CNBC Reporter: Marathoner isn't Real American

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Meb Keflezighi, a 34-year-old runner who emigrated to San Diego, Calif., in 1987 from war-ridden Eritrea, became the first American to win the New York Marathon since 1982. Keflezighi, who became a U.S. citizen in 1998, also medaled for the country at the 2004 Olympics. But he's only "technically American," CNBC reporter Darren Rovell blogged on Monday. "He is an American citizen thanks to taking a test and living in our country. Nothing against Keflezighi, but he's like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league."

Posted by rcade at 01:19 PM | 54 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry

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Admin's note: Participants in the discussion of this weblog entry should note the site's moderation policy.

I have to agree, even though by definition, he's a citizen.

I just don't see why there's any reason this is a news story.

#1 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 01:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

But rumor has it he didn't have a gun or a bible anywhere near him Chair. Is that really the type of Fake American we want representing us on this stage?

#2 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 01:40 PM | Reply | Flag:

But he's only "technically an American," I said today. "He is an American citizen thanks to living in our country for a part of his life. Nothing against Obama, but he's like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league."

#3 | Posted by Sniper at 2009-11-03 01:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Is that really the type of Fake American we want representing us on this stage?

No.

#4 | Posted by andyuhenet at 2009-11-03 01:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

But rumor has it he didn't have a gun or a bible anywhere near him Chair. Is that really the type of Fake American we want representing us on this stage?

#3 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 01:40 PM | Reply

www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com
I believe there wasn't a bible, but come on, you don't expect me to buy the gun part, do ya?

#5 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 01:46 PM | Reply | Flag:

You think that's a gun huh Chair?

Telling.......

#6 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 01:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why is that Chairlip? Is he a card carring GOPiggie who sucks the tit of the NRA?

#7 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 01:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

I'm afraid to go back and look at the picture...
I think we're talking about two different things.

#8 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 01:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

I don't think that is it Sour........

#9 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 01:56 PM | Reply | Flag:

I think Chair might be talking about a stolen gun or something......nothing really to do with the NRA.

#10 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 01:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Chairlip is talking about a fellow citizen and the fact he is a person of color.
It is how his redneck twisted little subhumanoid brain works.

Remember, to Chairlip, James Earl Ray is a hero.

#11 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 02:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Or maybe, just maybe, Chair cares so little about a person's skin color that he can make an obvious joke about it, while meaning no harm.

Lighten up Francis......

#12 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 02:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

He, like our president, is a naturalized citizen.

#13 | Posted by member2586 at 2009-11-03 02:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Its always easiest to play racism with a Southern accent,huh?

#14 | Posted by kanrei at 2009-11-03 02:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

#14 | Posted by kanrei

You betcha!

#15 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 02:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

OWS' attack on racism revealed his own prejudice and bigotry. Now THAT is ironic!

#16 | Posted by kanrei at 2009-11-03 02:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

Q...How can you tell that the Chinese have started to move into your neighborhood?

A...The Mexicans start buying car insurance.

Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-10-30 03:23 PM | Reply

#17 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 02:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

Darren Rovell`s point escapes me.

Otherwise, back in the real world a medal is a medal is a medal. Wake me when America starts dividing up thier Olympic medals in the ones won by real American`s and ones won by people of other national origins.

#18 | Posted by BruceBanner at 2009-11-03 02:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

This is a white issue.

#19 | Posted by fresno500 at 2009-11-03 02:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

I would say a "Real American" is one who fought through adversity and became an American through their efforts and contibute to this society.

Most people consider themselves to be "Real Americans" for the simple fact that their parents fucked here.

#20 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 02:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

Why is that Chairlip? Is he a card carring GOPiggie who sucks the tit of the NRA?

#7 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour

Did it ever dawn on you that he believes in what the NRA is trying to do? You do know that they are defending the constitution don't you? Don't you believe in the US constitution?

#21 | Posted by Sniper at 2009-11-03 02:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

#21 | Posted by Sniper

Well, they fooled Sniper.

#22 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 02:45 PM | Reply | Flag:

He is an American citizen thanks to living in our country for a part of his life.

I'm betting there are millions of other fake Americans out there. Add in those who were born here of parents or grandparents who were fake Americans and probably about three who aren't.

And they're natives.

#23 | Posted by northguy3 at 2009-11-03 02:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

You do know that they are defending the constitution don't you? Don't you believe in the US constitution?

#21 | Posted by Sniper

NRA MOVES TO PROTECT HUNTERS FROM ARIZONA LAWSUIT THREATENING LEAD AMMUNITION BAN

Where in the Constitution does it say you have a right to use lead? What you don't understand is the NRA protects the Gun and Ammo industries. They fool idiots by pretending to be protecting the Constitution, but they are only concerned with SALES of Guns and Ammo.

But, they got you didn't they?

#24 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-03 02:53 PM | Reply | Flag:

So...we have someone go through the naturalization process - and became a U. S. citizen LEGALLY - but CNBC does not recognise it?....but if they were here ILLEGALLY - CNBC whould be screeming how they were American from the roof tops.

