President Obama tried to get a tee time at New York golf courses, got turned down

[JonLP24]

Source: Washington Post

President Obama took some heat last month when he went golfing almost immediately after delivering a statement denouncing the beheading of U.S. journalist James Foley by Islamic militants. That hasn’t stopped Obama from continuing to hit the links when he has a moment to spare.

Finding a course is apparently an entirely different problem. NBC 4 in New York has the scoop on Obama’s failed attempts to play over Labor Day weekend:

President Obama was turned down at several top golf courses in Westchester while he was visiting the area over Labor Day weekend, sources tell NBC 4 New York.

The Trump National Golf Club, the Winged Foot and Willow Ridge were among some of the elite courses that rebuffed the president’s request to tee off there, according to several sources who were told about the president’s advance team’s calls to the club managers.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/09/10/president-obama-tried-to-get-a-tee-time-at-new-york-golf-courses-got-turned-down/?tid=collaborative_1.0_strip_3

[merrily]

1. Ugly story all around from you, Mr. Bonesteel.

[jwirr]

2. Why was he turned down? I suspect it may very well have been about safety and media. These

so called exclusive clubs may not have wanted the extra safety measures and the media hype. If those were not the reasons then they are idiots.

[brooklynite]

6. No, they didn't want to shut down the club for their own members on a holiday weekend.

[jwirr]

9. That makes sense and that makes the headline misleading. Thank you for the info.

[Fla Dem]

19. Agree, much ado about nothing. Media trying to stir up a hornets nest. nt

[heaven05]

27. right

you're in the right state.

[heaven05]

11. right

BS-- If it had been a WHITE republican POTUS, maybe same color Democrat, would've cleared the fucking course. With all the white disrespect and hate shown toward my POTUS in the last SIX years, that is a distinct possibility. Who are you trying to mollify and why? This is obvious disrespect of a POTUS and that fact slaps me in the face?

[obxhead]

15. You've obviously never worked at or run a golf course.

Labor Day weekend is huge. An arrangement for a single individual like that would be extremely difficult to pull off last minute.

Many tee times for that weekend are booked over a month in advance.

[heaven05]

17. right

[ChairmanAgnostic]

48. actually, Labor Day is the busiest time, weather permitting

Dads get their last free weekend before school starts, college kids need to be transported, etc. This is the busiest golf weekend with July 4 coming in second.

[heaven05]

59. right

[ChairmanAgnostic]

67. glad you agree

Not that your comments add anything to the discussion.

You seriously think that a course will deal with this?

First, the Secret Service will demand that the course be cleared, searched for explosives, and protected from snipers and fly overs. That means no golfers all day.

Second, they will add communications and tactical areas in various parts of the course, things that you will rarely see.

Third they have, conservatively, 30 foursomes per hour, with tee offs starting at 6:45am and going to 4:30pm. 10 hours, 120 people per hour, all who have paid upwards of $100- 150 for a tee time.

You seriously think that a course will piss off 1,200 people, at a cost of $120,000, just to make one man happy? methinks you have not done the math.

[heaven05]

73. Hey, believe and deny the fact all you please.

awww, would the poor rich people be inconvenienced by THIS POTUS? Can't let that happen, can we? If this course was so elite, they could eat all those proposed, by you, losses for a few hours and even a day. That was a deliberate slap to the face of my POTUS. He must not be in your book of the people you respect. And personally, I don't care. I've come to expect the disrespect and total lack of any loyalty that I've found here and on other sites for THIS POTUS. Bushieboy the lesser and darth WOULD NOT have been turned down. Run along now and play.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

78. you think I am some fictional character like Santa, keeping a

naughty and nice list?

What you are doing is elevating him to royalty, something our founding fathers would find quite upsetting. Not to mention how our senators and congress folks are catered to, honored, and treated as better than the rest of us. Do I respect him? Only met him once. Don't have enough personal experience to judge.

Do I respect what he has done in office? Nope. He squandered such an opportunity early in his presidency, that it has never recovered. When senators were begging him to leave the rose garden and help sell health reform, he did absolutely nothing. When he adopted GOP positions, repeatedly, they simply moved the chains. The very few times he stood up and took a stance, he won. Unfortunately, it is not in his personality to do what came naturally to Clinton - to play politics. I really dread the next two years if the GOP wins the senate. It would be a complete horror show.

[heaven05]

84. Well you damn sure ain't Santa

and you don't have to explain your politics. I knew right off who and what you are. "Squandered"? Further proves my point. I DO NOT respect or believe in your skewed viewpoint(s). YOU CANNOT convince me your position is right when it is so obviously wrong. I am having so much fun bringing out.......the ......... They are typical of the 'bluedog' back stabbers that have been present from day one, 2008. If the Senate is won by the RW, one of the main reasons will be...........the 'bluedog' backstabbers in the LW-center and lazy uninformed Democrats..

[ChairmanAgnostic]

93. You haven't a clue of who or what I am

time for an ignore. It works best on the ignorant who claim to know everything.

[fbc]

89. ChaimanAgnostic is right and you are wrong.

People pay an enormous sum to belong to these clubs. You can't just shut it down on the busiest weekend of the year.

[heaven05]

90. No, I'm not

Period. Bushieboy the lesser and darth would NOT have been turned down.

