National Board Teacher Certification has as many problems as No Child Left Behind.
Jasmine Cope.
April 28, 2008
Honorable Representative:
Last night I had the most disturbing political survey call. I shared this call experience with others due to its scandalous, dishonest and slanderous content and have been told that what I experienced was called Push Polling. I live in Apex, NC I was called on April 27 th , just after 9 pm. The call started off asking me if I would take the time to participate in a political survey. Even though I had just got my son to bed and had an early morning at work the next day, I work for the school system, I felt that I should take the time to help out with the survey, after all data collection is important and the folks making the calls have hard jobs. The questions began as any legitimate political survey would, i.e. demographics, voter information, general issues. After a rapport had been established, I was given several very negative statements about Senator Barack Obama that were phrased as indisputable facts, and I was asked if those statement made me more or less likely to vote for him. Several of these statement I KNEW to be untrue because I had actually researched the topics. As this continued, I began to doubt that this was a legitimate political survey because it was like no other survey that I had ever experienced; the bias and tone did more to try to influence than to obtain a true opinion. I told the caller that I felt this was being extremely one-sided, inaccurate and that I was about to hang up and say good night….he then said that they were getting to the Senator Hillary Clinton questions as well. Trying to be patient with this man who was just doing his job, I continued to answer his questions. Once he asked the Clinton questions, they weren't questions at all; instead, they were more like political advertisements followed by would you be more or less likely to vote for her. The "questions" about Clinton continued to be positive in nature noting what she would do for North Carolina, healthcare and education as well as noting what Obama would not. Finally, the questioning reverted back to the standard type requesting more demographics details. As the call ended, I can only assume that he moved on to call the next person on the list, but I was left feeling shocked, angry, cheated, manipulated….so many horrible feelings. I could not believe that this was my country, that this kind of manipulation was legal. I would not have cared if the caller had stated that they were calling in support of Clinton and then they stated their opinions on Obama and advertised for Clinton. Even though I feel that each candidate should have enough positive to run on their strengths rather then breaking down their opponent, I can actually live with the mud slinging that goes on in politics. However, this type of tactic was deceptive and disturbing. If you've ever been cheated, or had you house broken into, violated in some form….that's what it felt like. I am contacting you with the great hope that you will address this issue. It is bad enough for me as an informed voter to feel cheated, but what of the people who are unaware of the bias? It's like those con artist that target the elderly and the unsuspectingly vulnerable. Please please make my story public to help put a stop to it as the results that are reaped through this low level practice that can only encourage more underhanded tactics. It is my understanding that this is such a despicable method of voter manipulation that it is actually outlawed in several states and, after experiencing it for myself, I can see why. I thank you in advance for doing whatever you can to bring this despicable practice to light and to maybe spare others this horrible experience masked under the guise of civic duty. Sincerely, Jasmine Cope Apex, NC 919 367 2535
PS:
So it starts off like any legitimate political survey would. Some of the questions that I remember are:
The gentleman, foreign accent by the way, asked about my party affiliation
Have I voted yet, would I use absentee or early voting...
how favorable I felt to each Clinton Barack and Edwards, and Elizabeth Edwards
did I feel that Bill Clintons behavior on the campaign influence me
did I vote in the 2004 democratic primary
what issue was most important to me
he asked if I followed the PA primary closely
he asked what my race was
did I think that lower gas prices or lower taxes was more important
my position on abortion: pro abortion, partial abortions, against abortion
who I was going to vote for...
Did you know that Obama only passed two laws while in the senate and then the questioner went on to state two insignificant laws, and then asked would you be more or less likely to vote for him. I tried to clarify that he in fact was involved in a bill that was very important to me and that focused on government transparency allowing voters to see where the budget was being spent online….but the caller just laughed and said that he just read the questions.
He also asked if I know that Senator Obama had only had, I think that he said 18 months, experience in the senate before running for president. Again I stated that in fact I felt like his state senate experience would also be valuable in counting public office time….but again he just wanted an answer.
He said something to the effect of did I know that he chaired the committee on Afghanistan and that he says that he wants to help….but that he has done nothing about it….sorry can’t remember the exact words, but you get the picture
As this is going on I’m starting to doubt that this is a legitimate political survey because it was like no other survey that I had ever experienced, the bias and the tone that did more to try to influence then to read a true opinion. I told the caller that I felt this was being extremely one sided, inaccurate and that I was about to hang up and say good night….he said that they were getting to the Hillary questions as well. Trying to be patient with this man who is just doing his job, I continue to answer his questions.
