Green Energy

Nuclear Power leads to Nuclear weapons

Sheldon from Doylestown — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:59:40 EDT

The weapon design and arms control communities agree that it is not the capability to design a nuclear device that determines the pace of a country’s acquisition of a first weapon, but, rather, the availability of nuclear weapons materials that can be turned to weapons purposes. For a nation-state, the material for weapons can come from uranium enrichment plants (highly enriched uranium), or reactors and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants (plutonium), or both.

Regardless of its isotopic composition, the minimum amount of plutonium required to make a pure fission nuclear explosive, with a yield equivalent to one to 25 kilotons of chemical high explosives, is quite small, on the order of 1 to 3 kilograms (kg), with the exact amount depending on the level of design expertise and the desired nuclear explosive yield. The minimum amount of highly enriched uranium required is a few times larger—5 to 10kg.

While far from ideal for military applications, the isotopic composition of the plutonium typically produced in civil power reactors does not pose a serious obstacle to fabricating efficient and powerful weapons, as well as crude terrorist devices.

http://www.nrdc.org/nuclear/power/power.pdf

The proliferation of nuclear weapons is inextricably linked to nuclear power by a shared need for enriched uranium, and through the generation of plutonium as a by-product of spent nuclear fuel. The two industries have been linked since the very beginning and a nuclear weapons free world requires a non-nuclear energy policy. http://www.cnduk.org/index.php/information/info-sheets/briefings.html#nuclearpower

Some Amazing Facts about Nuclear Power

Nevada — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:21:32 EDT

American public has been led to believe that nuclear power is extremely dangerous and that nuclear waste disposal is an unsolved problem. Those beliefs are based on preposterous distortions perpetrated by irrational environmentalists and an irresponsible mass media. In reality, a reactor meltdown would have to occur every two weeks to make nuclear power as deadly as the routine emissions from coal-fired power, from which we get about half of our electric power in the United States. (Note: some newer nuclear power plant designs cannot possibly meltdown.) And if the United States went completely nuclear for all its electric power for 10,000 years, the amount of land needed for waste disposal would be about what is needed for the coal ash that is currently generated every two weeks.Anti-nuclear activists like to scare us with horror stories about the "thousands of tons of nuclear waste" that have been produced since nuclear power began some four decades ago. That sounds like a lot -- until you put it into perspective, which anti-nuclear activists and the mass media never do. Consider that one pound of plutonium can produce as much energy as the Yankee Stadium full of coal. And coal-fired power generates something like 100 million tons of waste annually in the United States, or about three tons of ash per second. Every few hours, more coal ash is generated than high-level nuclear waste has been generated in four decades!Oh, but nuclear waste is far more dangerous than coal waste, isn't it? Actually, it isn't. For a given amount of energy produced, coal ash is actually more radioactive than nuclear waste. How can that be? Simple. The quantity of coal ash is literally millions of times greater than the corresponding quantity of nuclear waste, so even though the radioactive intensity of the coal ash is much less, the overall amount of radiation and radioactive matter is greater.But nobody worries much about the radioactivity of coal ash because the chemicals in it are far more dangerous. They include several thousand tons per year of mercury and other heavy metals, along with huge amounts of lead, arsenic, and asbestos, for example. Yet even the huge quantities of chemical waste in coal ash are of little concern compared to the gaseous emissions from burning coal, which kill an estimated 10,000 to 50,000 Americans every year, depending on which study you believe. As a point of reference, even the lower estimate approaches the rate at which Americans died in the Viet Nam war, and the higher estimate greatly exceeds it, yet the media rarely report on those deaths.So let's get this straight. For a given amount of energy produced, coal waste has more radioactive matter than nuclear waste, yet the radioactivity of coal waste is nowhere near as dangerous as the solid chemical waste, which in turn is nowhere near as dangerous as the gaseous emissions. Are you starting to get the picture yet?But even those staggering figures fail to capture the major environmental advantages of nuclear power over coal-fired power. Why? Because the solid and gaseous emissions from coal burning are generated in such a huge quantity that they cannot possibly be contained. They can only be spewed into the atmosphere and dumped into shallow landfills. There is no conceivable way to isolate waste that is generated at the rate of three tons per second. Nuclear waste, on the other hand, is so miniscule in comparison that it can be almost completely isolated from the environment at a very modest cost. And even though that cost has been greatly inflated by the anti-nuclear hysteria, it is still very manageable.If all the high-level nuclear waste that has ever been generated were simply dumped into the middle of the ocean, it would be many thousands of times less harmful than the coal waste generated over the same period. But the nuclear waste is so miniscule in quantity that it can be isolated almost completely from the environment. In fact, that is exactly what is being done all over the world. Basic technology exists to convert nuclear waste into a solid, water-impermeable glass form, encase it into stainless-steel-lined concrete containers, and put it thousands of feet underground where water hasn't flowed for hundreds of thousands of years. And nuclear power produces no gaseous emissions, of course.Yet, amazingly, a large percentage of the American public has been hoodwinked into believing that nuclear waste disposal is an "unsolved" problem. In order to perpetuate the absurd mythology of nuclear waste, anti-nuclear extremists have concocted the absurd idea of a "nuclear priesthood" to warn people of the dangers of buried nuclear waste thousands of years in the future. Never mind that coal waste contains more overall radioactivity and is not contained at all. The idea of a "nuclear priesthood" is based on another absurd anti-nuclear distortion: the idea that nuclear waste is "dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years."Oh yes, nuclear waste would indeed be "dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years" if we were stupid enough to leave it lying around untreated, but did someone forget to mention that coal ash is dangerous forever? That's right: solid chemical waste never decays. It will be as dangerous in ten million years as it was the day it was generated. And there is so much of it that we have no choice but to leave it lying around untreated. So do we need”coal-ash priesthood"? Only if we've lost our sanity and common sense. Note, incidentally, that uranium comes from the ground in the first place, where it is neither encased in stainless-steel-lined concrete containers nor isolated from groundwater.The whole notion that nuclear waste is "dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years" is fundamentally misleading. Nuclear waste contains a combination of many radioactive materials with a wide range of half-lives, ranging from a fraction of a second to millions of years. The short-lived materials radiate very intensely but for a short period of time (they are safely dissipated at the power plant long before they are ever put into long-term storage). The long-lived materials such as uranium and plutonium, on the other hand, radiate for a very long time but at an extremely low level -- so low that their danger is essentially chemical. The materials with intermediate half-lives on the order of a few decades are the most problematic, but even they are easily manageable.Coal-fired power is many thousands of times more dangerous and harmful to the environment than nuclear power. Does that mean coal-fired power should be stopped? Absolutely not. Even coal-fired power is far better than no power at all. Without economical electric power, we will rapidly degenerate into a third-world nation, and average lifespan will drop precipitously. Even though emissions from coal-fired power cost many lives, the net effect of coal-fired power is to extend average lifespan. The point is not that coal-fired power is bad, but rather that nuclear power is thousands of times cleaner and safer. And the fact that so many so-called "environmentalists" vociferously oppose nuclear power -- even while they agitate for draconian measures to stop "global warming" -- should tell you something about them: they are either ignorant or they have ulterior ideological motives -- or both.

Cap & trade, or Cap & tax? Who's spinning, and why?

Tom Hayes, working for change — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:09:51 EDT

The way for the U.S. to secure a leadership role in the 21st century is by leading on all the issues that confront the world, to exhibit thoughtful strength and realistic ideas. It will require more than military strength, diplomacy, reversing the current economic chaos, and strong alliances. Our place in the world, our rights, and our freedom depend on leading based on principles we don't just preach, but practice.

In the case of our reckless, decades-long descent into a position where we are addicted to fossil fuels mostly coming from abroad, the time for new ideas is past due. Clean new energy sources aren't just good for our children and the environment, they're a key to our national security. Now more than ever our leaders must partner with innovative businesses and entrepreneurs to make the United States more self-reliant again. The President and the Congress must resist the insidious temptation to do nothing about energy while dealing with the various other domestic and global challenges.

Of course, no matter if the business is banking or big oil, well-funded special interests don't want to give up the loopholes they've lobbied for over the years. They work to preserve their special deals with Congress, while lobbying the media into misleading Americans with catch phrases such as "Cap & tax" to keep us from thinking about what's at stake.

While most Americans support a cap on carbon pollution there's now a flood of "talking points" and sound-bites circulating about the supposed short-comings and dangers of any new plan. The real threat of cap-and-trade is that it doesn't favor the mega-corporations, and the ultra-rich energy barons. Changing to new and cleaner energy sources changes where the money goes - more of it stays in the U.S., in smaller, newer companies; it creates jobs that we desperately need to recover from the fiasco of letting the financial giants "self-regulate."

"It looks like green jobs are real. Recently, two solar energy companies — Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. and Wacker Chemie AG — announced billion-dollar investment plans to build plants near Clarksville and Chattanooga."
U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN)

In fact, a cap and trade system simply uses pure capitalism to reward efficient, innovative businesses while it effectively penalizes out-moded industries. Used world-wide it plays to American strengths, conveying tremendous economic advantage to industries and countries ready to innovate, and results in domestic job growth. Only somebody making lots of money off the existing rules could possibly deny the benefits of a global cap and trade system.

Don't let D.C. insiders off the hook.

Many members of Congress benefit from huge campaign donations from energy companies. They'd be happy if we'd all stop paying such close attention to how energy policy intertwines with national security. They smile and want you to "trust" them to get it right, and the longer they've been there the more they want you to just trust, and not verify, that they're working for you. Uh huh.

Through The Baptism of Bankruptcy

CJM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:13:33 EDT

The American people have been watching the US Auto industry closely for a number of months. America must have an Auto Industry. We are America for crying out loud. We buy more cars than anyone. But we must have industries that compete in every way from technology, safety, productivity to efficiency and cost.

It is a very hard time for many in the industry that have done all they can do to build the best cars industry has allowed them to build, but these folks are survivors and will overcome. They will lead the new American auto industry with the experience and continuous process improvement cultures that they know are critical to quality.

Our nation is at a crossroads. An eight lane crossroads at rush hour with train tracks to-boot! Now is the time for our government & manufacturing industries to manhatanize the change over away from foreign oil. We cannot just keep kicking it down the road. It cost way to much with each kick. Look at us now, the big three in danger of survival. High efeciency & electric cars should have been the norm for at least five to ten years, but they are not. Had they of been we would be looking at a very different picture. We cannot unscramble that egg, but we must take heed, learn from it and start anew. We must not squander our last chance. Yes, I say last chance. Because the path we are on is not sustainable for another 20+ years.

At this point I believe that it is in the best interest of the nation and the auto industry for GM & Chrysler to go through a pre-packaged bankruptcy, a protected bankruptcy that will let us start fresh with a clean cost effective slate. And what I will add is for this to take the highest of national priority and to make sure it happens right and quickly, so that GM & Chrysler can get back on track and head for better days.

This is the perfect storm for breaking the back of foreign oil dependency and for re-tooling industry over to USA natural gas and electric cars and trucks. The government can play a role in determining a DVEI (dollar value to energy independence.) There are cost factors like national security on dependent energy vs potential independent energy, current greenhouse cost vs more efficient and renewable alternatives. There are other factors as well. Bottom line, there is a dollar value to energy independence and it can be used to assist the nation in a changeover. Even if we are only talking a 5 to 10% change over, that would be the start, and would grow exponentially from there as the cost would also become more affordable.

What I envision is the government working with private industry like trucking companies, UPS, FED-EX, etc.. and companies like BP & Philips to add natural gas to existing stations. Converting existing engine components for tractor trailers and other transport vehicles is where the Auto industry comes in. This and new natural gas engine conversion kits. Re-tooling and building fuel tanks and pumping stations also. Industry would do this as they continue to move forward on advanced electric vehicles. This would also feed a host of different new jobs/demands nationwide.

Tax breaks based on DVEI can be used to leverage and incentivise transport & energy related industry to be a part of the solution and make the switch. In addition the federal government can lead the way by converting government transport vehicles to natural gas and electric.

What we cannot do is to continue to do what we have been doing for the last 20+ years, expecting that we can do it for 20 more. The end of that era is NOW. If it is through the baptism of bankruptcy that will free the US Auto industry to rise again then so be it! Americans are great people and we are intelligent people. We will buy the cars again! They will be better, and we know it. We know when there is sustainable change and we will not allow some false stigmas of bankruptcy to influence us without cause.

If industry turns around and does so in an unprecedented way, as we know they can, then Americans will do their part and step to the plate. Trust me, Americans want to buy American made products. We want to take care of our own, We've had enough. So lets get on with the business of turning our auto industry around and let's seize the opportunity to use it as a vehicle :) to save our nation from the destructive addiction of foreign oil.

Obama’s fight that will determine the future of USA

Torgny V.O.B. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:12:27 EST

Obama is now preparing a fight that will decide the future of USA. He just said in a speech: "The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long... But I don't. I work for the American people."

Obviously he is referring to the powerful network of great corporations. If Obama is attacking the system of the Military-Industrial Complex, lobbyists, banks and others it will be a terrific fight. No president has done this since Kennedy. He wants to limit the power and increase the taxes of a few rich and powerful people. He is determined to create health care, green economy and fighting poverty. And they will surely do all they can to stop Obama by false news in media, as well as threats, lies and bribes to politicians.

“I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight," Obama said, "My message to them is this: So am I."

We have to do all we can to support Obama in this fight. It will be a terrific fight. Obama knows exactly who are behind the disaster and the unfair society. And they know how dangerous Obama is for them.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/02/28/Keeping-Promises/

Real Stimulus

Nevada — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:37:44 EST

Here is some food for thought.