[SnakeEyes]

100. Having worked for a golf club

And knowing someone that runs a club, I can assure you they would.

[Dorian Gray]

105. Because he couldn't play golf

you're accusing everyone of a lack of loyalty?

[kiranon]

118. Agree. They wouldn't have turned down Bush. And,

I live in a golf course community.

[obxhead]

110. Couple that with all of the phone calls needed to that will piss off valued customers

that keep their courses open.

Some people just don't get it though. Every little thing is a personal attack on Obama because of his skin color.

I've dealt first hand with high security level guests at golf courses. It's not privilege, it's a major pain in the ass. To do so on the busiest weekend of the year wouldn't happen at any high level course, especially on short notice.

[treestar]

26. oh baloney

like that would matter at all to the thrill of having the President of the united States there.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

34. Exactly.

[BlueCaliDem]

37. Exactly!

A few apologists on this thread believe it's just a matter of "scheduling". They probably dislike this president as much as the White elites in this country do.

[1StrongBlackMan]

54. I suspect someone to come out and say it ...

"He's just a regular person, just like you and me! He's not deserving of any special privileges. And, what is it about all that security I pay for for him? ... I don't have armies of security keeping me safe!"

[christx30]

122. I voted for Obama.

I think he's a good president. I think he's a decent human being.
That said, I don't think I would find it 'thrilling' to hang out with him. Not everyone is impressed with the celebrity He's a human being. And I don't think I would shut out the members of my country club to accommodate him. He's the President. He's not a king. I'm not going to tell my members to take a hike just because he shows up. Those are my customers. Those are the people that pay my paycheck and keep my business going. The "prestige" of having the president show up (which actually impresses a very small number of people) doesn't do any of that.

[treestar]

124. But most people are, and to say they played where a POTUS played

would be a thrill, that's just the nature of people. They do like celebrity more than us more cerebral types do.

[christx30]

127. But if the golf course is not impressed by the

celebrity, and they care more about their long term paying customers, not much can be done. Just respect his choice and find somewhere else to play. Not really that big of deal.
The course also probably didn't want to deal with the headaches that come with the president coming to play.

[heaven05]

136. any excuse is better than none

[christx30]

140. If it was your business, would you

risk angering and alienating your main, regular customer base to accommadate one non-regular golfer?

[heaven05]

141. minimizing again

"one regular golfer"?????? This thread has been unbelievable, simply unbelievable in it's, "oh he's not that important or a real POTUS to be respected". Someone just wrote he is just a regular servant(civil) so he wasn't that important. I have truly been enlightened by this incident as to the level of HIDDEN disdain a lot on this board has for my POUS. Really enlightening. $$$$$$$trumps respect, I hear you. And what you want me to answer to your question? Yes I would have. Well there you are. I really understand the undercurrent of the majority of excusers for the clubs, disdain and disrespect. I am really having fun looking at all the stinky, dirty laundry that will never come clean, ever again.

[christx30]

144. Yes, the POTUS is to be respected.

Last edited Wed Sep 10, 2014, 09:43 PM - Edit history (1)

But not over the needs of my regular customers. I wouldn't care if it was the POTUS, or some other world leader, or Galacus, devourer of worlds. Everyone gets in line. No one is more important than anyone else. And no one is more important than my customers.
This wouldn't just go for POTUS. It would go for any politician. "Senator, we have no reservations available for that date. How is Friday the 17th at 5PM for you?" I'm not going to bump anyone for the senator.

[heaven05]

149. You would have done it for bushieboy and darth

I can say this with certainty, if you are saying what I think you are saying. Everything in politics, culture, systems and institutions, in this country, is tainted by white racism based on hate and willful ignorance, general bigotry based on hate and ignorance and an unspoken of 'privilege system' that favors a person based on their skin color, name and how they use the English language.

While you may be speaking a truth from your perspective, which is highly principled, I still hold my suspicions. This society has some unconscious racism that cannot be admitted by a lot of the people that represent one racial component of this society and it directly drives the racism that is making our society and it's high ideals a laughing stock.

I will say okay, on what you have written, but I can't put 100 percent trust in those words. Ever.

[christx30]

150. You know nothing about me.

I have seen the evils of overt and covert racism. My beef has nothing at all to do with race. If it were Bush or whomever, I'd "forget" they called to arrange a time. Obama 'a people would at least get a call back.
My beef is with politicians. I like Obama. I voted for him both times. I think he's an ok guy. I think he tries to do the right thing, most of the time. But he is part of the Washington establishment. And I have contempt towards anyone that would seek office.
I have respect for the office of the President. But I don't respect anyone that would seek or take the job. I owe nooyalty toward the men and women in charge, just the institution. I'll follow the laws they pass. I'll pay any fine or tax they put out there. But the flesh and blood people are not worthy of being treated better than anyone else.

[heaven05]

151. Never said I did

just responded to your words. Don't know you and probably never will. Good bye.

[erpowers]

129. Turned Down A King

NBC's Today Show reported that one of the clubs turned down the King of Morocco that same weekend.

