"These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy. Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the American people -- the opportunity to make important milestones in foreign relations. So these dinners and events are really critical to what we do internationally. And they've helped build stronger ties with nations as well as people around the world." --- First Lady Michelle Obama, Indian State Dinner Press Preview, November 24, 2009
"These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy. Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the American people -- the opportunity to make important milestones in foreign relations. So these dinners and events are really critical to what we do internationally. And they've helped build stronger ties with nations as well as people around the world."
--- First Lady Michelle Obama, Indian State Dinner Press Preview, November 24, 2009
Throughout history partaking (eating) food has been associated with sharing experiences; in addition to obtaining intimacy and understanding i.e. psychological bonding. It is evident through the customs and practices of soceity many people believe this process still has merit today. For example, it is becoming more common for businesspersons to hold meetings with food available for consumption, there's even the new trend of conducting interviews during breakfast, lunch, dinner. An invitation to eat is considered an honor within many cultures, specifically the Asian cultures. African-American culture is rich in the tradition of food preparation for Sunday dinners. In general, Americans have deep-rooted tradition of food preparation for holiday, funeral, and wedding dinners.
In today's soceity more individuals and organizations are emphasizing the 'family table' i.e. encouraging people to eat their meals together as a family unit. Furthermore, the association between eating and the process of obtaining understanding is eveident through the scripture, "O' taste and see that the Lord, He is good." As a final point, the origin and celebratory nature of the concept of reunions, formerly called 'homecomings', focuses on the 'bonding' effect from eating together. It is not surprising then that food is an important part of any reunion celebration.
The partaking of food is an outward expression of learning about individuals and/or organizations. The partaking of food provides an opportunity to experience and learn about individuals and/or organizations. Personally, there's an opportunity to actually live the heartwarming message in the movie, 'Soul Food' i.e. learning and caring about the soul of people, individually and collectively.
State Dinners provide an opportunity to actually learn and care about the soul of a nation.
Comments and sentiments like Demint underestimates the call for Healthcare Reform. This is not 1990s. Many stakeholders that opposed efforts previously are actively engaged now towards the current efforts.
U.S. Representative Collin Peterson writes in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal:
I have the distinct privilege of representing some of our country’s hardest working farmers and agricultural workers, and serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture where we shaped the 2008 Farm Bill. As many of you know, I feel strongly about the importance of agriculture to this country. Farmers are part of the backbone of this country, responsible for our food security, and increasingly important contributors to our drive towards energy independence.One thing I know for sure is that in order for our agricultural economy to be strong we’re going to need a President that we can work with. We need a President who understands the importance of federal agriculture programs, a President who will share our priorities and work with us to accomplish them.I’ve taken time to study the records of both candidates and where the interests of Minnesota and American agriculture are concerned the only candidate who has supported agriculture is Senator Barack Obama. He’s not a perfect candidate – no one is – but at the most fundamental level, Barack Obama has shown me that he understands agriculture, appreciates its critical role in this country, and will work with farmers.I cannot say the same of his opponent, Senator John McCain, who recently proposed abolishing the farm safety net and tax credits for renewable energy. Senator McCain has a long record of leading the charge against agriculture research, against biofuels, and against critical programs for sugar and dairy producers.On all of the key issues for farmers and Minnesota agriculture, from preserving the farm safety net to developing renewable energy and making essential infrastructure improvements that are important to farmers, Senator Obama has been on the side of our nation’s farmers while Senator McCain has been against them.Senator Obama has represented a key farm state and has maintained an open door to farmers from Illinois. He supported the 2008 Farm Bill, which will provide certainty and stability to producers and the entire farm sector, invest billions of dollars in conservation, and feed tens of millions of low-income families.On the other hand, Senator McCain opposed the Farm Bill and said he would have vetoed it, just like President Bush did. This position has been criticized by leaders of numerous groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers. It indicates to me that Senator McCain is badly out of touch with how agriculture really works in our country.One of the most promising elements in our agricultural economy is the ongoing development of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. Increasing production and use of biofuels and other sources of alternative energy is decreasing our reliance on imported oil, injecting billions of dollars of capital into rural economies, and enhancing our local economies. The industry has grown from a combination of the entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation found in American agriculture and the successful federal programs that helped lay the foundation for broader investment and growth.Senator Obama strongly understands and supports these “ag-focused” energy development programs and even introduced legislation that created the first mandate for the production of renewable sources of diesel fuel. His leadership on renewable energy earned Senator Obama a Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union and endorsements from a number of Democratic and Republican former Presidents of the National Corn Growers.Senator McCain, on the other hand, has one of the worst records in Congress on renewable fuels. He has repeatedly opposed and voted against all of the key biofuels programs and even said, “Ethanol has absolutely under no circumstances any value whatsoever.”Finally, I’ve been impressed by the fact that Senator Obama has put members of his campaign team on the ground throughout rural American and has had them listening to what rural voters have been telling them. From what I can see he is an able leader who is committed to working with us for the good of agriculture – in Minnesota and throughout the nation -- and the rural communities who depend on it.I believe that anyone who understands the economic importance of agriculture – and farmers in particular – should support Barack Obama.
I have the distinct privilege of representing some of our country’s hardest working farmers and agricultural workers, and serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture where we shaped the 2008 Farm Bill. As many of you know, I feel strongly about the importance of agriculture to this country. Farmers are part of the backbone of this country, responsible for our food security, and increasingly important contributors to our drive towards energy independence.
One thing I know for sure is that in order for our agricultural economy to be strong we’re going to need a President that we can work with. We need a President who understands the importance of federal agriculture programs, a President who will share our priorities and work with us to accomplish them.
I’ve taken time to study the records of both candidates and where the interests of Minnesota and American agriculture are concerned the only candidate who has supported agriculture is Senator Barack Obama. He’s not a perfect candidate – no one is – but at the most fundamental level, Barack Obama has shown me that he understands agriculture, appreciates its critical role in this country, and will work with farmers.
