Welcome to my world. You can work full-time and still go hungry, in the USA. Something most people don't understand--even in my own country. Poverty here, often has nothing to do with not wanting to work.

There are, in fact TWO Americas...and, liberal or conservative: both clueless!

Nancy, Glens Falls NY, USA

It is funny to listen to all the Obama supporters say that he should not have to be responsible for taking care of his family - yet they obviously agree with his policies of "spreading the wealth" and calling people who do not agree with him "Selfish". Charity begins at home!

Sheena, Georgia, US

To all you naysayers and anti-Obama people, he still won!

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

Lisa, On his registration to the school in Ind., his religion was listed as "Islam" (yes, someone dug up the records). Truth is...we don't know much about him. We DO know he is close to Farrakhan, had a cocaine habit, and has no executive experience. Not a resume for a president.

Julia Riddleberger, Charlottesville, VA, USA

All sorts of people pop out of the woodwork at times like these. Senator Obama has been right slap bang in the public eye for two years. This aunt could have declared herself before. You have to ask why now?

Mrs Bloggs, Philadelphia/London, USA/UK

LETHA, Dallas , USA: FTR, Obama's father left him when he was 2. Obama lived in Hawaii with his mother until he was 6; he then moved to Indonesia with his mother and step father. In Indonesia he attended a Catholic School. Obama returned to Hawaii at the age of 10 where he remained until college.

Lisa, Alexandria, VA, USA

Who cares? To my knowledge, I am not 100% responsible for the lives of my relatives, let alone my half-relatives.... This is coming up now because of the election. Please, do not pay attention to the tricks! Remember the SNL skit: When you are inside the voting booth, think of Bush!

Denise, Jacksonville, USA

I agree, Tom. He wants to spread our wealth...not his.

Charlene Steiner, Toledo, USA

Are you Serious? The only reason why this is coming up now is because the election is close and McCain Campaign and Supporters are desperate to find anything to pin down on Obama! LET IT GO! OBAMA 08!!!!

Jessica, Orange Park, Florida, United States

So why haven't they? She was instructed to leave four years ago. Why wasn't it inforced? How effective IS the immigration department, anyway? She applied for refugee status but was refused on the grounds that she was part of the family that was CAUSING strife in Kenya, not fleeing from it. WHY?

Carmela, Windham, NH, USA

How can you allow your kin to laqnguish while you enjoy abundance? What happened to spread the wealth?

Tom, Tampa, USA

Judge not lest ye be judged yourself. I've got family that I've never met.. some I rarely have contact with. I'm sure lots of you do too. Just because he's got money doesn't make him responsible for his whole extended family. And as much as I respect the The Times - MYOB.

J G, Boston, USA

"Why is the UK meddling in USA's politics."
jvii, Cary, NC, USA

How is reporting on a story, "meddling"?!

Matthew Cousins, Sutton, UK

This a non-issue for Obama and the rest of us. Let the immigration officials do their job.

Karolyn , Scottsdale Az, USA

How many MILLIONS has Obama made? His Aunt is here illegally & living in Taxpayers paid housing & his brother lives on $1 a year. How is he going to take care of your family through people only making $250,000 oh, $200,000, oops, $150,000, no, $120,000 a year when he can't even take care of his own?

Ron, VIRGINIA BEACH, USA

Why is the UK meddling in USA's politics. I hope our immigration officials stick it to you.

jvii, Cary, NC, USA

Oh the hypocracy of the big Obama....Classic - he wants to "spread the wealth" - actually he wants to spread MY wealth. Charity starts at home. Do as I say, not as I do, should be his motto. She's here illegally, living in public housing, but contributing to obama. typical liberal mentality..

TDAWG, Laguna Beach, USA

judge a man not by his words, but by his actions.
obama, multi millionaire.
taken 100s thousands from freddie and fannie, refused to return it, let the tax payer pay for it.
brother lives in a hut.
aunt lives in a slum.
has the AUDACITY to call the american people SELFISH!???

judy, minooka, usa

Does anyone really believe that Barack is really going to help the less fortunate of this country when he won't help his own family? I know he doesn't OWE them anything. But he's CLAIMING to care about the less fortunate. Apparently just so long as it doesn't cost him anything PERSONALLY.

SW, Boise,

I find it shocking that a man who repeatedly says we need to "spread the wealth" has relatives who obviously care for him and are willing to put together what extra money they can to help him, but yet he hasn't done anything to help them. He's a millionaire for Gods sake - can you say hypocrite?

Stefanie, denver, usa

BHO does not necessarily have to help out the relatives of his dead-beat dad -- however he has professed love and caring for them --In any event, he does not seem to do much for his maternal grandmother -- now -- she did do for him -- she took care of him for many years --

Carole, Ft. Lauderdale, USA

McCain supporters call these people Obama's "blood relatives," as if it means something. Each of you has literally thousands of blood relatives. Do you financially support all of them? Are you personally responsible for their choices? Or are you just desperate to criticize Obama for anything?

Tom, Keene, NH,

You will not hear anything bad about Obama in the American press media. Everything that has come to light about him has been glossed over. Who cares if he has contact with his relatives or not? We should be caring about the fact the his aunt is an illegal person and a drain on a broken system.

Traci, Mooresville, USA

when american white machine does'nt work, they turn red

patrick tauriac, miami gardens, United States of America

Obama went to Africa to know about his family that show
concern .What are you talking about?
Obama 08!!!!!!

jolino kalay, delray beach , usa

My dead sister had 4 sons. I have no idea where they are and I feel absolutely no obligation to look for them or support them if I found them and they were penniless. I feel much closer to friends than to some of my family. Family links does not grant one special rights.

Laurette King, Carlsbad, Ca, USA

I hope they have more housing and government money available cause we're going to need it after 1/21/09. It must be pretty good living though. She has a computer and can send email plus was able to give $260 to her nephews campaign. Life's good! I wish I had an extra $260.

