Obama: Keep America Moving, Offer a “Gas Rebate” Now!

Immediate relief at the pump can come in mysterious ways, but pain at the pump is not a secret, everyone feels it.   The issue is clear when someone profits another looses, and in the case of high fuel prices, the oil companies have garnered huge profits at our pain.

American’s gave Big Oil tax breaks, sweetheart deals, and tax loopholes so they could compete and profit, when times were tough for them.  Now it is time for the Big Oil companies to return the favor and good will of the American public.  Big Oil works just as hard as the next person, and we do realize how tough it is to drill a well, build a pipeline, and work on an isolated platform in the middle of the sea.  Yet Big Oil is now enjoying a bonanza, the huge profits they are enjoying are out of the ordinary, above the level of excellence, it is mind bogglingly brilliant.  It has been unfathomable.

The disparity is that today American’s are suffering and Big Oil is prospering at a number reaching more than one half a trillion dollars ($556 billion) in profits.  The reality of all this is that Big Oil has an opportunity to serve a greater purpose bigger than their own: The saving of America.  Yes they have the opportunity to save America from the brink of collapse. 

Given our current economic climate and at the rate things are going Big Oil won’t have customers that can buy their gas.  A collapse of America means a collapse of themselves and the free world.  Sorry to be so bleak but the markets are giving us the signs.  You say how can things collapse, take a lesson from history 1929, America looses confidence, and you know the rest.

American’s don’t need much all we ask for is a fair shake, and hope to know that we are not alone.  We can conquer this or anything else, but only as one country, one nation, united to withstand anything that may come our way.  Think about it.

Where can we start?  Immediately we can start by rescinding the tax breaks of 2004, 2005, and ask for the payment of those tax breaks and of the royalties for oil extracted from the Gulf.  It would be Big Oils chance to “Give Back to America” through a rebate we can call a “Gas Rebate.” (americanprogress.org calls it a “Fuel Price Relief-bate”). The amount would range from about $200 to $450 dollars per person per family.  Out of good intentions it is in the best interest of all concerned if this occurs this year, at the highest pain, America is suffering.

In 2004 and 2005, big oil companies also received tax breaks worth over $17 billion over the next decade, including avoiding at least another $7 billion to $9 billion in royalties owed to the U.S. government for oil and gas extracted from federal areas in the Gulf of Mexico. (This is how we pay for the Gas Rebate.) 

All we are asking for from Big Oil is $26 Billion Dollars, in “Gas Rebates,” and if you do the math it would be approximately less than 5% percent of the $556 billion they received in profits already.  Big Oil has stated they do not need “special tax breaks” and “sweetheart deals,” anymore, but more importantly along those lines we can eliminate all the loopholes and recover lost royalties, for the long term energy recovery of the country.  American’s don’t want to rake the Big Oil companies over the coals, because we know that their survival is our survival.  What we need is relief.

I just watched some video of Barack visiting the troops in the Middle East.  He is received like a rock star!  These visuals will be golden during the Fall campaign.  Take a look at Daily Kos.

[UPDATE] I always cringe when I see him take a basketball shot. Nothing the traditional media will dwell on more than an "airball."  It would become some sort of weighty metaphor that Chris Matthews would roll over and over.

Fortunately he seems like he's quite a ball player. 

In addition to the erosion of the 4th amendment that we have seen with FISA, once again as has been the case in the past several election cycles we will see some draconian restraints placed on the 1st amendment rights of activists who wish their voices to be heard by the Democratic party.

Make no mistake, in addition to the 20,000 or so credentialed delegates and special guests there will be equal or even greater numbers of representatives/activists from a wide number of special interest groups in the streets seeking to have their voices heard in addition to which. because the acceptance of the nomination will now be held at a 75,000 seat stadium, we can likely expect an even larger influx of “non-credentialed persons” hoping to gain access to INVESCO Field at Mile High.

If the media decides to focus on conflicts between protesters and an overly zealous “security forces” then the mainstream media coverage will detract from our candidate’s message, detract from the party’s platform and possibly alienate people from the party itself.

