Perhaps this decision is all political stagecraft. It's likely that the FOIA court case will result in a mandate that the photos be released. I'm all to willing to believe that the intended agenda of this President is that the Supreme Court issue a ruling that will effectively eliminate the potential of any further abuses or narrowing the definition of 'acceptable' tortue.
I am deeply disappointed however that the verbage used to justify the withholding of these photographs so closely resembles the same tired dogma that I came to despise during the Bush administration. It is an echo you will continue to hear repeated on the Cheney 'legacy' tour. I believe the Bush administration with historical hindsight will be viewed as among our darkest days. We are, as a nation, in a far superior position morally and politically - but the choice to veto transparency in this instance with those precise words has left me feeling a bit queasy and has the potential of backfiring politically.
The photos will be released, either by court order or some particularly savvy reporter. As I imagine is true for most Americans, I have no keen interest in viewing these pictures. However, view them we should. All of them. We paid those who took the pictures, those who authored the new 'guidelines' to torture and those who actually carried it out. We are responsible too. With the release of each of the torture memos, we gain respect as a nation that is capable of addressing it's faults. It's part of the painful process that is neccessary for America in order to help ensure we never again engage in such deplorable actions.
President Obama 2009 - " strongly believes that the release of these photos, particularly at this time, would only serve the purpose of inflaming the theaters of war, jeopardizing U.S. forces and making our job more difficult in places like Iraq and Afghanistan."
Via The Huffington Post, Jim Tedisco, the Republican candidate running to replace Kirsten Gillibrand in the House, said in an interview yesterday:
"Rush Limbaugh is meaningless to me," Tedisco told the editorial board of The Daily Star on Thursday. "The only constituency I'm worried about are the residents of the 20th Congressional District."
You know what that means. An apology or at the very least a clarifying statement couldn't be far behind...and indeed, Tedisco took a stroll over to the Republican apology machine. This statement was released earlier today (via TPM):
"Jim's comments were in response to a question about what voters are asking him about on the campaign trail. So far, the concerns he has been hearing from voters on the campaign trail have been local in nature, such as his support for lower property taxes, fiscal responsibility, and his opponent's appalling support for the AIG bonus loophole. That was his point and any effort to characterize it otherwise is a distortion of the facts."
'Now is the time to raise our voices for patient choice and autonomy. From now until April 9th we must urge the Obama administration to repeal Bush's last-minute rule shielding health care workers who withhold from patients any treatment they consider morally objectionable.
Click here to email a comment to President Obama. Please tell the administration this malicious "Refusal rule" ("conscience rule" to its proponents) deserves prompt and total repeal.
The rule, pushed through in the waning days of Bush's tenure, elevates health care workers' moral and religious beliefs to ultimate protected status in our health care system. It's broad, ham-handed language sets workers' religious refusals above patient care. Above patient safety. WAY above the moral and religious beliefs of the patients these workers serve.'
Yet another reason why I'm positively thrilled we have a new sheriff in town!
Obama Endorses UN Gay Rights
'The Obama administration on Wednesday formally endorsed a U.N. statement calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.
The move was the administration's latest in reversing Bush-era decisions that have been heavily criticized by human rights and other groups. The United States was the only western nation not to sign onto the declaration when it came up at the U.N. General Assembly in December.'
VOTE NO on Amendment 2 - 'Marriage Protection Amendment'
"Amendment 2 does nothing to protect marriage. But it does take away important family protections, health care insurance, hospital visitation and medical decision-making authority, from all unmarried couples, gay and straight. It permanently bans civil unions and dismantles domestic partner benefits that seniors, teachers, police officers and firefighters rely on in more than 18 communities across the state. "
http://www.votenoon2.com/
If you're able to - donate, volunteer to phone bank, sign the petition, talk to your friends and family...This amendment seeks to go far beyond simply banning same-sex marriage.
With early voting for the November General Election beginning soon in many states across the nation, Election Protection, the country's largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, announced that individuals who encounter problems at the polls will be able to speak with legal experts that can offer impartial and confidential advice via the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE [(866) 687-8683].
"This historic election deserves a historic election protection effort," said Barbara Arnwine, Executive Director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "This major coalition will offer comprehensive resources with one simple goal -- to ensure all eligible voters are given the opportunity to exercise their rights."