Dave H., Allentown, USA

Why not? Anyone who has friends like Wright, Ayers and many others of this sort.

owen smith, bend, usa

My parents divorced when I was 3 and "dad" did not participate in my life, just like Barack Obama's "dad." My mother's family raised me. Why should he or I feel an obligation to the people who so completely ignored us.The half-sister of a dead-beat dad? No obligation what-so-ever. Vote 4 Obama 2008!

Natalia Fox, Washington, DC, USA

Some of these posters cannot be serious. We have NO IDEA why the lady is living in these circumstances, have NO IDEA what the status of her asylum case is, no idea what relationship they have (blood is not the sole definition of family)...and yet Senator Obama should be caring for her?

Marius, Dallas, TX USA,

I cant believe Im not hearing more about this on TV, it shows what kind of man he really is.

Lea, Tampa, USA

If these were people that Obama interacted with as a family I would be concerned. Why should he be responsible for his absent father's half-relatives. Some of you on this site have destitute relatives that you know of but are not close to. How many of them share in your success? Don't be Hypocrites!

Natalia Fox, Washington, DC, USA

Obama loves to preach to others about being their brother's keeper. Yet, his beloved aunt is living in a Boston slum, and his half-brother lives in a hut in Africa. I guess it's okay for Obama to spread the wealth around, as long as it's not his.

Nelson, Boston, USA

I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER. I AM MY SISTER'S KEEPER. But not my aunt's keeper. Or does he expect US to meet her needs?

Marilyn, Atlanta,

Obama lived with his family in Kenya until he was 10 years old and went to muslim schools until he was sent to live with his grandparents in Hawaii. After 2 years of college he traveled the world and went back to see his family. Who paid for his trip?

Letha, Dallas , USA

Do you people actually read the story or just the headline? Rediculous. It clearly states that it is unclear whether or not Barack actually knew that his Aunt (whom he has met twice in his life) was living in the US and that he believed his uncle had dissappeared after emigrating to the US.

Culls, Bar Harbor, USA

Its none of our business. We don't know what the relationship or recent history between the family is, so let it be, and let them deal with it.

Justin, Shenzhen, China

Why should he have financial obligation to the family of the father who abandoned him? Some genetic ties are interesting to know about but do not a family make. Love does that. Everyone has relatives who are not as well off, should they feel obligated to support their kin, no matter how distant?

kipper, Durham, USA

"Am I my brother's keeper". People assume the answer the answer to say yes you are. Actually, God aked Cain where is brother was after Cain had kiled Able. Cain's reply was that question to which there was no reply in the afirmative. It may be true, but that verse isn't a proof text.

Dave, Seattle, USA

Sometimes family doesn't want you to take care of them. Sometimes they want to do their own thing, and I feel this probably the case from his Aunt's response to the media.

Nette, Tokyo, Japan

This should not suprise anyone. Obama makes these large claims that its the people living in these conditions that he cares about. Well, Obviously not. Maybe he could take a small chunk of the money that he is putting toward his "Victory" party and help his own blood. Or maybe not. McCain/Palin 08!!

Derick, Knoxville, USA

Obamas mom died in 1995.He said over+ over that "instead of fighting cancer she was on the phone fighting with health insurance".
Hmmmm.-That was 13 years ago.Obama was33 then,a lawyer,married to a lawyer.Surely they could have fought those insurance co.for her or bought supp.health coverage.

MyTurn2BeHeard, Somerville,

I have a question. If you won $10 million, would you find all of your famliy members...and share it with them all? I'm just curious because some of you just aren't making any sense to me. Hmmm...what about McCain and his first wife. That's family, right? And McCain has plenty of money to share.

NillaReed, PW, USA

There's a big difference between sharing your wealth and having the government share your wealth for you.

Bill Gate, Chicago ,

Not surprising. Obama's an empty suit with empty promises. Now he promises tax cuts. Listen up folks, a democrat tax cut is like big foot, UFO's and global warming. Mythes.
Dems lie all the time and are allowed to get away with it by our "media".

Jeff Stanch, Jacksonville, USbyGodofA

There seems to be a lot more to Senator Obama than we a re led to believe. While I don't personally financially support my half-uncles, half-brothers or whoever, mainly because i don't have any it does seem to make the man out to be a hypocrite.

I wonder where Uncle Omar turns out to be?

Ben, QLD, Australia

Iam African and a supporter of Obama,and i hope the reports about how he has neglected his relatives is not true.Its trully unAfrican as we tend to look after our extended families morally,financially and and by any means necesssary.

ben, hitchin, uk

You have things completely the wrong way around, Martin. The house prices are so high BECAUSE the banks were very happy to lend people lots of money, because it made them lots of money. They weren't "forced" in any way. They were just greedy.

As for tax: there's more to life than money.

Ross, lancaster, UK

This is basic "Do as I say not as I do." He has no problem increasing taxes people that he decides have too much but he can't help out a family member. If he helped her out or if he didn't know she was in the U.S., his campaign would've said so.

Michael Donat, Folsom, CA, USA

Has it occurred to anyone that Obama's family members are free to live where and how they choose to - including in their native land - different culture, you know?

Also, birth records are a matter of public record - if you find this nonsensical 'question' important, request it from Hawaii.

Toni, Gleneden Beach, OR, USA

Definition of a Liberal : Let's you and them share.

Spread that PROSPERITY, I'll see you in the bread lines.

mattie02601, Tampa FL, USA

Well since the liberal news media is in the tank for Obama, I don't find it unusual for them not report on this. I guess he only wants to spread the wealth, with other peoples money.. now that selfish. Maybe it's just in Texas that family takes care of family, I hope not.

lynn martinez, Crockett, usa

Why doesn't he spread his wealth to his Aunt? Excuse me redistribute.

