Bob Dylan Fans for Obama

The Way Forward is the Way Out

Ken — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:15:12 EST

Homeward bound, how sweet the sound! The only way forward in Afghanistan is to bring our troops home. Out is the only way forward. Everything else serves some other purpose.

Our Spirits Soar - Dedicated To Our President, A Year Ago Today

Ken — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:39:36 EST

To live
Under the open sky
Dreams unbounded
And hopes unfurled
Rippling
In the wind
Our spirits rise
Catching its current
And soar
Through time
And space

Across the land
Over the seas
Into the heavens
Our spirits soar
An aerial ballet
Of aspiration
And ambition
An ambassador
Of our life
To the stars.

Into sun swept skies
And harsher climes
Our spirits soar
Ever higher
Unbound by rooms
Or rules
Or guarantees
They roost
Only to rest

Beneath these skies
Our spirits root
Freedom and fulfillment
Partners to the land
And foundation
Of our great claim
Let lightning strike!
Let kingdom come!
We do not fear
Our spirits soar!

After a Year-Long Hiatus, It's Great to be Back!

Ken — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:59:05 EDT

Thanks to Organizing For America IT personnel. Today was the first time I have been able to gain access to my my.barackobama home page since just after the election last November! Somehow I got locked out and missed all the fun though we went to all the rallies and volunteered a bit around town and throughout the state. Hope my friends are all still around!

I'm Mad As Hell About The Pro-Alcohol Media Bias And I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore!

guitar46phil — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:04:04 EDT

For the past two hours MSNBC has been running a sentence every minute or two along the bottom of their broadcast "study indicates moderate drinking with friends reduces risk of stroke and heart disease." Really? Is this news or just pro-alcohol lobbying? Is this such an important newsflash that it has to be run at the veiwing public, practically subliminally, every two minutes all morning long, or is this just an example of free advertising by a media giant for it's fellow rich corporate conglomerates? What kind of message does it send to kids watching a bit of the news before heading off to school? What message does it send to hard-core alcoholics, or moderate drinkers who are on their way to becoming alcoholics? It says "Drink Alcohol With Friends, It MIGHT be GOOD for YOU!" In a word, "bullcrap." But even if "drinking with friends" is good for some people, (so are DUI's) why is this news for MSNBC? My dad always said, "If you don't understand something, look where the money is." My guess, advertising revenue is down because all of the ripp-off mortgage brokers and financial swindlers have gone belly-up, and MSNBC is courting more money from beer, wine and hard alcohol producers, Maybe this free advertising is their form of a "bonus" for a lucrative advertising contract with an alcohol corporation. I like MSNBC, but it makes me mad as hell to see them giving free advertising to the Alcohol monopoly - while they treat marijuana as if it were evil and they ignore the harmful effects our nations prohibition of marijuana cause our nation and other nations. Marijuana is a much safer recreational drug choice than alcohol, it is less addictive, and yet, there is no advertising money in it. So much for the media as being an unbiased reporter of the "news."

laughing at myself

Dawn in Arizona — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:16:57 EDT

Every morning feels like a brand new day - how proud I am that my dear country now has a President we can be proud of! I fly our flags (American & POW/MIA) and smile as I put them out. Today it is raining so they must not be put out but you get the idea.

Here is a link sent to me on Air Force One, how I avoided looking at or seeing Bush talk- even photos of him. Because I want to be postive that will be left there.

With President Obama in office I love to watch programs on Air Force One, knowing that wherever he goes people think "now there is a smart man!"..such a credit to all of us.

Here is the link, Enjoy! http://blogs.reuters.com/photo/2009/03/06/welcome-aboard-air-force-one/comment-page-3/#comments

Dawn in Arizona

Obama will move towards legalization of marijuana.

guitar46phil — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:37:57 EST

As I read today about how bold and complicated his budget proposals are, it struck me how little information we have heard from the media on the choice of the new Drug Czar and the "drug war" under Obama in general. While the President has made it clear that he does not favor legalizing drugs, it has remained a very low priority issue.

My guess is that the last thing he wants is to be ridiculed ealry on (which is the conservative right-wing tactic regarding any pot discussion) for bringing this logical policy change into play while there are so many serious issues involved, the economy, health care, education, the wars etc...

Like a Texas Hold-em poker player with two aces he is waiting for the other players to bet and raise the "pot" and pull him into the 'war on drugs' debate, but when it is time to lay the cards out, it will be obvious to all that the drug war has to go, for the sake of the budget and the economy. His advisors will point out what Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman and conservative icon Willliam F. Buckley said - The war on drugs cannot be won and it is hugely damaging to our ECONOMY as well as to the safety and security of the citicizens of our country and other nations!

Obama is a brilliant tactician/politician as well as a great communicator, because frankly, I thought he would stop the war in Iraq first, and then stop the drug war, but it looks to me like he will take on the easiest "dumb war" we are in first.

From the time of the Big Bang Freedom is the natural state of things and Freedom can only be restrained by man's greedy desires and his artificial outside intervention. While man's collective efforts to restrain individuals from hurting other individuals or groups is a hallmark of our collective soul and civilization, that is not restraint of Freedom, it is restraint of evil. Restraint of the Freedom of an individual who is not harming others to pursue life, libery and happiness is wasted energy because the impulse and instinct for Freedom will always eventually outlast any efforts at artificial restraint. The human spirit's constant movement towards freedom and away from tyranical government will continue, as will our efforts to restrain evil. The devil is in the details of what is evil and what is just inconvenient for some.

The alcohol companies may need a bailout if pot is legalized. It is a lot cheaper to throw some seeds in the ground and watch the "weed" grow than to pay huge companies for your recreational high.

Change We Can Believe In

Dawn in Arizona — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:24:07 EST

Again another change in how the Feds do their work(and it is about time):

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29433708/

My Strength

Adam Z — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:57:37 EST

I am alone. I just want to know what it is that I can’t seem to get right. I cannot make a relationship work. Love, to me, is stepping out from the bushes into the most beautiful view you have ever seen, only to find out you have stepped off the edge of a cliff and are now plunging to your imminent demise.

I live, I love, yet I am alone. I seek, I find, yet I am alone. I struggle on without shame or pity; the world’s problems are far bigger than anything I could burden them with, yet I am alone.

I do not choose to be alone. I flirt, and engage. Yet I rarely get a response. Then, once in a while, I do get a response. And it fills my soul with a passion not rivaled by Mars. I push it further; perhaps I don’t push it far enough. But I expect a self-respecting woman to put in her fair share of the work.

Something happens every time that I cannot explain. I recognize it, yet I can’t make out it what it is. I try to stop it, yet I know it can’t be stopped. The Great Cosmic Reality offers no protection against this rampaging demon.

What is this love they tell me about? What is this fairy tale that is the true leading cause of divorce? How do I combat its evil, destructive power? What can I do to make them realize the power of true, lasting love? Monogamy is a fraud to all but the hopeless.

I still believe in the noble qualities; honesty, fairness, willingness to confront and overcome one’s demons, trust, empowerment, sacrifice, generosity. But they don’t seem to impress anyone.

Do I expect too much? I don’t expect anything. I hope for the best. But, after a fortnight or two, she always comes to realize she doesn’t want to be with me. Why? What have I done to be burdened by this curse?

I am alone and for strength I give my love to the world.

Bob Dylan at Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis - November 4, 2008

Ken — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:31:28 EST

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kkkdtdx40JI

Euphoria in New York -- Harlem explodes

Pryceless — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:40:35 EST

Where do I begin? I have seen a three month old Black baby sleeping in his stroller...his shirt spoke for him with the words "Future president." At 11 p.m. Nov. 4th in Harlem, a woman revealed a brand, new black shirt lettered in white with the words "my president is Black." The lettering bordered a flag of the United States minus the red and blue. Those T-shirt branding pictures of Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin with the words "Mavericks My A**" are everywhere. I have received text messages saying: They promised us 40 acres and a mule, we took the White House and 50 states." I have seen newstands minus newspapers. Imagine the New York Times is now selling for $1,000 -- the Nov. 5th Obama edition. There were no free AM or Metro papers to be found yesterday. The Daily News and NY Post went like hotcakes. The New York Times will now republish another 75,000 copies of its post-election day edition. Whoa!

I was exhausted yesterday after celebrations at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building. The atmosphere was pure euphoria. Jubilation prevailed with drumming, dancing, singing, cheering. Funnyman D.L. Hughley showed up to celebrate. So did rapper Doug E. Fresh, GQ and a long list of entertainers. Of course the politicians capitalized on the opportunity. First up was Cong. Charles B. Rangel. Although he did not initially support Sen. Barack Obama he postured tall sponsoring the jumbotron, food and watch night event. Media showed up in droves. With Times Square and Rockefeller Center jammed to capacity, Harlem was second only to Grant Park, Chicago where the president-elect accepted his new place on the global stage.

Even after the president-elect delivered his acceptance speech, everyone remained in Harlem. Obama supporters at the Sheraton Hotel took the A Train uptown arriving as late as 3 a.m. to continue the celebration. It was an awesome night. New York delivered a whopping 20 percent majority for Sen. Obama and we are devoted to helping him be the best president ever. But now I am trying to find the best dress ever for inauguration day, Jan. 20th, 2009. See Ya!

I Voted Today

John Stewart — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:51:31 EST

I voted for Obama today! I did not have to wait very long in line, about maybe 5 minutes! I voted on a machine and it worked well. Today was the first time I have ever voted on a touch screen voting machine, in the past it was the old punch card or scantron type ballots. It was easy and fast to use the machine, and the poll workers were more than helpful. Everyone please go out and vote today this is the most important election in many years.

Sincerely

John

Today I Did 'Cause I Can

Pryceless — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:08:30 EST

At 4:15 today, Nov. 4th, election day I arrived at my Brooklyn polling station. It was dark, lonely and dewy in New York but I was fearless and determined to be number one on the line. I had packed a pomegranate, my passport, Obama's book "Dreams From My Father" and was ready to wait. I wore, the Jamaica flag colors on my head, a hoodie bearing the red, gold and green shaded face of Bob Marley. Under that, I wore a T-Shirt blazing Usain Bolt's Olympic sprint to gold. Pinned out of view, was my button "I'm voting for THAT ONE." At 4:35, a maintenance worker arrived at the school. After turning on lights etc, he invited me to sit inside. The poll workers seemed to arrive all at once at about 5:20 a.m. By 5:45 a.m. a line snaked out the door. Everyone on line seemed excited. Old people, young people. As I waited, I called friends to awaken them. One told me he was already out the door to pick up a senior citizen. He also told me that another colleague called to tell him rapper Jay-Z was on line in Manhattan. Yesterday we commemmorated Black Solidarity Day in New York and were energized by rallies and celebrations. Today is like Christmas, Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Eve. I plan to spend the rest of the day calling friends to vote. Tonight I will be in Times Square. Prior to that I will stop into Harlem to rally at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building. We are all on a high. We are all fired up. We are all inspired. We have done all we CAN do. Why? Because unlike many in some countries, we Can. Perhaps, for the very time, I am realizing I really CAN make Change. If I learnt anything during this campaign it is that we all CAN. I know I CAN...I just proved it by voting...Yes I Can...I did.

Your Message to Third Party Voters: A Vote for Obama is a Vote Against Racism

Ken — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:34:43 EDT

Tired of trying to convince your radical friends to vote for Obama? Tell them a vote for Barack is vote against racism, the nation's most dangerous pollutant. I'll bet that you can break through their iron-clad class arguments and strong-willed independence with the logic that voting for Barack Obama will change things more in diluting and ultimately neutralizing this poison than a wasted vote on a third-party candidate, even one of color.

OK, OK, I've heard the lines about principles and parties and people and profits. But the single most significant reason that the peoples' progress in this country has been retarded is racism. With that lethal and divisive force at the top of the agenda, even the most principled crusader, the most militant vanguard, the most revolutionary observer can toss in their polemical pride and vote big this year against the very thing that has been killing us in all past years - racism.

So tell all your friends who are thinking of voting for Nader or McKinney or any of those other folks espousing change that all they are doing is voting to keep things the same. They are enjoying the safe harbor of their pre-polarized world of which they've become accustomed to, railing about about all its iniquities. Tell them: Now is the time. Now is the chance. We can dilute this toxin that has been poisoning Ameirca from within for nearly three hundred years once and for all and set the stage for better things to come. Then these other candidates can come forward and offer their solutions. But let's destroy racism first! Vote for Obama.

Vote Early If You Can!

John Stewart — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:08:23 EDT

People

Go out and Vote early if you can, take all the ID you need. You can use the Obama website in the "Find Events" link under the "Events" section of the website navigation menu on the right side of the webpage and should be able to find out about early voting in your area. Students might want to take a utility bill and acceptable ID or Photo ID if required. But make sure you vote and if you use touch screen take your time and check to make sure that the voting machine cast the right vote. Now is the time to exercise you american right to have your voice heard in the poltical process by Voting!

Sincerely

John

Ode to Tony Garcia and Raul Sorando

Holly — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:40:18 EDT

I saw this on fivethirtyeight.com and had to share with you my two new heroes- Tony Garcia and Raul Sorando

McCain Campaign Rally in Miami

Look in later today for our On the Road piece from Wilmington, North Carolina. We're a bit ahead of our coverage, which occasionally happens out here with the long distances, input, output and timing demands. Tonight we'll be at the Obama-Clinton rally in Kissimmee, Florida, and we're breaking in from Miami, where John McCain just concluded his "Joe the Plumber" rally at Everglades Lumber.

After the rally, we witnessed a near-street riot involving the exiting McCain crowd and two Cuban-American Obama supporters. Tony Garcia, 63, and Raul Sorando, 31, were suddenly surrounded by an angry mob. There is a moment in a crowd when something goes from mere yelling to a feeling of danger, and that's what we witnessed. As photographers and police raced to the scene, the crowd elevated from stable to fast-moving scrum, and the two men were surrounded on all sides as we raced to the circle.

The event maybe lasted a minute, two at the most, before police competently managed to hustle the two away from the scene and out of the danger zone. Only FiveThirtyEight tracked the two men down for comment, a quarter mile down the street.

"People were screaming 'Terrorist!' 'Communist!' 'Socialist!'" Sorando said when we caught up with him. "I had a guy tell me he was gonna kill me."

Asked what had precipitated the event, "We were just chanting 'Obama!' and holding our signs. That was it. And the crowd suddenly got crazy."

Garcia told us that the man who originally had warned the two it was his property when they had first tried to attend the rally with Obama T-shirts was one of the agitators. Coming up just before the scene started getting out of hand, the man whispered in Garcia's ear, "I'm gonna beat you up the next time I see you." Garcia described him for us: "a big stocky man wearing a tweed jacket." He used hand motions to emphasize this was a large guy. We went back to look for the gentleman twenty minutes after the incident but didn't find him.

The two Obama supporters had attempted to attend the event with tickets printed from the McCain website. Both were clad in Obama T-shirts, Sorando in a blue "Obama '08" shirt, and Garcia in a white "Obama-Biden" shirt. They were told that the event was being held on private property and that wearing the shirts or carrying the signs they would be asked to either remove the shirts or not attend.

For an hour during the rally, the two had stood across the street from the lumberyard on public property holding yard signs. Some drivers honked in support, and others honked in disapproval. When the rally ended and the crowd spilled out, the disturbance began.

Garcia had a message for his stocky, tweed-clad threatener. "You tell that guy he can find Tony Garcia down at the West Dade library every day from 7 to 7 helping people early vote. I'll be there from 1 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. You tell him if he wants to kick my ass that's where he can find me. Come beat me up."

Not thirty seconds later, John McCain drove by in his SUV and waved at Garcia on the sidewalk, who was happily waving his Obama sign.

Decent youngman from way back -- Obama was

Pryceless — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:55:15 EDT

The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog 'Leisha's Random Thoughts' has translated the story.

It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge:

When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.

-You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway , the man behind the counter said.

Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway , and she had no one else to call.

-I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.

As tears streamed down her face, she heard a 'gentle and friendly voice' behind her saying, 'That's okay, I'll pay for her.'
Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before.

-He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?

Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man.

-He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.

She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.

Who was the man?

Barack Obama.

Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign:

-He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling.

She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway . At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago , and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.

Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him:

In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.

And Obama replied:

In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped 'United States Senate, Washington DC ', Barack Obama writes:

'I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway . Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama , United States Senator'.

The parents sent the letter on to Mary.

Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the k ind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office.

Truly a wonderful story, and something that needs to be passed along in the maelstorm of fear-and-smear politics we are being subjected to right now.

UPDATE: Thanks for the recommends, folks! Also, remember this was 1988, when 100 dollars was quite a bit of money, compared to today's value.

By the way, this would be the perfect antidote to the Smear E-mails going around. If anyone has a good long email chain list, shoot it out, and let it be passed along.

Sons of Abraham

Ken — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:09:28 EDT

Sons of Abraham

Isaac and Ishmael

Living in the holy land

Palestine and Israel

Both have a charter

Each has a deal

Sons of Abraham

Isaac and Ishmael

Sharing a simple meal.