Once he gets into the Clinton questions, well they weren’t like questions at all they were more like political advertisements followed by would you be more or less likely to vote for her. They went something like this:
Did know that Hillary traveled to over 80 countries…..something about foreign policy, sorry he was loosing my concentration by this time since I didn’t feel that this was legitimate. I kept my humor and politeness with him realizing that he was just doing his job, a very dirty one I might add, and asked if he was referring to her visits while under sniper fire…he laughed and continued to ask if I would be more likely to vote for her.
The “questions” about Clinton continued to be advertisement one said something about what she would do for North Carolina, the others were about healthcare and education and what she would do and Obama would not…
Then the question reverted back to the standard type of non bias surveys like:
then the questions that I stated above about Barack and then Clinton
then asked about my education level, and those in the household
if I had kids at home
if anyone was a police officer
my religion and how often I attended services
if there was current military
veterans in house
family income within a range
I would like to take a moment of your time to express to you why I as a veteran support Senator Obama for President.
I’m a life long republican, between my husband and I under Obama’s plan our taxes WILL go up. Now we just hit over 150 as married filling jointly (talk about airing private info, but this election is important) anyhow, I appreciate how senator Obama has told us upfront that our taxes will go up. With a daughter in college who doesn’t qualify for any aid, and a son at home….we really don’t actually have a lot of “play” money. We both have stable jobs and great health care, so no benefit there in voting for Obama.
This campaign is not like the rest, it’s not about me and how I would benefit, because I won’t directly. That’s the beauty of it; it’s for the greater good. It’s because it’s the right thing to do and we know it in our deepest sole.
Just a little background on why I think that my personal financial sacrifices are so important at this time. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 15 years; I also served for a short while in the Army Reserves and National Guard in the Intelligence Unit. I believe that our international relations and national security are at a critical point of make or break. We need a leader like Senator Obama who can bring nations together to work for one goal as he has brought people from different parties together to support one candidate.
Let me say that I respect senator McCains service to this country, but this is a different time and a different threat. We are not going to win this war, or to gain security for our country through force. This even goes beyond the gorilla warfare factor that McCain understand all too well from Vietnam, this is a war that is waged on many fronts through cells in dozens of countries. The only way to win this war is to fight it on a cognitive level of finding common grounds of value and ethics that we can agree upon and then agree to disagree on the rest. Senator Obama in my view is the only candidate who can do that. Senator Clinton is abrasive and will not negotiate, showing a lack of understanding and respect....with that she has lost the argument and thus the fight against radical Islam before the virtual war even begins. Senator McCain thinks that you can fight it with weapons and military presence in an unstable society, well let me tell you first, the American presence in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia was the first justification that bin laden stated as his validation for 9/11 (infidel presence in the Holly Land), and the continued war in Iraq is just fuel to the fire. A 100 years will bring nothing but a 100 years of terror and new generations of American haters, not to mention the economic and personal loss to the united states.
The Islamic radical ideals are hard to get ones mind around, and let me point out that most Muslims are not radicals at all, but for those who truly comprehend radical Islam, there is no stronger commander and chief then Barack Obama.
Islamist extremists are not centrally based in one or two countries like Iraq or Iran, they are a culmination of cells around the world. Some independent and some connected to larger organizations. These cells are fueled by our actions in Iraq and our general attitude of superiority around the world. When we hit other countries with missiles, smart as they may be, we are in fact helping their cause and increasing our own risk, it’s like trying to swat flies with a mallet.
The real way to fight this enemy is three-fold.
First, through international cooperation and intelligence, we need other countries on our side keeping their eyes and ears open and deterring terrorist acts before they are implemented. Only through a true international understanding and cooperation can this be achieved. I believe that due to senator Obamas unique ability to view the world through many cultures, that he is in fact our best hope, if not our only hope, for bringing other nations to our side. Not only do we need to re unite many of our allies who we insulted when we bulldozed our way through throw the Nato security counsel to forge war against Iraq, but we also need to reach out to countries that we have traditionally not understood as well, countries that are ripe for the formation of terrorist cell. Again, senator Obama is the only candidate who has a chance to bring security through common intelligence goals with these countries, as he is the only candidate even willing to begin a dialog with these countries. He is the candidate who began the dialog in the General Petraeus testimony about a political surge. That is the foresight and leadership that I am looking for, thinking out of the box, not being bogged down by the status quo and shifting the policy to a new way of thinking. After senator Obama’s comments we heard other leaders eco his sentiments about a political surge. That is the though process of a man who understands the enemy and the times that we are in now.
The second method is to increased diligence in internal security checks in places, like our ports, I know that funding is always an issue, but a tenth of what we’ve spent on the war in Iraq would go a long way to ‘boots on the ground’ here in the states, as well as a slew of other social issues like education, alternative energy research ….etc. but that’s another debate.