Under the guise of ‘security’ we have seen the development of “Free Speech Zones” that isolate the voices of our citizens rather than embraces them.  The very idea of “Free Speech Zones” flies in the face of everything our party and this country are about.

Historically, those who have elected to not be herded into “Free Speech Zones” like cattle and have instead chosen to fully exercise their first amendment rights have been subjected to tear gas, mace, beatings and arrest.  The drama of these actions are quite fully covered by the mainstream media while the substance of the issues that these activists try to bring to the attention of convention delegates go largely ignored. 

Additionally, when activists rebelling against the abhorrent concept of “Free Speech Zones” become the focus of media attention our candidate and our party’s platform dissolve into the background rather than being at the forefront.

Whether you are a grassroots supporter who will be watching the 2008 DNC & RNC Convention from afar, an Obama supporter who is also an activist of whatever stripe or a delegate to the DNC you have the opportunity to help create a new kind of atmosphere for the upcoming convention.  

Currently Denver authorities are gearing up for 1,200 arrests per day.  Shy of people voluntarily allowing themselves to be herded into “Free Speech Cages” authorities also are withholding information from activist groups as to what sort of activities might instigate an arrest or what sort of activities might result in an escalation of physical force/violence on the part of the police making it impossible for activist to be able to judge what forms of speech or expression will be permitted without the person’s action resulting in arrest or a possible wide spread sweep by the police.  In the past these sort of scenarios have resulted in not only activists and protesters being swept up by police but by-standers and even delegates.  The authorities in Denver in conjunction with Federal authorities are creating a scenario where the only safe way to exercise freedom of speech is to volunteer be imprisoned in a cage a considerable distance from the convention site blocked from sight by the area where the media will be set up.

The hope is that collectively we can develop ideas which will create a safe and just environment for freedom of speech to take place and a respectful atmosphere overall during the course of the convention for the country and world to witness.

Footnote: Yesterday a personal friend of mine who is a local attorney attended a special training for lawyers who are willing to provide legal assistance to activists arrested for attempting to exercise their 1st amendment rights.  One of the  things that became abundantly clear is the perception that the Denver Police Department has that they have been led to believe intent of protesters is primarily to create chaos and disruptions including flinging feces and urine at the police. Obviously this perception does not bode well for the mindset being created within the police department.  Also of note is the fact that the various groups that are operating under the umbrella of Recreate68 have been undertaking non-violence trainings in preparation for possible conflict while at the same time reaching out to Denver authorities to create some common understandings and dispel the many myths and rumors floating around about the intent of organizers and participants, so far those attempts have fallen on deaf ears.

http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed2/idUSL198009020080719

Was this just a Fruedian slip of the tongue or was this a pre-meditated calculation be McSloppy?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/18/mccain-leaks-details-of-o_n_113682.htm

Source: http://www.outsiderviews.com, retrieved July 19, 2008

Kirkuk is referred to as the City of "Black Gold".    Over 50% of Iraq's Oil is laying there.     One of the many fights on Iraq is going on in Kirkuk now.  The Kurds want it.    They are doing everything they can to get it.   Despite all that Barzani, Talibani and the rest of the Kurds are saying, the Kurds want independence.    This will undermine Iran, Turky and Syria.   This is one of the bigger side effects of the War launched by George W. Bush.   There is no talk in the media on this.   The talk is how things are getting better in Iraq and continue this upbeat, "happy talk" that seems to be the order of the day.

I commented on this in my blog, (http://www.outsiderviews.com, retrieved July 18, 2008) and note this for Community to review:

The U.S. Delegation to the P5 1 talks is in Geneva now. Saeed Jalili should be in Geneva by now. As I read the dispatches from Al Jazeera, the BBC and listen to the reports from Iran's State Broadcaster, I remain hopeful and optimistic for the sake of the region and the Iranian People. Despite the rhetoric, I view the Iranian leadership as inherently pragmatic when they realize what is at stake. I pray that I am not disappointed. I am sure that the world is as anxious as I am. The stakes are quite high.

