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What About Obama’s High School Years?

May. 11, 2012 12:22pm
Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College, executive director of The Center for Vision & Values, and author of the book,  […]
Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College, executive director of The Center for Vision & Values, and author of the book, “The Communist: Frank Marshall Davis, The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mentor.” His other books include "The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism" and "Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for a Century."
[ x ]
visandvals@gcc.edu
Author's Website

Where Have You Gone, Frank Marshall Davis?

Hold on to your seats. Between now and November, with the presidential race down to Obama v. Romney, conservatives will be witnessing some utterly exasperating displays of media bias and double standards. You’ll be pulling your hair out. It will be extremely frustrating.

Kengor: What About Obama’s High School Years?

The first such example is the Washington Post hit piece on Mitt Romney allegedly bullying some homosexual boys when he was in high school. The article came at an amazingly politically opportune moment: just when Obama came out in favor of gay marriage. The “coincidence” was so extraordinary that it leaves one wondering whether the Washington Post is a de facto arm of the Obama 2012 campaign. Of course, in reality, there’s little meaningful difference between the mainstream press and the Obama campaign.

The Post piece immediately made me think of this double standard: What about Barack Obama’s high school years in Hawaii?

 

I know this area intimately well, given that my next book is on Obama’s mentor during those precise years: Frank Marshall Davis. I will not here lay out the litany of Davis’s astonishing career, but, in essence, he was a literal card-carrying member of Communist Party USA. For decades, he wrote the most harsh, outlandish pro-Soviet material you can imagine, with his worst demons being Democrats like Harry Truman and the men in Truman’s administration—George Marshall among them—who opposed Stalin and the Kremlin during the darkest days of the Cold War. As I lay out in the book, Davis’s work was so bad that he was called to testify on his “Soviet activities” by the Senate Judiciary Committee (run by Democrats), was carefully investigated by the FBI (Davis’s FBI file is 600 pages long), and, most remarkably, was placed on the federal government’s Security Index—meaning that in the event of war breaking out between the United States and USSR, Davis could be immediately arrested.

And yet, this was the man that Obama’s grandfather, Stanley Dunham, connected to a young Obama for the purpose of mentoring—precisely during these high school years.

Frank Marshall Davis is another of those radical associations in Obama’s past. There are so many, and so unusually bad, that Obama, if he were a typical citizen, probably wouldn’t get a security clearance for an entry-level government job.

Thus begs the question: Why isn’t the mainstream media asking any questions about Obama’s troubling high school years under the tutelage of Frank Marshall Davis? In fact, why isn’t the Washington Post?

Worse, it isn’t like the Post hasn’t looked into those years. Quite the contrary, in 2008, the Post placed star reporter David Maraniss—who in the 1990s did wonderful reporting on President Bill Clinton—on the story. Maraniss jumped all over those years, but he completely ignored Davis.

Specifically, Maraniss’s research produced a 10,000-word piece for the Post, titled, “Though Obama Had to Leave to Find Himself, It Is Hawaii That Made His Rise Possible.” It ran in the August 22, 2008 edition. The article was so in-depth that it prints 17 pages. And yet, among all those words on Obama’s upbringing in Hawaii, there was not a single mention of Frank Marshall Davis; yes, not one mention. This was a slight that Obama himself could not do in his memoirs “Dreams from My Father,” where Obama mentions “Frank” by name 22 times, plus numerous additional references.

Kengor: What About Obama’s High School Years?

Frank Marshall Davis

Personally, I like Maraniss. I’ve used his work in my writings, research, and in courses at Grove City College. I respect him. So does Cliff Kincaid, who has compiled and posted a lot of research on Frank Marshall Davis. In 2008, Kincaid emailed Maraniss regarding his article and neglect of Davis. Maraniss is a gentleman, and had the courtesy to respond. He justified his omission of Davis by telling Kincaid that he believed Davis’s role had been “hyped,” overstated, including “by Obama himself.”