Let’s say we took 200 billion dollars and built 40 nuclear power plants. Say 20 by GE and 20 by Westinghouse. All steel and parts would be required to be manufactured in the United States of America. We would locate them on Government land like the INEL, NTS, ORNL, Hanford and other location that are part of the DOE complex. The power generate by these plants would be sold to the grid to recover the cost of building these plants. This would jump start an industry that we are the best in the world and we could then export the technology to reduce are trade deficit.

Please commit

If need to make smart decision with the money we spend on the recovery plan.

High speed trains

Torgny V.O.B. — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:06:59 EST

High speed trains are now developed in all industrial nations, and USA is falling behind.

During the era of Bush there was a policy of transferring the economic power to great corporations. This transfer of power to great corporations has resulted in that USA today is behind other nations in green high technology. Europe and Japan is dominating in high speed trains, hybrid cars, solar power, and wind power.

High speed trains between big cities would save the environment, and it would save time for people. They would also increase travel and thereby trade. And by increasing the trade between cities it would also increase their economic growth. It would thus save money in the long term. High speed trains are today running at up to 170 miles/h all over the world.

Obama wants to invest in green technology, including high speed trains. Unfortunately GOP today can only think of economy from the perspective of a single company. They want to wait until great corporations show an interest in this. They can't think of economy from a larger perspective, from the viewpoint of the society. They don’t understand that investing in green technology would help the economy in the long term.

The great corporations have showed by evidence that they are not very interested in protecting the environment or developing green high technology. So the development of green technology can (by evidence) only be done through government intervention.

Links to Talk Radio & C-SPAN - stay informed

Voice of Reason — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:51:04 EST

Truly hilarious http://www.stephaniemiller.com/

Where America Comes to Talk http://www.wegoted.com/

Talk for the Rest of US http://www.thomhartmann.com/

tune into the Mic to hear these greats...

C-SPAN Live Stream

LIVE Video

C-SPAN offers gavel to gavel coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives. C-SPAN also offers a variety of public affairs programming including congressional hearings, press briefings from the White House, State Department and Pentagon, campaign and election coverage, and international programming.

http://www.cspan.org/Watch/C-SPAN_wm.aspx

http://www.c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN2_wm.aspx

http://www.cspan.org/Watch/C-SPAN3_wm.aspx

http://www.cspan.org/Listen/C-SPAN-Radio_wm.aspx

It is economic development – not pork

Torgny V.O.B. — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:13:11 EST

The stimulus Bill proposed by Obama is both a short-term and a long-term solution, with the aim of not only first aid emergency, but also in doing something about the cause of problems of the economy. There are still people who think that nothing needs to change really, it is just to continue using the methods that never worked in the past. Many critics call it “pork” when Obama uses long-term solutions such as

- Government buying “green cars.” This helps the economy in short-term by increasing production in car-factories. But it is also a long-term solution in stimulating the development of green technology. And less pollution will make people healthier, people will be able to work more and the costs of society for health care will decrease.

- More broadband. This would help both individuals and companies to have better access to Internet. Inter net is a “must” for starting a company today.

- Family planning. What is the cost of all unwanted pregnancies, where young women end up being a single parent? Would it not save money if this woman could work instead of having to go on welfare in order to take care of her child?

One add to: Media - Friend or Foe? - Arm yourself against lies! (4)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:24:57 EST

Let's use the member of campaign of change to help Obama and get the change.

Cable news and right wing blogs are swarming with the revisionist history on the New Deal. Arm yourself against lies, spin and propaganda by reading info from a number of sources.

Here down a article about this topic. [Media Matters is a progressive media watchdog and fact checking organization which has received accolades from numerous sources (except the right wing media which often gets debunked by Media Matters).]

The link to digg it and for article: Conservatives Cherry-Pick 1930s Unemployment Figures

Conservatives cherry-pick 1930s unemployment figures in continued assault on New Deal

Summary: Columnists Mona Charen and George Will continued a trend among conservative media of responding to comparisons between the current economic situation and that of the 1930s and between Barack Obama and FDR by attacking the New Deal. In separate columns, both Charen and Will cherry-picked unemployment figures to assert that the New Deal did not reduce unemployment. But historians and progressive economists have noted that unemployment fell every year of the New Deal except during the 1937-38 recession; further, Nobel-laureate Paul Krugman has said it was a reversal of New Deal policies, not a continuance of them, that contributed to rising unemployment in 1937 and 1938.

Yes we can! Best wishes, Steffen

http://changeforbetterworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-way-to-say-goodbye-to-neocons-bush.html

Formal Petition to Attorney General-Designate Eric Holder to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any and all government officials who have participated in War Crimes.

Road to Recovery was an excellent meeting

freedom4u_n_me — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:47:27 EST

Last night I hosted an economic stimulus meeting in West Peoria, IL. I received this email from one of the attendees and with his permission, I'd like to share it with you!He did a much better job summarizing than I could..........and he didn't even take notes! I have made comments throughout this blog adding other opinions that were brought up. Not all of us agreed 100% with every detail. But, unlike the Senate, I'm sure we could have come to a compromise quite easily!! LOL Along with the following info that Harry has shared, as high priorities we discussed community service, education funding and continuing to stay involved, letting our voices be heard and holding our elected officials accountable by sending emails, calling them and watching how they vote!Then spreading the word!
Harry, the author of most of this blog, has great ideas, some of which we'll be sharing with you through events on Obama in the Heart, Peoria, IL. I hope each of you will find something of interest that you would like to be a part of! "Hey All,     Your comments/criticisms/recommendations about the economic stimulus spending and tax cuts can be given at the toll free number 1-888-642-4264 or at whitehouse.gov under 'contact us'. (in my words: share your story, how has this affected you, your family and your community)
    14 people attended the house meeting at Gail and Rick Newton's home in West Peoria last night. Some of the recommendations discussed for changing the stimulus bill included:     Increase spending on solar panels and wind turbines to reduce dependency on the dwindling availability of foreign oil. The current plan to double spending on renewable energy is ridiculously small. The current total energy produced by wind and solar is about 3%, doubling it is about 6%. Raising renewables to 75-90% would make the U.S. energy independent, dramatically stimulate the economy with new jobs and the ability to export renewables. There would be proportionate cost savings, energy security, environmental benefits, reduction of greenhouse gases, climate stability, reduction of the likelihood of oil wars, and the improvement of life for future generations. (in my words: This is a great idea and Harry, the author of this blog, knows a lot about this!!)     Increase infrastructure spending and reduce tax cuts. Economist overwhelmingly agree. Currently 58% is allocated for infrastructure and 42% for tax cuts. It is estimated that for every $1 spent on tax cuts, $1.09 is circulated in the economy, for every $1 spent on infrastructure, $1.59 is circulated in the economy. Even a higher rate is circulated with funding for food stamps and extended unemployment benefits, which republicans want to cut. (in my words: This idea is not a unanimous idea. We would agree with more money for infrastructure but not reducing tax cuts because we feel that the tax cuts will help spur the economy from the bottom up!)     Reduce attempts to be bipartisan at the expense of making irrational, ineffective policy choices to appease entrenched republicans, who are still trying to promote 'trickle down economics' with more tax breaks for the corporations and the wealthy (in 2008 the wealthiest 5% became 7% wealthier while 75% of everyone else lost 7%)." (in my words: some of us disagree with the idea of being too bipartisan, mainly because we trust President Obama's judgement. The worry here, is that this will divide the team and cause needless delays.)
    Financial regulation, transparency, and accountability, which includes imprisonment and heavy fines for unethical misuse or fraudulent use of taxpayer bail out money for financial institutions or corporations." (in my words: most of us are not for imprisonment, but we would like to see more regulation and penalties in the way of reimbursing the government for the ghastly way that some of the corporations have spent their government assistance)     Retroactive financial accountability with fines, imprisonment, and repayment for those who have blatantly misused the first $350 billion in tax payer bail out money that was given to financial institutions and corporations before Obama took office. (in my words again:imprisonmnet is not something we take lightly, as a group, and we don't think that we need more laws and our constitution wouldn't allow this!) Harry" I look forward to being in touch with many of you in the next 4 years.We can make a difference
We can bring change to our communities, our government, our country Thank you all!
Gail/freedom4u_n_meObama in the Heart (please join if you haven't already) http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ObamaintheHeartPeoriaIL

Yes We Cannabis

Angela W. & Terry K. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:19:40 EST

Public resources are recklessly wasted in the enforcement of "marihuana" laws. Human potential is squandered as innocent consumers of an herb are marginalized, demonized, criminalized and discriminated against. The fascist that support enforcement of this prohibition are the beneficiaries of the petro-chemi-pharma-military-industrial-complex; a toxic paradigm of corporate greed that is enriched from our taxed labor. The ruling elitist, the corporate barons that feared hemp’s emerging agrarian potential to the proletariat manifested a propaganda program to preserve their violent unnatural economic control of the planets available resources. The economic threat hemp posed to these industries spawned a propaganda campaign to outlaw the "evil weed”. The prohibitionists played upon racism, and ignorance to fan the flames of the public's fear of cannabis. If you are not convinced that profiters are behind the prohibition of hemp/cannabis check out Jack Herer's book “ The Emperor Wears No Clothes". Now is the time to reverse government policy on the hemp/cannabis issue and allow the free market to determine the worth of this crop, this plant has an ancient history of benefiting mankind. The potential of organiclly grown cannabis to provide fiber, food, fuel and medicine to the masses far out weighs all other arguments. President Obama I urge you to be bold, be fearless and be true to those who supported you. Reverse federal cannabis laws, release and pardon non-violent victims of the war on drugs. One Love.

Solar, Wind, Renewable Lease Financing, Green Careers, Jobs

Al Boek — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:00:55 EST

My way to say GOODBYE to neocons, Bush and Cheney! ( 4)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:28:35 EST

You can Digg it: My_way to say GOODBYE to neocons, Bush and Cheney!

A picture from me to say goodbye from most bad president of US and all neocons.
We can only hope many people will long enough remember. Bush had a lot bad gifts for the change! Let's take care the poor and normal people will not have to pay now too much after the rich made profit in good time!
And what's with impeachment now?! What's with hidden knowledge of Sept. 11 2001?
[ Maybe an explanation of picture: it's made like an "egg laying wool milk sow" a metaphorical-idiomatic term in Germany]

Yeah, and here you can see something new about neocons were bringing to us - for me to say: don't forgive Bush and neocons and there is still a lot to work of. We will and can do this too - Yes we can!
I got now message too like "If anybody can clean up the mess bush left, it's President Obama." - Yes and Obama likes people helping still to do the work - help him! We were a big and strong movement and so people got knowledge back how strong people can be together!
Whistleblower: Bush's NSA spied on EVERYONE
(already 4255 Diggs) The NSA had access to ALL YOUR COMMUNICATIONS, regardless of who you were or whether or not you were communicating internationally.

the Obama-Biden Transition Team released a video

David Crawford -Manager — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:55:15 EST

the Obama-Biden Transition Team released a video in which President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Christina Romer, discusses The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, a report released on Saturday by the Obama-Biden Transition Team. Dr. Romer's video can be viewed here: http://change.gov/JobImpactReport. The full report can be read HERE. President-elect Obama directed Dr. Romer and the Vice President-elect’s Chief Economic Adviser, Dr. Jared Bernstein, to conduct the report so that the American people can see what an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will mean for their families, their communities, and our economy. In this week's Democratic Radio Address, President-elect Obama discussed the report. The radio address can be viewed at www.change.gov.

President-elect Barack Obama will make an announcement tomorrow at the Presidential Transition office in Washington, D.C. The space is limited on site. We will do our best to accommodate all outlets requesting credentials, but cannot make any guarantees.

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:21:31 EST

President-elect Barack Obama will make an announcement tomorrow at the Presidential Transition office in Washington, D.C. The space is limited on site. We will do our best to accommodate all outlets requesting credentials, but cannot make any guarantees. Media who will not have a space in the press conference area will be contacted in advance. Due to security and space limitations the sign up for the press conference is currently closed. Logistical information is included below.

Washington, DC

For planning purposes only, not for publication.

Presidential Transition Office

451 6th Street, NW

Washington, DC

Media Pre-Set: Media must drop any equipment at the north loading dock on 6th street between 8:45-9:15am ET.

Media Access begins: 8:45am ET (FINAL media access is 9:45am at the north loading dock)

Event begins: 10:30am ET

Throw: 40 ft

Workspace and wireless internet is available on site.