As I appalud the Adminstration change of policy (although they don't refer to it as one), I continue to be bothered by the attacks from the McCain Campaign.   Terry Jeffrey, one of the "talking heads" on the right, was on Wolf Blitzer's the Situation Room and basically ran away with the fact that Senator Obama has zero crediblity and has no idea on what needs to be done in the area of the Foreign Affairs.    I view Senator Obama's Trip as vital in realizing that he understands the challenges and realizes what it takes to go beyond the now.   The campaign needs to realize that the right will be relentless.    I hope that this is eventually routed to the Campaign Foreign Policy Team for review.    His sarcasim was very much evident during the town meeting in Michigan.  Here is the Column for reference (courtesy of DickMorris.Com):

Senator Obama is building on an already historic campaign.  Image is everything in politics, and political positioning is equal, hence the start of Senator Obama’s historic journey, through the world stage.  Conveying his Image and Message is important but will be tempered under the rubric of planning and under the host of issues that can and will arise.  Avoiding McCain's own debacle in McCain's trips to Europe and the Middle East, should be an understood task for Barack Obama and his campaign.  Rather than get in trouble with FEC, calling it an overseas campaign rally will keep things straight.  Travelling as a presidential candidate, rather than in the capacity of a sitting Senator will keep scrutiny on the better side of valor

Mr. Obama’s historic nature of this trip also makes it the first of its kind setting precedent for future presidential campaigns.  Senator Obama out of good intentions has raised the bar to a new height in the quest for one of the most coveted positions of the free world.  The paradigm is that every succeeding American presidential candidate can no longer just campaign in America but will have to run his/her campaign, which is inclusive of the new world.  The fast pace of this overseas trip, the foreign press, foreign cultures aided by technology will introduce special dynamics in the campaign no one has ever faced.

Our awareness and the new dynamics of our interrelated economies have created this new world, and are affecting how politics is played.  We are becoming one people in one world rather than many people from many cultures from many different worlds, for example the Third World is joining the New World, in technology and economies.  Today, what affect us in Zimbabwe affects us in Schenectady, what affects us in Darfur affects us in London and New York.  What affects us in Haiti, affects us in France, and Miami.  What affects us in the Middle East affects us the world over.  The Old World Order is dead.

The Power of Hope

Entering the world stage Senator Obama, is placing his bet and will be walking his talk in a historic opportunity to “risk it all or win it all.” The hedge is that he will win the hearts of people in the United States and all over the world, with this trip.   Why? Because we are at a time when the despondency of the world is at all time highs, the world is tired of hating America.  People are thirsting for hope and hope is what he offers.  Obama is a new brand of politics that engages in having ethical discussions and positive rhetoric.  He avoids avoiding damming vengeful politics, and is shaping events around positive affirmations of Hope and Change.  His Hope is bringing people to a new level of inspiration and affirmation.

In a bold move to shape his image and positions, in the volatile world of politics the campaign is converging time, resources and is banking on the in-fatigable character of the human spirit’s desire for hope.  Affirming and re-affirming hope to the whole world.

Avoid the Pitfalls

Given the bright optimism this trip offers there are many pitfalls to avoid.  We may be figuratively or literally be standing at the brink of the end of the world given the limit and uncertain nature of our natural resources, and the volatile nature of the human ego.   Yet, people will argue that he will be on a big ego boosting trip, the campaign must watch and work heartily against that pitfall.  A wise king once wrote the following proverb: 

“Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.  He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and who so trusteth in Good Intentions happy is he”

Here we are in the big game of life, called “Chutes and Ladders,” the Senator and everyone involved in his campaign will “lay everything on the ground” to build his case, but if the campaign does not handle this wisely we may find ourselves in a chute quickly descending into a construction bin, like discarded building materials, of a newly constructed high rise, or at the summit of success and happiness if the trip is handled well.   

Give this trip a theme: Rebuilding Alliances 

A possible name can be: “The Power of Hope,” like playing off a song “The Power of the Dream” by Celine Dion, or maybe not. My point is that the trip needs a rally point you may be able to work on what Robert Gibbs stated Wednesday, when he said:    

“This trip is going to be about substance on the issues that we all have to tackle together. If we’re all going to be successful, part of that is rebuilding the alliances that we have throughout the world.”   

