Obama Supporters for Marijuana Law Reform

A major newspaper's pundit contest

The Bard of Wilmette — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:44:59 EST

Some weeks ago, The Washington Post announced an op-ed writing contest, where non-professional writers were invited to submit an essay of 400 words or less. The essays would be judged by the clarity of writing, and content with an interesting message, but not on whether or not the editors agreed with the content. There were thousands of submissions, including one from yours truly. Out of these thousands, only ten of these amateur writers would advance to the second round, and the process would gradually whittle down to a single winner, who would get the honor of contributing a regular column for something like ten weeks. The winner would receive a fairly modest fee for his/her columns, but the main prize would be the prestige, not the money.

My essay was not one of the ten that made it to the second round, and of course, I was well aware that my odds were very remote. Anyway, now that I am officially out of the running, I would like to share my essay with my fellow OFA bloggers:

With multiple international crises and a serious economic recession to address, along with an ongoing effort to accomplish major reforms in healthcare, other issues have understandably been set aside for now. It can wait awhile, but I hope that some time before the end of Barack Obama’s presidency, there will be a serious examination of the various laws enacted, and enforcement methods used, in the name of “getting tough on crime.” We have the infamous war on drugs, which generally criminalizes the casual possession and use of various drugs, some of which are relatively harmless. We have the “three strikes” laws in many states, which in some circumstances impose long prison terms for minor offenses. Capital punishment is as popular as ever. Politicians frequently try to outdo each other in the contest to appear tougher on crime, because that perception is always a big advantage in elections. Conversely, an American politician who dares to suggest that these measures are ineffective in combating crime have as much chance of getting elected as would a candidate for the Iranian parliament who publicly doubts the existence of God.

I have no problem with being tough on crime, but I believe that many of the actions done with that supposed objective are ineffective at best, and in some cases counterproductive. Smarter and wiser people than yours truly may disagree, but let’s at least challenge some of the cherished assumptions.

Problems with the war on drugs include wasted resources (police, courts, jail), drug classifications which defy common sense (tobacco cigarettes are legal, marijuana is not), enrichment of organized crime (because lawful merchants cannot supply the people with what they apparently want), and the lost opportunity for excise tax revenue.

The three strikes laws remove the ability of a trial judge to use common sense in sentencing a convicted defendant. By imposing a mandatory twenty year sentence (for example) when a much shorter sentence is appropriate under the circumstances, the prisons become overcrowded with inmates who should not be there.

The usual justifications for capital punishment are false. They do not generally deter crime or save the taxpayers money, nor can we be sure that an innocent person is never executed. Execution undeniably does serve one purpose, which is to satisfy our collective thirst for revenge for an especially gruesome crime.

Let’s have some open an honest debate on these issues.

Now, back to the present day (11/2/09). I wrote the above words about a month ago. The Post editors had to sift through thousands of submitted essays – most of them undoubtedly well written – and it cannot have been easy to select the ten best. For the second round, they asked the would-be pundits to write a 750 word essay, on a different subject matter from the one they used in the first round. Two examples are provided in today’s on-line edition of the post:

http://views.washingtonpost.com/pundits/contestants/mara.gay/2009/11/mom_in_chief.html

http://views.washingtonpost.com/pundits/contestants/darryl.jackson/2009/11/sarah_palins_second_act.html

In my own (obviously biased) opinion, their writings are no better than mine, and Mr. Jackson’s is definitely worse.

Interesting allies regarding the war on drugs

The Bard of Wilmette — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:08:48 EDT

Syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker has an excellent op-ed in today’s (10/21/09) Washington Post. Ms. Parker is generally conservative, but not right wing, and this column concerns the Obama administration’s decision that the federal government will not interfere with states which permit the use of medical marijuana. I think it is an excellent column, because it articulates the case I have been trying to make in some previous blog postings, but in this case with the skill of a professional writer. She praises the administration for making the first step toward sensible drug policy, but she also advocates going further.

The usual arguments in favor of legalizing (or at minimum, decriminalizing) weed note that it is less harmful and addictive than some other currently legal products, that its illegal status means a huge waste of police/court/jail resources, and various other ways that the “war on drugs” is counterproductive, at least regarding marijuana.

In addition to these things, although the foolishness of the “war on drugs” has a long bipartisan history, self-described conservatives should oppose the long standing U.S. policy on ideological grounds. It is a case of government interference with an individual’s choice regarding a recreational activity. Besides that, it is (or at least was, when the supposedly conservative George W. Bush was president) a case of the federal government overruling the states on matters of social policy. True conservatives should be appalled by such arrogance of big government.

Anyway, here is a link to Kathleen Parker’s column:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/20/AR2009102003084.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&sid=ST2009102003110

I'm Confused

Andrew Bairnsfather — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:59:46 EDT

Dear President Obama,

Who are you trying to please?

The people who elected you or the people who thought you were the anti-Christ before you got elected and still haven't changed their minds?

Please do what is best for the country, you are the leader. Don't let yourself be led around by those who wish to continue bankrupting our country (and ruining other countries) due to the War on Drugs, which is exacerbating every problem the prohibitionists decry, or those who think that somehow a single-payer system is going to end up costing each of us more for healthcare while reducing what's available. How is it not obvious that if we ALL pool our resources, we can cover everyone and better than we do now?

What did the Founding Fathers pledge to each other?

• Continuously shop for the lowest labor costs.

• Always figure out the most expensive prices vendors can charge.

• Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

• Our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

• Exploit natural resources for the benefit of a few.

• Legislate and force their religions—or professed abstinence from—on others.

Yes, they pledged their lives, FORTUNES, and sacred honor to each other. We all live in this country but I feel more like it's a pack of wolves hunting the prey and fighting each other for dominance. Any sense of teamwork we had was killed off by the hateful, crying "commie," "socialist." Don't you think it's ironic that many of these people's parents gladly took their belongings to collection points and gave them away for free to be melted down and used as communal property to fight Hitler? Seems to me the way some think now, they hate what their parents did, it was not capitalistic, they should have sold it to our begging government. They probably wish their parents could've sold their old brass spitoons on eBay to whatever govt. agency was the highest bidder.

To pretend corruption and conflict of interest doesn't exist or "won't happen" is foolish. This is why those who designed our govt. put checks and balances in place.

You really need to whip the Congress into shape, they've been practicing the removal of checks and balances for decades! Give them a tongue lashing, which does not need to be public, pick them up and set them back down 180° from how they seem pointed.

All those people shouting "Nazi" and such… Here is the ONLY comparison I see.

You are well aware that hateful Hitler's loud mouth and minion convinced many people that the Gypsies were bad, the Jews were bad, the blacks were bad, etc… I'm sure many of them thought, "gee, others must feel this way too" and they went along with the bullies. After WWII many ordinary Germans were sorry they went along with it.

The comparison I see is that some of the loud-mouths are basically just describing themselves, and those in the upper echelons of political power are just like the mild-mannered Germans who were overtaken by the bullies.

Get out the charts and graphs, do like the senators do up at the front of Congress with their huge placards. Show people the dire straights we're in and rushing towards!

C'mon! What did Bob Marley sing? "Wake up! Stand up! Stand up for your rights!" Well, you are president and you have a whole lot more rights to get things done and get the message out than many of us who voted for you. This is why we voted for you, so you could do them. We didn't vote for you, so you would do the will of those who DID NOT vote for you.

In any case, it's my firm belief that many of these 50 & 60 somethings who are screaming loudest will benefit the most from cutting down the unfruitful for-profit healthcare system that benefits from denying coverage so they can pay bonuses and stock dividends to a miniscule percentage of our population.

Like I wrote in another essay. The cops DO NOT care who the backseat driver was who told the driver to ______ that led to the accident. They only care about the person in control. And you are in control. (At least 1/3 of it.) But you are the "head," so you need to stick your neck out every once in a while. Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say.

Tips on who to contact:

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition for lots of statistics on this failed Drug War.

http://LEAP.cc/

MPP - The hosts of one of the groups to which I will post this essay. A source of more information.

http://MPP.org/

Bill Moyers and Wendell Potter - at least watch the interview Bill conducted; but invite them both over for huge insight in to the healthcare issue.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watch2.html

Respectfully,

Andrew Bairnsfather

P.S. As usual you are welcome to contact me directly, however, I am sure I will just point you at others who know more than I do.

Health Insurance Reform

Jane Anne Jeffries Johnson — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:37:46 EDT

I retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District in February. I felt it was my civic duty to give up my job and live on my retirement, since the economy is struggling. I moved to Friday Harbor, Washington, where the economy is doing better than in California. I am able to keep abreast of the changes President Obama is making toward a more viable society and economy. I urge everyone who voted for him to continue to support him now. The sharks are swarming, and there is blood in the water. It's time to come together as a force for change.

My Opinion on Marijuana

Robin Lee — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:53:48 EDT

I have heard and observed much on this subject. I, myself, do not use it, tried it long ago, did not like it. I know of some who have not tried it and those who smoke every day and thouroughly enjoy it.

I had a brother-in-law with cancer. His doctor told him, "Off the record, if you can get your hands on some marijuana, it would help relieve the affects of the radiation and chemo."

I have a daughter with Multiple Sclerosis. Research claims that marijuana helps with some of the symptoms. She agrees.

Once upon a time Maijuana was legal in the United States. Once upon a time alcohol was banned. I have seen and heard of more damage done by drunks than potheads. Why is alcohol legal? You drink, you drive, you might make it home, but you might kill someone else or yourself. You drink, you get obnoxious, you get into fights, you throw up in strange places, you break things, you get abusive.

I have seen some people get so high on marijuana that they appear to be glued to the spot. I have seen some function better when high. I have not seen a smoker hurt or kill anyone under the influence of just marijuana. They get giddy and hungry. So WHY is marijuana ILLegal?

First Post: Introduction and Ego Stroking!

Jesse — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:53:34 EDT

So let me start off by sharing...

Obama maintains Bush's secret illegal US evesdropping.. more "change" from his campaign promises

William from Ames, IA — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:19:03 EDT

Change we can believe in is right, but it seems most of Obama's change seems to be coming from his promises to reality, not from Bush's ruining of our country to fixing it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not here to tell you everything he has done has been bad. Much praise is deserved. That does not mean much criticism is undeserved.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/13/obama-administration-upholds-terrorist-surveillance-secrecy-rules/comments/

Obama continues the use of warrentless wiretapping and evesdropping, using the same BS excuse that Bush used: State Secrets.

Well, we have to wait and see how this turns out.. but it's a little dissapointing.

If you ask me, the NSA will ALWAYS be spying where they see the need, regardless of how legal it is, if the president officially authorized it, etc. We have black ops, covert operations, world wide survaillance. I have no doubt that they can get all the information they need without having widespread wire-tapping and evesdropping (or looking at our library records, recording all our emails, etc)

The NSA is capable of monitoring, flagging, deciphering all the intel it needs. They don't need any help from Patriot Acts or Presidential "state secrets"

I have no doubt that under both presidents, the 'primary' goal was a reasonable one: find terrorists. But again, they do NOT need blanket searches, putting EVERYONE in the spotlight. People have a right to privacy, it's in our Bill of Rights.

Under Bush, liberal watch groups, peace advocates, community organizers, and such people were closely monitored. How do we have any assurances that Obama wouldn't do the same? Monitor those that dissagree with him? Those that may come out with information that he doesn't want out?

It's not about terrorism. They have other, and plentiful means to combat terrorism abroad and at home (currently he touts the use of peaceful negotiations while continuing the combatant practices of Bush)

It's about our privacy and our rights, and about holding Obama accountable to the campaign promises he made.

Barrack Obama ignores his constituents in Online Town Hall Meeting

William from Ames, IA — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:45:41 EDT

I had very high faith in Obama to do the right thing with the Online Town hall meeting. It seemed like such a good idea and an easy concept: Ask people what they think, and listen to them.

However, as critics predicted ahead of time, the questions Obama was going to answer were pre-determined. He could guarantee that certain questions would be asked, he just had to wait and see how they were worded. But his responses were all planned, and the questions selected were planned.

This is the opposite of what he stated his intentions were. He did not listen to the people, or take their questions seriously. Instead, he merely read a prepared statement in the guise of an online town hall meeting. Town Hall meetins themselves are usually screened and questions prepared, but he stated that this would be different.

Three questions in particular were completely ignored, but others we ignored in part. For instance, questions regarding how to treat the Auto Industry, how best to spend money on them (or to not) and how best to make them move forward. Many were worded differently, with different emphases. He took a blakent response to these questions, ignoring many comments about smaller companies.

Many asked whether it makes any sense to bail out the companies that are failing. After all, this is the market. They failed for a reason: They had two decades to figure out that using oil is not a permanent solution, and begin to make real progress. They did not. They sold out to the oil industry, killed the electric car in 2000, and continued making gas guzzlers. If we paid for gas as we should, as other parts of the world do, which is unsibsidized, we would ALWAYS be paying double what we pay. Do you think there would have been a bigger push for the elctric car in 2000 if gas was not disproportionately low from government subsidies? This just passes the buck on to our next generations, as we do with many things. So why was gas subsidized? To keep people thinking it was cheap, and that it'd be around forever, and that we don't NEED to have a new solution.

So what did the car companies do? They delayed the inevitable, they got greedy, they sacrificed long term servivability for short term gains. For this, they deserve to go bankrupt. What about the workers? Well, pay them while they look for another job, just as other people are on welfare.

What about our auto-industry? Well thats easy. There's 30 electric car companies waiting to make a shot at it. see: http://venturebeat.com/2008/01/10/27-electric-cars-companies-ready-to-take-over-the-road/

Other companies are working on other solutions, hydrogen power cells, alternative fuel sources. The free market will sort this out, and it won't take as long as people think. The vacuum left from the failing car companies would be quickly filled.

But Obama did not address these questions. Instead he only addressed those that dealt with how to monitor the EXISTING car companies, while ignoring the questions that regarded focusing on NEW car companies. The message? That he doesn't care about the free market figuring this out, nor what his constituents say on the matter, nor about any REAL GREEN SOLUTIONS. Pushing the car companies (that have failed from greed) to make expensive electric and hybrid cars, and SLOWLY push out new alternatives, WILL NOT HELP. Other companies are offering cheaper, better solutions. But he is ignoring those, pushing them aside, and assuming (wrongly) that the only way forward is to work with, and reward, the existing companies.

The other two questions that Obama ignored he did much more overtly.

One is regarding Industrial Hemp. Hemp has been used for thousands of years for everything from clothes, rope, car parts, fuel, paper, to food. Every country in the world grows it except America. America can import it and use it, but not grow it.

Industrial Hemp is the true green future. It could solve many problems at once: economic, farming, food, fuel.. Many questions were asked regarding Industrial Hemp (which contains less than 1% THC - the active ingredient in smoked marijuana) Many questions regarded seperating the two, removing the myths, and taking Industrial Hemp off the banned drug list. At the very least, many stated that it should be up to states to decide. see http://hemporganic.com/whyhemp.html

http://azhemp.org/Archive/Package/Uses/uses.html

Obama chose not to even MENTION this.

Instead, he made a joke about the SINGLE BIGGEST QUESTION asked.

This question was about decriminalizing marijuana.

There were legitimate questions and statements. Economically, it could save tons of money on the war on drugs, make lots from taxing. Ethically, it would keep people out of prison for a relatively minor crime. Pratically, it would allow the government to CONTROL it, who sells it (cut out the gangs and the cross border drug trafficking) who can smoke it (age limits) what they can do while smoking (test for recent use is available now, and could be used by traffick cops to determine if someone has used before driving, just like alcohol)

So there were many legitimate concerns raised (the most salient being economic, the VAST amount of money that could be generated by the government)

Obama, however, made a crack about "this shows who the internet users are" as if EVERYONE who voted for these questions was currently smoking a bong. Many people stated clearly that they were not users. Regardless, who is asking should not concern him. The fact is that it was asked by the people HE SAID HE WOULD LISTEN TO. The Media claimed that the polls were hijacked. Obama claimed that it was not a real concern of the American people.

