“Most other countries provide health care as a right – a core function of government. But here privateers have seized it for themselves for profit. So to maintain this, to keep taxes low for the rich and keep the profits privatized we are ordered to buy it from companies instead of having it provided as a government service. This is the battle between democracy and corporatization.”
Therefore, I agree with Howard Dean. The current bill is now a bad bill without cost controls such as the public option. As Wendell Potter, the former insurance VP turned whistleblower stated yesterday on television, the insurance companies will find a way around the pre-existing condition bans and most of the supposed "reform" because the bill is not specific enough. He stated that the language of the bill is too vague and will allow the insurance companies to fill in the blanks on the details, which will inevitably be in their favor, not the American people.
Also, with the Dorgan amendment failing,yesterday to allow import of drugs, the democratic party has demonstrated that it is not really interested in using their power to contain costs. Otherwise, we would be able to buy our drugs in France, Canada, China, etc. - the SAME place where American companies are allowed to MANUFACTURE them at lower costs, then sell them back in the U.S. with an enormous markup. The pharma and insurance companies have exhibited a complete lack of patriotism for this country and no longer deserve the subsidies that come from the backs of hardworking Americans.
Therefore, the bill is no longer worth supporting. Let's start again.
YES WE DID! YES WE MUST:
Þ Protect him from harm both verbal & phyiscal
Þ Stay "FIRED UP" by staying active
Þ Work Bi-Partisan to bring "Change" together
Þ Don't just bitch, get active and stay engaged
Þ Start and join a local "Change" group
Þ Be philanthropic, serve your community, state and nation
Þ Stick by Obama, STOP smears on the Right & the Left!!!! Hold yourself responsible as you hold Barack!
Join the future of this movement!!
http://change.gov/joinus
http://www.communityorganize.com
http://www.ourpresidency.com
http://www.usaservice.org
http://www.whitehouse.gov
Barack's DNC 2004 Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWynt87PaJ0&feature=PlayList&p=B1939005B8A4D4ED&index=188
Barack's DNC 2008 Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ato7BtisXzE&feature=channel
Barack’s Election Acceptance Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wJ-2Zu_Iic&feature=channel
Barack’s Inauguration Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4
I have been perplexed in the past months that Barack Obama is perceived by so many as being an enemy of Israel, even though just a quick search on the internet or a brief look into his past tells the complete opposite.
I read a spectacular letter today written by someone who was lucky enough to see Barack speak recently at a synagogue in Florida, and here it is. It is eloquently written and speaks volumes to anyone who will just open his/her mind and hear what it says.
May 23, 2008>> Mr. Obama Goes To Shul>> BOCA RATON , FLORIDA * Senator Barack Obama came to Temple B'nai > Torah this afternoon. As will often happen with candidates out on > the campaign trail, his arrival was delayed by several hours. And > although he apologized for being tardy and making us wait, he never > did mention the reason for his delay. As I found out later that > night, he had hopped up to Capitol Hill in order to vote in favor of > a measure which greatly expands the G.I. Bill. He could have taken > the high, self-serving road and told those assembled why he was > late. He could also have taken the low, "finger-pointing" road and > flailed Senator McCain for being one of 22 Republicans voting > against our men and women in uniform.>> Instead, he did neither.>> This was not his reason for going to shul.>> Rather, he was here, in the midst of approximately 750 mostly- > Jewish men, women and teens, to talk about himself, Israel , and > anti-Semitism, and to address head-on the virtual St. Vitus' dance > of fear that has been such a noxious staple of cyberspace this past > year>> I managed to snag a VIP pass and, guiltily walking past the long > line of folks standing out in the rain, was seated about 6 feet away > from the senator. Sitting with me were -- somewhat surprisingly -- > at least thee lions of the Republican Party and a couple of die-hard > Clinton acolytes. They, like so many in the assembled minyan, were > not there because they already supported Senator Obama. Rather, they > had come to find out for themselves just who the "skinny guy with > the strange-sounding name" is, and whether or not he will be as bad > for Israel as so many have claimed.>> Senator Obama certainly had his work cut out for himself.>> To make the senator's task even more challenging, just the day > before he attended shul, the New York Times ran a story entitled > "Many Florida Jews Express Doubts On Obama." In the article, staff > writer Jodi Kantor quoted a handful of South Florida Jews who were > dismissive -- if not downright hostile -- to Senator Obama's > candidacy. One elderly woman said she would never vote for Obama > "because of his attitude on Israel ." A second averred that Obama > "is part of Chicago 's large Palestinian community." A third > worried that if he were elected, Obama "might fill his > administration with followers of Louis Farrakhan." And yet a fourth > opined, "His father was a Muslim and you can't take that out of him.">> No one ever said running for president was easy; especially when > you're a guy named Barack Obama, and you're speaking in a synagogue > before more Jews than the rabbi has seen since last Rosh Hashana.