This is a strange statement. Apparently, even Obama’s own words (many of them) on Davis’s influence can be dismissed by reporters who do not want to touch this subject. I’m certain that Maraniss, like David Remnick and Jon Meacham and other Obama biographers, is afraid to deal with Davis’s communism because of the criticism it would bring from fellow journalists. If these liberal journalists (I like all three of them) touch the likes of Davis’s scary political past, they’ll be brutalized by their liberal colleagues for hurting Barack Obama. Given the liberal/progressive circles that these journalists frequent, they are right to be afraid.

Nonetheless, what we’re left with is a refusal by mainstream journalists to dare touch the disturbing recesses of Obama’s high school years—which beg illumination. To the contrary, they merrily do back-flips digging up dirt on Mitt Romney’s high school years. With Obama’s association with Frank Marshall Davis, these years were no trivial matter. This was truly a matter of legitimate national-security concern, and at least merits journalistic attention. Sadly, however, the Davis factor will continue to be ignored by this nation’s so-called “journalists.”

Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College. His books include “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism“ and “Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for a Century.” His forthcoming book is “The Communist: Frank Marshall Davis, the Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mentor.”

Comments (59)

1 2
  • libh8er
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:36pm

    Every day or so we hear something new. Wheels are coming off. Can’t wait for all those red faces that chose to ignore the facts. It’s going to get really interesting.

    Report this comment

    libh8er  
    • Anamah
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 9:52pm

      I believe his Wikipedia page has been changed. Few months ago FMD was described there as a self assumed pedophile writer and even it was discussed if the description of his book personage was inspired on the Obama boy.

      Report this comment

      Anamah  
  • formerdemdummy
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 7:50pm

    marvl? Most certianly a comic

    Report this comment

    formerdemdummy  
  • smokey888x2
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 1:24am

    http://www.wnd.com/2012/05/hawaii-five-o-sheriff-joe-sends-detectives-to-honolulu/

    http://www.sheriffjoe.org/donate-mainmenu-75.html

    copy and pass on – he needs our support … also, bump this up later:)

    Report this comment

    smokey888x2  
  • marvl
    Posted on May 21, 2012 at 5:03am

    Lemme get this straight… you title an article about Frank Marshall Davis “What About Obama’s High School Years?” And it leaves me wondering, what about Obama’s high school years? Is there some reason this publication can’t hire competent writers? This would rate a grade of C if handed in by Obama during his high school years. What about that?

    Report this comment

    marvl  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 16, 2012 at 12:47pm

    Obama should be taken off the ticket in states where he cannot prove who he is or his eligibility status. Holder should be fired for not doing his job for the Amerian people. Holder is working and being paid by the citizens of this country and not Obama. This needs to be taken care of 3 plus years, at least ago. Neither should ever have come into office.

    Report this comment

    blackyb  
    • Kevin The Elder
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:43pm

      When is someone in congress with true Jefferson Smith gumption going to call a hearing about the actions and inactions of the press? I’m sure the Media Research Center and millions of everyday citizens will happily present evidence of a complete sellout of our country by what was once considered our fourth estate. These hearings should not only be live on TV, but organizations that truly care for our country should ask for donations so that they can advertise the hearings. The more viewers the better.

      Report this comment

      Kevin The Elder  
    • elbiejane
      Posted on July 1, 2012 at 11:07am

      You are SOOOOO right!

      Report this comment

      elbiejane  
  • BODYBAG
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 9:50pm

    If you arent aware yet that the DNC – Obama Chicago Marxist Machine hires
    flunky tech hacks to troll conservative websites to run counter-measures then
    just ask @BERNBART

    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57379575-501465/obama-campaign-opens-tech-field-office-in-san-francisco/
    He’s earning his $8hr. from Mom’s basement.

    He’s got one of those jobs that Barry has “saved” over the past 4 years.

    Report this comment

    BODYBAG  
  • twistin
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 11:41am

    Obama is a Composite President.

