Michael Palmer's Blog

McCain Represents The Past, Obama, The Future.

Mike Palmer — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:13:02 EDT

One thing became quite evident to me as I watched the first Presidential Debate.

John McCain is running on history. Obviously, the part of his life that is most influential to his thinking is that which he spent in a Vietnamese prison camp. There is no denying that his time there was probably so awful that many of us would have said or done almost anything to stop the torture and abuse. It is certainly to his credit that he did not. His stand against the current administration on the torture of detainees of the war on terror is a strong statement and is highly honorable However, noble performance during captivity does not mean that he automatically deserves or has the judgment and breadth of knowledge necessary to run this country. He constantly referred to Ronald Reagan’s time in office and his policies and conveyed a sense of the past being more influential to his thinking than is the future. He seems to not be aware of how we are doing out here, where people work for a living, do their best to educate their children and keep food on the table and gas in the car. His long history of supporting deregulation of the financial and other sectors of the economy, to the advantage of wealthy individuals and corporations, has contributed to an economy that today teeters on the edge of a meltdown.

Barack Obama focused his comments on the plight of the Average American in today’s world. The USA faces a damaged and abused economy, the world’s vision of America is to many people that of an arrogant and selfish nation and at this time diplomacy rather than saber-rattling and warmongering is so obviously what this country needs to reestablish our credibility across the globe. Senator Obama seems focused on the future and conveys a sense of understanding what we as American are going through and a sense of where we fit into the new 21st century global economic and political world. His background is one of hard work and service to his country. He is strong with respect to going after those that would do us harm, but is sensitive to why we have become a nation that is not respected by many others. He is committed to diplomacy, willing to talk and work out our common problems with leaders of other nations and he understands that one of humanity’s most urgent needs is to develop energy sources that are not only renewable, but that do not cause damage to our imperiled planet.

I called my 87 year old mother after the debate to get a sense of her reaction. She has been engaged in this and previous political campaigns and even at her age, she commented that Senator McCain seems so focused on the past that he is not what we, as a nation, need right now to confront our future. She understands the importance of electing someone with a new view and understanding of the world and how it works today.

The past is what it was. The future calls us to better times. Barack Obama is the candidate that understands that and once elected he will lead us through our difficult present into a more positive future.

Don't Get Fooled Again, America

Mike Palmer — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:50:58 EDT

Over the last seven years we have witnessed the administration of G W Bush exploit the fears of the people of America with deceptions, misrepresentations and outright lies. The manipulation of data used to justify the invasion of Iraq is well documented. Our constitution has been trampled upon by the president and his team. The United States has been disgraced by policies that allowed torture of detainees and virtually destroyed another country that had never posed a specific threat to the USA. Thousands of American sons and daughters have died as a result of poor decisions with little planning and unstated goals and unknown thousands of Iraqi citizens were displaced, killed and suffered through years of unbelievable horror.

Our economy has come dangerously close to a financial meltdown as a result of the Republican pushed policies of deregulation that allowed lenders and powerful financial institutions to make huge profits through unscrupulous lending practices at the expense of unknowing and uninformed borrowers. We have seen long established firms collapse due to mismanagement and greed, only to be buoyed up by the government at costs to the American people that may take decades to repay. Huge profits made by the oil companies are at historic levels. Meanwhile, the working people of America have seen their good jobs disappearing at a rapid pace as companies are given tax breaks while sending their work overseas. We have seen the value of our dollar decline and the buying power of our wages shrink.

Now the Republican Party has asked us to give it another four years by electing John McCain and Sarah Palin. John McCain, having suffered atrocities at the hands of his captors during the Vietnam War is regarded as a war hero. Sarah Palin is a self described “hockey mom” and claims to be a “maverick” that can shake up Washington and put things right. John McCain has the audacity to accept monthly Social Security payments while being paid in excess of 160K as a senator and while his wife’s company made over $6 million in 2007. Sarah Palin, as she is finally “looked at” seems to have a history of giving good state jobs to unqualified long time friends and of firing people with whom she has personal disputes. Her stands on women’s rights are unconscionable. This all sounds likeit would lead to a repeat or even an enhancement of the cronyism and greed demonstrated so well by the Bush Administration. These two are not the mavericks they claim to be. We can't afford four more years of Bush policies.

The greed and lies so clearly at the center of the thinking of many prominent folks in the Republican Party have made us less safe and more vulnerable to outside forces over which we have no control. They try to deny the effects of humanity’s activities on the planet. They pass tax cuts that benefit the huge multinational corporations and a few of the wealthiest of Americans while leaving the working people of America with less to spend on life’s pleasures that at any time in recent history. They now have stooped to outright lies in their advertising by telling us that the tax plan of Senator Obama will end up costing average Americans higher taxes while virtually every financial and tax expert has stated the opposite.