CW, Milwaukee,

Gareth, Llanelli, Wales, UK

sounds like you love Barack Hussein obama, please make sure your American friends go out to vote this coming Wednesday Nov the 5th!

steve white, brooklyn ny, usa!

So much of Obama's desire to spread the wealth ... but then, it's not HIS wealth he wants to spread.

Liam Dalriada, Baille nam muc-mhara, Alba

Those contributions did not come from the average American he says he will support. Those that gave the $ are the people who will control this political puppet. Hollywood praises him because he is the greatest actor of all time! What happens when the shows over & the real Obama is whats left?

diane, giddings, usa

"That makes Zeituni and Omar a half-sister and half-brother of Mr Obama’s father, or Mr Obama’s half-aunt and half-uncle."
What?! I can't even follow how they're related.
I've got some poor relations in Mississippi I met once when I was 10. Guess I'm a bad person for not paying their rent now.

Victoria, New York City, USA

I love it how most of you only read the headlines without reading the entire article. It clearly states in the story that it wasn't clear that Obama knew his relatives (whom he had met twice) were living in the US, and that he believed his uncle had "dissappeared" after emigrating.

Culls, Bar Harbor, US

This man has too many secrets. Hey Portland Oregon, would you be trying to expose this man if he was a different race? Seriously folks he denied his white mother. He is half white. What about the garbage with his pastor? Birth certificate, LA times is hiding something now. Vote honesty first.

Skyles, Portland, USA

Its amazing.

In the United States, the top ten states in charitable giving as a percentage of thier income are all Red states. the bottom are all blue states, including NY and California. Why is it that the states with the most income are willing to give the least to help out others.

Chris, Reno , USA

Americans have paid less taxes under Bush than Clinton - check it out!! And that means EVERY American. The economy mess we're in right now is due to banks being influenced (forced??) to give home loans to those who could not afford the homes they were buying....the Democrats instigated that one!

Martin, Ohio, USA

How come plumbers need to spread the wealth around but the multilillionare Obama see no need to help blood relatives in time of need.

He even used their story in his own book and profited greaty, yet did not see the need personally to spread the wealth around.

Seems wrong,

myze, raleigh, usa

sooooo, she won't talk until after 11/4? hmmm, seems she's being repressed?

mwag, Santa Barbara, United States

You guys are missing the point. In BO convension speech he said"I am my brothers keeper I am my sisters keeper" But for all DEMs,not on my money only the GOV'T money... Maybe she will answer questions only if he wins,if not back to the slums..

Todd McCann, murfreesboro, us

I do believe that it gives us another peek inside the narcissistic motivations of Obama's career. I don't mean to say that he is that different than most of the egomaniacs who get bit with the bug of Presidential fever.
This includes Senator McCain. Truman may be the last of ego-less Presidents.

victor Schiro, Camarillo, United States

Welcome to America !! . McCain ( McAmnesty) wants more immigrants who depend on PUBLIC TAX DOLLARS to populate our cities.
When the Bible was written the poor did not have Foodstamps, Free 2 Bedroom Apartments in expensive neighborhoods , cars and Big screen TVs.
Charity went for food not Drugs.

Bryan Trelegan, Cotuit, US

ashley. you cant exactly complain about mccain being rich, he has been massively overspent in this election by obama and anyway, i thought in america it was ok to be well off?

will, grimsby, uk

Obama's money helps only himself and his enablers, but he'll be sure to use your money to help those he won't help himself. Oscama's proximity to the White House and two compliant houses of Congress is scary.

Ashley, public housing is a handout. Are you from Obama's Annenberg-scam Chicago schools?

Roger Godby, Tokyo, Japan

The reason it is important to know about all his family and associates is simple. Ben Franklin put this proverb in his Poor Richard's Almanacs centuries ago "It is hard for an empty sack to stand upright."
People in the UK are "bought" by Marx's babies except for a precious few,,they don't get it.

Terri Dance, Missouri, USA

First there is Obama's poor half brother who lives in a hut on $1 per month and now these relaives. All those houses that John McCain owns - that's where his relatives live. They don't have to live in slums. Obama is waiting to be president so his family can share our pie (as he promised).

Patricia Daniels, Bellingham, USA

Obama doesn't have as many houses as McCain. McCain has so many that he couldn't even remember how many he had. Let McCain put her up.
Or maybe, she didn't want any handouts...now there is a noble thought!

Ashley, Turpin, USA

All this shows is that Obama did not come from money and priviledged class like him opponent. He is an example of the american success story we can all be proud of.

Frank , Lady Lake, USA

We will be lucky if anyone in the US has any money at all after Obama gets through destroying our democratic government. It is beyond me why any one would vote for this novice. Some are so easily bought! Get a brain! Vote McCain!

BethThornton, Canton, Texas, USA

Why is the Aunt not talking to the media until AFTER the election? What is it that she is hiding & who has asked her not to say anything?? I cannot believe that Obama does not know she is in the U.S. Someone, Obama or someone involved with him has spoke with her, why else is she not talking now?

Michelle, Missouri, USA

Obama, obviously is not spreading his wealth. What a hipocrite!!!!!!!

TLM, Charlotte, USA

Why don't they ask these relatives where he was born? Apparently his African Grandmother claims quite proudly she was in the room when he was born ... IN AFRICA ... disqualifying him from being a US President! Why cannot he produce a legitimate birth certificate to clarify?

Brian, Houston, US

why would Obama not spread his wealth to his own realitives? He has to take my money to do it? He lives in a million dollar mansion, not me.

patrick , mesa, USA

Obama does not have to give this woman anything. It is up to her to go get her own Vision Card. His money is busy helping acorn and more personally important things that benefit him. When He becomes the next president she will get an exstra $1000 when she files her tax return thanks to him.