President-Elect Obama Names Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance Officer

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:37:46 EST

President-Elect Obama Names Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance OfficerKillefer also nominated as Deputy Director for Management at OMB WASHINGTON – Today, President-elect Barack Obama named Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance Officer. Obama also announced that he intends to nominate Killefer as Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). President-elect Obama said, “Meeting the challenges of rebuilding our economy and bringing a new sense of responsibility to Washington isn’t just about rearranging numbers on a balance sheet – it’s about renewing people’s trust in their leadership. Because in order to restore confidence in our economy, we must restore the American people’s confidence in their government – that it’s on their side, spending their money wisely, to meet their families’ needs. I am confident that with Nancy’s leadership, and the efforts of leaders on both sides of the aisle, we will do just that.” The announcement made today is below: Nancy Killefer, Chief Performance Officer; Nominee for Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)Killefer is currently a Senior Director in McKinsey & Company's Washington, D.C. office, where she is the leader of McKinsey's Public Sector Practice. Killefer served as Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer at the United States Department of the Treasury from 1997 to 2000. In addition to overall management responsibilities for the Treasury's fourteen bureaus and 160,000 staff members, she led a major modernization at the Internal Revenue Service and reshaped Treasury management processes. After returning to McKinsey in 2000, she joined the IRS Oversight Board, a public-private entity akin to a corporate board that oversees its IRS. She served there from 2000 to 2005 and was its Chairperson from 2002 to 2004. Killefer currently sits on the boards of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Partnership for Public Service, and Vital Voices, a non-governmental organization that empowers female leaders and entrepreneurs around the world. Prior to joining McKinsey, Killefer worked as an associate at Charles River Associates, a microeconomics consulting firm. She holds an honors degree in economics from Vassar College and an M.B.A. from the Sloan School of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ###FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President-elect Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will hold a press conference

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:25:59 EST

President-elect Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Space is limited. If you are interested in covering the press conference please contact the press office at the Democratic National Committee. Washington, DCMAJOR SPEECH ON THE ECONOMYThe Center for the ArtsGeorge Mason University4400 University Dr.Fairfax, VA 22030(Physically at Mason Pond Dr. Access Campus via Braddock Road) Media Pre-Set: 6:30-7:30am (Media will not have access to their equipment between 7:30-9:30am)Media Access: 9:30amProgram Begins: 11amPress Entrance: SE Entrance of Building Throw: 55 FeetWorkspace and Wireless Internet Available, Air Cards Recommended. Media Truck Parking: North Curb Lane of Mason Pond DriveCable Run: Up to 400 feetGeneral Media Parking Available at Mason Pond Parking Deck or Lot A

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:59:05 EST

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of Commerce.Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office. It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this critical time. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to our country and in my administration.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON

For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call.I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.

It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time.I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months.

Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done.

So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future.I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country.

President-Elect Barack Obama

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:40:34 EST

President-Elect Barack ObamaWeekly AddressJanuary 3, 2008 As the holiday season comes to end, we are thankful for family and friends and all the blessings that make life worth living. But as we mark the beginning of a new year, we also know that America faces great and growing challenges – challenges that threaten our nation’s economy and our dreams for the future. Nearly two million Americans have lost their jobs this past year – and millions more are working harder in jobs that pay less and come with fewer benefits. For too many families, this new year brings new unease and uncertainty as bills pile up, debts continue to mount and parents worry that their children won’t have the same opportunities they had. However we got here, the problems we face today are not Democratic problems or Republican problems. The dreams of putting a child through college, or staying in your home, or retiring with dignity and security know no boundaries of party or ideology. These are America’s problems, and we must come together as Americans to meet them with the urgency this moment demands. Economists from across the political spectrum agree that if we don’t act swiftly and boldly, we could see a much deeper economic downturn that could lead to double digit unemployment and the American Dream slipping further and further out of reach. That’s why we need an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that not only creates jobs in the short-term but spurs economic growth and competitiveness in the long-term. And this plan must be designed in a new way – we can’t just fall into the old Washington habit of throwing money at the problem. We must make strategic investments that will serve as a down payment on our long-term economic future. We must demand vigorous oversight and strict accountability for achieving results. And we must restore fiscal responsibility and make the tough choices so that as the economy recovers, the deficit starts to come down. That is how we will achieve the number one goal of my plan – which is to create three million new jobs, more than eighty percent of them in the private sector. To put people back to work today and reduce our dependence on foreign oil tomorrow, we will double renewable energy production and renovate public buildings to make them more energy efficient. To build a 21st century economy, we must engage contractors across the nation to create jobs rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, and schools. To save not only jobs, but money and lives, we will update and computerize our health care system to cut red tape, prevent medical mistakes, and help reduce health care costs by billions of dollars each year. To make America, and our children, a success in this new global economy, we will build 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries. And to put more money into the pockets of hardworking families, we will provide direct tax relief to 95 percent of American workers. I look forward to meeting next week in Washington with leaders from both parties to discuss this plan. I am optimistic that if we come together to seek solutions that advance not the interests of any party, or the agenda of any one group, but the aspirations of all Americans, then we will meet the challenges of our time just as previous generations have met the challenges of theirs. There is no reason we can’t do this. We are a people of boundless industry and ingenuity. We are innovators and entrepreneurs and have the most dedicated and productive workers in the world. And we have always triumphed in moments of trial by drawing on that great American spirit – that perseverance, determination and unyielding commitment to opportunity on which our nation was founded. In this new year, let us resolve to do so once more. Thank you. ###

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama

David Crawford -Manager — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:40:34 EST

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama - David Crawford

"Filling Ken Salazar's boots in the US Senate is a tall order. But in selecting Michael Bennet, Governor Ritter has made an excellent choice.

"Michael Bennet perfectly reflects the qualities of the ruggedly independent state he has been chosen to serve. An innovator in the public and private sectors, he has shown himself willing to challenge old thinking and stale policies.

"His breakthrough work at the helm of Denver's schools has reflected that commitment, and established Michael as one of the nation's leading education reformers.

"He will be a breath of fresh air in Washington," said President-elect Obama.

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN:

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:41:44 EST

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Pell family as they mourn the loss of one of our country's greatest public servants. Claiborne Pell was a man of extraordinary integrity, grace and decency. Chairman Pell was a mentor to me and one of our nation's most important voices in foreign policy for over 30 years. He was a leader in the effort to reduce the size of the world's nuclear arsenal and to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Few Senators have done more to expand opportunity in America. Because of Senator Pell and the Pell Grant, the doors of college have been opened to millions of Americans -- and will continue to be opened to millions more. That is a legacy that will live on for generations to come."

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama:

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:31:35 EST

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama:

"Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Governor Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it. I believe the best resolution would be for the Governor to resign his office and allow a lawful and appropriate process of succession to take place. While Governor Blagojevich is entitled to his day in court, the people of Illinois are entitled to a functioning government and major decisions free of taint and controversy,"

President-elect Obama.

Clean Coal Technology???

Althea — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:05:27 EST

As many of you know already, there was a coal ash spill in the TVA area of Tennessee...the New York Times featured the story on 12/25/08. Read more here...http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/us/25sludge.html?th&emc=th.

Hope can change the world but action will set us free..Anon.

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama - As prepared for delivery

David Crawford -Manager — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:12:18 EST

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama - As prepared for delivery

Good afternoon.

Before we begin, I’d like to say a few words about the necessary step taken today to help avoid a collapse in our auto industry that would have devastating consequences for our economy and our workers. With the short-term assistance provided by this package, the auto companies must bring all their stakeholders together – including labor, dealers, creditors and suppliers – to make the hard choices necessary to achieve long-term viability. The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely necessary to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it, while also creating the fuel-efficient cars of the future. Whenever I have been asked how I measure the strength of the American economy, my answer is simple: jobs and wages. I know we will be headed in the right direction again when we are creating jobs, instead of losing them, and when Americans are gaining ground in terms of their incomes, instead of treading water or falling behind. In recent weeks, I’ve announced members of my economic team who will help us make progress in these areas.

Today, I’m announcing several other appointees who will play an integral role in our efforts to turn our economy around: Congresswoman Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor; former Congressman Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation; Karen Mills as Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and Mayor Ron Kirk as United States Trade Representative. Together with the appointees I’ve already announced, these leaders will help craft a 21st Century Economic Recovery Plan, with the goal of creating two and a half million new jobs and strengthening our economy for the future.

If jobs and incomes are our yardsticks, then the success of the American worker is key to the success of the American economy. For the past eight years, the Department of Labor has not lived up to its role either as an advocate for hardworking families or as an arbiter of fairness in relations between labor and management. That will change when Hilda Solis is Secretary of Labor. Under her leadership, I am confident that the Department of Labor will once again stand up for working families.

Hilda has always been an advocate for everyday people. When she received an award several years ago, she said, “Fighting for what is just is not always popular, but it is necessary.” And that is exactly what she has done throughout her career, blazing new trails every step of the way. Whether it’s creating green jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced or expanding access to affordable health care or raising the minimum wage in California, Hilda has been a champion of our middle class. And I know that Hilda will show the same kind of leadership as Secretary of Labor that she showed in California and on the Education and Labor Committee by protecting workers’ rights – from organizing to collective bargaining, from keeping our workplaces safe to making our unions strong. Standing up for our workers means putting them back to work and fueling economic growth. Our economy boomed in the 20th Century when President Eisenhower remade the American landscape by building the interstate highway system. Now we need to remake our transportation system for the 21st Century. Doing so will not only help us meet our energy challenge by building more efficient cars, buses, and subways or make Americans safer by rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges – it will create millions of new jobs in the process. Few understand our infrastructure challenge better than the outstanding public servant I am asking to lead the Department of Transportation – Ray LaHood. As a Congressman from Illinois, Ray served six years on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, leading efforts to modernize our aviation system by renewing our aging airports and ensuring that air traffic controllers were using cutting edge technology. Throughout his career, Ray has fought to improve mass transit and invest in our highways. But he has not only helped rebuild our landscape, he has helped beautify it by creating opportunities for bikers and runners to enjoy our great outdoors. When I began this appointment process, I said I was committed to finding the best person for the job, regardless of party. Ray’s appointment reflects that bipartisan spirit – a spirit we need to reclaim in this country to make progress for the American people. To strengthen our economy, we must also strengthen the small businesses that are its backbone. I can think of no one better to lead this effort as Administrator of the Small Business Administration than Karen Mills. With Karen at the helm, America’s small businesses will have a partner in Washington, helping them create jobs and spur growth in communities across this country. A venture capitalist who invests in small businesses, Karen understands the challenges faced by both small business owners and the workers they employ. With a background in the private sector and experience helping Maine’s governor promote growth across the state, I am confident that Karen will lead an SBA that will not only help small business owners realize their dreams, but help our nation rebuild our economy. We also know that the success of American businesses, small and large, depends on their ability to sell their products across the globe. That is why we must engage in strong, robust trade and open doors for American products. In our global economy, we must compete and win if we are going to strengthen our middle class and forge bonds with other nations that can contribute to peace and stability around the world. But I also believe that any trade agreement we sign must be written not just with the interests of big corporations in mind, but with the interests of our whole nation and our workers at heart. Ron Kirk understands this better than just about anyone. As Mayor of Dallas, Ron helped steer one of the world’s largest economies. He has seen the promise of trade, but also its pitfalls. And he knows there is nothing inconsistent about standing up for free trade and standing up for American workers. During his tenure as Mayor, Ron brought different groups together to create jobs, invest in the community, and spur economic growth. As a leader, negotiator, and principled proponent of trade, Ron will help make sure that any agreements I sign as President protect the rights of all workers, promote the interests of all Americans, and preserve the planet we all share. With these outstanding appointees, I have filled out our economic team, and done so at an earlier point than any President in history, because we face challenges unlike any we have faced in generations. Daunting as the challenges we are inheriting may be, I’m convinced that our team and the American people are prepared to meet them. It will take longer than any of us would like – years, and not months. It will get worse before it gets better. But it will get better – if we’re willing to act boldly and swiftly. And that is what we will do when I am President of the United States. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President-Elect Barack Obama Holiday Radio Address.

David Crawford -Manager — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:08:56 EST

President-Elect Barack Obama Holiday Radio Address.

Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season. As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries. Many troops are serving their second, third, or even fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard – they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers. This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child’s face as they open a gift back home. Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come. . These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don’t have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain. That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country. That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day. After all, that’s what Americans have always done. 232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his Army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire. It was Christmas Day – December 25th, 1776 – that they fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to the beleaguered Army and new hope to the cause of Independence. Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season – the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible. Thank you, and have a wonderful New Year. Obama,.,.