Together

Forever

Can we see some peace?

Together

Forever

With land to each a piece.

Swarms of hordes

And crusading conquerors

Pitting the two brothers

Against each other

For land olives oil

Raping the mothers

Swarms of hordes

Of crusading conquerors

Claiming covenant as their own.

Together

Forever

Will we see some peace?

Together

Forever

To own and not to lease.

Hagar and Sarah

Could have been sisters

Couldn't have

More blisters

Standing by

Their misters

Hagar and Sarah

Could have been sisters

Each with a womb of her own.

Shalom Alechem

Salaam Alikum

Nobody eats the pig.

Salaam Alechem

Shalom Alikum

The pig controls the rig.

Brothers

Forever

Time to quit the jig.

A Letter to the New York Times

BTJ — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:12:54 EDT

Politico reports that the republican party is forming a 'circular firing squad' and Robert Draper's article in the NYT Magazine for October 26 details the dysfunction and erratic behavior of the McCain campaign organization. Multiple GOP senators have denounced and called for an end to McCain's sleaziest robo-calls.
It will be an unresistable temptation for republicans and some others to blame McCain's defeat in this election on the dysfunction of his campaign and his own lack of judgment.
But I think the truth is somewhat different. McCain has not run an erratic and sleazy campaign because of defects of personality or organization, but because the Republican party is out of ideas and out of any moral authority. McCain suspended his campaign but then sat silent during the White House meeting to address the financial crisis. Even Alan Greenspan, whom McCain points to as an adviser for a financial recovery, had to admit to 'flaws' in his 'model' in testimony before Henry Waxman's committee. Independent analysts claim that McCain's warmed over health care plan could result in an additional 20 million people losing affordable health care.
McCain's campaign is dysfunctional because it lacks any real ideas for improving the lives of our citizens and the position of our country in the world. He uses robo-calls to spread his sleaze because he cannot mobilize any real people to promote his agenda. He selected Sarah Palin as his running mate in an ill considered attempt to energize a base with a strange combination of glamor and faux populism.
McCain's campaign has devolved into little more than a set of transparently false slanders about terrorists, and baby killing, crime and taxes. At times even McCain seems disgusted by it. But he has no alternative. After years of economic mismanagement and the gospel of deregulation, a foreign policy based on deception and beligerance, and a complete disregard for the well being and prosperity of any but the richest 5% of the population, McCain and the GOP are bankrupt both morally and ideologically.

Be not afraid Stand up and speak out!

Nick Danger — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:41:27 EDT

Early in his campaign I supported Barack Obama. I set up a page on the www.barackobama.com website and on the www.democrats.org site as well. I posted blog after blog to inspire and prod the base into action. I also posted my blogs on other sites including rightwing news service sites. However, I live around and work with so many on the other side that I used an old picture of Dean Martin in the studio and then one of my smiling pitbull mix to represent me while writing primarily under the moniker Nick Danger and a few others. Eventually I replaced the photos with pictures of me and today I'm posting my name because though I've always been proud to stand-up as an Obama supporter I have not felt I could expose myself to business consequences from those on the other side. I believe with all my heart that we need more than just a change in party but a change in process of thought. That scares many. Real change always has its detractors. I stand tall in solidarity with all those Democrats, Independents and Republicans who have not fallen prey to the fear mongering lies from the other side. To all those Democrats, Independents and Republicans who see the true colors of those robo calls and leaflets of lies are being spread to sow seeds of doubt in the minds of the American people. Voters are smarter than this. I salute all those willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with me in support of Senator Barack Obama and real change. God Bless Barack Obama and God Bless America!-Greg 'Huessein' Philippiformerly known as Nick Danger

Poll Position

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:20:59 EDT

It's looking good according to the newest polls from the battlegrounds! But like the song says "...you can't trust freedom when it's not in your hands when everybody's fighting for their promised land." With this in mind, we can never underestimate the power of the republican disenfrancizing machine. VIGILANCE!!!

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann
*** Swing states swinging to Obama: Most of the national polls -- including our NBC/WSJ survey -- are now showing Obama with a double-digit national lead. And here come a slew of brand-new state polls that also suggest Obama is in command of this presidential contest. The University of Wisconsin’s Big Ten Battleground polls have Obama up 10 points in Indiana (51%-41%), 13 points in Iowa (52%-39%), 22 in Michigan (58%-36%), 19 in Minnesota (57%-38%), 12 in Ohio (53%-41%), 11 in Pennsylvania (52%-41%), 13 in Wisconsin (53%-40%), and nearly 30 in Obama’s home state of Illinois (61%-32%). Meanwhile, there are new Quinnipiac surveys that show Obama up five points in Florida (49%-44%), 14 in Ohio (52%-38%), and 13 in Pennsylvania (53%-40%). And finally, new CNN/Time surveys find Obama ahead by five points among likely voters in Nevada (51%-46%), four points in North Carolina (51%-47%), four in Ohio (50%-46%), and 10 points in Virginia (54%-44%). The lone state survey that shows McCain ahead: CNN/Time’s West Virginia poll, where McCain’s nine (53%-44%).

McCain Morphology

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:59:27 EDT

What Monster Did McCain Become Last Night?

A horrified America watched John McCain stagger up from his debate chair last night and turn into a monster. He almost caught our Barack Obama! What was happening? Clearly, the special anti-monster juice McCain drinks before public appearances was starting to wear off. They got him in the titanium-lined SWAT van just before he fully transformed. But fully transformed into what?

HORRIBLE MEDIEVAL WEREWOLF: This would actually explain a lot, including, probably, why McCain is always talking about medieval Ireland, when he was a boy, before he was bitten by a werewolf, which put a terrible end to his happy carefree days of being a Celtic warrior who always crashed his horse into the enemy’s village.

HORRIBLE CHILD-EATING DEATH CLOWN: No wonder McCain’s handlers try to get him away from those debate audiences so quick! He was just moments away from turning into this evil-ass thing, the New Hampshire Primary Murder Clown, Rich Uncle Pennywise! Imagine being stuck on Secret Service duty with this campaign. Imagine having to bury the bodies every night.

EVIL GORGON MEDUSA: Walnuts has always roamed the Earth, in his various guises, but by night, he shows his true death’s head, the GORGONEION from Hades, where he spent Five and a Half Million Years. (This is also the face he makes when he has sexytime! Your tax dollars pay for his Viagra!)

DISGUSTING CLASSIC-ROCK GIMMICK CAR: There is nothing more hideous than 700-year-old arena rocker Gene Simmons, so it stands to reason that John McCain is the demon father of the KISS monster. Legend says shitty ‘71 Volkswagen Beetles with home paint jobs and huge styrofoam monster skulls/tongues were frequently on the scene before the Crusaders lost Jerusalem to the Arabs led by Bill Ayers the Terrorist Muslin.

EVIL SILENT-MOVIE GERMAN VAMPIRE: And now, a quote from Bram Stoker’s Dracula: “As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me… a horrible feeling of nausea came over me, which, do what I would, I could not conceal. When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demonaic fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat.”

Yes, that sounds about right.

THE BEAST: But our demonic experts here on the Wonkette staff finally concluded McCain was turning into this hell-beast of yore, as seen here in a 16th Century woodcut. These demonic shit-monsters once roamed the Eastern Seaboard, until they were captured by Benedict Arnold in 1776 and taught Naval Command skills at Annapolis. The creatures spawn a single fetus from the “egg duct” every hundred years; the fourth spawn of the cycle is always a crazy, self-obsessed idiot who has no military skillz.

Debunking the Bradley Effect

Michael — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:39:37 EDT

Popular political wisdom says that Obama's poll numbers overestimate his actual lead in the presidential race because some whites who tell pollsters that they intend to vote for Obama will not actually pull the lever for him on election day due to latent racial prejudice. The phenomena has been dubbed the Bradley effect for the failed gubenatorial campaign of its namesake in Ca. in 1982.

The problem is, that a close examination of the 1982 race suggests that the data in 1982 simply doesn't support the popular theory. Check out the following article for the best discussion of the issue that I have come across.

Way Too Funny!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:06:05 EDT

Check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIc8jdra0o

Day Eighteen Barack Blog

Tara Bradley — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:51:08 EDT

Dear Reader,

I am sorry it has been some time since my last post. I have decided to discontinue this blog at this point. It has been a pleasure to write this blog for the past eighteen days. I hope you enjoyed it. I wanted to share some of the following excellent resources I utilized for this blog.

1. Mark Crispin Miller's blog 'News From Underground' http://www.markcrispinmiller.blogspot.com/

2. NYT daily email updates on politics that you can sign up for on their site www.nytimes.com

3. The listservs from the groups on this website. Particularly, TwentyandThirtysomethingsforObama.

4. Brave New Films video subscription: http://therealmccain.com/issues/?utm_source=rgemail

5. Daily Kos: The State of the Nation http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/16/63238/2462/721/600320

6. Think Progress' blog http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/26/presidential-debate-live-blogging/

7. Michael Moore's site http://www.michaelmoore.com/

8. The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

9. Brennan Center for Justice http://www.brennancenter.org/

10. Commondreams.org News Center http://www.commondreams.org/

11. Media Matters for America http://mediamatters.org/

12. MoveOn.org http://www.moveon.org/

13. NOW on PBS http://www.pbs.org/now/index.html

14. Stealing America: Vote by Vote http://www.stealingamericathemovie.org/index.html

A big thank you to all of the people who contributed to, read, and spread this blog. I greatly appreciate your help and this experience. I am going to shift my energy to support Barack in removing myself from the daily grind as it were and by placing my energy into intention-based daily meditations on President Obama coming into office on November 4, 2008.

I have no doubt Barack will be the next President of the United States and here's what I think everyone can do to support that goal. Insist on a paper ballot at your polling place, keep forwarding all great information you come across, keep your focus on President Obama more than anything, limit the amount of news you consume on a daily basis, remain diplomatic in your support of Barack and don't fall into the trap of hating McCain. All we need to do is focus on President Obama by stating this every day and by choosing to place our energy here. Spread as much information as you can about voter fraud and purging for as long as you can and remember: Barack will win!

My deepest respect for all who are participating in this political, social, emotional, evolutionary, experimental process. Our time is well spent-we have everything to lose and everything to gain. Let's focus on the gain.

Much respect,

Tara

Voter Intimidation Information

Gary — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:36:09 EDT

Terri Gross from the NPR show Fresh Air produced out of Philadelphia on WHYY did a show on Wednesday October 8, 2008 on Voter Suppression. She interviewed David Igleasias the US Attorney who was fired by the Bush Administration. He has written a book, IN JUSTICE. She also interviews Zach Stalberg of the Committee of Seventy to discuss efforts to discourage voters. If you are involved in voter registration and protecting voter's rights it is a show worth listening to. Here is the link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=13

Jamaicans for Obama

Pryceless — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:10:28 EDT

World Tourism Day was acknowledged last week and I travelled to Jamaica in order to see how the island was doing with regard to its commitment to the ecology and curbing emissions that will destry the landscape. Although the greening of Jamaica took priority, I could not help notice the enthusiasm, anticipation and optimism so many nationals exuded in discussion of the Nov. 4th elections. "Nothing anyone will do, will change the outcome, Obama is destined to win," some people said. Others echoed religious parallels to his election. And so many more felt convinced "his (Obama's) time is now."

Throughout the visit, in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, I wore, Obama gear on a daily basis...tee shirts, caps, buttons, and carried cell phone stickers, posters, car flags, and yard signs which I gave to individuals who are passionately urging their stateside affiliates and families to vote for Change. Tried as I did, I did not hear a single endorsement for the Republican candidate. I was heartened by the interest and knowledge of little children and elderly who watched the debates with keen interests. The day-after discussion was as poignant as if it was a local event. If this is any indication of how the Caribbean region feels about the upcoming elections, it is little wonder why voter registration in many states have doubled and even quadrupled in some states. On a visit to Africa and Europe, I sensed the same passion, hope and dedication to witnessing CHANGE.

Letter to the Editor

BTJ — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:33:59 EDT

John McCain supposedly suspended his campaign to go to Washington to create the rescue bill passed last week. He said 'some may give me credit for that'. But in one of the most striking moments in Tuesday nights debate, McCain proposed as a 'new initiative' giving the Treasury Secretary authority to buy troubled mortgages and renegotiate the terms based on the actual value of homes. That's a good proposal to help struggling home owners. The problem is that that authority is already in the rescue bill! It was put into the bill at the insistence of Democrats and follows the suggestion of Senator Obama in response to Secretary Paulson's initial proposal. John McCain wants to take credit for the rescue bill but he doesn't know what is in it. He is dangerously out of touch.

Newspapers Published My Letters!

Holly — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:49:38 EDT

After the VP debate, I wrote letters to the editors of local papers! My letters made it in the Tampa paper and the Orlando Sentinel!

Here is what I wrote:

Joe Biden clearly won the vice-presidential debate. While watching on Thursday, I was struck by how different the candidates were.

Biden responded with detailed answers concerning his stances on the issues. Biden successfully pointed out the similarities between the Bush administration and John McCain and Sarah Palin. Biden made clear that Obama would make the middle class his priority, bring our troops home from Iraq responsibly and restore America's leadership in the world.

Meanwhile, Palin spoke in generalities and answered questions she was not asked. She gave rehearsed answers to the questions. Palin's talking points sounded a lot like a continuation of Bush.

The debate didn't feature a Katie Couric-level disaster, but Palin proves why McCain doesn't have the judgment to be president.

Day Seventeen Barack Blog

Tara Bradley — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:29:33 EDT

Dear Reader,

I am very sorry for the delay. Today, you are going to receive Thursday-Saturday of this week’s blogs. All I can say is that I watched the VP debate and really had to ask myself how I might have been contributing to this circus of an election. I wanted to avoid the ‘post-game’ analysis that so many fall into after the debates.

As a former 8-year resident of Alaska, I found myself deeply saddened by how Sarah Palin has been presenting AK to the rest of the country and world; not unlike a mother protecting a child who was not seen for who they truly are. Not unlike a woman who is ashamed of another women acting in such a spiteful, non-peaceful manner. Not unlike a child who sees her father cry only to see the terrible mother laugh in his face, as I saw Sarah doing. Considering myself a psychologically complex person, as a professional in the mental health sector, I was reminded of the archetypes and deeper significance spinning behind what these folks are saying and doing. Of the collective consciousness that is being affected by the 52 million plus viewers who are engaging in these types of character assassinations; of the unconscious aspects of ourselves that these images and sound bytes touch upon.

Of the lack of boundaries individuals in the public sector are asked to sport; of the loose, cavalier way in which human lives and hearts are treated, whether they be of soldiers or the working poor, as there is no middle class. Of the horizontal pitting that happens between those lowest on the unforgiving totem pole of capitalism; of the children who may be watching these debates who are taught to cheer and jeer at their “enemy”. Our civilization has become a 49ers game, yet there is grace, dignity, diplomacy, and kindness in the hearts of many, dare I say all Americans. Barack and Joe are modeling this like beacons on a dark sea of oil, pollution, and deception. My take away is that we need to keep building lighthouses of the soul that strengthen our hearts to love ourselves enough to show up in such a stunning way in this depressed, herded society. The show must go on.

As dozens of emails containing other concerning news poured in, I knew I had to rise above the inherently flawed process and carry on as a vehicle for the truth. I knew Joe did well in the debate, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the resounding polls unilaterally stating he had won by all accounts. As we now know, Barack and Joe are ahead in the state and national polls and I just received an email from the DNC stating that the Democrats are ‘surging’ (interesting choice of words) in all of the Senate races as well. Very good news. Things are looking very good, which is all the more reason to deal with the bigger election issues: voter caging, purging, etc. Please see the articles regarding the bigger picture issues below and take action immediately, whether it is forwarding the blog, re-posting the articles in your blog, talking about the issues, or urging the campaign to do something about them and quick. Without further a due and with gratitude for your commentary ear, the news.

1.‘Voter Caging’ video by David Brancaccio on PBS’ ‘Now’ from the week of July 27, 2007. It is a bit long, but excellent. Stop before the housing story if you are not interested in this. Notice it was from July of last year-this is not new news. Thanks to Jim Fadiman, Ph.D. for forwarding this clip.

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/330/video.html

2. ‘McCain Mailing Mistakes’ from WTMJ-TV and JSOnline.com from September 14, 2008 as it appeared on MSNBC’s Local News section for Milwaukee, WI. This is another story on voter caging, this one involving absentee ballots with incorrect return addresses in another attempt to disenfranchise mostly Democratic voters.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26683049/

3. “The Rich Are Staging a Coup This Morning…A Message From Michael Moore’ by Michael Moore as it appeared in September 29, 2008’s CommonDreams.org News Center, forwarded to me by Marilyn Handler LeGette of Moss Beach, CA. This is a bit after the fact, but when I saw that nearly no one was willing to fight this, I thought it would be best for a Barack win to let him push through on his decision and to offer Michael’s views after the fact. When is Michael wrong? I urge you to submit any evidence of to me.