Senator Barack Obama has plans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, to encourage companies to keep their jobs here in the United States, to reduce taxes for average Americans. He has the strength and will to do what is necessary to keep Americans safe and has demonstrated the wisdom that going to war to prove some point is not a smart decision. He is endorsed by virtually all labor focused and educational organizations as he is recognized by many financial analysts to have the best plans to revive our economy. His vision of the future will motivate us all as citizens and will help revive our nation’s soul.

America must move beyond the divisiveness that is so strongly promoted by the Republican Party and focus on the message of unity and shared purpose that is promoted by Senator Obama and the Democratic Party. Somehow, over the years, the Republican Party has been able to convince many working Americans that they have their interests in mind, while in fact the tax plans and financial policies demonstrate exactly the opposite.

I plead with working Americans to look at the results of the past seven years and seriously make an informed decision whether the policies encouraged by this party are those that have helped you in any way!

We need to elect a president that encourages cooperation, diplomacy and unity of purpose rather than one who encourages division, deceit, and makes careless political decisions.

Don’t get fooled again America.

Talk, Live and Vote Obama/Biden.

Delaware Office, Open House, Thursday, July 24.

Mike Palmer — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:52:15 EDT

Come one, come all. Bring your spouse or friend or neighbor!

Our own Obama Office will have an Open House this Thursday, July 24 from 6 - 8 PM. It is just down from the Chase Bank office on Sandusky St. Come on down and share stories and enthusiasm. We are just over 100 days from election day and we still have lots of people to talk to and educate. We really need to make this happen. We NEED Barack to be our next President. I've never felt so strongly about a candidate. The world needs us to make this happen. Please come and help us organize Delaware to win in November.

I'm Voting Republican!

Mike Palmer — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:53:59 EDT

NOT!>>>>>>>> This is a quick post with a link to a utube video that anyone who is thinking that McCain ain't all that bad, compared to Obama, ought to watch. Fun for the rest of us too! Carry on my friends. Imagine President Obama and smile!

"Appeasement" is OK if you are a Republican in power!

Mike Palmer — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:20:24 EDT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24751629

There are articles all over today about "talks" between rivals and "Terrorist Backed" or "Terrorist Backing" governments and organizations. Seems the rest of the world (besides GWB and his hateful crew) are all about discussing problems with your enemies. Shameful Bush! Shameful McBush!

World Vision, already!

Mike Palmer — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:44:05 EDT

This is moving amazingly fast.

As Bush/McCain start attacks already at Barack Obama and from foreign soil. Barack responds and we are suddenly immersed in one of the great themes of Obama’s philosophy; That we need to talk to people we are not getting along with, and on a level that means something.

The Bush/McCain direction of confrontation, bullying if I can put it bluntly, their way around the world and demanding people do things their way or “we won’t even talk to you” is so wrong.

Obama seems to be willing to address the leaders of the world as an equal, with big guns, no less, but as an equal rather than as the “King of the World”, an image that GWB has somehow managed to obtain. We are, after all, only 1/20, yes, that is only 5% of the population of the world.

(I still do not understand why Bush and Cheney have not been impeached on many issues)

In these days, we need a leader who thinks and understands GLOBALLY!

Only by communicating with and understanding the views of our adversaries are we able to work out our problems without blowing each other to smithereens!

Obama is the only one.

It will be interesting to watch this debate on "World Vision" unfold.

Is anyone else feeling embarrassed?

Mike Palmer — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:32:36 EDT

What is Hillary trying to do? It is really becoming like some sort of reality show to her... In it til the end... Smiling to her celebrating followers. It is absurd. Can't her followers see that she is NOTHING LIKE THEM. How did that happen? How did she get that image? Did you see how much she is worth? She loaned herself 11.4 MILLION dollars to keep her campaign afloat. Obama knows what it's like. He knows we deserve better than this from our government. Vote Obama, the guy is really smart! Help me, I'm trying to think of ways to get some of these folks to listen to what Obama says and to watch how he has lived his life rather than what they see on the internet. We all need Obama for this country to prosper.

Positivity!

Mike Palmer — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:43:21 EDT

It is appearing more and more like Senator Hillary Clinton is positioning herself to be John McCain’s running mate!