Clearly, it was a concern. One that will not go away. And for all the valid reasons offered by many, the most obvious is economic. He asked for economic solutions, and three were provided to him that he BLATANTLY IGNORED.

I say SHAME ON OBAMA. He has done much good since coming into office, but is FALLING FAR SHORT of where he promised. He uses unmanned drones to kill civilians in Pakistan. He continues many policies he said he would end. He has NOT checked bills line by line as he said. He has NOT allowed for 3-4 days for the public to view and critique any bill before signing. He has NOT cut spending on porky projects.

And most importantly: HE HAS NOT LISTENED TO THE PEOPLE!

Speak out against this! Next online town hall, remind Obama that we will not be silenced so easily! If he wants to claim to be OUR president, he has to listen to us. And not just us, the people who voted for him, but all Americans who have a valid point.

The people want REAL GREEN CARS. The big companies FAILED to provide them, and giving them money will lead to more of the same, and the change will be SLOW AND EXPENSIVE. There's already better alternatives, give them a chance!

The people want INDUSTRIAL HEMP. It is the real green future crop. It grows fast, has plenty of uses, is less harmful to the environment than cotton, prevents deforestation, and has been used for thousands of years! It can be imported but not grown!

The people want DECRIMINALIZED AND TAXED MARIJUANA. Keeping it as a prohibited drug increases crime and mis-use, just as prohibited alcohol did. It is less harmful and addictive than both alcohol and nicotine. It can be controlled, taxed, and monitored.

Ensuring Kids Continue to Deal Drugs

Andrew Bairnsfather — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:44:52 EDT

Dear President Obama,

(sarcasm on)

The government's plan to ensure teenagers deal drugs is working really well!

Continue to make marijuana illegal so that adults do not want to get caught, and use kids as their proxies.

I guess you could make the punishments for dealing drugs as harsh for teens as it is for adults; maybe what is needed is more heavy-handed punishment, you know what they say, "spare the rod…"

The only problem I foresee with making penalties for teen dealers the same as adults, is that this will cause the adults to use pre-teens as their proxies.

But what the hey? The govt. has been ignoring common sense and the obvious for decades! Why change? Maybe you should just make penalties for pre-teen dealers just as harsh as those for adults!

Hm… Maybe what you should recommend is making the penalties for pre-teen and teen dealers outrageously harsh, harsher than for the adults! This could keep the adults from using kids as their proxies.

I've read posts on the Internet from the Religion Against Marijuana (RAM) crowd who think there should be the death penalty for drug dealers. Public executions, just like the old days, ahh the old days. How many children do you think the RAM crowd needs to kill in public before the adults who used them as proxies will stop doing so?

I think all you need to do is volunteer the heavy handed tactics and they will gladly go along with them! Don't call it water boarding, call it "bong boarding," be like former administrations and just invent clever names to disguise what you are doing. Make George Orwell proud.

(/sarcasm off)

You know the racist wolves that surround you are astonished at your authority and can't help but think to themselves, "I sure wish we'd caught his bony behind red-handed snorting or smoking! He sure wouldn't be where he is now!"

Dear President Obama,

I was deeply saddened to hear you tease the notion of ending the prohibition on marijuana and the greed inspired violence, and keeping all the money trading hands in the untaxed black market. Clearly there are millions of people who benefit from this plant, as a medicine or religious sacrament, or both.

The biggest issue you will have to deal with when ending marijuana prohibition are the people dressed in black who will hate you for it, even though they are the high priests of RAM and supposedly hate the supposed harm it causes, they will go to great lengths to cause harm and make it look as though it's due to marijuana. Parallels to this have been written about in many stories, portrayed in numerous TV shows, and movies, and you can see it in action in the current season of Heroes on NBC (2009).

Respectfully,

Drew

P. S. Our own govt. scientists have concocted something from the marijuana plant and found it prevents neurological problems like my Dad is experiencing. What is the hold up?! Why should some school-yard-mentality bullies have the power to keep my Dad (and many others) in a state of suffering?! Patent #6,630,507. The main caveat here is my Dad is not a big fan of pills, I also feel he is not into smoking. But my mother is a good cook. I have many religious reasons too for ending prohibition, but will not share them here, now. Feel free to contact me any time.

Legalizing weed is good, but not the top priority

The Bard of Wilmette — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:04:01 EDT

President Obama recently was criticized for casually dismissing a question about the possible economic stimulus effect resulting from the legalization of marijuana. Although I am on the side of those who would legalize marijuana – or at least getting the federal government out of the way of individual states’ efforts to set their own rules on that subject – I can hardly blame Obama for not wanting to address that issue at this time. The new president has inherited the worst economic crisis within the lifetime of most of us, along with two wars that have not gone very well. In attempting to address the economic issue, he is tying in reforms for education, healthcare, and energy policies, so that the economic recovery will hopefully be far more long term than one based on asset inflation and reckless increases in consumer debt. Obama has a lot of good ideas, but I am concerned that he could be trying to do too much at one time. I hope that he manages to prove my doubts to be misplaced.

At any rate, although I agree with the advocates for the legalization of marijuana, this is the wrong time for Obama to push that issue, even if he privately agrees with it. He is using all of his available political capital to push those issues that he (understandably) believes are the most critical at this time. What he can do, and appears to be doing, is to reduce the federal enforcement efforts against users of the “evil weed.” Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune has a good column on the subject. My one implied disagreement with Mr. Page is that I think he does not take into account the practical reality that President Obama would seriously impair his ability to tackle the bigger issues if he added legalizing marijuana to his policy agenda at this time. Still, it is a good column. Here is the link:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0401pageapr01,0,1071790.column

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

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

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

No More Surges of Violence, Please! Surge the Unexpected! Surge Smarts!

Andrew Bairnsfather — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:13:33 EDT

Dear Brother Barack,

The "war on drugs" was not started as some half-hearted attempt to overthrow a dictator.

The "war on drugs" has had dozens of decades of money, human might, weapons, and propaganda thrown at it.

The "war on drugs" has already had decades of "surges" applied to it.

Do not fall for the lame logic that continues to whisper in the ears of power, "if we could just have more money, we'd win," or "if we could just send in more troops with a surge against the cartels, we'd win." You are only the latest in a long line to hear those lines. Those doing so are more addicted than the worst offenders. In fact, I would say that many of them are in the same boat as the cartels who don't want this war to end, and many of them are in their pockets too!

Call in LEAP and hear from folks who have been involved in this battle for their whole careers!

Who put your in power? Was it donations from big pharmaceutical companies? Was is huge alcohol vendors run by people with so many houses they don't know how many they own? Was it the privatized prison system that is interested in bigger and bigger profits?

Even though I am not a doctor and have very little medical training, I am sure that in the past doctors tried potent "downers" on hyperactive children. But after lots of experimenting, you know what? They found that ritalin, a "stimulant" of some sort, was what made hyperactive children calm down! What's the moral of this little story? Sometimes the solution is ironic.

Call LEAP today, here are some names to ask for: Howard, Jack, Norm, Peter, Matt (many more).

Since you are a man of prayer, here is a religious perspective. Who came out to defeat Goliath? Was it someone even bigger? Or was it some kid? Something totally unexpected, laughed at and scorned by the leaders, and seemingly totally underpowered?

Where was the King of the Universe born? In a marble palace with a silver spoon in his mouth on silk sheets to beautiful and famous parents? Um, not according to the story! He was born in a smelly barn, his bassinet was a feeding trough for large animals, his young-teen mother was considered by some to have slept around, later he was homeless and wandered around without any visible job. The irony!

Here is a pop-culture fiction reference. What brought down the invaders in "War of the Worlds?" Was it bombs? Was it tanks? Was it a surge of army men dressed in black, kicking in doors unexpectedly?

Please consider ending this war to be parallel to how many have viewed political elections (before you came along). Many people did not like either option, either candidate, they just "voted for the lesser evil."

Surely it should be obvious by now that the ills that prohibition was designed to combat have spawned significantly more serious ills!

Begin by ending the government-imposed unconstitutional religion of hate against marijuana. People undergoing cancer treatment could be benefitting, perhaps people like my Dad who is, I'm told, getting Alzheimer's disease could benefit--or at least partake in studies, and many other people suffering who are currently hiding, could come to the light and share their experiences, for the scientific advancement of society. The only people winning now are the weapons vendors, the adrenaline junkies, the non-taxpaying black market traders, vicious cartels, for-profit prisons, and big pharma.

You don't have to like, or agree with the cartels, but putting them in "suits," regulating them, and taxing them is much better than the accelerating downhill slide that prohibition has caused since its inception, and this includes Prohibition version 1, and Prohibition version 2!

Don't believe for one second this "sends the wrong message to children." Those who are actually children (vs. teenagers…) will not even know what is going on. It won't be on their radar at all. Do I remember self-adulation of adults patting themselves on the back about the message they were sending children, when I was a child? Ha! I thought adults were boring, talked about boring things, and I couldn't wait to get back to video games, board games, reading, climbing trees, etc… This is, and will be, an adult hang-up. Do you remember Nixon's antics? If you were like most kids at the time, you probably were more interested in basketball, music, and other social issues.

I could go on and on with reasons. But I've written enough for today. Please, again, give this serious thought. I am not asking you to enter a beauty contest or popularity contest. I am sure there are many like me who are ready to pack up and leave the US if our best shot at leadership just falls in with the same-old same-old crowd of power and money abusers, whose minds seem beyond repair from drunken self-righteous power and money grabbing while continuing to ignore our very own Declaration of Independence and Constitution and the facts that are before us.

Respectfully, Drew.

P.S. You may call me any time.

Stem Cells are Important, Bud Cells are Important Too!

Andrew Bairnsfather — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:10:09 EDT

I am not an expert in stem cells, so I am willing to go along with the notion that stem cells are important.

But I must say that "bud" cells are very much worth investigating too!

In fact, some botanists would say the only reason for stem cells is so they can produce bud cells!

Dear Barack, you can help stop the suffering! Act now!

My Dad, whom I love, is turning 81 soon and is supposedly getting Alzheimer's. Each year, for decades, he spends months figuring out complex tax codes, a waste of a time for someone who wrote the software that got men off the moon. He does NOT spend months doing taxes because he has off-shore accounts, or oodles of businesses or holdings, he was an electrical engineer (forced into early retirement) and anal, and someone who loves the USA.

Do you know how angry I am?!!!

Take away the shame and illegal laws against a plant that could help him! A plant! We're not talking some strange concoction that comes out of a spigot off of some strange refining, distilling, apparatus, a Rube Goldburg machine! A plant! Bud cells off the end of some stem cells!

Obama will move towards legalization of marijuana.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marijuana key to economic recovery

John Sullivan — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:47:34 EST

POTPOLITICS

I recently got the inside word that President Obama will move for Legaliztion of Marijuana in June 2009

this is more an economic reality that can no longer be ignored. Marijuana now benefits street people and drug cartels and the government is left with the unecessary burden of a Police state and Prison cost. There is a strong element of useless people that profit from the current system, Judges countless Probation and Parole Officers none who add any real value to society. All these bureacratic positions need to be eliminated. The country economic and secrurity depend on this very measure.

Don't make the same mistakes over and over and expect different results.

You can follow along on my main blog POTPOLITICS

Thanks

John Sullivan

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.

List of My Concerns

Andrew Bairnsfather — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:48:10 EST

Months ago i started a list of things I want to see government leadership address. (I wish I could say my list was complete, without spelling errors, or grammatical errors. But I've worked to be concise.)

I have divided my list into two parts:

Specific issues I think need addressing and fixing.
"Meta-issues" that are amorphous and present within the specific issues.

Our time has come.............

freedom4u_n_me — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:44:00 EST

Welcome to the 21st century!

Our time has come!

I feel that we will, finally, be moving America into the 21st century when President-elect Obama is sworn in!

I will be watching the inauguration on CNN from my television. If you have a facebook account you can join others watching CNN here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=56799103571

Congratulations to all of you who will be there in person! Enjoy, and please share your stories and photos with the group! We would all appreciate it!

As you may know, Mon. Jan. 19th is a national day of service, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Those of us who are busy on Mon. will be participating on Sat. and/or Sun.

In Peoria, on Sun., the 18th, at 8am., some of us will be going downtown, taking food, clothes, blankets, etc. for the homeless. You can sign up to join us here:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt87m

Hope, Pride, Honor, Justice: just a few adjectives that describe America's new course, to me.

What adjective would you use?

Happy New Year

Happy New Day: January 20, 2009!

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.

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:24:33 EST

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office WASHINGTON – Vice President-elect Joe Biden today announced the following staff for the Office of the Vice President: Elisabeth Hire, Director of Scheduling; Pete Selfridge, Director of Advance; Anthony Bernal, Director of Scheduling for Dr. Jill Biden; and Sam Myers Sr., Trip Director for the Vice President. "All four of these indivuduals will bring a wealth of experience and a tireless work ethic to the Obama-Biden Administration," said Vice President-elect Biden. "They will be tremendous assets and additions to the team we are building." The Vice President-elect’s Staff Announcements are below: Elisabeth Hire, Director of Scheduling Elisabeth Hire most recently served as director of scheduling to Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden on the Obama-Biden campaign. A veteran of the past three Presidential election cycles, Hire served as the deputy director of scheduling for Hillary Clinton's 2008 primary campaign; scheduled for Kerry/Edwards 2004; and served on the advance staff of Kerry/Edwards 2004 and Gore/Lieberman 2000. When not working in politics, Hire has worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on a variety of projects including the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, the Festival of China, the Millennium Stage, and in its nationally recognized Education Department. A Bexley, Ohio native, Hire is a classically trained ballet dancer and has performed with BalletMet Columbus. She graduated with an A.B. in English from Kenyon College. Pete Selfridge, Director of AdvancePete Selfridge served as deputy director of advance, heading up Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden's advance operation during the Obama-Biden campaign, a position he has retained during the transition process. Selfridge has worked in city government, public affairs and communications throughout his professional career. Prior to joining the Obama-Biden campaign, he served as the City Director in Los Angeles for the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative. Selfridge lived in Washington D.C. from 1994 through 1997, where he worked in the office of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) as well as in the scheduling office of President Bill Clinton at the White House. Selfridge is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Iowa. He also received a management of information systems certificate from Columbia University in New York. Anthony Bernal, Director of Scheduling for Dr. Jill BidenAnthony Bernal serves as director of scheduling to Dr. Jill Biden on the transition team, a position he held during the Obama-Biden campaign. Bernal began his professional experience at the White House serving both President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore in their respective offices of scheduling and advance. Following the 2000 election, Bernal joined the Coca-Cola Company’s office of international affairs in Washington, DC and then AARP. In 2004, Bernal served as Director of Financial Administration of the Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. Following the 2004 DNC Convention, Bernal was chief of staff at the ALS Therapy Development Foundation, a Cambridge-based non-profit biotechnology company. Bernal, a native of Tucson, Arizona, earned his Bachelor's Degree in History and Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso and studied at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Sam Myers Sr., Trip Director for the Vice PresidentSam Myers, Sr. is a veteran of eight presidential campaigns and has worked closely with presidents and presidential candidates for the past thirty-five years. Most recently, Myers worked as a key press aide for the Obama-Biden campaign, serving as a press logistics liaison aboard Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign plane. Before joining the Obama-Biden campaign, Myers worked with the media covering Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's primary campaign, traveling with Senator Clinton through June of 2008; and he had previously served as Trip Director for Senator John Edwards during his 2008 primary campaign. During the 2004 presidential election, Myers worked for the Kerry-Edwards campaign, traveling aboard the vice presidential candidate's airplane. Myers traveled with Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 presidential campaign serving as the press logistics liaison and worked at the White House for President Bill Clinton, traveling around the world, managing press logistics for presidential events. Born in Quincy, Illinois and raised in Edina, Missouri, Myers is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri. He is married to Dr. Vicki Myers and has four children. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 8, 2009

David Crawford

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:24:33 EST

January 8, 2009

David Crawford

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 tomorrow at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Space is limited. If you are interested in covering the press conference please contac

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.