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/09/29-6

4. ‘Urgent: On the Ground Citizen Journalists Needed in Ohio to “Video the Vote”: Free Flip Camera for Each Citizen Journalist’ by Ray Beckerman on Ohio Election Fraud blog. Please get the word out to your friends in Ohio and to avid citizen journalists everywhere.

http://fairnessbybeckerman.blogspot.com/#7429331604186114916

5. ‘Senate bailout debate III’ by Kagro X http://kagro-x.dailykos.com/ forwarded by John LeGette of Moss Beach, CA.

“Thanks to Hunter for some mildly amusing stuff, found tucked in among the bailout bill provisions:

Page 279 — Rum excise tax to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Page 280 — Mine rescue / mine safety

Page 290 — Motorsports racing track facility

Page 290 — Hurricane Katrina and Gulf opportunity zone

Page 295 — Wool modifications

Page 296 — Permanent authority for undercover operations

Page 297 — Child tax creditPage 300 — Children and wooden arrows”

*Read the full bailout bill HR1424 for yourself at:

http://senateconservatives.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/bailouttext.pdf

6. ‘Alaska Natives question Palin’s support’ by Rachel D’Oro of the AP as it appeared in September 27, 2008’s Google News, forwarded to me by a great mover and shaker in Anchorage, Alaska. This one is for the man at Cameron’s Pub in Half Moon Bay, CA who stated after Thursday’s VP debate that he knew “all the Eskimos loved Sarah”. Armed with my Minor in Native Alaska studies, I kindly told him that the term “Eskimo” was no longer politically correct and that I begged to differ.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jjtSZGziV-5C7BVO5oteUzZEBtdAD93GG4S00

7. ‘Veterans deserve better than the double talk given them by McCain’ by Harry Hughes in September 30, 2008’s Tennessean.com, forwarded by Kenneth Traugott of the ‘TwentyandThirtysomethingsforObama’ group on this site.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080930/OPINION03/809300346/1008/OPINION01

That’s it for Thursday’s most ironic, concerning news that passed under my nose. Stay tuned for the 2 additional blogs to come today. Thanks again for your patience while I catch up with this fast-moving, good-looking week of news for Barack.

Fight back,

Tara

Nice piece on undecided voters in Roanoke, VA

Thad Williamson — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:30:08 EDT

This proves there are a lot of undecided people out there to reach these last few weeks!

A nice video piece focused on Roanoke, which is a good proxy for a lot of places in VA and NC.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2008/sep/30/roanoke

Review of Bob Moser's book Blue Dixie

Thad Williamson — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:26:33 EDT

In light of Obama's strong polling in NC, this piece is already a little dated, but this is an essay about Bob Moser's book Blue Dixie arguing that the Democrats can win in the south NOW.

I wrote this for the Independent Weekly in Durham, NC.

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A264916

Everything changes

Citizens Reign — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:44:30 EDT

Wherever I travel, and whenever I speak with a cashier, I always use my Change-You-Can-Believe-In tins (transformed from mint boxes).

I keep my change in these boxes, but more importantly, I keep my Barack business cards there. The box is a conversation opener, and the cards allow me to share website and voter registration information. I include www.barackobama.com on the front and www.voteforchange.com on the back.

I hope they are of some use.

A Little Conservation Will Go a LOOOOOOooong Way

Dylan's Mom — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:13:30 EDT

I haven't given money to the campaign in awhile, and given last night's debate and this morning's request from Barack for a donation, I was compelled to give him some bump, but not without returning the message with some unsolicited advice from this Average American Wife and Mother...

********************************************************************************************

Dear Barack--

You ultimately rocked it last night. I watched as you worked to take sincerely Lehrer's challenge that you directly address each other, as you struggled through the barriers between you and that other guy to the place in your heart where you could actually look at him, talk to him directly, address him as "John"... And not once did I see his return of simple civility and humanity to do the same.

Look, you had my vote at the More Perfect Union speech, and my teenager -- making her precious way to (God-willing) some kind of bright future in this 9/11-IraqInvasion-IceCapsMelting-TerroristThreatened-EconomyImploding world -- NEEDS a president she can have SOME hope in, so I've made another donation.

Here's the rub: I'd have given the whole $25, but every dollar makes a difference now, as you can imagine. My family needs to conserve. And I need to know I've done what I can to help put you and your family and your administration in the White House so I'm donating $20.

And I'm asking you, Sir, BEGGING really...

PLEASE MAKE CONSERVATION A PROMINENT FEATURE OF YOUR ENERGY, ECONOMY AND SECURITY SPEECHES AND DISCUSSIONS. My husband and I might have missed it, but we can't remember hearing about conservation last night from either of you gentlemen.

According to a very recently released study by the 46,000-member American Physical Society, the U.S. can reduce its dependence on foreign oil and greenhouse-gas emissions by making cars and buildings much more energy efficient. And very clearly, addressing energy security issues is a key component in reducing our military dependence on securing energy (a longtime toxic use of the military, in my view as the daughter of a retired lifer officer of the USAF).

Allow the emphasis that the report noted "THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE HUGE AND THE COSTS ARE SMALL."

As excerpted from a recent McClatchyDC story on the APS report...

~~~~~~~

   "The bottom line is that the quickest way to do something about America's use of energy is through energy efficiency," said Burton Richter, the chairman of the study panel and a 1976 Nobel Prize winner in physics.

   "Energy that you don't use is free. It's not imported and it doesn't emit any greenhouse gases. Most of the things we recommend don't cost anything to the economy. The economy will save money... if you're looking at energy security issues, which is government's business, if you're looking at the overall economy, which also ought to be government's business, to spend a bit more on research and development to hasten the day when you're going to get all these benefits is a good thing to do."

~~~~~~

I'd call that Richter guy and talk with him, if I were you. And if you've talked with him before, please KEEP talking with him.

I think it's worth saying again: MAKE CONSERVATION A PROMINENT FEATURE OF YOUR ENERGY, ECONOMY AND SECURITY SPEECHES AND DISCUSSIONS.

Sixty-one Nobel Laureate scientists are behind you. A growing number of the American public is behind you. And the only reason I'm writing this is because I believe like I was hit by lightening (which your name means in Hebrew, according to Sarah Silverman) that more voters will get behind you and check your name in the box in November if you take this advice.

Remember: Americans like things EZ and cheap, especially when it comes in the form of an EZ and cheap way to address a number of major, intersecting problems and crises.

We need quick action, that's true. But not by giving lots and lots of way too much more Halloween candy to the Wall street 6-year-olds and their unsupervised 7-year old babysitter (with a huge nod to the Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Maddow).

And if you're reading this: Thanks for listening, SenatorO.

OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA '08! OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA '08!

********************************************************************************************

http://www.aps.org/energyefficiencyreport/

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/economics/story/52606.html

http://www.thegreatschlep.com/site/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjAKPutvMjM

John McCain is an Opportunistic Coward

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:12:23 EDT

So now the sky is falling? So now we are in Crisis? What happened to "fundamentally sound"? It is so obvious that McCain is grandstanding for reasons of political expediance, while all the while trying to frame himself as above the fray. I'm sorry to tell you this Johnny, but everyone knows that you are trying to call a time out because you are dropping in the polls like a turd swirling down the toilet. What a cowardly move; ducking out of the debate and using a national crisis for cover. And now they are talking about "delaying" the VP debate. They can hear Palin heaving a sigh of relief all the way in Russia! (cuz she lives in Alaska) I honestly dont think our country can survive another 4-8 years of this these reptilian bastards who will twist, and shape-shift, and manipulate the American people in their never ending quest for absolute power. Country First my ass

September 25, 2008McCain camp to propose postponing VP debatePosted: 10:44 AM ET
From CNN Correspondent Dana Bash

(CNN) — McCain supporter Sen. Lindsey Graham tells CNN the McCain campaign is proposing to the Presidential Debate Commission and the Obama camp that if there's no bailout deal by Friday, the first presidential debate should take the place of the VP debate, currently scheduled for next Thursday, October 2 in St. Louis.

In this scenario, the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin would be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined, and take place in Oxford, Mississippi, currently slated to be the site of the first presidential faceoff this Friday.

Graham says the McCain camp is well aware of the position of the Obama campaign and the debate commission that the debate should go on as planned — but both he and another senior McCain adviser insist the Republican nominee will not go to the debate Friday if there's no deal on the bailout.

$700 Billion Bailout

Brian — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:19:53 EDT

Imagine that you receive one of those annoying credit card offers in the mail. Today, instead of throwing it directly in the trash, you open it to see just what is being offered. Only you find that it is not an offer, but a notice that an account has been opened in your name and already has a balance of $2303.96. Not only are you told that you can't turn this offer down, but advised that everyone in your household has been saddled with the same account. Every man, woman and child. The more people in the house, the more money you owe, and it's an offer that you can't refuse.

Sounds absurd, doesn't it. Yet, that is just what the Republicans have handed us today. The current Republican administration has pushed though a bailout plan for Wall Street to the tune of $700 Billion. Given the July US Population estimate of 303,824,640, that adds up to $2303.96 for every single person in the country. That's not money coming from the Treasury. It needs to be borrowed, and the only ones who have that kind of money to lend are China and the folks controlling the oil. So, we're not only dependent upon them for energy resources now, were also deeper in debt to the tune of $2303.96 each.

The reason that we need this kind of bailout? I think that everyone is aware that mismanagement by the current Republicans in power are at the root. We have been hearing about deregulation and the contribution that has made all week. What isn't being talked about, though, is that our reliance on foreign oil and our misguided war supporting terror are equal parts of the Hydra we face. The polls keep telling us that the focus of the country shifts between the economy, energy independence and the war, which is a gross misrepresentation. These issues are so intertwined that there is no way to separate them, and we all know who we have to thank for all three.

Anyone questioning whether we still need a change?

Brian

Letter to the Minneapolis StarTribune

BTJ — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:04:16 EDT

This site now offers us a guide and responsibility for writing letters to media outlets through a neat feature that shows up on my profile page that automatically finds the addresses for local newspapers.

Before I found that, I sent this to the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

John McCain and Sarah Palin are bringing a new kind of shameless audacity to the campaign for President. Here is a Senator who as a reprimanded member of the Keating 5 bears some responsibility for the Savings and Loan crisis of the 1980’s that cost $160 Billion taxpayer dollars. Here is a Senator who continued from that to work with his close friend Senator Lindsey Graham to push through the deregulation of the financial industry that has brought about the current crisis that may cost taxpayers more that $500 Billion. And here is a Senator who refused to support Senator Obama’s call more than a year ago for aid to homeowners struggling to avoid foreclosure that could have lessened this crisis. And here is a Governor who continues to repeat the lie that she said ‘thanks but no thanks to the Bridge to Nowhere’ after it has been widely reported that she supported it until it became a national scandal and even after it was killed, kept the earmarked money to build an access road to nowhere.

John McCain says that Barack Obama is to blame for the current financial crisis because Obama is a ‘part of the culture of Washington’, after spending nearly three decades there himself, staffing his campaign with lobbyists, and earlier complaining that Obama lacks experience because he has only been in Washington for 2 years. Then McCain has the shameless audacity to claim that it is Obama who is putting himself before his country.

The Revolution is NOW!

Nick Danger — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:37:47 EDT

Standing tall with Barack Obama I pray our man of the people will get elected to bring all Americans back to the fore front of economic stability. I've shared Obama's message with many business aquaintances and friends, where and when appropriate, to present my support for Senator Obama. I'v spread blog postings touting the Obama message throughout the web. I've even been placing my words of praise for Obama on some conservative sites, doing so in hopes of reaching even one additional voter, sometimes receiving hatemail in return. I've written to those who may not even be registered voters in hopes they'll care about this election for they should. I've also written to those I know living in swing states whom might be persuaded to Vote the Obama-Biden ticket and I am not finished yet.

The Revolution is NOW! The time for action is NOW! And as 60's poet and musical artist Gil Scott Heron so aptly conveyed, the revolution is happening now and it will not be televised. The revolution is in my heart and mind and I urge each of you to move this forward at a period in our history where we can not afford to give way to more
government by and for big business. If you have not already, please join the revolution! We have much work to do.

McCain's Strategy

BTJ — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:45:12 EDT

By now McCain’s only possible strategy in this election is clear. Turn the discussion to bogus issues about ‘lipstick on a pig’ and false outrage at ‘disrespect’ and ‘sexism’; supplement that with out an out lies and BS: “Obama will raise our taxes”, “No thanks to the Bridge to Nowhere”; “Sarah Palin knows as much about energy as anyone in America.” There are too many to note here.

It is tempting to despair on the state and future of our nation. McCain and the Karl Rove acolytes now running his campaign know that this is their only hope of winning because on issues like the economy, healthcare, and war they are extraordinarily out of touch with the real needs of the people of this country and the world.

It’s a strategy aimed at what someone called the ‘low information voters’ – like the woman I spoke to in South Minneapolis, one of two McCain households in a 114 door knock, whose husband was retired from the Air Force and who didn’t know about McCain’s opposition to extending benefits to veterans and who described Fox News as ‘fair and balanced’!

But it is also important to note that the negative and outrageous lies of McCain are also targeted at us. Not that they aim to convince us; they tempt us to despair and retreat. The blogosphere fills up with outrage and with ‘advice’ to the Obama campaign – we retreat to talking to ourselves rather than to those undecided, ‘low information’ voters to raise the level of awareness and engagement of people with such a critical stake in this election. Even Karl Rove admits in his Wall Street Journal column “Of all the advantages Gov. Sarah Palin has brought to the GOP ticket, the most important may be that she has gotten into Barack Obama's head.” I don’t know what’s in Senator Obama’s head, but I do know that many friends have been hung up around the egregiously ignorant and dangerous Palin and the campaign of lies put forward to defend her ‘qualifications’.

Even some republicans are beginning to fret however that these tactics can backfire. Don Sipple, a republican ‘advertising strategist’ says in the September 13th New York Times: “Any campaign that is taking liberty with the truth and does it in a serial manner will end up paying for it in the end…. It’s very unbecoming to a political figure like John McCain whose flag was planted long ago in ground that was about ‘straight talk’ and integrity.”

Amazingly, even Bill O’Reilly defended Senator Obama against the ‘lipstick charges’: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/10/bill-oreilly-defends-obam_n_125548.html

And even the Wall Street Journal has debunked the Bridge to Nowhere claim: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122090791901411709.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

I don’t think we can blame the media for not exposing the lies – though many can be blamed for falling for the distraction and not analyzing McCain’s real record and positions on the economy, healthcare, and war. And we can’t blame and shouldn’t expect the Obama campaign to ‘fight back’ with similar negativity. For one thing, how a campaign is conducted constrains the way the victor can govern. But more importantly, we are the campaign! We need to get on the street and on the phone to raise the information available to those ‘low information’ voters and to those who, for whatever reason, remain undecided.

I spoke to one such voter yesterday while door knocking who declared himself ‘torn and undecided’. When I asked what issues were key to his decision, his first answer was ‘taxes’. I asked, as I usually do, if he made more than $250,000, prepared to counter the republican BS that ‘Obama will raise our taxes’. Surprisingly, for the neighborhood I was in, he said he did; he owns a small financial consulting company. So I asked him if he knew about McCain’s healthcare ‘reform’ proposal to tax employer healthcare benefits. He didn’t; he certainly didn’t know that that proposal would amount to 1.3 trillion dollars in taxes over the next decade. But he could quickly grasp the effect that that proposal would have on small businesses and on swelling the ranks of the uninsured and eventually on raising healthcare costs for all. His other issue was the war in Iraq which he clearly saw and supported Obama’s position. So he took a brochure on Obama’s economic plans and promised to do more research and thinking. His wife, he revealed, is a strong Obama supporter. I think we’ll have his vote.

FactChecking…’The View’?

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:36:11 EDT

When the chat on The View turned to Palin’s record on earmarks McCain got it wrong:

Barbara Walters: She also took some earmark spending.
Joy Behar: A lot.
McCain: Well, not as governor she didn’t.

McCain’s wrong here. It’s true she scaled back the state’s federal spending requests within the last two years. But she didn’t eliminate them. She sent a letter on her gubernatorial stationery with $197 million in earmark requests, directly contradicting McCain’s statement. Palin writes:

Palin:In preparing these requests, the State has been mindful of congressional concerned about budget deficits and earmarks. Accordingly, the total number of requests has been reduced significantly from previous years. Approximately two-thirds of the requests involve programs that have been funded previously.

It’s clear Palin knew the gravy train was slowing (in large part because McCain was applying the brakes), but that didn’t stop her from sending the nearly $200 million request (nearly $30 per Alaskan, according to the 2006 Census Bureau population estimates). And we’ve already reported that Palin’s history with earmarks dates back to her time as mayor of Wasilla.

McCain would have been on more solid ground if he were informing his View-ership of his own earmark-busting record. The Arizona senator’s requests have amounted to a big, fat zero. But Palin’s still asking for pork by the barrel, even if the barrels have been downsized.