Keith, Kansas,

I am concerned because he wants to take care of all US citizens. But has not taken care of his own family. He has a brother living in proverty in some county. If he loved his aunt so much, he did not try to find her and help her after he made it. He does not even care about his aunt and uncle.

John , Baltimoe, US

When I want to give my money away - that's charity. When someone else wants to give my money away - that's theft. I live in rural South Dakota and I can stack my charitable giving up against Obama's any day of the week and twice on Sunday according to his tax returns. He should be ashamed.

Tammy, Mitchell, SD, USA

So much for "spreading the wealth around..."

Robert, Memphis, TN, United States

You know what they say.

Charity stops at home.

It is one thing to spread everyone else's wealth.

It is quite another to spread one's own wealth.

Charity, that's the government's job.

kevin, bacon, USA

Very important to understand that Christianity is not socialism. Jesus did not tell the Roman soldiers to take from those who have and give it to the poor. The New Testament portrays christians taking care of each other by thier own volition not through a forced taxation system.

jacob, sacramento, USA

1.To the individual that stated christianity was founed on socialism. Read Mathew 25. There are two examples of why this is not true. 2.See with a mother that is on disablilty I find that her urge to work is only dependant on how much the goverment tells her she can. What happen to the Amer. Dream?

Jennifer, Omaha , US

I am sad as an American for the negative comments about this truly moving story. Obama=Hope. Period

Dr David MD, McLean, USA

Wonder who she's gunna vote for?

andrew, michigan city, laporte

You cannot point fingers at Mcain for not supporting his poor family, As listed in Dennis' comment He believes in the american dream work hard and you will receive. In Obama's political style he should be sharing with is Aunt. Like he is asking the american people to do with out choice.

Jennifer, Omaha , US

This is not only a human tragedy but an American tragedy with the resources available in the U.S. How can a president candidate can boast of his family, yet ignore and abandon them in reality and get away with it!

Carol Faulls, Philadelphia, UA

I guess Obama expects the taxpayers of Boston to take care of his beloved Aunt. HE IS SUCH AN EMPTY SUIT! He's made his money and now he can't be bothered with his poor family. Please note that in this capitalistic society he had the opportunity to go to the BEST schools and has been successful

Carol, Willow Springs, USA

I like how people equate that Christianity thought us to spread the wealth so we should give all our money to the government for redistribution. How about this... if I want to spread the wealth in the name of Christianity, I will do it myself. At that point, it is between me and god.

AlEx, New Jersey, USA

It really tells you something about someone who will not even take care of their own family. How do you expect him to take care of american people.
He could of taken care of his aunt and uncle or paid his rent why'll being down and out until he could get another job.

denise, yuma, united states

This is nonsense. This race has become a laughing and joking matter. Whites against Blacks, it very sad. This is a shame. Let's just pray that God puts the right candidate in office, because HE HAS THE LAST WORD ANYHOW. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

susan pearl, dallas texas,

If we are real with ourselves, we can dig into all our family trees and find someone who Jesus was sent to preach the gospel to. John McCain and Barack Obama are human. And instead of judging a living condition as "rundown" we need to praising the Lord we have a roof over our head.

katie, Chicago, USA

Aldy, Jakarta, Indonesia,

Where do you get that, certainly not the bible. Helping widows and orphans is not spreading the wealth around. I've never seen spread the wealth around in the bible. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ... "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

Ellen, Centreville, USA

he didnt know that his this lady was here come on people yall are just mad that a man of color is about to president of a country supposely built by white people go figure when this country was built on the back of slaves cheap free labor made alot of yall ancestors rich yall are the real hypocrites

al, birmingham, us

What happened to "I am my brothers/sisters keeper" speech? He wants us to give our hard earned money to him to spread the wealth while he lives in a 3 million dollar home and can't even provide for his own 1/2 brother living in a hut in Africa and his aunt living in a slum house. Open your eyes!

Kent, Pensacola, USA

In response to Aldy, Jakarta, Indonesi comment
---------------
Read the ENTIRE scripture, not just a book or so;
Jesus praised the lady who gave because she gave out of HER HEART
NOT because it was REQUIRED of her
-----God doesn't Require us to give to others he said it is a FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Kellie, Jacksonville, USA

Senator Obama's extended family is more complicated
than most - living on different continents & having no contact for most of his life.
Are you in touch with ALL of your family, half aunts, etc.?
Cindy McCain has 2 half sisters. Who knew?
She doesn't claim them. One lives in AZ. near her home.

Maggie, Chicago, USA

Why hasn't the American media covered this?

Dan Cody, Tampa, USA

"However, that Ms Onyango made a contribution to the Obama campaign would indicate that she is a US citizen. " You guys are so funny. Oh wait, you are joking, right?

Mary, Oklahoma, USA

i wouldn't beleive a story that is constructed 5 days before election

Lisa, Southampton,

I believe respect for the family is the core element in building a decent society.

lawrence, Durham, Durham

If you are a christian you have to know that "spreading the wealth around" is what christianity taught us, and "your neighbours are your closest relatives". So, it's nothing to do w/ socialism or christianity is socialism. I've been living more than two decades in foreign country and practicing it.

Aldy, Jakarta, Indonesia

YEP... Give away TAX Payers Money and let your relatives in Boston and your half-brother Africa live in abject poverty. Barack Obama; socialist eletiest hypocrite.. And here is PROOF.. Republicans and Democrats alike that I know, take care of family first and that is what we are meant to do.

Al Kelly, Edgewater,

"I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of twelve or thirteen when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites..."
Barack Hussein Obama
Dreams from my father.

lefkofris, Chicago, usa

The News Papers, Radio and Television in the United States have not mentioned a word about this story. I am not surprised in the least bit that they have not. It's a bias thing you know.

joe Huser, Cincinnati, Ohio , United States of America

It's so easy to for somet o throw stones at glass houses. We all have extended family, but we can't be responsible financially, for all of them. One of Cindy McCain's sisters has needed and asked for financial help. After all of these years, she's still waiting.