Questions on Change.gov

Trisha — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:23:12 EST

I have been reading through so many questions on Change.gov, and I have noticed so many questions that I look at and wonder...what was this person thinking.

So here are some thoughts I would like to express...

One...so many have asked the question "why do I have to pay for individuals who did things wrong, when I did everything right?" My question is why, because someone is caught up in this economic downturn, do you automatically assume that the person has done something wrong? What about the people who did everything right, but because of others greed, they are in trouble...why do you assume the people asking for help do not fall into that category?

My second thought...Maybe we should all take a step back and understand what a President can truely do. I understand, and partake in the excitement of a President who promises change from the same old politics, but all of the questions requesting things completely out of the control of a President does nothing to advance the cooperation that will be needed between the Government and the communities they serve. I understand that everyone has the right to ask what they choose, but questions that request the President to do things beyond his control are not productive.

Common questions I have come across...and my thoughts on them...Please give me your input...these are meant to get ideas going, so that we can be more proactive in our Government...

I have come across several questions that have had to do with legalizing Marijauna and taxing it the same way we tax cigarettes and alcohol. The common argument is that this would give an instant boost to the economy, both by the tax revenue this would raise and also by the billions of tax dollars saved in law enforcement costs each year. I personally see the argument, whether or not I believe in the cause, as a plausible way to stimulate the economy. What are your thoughts on this?

The next question that I have seen over and over is in regards to U.S. stimulus...Why not give a stimulus check to each American adult...the amount varries based on the questioner, but range from $30,000 each to 1 million each...included in the stimulus package to be voted on later this month. The arguement...That giving that much would allow those who have been hit hard to pay their mortgage payments and get bills caught up, and will then continue to stimulate the economy by spending, saving, or investing the rest. What are your thoughts on this?

The last question I am going to address here is whether or not we should abolish the current tax system and go to a sales tax instead of income tax system? I would like to hear all your ideas on this subjects as I am still trying to weigh the pros and cons of each. What are your thoughts on this?

The great part about this is that you can vote on which questions you want the Obama team to answer...with the questions that get the most votes being the ones they answer...if you have time you should stop by change.gov and answer a few...

How i'm Ending World Poverty PLEASE READ

Jason — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:40:01 EST

Can you afford to loan a woman in Peru $25 to expand her grocery store?

I have made over 100 micro-loans to businesswomen and men in 30 of Earth's poorest countries. My loans have always been repaid, and not one person has been late in repayment.

EVERY WEEK up to 15,000 people across the world use KIVA.org to make around One Million Dollars in loans to up to 3,000 entrepreneurs in the most poverty-stricken nations on Earth.

YOU can change the world too, and it won't cost a penny...

KIVA.org

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN:

David Crawford -Manager — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:44:25 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."

10 things to know about McCainPass this on to a friend »

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:08:37 EST

10 things you should know about John McCain (but probably don't):

John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.1
According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi."2
His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.3
McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."4
The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.5
He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.6
Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."7
McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.8
McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult."9
He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year.10

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.

Interview with Vice-President Elect Joe Biden

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:17:33 EST

CNN LARRY KING LIVE

Interview with Vice-President Elect Joe Biden

Aired December 2008 - 21:00 ETTHIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, Vice President-Elect Joe Biden in a prime time exclusive.
The hard-fought and historic election behind him, now the ultimate test -- with the whole world watching, how will he and Barack Obama bring America back to greatness?

Will he reinvent the vice presidency?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOSEPH BIDEN (D), VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT: And that I be, essentially, his counselor-in-chief.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Joe Biden on the challenge of the century right now on LARRY KING LIVE.

A great pleasure to welcome back to LARRY KING LIVE -- one of many visits that he's made to this program, but not as the vice president-elect. He is Joe Biden, the former senator -- former senator from Delaware, soon to be, on January 20th, the vice president of the United States, author of a terrific book, "Joe Biden: Promises to Keep." It is now out in paperback.

He joins us for this primetime exclusive.

Joe, good to have you back. You wrote in your book...

BIDEN: It's good to be back with you, Larry.

KING: You wrote in your book about the great lesson you learned from your father, which was get up. And your mother pushing you to get past your stuttering as a child.

When you envelope all of that and then look at it, can you believe where you are?

BIDEN: Well, in one sense, no; in another sense, yes. My mother convinced all of her kids that there wasn't a single thing we couldn't do. And the good news was, we believed it.

(LAUGHTER)

BIDEN: But it was always -- it was always, you know, get up, no one is any better than you, you're no better than anybody else, but no one is better than you. And if you were raised in our house, she'd say, "You're a Biden."

And I remember years later thinking, well, what's a Biden, you know?

(LAUGHTER)

BIDEN: But my mother was always one of these folks who just absolutely, positively instilled confidence in you.

KING: And she is still living, right?

BIDEN: Yes. She's living with me. She's 91, almost 92. I guarantee you she's watching us tonight. Literally, Larry, she watches you every single night. She's a night owl. And then she'll say to me the next morning, "Joe, did you see Larry King last night? Did you hear what he said?"

I said, "No, mom, I didn't," or I did.

And so I just wanted -- I hope I do well on the show, Larry, because I'll be told how I did.

KING: All right. Let's start.

How did you learn -- the moment you learned that Senator Obama wanted Senator Biden to be his running mate?

BIDEN: Well, he had called me about a month before he chose me to ask whether or not I'd consider being as -- you know the term, Larry, vetted -- meaning would I consider a team of lawyers going over everything in my background, from my voting regard to my finances, to see whether or not I would pass muster, assuming he chose me as vice president.

And I was riding on the train, which I've done every day for over 7,000 trips. And I said, "I'd have to think about it."

And he said, "Well, why is that?" And I said, "Well, I just have to think about it. I never thought about being vice president and I'd have to talk with my family."

And he said, "Can you get back to me?"

And I did, I think about 24 hours later. And I said, "I'll be vetted, but I -- but even if you choose me, I still want to talk to you before that -- before I would agree to accept."

And then several -- then I got squirreled out to -- he was campaigning in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

And I got a phone call, would go masquerade myself out there?

They provided a plane for me and snuck me into this hotel. And we spent three-and-a-half hours talking about the role of vice president.

And he said, "Well, it's down to you and somebody else." And he said, "I'll give you a call later."

And I was literally taking my wife to the dentist. She was the one getting the root canal, not me. And as I -- as she got situated in the chair and me in the waiting room, I got a call from Barack and he asked me.

And we had already agreed, Jill and I, that if asked, to say yes. That's how it all unfolded.

KING: Did you ever know who the other person was?

BIDEN: Well, I think I do, but I don't want to, you know, speculate on that.

KING: What kind of vice -- now there are many kinds of vice presidents. There's the Mondale brand, the Gore brand, the Cheney brand.

What's -- what's the Biden brand?

BIDEN: Well, I think the Biden brand is going to be as different as all three of those you suggested in the sense that -- look, Larry, I think that the role of the vice president is determined, in large part, by his relationship with the president and the circumstances that administration finds themselves in.

And so when Barack asked me about what I expected in return for accepting -- if I accepted, what -- I said I want to be there when you make every -- every critical decision you make. I want to be in the room, because I have a significant amount of experience. I'd like to be able to give my input. And you're president. If you conclude my judgment is not the right judgment, I abide by that. But I want an opportunity to have an input.

And so my role as vice president is -- unlike some of the others, I've asked for no specific portfolio -- that is, I take care of the environment or one particular area -- and that I be, essentially, his counselor-in-chief.

And thus far, as the campaign -- as the administration has begun to unroll -- we're rolling out our cabinet and the rest -- that's the role I've played. And I hope that's the role I'll play for the next four years.

KING: Have you been consulted on every cabinet post announced?

BIDEN: Yes. As a matter of fact, I've been more than consulted. I've been asked to submit my own recommendations. I've been there at the table, with a small group of people, when each of these cabinet potential nominees have been debated. I have indicated and weighed in who I thought was the preferable candidate or candidates.

And so I've been involved in every single one of these decisions.

KING: What happens, Senator, when a vice -- you're not a senator -- you're (INAUDIBLE) -- yes, you're always a senator. What happens... BIDEN: Yes.

KING: Yes.

What happens when a vice president -- when Joe Biden disagrees with his president?

BIDEN: Well, I think there's -- there's two kinds of disagreements. One is a disagreement on policy. And he is the president. I am not the president. I am there to give him my best advice, help him accomplish what he and I promised during the campaign.

But -- I don't expect this ever to happen, but it's possible there could be a fundamental disagree on principle -- on a very principled decision. And I think it's not happened in the past, but if that were to happen in the extreme, the only option a vice president has, I think, is to demur and step down.

Now, he is the president of the United States.

Now, the good news is that, if you look at our voting records that overlap -- the years that Barack and I overlapped -- they're almost identical. When we each ran separately in the campaign, each seeking the nomination, there was virtually no difference in our position on the important issues. And during the campaign there have been no differences.

So I'm sure there will be differences in nuance, differences in tactics. But the good news is I think Barack did what most presidents attempt to do, is pick someone who was ideologically, philosophically in tune with him. And so I don't expect that to happen.

But he is the president. It is his decision. I give him my best advice. He makes the decision and I try to implement -- help him implement that decision.

KING: We'll be right back with Senator Joe Biden, the vice president-elect.

Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with Vice President-Elect Joe Biden.

He's in Delaware and we're in California.

The economy, Joe, the president-elect wants a major stimulus package.

What's the latest?

How big?

BIDEN: Well, we need a major stimulus package. Barack and I have been calling for -- during the campaign, as candidates, starting this September -- the need for a major stimulus package.

You may recall that was a point of contention between John McCain and Sarah Palin, on the one hand, and Barack and me, on the other.

The economy has continued to worsen during those months. And, now, Larry, as you know, because you have so many people on your show, economists from the center-left and the center-right, all the way across the spectrum, all agree that we need a significant economic recovery package focused on jobs -- and because the economy is pretty much in a tailspin right now.

The effort taken by -- to sort of shore up the financial markets and, as people euphemistically say, Wall Street -- has had some impact. But it hasn't had the impact that is needed to revive economic growth.

And Barack and I believe there are sort of two wheels to this scooter, Larry. One is the liquidity, as they say, of the financial markets. That is, money to lend, businesses being able to borrow, consumers being able to borrow and have money available to them.

But the other end is the economic growth needed, the creation of 2.5 million jobs, which we think needs to be done. And toward that end, we will, after some considerable consultation with our economic team and our Republican and Democratic colleagues in the House and the Senate, hopefully be supporting a package -- that is, a piece of legislation in January that will, in fact, create -- immediately stimulate the economy by creating new jobs. And new jobs, Larry, that aren't just make work. New jobs that will also have the long-term benefit of changing the economy.

KING: Right.

BIDEN: For example, we believe we need to invest in a new grid, a so-called smart grid. That is a way to transport electricity generated by wind and solar throughout the nation.

It has a double effect. It will create million -- thousands of new jobs that are high paying jobs. It will leave in its aftermath a structure that will allow us to not emit as many greenhouse gases. It will begin to save the environment. It will create economic growth throughout the country.

So it's not just job creation...

KING: I got you...

BIDEN: ...but creating jobs in areas that have long-term impact.

KING: And you think you can create 2.5 million jobs by 2011?

BIDEN: Yes, we think we can. And it's a combination of -- right now what we're trying to do is stop the hemorrhaging of jobs. We're losing tens of thousands of jobs per month. So the combination of stopping the projected job loss and creating new jobs will be a total of 2.5 million. And we believe we can do that by investing in, as I said, new technologies; by investing in infrastructure -- building roads and bridges -- all things, by the way, that add to the productivity of the country, that keep American businesses in America, that...

KING: How do you...

BIDEN: ...that generate high paying jobs that can't be exported.

KING: How about saving homes, foreclosures and the like?

BIDEN: Saving homes is part of it. You will see part of our package will be significant assistance on mortgage foreclosures -- mortgage abatement, because that's the root cause of this problem, the so-called subprime mortgage crisis. And we believe that has to play a larger part in this overall recovery package than it's played thus far.

So you will see that that will be part of our economic recovery package.

KING: Do you agree with the president-elect that we've been asleep at the switch?

BIDEN: Well, we clearly have in the regulatory side. You see what's recently happened with Madoff and the billions of dollars he's been able -- and if you look at it now, in retrospect, even the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission has said his folks were quote "asleep at the switch." I think that's the phrase he used or something very similar to that.

KING: Yes.

BIDEN: And this is all borne out of this sort of -- this laissez faire notion of, you know, Wall Street can regulate itself. We want to maintain this strong capitalist system. But the idea that it has no oversight virtually in the past, that era is over in this new administration.

KING: Let me take a quick break and come back and ask you about the bailout on Friday, and about Madoff.

Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with Vice President-Elect Joe Biden.

What do you make of this whole Madoff thing?

BIDEN: Well, what I make of it is what I read now, that it seems as though, to use your phrase earlier, that the regulators -- the SEC and others -- were just asleep at the switch. It's now where we're -- we're now reading an awful lot of his fraud and chicanery were a lot more transparent if just someone had been looking than it now appears.

KING: Yes. BIDEN: But it's devastating. It's devastating not only to the individuals that he took, but a lot of those individuals also were people heading up philanthropies and trusts. And so it's affected -- it's a significant ripple effect. And not only have wealthy people been badly hurt, but the very people that they were attempting to benefit, in some cases.

KING: Sure.

All right, Bush...

BIDEN: The charities.

KING: On Friday, the president approves $13 billion, bailing out GM and Chrysler. Ford has just asked to sort of have a standby money available if ready.

What did you make of that?

BIDEN: Well, I think the president did the right thing in acting. Barack and I both thought that it was necessary for the -- we had hoped that the Congress would act. But that got blocked by -- it got blocked by our Republican colleagues.

And here's the point, though. The president -- President Bush has said -- and there's only one president at a time, so we can't micromanage his package. He's said that he's put them in a position where they will be able to go through March, but that the ultimate test is viability. Meaning, at the end of that time, will they have restructured their companies in a way that you can -- a reasonable person can take a look at what they are proposing, what they have done, that they're likely to be financially solvent in the out years?

And that's going to require the companies getting all the stakeholders together -- not just the management, but labor, but as well as the dealerships, part suppliers and everyone. And it's going to require some sacrifices on everyone's part in order to get to that point.

KING: Let me hold you there a second and we'll be right back with Vice President-Elect Joe Biden.

Don't go away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BIDEN: Since I've never been called a man of few words, let me say it as simply as I can. Yes. Yes, I accept your nomination to run and serve with Barack Obama, the next president of the United States of America.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: We're back with Joe Biden, the vice president-elect. He'll be sworn in on January 20th.

Some are calling Obama the new FDR. They're are raising tremendous expectations.

Can they be too high, frankly?

BIDEN: Well, they can be too high, but the need cannot be overstated. The fact is, Larry, there's never been a time when the economy has been in this dire shape, not only in the United States, but worldwide, since FDR. And I would argue that we have additional problems we're facing, being left the world in the state that it's in -- two wars, a concern about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, a circumstance where we are less -- we are less highly regarded in the world than we have been in any recent time in the past.

So the truth of the matter is this new administration -- our administration has a gigantic task and responsibility, but also a real opportunity. And I think Barack Obama -- although the expectations at home and abroad are very high, I think he has the capacity to meet the expectations of getting this economy back on track and reestablishing our place in the world.

KING: You have on your team -- an impressive team. I think even rivals would admit that. But you have four presidential rivals -- Obama has. He has you, Hillary Clinton, Richardson and Tom Vilsack. That sounds like Lincoln.