You might call it “Rebuilding Alliances.”  The reality is that Senator Obama touches people at their deepest core:  People still see that “America is the country where you can make it," and Senator Obama embodies that. 

In an article in the International Herald Tribune, a correspondent writes:

"With Obama, a certain idea of America is back: that of a generous society where equality of opportunity is not an empty promise. Hope and change, key words of his campaign, reinforce this rediscovered ideal, which resonates as much inside the country as beyond."

The hope of America’s restoration resonates deeply in Europe, because our mutual success is still heavily linked to Europe, by our economies, and our world interests.  Many in Europe would prefer to distance themselves from us, as seen in the unification of Europe, and the creation of the Euro.   American transfer of wealth to the Middle East and China has been divesting us of our prosperity, and the most stable relations and allies we have enjoyed have been with Europe and Great Britain, Israel, and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East.  It is this transfer of wealth that is of concern to Europeans as well as American’s. 

Avoid the European cultural trap

"But the (European) media often stoke the fires," he says. "Their media portray Americans as culturally inferior, ignorant of world politics, arrogant in our interaction with the rest of the world and, worst of all, the bully of the neighborhood." (From an excerpt in USA Today).

The challenge for Senator Obama in this world wind tour will be to dispel that image, and build his own, while reaching out to America, showing he is a capable leader.   He must show and prove that “equality of opportunity is not an empty promise,” by his actions, words, and understanding of the issues.

Our good intentions are sometimes thwarted by our ignorance, in some respects that view is true because we go to those countries knowing so little about them, being ignorant of their issues and challenges.  If some how Mr. Obama is seen as ignorant, and arrogant all is lost.  Mark Eleanor Roosevelt’s words during the Kennedy campaign of 1960: 

What we paint of the United States as going on, in the United States, has great effect in Latin America. For instance, if we make, in this campaign a tremendous religious.  It has a bad effect in countries, not only in Latin America, but the countries of Europe, and of other parts of the world, because they feel that they know an enormous amount. This is a very curious thing. They know a great deal about our Constitution. And, in fact, our Bill of Rights is one of the things that you will find repeated many, many times in countries all over the world. And they say, "But, you say that a man shall not be asked about his race or religion. You let your citizens go to war and die for your country, but you're not going to let them serve their country as public servants." This has a very bad effect in countries that have different religions from ours. And I think that one of the things that we can do is to show that we really understand the difference between a man's right to run for office and to be elected to public service,

Tangibly, 48 years later Senator Obama is disproving this incongruence, and is showing the world that as a nation the United States is fulfilling the intentions of our founding fathers.  We now “…really understand the difference between a man’s right to run for office and to be elected to public service…” 

Back At Home

Senator Obama will face some detractors throughout his trip back, and he will also face some campaign challenges while he is away, the real question is how will his campaign keep it together back home.   It will be a testament of the discipline and leadership of his organization, while he is away if his campaign can advance and defend the cause at home.  Who will be put in charge while he is away will be important given the kind of attacks the McCain campaign can launch

Marc Ambinder wonders whether the McCain campaign will continue to attack Obama while he's overseas, since a "frontal attack on Obama's experience while he's in harm's way would strike many as tasteless, but not providing a response would be political malpractice." McCain could leave the attacks to the third parties, or he could just "use the week to drill down on economic policy" as "he'll have the whole country to himself." [Atlantic] —Dan Amira

That would pose a good defensive posture for those holding up the rear of the campaign.  But a good defense is a strong offence, so in many ways McCain must be opposed and challenged at every level.   His TV, radio, newspaper ads must be answered and countered, his surrogates must be contested, and knocked back, on the much failed issues they espouse.  The McCain campaign must be kept on the run; he must be challenged given his failed economic policies, and clear espousal of Bush policy.  Barack’s economic policies must be introduced and re-introduced and a case against McCain must be built given the failed economic plan Phil Gram’s has authored, weighed with his negative comments of the American people, these thing must be linked to McCain, over and over again.