I cannot say the same of his opponent, Senator John McCain, who recently proposed abolishing the farm safety net and tax credits for renewable energy. Senator McCain has a long record of leading the charge against agriculture research, against biofuels, and against critical programs for sugar and dairy producers.
On all of the key issues for farmers and Minnesota agriculture, from preserving the farm safety net to developing renewable energy and making essential infrastructure improvements that are important to farmers, Senator Obama has been on the side of our nation’s farmers while Senator McCain has been against them.
Senator Obama has represented a key farm state and has maintained an open door to farmers from Illinois. He supported the 2008 Farm Bill, which will provide certainty and stability to producers and the entire farm sector, invest billions of dollars in conservation, and feed tens of millions of low-income families.
On the other hand, Senator McCain opposed the Farm Bill and said he would have vetoed it, just like President Bush did. This position has been criticized by leaders of numerous groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers. It indicates to me that Senator McCain is badly out of touch with how agriculture really works in our country.
One of the most promising elements in our agricultural economy is the ongoing development of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. Increasing production and use of biofuels and other sources of alternative energy is decreasing our reliance on imported oil, injecting billions of dollars of capital into rural economies, and enhancing our local economies. The industry has grown from a combination of the entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation found in American agriculture and the successful federal programs that helped lay the foundation for broader investment and growth.
Senator Obama strongly understands and supports these “ag-focused” energy development programs and even introduced legislation that created the first mandate for the production of renewable sources of diesel fuel. His leadership on renewable energy earned Senator Obama a Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union and endorsements from a number of Democratic and Republican former Presidents of the National Corn Growers.
Senator McCain, on the other hand, has one of the worst records in Congress on renewable fuels. He has repeatedly opposed and voted against all of the key biofuels programs and even said, “Ethanol has absolutely under no circumstances any value whatsoever.”
Finally, I’ve been impressed by the fact that Senator Obama has put members of his campaign team on the ground throughout rural American and has had them listening to what rural voters have been telling them. From what I can see he is an able leader who is committed to working with us for the good of agriculture – in Minnesota and throughout the nation -- and the rural communities who depend on it.
I believe that anyone who understands the economic importance of agriculture – and farmers in particular – should support Barack Obama.
My Congress,
I am inspired, my Congress, and let me tell you why.
Because for the first time in my life, I am seeing people come together to action. Larger numbers of voters are mobilized than ever before. People are speaking the same voice, are giving of themselves, are motivated to work and reach out to others. And it is in the name of Change for all of us.
For the first time in my life, I'm seeing the real America - a unified people from small and large towns, demanding Change. A hint of the America of which our founders dreamed…an America where the people are bonding together to make a difference, mobilizing to effect change. I'm seeing the America we talk about when we read the Preamble to our Constitution:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
These rights, including free speech and religion, are integral to our shared experience as Americans, allowing Lincoln’s words to ring true:
...that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
It is this government of the people that our founders wished for us, and that we have slowly let slip through our fingers. The dream of the forefathers set up a representative structure where each of you, members of Congress, serves as a trumpet for us. You are our elected spokesperson, our clarion call of what we want for our society.
And we want Change.
What is this Change? Everyone I speak to agrees: we need leaders that inspire and represent the America we want to see regardless of party-affiliation. 80% of Americans feels that we have a leadership crisis – in our businesses, in our government, among our own people. We are not happy with where we have gone, the course that our country has taken and how uninvolved we have become. What was originally an American Dream has now become its nightmare as we learn some valuable lessons about economics and leadership. We recognize a crisis, and we understand that we have been part of the problem.
I feel that this is why so many Republicans and Independents have come to support Obama: he is a leader for all people, not just one side or another. Not the rich over the poor, or the poor over the rich. He represents a responsibility of the people to take care of the people, of Americans to support America!
But it didn’t have to be Obama. Any leader who truly represented the interests of everyone should have been able to step forth and rally the American people behind them. Because as the leadership poll shows, the majority of people want the President to do what the American people think is right. Not what the individual him/herself feels is right.
And what the American people feel is right often transcends party-lines. From the leadership report, again:
Americans have specific desires of our government, and a growing number do not care about a label of one party or another, but instead are looking for leaders that take up the platform of the people and work to make it happen.
Why can't our politics always be thus, my Congress? Why must one don the banner of one party or another, conservatism or liberalism, and not appreciate that a strong country is flexible. By refusing to yield, we are broken - as we have seen in our foreign policy. By bending, we are made stronger.
Why must our future leaders choose one side or another, when America needs candidates that are able to see all sides of the picture and make the right choices for America at that time? Whether that choice be conservative or liberal, social or fiscal? Why must we choose sides and belong to one method or another, when in truth, a marriage of the two is usually the best action altogether? Why not a leadership that has all options available in order to move in the direction that is best for Americans?
I am excited to see that we are stepping up and accepting responsibility for ourselves and our actions. Many might say that we are lazy and merely want to bring in “leadership” that will decide things for us, as long as we can continue to watch our sit-coms and reality TV. That the American spirit is a thing of the past.
But this election shows that is not so: We The People feel left out of the mix, constantly given leadership options that do not inspire us, do not make us feel as if we are being represented, spend efforts only to discredit others instead of supporting US, the people.
Too long has our government been incestuous and broken, over eight (and more) long years of constant fear and frustration. Confidence that we could do anything to save ourselves was lower than ever before. Instead we hung our heads and tried not to look the world in the eye, shuffling our feet and saying, “Yeah…I know. I feel helpless too.” We huddled up, ready to endure a long winter of failed confidence and leadership. Many talked of leaving the country. Others vowed to fight on. Still others descended into a pessimistic hole of distrust of any candidate, taking the latest administrative as just a sign that Lincoln’s words were the past, and fear was our future.
