BO Had TV Nanny

[Martin Eisenstadt]

True Story: Barack Obama Had a Transvestite Indonesian Nanny

A New York Times report on President Obama's return to a "nation that knew him as Barry" includes this...interesting tidbit:

[Obama's] nanny was an openly gay man who, in keeping with Indonesia’s relaxed attitudes toward homosexuality, carried on an affair with a local butcher, longtime residents said. The nanny later joined a group of transvestites called Fantastic Dolls, who, like the many transvestites who remain fixtures of Jakarta’s streetscape, entertained people by dancing and playing volleyball.

Frankly, I'm stunned we didn't hear anything about the "Fantastic Dolls" during the 2008 election cycle.  Whatever one's thoughts may be about President Obama's job performance, he has certainly lived an extraordinarily unusual and exotic life.  The entire piece is a fun read.  A few more entertaining nuggets:

Though he lived in that neighborhood for only two years, Mr. Obama left a lasting impression because of his outgoing and sometimes rowdy personality.  “Barry was so naughty that my father even scolded him one time,” said Sonni Gondokusumo, 49, a former neighbor and classmate.

...

Mr. Obama’s mother taught English to the neighborhood women, including his wife, Djumiati. While the residents regarded Mr. Obama’s mother as a “free spirit,” Barry, who was chubby, was referred to as the “boy who runs like a duck,” said Mrs. Satjakoesoemah, 69.

The Times also reveals that Obama's childhood school in Indonesia was a Catholic school at the time, complete with church services.  Although most of Obama's classmates were Muslim, the school did not include an Islamic prayer room.  A Mosque was built on the site of the school in 2002, according to the report.

Also this revealing passage from the NY Times story:

One time, recalled the elder son, Slamet Januadi, now 52, Mr. Obama asked a group of boys whether they wanted to grow up to be president, a soldier or a businessman. A president would own nothing while a soldier would possess weapons and a businessmen would have money, the young Obama explained.

Mr. Januadi and his younger brother, both of whom later joined the Indonesian military, said they wanted to become soldiers. Another boy, a future banker, said he would become a businessman.

“Then Barry said he would become president and order the soldier to guard him and the businessman to use his money to build him something,” Mr. Januadi said. “We told him, ‘You cheated. You didn’t give us those details.’ ”