Organizing for America | Wallingford for Obama!

Wallingford for Obama!

The Wallingford for Obama! group is a place for Wallingford residents to get updates about local campaign events. Join us now, and let's get moving! Primary contact for this group is Nancy Russell, 203-288-7828

McCain's Private Visit With Chilean Dictator Pinochet

By Tim - Oct 25th, 2008 at 2:13 am EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

McCain's Private Visit With Chilean Dictator Pinochet Revealed For First Time

John McCain, who has harshly criticized the idea of sitting down with dictators without pre-conditions, appears to have done just that. In 1985, McCain traveled to Chile for a friendly meeting with Chile's military ruler, General Augusto Pinochet, one of the world's most notorious violators of human rights credited with killing more than 3,000 civilians and jailing tens of thousands of others....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/justinwebb/2008/10/unhelpful_messages.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-dinges/mccain-meets-a-bloody-dic_b_137422.html

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How to select the best candidate?

By Tim - Oct 24th, 2008 at 10:27 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

How to select the best candidate?

Have you looked at the candidates resumes carefully?

In any profession, when they are looking into hiring someone, first they look at each candidate's resume, and there, first thing they look at is his/her education, to make sure he/she has the required degree with enough & related training from a credible univ./collage and with a high standing. If that's not the case, they don't waist their time any more - just through the resume out, and move to the next one. If the candidate passes that, then they look at his/her related experience. If that one is also good then probably interview him/her to know more about his/her character & personal values and physical fitness for the job, and also how much his/her vision/goals aligns with the company's vision/goals.

For more than 20 years, every time that I've applied for a new job, I went through the same cycle of resume writing & interview process. Every time that I hired someone - from ordinary things, like car oil change to a family doctor for check up, to a repair person for the house, to hire someone for the company, I've performed the same steps.

Education without experience is lame, and experience without education is blind.

Probably, government positions are the only ones that may skip that process, and put someone with no, or little, or unrelated education and/or experience in the office. Ironically, higher the public responsibility, more people ignore following the above process in hiring a qualified person for the office. Positions like member of municipality, mayor of city/town, governor of state, state representative or senator of congress, or president of the country - in fact any position that you can vote for.

In any election, we should look at it as if we are hiring someone for the office with the fix salary & all the benefits that come with it (and of course, the high responsibility), and try to evaluate each candidate's resume with the same process as mentioned above, i.e.:

1- Education
2- Experience
3- Character/Personal values & Physical fitness
4- Vision/goals

Let me break them more:

-Education:
.high degree
.degree be related to the job
.from top university/collage
.good grade

-Experience:
.number of years in related field
.successful achievements & progress
.references/colleagues feedback

-Character/Personal values & Physical fitness:
.honesty, trustworthy, loyalty, integrity, leadership, good judgment, teamwork, good problem solving & decision making, good negotiating, understanding, care about people & environment, civilize/humane/moral values, intelligent, mature, good attitude
.physically fit, healthy, high energy, passion

-Vision/goals in related areas according to the job, like:
.economy
.peace/war
.security
.education
.health
.energy
.environment
.Tax
.family
.crime
.employment
.civil rights
.foreign affairs & human rights
.etc

For example for this coming presidential election we can try to define above parameters:

1- What education a president should have?

I think a president should have at least a bachelor's degree in one of the following areas:

Law
Economics
Political Science
Sociology or Social Work
International/Foreign affair

And enough courses/training in all the above areas as well as the following areas:

Public Policy (local or global)
Management & Leadership
Planning (for cities, environments, social & economic well-being)

I think a president needs to have academic training in all those areas that when he/she discusses issues in each area with a team of experts to find the best possible solution, be able to understand them and analyze their recommendations to be able to make the best decision (e.g., sitting with a team of economists with high degree & experience on economy issues).

2- In terms of experience, a president should have good public service experience like US senator, US representative, governor, mayor, state official, state senator, state representative, civil rights attorney, community work, etc. But let's be careful about this. As I mentioned above, experience without knowledge is blind and has little value because he/she has never had fundamental theory to fully comprehend and build those experiences on top of knowledge.

3- Character/Personal values as mentioned above are essential for a president to have, especially leadership, good judgment, good temper, and being able to work with people with different opinions. And being physically fit, healthy, and with high energy for such a stressful job is also very important. A president with little of these values can (for example) lead the country to an unnecessary war and risk the lives of millions of people, leave so many disables, and destroy so many families.