The Tough Questions 

The real fact is given the limit and scope of the trip some tougher questions must be asked and assessed, in an article, titled “Obama Faces Overseas Audition” for Time/CNN,  Karen Tumulty sagely relates the following:

And doing that means showing, in his words and interactions overseas, that he is no pushover. "We would like to demonstrate in this trip his comfort and his capacity to deal with the serious challenges that face this country — that he's comfortable and he's sure-footed, and he knows what he is doing," says one of Obama's foreign policy advisers.

She concludes:

But that is, in many ways, little more than stage management. What will be far harder to discern will be what Obama himself is getting out of his trip.  As Haass notes, "The real question is what he learns and ultimately incorporates into his thinking."

He may find a key to help our ailing economy when visiting successful German factories or he may gather some good ideas from France’s Healthcare, touted by the World Health Organization, as the world’s best.

What will he face in each country? 

Iraq:

The NYT reports this article,

“Mixed Feelings About Obama and His Troop Proposal” “But his support for troop withdrawal cuts both ways, reflecting a deep internal quandary in Iraq: for many middle-class Iraqis, affection for Mr. Obama is tempered by worry that his proposal could lead to chaos in a nation already devastated by war. Many Iraqis also acknowledge that security gains in recent months were achieved partly by the buildup of American troops, which Mr. Obama opposed and his presumptive Republican opponent, Senator John McCain, supported.”

A visit to "Our Troops" will be pivotal.  He must gather as many troops as possible.  He must shake their hands and speak with them.  He Must bring a piece of our Hope to them personally, in the spirit of Bob Hope.   

Germany:

Given Merkel’s displeasure and her obvious ties to President Bush, she will face tremendous pressure from the German people given her political conservative roots, and Obama’s popular appeal, a possible clash. 

Will giving a speech at the Brandeburg Gate: Risk the Demagoguery of Politics, and brinish his Image of Hope and change?  Kennedy's speech addressed Germany’s problem of the Cold War, and the east/west divide that faced Germany then.  Regan’s words demanded, an end to Communism and a united Germany.

Linked here are some: current challenges: In 2008 Germany was still grappling with the effects of unification of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the communist German Democratic Republic (East Germany) on October 3, 1990.  It has been the greatest Transfer of Wealth from the prosperous west to the struggling east. 

The German people are grappling to unite and break the grip of the deep psychological divide the dogma of communism has created.  The east/west divide has split Germany's identity and it is still their struggle. 

Mr. Obama might be able to echoe President Kenndy's speech, by entitling it:  "I am still a Berliner:" "Ich bin immer noch ein Berliner" despite the division, despite the desparity, despite the seperation, Germany is uniting in Hope, no longer a divided Nation!

Speech Location:

The speech may be held at the public square in front of the Rathaus Schöneberg (where Kennedy made the famous speech) It may prove a possible location, It is historic and it is legendary.  Click on the link: "John-F.-Kennedy-Platz"  You’ll get a good picture at what the venue may look like.

Middle East:

Campaign officials are not even divulging which officials Obama plans to meet with, though some details have begun to leak. A diplomatic source tells TIME that King Abdullah II of Jordan plans to press Obama to promise that, if elected, he would place a higher priority than Bush has on the Arab-Israeli peace talks.  

France:

France’s/Sarkozy Challenge:  But none of the 577 members of the National Assembly are from France's first- or second-generation immigrant population. Sarkozy has also quietly abandoned a campaign pledge to introduce affirmative action for ethnic minoritiesIn no other segment of France's population does this ideal inspire more than among minorities. One in 10 of the nation's inhabitants are of Arab or African origin.Kama Des-Gachons, a 28-year-old Frenchwoman, was one of about 600 young men and women flocking to a panel discussion in Paris on Tuesday about the "Obama Effect in France." Her eyes lit up when she spoke about Obama. Not because he is a Democrat or because he opposed to the war in Iraq. But because his father was an African immigrant, like hers.

"He makes me dream," said Des-Gachons, whose parents came to France from Mali. "I even bought a T-shirt with the American flag. America is the country where you can make it."

Affirming hope to the hopeless without fear, reprisal, or discrimination.

Britain:

In a direct quote from the AFP: 

In Great Britain, Obama will have the standard handshaking photo-op with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and the two should hit it off. But will the press mention Brown's Defense Minister declaring, "I'm no fan of timelines in changing operational environments like in Iraq or Afghanistan" last week? Will that difference in policy even come up in their meeting?

