Published 4 August 20094 August 2009 · Main Posts the derangement continues Jeff Sparrow The birthers — that weird rightwing subculture mobilising around a conviction that Barack Obama is not a real Murcan but was instead hatched from an egg in Islamofascistan — have been atwitter about a Kenyan birth certificate unearthed by World Net Daily (the conservative site that employs Chuck Norris as a political commentator). Naturally, it’s a transparent hoax; naturally, the birthers don’t care. As you watch this train wreck interview with birther intellectual Orly Taitz, remember that an astonishing 58 per cent of Republicans are not sure or doubt whether Obama was actually born in America. Got madness, much? Jeff Sparrow Jeff Sparrow is a writer, editor, broadcaster and Walkley award-winning journalist. He is a former columnist for Guardian Australia, a former Breakfaster at radio station 3RRR, and a past editor of Overland. His most recent book is a collaboration with Sam Wallman called Twelve Rules for Strife (Scribe). He works at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne. More by Jeff Sparrow › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 8 May 202611 May 2026 · Nakata Brophy Prize The 2026 Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers (Poetry) Editorial Team Please follow this link to enter the prize. Sponsored by Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and supporters, the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers, established in 2014 […] 6 May 20266 May 2026 · Main Posts Join the Overland Board Editorial Team Overland is looking for a Treasurer to join the board. If you care about literary culture, have governance experience and a head for finance, please consider applying. Expressions of Interest […]