But We The People are now standing up and taking back our country. Having had the taste of hope, the taste of what being a citizen really means, we awake to our charge: We The People are going to hold our leaders responsible, and ourselves responsible for bringing the right leaders in. We need an ideology change, a thread of something that will allow us to hold our heads high. We need to feel as if those “rights” we fought for so many years ago really exist and mean something. We need to know that we can make a difference.
As America, we are so close to stepping away from the adolescent behavior of the past eight years, reminiscent of a spoiled, rich teenager who is the bully of the world playground. I am eager to see us move beyond that into our young adulthood to being more responsible, more thoughtful country.
And it only took being thrust out on the ledge of utter downfall for us to pull back, and pull together.
I am also scared, my Congress.
I am scared that we will not learn from this unifying experience and divisive politics.
I am frightened that we will choose Change, and then sit back and wait for change to happen to us, instead of realizing that it starts with us.
I’m afraid that We The People will feel the burden of Change will be too much after so many years of being downtrodden. We will forget the sacrifices that our forefathers and ancestors made to seek a better country, a better life. We will forget how much they gave up, and how much many of our people still give up, to make sure that America is the country of opportunity and freedom, where people have the right to speak their minds and worship how they wish.
I worry that we will feel that there is too high a price to pay for Change. That We The People will be too afraid of uncertainty to push for a better country and world. Much like the uncertainty of death that begets strict religion but no enlightenment, We The People could fall into greater fear of Change than fear of dying out. And we will balk, and remain the same.
But have no doubt – we will still pay the prices we thought we were avoiding.
I’m fearful that people will cling too much to labels and ideologies, eschewing flexibility and evaluation. They will be unable to cast off the chains of “my way or the highway” for self-review and broad perspective. That We the People will turn our backs on ourselves and everything we could be in order to follow a regimented doctrine from a corrupted era.
And I'm sure you are scared too. Because despite the label of "democrat" that Obama runs under, in reality he is very middle of the road, and represents many of the views of both conservatives and liberals. And that means that perhaps it might not be about large parties, facing off mano e mano, anymore. Perhaps all our hopes will be realized and we will have flexible, thoughtful leadership that will listen to We The People, and move forward step by step to becoming a stronger, greater nation. And this means We The People will demand Change of You, my Congress.
No, it will not change overnight, or even with one president. All of our troubles will not vanish, and no one person is the answer to the days ahead. We may endure some difficult times and much will be demanded of us to put our best foot forward for the slow steady climb.
But it must start somewhere, it must start with one step. One Step towards Change and Hope, a step that will restore confidence in our own leadership. This will allow us to feel strong enough to lift our heads and look towards the horizon of becoming a better country, a better We The People, and a better citizen in this world. We will be able to look ahead and see that the sun is rising on America, and hope renews with the coming Spring.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun.”
I raise my head and look forward to the rising of the sun, so that we may prepare for a new season of growth and confidence in The United States of America – United Again. Perhaps then we can achieve what Lincoln spoke of in his second inaugural address:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.
This blog, Exponential, endorses Barack Obama as the next president of the United States of America.
Lane BurnsConcerned Citizen of the United States of America
This Thursday, October 30th, please join President Bill Clinton with special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senate Candidate Al Franken in Minneapolis, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton and Special Guests Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
http://mn.barackobama.com/MinneapolisChange The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs, banners, or umbrellas permitted.
The Obama for America and Al Franken for Senate campaigns today announced that former President Bill Clinton will headline a “Five Days to Change” Get-Out-The-Vote rally in Minneapolis Thursday evening. Clinton will be joined by U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
President Clinton will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need and the candidates, like Al, who are working to help make that happen.
Here are the details:
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton
Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave S Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
RSVP Online at: http://MN.BarackObama.com/FiveDaysToChange
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however, an RSVP is strongly encouraged.
Don't forget to RSVP at http://MN.BarackObama.com/FiveDaysToChange
How frustrating. So, let's go through this latest fear-tactic, shall we?
Enough Democrats will be elected into the Congress to create imbalance. Choose a Republican for president to balance them out.
A number of reasons why this irritates me:
Imagine McCain. His sneers. His air-quotes. His privatization and his flippancy towards the rest of the world. Do we really want someone who believes in supporting his private investors more than the common American people? Do we really want someone like McCain or Palin, who immediately turn to smearing opponents instead of dealing with issues? Do we think that is an effective way to lead a country?
Remember when Bush mentioned the "Axis of Evil" and we were all ashamed that our leader so brazenly bypassed diplomacy and called names? Or how about when he called the leader of North Korea, a "pygmy"? Don't we see that now, in our own country, with McCain/Palin throwing out labels and accusations of socialist, terrorist, and "celebrity"?
We aren't happy with Bush's diplomacy methods - how could we support the same in McCain and Palin?
How many times have we shaken our heads when Bush would come out with gaffes and errors in his statements? And now we want to elect McCain and Palin, the top gaffe-makers in our country today?
And how many times have we questioned the Bush tactics and strategies that deliberately lead us into situations that are designed to benefit himself and his cronies? And now McCain and Palin are using the same cronies and political campaign advisers as Bush did. How many times did we say we disliked "flip-flopping" but ignore the fact that McCain's entire campaign has been a flip-flop. He was against torture, but ended up supporting Bush in it anyway. He was for campaign reform, and now he's been taking advantage of every loophole that exists. He was against tax cuts for the wealthy, and now supports them again. He left the 2000 campaign after Bush's campaign smeared him and his family terribly. Now he's using the same people to smear Obama. He says he puts his country first, but ask Americans how they feel Palin fits that theme. He claims he's moderate, but then takes up all the most conservative ideals of his party.
He's shown his disdain for what Americans want at every turn. We don't like the negativity - he does more of it. We don't like the idea of privatizing health care, he makes it a pivotal part of his campaign. Just what does McCain stand for that Americans really want?