Posted under FactCheck.org, John McCain, Presidential Election 2008, Sarah Palin

McCain Off Base on Sex Ed

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:10:59 EDT

September 10, 2008A McCain campaign ad claims Obama's "one accomplishment" was a bill to teach sex ed to kindergarten kids. Don't believe it.SummaryA McCain-Palin campaign ad claims Obama's "one accomplishment" in the area of education was "legislation to teach 'comprehensive sex education' to kindergarteners." But the claim is simply false, and it dates back to Alan Keyes' failed race against Obama for an open Senate seat in 2004.

Obama, contrary to the ad's insinuation, does not support explicit sex education for kindergarteners. And the bill, which would have allowed only "age appropriate" material and a no-questions-asked opt-out policy for parents, was not his accomplishment to claim in any case, since he was not even a cosponsor – and the bill never left the state Senate.

In addition, the ad quotes unflattering assessments of the Illinois senator's record on education but leaves out sometimes equally harsh criticism directed at McCain in the same forums.
AnalysisThe ad is called "Education" and has received a good bit of free airtime, having been run repeatedly on cable news networks. It pairs pictures of kindergarten children with Obama looking confused.

A Factual Failure

McCain-Palin 2008 Ad: "Education"

Announcer: Education Week says Obama “hasn’t made a significant mark on education.” That he’s “elusive” on accountability. “A staunch defender of the existing public school monopoly.” Obama’s one accomplishment? Legislation to teach “comprehensive sex education” to kindergarteners. Learning about sex before learning to read? Barack Obama. Wrong on education. Wrong for your family.

John McCain: I’m John McCain and I approved this message.The ad claims "Obama's one accomplishment" in the realm of education was "legislation to teach 'comprehensive sex education' to kindergarteners."

It's true that the phrase "comprehensive sex education" appeared in the bill, but little else in McCain's claim is accurate. The ad refers to a bill Obama supported in the Illinois state Senate to update the sex education curriculum and make it "medically accurate." It would have lowered the age at which students would begin what the bill termed "comprehensive sex education" to include kindergarten. But it mandated the instruction be "age-appropriate" for kindergarteners when addressing topics such as sexually transmitted diseases. The bill also would have granted parents the opportunity to remove their children from the class without question:

SB 99: However, no pupil shall be required to take or participate in any family life class or course on HIV ~~AIDS~~ or family life instruction if his parent or guardian submits written objection thereto, and refusal to take or participate in such course or program shall not be reason for suspension or expulsion of such pupil.

The bill also called for all sex education course materials to include information that would help students recognize, among other activities, inappropriate touching, sexual assault and rape:

SB99: Course material and instruction shall discuss and provide
for the development of positive communication skills to maintain healthy relationships and avoid unwanted sexual activity. ... Course material and instruction shall teach pupils ... how to say no to unwanted sexual advances ... and shall include information about verbal, physical, and visual sexual harassment, including without limitation nonconsensual sexual advances, nonconsensual physical sexual contact, and rape by an acquaintance. The course material and instruction shall contain methods of preventing sexual assault by an acquaintance, including exercising good judgment and avoiding behavior that impairs one's judgment.

The bill passed in the Health and Human Services Committee with Democrats, including Obama, voting along party lines in support of it. But the measure promptly stalled and died in the full Senate, and no action has been taken on it since late 2005.

Obama is often quoted as saying that when it comes to sex education in public schools, “it’s the right thing to do ... to provide age-appropriate sex education, science-based sex education in schools,” placing an emphasis on the word "appropriate." But Obama has also said he does not support, "explicit sex education to children in kindergarten."

In a debate with Republican Alan Keyes, against whom Obama was running for an open seat in the U.S. Senate in 2004, Obama made it clear that at least one reason he supported the bill was that it would help teach young kids to recognize inappropriate behavior and pedophiles:

Keyes, Oct. 21, 2004: Well, I had noticed that, in your voting, you had voted, at one point, that sex education should begin in kindergarten, and you justified it by saying that it would be "age-appropriate" sex education. [It] made me wonder just exactly what you think is "age-appropriate."

Obama: We have a existing law that mandates sex education in the schools. We want to make sure that it's medically accurate and age-appropriate. Now, I'll give you an example, because I have a six-year-old daughter and a three-year-old daughter, and one of the things my wife and I talked to our daughter about is the possibility of somebody touching them inappropriately, and what that might mean. And that was included specifically in the law, so that kindergarteners are able to exercise some possible protection against abuse, because I have family members as well as friends who suffered abuse at that age. So, that's the kind of stuff that I was talking about in that piece of legislation.

Besides the Obama-Keyes race, this allegation also surfaced during this year's party primaries when Mitt Romney claimed Obama supported sex education for five-year-olds. (Obama misleadingly fired back that Romney supported the same policy.)

His Only Accomplishment?

The ad claims the bill was Obama's "one accomplishment." This is doubly false. Obama was neither a cosponsor nor a sponsor of the sex education bill, which never got past "go" in the Senate. So it was not an "accomplishment" at all. Furthermore, Obama can properly claim a number of real accomplishments.

He was a cosponsor of what became the Chicago Education Reform Act of 2003, which allowed for an increase in the number of Chicago charter schools and required the Chicago Board of Education to enter into a formal partnership with the Chicago Teachers Union to "advance the Chicago Public Schools to the next level of education reform." He was also a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to help Illinois high school graduates be eligible for in-state college tuition rates even if they weren't U.S. citizens.

On the federal level, Obama sponsored three amendments to The America COMPETES Act, which became law in 2007. All three amendments were passed in the Senate by unanimous consent and became law. One amendment proposed language that would create a mentoring program for women and minority groups during their studies in Department of Energy programs. He also proposed language to support summer learning programs and boost their math curricula. And he put forward a requirement that women and minorities be represented in the President's Science and Technology Summit. Whether or not one considers any of these measures earth-shaking, they're accomplishments nonetheless

Cherry-Picking Quotes

The ad also features three cherry-picked quotes from the media, highlighting negative comments about Obama's record and ignoring those directed at McCain. The announcer quotes Education Week contributing blogger David Hoff, saying, "Education Week says Obama 'hasn't made a significant mark on education.' " The quote is accurate. But the ad leaves out a quote Hoff gathered from Arizona's Casa Grande Elementary School Superintendent Frank Davidson:

Davidson (via Education Week): I don’t think [McCain] has a strong track record of putting education at the top of his priorities.

McCain had used the information about Obama before, and in response, blogger Hoff encouraged readers of the magazine's election blog to "Read the Obama story and the McCain story and you can decide who has a better track record on K-12 issues." We agree, you should.

The ad then quotes a July 7 editorial from The Washington Post, which said "that he's 'elusive' on accountability." Those words did appear in The Post's July 7 editorial. At the time, McCain had no education plan to critique, but later, in August, The Post revisited both candidates' proposals and said McCain's was "both late in coming and still a work in progress." It also said "of the two, Mr. Obama has given the issue more attention."

The last quote used in McCain's ad is attributed to the Chicago Tribune and says that Obama is "a 'staunch defender of the existing public school monopoly.' " This is actually from a piece by Steve Chapman, former associate editor of The New Republic and contributing writer to Slate and the conservative publications The Weekly Standard and The National Review. The piece isn't a Chicago Tribune editorial at all, though it's made to appear that way in the ad. And Chapman, none too pleased about how his opinion piece was featured in the ad, responded in a Sept. 10 Tribune blog entry with this:

Chapman: ... the ad itself doesn't bother explaining how the candidates differ on school vouchers, the subject of my column. Instead, it insults our intelligence by expecting us to believe that Obama thinks kindergarteners should be taught how to use condoms before they're taught to read. Right. And Joe Biden eats puppies for breakfast.

We couldn't have said it better, Mr. Chapman.

–by Emi Kolawole SourcesKrol, Eric. "Obama clarifies sex ed views at Benedictine," Chicago Daily Herald. 6 Oct. 2004.

Hoff, David. McCain vs. Obama: The Whole Story. 29 Mar. 2008. Education Week. 10 Sep. 2008.

Editorial. Focus on School Reform. 7 Jul. 2008. The Washington Post. 10 Sep. 2008.

Bill Status SB099. Illinois General Assembly.

U.S. Congressional Record. 27 Aug 2007. S5038

Energetically Wrong...Let's Check the Facts

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:06:39 EDT

September 12, 2008Palin says Alaska supplies 20 percent of U.S. energy. Not true. Not even close.SummaryPalin claims Alaska "produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy." That's not true.

Alaska did produce 14 percent of all the oil from U.S. wells last year, but that's a far cry from all the "energy" produced in the U.S.

Alaska's share of domestic energy production was 3.5 percent, according to the official figures kept by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

And if by "supply" Palin meant all the energy consumed in the U.S., and not just produced here, then Alaska's production accounted for only 2.4 percent.AnalysisRepublican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin sat down with ABC News' Charlie Gibson for an interview, part of which aired Sept. 11. In the exchange, the Alaska governor misstated a basic fact about her state's energy production:

Palin: Let me speak specifically about a credential that I do bring to this table, Charlie, and that's with the energy independence that I've been working on for these years as the governor of this state that produces nearly 20 percent of the U.S. domestic supply of energy, that I worked on as chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, overseeing the oil and gas development in our state to produce more for the United States.

It's simply untrue that Alaska produces anything close to 20 percent of the U.S. "energy supply," a term that is generally defined as energy consumed. That category includes power produced in the U.S. by nuclear, coal, hydroelectric dams and other means – as well as all the oil imported into the country.

Palin would have been correct to say that Alaska produces just over 14 percent of all the oil produced in the U.S., leaving out imports and leaving out other forms of power. According to the federal government's Energy Information Administration, Alaskan wells produced 263.6 million barrels of oil in 2007, or 14.3 percent of the total U.S. production of 1.8 billion barrels.

But Alaskan production accounts for only 4.8 percent of all the crude oil and petroleum products supplied to the U.S. in 2007, counting both domestic production and imports from other nations. According to EIA, the total supply was just over 5.5 billion barrels in 2007.

Furthermore, Palin said "energy," not "oil," so she was actually much further off the mark. According to EIA, Alaska actually produced 2,417.1 trillion BTUs [British Thermal Units] of energy in 2005, the last year for which full state numbers are available. That's equal to just 3.5 percent of the country's domestic energy production.

And according to EIA analyst Paul Hess, that would calculate to only "2.4 percent of the 100,368.6 trillion BTUs the U.S. consumes."

Palin didn't make clear whether she was talking about Alaska's share of all the energy produced in the U.S. or all the energy consumed here. Either way, she was wrong.

McCain Gets It Wrong, Too

Sen. John McCain has also has used this inflated, incorrect figure. On Sept. 3, McCain told ABC News' Gibson:

McCain: Well, I think Americans are going to be very, very, very pleased. This is a very dynamic person. [Palin's] been governor of our largest state, in charge of 20 percent of America's energy supply.

McCain repeated the false figure more recently, in a September 11 interview with Portland, Maine, news station WCSH6.

Footnote: When we asked the McCain campaign where the 20 percent figure came from, we were referred to the Web site of the Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc, a group that says it promotes development of Alaska's natural resources. It states:

Alaska Resource Development Council: Alaska's oil and gas industry has produced more than 16 billion barrels of oil and 6 billion cubic feet of natural gas, accounting for an average of 20 percent of the entire nation's domestic production.

This falls far short of supporting Palin's sweeping claim, however. It refers only to "oil and gas" production, not total energy. It refers only to production, not total consumption or supply. And the 20 percent figure is an "average" over many years, though the site does not say exactly how many. That makes it very much out of date, because Alaskan oil production has declined sharply in recent years. According to EIA figures Alaskan oil production has dropped 22 per cent in the most recent five years alone.

And in case you are wondering, Alaska produces even less of the nation's natural gas that it does of its oil. EIA figures show Alaska accounted for just 1.9 percent of total U.S. natural gas production during the six months ended in June 2008. And even that is dropping rapidly. The figure was 2.3 percent just two years earlier.

–by Justin Bank

The Green Goblin Strikes Again!

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:59:11 EDT

Green Screen Behind McCain Actually Lawn of, Uh, Middle School In, Uh, North Hollywood

America laughed again last night as a terrible “green screen” once again appeared behind John McCain, during his big speech at the RNC. Well, the “green” was actually the lawn of a school in North Hollywood, California. And the school is called “Walter Reed Middle School.” And the random idiot assigned the task of picking John McCain’s video background during the biggest speech of his career was apparently told to put a picture of Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the screen, and ineptly googled this utterly random California school picture, instead. And nobody knows what Walter Reed Hospital looks like, anyways, so everybody just assumed it was another one of his mansions. The school is about to release “a statement” damning McCain for inappropriately using the picture of this innocent school. All of this, as Josh Marshall notes, is exactly what happened in the movie Spinal Tap. [Talking Points Memo]

From Wonkette's Sarah K. Smith

Fundamentally Sound My Ass

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:29:02 EDT

"Look George!" said Johnny with the excitement of a young curious child making a new discovery, "all of the poor people look like ants from way up here!" George chuckled knowingly and proceeded to tell little Johnny about the time the poor little ants were in a wild frenzy after the mean ol nasty hurricane flooded their pathetic hovels. "Wow" exclaimed Johnny, smiling like an over ripe jack-o-lantern, "I cant wait to be king of the ants."

So McSame and his buddy George feel that the economy is fundamentally sound....Bullshit. An oil man and the beneficiary of his wife's beer inheritance know the economy is anything but sound. But if you were cusioned from the economic meat hooks and biting economic reality that 99% of Americans are facing, you might have the old "good enough for government work" attitude too. Besides, without extreme social and economic stratification who will these despondent crusty rich old white guys hire to do all of their yucky yard work, laundry, cooking, ass wiping, ect.

From Wonkette:

McCain Nomination Greeted By Economic Collapse

Here are the current Top Headlines at Bloomberg:

Payrolls in U.S. Fall More Than Forecast; Jobless Rate at Five-Year High
Mortgage Foreclosures in U.S. Rise at Fastest Pace in Almost Three Decades
U.S. Stocks Decline After Unemployment Rate Unexpectedly Increases to 6.1%
Merrill Lynch Cut to `Sell’ at Goldman; Credit-Market Writedowns May Rise
Gabelli Says Investors Have Good Reason to Worry About Earnings Next Year
McCain Vows to Change Washington, ‘Restore’ Republican Party’s Principles

Can you say "Out of Touch"...I knew ya could

Happy days are here again...or.....brother can you spare a dime?

Change for the better. Copyright reform.

George Pridonoff — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:24:34 EDT

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Lessig

I ask as many as possible to become part of the movement to modernize copyright law.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsVZUJVVaIE&feature=related

Like these oil men, new technology will begin a new chapter. An exciting chapter for the world.

Oh my

Citizens Reign — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:37:11 EDT

I just watched a video of Ms. Palin's speech on June 2, 2008.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html

I am beyond dismayed.

If you feel the need, you may reclaim your spiritual and political equilibrium at

http://www.au.org

The Tribunal, a place located in The Hague, Netherlands

George Pridonoff — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:11:35 EDT

http://www.spectrezine.org/war/Mendes3.htm

http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/29678

Two interesting sources. Lets get together and get to the bottom of this.

Doing this research honestly will help to maintain that the Netherlands exists on this plane, here on Earth, not in the Nether-World

NO MORE MURDERS IN THE HOLDING CELLS!!!

She's Palin Comparison

Citizens Reign — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:36:44 EDT

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Palin served two terms on the Wasilla City Council from 1992 to 1996. In 1996, she challenged and defeated the incumbent mayor, criticizing wasteful spending and high taxes.[4] The ex-mayor and sheriff tried to organize a recall campaign, but failed.[4] Palin kept her campaign promises by reducing her own salary, as well as reducing property taxes by 60%.[4] She ran for reelection against the former mayor in 1999, winning by an even larger margin.[4][6] Palin was also elected president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.[7]

In 2002, Palin made an unsuccessful bid for Lieutenant Governor, coming in second to Loren Leman in a four-way race. After Frank Murkowski resigned from his long-held U.S. Senate seat in mid-term to become governor, Palin interviewed to be his possible successor. Instead, Murkowski appointed his daughter, then-Alaska State Representative Lisa Murkowski.[4]

Governor Murkowski appointed Palin Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission,[8] where she served from 2003 to 2004 until resigning in protest over what she called the "lack of ethics" of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders, who ignored her whistleblowing complaints of legal violations and conflicts of interest.[2][4] After she resigned, she exposed the state Republican Party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, one of her fellow Oil & Gas commissioners, who was accused of doing work for the party on public time, and supplying a lobbyist with a sensitive e-mail.[9] Palin filed formal complaints against both Ruedrich and former Alaska Attorney General Gregg Renkes, who both resigned; Ruedrich paid a record $12,000 fine.[4]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Biden

In 1969, Biden began practicing law in Wilmington, Delaware, and was soon elected to the New Castle County, County Council, where he served from 1970 to 1972.[5]

The 1972 U.S. Senate election presented Biden with a unique opportunity. Popular Republican incumbent Senator J. Caleb Boggs was considering retirement, which would likely have left U.S. Representative Pete du Pont and Wilmington Mayor Harry G. Haskell, Jr. in a divisive primary fight. To avoid that, U.S. President Richard M. Nixon was invited to a meeting to convince Boggs to run again with full Republican support. Boggs ran, but Biden eventually won in an upset.[10]

Biden took office on January 3, 1973, at age 30, the minimum age to become a U.S. Senator; he became the fifth-youngest senator in U.S. history.[11] In 1974, then-freshman Senator Biden was named one of the 200 Faces for the Future by Time magazine.[12]

Biden has since won additional terms easily, defeating James H. Baxter, Jr. in 1978, John M. Burris in 1984, M. Jane Brady in 1990, and Raymond J. Clatworthy in 1996 and 2002, usually with about 60 percent of the vote. He is now the longest-serving U.S. Senator in Delaware history. He is running for re-election as senator in 2008. In 2007, Biden reported that he "garnered $67 million worth of projects"[13] for his constituents through congressional earmarks. With a net worth between $59,000 and $366,000, he is considered one of the least wealthy members of the Senate.[1][14] Biden sits on the board of advisors of the Close Up Foundation[15] and has been co-chair of the NATO Observer Group in the Senate.[16]

Now the longest-serving Senator in Delaware's history, Biden spent 28 years as a junior Senator due to the two-year seniority of his Republican colleague William V. Roth. After Roth was defeated for re-election by Thomas R. Carper in 2000 Biden became Delaware's senior Senator.