In addition to the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline, Election Protection has also launched www.866ourvote.org which features real time voter information and extensive instructions and advice on how voters can make sure their voices are heard.
Election Protection is mobilizing tens of thousands of volunteers, including 10,000 legal volunteers to monitor polling places, educate voters, facilitate a dialogue with local and state officials, provide legal support to poll monitors, and answer the 1-866-OUR-VOTE voter services hotline -- a monumental undertaking designed to ensure smooth voting in November.
For the last several days here, I've been reading countless blog entries pleading that our side that a more aggressive approach in firing back. Defenders of Wildlife is running the following TV ad and is requesting donations in order to continue to do so.
This is one of the most effective ads I've seen this year. I wish this organization was more directly connected to the Obama campaign and could assist in running offense vs. defense. I am a confirmed tree hugging, bleeding heart, fire breathing liberal and an animal lover. I will likely only view this video in it's entirety once. It is graphic and difficult to watch. But drives home a message that I think needs to be heard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQobIUE1zTU
Keep the Ad on the Air - Make a Donation - Defenders Of Wildlife
https://secure.defenders.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=1547&1547.donation=form1&s_src=6JY08WDC4F&s_subsrc=6JY08WDC4F_EJI08D1web
Good air in - bad air out.
Listen - I understand the 'hysteria'. I lived through 2000 and 2004 and can remember vividly the disappointment. I have a tough time as well understanding why this race is as close as it is, but it's not (or shouldn't have been) unexpected that the Repugs would get a bounce following their convention. What you can do - is not get bogged down in disappointment and fear. Contact your local Democratic headquarters to volunteer. Print out copies of voter registration forms. Find out exactly what the procedure is to file as it varies from state to state. This time last year Obama was down by almost 20 percentage points. We got this. You just gotta keep the faith. ;) Obama/Biden
I have to admit there have been times when I've felt somewhat annoyed by the choice of some members to make repeated pleas to me directly via the message system here to donate. However, I came across an article early this morning which spurred me into making another dontation to the Obama campaign. Not unlike many working class Americans today - I do not enjoy the same financial freedom that I did during the Clinton years. I am in the process of seaching for a second job to supplement my income as a result of a severe cutback at my primary place of employment that I have held for almost 14 years.
I make a plea to each of you today to dig deep. Elections can be won or lost, in large part, as a direct result of the revenue that the campaign can generate in comparison to the opponent. Consider it an investment in your future. We have two months remaining. If it's at all possible - Now is the time.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26498478/
McCain Raises 47 Million in August
"Republican presidential candidate John McCain raised at least $47 million in August, his biggest haul of money so far and a sign that he is dispelling doubts about his campaign among conservative donors. One official said the campaign had raised $10 million since McCain announced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate on Friday."
In order to just stay even with the pace that McCain is on, the Obama campaign will need to raise $100 million dollars respectively during both September and October.
Thank you Hillary. Great speech. Great delivery. In order to get an encore - they're going to have to set the place on fire! Fortunately for Democrats, we have both Bill and Barack that can do precisely that over the next few days.
(Excerpt of Hillary Clinton's speech)
"And on that path to freedom, Harriett Tubman had one piece of advice. If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If they're shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have found the faith to keep going. I’ve seen it in you. I’ve seen it in our teachers and firefighters, nurses and police officers, small business owners and union workers, the men and women of our military – you always keep going. We are Americans. We're not big on quitting. But remember, before we can keep going, we have to get going by electing Barack Obama president. We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare. Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance."
The Supreme Court's narrow balance revealed again in their 5 to 4 decision. Dissenting opinion was represented by Alito, Thomas, Scalia and Roberts. The same conservative judicial opinion that a McCain Presidency would actively seek to include on the Supreme Court.
"In its third rebuke of the Bush administration's treatment of prisoners, the court ruled 5-4 that the government is violating the rights of prisoners being held indefinitely and without charges at the U.S. naval base in Cuba. The court's liberal justices were in the majority.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the court, said, ''The laws and Constitution are designed to survive, and remain in force, in extraordinary times.''
So much for the conspiracy theorists that are hinting and in some cases sceaming from the rooftops, that Senator Clinton is not sincere in her efforts to unite the Democratic party.
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/06/clinton_asks_pledged_delegates.php
Multiple Democratic sources say that Sen. Hillary Clinton, in a series of private conversations and conference calls, continues to urge her pledged delegates to vote for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention. Clinton plans a series of calls with superdelegates, interest groups and state delegations over the next few days. (One of them took place last night, according to this report from Iowa's Quad Cities-Globe-Gazette.) "She’s doing calls with supports and delegates and various other groups of supporters," said Mo Elliethee, a spokesperson. "What she did was reiterate what she said on Saturday. She thanked them for their hard work and their dedication and all that they did for her and celebrated some of the accomplishments of her campaign.... And she urged them to get behind Sen. Obama and to work just as hard to elect him president." Clinton's decision to release her delegates to Obama suggests that she opposes grassroots efforts by some of her supporters to hang on until the convention and submit Clinton's name for president or vice president. It also suggests that her campaign does not intend to challenge the DNC rules and bylaws committee decision to award Obama some of Clinton's delegates from Michigan. Pledged delegates and superdelegates can vote for whomever they want, but a split convention -- even if the split was lopsided -- would no doubt embarrass Obama.
Multiple Democratic sources say that Sen. Hillary Clinton, in a series of private conversations and conference calls, continues to urge her pledged delegates to vote for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention. Clinton plans a series of calls with superdelegates, interest groups and state delegations over the next few days. (One of them took place last night, according to this report from Iowa's Quad Cities-Globe-Gazette.)
"She’s doing calls with supports and delegates and various other groups of supporters," said Mo Elliethee, a spokesperson. "What she did was reiterate what she said on Saturday. She thanked them for their hard work and their dedication and all that they did for her and celebrated some of the accomplishments of her campaign.... And she urged them to get behind Sen. Obama and to work just as hard to elect him president."
Clinton's decision to release her delegates to Obama suggests that she opposes grassroots efforts by some of her supporters to hang on until the convention and submit Clinton's name for president or vice president. It also suggests that her campaign does not intend to challenge the DNC rules and bylaws committee decision to award Obama some of Clinton's delegates from Michigan. Pledged delegates and superdelegates can vote for whomever they want, but a split convention -- even if the split was lopsided -- would no doubt embarrass Obama.
"Obviously, I am thrilled and honored to have Senator Clinton's support. But more than that, I honor her today for the valiant and historic campaign she has run. She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams. And she inspired millions with her strength, courage and unyielding commitment to the cause of working Americans.
Our party and our country are stronger because of the work she has done throughout her life, and I'm a better candidate for having had the privilege of competing with her in this campaign. No one knows better than Senator Clinton how desperately America and the American people need change, and I know she will continue to be in the forefront of that battle this fall and for years to come."
In the interests of mending our currently fractured party, I would encourage all Democrats to begin in earnest, the process of courting humility - whether your candidate has won or lost. The creation of MyBarackObama ultimately, was never intended as an avenue with which to front 'infamily' attacks against our fellow Democrats - whether they be voters or candidates.
As I was browsing through blogoshere this morning, I happened to stumble across an extraordinary post authored by a fellow Democrat, who happened to be a supporter of Hillary Clinton. This is a message that I believe will help carry 'The' Party of Inclusion into victory in November.
'About 20 minutes ago, I went to Facebook and signed up as a Barack Obama supporter. This shouldn't have been a big deal - I mean, it's an internet site, and all I did was click a button - but my heart was literally pounding as I did it. It is exceedingly difficult for me to acknowledge that this primary season is over, both as a political junkie and as a Clinton supporter. But acknowledge it I must. Despite whatever unfairness, prejudice, and error - real or perceived - that has occurred during this primary season, there is little doubt that it is over, and that Barack Obama has secured the number of delegates necessary to win the nomination of our party.'
'Now, let me make it clear, I will continue to support Senator Clinton's decision not to concede until she decides that the time is right. I would gladly cast another ballot for her if given the opportunity. And politically speaking, the theatrics of her withdrawal from the race are so important that I think it would have been malpractice to do haphazardly it last night. But the fact that she has not formally conceded does not change the fact that Obama has won and she has lost. I firmly and honestly believe that she had the right and the obligation to people like me, who have so much invested in her candidacy, to see this thing through to the end. I resisted so strongly the calls for her to exit the race prior to yesterday because the idea of a "foregone conclusion" when the race was so close and so many people left to vote is anathema to democracy. But the time for her concession is coming, and don't let the punditocracy whip you into a frenzy suggesting that it is not. That is NOT based on any inside information, but rather the reality that as of YESTERDAY (not March 4, not April 22, and not May 6), Obama crossed the threshold. The end is now.'