Fear-mongering is tiring. Our country has been at Orange Alert for so long that no one even pays attention anymore. McCain wants people to question "Who is the real Obama?" when we really should be asking, "Who is the Real McCain - and which one is trying to be president?"
(originally posted at Exponential)
There are just eleven days left before the Election, and this weekend Barack's Minnesota Campaign for Change will launch its statewide "Get Out the Vote" program with events across the state.
For one hour, one day, or more, spend your time working for Barack. This election will be won or lost on the ground and we need everyone contacting voters over the next 11 days.
When Hillary Clinton was in Hibbing on Monday, she talked about the importance of getting involved now.
Help us Get Out The Vote this weekend by attending one of the kick-off events below:.
Saturday October, 2410AM St Paul Featuring Al Franken Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Rep. Betty McCollum Sheet Metal Local #10 1681 Cope Ave E, Suite A St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 2PM St Paul Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Rep. Keith Ellison Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Duluth Featuring Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN Virginia Featuring Rep. Tom Rukavina Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MNSunday, October 25 12 PM St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Colman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Thomasin Franken Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis- Featuring Mayor RT Rybak CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis- Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN 4PM St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Coleman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul- Featuring Thomasin Franken and Susan Gaertner Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Duluth: Featuring Mayor Don Ness Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Al Franken Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring Rep. Betty McCollum Sheet Metal Local #10 1681 Cope Ave E, Suite A St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
St Paul Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Rep. Keith Ellison Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Duluth Featuring Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN
Virginia Featuring Rep. Tom Rukavina Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring Thomasin Franken Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis- Featuring Mayor RT Rybak CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis- Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Coleman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN
St Paul- Featuring Thomasin Franken and Susan Gaertner Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Duluth: Featuring Mayor Don Ness Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN
Check out these photos from the "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing with Hillary Clinton and share your own.
(Ok, I couldn't help it. I like acorn squash.)
Let's deal with the ACORN rumors, shall we? I think anyone who has worked with a non-profit will feel pain at reading this, because it is so often that when you are trying to do the most good for a non-partisan cause that bad nuts get into the batch. Whether they are employees or volunteers, sometimes your own people undermine your goals.
Does this make your efforts worthless? No. Does that mean that your organization is the problem? No. Is is frustrating and disheartening? Heck yes.
So, on to the reality check. I'm using FactCheck.org and the ACORN website as my sources.
WHAT IS ACORN?
WHAT IS THEIR PROCESS?
ACORN VOTER FRAUD
John McCain stated in the final debate that ACORN is "now on the verge of maybe perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history in this country, maybe destroying the fabric of democracy."
Goodness, McCain - embellish much? FactCheck.org disagrees with this outlandish statement about the fabric of democracy being unwoven by voter registration. But I'll put it together for all of us (majority of information from FactCheck.org):
OBAMA'S CONNECTION TO ACORN
FactCheck.org says:
The ad says that "Obama's ties to ACORN run long and deep" – that he "taught classes" for the group, paid a "front" $800,000 for get-out-the-vote efforts, and was endorsed by ACORN for president.That last one's true – ACORN's political action committee did offer an Obama endorsement.It's also true that Obama has worked with the group in the past. In 1995, Obama helped represent ACORN in a successful lawsuit to require the state of Illinois to offer "motor voter" registration at DMV offices. Obama has said [but no longer says- LEB] that this is his only association with ACORN, but that's not the case – he has had other, though less direct[emphasis mine], interactions with the organization. After law school, Obama directed a Chicago registration drive for Project Vote, which works closely with ACORN. And when Obama was on the board of directors of the Woods Fund, the foundation gave grants of $75,000 in 2001 and $70,000 in 2002 to ACORN's Chicago office. The McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee cite an additional grant of $45,000 in 2000. The Woods Fund has not responded to our calls about their 2000 grants. The Obama campaign also paid Citizens Services Inc., a group affiliated with ACORN, more than $800,000 for get-out-the-vote (not voter registration) efforts during the primary election. The nature of CSI's services was initially misrepresented on the Obama campaign's disclosures to the Federal Election Commission, which the campaign describes as an oversight. The Obama campaign says it has not been involved with ACORN during the general election. As for "teaching classes" for the group, the McCain campaign cites a March 2008 Newsday article, which says that ACORN organizer Madeleine Talbot "initially considered Obama a competitor" when both were working to get asbestos insulation removed from a Chicago housing project, but that "she became so impressed with his work that she invited him to help train her staff." Newsday does not say whether Obama accepted the invitation. An article by Chicago alderman Toni Foulkes says that "we [ACORN] have invited Obama to our leadership training sessions to run the session on power every year" between 1992 and 2004, when the article was written. The Obama campaign says that Obama participated in two, one-hour trainings in a volunteer capacity. Foulkes could not be reached for comment.
The ad says that "Obama's ties to ACORN run long and deep" – that he "taught classes" for the group, paid a "front" $800,000 for get-out-the-vote efforts, and was endorsed by ACORN for president.
That last one's true – ACORN's political action committee did offer an Obama endorsement.It's also true that Obama has worked with the group in the past. In 1995, Obama helped represent ACORN in a successful lawsuit to require the state of Illinois to offer "motor voter" registration at DMV offices. Obama has said [but no longer says- LEB] that this is his only association with ACORN, but that's not the case – he has had other, though less direct[emphasis mine], interactions with the organization. After law school, Obama directed a Chicago registration drive for Project Vote, which works closely with ACORN. And when Obama was on the board of directors of the Woods Fund, the foundation gave grants of $75,000 in 2001 and $70,000 in 2002 to ACORN's Chicago office. The McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee cite an additional grant of $45,000 in 2000. The Woods Fund has not responded to our calls about their 2000 grants. The Obama campaign also paid Citizens Services Inc., a group affiliated with ACORN, more than $800,000 for get-out-the-vote (not voter registration) efforts during the primary election. The nature of CSI's services was initially misrepresented on the Obama campaign's disclosures to the Federal Election Commission, which the campaign describes as an oversight. The Obama campaign says it has not been involved with ACORN during the general election. As for "teaching classes" for the group, the McCain campaign cites a March 2008 Newsday article, which says that ACORN organizer Madeleine Talbot "initially considered Obama a competitor" when both were working to get asbestos insulation removed from a Chicago housing project, but that "she became so impressed with his work that she invited him to help train her staff." Newsday does not say whether Obama accepted the invitation. An article by Chicago alderman Toni Foulkes says that "we [ACORN] have invited Obama to our leadership training sessions to run the session on power every year" between 1992 and 2004, when the article was written. The Obama campaign says that Obama participated in two, one-hour trainings in a volunteer capacity. Foulkes could not be reached for comment.