    Report this comment

    twistin  
  • Anne G
    Posted on May 13, 2012 at 5:01am

    Bernbart, can you say MOO.

    Report this comment

    Anne G  
  • Sparrowhawk66
    Posted on May 12, 2012 at 10:39pm

    Frank Marshall Davis, the mystery man. Well, not as mysterious as his studied omission from any serious study of Obama’s life, and in particular those high school years. This is proving to be a tougher tooth pull than getting Hillary Clinton’s thesis on Saul Alinsky, which eventually someone was able to extract for the public to see.

    I agree with this statement: “If these liberal journalists (I like all three of them) touch the likes of Davis’s scary political past, they’ll be brutalized by their liberal colleagues for hurting Barack Obama.” The term “liberal” has always bothered me, so I wrote a column about that abused term, “Alias Marx and Alinsky” on Rule of Reason. It will appear on Family Security Matters and other blogs on Monday.

    http://ruleofreason.blogspot.com/

    Report this comment

    Sparrowhawk66  
  • bernbart
    Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:38pm

    Be afraid…. very afraid……of your own paranoia. Oh you guys are a good for a laugh.

    Report this comment

    bernbart  
  • Jinglebob
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 11:02pm

    I guess at this point in time it doesn’t really matter but no one has ever explained to me or have I heard how, Obama ever received a security clearance. I had a SBI TS while in the military and there is no way I would have qualified for this clearance if I had half the spots on my record as does Obama. His drug use, his radical friends, his money supporters, the mystery of his Social Security and draft registeration, the self proclaimed Communist members in his election anf administration staffs. I guess when you get elected president you get a free pass and a get out of jail free card.

    Report this comment

    Jinglebob  
    • bernbart
      Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:39pm

      Gee have you forgotten George Bush’s past with Cocaine, while serving in the National Party Guard.

      Report this comment

      bernbart  
    • bernbart
      Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:45pm

      Radical friends…lol… I love the way you guys try to connect Obama with radicalism that was happening before Obama was even born.

      Report this comment

      bernbart  
    • blackyb
      Posted on May 16, 2012 at 12:44pm

      Those in Congress sitting on their duffs are responsible for this. They should all have made sure this man in Office never got past the gates. He is more spotted than a giraffe. When people in stewardships use them for personal gain of one kind or the other, this is what happens to a nation. These people in congress every one should have to have security clearances themselves, all who work for the U.S. government should be beyond approach. Just because a person is one color or the other does not give them a pass. We owe them nothing. They owe the American public to make sure the best people are running the government. If they cannot or will not do that, then they should be fired. All citizens should know what they should expect from their representatives and have the ways and means to seek relief from those who fail to do their jobs or those who are using their office to promote agendas that are harmful to this country. If a person working in the government is against the very laws of the Constitution, how can the rest of the citizens be expected to observe laws? This must be tended to immediately and there needs to be a thorough house cleaning in order to preserve our nation and her laws.

      Report this comment

      blackyb  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 7:25pm

      And some people believe he has no police record sorry I don’t buy it.

      Report this comment

      MAMMY_NUNN  
  • TakeTwo
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:42pm

    I cannot afford an original copy of the Obama jr Fathers Dream Book… I want to compare the original print to last issue. or can someone G B or S t u et al the original to see what “Change” d. Peace

    They are going for 1,300 in my area. I heard they want to buy them all back raised the price sky high.

    Report this comment

    TakeTwo  
  • TakeTwo
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:36pm

    I cannot afford an original copy of the Fathers Dream Book… I can read two at a time per sey’ meaning someone needs to get Beck et al the original to see what “Change” d.

    underline original…they go for 1300 or more. They want to buy them all back?

    Report this comment

    TakeTwo  
    • bernbart
      Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:41pm

      They don;t change the copy when they reprint the book idiot. They had to reprint more because of the high demand for them.

      Report this comment

      bernbart  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 7:28pm

      Sorry pal I don’t read fiction.

