Texas Pol Still Isn't Satisfied on Obama Birthplace
State Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, has checked out the birth certificate President Barack Obama released this morning — and he's not satisfied.
GOP leaders like U.S. House Speaker John Boehner may believe the matter "has long been a settled issue," as he said today in a statement. But Berman, who has raised persistent questions about Obama's birthplace, said he has many more questions and that it will take "someone like a Donald Trump" to really determine whether the president has "pulled the greatest swindle, the greatest hoax, in the history of the United States."
Berman, who has filed ...
Comments (88)
Michael JJ Messer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
How do we continue to elect nuts like this guy?
Joe H. Williams via Texas Tribune on Facebook
When is Leo's term up? Let's make sure he keeps his promise not to run again.
Donald Dickson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
This was predictable. I wish Berman would give more attention to his own bill to repeal the DRP.
David Moore via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What a box of rocks.
Allyson Reynolds Dixon O'Donnell via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Oh good dear lord.
David Huang via Texas Tribune on Facebook
So apparently Donald Trump has resources that the DNC, RNC, and who knows what else doesn't have? Does he have a time machine or something?
Travis Johnston via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Well that didn't take long.
Debra Haas via Texas Tribune on Facebook
There is a fine line between reporting the news and perpetuating the lunacy. Perhaps now we can move on.
Deborah Sisco
Please stop reporting on the ignorant speeches of this man. It is not funny anymore. He is
elderly and seems to be totally out of touch. His constituents should be ashamed of voting for
him as their State Rep.
Ben Martinez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
As I have always maintained, this is not about whether the Prez is a citizen or not but that he is black and the racist repubs can't stand that. They are just going to have to deal with it.
Michael JJ Messer via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Somebody hand me a banjo! Play me some o' that there fiddle! What'r shoes fur!?! Yeehaw!!! (Theme song to Deliverence plays in the background)
That is how the rest of the country thinks of birthers. Berman, you are making Texans look bad.
Ray Grasshoff via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Looks like someone's going to have to put up an "infallible" YouTube video to convince him otherwise.
Beth Yelverton Baker via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Wow what a waste of time and money
Tim Doke via Texas Tribune on Facebook
thinks the word "doofus" has a new poster boy.
Jack Suggs via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Berman sounds like Glenn Beck... "greatest swindle, greatest hoax..." blah.
Alexandra Bonifield via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Idiot racist,stop wasting taxpayer's time!!!!!
Danny Escareno via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Of course Pres. Obama isn't a natural born citizen! He's not white! And, he's not a republican! AND, he has a funny name!!
Glenda Hawthorne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
As Bugs Bunny would say, "What a maroon!"
Mark Paulson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
When overwhelming evidence resolves an issue, and people like this keep on spouting their crap, it's time to stop listening to them. And NEVER vote for them, you want em running your country?
Doris M. Koch via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Oh, pulleeeeze. Have we solved all the BIG problems already and this is all that's left to agitate about?
Mark Paulson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I can mirror that this is exactly how I feel about birthers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dbqt8_ueZw
Mark Paulson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Also, does anyone notice that the conservatives are always quiet when stuff gets this looney? They hide in their caves for a bit, and come out later whining and arguing like nothing happened.
Susan Surman via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What a waste of time and tax payer's money! Yeah, YOU dumb*ss, bigotted morons. Ya can't stand it that there's someone brighter, more educated and much more transparent than the bunch of you repugs. And the cherry is that he's black AND our President!!
Ana Manciaz via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If this is all they have, our president must be doing something right.
Mark Wentlandt via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Would someone from the RNC please let Mr. Berman in on the joke?
Kathy Genet
Well, some state has to offer the overwhelming balance of content for the Daily Show and the Colbert Report to be so damn funny. Might as well be Texas.
Todd Ramsell via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I think there is a fantasy element to this whole Obama birth certificate conspiracy. They believe they can prove he isn't American and then undo his election and presidency and in one move erase the the last two years of legislation. It's just freaking crazy.
Emily Miller via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Wow, Tyler, does this make you proud?
crud cruddily
Okay....he was born in the U.S. but....I'm convinced that he didn't didn't pass the age requirement to be president in the U.S. You have to be 35 to be president right? On his birth certificate it says he was born in 1961. How do we know he didn't fudge the 6 and it was really an 8??? Obama was born in 1981. That would make him only 30 years old today. That means he is UNQUALIFIED to be president. And it really pisses me off that he used "white out" to erase that part of the eight. I'm scared it means he wants to wipe out white people, or out certain whites if you know what I mean...
brian rountree
Dear tea partiers and right wing nut jobs:
Obama has liberated you.
From now on you can just say "because he's black".
You're welcome.
Ben Martinez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
@Emily, yea they are proud of this buffoon, a lot of them in Tyler are just like him.