Is that going to work?

(LAUGHTER)

BIDEN: Well, it will work, because if you take a look -- again, you know, if you -- I know you've read the "Team of Rivals," Doris Kearns Goodwin's book...

KING: Yes. A great book.

BIDEN: You know, the differences between Seward and Lincoln were profound. The difference between Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, to take three, were not profound differences. We all were on the same basic page, with difference -- different points of emphasis. And the arguments among us all was about leadership.

And that's been settled. That's been indisputably settled, that the leader is Barack Obama. So I don't think you're going to find it as difficult to -- I don't think you'll find any difficulty in us all signing on to the objectives of the Obama-Biden administration.

KING: Your expertise, among many, is foreign policy. You chaired the committee.

How well, frankly, is Senator Clinton going to do in that post of secretary of State? BIDEN: Oh, I think she'll do very well. There's real excitement. As you know, Larry, I've been traveling all over the world. I know an awful lot of these world leaders personally and some of them very well.

There's a genuine excitement. They think thing two things. They think, number one, they know she is a person of real consequence, number one.

Number two, they know, in the picking of her, it shows there is a real unity of purpose in the Democratic Party that controls the Congress now.

And, thirdly, they know that she is very, very tough and that when she speaks, she'll be speaking for the president.

And for all of those reasons -- and, by the way, she knows -- she knows a boatload of these world leaders. She has relationships with them. She will not be starting from scratch.

So I think she'll do very, very well.

KING: If President Obama -- now President Obama -- comes to speak to Vice President Biden, and he said, "Joe, frankly, how would you use Bill Clinton, if at all?," what would you say?

BIDEN: Well, I would say he has great, great goodwill around the world and here at home. And I would use him in any way, you, Mr. President, feel that he can advance our agenda, because he will be a team player. And so I can picture there are circumstances and places where President Bill Clinton could continue to play a role.

Look, he still has the Clinton Global Initiative. He still is very involved with stemming the spread of AIDS and other diseases. And I'm confident he'll work very closely with the administration and not at odds with it.

So I think there's a -- there's a number of ways, depending on what the immediate, urgent need is, that President Bill Clinton, as well as former presidents -- other former presidents -- could play a role.

KING: When do we get out of Iraq?

BIDEN: We get out of Iraq -- we will be out of Iraq within the next two years, our combat forces. Barack Obama made a commitment during the campaign he would do that. You now have the president of the United -- the present president of the United States, George W. Bush -- having negotiated a Status of Forces Agreement. They call it a SOFA, which calls for the withdrawal of combat troops from cities within a time frame and also drawing down, within the next year-and-a- half, all the combat troops.

There's a slight difference in the exact number of months Barack talked about and the administration negotiated, but it's all within the same ballpark. The question is whether or not we are going to be able to use our good offices to move the Iraqi factions that continue to exist -- they're not killing each other as much as they were in the past -- to work out a long-term political settlement within Iraq that leaves behind a country that is a not a threat to its neighbors, is not a haven for terror and is able to sustain its own -- its own government.

And that's going to be the harder trick than withdrawing troops. But we will have combat troops out of Iraq by the next election -- before that.

KING: More from Vice President-Elect Joe Biden right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with Vice President-Elect Joe Biden.

By the way, Joe -- forgive me for calling you Joe, but I know you so many years.

BIDEN: No, call me Joe. No, no, no, no. Come on.

KING: We have supped together.

(LAUGHTER)

KING: OK.

BIDEN: We have.

KING: Did you...

BIDEN: They told me, Larry, that I've been on your show 99 times.

KING: All right. This is...

BIDEN: It's hard to believe anyone has been around that long time.

KING: I think this -- this might be the 100th. You might lead.

(LAUGHTER)

KING: Did you -- did you (INAUDIBLE)...

BIDEN: Well, I've enjoyed -- I've enjoyed every trip.

KING: What happens in Afghanistan?

BIDEN: Well, Afghanistan is a lot tougher, Larry. We're being left a very, very difficult situation. I have been on your show in the past. and others, in pointing out as a senator and as a candidate how we have neglected Afghanistan in my view. We haven't provided sufficient economic resources. We've not insisted that the world community keep their commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan, working on governance in Afghanistan, training people to be able to literally know how to run their city councils, et cetera, and town -- and trial organizations. And we've had insufficient number of forces because they've been diverted to Iraq.

And Barack Obama, during the campaign, as well as others of us who were running, but Barack and I in the campaign once he chose me after the nomination, after the convention, have been pointing out that one of the reasons to draw down additional troops in Iraq, beyond the necessity to do it on its own, was we need to be able to deploy more troops immediately to Afghanistan to help stabilize it.

But it's a much bigger problem than troops. Troops aren't going to solve the problem in Afghanistan.

KING: OK. The world's view of America, do you expect it to change? Right now, I think we're viewed militarily around the world, aren't we?

BIDEN: Well, I think we are and you know, you asked me earlier if I am worried about the exceedingly high expectations that people have for President Barack Obama. And I said domestically, I wasn't so worried about that, but internationally I am. I have been contacted by so many world leaders. Their expectation for Barack's presidency is overwhelming. They are so hungry to have an American leader who they think has a policy that reflects our stated values, as well as one they can talk to.

So, in a sense, Barack has already had -- before being sworn in -- an incredibly positive impact on our image around the world. Now, that's going to require, though, action to follow that. But it's like pushing on an open door, Larry. The rest of the world is looking for America's leadership. And I think that we have an opportunity to provide that.

KING: Colin Powell says close it, apparently Gates says close it, too. Cheney says keep it open. Guantanamo, where do you stand?

BIDEN: Close it and we will. We will. We're in the process of drawing up plans right now as to the most rational way in which to do that, that both protects the civil liberties that we so cherish, as well as protects our national security interests. And that is a process underway as to how to proceed to do that. We're working with Greg Craig, the new legal adviser to President Obama, has begun the process of garnering all the facts we can, just finding out exactly how many people are there, what they're there for, what the circumstances are, what the options are. We've been working with international countries, other countries to see about their willingness to take some of the prisoners back to their countries.

So there's a whole lot that's going on right now. It's going to be complicated to do it. It's going to take more than a couple months, but close it we must.

KING: Getting bin Laden, top priority?

BIDEN: Top priority. Top priority, in the sense that we know, figuratively speaking -- not figuratively. We know where bin Laden and al Qaeda are living. They are living in the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan, most probably in an area called the FATA, the Federally Administered Territory of Pakistan. And so part of the reason why we have to get the relationship correct with Pakistan, as well as make things -- put Afghanistan on a better glide path, is because without doing those two things it makes it incredibly more difficult to deal with acquiring the targets and acquiring the personnel who are al Qaeda and particularly bin Laden.

KING: We'll be right back. We'll touch some other bases with the vice president-elect right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with Joe Biden. On Friday afternoon, the governor of Illinois, Blagojevich, said that he is not going to leave. Joe, he is not going to leave and he did nothing wrong and not guilty of anything. How do you respond?

BIDEN: My response is, I know in our system you are innocent until proven guilty, but those tapes that were released by the special prosecutor -- excuse me, by the U.S. attorney seem incredibly, incredibly incriminating. It's a decision for the people of Illinois to make and the legislature of Illinois to make. But from where I sit, he looks like a guy who is not capable of governing.

KING: The problem will be, what if he picked a senator this week to replace Obama; where would that stand?

BIDEN: Well, you know, I don't know what the Constitution of Illinois dictates, and whether or not that would be able to be stopped. I think it would require either the legislature in Illinois or the state courts to nullify that. I hope he would not do that. He has got to be -- he has got to understand that if he were to pick any nominee at this point that that person would be so tainted that it would really make it virtually impossible for them to represent the state of Illinois, whether or not they are good, bad or indifferent. I hope to God he wouldn't do that.

KING: The advance word is that the Republicans, if they go after any one of your nominees for the Cabinet, it will be Eric Holder as attorney general. Do you expect a fight there?

BIDEN: Well, I expect that some Republicans will try to wage a fight, but I don't expect Eric will have any difficulty ultimately being confirmed. And Eric Holder I've known for years. I knew him back when he was in the Clinton administration. I've known him since. He's a man of great integrity and capability. I think he will be confirmed by the Senate overwhelmingly.

KING: Reflecting, Joe, how do you feel about George Bush going out of office? Feel a little sorry for him? You've known him a long time.

BIDEN: Well -- well, I've known him a long time. It's presumptuous to feel sorry for another man. But I feel somewhat -- I feel somewhat badly for him. I think the incident in Iraq was -- was unfortunate, that guy throwing the shoes. It was just -- it was just uncalled for and was -- I think that President Bush, unlike Vice President Cheney, is, upon reflection, beginning to acknowledge some of the serious, if not mistakes, misjudgments that he made.

I don't like to see any president leave office being viewed as not having been successful. But the bottom line here is that we're all held accountable for our -- for our actions and our judgments when we're in public office. And his judgments on our economy and our foreign policy, I think, have been very poor.

And I think we're being left in a situation that he presided over an administration that was -- and a philosophy that was very damaging to our economy, as well as our security.

KING: I know, therefore, you won't tell a governor of a state what to do; you won't tell the governor of New York what to do. So what do you make of the thought of Caroline Kennedy coming to the Senate?

BIDEN: Well, I have to admit to you, I'm a big Caroline Kennedy fan. I -- I think she is a wonderful person. And -- but literally, Larry, I -- for me to suggest to the governor of a state who he should pick is just -- it's beyond my purview.

And here's the deal. You know, when people talk about the Kennedy dynasty or whatever, whoever gets picked in New York state is going to have to stand before the people of New York in the next 20 months or so, or less -- yes, I mean, yes, that's about right, 20, 21 months. And so, you know, that will be the ultimate test. And -- but -- but I -- I'm a -- personally, I feel a great affection to -- for Caroline Kennedy.

KING: We know over the years you've been great friends with John McCain. And you took some rough shots at each other during the past campaign. Has that been soothed? And how close are you?

BIDEN: We're still close. I was talking to Bob Gates about it, the secretary of defense, and -- because I was to contact John about a couple things. And -- but I called -- I called John. And he'd be -- I'm not telling tales out of school. He'd tell you on the show. And I said, "John, look, we've been friends all these years. The campaign is over. We both were, you know, on opposite sides of a hotly contested campaign, but I still" -- he said, "Look, Joe, we're still friends. We're still friends."

We're going to get together. I really believe -- I mean, John has been incredibly graceful. You know, my dad used to always say how difficult it is to be graceful in that circumstance. John has been completely graceful. He is my friend.

As I said during that campaign, even when we were having strong disagreements, if John McCain had called me in the middle of the campaign and said, "Joe, get in the plane and come to 2nd and Madison in St. Louis" -- if there is a 2nd and Madison -- "I can't tell you why, but I have to meet you," I'd get in the plane and go. And I was confident he'd do it for me. I'd still go. And I think he still would, too.

KING: We'll be right back with Vice President-elect Joe Biden after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: Back for a quick segment with the vice president-elect. The book, by the way, is now out in paperback. It's "Joe Biden: Promises to Keep."

Concerning Homeland Security, there have been no attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. Do you think we might be attacked? Do you fear that? The predictions were we would be attacked again.

BIDEN: Well, the national -- our national intelligence community has pointed out that there are still plans being made by al Qaeda to attack the American homeland and our interests around the world, and that, over the last several years, al Qaeda has reconstituted itself. It's a genuine threat.

So I think that we have to do, quite frankly, a good deal more, particularly at that recent report that was issued by a commission, Larry, as you know, weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. It was a sobering report.

KING: It was.

BIDEN: And so one of the things that I will be dealing with, because of my background in this area, for the president and in conjunction with the cabinet members, is that very issue. And so there's a good deal more we can and must do. We can't take anything for granted. And these guys take a long time in planning, and they have not gone away.

So I'm not predicting anything, except that we'd be foolhardy to not assume that we continue to be a target of extremists, particularly al Qaeda.

KING: Two segments left. We'll cover some more bases with Joe Biden right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with Joe Biden. There has been much controversy over the selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inaugural. He's been a guest on this show an awful lot, and he supported California's Proposition 8, a measure that outlaws gay marriage. He is also very opposed to abortion. I know the gay community in America appears to be up in arms. What do you make of this?

BIDEN: Well, I make of it of Barack Obama keeping his commitment. Barack Obama said you've got to reach out. You've got to reach a hand of friendship across the aisle and across philosophies in this country. We can't continue to be a red and blue country. We can't be divided like we have been. And he's made good on his promise.

And I would say to the gay and lesbian community, they have nothing to worry about. Barack Obama, every aspect of his life, every aspect of his public life, and every commitment he's made relating to equality for all people will be things that he will stick with, and that they should view this in the spirit in which he offered the opportunity to -- to Mr. Warren.

And so I -- I think it is -- I understand their frustration. As Barack himself said, I do not agree. I do not agree with a number of things that Mr. Warren has said. But this is an attempt to begin to heal the country. And if we're going to have dialogue and get things resolved, other than continue this bitter kind of fight, we're going to have to take chances on extending hands.

But we are not -- this administration is not going to back off its commitment for equality for gay and lesbian Americans.

KING: All right. Since we're all up and hopes are high, when do you expect peace in the Middle East?

BIDEN: Well, I expect that we cannot -- I know we cannot have peace unless we continue to try. And this administration -- I commit to you, in the name of the administration, that we are going to invest every bit of capital we have in trying to bring about peace in the Middle East. It is a -- some -- it's like the Rubik's Cube of international politics.

But, you know, Larry, I joke sometimes with my friends when they say, "Well, it can never happen." Well, for over 300 years, the Irish and the British didn't get along at all. Matter of fact, a lot more than didn't get along. And George -- George Mitchell -- I'll never forget what he said. They said, "Well, you know, how did it work?" He said, "We had 700-and-some days of failure and one day of success. But we wouldn't have had the day of success unless you had the 700- and-some days of failure."

We are going to keep at it, because it's too important for it not to happen.

KING: Recently, the vice president, Dick Cheney, showed you around the quarters where you will live. Like it?

BIDEN: I liked it very much. I hadn't been there in a long while. I don't mean because we weren't invited. I just hadn't had an opportunity to be there. It is very unlike the White House in the sense that it's a very livable residence.

KING: It's a home.

BIDEN: It's big. It's a home. It's a home. And -- and so, you know, the great advantage of it is, from my perspective, it's a mile and a half from my three grand daughters, where they live, and less than that from the school they go to. So, for example, my two grand daughters, eight and 10, are already telling their mom, "We need new bicycles so we can ride to Pop's house after school." So -- so the great advantage of -- my eight-year-old says, Larry, "Hey, Pop, and it's got a swimming pool!"

So there's a whole lot of good things about it. We're looking forward to being there and using it as a place, Larry, to try to bring people together. I think we're going to use that home an awful lot to bring my Republican and Democratic colleagues and differing -- people with different views together hopefully.

KING: Call it -- call it the peace house.

BIDEN: That's what I hope.

KING: We'll be back with our remaining moments with Joe Biden right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KING: We're back with our remaining moments with the vice president-elect. Do you think Governor Palin has a political future?

BIDEN: Oh, I think so. I don't know exactly what it is. Look, she's an incredibly engaging person. I got a chance to spend a few minutes with her when we pulled together all the national governors up in Philadelphia. And she's a really likable person. And I -- I'm confident that she has a future. Exactly what, I -- you know, who -- who -- I don't know. But I think she'll be around.

KING: What do you expect of the inaugural? There's never been anything like it. We have a black president. We have the largest crowd that will ever attend an event in Washington ever, maybe the largest crowd in America ever. What do you -- what do you make of all of this?