[heaven05]

142. the king of Morocco

has nothing to do with this. We are talking and analyzing why my POTUS was denied the privilege of playing on their lily white, pristine greens. RHIP if you are a white POTUS, bushieboy the lesser comes to mind and so does darth. They NEVER would have been turned down. Some arrangement would have been found for them. I have no doubts about this fact. I hope all those golf courses end up in the trash heap of american businesses. May they flounder and fail. Of course that won't happen since super rich people can pay 100,000 dollars a year for these pristine greens. It nice to hope though.

[BlueCaliDem]

29. This is the president of the United States - and a Trump elite golf course.

You remember Trump, don't you? That racist TeaBagger Birther who was crying all over a very empathetic MSM, demanding to see President Obama's birth certificate but refused to look at it when it was presented to him personally? Yeah. Refusing the president to tee off on one of his golf courses had got nothing to do with his deep dislike of black people - most specifically, this president.

[erpowers]

125. Might Not Be Trump's Course

A number of buildings and golf courses with Donald Trump's name on them are not actually owned by Donald Trump. Trump lends his last name out to people for a fee. I guess these people think the Trump name is a bigger draw than their own name. In the condo business there seems to be a number of people who are willing to fork over large amounts of money because they think a building is owned by Donald Trump. A few years ago I saw a story about a female senior citizen who lost a six-figure retirement because she invested in what she thought was a Trump owned and developed condo unit in Mexico. The company that owned the condo unit ran out of money and then it came out that Trump did not own the condo unit. Even though Trump's name was on the building he and his daugther claimed to have not had anything to do with the development and that the developer had used Trump's name without his consent.

[treestar]

25. I have to agree

have they ever turned down any POTUS before?

[zonkers]

82. Haters just hatin. Glad they tip their ugly hand.

Meanwhile, listen to the singing busdriver.... he gets it.

[treestar]

123. He's wonderful!

From the clothing and film quality, looks like this was made a while back.

[erpowers]

126. Denied Clinton Membership

It was reported this morning that one of the clubs that denied President Obama a tee time also denied President Clinton's request for membership when he first moved to New York.

[Igel]

133. Doesn't matter.

If they'd turned down Bush II, there'd have been righteous celebration.

They turn down "our" president, and there's righteous indignation with a pre-prepared script that really serves to keep their indignation alive. It's sort of a strange attitude: the omnipotent victim, the commoner king.

On the other hand, it's exactly what conservative Xians have in Jesus.

[treestar]

147. Maybe, but being the first black POTUS

It makes it normal to ask the question.

[heaven05]

16. right

[A Simple Game]

97. Nor did they want the Secret Service and media tearing up the fairways and greens.

I imagine some member(s) would have been denied their tee times and I assume their dues at those clubs are above the triple digit range.

[heaven05]

30. They weren't the reasons

and right, they truly are reflective of american mentality for the last SIX years toward this POTUS. Bushieboy the lesser and darth would NOT have been turned down. Period. Had NOTHING to do with safety or media.

[former9thward]

130. Yes, everything is a conspiracy against Obama.

What a world you live in....

I am happy it is not the real one.

[heaven05]

135. you've always been the way you are

which is..........

[Scuba]

3. Did he try Bethpage? I bet someone at this NY STATE PARK course would find a way to squeeze him in.

http://www.nysparks.com/golf-courses/11/fees-rates.aspx

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

107. The middle class tend to play at state and city owned parks

Do you really think it's a good idea for a member of the elite to kick these folks off the course? I don't. I get that President Obama has to work off some anxiety, but the optics would be terrible and with good reason.

[Scuba]

109. Why kick 'em off? Let him join 'em.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

111. You know that's not going to happen

Secret Service and crazy wingnuts and all that.

[christx30]

119. This is a man that has

snipers on his roof. They shut down the highway when he gets into his limo. Every second of every day is filled with something. Every place he goes is secured to an immeasurable degree. The saying goes that the presidency if the crown jewel of the US penal system. There is no way in hell they are going to let the president golf where just anyone can approach him.
And because the President wants to go golfing, no one else can.

[Sunlei]

4. booked full for the laborday weekend. Even the Pres. has to reserve that weekend a year in advance

[BlueCaliDem]

13. Do you believe they'd refuse Dick Cheney or George W. Bush, booked or not? eom

[heaven05]

18. Nope

they would NOT have been refused. Guaranteed.

[snooper2]

74. would you bet money on that?

[heaven05]

79. money is not the issue here.

I find ALL these denials on this thread closely resembling the 'white privilege' deniers/denials so very present on this site. Yep, sure would!!!! Any fucking time, confidently. Last SIX years makes me a sure bet. Your position, sure LOSER.

[snooper2]

87. the first denial is the fact that heaven is an imaginary

Once we get past that we can start on the others

[heaven05]

92. No such thing as heaven

Last edited Thu Sep 11, 2014, 09:54 AM - Edit history (2)

here. You can start, but means about as much as all the rest of the deniers here. Just so much BS in the wind. Lot of it on this thread. Not surprised though typical when people get uncomfortable with the truth. Deny, deny, deny, obfuscate, distract, deflect and spew BS and hope some of it sticks. Sounds like the familiar tactic I've been watching for the last SIX years when it comes to my POTUS and his remarkable resilience in the face of the extreme racism and ignorance spewed by the populace on both sides of the political spectrum. Nothing you or anyone else says on this thread in denial of the FACT(S) of white privilege and racism means anything worthwhile to me. Means NOTHING. All of you? Typical. Run along now. I'm through with all of you. Can't waste any more time with.........

