As I watched President Barack Obama address the years-long hoopla surrounding the place of his birth, I couldn’t help but think, “What will the ‘after-birthers’ do now?”

On Wednesday, the President held a press conference to set the record straight about the seemingly never-ending rumors that he was not born in the United States.

The White House also released Obama’s “long-form” birth certificate, which legal counsel had to request from the state of Hawaii. The state typically only releases a “short-form” live birth certificate when such requests are made.

In 2008, Obama released this “short-form” certificate; however, this did not suffice those involved with the so-called “birther movement.”

The “birthers” base their arguments on Article Two of the U.S. Constitution, which states in order to be President you must be “a natural born citizen.”

Of the many things the “birthers” allege, they believe Obama was either born in Kenya (his father’s home country) or “gave up” his citizenship when he lived in Indonesia or had “dual citizenship” at birth (British and American), and, therefore, cannot be a natural born citizen of the U.S. Apparently, if you’re a “birther” you get to take your pick as to which conspiracy you want to go with.

Some “birthers” would even like to see the term “natural born citizen” scrutinized and debate the “true meaning.” Obviously, they’re oblivious to the slippery slope that could materialize into. I’m sure their ancestors just sprang from American soil and didn’t take a boat to get here.

As of late, the “birther movement” received a little steam behind it when multi-millionaire businessman (who supposedly wants to throw his hat in the ring for President in 2012) Donald Trump started touting the cause.

Now with Obama’s birth certificate released, I’m sure it’s open mouth and insert foot for The Donald.

In fact, now that Obama has done his part, perhaps Donald should do the same. I’d love to see those grades from elementary or even your checking account statements. Something tells me Trump would not be as comfortable with the scrutiny.

During his press conference Wednesday morning, Obama said what this American has felt all along: there are much more pressing matters at hand than his birth certificate.     

“We’re not going to be able to (meet those challenges) if we spend time vilifying each other,” he said. “We’re not going to be able to do it if we just make stuff up and pretend that facts are not facts. We’re not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers.”

Bravo, and especially ones with bad toupees.

Amanda VanDerBroek is a Staff Writer for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. For comments and column suggestions email: amanda.vanderbroek@r-cnews.com or call (252) 332-7209.