>> With a mesmerizing mix of eloquence and erudition, articulation > and affability, the Senator won over the vast majority of the > assembled minyan. During the more than two hours he spent speaking > and dialoguing, Senator Obama made it abundantly clear that he was, > is, and always shall be, a staunch defender of the Jewish State. > [One should know a fact: after going over the voting records of both > Senator Clinton and Obama vis-a-vis issues pertaining to Israel, > AIPAC -- the main Israel support lobby in the U.S. gave both a 100% > rating. That's 100% of the time that both senators voted in a > manner that was favorable to the Jewish State.]>> Senator Obama told of how, as a youngster attending summer camp, > he had a Jewish counselor who told him about Zionism:>> "I really connected with it, because in Zionism, there is this > sense of rootedness, of having a place and a home. And for a kid > with my unusual background . . . and not knowing precisely where I > fit, this struck a tremendous chord.">> When asked about his relationship with a Palestinian professor > from the University of Chicago , the Senator said:>> "Yes, I have met the man, but why do people automatically > conclude that therefore I must be in agreement with what he > espouses? People do have the ability to listen to those with whom > they disagree. How can one ever make any progress if the only folks > they talk to are those with whom they are in agreement?">> Obama went on to say:>> "I don't want to get in to the 'some of my best friends are > Jewish' trap, because it's terribly demeaning. But I will tell you > this: when I first ran [unsuccessfully] for Congress against Bobby > Rush, the main argument against me was that I was too close to the > Jewish community! I have always believed that Jewish and African > Americans have an historic bond, an historic memory. I mourn the > passing of the time when Jewish Americans and African Americans > worked together in harmony to bring about change. If it weren't for > the Jewish community and their central role in the Civil Rights > struggle, I wouldn't be here today, running for President of the > United States .">> Addressing all the emails that are going around [indeed, I just > received one entitled "The Fifty Lies of Barack Obama"], he made a > telling point with a fine degree of humor:>> "You know, no one believes those emails that start out: 'I'm a > Nigerian who has $5 million in the bank but can't get at it . . . > however if you'll only send me a thousand dollars . . .' Or all > those medicines that promise to help expand your . . . well, let's > not go there . . . [laughter] . . . But seriously, why then do > people believe scurrilous rumors? Promising millions for nothing or > potency for pennies has about as much reality as proclaiming that I > am a Jihadist.">> Many in the crowd were of the opinion that "George W. Bush is the > best friend Israel has ever had." I hear this from my students more > often than is comfortable. Senator Obama addressed this in words of > stark simplicity:>> "In the past seven years, Iran has become infinitely more > powerful than ever before. It has given tremendous financial support > to the major enemies of Israel . This has all happened under the > Bush-Cheney-McCain watch. How can anyone conclude that the one who > empowers your worst enemy is your best friend? It doesn't make any > sense.">> One person in the crowd asked why, in saying he would convene a > summit meeting of all Arab countries, he excluded Israel , Obama > smiled and answered:>> "Well first, Israel isn't an Arab country; its a Jewish State. > Secondly, they are our strongest ally . . . our best friend in the > region. The countries we would be talking to are the ones we want > to convince that someday, somehow, they're going to have to learn > how to live in peace with Israel . If you only talk to your > friends, there is absolutely no chance that you're ever going to be > able to change your enemies. That is part of the definition of > courage">> By way of example, Senator Obama mentioned how, when speaking > before students at a school of Ramallah , he told them, "One day you > are going to have to learn to live in peace with Israel.">> Did Senator Obama's "performance" make supporters out of everyone > in attendance? Probably not, for he is, as we say in Hebrew, raq > basar va'dahm ["merely flesh and blood"]. Nonetheless, I believe he > quelled the fear and uncertainty in many hearts.>> There no doubt will always be those who choose to believe the > worst about Senator Obama -- or anyone in the public eye for that > matter. There will also always be those who seek to hide incipient > racism beneath the veneer of inept rhetoric. And believe me, I am > fully expecting people to write and tell me that I have had the wool > pulled over my eyes -- that Senator Obama is a Muslim, ant- > Semitic . . . the whole nine yards.>> And yet, for at least one afternoon, in one shul, the minyan had > the opportunity to listen to -- and share with -- a man who reminded > us that the Arabic barack and the Hebrew baruch share the same > meaning: "Blessed.">> It was a "sermon" well worth the wait.>> Oh yes: by the end, even the three Republicans were on their feet.>> And don't worry about being late Senator. You see, ever since > Sinai, we've been on Jewish Standard Time .>> �2008 Kurt F. Ston>> Kurt Stone is a rabbi, writer, lecturer, political activist, > professor, actor, and medical ethicist. Educated at the University > of California , the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers > University and the Hebrew Union College , Stone holds a B.A. in > American Political History, a Master of Hebrew Letters, and a Doctor > of Divinity. A resident of South Florida for more than 25 years, he > is currently spiritual leader of the North Broward Havurah in Coral > Springs .