[snooper2]

95. Obama is awesome but I'm not convinced THIS instance is strictly racism, can't follow your rant

and your smilies are in the wrong place- If you are through with everyone you don't use the shrug which means you aren't sure. And you can't waste any more time with eyes? How are you going to read this?

now, on to other things-

Ever see an idiot crash their car in an empty parking lot

[heaven05]

153. no rant, truth

I can rant. you haven't seen a rant. Mine is just a response to your obfuscation, that all. Did you cause that crash in an empty parking lot? How in the hell!?!? Shame on you. Better learn how to drive. good bye. Insulting word/intimations, the refuge of the clueless. One other small thing, it's always "on to other things" while ignoring reality like racism and denial of such. Typical. You better try to wake up. Nah, stay asleep.

[Sunlei]

20. yes, on Laborday weekend they would.

[BlueCaliDem]

22. ??

[Sunlei]

36. ? to much coffee this fine morning?

[BlueCaliDem]

38. Why get personal?

Surely, you don't believe I'll believe you're concerned about my caffeine intake this morning when you asked, do you?

[Sunlei]

42. ok, just vote for the D & I'll leave you alone.

[BlueCaliDem]

44. Vote for "the Donald"? Like you, you mean?

Pass. I'm a Democrat and the Donald is a TeaBagger Birther - and a Republican.

[heaven05]

49. excellent

[BlueCaliDem]

62. :-)

[jberryhill]

46. Why get personal?

Given your performance in this thread, that's a heck of a question for you to be asking:

A few apologists on this thread believe it's just a matter of "scheduling". They probably dislike this president as much as the White elites in this country do.

...

Unfortunately, there are some here on Democratic Underground who believe this blatant racist move had nothing to do with racism but everything to do with "scheduling". Scheduling? Yeah. Right.

You make a disagreement personal, and then ask "Why get personal?"

[BlueCaliDem]

60. Yeah. Why the need to target a DUer and make their argument personal?

And that's exactly what that poster did. And now you have, too. Congrats. At least it might distract from the subject that might make a few people on DU uncomfortable.

[heaven05]

61. where was it made personal?

[heaven05]

45. deflection and distraction

the final refuge from the truth. Some of the people on here have shown me that denial truly is an art to be studied. Just kidding. I'm not going to. It's a wasted effort.

[yeoman6987]

83. I would have turned him down too

As liberal as I am, business must come first on Labor Day. I would ask him if he would like to make an tee time for Labor Day 2015 though. No closing down the course for him though unless he wanted to pay for the entire 4 hours per person who would normally play. Sorry but that is the way it would be.

[valerief]

32. Turn down Cheney the face-shooter? Hardly!

[treestar]

28. No they would not

[BlueCaliDem]

31. I don't think so, either.

Unfortunately, there are some here on Democratic Underground who believe this blatant racist move had nothing to do with racism but everything to do with "scheduling". Scheduling? Yeah. Right.

[SnakeEyes]

102. Do you even golf

let alone know how a course is run and the logistics of a golf course along with what labor day weekend is to golfers, especially up north? I can assure you the bushies would be declined as well if late plans were attempted

[Iamthetruth]

63. Yes

And it has been done. I am not a big golfer but I am a member of a country club more for business reasons. At the dues we pay I would be pissed if the course were closed on one of the busiest weekends due to any one single person.

[BlueCaliDem]

70. The President of the United States is NOT "any one single person".

The golf courses are owned by the Trump family - with Donald "the Birther" Trump at the helm.

You'd have to suspend all skepticism, all cynicism, all reasonable doubt in order to believe that refusing this president of the United States at TWO of Trump's golf courses - given the antagonistic and racist attitude Trump wields against this president - was merely a business decision.

By the way, as 1StrongBlackMan has already posted in this thread here - speaking out of personal experience - appointments are canceled all the time for athletes and celebs on other golf courses.

[delta17]

134. He isn't a king.

In this country, he absolutely is one single person. This isn't some monarchy or fiefdom, he is an elected official and a public servant.

[BlueCaliDem]

137. Never claimed he was. But he IS the President of these United States.

We should show a little respect for the man who won re-election with 51.1% of the vote (not done since FDR, mind you) to sit in, arguably, the most difficult office in this country. That isn't too much to ask, is it? To dis this man is to dis 51.1% of the people who voted for him.

[delta17]

139. I respect him, and I think he does deserve respect.

I don't think anyone should be put on a pedestal, President Obama included. I don't think he considers himself any better than me or you; that's part of why I like him. I don't think this will be something he loses any sleep over.

[hughee99]

76. Westchester County, NY on Labor Day weekend? Yes, they absolutely would have if they

tried to book it last minute, and maybe even if they didn't.

[BlueCaliDem]

77. These were Donald "the Birther" Trump's golf courses.

And you seriously believe that his deep dislike and racism against this president had nothing to do with refusing him access to his courses and that he'd just as easily deny either Cheney or G.W. to tee off on one of them?

O ... kay.

[hughee99]

85. ONE of the courses is Donald Trump's, there were 3 listed and it's suggested that there

were others as well... and do you really believe when the pro shop or club president gets a call for a presidential tee time, they first check with the guy who owns the company that owns the company that owns the course?