#25 | Posted by foshaffer at 2009-11-03 02:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

he's like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league

That's cheap and false. His family moved to Italy when he was 10 years old to escape war. They wanted a better life and moved to America just like my ancestors, just like yours.

He ran track at San Diego High. He went to UCLA.

Freddy Adu is a "ringer" his family was brought to America because he can play football. Jermaine Jones is a ringer. Keflezighi's family risked life and limb and worked hard to improve themselves.

The author of this hit piece should be horse whipped.

#26 | Posted by BluSky at 2009-11-03 03:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

he's like a ringer who you hire to work a couple hours at your office so that you can win the executive softball league

That's cheap and false. His family moved to Italy when he was 10 years old to escape war. They wanted a better life and moved to America just like my ancestors, just like yours.

He ran track at San Diego High. He went to UCLA.

Freddy Adu is a "ringer" his family was brought to America because he can play football. Jermaine Jones is a ringer. Keflezighi's family risked life and limb and worked hard to improve themselves.

The author of this hit piece should be horse whipped.

#27 | Posted by BluSky at 2009-11-03 03:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

If you find my joke racist, Chair, where does your repeated remark about James Earl Ray, convicted assasin of MLK, being an American hero fall on yer little scale?

Chair is so PC that he equates a joke about driving skill as racism.

Be still my heart, I'm wounded.

#28 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 03:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

...James Earl Ray, convicted assasin of MLK...

Oh I get it now. I thought you were talking about that big black actor with the deep voice upthread.

#29 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-03 03:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

I suppose my Italian immigrant grandparents weren't real Americans either. Dumb m'fer.

#30 | Posted by tiger150 at 2009-11-03 03:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

#29...Not suprised

#31 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 03:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

If you find my joke racist, Chair, where does your repeated remark about James Earl Ray, convicted assasin of MLK, being an American hero fall on yer little scale?

#28 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 03:05 PM | Reply

What do my racially charged comments and jokes have to do with your hypocrisy?
You made the racially charged joke, not me. Are you really this stupid?

BTW, put your dentures back in puppet. You've been gumming that James Earl Ray bait for the better part of a year.

#32 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 03:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

I suppose my Italian immigrant grandparents...

#30 | Posted by tiger150 at 2009-11-03 03:10 PM | Reply

I suppose that's the polite way of saying "European Negroes".

#33 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 03:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

Wait. I know why he isn't a "real American". He was the only American runner that DIDN'T wear corporate gear and instead chose to sport "USA" across his chest.

He was a known contender so there is no doubt someone offered 5/10/20K to wear a "Ford", "Pepsi", or "Nike" logo.

He carried a flag, represented his country, and won instead of taking the easy money. If that ain't "un-American" I don't know what is.

#34 | Posted by BluSky at 2009-11-03 03:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

You have been bragging about your love and admiration of JER for the entire year my puppet.
I wouldnt count on it going away if ya know what I mean.

Your racially charged comments are fully intended as a banner of your race hatred. My driving skills bon mot just that.

Gum that Chairlip.

I think everybody here understands what you mean.

#35 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 03:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

I hate to let you in on this little secret, dummy, but you're the only fish that comes a calling when I bait the hook with that tired James Earl Ray bait.

Have you ever noticed I type something along the lines of "It works every time" or "Right on cue" right after you nibble on it?

I guess you really are that stupid.

And for the last time, making racially charged jokes (while crying and calling others racist) and pretending they are innocent doesn't make you any less of a racist. Again, did you really need to be told that?

#36 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 03:43 PM | Reply | Flag:

Wow, Chairlip has callled me a racist! Oh whatever shall I do.
Stick it in yer ass Chair, we all know who you are; we all know what you are.
Your pretense is weak and transparent.
Dance some more around your respect and admiration for Mr. Ray, why doncha.

#37 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 03:53 PM | Reply | Flag:

In the crazy world of liberalism the runner who was a naturalized American citizen who originally immigrated legally is not a "true" Americam but some MFer who comes here illegally deserves every right of citizenship. Another reason why libs are completely nuts!

#38 | Posted by fwthom at 2009-11-03 04:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

OldWeakNSTupid,
Me and my racist comments have absolutely nothing to do with you and yours. What don't you understand, stupid?

This isn't a difficult concept to grasp, gramps.

#39 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-03 04:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hey, dont have an stroke Chairlip, yer startin to type just like AFLAK.

You have your opinion of me based on the aforementioned joke, and we all have our opinion of you based on your everyday bombast about people of color.

If you wanna pretend that the rest of us who read the bile that you puke up here on an everyday basis are gonna think less of me cause I made a driving joke, please dont let me get in yer way, Gladys. Try to get the sand outta yer considerable mangina and move on with yer James Earl Ray love-in douche bag.

#40 | Posted by oldwhiskeysour at 2009-11-03 04:45 PM | Reply | Flag:

"CNBC Reporter: Marathoner isn't Real American"

Michelle Bachmann is reporting for CNBC these days?