110th Congress

Biden serves on the following committees in the 110th U.S. Congress:[17]

    * Committee on Foreign Relations (chairman)
          o As chairman of the full committee Biden is an ex officio member of each subcommittee.
    * Committee on the Judiciary
          o Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights
          o Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs (chairman)
          o Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law
          o Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Refugees
          o Subcommittee on Technology Terrorism and Homeland Security
    * Caucus on International Narcotics Control (co-chairman)

Judiciary Committee

Biden is a long-time member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which he chaired from 1987 until 1995 and on which he served as ranking minority member from 1981 until 1987 and again from 1995 until 1997. In this capacity, he dealt with issues related to drug policy, crime prevention, and civil liberties. While chairman, Biden presided over two notably contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearings: Robert Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas in 1991.[18]

Biden has been involved in crafting many federal crime laws over the last decade, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, also known as the Biden Crime Law, and the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA), which contains a broad array of measures to combat domestic violence and provides billions of dollars in federal funds to address gender-based crimes. In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that the section of VAWA allowing a federal civil remedy for victims of gender-motivated violence exceeded Congress' authority and therefore was unconstitutional.[19] Congress reauthorized VAWA in 2000 and 2005.[20] In March 2004, Biden enlisted major American technology companies in diagnosing the problems of the Austin, Texas-based National Domestic Violence Hotline, and to donate equipment and expertise to it.[21][18]

As chairman of the International Narcotics Control Caucus, Biden wrote the laws that created the U.S. "Drug Czar", who oversees and coordinates national drug control policy. In April 2003 he introduced the controversial Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act, also known as the RAVE Act. He continues to work to stop the spread of "date rape drugs" such as Rohypnol, and drugs such as Ecstasy and Ketamine. In 2004 he worked to pass a bill outlawing steroids like androstenedione, the drug used by many baseball players.[18]

Biden's legislation to promote college aid and loan programs allows families to deduct on their annual income tax returns up to $10,000 per year in higher education expenses. His "Kids 2000" legislation established a public/private partnership to provide computer centers, teachers, Internet access, and technical training to young people, particularly to low-income and at-risk youth.[22]

Foreign Relations Committee

Biden is also a long-time member and current chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. In 1997, he became the ranking minority member and chaired the committee from June 2001 through 2003. When Democrats re-took control of the Senate following the 2006 elections, Biden again assumed the top spot on the committee in 2007. His efforts to combat hostilities in the Balkans in the 1990s brought national attention and influenced presidential policy: traveling repeatedly to the region, he made one meeting famous by calling Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic a "war criminal." He consistently argued for lifting the arms embargo, training Bosnian Muslims, investigating war crimes and administering NATO air strikes. Biden's subsequent "lift and strike" resolution was instrumental in convincing President Bill Clinton to use military force in the face of systematic human rights violations.[23] Biden has also called on Libya to release political prisoner Fathi Eljahmi.[24]
Biden gives his opening statement and questions to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and General David H. Petraeus at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Iraq; September 11, 2007
Biden gives his opening statement and questions to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and General David H. Petraeus at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Iraq; September 11, 2007

Biden stated in 2002 that Saddam Hussein was a threat to national security, and that there was no option but to eliminate that threat.[25] The Bush administration rejected an effort Biden undertook with Senator Richard Lugar to pass a resolution authorizing military action only after the exhaustion of diplomatic efforts. In October 2002, Biden voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, justifying the Iraq War. He has long supported the appropriations to pay for the occupation, but has argued repeatedly that the war should be internationalized, that more soldiers are needed, and that the Bush administration should "level with the American people" about the cost and length of the conflict.[26]

Biden is a leading advocate for dividing Iraq into a loose federation of three ethnic states.[27] In November 2006, Biden and Leslie Gelb, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, released a comprehensive strategy to end sectarian violence in Iraq.[28] Rather than continuing the present approach or withdrawing, the plan calls for "a third way": federalizing Iraq and giving Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis "breathing room" in their own regions.[29] Iraq’s political leadership united in denouncing the resolution, and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement distancing itself.[28] Senior military planners cautioned that a partition policy would require American military presence of 75,000 to 100,000 troops for years to come.[27]

Look at the "fair warning" if you still recognize that phrase.

George Pridonoff — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:38:26 EDT

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23545668-details/Military+help+for+Georgia+is+a+'declaration+of+war',+says+Moscow+in+extraordinary+warning+to+the+West/article.do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIlodWt-Nl4&feature=related

One missile might kill everyone from Boston to Atlanta. You have no idea what bombs can do in 2008. Shame on all of you. Only incarcerated people i.e. Ghandi would be considered innocent now. For those who protest, i salute you.

The Ground Game in Virginia

Thad Williamson — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:47:53 EDT

This was published by the UK magazine New Statesman today. Great speech by Obama last night!

http://www.newstatesman.com/north-america/2008/08/obama-campaign-state-virginia

Away from the glamour and glitz of the party conventions, a fierce battle for votes is already being waged on doorsteps across America. Thad Williamson reports on Obama efforts to capture the traditional "red" state of Virginia

Barack Obama supporters campaign on the streets of Richmond, Virginia.

Anyone with eyes to see recognizes that Barack Obama is the first African-American nominated for president by a major party, and anyone with ears to hear recognizes that he is a brilliant orator.

But what makes Obama’s candidacy something truly new in American politics is neither of these things, but how he has married his personal charisma to a campaign strategy that gives grassroots organizing a central role.

Virginia, my home state, represents an excellent test case. At the moment Virginia is one of 10 states listed by pollster.com as a “toss up.” Virginia has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964, but shifting demographics, an incompetent state Republican party, and an unusually strong batch of youngish Democratic politicians have moved the state sharply in a “purple” direction in recent years.

The remarkable upset of Republican George Allen by upstart Jim Webb in a 2006 U.S. Senate race marked the re-entry of Virginia as a state “in play” at the national level. That development, combined with Obama’s lopsided victory over Hillary Clinton in the February primary and the strong involvement in the campaign of Governor Tim Kaine have raised hopes that an Obama victory is achievable.

Consequently, the Obama campaign is pouring resources into the state. In Richmond, the campaign has established a headquarters near the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, one of over 35 such offices around the state. That office, staffed by a team of full-time organizers, serves as the hub for phone banking and coordination of a massive volunteer canvassing effort (over 600 volunteers in the Richmond area are registered with the campaign website).

Organizers also have recruited local supporters to become “precinct captains,” who pledge to raise money for the campaign in their own neighborhood. Engaged supporters also get occasional perks, such as tickets to an invitation-only “town hall” Obama and Kaine conducted last week in suburban Richmond.

All this, combined with the campaign’s massive presence online (including its embrace of blogs and social networking sites), means that this is probably the easiest presidential campaign in history for supporters to get involved with, at least if you have a computer.

I have been a participant-observer in two neighborhood canvasses this summer. The first canvass, on a sweltering Friday evening in June, consisted of a dozen or so volunteers meeting in the parking lot of a public swimming pool, where an organizer provided us a map telling us which blocks to cover, campaign literature, voter registration forms, and information on how to restore your voting rights if you’re are a convicted felon.

My wife and I were assigned to an African-American, primarily middle class neighborhood of homeowners, and were treated to receptions by the doors we knocked on ranging from polite to enthusiastic (one homeowner went so far as provide us several bottles of water as well as a heartfelt “God bless”). Though most we encountered assured us they planned to vote for Obama, we did succeed in registering one voter (recently moved to the neighborhood). Disturbingly, we also encountered half a dozen young African-American men who told us they did not think they could vote due to their police records.

I headed out again on a canvas Monday night, this time in my own neighborhood (a racially integrated, middle-income neighborhood located near a public park) with a 50-something activist and neighborhood resident Chris Martin. Chris told me he that he usually does not get excited about Presidential candidates, but that after years of going to antiwar rallies and vigils he had concluded that getting re-engaged in electoral politics was essential to changing anything.

We traversed the neighborhood, speaking to several Obama supporters (both white and African-American), two undecided voters, two Republicans (one rather good-natured about our visit, the other less so), and one wary apartment complex resident who gave us 10 seconds of her time before closing the door in our faces.

Chris had not just a street map but a detailed computer printout of addresses, names, and demographic information for each of the houses we were to contact. Whereas in June, the focus was voter registration, here the focus was identifying particular people, noting who had moved and who had moved out, and identifying who is voting for whom. The two voters who told us they were undecided can certainly expect repeat visits from the campaign in weeks to come.

This is labor-intensive work, and one has to be quite motivated (as well as thick-skinned) to keep at it. Romantic moments of genuine democratic engagement involving a reasoned exchange of views among citizens are not easily come by. The hope is, however, that these countless hours will raise turnout in November to historically high levels.

This hope is especially high in the city of Richmond (population roughly 190,000), over half of which is African-American, which has voted roughly 75 percent Democratic in recent statewide races and which Obama carried with nearly 80 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary. Notably, 35,000 people voted in the Democratic primary here this year, compared to just 15,000 in 2004.

Whether that heightened interest will translate into a substantial increase in turnout this November compared to 2004, when John Kerry racked up a margin of over 30,000 votes in the city, remains to be seen. Obama’s hopes in Virginia—and the hopes of his admirers around the world - may well rest on the answer.

No Need to Panic: Why Obama's Still in Good Shape

Thad Williamson — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:14:48 EDT

My article today published by Richmond.com:

http://www.richmond.com/news-features/25262

The saying used to go that every man knows how to grill a streak and coach a football team. Perhaps that saying needs to be updated: every liberal, in addition, knows how to run a presidential campaign.

That’s the impression one gets from many recent commentaries about Barack Obama’s campaign from quarters that are desperate for the Illinois senator to win. Those critics are worried that Obama isn’t ahead by more, and fret that the Democrats will once-again let themselves get Swift-boated on the way to yet another narrow electoral defeat.

The anxiety is understandable, given what’s at stake in the election. Moreover, the critics who say that Obama needs to be willing to hit harder at McCain and sharpen his economic message are exactly right.

That said, it would be very wrong for Democrats to hit the panic button.

First, if the election were held today, polls indicate he would almost certainly win an Electoral College majority, even if the popular vote were deadlocked. Over the past month Pollster.com has consistently shown Obama with at least 260 electoral votes in his corner compared to 176 for McCain, meaning he would need to pick up just one mid-sized toss-up state (such as Virginia) to put him over the top. Obama is still ahead and is still the frontrunner, albeit barely so.

Second, Obama chose wisely in picking Joe Biden as his running mate. Earlier in this space I endorsed Jim Webb as a good choice. Webb removed his name from consideration, but Biden has the same major plus Webb did: credibility and experience on foreign policy. Beyond this, Biden’s famous sharp tongue and ample sense of self means he won’t be cowed by Republican attacks and worry about trying to be Mr. Nice Guy.

Unlike John Edwards four years ago, Biden has no future presidential ambitions to protect either -- this is it for him, and it would be a major surprise and disappointment if he doesn’t come on to the ticket swinging.

Third, Obama has shown signs last week of moving towards a more direct, populist appeal in his stops in Virginia. I attended the “town hall” at John Tyler Community College in Chester, where Obama and Tim Kaine stressed the issue of economic security and went after McCain hard for being out of touch after the wealthy Arizona senator acknowledged he doesn’t know how many homes he owns. Obama also talked in a very practical way about health care, tax credits for the working poor, investments in green energy and mass transit and shifting resources from Iraq to domestic priorities. Obama needs to keep hammering away at those specifics, and keep raising the issue of whether Americans are better off than they were eight years ago.

Fourth, there is every reason to think that Obama will be both a more energetic campaigner and a better debater than McCain in the final two months of the campaign. While better command of issues does not guarantee making the most favorable impression during a debate (see Gore, Al, 2000), the debates will provide a clear-cut opportunity for Obama to present his differences with McCain in a compelling way.

Fifth, not to be underestimated is the bounce Obama may get from his Thursday night nomination speech. The sight of an African-American accepting the presidential nomination of a major party will be a hugely emotional, even cathartic experience for many Americans. So far in this campaign, Obama’s speechmaking has been at its best when emotions have been at their peak -- after his victory in the Iowa Caucus, addressing the question of race and Rev. Wright in March, after clinching the nomination in June. Obama has the chance to both define his candidacy and define this race for a truly national audience, and it would be disappointing and surprising if he falls anything short of his compelling best.

This is a chance to seize the initiative, and Barack Obama had better take it and not let go. He needs to clearly spell out the sad shape America is in, explain they ways in which George Bush is responsible, explain how closely tied McCain and Bush are both politically and philosophically, and explain why he represents a crystal clear difference on every key area of policy.

Once he’s done all that, he needs to use a firm hand in shaping the day-to-day and hour-to-hour agenda, and not let McCain or the media define the key storylines. Staying on target with the key campaign themes -- the economy, health care, energy, and Iraq -- while simultaneously beating down and beating back attacks from McCain and others on the right will not be easy, and it will be impossible if Obama lets himself (a la John Kerry) get put in the position of playing defense the next two months. Instead, Obama needs to force McCain to try to defend the indefensible, namely the record of George W. Bush and 8 years of Republican leadership in Washington.

Obama’s selection of Joe Biden suggests he understands the nature of the fight ahead. That thought should relax worried liberals, at least a little.

Yet even when Obama and Biden slip up this fall, those worried liberals’ best response should not be to whine about their candidates. It should be to get out there and do something to help the ticket win. That’s especially true in a state like Virginia, a state which could plausibly tilt the entire election and where all signs point towards an exceedingly close race, in the manner of Jim Webb’s razor-thin victory over George Allen in 2006.

Obama has poured very substantial resources into Virginia, including Richmond, creating an ample infrastructure to support grassroots volunteer efforts. Democrats who are serious about winning this time should be thinking not just about what the candidate should be doing to win the daily media wars, but what they can do to help the candidate.

Can we get the "Talking Points" First?

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:49:00 EDT

I want to fight back at all the McShame lies. And the Obama campaign wants us to. But, I want to know exactly what I am fighting. (I want to fight it all!)

I was asked to write to newspapers to protest a total lie & possibly illegal ad by McShame. I would have gladly done this. But in order to do this & sound intelligent, it is necessary to know exactly which ad they are referring to.

I always check it out first before I sign onto anything. Suddenly, myBO website is not informing Barack Obama's supporters. So we have to sign up to do something, before we actually know what it is we are signing up for.

That is wrong. The new web masters have cost him money by canceling events that were bringing in $$$. They are costing letters of support by making people fill in forms & commit to sending them, before they even know the subject matter.

Yeah, I know. They're gonna delete my page that doesn't work anyhow (despite repeated requestes for tech support)

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my friends that I have coresponded with via myBO.

It's like a disconnect. The way this site is being run is no longer Obama-like. I'll support his campaign to the death...... but the web guys????

And I love Joe Biden! ("PA's 3rd Senator")

Soooo Excited!

Dawn in Arizona — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:06:34 EDT

What a perfect ticket - Obama/Biden. My family all had hopes that Joe Biden would be the VP choice. We need politicians that are like us, come from middle class backgrounds. My grandparents raised me and food many times was a bit short but we were long on character and love for country! Let us get busy now - Make no mistake do not let up with anything and everything you can do, this will be a hard fight against the rich and powerful that we have already seen will do anything to keep power in their fat little hands. Yes We Can!

Posters, pins

Jeanie Schneider — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:59:55 EDT

A number of people have requested I post the Obama poster and pins again. These posters and pins have a little story. With only a few weeks left before the big event in Washington DC, our local bake sale fell short to raise the funds for the permits, tables, stage, and other costs for a big rally and fund raiser in Washington DC. A grassroots event is just that, grassroots and cannot receive support from the campaign or the DNC.