So, before we get all wound up in trying to pin massive voter fraud on anyone, perhaps we should do our own reality check of the facts.
Can we get back to talking about real issues again?
(originally posted at Exponential )
The previous post was about the cohesiveness of the branding message on the Obama camp. This has allowed for the message to be easily picked up and used by others - whether to support Obama or themselves. It shows pretty clearly that Change sells.
The Capitalism of Hope
Support from large and small business has been amazing. Everyone wants to be a part of the movement that will change the course of our country's leadership - whether through belief in that movement or just wanting to say that they were a part of the historic event.
Take UncleBrutha, for example. Obama likes hot sauce (who doesn't?) and so Uncle Brutha decided to make The Audacity of Hot Sauce to raise money and support for Obama. Hot Sauce? Why not?
Or how about Ojamas? The Obama pajamas that help you sleep easier. (ok, cheesy line, but it was too easy to avoid.)
Numerous other sites exist too - artists, cafepress, and more. Some are donating the funds to the Obama campaign, but others are just capitalizing off the fervor for a new voice.
This might be proof that Obama isn't going to make us all socialists - his cohesive campaign branding incites hyper-capitalism in the people, and propels new entrepreneurs to get their hand in the action. Obama's campaign alone might stabilize the government.
Artistic Expression
I showcased some artistic support for Obama in my last post. However, the lengths to which artists are rallying their skills for Obama is expansive. Some of these are being picked up by the Barack Obama website and raising money, while others are raising awareness or giving quality design to people willing to share the art with others.
First, how about Design for Obama? Revisiting the era of propaganda posters, designers have put forth their efforts to do what they can to support the movement. From their site:
Design/ers for Obama was created when Design Observer essentially asked the question, “how can graphic designers best support Barack Obama?” Our answer ended up extending the question to cover visual communicators at all levels. In addition to supporting Obama for America we jumped at the opportunity to bring the spirit of grassroots style organizing and collaboration to poster design which, to us, meant not only forming communal bonds but sharing the fruits of our efforts equally and in such a way that anyone can enjoy and benefit from (because most of us do not own our own printing presses).
Again, it seems that the quality of branding and message of the Obama campaign has inspired widespread activism, and have people giving of themselves in ways they might not have considered before. In honor of this, I'll feature some of my favorite posters in my blog up until the election.
Other poster sites that have sprung up: 30 Reasons. Each day, a new poster is added to showcase reasons why you should vote for Barack Obama.
Perhaps Sketch For Change has something you'd be interested in.
A way to keep up on the Art being made for Obama? The Obama Art Report.
But the art isn't just for designers or serial artists. It's for everyone. For example, Spelling Change offers everyone an opportunity to create a letter for the website.
My local sewing co-op and fashion store, Fasten Collective, has WeHeartObama as their designer of the month.
Needless to say, the Obama campaign has been inspiring for artists everywhere.
DIY = the Unity of Grass Roots Action
I've also never seen so many people mobilized to take a symbol and make grass-roots creations, and then share them with others. In my own community, the organizer of Milwaukee Renaissance promoted an Art for Obama gathering where people came together to make Obama yard signs - homemade ways of expressing support.
Or you could organize a Yes We Carveparty and carve pumpkins with various logos, mottoes and other Obama supporting messages. Patterns are provided at the website, along with instructions, and an opportunity to join a contest.
Want to wear your own support? How about a knitting pattern for the logo? Like to see the results?
Many of these items are described in the Obama Craft Project. Which includes a post(complete with video) on how to create your own Obama pin. DIY or DIE features some Barack Obama jewelry on Etsy and other places.
In the spirit of FreeCycle, there's an ObamaCycle - a way to get Obama gear into the hands of people who want it but can't afford it.
It must be true that this campaign has organized more people than has been seen for a long time. Either people are really tired of the same political ways - which McCain seems to represent to them - or they really believe in the Obama message.
Either way, it seems to point towards greater unity for all.
Yesterday, Iron Range gave the type of hometown welcome its famous for when nearly 5000 people welcomed Senator Hillary Clinton to Hibbing.
Folks started lining up as early as 3 o'clock for their chance to hear Hillary outline Barack's vision for the kind of change Minnesota needs.
As Hillary looked out at the audience in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, she noted that the folks gathered there were "people who have been at the core of making America safe and making America work."
Just as the iron ore that made the steel enabled us to win these conflicts, Minnesota's Iron Range casts the votes that made the difference in statewide campaigns that elected John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale. You have given more than your iron ore, your steel, and your votes. You have sacrificed for America... Northeastern Minnesota had the highest per capita enlistment rate in WWII, one of the highest in other conflicts after the Great War, and many of you, your children, and loved ones have served and proudly serve today. Our nation owes you a great gratitude. The working men and women of Northeastern Minnesota--the miners, the loggers, the building trades, the steelworkers, the teachers, the laborers--people who have worked for yourselves and your family, your community, and your country. And you deserve better than what you've been delivered the last eight years by the Republican leadership in Washington.
Just as the iron ore that made the steel enabled us to win these conflicts, Minnesota's Iron Range casts the votes that made the difference in statewide campaigns that elected John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale.