Obama Transition to Host Conference Call

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:46:40 EST

Obama Transition to Host Conference Call Washington DC – Today the Obama Transition Team will host a conference call to discuss the release of a review of Obama Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office WHAT: Press Conference Call WHO: Greg Craig and Robert Gibbs WHEN: Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 4:30 PM EST Call In Number: 888-566-5913 Participant Passcode: 1129466 ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Contact: Obama Transition Office 202-540-3483

President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden Announce Key Members of National Security Team

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:38:37 EST

President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden Announce Key Members of National Security Team CHICAGO – Today, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of key members of their national security team, including James B. Steinberg for Deputy Secretary of State, and Jacob Lew for Deputy Secretary of State, and the appointment of Thomas E. Donilon as Deputy National Security Advisor and Antony “Tony” Blinken as National Security Advisor to the Vice President. President-elect Obama said, “The team that we have assembled is uniquely suited to meet the great global challenges facing us today. They join a strong team of leading experts and accomplished managers and I look forward to working with them in the years ahead.” Vice President-elect Biden said “Tony Blinken has been my most trusted advisor on the most important issues we've faced in the areas of national security and international affairs over the past six years. His broad experience in foreign policy and his sound judgment will be invaluable to me and to the President-elect in addressing the challenges ahead.” The following White House announcements were made today: James B. Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of StateJames B. Steinberg became dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs on January 1, 2006. Before joining the School, he was the vice president and director of Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. (2001-2005), where he supervised a wide-ranging research program on U.S. foreign policy. From December 1996 to August 2000, he served as deputy national security advisor to President Bill Clinton. During that period he also served as the president's personal representative ("Sherpa") to the 1998 and 1999 G-8 summits. Prior to becoming deputy national security advisor, he served as chief of staff of the U.S. State Department and director of the State Department's policy planning staff (1994-1996), and as deputy assistant secretary for analysis in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (1993-1994). Steinberg is a member of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' Science and Security Board, the President's Council on International Activities of Yale University, the board of directors of the Pacific Council on International Policy, the senior advisory council of The American Assembly's Next Generation Project, the board of advisors of the Center for a New American Security, the board of advisors of The Yale Journal of International Law, and the editorial board of The Washington Quarterly. He also is a member of the D.C. Bar. Steinberg is the author of and contributor to many books and articles on foreign policy and national security topics, including Difficult Transitions: Foreign Policy Troubles at the Outset of Power, Protecting the Homeland 2006/2007 and An Ever Closer Union: European Integration and Its Implications for the Future of U.S.-European Relations. Steinberg received his B.A. from Harvard in 1973 and J.D. from Yale Law School in 1978. Steinberg is married to Ms. Sherburne B. Abbott, director of the Center for Science and Practice of Sustainability at the University of Texas at Austin. They have two daughters, Jenna and Emma. Jacob Lew, Deputy Secretary of StateJacob J. "Jack" Lew is a Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Citi Alternative Investments, where he is responsible for operations, technology, human resources, legal, finance and regional coordination. Previously, Mr. Lew was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New York University, where he was responsible for budget, finance, and operations (including capital projects and human resources). Prior to joining NYU, Mr. Lew served in President Clinton's cabinet as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and led the Administration budget team, from the preparation of the President's budget through final negotiations with Congress. He was also a member of the National Security Council. From 1979 to 1987, he was a Senior Policy Advisor to House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Mr. Lew serves on the Corporation for National and Community Service Board and chairs its Management, Administration, and Governance Committee. He co-chairs the Advisory Board for City Year New York and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Brookings Institution Hamilton Project Advisory Board, and the National Academy of Social Insurance. He is a member of the bar in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. Thomas E. Donilon, Deputy National Security AdvisorThomas E. Donilon is a Partner at the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers and serves on the firm’s global governing committee. Most recently Mr. Donilon co-chaired the Obama-Biden State Department Agency Review Team and the Obama-Biden general election debate preparation effort. Mr. Donilon served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Chief of Staff at the U.S. State Department during the Clinton Administration. In these capacities, he oversaw the development and implementation of the Department’s major policy initiatives. He was deeply involved in a range of policy issues, including the Bosnia and Middle East peace negotiations, the expansion of NATO, and US-China relations. He was awarded the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award -- the Department’s highest award -- in November 1996. Mr. Donilon is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, where he has served on Task Forces on State Department Reorganization and Transatlantic Relations, the Brookings Institution Board of Trustees, where he co-chaired the Institution’s 2008 policy development effort, the Miller Center of Public Affairs Governing Council, the Aspen Strategy Group, the National Security Advisory Group to the Congressional Leadership, and the Trilateral Commission. Mr. Donilon received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the Catholic University of America and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. Antony “Tony” Blinken, National Security Advisor to the Vice PresidentAntony “Tony” Blinken was appointed Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in April 2002. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Blinken served on the National Security Council staff at The White House. He was Senior Director for European Affairs (1999-2001) and Senior Director for Strategic Planning and NSC Senior Director for Speechwriting (1994-1998). He also served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (1993 – 1994), and was a lawyer in New York and Paris. Mr. Blinken was a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (2001 to 2002) and a Senior Foreign Policy adviser to the Obama-Biden presidential campaign. He has been a reporter for The New Republic magazine and has written about foreign policy for numerous publications, including The New York Times and Foreign Affairs Magazine. He is the author Ally Verses Ally: America, Europe and the Siberian Pipeline Crisis (1987). Mr. Blinken is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School. ###

Today the Obama Transition Team released the review of Obama Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office. The report is attached and is also available online at http://www.change.gov/20081223report

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:57:29 EST

Today the Obama Transition Team released the review of Obama Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office. The report is attached and is also available online at http://www.change.gov/20081223report

Read this book!

Althea — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:24:59 EST

I have just finished reading a book...Obamanomics by John R Talbott. It is an excellent explanation of the current economic mess and what Obama will do if he can when he is President. I hope that some of you will read it and record your thoughts about the book.

On the Stimulus: Show me an Investment Plan

Jawad — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:51:57 EST

When the Detroit big three came to Washington asking for a loan to rescue their companies from pending bankruptcy, the Congress was steadfast on demanding a business plan. And they were right to do so.

MEET THE PRESS/CHURCH with David Gregory

CJM — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:16:37 EST

At church this morning (Meet the Press). Yes I call it church, because it is where I go on Sunday morning to get informed. David Gregory did an outstanding job, Russert is smiling down on you :) So what did I get out of it?

I think that what was impressive was the level of consensus on much of what America is dealing with and what we must do to take advantage of this opportunity. In the second segment I find it refreshing to see people around a table with fundamentally different core beliefs wrangle politely and ad value to the conversation. I certainly hope that President elect Obama and Vice President elect Biden were at church/meet the Press this morning.

Who am I? I am middle class America. I went to buy my groceries at Walmart this morning, keeping an eye on my time so that I would not be late for church/Meet the Press. I got home and put the groceries away and made coffee, a Jimmie Dean breakfast bowl, toast and an orange juice with less than a minute for the beginning of church!

The first part of the show on Chicago politics is something that we Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired of. Over and over all you hear is how someone is trying to screw or shakedown someone else about something or another. It is a cultural flaw that we need to eradicate, we are the United States of America not Mogadishu. But that will take lots of work and time.

So what did I get out of Meet the Press this morning with David Gregory? He was on message and in control. Great facilitating, he helped America today! His guest in the second round brought much to the American Sunday morning table.

Gov. Granholm was right in the fact that we need to keep an auto industry in America and she also pointed to the ties of cost to our failed health care policy. What I think is important here is that when we are comparing data and statistics in the US Auto industry to the Foreign Auto industry, we are comparing apples with apples and not apples with pineapples. She also thanked Bush for looking forward to helping the auto industry, but then when asked about Obama she praised Obama and slammed Bush for not being there for the last eight years. While that might have been true, I found it to be not in the spirit of "fixing it" and tainting the very praise to the president elect. Bridling the tongue is an art, one that I too have yet to master!

Gov Romney Also agreed and echoed America in saying that we do not want to be without an American Auto industry, but his approach is closer to what most of us believe. We have to KNOW, not believe, (there is a difference), that the money we provide as tax payers are solving the problems. That being said we need guarantees that the needed change WILL happen. He also pointed out that the President, BUSH you are still the president! And the current congress need to DO, not talk but DO. As they say on SNL "FITS IT" "JUST FITS IT" DO RIGHT NOW!!! What part of that phrase do they not under stand??? Is it the DO or the RIGHT NOW?

Eric Schmidt's comments work well with the others, He brings us back home to remind us that "YES WE CAN" and he tells us how and what. We need to do in Washington, what I did in Walmart this morning. Look for the two-fer. We need to start creating solutions that solve multiple problems at one time. Energy independence, Auto industry, Infrastructure, technology, healthcare, etc He is right the sky is the limits, but we have to DO IT.

Carly Fiorina's comments today also ad value as I am employed by one of those small businesses she speaks of. But what she really cracked the whip on was the banks that are not lending our money that we gave them to lend. Why aren't they lending to the auto industry? It is amazing, I guess we really are in this together, not surprising to our astronaut friends as they pear down at the blue an brown molten mud ball we call Earth.

Lee Scott (Walmart CEO) had some interesting thoughts. He reminds us that now is not a time to do what was discussed in the first segment of the show (self Interest ahead of National interest) but to come to the barn raising with your work boots on and ready to break a sweat! He knows where he came from and refuses to forget. That alone serves America. It is when we are self indulgent and forget the struggles that gave us health & wealth that we drive off into the ditch. America we have driven off into the ditch, and while you may not have been driving this bus you are on this bus and it will take everyone getting off of this bus to help and get it out of the ditch. We can change the driver, and we have! But this is the only bus we have! BUS, Hmmmmm, B.U.S. Beautiful United States!

So, that is what I got out of church/Meet the Press today!

The Next Step in staying involved...

Althea — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:09:23 EST

As we all know...now that Barack Obama has been elected...we must remain involved. Here is a link to another commentary by Jim Hightower http://jimhightower.com//node/6662.

Also, Hightower included two websites to book mark and read...

http://www.change.gov - Obama's Transition Website

http://www.techpresident.com - "What's Next for My.BarackObama.com?"

Hope can change the world but action will set us free..Anon.

Answer to Bail-Out/More Crack Request: NO, NO, NO!

CJM — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:45:37 EST

Answer to Bail out request: NO

Why: Do not trust and believe they can fix it, (history.) They will not change ENOUGH.

Alternative Solution: Pre-Packaged Bankruptcy with Government help (guarantee) after and during the Bankruptcy restructuring.

Argument: People will not buy a car from a company that goes into bankruptcy.

Rebuttal: People are not buying the cars right now and People will still not trust them after a bail-out/crack fix. On the contrary, People will trust more that the big 3 will still be around after the prescribed bankruptcy that has government guarantees for a a few years, sorta like the banks with FDIC but not permanantly. And people will also know that the change is real and to the core and not just another fix on crack.

DO NOT GIVE MY TAX DOLLARS IN A BAIL OUT PRE BANKRUPTCY To BIG 3.

Energy Efficiency is a Growth Industry in America's Recession!

CJM — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:05:12 EST

Energy Efficiency is a Growth Industry in a Slow Economy

This story/link above is way cool, there are so many opportunities to reduce energy use and it's cost! I know that companies all over the US have been going "LEAN" and reducing unnecessary steps in their processes with initiatives like Six Sigma & Lean manufacturing (process improvement cultures.) In turn reducing manufacturing cost and Inventory cost and even finding markets for manufacturing by-products/waste.

I wonder how many of them even have a clue as to what they are loosing dollar wise in unnecessary energy consumption and a lack of a coherent energy management strategy? This is the sort of thing that can and should be done NOW by Americans everywhere, and does not need our President Elect or Congress to pass anything. It's about the American people taking charge and doing what is smart and saves/makes money!

What is fun to do with actual savings from something like this is to figure out how much your business has to do in sales dollars to produce the equivalent in net profit! So let's say you save $1,000.00 a year by implementing energy efficiency and let's say you sell widgets for $10.00 each and at the end of all your bills your company net profit is 10%. Your energy savings dollars are like selling an extra 1000 of your widgets minus the entire process & time, although you will have some process and time in the initial implementation. But then the next year/s you don't! Unless you improve even greater!

More on the local food movement...

Althea — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:19:20 EST

Jim Hightower writes a column for Creators Syndicate once a week. Here is a link to the latest column. http://www.creators.com/opinion/jim-hightower/giving-thanks-to-america-s-good-food-movement.html

Also, check out Creators Syndicate at http://www.creators.com.

-Lee

Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little better than the one we inhabit today.
-President-elect Barack Obama

Issue: Food....

Althea — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:25:17 EST

I was watching Bill Moyer's Journal last night and his featured guest(whose name I can't recall...) was discussing the sources of our food. It is an important issue and touches on everything else which is so important...health, energy use, global warming, the economy, national security...in essence, everything is really interconnected. Barack seems to be leaning toward a man who is in the pocket of Agribusiness. This is not good and a bit disturbing. Check out Bill Moyer's Journal at pbs.org.

Tell me they can't change, they have no choice!

CJM — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:03:01 EST

The answer to the Big 3 Bail Out!

Pre-Packaged Bank-O is the answer for Auto

CJM — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:54:11 EST

I don't completely buy the notion that if GM goes into Bank-O that they will not be able to sell cars. First off what are they comparing this notion/scare tactic to. Are people going to be likely to buy their cars if we throw bail out money to them? I would not. If you have a friend on crack and he wants help do you give him more money and ask him to promise not to buy crack or do you drive him down to the rehab/Bank-O? After which scenario would you be more likely to trust him with your life, after he completes rehab or while he is trying to fight an addiction that is bigger than him by his own means and your money.

At this point I like most Americans believe that the answer is a "Pre-Packaged Bankruptcy Plan" that will kick out those that are not part of the solution but rather the problem and really protect the auto workers with a sustained conversion in US manufacturing.

At the same time I think that the American people need to remember the opinions and stances of our elected officials concerning this matter, because it will be our responsibility to determine if they are competent enough to retain their status as their terms end and new elections come about in the years to come.

A Plan for the US Auto Ind.

CJM — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:49:37 EST

I put together some ideas for a plan to revitilize the 3 million jobs that will be lost when the big 3 bite the dust. While my plan may not be the end all, it might provide some ideas to move forward in a productive way. What the CEO's need to read is the very book they push down the ladder "Who moved my cheese." In the book it clearly points out that sometimes you just have to change, and change to new and strange ventures, strange because they are not familliar, but serve the need and maybe even better than the previous!

Now, I have a plan.

The big three go into Bank-O with the Gov right there over the process, ready to implement the program below:

1. A restructuring that immediately starts conversion to Natural Gas for heavy equip. City Buses, trucks, Big rigs and UPS trucks.

2. They also develop the pumping stations and conversions for existing vehicles

3. advance the design and build of High efficiency Hybrids, Hydrogen and full electric cars

4. Give tax credits to people and companies that convert to natural gas, i.e. UPS, Roadway, City Buses, Gas Stations, and all those that convert.

5. Where does the money come from? Determine the national security value of what it is worth to America in converting to Natural Gas via the percentage of change over and instead of just giving the money to the Car companies, use some of these moneys/tax credits to expedite the change in those that participate and complete the cycle.

6. Conduct the changes to the sectors that will allow for the quickest implementation, i.e. like trucking companies and truck stops, UPS, Municipalities.

NO AUTO BAIL OUT WITHOUT...