Her hawkish statements on Iran and her promotion of the absurd “gas tax holiday” along with her ceaseless personal attacks on the character and patriotism of Senator Barack Obama amount to “party treason”. Her unwillingness to move aside in this race, which is mathematically impossible for her to win without disenfranchising many if not all of Senator Obama’s supporters is damaging the party's possibilities in November. Her divisiveness is well documented, and it is becoming clearer and clearer that her campaign is more focused of Hillary Clinton’s self promotion than it is on the interest of our sad and struggling country.

It is impossible to deny the fact that another four years of Bushlike policies would be a disaster to our country’s status across the globe as well as our economy here at home. It is imperative that the Democratic candidate for President of the United States wins this upcoming election.

Time and time again, across America, it has been demonstrated that once a body of people hear and see and listen to the message of Barack Obama, the fears, biases and reluctance of the political body to vote for him dissolve. It is an undeniable truth that Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania stated, and was admonished for, that there are people in this country that will not vote for a black candidate. Unfortunately, this is still true. However, the number of people that think this way is shrinking. At the same time, the number of people in this country who are less concerned with the race of a person than with their character and their ideas is increasing. It is clearly, to some extent, a generational phenomena, hence, Senator Clinton’s better showing among older voters in recent primaries.

Senator Obama has presented a view of America that provides hope and excitement for the future. He promotes an agenda that encourages us as individuals to support and promote our country; one that will allow the country to grow, prosper and become again a beacon of hope and promise to people, not only of our own country, but to the rest of the world as well. Senator Clinton also presents an agenda of hope, yet she does it in a mean-spirited and divisive way, which has never worked in the long run and is certainly doomed to fail again.

Never stop talking about Senator Obama! Make sure all your friends, neighbors and acquaintances know that you support his positivity and policies. Encourage them to learn about him. Read his books. With undying support and energy for his program, we can change this country and change the world.

I have a gift for you... Help me raise 1,000 for the campaign,

Mike Palmer — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:40:04 EST

I am an Obama supporter in Delaware, OH. We are so proud we won Delaware County for Barack in the March 4 Primary in our county. We went to see Barack at two of the rallies in Ohio during the weeks before the primaries and I did a little photography. I am offering a set of four original "electronically altered" photos of Obama and related to Obama to you as a gift for making a contribution toward my personal funraising goal. Follow this link www.palmerarts.com/obama to see the photos, suitable for use as post cards, and then link out from my site to the donate page on barackobama.com to donate. I'll be in touch if you donate 10.00 or more and will send your five of the original postcards. Obama can do this. He can restore American pride!

The people need to know, It's vision that really matters..

Mike Palmer — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 09:36:44 EST

I’ve been reading the NYT this morning about how far Obama can and wants to go in “attacking” Hillary Clinton.

I do believe there has to be some vetting of the overpumped statements of readiness and “meaningful “experience that she has continued to make. People swung to her on the stupid fear factor with this last round of elections. And she has the gall to call Obama’s tactics of opening questions about her (tax forms, transparency, funding of the campaign with foreign money?) out of the “Rove Book” while her campaign uses fear to motivate voters. It is offensive.

Anyway, I think his desire to stay above it all is wonderful. I do believe though that he has to make statements of fact, that are not personal, but are revealing in a way that they contradict and refute the statements she is making about preparedness and “meaningful” experience.

I think he should get it out there, and prominently, that he has more time serving in elected office then she has. Tell people about the good and “meaningful” legislation that he has authored. Remind them that this is a choice between a return to past promises or to an advancement into the new world.

This is subtle, but meaningful. I feel this is the next step of recognition of the fact that “all men (and women of course) are created equal". This past administration has been so dismissive and evasive of following the law. Their decisions and direction are not conducive to peace in the world, nor are they respectful of traditional and important American values. Their choice to “punish” leaders of other great countries by not speaking to them is absurd and is passé. Their choice to allow torture is horrendous and abhorrent.I see Obama as the man who can convince Americans that that statement needs to extend beyond the borders of the United States. It is a statement that has to extend around the world. To Mexico and Canada, our neighbors, but also to the people in the Middle East, Africa and Indonesia, Russia and the European Union, and in doing so can convince the rest of the world that Americans are good people. He speaks of restoring Habeas Corpus, as a point of respect to each individual in the world. He speaks of his willingness to sit with, speak with and discuss problems and conflicts with leaders of other countries in the world, whether friend or foe as a point of respect for other countries of the world.