#41 | Posted by TheTom at 2009-11-03 05:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

I heard crap like this all the time when I lived in a region of the country that's pretty homogeneously white. Until then, I wouldn't have believed that there were substantial numbers of people who think that way.

The best (worst) story was an older acquaintance expressing her horror at the accents she heard when she visited New York. She boasted that she finally told one waiter that his English was unacceptable, and refused to leave a tip for him. All I could think was "YOU were a tourist visiting HIS hometown!"

#42 | Posted by Phoenix at 2009-11-03 06:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Well, they fooled Sniper.

#22 | Posted by Manypaths

Just exactly what part of the second amendment don't YOU agree with?

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Is it the "right of the people?

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Who does "the people"refer to?

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

#43 | Posted by Sniper at 2009-11-03 07:00 PM | Reply | Flag:

Mankind did not originate in North America. At least the Native Americans can claim to be thousands of years removed from their immigrant ancestors.

But, the rest of us Americans are either immigrants ourselves, or are the descendants of immigrants who came to this country only in the past few centuries. Most of us can't point to much more than three or four generations since our forebears came to America just like Meb Keflezighi.

Ironically, in the case of Barack Obama, though his father was an immigrant, on his mother's side he can trace his American ancestry back to before the Revolutionary War. I've seen his genealogy and was mildly amused to find out that Barack Hussein Obama qualifies for the male auxiliary of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Membership in the DAR is restricted to women of 18 or older who can demonstrate a direct lineage back to somebody who played a part in achieving American independence.

In fact, were he female, he would qualify for the DAR through four different ancestors who were American patriots who fought to create the country. I wonder how many Rush Limbaugh or Michelle Malkin or Glenn Beck can claim...

#44 | Posted by BlueSun at 2009-11-03 08:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

I guess we are all technically Americans ...at least our own ancestery...

Wonder where his bonehead's grandparents came from??

#45 | Posted by MURPHY at 2009-11-03 09:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

opuntia | Nov 3, 2009 12:02 PM ET
So, you wrote an article/blog without doing any research...you sir, are an idiot.
Report Abuse

My favorite quote from his "Clarification"

The guy is still an ass.

The only "Real" americans are the ones who's ancestors are what? 1 generation? 3 10? More?

At best, he is a moron.

However unfortunately he is spot on with American tradition...

Blacks...
Irish...
Chinese...
Japanese..
Mexicans..
Polish..

Every time there is a large influx of people from anywhere else on the planet to this country the people here think Hey those arent real americans!

Its asinine and if i were his editor he'd be covering little league games in Brooklyn for the next year in penance for terminal asshatery.

#46 | Posted by Valisk at 2009-11-04 12:17 AM | Reply | Flag:

Barack Hussein Obama qualifies for the male auxiliary of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

#44 | POSTED BY BLUESUN AT 2009-11-03 08:16 PM | REPLY | FLAG:

ZING!

#47 | Posted by Valisk at 2009-11-04 12:19 AM | Reply | Flag:

reading some of the post's that the lib's or progressive's write i am really starting to understand how demented they really are!

#48 | Posted by bluesman3369 at 2009-11-04 12:35 AM | Reply | Flag:

You know this country has rally gone down the crapper when people start suggesting foreign born American citizens are not real Americans. One has to wonder what they think of native Americans who never took an oath or swore allegiance to the flag?

Who wants to bet every one of these big mouths has foreign ancestry?

#49 | Posted by RingMaster at 2009-11-04 07:48 AM | Reply | Flag:

reading some of the post's that the lib's or progressive's write i am really starting to understand how demented they really are!

Reading your poorly written drivel is no great reflection on the intelligence of the right wing redneck mentality either.

#50 | Posted by RingMaster at 2009-11-04 07:52 AM | Reply | Flag:

Who wants to bet every one of these big mouths has foreign ancestry?

#49 | Posted by RingMaster at 2009-11-04 07:48 AM | Reply

The last time you offered to bet you ran away, douchebag.

#51 | Posted by 101Chairborne at 2009-11-04 09:08 AM | Reply | Flag:

When did I mention the second amendment?

You jumping to some false conclusion only makes you look like the stupid jackass you have always been.

NRA MOVES TO PROTECT HUNTERS FROM ARIZONA LAWSUIT THREATENING LEAD AMMUNITION BAN

Where in the Constitution does it say you have a right to use lead?

Again:

Well, they fooled Sniper.

#22 | Posted by Manypaths

#52 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-04 10:11 AM | Reply | Flag:

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

#43 | Posted by Sniper at 2009-11-03 07:00 PM

According to the second amendment, I should be able to possess nuclear arms. It says right there it shouldn't be infringed, but somehow my right is infringed. I guess it really doesn't work that way huh?

#53 | Posted by bigjohn_1972 at 2009-11-04 12:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

Is he employed, self supporting, paying taxes and respecting the flag?

That sounds like a real American to me.

#54 | Posted by USAF242 at 2009-11-04 01:41 PM | Reply | Flag: