JohnV of Chicago Blog

Trust

JohnV of Chicago — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:29:03 EDT

If McCain consistently lies during his campaign for election, can the American public trust that, if elected, his Administration will not lie to them in much the same way about affairs of Government?

If McCain changes definitions, such as that for "surge" and "fundamentals of the economy", once he learns his initial comments on those topics are not supported by the facts, can the American public trust, if elected, that he will not lead this nation's domestic and foreign policy in much the same way?

If McCain has consistently voted against issues of importance for education, women, organized labor, consumers, and increased wages and employment for American workers, can the American public trust that he will lead any differently if elected?

If McCain does not permit questioning of his VP nominee and criticizes the questioner and avoids answering when he is asked embarassing campaign questions, can the American public trust that his Administration, if he is elected, will be any more transparent than the current one has been during the last 8 years.

There is only one of the two major candidates for President who can be trusted to restore honor and integrity to our Government and help restore a positive image for our nation in the world, and to fight for the welfare and benefit of working class Americans. That person is NOT McCain!

Obama/Beiden '08

Wake Up America!

JohnV of Chicago — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:38:58 EDT

Following is the opening paragraph of one of my comments titled "Truth & Trust...Two Important Ingredients" that was made during the Primary campaign:

" The importance of truth in our electoral process is unquestioned. If the representatives of the people are to be selected based on falsehoods, what value is there to having the freedom to vote since the will of the people would be deprived by deception which is no better than depriving us of our right to vote in the first place."

The recent McCain/Palin campaign strategy of lies and deception makes this as much a significant issue today than at any other time. This issue goes to the heart of the very characteristics we, as citizens of the greatest free country in the world, should not only want but demand in our leaders. That is integrity and truth. If they do not rely on integrity & truth to gain the trust of the voters to win their elected positions, what reason do the voters have to believe that such deception will not carry forward into their policies and practices as elected officials?

Is not that what we have been suffering through these last 8 years, whether it be deception with regard to Iraq, unaccounted billions of dollars for war contracts to Administration friends, torture, unwarranted domestic wiretapping, as well as infringements of other civil liberties.

As Dennis Kucinich said at the DNC: "Wake Up America!"

Education & McCain

JohnV of Chicago — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:10:28 EDT

Conventional wisdom tells us that the past is the best predictor for the future.

In the past, McCain:

· as a student, was an underachiever who demonstrated a lack of value for education by graduating 894th of 899 students at the Naval Academy

· as Senator, in 1992, he indicated he favored that the Department of Education be eliminated.

· voted on several measures, as recently as 2006, to reject proposals to increase funding for education.

· opposed funding for school desegregation, and funding for No Child Left Behind.

` consistently opposed efforts to hire more teachers, and expand Head Start, and make college more affordable.

· earned the “worst” rating by the Children’s Defense Fund for his votes on kids issues.

Yet, despite his stinginess for educating our youth, he recently proposed tax legislation granting 200 billion dollars in tax cuts to business corporations.

With that as his past track record, can we trust that his future decisions as a President would ensure that the education and welfare of our children and grandchildren will be the priority it deserves to be?

The prospects under a McCain Administration for needed improvement in our education system would be bleak indeed!

Important Questions:

JohnV of Chicago — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:22:45 EDT

Important Questions:

Would McCain have been admitted to the Naval Academy if not for his father and grandfather, both Admirals in the Navy?

Would McCain have graduated from the Naval Academy given his disciplinary record and poor grades, if not for his his father and grandfather, both Admirals in the Navy?

As someone who graduated 894th out of 899 from the Naval Academy, would he have qualified for flight school, if not for his father and grandfather, both Admirals in the Navy?

If not for his wife, an heiress, from a family with wealthy and powerful business friends, such as Charles Keating, would he have been successful in running for Congress in 1982?

Would he have been saved from a major PR gaffe in Iraq if Sen. Lieberman had not whispered in his ear about sunni, shiite, and al qaeda?

If not for Governor Palin as his running mate, would he have experienced increased standing in the polls, and become competitive in the Presidential race?

If his past achievements are the result more of his connection to influential others rather than to his own initiative and competencies, can we trust that he will be any different as President?

If not, then who can we expect to be influencing him, and national policy, as President?

Who now and, in the past, have been closest to him in advising and influencing him?

Does this mean that a McCain Presidency will be one run by past and current lobbyists of big oil and other big businesses?

How will that be any different than the last 8 years under Bush?

If 8 years under Bush has brought us an unfavorable economic situation that takes place once in a century according to Alan Greenspan, what will another 4 years of the same bring?

Can common people survive whatever it will bring, or will it only be Administration friends with big business interests?

Why would we even want to consider taking that chance of doing something that results in something as bad, or likely worse, than our current economic situation?

Will the American people this time vote for their interests and the welfare of their children, or will they once again allow themselves to be influenced by the lies of the same folks that deceived them in 2000 and then again in 2004?

Eight is Enough!

JohnV of Chicago — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:22:23 EDT

8 years of thousands of lives lost, both American men and women as well as innocent Iraqi women and children, in a dumb war, costing billions, that makes our nation less secure.

8 years, much of which continues to ignore the real threat to our security in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in order to pander to oil lobbyists and administration cronies with war contracts in Iraq.

8 years of gross disregard for American civil liberties, rights of organized labor, employment concerns of American workers, environmental concerns, and the Constitution of the United States.

8 years of paying lip service to the sacrifices of our fighting men and women, but not timely supporting them with body armor to protect themselves in war, or legislation necessary to provide them the type of health care needed upon return home.

8 years of failed foreign policies resulting in loss of respect for our nation throughout the world.

8 years of worsening economic conditions eroding middle class earning power, eroding the dream of home ownership, eroding the value of homes not lost in forfeiture, and an overall lowering of quality of life for the poor and middle class in this country.

8 years of virtually no national leadership on matters relating to the education and health of our youth, or health insurance for the uninsured.

8 years brought to us by election campaigns involving vote fraud, smear political campaigns, politics of fear, and lies, lies, and more lies.

8 years of public frustration leading to a yearning for a significant change they can believe in.

After 8 years, McCain, of the same Republican Party, with the same failed policies, same diplomatic incompetency, same lack of vision, same arrogant bluster, same distrust by foreign leaders, same lobbyists, same campaign aides, same Rovian divisive and dirty campaign smear tactics, same types of lies, lies, lies, same pandering to the extreme right religious groups for votes, basically the same DNA, now claims he is that change and asks us Americans to trust the Republicans and give them one more chance.

2000…Republican elected due to lies and vote fraud and politically oriented Supreme Court…SHAME ON YOU!

2004…Republican elected due to divisive politics of fear, and swiftboating smear tactics…SHAME on US!

2008…Republican John McCain, now asks us to give the Republicans one more chance for 4 more years of the same OR worse…..DOES HE THINK WE’RE STUPID?.....EIGHT IS ENOUGH!

Obama/Biden ‘08

A Clear Choice…moving forward v moving backward

JohnV of Chicago — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:40:42 EDT

A Clear Choice…moving forward v backward...status quo not option

Sept.15, 2008 Issue of Newsweek this week delves into Palin's record for an understanding of where she stands on issues.

http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/09/sarah_palin_media_piranhas_lob.html

Excerpt of David Axelrod Quote:

On the choice voters face on Election Day: "The choice is between a path that leads us to more of the same and a compounding of the problems that we've already seen over the last eight years, and someone who offers the kind of change that we need to rebuild the middle class, rebuild our economy, rebuild our standing in the world and our security and move America forward."

Comment:

This quote by Obama's chief strategist focuses attention on a subtle but most important distinction in what this election really concerns.

Too often, our slogans and buzz words like McSame...McBush...McCain=Bush...we can't afford 4 more years etc. leaves one with the impression that McCain represents maintaining the "status quo" as far as this country's economic problems, the plight of the middle class, our image in foreign affairs, and our national security. IN FACT, as Axelrod correctly point out, a continuation of the Bush policies and practices by McCain over the next 4 years will COMPOUND America's economic problems and national security.

In other words, we all will be WORSE OFF, not the same. Depending on election results, this country will either be going forward (Obama) or will be going backwards (McCain)...it is not an issue of status quo versus change..can you even imagine what the results of "4 more years of Bush" will bring our economy and national security, and the hurt it will bring the middle class?

While the lobbyists running the McCain campaign and the big money interests they represent no doubt will be significantly better off after 4 more years of Bush, will the U.S. be ever able to regain its status as a world leader after that? Will the quality of life for the middle class be able to recover? I personally doubt it.

It is scary, and as a grandparent, I am not willing to risk my grandchildren's future in that way. Hope and Change We can Believe in...there is NO other choice!

They Must Think We’re Stupid!

JohnV of Chicago — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:29:11 EDT

They Must Think We’re Stupid!

2000: Fool us once, shame on you!

2004: Fool us twice, shame on us!

2008: Try to fool us three times, they must think we’re stupid!

Significance of Palin Selection...

JohnV of Chicago — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:38:45 EDT

The only real significance that should be stressed about her is how her selection by Candidate McCain represents lack of judgment and not putting the "country first".

Why lack of judgment? Obviously no thorough vetting or why else would he select someone in midst of investigation concerning abuse of power of their position? Why would he select someone whose record shows she is the "Queen" of earmarks while Mayor, which runs counter to one of his principal campaign positions?

Why not putting "country first"? Despite the attempted "stretch" of her national guard responsibilities, she has absolutely no foreign affairs experience nor has she expressed interest in national or international issues prior to her selection. Why would a Candidate make that kind of selection during what is probably the most challenging time for this country in international affairs?

It obviously was a decision that was more impulsive than well thought out. A decision involving the "roll of the dice", and consistent with the mentality of a fighter pilot risking all for the kill.

Is that the kind of person we want leading our country waiting for that 3a.m. call with their finger near the button? Candidate McCain represents the greatest risk to this country, more than any other...that is what his selection, and the process he used, for VP signifies!

On Target!

JohnV of Chicago — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:26:28 EDT

Blogger Thomas Horton at the DIGG site is right on target with this entry:

"McCain: 894th of 899 in his Annapolis Class, and had his father not pulled strings, he likely would have been drummed out.

Palin: Miss Wasilla, 1984.

Sweet God in Heaven, help us!"

McCain and the Last Quarter of a Century

JohnV of Chicago — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:16:25 EDT

John McCain has often commented that his POW experience has resulted in his becoming a changed man. That occurred more than 35 years ago. Yet, subsequent to his POW experience, he engaged in his greatest moral failing, as he mentioned at Saddleback. That was the failure of his first marriage. Also subsequent to his POW experience he was involved in the Keating scandal while serving in the House, and which he acknowledged was poor judgement on his part. While his POW experience very well may have been an indication of John McCain's inner strength and personal heroism at that time, it obviously did not influence his character or values sufficiently to avoid the admitted moral and judgemental failures that followed.

This leads to my question. What has John McCain done in the last quarter of a century that would make one believe that he is a different person than the one who took advantage of his family influence (father and grandfather Admirals) to get into the prestigious Naval Academy, and then squander the opportunity by becoming a party boy and graduating in the bottom 1% of his class? We are aware of these undisputed events which demonstrated serious lapses with his morals and judgement in his past, but subsequent to his POW experience. But, what have we seen in the last quarter of a century that would lead us to believe that he now has the character and judgement to lead that he did not demonstrate prior to then?

Suggestion

JohnV of Chicago — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:42:05 EDT

We have all read and heard that negative smear ads are not liked by the public, but they unfortunately are effective. To take advantage of the public's dislike of such tactics without engaging in it, I suggest that after the convention an ad be made based on the following premise:

"The past is the best predictor of the future. We have seen that McCain addresses his political opponents with negative smears, while providing very little positive emphasis on policies. He has addressed international conflicts with threats of force rather than diplomacy. We saw the same smear tactics used by the George W. campaign in 2004. Ever since, we have seen political dirty tricks and smears by his administration, as well as continuation of two wars and creation of an atmosphere for more.

Do we want four more years of this type of national leadership? If so, John McCain stands ready to provide us that. Or, do we want a future based on a hope for integrity and honor leading the USA to regain its place as a true leader of the free world. That is hope based on a Change We Can Believe In. If so, Barack Obama is that change, not four more years of the same negative smears of adversaries and bullying other nations."

Hollywood and Off-shore Drilling

JohnV of Chicago — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:25:10 EDT

It would seem to me that the off shore drilling issue is tailor made for some 527 group to film a very effective anti-drilling commercial without referencing political candidates. It need only show some film clips of the ravages of oil spills on the wildlife and environment, and point out the ineffectiveness of increased oil drilling for the current gas price "crisis", i.e., no increased supply for 7 years and the proverbial "drop in the bucket" that it would provide.

Hollywood supporters of Obama and the environment, here is your opportunity!

McCain "Econimic Plan" a non-starter!

JohnV of Chicago — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:43:20 EDT

McCain's "Economic Plan" is a non-starter because it is premised on victory or winning in Iraq.

There is no way we could achieve the stated objective for invasion (finding and destroying weapons of mass destruction) since there were no weapons of mass destruction present when the invasion took place. Therefore, how can victory or winning take place when the objective for invasion was not feasible in the first place?

The longer this unwarranted occupation is perpetuated, the more damage, of lives and property, and waste of billions takes place.

John McCain's Veterans Problem

JohnV of Chicago — Wed, 28 May 2008 12:05:13 EDT

John McCain’s Veterans Problem

http://www.crooksandliars.com/

Excerpt:

The most important difference between our two approaches is that Senator Webb offers veterans who served one enlistment, the same benefits as those offered veterans who have reenlisted several times…

Comment:

Just an emotional rant from a Vietnam vet but…

I am fairly certain DOD does not restrict our military sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, serving during their first enlistment from undertaking any of the same dangerous and life threatening missions as that performed by those serving multiple enlistments. I wonder how many of those serving during their first enlistment ended up KIA and never returned to their families. I fear it was many. I wonder how many of those serving during their first enlistment suffer loss of limbs or other permanent traumatic physical injuries such that their lives are limited and permanently adversely altered. I fear it is many. I wonder how many of those serving during only one enlistment return to their families in civilian life without noticeable physical injury but with serious emotional and mental injury caused by their military experience. I fear very many.

Isn’t it interesting that John McCain has no pangs of conscience over restricting benefits for those risking so much for their country merely because they have not served more than one enlistment. He should be challenging Putin and running for leadership of Russia, and not the USA. Russia is the nation where they place the interests of the government above that of its citizenry, not the USA.

Feminists & HRC

JohnV of Chicago — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:43:44 EDT

just wonder if the many feminist supporters of HRC, ever considered that having someone like Michelle, with all of her admirable traits, in the White House as First Lady, would in the LONG RUN do more for the cause of the elimination of barriers for women, than having HRC sitting there as POTUS, with all of her flawed characteristics?

FOX is UNPATRIOTIC & UNAMERICAN

JohnV of Chicago — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:57:23 EDT

Just my opinion but, when a broadcast company such as FOX presents distorted facts as news concerning the political positions of candidates, they are attempting to influence the viewers perspective so that they do not make truly informed decisions in the voting booth. Encouraging viewers to have a perspective of a candidate based on a non-fact is simply UNAMERICAN. Nothing is more counter-productive to the democratic principles involved in the in the exercise of an individual’s right to vote. And, this practice needs to be characterized for what it is …UNPATRIOTIC.

Preserving the integrity of the American public to exercise their right to vote and make informed decisions is much more closely aligned to the value of American Patriotism than is the superficiality of wearing flag lapel pins.

Maybe if enough publicity is generated to make the label of UNPATRIOTIC and UNAMERICAN stick to the FOX approach they will think twice about their tactics. Realistic? Maybe or maybe not…but HOPE is what this campaign is all about, right? If nothing else, it could influence in a positive way some clear and deep thinking Republicans and Independents.

SUGGESTION....Truth Address

JohnV of Chicago — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:22:02 EDT

Events of recent days and months has made me realize we live in a society where truth has become devalued and is too often manipulated to serve political and personal purposes. I suggest Barack make another major address, but this time on the importance of truth in a democracy. Something that allows him to trace its importance in our nation’s history, and why it is important in today’s political arena if the principles of our democracy is to survive.

Imagine the concepts relevant to this campaign that could be weaved into that starting with the weapons of mass destruction and a dumb war, the flip flopping of Presidential candidates on important issues when the underlying facts do not change, the misrepresentation of one’s position to pander to a particular audience and gain votes, and (most relevant to the concern of today) the unwarranted association of one’s pastor’s words to the position of a political candidate. Without truth, and our reliance on it, our democracy and the political process that is so important to maintaining it is subject to disintegration from within. When that happens our so called inalienable rights are not worth the paper they are written on.

Much is being reported in the msm about what patriotism and leadership is all about. No one can be a true patriot or genuine national leader unless they embrace truth, and live by it. Barack is the only one of the 3 candidates who even comes close to this.

Truth & Trust...Two Important Ingredients

JohnV of Chicago — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:04:20 EDT

The importance of truth in our electoral process is unquestioned. If the representatives of the people are to be selected based on falsehoods, what value is there to having the freedom to vote since the will of the people would be deprived by deception which is no better than depriving us of our right to vote in the first place.

Related to the importance of truth in the process is trust of the candidates. Without it a candidate stands to lose. My own perception is that Barack has failed to gain a fair number of votes based on this. It is not necessarily that some voters have reason to not trust him, as much as they do not know whether they can trust him. He is a different kind of politician than what they are used to, he has a different background from most, he looks different than what they are used to voting for, yada, yada, yada...

The problem?

Polls show that Barack is much more trustworthy than his Democratic opponent. Yet, he has to be very sensitive in trying to contrast himself with her on this issue of character and trust, lest he becomes a divisive force and undermines the prospects of Party unity after the primaries.

The solution(s):

Two-fold, first, make character and trustworthiness a central part of the remainder of the primary campaigns BUT instead of contrasting himself to HRC, ignore her, and instead focus on George W and McCain and their flip flops and blatant lies...weapons of mass destruction, link between Al Quaeda & Sadamm Hussein, "Mission Accomplished", tax breaks for the wealthy, torture (first against it then refusal to ban) etc. Observers will not only see the distinction between Barack and the Repubs, but they also will rember NAFTAgate and Bosnia snipers withiout his need to mention it. Secondly, use the approach of common folks ads that has been suggested by others on this site. Senior citizens talking about Barack's issues favorable to them as seniors (social security issues, income tax, diplomacy for peace in the world for their grandchildren) with them saying they know they can TRUST Barack to look out for them and their senior friends. Same could be done for farmers, union workers etc. HRC and Repubs have used this approach very succesfully in the past...it works...we have not tapped this as an effective campaign tool.

My Dissatisfaction with Wasington Politics

JohnV of Chicago — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:49:26 EDT

I know our economy is slipping, our national reputation has never been lower in my 60 plus years, our national leaders' will nor our nation's capacity to inspire peace, human rights, or eradication of worldwide poverty, epidemics, and illiteracy has never been lower.

I look at our prospective future political leaders, and I see no one who seems to really care except for Barack Obama. The others are apparently interested in their own egos and power trips, with the people just being a vehicle by which they can satisfy those drives. They, unlike Obama, are surrounded by big money supporters who are not concerned with extending themselves to help their fellow man as much as they are their own material self-interests. Obama is a direct contrast to all of the negative influences that have contributed to our nation's most serious problems, not the least of which is loss of hope by too many in our society.

Patrioism & Barack

JohnV of Chicago — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:29:35 EDT

The FOX/HRC "alliance" is trying to put a spin on Barack's image as someone who is not patriotic (Rev. Wright / lapel pin etc.) while both McCain and Hillary "love this country".

What person who does not love their country has such compassion and interest in its military veterans as does Barack?

What person who does not love their county speaks out against a "dumb war" because it detracts from the efforts to destroy terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan which was a greater threat to the security of its country?

What person who does not love their country inspires the youth to pledge their time to provide public service on behalf of the needy of that country, and supports their college education with a monetary grant to make it more affordable?

What person who does not love their country spends his working time on behalf of the unemployed in trying to help families in poverty stricken communities?

I think we get the drift and realize the message that his backers need to get out as far and wide as possible.