Denise, Atlanta, USA

As usual, foreign media digs up newsworthy information about Obama that the biased American newspapers refuse to touch. They're like mouthpieces for the State in the old Stalin era.

But don't worry, I'm sure Obama will happily use our money to make everything right.

Greg, Washington, D.C.

Obama seems to hide a lot.,.It scares me. I would like to read his Harvard thesis but somehow it's not available. Chances are they've shredded it . If he wins the highest postion in this land what else will not be available? Are we heading for marxism and will not be able to have an opinion.

SYLVIA LAWTON, Sun City, USA

Did the REPORTER think to ASK OBAMA's AUNT if indeed Barack Obama was born in Kenya or Hawaii? Duh! He could have put the question to rest OR NOT.

IS THAT WHY SHE CANNOT TALK UNTIL AFTER NOVEMBER 4?

Al Kelly, Edgewater, USA

Nicole, you don't get it. Obama wants our money to pay for his poor relatives while he lives in the lap of luxury and doesn't pay a dime to help his poor relatives. It is so typical of socialist, Marxist thinking. Remember how Stalin lived while the masses were waiting in long bread lines?

Naomi, Lodi, USA

It's amazing how some people, hear just one phrase,"spread the wealth" and dis-credit the rest of the conversation. Open your Eyes, four more years under the same system, and there won't be any wealth to spread! Also, let's not judge his family situation from one perfectly timed news article.

Michelle, Baltimore, USA

So much for spreading the wealth around!

John, Irvine, CA, USA

Should he open his wallet to her, it would be nice. But he should use his influence to get her a nice paying job (computer programmer) or the training so she could live the American dream. He talks about speading our wealth just not his. Obama congrads you are a true politician, good song and dance.

David, Reno, USA

Apparently, Obama is not interested in "spreading his wealth" to his family. Nice Guy!

Geof Crosslin, Paw Paw, MI, usa

Christianity taught us "to spread the wealth around", and "your neighbours are your closest relatives". So, it's right what Mr.Obama is doing. He has to take care of his fellow americans at first, not his 8000 miles away twice in whole life met relatives.

Aldy, Jakarta, Indonesia

In true socialist fashion, he will not dig very deep into his own pocket to help those in need. (He only gave about 5% of his $4.2 million 2007 income.) Especially troubling is that he exploited his extended family members in the very books that made him so wealthy. Charity is for others.

AAithal, NYC, USA

So he wants to 'Spread the wealth around, huh?" Why doesn't he start by spreading some of his own wealth around to his family members living in poverty??? What kind of man is this?

Bobby B, Boston, USA

Why has this story not found it's way to US newspapers? I think this is very revealing of Obama's character.

Diane Lanning, Pleasanton, USA

so he couldn't spread the wealth around in his own family? priceless.

brandon, grand rapids,

The writer says he does NOT know if Obama knew those (distant) relatives were in the U.S. Anyway, Obama didn't know his Kenyan relatives (and there are many of them) when growing up. As an adult, he sought them out. He owes them nothing. Many comments on this board are embarrassingly ignorant

Jennifer, Springfield, USA

I don't understand why people here are being so abusive. The article states that it is possible that Obama did not know where his relatives are. One emigrated more than thirty (forty?) years ago, and has been "lost" ever since. The other apparently has always been very independent.

Ankhorite, Chantilly, Virginia, USA

It is good and fulfilling to give back to our families. You will all agree with me that if you are to take care of all your relatives starting from great grand fathers to … , it will be a hard task. They all have expectations that you may not meet. There is a limitation. I do not blame Obama. This is just one of the Rep campaign gimmick to distract voters from the key issues like economy!!!!!

Kamau, Miami, US

Now I know why I normally never read these.... such a lack of insight from so many. So much hate. To be honest, I find admirable qualities in both of the candidates. I don't find pleasure in lambasting anyone, and if we expect our leaders to be perfect, we will always be disappointed.

carol , Providence, USA

Yes, is Ms. Onyango a hockey mom, someone we can all identify with?

Scott Benowitz, Rye, New York, U.S.A.

To Ginni,
I am helping my uncle who lost his house to foreclosure (NOT because of President Bush, but because like most people who lose their homes he was irresponsible.) But he is still a relative & he has been living with me rent free for the last 8 months. Can you say the same??????

Deb, Lehigh Valley, USA

what happened to spread the wealth? i guess that only applies to other people's wealth...

randy, miami,

I'm a college educated person and am 'successful'. I have many family members in West Virgina. Although I could tell a childhood story about them, I don't have contact with them now. No malice, we're not close. Also, I have brothers that are poor and wouldn't take a dime from me no matter what.

Belinda, Austin , USA

What I just don't understand is why ALL of his family and aquantances refuse to speak to the media before the election...will do so afterwards but not now. I've read it several times over that the campaign has stepped in and told them not to talk. Wonder why?

Julie, Orlando, USA

I do not expect my rich relatives to pick up the tab when things go wrong and I'm disabled with rich relatives. I have simply gone homeless over lack of ability to pay rent. It's my responsibility. My relatives expect that nebulous government programs have a safety net for us, but no. It's been cut

Kate B, Portland OR, USA

If you don't want to take care of your own family and assume that this is the job of the government. If you believe that there must be a glass ceiling to hard work. If you beleive that securing the Blessings of Liberty of the unborn is an option, then vote for Obama.

Pierre, Atlanta, USA

Yo BO how come everyone in your life seems to be a terrorist, a ranting anti-USA, anti-white minister or a destitute relative? And you've done such a good job bringing CHANGE to Chicago which is now the murder capital of the country.
Are you the Messiah of Misery?