You have given more than your iron ore, your steel, and your votes. You have sacrificed for America... Northeastern Minnesota had the highest per capita enlistment rate in WWII, one of the highest in other conflicts after the Great War, and many of you, your children, and loved ones have served and proudly serve today. Our nation owes you a great gratitude. The working men and women of Northeastern Minnesota--the miners, the loggers, the building trades, the steelworkers, the teachers, the laborers--people who have worked for yourselves and your family, your community, and your country.
And you deserve better than what you've been delivered the last eight years by the Republican leadership in Washington.
Among the veterans in the crowd was retired U.S. Marine Breanna Osterhoudt, who wants to see change in the veterans benefits.
"We'll, I'm here because I'm a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton and Obama. I served four years in the United States Marine Corps, and I think we need a change.
Barack has a plan to help our veterans. The Obama-Biden plan will strengthen VA care by fully funding the VA and improving care for polytrauma vision impairment, prosthetics, spinal cord injury, aging, and women's health. Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan for veterans here.
Hillary spoke of the important role the next thirteen days play in determining whether the country continues down the same course or charts a new course in a new direction:
In these next days, people will be reaching a decision that will impact America for years to come. This is truly a fight for the future and its a fight we must win, and its a fight we have waged and won before. Yes, times may be tough, but we're tougher than the times and you need to look no further than the hardworking, nation-serving, patriotic people of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota.
In these next days, people will be reaching a decision that will impact America for years to come. This is truly a fight for the future and its a fight we must win, and its a fight we have waged and won before.
Yes, times may be tough, but we're tougher than the times and you need to look no further than the hardworking, nation-serving, patriotic people of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota.
With such a short time left, we need everyone to get involved and make phone calls, and canvass as part of our grassroots campaign for change.
As Hillary said last night, "So my friends, this is our moment, this is our time... Let's go win the election and change America!"
I've been wanting to discuss the Obama Design since day one. Many people have agreed that the design behind the Obama campaign has been stellar and reaching people unlike previous elections. What is behind this?
The Symbol
So, never before have I seen such a flawlessly run design campaign.
Politics aside, the mobilization of the logos, the diverse options, and the inspiring mottoes and - dare I say - typeface have people eager to put stickers on their bumpers.
Seriously, never before have I been thinking about putting a bumpersticker on my car. Bumpersticker activism isn't how I want to change the world.
But the simple circle with the new day dawning over the striped fields...something about that image just gets into the core of me. It doesn't just represent Obama - it represents something deeper, something organic and powerful that connects us all to the earth beneath our feet and the people on the street.
Even if Obama didn't win, I really think this logo could be something people across the country could unite under. It represents the best of us, the intrinsic American spirit that is about community and roots, as well as change and growth.
You have to admit, it's fabulous design that manages to take one symbol and tweak it to fit so many different people. It gives credence to the underlying statement: that we are all equally important and united, despite our individual differences. (For a sample of the logos as made individualized for each voting group, you can check the BarackObama website, or you can read this blog that includes a sample of each. )
Designbay did a study of winning presidents and their logos, and then compared this year's candidates. The Obama logo is designed to win.
Designers Review the Branding
K-Co, my top-notch designer friend, and I have discussed the Obama branding and what makes it so alluring. The branding has a lot of designers talking. One designer and critic, Michael Beirut, was asked to give his opinions of the Obama branding and the effort that has gone into it. His views seem somewhat amazed at the level of detail put into the branding, and his tone sounds a bit conflicted. But he says it clearly - the design and branding are impeccable.
The website is part of the branding technique, and people definitely have opinions about that. Friends I've talked to find it simultaneously helpful and beautiful, but expansive and overwhelming. Back in 2007, the Bivings Report took a look at the Obama campaign site. They gave it pretty high reviews, although some issues were noted. Additionally, Brian Yerkes provided his own review in June of '08, which goes through some detail as to why the Obama website is superior.
In January '08, the Boston Globe put together a review of fonts by The Font Bureau, Inc. focusing on which fonts in the campaigns really speak of change.
The Website and the Store
Have you been to the BarackObama store? Not just your typical cheesy election stuff. The designs are quality and make you feel inspired and happy to be a part of the experience. In addition, if you're looking for something higher end, there are the Runway to Change and Artists for Obama lines. SwissMiss featured the newest art poster in a blog post a few days ago, referring to it as a "typographic waterfall" as lovingly as any designer might.
The problem? Everything I want (or can afford) is sold out! (Perhaps I should check out the Democratic Stuff website.)
Next Post: Capitalism, Artists and DIY Speak Up For Obama
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
Photo Credit: Bemidji Pioneer - Submitted photo
Ray Schoenke, the founder and president of the American Hunters and Shooters Association, is in Minnesota talking to rural Minnesotans about Barack's respect of the rights of sportsmen and women and the Obama-Biden plan to restore the economy.
From the Bemidji Pioneer:
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama won’t take away Americans’ guns, says the head of the American Hunters and Shooters Association. “We’re a gun rights organization and we are stating Obama’s not going to take away your guns,” Ray Schoenke, who is founder and president of the AHSA, said in an interview Thursday night. Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Washington, D.C., total ban on handguns as unconstitutional. In overturning the ban, Justice Antonin Scalia said that “the individual right is confirmed, that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a gun,” Schoenke said. “That pretty well set the issue aside,” he said. “He basically said government cannot confiscate your guns. Congress cannot enact laws that can take your guns away. Which means Obama can’t take your guns away, nor can McCain. That whole issue is over with.” Coming up with laws for rural American and for urban centers “takes away their fear issue,” he said of the NRA. “To me, it’s misrepresentation, distortions and lies. It’s the only thing they have. It’s unfortunate that McCain and Palin buy into it.” “The gun rights issue is behind us and conservation is important,” he said. “Obama is ahead of McCain, and I think he’s clearly ahead when it comes to the economy. That’s why I strongly urge hunters and shooters throughout Minnesota to look to Obama and support him.”