There's a lot of wealthy people who made plans to golf over this prime weekend. People who pay A LOT of money to be members at these courses, and they don't want to be told to go make other plans because, at the last minute, the president wanted to play at their course.

[heaven05]

21. right

[BlueCaliDem]

5. Blacks still not allowed on some golf courses, eh?

When in our history has the President of the United States been refused entry into any club? Trump National Golf Club elite courses? Oh yeah. That would be when the president is BLACK.

This president has been disrespected more than any other president in the history of the United States. And we all know why that is.

[840high]

10. Oh, for Christ sake...

[BlueCaliDem]

12. Yeah. Keep pretending the disrespect this president gets has nothing to do with his skin color

if that makes you feel better ... for chrissakes.

[yeoman6987]

33. Did the staff call well in advance?

It does not appear so. The golf clubs would have lost big money letting the President play.

[1StrongBlackMan]

57. And yet ...

courses move/cancel tee times all the time for athletes and celebrities.

A couple years ago, after driving 2 1/2 hours, I got bumped off a tee-time I made 6 months earlier, so that Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley could enjoy a round.

But Jordan did buy me a shirt from the pro-shop and I got both of their autographs! (And I was less angry)

[Iamthetruth]

64. Yes but

They did not have to close the entire course for four hours. Sorry but paying members get priority over anyone. Private clubs have taken a beating over the past six to seven years due to the economy, don't piss off the people that keep the course open year round.

[BlueCaliDem]

66. And let's not forget who owns these golf courses - the Donald!

And we all know how Mister Birther thinks about this president and his skin color. If Donald Trump's obsessive-compulsive-birtherism isn't proof enough, or the humiliation his over-bloated ego experienced when President Obama roasted him good at one of those press dinners a few years back, then nothing is.

The president's staff called one to two days in advance. Ample time for the managers of those courses to call Trump and ask what he or his family thought about it.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

72. Did they have the course to themselves?

And was the course closed hours in advance so SS could perform sweeps?

This president HAS been disrespected more than any other president because of his skin color. I agree, but not every slight is about race.

[840high]

132. A private club was most

likely booked. I don't believe this was disrespect.

[heaven05]

14. what do you mean?

that statement you're responding to is not true? Been sayin it, been sayin it, denial is NOT a river in Africa.

[Doctor_J]

50. Wanna bet some of the golfers who DID play Winged Foot that weekend were black?

You are really insulting the president by making every issue about his race.

[gordianot]

7. How he manages to carry on in the midst of constant obstruction and disrespect is beyond me.

An occasional game of Golf should not be too much to ask for. I hope I am right in assuming no racial overtones? As events transpire I am not so certain?

[heaven05]

8. Why do I feel

that if it had been a white republican POTUS, they would have cleared the course for them. But that would be playing the race card, wouldn't it?

[Lochloosa]

23. This is not unprecendented...and I'm not surprised given that it was Labor Day

Shadow Creek golf course: Where not even the president can get a tee time

A few years back, Brenneman got a call asking if then-President George W. Bush could play a round while he was in Las Vegas. Problem was, Bush was staying at a hotel owned by a competitor of MGM Resorts International. Sorry, Brenneman had to say. Just weeks later, Brenneman received a call from the office of Canada's prime minister, who was visiting under the same circumstances. Brenneman said sorry, again.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/apr/06/jordan-celebrity-invitational-allow-rare-public-gl/

[heaven05]

39. distraction, deflection

some are very good at it. I have found in my travels. just won't wash. The whole story reeks of the hate and racism that has been vomited on this POTUS for the last SIX years. Yes, I'm going to answer every one of you and your denials and deflections.....every time.

[Lochloosa]

47. Answer away. The facts are the facts.

I could spend time searching and prove to you this is not the first time a President has been denied a tee time.

Was he turned away by some of these courses because he is black. Very likely. Is there any proof of that. No.

[heaven05]

51. right

nice try. You don't have to research anything to prove your distraction and deflection from the truth of the racist vomit that has been spewed on this POTUS because of his skin color. I DON"T need anything from you in any capacity. Thank you. By the way,there is plenty of proof, of lily white golf courses having to be forced to allow black players to play on their pristine greens. Who do you think you're fooling, asking for proof. This is amerikkka son, for the last six years, with a black POTUS, that's all the proof I need. You run along now and play.

[Iamthetruth]

65. BS

Ou don't close an entire private course on the busiest weekend for one person who is not a member. It's business.

[heaven05]

68. Yep what you said sure is

BS. Run along now.

[Iamthetruth]

81. Try that on someone else

I don't play that game. The president gave a four day notice to play some of the best private golf courses where dues can top $75,000 to join and monthly dues over $1000 a month just for the right to pay to play. If all you see is race than I feel sorry for you.

[heaven05]

86. Sure won't

just you. The truth is I DON'T care what you say when I know what the main reason is/was. All this denial of reality is very entertaining and eye opening, again, of the mindset and politics of some democrats. But the issues at hand relate to race and I am sure all of the people who are uncomfortable with THAT issue would take issue with the facts of this incident. All this $$$$$$BS, is just that.You really should be sorry for yourself, I need no type of feeling from you.