Wilkins Micawber
"State Pep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, has checked out."
That's all you needed to write.
Sally H. Rankin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I knew this would happen; I just didn't know who would be first. IDIOT!!!!!
Ssurman
"Why does it look "brand new," he said, when it's supposed to be five decades old?" Hellooo? Anybody home? Does he not realize that an original *printed* birth certificate is NOT kept in a file cabinet? They are printed out the same day that they are requested. Hellooo? Oh dear, the lights are still on but no one's home I guess. I suppose these "learned" politicians must think their constituents are stupid. Well, maybe they are after all, they voted for them!
Susan Surman via Texas Tribune on Facebook
"Why does it look "brand new," he said, when it's supposed to be five decades old?" Hellooo? Anybody home? Does he not realize that an original *printed* birth certificate is NOT kept in a file cabinet? They are printed out the same day that they are requested. Hellooo? Oh dear, the lights are still on but no one's home I guess. I suppose these "learned" politicians must think their constituents are stupid. Well, maybe they are after all, they voted for them!
Evelyn White via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'm shocked. (Right.) This is Leo Berman we're talking about. President Obama cannot change his skin color.... so Leo Berman will NEVER be satisfied..... I'm shocked.
Automatic ISO
He probably thinks the world is flat too. Tyler, go to the ballot box and get rid of him. Our State can't meet the demands of the present and the future with his archaic thinking.
Tom Erickson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The greatest swindle is the one this guy pulls when he says he's representing the needs of his constituents.
Bruce Wallace via Texas Tribune on Facebook
berman's a nut!
W.R. Greene via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Leo is certifiable. He wants to make sure everyone else is also. He is from New York City originally. I have no idea how he wound up in Tyler.
Mozelle Osborne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If your a Repo, you'll never be happy unless everything is always going your way and then, it would be a merical. You guys need a life and get over it. He's as much American as you are but he is also acting more like one. Get over it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mozelle Osborne via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Trump means: to devise fraudulently!! A card of such a suit.
Automatic ISO
Representative Berman has been drinking the Kool-Aid of Donald Trump and Faux News...........Beware the moments when facts seem to confirm prejudices. Such times are traps, when the well-meaning are misled and the mean-spirited gain confidence.
Automatic ISO
Representative Berman has been drinking the Kool-Aid of Donald Trump and Faux News...........Beware the moments when facts seem to confirm prejudices. Such times are traps, when the well-meaning are misled and the mean-spirited gain confidence.
Rudyg43
What's his opinion against millions of others? Look at who he is. A racist bigot, towing the GOP line to distract from the continued GOP inability to do anything about jobs here in America. This is the kind of representation Texas gets with a one party state. A career politician like Perry, he's originally from New York city - get a rope!
roadgeek
Oh, Leo. Go sit in the truck.
Dale H Curry via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Will someone tell this piece of S**t racist when he gets back from his Klan rally that he will have to find another lie about the President.
WUSRPH
Next thing Leo will be asking to see the President's mother's marriage certificate....And after that he try for his Baptismal certificate and anything else he can think of.
But the REAL QUESTION IS:
Has anyone ever seen Leo Berman's birth certificate!!!!
David Maserang via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Headline: President questions legitimacy of Trump's Head-Animal! Barbour drops out, saying Republicans "unserious."
WUSRPH
Actually, the REAL, REAL QUESTION IS:
Why would a serious reporter even think of asking this idiot what he thinks?
I know it gives them a chance to right a "funny" that people will read....but it also continues to encourage Bernman and his ilk. And don't say he has a First Amendment "free press" right.
As we all know, the truth is--as expressed best in an old saying---
"The only man with a free press is a man who owns one."
Brett Baldwin
Leo Berman needs to drop this issue.
Unfortunately, the DOH reprinted the long form using a different process than they used for the Nordyke twins.
Look at the copy of the long form birth certificates given to the Nordyke twins that are posted online here:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2009/Jul/28/M1139416728.GIF
Now the question is why Obama's long form looks different than the Nordyke twin's birth certificates?
Leo Berman needs to drop this issue, but because of this difference, he won't.
Gary Skaggs via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Shocked!
Claudia Lynch via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Sad!
Jack Suggs via Texas Tribune on Facebook
East Texas Dunce
Dubravka Romano via Texas Tribune on Facebook
My mind is made up. Please don't confuse me with facts.
Mario Gonzalez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Dammit Berman! What does satisfy u then?! thats enough proof already dam it! You Republicans are never happy or satisfied! How about u show us ur birth certificate Rep. Berman?!
Jill Scoggins via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What a gasbag. While he's blathering over this non-issue, the State of Texas is going to hell in a handbasket.
Rick Chafey via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I wish they would leave this issue alone and impeach him for attacking Libya without Congressional approval.