Israel:

The New York Times has reported, he will meet with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the head of the opposition, Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu. He is also expected to see Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah.  The anticipatory question here will be what will be expected to be on the minds and hearts of the people he will meet with, especially in Israel?  Answer: Iran? and their right to exist as a nation.

Anti-Bush Rhetoric will play to his side, while being careful not to be pro European, anti- American.  As reported in USA Today, One veteran Europe-watcher thinks the average American is still very much appreciated by the average European. It's when the policies of a nation are pinned on an individual that the sniping begins.

So not only is the Bush administration sending a high-ranking diplomat to meet with Iranian officials this weekend, it may also station U.S. diplomats permanently in Iran:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/17/usa.iran

Isn’t this the same President Bush who went before the Israeli Knesset to blast Obama for saying he would meet with our enemies? Is this the same Bush who labeled Obama an appeaser on the same level as Neville Chamberlain?

In a similar hypocritical vein, the administration also said it would seek a "a general time horizon for meeting aspirational goals, such as the resumption of Iraqi security control in their cities and provinces and the further reduction of U.S. combat forces from Iraq."

--from the same administration that blasted anyone who talked of timetables for getting out of Iraq.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hcWJu9bbzrJZ7uNHjvMn0BuTGqHQD920BJ900

The publicity Sen. Obama’s Europe trip is generating is not a consequence of the syndicated media’s intention to propagate the indispensability and inevitability of such a trip especially with Iraq being one of the states in focus.

Without an iota of doubt, the excitement that the trip is generating worldwide is beyond the imagination of the America press and or media, since for the first time in recent time, journalism in the country has more or less become a toothless lion filled with deceptions, distortions, favoritism and dogmatism, all in the attempt to pleased those who are in the corridor of power.

It is indeed very unfortunate that while the world has tremendous appeal and respect toward and for Sen. Obama, some of us are essentially treating him like a nonentity, thereby fulfilling the biblical prophesy; “a prophet has honor except in his own house”

The media cannot help but talk about the trip since it is about the only logical thing to do and any attempts geared towards miniaturizing the importance of this trip will be tantamount to a conscious effort to compromise the corporate integrity of the country and engage in the campaign of denigration, sensationalism, sentimentalism and archaism.

Sen. Obama will bring about the much needed peace in the most diplomatic fashion ever in the annals of this great country. His forthcoming Europe trip is a necessity and not for pleasure unlike what the McCain's campaign are wanting the American people to believe.

God bless USA

God bless Obama

One of the most indisputable and unequivocal offshoot of Vice President Al Gore challenge to Americans will be the deliberate and aggressive manner that those who wants to maintain the status quo are going to engage in their usual inimical, myopic and detrimental propaganda of paring with the syndicated media to help quench the inevitability of this very crucial and indispensable task.

My voice may not be as strong as those of Sen. Obama and Vice President Al Gore; nevertheless I have earlier challenged President George Bush and Sen. McCain on the essentiality of looking beyond the offshore drilling option as the only veritable means of boasting the country’s energy demand.

Thank you so much Vice President Al Gore and Sen. Obama for the foresight, wisdom and relentless pragmatic articulations toward making the country self-reliance again.

God bless USA

God bless Obama

When John F. Kennedy challenged America to put a man on the moon in 10 years, many called it impossible.

How more ridiculous can the over 25 years honorable veteran Sen. McCain ever sound than to listen to his comments about the impending and already internationally publicize anticipated trip by Sen. Obama to Europe?

If McCain is in short of words or what to say about the objectivity and transparency of Sen. Obama it does no harm for him to keep silent. Furthermore without an iota of doubt every Americans and citizens of this world emphatically understands that the later trip to Europe is political and not social or sabbatical purposes.

Even though I may not be able to read Sen. McCain’s mind or his anticipated actions nevertheless in my opinion it suffices from this response that he is blatantly refusing to accept the attention this trip has generated worldwide in comparison to the one he has made. If he is accusing Obama for making the trip to Europe for political reasons, what was his intention of making the trip to Europe and even to Iraq?