With people making plans to attend and bands volunteering, I sat down and painted a portrait of Obama. Not a portrait artist, but I used to paint wildlife in watercolors. Working as a nurse in the ER, I got home from a shift, started painting, answering emails, and trying to keep ahead of a growing event. The grassroots groups have been great help, and it is coming together. I finished the painting and had a limited edition printed off along with pins from the same artwork. I am pleased to say, the stage is being built thanks to everyone!

The original painting will be in Washington DC framed, and raffled off for the Presidential campaign.

Jeanie

Link to see posters and pins:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=25596901414

for any other information, contact: jeanieschneider@gmail.com

Update Washington DC Event

Jeanie Schneider — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:57:07 EDT

GRASSROOTS FOR OBAMA IN WASHINGTON DC
FREEDOM PLAZA, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE
SEPTEMBER 6, 2008

This will be a rare opportunity for grassroots groups from all over the country to unite in the nation's capital.

There will be fund raising and voter registration. This is a high visibility event in Freedom Plaza close to the White House. There will be extensive media coverage as we host Mayors, Climate Change, members of Congress, Sierra Club, Veterans. Bands, performers, grassroots special guests.

French TV has contacted me and they will be filming for a special program about the election and our grassroots movement.

Our stage is being built. I am hoping to find an Obama banner for the stage if you know of any group who has one and can loan it for the event. If you live in the region, come to Washington DC to Freedom Plaza to share our grassroots enthusiasm. If you live across the country, it's a great time to visit your nation's capital and be apart of history.

A word about the ticket. I am so proud to be supporting such talented and inspirational candidates as Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Together they complement the spirit of Hope, Change, and Determination that America represents to the world. I have been fortunate to work with so many people across this country organizing this event. Grassroots have always been the spirit and good intentions of America.

I didn't know anything about organizing an event like this. I just knew I wanted to become involved. I just got onto the site and I began. With a little hard work and love for my country, I found out something about myself, and the other people I encountered.

YES WE CAN! Jeanie Schneider

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=25596901414

jeanieschneider@gmail.com

Help! Must challenge MSM for return to journalistic standard.

Anna K. — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:26:40 EDT

I am not whining. We know that if one finds the MSM to be inaccurate, biased, or disinclined to present the facts, the truth, about a candidate or a postion that it is perceived as whining. I have read more so many columns that acknowledge so many points that the MSM does not include which not only directs the narrative but is damaging. And of course the trend for many months now to respond to inaccurate claims of biased reporting has resulted in coverage of the character distortions presented by the other campaigns or hyped up coverage as a trivial matter and make it an issue. I am frequently enraged and I do not know how (despite glaring examples frequently presented in posts or by guests on the news shows, that the coverage is not only not substantial but is so unbalanced or presented with pertinent issues ignored repeatedly) to make an impact by presenting examples and of course including all pertinent information. For example, the discussions focus so often on an issue such as the poll results, and the discussion is endless and indicate what are false analysis.) It has been acknowledged by many reputable sources, and Ariana Huffington wrote a column on this subject just yesterday, that the polls are so questionable because of the fact that this election is like not other and the tools they are using are flawed. I have heard this cited many times. I for example do not know one person that has every been polled, and many people not only of college age but older are more likely to exclusively use cell phones and I know very view that do not use caller id on cell phones or land lines before answering. The increase in voter turnout has proven to be and will continue to skew the weighty of the polls because the turnout is not like any previous election. These are very valid points made by many with insight or research but the discussion of the polls and what this means is at the heart of many predictions. This is absolutely ridiculous to put so much faith in the polls because the discussion can influence voting patterns. These polls are discussed in relation to every aspect of ever voter and the causes of fluctuations are analyzed constantly. Why? This is only one example but what can be done to bring awareness to all voters of the subject of the polls, or the refusal to discuss McCain based on current facts but on he image of the gentleman. There is that little issue of the surge as well. I was so disappointed when one anchor I often trust asked Senator Obama why he is not going to just admit the surge is sucessful. I was stunned. The idea that the surge is successful, despite the fact that so many of the goals have not been met and the decreased violence which seems to now be commonly accepted as the only factor to consider, has been proven to be inconsistent and those on the leaders or journalists in Iraq are very hesitant to declare this as an acheivement because so many variables are involved in the state of the violence in the very near future. Why are Olbermann, and Maddow, and Jon Stewart, to name a few of the best, absolutely not aware of any mystery that allows them to see these very simple and absolutely factual considerations? I spent some time writing letters on a regular basis but I only acheived relief by turning off the news and reading the columns I believe are straightforward. Again this is obviously not new; I just learned that the song by R.E.M. "What's the Frequency, Kenneth." is a very critical commentary on this situation which in this case concerned an attach on Dan Rather and the phrase he heard repeatedly that apparently was a huge and hugely covered issue. Maybe, I am naive but since there are so many that see this is a problem and is most often damaging, not to mention ignoring almost all other news items. I am sorry if this is viewed as a naive rant but I think journalists have a huge responsibility and duty to inform the people of the facts, without editing, or otherwise basing a discussion on a flawed concept. Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Jon Stewart, and Andrea Mitchell cannot impact the damage alone. The only way is to only watch these them and those others I may have missed. That does not solve the problem of the the major damage being inflicted. Many have tried I suppose. I remember Jon Stewart as a guest on Cross-fire imploring the hosts to stop. I cannot accept that this is impossible to combat. Can anything be done? I have had to be very particular about those that I watch or read because the anger is not constructive. By the way I do not mean to leave out the columnists like Eugene Robinson, E.J. Dionne, Bob Herbert, and Maureen Dowd. Having forgotten PBS and non-cable news that I do not watch I have not mentioned those because I do not remember the names. I do not claim to know more or know better but there are books and books and statistics that I reference. An email was sent out to us to write letters to newspapers with that information we can easily access and verify that the press refuses to cover. I wil do that (I have been reading a book I recommend entitled "The Real McCain.") It contains factual information, not smears but this information never is discussed or considered when considering the character. I am not reading to search for negative things but it is necessary to know the opponent in my opinion. Sorry again for the length. I just could not avoid watching the two hours after the announcement of Senator Biden as the vice-presidential pick; there were so many statements that I felt were unjust reporting and one or two of those had to do with those poll numbers. Those that very reliable sources were able to demonstrate the fact that they can be so far off or at times accidentally correct. I will write my letters to the newspapers, citing the books and page numbers if necessary but any other ideas? Is it stretching it to expect the reporting of the news to be unquestionable?

Seeing Obama in Chester, VA, August 21

Thad Williamson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:24:21 EDT

Notes on seeing Barack Obama, August 21, 2008

This event was held at John Tyler Community College in Chester, VA, about 15 miles south of Richmond, halfway between Richmond and Petersburg. The nearest development is a classic strip mall. We pulled into the campus at about 9:40, showed tickets to security, and parked. There were about 20 or so McCain supporters there with their paraphernalia.

We were required to fill out the tickets (name, address, willingness to help the campaign) to get in. Noah and I were assigned to Table 8, behind where the speakers would be, but ended up at Table 9, with some faculty and staff from John Tyler, someone from the Chesterfield Democratic Party, and with a woman who works for Americorps in Richmond and is a huge volunteer with the campaign.

The event was set up amidst some trees. Two stools with bottles of the water were in the middle, with picnic tables surrounding the speaking area. The speaking area was roped off. The media had a section about 20 yards away from where the speakers were.

About 15 minutes before the event started, volunteers came around and told us what the plan would be, and requested that we stay sitting during the event until afterward.

The event started with a campaign worker giving a brief pep talk encouraging us to get involved and to sign up by cell phone to hear the VP announcement. Then a local minister gave a brief invocation, followed by our friend from Americorps leading a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance (there were two huge flags set up.)

During this time, numerous local politicians poured in—Bobby Scott, Doug Wilder, Dwight Jones—and the campaign bus rolled up as well, drawing applause. Virginia First Lady Anne Holton walked in and took a seat, drawing another round of applause.

The first substantive speaker to talk was someone from the campaign staff (I think) who talked about her experiences fending off homelessness. This opened the key theme, which was going to be economic security. She then introduced Tim Kaine and Barack Obama.

When Kaine and Obama came in, everybody was very excited and got up. Obama came by and shook everyone’s hand (including mine) and continued to do so for about 3-4 minutes. Then he said it was time to settle down, they had business to do.

Kaine spoke first and re-counted why he had been on board with Obama’s campaign from the beginning—famiilar spiel about need to change Washington, the failure of 8 years of Bush’s policies, etc. He said “risky” would be continuing to do same thing we’ve been doing and expecting any better, and electing someone who said they didn’t know much about the economy. Kaine said Obama represented excellence in government and that’s what the American people deserved; they shouldn’t have to settle for mediocrity. Kaine looked very comfortable up there and I thought that was a strong short speech (and that the pair looked good together).

Obama started off making some comments on the scenery and that he wanted to know where the potato salad and chicken were because it felt like a picnic. Then he started off by recounting what it was he had learned from being a presidential candidate for 17 months. He said 3 things:

It’s a big country, and that we were “blessed to have this piece of real estate.”
The American people are amazing, they really care about their communities and are involved. They are self-reliant and are not looking for a handout. They have shared common values
However, the American people are worried about the present and even more so about the future.

Then he launched into a pretty strong populist attack on Bush’s economic record. He noted that family income had gone up $6,000 under Clinton, but had gone down $1,000 under Bush. He said the middle class felt sand moving under its feet. He said that people stretching to make ends meet had taken out additional home equity loans, which led to disaster because people in Washington weren’t paying attention. He said ordinary Americans need someone in the White House fighting for them.

Then he turned to an attack on McCain. After noting McCain’s “compelling personal story,” he said that no one disputes that McCain’s economic policies are the same as Bush’s. Then he jumped all over McCain’s comment that he didn’t know how many houses he owned. He said that McCain’s comment that the economy was in good shape made sense only because McCain is so removed from the experience of ordinary people. He also jumped on McCain’s comment defining the “rich” as people making over $5 million a year, as if someone making $3 million a year was simply middle class. And he jumped on Phil Gramm’s comments about economic troubles being simply “mental.”

I was impressed by his delivery of all this, which had a sort of sarcastic indignation to it. In fact, the intonation and delivery reminded me of some of the old Bill Cosby routines—the high pitched “can you believe how ridiculous this is?” tones with which key lines ere delivered.

Obama then turned to specific contrasts with McCain on a number of issues: taxes, health care, energy. He mentioned 95% of families would get tax relief under his plan; they would make health care available to everyone; he would launch an Apollo Project aimed at reducing dependency on foreign oil by 30%.

At some point he also launched into a critique of Republican’s campaign tactics. “The Republicans don’t know how to govern, but they do know how to politick and win elections” was the quote. He said that he was being subjected to negative scare tactics—lying about his religion, making stuff up in the recent book published by the Swift boat author. He said this was nothing new, every recent Democratic candidate had been subjected to it. These tactics work because people distrust the government so much. They see the government hasn’t accomplish much and say “a pox on both your houses.” And he is sympathetic to that point of view. People need a sense that in Washington you have someone who is going to listen to you.

He stressed that instead of making the election a referendum about Barack Obama, it should about the American people. “It’s not about me, it’s about you.”

Obama then took questions from the audience. The first was from a middle-age white woman who identified herself as a technical writer. She asked about Obama’s perceived inexperience on foreign policy and what he would do to overcome any such inexperience. Obama responded pretty straightforwardly: he’d shown good judgment about Iraq and McCain had not; he had excellent advisers (cited Nunn, William Parry) and that he’d be looking to both sides of the aisle for good advice; he would not walk into the White House unprepared.

The second question was from an African-American man who identified himself as a postal worker. He had two questions, one about what would be the top priority his first 120 days in office, the second about where he stood on privatizing the postal service.

Obama said sitting down with the generals and working on a responsible withdrawal plan from Iraq would happen on day one. He said the top domestic priority would be energy policy.

He then launched into a quite interesting explanation of why he opposes privatizing the postal service. Yes the postal service loses money on some transactions. But there is a public role in stitching everyone together, no matter where you live. What has made the postal system great is the idea of universal service. This principle applies to mail, telecommunications, roads. The problem with privatization is that non-profitable places get excluded. This doesn’t mean the postal service shouldn’t be looking at how to be more efficient—in fact he would call for an audit of every government program as President.

The third question came from a white woman identifying as a schoolteacher. The question was about No Child Left Behind. Obama said one of the main problems with No Child Left Behind was that the money to implement it was left behind. He said he supported accountability efforts but that schools that do a good job with poor children should not be punished on the basis of low test scores.

The fourth question was from a white male, 40-ish. After praising Obama’s campaign team He asked a question about what would happen with the grassroots organizations Obama has built if he became president.

Obama said that the organizations would still have a vital role to play in holding him and government accountable. He said it wouldn’t be like “okay, see you in 4 years.” He wants citizens to have an ongoing role. He said he would try to run the most transparent government possible and make information available to citizens and journalists.

The fifth questioner was an African-American woman. She noted Obama had stressed the middle class, but wanted to know, by midway through Obama’s first term, how the poorest voters would benefit from Obama’s presidency.

Obama responded by saying that what most poor people want is the opportunity to rise into the middle class. Most poor people work hard, without sick leave, health insurance, a pension, but they work hard. He cited the tax break plan, a number of things to benefit the elderly poor (such as extending mortgage benefits to those who don’t itemize their taxes), cutting out income taxes on social security. Then he talked about education and offering all high school graduates funding for college via tuition grants in exchange for community or national service. He didn’t really talk about wage raises as such.

Finally, the last questioner was a white bearded guy looking a little bit like a stereotypical academic (that would be me!) I started to talk before the mic came and Obama said “you’re not following the rules!” But then it came and I asked him as follows:

“Your friend Karl Rove recently made some comments about Richmond, to the effect that this wasn’t much of a town and that the fact that Gov. Kaine once led it is of no great significance. Do you have a response to that, and more generally, what would your administration do to make the job of people like Mayor Wilder a little bit easier?”

The question (like several of the others) drew some applause including from Gov. Kaine. Obama addressed the first part, saying that a politics of insult was part of the problem. We have to reject that and the politics of division. He said imagine if everyday life had the same ethics you see in politics and people were constantly being insulted. That’s unacceptable and we shouldn’t accept it.

He then said for cities the federal government first should live up to its stated funding commitments. He then went into a long discussion about the need to rebuild urban infrastructure. This included a pretty funny little rap about airplane travel and how ridiculous it is this country doesn’t have a good high-speed rail system. He said that in Beijing at the Olympics the whole world is getting to say how much they’ve invested in their infrastructure, which is now better than ours.

Then he closed by saying that much in politics is complicated, but some things come down to common sense and basic questions: who are you fighting for, why are you in politics in the first place. He said he would be fighting for the American people, with our help he could win Virginia and the election and change the country and the world.

The crowd then stood and applauded vigorously, and he came around for another long round of handshakes. I got to look him in the eye a little longer this time but couldn’t think of anything to say other than “thanks, Senator.” I then called out to his bodyguard/personal assistant Reggie Love, a former Duke basketball player, that Coach K was getting the job done at the Olympics. He smiled and said “yes, but let’s see how they do against Argentina.”

Obama then signed a bunch of collected items, and he and Kaine gradually disappeared back onto the bus. The crowd filtered away leaving the media behind to file their stories.

Austrian Economics 101

George Pridonoff — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:34:28 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI0vZ5jBA9o 56 minute video course.

Barack Alabama

http://mises.org/

Ludwig von Mises Institute | 518 West Magnolia Avenue | Auburn, Alabama 36832-4528

Phone: 334.321.2100 · Fax: 334.321.2119

I voted in the primary as a Republican.

George Pridonoff — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:36:07 EDT

Ron Paul gives a speech in this video that seems more candid and informative then any other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UydCZJeQPPQ

I have studied this man so its probably true. I had been an Independent. I have always been an

Atheist. I agree with ocean methane release dangers. I find the gold standard interesting.

I like Barack Obama so far. If he is to get my vote then i need some urging. This is to create talking points.

It takes you to respond to make conversation. Please talk back to me. It's OUR country

The Mega-Church Interview

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:03:48 EDT

This was supposed to be impartial. McCain was supposed to be in a "cone of silence", so he had no advance knowledge of the questions, while Obama answered them.

Did anybody else notice that McCain asked the pastor when they would get to the part about the Supreme Court Justices?

If he had no advance knowledge, how did he know questions relating to the Justices would be asked?

Hmmm.....

News story of young dentist who never made it to Moscow.

George Pridonoff — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:15:32 EDT

http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/29116/video

warning: very sad

Wins Wins Wins Barack Obama WINS IN A LANDSLIDE

George Pridonoff — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:02:49 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWr5Wl-mev0

It needs to be known that i speculate that war crimes against the Bush/Cheney imperical battlecruiser do indeed include the recent 2000 plus murders in S Ossetia. Do you now see why the failure to remove them from office by now is catastrophic.

Nancy Pelosi has waited too long. She has compromised too much. I demand she is removed from the Speaker position.