CJM — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:52:31 EST

I do not support the bail-out of the big 3 in the current form. There has to be a what I call a "Come to Jesus Meeting." Meaning the root causes MUST be dealt with and solved in any bail-out that involves my money.

What I expect is: 1. The Union must get to the basics. The basics means getting down to the bare bones on benefits and labor cost that are comparable to Non-Union American plants.

2. The management must have a "Manhattanized" restructuring/retooling to make electric, natural gas, hydrogen, and hybrid cars and their support systems, i.e. fuel pumping and recharging systems, with a signed commitment/law to push extremely hard away from building gasoline run cars by 5 years. Yes 5 years, NO B.S.

We Need a real plan before we give them any tax payer money. We need to tell them to produce a serious turnaround plan that drives us to energy independence or they can go into Bank-O and we will work with the Japanese and others on investing more in the US to fill the Vacuum by building the cars, trucks and equipment that we will need to become energy independent.

Toyota is the business model for the auto industry, in the US & abroad. The Big 3 and unions refuse to adapt to "the lean/sigma culture" completley Yes, they have implemented the lean philosophy at work, but they don't buy it, they do it because they have to. They don't believe in it like the Japanese do, and that is why they have failed and are failing, that and the weight the unions have placed around their neck concerning pay & benefits. And unless they are willing to make the complete turn around (Complete Restructuring Baptism) then they can go to the "Bank-O Baptism" and not waste my tax payer money that we do not have.

grassroots ball 2009, Help Make it Happen

Mary R. Il. — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:59:37 EST

Hello MYBO People,

The very first Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- originating right here in MYBO -- has a challenge for 40 people in our network of campaign volunteers.

We are trying to secure a venue in Washington that is convenient, on the Metro with space for more than 1000 people, and we are trying to do this for what is regarded as the inauguration that will be the most widely attended in our nation's history. Everybody wants to be there to witness this historic event and celebrate, and maybe nobody more so than those of us here on the MYBO listservs. Obama's Internet Army soldiers.

It's really, really hard to get space in Washington right now, and MYBO has done it. Almost.

So, The Challenge.

We are on the verge of signing a contract for a venue, and to do it we need 40 people to kick in $1,000 so that we can be ready with our check for the down payment before someone else beats us to it.

Your underwriting of the down payment not only assures us the space to hold our very own Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, it will cover $40,000 of our total budget. Think of yourselves as part of Barack's tax plan. That top 5% that will help to reduce ticket prices and make our ball more affordable for everyone--most especially for the 95% of MYBO who need a break after all the donating to the campaign!

What else will you get? You will receive:

assurance of the purchase of two tickets -- yes, the guarantee that there will be two tickets reserved for you to purchase and use or give away -- to what is shaping up to be the most sought-after party in Washington for our candidate's installation in the office of The President of The United States of America [we can all shout for joy right here, right now before going on],
mention on our website and advertising or publicity space in an eventual program,
a very special sponsor gift, and
a once in a lifetime chance to show Washington what MYBO is and what it means to American politics.

The Electronic Republic is here, and it works. You betcha'!

What else, you ask?

The undying thanks and devotion of everyone who wants this ball to happen. You can also choose one of our sponsor gifts, once we figure out what they will be.

We need this as quickly as possible. Don't think it over. Reply right away to Russell Miller, our treasurer, at Russell@grassrootsballdc2009.com, and we go to contract to have a ball!

You don't have $1,000? That's okay.

If you have $500 to help us underwrite the ball, we can guarantee you:

1 ticket to purchase,
mention on our website and in an eventual program,
and a sponsor gift.

And If you don't have five hundred dollars to get the ball rolling, don't worry. We'll be rolling out other sponsor levels, and tickets will be available shortly at a range of prices that make sense for every working American. (We revere the Constitution, but we're breaking the law of supply and demand.)

This ball is going to be for EVERYONE—or at least as many as the fire codes allow.

Thank you!

Jacqueline Ashton de Floris, Mary Ritter, Russell Miller

Members, Organizing Committee

PS: Money Where Our Mouth Is Department—All three of us are already in as sponsors. It's lonely out here, but we know it won't be for long. Join us!

PPS for shy folks: You can be anonymous sponsors if you like!

PPS: Sorry, your sponsorship is not tax-deductible

Inviting Participation in Change

akmk — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:55:33 EST

Barack Obama, our President-elect is inviting your participation in change with your ideas through his new website:

http://change.gov

Congratulations to Barack

John A. Short — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:46:59 EST

Congratulations to Barack Obama who has written a new chapter for race relations in our country

and has set an example for other countries to follow. Barack has shown all Americans that

you don't have to allow others to tell you that "you can't be a CEO, the President, an astronaut

or whatever" because Barack just proved that anyone can do anything.

We did it!

Althea — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:20:52 EST

We did it!

Barack stepped up and asked for our help and we answered the call. I am so happy that this campaign has succeeded …this movement, as Bill Schneider of CNN put it. This movement has opened up a dialogue among people who held similar views and concerns who were not speaking to each other. We united and spoke not only to each other, but also to those who tried to suppress our voices. But the work (and we have put in so much work already) has only just begun. There is so much to work on…

Ø The Economy

Ø Fix our crumbling infrastructure

Ø Quality healthcare for all

Ø Ending outsourcing of jobs

Ø Ending our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels in general

Ø Development and implementation of truly alternative energy sources-solar, wind, hydro and biofuel

Ø Working on global warming

Ø Improving our image abroad-engaging in diplomacy…not unilateral military action…getting out of Iraq…targeting real terrorism

Ø More fairness in the tax burden to all

Ø Revoke the PATRIOT Act and restore privacy

These issues/priorities are all interrelated. The economy can not stay balanced when you cut the revenue coming in and increase spending at the same time. The incursion into Iraq is costing $10 to $12 billion a month and this does not count Afghanistan or the $$$ sent to terrorist nation for oil imports. The threat of terrorism, increase in global warming and its terrible impact on all of us (the world) is heightened due to our reliance on fossil fuels. Development and implementation of truly alternative energy lessens the effects of global warming, lowers the threat of terrorism, and helps to create jobs here that will help our economy. Fixing our crumbling infrastructure helps us to live better and safer and again, provides jobs. We can not continue to have jobs outsourced to other countries because it is cheaper for the corporations without regard for the citizens of this country. Also, large corporations and the truly wealthy need to pay their fair share of taxes and not put the burden on the faltering middle class and middle income folks. Quality healthcare for all…it makes for a better quality of life, we are happier and healthier and able to do more. We feel less threatened and more secure. If all of this can be accomplished, then our government will not need to spy on and keep such close tabs on us citizens. We will be happier, more secure and less afraid.

For the first time in a long time, I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America and am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

Lee ;-)((fist bump))
I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours.-Barack Obama

Yes We Did!

Max Federman — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:49:47 EST

I still can't get over the feeling that I was a part of something so big!

The hard task ahead

Ed Trever — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:47:00 EST

Thanks for everyone's hard work in electing Barack President of the UNITED States of America.

Winning the election was the easy part. Now comes the challenge of governing a country that has struggled with division, an economy becoming increasingly less fairand less healthy, energy challenges, and a strained relationships with other nations.

Barack will need our continued help as he transitions to leadership. He will need our help to continue to challenge our leaders to work for the best interests of the entire nation. We will need to make some sacrifices when required.

Let's work for positive change.

Yes we can!

Sweet Celebration and Moving Forward

akmk — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:49:25 EST

Sweet celebration to all. Goal #1 (check). Onward.

Hope we can continue to network here to brainstorm, gather information, share information, set new goals, and implement new policies--for the good of all.

The change - Obama Acceptance Speech - Change is come to America (4)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:11:32 EST

next post in my main blog about "Change for better world" - here i collected some movies from this day and shortly before.

(And i saved it to hard disc too. If some original will not be longer responsible in YouTube i will bring it new.)

Please, ckick this link to see the movies:

The change - Obama Acceptance Speech - Change is come to America

[But of course - it's just beginning with the change, there is a lot to do. Please stay in touch, however we do that, through these groups or some other way. ]

While Waiting for America to Decide

Jawad — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:26:50 EST

After months of campaigning, canvassing, and phone-banking, the moment of truth has arrived. Today is the day all those who have put their heart into this campaign take a big breath and put their trust in the good sense of the American People. This has been a remarkable campaign and most of those I have encountered in it, volunteers and campaign staff alike, just feel privileged to be part of it.

Tomorrow

Late Barack Supporter — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:31:23 EST

It is the eve of a historical vote, and we all need to make sure that we get out and vote. No matter how long the lines, no matter how dak the night, and no matter the weather; it is essential that we all get out and vote. The latest polls show Senator McCain closing the gap in some key states and we must all work to ensure that the gap does not evaporate before our eyes.

VOTE SMART, VOTE CHANGE, VOTE OBAMA!!!

Time to Change Gears for a Fuel-Efficient Future

Gerald from Seattle, WA — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:16:31 EDT

Before I post this Washington Post story, I've and most probably a lot a people here and everywhere have been reading about the recent drop in oil prices and the reasons why it's happening. What hasn't been reported as much is how we are giving the Big Three Automakers 25 Billion. I even hear that GM wants 10 Billion more to smooth out a possible merger with Chrysler. As I said previously, that's fine if the purpose is to save American jobs. However, as a precondition for giving out this "corporate welfare" (When the Republicans say that Barack Obama is a socialist, tell them "It takes one to know one!), they should start making the cars we need to drive: Conventional Hybrids (Both Gas-Electric and Diesel-Electric ), Plug-In Hybrids, Clean Diesel whatever will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. If they can't do that, then maybe they should die. Moreover, what's the point of these automakers suing our state governments just because we want what they've won't give us?

Also, we need to aid companies like Tesla Motors, Aptera Motors, AFS Trinity and Phoenix Motorcars who are struggling to design and build the vehicles we need.

Until that happens, keep riding that bus or and train to work. Keep pedaling on that bicycle to get where you need to go because we need to resist that "crack pipe" which is oil.

Time to Change Gears for a Fuel-Efficient Future

By Warren Brown
Sunday, October 26, 2008; G02

We have the chance to remake the automobile industry, to strengthen America's technological muscle. But we are frittering away the opportunity.

We are mired in nonproductive, ideological arguments over "socialism" vs. "free enterprise." Worse, I fear, we are being suckered by the siren song of cheap gasoline.

The national media are celebrating the fall of pump prices below the $4 a gallon for regular unleaded nearly all of us were paying this summer. In many parts of the country, pump prices have now sunk below $3 a gallon.

Statistical evidence does not yet support suspicion of recidivism in the matter of American consumer profligacy in the consumption of fossil fuels. But there is anecdotal reason to worry.

I have been getting calls and receiving e-mails from readers asking whether now is a good time -- to paraphrase the sense of those communications -- to buy a truck or a full-size sport-utility vehicle. The thinking goes thusly: Almost all car companies are offering massive rebates on slow-selling trucks and SUVs. That makes them a bargain. Big rebates plus falling gasoline prices now make those big rides a good deal.

It is delusional thinking, but no more so than that taking place in the halls of Congress, where lawmakers apparently are laboring under the illusion that we have time to save the domestic automobile industry, to beef up America's prowess in fuel-efficient technologies.

We don't.

American car companies and the tens of thousands of jobs connected to them, directly and indirectly, are in bad shape. Soaring gasoline prices this summer and frozen credit this autumn have walloped their sales. Global regulatory changes requiring increased fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions rapidly are increasing product development costs.

We can wag fingers and self-righteously shout that the domestic car companies are reaping the unhappy fruits of the thoughtless seeds they planted. Schadenfreude is joy in hypocrisy. We bought all of those big trucks and big-engine cars. And we demanded more of them as long as we had access to the developed world's cheapest gasoline. But we whined like babies and screamed for more fuel-efficient vehicles like infants crying for nipples when gasoline topped $4 a gallon.

Put another way, we -- consumers and politicians -- were complicit in the automobile industry's reluctance to do better in the arenas of fuel economy and emissions control. The natural tendency in a purely profit-oriented, capitalist system is to give consumers what they are demanding at a price that returns a handsome reward on investment in product development.

Increased fuel efficiency and emissions controls usually require increased development costs. If consumers aren't demanding those things and, by implication, are not willing to pay more for them, why invest the enormous amount of money to make them available?

Aware of that capitalist conundrum, governments, the U.S. government chief among them, exercised the socialist lever of regulation. Car companies would have to improve fuel economy and emissions control by government mandate. But this is where things got dicey in the United States.

In Europe and Asia, governments provided financial incentives to the car companies to move forward in the development of alternative fuels and propulsion systems. In the United States, we embraced socialism when it came to regulating the industry but demanded hard-knuckles capitalism in compliance with our regulatory demands.

It is an approach designed for failure.

What is needed now is a concerted application of common sense.

Congress can do that by immediately releasing the $25 billion it has promised the industry in direct, low-interest loans to help it redesign cars and trucks for a more fuel-efficient future. It can do that by supporting independent companies, such as AFS Trinity of Washington state, in advanced propulsion research. It can do that by making consumers assume some responsibility for energy conservation -- by placing a floor, such as $4 a gallon for regular unleaded, beneath pump prices for gasoline.

There is nothing wrong with socialism as long as it actually produces something for the general good. Saving domestic car companies speaks to that good. Helping those companies become competitive in future technologies will ensure the continuation of an American economy attached to something real -- product development and manufacturing. That helps to create a future for American employment.

It's time for the government to stop fooling around and release the money it promised the industry in those direct, low-interest loans.