Jon, San Francisco,

Thank the wisdom of our constitutional forefathers for not allowing the Brits a say in who is elected our president. If it were not so, we would be doomed to Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid for the next four years. As it is, we can still hope to avoid such a catastrophe.

Don Truitt, West Plains, Missouri, USA

Wow. Great story about a distant family member of Senator Obama. Exactly what you are trying to put across here is kind of vague. Are you responsible for every aspect of a distant relatives life?
If so, I am the reason that my cousin is a top notch lawyer, and also the reason an uncle is in jail.

Kevin, Portland, OR, USA

Does that make him an Apostate?

Christopher, Middletown, USA

Republicans will criticize Obama without understanding his complex family history. Additionally, they will criticize their personal responsibility mantra and their idea that people can easily succeed in America.

John Arnold, Jackson, TN, United States

Isn't that just like a socialist liberal? Obama's willing to give aid to everyone and anyone with MY MONEY, but not with his own $. Obama's and most Democrats charity towards others, according to tax returns, are disgustingly light in giving compared to their incomes. Obama -- phooey!

S M Robinson, Ftn. Hills, USA

I have seen succesful people make a life for themselves and never look back. Obama didn't grow up with these relatives, yet he sought them out. Being from Boston, she isn't in a "RUN DOWN" area. He shouldn't be expected to care for all of his family. Many others aren't expected to.

Nicole, Boston, MA, USA

Doesn't Obama ask himself why his African relatives prefer the "poverty" of America instead of the "wealth" of Africa?

Cristina, Tampa, USA

This is disgusting. How is Obama going to help millions of people he promised if he can't even help his own aunt? Thanks for the story. I am convinced I made the right choice by voting for McCain/Palin.

Chris, Fairfax,

I am amazed how quickly everyone believes everything they read in the papers on one story. No one knows the real dynamics here. This is really digging as deep as you can to find dirt.

How many of you in here are taking care of your relatives and you don't know whether or not he sends her money

maria, Los Angeles, USA

This man has so much baggage and all of it is bad. You would have to be a complete idiot to be fooled by his rhetoric.

Anna Bearss, Hayward, USA

If the aunt is so poor, I find it curious that she was able to make a campaign contribution of $260 from a 'work' address.

lori, portland,

This is the elitist sham that the ignorant left is going to vote for, and this fool can't take care of his own relatives, and he is going to take care of you, and the murder capital of the US is his home town. Where is the messiah to help curb this violence, instead he perpetuates it.

John, charlottsville, us

I’m reminded of the Obama’s proud claim that don’t by their children birthday gifts. They have a party instead - and the friends (invitees) provide the gifts. Rather sums up today’s liberal thinking - make others pay for the things you want. Help's on the way Dear Auntie!

Bjartur , Death Valley, CA, USA

What's the problem? It looks like Aunt Zeituni and Uncle Omar are living the perfect Amercian Middle Class lifestyle Barrack Obama and Joe Biden wants the rest of us to have and live under the oBUMa plan.

Chrich, Limerick, PA, USA

Michael Graham on 96.9WTKK in Boston brought this up today on his show. His first question was very simple. 'Why did it take a newspaper in G.B. to dig this info up?' Of course the answer is the media here aren't lazy, they have a rooting interest in seeing Obama win the presidency.

nilesmc, Boston, MA, USA

Spread your wealth not mine.

Dennis, Edgewater, US

Sen. Obama should practice what he preaches--"spread HIS wealth around" and help his family in Boston and also his brother in Kenya who lives in a hut and survives on a dollar a month.

Eun, Sterling Hgts., USA

All of you haters are AMUSING! Get over it. It is PATHETIC. Why don't all of the Obama haters look into your own family tree and support the ones who NEEDS YOU. My gosh you guys are SOOO DESPARATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ginni, Memphis, USA

Wow!!! You all have quite a bit to say about Obama's family from just reading this one article......now you all know it all, so much so that you can past judgements on how Obama interact with his extended family....interesting inferences!!! How do you all know how he has helped them??

Karen, West Hartford, USA

So, is this what Obama means when he says to spread the wealth, don't think I wan't thist kind of help, charity begins at home. Obama is just a lot of lies, lord help us if he wins we will need it.

Barbara, Elon, United States

He could be waiting to be elected so he can use our money to spread the wealth to them so he dont have to use his own money

mark, St. Louis, usa

Forget about directly giving money to his family , but he could have used his "connections" to help get them jobs. Obama himself used Frank Marshall Davis' name to become a "made man" in Chicago politics. Why else would he have gone to Chicago, not having any history there.

Carlos, Dallas, USA

If Obama is a marxist as he seem to think he is, why hasn't he distributed his owm wealth among his family? If he can't help his own family, or doesn't take the time to... how can he help a country full of people? So sad...

Dee, USA, USA

Obama is part of the political class that seldom if ever contributes personally to help others. Joe Biden is like that also, making $2,500,000.00 while only contributing only $3500 to charity. Obama's allowing a relative to live in squalor does not surprise me.

Bill, newcastle de, USA

seriously. who cares.

gazillions of immigrants come to america. some make it and some don't.

if there is one reason that obama made it and his african relatives didn't is because obama was connected to white people.

white privilege baby.

ahmed, philadelphia, usa

Amazing how Obama wants the "wealthy" of America to be more charitable with their hard earned money with higher taxes, yet he isn't even charitable with his own family. It says a lot about the guy. I, like many Americans, are in shock that this guy is so close to being the next President of the US

John P., Baltimore, USA

I HAVE HELPED FAMILY MEMBERS-----I CARE AND WALK THE WALK, UNLIKE obama, who talks the talk and that's it. All talk, all the time. Spread the wealth is his way of saying lets be socialists. Lets take away from one group and give to another. LETS TAKE AWAY THE DIGNITY OF WORKING FOR A LIVING.

julie, Herndon, USA

I'm sure they will be looking forward to a invitation to the victory celebration, a night in the White House and a check in the mail.

