When satire bites: comments tell you this hit home

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece

'He ventured forth to bring light to the world
The anointed one's pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a miracle in action - and a blessing to all his faithful followers'

The best satire goes to the nub of what is both funny and stupid about a particular circumstance- this is one of the funniest things I've read in ages, but it is mostly funny because its true.

"Hard to tell the difference between satire and garbage these days. The recent cover of the New Yorker is one more example."

bill Leffler, kennebunkport, usa

"Obama is a great orator and he's a true beacon of light for persons of mixed race everywhere. He speaks profoundly and when you mock him, you show your lack of respect for humanity. The lost British Empire..."

Stella, Irvine, CA, U.S.A.

"It would be a sad world if there were no optimism. People mock inspiration because it is a threat to convenient disappointment. Of course Obama isn't the Messiah. In fact, he's a politician. He just happens to be a politician who is not afraid to try to inspire. Enjoy it, it's rare but productive"

Dylan Bry, Carlsbad, USA

"This is clever writing to be sure but without substance, honesty, or truth. Bush, Cheney, and all the other cowards that promoted this war (Hannity, Limbaugh) all these fake flag pin lying patriots will enjoy your article. All the stupid unthinking people will love it."

Stephen Bleeds , Houston , Texas

When you provoke a torrent of outrage like this, with its accusations of blasphemy, a 'lack of respect for humanity' and being 'without substance, honesty, or truth', you know you have hit your target. Those afficianadoes of 'The Life of Brian' will recall the desperation of the followers, people who will follow just about anybody and for the flimsiest of reasons ("follow the shoe, follow the shoe" "no no, follow the gourd, follow the gourd") and whose extremely shallow-rooted allegiance was masked by their apocalyptic denunciations of anybody who wouldn't join the rejoicing throng. If you have experienced young teenage girls allegiance to rock bands, you will have a good idea of what I'm talking about. Just be prepared to protect yourself with every available weapon if you happen to mock 'Johnny-come-lately' and his beat combo (to quote Ian Hislop).