BIDEN: Well, Larry, I find it absolutely astounding. Some of the people who have been around a long, long time, who are extremely -- who are extremely experienced and -- and sophisticated, as well as people who have never been involved in any of this -- there's no distinction between the CEO who says to me, "I've got to be there, even if it's in the crowd. I missed Martin Luther King's speech. I wish I'd gone. I will not miss this historic opportunity, this to happen." I mean, you know, "I missed being involved when John Kennedy was -- I should have gone. I'm not going to miss this."

I just think it's absolutely a reflection of the hope and the -- and the aspirations the American people have for their country, that they want to be there, because none of these folks want to -- look, they're telling me, Larry, that they're going to close down a whole interstate highway so they can park a minimum of 10,000 buses, use it as a parking lot.

I mean, and the -- the idea that people would go into that breach --0 but they want to be part of history. And it'll be an exciting moment, an exciting moment for me to be part of that, as well.

KING: Who will swear you in?

BIDEN: Justice Stevens, the -- the senior member of the court. I was extremely flattered that he -- he was willing to do that. And so that's who will swear me in.

KING: Have you named your puppy? This is big news.

BIDEN: No, but I -- my -- but my grand daughters have decided they're going to tell me what that name is, and I'm going to know it Christmas morning. They've already floated a number of names. They're literally on the phone -- my two middle ones -- calling their aunts and uncles and bouncing names off them. So this has become a very serious project.

KING: And you beat your president to it.

BIDEN: Well, I didn't mean to beat my president to it. Well, we still have one to go. We had -- what the public doesn't know is that -- because it's been amazing the interest it's generated -- I have always had German Shepherds from the time I was a kid through my adulthood. And I've trained them, and I've worked with them. And my wife has wanted another Labrador. So we are now scouring the -- the dog rescue places in the area to see if we can find a yellow lab.

KING: They're great dogs.

BIDEN: So that will be the next naming prospect.

KING: That's the way to do it.

BIDEN: So we're -- we're going to have -- we're going to have two dogs. And we're looking forward to it.

KING: We're about out of time. One more thing, one more of many in the years ahead, we hope, appearances, you and I. In your book, you say a question you got from people a lot during the campaign was, "Are we going to be OK?" So I'll ask it of you.

BIDEN: Yes, we are. We're going to be OK, not because of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. We're going to be OK because of the American people. They have more grit, determination, and courage than you can imagine.

You know, my mom has an expression. She said, "Bravery resides in every heart, and I expect it will be called upon." Well, let me tell you: the heart of the American people is just that. It's going to be called upon. What they're looking for, I pray, is just a leader who will listen and lay out a path for them. I have no doubt -- no doubt about the ability of this nation to recover.

KING: Thank you, Joe. God speed.

BIDEN: Thank you very much, Larry. Thank you so much.

KING: The vice president-elect, Joe Biden. You can find a transcript of this and all of our shows at CNN.com/LarryKing. And while you're there, sign up for our newsletter, e-mail alerts. Send us an I-Ask question, of course. Get on our blog, CNN.com/LarryKing.

Time now for "AC 360."

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 22:07:01 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,.,.

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

David Crawford -Manager — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:40:56 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 19:59:36 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

~RED ALERT~

Captain Church — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:41:16 EST

"The most dangerous thing in the world is a young, unemployed man"!~Taxi driver in Nairobi, Kenya~      [during 2007-2008]{Is America listening?!?    signed....CaptainChurch}*~*~Open Letter to Tibet~The human race is divided into zillions of *^causes^,
and by design of the oligarchs & dark forces, none
accomplish their goal because only United humanity can
succeed {*like many "spigots" on a pressure cooker
releasing accumulating human endeavor into "dead-end
streets", so that things don't change, it just seems
to be under way......}!
   Therefore, all humans (or just those in a
person's country) must have one cause which overrides
all others.....{that 'cause' is Love, I mean the real
thing, where we all look out for each other, instead
of ourselves first!}
   To begin with, how trusting people would be of
us, if we ended suicide/impulsive depression,
permanently~much the way polio was eliminated in the
US...the cause was discovered, and the invading
"virus" was killed and turned into a "vaccine"~
   SUICIDE VACCINE, a figure of speech [a life
preserver made up of words that saved many from
Hurricane's Katrina/Rita/Wilma} is the first domino to
fall that begins to free the human race for a chance @
a real life for a change.
   It teaches people how to defend themselves and
begin to eliminate negative influences from our
existence....the only way to have a life! The vast
majority of the human race is seconds away from
destroying itself, long before any of your "causes"
even begins to make a dent!
   Help spread this appeal, especially the web
addresses, and people will have a chance to wake up
from their current, arrogant, comatose condition; then
we can really accomplish something that we can all
benefit from, equally!
   Many people are dying around you on the city
streets......homeless & un-loved/wanted; and, as long
as we ignore those around us, we can't expect our
fondest dreams to come true!!!~
~~~Love is what you do for ALL others that is in their
highest or best interests, anytime, anywhere,
self-lessly 24/7~~~
Jim Sorrell
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please spread this to Tibetan students, to Tibetans,
and to all students that you can influence~~~
This is for ALL you know......please help me spread
this to save lives......this is NOT "religion", this
is Reality, objective reality!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***S.O.S.~~~MayDay***
------->"Suicidal thoughts, up since Katrina, PTSD
survey says........"
------->>WASHINGTON (AP)----"Using anti-depressants
Increases the risk of Suicidal thoughts and behavior
among young people"----
------->>>"Suicide rate among girls skyrockets 76%,
says Centers for
Disease Control & Prevention"<<<-------
****
Please help me save young [ & old] lives, now
NEEDLESSLY lost!
Help spread these volunteer sites [NO $$$ asked]
planet-wide and express real
empathy!~~~Impulsive Depression/Suicide is Endable!
*
~~~~~SUICIDE VACCINE~~~~~[It works, which is the only
point, Eh?!]
http://ChurchCapt.proboards42.com
http://CaptChurch.proboards98.com
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=24582
http://s2.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=15311
http://b4.boards2go.com/boards/board.cgi?user=ChurchCaptain
*Wisdom for Teens*
http://groups.google.com/group/TeenAnswers
http://communities.righthealth.com/group/sosmayday
http://groups.google.com/group/answers-for-teens
[~~~All groups:::5 permanent monographs & no chat~~~
like, "Who are YOU?!?" , "The useless War of the
Sexes" and "LOVE is
the Real Thing".]
http://www.bev.net/users/homepages/JamesSorrell [My
first web
page-2003]
Jim Sorrell [CaptainChurch]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Be a Good
Neighbor~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Love your neighbour as yourself."--->>>means, see to
it that your
neighbour has it just as good as you do,
self-lessly!~~~
"Who is my neighbour?"....EveryOne on the planet!
All humans born are @ least 33rd or 34th cousins [from
Noah's 3 sons: we are All related family!]
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/CaptainChurch
http://groups.google.com/group/TeenAnswers
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/SOS_MayDay
http://groups.google.com/group/answers-for-teens
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThisFatherKnowsBest
http://blogs.albawaba.com/captainchurch

James Sorrell [CaptainChurch]

Arcata, CA
james.sorrell@yahoo.com
CaptainChurch@gmail.com BlueMoonJim@gmail.com

Re-elect Obama in 2012

Steve Slaton — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:18:09 EST

Maybe I'm a little early but Obama did allude to his re-election in 2012 in his acceptance speech. So, this morning I surfed the groups and joined some. If You-re stopping by to see who this new member is, post a "hi."

Also, my first blog followed research dat that I posted for Colorado's Electoral College history. I advocated a massive voter registration program that worked. Obama is the first Democrat to take a majority in Colorado since Johnson in 1964.

To take Colorado again, Obama will have to deliver on his campaign promises & I want to help him do that.

Stimulus Package will be more effective without giving GM 25 BILLION!

William from West Sacramento, CA — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:29:12 EST

Mr. President, Barack Obama, Please do not give a crumbling company like General Motors any funds. I have an alternative solution to use the 25 Billion on Solar and Hydrogen Tech. As WE say "Change WE Need" WE need to move forward with our energy reliance. If you give GM a penny you will regret it, we are on the verge of expanding our Hydrogen vehicle line up. I hope that you'll realize how that 25 Billion can be spent on better evolving projects.

Tragedy In Mexico On Happy U.S. Election Day

May and Grace — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:55:44 EST

It always makes me uncomfortable when I hear politicians say "My fellow Americans" when they mean "my fellow citizens." We tend to forget that everyone in all of the Americas from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America are all "Americans" too! Well while the world rejoiced Tuesday, our fellow Americans in Mexico suffered a tragedy.

I rejoiced on Tuesday when Barack Obama was elected. I never heard until three days later about the possible drug cartel related plane crash in Mexico, which killed 14 people on Tuesday in what appears may be a political assasination. Here are my thoughts:

Last Tuesday, on the same day glorious and historic day our nation elected Barack Obama as President, our neighbor and fellow American, Mexico, lost 14 people, nine in a plane and four on the ground, including the number two man in the Mexican government, the equivalent of Vice President of Mexico, their Interior Secretary Juan Comilo Mourino. The 37-year-old Mourino, one of President Felipe Calderon's closest confidants, was Mexico's equivalent of vice president and domestic security chief. Also on the plane was former anti-drug prosecutor Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, who had been the target of at least one assassination attempt. Officials say they have few clues as to why the plane suddenly dropped from the evening sky. But they have been unusually open in publicizing details of the investigation, trying to discourage conspiracy theories that thrive in a country on edge from relentless news of drug-related shootings, kidnappings and beheadings. The violence has surged during a 2-year-old army and police offensive to wrest control from drug cartels.The crash occurred in clear weather, and in their last recorded radio conversation, the plane's flight crew calmly discussed radio frequencies and speed with controllers. The tape went silent just as radar lost the plane's altitude reading."Everything was normal on the flight, and a few seconds before the accident, something happened that significantly altered" the situation, said Gilberto Lopez, a pilot overseeing the probe. "At this moment, all the possibilities are potentially important."He said experts are following the normal lines of investigation for any crash, including possible human error, mechanical failures, maintenance problems or turbulence caused by other aircraft.Experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Britain's Civil Aviation Authority are in Mexico helping with the investigation.On Thursday, Calderon's office said that U.S. President-elect Obama had expressed his condolences for the deaths in a phone call with Calderon, who had called to congratulate Obama on his victory.In an editorial Thursday, El Universal newspaper urged people to wait for results of the investigation before jumping to conclusions. But it also noted that Mexico's "history is filled with assassinations that have never been cleared up or whose resolution does not deserve the trust of public opinion."This story - along with most information about the drug war in Mexico - is not even on the radar in the United states - but it is the prohibition of drugs, not the consumption by US citizens that is creating this violence. If drugs were legal there would be problems - just as alcohol creates problems in society - but the organized violence and criminal profits would disappear.It makes me wonder if alcohol companies profits are helping to keep drugs like marijuana and cocaine illegal, because alcohol companies are afraid their sales would suffer if other alternatives were available legally? Thomas Jefferson said that you cannot force a free person to act in a responsible way, you can only encourage them to do what’s best for themselves and their fellow citizens. Keeping drugs illegal is stupid, it hurts the economy and helps terrorists.

yes we did!

Bill D'Amico — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:32:51 EST

Last two weeks of the campaign were difficult for me; my mother died on October 23 at the age of 89. I suspended making calls until the day before the election. Made over 170 calls on Monday and Tuesday.

Now we need to stay fired up and keep Obama to a progressive agenda. He's got a strong mandate.He can repudiate the strong executive, the unfettered surveilance... We can return to a constitutional republic and rule of law. Yes we can!

Work we've done is a good start. Now for a lot more work!

CONGRATULATIONS United States of America on electing our 1st Black President.

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:49:33 EST

A historic and amazing time in history.

On Nov 4, 2008 we elected Barack Obama.
A Mullato Black man from Hawaii.
Both parents where not always around.
Both parents died young.
Grandparents raised him, and his grandmother
died the day before he won the biggest election of our life.
Against all the odds. He persevered.
Believed in himself.
Educated himself, and went without.
Lived in South Chicago to learn about his community.
Never stopped, or gave up.
He was the first Black President at Harvard.
He is an American.
He reached out across racial lines, bridging the gap
between the ages. We have now been propelled into the future,
and we have now experienced a country just transforming itself.
Thank you to all the Americans who voted.
Take enormous pride in your actions.
We fighted for our positions.
We have made our choice.

It's now time to come together.

Bobbi Miller-Moro

What Now?

Glenn from Haymarket — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:39:40 EST

How do we move forward? How do we take advantage of this? How does this Vast and diverse community take advantage of itself? How do we move this movement of ideas to help Obama accomplish our goals? That is the question. Do we let this vast network just fade away? I say no. It is time to take the next step. Who is with me?

Now Get Out There And VOTE!

Qaliqo — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:58:58 EST

The longest political campaign ever -- ever! -- is finally at a close. Today we close the gap between Hope and Change when we go to the polls and Vote. This is not only our right, it is our duty to ourselves, our families, our communities, our great nation, and our evolving world. Tomorrow is the dawning of a new era -- and a new age of America. Today we vote, on the first day of the rest of our lives.

God Bless America,

Paul/Qaliqo

Madelyn Dunham

Willyboy — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:02:41 EST

I know from experience words can never quite cut it, but I share my sincere condolences for Senator Obama's loss...

My condolences

Deborah M. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:42:42 EST

Senator Obama,

I was quite saddened to hear the news of your beloved grandmother's passing today. May she sit forever at the Lord's side, watching over you and your family, bursting with pride at your accomplishments.
No words can be offered to bring you comfort at this trying time, save these:

Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired. I am weak. I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, and lead me home.

My prayers are with you, Barack Obama. In this dark hour, lift your heart and head in the knowledge that you were touched by this woman. She raised you to travel on this path. You will carry on, making her proud every day with all you achieve. May God bless her and keep her.

A Morning Pick Me Up

L. Glory — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:30:59 EST

Here's a little something to start Monday off right.

http://www.theobamaexperiment.com/Videos.html

Here's looking to a Bright BLUE Tuesday Voting Day!

:Lilly

The American Dream in Reverse !

jjscars4u — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:27:57 EDT

Someone please help! I'm living the American Dream in Reverse.

Folks, I live in California, probably considerd somewhat liberal on some issues. I don't agree wholly with liberals or the Democrats,, but also, not with conservatives and republicans. Half my childhood I grew up on a farm in Nor Cal, the other half the time in a suburb of SF and Sacramento. I work hard, (contrary to some conservative views), my grandparents helped raise me and instituted good work ethics. I have had my share of run ins with the law also, mostly involving marijuana reform. I am a medical marijuana patient , and support the legalization and industrialization of a marijuana industry. It is and always been the #1 cash crop, and its uses for everyday products, food , fuel, and fiber is second only to the soybean.But, I also support gun ownership,(for example)which is a republican view. Also, I have a 17yr old son, who at 1yr had open heart surgery. Now, we find he may have to have a heart valve replaced again, folks, this is the pre-existing condition Obama speaks of, its next to impossible for insurance now, what would it be like if I had to go shopping for it countywide ? As I got older, I enterd the auto industry in comission sales. I proceeded to elevated to the top of my game, being successful enough to fix my bad credit,, and buy a house. Soon, during this equity boom, I found myself involved in a predatory loan (ultimately my fault) seeking out the new found equity in my house. Even after the payment adjusted, I made the higher payment for 1.5yrs,, as I watched my #1 lifetime investment evaporate, my home. I've lost 200k$ of value in 3yrs, the house is worth 130k$ less than what Iowe,, then the auto industry tanked,, my income has dropped 70%, I am a salesman at GM, now in the final stage of forclosure,, I NEED HELP NOW!,,I dont know if I can wait till Jan 20. I have family help , a cosingner,, my lender is a servicing company, on the list of predatory lenders,, they wont negotiate or talk,, I WORK HARD,, I HAVE A PLAN,, BUT I NEED HELP AND DIRECTION,,, WHERE DO I GO?? This is the American Dream in Reverse,, its like a bad country song being played backwards... but I dont want to just sit here and wait for everything to fall apart around me and my dog to run away.... WHAT CAN I DO , NOW!!