4- How much the vision & goals of the presidential candidate & VP, in areas that you think are very important, is compatible with yours? We should list those areas (similar to ones I listed above) and evaluate each candidate for each area. And when you do that, you shouldn't think about the things that are important ONLY for YOU and/or have immediate benefit for you but also for the people in your neighborhood/town/city, for your state, for your country, and also for the world. We should realize that we are responsible to all people of our country and the whole world who we elect and put in the office. A president can push the green button and lead the country toward peace & prosperity or push the red button toward world nuclear war & destruction of earth. Don't forget, in the face of history, people like Hitler didn't fall to office from sky; some people voted for & elected them.

We should carefully study each candidate and grade them for each & all of the parameters mentioned above to elect someone wisely & responsibly.

For example, for the first element, i.e., the candidate's education, I did some research and found the following info for this presidential election:

Obama:
.Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a specialization in
International Relations
.Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude, first black president of the "Harvard Law Review"

Biden:
.University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
.Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

McCain:
.United States Naval Academy (2.5 yrs training as a naval aviator); class rank: 894 of 899; he had conflict with higher-ranking personnel; he did not always obey the rules; struggled with mathematics

Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

For the rest of qualifying parameters, I suggest you do your own research. We should keep in mind that presidency is a serious job. Lives of millions are at stake. So, we want to hire some people who satisfy the education & training requirements for it, as well as experience, integrity, vision, etc.

While we should study & select our candidate carefully, at the same time, someone who doesn't have enough qualification for the job shouldn't apply for it - shouldn't candidate for it. Like any profession, if someone likes to have a specific position in public service, or become a politician (for example, become a mayor, governor, member of congress, VP, president, etc.), he/she should study in that field & work for it. It’s very ridiculous that some people with no or little qualification become candidate for these types of jobs. And what is more disappointing is WE contribute, support, vote for & elect these people for the office.

Vote wisely & responsibly.

By: Jaabeej
================
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
--Plato--
================

Some of the References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mccain
http://www.barackobama.com/learn/meet_barack.php
http://www.johnmccain.com/About/
http://obama.senate.gov/about/
http://mccain.senate.gov/

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Presidential Endorsements

By Tim - Oct 21st, 2008 at 2:24 pm EDT

Also listed in: 9 groups

Interesting article about the people who has endorsed each candidate:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl99

Inside, you'll also find some interesting links about the reason of their endorsement, like:

Colin Powell:
------------
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl99
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265490#27265490

Christopher Buckley:
-------------------
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081014/ap_en_ot/buckley_gop_1

Michael Smerconish:
------------------
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/31242619.html

Caroline Kennedy:
----------------
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html

Madeleine Albright:
------------------
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200810/20081020.html
http://www.wowowow.com/post/madeleine-albright-obamas-ready-anything-126776

and more.

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No Nukes is Good Nukes In 2008 and Beyond

By ProgressiveVoice - Sep 27th, 2008 at 9:47 pm EDT

Also listed in: Wallingford for Obama!

The overall Energy solutions within the Obama campaign are good aswell as the Green Energy Plan for America.

The only part of Obama Energy Plan that needs to be excluded are Drilling for Oil off Shore McCain wants it and its not only bad for the Environment but the oil return will take if anything 10-15 years if that to find some Oil.

Its a bad Idea Senator Obama don't fall for McCains Energy Plan its no good.

The other area that many are concerned about is Nuclear Power Plants .

Since the early days of the Anti Nuclear Movement which I would bet many of you were involved in over 35 years ago.

Seabrook New Hampshire for one back in the late 70's people protested in the streets against Nuclear because of the Radiation leaks and other major problems with these types of energy plants.

Just recently in an investigative report in the Valley Advocate talks about a Public move to finally shut Vermont Yankee down I suggest all Obama supporters and Obama's campaign staff on Energy Policy read this here is the link http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=8218

Here is a picture of a fire burning at the Planet in the front of this Nuclear Plant not good in 2007 .

Here is another picture of the same Nuclear Plant where they have used Duct tape on a leaking pipe.

Photographer Unknown Photo of area where the stop valve that malfunctioned at Vermont Yankee on August 30,2007

Here is the link to the editorial from again the Valley Advocate Newspapers

http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=3551

Remember Three Mile Island anyone i do .

I also have an excellent link which gives information on the dangers of Nuclear Power.

Go to this link aswell Senator Obama I know your concerned with the waste disposal of Nuclear Power Plants thats another reason we cannot build anymore Nukes in this Country.

Anyway here is the link http://www.nonukes.org/ .

Don't listen to the Oil Industry nor the Nuclear Industry they represent whats bad for America and the World we live in period.

Tell Mccain your for real Alternative Clean Energy not Nuclear Power Plants first Mccain said he wanted 100 new Nuclear Plants lastnights debate he said 45 new Nuclear Plants .

The bottomline is Nuclear is unhealthy for our Children and their Childrens ,Children .