For a more humorous look at the "phony patriotism" being pushed by FOX, see this Bill Maher clip..starting at about the 2:20 time mark:

Link

Limbaugh Tactics are ILLEGAL-Ohio Investigation Underway

JohnV of Chicago — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:02:35 EDT

Apparently the Rush Limbaugh tactic in encouraging Republican to crossover and vote in the Democratic primary to vote for HRC in order to undermine Barack's chances are ILLEGAL...investigation in Ohio is underway

http://www.alternet.org/democracy/80392/

The Power of Hope

JohnV of Chicago — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:19:50 EDT

What in life is worth living for without hope?

I can honestly not think of anything of true value. I am appreciative for Barack for giving us the hope to change our government for the good of all the people, not just money and special interests.

As a white, middle aged white male, I realize that realistically he will not be able to undo all the bad that has been done in either 4 or 8 years, but I "hope" he will plant the seeds that will be growing well into the future years to make this world and our country a better place for my grandchildren to grow up. I think if that message got out more, Barack would be getting a greater support from senior citizens of all races. How many senior citizens are not concerned about the world they will leave behind for their grandchildren and great grandchildren? I would think most feel that way, and Barack is key to that "hope".

Hillary Flip Flop: IRAQ

JohnV of Chicago — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:17:59 EDT

Flip Flop Hillary: IRAQ

She can NOT be trusted. The people need to know--

Not only has HRC flip flopped on her position regarding NAFTA, but she has also changed her position from a McCain like position involving the keeping of troops in Iraq for “a long time” in 2005 to one of withdrawal only after she announced her run for the presidency:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/9/8483/12818 On a Feb. 20, 2005 “Face the Nation” Sunday morning show, she was reported to say... “that our troops might be in Iraq for some time to come. "We've been in Korea for 50 years," she said. "We are still in Okinawa," she told the TV cameras. ” http://www.peaceactionme.org/u-s-bases-spread-chaos-and-empire

“When Sen. Hillary Clinton returned from a tour of U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan she told Face the Nation, “The American people need to relax. We’ve been in Korea for 50 years. We’re going to be in Iraq a long time.”

Why aren’t we surprised? HRC the “Flip Flop Queen”!!

McCain is DANGEROUS

JohnV of Chicago — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 20:18:37 EDT

Republican presidential candidate John McCain said on Friday he fears that al Qaeda or another extremist group might attempt spectacular attacks in Iraq to try to tilt the U.S. election against him," Reuters reports.

Link

McCain is DANGEROUS. How irresponsible for a political candidate to risk the security of his country for political gain. It is almost as if he is daring al Qaeda to attempt an attack. While today he may express he fears such an occurrence because it may be done to hurt him, we all know very well if such did occur he would be saying it demonstrates the support of al Qaeda for the Democratic candidate, Barack, and, therefore, a vote for Barack is a vote for al Qaeda.

To make such a statement with such an obvious provocative effect, whether intended to be provocative or not, is grossly irresponsible. If he is so naieve so as not to realize the provocative nature of his statement, then he does not have the JUDGEMENT to lead this country. If he was aware of its provocative nature, but said it nonetheless, then he is too irresponsible to lead. Either way he FAILS the COMMANDER in CHIEF test.

Differentiating Integrity between BO & HRC Campaigns

JohnV of Chicago — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:12:14 EDT

For a great post on differentiating the integrity of the BO campaign from the HRC campaign, see the following link:

http://www.tellingthoughts.com/us-politics/the-status-quo

Rush Limbaugh Factor: Unamerican?

JohnV of Chicago — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:51:25 EDT

MSM has reported the percentage of republicans who have crossed over to vote in the Democratic primaries in OH, TX, and, most recently MS. Since Rush Limbaugh has encouraged republicans to cross over and vote for HRC because it would contribute to "keeping her in it so we can win it" mentality, is it just me, or doesn't that undermine our democratic process and OUR right to vote? If I can not vote for my preferred candidate in the general election because the opposition party voters prevented him from the nomination by voting for HRC, does not that unconstitutionally deprive me of the right to vote, in a sense? Is that not UNAMERICAN? It is dirty tricks at its worse. I would think that any clear thinking superdelegate, if they are a true leader of the Party, would be outraged at this tactic and do all that they could to speak out against it. Better yet, take action and endorse BO to end not only HRC tearing the Party apart, but the Rush Limbaugh mentality from eroding our constitutional rights. I would not expect the HRC campaign to take the high road, and do anything but sit back and reap the "rewards" of such shameful actions.