All in for Obama

Glenn from Haymarket — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:45:02 EDT

I just went All In For Obama. I have now given the entire $4600 I am legally allowed to give to this campaign. I urge every person to give, even if it is $5 dollars to this election. WE HAVE TO WIN THIS ELECTION. We are responsible for this nation. He is the person to change this country. McCain must not win. No matter the cost. We must take control of this nation. Our future.. Our very lives depend upon this. I know this message is alarmist , but now is the time, do not only vote, but make your voice be heard. Crush the message of the repubs and do all you can for this campaign.

Thank You

Glenn McIntyre

Desperation

Willyboy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:45:01 EDT

Well, it seems clear the knuckle dragging Republicans in my area are getting really desperate. I'm down to my last sign (3 stollen so far) and my last magnet (two plkucked off my truck already).

I'm not deterred or put off, but I do look forward to next Wednesday.

Yes we can. Yes we must. Yes we will!

Vote by mail video: English, Chinese, hearing impaired

Fair Elections for Washington — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:09:36 EDT

There are still LARGE numbers of people who have not yet turned in their vote by mail ballots. It's not too late to benefit from this.

Watch the video that shows how to vote by mail. http://wa-democrats.org/vote

or for the same video on vimeo:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/voting/absentee/howtoabsentee.aspx

Chinese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF1M2Mn75nE&fmt=18

Hearing impaired: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JnFoeZgwOA

Make it Viral!!!!

Willyboy — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:59:43 EDT

Great new re-make of the "wasssss-up" meme

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

Pass it around quickly!

Conversation with a Friend

Willyboy — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:19:50 EDT

So, same friend as previous post launched into a character assassination of Colin Powell, someone he has long said he admired, He closed by saying, with great satisfaction, that this endorsement has ruined any hope Powell might have had about running for office... Ha! My reply:

I don't think the crossover endorsement itself kills his chance at a run - his popularity in both parties amongst the moderates remains strong; this endorsement would only sour him with the extremist right elements of the Repugs - who didn't much like him anyway.

No, I think the possibility of a run for the Oval has long since been nixed by Mr. Powell himself. It's too bad; I think he would make a fine president. Time and again he has shown that he is an independent man who stays true to his ideals and beliefs - and yet is always the "good soldier" deferring to his commander when expressing his differing thoughts / opinions would be, in his mind, inappropriate. He has worked well with Republican and Democratic presidents; he may have had differences with all of them, but I believe these presidents have all had nothing but praise to share
and respect to convey for Mr. Powell.

I had really hoped he might stand as an Independent in 2004 to challenge The Shrub.

His book, _My American Journey_ is one I can recommend highly and the biography, _Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell_ by Karen Deyoung is also quite good. There are not many folks in the political sphere I can really say I respect - and like - faults and all, but Powell is one of them.

The End of Rove Politics

Bruce Mirken — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:54:30 EDT

We definitely cannot be complacent despite the recent encouraging polls. But I now think we have an opportunity to not only elect Barack, but to drive a stake through the heart of Karl Rove-style hate-division-fear politics. A pretty steady stream of Republicans are now jumping ship, often -- like Colin Powell -- openly expressing disgust at the type of campaign the McCain-Palin ticket is running. Just added to the list were, among others, former Bush press secretary Scott McClellan, former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carleson, and Barry Goldwater's granddaughter. See the links below for more:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/23/mcclellan_endorses_obama.html?hpid=topnews

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/32973804.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsr

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cc-goldwater/why-mccain-has-lost-our-v_b_137150.html

Principled conservatives are nauseated by the turn their party has taken. Indeed, William F. Buckley Jr.'s son Christopher recently suggested that conservatives should hold a post-election conference/"dark night of the soul" to be called: "Conservatism -- What the F***?"

Let's keep mobilized, energized, and show Rove-style divide-and-conquer politics for the bankrupt, dead entity it is.

Question from a Friend

Willyboy — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:34:19 EDT

A friend - McCain supporter - asked me why all Democrats think Bush and Palin are "dumb". My answer:

In all honesty, I don't think Ms. Palin is dumb, just a bit out of her element. She did quite well in the debate, but things like the Couric interview point to a very green, very wet behind the ears individual - again making one wonder just what exactly McCain was thinking in his selection other than trying to draw in the religious base of the Repugs. Come 2016 I think she'll either have faded into obscurity (Dan Quayle?) or will have become a formidable force in the RR's crusade towards theocracy... She just needs seasoning; 8 years under the strict tutelage of folks like Rove, Ralph Reed, Dobson and other snake charmers and film flammers and she'll be as slick as wolf's blood on ice.

As for Bush, well, I can only assume the years of drug and alcohol abuse fried a few too many neurons. That coupled with his mush mouth make him appear to be a complete buffoon despite being a reasonably intelligent person.

Every body ready to vote?!?!?!?!

Yes. We. Must.

Yes. We. Can.

Yes. We. Will!!!

Vote by mail video with Chinese subtitles

Fair Elections for Washington — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:37:25 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF1M2Mn75nE&fmt=18
Please pass this on to anyone you know how could benefit from it.

Avoid mistakes when voting by mail

Fair Elections for Washington — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:22:13 EDT

Watch the video that shows how to vote by mail. http://wa-democrats.org/vote

or for the same video on vimeo:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/voting/absentee/howtoabsentee.aspx

"One Mic"

Tim A. — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:36:18 EDT

Tupac Shakur used to have a saying something to the effect of "one person teach one person, teach two people, teach three people, teach four." It wasn't his own, I'd guess. And, of course, he used a word other than "person."

I don't know about y'all, but I find that so many of the dialogues taking place because of the election that is now less than 2 weeks away aren't the challenging and potentially uplifting exchanges that we all deserve. Instead, there's a lot of yelling back and forth meant to either 1) affirm pre-existing beliefs or 2) rhetorically wail on the other guy for being so ignorant as to fill his head with such foolish nonsense.

It's kinda like MMA of the mouth. And there's very little "teaching" going on.

Consequently, I've found myself drifting toward people whose belief systems I am only mildly familiar with. Or, in some cases, totally unfamiliar with. I find myself asking them about their views on the world and trying to understand how they've arrived at those conclusions. I have walked away from some of those exchanges feeling like I really learned something. I have walked away from others sensing that I've shared some wisdom. And I have walked away from a couple of them shaking my head in consternation.

All of this leads me to the song for today(ish). Which harkens back to that singularity Tupac used to holler about. If you can make just one impression on behalf of Barack, make it a good one. Like it's the only one you'll ever make. The only one you'll ever need to make.

"One Mic" by Nas.

"Keep Marchin'"

Tim A. — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:56:28 EDT

I fell off.

I admit it.

I got all excited about the Obama campaign somewhere around Super Tuesday. Gave some money. Made some phone calls. Went to work on friends and family. Started this blog.

I kept all of it up for a while. Summer came. I got distracted. My inspiration waned as the campaign become more and more...well...political.

But, I'm still rockin' for That One.

And, I gather, there's a lot more of you doing the same than when I first got on board. Which is 15 kinds of great. And, hopefully, will be enough to bring this one home and put the good Senator from the Land of Lincoln in the Oval Office.

As we approach the end of this epic journey, this song is for all of y'all fighting the good fight:

"Keep Marchin'" by Raphael Saadiq

Joe the plumber isn't a real plumber.

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:12:30 EDT

Joe the plumber isn't a real plumber. Joe the plumber isn't registered to vote. Joe the plumber is a relative of Charles Keating's son-in-law, Joe the plumber has the IRS after him for nonpayment of taxes in 2007. Joe the plumber confronted Mr. Obama as Fox News cameras just "happened" to be walking by.

Joe the plumber isn't a McCain plant. Yeah right. I have a bridge to nowhere to sell you too.

Posted by: GenuineRisk | October 16, 2008 2:06 PM

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/16/joe_the_plumber_not_a_licensed.html?hpid=topnews

This is not about Voter Fraud-This is about ELECTION FRAUD.

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:09:53 EDT

This is not an issue of voter fraud. This is an issue of election fraud. I am certain that the DieBold and other computer voting machines can be hacked, have been hacked, and will be hacked. The codes should not be proprietary, but should be transparent by the company that ownes them. I am more nervous, and unsure that our votes will be counted accurately. Paper ballots measure almost perfectly to electoral votes, versus a out of wack inaccuracy with computer voting results to electoral votes. I am concerned that we no longer have a watchman, we no longer have a voting voice, we no longer have a democracy.

We might as well go all the way with it and become a communist country. Don’t take my opinion, watch ‘Murder Spies & Voting Lies’ exposing FL Congressman Tom Feeney linked to vote-rigging software and Clint Curtis, the computer programmer who designed it.

Tips for voting by mail

Fair Elections for Washington — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:53:00 EDT

Please take these simple precautions to make sure your vote is counted.

DO NOT USE PENCIL Use blue or black ink.

DO NOT SIGN YOUR BALLOT. Sign the outer envelope under the security flap.

VOTE BOTH SIDES OF THE BALLOT

USE THE CORRECT POSTAGE. 42¢ONE BALLOT PER ENVELOPE. Your signature must be matched to a ballot. If there are multiple ballots in an envelope, then only one ballot (chosen randomly) will be counted.

MAIL YOUR BALLOT ON TIME. Thousands of votes each election don’t get counted because the postmark is later than election day. If you’re going to mail your ballot, it must be postmarked by November 4th.

Here's a video tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C2mRsT794I

Debate 3

Willyboy — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:14:53 EDT

Poor Joe The Plumber... Bet he never thought he'd become a pawn in one of the nastier presidential elections to date.

I had great hopes for McCain before he went all bulldog on the Ayers and ACORN red herrings. Then I swear he just about blew a gasket when Obama popped McCain's little lie about fining Poor Joe for not providing health care for his new employees. Still, McCain did well, though he really could have done better. I award him points for his tenacity with sticking to the BS about Obama's Tax Policy; points for his defense of and advocacy for school vouchers. He lost points for being generally snarky and for having so many bad policies. :)

I'm biased of course, but I think Obama wins overall in points, mostly because of McCain losing points for his overall nasty demeanor. I gave Obama points for his calm and level refutation of the ACORN and Ayers BS; I think he was clearly on top WRT the health care issues and his Tax Policy was also clearly laid out and well presented - despite McCain desperately trying to hang the Socialist label on him for "spreading the wealth".

joe in st.clairsville

curvyblonde — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:40:38 EDT

id like to know if anyone here in cambridge(or surrounding areas)are going to joes rally in st.clairsville.id be interested in either driving and sharing gas,or carpooling.please let me know,thanks,lisa

The Bradley Effect

Bruce Mirken — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:46:33 EDT

From time to time during this campaign there's been worried talk about what's known as the "Bradley Effect" -- the tendency of white voters who are reluctant to vote for a black candidate to lie to pollsters rather than be seen as racist. As a lifelong Californian, I vividly remember the election which gave the phenomenon its name: In 1982, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley -- a competent but thoroughly innocuous black politician if there ever was one -- was favored in all the polls to win the governor's race over George Deukmejian, an equally boring and uninspiring white Republican. To everyone's surprise, Deukmejian won. There have been a handful of other prominent races, notably the Virginia gubernatorial contest a while back that Douglas Wilder just barely won, where the same phenomenon seems to have played out.

So do we need to be worried? Yes and no, in my view.

Yes, there is racism out there, and yes, a few voters will try to disguise it when talking to pollsters. On the other hand, I do think it's diminished since the 1980s. And I think the way the campaign has unfolded, a McCain supporter could pretty easily say so without being assumed to be racist. All of this argues for less of an effect than poor Tom Bradley endured in 1982. And there was little sign of a Bradley Effect in the Democratic primaries.

On the other hand, there are reasons the polls could be underestimating Obama's strength: Undersampling of new voters and cell-phone-only households are the most obvious.

So when I look at poll results, I mentally subtract a couple points from Barack's total, just to be safe. But I don't think it will be worse than that. I hope I'm right.

NORML: National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws

Nancy from Gilbert, AZ — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:20:12 EDT

If you are in the Phoenix, AZ area: Please visit our temporary website for the Phoenix, AZ NORML Chapter, which is www.PhoenixNORML.org

If you are NOT in the Phoenix, AZ area: Please join your local NORML Chapter and directly help END MARIJUANA PROHIBITION in your community! Go to www.NORML.org and click "NORML Chapters", then "National Chapters".

Barack Obama is a realistic, rational thinker and his stance on the issue of marijuana law reform shows no exception to his level-headedness.

Vote Barack Obama if you are done watching the affects of the failed Drug War on our nation's children, if you believe every woman has the right to choose her lifestyle, if you want a president who represents the diversity of his people, who will communicate with world leaders, and who will protect your family from the REAL terrorists abroad and domestic terrorism like corruption and cold heartedness at home.

Sign Up On McCain's Site!

The Trombone-Wielding Jackass — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:23:11 EDT

I just signed up on McCain's site and I'm blogging there to see if I can get any converts. You guys should do the same!

However:

DO NOT be rude or condescending, as hard as it might be. Just go in, be informative and polite and defend Obama!

All you do is go to the site and sign up under the "McCainSpace". I used a mailinator address to catch the confirmation mail so they don't email me ;)

Find "SlidingHorn" and become my fan!!! :) see you guys there!

Important Story on John McCain's Notorious Temper

CJ for Obama — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:36:00 EDT

Even Republicans are nervous about it. Here's the link to the video:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/09/report-mccain-exploded-wi_n_133242.html

Double Talk...

Trisha — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:46:19 EDT

So AIG execs, get an 86 billion dollar bailout, then they take a little vacation. It only cost us $440,000 of our hard earned dollars. Maybe they should have thought about saving that money, maybe then they would not have to come back to us again for another 37.8 billion. Yes you heard me right...they want us to fork over an additional 40 billion so they can again stop themselves from going under. Here is the article, please dont let it get lost.

When Obama said they should pay the government back and be fired, I guess the execs at AIG thought that was double talk for we should give them more money.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081009/fed_aig.html

AMAZING...

Trisha — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:12:55 EDT

Thank you for the emails that you send. I appreciate being kept up to date on all the latest news. This is a story I just came across. I would like to get it out, but thought you may be able to help with that. General Petraeus, has said that sitting down with Taliban members and leaders may help reduce violence. So in essence, directly contradicting McCain's veiws on sitting down with leaders we do not agree with. Also, seems the same message that Barack is puting out there. Could you please look at this article and if you feel compelled, help me get this out there.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081008/ts_nm/us_afghan_usa_petraeus

Thank you

Trisha

A Felony can ruin your life...

Faeya — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:07:02 EDT

My son was 18 months old when he climbed out of his bedroom window almost 8 years ago. Because we didn't get along with our neighbors, they decided to call the cops on me instead of telling me that he had escaped. Because of that, I have a class D felony child neglect charge on my record. That means I can't even get a job at the grocery store across the street because they do background checks. Indiana has NO expungement procedure. Some felons can petiton the state police to lock their record after 20 years, but that's it. Not all felons are the evil people the media makes people think they are!

Vote by mail instruction video

Fair Elections for Washington — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:27:20 EDT

I received this email and thought people could benefit from it:

Dear Citizens, Volunteers and Organizers,

We've created a professional video that shows people how to vote using a mail in ballot in WA State. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C2mRsT794I Open records search revealed that in 2004 there were 30,000 ballots cast that were not counted in the State of Washington because of improperly marked ballots, ballots sent in too late, and other avoidable errors. A group of concerned citizens decided to get together to create a video to help people properly use their mail-in ballots. Please help us spread the word about this important video. We also have a 1:36 min version for telecast if you know of any station that would be willing to air it as a Public Service Announcement. Spokesperson: Vivian Phillips
Producer/Director: Terry Simpson
Editor: James Culbertson
Camera: Gordon Modin
Audio: Fernando A. Labarthe

Special Thanks to Rose Smith, Beth Hester, and Seattle Channel (21) for providing the studioAdditional thanks: Megan and Bobbi from KC Elections, Elisabeth Walter, Randi Rohde and Jean Hamilton. Pass it on to any group or organization that has access to voters. Thanks for your support.