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama won’t take away Americans’ guns, says the head of the American Hunters and Shooters Association.
“We’re a gun rights organization and we are stating Obama’s not going to take away your guns,” Ray Schoenke, who is founder and president of the AHSA, said in an interview Thursday night.
Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Washington, D.C., total ban on handguns as unconstitutional. In overturning the ban, Justice Antonin Scalia said that “the individual right is confirmed, that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a gun,” Schoenke said.
“That pretty well set the issue aside,” he said. “He basically said government cannot confiscate your guns. Congress cannot enact laws that can take your guns away. Which means Obama can’t take your guns away, nor can McCain. That whole issue is over with.”
Coming up with laws for rural American and for urban centers “takes away their fear issue,” he said of the NRA. “To me, it’s misrepresentation, distortions and lies. It’s the only thing they have. It’s unfortunate that McCain and Palin buy into it.”
“The gun rights issue is behind us and conservation is important,” he said. “Obama is ahead of McCain, and I think he’s clearly ahead when it comes to the economy. That’s why I strongly urge hunters and shooters throughout Minnesota to look to Obama and support him.”
Rather than relying on attack ads and distractions, Barack is focused on dealing with the economic challenges Americans are facing.
Barack will give tax cuts to 95% of middle class families. He'll end the tax breaks for companies shipping jobs overseas, and put them where they belong by cutting taxes on small businesses that grow local economies.
But we need your help to make sure people know the truth, and are focused on all the issues.
Log on to My.barackobama.com to get involved. Be sure to check out the brand new “Neighbor to Neighbor” canvassing campaign that makes it easy to reach out to voters in your own neighborhood.
Last weekend, a group of "Mamas for Obama" used the my.barackobama.com grassroots organizing tool to set up a playdate with their kids at their neighborhood park.
From the beginning, this campaign has been about everyday people stepping up to make change happen in their own communities. As Barack said today in Londonberry, NH:
John McCain thinks this campaign is all about me – but the truth is, this campaign is about you. Your jobs. Your health care. Your retirement. Your children’s future. That’s what this election is about. That’s what I’m fighting for. Because I can take 3 more weeks of these attacks from John McCain, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same divisive politics. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
Barack was raised by a single mother who put herself through school, followed her passion for helping others, and taught Barack that there are no barriers to success if you are willing to work for it.
His grandmother, who also helped to raise him, worked on a bomber assembly line during World War II. Michelle, Barack's wife, has been described as "the rock of the Obama family." She and Barack want their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, to grow up in an America where both work and family are part of the American Dream.
All of Barack's accomplishments have been made possible because of these women. And it is because of these women that Barack fights for women's rights. He fights for healthcare and education, support for working parents and an insistence on equality.
These are the issues that are important to the women who support Barack -- women who come from all types of backgrounds, and who are united by care for their families and their communities.
We can turn the page on the last eight years and create a better world for our children, but we need your help. By talking with your neighbors about Barack's plan for women and families you can help bring change to Minnesota and to America.
This election is too important to sit on the sidelines -- so get out there, and get started!
Check out the pictures from the "Mamas for Obama" playdate and share your photos with us:
You probably heard it, unless you were in the middle of the HarleyFest. My jaw dropping and hitting the desk when I read that McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate.
I don't remember what my first thought was. It was one of the two: "Wow. Stupid." Or "Wow, that pisses me off."
I hope that all the Hilary supporters see through this really clumsy action. This isn't McCain for Change. This is Same Old, Same Old. With the goal of attempting to reach out to the Hillary supporters who didn't see their candidate, Republicans chose a young beauty queen to make McCain look less stodgy and more "reform".
This proves, beyond a doubt, that Republicans have lost touch with reality, and the American people. By bringing in a "token" woman, Republicans have shown that they are still classist, still separatists that live in an America of the 50's, rather than the global community.
The part that really burns my britches is the fact that it completely reveals Republican platform on women: attractive, a nice smile, and willingness to play the game of the boys matters more than brains, wits, or real experience. The fact that they think that women might choose to vote for Palin because of gender rather than skill or capability COMPLETELY MISSES the Hillary campaign phenomena.
Hillary was such a movement for many reason, but one of the strongest ones was that women FINALLY had a quality candidate that was a woman, not a female playing the typical political game. This candidate had experience, intelligence, wits and skills. Hillary managed to reach out and touch real topics that affect both men and women, and wasn't afraid to grapple those topics that still are real issues - Choice, Rights, Equality for Women.
To choose Palin, who lacks experience, background, and any connection to the issues that women are concerned about, is a slap in the face of women. It's the Republicans believing that "Tits, not Wits" are what get the female vote. It shows that they just don't get it, and Republican Party just doesn't understand how Americans think or vote.
The only "change" Palin represents is that an old white guy is willing to have the woman stand next to him, instead of behind the desk out front.
Let's look at the facts:
In the face of a 72 year old president, we have a barbie doll in place in case he goes down. This isn't change, guys. It's sad. It's proof that you just don't get it.
(originally posted at Exponential on August 31st.)
I don't think there's any way to deny it - to vote for McCain/Palin really WOULD be voting for another four years.
Seriously, do I need to go any further? McCain/Palin represent the same old way of putting corporations over populations.
You want to say that social views don't matter? An administration's social programs and beliefs directly impact their fiscal beliefs. Those out there saying, "Well, I prefer Republican fiscal views" need to take another look at their fiscal views. Our debt has gone up astronomically, we are paying for a war that should never have happened, and social security is in danger.
You want to say that the Vice President doesn't do anything really? Hmm, perhaps you should talk to Cheney, who has managed to twist many deals in the White House offices.