Teresa Smith Newton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'd like to see Leo Berman's birth certificate and have a comment from that hospital as to how many idiots were born there that year.
Jerry Wallace via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Come on now don't these state and federal reps that we vote into office have more pressing problems that are wrong with our state and country, than to keep beating this dead horse. If all of our Reps. would spend as much time trying to fix things instead of playing politics and constantly going on breaks maybe they could actually at least start to fix the things that need fixin'. And when I say all I mean all political parties, particularly Democrats and Republicans. Yes there is plenty of blame to spread around.
Beth Wilson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
And we care about his ignorant speculation why?
Donna Prothro Streetenberger via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'm not satisfied that Mr. Berman has the cognitive ability to focus on real issues.
Carlyn Short via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Once again, my elected representative proves to be an embarrassment - is he trying to out do Gohmert in stupidity?
Dennis Gerson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
And idiots like this get elected to enact laws and budgets in TX. No wonder our state is a mess.
David Rutledge via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Exactly as the Administration has said all along: if the document is released, it still won't matter to the birthers. That's because it is not about the facts; it is about opposing Obama which goes along the same lines as the whiplash so many conservatives gave themselves when doing their 180s on the Libya bombing issue after the bombing started.
Carlyn Short via Texas Tribune on Facebook
OK...Guv Perry and your cronies at the Texas Teacher Retirement System. Thanks for nothing. I've been driving a school bus for nearly 25 years, the last 10 for the health insurance provided through TRS. I just found out that as of September 1, 2011, I will no longer be eligible for membership in TRS, hence not eligible for health insurance because they changed the rules and decided one had to work 15 hours a week to be worthy. I would think that constitutes President Obama's healthcare criteria of not having your healthcare cut off arbitrarily. WTF - why are your taking your cost cutting out on the education system and their employees - oh, I forgot we won't make any noise... :(
Ashley Miller Caldwell via Texas Tribune on Facebook
what a DOUCHE
poryorick
Leo Berman: proof positive we shouldn't be cutting MHMR funding.
Jay Joiner via Texas Tribune on Facebook
What an idiot.
John Lyon via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Sky blue, earth round. Some disagree.
Nancy Baughn via Texas Tribune on Facebook
he's an idiot. period.
Zack Sharp via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I hate that I live close to the people who keep electing this guy. Scary!
Karen Cummings via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The Kenyan birth certificate is a fake. ROTFL Berman is a nutcase!
Ed Covington via Texas Tribune on Facebook
you can't fix stupid.
Ed Covington via Texas Tribune on Facebook
berman is qualified to be a recipient in a brain transplant...unfortunately, you can't fix stupid...
MuleBreath
Is there a plaque commemorating the birth of George W. Bush at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut?
Tim Hurst via Texas Tribune on Facebook
what a silly old fool
Tim Hurst via Texas Tribune on Facebook
idiot
WUSRPH
I have not heard of any plaque in a hospital in Conn. for Bush...nor have I heard of one in the Military Hospital in Panama (Canal Zone) where John McCain was born or in the Mexican village where Mitt Romney's father, George (who ran for the GOP nomination for President in 1968) was born in a Mormon Colony. Of course, Leo has never raised any concerns about either of them....Wonder why? Perhaps because of their political party and/or color.
I still say: has anyone ever seen Leo Berman's birth certificate.
WUSRPH
I might also note that the Kenyan birth certificate Berman likes to talk about MUST BE A FAKE if it says the President was born in Kenya....The town they claim as the place of President Obama's birth is now in Kenya...but at the time he was born it was in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), both of which were still British colonies at the time. The map lines were changed later to put it in Kenya.
Carol Hale via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Elections have consequences.. Remember Berman-like candidates at the next election and DON'T vote for them again!! Perry has appointed EVERY committee member currently serving in Austin... committees which make recommendations and get laws passed or changed... DON'T vote for legislators who are trying to destroy public education.
Bert Chadwick
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." Einstein.
Rep. Berman should memorize this quote; write it down 100 times after school.
And, who the heck is Leo Berman to say he not satisfy? Who cares if is or isn't satisfy, is Berman in Washington? Tyler, Texas..lucky is on the map.
Julie Benningfield via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Cause you know, Berman is S-M-R-T. Bless his pointed little head!
martha truitt
I would like to see Leo Berman's birth certificate. Was it issued at his birth or later on?
Tim Hurst via Texas Tribune on Facebook
what an embarrassment.( East Texas you kkknow)
Sarah Stephens via Texas Tribune on Facebook
See The Onion. Berman should join the Afterbirthers and demand to see the placenta.
tom brown
This old duffer is giving all us duffers a bad name. Retirement is not that bad. Actually folks, some of us are still fairly sane.
Chris May via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I have no words. This guy is writing legislation?