Debate 2

Willyboy — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:16:33 EDT

Well, not riveting, but I think both did well and going back to my comment from the first debate about Senator McCain's bad appearance, he seemed more hale and hardy; I'm guessing he's gotten more rest before this debate.

There were no complete dodges on answers and both displayed the kind of energy and engagement required in this kind of setting. However, hands down, I give this one to Senator Obama. Naturally I prefer his answers, but he was also more coherent and substantive in his replies. McCain, apparently, knows how to do it all but just doesn't want to bother us with the details, my friends. I was particularly surprised by how poorly he came across on foreign policy, which is undeniably his strong suit...

I also detract points from McCain for his continual jabs and attacks on Obama instead of focusing on his own beliefs and policies.

No revelations, no surprises, overall a mediocre event dominated by Obama...

PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified. WE ARE TIE.

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:55:41 EDT

I received this from a friend today and it took me 20 seconds to do it. I request that you take the time to do it too and that you VOTE! It makes a difference. You make a difference. You are indispensible. Laurie

From: the Obama campaign group in San Jose.

PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified. Apparently the right wing knew about this in advance, and they are flooding the voting with YES votes. The poll will be reported on PBS and picked up by mainstream media. It can influence undecided voters in swing states. Please do two things -- it takes 20 seconds. 1) Click on link and vote yourself. Here's the link: http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html 2) Then send this to every single Obama-Biden voter you know, and urge them to vote and pass it on. The last thing we need is PBS saying that their viewers think Sarah Palin is qualified!

One Unconventional but Practical and Effective Resolution Would be the Legalization of Marijuana

Change Maker — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:45:33 EDT

Can A Downward Turn In the Economy Bode Well For Cannabis Legalization? Our Country’s History Says, ‘Yes!’

The financial meltdown of the 1930s saw income-tax revenues fall an astonishing sixty percent in three years. With the depression in full swing, the federal government was desperate for an alternative source of income. Anti-prohibitionists emphasized that liquor sales would boost government revenue.

Historian Norman Clark attributes the confluence of forces that drove people to call for the repeal of alcohol prohibition in 1930 to the great depression, as well as a general consensus among the public that the consequences and side effects of the 18th amendment were futile and financially irrational. In 1934 congress successfully voted to send the 21st amendment (which officially ended the alcohol prohibition) to state conventions for ratification. This returned the power of the states to regulate alcohol. Within two years of repeal nearly every state had an agency to supervise the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, and alcohol had ceased to be a controversial and politically charged issue. <http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_518872.html >

ABC News Business editor Peter Ryan noted in his article, “No end in sight for US economic woes,” <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/16/2305780.htm > that Americans are facing what many economists regard as the biggest shock since the Great Depression.

Nouriel Roubini of New York University’s School of Business said, “This is going to be the worst US recession in decades and this is also the worst US financial crisis since the great depression.”

In the age of rising gas prices, mass inflation, a nationwide housing crisis, bank failures and a multitude of other financially draining policies, one might wonder if (and where) congress is looking for new sources of revenue. One unconventional but practical and effective resolution would be the legalization of marijuana.

Legalization, unlike decriminalization, would allow businesses to manufacture and sell marijuana while also being subject to state and federal tax regulations. A 2005 study authored by Nobel Lauriat Dr.Jeffrey Miron projected that the annual savings and revenues would amount to tens of billions of dollars. The overwhelming support for Miron’s conclusion is undeniable. Over five hundred economists, including three Nobel Lauriats (Milton Friedman, George A Akerlof and Vernon L. Smith) have signed an open letter to President Bush, Congress, Governors and State Legislatures endorsing Miron’s report. <http://www.prohibitioncosts.org/>

Marijuana prohibition has been sucking time, energy, and money away from police resources that need to fight real crime with real victims. The amount of money that goes into arresting, prosecuting and incarcerating those charged with marijuana violations (most of which include possession) are in the billions. According to Rich Lowry, editor of the National Review and author of Weed Whackers, “there are about 700,000 marijuana arrests in the United States every year, roughly 80 percent for possession. [as of 2004]"

Here are a few unbelievable, yet undeniable facts regarding marijuana prohibition:

Under federal law, possessing a single marijuana cigarette or less is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine, the same penalty as possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine or crack.  REFERENCE: J. Morgan and L. Zimmer. 1997. Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts: A Review of the Scientific Evidence. The Lindesmith Center: New York, 42.

Almost 9 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana since 1992. That's more than the entire populations of Boston, Seattle, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Omaha, Austin, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Memphis combined!
<http://www.drugwarfacts.org/marijuana.htm>

Taxpayers annually spend between $7.5 billion and $10 billion arresting and prosecuting individuals for marijuana violations. Almost 90 percent of these arrests are for marijuana possession only.  REFERENCE: NORML. 1997. Still Crazy After All These Years: Marijuana Prohibition 1937-1997 <http://www.norml.com/index.cfm?Group_ID=4428>

It is puzzling to understand where this inherent fear and social stigma comes from. If marijuana use is more prevalent now than ever before, why then is a legitimate, mainstream debate on legalization so taboo? It is time to acknowledge that prohibition has minimal benefits. Most of us don’t remember the prohibition of alcohol, but there is a clear comparison to be made between the latter and the prohibition of marijuana. We should therefore come to the same logical, rational and profitable conclusion that was reached by our predecessors over seventy years ago.

VP Debate

Willyboy — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:36:28 EDT

Well, Marge Gunderson, aka Sarah Palin, did just fine Thursday evening. She winked a few too many times and I'm coming to find her accent at least as obnoxious as Dub's, but she held her own. I only caught a few cliff like non-sequiturs or random talking points creeping in. Bottom line is that painfully embarrassing interview with Katie Couric is a bit inexplicable.

And Mr. Biden was in control! No rants, no rambling endless answers. He was cordial and polite yet direct and accepted none of the BS Ms. Palin flung at him and Obama.

*And* Ms. Ifill wasn't obvious in restraining herself from giving Joe Biden back rubs and fetching him more water or bolting out of her chair and punching out Marge, er, Ms. Palin. All the pre-debate attacks on her were, as I suspected, unfounded and diversionary.

Still and all, for content and quality of answers I give the edge to Joe Biden. Aside from Palin's couple of cheap shots, and over use of "maverick", she failed to actually answer several questions; and, of course, many of her answers I just don't agree with. Couple that with those cheesy winks and, for a while, that piece of shellacked bang-spike that attached itself to her eyelid and so wiggled every time she blinked detracted points from her performance for me.

DEBATES OVER: IT'S VOTING TIME---GO TO THE POLLS RIGHT NOW!!

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:47:18 EDT

Who fared better in the vice presidential debate?
http://www.cnn.com/

Biden on top

Who performed best in the first debate? (1 DAY LEFT)
http://www.blogobama08.blogspot.com/

Obama on top

Who fared better on the debates Obama/McCain:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/debate-tracker.htm?loc=interstitialskip
ALSO: select the issues and vote on individual questions & answers.

Obama on top

How Racism Works

Carol Porter — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:45:08 EDT

I received this in an email today, and I believe that it's worth posting here (with my changes and embellishments):

How Racism Works

What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?

What if McCain was still married to the first woman he said 'I do' to?
What if Obama was the candidate who openly cheated on his first wife after she was injured -- and publicly chased a much younger, wealthier woman?

What if Michelle Obama was a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them unethically through her charitable organizations and then illegally removed them from the charities.
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Princeton and Harvard?

What if Obama was a member of the Keating Five?
What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.

As we look forward to this election, America faces calamitous economic prospects, unprecedented debt, two wars costing over $10 billion per month, a health care system that doesn't work for patients or doctors, exploding prison populations, mortgage crises, failing schools, bank foreclosures, and a weak dollar.

You are The Boss... which team would you hire?

Comparative Educational Backgrounds of the Candidates:

Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude (and President of Harvard Law Review)

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

vs.

McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

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

Now, which team are you going to hire ?

p.s. What if Barack Obama had an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter ...

Letter to Senator Biden

Willyboy — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:22:51 EDT

Senator Biden,

I have great respect for you and for your record of service in the Senate and to the United States in general. One of the things I most like about you is your style and your unvarnished presentation - your honesty and openess.

That said, it is my sincere hope that you will be on your best, most gentlemanly behavior at the debate Thursday with Ms. Palin. I'm not asking you to hold back or neglect to defend yourself or Senator Obama, just please do it with grace and composure. Your critics are already predicting that you will come across as a frothing at the mouth mad man, thus assuring an easy "victory" for Ms. Palin.

I have full faith that you can effectively mop the floor with Ms. Palin, run rings around her, without coming across as brutish. I very much look forward to the event and wish you well.

Regards,

.....

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.

Palin & Courin on SNL & The real thing, SEE if you can see the difference?

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:10:49 EDT

SNL: http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi957284377/

The real interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbQwAFobQxQ

See if you can see the difference.

how do you guys reach out to other punks? discussion and ideas inside...

treebeard — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:59:41 EDT

let's face it, punks usually don't get involved in politics the way a lot of us are doing. most of them are opposed to any sort of authority or establishment and want to tear it down. this is part of why so many of them don't vote. many of them are activists for things like anarchy, socialism, animal rights, GLBT issues, etc. the ones who aren't are typically apathetic politically. those who do vote are often members of the Green Party, or have a cultlike attraction to *shudder* Ron Paul. that said, how do we reach out to our friends in the punk scene and convince them to vote for someone who can actually change things for the better, even though that person doesn't share all of their views?

here's some ideas on how to do this and thoughts regarding punk history and politics to think and chew on...

Bill Clinton is disappointing me

Carol Porter — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:08:05 EDT

I've hoped that our former President, Bill Clinton, would offer wholehearted support to Barack Obama's presidential bid. Since Clinton's outstanding speech at the Democratic Convention, I've waited.

I just read this column on the Huffington Post by Paul Slansky: A Note to Bill Clinton

I agree with Paul's sentiments. Bill Clinton is letting down the USA! Please DIGG the article to promote its visibility. Maybe Bill will get the message.

Is Sarah Palin qualified? (poll)

Tiffany N — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:24:11 EDT

http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

Canvassing for Obama in Reno, Nevada

Bruce Mirken — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:25:34 EDT

Last weekend, I ventured out from my safe little enclave in San Francisco to spend a weekend in Reno walking precincts for the campaign. The campaign has asked volunteers not to publicize certain strategic details, but this should give you a flavor of what it was like.

Bottom line: It was tiring but exhilarating. If you're on the fence about doing this sort of campaign volunteering, DO IT.

The most striking fact was the mob of volunteers Obama has generated. There were so many people signing up that they realized around midweek that they couldn't do the weekend's orientation/training in their Reno headquarters, and got a local supporter to let the campaign use her business's WAREHOUSE for the weekend. I am not making this up.

The number exceeded the campaign's wildest hopes by a big margin.There were so many of us, in fact, that it somewhat overwhelmed the local Democratic organization, which I suspect is rather a cottage industry most of the time. But under the circumstances, the logistical snafus weren't too bad overall, and everyone mostly kept their sense of humor. Hopefully they will get better having had this weekend under their belts, but anyone going to Reno for the campaign should definitely plan on taking careful notes and being sure to write down phone numbers of all the contacts you need in case of mixups. It wasn't too hard to roll with the punches, but it does help to anticipate that there will be a few little bumps along the way and come prepared to be as self-reliant as you can. Do NOT leave your cell phone at home!!!

By the way, if McCain has any sort of ground operation in Reno, it's not visible.

The voters I talked to were were generally friendly. I did get one door slammed in my face (he looked at my Obama shirt and said, "Wrong door for that guy!"), but I also talked to several Republicans for Obama (and not one Democrat for McCain!), I also had a fairly lengthy chat with another self-described conservative who is unhappy with the Bush crowd, and I seriously think I moved him a notch closer to the Obama column. And I registered three new Obama voters. Some supporters I spoke to were wonderfully, infectiously enthusiastic.

The economy is a huge issue in Nevada, one of the states hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. In one affluent neighborhood I walked there was a truly shocking number of "For Sale" signs. People are beginning to get rattled about the state of economy.

Aside from the strains from what is normally a fairly small local Democratic organization trying to organize what surely was the largest mass of volunteers they've ever had, it went well and was pretty damn exciting. And I'm pretty ****ing sunburned. But I'll survive.

And it was a really wonderful group of people to spend the weekend with.Seriously, folks DO THIS. Pick your nearest swing state (for my fellow Californians, that's definitely Nevada), and get your body there. Or if you can't possibly do that, hook up with the folks coordinating phonebanking. I'm more convinced than ever that our grassroots army is what can win this thing.

High Drama

Willyboy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:19:25 EDT

Oy... I got a good laugh out of the John "drama queen" McCain ploy to suspend his sinking campaign and cancel the debate in order to focus on the economy. Sure, the economy is a huge steaming pile of ripe and runny dung right now, but neither McCain, nor Obama, is / are going to swoop in and save the day. This collapse will have to play itself out over months, if not years.

And the whole plan to use The People's money to bail out miss managed financial corporations run by corrupt CEOs making millions upon millions in salaries and bonuses, out lined in a proposal that contains the blurb, "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency" is not the solution either, IMO. How oh so very typical of this Administration to demand unlimited resources and power with no oversight or accountability.

I don't have the answers, but corporate socialism while millions of normal citizens lose everything from homes to retirement savings is not it; and as sharp as they are, I don't think McCain and Obama will pull some miracle plan out of their butts.

No, let the campaign move ahead and let them both conduct their business as Senators as required. I think a good quality for a President is to be able to multi task.

Very Serious Warning - Checks Out on Snopes

Deva — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:37:06 EDT

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT THEY
ABSOLUTELY CANNOT 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 TOTURN YOU AWAY.

THAT IS CONSIDERED CAMPAIGNING AND NO ONE CAN CAMPAIGN WITHIN X AMOUNT OF FEET TO 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 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, OH AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO
WERE ALREADY AWARE THIS WAS NOT MEANT TO INSULT YOUR
INTELLIGENCE. JUST TRYING TO COVER ALL GROUNDS.

NOoooooooOOOOoooOOOOoo!!!!

Peach McD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:20:28 EDT

PLEASE, Senator Obama, don't fall for that chickenshit McCain trying to weasel out of the Friday night debate. I could not believe what I was hearing. But what else did I expect?

The well-rehearsed pompous 'seriousity'... the false call to put politics aside even while playing a total political game; the reflexive reference to 9/11; the self-serving timing. It was all there - the whole GOP arsenal.

I almost puked on my steering wheel while I was driving.

Don't let him push you, Barack. He played a wicked trump card, out of fear and playing on American fears (another GOP habit) but I think you can deflect it.

Or.... Let us do it for you. Ask your 'troops' whether they think you should play McCain's game. I vote NOOOOooOOOOoooo!!!!

Maybe we all call Obama's Senate Office in DC and vote NOoooOOOOooooOOO!!!