[Iamthetruth]

94. You're funny

I guess you were there for the decisions. Thanks for making me laugh.

[SnakeEyes]

104. You're assuming you know

despite the opinions/experiences of many others and simiat historical circumstances that show maybe there might have been other factors

[Iamthetruth]

146. He is not interested in facts

There can be only one reason and I'm guessing he uses that for many excuses. The average round for one of these high end courses is well over $100. Let's say for simplification it's $100. Groups go out in foursomes so we are looking at $400 a group. Now let's say they have start times every ten minutes(they actually are sooner). That would mean six groups an hour for $2,400 an hour. Now add into that ten hours of start times and you get $24,000 a day in tee times. That does not take into account food, merchandise, balls and everything else. Your talking well over $100,000 a day if not much more. Labor Day is the busiest weekend of the year for many courses.

So the courses said no not because of the six figures they would lose, not because their members would get shut out on a holiday weekend for a non member, nope because he is black. Seriously?

[Dorian Gray]

108. Oh brother.

[Jim Lane]

115. Thanks for injecting some actual facts into this thread.

I see several posts asking rhetorically whether Bush would ever have been denied a tee time, and then stating or implying that he certainly would not have been and that the difference is race. It was notable that none of those posts linked to a story about Bush actually getting a tee time under similar circumstances. Your comment shows that, even for a POTUS, there are considerations other than race.

[Lochloosa]

121. Thanks. I tried to find a link when Eisenhower was denied a tee time but didn't have the time.

I remember reading about it at one time. He had one of his famous temper tantrums over it.

[heaven05]

24. How it should have read

"club managers did not want to inconvenience their high powered and high paying (white) members by shutting down the course to accommodate the (black) POTUS". Yep, that's the truth. With all of the racist disrespect and hate vomited on this POTUS in the last six years, not really a stretch. Bush and darth would NOT have been refused. Period.

[JohninPA]

71. Bull

He would not have been able to play at my club either. The secret service clears most of the course and searches members and staff the day the POTUS plays. I support my president but would be beyond upset if I couldn't play at my club because ANY non-member bumped me. Country clubs are not like a gym membership; members are financially responsible for the club. If revenue drops, all members receive an assessment to make it up. Because of the slow economy, we are currently in the middle of a $300 per month of a one year assessment period. This is a large expense for my family, but because of the industry I am in it is needed to generate and retain clients. If I pay my dues, food and beverage minimums, golf fees, and assessments on top of it. No one is bumping me from the course. I would love the idea of our president playing at my club, but not so much that I am willing to subsidize his visit by an assessment to make up the lost revenue he caused.

Before the cries of "racist country club" are lobbed, our membership coordinator and tennis pro are African American, not that it does or should matter.

[heaven05]

75. I'm sure he wouldn't have been able to play at your club

even though it doesn't sound 'elite' enough to be generating the 100,000 dollar membership charges of the club in question. They could afford a day with my POTUS playing and their rich constituents not. I don't care how you want to frame your distraction/deflection/denial this is false equivalency. As far as I'm concerned. All this money SHIT is BS. "ANY non-member"??? Okay way to lump him in. Real good job. RHIP and my POTUS has the fucking rank to trump your $$$$$$$'s

[cosmicone]

35. It has nothing to do with race.

On any other weekend and/or with enough advance notice, courses would line up for the prestige and publicity a POTUS brings.

Labor day weekends are a different story especially with a short notice.

It is almost like a restaurant with reservations and hungry people outside being asked to turn them away for the POTUS and his entourage. (Not a good analogy because it is easier for restaurant patrons to find another restaurant and nearly impossible to find another golf course)

[heaven05]

40. right

not very good or relevant to the truth of this matter. Bushieboy the lesser and darth would not have been turned down especially if darth had a shotgun. Good try though.

[SnakeEyes]

106. Whats funny is

Numerous different people are saying it's not about race yet you keep going on. DU must be racist and you are the only enlightened one lol

[Enrique]

41. next time someone calls Obama a dictator

send them this article and let them know they're a moron.

[BlueCaliDem]

88. Excellent idea! Going to bookmark... eom

[frazzled]

43. Yeah, but how about Florida in March?

Reef grief?

Sneed’s exclusive tip Tuesday that President Barack Obama and his pals are heading to the posh, private enclave of Florida’s exclusive Ocean Reef Club for golf this weekend may still be hush-hush, but a major kerfuffle by old-line club members is in full swing.

Described in a Miami Herald blog as “about as far away from middle class as you can get in Key Largo,” the Ocean Reef Club is home to some of the nation’s wealthiest families.

“Many of the club members don’t want their peaceful enclave to be disturbed by a man who will bring a flood of publicity, Secret Service and unwelcome visitors,” said a Sneed source. “And they have been very vocal about expressing their feelings to the Ocean Reef board.”

Added another Sneed source: “They don’t feel welcoming to someone who they feel disdains their largess and lifestyle.”

http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/26030820-452/sneed-obamas-outing-riles-up-ritzy-golf-club-members.html#.VBBgURyhPJ4

Note that Joe Biden stayed there and apparently had no problems; and the article also notes this is not a problem at Martha's Vineyard. Do the math?

[1StrongBlackMan]

52. WOW ...

I can't imagine any other President being denied a tee time ... under any circumstance.