The third and most important part of fighting a terrorist enemy is through a war to change the hearts and minds of the terrorist, and this is where the real healing begins, as opposed to the band-aids.
Senator Obama has spoken a little about the need to be a super-power that sets the example for human rights and basic needs in palaces like Darfur, Somalia and Tibet. This alone will change the world view of America and shift the view that many have of us as “self centered heathens that care only for capital gain and the follies of this life”. That is the enemy that the radicals are fighting; the Jihad against the infidel if you will. However, a country that values human life and the greater-good, irrespective of nationality, color or religious affiliation, can’t be all bad even in the eyes of our “enemy”. The other very important aspect to winning the war of the hearts and minds is the diplomacy needed to win over the moderates in countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Here again I believe that Senator Obama is the only one who can do this. We must speak with, not at, the leaders of the Islamic world, and not just our friends. We must form international committees in these countries. important allies who would include the Imams of the mosques, the departments of education who set the tone of the curriculum taught in their schools, the youth leaders, and economic advisors. Together we must have a unified vision of CHANGE. Change that will discuss the very real issues of many of these countries like Egypt who find themselves burdened with a huge number of unemployed youth. Youth, young men, who have time to sit around the local coffee shop and talk about their hate for the great super-power who has every luxury in the world and cares for none but itself. The same youth go to their mosque and hear the promises of the after-life and nobility of self sacrifice, perhaps even of martyrdom. Now take a moment to shift this view-point and to imagine another very realistic possibility. Imagine a youth who speaks of being disenfranchised and then goes to his local mosque and hears the Imam saying that the true meaning of Islam is measured not by the killing of innocent civilians, but by the good that we do here on earth with the time that we have. Examples of the Prophet Mohammed are given to illustrate his charitable work and his distaste for violence that must only be used at as a last resort (regardless of ones own beliefs one must understand the motivations of others). These youth are then encouraged to go down to the local youth group, in a partnership with the Americans that encourage global humanitarian efforts, such as the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is an organization with a long history, but recently under-valued and under-utilized, as a means of political gain. Senator Obama’s has revived the discussion about the Peace Corps with his promise to American college students of a yearly $4000.00 scholarship in return for community service. This could be expanded to an international effort, supported by the leaders of other countries in which they too offer stipends for their youth to gain education and skills through service. Efforts like this will bring our youth face to face with youth of other countries and will help change the views of young generations. The same generation that is recruited by Islamic extremists. Perhaps an effort could even be made to have Israel and Palestinian youth serve together in peace. By focusing on and putting our time and money into the war of the hearts and minds, we will be a safer nation not just for us, but for our children and our children’s children. The icing on the cake is a better, more companionable, less divided world for all of us.
Senator Obama has brought hope back to millions, action begins with hope. We need you to believe with us, and to take action now.
Regarding senator obamas’ other policies if you will read his view points on religion, health care…..etc. You will find that he is not the “liberal” that the republicans are trying to paint him. He is actually a very logical and fair minded person whose policies reflect a balance such as giving to college students and expecting service, of making healthcare universally available but not requiring it, of talking with our enemies but being tough on terrorism and national security. Fair and balanced. I can live with that. I personally can give a little and I can also expect to live in a county lead by an honest president who believes in and honors the constitution.
That is why my fundamental republican beliefs like many others mesh so well with this candidate and what he stands for.
Sincerely and with hope,
Jasmine Cope
March 27, 2008
Madam Pelosi
I just want to drop a quick note to thank you for your steadfast position in affirming the pledged delegate count and supporting the will of the voters of this great country.
It is making the tough calls while staying honorable and true that make a great leader. I know that your stand must be hard for some to hear, but I can only imagine that super delegates, like the rest of us, would rather be told the truth than what others may think we want to hear. As a voter I appreciate being talked to like an intelligent adult who can weigh pros and cons.
Case in point, in all likelihood if Senator Obama is elected, my taxes will go up. I just fall in that range of $75,000.00 incomes and with a daughter in college and a son at home; I don’t really have a lot of disposable income to give in extra taxes. That being said, I am a mature adult who can also see the country’s great need to change, and I am willing to make the financial sacrifice to achieve the greater good. I just like knowing the truth.