I have a sense that his presidency would be strong and would finally be the one that would be able to help quell the Palestinian/Israeli situation. Out of his respect for other people and for other Peoples, he would be able to do so much good for the world. This feeling is strong and solid. My gut tells me it would work. I somehow understood from the start, how this attack on and destruction of Iraq by the mighty US Military Machine would be a disaster. I understood how the world would react and that it would be a terrible legacy and an unmanageable and irresponsible expense to the US, both in lives and dollars. I understood it would be a diversion from the real people (the hoodlum Taliban and Al Qaida) that caused us harm and want us gone. Obama understood it too. He was one of a few that had the understanding OF THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS to know how it would turn out. They say it is quieting (Iraq), but I expect it is still simmering close to boil. Iraq, what a sad People that is now.

Obama’s judgment on the Iraq war is central to this all. It is one of the big reasons we find our country entering a recession. It is all linked. Bin Ladens wishes to bankrupt the USA is working to some extent. It’s all related, and If Clinton would have been in the White House she would have done the same thing as Bush did, maybe. At least she voted that way.

I don’t know if these ideas would make any sense to the campaign. I’m sure they have the most wonderful minds in “image” helping. The people still to vote and the rest of us that already have just need to know that she is not all she says she is. This message has to get out. Just because they have heard her name for the last 16 years does not mean she has 16 years of meaningful, real foreign affairs or legislative experience. It’s the vision that matters, the attitude and the strength and the willingness to work with others to solve big problems. That’s what Obama brings.

New poll shows gap narrowing!

Mike Palmer — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:44:06 EST

A new poll done by Reuters, C-SPAN and the Houston Chronicle (2/26-2/28) shows that Obama trails Clinton in Ohio by only 2 points and has a substantial 6 point lead in Texas! The time is now for us in Ohio to show what a good organization can accomplish when we are motivated by an inspiring leader. See the report on the new poll below.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/clinton-barely-edging-out-obama/story.aspx?guid=%7B624CF7C2-4FAB-4F95-BB49-41B9B6C34F35%7D

Obama's campaign has maintained a high level of integrity. While the other contender for the democratic nomination puts people like Tom Buffenbarger out to introduce her:

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/20/684411.aspx?p=1

And McCain's campaign hires people like Bill Cunningham to introduce McCain:

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS01/302270009

Obama continues to stay on the high road, discussing issues and the differences between him and the others while not making vile and negative remarks.

This is just one more reason why I support and am working hard to help Barack Obama become our nominee and our next President. He is a class act all around. It is also the reason, I'm sure, that he is reluctant to make a firm comittment to public finance money for the General Election. He knows how many Republicans abuse the rules that govern 527 groups, which prohibit advocacy for a specific candidate or defaming another specific candidate directly, but THEY DO IT ANYWAY! You can't trust them to play by the rules! Remember the "Swift Boaters" and how they attacked Kerry!! Stay with Obama, Stay on the high road. America will respond and he will be our president and he will enhance the world's view of America and help restore the American Dream!

Letter to Editor by Delaware Resident, Sean Kay

Mike Palmer — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:56:51 EST

This is a Letter to the Editor of the Delaware Gazette, by an Obama supporter fromn Delaware.

It is NOT my writing. I'd hate to be accused of plagiarism... :-) but I thought it was quite eloquent and meaningful and wanted to share it with you all!

OBAMA IS BEST CHOICE FOR OUR NEXT PRESIDENT

When my family and I moved to Delaware in 1999, I registered Independent. I had worked in the Defense Department during the Clinton Administration, and was a life-long Democrat. Nonetheless, leaving Washington, I felt my idealism for service was lost in a tired, partisan experience. I registered again as Democrat for primaries in 2000 to vote for Bill Bradley – though I was torn as I also liked John McCain. On March 4th, I will again vote for change and the future – for Barack Obama.

On foreign and defense policy, Senator Obama is clearly the best choice for Ohio. In his work as a community organizer in Chicago, in the Senate with Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) on nuclear proliferation, and in terms of how he has run his presidential campaign – Senator Obama inspires diverse coalitions – vital diplomatic skills. Key decisions on national security require calm and fortitude – traits that Senator Obama has demonstrated while overcoming the heat of one the most powerful political machines in American history. On Iraq, Afghanistan, terrorism and homeland defense, nuclear proliferation, trade, energy and global warming – Senator Obama’s depth of knowledge and fresh look at the world uniquely qualify him for the 21st century security environment.