I am very convinced that this trip will afford Sen. Obama and those of us that is at home an opportunity to get an unadulterated perspective from Europe and including situations in Iraq and its environments. Moreover it is my candid judgment that this dynamic, knowledgeable, compassionate and humane senator in visiting Iraq will not mistaken the Shia and the Sunnis in contrast to McCain who up till date cannot differentiate between the two in spite of visiting that country more than once.

God bless USA

God bless Obama

Source: http://www.outsiderviews.com, retrieved July 18, 2008

Wolf Blitzer, the CNN commentator, had an interview with the U.S. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi. The Speaker called George W. Bush a total failure. In my view, Madame Speaker's verdict was too little, too late. From day one, she and the entire Democratic Leadership should have gone overdrive to make sure they began the process of rehabilitating the reputation of the Congress and the sanctity of the Constitution. They did not do that. They elected to compromise. Although I understand the decision on the impeachment question and do agree with it, I still view their near-capituation as inexcusable. That's the reason why the Congress is held in as low an esteem as the Executive Branch. The Speaker did speak up. I hope the Congress does get a fillibuster proof majority (one way or the other) so that the paralysis we have seen will go away. Our leaders must start governing instead of playing games. The era of playing games is truly over!!!!

Obama wipes his forehead at a Montana campaign event in May. 

McCain's handlers think they were owned.  Photo-analysis suggests that Barack Obama may have been play-acting when he pulled out a hanky and patted his forehead at a campaign appearance in Montana two months ago.  And the two lost months may cost McCain the election if the candidate, who is known for his volcanic temper, has a Nixonian moment of perspiration during the Presidential debates this Fall.

It's all part of a game of hot potato that the two camps have been playing, trying to stay cool under the constant glare of media scrutiny.  Until today McCain's people believed they were going to win because Obama had fallen for the Republican's challenge to visit  Baghdad, where the average high this month is 115 degrees.  But then the news reported: "No sweat."

The confirmation was contained in today's AP story about Obama's suspicously frequent workouts, in which photo-journalists were quoted as saying that:

"even when he shot hoops earlier this year with members of the University of North Carolina varsity men's basketball team, they didn't see Obama sweat."

 

The report has the McCain campaign in a panic, for what was suspected and feared is now confirmed:  Obama is cool, literally as well as figuratively.  It's not just that he made the cover of Rolling Stone, GQ and Vibe.  They knew McCain didn't stand a chance going one-on-one against Obama for the Metromale vote.  That was a given.  But it's the image of McCain as a sweaty old guy who turns off Hillary Clinton's women voters they were counting on to win that has them worried. 

Sources who did not want to be identified because they are not authorized to discuss the sensitive subject confirm that a hush-hush project code-named "Operation Bikram" has been launched from an inconspicuous office at Republican National Committee headquarters.  GOP operatives are simultaneously scouring the aisles of drug stores nationwide to find the most effective anti-perspirant and reviewing comparison tests of moisture wicking underwear.  Separately a top-secret team of technicians, specialists in heating and cooling, is ready to move in and take over any debate venue that registers above 65 degrees. 

These precautions are all intended to manage McCain's known tendency to get hot under the collar at the slightest provocation.  And when really provoked McCain is known to breathe fire and sweat bullets.  "It's hard to get John to cool off after one of these incidents," says an old family friend.  "But that's why he has been so happy with Cindy, becuase he knows that at the end of the day he'll go home to an ice-cold Bud."

wizinit is the nom de guerre of a veteran diplomat and fan of the late columnist Art Buchwald who writes serious analysis and political satire.  If you would like to be notified whenever wizinit posts a new article click on the logo to join Food Tasters For Obama.

Dear <name>:

In your email or posting, <forward email or link to web posting>, you incorrectly stated that <erroneous/biased statement - the exact quote>. These misstatements frustrate and even anger those of us who, like me, value accurate, factual and unbiased campaigning.

Perhaps we can help. Here are links to references specifying the facts we hope you use to correct your statements. Again, should you decide to ignore our strongly-felt but reasonable request, we'd be obligated to discontinue this conversation and immediately inform our friends and associates, as well as the web community at large, about your divisive tactics.

