>> the same kind of charges were levelled against Bush Jr, against Clinton, against Bush Sr, against Carter, against Ford, and for all I know against every President back to Washington. <<

They all had to produce their birth certificates and were accused of being Muslims?

I can remember Ford being accused of not being able to chew gum and walk at the same time, and Reagan of following his wife's astrologer's advice. Rude comments were made when Bush Sr spat out some bad sushi at a Japanese reception, and as for Clinton and Bush Jr...

Obama chose to produce his birth certificate: he didn't have to. And as for charges of being a Muslim, why is that worse than charges of being incompetent, corrupt or a sexual predator?

Even Lincoln copped abuse about his physical appearance: "Mr President, how long should a man's legs be?"

Lots of experts are saying that Obama's birth certificate has been photo shopped.See the proof here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g30VCl_cgk It is not even a good forgery.Are they demonstrating the power of the media over reality?

What is it about Barack Obama that attracts conspiracy theories denying even the most provable parts of his life?

As a Canadian, I'd like to offer my two cents to the above question. He's black, that's the answer plain and simple. He's smart, educated, likeable and the President. Some people simply cannot stand it. If he had been born in Kansas City, the nut bars would find something else to decry about him. They also can't get over the fact that it's more than likely he will win a second term.

What I can't personally understand is any black person supporting the right wing nuts. Yes I know the history of the Republican party in the south, but times have changed folks! Or maybe they haven't, given the attacks on Obama

Arjay, is there any conspiracy theory you don't adhere to? If there was even the slightest chance that Obama wasn't legit, his opponents would have found the proof and he wouldn't be president. It really is as simple as that. How can you possibly believe otherwise?

Now if you don't like him or his policies, please say so - that is a valid argument to have. Personally, I have no opinion as I have no great interest in American politics, other than how it might impact on Australia.

I agree re this not being unique to Obama. All presidents, indeed all in public office, have to put up with this sort of thing. Small minds and all that...

WineVQA

Exactly. Nor do I understand why gays, lesbians or women would sign up with Republicans. But humans are a diverse as they are numerous - and acceptance of that is a great start.

Arjay, Jon J.

Sigh.

I was not saying that other Presidents do not receive undeserved criticism. Simply pointing out the racial foundation of the attacks on Obama. If Obama was not born on USA soil, do you not think that the Republicans would've proved such long before he began the run for presidency?

I guess thinking would get in the way of a conspiracy theory.