Final Push

Ed Trever — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:27:55 EDT

This has been one wonderful ride! As the campaign has progressed, we have gained energy and a stronger feeling that we will indeed bring about the changes we need in this country to move us forward.

Volunterring for the campaign beginning last year in South Carolina, I have enjoyed experiencing some of the earliest victories. We have kept pushing and are almost there. Let's keep working hard these last few days to bring about a victory for Barack and for ourselves.

I plan to head to West Virginia tomorrow to make sure we remain fighting in all 50 states. I hope to see an all out effort everywhere.

Yes we can!!!

Preventing racial discrimination

Pua Dekai — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:16:10 EDT

Inform white voters that this election is not about white versus black. It is actually about the past versus the present.

Also inform them not to be too particular on races. Concentrate on how the future is going to be like. Also concentrate on who is the key to our financial peace and energy peace.

Science Debate 2008 Water Answers Deciphered

Tim Brick — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:50:42 EDT

Wet and Not So Wild: Obama and McCain's Water Resource Policy How do the candidates' records stack up against their water use policy answers?

By Stuart Fox Posted on Popsci.com

After a year of winnowing down questions from 38,000 scientists and citizens, Science Debate 2008 sent 14 covering health, research, the environment and science to the presidential candidates. Both Senator McCain and Senator Obama answered the questions, and their answers can be read here. However, it’s easy for a politician to make promises, so PopSci investigated both senator’s voting records to see if their history matched up with their promises for the future. Each day for the next two weeks we'll present an analysis of the candidate’s voting records as compared with their answers to the ScienceDebate2008 questions. You can follow the entire series at popsci.com/election, where you can also sign up for an RSS feed.

U.S. should not aim to save carmakers: McCain adviser

Gerald from Seattle, WA — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:37:16 EDT

I'm posting this story in part because the comments uttered by some McCain supporters would affect thousands of workers and because I disagree with these comments. Though I have in the past have suggested that the Big Three automakers shouldn't be helped, I felt I needed to clarify theses statements. I believe these automakers should be helped in only in the context of saving thousands, maybe millions of American jobs. However, this aid should come with stipulations, stipulations that up to this point haven't been met. The first stipulation would be for American automakers to implement a program to design, produce and market fuel-efficient vehicles. The second one: To achieve an average of 40 MPG on all vehicles driven in the U.S. The third? To give aid to other American vehicle manufacturers who are making the vehicles of tomorrow. The fourth? To stop the outsourcing of auto manufacturer jobs to other countries. Sadly, there are those in the McCain campaign who think it makes sense to put American automakers in the cold even though doing so would endanger jobs. That doesn't make sense and it's my hope that Senator Obama doesn't share the views of some in the McCain campaign:

U.S. should not aim to save carmakers: McCain adviser

37 mins ago

DETROIT (Reuters) – The U.S. government can assist automakers but cannot save them and any aid should be limited so taxpayers do not become ensnared in a long-term investment in the embattled industry, an economic adviser to Republican presidential candidate John McCain said on Monday.

"I don't think the government can rescue the industry," Carly Fiorina, former chief executive of Hewlett-Packard Corp, told Reuters at an event in suburban Detroit.

"Whatever the government does, it should not take away the fundamentals of risk-taking. Sometimes it leads to rewards and sometimes consequences, downside," she said. "In other words, the auto industry cannot be saved from its own bad bets."

Fiorina also said it remained an open question whether the U.S. auto industry needed aid beyond the $25 billion of low-interest loans already approved by the Bush administration and said any additional aid "depends on the particulars of the circumstance."

Her remarks came as a source told Reuters the U.S. Treasury Department was considering aid of at least $5 billion to facilitate a merger between General Motors Corp and Chrysler, through direct capital or purchases of auto loans.

The U.S. auto industry is struggling with a long-term decline as sales in the United States have slumped to two-decade lows and the economic slowdown that pressured North America has spread to Europe and other regions.

"One of the things I think will happen is that the government will expect taxpayers to be repaid, at a minimum in a neutral way and potentially in a profitable way," Fiorina said.

The government, now as an investor, will "have the requirement to understand how those investments are being used to protect taxpayers," she said.

On Sunday, McCain said in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" that his preference would be for the auto industry to use the recently authorized $25 billion in low-interest loans that target retooling of plants first.

The sharp downturn in auto sales this year has left analysts questioning whether GM, Chrysler and rival Ford Motor Co have the liquidity to withstand the slump and complete restructuring plans.

The slump has set off fierce lobbying on behalf of the auto industry ahead of the U.S. presidential election, with supporters arguing that a bankruptcy of an automaker would have a cascading impact across the country.

David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, estimated that a failure of GM or Ford could threaten up to 2 million jobs including suppliers and dealers.

(Reporting by Soyoung Kim, writing by David Bailey, editing by Matthew Lewis)

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Pro-Obama Get out the Vote Economy Video

Bryan K. Long — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:13:16 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YN-5zpVeVo. This is a four minute video discussing the financial crisis as part of a larger economic crisis: insufficient investment in infrastructure and education. Viewers are encouraged to vote (for Obama, of course). See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YN-5zpVeVo

Waaaasup! The Pro-Obama Version

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:54:40 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq8Uc5BFogE

New York Times Endorses Barack Obama

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:58:19 EDT

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/opinion/24fri1.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&hp&oref=slogin

The Absurdity of Rovian Politics

Jawad — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:49:12 EDT

Governor Palin has declared the "small towns" of America that she and her running mate "get to visit" to be "the real America" where the real "patriotic" and "pro-America" citizens of this country live. Almost robotically, their campaign surrogates started falling in line.

Be a "bud" and take this poll

Gerald from Seattle, WA — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:21:12 EDT

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/specials/interactives/wdc/yahoo_poll8/index.html?SITE=YAHOO&SECTION=HOME

News from the Future: Obama Administration Unveils Rebuild America Act

Bryan K. Long — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:10:20 EDT

While browsing around in my crystal ball, I came across the following news article from early next year. Very intriguing!

Separating Leadership from Demagoguery

Jawad — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:06:14 EDT

When Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama this morning, he did so in primetime with a full explanation. He pointed to the intellectual deficit of the GOP and the disappointing tactics of the McCain Campaign. He contrasted the erratic decision-making style of Senator McCain to the impressive temperament and intellect of Senator Obama. It was a clear-cut decision: For a nation battered by short-sighted and ill-devised policies, Colin Powell opts for the transformational leadership of Barack Obama.

Hey There Sarah Palin- Really Funny

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:01:07 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIc8jdra0o&feature=iv&annotation

January 20, 2009

Ed Trever — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:20:20 EDT

Tonight's debate strengthened my belief that we need change in the U.S. and we need it now. Only one candidate stayed focused on the issues that truly face our citizens and that was Barack. We need to open our wallets, pound the pavement, and hit the phone lines to ensure he is the one moving to Pennsylvania Avenue on January 20.

Get fired up and be ready to go.

Yes, we can make the change to a better America.

The GOP trying to steal Ohio again

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:07:21 EDT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27188603/

This is why we need everyone in Ohio and everyone else in every other state to vote for Barack Obama.

Very Funny: Palin as President

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:44:01 EDT

http://palinaspresident.com/

Obama is over 300 Electoral Votes says Real Clear Politics

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:14:49 EDT

Not only does he have over 300 Votes, he also has more states that are considered solid than John McCain has total. However, to all Obama supporters, 270 electoral votes should not be the goal anymore, 300-320 should be.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/maps/obama_vs_mccain/

Obama has a 50% Average on Real Clear Politics

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:58:45 EDT

For the first time in this election, Barack Obama is attracting 50% of the electorate. This is a very important milestone. Let's get this up to 55%, which will be a landslide for Barack Obama and the GOP will not know what hit them.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html

Intuition + Money: An Aha Moment

Gerald from Seattle, WA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:29:31 EDT

Interesting tech article for you solar power lovers out there in Obamaland:

October 12, 2008

SlipstreamIntuition + Money: An Aha Moment

By JOHN MARKOFF

IT started with a Harvard physicist acting on a hunch. It ended up producing a new material, called black silicon, that could have a broad impact on technologies ranging from ultrasensitive sensors to photovoltaic cells.

On Monday, Harvard plans to announce that it has licensed patents for black silicon to SiOnyx, a company in Beverly, Mass., that has raised $11 million in venture financing.

This would never have happened if the physicist, Eric Mazur, and his graduate students had stuck to the original purpose of their research. He says their experience offers a lesson in government financing of science and technology, which is becoming so narrow and applied as to make discoveries like theirs much less likely.

A more narrow focus does have its advantages: for one, it can be more likely to produce an immediate payoff.

But in the current research environment, “you are less likely to be open to serendipity,” said Judith L. Estrin, an electrical engineer and author of “Closing the Innovation Gap: Reigniting the Spark of Creativity in a Global Economy” (McGraw-Hill, 2008).

Black silicon was discovered because Dr. Mazur started thinking outside the boundaries of the research he was doing in the late 1990s. His research group had been financed by the Army Research Organization to explore catalytic reactions on metallic surfaces.

“I got tired of metals and was worrying that my Army funding would dry up,” he said. “I wrote the new direction into a research proposal without thinking much about it — I just wrote it in; I don’t know why.” And even though there wasn’t an immediate practical application, he received the financing.

It was several years before he directed a graduate student to pursue his idea, which involved shining an exceptionally powerful laser light — briefly matching the energy produced by the sun falling on the surface of the entire earth — on a silicon wafer. On a hunch, the researcher also applied sulfur hexafluoride, a gas used by the semiconductor industry to make etchings for circuits.

The silicon wafer looked black to the naked eye. But when Dr. Mazur and his researchers examined the material with an electron microscope, they discovered that the surface was covered with a forest of ultra-tiny spikes.

At first, the researchers had no idea what they had stumbled onto, and that is typical of the way many scientific discoveries emerge. Cellophane, Teflon, Scotchgard and aspartame are among the many inventions that have emerged through some form of fortunate accident or intuition.

“In science, the most exciting expression isn’t ‘Eureka!’ It’s ‘Huh?’” said Michael Hawley, a computer scientist based in Cambridge, Mass., and a board member and investor in SiOnyx.

Black silicon has since been found to have extreme sensitivity to light. It is now on the verge of commercialization, most likely first in night vision systems.

“We have seen a 100 to 500 times increase in sensitivity to light compared to conventional silicon detectors,” said James Carey, a co-founder of SiOnyx who worked on the original experiments as a Harvard graduate student.

Dr. Mazur is an investor in SiOnyx and chairman of its scientific advisory board. As a result of his research, a number of academic and corporate research groups are still exploring the material, which absorbs about twice as much visible light as normal silicon and has the ability to detect infrared light that is invisible to the current generation of silicon detectors.

SiOnyx is already commercializing sensor-based chips as a technology development platform for other companies and for use in next-generation infrared imaging systems.

The new technology has a tremendous cost advantage in that it is compatible with current semiconductor manufacturing plants, according to Stephen Saylor, SiOnyx’s chief executive. It is certain to attract broad attention from a range of industries, including scientific and medical imaging markets.

In the future, the low cost and higher sensitivity of black silicon may also make it a contender in the multibillion-dollar digital camera and video markets, an area currently dominated by silicon and charge-coupled-device sensors.

SiOnyx is continuing to experiment with the photovoltaic properties of black silicon, but Mr. Saylor said the company had no plans to jump into the market to become a solar cell manufacturer. “Our engagement is going to be as a technology provider, not as a producer,” he said.

Instead, he is eager to get a new generation of a supersensitive light detectors into the hands of entrepreneurs and experimenters who will be able to take the technology in unpredictable directions.

AND that is how this technology got to where it is today. To Dr. Mazur, that should be a lesson to technology funding agencies like the National Science Foundation and the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency of the Pentagon.

“This is a very strong case in point for funding science for the advancement of science,” he said.

Real Change: Conservatives Backing Obama

Vince from Boston, MA — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:43:01 EDT

A Conservative for Obama: My party has slipped its moorings.

It’s time for a true pragmatist to lead the country.

Leading Off By Wick Allison, EDITOR IN CHIEF

Conservatism to me is less a political philosophy than a stance, a recognition of the fallibility of man and of man’s institutions. Conservatives respect the past not for its antiquity but because it represents, as G.K. Chesterton said, the democracy of the dead; it gives the benefit of the doubt to customs and laws tried and tested in the crucible of time. Conservatives are skeptical of abstract theories and utopian schemes, doubtful that government is wiser than its citizens, and always ready to test any political program against actual results. This a very positive sign that Americans of all backgounds and political persuasions can come together around Obama's steadfast leadership.

-Vince ;-}

Complete editorial here: http://www.dmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?nm=Core+Pages&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&tier=3&gid=B33A5C6E2CF04C9596A3EF81822D9F8E

Obama / Biden .... Change we can believe in !

"He is my JFK!" -- a college student

Clarelynn Rose — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:30:08 EDT

When I thanked a young student for giving 3 semesters of his time to the Obama campaign, the young man beamed as he said, "He is my JFK!" This young man was clearly proud to be serving his country in this way, to help get elected this progressive and visionary leader.

Thank you, Brian, K!

Nuclear Power Is Contraindicated as a Solution to Global Warming

Sheldon from Doylestown — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:26:51 EDT

Nuclear Power Is Contraindicated as a Solution to Global Warming Because of Nuclear Mutagenesis. Watch: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4397307903287515932

Nuclear Power Is Contraindicated as a Solution to Global Warming Because of Excessive Cost: "When it comes to nuclear power specifically, every dollar invested in new US nuclear electricity will save approximately 2-11 times less carbon, and will do so roughly 20-40 times slower, than investing in the same dollar in energy efficiency and "micropower" (cogeneration plus renewables minus big hydro dams). Buying new nuclear capacity instead of efficiency causes more carbon to be released than spending the same money on new coal plants!