I predict that the US Navy will begin the Iranian invasion from the persian gulf anytime now.

Listen to Ron Pauls' most important question. Do you think that the president can initiate further wars without congressional approval?

S. Ossetia. A story from the front line.

George Pridonoff — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:55:53 EDT

TSKHINVAL, SOUTH OSSETIA (Alan Tsorion for RIA Novosti). - It is evening of August 7. The South Ossetian capital is quiet. After so much shelling and endless gunfire it feels like the silence can be smelled and breathed. A deep breath fills the lungs, and straightens your insides crumpled in the fist of war like the cellophane wrapper from a cigarette pack. I breathe in the calm. The silence is only broken by mice stirring somewhere between the ceiling and the garret. It is hard to believe that anyone can go about one's daily chores at such a time. The rodents up there are busily moving things, rolling from place to place as if they know that several hours ago the Georgian president promised not to shell the Ossetian capital any more. If there is to be no shelling you can go back to your daily chores. However, the rodents and I have only five more minutes to attend to our household chores. At 10.05 p.m. the "mice" play comes to an end: Mikheil Saakashvili breaks his word. Rockets and shells rain on the city, shaking the walls and windows. It is as if every blast chips away parts of the sky and hurls them against the window. Along with several other people we rush to the basement of the house in Stalin Street (now probably destroyed) in the center of Tskhinval. We are dressed in what the raid caught us in - slippers, bathrobes and shorts... Many had already gone to bed when the Georgian shells started raining on the city, and all the agreements and promises flew away with the chunks of house foundations and twisted metal that used to be cars. "Ma tars, ma tars..." (Ossetian: "Don't be afraid"), a mother calms her son Batradz. The boy, aged about 8, has buried has head in his mother's lap and, jolting with every explosion, asks her: "Mum, why are they shooting, don't they know that the Olympics start tomorrow? Why doesn't anyone tell them that there should be no fighting during the Olympics?" At around 11 p.m. the lights go out in the basement where we are hiding, like in the whole of Tskhinval. Your senses become sharper when it is pitch-dark. Like a blind man you distinguish the slightest shades of sounds, which immediately translate themselves into pictures before your mind's eye. Up on the surface, the black night sky is illuminated by the white flare of exploding shells, momentarily making it look like a huge photograph negative. Splinters whiz by like bumblebees flying close to the ground. Bullets emit a strange whistle as if somebody has shaped his lips to whistle but instead just breathes air in. The gun of an armoured vehicle goes "ta-ta-ta... ta-ta-ta". "Iratta razma!" ("Come on"), a focused, almost businesslike voice comes from the street. Quick steps of six pairs of military boots on broken glass and splinters of brick and plaster. "Ma tars, Batradz. Ma tars," the mother's words are drowned out by the deafening echo of a shell which blasts a neighbouring block of flats to smithereens. It is as if somebody banged a heavy door close to your ear. Pieces of concrete fall from the basement ceiling... But even the howitzers in nearby Ergneti and Nikozi do not sound as terrifying as the salvos of the Georgian Grad (Hail) artillery rockets fired from much further away, in Gori. As the rockets zero in on the target they emit a sound like a flame on gigantic arrows with burning tips. The Grads are fired at random so that the clouds of "arrows" fall on the roofs of Tskhinval's peaceful houses. As the shelling goes on, people get ready to spend the night in the basement. ...The morning of August 8, 5 a.m. The bombardment of the city from Georgian positions is in its seventh hour. My cell phone shows that the battery is about to die, leaving me with no communications. I ring the editorial office in Moscow to say that communications are about to be cut because I have nowhere to recharge my cell phone. The battery in my phone is dead by 9 a.m. It is already light in Tskhinval. Remembering the great rule that "in war he who runs survives," I leave the basement to move to another place. I run along hugging a wall, my head drawn into my shoulders. Bullets and fragments hit the road raising little fountains of dust. In the city Georgian commandos and Ossetian fighters are exchanging fire. I hear the Ossetian OMON fighters shouting: "Come on, quick! A 'box' [armoured vehicle - A.Ts.] is stuck on Hetagurova Street." Insensible to fatigue, I'm running very fast and turn the corner. "Bang!" - I fall on my stomach after being hit in my ears and eyes. Clouds of dust rise over the ground, approaching my feet. They are caused by a grenade that exploded five meters away. I get up and run, spitting out dust. Moving in my direction on the other side of the street are four Ossetian fighters. One of them reloads his automatic rifle as he runs. The oldest looks no more than 23. A few more steps and I dive into the entrance of a five-storey block of flats. I see silhouettes of men in the doorway. Women and children are taking shelter in the basement beneath the staircase. I hear muted weeping from below. "How long will the bombing last? Let us raise our hands and surrender before they have killed us all. It looks like Russia has forgotten us," a tired woman's voice is heard from the basement. Surrounded by old people, women and children you cannot help feeling guilty. A young man's place now is in the war, defending his people; he has no place among the elderly and the children. There are about twenty people in the basement and hardly anyone dares to go up. Only an old man, Inal, a former peacekeeper who saw action in 1992, calmly strolls the street opposite the entrance while the shelling is still on. "F--- the war, exercise is the main thing," the veteran mumbles as two Ossetian policemen carry a fighter with arm and leg wounds towards the entrance. ...The wounded man has glazed eyes over which his long lashes flutter like the wings of a butterfly. He is dazed by pain. His fatigues are pierced in two places, and red arterial blood is streaming down his left hip. The fighter is carried into the entrance. A stocky policeman slings the rifle from his shoulder with a practiced movement and unwinds a bandage wound around the stock to twist a touniquet. Someone has brought ammonium chloride. "Shai ho, kuyzh kuylyhai na maly" ("OK, a dog doesn't die from lameness"), the policeman tells the fighter, who clenches his teeth in pain. That is the Ossetian equivalent of the Russian proverb "it will heal by the time you have your wedding." The stocky South Ossetian policeman rubs the wounded man's chest and face after dipping his huge work-beaten hands into a bucket of cold water. "OK, we have to go," the policeman says grabbing the wounded man under his armpit. "Where are you from?" the old man Inal asks me. "I am a journalist from Moscow," I reply. "Let's go and have a bite," the former peacekeeper says in a voice hoarse from smoking. "War or no war, you have to eat." "The Russians will come today, they'll help us," says Inal setting fire to a piece of dry spirit which he puts on a gas stove: "I wish they would strike Gori and Tbilisi - I want nothing more." "Georgian tanks are already in town, it'll be hard without the Russians," the former peacekeeper says, sipping the freshly made coffee. The best I can do is to keep silent. However, our silence is broken by two Georgian SU-25 planes. One of them opens fire on the house where we are - just for kicks. Inal and I hasten to the basement. Once again damp darkness. There is a small hole where the pipes run through the wall. It faces south to where the Georgian commandos are advancing. Putting your head in the hole is dangerous: bullets come through the hole and hit the concrete basement ceiling with a hollow sound. I catch myself thinking that my whole short life, the efforts of my grandparents who brought me up, my universities and the clever books I have read - all this was but preparation for this moment when shells explode over your head, you instinctively draw your head into your shoulders and sweat streaks down your spine. It looks as if death is nearby and it smells of dampness and the dryness of your lips. Now when the planes make another dive to fire on you, and you know that they will fire on you as the roar of the engines approaches, you feel that it may be your last day. This is not fear, but rather grief over what you might have said and done. Suddenly the planes stop bombing and fly south towards Georgia. What's happening? Within seconds a deafening chorus of a thousand voices shouting "Hurray!" comes from the street. A crowd is welcoming a column of Russian armored vehicles that have entered Tskhinval. "A-a-a! You have come, boys," Inal shouts. "Now we will show them!" I run into the street, the roar of Russian armour is heard nearby. The Russian soldiers are driving the Georgian troops out of Tskhinval. A man, his eyes bulging with horror, runs up to me. "Help me. What shall I do? I am Georgian, I worked here in Tskhinval. I am a worker, where shall I go?" he shouts in broken Russian. "Run," I tell him, and again wonder at the wickedness of war in which innocent civilians are the first to suffer. The clock shows 3 p.m. At 7 p.m., when the shooting and shell blasts subside and the bursts of machinegun fire are petering out, I leave Tskhinval, engulfed in flames and sorrow. The Russian troops have driven the Georgians out of the city, but this is not yet the end of the war. There are still civilians in the city. Tskhinval is still in the grip of the dirty hands of war. A war unleashed without warning under the cover of night. A war whose victims were and will always be civilians. A war that seizes your soul and rubs it between its bloody palms like the cellophane wrapper of a cigarette pack.

Tire Tracks Across Your Back?

Nick Danger — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:57:35 EDT

I received an email today that was supposedly written in humor touting the beefeating providers as Conservatives and the weak as Liberals. The email which was written as a humorous tribute to the chest beating right dragging their women across the floor and spouting 'we're the choosen ones' was built on three concepts. 1) The first one is that all liberals are weak and will gladly lay down for those on the other side to walk on, 2)that being creative and in possession of a creative mind is a weakness and 3)and this third one is implied but states that all Democrats are liberal.

I was watching cable the other day and Henry Rollins, a punk rock music artist with a power lifters body, who by the way, is also a poet and actor was the host. Rollins was the first and only television host I've seen who actually voiced that he was a liberal and ready to kick some ass as opposed to laying on the highway awaiting tire tracks. What a concept I thought, liberals who are not afraid to stand up and be counted, use a firm handshake and look down the barrel of a conservative's gun with one that has a bigger barrel!

Secondly, the right's conservative Corporate generals are for the most part working only to put great wealth in their own pockets and more mindless consumers on the street. The creative community for the most part are creating "thinkers". "Thinkers" consume but not without reading the label.

Thirdly, as you know all Democrats are not liberal and that's what makes the world a great place cause we need a balance of ideas from all sides to keep America great. Of course some Dems aren't really Democrats but virtual wolves in sheeps clothing and yes, I am speaking about Joe Liberman but that's another subject altogether.

In closing, I say stand up and be counted, stay true to your heart and we'll see a sea of blue in November!

NEW Bob Dylan Poems Surface

Herschel.Corpus.Christi — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 11:04:36 EDT

“…the lost manuscript,”

“The poems were so lost that Mr. Dylan, when told of the discovery, had forgotten that he had written them. (In his defense, it was the ’60s.)

“the text and photographs will be published in November in a collection titled “Hollywood Foto-Rhetoric: The Lost Manuscript.”

The whole article is from the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/books/16poem.html?hp

We, Bob Dylan Fans for Obama, have raised $99, 613.75. Getting to $100,000.00 should be easy.

Please donate:

If inclined, here is a good place:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/fundraising/44dyj#rsvp

Gori, birthplace of Stalin. appears quite calm and indeed undamaged despite wailing BBC/CNN nonsence

George Pridonoff — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:49:21 EDT

http://www.russiatoday.com/news/news/29033/video

nope no damage, hmmm why all the complete media bull.

is it that the media is completely inane. yes..yes it is. they have nothing that people need.

A quick analogy in play script

George Pridonoff — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:09:54 EDT

Explosions rock a small town at night. Its in S. Ossetia, the town is destroyed.

Mikheil Saakashvili " This superpower is nothing of the kind, iv'e discovered its weakness...

Condoleezza Rice "yes"

Mikheil Saakashvili. " it cares, it actually cares for these poor people"

Condoleezza Rice with curiousity "like pets?"

Mikheil Saakashvili. "i suppose so."

Condoleezza Rice a great irritation "sentimental idiot"

Mikheil Saakashvili. "i'll draw its fire with some of my own"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81oq-5wtPEA

now watch it unfold again before your very eyes...

U.S. Troops Give Barack Obama Their Elitist ‘Money’

James "Monte" Salter CD4 Valley Team leader — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:00:38 EDT

From Wonkette:

Oh ho ho: “According to an analysis of campaign contributions by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Democrat Barack Obama has received nearly six times as much money from troops deployed overseas at the time of their contributions than has Republican John McCain, and the fiercely anti-war Ron Paul, though he suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination months ago, has received more than four times McCain’s haul.” Wow. Barack Obama hates American troops so much that he takes all of their money! [OpenSecrets via AMERICAblog]

Top Secret: "DARPA" Mind Control Explains It All!

Obama PEACE Warrior — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:21:16 EDT

Department of Homeland SecurityOfficial Transcript - - - for Your Eyes Only!!Transcript of Conversation between Target & Drinking buddy, "Joey the Mouth"Location: "Cheers" Tavern, Wash., D.C.TOP SECRETTarget: "HAH! (Whispering) Hey, Joey, listen, keep this under yer HAT, 'cuz it's Top Secret gov'mint stuff. But I gotta tell SOMEONE, or I swear I'll burst! See, you ever wonder why Bush & Cheney get away with all the crap they've been pulling all this time? Whjy McCain is so passive, & meek around Bush, & even kissed him that time on athe cheeK? Why Rush Limbaugh jerks around like a Marionette on Meth, & why the White House PRESS CORP & other Reporters haven't been grilling the Bush Administration.Joey, it's pure GENIUS! I know because II was a Technician at a SECRET Gov't. Lab, where we brought certain important "big shots" , key influential people here & in New York City. The Scientists had us stripped their VOICEBOXES out through their Mouths. That was the easy part, Joey, 'cuz we got plenty of practice operatin' on LUNG CANCER patients over at WALTER REED! They get plenty of VIETNAM VETS we can practice on, the Docs tell 'em that it's a new Drug Trial Study, & they volunteer like crazy! Poor saps.Anyway, after we take out the Larynx, our job is done, & we turn the patients over to the SCIENTISTS, to do the hard stuff. Their SPINES are implanted with a PLUG-IN "Port", then the Scientists install these cool DARPA "Mind Control" Titanium devices, which link into their BRAINS via a Computer Chip.We stole the CHIP design from the Chinese, they're WAY ahead of us, Joey! They got all those POLITICAL Prisoners to experiment on! Man, can't wait until we get those camps set up in Louisiana! We'll be able to round up some of those friggin' Anti-War Protestors.... do a little "re-wiring" job on their Brains, know whut I mean, Joey?For now though, we're just concentrating on those friggin' NEWS Reporters!Anytime a Reporter even THINKS of doing a REAL "Investigative" Story, or starts to ask a really HARD question, his Brain is ZAPPED with an Electric Shock, rendering him temporarily MUTE.(Or HER temporarily MUTE: "Equal Opportunity" Laws)The only SIDE EFFECTS are a mild case of AMNESIA, plus the Ace T.V. Anchor tends to wander around with a big vacuous GRIN, slightly drooling. He or she periodically utters a very distinctive barking kind of sound. "HAH!"The DARPA Mind Control Technology's most BRILLIANT feature? It secretes an "Ecstasy-like DRUG, which fills the Brains of TALK SHOW Hosts on T.V. & Radio with a EUPHORIC sense that they are AMAZING & doing a TERRIFIC Job!There is a Special "EXECUTIVE" Model, reserved exclusively for the Brain of the President .BUSH! This Model has a few "kinks" in it though: a few little bitty "side effects", such as a tendency to fall off bikes, choke on pretzels, and have trouble speaking without getting his thoughts all twisted into weird knots, which come out all garbled up...But on the whole, the Experiment's a SUCCESS!Well, except for ANN COULTER. That Brain, it ZAPPED the Mind Control computer chip & KILLED it! Turns out that ANN COULTER IS AN ANDROID/HUMAN HYBRID! Go figure! That explains her weirdly long Neck. The Neck is where the ALIENS store their ...... SHH! Someone's coming! I gotta go, buddy, see ya' later at the LAKE! We'll catch us some bigmouth BASS or maybe some NORTHERN PIKE, if we're lucky! Naw, the old lady ain't comin', you know she hates fishing, & she hates cleaning the fish worse! Lucky for us, we can knock back a few beers & maybe pick up a couple of girls. So, don't wear the old WEDDING RING, huh Joey? Ha Ha Ha But, SERIOUSLY, DON'T TELL NOBODY, though, Joey. I'd lose my friggin' JOB, & boy it is a SWEEET deal! You should'a seen the IDIOT, be was dancin' around doing this STOOPID "JIG". like he thought he was ASHLEY SIMPSON performing on "Saturday Nite Live" or something.Semper Fi buddy!" "HAH"!

I am asking for volunteers.

George Pridonoff — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:22:53 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB1NiNKwueE

I want to create a city militia force. Too many militias exist in the Hinterland or boonies. I believe it is time for a force that operates to bring Equalization to average people. This may include international situations. We may need "for example" to prevent a nuclear war. NUCLEAR WAR

ok made my point. Now watch this video. It shows the kind operator that knows how to stay alive.

Rid us of Homeland security and the CIA too. Please

George Pridonoff — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:40:08 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/user/DaBizWorks

Are we registering?