Leadership on national security requires wisdom and judgment. Senator Obama’s primary opponent, Hillary Clinton, voted for and supported the war in Iraq. This judgment distracted the United States from al Qaeda and has spawned a new generation of terrorists. The war in Iraq has cost over 30,000 dead and injured soldiers. Authorizing this war cost $500 billion not spent on homeland defense, health care for seniors and children, schools, and crumbling economic infrastructure in Ohio and the country. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton fails to acknowledge a mistake and applies the same worldview still, approving a senate resolution ceding power to George Bush to use military force against Iran.

Barack Obama opposed the war in Iraq before it was fought – arguing correctly that it was a diversion from the war on terrorism. He had the wisdom to understand what was coming and the courage to speak against it. But there is something more fundamental - Senator Obama has a detailed plan to end the Iraq war responsibly – but he also wants to change the mindset that got us into the war. And still, there is no question that as President, Barack Obama will use all the tools of American power to secure its national interests.

Democrats and like-minded registered voters should ask: who can win in November? Only Barack Obama offers a clear distinction on Iraq. Only Barack Obama can run as an agent of change for Washington. Only Barack Obama will appeal to Independent and disillusioned Republicans who are weary from tired and destructive politics from both parties. Only Barack Obama represents millions of new voters engaged in the political system for the first time – offering a clear choice between the past, and the future.

Sean Kay

Delaware, Ohio

Obama's "Blueprint For Change"

Mike Palmer — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:18:50 EST

This is a link to a fabulous piece called "The Blueprint For Change" that was featured on the main page of the Obama website. It clearly and concisely explains Senator Obama's positions on many of the issues that concern Americans as they decide how to vote in this most important election year ever. I would recommend that you all save it on your computer as a reference and send it out to anyone that you want to help make an informed decision. Send it out! Spread the word! Yes We Can!

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

Visit to donate.

Mike Palmer — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:08:10 EST

People in and around Delaware, Ohio... We need to support Barack to help restore the world's view of America and to change the world for the better. His vision is clear and strong. We have been on the wrong road for too long. Please visit my personal fundraising page and think about giving a small pert of your tax refund or rebate to support the cause. I've seeded the pot with $50.00. Please do what you can... give $5.00, give $10.00, give $50.00.... Every little bit helps get us closer to our goal of a restored America! Buy into this camapign and you will be a part owner!

Click on the link below!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Imagine389

Vision vs Experience

Mike Palmer — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:38:41 EST

Another great night, Barack keeps picking them up, you can feel the momentum! We can do this Ohio. If you don't want to spend the next 4 years apologizing to your friends in other states, WE HAVE TO DELIVER OH 4 OBAMA!!! This is watching history be made. What an exciting election this has been. The people energized, frothing for a change, not only a change from the heavy-handedness of the Bush erea, but to an era of global cooperation. We want to be able to get along with others, most people want the same things. The inclusive and open aproach of Obama's is so refreshing, so much a breath of fresh air. Gone will be the arrogance that was so much an image in the Bush Administration. Gone will be the confrontational and beligerant tone of America that was so well expressed by Dick Cheney. Some say we are crazy to trust running the country to this man, with his lack of experience, but I for one, believe the vision is more important that the experience right now!

Can You Feel It?

Mike Palmer — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:50:23 EST

This is going to happen. We are going to elect this man President of the United States!

Every new election that goes by, state by state, week by week, the energy that Obama is generating builds. How can anyone who hears him speak or learns about his life, his ambitions and his dreams not be moved. I have followed politics more than most people for many years. I have watched in horror as the Bush Administration has trampled on our rights and our freedoms and has turned the name of the United States into a hated and feared name across the world. So many of the things that we believed were inherently GOOD about the United States were thrown out the window by this fear-mongering Administration. They commandeered the goodness of the American People after 9/11 by not only distorting the truth, but by fabricating absolute lies to create fear so that Americans would go along with their disastrous (non)plan in Iraq. So few were able to see through the fallacy that this mis-adventure would make the United States safer and stronger. We have seen the results. Not only did Iraq become a disaster, the view of the United States from around the world has become that of a bully rather than a friend. Obama saw what would happen. Clinton did not.

Obama understands that we as a people, need to move beyond this "politics of fear and isolation" to a politics that encourages cooperation of all people in the United States and all country's of the world to solve our wars, create opportunities for better education, health and financial life around the globe, and also to do what needs to be done to PROTECT our planet FROM humanity FOR THE SAKE of humanity.

I feel it is going to happen. As the time for a state to elect their delegates to the nominating conventions approaches, people start reading and paying attention. When they do, they see what Obama offers us. He offers us HOPE. He will deliver thru action and negotiation and he is going to be the next President of the United Stetes. Get out there and do whatever you can to help spread the word. It's for your future and that of your children!