"These conclusions and the empirical evidence supporting them are summarized in "Forget Nuclear," and fully documented in "The Nuclear Illusion," available for download here, which is to be published in early 2009 by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences' journal Ambio. (courtesy of rmi.org)

Dan Becker, director of the Sierra Club's Global Warming Program has said, "Switching from coal to nukes is like giving up smoking and taking up crack."

Here is the Natural Resources Defense Council's position on Nuclear Power: http://nrdc.org/nuclear/power/power.pdf.

Make a small statement. Join our My.BarackObama.com group, Nuclear Power?, here:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/NuclearPower

Barack Obama is a man of integrity. Our belief is that when all the facts about nuclear power are presented to him clearly, that he will reject it as an option.

The large utilities eager to build nuclear power plants are now suddenly pressing Congress about global warming. Very convenient. But is nuclear power a solution for the problem of global warming? Hmmm, No.

1)Nuclear power plants are too expensive to build. The nuclear power industry refuses to accept responsibility for the unique risks of nuclear power and demands massive federal subsidies so that they can rake in profits on their suspect investments. To quote the Rocky Mountain Institute (rmi.org) position on nuclear power: "Contrary to an argument nuclear apologists have recently taken to making, nuclear power isn't a good way to curb climate change. The power they produce is so expensive that the same money invested in efficiency or even natural-gas-fired power plants would offset much more climate change." Quoting the Natural Resources Defense Council(NRDC): "Our national electricity needs could be met, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent or more, through a combination of increased energy efficiency, wind power, solar power, advanced coal-fired plants with carbon capture and storage, and high-efficiency natural gas turbines."

2)Nuclear power is extremely unsafe. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has acknowledged in a reference document "that early containment failure cannot be ruled out with high confidence for any of the plants." Even with the most technologically advanced checks and safeties, eventually some critical part of everything man makes fails. If an explosion occurs at a gas-fired or coal-fired plant, this is not good. But if a nuclear reactor melts down and breaks through its containment vessel, we have at least a regional catastrophe. Large areas of necessary habitable land are rendered uninhabitable, and people die of radiation-caused cancer.

3)To again quote the Rocky Mountain Institute's position on nuclear power: "Nuclear power poses significant problems of radioactive waste disposal."

4)Quoting the NRDC: "Plutonium is a normal by-product of electricity production in conventional reactors. Thus, the same reactors and fuel-processing facilities that are used for energy production can also be used for the manufacture of weapons." "Perhaps the most serious of all the problems that would be exacerbated by dramatically increasing global nuclear capacity is the threat of nuclear proliferation."

Join our My.BarackObama.com group, Nuclear Power?, here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/NuclearPower

Who's John McCain ?

Vince from Boston, MA — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:46:43 EDT

The following is a video reminder of what's at stake in this election.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w

Lets take this Viral !

Obama / Biden '08 .... the change we need.

A Veteran for Obama.

Deregulation - wars - bank crisis - movie Bush without words - (4)

! Steffen from European Union, Dr. - Together We Can! Yes. We. Can. — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:33:31 EDT

Deregulation - wars - bank crisis - movie Bush without words

To look the movie you must go to my blog. Unfortunately the situation can still change to be more terrible and so movie is not fun like could be.

(If you have a chance give a Digg please.)

Normally this should be known since hundred of years - without regulation a lot of banks will fall for profit! The end is always the same, like Bush McCain would be the same too - we, the world need change! Of course it's now more worse like we had known last crisis because of huge amounts of wasted money in wars too.(post continued)

Great Way to Support Barack Obama (Funny)

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:23:00 EDT

There is less than one month until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States...

The person elected will be the president of 'all' Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans.
It's that time that we all need to come together, Democrats and Republicans alike.

In a Bi-Partisan effort for America:
If you support Barack Obama, please drive with your headlights on during the day.
If you support John McCain, please drive with your headlights off at night.

Together, we can make it happen!

John McCain has become a disgrace

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:00:31 EDT

This has to be said as load and clear and possible and not just from someone like Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow but from the likes of Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson. John McCain has become a disgrace. That’s how simple it really is. He has become someone of intolerance, negativity and just a flat out liar. To believe that he really puts country first while he has “supporters” screaming “treason, off with his head,” and “kill him”, is just insulting.

John McCain, the 2008 version is pathetic and it has to be said. It is really sad to see someone who at least stood up on principle once a while reduced to this level. For someone who has been tortured before to present himself in this light is truly sad.

There is no doubt that this is out of desperation because he most likely has internal polls that shows that he farther down that the main stream media is reporting, but that is not an excuse. We have had 43 presidents, that means we have had 43 men that have lost the presidency and to my memory and my obsessive study of history, none of them have acted like this.

I applaud those Republicans and Independents who have spoken against this type of behavior and truly encourage more to do so. But also think many more individuals need to speak up on this issue too because what is happening at these McCain-Palin rallies is almost mob behavior and I worry that if some of them see anyone that resembles Barack Obama, they are going to attack him or her.

But as a note to you Senator McCain, stop it. You are not only embarrassing yourself, your family and your party, but you are embarrassing your country. There are many of us in the civilized part of the country that condemn this behavior and think you are pathetic for encouraging it. You of all people, a man who was tortured for years, should have the intellectual capacity to realize this is wrong. Your running mate may not have that same capacity, but you do.

You know how I know you do? Because in 2000, you stood against this type of speech when it was sad your fathered a black child. But what are you doing now; attack Obama because he is not white. What John is the difference? There is none. You are the definition of the pot calling the kettle black and it’s pathetic.

I truly, truly hope McCain gets creamed in this election because it would show two things. One it would be pathetic justice for using this type of campaigning but the other would be to show that this type of rhetoric does not work and hopefully Republicans, because in all honesty, it is the party that depends on it, would stop using it.

Esquire Magazine Endorses Barack Obama for President

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:35:13 EDT

http://www.esquire.com/features/esquire-endorsements-2008/esquire-endorses-barack-obama?click=pp

Why 270 Electoral Votes for Obama is no Longer the Goal

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:44:18 EDT

I never thought I would say this, but the one thing that worries me a little is people thinking that Barack Obama has a big enough lead that there will not be a need to show up to vote one election day. But it is a concern that I have heard from more than a few people. I do not agree with it given the historic nature of his candidacy, but it is something that I felt I must address.

As of October 9, Real Clear Politics now has Barack Obama over 270 electoral votes with 277 with still 98 toss up states. Of course, Obama only needs 270 to win the presidency but what some people do not realize, 270 electoral votes should no longer be the Obama campaigns or his supporters goal. Our new goal should be 300 electoral votes, or even more.

This is for a variety of reasons, one being the importances of gaining a big enough lead more possible to show how much of a better candidate Obama is than John McCain. If Obama wins 300 or more electoral votes, it is a blowout and it will make the Republicans look weaker then they truly are. Second, the higher the voter turnout, the better chances of down ticketing Democrats have. If there is a high enough voter turnout, Democrats would have a great chance of gaining 60 seats in the senate, thus establishing a veto-proof majority.

But another important reason why Democrats must vote in force, especially those in California is because of certain propositions. In California, there are very important ones to vote on, namely Prop 8, which is voted for would criminalize gay marriage, as well as a couple other ones that want to make a minor get a parental notification before getting an abortion and one that deals with alternative fuels.

So yes, our main goal as a party and a country should be electing Barack Obama president but in doing so, we also need to make sure we establish other very important goals, which is why no matter how big or small Obama’s lead in on November 4th, we need everyone we can to vote.

Real Clear Politics Has Obama Over 270

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:05:19 EDT

This is now the time to make sure that this race will not even be close. No one should become complacient.

Our goal should no longer be 270, but 300 electoral votes, or 330.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/maps/obama_vs_mccain/

McCain on Water Scarcity; Comparison

Tim Brick — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:42:12 EDT

John McCain has responded to the issue of water scarcity posed by Science Debate 2008. His complete response is found below.

A side-by-side comparison of his comments and Barack Obama's on this and other scientific issues can be found at: http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php?id=42

An online vote comparing the responses of the two presidential candidates, grading Obama's as substantially superior is located here: http://sciencedebate2008.com/vote/?cat=14

Pithy comments comparing the responses of the two presidential candidates can be found at: http://sciencedebate2008.com/vote/?p=39#comments

Do not wear Obama stuff to the polls

Justin from Sherman Oaks, CA — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:13:48 EDT

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT THEY
> ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT
> GO TO THE POLLS WEARING ANY OBAMA SHIRTS, PINS OR HATS, IT
> IS AGAINST THE
> LAW AND WILL BE GROUNDS TO HAVE THE POLLING OFFICIALS TO
> TURN YOU AWAY.
>
> THIS IS CONSIDERED CAMPAIGNING, AND NO ONE CAN CAMPAIGN
> WITHIN "X" AMOUNT OF
> FEET OF THE POLLS. THEY ARE BANKING ON US BEING EXCITED AND
> NOT BEING AWARE
> OF THIS LONG STANDING LAW THAT YOU CAN BET WILL BE ENFORCED
> THIS
> YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
>
> THEY ARE BANKING THAT IF YOU ARE TURNED AWAY, YOU WILL NOT
> GO HOME AND
> CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES.. PLEASE JUST DON'T WEAR OBAMA GEAR
> OF ANY SORTS TO THE
> POLLS!!
>
> PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION . AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO
> WERE ALREADY AWARE
> . THIS IS NOT MEANT TO INSULT YOUR INTELLIGENCE.

Telling our friends what the differences are

David Berry — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:27:18 EDT

Recently, I have watched the US Elections from overseas with a brief stop in Washington DC where I watched the first McCain Obama debate. Clearly many Americans don’t understand the difference between the candidates on most issues. It is policies and results that count not personalities. An administration is made of thousands of political appointees that make numerous decisions each day. Sustainability matters most to me and I have attached a summary of the candidates’ positions on income taxes, energy, environment and Iraq as indicators of where the candidates stand on economy, environment and equity. Regarding environment, Obama is better on climate change and renewal energy. Even oil man T. Boone Pickens says we can’t drill our way out of our energy problem. Obama will put more money into solar, wind and energy conservation than McCain. The more frequent stronger hurricanes climate scientists predicted since the early nineties are here and Sarah Palin doubts a human factor in global warming. McCain poses as green but the League of Conservation Voters gives him a lifetime voting score of 24% compared to Obama’s 86%. http://lcv-ftp.org/LCV/omchart.pdf Obama is better on air and water quality although those issues do not have a high profile in this campaign. Regarding fairness and equity, the McCain campaign says Obama would raise taxes and polls say a majority of Americans believe him. Amazing! Obama plans a large tax cut for families making under 112k and the two plans are similar for those from 112 to 160K. Obama would raise taxes for those making more than 600K per year. The McCain tax plan gives tiny tax cuts to average working Americans and very large tax cuts to the top 10% of incomes. These facts seem hard for the American people to see even when they are available in the press and on line. Obama has long proposed a timetable for US troop withdrawal from Iraq, something the Iraqi government now insists on and even President Bush has discussed a “general time horizon” with the Iraqi President. McCain is now the odd man out. We need to raise awareness to move toward sustainability. Nothing we could do for sustainability whether making a speech, publishing a paper, making a green investment or running a workshop would make as much difference as an Obama win over McCain. Here are a few things we can do: 1. We can each think of one or two people we know who may not vote because they think it doesn’t matter, they are not enthusiastic about Obama, or they will be out of town. Rather than argue we can gently support them in seeing the stark differences on the economy, environment, social equity and foreign policy. McCain is supported by lobbyists and big oil for a good reason. 2. We can go to our county office and vote early at a poll booth. We sign a form saying we may be out of town on Election Day. Take a wavering friend or two with you. You will avoid the lines on Election Day and you will be sure you and your friend get a vote in. 3. I have created a group and page on the Obama site “The Spirit of Sustainability” http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/TheSpiritofSustainablityEconomyEnvironme From there we can raise the profile of environment and sustainability in the campaign. The Obama Energy and Environment web page has improved since I sent e-mails to campaign advisors and I will keep going. I have a “fund raising for sustainability” page on the Obama web site: http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/davidberry . The funds go straight to the campaign as a signal that Obama supporters favor policies that promote sustainability. If you are planning one more donation to the campaign you can use this portal. 4. If direct campaign activity is of interest to you, after registering at the Obama site through either of those web links there are opportunities to write letters to the editor, make calls and otherwise help the campaign. I am writing to friends to encourage them to support the Obama campaign in recognizing the importance of sustainability and to pass the word on to their friends and the press.

This race should not be close. What awful chord in American culture resonates with the distortions of the McCain ads and doesn’t bother getting the facts? Let’s each do what we can to get the result that will support sustainability now. You can forward this e-mail to friends. From my web page at http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/davidberry folks can sign on to the Obama site and read his detailed proposals themselves.

Warnings

Pua Dekai — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:05:25 EDT

Don't increase oil prices.

Otherwise food prices will increase.

If food prices increases, food becomes toxic.

If food is toxic, people will get sick.

Once people get sick, people will suffer.

Once people suffer, people will die!

Find a way to stall the intentions of oil companies of increasing the prices.