I play way too much golf to believe the course(s) couldn't accommodate the request.

If President Obama were a vengeful man, I suspect there would be 3 strip malls (or landfills) to be built shortly.

[Oktober]

55. It's absolutely legitimate...

... but fuck everyone else who made reservations and plans right?

[1StrongBlackMan]

58. Yes ...

courses move/cancel tee times all the time for athletes and celebrities.

A couple years ago, after driving 2 1/2 hours, I got bumped off a tee-time I made 6 months earlier, so that Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley could enjoy a round.

But Jordan did buy me a shirt from the pro-shop and I got both of their autographs! (And I was less angry)

[Oktober]

80. They have that choice...

Some will choose the prestige of having that famous person play and some will choose their primary customer base.

The bullshit part is that it must be racism, the assumption of which is of course.... racist.

[1StrongBlackMan]

98. Thank you for re-defining the term "racist" ...

Even an incorrect assumption that something may, or may not be, racist is no where approaching racist.

Stop using terms you clearly do not understand.

[Oktober]

101. YMMV...

... And it obviously does.

[1StrongBlackMan]

103. How is ...

even an incorrect assumption about something being racially motivated, racist?

Please explain.

(Unless you would term Rev. Al and/or Rev. Jackson, racists because they term a bunch of stuff as racist, that may or may not be ... then, don't bother.)

[Oktober]

112. It's the broad brush assumption that the management...

... Of the courses is

A) uniformly white

B) acting a certain way because of that; double points for completely skipping over the obvious explanation of supporting their customer base

Feel free to disagree...

[1StrongBlackMan]

113. But how is any of that "racist"? eom

[Oktober]

116. Making assumptions about race based on nothing more than a stereotype...

... In this case golf, is racist.

Compounding that broad brush assumption to assign them racist behavioral qualities gets you double points.

I would give an equal example from the black or Hispanic community but of course that would be.... You guessed it... Racist.

[1StrongBlackMan]

120. So, if I make an assumption ...

about your conduct, that is out of the norm, and I attribute it (incorrectly) to racism; my assumption is racist because you happen to be white?

[stonecutter357]

91. .

[B2G]

53. Personally, I can't believe he even asked

The article clearly states that they would have had to completely shut down the course on a holiday weekend, with only 2 days notice.

I can't believe how many here think that's A-OK.

[DFW]

56. Maybe I should run for president

I don't play golf. This wouldn't be an issue.

[steve2470]

69. you should !

[DFW]

117. I don't think so. I carry heavy baggage.

I'm married to a European who has no intention of acquiring American citizenship, or even living in the United States. My daughters would never give up their German citizenship, either. They think it's cool being dual nationals. They wouldn't give up their American citizenship, either. Both are their birthright, and they're proud of both.

Even worse, I tend to speak my mind, and I'm not a batshit crazy Republican, so I CAN'T get away with it to the constituency I'd need to support me. Imagine my first press conference:

"Are you liberal or conservative?"

"Sorry but that's a bullshit question."

"Does that mean you aren't willing to say?"

"Check this out, you jackass excuse for a journalist......"

"Hey, wait a minute, there, I AM a journalist!"

"No, you're not. My father was a journalist. Graduated from Columbia School of Journalism, won the Thomas L. Stokes award, led the Society of Professional Journalists, was lauded in the Congressional Record by Representatives and Senators of BOTH parties and was President of the Gridiron Club. HE was a journalist. You are a bullshit gotcha media whore. But to your bullshit question: I am dead set against liberalization of gun ownership laws. On the contrary, I think they need to be tightened. So, am I anti-liberal? No, shut up, just hold that thought. Now, I have been with the same wonderful woman for forty years, have no debts, do no drugs--not even alcohol or nicotine--have worked for the same outfit since being recruited in 1975, and believe in the Constitution as a document that was intended to protect the common man, not the guys who contribute billions to subvert the interests of the population at large. So, am I conservative?

"Shut up, I'll answer that for you. I'm for liberty. That includes liberty to walk down a street while black and not be harassed or shot by some white cop whose battered wife wouldn't have sex with him last night. So, am I liberal? Sure. Am I 'A' liberal? Hell if I know. First you gotta tell me what the fuck you mean by that. If you're from Fox Noise, all that means is another word for 'Democrat.'

"I'm cautious by nature (except when talking to fake journalists), and don't like to make snap decisions or have them forced upon me. Does that make me conservative? Hell, yes, it does. But I'm not 'A' conservative. If you're one of today's media whores, all that means is that you're a rabid Republican, and they are no more 'conservative' by nature than they are factual, and on a scale of one to a hundred, they're in negative territory.

"I don't play golf, I don't go to church, I'm not worth $250 million, and I would not say 'so help me God' if sworn in. You see, there is an Amendment before the Second Amendment, and that is the First Amendment. Read it some time. Make sure you are able to distinguish between the Preamble to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence by the way. Saves time, I promise, even if Boehner didn't bother.

"Oh, yeah, while we're all here, does anyone have a REAL question?"

I think after that, I'd be polling around 1%, and less if outside Massachusetts or Vermont!

[Big_Mike]

145. Damn, I'll help you tote them bags!

You got my vote. I dislike the fact that people classify a person due to that person's opinion on one or two issues.