Here is a youtube video about Fusion Energy which is not Radioactive as Fission Energy is Senator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn04nIby-gY

Here another good site http://www.generalfusion.com/

What I am basically suggesting Senator Obama is that you take Nuclear Power out of your Energy Plan and instead ad Fusion Power which is clean and safe.

I would like everyone on the grassroots to learn about this Alternative to Radioactive Plants aswell as the Obama Campaign Staff .

Thanks for listening Obama/Biden 08

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No Bailout For Wall Street

By ProgressiveVoice - Sep 27th, 2008 at 8:02 pm EDT

Also listed in: Wallingford for Obama!

Senator Obama as a Progressive Democrat and a supporter of your campaign I am asking you to vote in the Senate No to Bailing out CEO's and the mis managed Comapies they ran on Wall Street.

700 Billion dollars could feed every man women and child in American Build new Alternative Energy homes and help people get back on their feet who are now without a home on Main Street America.

Senator and the Senators Campaign Staff please remember Change needs to be Progresive .

We can nolong rush to the aid of Big corperations that with this Bailout the CEO's will walk ways with Millions in their Pockets while people who are lower and Middle Class Working people get nothing.

During Tax season The government gave people back 600 dollars or more depending if they were married or single because of the Economy remember that.

Govenment gives American Main street 600 dollars but will give Wall Street 700 Million.

I see alot of rich people getting very rich on this Bailout.

Senator Obama you need to call for Public Hearings before any vote yes or no is done by congress or the Senator.

If McCain wants to Bailout the Wall Street Companies let him make that big mistake.

The American people must be heard in Washington and this weekend no one shoud support a

quick Bailout .

In the end its going to make the Economy worse then it is now.

The Democratic Party should truly stand with the American Working Class and against this Bailout .

Does anyone in the Obama Campaign hear me on this Blog ?

I speak for many Americans on Main Street.

This is just a bad idea .

Something yes needs to be done but this is insanity and not the solution.

Listen to the American people Senator on this no one wants this Bill passed .

Thanks for listening

Obama/Biden 08 Lets Change Washington Now

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Post-Script: Unite for Change, June 28

By Nathan - Jun 29th, 2008 at 12:45 pm EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

I attended three events yesterday and almost a fourth, The three in total attracted well over 30 supporters from New Haven and Connecticut River Valley towns uniting for victory in November. I was even lucky enough to successfully entice the organizer of the first event to attend the second, and bring a friend! Read More »

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HELP

By Ann - Apr 30th, 2008 at 8:24 pm EDT

Also listed in: Connecticut for Obama | Wallingford for Obama!

OK people, this (indirectly) addresses Obama's plan for college education. My son and I need your help. BAD. He just can't decide (nor can I quite frankly) between going to UCONN; a huge school in a small town or Clark University; a small school in a big city (Worcester, MA- which by the way is a pit) Clark is known for it's psychology program (his major) and he seems to fit in with the kids. He's not a jock or a party-goer but there are lots of choices and opportunities at UCONN. I guess my question to Obama supporters is this, should he go with a school in his parents' comfort zone (both safety-wise and financially-he gets $$$ if he goes to a CT school) or take the plunge with a greek-free jock-free nerd-freindly more expensive school in a bad town that needs lots of help (and Clark does do much for the community) SO, go the lost in the shuffle route, or be someone good in someplace bad. FYI he's only 17.

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Obama in Pennsylvania

By Ann - Mar 20th, 2008 at 8:17 pm EDT

Also listed in: Connecticut for Obama | Wallingford for Obama!

It occurs to me that the more Obama himself campaigns in a state, the better he does. So why isn't he all over Pennsylvania? I believe if he spoke in barber shops, town meetings, etc. all over the state, then wrapped it up with speeches and handshakes in Philly and Pittsburg, that he'd fair quite well in PA. If he narrows the lead HRC has been polled to have, a narrow victory for her will ultimately playout as her loss. The spin doctors, pundits and press will pontificate for weeks on how eeking out a win in PA does nothing to show she can handily carry the big states or win against the GOP. It would crush her to win, for example, 52 to 47. Just a thought.

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Clinton Chronicles

By Ann - Mar 12th, 2008 at 3:48 pm EDT

Also listed in: Wallingford for Obama! | Connecticut for Obama

http://tinyurl.com/29y6wf

click the link for a mind blowing documentary from 1994

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Clinton Machine

By Ann - Mar 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am EDT

Also listed in: Wallingford for Obama!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7007109937779036019&q=clinton&total=66318&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=5

Hope the link above works. ALL must see this video. Copy and paste into your address bar.

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Content on blogs in My.BarackObama represents the opinions of community members and in no way should be interpreted as endorsed or approved by the campaign.