Paulrevere, Illinois,

Patricia Jackson,

You make no sense. You are saying we cannot live our life for someone else, yet Obama wants to take more, more, more, more of our money and give it to people he deems to need it. Isn't that living for others?

Take care of your own family so the rest of us don't have to.

John P., Baltimore, USA

"Charity (should)begin at home', google Obama- Biden's tax returns, they are very, very stingy in sharing their own wealth. NO giving to Katrina or Tsunami victims much less his own improverished relatives! BUT everyone else needs to 'be patriotic' with tax increases because of big hearts. HYPOCRITE

Caron C. McCracken, Lexington, KY, USA

I gather there are many of us, with relatives we have no connection with. Even those close as a brother or sister. None of us know what the Sen. or other family members have done in efforts to assist the people mentioned. I pray the Sen. allows Christ to lead his heart & he follows God's path.

Blade, Arlington, USA

When Mr. Obama can tell us he is going to spread the wealth and then doesn't do it in his own family why should we believe him on anything. If he would let us keep our own money we can help our own families. Americans are known for their charity why should a president mandate it.

Janet, Tajique, United States

Come on "O" - "spread your wealth"!

Or, is it only my wealth you're concerned with spreading?

Stacy, Lansing, USA

I wish I could be amused by the fact that Sen. Obama wants to spread the wealth, yet does not practice what he preaches within his own family. Very interesting that Auntie is not allowed to speak until after the election. Hmmm

Carol, New York, USA

I disagree with Jon Rose. It is about your relatives when you make statements in you campain speeches like Obama has. He said, "I am my brother's keeper" and " I think it is better for everyone when we spread the wealth around" (obviously not his wealth)

Paul, knoxville, usa

obama is about spreading the wealth...just not his...but everyone elses'...and don't buy into the notion that it is just the rich and corporations that will pay...we all will...businesses will have to charge more, layoff people, etc. to offset new taxes...you think we have problems know???just wait!

randy, Lake in the Hills, usa

Is this the home that Obama promised in his infomercial? Enough said!

Kathy, Houston, USA

bill, Jacksonville, USA: "The middle class needs jobs"? Surely Bill, by definition, the working class are the ones that need jobs - to work! Or are you one of the working class who enjoys the middle class title - and probably have a long job title, 'Public Sanitary Engineer Consultant', ha ha.

Nelg, Boxwood,

It'll be interesting if Obama is President and invites these people to the White House overnight; like a scene from the movie DAVE.

Ian, Calgary, Canada

"Thanks for everything. I've got mine. The government can take care of you." This is certainly not the kind of compassion we need in the White House.
People who say Obama should not help out his poor kin are scary. When your own mother is dying in a slum somewhere I am sure you'll sleep well too.

Mike, Maine,

How come all you UK folks want Obama to win and all the folks in the US (with a brain in their head) are terrified? Wait, I know, you are already socialists and don't remember what it was like to make real money. Don't worry, the folks in the US that never bothered to save now outnumber the rest.

Mikey, Raleigh, USA

First his druggie brother that lives in a shack and now this.

Is this where his hopeandchange are headed?

Keep the change, Barry.

Ned Schnittt, Greenville, USA

Obama's net worth rose to $4.7 million this year from royalties from his two books.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/54838.html

This guy will raise taxes on "the rich" to redistribute, but won't take a small piece of his vast fortune to help his aunt living in a slum? What a hypocrite.

Brad, Cripple Creek, CO, USA

I'm so happy Obama is spreading his wealth. NOT!

Bubba Johnson, Stanford, KY, US of A

Appears Barry hasn't spread any of his wealth but he wants to spread the rest of ours!

Karen, Tallahassee, USA

The Bible says that a man who does not provide for his relatives, especially his immediate family, has "denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever." Look it up yourself... 1 Timothy 5:8. Obama is not alone in this. Many "Christians" stop caring for their families when it's not convenient.

Ben, SC, USA

He won't take care of his own family, but he's quick to forcibly take your money with the power of taxation to take care of his special interest buddies.

Don, Tampa,

If Obama wants to spread the wealth why in the world would he, himself not be taking care of his own family. He's successful but offers no help to his own flesh and blood. Oh I get it... he wants us to help them but not out of his pocket. You are a joke Obama.

Tracie, Austin, USA

Whatever their intention, the writers of this article simply give further proof that Barack Obama is an honest politician - and those are quite rare - who dug up his roots and truthfully wrote his account in his book.
Why don't the writers investigate McCain's poor relatives for balanced reporting?

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

Sue, you've got your facts wrong. Palin never abused her power. She fired a seditious gov't appointee who would not deal with her ex-brother-in-law. The ex-bro-in-law is a cop who not only tazered his 10 year old son for fun, he also made threats against the Governor's parents.

Rob, Dallas, TX, USA

I guess his spread the wealth idea, doesn't apply to him personally.......

pam, lompoc, usa

What sticks with me is how the aunt won't answer questions until after 11/4? Does that mean something is being covered up that BO doesn't want us to know pre-election? Do you think she's been made some promises to keep her mouth should until 11/4?

Russ, Washington,

"My Bible tells me there is nothing wrong with helping other people, that we want to treat others like we want to be treated. That I am my brother's keeper, and I am my sister's keeper. I believe that."

- Barak Obama, Oct 2008

Dr Mikey, Atlantic City, NJ,

I have to have respect for Mr. Barack Obama that he still looked for his relatives in Kenya if I think that his father, Obama Sr, met him one time only in his whole life.

Aldy, Jakarta, Indonesia

If Obama is about sharing the wealth, then why isn't he helping his poor aunt and the rest of his family back in Kenya? The answer: He isn't worried about minorities sharing the wealth, only the minorites getting their "retribution" money for what was done to them hundreds of years ago.