<links>

Best regards,

<name>

<city, state>

I received this From Senator McCain's Campaign..I am sure the HQ folks and others within the campaign are already aware.....BUT, still, a counter punch should be prepared and be prepared now...

Rick Davis, McCain Campaign Manager to me
show details 3:12 PM (1 hour ago) Reply

 
 
McCain Team -

As Senator Obama finally heads overseas to see the situation in Iraq first-hand, we are releasing a new video, "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever the Politics Demand" that explores Senator Obama's record of shifting political positions on the critical national security issue of Iraq.

Over the past year, both Barack Obama and John McCain have taken part in a great national debate over the war in Iraq. It quickly became clear that the Bush Administration was pursuing a failed strategy in Iraq and we needed change. John McCain alone had the courage and judgment to stand up and call for a surge of troops and a new strategy to win the war in Iraq - a strategy that is succeeding. Barack Obama repeatedly opposed the surge strategy, saying it would fail. John McCain made the right call at great political risk - he put his country first.

Today, we know Senator Obama was wrong, and rather than admit his mistake, Barack Obama is now trying to pretend that he was for the surge all along. Click here to watch our new documentary and see his record for yourself.

Sadly, Senator Obama's actions are just more politics as usual. I don't know who should be more disappointed - the supporters whose faith in Senator Obama has already been betrayed, or the people who Senator Obama now expects to believe his new sales pitch. Either way, one thing is clear - Senator Obama has shown that he is just another politician.

Regards,

Rick Davis
Campaign Manager

THERE IS A REASON WHY THIS BUFFOON WAS NOT RE-ELECTED!  I SUBSCRIBE TO HUMAN EVENTS JUST TO SEE WHAT ANN COULTER AND THE GANG ARE UP TO.  I USUALLY DELETE THEIR E-MAILS BEFORE READING THEM BECAUSE IT'S USUALLY THE SAME OL' SAME OL'.  BUT THIS ONE REALLY CAUGHT MY EYE...

DOES THIS GUY EVEN MATTER ANYMORE?

Although I was frustruated and disappointed yesterday, I calmed myself down because I continue to view my contributions as important.    I will not stay silent and will continue to speak up.   In that spirit, I will continue my periodic contributions.

I was pleased when the campaign annouced its' take for the Month of June.   But, I do have some concerns which I wrote about in http://www.outsiderviews.com (retrieved July 17, 2008) that I thought I would pass on:   

As I thought further about Barack Obama's June Numbers, I could not help but wonder whether the fact that over 50% of his contributions are indeed coming from corporate donors will make a difference in his evolving views on policies. He has worked to evolve and move to the center. It is something that I have applauded because I want someone who is a practical thinker and not tied into an ideologically rigid position that will serve no one. President Bush, in his final year in office, seems to have finally moved somewhat in that direction. I remain hopeful that Senator Obama will insure that he lives up to his promise to give voice to the voiceless and insure that this crisis of confidence on all sides will turn into an opportunity. I continue to believe that the best days of America are ahead of it. Whomever wins the Presidency, I trust that he will do whatever he can to focus on solving the challenges and leading the country in that quest.

The reality of our time conspicuously manifests that Vice President Al Gore speech was not tainted or infected with politicization of the issue of energy, unlike what we have heard and read from some quarters.I totally agreed with Al Gore and so do many of you who appreciated his frankness, recognition of the essentiality of renewable energy which does not leads to the detrimental and myopic policies that may leave the country worst off than the prevailing circumstances.

Fortunately too, Sen. Obama believes in the positions and articulations of Al Gore and in light of the later having won the Nobel Peace Prize for his position on climatic change and the necessity of maintaining its global integrity, how much more can we begin to imagine the affirmative actions that awaits the country in the events of a Sen. Obama led administration that enjoys the same ideologies as those enunciated by Al Gore.

This country has far too much great potential than for the incumbent to limit its people capacity and capability by unilaterally lifting the moratorium on offshore drilling, as the only possible solution to the energy crisis facing the entire world, and not the USA alone.