Why doesn't Barack Obama help his destitute brother in Kenya?

Question

Listen John S. before you go calling me a racist, know your facts. I have been an Obama supporter from the beginning. I happened to see a CNN piece last night which talked about his brother in Kenya, who looked like he was living in poverty. It was pretty alarming to me, because I have always been a big fan of Barack Obama, so I figured there must be more to the story. I can't believe how everyone is jumping down my throat because of a simple question and making all kinds of assumptions about me. Sorry I asked.

Answer 1

That story has been debunked by the brother himself.  "I live well," he tells reporters.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/22/b...

Answer 2

Is that the one Barack Obama has met twice in his life, the one who hasn't asked for help, the one who criticized the reports that he was destitute? THAT ONE???????????

Answer 3

I can't believe I'm going to jump to Obama's defense here, but I am.

MAYBE HIS BROTHER DOESN'T WANT HIS HELP.

Look, we all know he had an unconventional childhood, and we also know that he has a bunch of African half-siblings that he didn't know when he was growing up.  Now add to that the wildly different cultures that each man has been raised in.  Westerners, and especially Americans like me, can't imagine why he hasn't rushed over there to build his brother a house and make certain he has food and medical care and clothing, etc.  But most of us don't live in Africa, have never been to Africa, and couldn't discuss the culture of Obama's brother with any knowledge at all.  There may be cultural barriers to accepting help.  There may be legal barriers.

So before everyone criticizes him for "not helping" his brother, just remember - he may have offered that help, and he may have been turned down.

Give him a break on this one, people.  Stick to the real issues, not the fluff.

Answer 4

why doesn't he join him

Answer 5

He would prefer that you pay with higher taxes

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN (no changes)

Single making 30K - tax $4,500

Single making 50K - tax $12,500

Single making 75K - tax $18,750

Married making 60K- tax $9,000

Married making 75K - tax $18,750

Married making 125K - tax $31,250

OBAMA

(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)

Single making 30K - tax $8,400

Single making 50K - tax $14,000

Single making 75K - tax $23,250

Married making 60K - tax $16,800

Married making 75K - tax $21,000

Married making 125K - tax $38,750

Answer 6

Because he doesn't know him. You're implying that he does because you're a racist douche.

Answer 7

If he did, you'd them call him a terrorist that funnels money to foreign countries.. geez.. never can win.  

Catch 22.

Joseph Heller would be proud.

Answer 8

Because he only cares for himself?? just a guess.

Answer 9

Because he is truly selfish & uncaring about people in need..

Answer 10

You mean the 'destitute' brother who's on vacation in England?

Another Hater lie busted...

"Bernard leads a quiet life, running a car parts firm in Nairobi, Kenya.  But he is a regular visitor to the UK to visit Elvis fan Kezia."

Answer 11

who says that he hasn't the media what do they know? all they report is gossip and lies so how do we know for sure Obama hasn't helped his brother??  

Answer 12

Because his azz can't be bothered.

Answer 13

perhaps for the same reason my rich family does not help me....they want me to make it on my own

Answer 14

Thank you Marcia B for posting such a great article.  Now, if people would actually read it and stop grasping at straws, maybe we could get somewhere.