Kokua Plan - please read & forward to Congress

Maui — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:52:01 EDT

Aloha mai e,

I have a simple solution for our economic crisis, it's called the Kokua plan, kokua in Hawaiian means " to help." We do not need a bailout right now, we simply need help, we all need help. We each need help paying our own bills in order to survive and our economy needs help with some liquidity, not to mention a whole mess of confidence. At the end of the day, we all should try to slow down and prioritize. Calm down and get the most bang for our buck, ya know? It's so simple, it just might work:

1. Immediately reach out to the financial institutions on Wall St. (especially collection agencies), make a list of businesses and individuals with outstanding debt less than $200k (mortgage, college, medical, electric, water, car, business, legitimate...), in ascending order of value.

2. Put together a team of super-economists, give them lots of coffee and a grip of interns.

3. Print money, pay off our debts less than $100k, helping those with the least amount of debt first, up to $400 Billion. Our bills get paid and the banks get some cash to lend back to us at interest...sounds right to me.

4. Wait two weeks, see what happens. The best part is that regular Americans will know for sure whether their bills got paid or not, no more funny business.

5. If banks are still failing, print more money and pay off more debts as we move up the ladder, up to $800 Billion.

6. Wait two weeks, see what happens. This whole meltdown supposedly happened in less than two weeks, remember.

7. If banks are still failing, by this time we should have a super answer from the super-economists. If not, rinse and repeat--inflation allowing--until the super geeks come up with a permanent solution which includes appropriate regulation. Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time.

Any plan that is more complicated or less transparent will not be good for the majority of hard-working Americans. The current bailout plan is simply a shotgun wedding approach to "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression," the fear and urgency smell deathly familiar. Now is the perfect time to slow down and assign blame because we want to make sure we do not give more money to the same people who have already betrayed our trust. Seriously. Fool me once...

Most of us have been suffering for several years now because of the greed of a few, not just the past two weeks. It's way overdue for our government to step up and help us out. George Washington would be very unhappy right now.

On the bright side, printing money shouldn't be a problem because former Federal Reserve governor Wayne Angell said on CNBC recently that "the Fed's balance sheet is infinite." As the bailout stands at the moment, the Fed will use our own tax dollars to own our own assets, at a low price, that we may or may not benefit from one day in the future. Listen to Mr. Angell's entire interview and decide for yourself: http://www.cnbc.com/id/26762760

We are people, we are not pieces of paper. Buy bad debt or pay for good lives? The answer is simple. As long as our legislators are truly on our side we will all take down the pot together as a nation. We should call the Fed's bluff and push all in, get some more cash to pay our own bills, right? Instead of $700 Billion, why not $7 Trillion? oh yeah, Zimbabwe....Still, we have a huge opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons, please don't blow it. We will not get a second chance at this.

aloha,

maui

p.s. - like myself, most of you reading this note have less than $100k of debt and most of it is probably college or medical related, a mortgage and health insurance are still dreams too far out of reach for me...this bailout is our money, we will have to pay for it one day, we should get at least some of it up front. credit for the masses, not just the ogres.

tell your representatives now: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

Good Riddance to HR 3997!

citizen hope — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:09:48 EDT

I, personally am ecstatic that the proposed bailout bill did not pass in congress today. To pass a bill simply because "we need to act" is reckless and shortsighted.

We need a solution, not merely the appearance of a solution. The house and senate should get to work in drafting a bill that will actually help, instead of trying to jam through the first piece of emergency legislation proposed by the worst administration in our nation's history. Obama needs to step up and lead on this issue because clearly nobody else has a satisfactory plan yet.

EU Water Policies

Tim Brick — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:20:26 EDT

As water shortages in developing countries become more acute due to climate change, the EU is backing policies to manage the demands of all sectors, prioritising health, sanitation and cooperation between states.

This post and the related links outline the approach to achieving the Millenium Development Goas of reducing the number of people without adequate access to safe drinking water and santiation by half by the year 2015.

These policies present a framework for an Obama administration policy on international water issues.

Water Must Be Integrated Into All Policies

Tim Brick — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:12:47 EDT

Countries in the European Union hve recently developed a clear consensus on water issues. It can be summed up as "Water must be integrated into all policies." This interview with a member of the European Parliament discusses the background and ramifications of the new policy they hae develope on Water Scarcity and Drought, timely topics for a national discussion in the US>

When Pigs Fly ?

Vince from Boston, MA — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:28:22 EDT

This political season has been strange but the last few days have been Uber strange.

Whats up with Conservative Republican's ?

Ever since the proposed 700 Billion Dollar Bailout proposal leaked out Republicans have softened their positions on just about everything.

like George Will who openly questioned wether John McCain is suited for the Presidency ?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/23/george-will-goes-off-mcca_n_128482.html

Newt Gingrich of all people has found middle ground with Democrats and Indie voters who oppose the terms of this absurd bailout.

After you read this piece ... remember .... this is Newt Gingrich ?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94900671

Republican Sen. Jim DeMint (S.C.) thinks the Bush Administration has worn out its trust from the American people on handling the economy.

"It's a sad fact, but Americans can no longer trust the economic information they are getting from this Administration," DeMint wrote in a post on Politico's Arena forum Tuesday.

DeMint, a harsh critic of the proposed $700 billion dollar bailout, wrote that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's market predictions "have been consistently wrong in the last year."

Real Change is coming .... and not a moment to soon.

Obama /Biden '08

-Vince ;-}

For those who Biden will "clean palin's clock" . . .

Gerald from Seattle, WA — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:42:36 EDT

http://gregransom.com/prestopundit/2008/09/sarah-palin-debates-tony-knowl.html

Let me know what you think after checking this video clip out.

The choice is clear

Mandy — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:03:07 EDT

We are at 9-11 scale crises our nation’s economy is at risk of collapsing, and as we observe the two candidates what do we see? ·

In this time of crisis, who looks like he will actually work with the other side to come up with a solution?

Who looks more like leader who will be calm and collected and will put his country rather his own political ambitions first? ·

Who’s shown time and again that he will not gamble with our future?·

Who picked their vice president not because it will energize the base but because he/she will him govern?·

Who has real plan for America to go forward rather than stay the course?

The answer without a doubt is Barack Obama.On the other hand:·

Who’s surrounded himself with the good ole boy network and divorced himself from the problems of real America? John McCain·

Who is been in Washington for 26 years and has done nothing to actually help the average American families? John McCain

I can go on and on. But I am sure you get the picture.

On John McCain "Time Out" request . . .

Gerald from Seattle, WA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:26:04 EDT

Are you kidding me?! Like Barney Frank said: The Congress is trying to save the economy, not John McCain's campaign. It makes no sense to do any political granstanding now especially if the bailout is agreed to already. These politicians are messing with our money (What with both the bailout and the "loan" to the auto industry [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/house-loans-automakers-25_n_129145.html]) and HE WANTS A PHOTO OP?!! It won't work. period.

self-sustainability sustains economic crisis, right?

Maui — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:16:56 EDT

in response to an article in the Star Bulletin about local democrats on the current economic crisis:
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/20080925_Isle_Democrats_weigh_in_on_crisis.html

[QUOTE who="Rufus"] Doom & gloom, Hawaii needs to get back to the basics. Agriculture, farmming, being more selfsufficient. If managed right we can be the only state in the union that can sustain on its own. Use each island to create our own ecosystem. Produce grown on Molokai, pigs and fruits on Maui, cattle from the big island, poultry and coffee from Kauai, Oahu "whatever we can manufacture. "Quit depending on the outside $$$$$". When times are tough, get your hands dirty and work. "Like the old days"..... [/QUOTE]

Right on cuz! Back to basics. Remember and learn from our ancestors. Keep It Simple Stupid. Food, water, clothing, shelter, ENERGY. Many of us have been living beyond our means at the expense of less prosperous Americans and world citizens in general. Our country's priorities have been misplaced for too long and our current woes are a direct result. We cannot use short cuts to keep taking and taking and taking and taking because eventually there's nothing left to take, no matter where we get it from or how cheap it is. Nothing is infinite, especially the Fed's balance sheet, even though that is exactly what former Federal Reserve Governor Wayne Angell said on CNBC:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/26762760

"I am very comfortable with the Feds actions, he says on Fast Money. “The most important thing to remember is the Fed’s balance sheet is not finite. It’s infinite. It can expand.”

This is exactly the sort of mentality that has thrown Zimbabwe into an inflation rate of well over 10 MILLION percent. If we learn one thing from Zimbabwe it should be that printing more money is not a realistic solution to any economic crisis. Besides, any person with a bit of common sense knows that you usually get what you pay for. Real growth will take time, energy and a righteous effort. A shotgun wedding approach to the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression will only take us one place: I don't want to jinx us but you know it's not a good place.

What we really need to ask ourselves is: 'What is truly important?' and 'What steps do we need to take to address what is MOST important?' One step at a time. Prioritize. Back to basics. It's really not as complicated as yellow journalists at FOX News will have you believe.

Hawai'i has a significant opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons by working hard to become a world leader in self-sustainability practices. We live on some of the most isolated islands on the planet so necessity may yet again be the mother of invention. After all, you cannot eat a stock, bond or treasury note. Hmmm, $700 Billion would help a lot of everyday Americans to become self-sustainable...If it was my money, that's where I would want it to go. Oh wait, it is my money. And your's....Make sure it is spent wisely. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Right on bruddah Rufus! E kupa'a i ka pono.

BEWARE!!!: Fed Highway Robbery!!!

Maui — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:52:12 EDT

"let the market correct itself." - who originally said this?

Listen up people: I propose we go ahead and take the sage advice of letting the market correct itself and make the righteous decision to spend 700 billion of our tax dollars on bailing out the innocent victims in this surging economic crisis: the hard-working souls who didn't make the conscious decision to gamble on greed. Wall St. can pay the piper, our government needs to make a serious effort to take care of everyday working Americans, the small business owners, Main St. fixtures and especially our service providers; the people who serve us our food, fix our cars and cut our hair. Trickle down does not work. Subsidizing the average American will do much more to sustain us as opposed to giving more money to people who already lost their own, and who really don't respect money in the first place or what it can do for the people who desperately need just a small amount to survive. Some recent examples on Wall St. have been proven to be incompetent at best and are much less deserving of our tax dollars than a family who's only dream was to put a roof over their child's head. Speculation and greed took some Americans to the top and now it's time for them to fall flat on their okoles. Whether we like it or not, eventually we all end up accepting responsibility for our own actions, it's always better to own up to our faults ASAP rather than continue the lies and denial. We're only human, Wall St., but at the end of the day, Jesus is an Obama supporter. "I am my brother's keeper."

VOTE PBS POLL AGAINST PALIN

FAITH in GOD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:18:29 EDT

Subject: Vote against Sarah Palin - Please do ASAP

PBS is running a poll which asks if Sarah Palin is qualified to be VP. Republicans are flooding the poll SO WE MUST ACT NOW!

Please click on this link:
http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

Here is a small thing you can do in two clicks • SECONDS! Check this out and do it fast!

OBAMA BLUE DAY - REGISTER PEOPLE TO VOTE!

FAITH in GOD — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:07:10 EDT

OBAMA BLUE DAY!!!September 30, 2008

Its time to A C T !!!!!

This election season has remained too close for comfort and to close to call! We have 100,000 ' s of unregistered voters and millions who remain on the fence! Its time for us to come together, voice our unity, and make a difference!

Tuesday September 30, 20008

everyone is asked

to do two things

1) WEAR BLUE

2) REGISTER TWO VOTERS!

(If you can't register two voters talk to two people who may be on the fence/ or a McCain supporter and sway them to become an Obama Supporter).

LETS MAKE OBAMA BLUE DAY A DAY OF ACTION!!!!

BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO EVERYBODY WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING!!!

In a message dated 9/22/2008 7:59:11 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, written by titus3129

Call Congress!

Aimee — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:36:11 EDT

This Wall Street bailout package is a trap. Why, at this point, would the Democrats even consider giving the Bush administration ANYTHING it wants? Call your US Representative, call your Senators, and let them know that this is not a bill that should be passed quickly or without long and serious debate and consideration. I don't see any reason to vote on this package before the election. If the Democrats work with Bush and pass it, the Republicans can use it against them.

I've looked up the telephone numbers for my representatives, and I'll be using my lunch break to call them. Please do the same!

Killing and Dying for Oil. Meanwhile,

Sheldon from Doylestown — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:46:00 EDT

Killing and Dying For Oil

When Refusing to Kill Has a Higher Sentence Than Murder

9-20-08

by Ann Wright

Ann Wright is a retired US Army Reserves colonel with 29 years of military service. She also was a US diplomat who served in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia and Mongolia. She was on the small team that reopened the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, in December 2001. She resigned from the US diplomatic corps in March 2003 in opposition to the Bush administration's decision to invade and occupy Iraq. She is the co-author of "Dissent: Voices of Conscience," profiles of government insiders who have spoken and acted on their concerns of their governments' policies.

http://www.truthout.org/article/when-refusing-kill-has-a-higher-sentence-than-murder

Meanwhile:

A True Leader!

FAITH in GOD — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:17:58 EDT

Here is a wonderfully inspiring video. This video should open even blind eyes. Watch and Share!

http://www.vimeo.com/1742831#success

Comment and sharing from a friend...

Kristi, "Song" — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:29:22 EDT

I have noticed that since this site revised its scoring system, there seems to be less activity. It saddens me some as perhaps it is indicative of the competitive nature of our society? I too sense that the momentum has gone through ebbs and flows but we must remain fervent in our attempts to get the word out. A friend of mine posted this on his blog. It is a site I believe worth reading and I sense he would like it shared with others... I hope so. I really believe it is worth the stop!

http://www.chopra.com/node/1064

Blessings to each of you, and lets keep up the momentum!

Song