I grew up spending a lot of time in the hills of San Diego County. When I was a kid, you used to see the plane flying around looking for border crossers. During the summer, I earned money by clearing dead bushes and leaves off the sides of hills above homes and such, to mitigate possible damage from wild fire. I would see many men and women, and some kids, moving through 100+ degree temperatures, trying to get to a camp site. I always had a big Coleman cooler with ice, and a 5 gal can of water, and would give some to anyone who walked up. I have always felt we need to get the immigration/naturalization process corrected. Am I a liberal or a conservative?

I believe that any and all drugs should be legalized, and taxed heavier than a pack of cigarettes in California. I also think that if you operate a motor vehicle while under the influence and get caught, you should pay a very heavy fine, have your license pulled for a year or two, and have to attend an expensive course to get it back. If you kill or severely injure someone while under the influence of whatever drug or booze, you should go to jail and pay the injured family for the rest of your life. Am I a liberal or a conservative?

I think we have to improve our traveling infrastructure - roads and bridges, that is. We have to prioritize what we need to do, and not react to the idea of the moment. I do not believe in making toll lanes in existing freeways. If you build a new one and want tolls, fine. But not the freeways my parents paid for. That is what the road use taxes are for. Ah hell, I'm confused. But I know I'm not a Libertarian!

Our military exists to protect the interests of our country. They must be trained and equipped to protect whatever the government decides must be protected. They don't pick and choose what they do or where they go. That is up to the policy makers in the government, whether Legislative or Executive. But there better be debate and consensus about where and when the troops are deployed. War Powers Act, anyone? As to liberal or conservative, I just don't know. By now, I'm just confused about the whole label thing.

My point is that no thinking being is for everything some group desires, and is against everything they reject. We need to look at each other as thinking men or women who generally want what is best for ourselves, our families, our community, our states, and our nation.

I believe we need a progressive that we can believe in. Someone such as Paul Wellstone or Teddy Roosevelt is desperately needed today. A person who says what they believe, and believes what they say. A politician must be able to compromise to accomplish anything, but needs to pick where and when compromise is needful, keeping in mind that we need what is best for our nation.

All else is dross, and may be ignored at will.

[DFW]

148. Well, thanks, but that makes you part of the 1%

The 1% from Massachusetts or Vermont, that is, not that "other" 1%

[Big_Mike]

155. I would be proud to join! N/T

[DFW]

156. It would be one VERY small club, I fear

But at least the membership would all get along!

[bpj62]

96. Private Golf Course

I do play golf and I live in the DC area so I have some knowledge regarding these things. First of all they do not shut the course down for the day although the Secret Service would like to do that they understand the reality of the situation. What they will do is create a cap between the President and the group in front and behind so that no one is slowing him up or pushing him. They will also scan the golfers and their bags as they arrive at the course for their rounds. The courses in question simply did not want the hassle of dealing with this on a busy holiday weekend. The President recently made a stop at Great Falls Park in Fairfax County Virginia. He wanted some quite time with his oldest daughter and the park only got 45 minutes notice that the President would be coming. A friend of mine is a National Park Ranger and they were simply told to keep quiet about the visit. They were never told by the advance team to clear the park, they were only told to make sure that the entrance to the park was kept clear. I am so tired of this whole golf thing. The President plays golf so people should get over it. Does anyone think for a minute that he is not in communication with his National Security team and that if an event occurred that he wouldn't leave the course immediately. The man deserves some down time.

[LibDemAlways]

99. Had a Repuke President

requested a tee time at a Trump course, not only would the request have been granted, but The Donald would have personally greeted the Prez and posed for photos. Donald Trump is the king of self-promotion. He would never pass up that kind of opportunity. The only reason he (and you can bet the decision was his) turned Obama down is personal animosity and the chance to insult him.

[former9thward]

131. Conspiracy Theory.

Several golf courses turned him down, not just the Trump course. What is your conspiracy theory about the others?

[heaven05]

152. yes, you are always the same

I guess that's a good thing. Always know where you're coming from. Never any doubt.

[former9thward]

154. As with you...

[Faux pas]

114. Dear President Obama,

I want to apologize for all the disrespect you have been plagued with since before you even took your oath of office. My heart gets heavier with every snub, slap and blatant slam you have to deal with every day. I can't begin to understand how you must feel, I can only equate it to bullying.

I AM JUST SOOOO SORRY.

Sincerely,

Someone With a Heart and a Brain

[drray23]

128. i dont buy the business argument.

It was a time when any business would have been proud of hosting the president , no matter their political views.
You just did not disrespect the president.

Losing money is not even a concern. A smart business owner could turn that into a marketing advantage and get more customers who want to play on the "president's golf course".

Politics have become so partisan and tinged with borderline racism that some can not even respect the president.

[BlueCaliDem]

138. + 1000. Thank you!

Apparently, this president can't get the tiniest respect on a Democratic Party supporting messaging board, either. And opining as a diehard Democrat, that's just heartbreaking.

[Major Hogwash]

143. Not only that, but it would have been a feather in their cap to have Obama play there.

The fact is, the foursome that Obama would have played with would have delayed the other players only about 20 to 30 minutes.
The truth is, the Secret Service doesn't tear up greens or fairways just because the President is playing a round of golf there.