We supporters need to speak out now, especially those of us who are black! Wright is on a destructive path and is hell bent on undermining Barack's bid for the White House.
As a black woman, I was appalled by Wright's performance at the NAACP Dinner that aired worldwide on both CNN and Fox News on Sunday evening. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the black church, I have been saddened by the statements and view of the black church that Wright and some members of the black clergy have casted. Their views are NOT shared by majority of black Americans like myself. We have been outraged at Wright and others who use God and faith to go from advocating for civil rights and social issues to preaching hate, division and colorism. His charactures of JFK, black people singing and dancing, and acting like a fool were an outrage to say the least! I for one was mad as hell!
As a young black woman in this country who is working hard to buck stereotypes, his performance only aids in making us as black people look unprofessional, racist and foolish! Barack and this campaign is about unity, positive activism and social change. Not the racist cynicism the that Wright is preaching. Wright is out to build his own notoriety and financial gain at the cost of this campaign and the much needed change Obama seeks to bring. Its a shame to see another black person working so hard to bring another down! We MUST TAKE ACTION to stop Wright and his buffoonery by speaking out in blogs on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, BBC America, PBS and talk radio, before more damage is done!
Sincerely,
Carla Mays, MPA
Team Leader, Team Deliver Puerto Rico for Obama
California District Obama Pledge Delegate CD 50
Puerto Rico is very important and we must have a good showing there. This means opening headquarters across the island, providing Spanish campaign materials, supporting Puerto Rican and Hispanic volunteers to come back to the island, and campaigning in the way Puerto Ricans are used to by investing in carvanas and real grassroots efforts. By doing this we can take Puerto Rico's 63 delegates.
Starting late, not providing enough signage, focusing only in the North and not reaching everyone on the island is a winning strategy for helping Hillary win the island. We need to get FIRED UP and get on HQ's open all over the island and help Puerto Ricans to deliver Puerto Rico 63 delegates, but they NEED US to get on it! Especially in the East, West and South of the island! We need to use traditional Puerto Rican campaign strategies like carvanas. It is critical that we get on the ground now and work hard up until the evening of Sunday, June 1st.
This Primary is historic in that Puerto Rico will play a role in the choosing the Democratic nominee. By deliver PR it shows that Barack can win with Hispanic, women and senior citizens. This PR Primary can prove that he can buck this issue. But, that means we must get there and work hard, EARLY!!!! Not the traditional 2 week run in/run out! This DOES NOT WORK with our challlenging voter demographics! We must be more hands on, provide more campaign materials, do more constituency building, learn the Puerto Rican way of campaigning and GET ON THE GROUND NOW ALL OVER THE ISLAND! We have enough money and folks in the campaign to fight in all of the remaining contest equally hard. Coming to PR late, not having a presence all over the island, not having enough signage and not using PR campaign strategies is a WIN FOR BILLARY!
We must encourage the campaign to have Barack circle the island, and stump in Ponce, Humacao, Mayaguez, and Carolina. As well as to have Barack give speeches at the University of Puerto Rico cmapuses and Rio the big stadium at Rio Piedras.
Join us to help Puerto Rico deliver all 63 delegates for Obama. We need YOU to set up Spanish call banks, send Spanish campaign materials to the island, and support volunteers travel and lodging on the island, and the pay for carvanas to canvass the island to get our message out around the island.
With you YES WE CAN IN PUERTO RICO!!!
Click on link below to read the McCall article entitled "Obama keeps his faith despite criticism of pastor."
http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/anotherview/all-right_col-a.6317486mar18,0,4493401.story
Obama Camp Fires Back on Iraq (click on link below to read article)
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2008/03/obama_camp_fires_back_on_iraq.html
Like Claude Rains in "Casablanca," I am shocked (shocked!) to find a candidate facing the end of her national political career attempting to paint her opponent as a flip-flopping pontficator of "false hopes."