No Campaign Clothing or Materials at the Polls

CJ for Obama — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:15:50 EDT

Be careful of what you do at the polls. Voters can wear campaign wear & merchandice to the polls if they are there to vote, but if you are at the polls for any other reason, it is against the law to wear campaign materials within a certain distance, which varies by state, to the front door of the polling station. Please research election laws in your state and be mindful of the fact that the McCain capaign is banking on us being excited and not being aware of the laws that will be strictly enforced this year. Below is an example:

1. Electioneering Maryland law prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of the entrance or exit to a polling place on election day. The 100-foot "No Electioneering" zone is measured from the entrance/exit of the building closest to the room in which voting actually takes place. No electioneering means that no canvassing, electioneering, campaigning, or posting of any campaign material is permitted within the zone. "Posting of any campaign material" is broadly interpreted to mean the wearing of any article of clothing, hat, sticker, or button that indicates support of or opposition to any candidate, question, or political party. The Chief Election Judges at each polling place post signs designating the "No Electioneering" zone. Election judges are instructed to strictly enforce the "No Electioneering" prohibition, including calling the police to enforce it, if necessary. A person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500, or imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both. §16-206 of the Election Law Article.
A voter may wear campaign paraphernalia (buttons, t-shirts, or stickers) into the polling place while he or she is there to vote (the voter may not linger in the polling place after voting). However, an election judge, challenger and watcher, or other person stationed inside the polling place or within 100 feet of the polling place may not wear or display campaign materials.

Even though this law specifically addresses Maryland voters, it is a pretty common law nationwide. To insure an Obama victory, we must all educate ourselves about election laws to prevent another stolen election.

Happy Voting...Go Obama/Biden!!!

‘Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect and make others deal with you in the same way’ ------Nikki Giovanni

The questions that should be asked in the debates

The Bard of Wilmette — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:52:38 EDT

Candidates John McCain and Barack Obama will face off in their first presidential debate in a few days. The potential exists for the debates to be very informative to the American voters, and to provide them with a solid basis of who to vote for. Then again, if the debates are little more than a forum for each candidate to quote from his standard campaign speeches, there will be little value to them. In the context of the debates, I am not interested in highlighting some gaffe made by either candidate. For example, a would-be McCain presidency will not really rise or fall on his apparent momentary confusion over whether Spain is in Europe or in Latin America, or the supposed Iraq-Pakistan border. For that matter, I really do not give a rat’s ass about how many houses John and Cindy McCain own.

McCain’s assertions about (Shiite) Iran’s support for (Sunni) Al Qaeda are more disturbing, because it suggests a serious ignorance about a very serious challenge for our next president. It does not seem to occur to McCain that America can have two different adversaries that are enemies of each other. Still, it does not belong in the debates. The limited time in the debates will not shed any new light on McCain’s misstatement.

Following are some questions I would like to see asked of Senator McCain:

“Senator McCain, the long-standing key mantra of conservative intellectuals has been the belief in limited government, and an especially limited federal government. The Bill of Rights in the Constitution is basically a list of prohibitions against government interference against the freedom of individuals. Under the current administration, the president has authorized federal agents to spy on American citizens without getting a warrant as required by statutory law, overruled states which had voted to permit medical marijuana for patients with certain conditions, and made extensive use of “signing statements” when signing a bill into law, basically asserting the right to ignore the provisions of a law where he personally disagrees. Are any of these actions consistent with conservative principles?”

“Senator McCain, earlier this summer, the Supreme Court ruled (5-4) in the case of Bournediene v. Bush, that Guantanamo Bay was under de facto U.S. sovereignty, and that, accordingly, the captives there were entitled to the right of habeas corpus. You characterized that decision as one of the worst in the history of the Supreme Court. Can you explain why this was, as you say, one of the worst Court decisions ever?”

“Senator McCain, one of the most enduring legacies of our next president may well be the make-up of the U.S. Supreme Court for the next couple of decades. It seems very likely that the next president will fill at least two vacancies on the Court in the next few years, and of course, there will also be many appointments to the lower federal courts. I will ask you to avoid using cliché lines like “strict constructionist” or “legislating from the bench,” because those often-used phrases have become almost meaningless. With that in mind, what can you tell us what kind of judges President McCain would expect to appoint?”

“Senator McCain, in an interview with Reverend Rick Warren, he asked you in multiple- choice format about how to deal with evil. Presented with four alternative answers, you selected one and simply answered, “Defeat it.” Could you elaborate here? Is the decision to defeat evil – once it has been identified – subject to a cost-benefit analysis?”

“Senator McCain, you opposed President Bush’s tax cut legislation in 2001, when the federal government was still running a surplus, on the grounds that the government could not afford it. Now, in 2008, with the government running record deficits and the tax rate reductions scheduled to end in two years, you support making the 2001 tax cuts permanent. What made you change your mind?”

Senator McCain, some economists argue that it is government spending, rather than current year tax collections, that amount to the real tax burden on the American people. They also say that in this context, it makes no difference where the government is spending the money – defense, social programs, pensions, roads, etc. The real difference is whether the programs are paid for out of current revenues, or conversely, we borrow the money now, so that our children and future descendants can pay it later. Under the Bush “43” presidency, federal spending has increased dramatically, not only in nominal dollars but also as a percentage of GDP. Over the past 7 or 8 years, have the American people really had a tax cut or a tax increase?”

“Senator McCain, one of your campaign slogans is ‘Country first.’ On several occasions, you have claimed that Senator Obama would rather lose a war than lose an election. Do you actually believe that Senator Obama would gladly sacrifice America’s interests if it would improve his odds of personally winning an election? If that is not what you believe, could you please explain your statement?”

“Senator McCain, one of your campaign ads – one of those which ended with “I am John McCain, and I approved this message” – claims that Barack Obama’s one real “accomplishment” in education was legislation that would instruct kindergarteners in comprehensive sex education. Independent fact checking organizations have noted that the claims in your ad are false. Nobody would dispute that distorting a campaign opponent’s record is a routine part of politics, but many observers – not just Democrats and Obama supporters – have suggested that this particular campaign ad goes way beyond distortion. Do you still stand by the claims made in that ad?”

“Senator McCain, the U.S. is presently engaged in two wars, with no quick end in sight. Most Americans, no matter what their political preferences, agree that our troops have performed heroically but have also been overburdened with multiple tours of duty. Many enlistments are not being renewed, and new recruitment numbers are below goals. Is it a realistic possibility that the U.S. will have to resume a military draft in order to bring some relief to the current troops, while maintaining current and anticipated commitments? If you are confident that no draft will be necessary, what will you do to increase military enlistments?”

“Senator McCain, on the subject of whether or not abortions should be legally available, you and Governor Palin are ‘pro life,’ while Senators Obama and Biden are ‘pro choice.” It raises two questions. First, are you and Governor Palin in complete agreement regarding what circumstances, if any, abortions should be permitted? Second, some ‘pro choice’ advocates have suggested that if the real goal is reducing the actual occurrence of abortions to some small fraction of the present level, criminalizing the procedure is less effective than other measures to reduce unwanted pregnancies: improved sex education, greater availability of contraception, greater support for the pregnant woman during and after the pregnancy, etc. Do you agree?”

The above questions have been presented in no particular order, and they are not all appropriate in one specific debate. However, these questions are appropriate.

It was Inevitable

Willyboy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:12:09 EDT

From: Minister of the Treasury Paulson

Subject: REQUEST FOR URGENT CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
RELATIONSHIP
Dear American:

I need to ask you to support an urgent secret business
relationship with a transfer of funds of great magnitude.

I am Ministry of the Treasury of the Republic of America. My
country has had crisis that has caused the need for large
transfer of funds of 800 billion dollars US. If you would
assist me in this transfer, it would be most profitable to
you.

I am working with Mr. Phil Gram, lobbyist for UBS, who will
be my replacement as Ministry of the Treasury in January. As
a Senator, you may know him as the leader of the American
banking deregulation movement in the 1990s. This transactin
is 100% safe.

This is a matter of great urgency. We need a blank check.

We need the funds as quickly as possible. We cannot directly
transfer these funds in the names of our close friends
because we are constantly under surveillance. My family
lawyer advised me that I should look for a reliable and
trustworthy person who will act as a next of kin so the
funds can be transferred.

Please reply with all of your bank account, IRA and college
fund account numbers and those of your children and
grandchildren to wallstreetbailout@treasury.gov so that we
may transfer your commission for this transaction. After I
receive that information, I will respond with detailed
information about safeguards that will be used to protect
the funds.

Yours Faithfully,

Minister of Treasury Paulson

McCain Erroneously claim Obama is ‘mum” on Economy

ODEH ODEH — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:28:20 EDT

The latest campaign ad from the McCain camp definitely define this ‘maverick’ as no maverick at all or rather a maverick that have the mentality of a new born child who lacks the wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong.

Considering the fact that Obama’s response to the economic crisis have been measured, principled and pragmatic, this ad from Sen. McCain in which by the end of the day he will ingloriously claim “I am John McCain and I approve this message” conspicuously depict him as a man that is experiencing the plunging of his integrity in such an alarming and exponential fashion that defy all logical conclusion other than to summarize that he is too desperate for comfort.

What has fact checker to say about this ad, please visit the link below:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/23/mums_not_the_word_despite_mcca.html

It is only an intellectually and pragmatically deficient individual that will quarrel with Obama over preposition for an economy that has too many clouds covering its reality. How do you propose a concrete rescue plan without understanding and knowing the exact problem? McCain approach reminds me of some Doctors who may as well claim that the laboratory tests are not essential to treating a patient only for them not to be able to distinguish pyrexia of unknown origin and have no option than to ask the laboratory to help provide a substantive diagnosis.

We Are All Astronauts

The Trombone-Wielding Jackass — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:34 EDT

What do you mean when you say I know nothing of marine biology?!? I live right on Lake Erie! I can literally see it from my balcony. Surely this close proximity and view makes me more than competent in knowing the ways of dolphins and manatees everywhere.

How DARE you question my knowledge of these fish? You chauvinist pig!

How would you like it if I tried to discredit your qualifications as an astronaut, even when you can see all those stars from your back yard??

San Antonio

John Sullivan — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:59:10 EDT

San Antonio Texas needs attention

I went downtown yesterday and not one piece of evidence of the election or more importantly OBAMA

I want to start taking videos of the people on the street and need help

Thanks

Pics of Biggest Rally in Alaska history...anti-Palin.

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:57:51 EDT

Bill Maher jokes

Jeff Brock — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:22:53 EDT

The election is a serious matter. We are all getting caught up in it. I thought you might enjoy a few political jokes by Bill Maher.

Barack Obama filled a stadium with 84,00 people for his acceptance speech. The Republicans they could fill a stadium too. It was called the Superdome during hurricane Katrina.

John McCain picked an unknowing person as his running mate. Her name is Sara Palin the governor of Alaska. The only other job she has had in politics is the mayor of a small town. She now has the opportunity to run against Barack Obama the first black person she has ever seen.

Before being picked as John McCain's VP the only call she got at 3:00 AM was because a moose had got into the garbage cans.

John McCain has been running this campaign saying he is the only one who can fight the terrorists. He is the only one standing between the blood thirsty terrorists. The Democrats don't get it and can't protect you. Oh and by the way if I die this stewardess becomes president.

When they were vetting her She asked and this is a quote "what exactly does the Vise president do?" Let me field that one for you Sara. The Vice president Starts wars, enrich their friends, subvert the constitution and shooting people in the face.

5 kids, 5 kids. Does anyone in that party know the concept of pulling out?

John McCain is the only person I can think of that can stand up to make a speech and be over shadowed by a field of corn behind him.

Barack Obama in a speech said "you can put lipstick on a pig and it is still a pig" referring to McCains polices. McCain said he was referring to Sara Palin. Problem is a pig is smart.

Bensinville, IL

Jeff Brock — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:21:06 EDT

There is an article in the latest Time magazine about a town in IL called Bensinville. This town is being being bought up to expand O'Hare airport. It is quite a sad story. I think this might be a perfect thing for Obama to use to prove he is the candidate of the working class. To use this as an example of how the government is taking advantage of and not caring for the working class would not only help the few citizens left in this town but the nation as a whole because if we do not elect him this will be a common occurrence. The following link is for the article.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1840548,00.html

Economics 101

Trisha — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:12:57 EDT

Well here we go. My Economics teacher loved to talk to us about the Great Depression. His favorite quote was "when politicians start to say our economy is "Fundamentally Sound"...you better start worrying." Well here we are just about 2 weeks after McCain said our economy was fundamentally sound...and we have a stock market catastrophe. Wow...does this sound familiar to anyone else who remembers Economics. The last time a politician said that is was Herbert Hoover....2 or 3 days before the stock market Crash of 1929. So let me ask you...how can McCain be a candidate for change, when he uses the same statements to cover up the same problems that his party caused all the way back in 1929. That doesn't sound like change to me...that sounds like 80 year old politics.

McCain Will Dump Palin Soon!

May and Grace — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:34:03 EDT

Note this prediction:

I believe that before the election Joe Lieberman will be brought in to replace Sarah Palin.

She is being used to get the right-wing Christians fired up for McCain.

As soon as she has them sewn up for McCain he will find a way to dump her and bring in his old buddy Joe Lieberman. Republicans are shameless, remember.

I just hope for Sarah Palin and her families sake it isn't done too roughly. She seems like a basically decent and well-meaning, but misguided lady.

Oh yeah, bye the way - please join over 600 other Obama Supporters for Marijuana Law Reform and help us bring this issue into the national spotlight. We have raised over $900 for Obama in the name of Marijuana Law Reform. He is getting our money and our message. Won't you help?
Thanks! : )

May and Grace - Monroe WA

Obama Supporters for Marijuana Law Reform

A major newspaper's pundit contest

Interesting allies regarding the war on drugs

I'm Confused

Health Insurance Reform

My Opinion on Marijuana

First Post: Introduction and Ego Stroking!

Obama maintains Bush's secret illegal US evesdropping.. more "change" from his campaign promises

Barrack Obama ignores his constituents in Online Town Hall Meeting

Ensuring Kids Continue to Deal Drugs

Legalizing weed is good, but not the top priority

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

No More Surges of Violence, Please! Surge the Unexpected! Surge Smarts!

Stem Cells are Important, Bud Cells are Important Too!

Obama will move towards legalization of marijuana.

Marijuana key to economic recovery

Yes We Cannabis

List of My Concerns

Our time has come.............

the Obama-Biden Transition Team released a video

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.

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office

Vice President-Elect Biden Announces More Key Staff for the Vice President's Office

President-Elect Obama Names Nancy Killefer as Chief Performance Officer

President-elect Barack Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will hold a press conference tomorrow at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Space is limited. If you are interested in covering the press conference please contac

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA

President-Elect Barack Obama

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama

Questions on Change.gov

How i'm Ending World Poverty *PLEASE READ*

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN:

10 things to know about McCainPass this on to a friend »

Below is a statement from President-elect Obama:

Interview with Vice-President Elect Joe Biden

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

President-Elect Barack Obama Holiday Radio Address.

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

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

~~~RED ALERT~~~

Re-elect Obama in 2012

Stimulus Package will be more effective without giving GM 25 BILLION!

Tragedy In Mexico On Happy U.S. Election Day

yes we did!

CONGRATULATIONS United States of America on electing our 1st Black President.

What Now?

Now Get Out There And VOTE!

Madelyn Dunham

My condolences

A Morning Pick Me Up

The American Dream in Reverse !

All in for Obama

Desperation

Vote by mail video: English, Chinese, hearing impaired

Make it Viral!!!!

Conversation with a Friend

The End of Rove Politics

Question from a Friend

Vote by mail video with Chinese subtitles

Avoid mistakes when voting by mail

"One Mic"

"Keep Marchin'"

Joe the plumber isn't a real plumber.

This is not about Voter Fraud-This is about ELECTION FRAUD.

Tips for voting by mail

Debate 3

joe in st.clairsville

The Bradley Effect

NORML: National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws

Sign Up On McCain's Site!

Important Story on John McCain's Notorious Temper

Double Talk...

AMAZING...

A Felony can ruin your life...

Vote by mail instruction video

Debate 2

PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified. WE ARE TIE.

One Unconventional but Practical and Effective Resolution Would be the Legalization of Marijuana

VP Debate

DEBATES OVER: IT'S VOTING TIME---GO TO THE POLLS RIGHT NOW!!

How Racism Works

How i'm Ending World Poverty PLEASE READ

~RED ALERT~