So I write today to offer one word of advice to everyone was involved in the primary campaign: humility. To Obama supporters, but also to Clinton supporters like myself. Webster's defines humility in the negative: the absence from pride and arrogance. All of us, especially on a day like today, and especially in the blogosphere which has become so poisoned during this primary season, could use a little more of it.
To Obama supporters, you won. But remember that, even in the most generous count (excluding Florida and Michigan and using caucus estimates), you did so by about 400,000 votes out of 36 million cast. That is 1%. 50.5%-49.5%. Spare me the talk about delegates for a moment and simply realize that nearly half of the Democratic primary electorate voted for the other guy - er, gal. I say this not to disparage the victory whatsoever, only to suggest that nearly half of your friends, colleagues, ideological and political compatriots did not share your preference. To win in November, we should work to make sure that every single person in that 49.5% votes for Obama. And while much of the onus lies with the candidates themselves, it does no good - none at all - for Obama supporters to proudly and arrogantly celebrate the death of Hillary Clinton's candidacy. The hopes and dreams of a lot of people go with her. So be humble. Sympathize. Find or remember what you like about Hillary Clinton - who is, after all, a Democrat - and give it voice. Ask for the support of her voters rather than demanding it. It doesn't take much to extend the olive branch.
To Clinton supporters (especially any campaign friends of mine who might be reading this), we lost. It is okay to admit it, and it is more than okay to say that Barack Obama was not your first choice, but he is certainly now the best choice. There is a point at which devotion to your party and your country comes before devotion to your candidate and, I submit to you, that point has arrived. And particularly for those who gave, who volunteered, and who worked on behalf of Senator Clinton, there is great wisdom in the words of Teddy Roosevelt:
The credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. - Teddy Roosevelt
Be proud of what you've done - I sure as hell am - but lose with grace and humility. We have been bested by a great competitor and, hopefully, a great President. And even if you are not ready to click the Facebook button, I have every faith that Barack Obama will do what he can to earn all of our enthusiastic support over the next five months. So keep an open mind and don't let disappointment become a substitute for good judgment.'
Obama '08
For those of us who have wanted to say 'Thank You' , but didn't and then wished you had:
http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php
The Gratitude Campaign
It's easy to get caught up in the political firestorm, but there are two sides, both righteously claiming there is room for honest debate. For those members that may be be challenged more by tunnel vision - the article posted below, is for you.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/05/13/8917/
A Farewell to Hillary Nutcracker and Other Obscenities
Act II - Reconciliation is on the docket finally. I recieved an email today from Obama Rapid Response, as I imagine many of the members here did as well. The message contained emphasized the importance of allowing Clinton supporters the opportunity to express their anger, commiserate and avoid trumpeting all the reasons that you believe your candidate was SO right and theirs was SO wrong.
If winning in November is the goal - We'll need their votes. Win Graciously.
Barack Hussein Obama vs. John Sidney McCain III - Race to the White House
I know that many of us on this website are finally rejoicing the fact that the 'Preview' is coming to a conclusion with the 'Main Attraction' queued and ready for wide release.
I came across an article this evening that I believe provides an objective analysis on Barack Obama's strengths and weaknesses with regards to the upcoming general election.
Sometimes as my mind wanders and I try to project into the future, I can't help but think of the 'Jaws' theme song in preparation for the real opponent that is about to be claim center stage along side the Senator from Illinois. There is no reason to believe that the Republican attack machine will be swayed by pleas to reduce the rancor in an effort to elevate our political process in deciding on which candidate will win in November. The same folks that orchestrated the 'Swiftboating' of Kerry are waiting patiently to do the same to Senator Obama.
Time to put your Game Face on - The Real Race is about to begin.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/05/09/the_real_race_begins.html?hpid=topnews
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#IN
CNN - Election Center
Results County by County, updated every minute.
Lake, Laporte County - 0% reported
Monroe County - 23% reported.
^^^Obama is expected to do extremely well in the above listed counties.
We might just pull this off!
Indiana
Early reports indicate record breaking turnout in Lake, Marion and Monroe Counties. (All anticipated to favor Obama heavily). *Lake County had a 14% voter turnout 4 years ago and is currently expected to top 60%.
An Early, Tentative - WOOT!