Citizens Reign — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 17:39:02 EDT

To followup on the voter registration discussion at the Rochester Educators for Obama meeting today, I found these useful resources on barackobama.com

This resource library has many materials, some of which could be used in the kit mentioned at the meeting:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actioncenter/resourcelibrary/

The action guide has a Voter Reg tab which has guiding information and reminders:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actionguide

Also, my sister, who has been working hard at registering voters, has posted some useful information regarding Boards of Election and GOTV on her BarackObama dashboard:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/dashboard/public/gGrrlC

Mises and Austrian Economics

George Pridonoff — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 05:10:55 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAPgFoJh9f8

This video is a book reading. I hope that we can have better understanding of each other and if you listen to this one hour reading; you and i will have a road to understanding and discussion.

Ron Paul A Personal View

Obama Blonde Live Show!

Obama Blonde — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:49:21 EDT

Hi everyone-Just wanted to let you know that I will be playing an acoustic/karaoke set at The Buzz Cafe in Oak Park, IL on Saturday, August 16th from 7-8pm. I will definitely be performing my Barack Obama song 'Yes We Can'! I'd love to see you there! :) Jeannine

Dennis4(vice)president

George Pridonoff — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:42:24 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWWBwf2wHE

GRASSROOTS FOR OBAMA IN WASHINGTON DC

Jeanie Schneider — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:21:39 EDT

This is to invite Obama Groups and supporters across the country to the national event in Washington DC...

GRASSROOTS FOR OBAMA IN WASHINGTON DC

FREEDOM PLAZA, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE

SEPTEMBER 6, 2008 Begins 3:00pm

Come to a gathering of grassroots groups and supporters to rally for Barack Obama. This is a national rally of support and an opportunity for Grassroots groups from far and wide to unite.

Strong media coverage. French TV will be filming the event for special TV program on the grassroots movement and the election. This will be a highly visible event in the nation's capital so come and and join us for a memorable day.

BANDS
PERFORMERS
SPEAKERS
PRESENTATIONS
FUND RAISING
VOTER REGISTRATION
FREE ADMISSION

contact: Jeanie Schneider, jeanieschneider@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=25596901414

Happy Birthday Barack

swimmer — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:34:42 EDT

Happy Birthday Barack. I hope that in this 47th year you will be happy, healthy, successful, and may you celebrate many more birthdays. Most importantly I know you will be inaugurated as the POTUS in January, also as part of your 47th year!!!!

The best to you and your family!!!!

Enjoy the day and celebrate!!!!

Jokers Are Wild

Citizens Reign — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:56:18 EDT

After Joe Lieberman's advice to relax and enjoy the disparaging Paris ad and John McCain's reminder that the Charlton Heston footage was only from a movie (What... did McCain believe he needed to remind reporters and voters that it was not actual footage of Moses?!?) and his suggestion that we need more humor in the campaign, I humbly would like to remind the McCain campaign that we are focused on electing the next President, the next Commander-in-Chief. Having experienced the last 8 years, we no longer have need of a Comedian-in-Chief.

Stir It Up for Barack!

Jason Luckett — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:24:08 EDT

Here's a video and some music that I'd like to offer people in support of Barrack.

http://www.theobamanation.com/wpblog/2008/08/01/stir-it-up-for-barack/

I'm sorry I'm not able to post the music and video here. But here's the lyric of one of the tunes. (For those on the Dylan fan list, you might be interested that the folk singer I refer to is Pete Seger. I was listening to Live @ Carnegie Hall 1963 when I was inspired to write this song. It was recorded a couple months before Dr. King's speech.)

daydream

carry me up to be received
we’re drinking
coffee at 10am

newspaper deaths
thirty years, one day
a folk singer says i ain’t scared

and tears fall as i daydream
of martin luther king fulfilled

(can you feel…?)

carry me up to receive
‘cos despair as fate is nonsense to me
sun warms us through our windows
but my friend and i must go outside

with knowledge from these conversations
we must act at least in song

can you feel?
you’re not alone!
can you feel?

carry me up to believe
that words of peace stir collective souls
that we’ll be moved by nonviolent hands
that my passion’s not nostalgic

and tears rise as i daydream
and i begin to smile

can you feel?
you’re not alone!
can you feel
you’re not alone!

can you feel…
can you feel…
you’re not alone!
you’re not alone!

What were the odds?

Dawn in Arizona — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:24:24 EDT

Getting older it takes more time to wake in the mornings, and it is a blessing not to rush around although the busy sounds of my children long since grown is a bit missed. Recently against all odds a sunflower has grown tall and thin but with the will plus inner strength to reach the height of my window. There the bright yellow full bloom smiles at me every morning as I set on the edge of my bed - and then I remember another joy..we have a candidate, one that comes along strong with inner strength with a will to win, to give us hope to shine for all of us, rare and stunning to the emotions. After these long dark freightening years with the republicans we can again have a future. I was a child who saw John Kennedy elected against all odds and nasty rumours and then lived through darkness again seeing our leaders cut down. What a lovely way to start my days, with the hope that America will wake up, rally behind and elect Senator Obama to take us all into a bright tomorrow without fear. How wonderful it will be to see an American President actually lead - be welcomed and respected around the world. Know this...we must come together for everyones benefit, for our planets benefit, for our grandchildrens benefit. We need this light, this hope, this new future. And to see little children in the White House.. Wow!

The phonelines are back

Citizens Reign — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:39:33 EDT

On 07/29/08 Carey posted the following:

The lines are open to call the following states: Iowa, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio and Nevada. During the primaries, volunteers were critical in the GOTV. Now is not the time to get complacent. I challenge all of you to make 50 calls this week. And if your not comfortable with calling, many of us will take donations on our FR pages to make the calls for you.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap/

If you are fluent in Spanish or know of a family member or friend who is, please ask them to volunteer. The campaign is need of your services.

If you have a chance and are so inclined, please reach out to our fellow citizens:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap/

OK who's next???? is it you?

saga4Obama/Biden — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:29:49 EDT

so today was amazing, i donated $295.00 to Sayar R's FR page (putting my online donations @$755.00) in honor of the 134 men killed and the 161 wounded in the tragedy of the USS Forrestal (for the shocking details you have to go to dumpmccain.com), today is the 41 anniversary of the horid fire involving John McCain... so i am soooooo exited i thought i would do it again. So here's how to play, if you donate a minimum of $5.00 to my FR page in honor of the crew of the USS Forrestal you are in the running. for a donation of only $5.00 i will donate....lets see? hmmmmm....oh i got it. i will donate to your FR page $1.00 for every year John McCain wants to stay in Iraq....that's right kids $100.00. so in one week from today 7/29/08 i will select randomly that lucky Obama supporter....will it be you? i hope so....good luck. Sage in CA

YES WE CAN, YES WE DO, YES WE WILL

Special Event: Mick Jagger Turns 65

Herschel.Corpus.Christi — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:12:43 EDT

My belief is all it takes is a little nudge to get someone to donate.

July 26,2008 Mick Jagger turns 65. I know it says something about ageing, responsibilty; the need for a world when we grow up.

We NEED Senator Obama to be elected President Obama.

I have a fundraiser for Special Events; Mick at 65 is an event!!!

Donate:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44dhg

YES YOU CAN!!!

'Prosecution of George W Bush for Murder!' Vincent Bugliosi

George Pridonoff — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:59:38 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73KIpzrUXI8

Justice hopefully will come soon.

Truth will set you free TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE Truth will set you free

George Pridonoff — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:21:19 EDT

>>>>>vvv<<<<<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moMu94lRkEg

>>>>vvv<<<<

I've had a epiphany

George Pridonoff — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:56:59 EDT

i have recently learned that england has planned to build two mega sized aircraft carriers.
the early outcry was how can she possibly afford that!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4262046.ece

i placed that knowledge next to the knowledge that the bank of england is not inflating right now and i have come to this conclusion.

we are building it for them with our inflation tax. the bank of england/the federal reserve.
the cost to build those behemoths.

Epiphanies are religious under normal circumstances, however, i am an atheist.

I am a citizen and patriotic. I feel upset toward ENGLAND

Bob Dylan's Masters of War (Lyrics)

Michael — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:02:35 EDT

Come you masters of war You that build all the guns You that build the death planes You that build the big bombs You that hide behind walls You that hide behind desks I just want you to know I can see through your masks You that never done nothin' But build to destroy You play with my world Like it's your little toy You put a gun in my hand And you hide from my eyes And you turn and run farther When the fast bullets fly Like Judas of old You lie and deceive A world war can be won You want me to believe But I see through your eyes And I see through your brain Like I see through the water That runs down my drain You fasten the triggers For the others to fire Then you set back and watch When the death count gets higher You hide in your mansion As young people's blood Flows out of their bodies And is buried in the mud You've thrown the worst fear That can ever be hurled Fear to bring children Into the world For threatening my baby Unborn and unnamed You ain't worth the blood That runs in your veins How much do I know To talk out of turn You might say that I'm young You might say I'm unlearned But there's one thing I know Though I'm younger than you Even Jesus would never Forgive what you do Let me ask you one question Is your money that good Will it buy you forgiveness Do you think that it could I think you will find When your death takes its toll All the money you made Will never buy back your soul And I hope that you die And your death'll come soon I will follow your casket In the pale afternoon And I'll watch while you're lowered Down to your deathbed And I'll stand o'er your grave 'Til I'm sure that you're dead

USS Forrestal July 29, 1967

saga4Obama/Biden — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:05:51 EDT

134 men were killed another 161 injured when there were a series of explosions set when a Zuni rocket pierced through John McCain's Sky hawk aircraft. i am donating $1.00 for each man who was injured and killed on that faithful day. I am asking you to donate or exceed my contribution to Honor those men and the REAL HEROS who stayed aboard to help save the lives of their crew mates. Lets Honor the memory of the men left behind in 67'.

The Real Cost of the War: 17 War Vets Commit Suicide Every Day

Michael — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:05:34 EDT

http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/68713/

McCain's Judgment: McCain Thinks The Iraq War Was a Good Idea

Michael — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:46:28 EDT

Link:

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/McCain_I_would_have_started_Iraq_0106.html

Duck for Cover, Cause the Red State Feeback is Comin' Over!

Nick Danger — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:28:36 EDT

I wrote a post back on July 9th entitled "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword, Except When the other Guy has got a Gun". In it I spoke of a site I've posted blogs on where I seem to be 'one of', if not the only, blue banner waving Democratic foot soldier. First of all I shared the wrong address. The correct site address is; www.realclearpolitics.com (that's Real Clear Politics not Real Politics). To emphasize the importance of this site, it is an arm of Time magazine.

Yesterday I linked a post entitled "Red, White and the deepest Blue" which was pro-Obama and received a myriad of angry red responses.

By the way, linking a post is easy if you set up a Blog Spot account for your Democrat leaning words then go to www.realclearpolitics.com and give em' hell! -Nick Danger

Joe Jackson Steppin'Out

George Pridonoff — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:53:32 EDT

I grew up in arizona. i attended public schools there. there are so many arizona sterotypes and living there has many drawbacks as well. i never noticed the drawbacks or sterotypes in public school. you might say that for other states in the union. it isnt really what state you are enrolled in at all, but rather a state of mind. Take the eighties song Steppin'Out for example, the lions share of my fabulous memories are about a song that is sung by an englishman about a night out in new york. not really arizona like, try phoenix.

so in summary im ok with a national identity concerning my education. public education is the best. i think that mine was good. now ive moved from arizona, too bloody hot. and im still not seeing sterotypes.

treat yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnbj0w8iOeM

Freedom rang and people are gathering.

George Pridonoff — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:05:36 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt7QDnWPu_4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDZ9BbliJE0

Ive had this video in my real player for a long time. The girl depicted is making a monologue about her political ideas. She is freshmen like. Grew up in the black projects, but the video was made before the primaries ended.

pg rated.

Environment is an even battle.

George Pridonoff — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:32:49 EDT

According to the G8 an international forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States the environment is facing its own natural battle.

The debate was clarified at the meeting when an example video of eternal fighting was shown.

I have that video here. The G8 plan to wait out this eternal fight to determine if any efforts mankind can make can be of any value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGhT_ylXN8s&feature=related

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword, Except When the other Guy has a Gun!

Nick Danger — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:09:16 EDT

This post is a 'heads up' call to arms! Been posting pro Obama blogs on Real Politics website. They have a reader article section. Reader articles must get 8 or more hits to be considered for the main page...The problem is that 90% of the articles are from the Red Machine and anti-Obama. Many are inflammatory and untrue. Sign up for free and post your blog links at www.realpolitics.com The site is a division of Time Magazine. And always remember that; The pen is mightier than the sword except when the other guy has a gun!
-Nick Danger

Executive branch doesn't legislate.

George Pridonoff — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:18:37 EDT

They say that the president is not allowed to legislate and we never see it when they do. The state of the union makes the official requests and campaigns speeches are full of promises, but only the legislature votes on the bills put forth, pending veto. The bills put forth are often made by the lobbyists. When the president wants a bill to go to congress how far can he go to influence it so it becomes law?

These details are the most important for an intelligent president to be well suited to restore the damage done to the union by our current robber baron presidential occupant.

With regards to FISA "the foreign intelligence surveillance act" the new president must have the skills and connections needed to ensure that such a bill is not written so poorly. Instead of constantly living to blind the majority this new administration will respect heart of men and spirit of the law.

I say "down with the evil doers in the house and senate"

The best path is a clear one.

Yesterday Was A Good Day

joe ruwe — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:08:18 EDT

I reached 11 K.

We dropped a money bomb Tyrone's way.

The Streak reached the 50th day.

Obama swung a couple more voters his way.

I wrote a post about maryT - she didn't know what to say.

I have to say it was a good day.

I didn't even have to use my AK.

All in all it was a good day.....

Politics 101

Nick Danger — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:35:36 EDT

Wizards in the War room, debutantes at the ball waiting for someone to drop their guard or better yet take a fall. And is it the side with brains or braun or money that takes the lead. Is it the Wizards grand master they call to mount a counter attack on the White House lawn. Does the public know what really goes on in those dim lit rooms on Capitol Hill? A referendum on public works and loneliness, those are just a few, of the issues that stand before us as we attempt to sort the rhetoric and reach the stars for all to see.

To Believe or Not to Believe, the Audacity of Hope

Nick Danger — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:15:24 EDT

How often do we ask for our Daily Bread to be given and really believe that it will be done because it already is in motion according to devine law? Not really Obamistic blogging just reciting a mantra for change in my personal life. But isn't this election all about change for most Americans? It's about change and new beginnings, change and new life injected into the lifeless...This is an election about "Hope"... For so many of us it is about having the opportunity offered to compete with the best and to become the best we possibly can in all areas of our life. Barack Obama offers this hope and it is up to all of us to get that message out to those on the fence and even a few on the other side. What are your strategies to reach out? I've got my ears to the ground...

Senator Obama: Please talk to us

Corey — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:41:14 EDT

I just sent this to the Campaign:

I'm very distressed (along with at least 6000+ Barack supporters) about the Senator's turn-around on the FISA bill. Regardless of the merits of pro or con positions on the bill, I'm confused by Barack's silence as his most loyal supporters suffer through the disorientation and possible alienation that's been growing recently.

People in the new group on this website formed a few days ago around this dilemma are voicing increasingly grim conclusions from BO's turn-around and his subsequent silence. I am not ready to believe that he is "just another politician," feeling so secure in the support he's built during the primary -- the support of independents, progressives and activists who have been pouring their lives into this campaign -- that he can now afford to "move toward the center" and embrace so-called "moderate" positions which are nothing less than pieces of a right-wing agenda. Barack himself has told us again and again to judge him by his walk, not just his talk. It's clear that many of us have taken that stance to heart, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. As much as I'd prefer to dwell in that post-primary ebulliance and joy at being part of something unprecedented, I'm not able to ignore Barack's silence about his turn-around on FISA. Please, please, talk to us!!

The reason I joined MyBarackObama

Dylan's Mom — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:32:38 EDT

My friend Candace, who expresses views on the campaign through poetry, recently posted her reaction to the treatment Michelle Obama has received from the press. I found it to be a mind-invigorating read:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/consciousempress/gG5jrj

It speaks beautifully to the hopes and dreams of our ancestors for who their progeny could be.

To live the dream that ancestors slept is a phrase in particular that hangs with me as a clear illustration of a core function of hope. Though the challenges and struggles we endure and face in this time are obviously different from She Who of Candace's poem, our responses to them NOW are nonetheless mightily vital to our own progeny's future well-being as we face down the (I'll say it) enslavement to Greed that has seized large hold of our precious nation's highest offices.

We must never give up, never surrender our own dreams of a peaceful, sharing, healthy and prosperous land. In loving obligation to our ancestors, and to those for whom WE are the ancestors, We the People must remain steadfastly committed to our obligation in continuing to do whatever little bit MORE we can, every day -- working WITH our duly-elected leaders as we reasonably can -- to keep our eyes on the prize of that More Perfect Union we hope to deliver to our Future Ones.

And so I want to thank Candace for the imagery of She Who's dreams for her own Future Ones. She's helped me to articulate one of the main reasons I enjoy participating in MyBarackObama: A belief that a Really Good Head Start to benefitting our progeny is to get Barack & Michelle and the kids moved into our White House !