another carefully worded statement, Hawaii's health director claimed today to have seen "original vital records" that prove "Barrack [sic] Hussein Obama was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born American citizen."

Chiyome Fukino issued the brief statement in response to the rising chorus of concern across the country about Obama's failure to release a copy of his long-form birth certificate that would reveal the hospital in which he was born, the attending physician and other pertinent details.

"I, Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the Hawaii State Department of Health, have seen the original vital records maintained on file by the Hawaii State Department of Health verifying Barrack Hussein Obama was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born American citizen. I have nothing further to add to this statement or my original statement issued in October 2008 over eight months ago ... "

Read the entire statement in which the president's first name was misspelled and no mention was made of the specific document reviewed. But, we should simply trust her, right? Kinda like in the spirit of Dan Rather and his forged documents?

The White House has refused to acknowledge repeated requests from WND that Obama authorize the Hawaii DOH to release all his birth records, including his original long-form birth certificate.

WND also has reported Obama has not released his kindergarten records, Punahou school records, Occidental College records, Columbia University records, Columbia thesis, Harvard Law School records, Harvard Law Review articles, scholarly articles from the University of Chicago, passport, medical records, files from his years as an Illinois state senator, Illinois State Bar Association records, any baptism records and his adoption records.

WND also has reported on dozens of legal challenges to Obama's status as a "natural born citizen." The Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, states, "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President."

In addition, the question over Obama's eligibility is being raised on billboards nationwide.

The billboard campaign follows an ongoing petition campaign launched several months ago by WND Editor and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Farah.


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Popular Homeowner Yard Sign

Dems say we can't call it "Government Run Healthcare."

Dems say "Republicans cannot call it 'Government Run Healthcare.' You can't. You just can't. We object. So, we're canceling your postal privileges as well!"

In other words, congressional members are not allowed to advise their constituency of impending legislation. Reminds me of censorship. Doesn't it to you?

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Aw Nuts!

So, we find out ACORN may be rancid? And they're in line to receive more than $8 billion in stimulus funding? Preposterous doesn't begin to cover it. Again, we have the Kenyan to thank for this!

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