Yes, Mr. Obama voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act (just as Mrs. Clinton did), to continue funding our conflict in Iraq (just as Mrs. Clinton did — several times), and to help ethanol producers in his home state with the 2005 Energy Bill (what a selfish jerk). But what Mrs. Clinton fails to note in her over-simplified attacks is the rationale behind Mr. Obama's votes, indeed the comprehensive reasoning he uses when confronting each and every issue with which he is confronted. This is not a politician who shows up at the last minute and votes however his handlers tell him to vote. He marches to the beat of his own heart, and his considerable acumen towers far over that of his opponents.
Please, Mrs. Clinton, think before you speak. After all, what have you really proved? That Barack Obama is no better than YOU? Well guess what… Mr. Obama is ten times the thinker, speaker and statesperson you could ever hope to be. Perhaps you're beginning to realize this yourself. Perhaps you've finally come to understand that HE IS GOING TO BEAT YOU. Perhaps you're scared out there, all alone with your Establishment cronies like Mr. Penn and Ms. Grunwald, and you wish Mr. Obama would just go away and let you keep all those marbles you thought you'd earned just by tossing your hat in the ring with Bubba hovering over your shoulder.
You thought you'd go to bed on Jan. 2, 2008, and wake up in the White House on Jan. 20, 2009. It appears the path will be rockier than expected and you may not reach the highest mountain (if you even make it past Tsunami Tuesday). Regret is a wasted emotion, but I expect you'll be feeling a great deal of it in the weeks and months ahead. I feel sorry for you, Mrs. Clinton. I truly do.
By the way… I'M FIRED UP! Are you READY TO GO?
The Still-Illustrious MC Voltaire
P.S. This was originally posted as a comment on the New York Times website. Read the original article and post a comment of you own at http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/a-closer-look-at-candidates-actions/
Dear Obama Supporters:
As we all organize for Senator Obama in our respective communities, there may be questions about how we better access and reach out to various communities.
One community that is 40 million strong is the Latino community that I've lived in all my life Since I'm 57 years old and "politically" active in my community for about 40 years...I've got a few thoughts I'd like to share.
First...there are no dumb questions.
Second, there are online resources available to learn more about the Latino voter and the latino community. I urge you to use them as a first step BEFORE doing outreach to that community. Learning about what 'matters' to Latinos is useful as you develop campaign materials and decide what materials should be made available in Spanish. It also gves you a better feel for the kind of questions you may get as you go door to door in a latino neighborhood or encounter Latino voters. Of course , Latinos don't all think alike....but some background on Latino's general political views will be useful to you.
As for those online resources:
There is a interesting video online that features Sergio Bendixen, a respected pollster on the Latino voter. Go to Google's search engine. Write in....Sergio Bendixen and NDN. Hit search button. Then click onto Immigration/Latino Vote Forum With Sergio Bendixen.
There are also excellent factsheets on the Latino Voter and their views on the Iraq War, Education, Economy, Immigration etc. Go to:Link
Thanks,
JOSE TORRES/Latinos 4 Obama
In recent days, the campaign took a monumental step when the official Obama website posted Senator Obama's views on IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER.
That simple but profound step made clear to all Americans that Senator Barack Obama believes in fundamental fairness and justice for all people, including the millions of undocumented immigrants who live in the shadows and toil for meager wages to feed their families back home.
A fair and just immigation system is what we all want and most Americans will find that Senator Obama's comprehensive plan makes sense and reflects a balanced approach to this vexing national problem.
As one of 40 million Latinos in this country, I applaud Senator Obama for his conviction to fairness for all and his political courage to give our 'newest' Americans a chance to be part of the American Dream.
All I can say is......God Bless you Senator Obama.
Jose Torres
In today's NY Times Op-Ed page, there is an excellent discussion on Election Day Registration (EDR) and why it is important to ensure that every citizen should be able to register (and vote) on election day. Both of the writers of the article are secretaries of states who believe there is sound evidence that it can work effectively and safely.
The article briefly mentions young voters who often forget to register in time and are prevented from voting on election day. I would also mention that many minority voters are often in the same category. And as we know, these are two large voting consituencies that represent a significant portion of Senator Obama's potential supporters.
For that reason alone (as well as others), we should consider lobbying our state legislators to pass the necessary laws to require local authorities to permit EDR.
Our advantage? We have the grassroots organizations in every state to do it.
The more young and minority voters we can get to the poll in our states....the greater the likelihood Senator Obama will be our next President.
What are we waiting for?
Jose Torres, Latinos 4 Obama