D Mike, HBG, USA

Its good to see that obamas relatives are similiar to a lot of people the world over. What isn't good is american politics that try to denigrate, and trap each other in senseless productions. Its about one person running for president not his relatives!
AS an impartial observer Obama brings hope!

jon rose, Gt Torrington, uk

Why should he care.? Barack Obama, Sr isn't his biological Father. His real Father is Frank Marshal Davis. Barack Obama, Sr knew it all along. That's why he ditched Ann Dunham after two years.

George, Tarytown,

Patricia,
I agree a successful person should not be responsible for you or anyone else!! Lets elect someone to office who believes in that principle, at least a little more than Mr. Obama. The problem is many Americans seem set on electing someone looking to punish success.

Chuck Runyon, Rochester Hills, USA

"A successful relative should not be expected to take care of their relatives." This is true, if the sucessful relative doesn't mind being thought of as self serving. A wealthy person who desires to be respected will see to it that those nearest and dearest are benefiting from his good fortune.

J. Massie, Granby, Quebec

To: Daniel , Cali, San Jose, USA

If there is a chance at "Life" all over again after death. I pray that yours is in Kenya under the same conditions that Ms. Zeituni had to endure. Especially since you speak as if you could have done better.

Kathryn, Atlanta, USA

I love it, one guy who dislikes Obama writes his name as B. Hussein Obama... focussing on the issues and policies then... or just his middle name?

Sarah Cathryn, Wigan, UK

Everyone complains about abuse of power when Sarah Palin got an ex-family member fired..and now everyone complains when Obama doesnt abuse his power. What do people want?

Sue, London,

"A successful relative should not be expected to take care of their relatives" As a general rule, no. But he preaches to all of us of responsibility to be our brother's keeper, made millions telling of his life coming from that family & who wants to use the force of govt to take care of his fam???

Michael B, New Orleans, USA

The Republicans leak this days before the election. Who cares? Does it affect his policies, his ideas for the future??

jvs, London,

Maybe the McCains can give Obama's family one of their many homes, and maybe a car or two?

To paraphrase Phillip H. Lubbock: who ditches his wife cares only for himself.

JC, Clifden, Ireland

Patricia you are 110% correct. It's more of a reason why the poors should drag their butt out of bed and do something for themself rather then waiting for government to cut them a welfare check. Does that make Obama a hypocrite???

Daniel , Cali, San Jose, USA

Since when does one have to be a US citizen to contribute to a political campaign?

George Haig Brewster, New York City, USA

Completely irrelevant argument . . . if he has nothing to do with this family day-to-day, then he shouldn't HAVE to help them. I wouldn't help a distant auntie if I never ever spoke to her or saw her. Would you? Easy to say yes but in practise no. Besides if he does it now it looks a cheap gesture.

Jonathan, Lincoln, UK

What compassion Obama has! Brother in Kenya living on a dollar a month and an Aunt living in slums. It give me such a warm and fuzzy feeling! I CAN'T WAIT to see what he has in store for us.

David, Memphis, United States

I'd sure hate to be an Obama relative what with all of the love. It almost seems as if they are part of a fantasy about who he is and how he perceives himself more than an actual relationship.

Ben, Cochabamba,

He's going to RESCUE the middle class. THAT'S RICH!!!! The middle class needs jobs, so Mr. Genius is going to punish the people with enough money too create jobs. Brilliant strategy! Community organizer, YEAH, they know how to create JOBS. Welfare signups are in DEMAND this year!!!!

bill, Jacksonville, USA

So much for Obama sharing HIS wealth!

Darlee, Hillsdale, USA

So rather than cut Aunty Z a check here and there to help her out - applying his own dollars directly to a fixable problem - Obama and the Democrats prefer to hammer us all with more taxes so that a couple dollars might make it to her, while millions more trickle to other senseless programs. Yea!

Todd, Golden, CO,

Hey, I lived in Dorchestor, it's not a slum, and neither is Southie. Um, not really a place you would want your auntie to live though. Whether he becomes president or not he should help her out.

Jim, Somersworth, U.S.A.

B. Hussain Obama has always described himself a caring and compassionate man. But this man can talk the talk but never walk the walk. Why doesn't he spread his wealth around at least to help his aunt and uncle a little bit, not mentioning other millions of poor African Americans?

Joseph, Victoria, Australia

Sort of reminds of the the Eddie Murphy Film " Coming to America". When does Arsenio Hall arrive?

Dennis D, New Jersey , USA

Obama really takes care of his family [Sarcasm Intended]
To paraphrase Obama: One who doesn't care for his family, won't care for anyone

Philip H, Lubbock, United States

check out obamas uncle too

aran, roseburg, usa

Interesting. Obama wants Americans to hand over their wealth to whomever HE chooses to give it to - and neglects his Kenyan brother ($1 a month income) his aunt, his uncle... why won't he share HIS wealth - not to help strangers - but FAMILY! "Do as I say, not do as I do."

E J Finn, Toronto, Canada

Once the chosen one is annointed and redistributes the wealth of the hard working people of America his aunt will be well taken care of.

Robert, warner rrobins, usa

Let this article be the response to those crazy right wing who accuse Obama of being an elitist. Simply put, one has to work hard to overcome the challenges his family has faced.

Dennis, Omaha, NE, 68134

I hope Obama wins. He deserves to. The papers have tried their best to discredit him but he has shown his resiliance. He may be young and some say inexperienced but that could have been said for a lot of leaders. Age alone does not dictate experience. Without a vision the people perish.

Gareth, Llanelli, Wales, UK

We only have one life to live and you cannot live your life for someone else, if you do, one day you'll look up and it will be over, and you will have just let life slip away . You are responsible for YOU. A successful relative should not be expected to take care of their relatives.

Patricia Jackson, Chicago, usa