Just a little background on why I think that my personal financial sacrifices are so important at this time. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 15 years; I also served for a short while in the Army Reserves and National Guard in the Intelligence Unit. I believe that our international relations and national security are at a critical point of make or break. We need a leader like Senator Obama who can bring nations together to work for one goal as he has brought people from different parties together to support one candidate. I’m actually one of those life long Republicans converted to Independent and have been working for and supporting Senator Obama. Anyhow, back to the national security, Islamist extremists are not centrally based in one or two countries like Iraq or Iran, they are a culmination of cells around the world. Some independent and some connected to larger organizations. These cells are fueled by our actions in Iraq and our general attitude of superiority around the world. When we hit other countries with missiles, smart as they may be, we are in fact helping their cause and increasing our own risk, it’s like trying to swat flies with a mallet.
The real way to fight this enemy is three-fold. First, through international cooperation and intelligence, we need other countries on our side keeping their eyes and ears open and deterring terrorist acts before they are implemented. Second, increased diligence in internal security checks in places, like our ports, I know that funding is always an issue, but a tenth of what we’ve spent on the war in Iraq would go a long way to ‘boots on the ground’ here in the states, as well as a slew of other social issues, but that’s another debate. The third and most important part of fighting a terrorist enemy is through a war to change the hearts and minds of the terrorist, and this is where the real healing begins, as opposed to the band-aids.
Senator Obama has spoken a little about the need to be a super-power that sets the example for human rights and basic needs in palaces like Darfur, Somalia and Tibet. This alone will change the world view of America and shift the view that many have of us as “self centered heathens that care only for capital gain and the follies of this life”. That is the enemy that the radicals are fighting; the Jihad against the infidel if you will. However, a country that values human life and the greater-good, irrespective of nationality, color or religious affiliation, can’t be all bad even in the eyes of our “enemy”. The other very important aspect to winning the war of the hearts and minds is the diplomacy needed to win over the moderates in countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This is where I believe that Senator Obama is the only one who can do this. We must speak with, not at, the leaders of the Islamic world, and not just our friends. We must form international committees in these countries. Important allies in each of these countries would include the Imams of the mosques, the departments of education who set the tone of the curriculum taught in their schools, the youth leaders, and economic advisors. Together we must have a unified vision of CHANGE. Change that will discuss the very real issues of many of these countries like Egypt who find themselves burdened with a huge number of unemployed youth. Youth, young men, who have time to sit around the local coffee shop and talk about their hate for the great super-power who has every luxury in the world and cares for none but itself. The same youth go to their mosque and hear the promises of the after-life and nobility of self sacrifice, perhaps even of martyrdom. Now take a moment to shift this view-point and to imagine another very realistic possibility. Imagine a youth who speaks of being disenfranchised and then goes to his local mosque and hears the Imam saying that the true meaning of Islam is measured not by the killing of innocent civilians, but by the good that we do here on earth with the time that we have. Examples of the Prophet Mohammed are given to illustrate his charitable work and his distaste for violence that must only be used at as a last resort. These youth are then encouraged to go down to the local youth group, in a partnership with the Americans that encourage global humanitarian efforts, such as the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is an organization with a long history, but recently under-valued and under-utilized, as a means of political gain. Senator Obama’s promise to American college students of a yearly $4000.00 scholarship in return for community service could be expanded to an international effort, supported by the leaders of other countries in which they too offer stipends for their youth to gain education and skills through service. Efforts like this will bring our youth face to face with youth of other countries and will help change the views of young generations. The same generation that is recruited by Islamic extremists. By focusing on and putting our time and money into the war of the hearts and minds, we will be a safer nation not just for us, but for our children and our children’s children. The icing on the cake is a better, more companionable, less divided world for all of us.
Madam Speaker, again I thank you for standing up to the special interests, and for doing the hard, yet right thing. Senator Obama’s message has rang true and has touched the hearts of millions of individuals across this nation. Small donors like me giving little, but consistently, not only of our money but of our time and of our hope. Rest assured we are behind you and the DNC as well.
Sincerely,
Apex, North Carolina
Why not seating the Florida and Michigan delegates should not be considered disenfranchisement
The fact of the matter is that in every primary there are states whose votes don’t count. Many times the candidate is picked before all of the states have voted. One might even take the argument even further to say that if Michigan and Florida usually vote earlier in the primary then they have historically had more of a say in the election then the states that have historically been scheduled to vote last. Therefore, having many of the states whose votes never counted in the primary actually have a real say in the nominee may in fact be a balancing act.
But don’t take my word for it. Let’s look at the 2004 democratic primary election results as an example:
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/primaries/pages/scorecard/index.html
I saw a clip on CNN where Barack said that a Republican came up to him and whispered that he was voting for him. Well Barack, I'm a 40 year old 3rd generation Republican and I'm voting for you. I'm whispering....I'm shouting "OBAMA 08!". I've even got my mother who worked for the NYS Republican senate interested. Now that's a movement.