You want to cite experience? Perhaps we should contemplate the experience of some of our founding fathers, or perhaps of myriad presidents before now? Or Senators, or leaders of any movement? Do you think that a preacher would be a good civil rights movement leader? Perhaps we should consider the person, and not the background, the skin color, or gender. Perhaps we should consider their ideas, the people they surround themselves with, and their ability to take on the burden of leading this country. Perhaps we should consider how they reach out to us instead of how they ask us to reach out to them. Perhaps we should look at what a person stands for, instead of stands ON.
Perhaps we should remember what Margaret Mead said:
So apparently, McCain/Palin refuse to respond to the legislative investigation about Palin's abuse of power as Governor. Let me be specific to the article: "allegations that she and her advisers pressured then-Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan to fire a state trooper going through a bitter custody dispute with her sister -- and that Monegan was terminated when he refused. "
McCain/Palin refuse to respond on the basis that the investigation is all a dramatic partisan attack by Obama operatives. (They really did use the word "operatives", I am (unfortunately) not making this up.)
So, an inquiry into poor decision-making and qualifications by a candidate is deemed "partisan politics" and can be dismissed? If you're running for office, you can just refuse to cooperate with a formal, legal investigation?
Wow, that sounds like some Privilege. I don't think the average American is able to do that.
But wait...this sounds familiar...I'm trying to remember ...Oh Yeah! When Cheney refused to respond to the Supreme Court about his Energy Council. A quote from this write-up:
Indeed, the Court may have avoided an ultimate decision in the case in part because of the political reverberations that would doubtless have resulted from their examining the separation of powers issues (read: the secrecy powers of the presidency) in an election year.
Oh wait. Maybe I meant the case where the Bush Administration invoked executive privilege regarding the EPA inquiry into emissions in California. That happened just in June of this year.
Or perhaps I'm thinking of the firing of 9 U.S. Attorneys, at which the Bush Administration ALSO invoked executive privilege, AND tried to make it so that the courts could not decide otherwise. In what the article claims -
"What this statement is saying is the president's claim of executive privilege trumps all."
It looks like the Bush Administration feels that they don't actually have to be held accountable for anything they do, which means the law of our country doesn't apply to them. If they say they aren't going to tell us why, we can't do anything about it. It would be deemed a "purely political" act to pursue justice.
This time, McCain/Palin are using the idea that this is all cooked-up by partisan politics from the Obama campaign. I'm wondering if "partisan politics" is now the fall back until they are elected and can use "executive privilege" instead. One way or another, it appears that McCain/Palin have taken lessons straight from the Karl Rove/Dick Cheney book of Checks and Balances - when questioned, refuse to address the question.
Wish they could teach Bush that, I imagine - but he's got "when questioned, act dumb" down perfectly.
Seriously, when is this campaign going to stop being juvenile? From bogus claims of sexism about the word "lipstick" to the dismissal of ANY inquiry about the candidates' qualifications as being "partisan politics", I'm just astonished at how stupid the Republicans must think we Americans are. Perhaps that is why McCain is long on war-hero stories and short on actual descriptions of his plans to deal with the issues facing this country.
It's all fluff, smoke and mirrors. Because in the end, the Republican Candidates are privileged...and they don't have to live up to their responsibilities like everyone else.
First, Let's Show the Crime:
Republicans seem to continually have email problems.
First, McCain indicates that he "doesn't do email." Another link for that, if you'd like. Surprising, but many elderly are not interested in the technology. Heck, my mother feels no need to use hers very often, although she checks it once every couple of weeks.
Also, remember when I posted in November about the 5 million emails that the Republicans "lost"? Oh, and let's not forget the fact that they were conducting white house business over Republican National Committee emails.
Now, Sarah Palin's Yahoo account got hacked, and it appears that she may have been using the email for official state business...which is against the law.
The Alaska Governor could also face charges for conducting official state business using her personal, unarchived e-mail account (a crime), with some critics accusing her of skirting freedom-of-information laws in doing so. An Alaska Republican activist is trying to force Palin to release more than 1,100 emails she withheld from a public-records request, the Washington Post reported last week.
Seriously, is it too much to ask the Republicans to get more creative in their illegal endeavors? It's one thing to commit crimes, it's another to repeat crimes done by the failing administration before you that you claim to be completely against.
Biden was right. A sequel IS always worse than the original. We are beginning to see the stumbling truth of that.
Conspiracy Theory? You bet.
However, this has deeper, conspiracy-theory implications. If you read the Time article above about how Sarah was being investigated for several items, it contains this brief tidbit:
After the hacks were made public, both private accounts were deleted — an act that could technically constitute destruction of evidence.
No one can expect you to keep the email accounts active once you've been "hacked," which gives plausible reason to delete the accounts in the name of privacy (4th Amendment). Once the accounts have been deleted, how exactly is the Palin administration going to turn over the evidence for the inquiries? How can it be proved that she was using the email for official state business?
Perhaps this is a little more creative. Palin's got the Bush administration experience to know that "losing evidence" works for stalling or even curtailing investigations. Getting "hacked" allows for an outside force (presumably not under your control) to conveniently lose the evidence.
It even gets MORE creative to see that the Palin administration may have actively studied how to avoid public records laws. (h/t K-Co) Here's a quote from the New York Times article: [emphasis mine.]
Interviews show that Ms. Palin runs an administration that puts a premium on loyalty and secrecy. The governor and her top officials sometimes use personal e-mail accounts for state business; dozens of e-mail messages obtained by The New York Times show that her staff members studied whether that could allow them to circumvent subpoenas seeking public records.
This feels sort of like the cronie-like administration we are currently dealing with, complete with the nepotism and favortism given to buddies and insiders to top administration positions of influence. Business Week magazine opined: "Dads, sons and other relatives reign so widely in this administration that there have never been so many family combos in an administration at the same time." The Seattle PI says something similar. The Bush Administration is built on these sorts of "loyalties" and insider actions. It looks like Palin's practices continue to follow the same manual, use the same methods, assume the same privileges, even hire some of the same people. More of the same.
And what's more, if you speak against it, you aren't patriotic.
Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil...or else.