      Report this comment

      MAMMY_NUNN  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 7:29pm

      bernbart – I think we all know who the idiot is on this site. Crawl back in your hole.

      Report this comment

      NHwinter  
  • TEARS FOR AMERICA
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 3:04pm

    Transformation we can believe in- from red, white and blue stars and stripes to Marxist gobbleldy **** (the website page):

    http://www.justice.gov/

    Report this comment

    TEARS FOR AMERICA  
  • R2
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:27pm

    And why are the Republicans not getting investigators to dig into obamas past?? Let them track down people at his school during that time and find some dirt. We already know that he abused women according to his book. If he was violent then there had to be more and with whom???

    Report this comment

    R2  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:22pm

    Frank and Barry have the same eyes with a BLANK stare. It’s scary…

    Report this comment

    EqualJustice  
    • scruffycat
      Posted on May 13, 2012 at 4:50am

      I was looking at that too, the Davis vs. Obama sr. father pictures. Obama jr. does resemble Davis somewhat, but I notice that Davis has the typical chimplike facial protrusion where on a lot of blacks their lower face from the nose down will protrude outwards quite noticibly. I see this in Davis but not in Obama Jr or Sr. Their lower face isn’t chimplike like Davis’s is. Also the distance between lower nose and upper mouth is a good bit longer on Davis versus Obama Sr. or Jr. too. But there is sure a resemblence in his eyes. If Stanley Ann did hump Davis to produce Obama Jr. its possible that her genetics made the difference and overrode the lower part of Davis’s face. Obama Jr.’s lower earlobes seem to match up better with Obama Sr. too. I dunno. Its hard to tell. Here is a comparison:
      http://www.theblogmocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/Obama-Davis.jpg

      Report this comment

      scruffycat  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:12pm

      The foreheads are very similiar

      Report this comment

      NancyBee  
  • bigbro
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:18pm

    They write about Mit’s teen age years but can’t find out about *****’s college days?????????

    Report this comment

    bigbro  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:09pm

    It gets scarier by the day……and the media should be ashamed, but they have no shame, they are truly shameless……..

    Report this comment

    Detroit paperboy  
  • vincijoey49
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:07pm

    A__swipe

    Report this comment

    vincijoey49  
  • tropolis
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:38pm

    I dont care about the past. I care about the present. And the present is were screwed with Romney or Obama.

    Report this comment

    tropolis  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:55pm

      You are an idiot

      Report this comment

      MAULEMALL  
    • wewantchillywilly
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:57pm

      obama’s past predicts the future

      Report this comment

      wewantchillywilly  
    • weaver1265
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:42pm

      I agree with Tropolis. So many of us want Obama out, yet this is the best we can do with Romeny as our candidate. We could debate forever about Romney as being the best candidate or not, it is time to more forward towards November. Less than 6 months away. ONWARD!

      Report this comment

      weaver1265  
  • Zcat
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:19pm

    Let’s get this show on the road!

    Report this comment

    Zcat  
  • redbone007
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:12pm

    10 years old Obama and Frank Marshall Davis

    http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/exclusive-obama-sex-perv-scandal

    Report this comment

    redbone007  
    • thibx
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:44pm

      i believe it and that was probably when he started molesting oboma and oboma liked it and has beeen a queer all these years. wife and kids he is using to make himself look normal. that is why he is supporting gay marriage. after he is not president he will divorce her and live his gay life style. i have seen this stuff before.

      Report this comment

      thibx  
  • redbone007
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:10pm

    Did Frank Marshall Davis admitted in his private papers that he had secretly authored a hard-core pornographic autobiography called Sex Rebel: Black, published in 1968?

    Report this comment

    redbone007  
  • SREGN
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:08pm

    He went to Vienna to study art and architecture. Oh wait, that was the other dictator…..

    Report this comment

    SREGN  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on May 11, 2012 at 12:47pm

    Obama is about as “ameriKan” as they come…..

    Report this comment

    spreadcommonsensenot pc  
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